Thursday, March 19, 2020

🏳️‍🌈✝️🔻 Encouragement in this time of turmoil


Faith does not mean you do not get afraid.
Faith means you do not let fear stop you.

03/19/2020 

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Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)



A coronavirus is a type of common virus that can infect your nose, sinuses, or upper throat. They can spread much like cold viruses. Almost everyone gets a coronavirus infection at least once in their life, most likely as a young child.

Most corona viruses are not dangerous, but some are. Those that cause Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) or severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS ) can be deadly.

At this time in history we are facing a disease, which is a living thing that God has given us power and authority over. I have seen many articles from Minister concerning this outbreak of {COVID-19}. Most of them have been negative and condemning of the body of Christ for having fear. This is not the message I will be sending into the world.

It is my responsibility as a Shepherd of the children of God to give you guidance during times like this. I will do my best to be the leader explained in 1 Peter 5:1-11 - Therefore, I strongly urge the elders among you [pastors, spiritual leaders of the church], as a fellow elder and as an eyewitness [called to testify] of the sufferings of Christ, as well as one who shares in the glory that is to be revealed: shepherd and guide and protect the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not [motivated] for shameful gain, but with wholehearted enthusiasm; not lording it over those assigned to your care [do not be arrogant or overbearing], but be examples [of Christian living] to the flock [set a pattern of integrity for your congregation]. And when the Chief Shepherd (Christ) appears, you will receive the [conqueror’s] unfading crown of glory. Likewise, you younger men [of lesser rank and experience], be subject to your elders [seek their counsel]; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another [tie on the servant’s apron], for God is opposed to the proud [the disdainful, the presumptuous, and He defeats them], but He gives grace to the humble. Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God [set aside self-righteous pride], so that He may exalt you [to a place of honor in His service] at the appropriate time, casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully].Be sober [well balanced and self-disciplined], be alert and cautious at all times.That enemy of yours, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion [fiercely hungry], seeking someone to devour. But resist him, be firm in your faith [against his attack—rooted, established, immovable], knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being experienced by your brothers and sisters throughout the world. [You do not suffer alone.] After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace [who imparts His blessing and favor], who called you to His own eternal glory in Christ, will Himself complete, confirm, strengthen, and establish you [making you what you ought to be]. To Him be dominion (power, authority, sovereignty) forever and ever. Amen.

During this time when mankind is gripped with fear from each other, know that it is only the whispering of the enemy of God, Satan, which is causing mankind’s hearts to fear. Remember this friends, “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control]. 2 Timothy 1:7

This is the GOOD NEWS from the Word of God my friends. Through a relationship with the Heavenly Father we are given the STRENGTH to stand strong during times like these. It is time to follow the words from the Word of God and stand strong right now. Do not let worry or anxiety rule in your hearts. Instead give praise and thanksgiving to God that you are His child Philippians 4:6. Read Matthew 6:25-34 and learn how to overcome any anxiety in your life.

The people of God are only human and they sometimes get fearful of the plagues that are coming upon this world. Know this my friends that God will bring you through this time if you rely solely upon Him and His Word.

Faithful followers of Jesus Christ are given authority over ALL things. We are given the power through Jesus Christ to have the authority to take dominion over every LIVING THING. We know that COVID-19 is a living thing and we can call it out by name and take dominion over it.

Take a moment and read my blog post, Healing Hands of God, for building up your faith that God has this in His hands.

Here is an excerpt from that post:

"And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth." NOTE - The red blood cells of your body already obey this verse, as they are being multiplied and replenished every 80 - 120 days! Look at the rest of what God said to mankind - subdue and have dominion... over every living thing! Wow! That includes cancer, HIV, name your sickness________, bacteria, parasites, viruses and all microorganisms that cause sickness and disease. He gave the blessing, He gave the command, He gave you the right - now do it. Put your foot down on sickness and disease and command it to go - it has no right to stay, You are a blood bought child of God!!! Don't put up with it another minute, subdue and take dominion!

If that does not get you excited as a believer, I do not know what will!! God gave us dominion over EVERY living thing!! Praise His Name!! It is so exciting to know that JESUS wants us to do exactly what He did and even GREATER things than He did when He was here on this earth {John 14:12-14}. It is time to get out of our “comfort zones” and start being what God has called us to be!! We are called to go out into this world, lay hands on the sick, feed the hungry, comfort the hurting and show the Love of God to this world so the world will KNOW that God is truly the ONE and only TRUE GOD!!

Right now you may feel your world is crashing in because of this pandemic in the world. I want you to know there will be many more of these pestilences to come. This is why I am encouraging you with the Word of God.

We witness in Lamentations 3 Jeremiah sharing in the afflictions of Israel. Even though he felt their pain and sorrow he never gave up his hope. Jeremiah knew the secret to getting through the things of this world was to never lose hope in the Creator. Through all the suffering Jeremiah found hope of relief in God’s tender mercy. So remember my friend, no matter how bad your life seems to be at this moment know that it will get better when you surrender to the God of creation allowing Him to bring you out of your dark places.

Open your eyes and ears my friends and hear what the Word of God says to do and not what mankind’s fear is telling you.

Luke 21:10-28 Here we find Jesus talking to His disciples about the things that must come to pass before His return. He speaks of violent earthquakes, famines and deadly, devastating pestilence, plagues and epidemics. He tells them of the time when the saints of God will be so hated because of their loyalty to Him that they will be persecuted, throne in prison and even put to death. During those final days there will be people fainting from fear and expectation of the dreadful things coming on the world. Even the very powers of heavens will be shaken.

Because of all these dreadful things coming upon the world it is important that the Children of God be prepared by clothing themselves daily in the full Armor of God according to Ephesians 6:10-18.

My prayer for all who believe and follow the Lord Jesus Christ is that you will have peace in your mind and healing for your body during this time.

Yes this pandemic called COVID-19 is real, but the POWER OF GOD is GREATER therefore I encourage you to exercise your faith and PROTECT yourself and the ones you love by allowing this power to flow through you.

Be encouraged my friends in the knowledge that you hold within you the greatest power this world has ever know when you have Jesus Christ as the Lord of your life.

John 14:12-14 - I assure you and most solemnly say to you, anyone who believes in Me [as Savior] will also do the things that I do; and he will do even greater things than these [in extent and outreach], because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in My name [as My representative], this I will do, so that the Father may be glorified and celebrated in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name [as My representative], I will do it.

Remember that even the GREATEST of GOD’S LEADERS throughout history have experience fear, however they ALL knew and acknowledged that through the POWER of GOD they could overcome those fears.

Do not be intimidated by those “ministers” who are trying to bring condemnation upon the people of God for protecting themselves during this pandemic. Let your FAITH rise up and block out all NEGATIVE WORDS from those who would dare bring condemnation and intimidation upon you.

As a child of God you are an over comer and this too will PASS!!!

I pray these scriptures over ALL who see this post, “And the peace of God [that peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which transcends all understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus [is yours].Philippians 4:7  May the words of Christ find a home in your hearts according to Colossians 3:15-16.

Have FAITH that GOD’S word is TRUE and He will protect you and guide you through all the hard times that are coming upon this world.

In Christ service for everyone,


Scriptures for further reading:

1 Peter 5:1-11 - Therefore, I strongly urge the elders among you [pastors, spiritual leaders of the church], as a fellow elder and as an eyewitness [called to testify] of the sufferings of Christ, as well as one who shares in the glory that is to be revealed: shepherd and guide and protect the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not [motivated] for shameful gain, but with wholehearted enthusiasm; not lording it over those assigned to your care [do not be arrogant or overbearing], but be examples [of Christian living] to the flock [set a pattern of integrity for your congregation]. And when the Chief Shepherd (Christ) appears, you will receive the [conqueror’s] unfading crown of glory. Likewise, you younger men [of lesser rank and experience], be subject to your elders [seek their counsel]; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another [tie on the servant’s apron], for God is opposed to the proud [the disdainful, the presumptuous, and He defeats them], but He gives grace to the humble. Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God [set aside self-righteous pride], so that He may exalt you [to a place of honor in His service] at the appropriate time, casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully].Be sober [well balanced and self-disciplined], be alert and cautious at all times. That enemy of yours, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion [fiercely hungry], seeking someone to devour. But resist him, be firm in your faith [against his attack—rooted, established, immovable], knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being experienced by your brothers and sisters throughout the world. [You do not suffer alone.] After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace [who imparts His blessing and favor], who called you to His own eternal glory in Christ, will Himself complete, confirm, strengthen, and establish you [making you what you ought to be]. To Him be dominion (power, authority, sovereignty) forever and ever. Amen.

2 Timothy 1:7 - For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control].

Psalm 53:1-3 - The [empty-headed] fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.”They are corrupt and evil, and have committed repulsive injustice; there is no one who does good. God has looked down from heaven upon the children of men to see if there is anyone who understands, who seeks after God [who requires Him, who longs for Him as essential to life]. Every one of them has turned aside and fallen away; together they have become filthy and corrupt; there is no one who does good, no, not even one.

John 14:27 - Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.]

Ephesians 3:20-21 - Now to Him who is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly more than all that we dare ask or think [infinitely beyond our greatest prayers, hopes, or dreams], according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen.

Nahum 1:3 - The Lord is slow to anger and great in power and He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished. The Lord has His way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust beneath His feet.

Philippians 4:6 - Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God.

The Cure for Anxiety

Matthew 6:25-34 - Therefore I tell you, stop being worried or anxious (perpetually uneasy, distracted) about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, as to what you will wear. Is life not more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow [seed] nor reap [the harvest] nor gather [the crops] into barns, and yet your heavenly Father keeps feeding them. Are you not worth much more than they? And who of you by worrying can add one hour to [the length of] his life? And why are you worried about clothes? See how the lilies and wildflowers of the field grow; they do not labor nor do they spin [wool to make clothing], yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory and splendor dressed himself like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive and green today and tomorrow is [cut and] thrown [as fuel] into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith! Therefore do not worry or be anxious (perpetually uneasy, distracted), saying, ‘What are we going to eat?’ or ‘What are we going to drink?’ or ‘What are we going to wear?’ For the [pagan] Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; [but do not worry,] for your heavenly Father knows that you need them.But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Deuteronomy 31:6 - Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble in dread before them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not fail you or abandon you.

Isaiah 41:10 - Do not fear [anything], for I am with you; Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, be assured I will help you; I will certainly take hold of you with My righteous right hand [a hand of justice, of power, of victory, of salvation].

Joshua 1:9 - Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not be terrified or dismayed (intimidated), for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

Psalm 56:3 - When I am afraid, I will put my trust and faith in You.

Psalm 34:4 - I sought the Lord [on the authority of His word], and He answered me,
And delivered me from all my fears.

Psalm 27:1 - The Lord is my light and my salvation — Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the refuge and fortress of my life — Whom shall I dread?

Psalm 23:4 - Even though I walk through the [sunless] valley of the shadow of death {Or valley of deep darkness}, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort and console me.

Lamentations 3 – Here in Lamentation we witness Jeremiah sharing in the afflictions of Israel. Even though he felt their pain and sorrow he never gave up his hope. Jeremiah knew the secret to getting through the things of this world was to never lose hope in the Creator. Through all the suffering Jeremiah found hope of relief in God’s tender mercy. So remember my friend, no matter how bad your life seems to be at this moment know that it will get better when you surrender to the God of creation allowing Him to bring you out of your dark places.

Romans 15:13 - May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you will abound in hope and overflow with confidence in His promises.

Luke 21:10-28 – Here we find Jesus talking to His disciples about the things that must come to pass before His return. He speaks of violent earthquakes, famines and deadly, devastating pestilence, plagues and epidemics. He tells them of the time when the saints of God will be so hated because of their loyalty to Him that they will be persecuted, throne in prison and even put to death. During those final days there will be people fainting from fear and expectation of the dreadful things coming on the world. Even the very powers of heavens will be shaken.

Because of all these dreadful things coming upon the world it is important that the Children of God be prepared by clothing themselves daily in the full Armor of God according to Ephesians 6:10-18.

Revelation 6:5-8 - When He (the Lamb) broke open the third seal, I heard the third living creature call out, “Come.” I looked, and behold, a black horse [of famine]; and the rider had in his hand a pair of scales (a balance). And I heard something like a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius (a day’s wages), and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not damage the oil and the wine.” When He (the Lamb) broke open the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature call out, “Come.” So I looked, and behold, an ashen (pale greenish gray) horse [like a corpse, representing death and pestilence]; and its rider’s name was Death; and Hades (the realm of the dead) was following with him. They were given authority and power over a fourth part of the earth, to kill with the sword and with famine and with plague (pestilence, disease) and by the wild beasts of the earth.

Colossians 3:15-16 - Let the peace of Christ [the inner calm of one who walks daily with Him] be the controlling factor in your hearts [deciding and settling questions that arise]. To this peace indeed you were called as members in one body [of believers]. And be thankful [to God always]. Let the [spoken] word of Christ have its home within you [dwelling in your heart and mind—permeating every aspect of your being] as you teach [spiritual things] and admonish and train one another with all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

John 14:12-14 - I assure you and most solemnly say to you, anyone who believes in Me [as Savior] will also do the things that I do; and he will do even greater things than these [in extent and outreach], because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in My name [as My representative], this I will do, so that the Father may be glorified and celebrated in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name [as My representative], I will do it.


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