Discipleship Network Forum

Amid the Coronavirus pandemic, people need each other more than ever before, yet they need to avoid each other more than ever. Christians believe faith is more powerful than fear. As the news media and government agencies continue to discuss the critically important topic of the spread and impact of Coronavirus, it’s easy for anyone to give into fear, especially when they are isolated from others.

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Courtesy of @kenwmurphy via Instagram

Worship services are forced online as groups of 10 are being discouraged to gather. For smaller numbers, social distancing is encouraged where people should stay six feet away from each other. Whether by mandate or by choice, people are cautious about meeting with any size group. Isolation, though, tends to amplify fear. How can we promote community and social distancing at the same time?

Reframing Life and Ministry

The only thing missing from everyday life amid a pandemic is personal contact. The church may not be meeting within the four walls of the church building for an hour on Sunday, but the church can function as the Body of Christ despite the lack conventional church services.

Paul instructed in 1 Corinthians 12 that every member of the Body is important and that every member has gifts. Rather than meeting in weekend services to check off the church box for the week, members can and should be challenged to embrace their deeper calling. Who can they serve? How can they encourage? How can the church be the church outside of the four walls of a Sunday service? We really should be asking these questions anyway.

When we think of small groups in particular, often we focus on practicing the “one anothers” of the Bible.

“Love one another” (John 13:34; John 15:12).

“Be devoted to one another in brotherly love” (Romans 12:10).

“Honor one another above yourselves” (Romans 12:10).

“Live in harmony with one another” (Romans 12:16).

“Stop passing judgment on one another” (Romans 14:13).

“Serve one another in love” (Galatians 5:13).

“Carry each other’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2).

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other” (Ephesians 4:32).

“Build each other up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

“Encourage one another daily” (Hebrews 3:13).

“Spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24).

“Pray for each other” (James 5:16).

There are 59 of these statements in all. (For a complete list, check out this post on smallgroupchurches.com LINK https://www.smallgroupchurches.com/the-59-one-anothers-of-the-bible/

There are only a couple of these statements that should be avoided in a climate of social distancing:

“Wash one another’s feet” (Mark 9:50) and

“Greet one another with a holy kiss” (1 Peter 5:14).

All of the other “one anothers” can be practiced among believers even in isolation, quarantine, and social distancing.

Reframing the Practice of the One Anothers

What is available to believers who are in isolation or self-quarantine? We have computers, tablets, smartphones, messaging, social media, telephones, streaming video services, and televisions. People communicate more while they are apart than when they are actually together it seems! Now take the communications devices available to people and pair them with the one another statements.

With this technology, how do we “encourage one another daily” as stated in Hebrews 3:13. The reality is most people don’t see each other every day. But, given the technology in our hands, we could text or message encouragement to one another daily. Just the other day a friend in Florida came to mind. I texted to see how he was doing. He was discouraged. In a short text, I encouraged him. His response was, “I think that’s just what I needed to hear today. Thank you.” I wasn’t in the same room with him. I wasn’t even in the same state with him, but I was able to encourage him. How can we encourage one another daily when we can’t see them in person? Use what we have!

The same goes for these other “one another” statements as well.

“Love one another” – We can do this anywhere at any time.

“Be devoted to one another in brotherly love” – We can call to check on each other.

“Honor one another above yourselves” – We can think of others before we think of ourselves. How is the pandemic affecting those we know? How about our neighbors?

“Live in harmony with one another” – Distancing may promote harmony in some ways. But in light of a global pandemic, we can also put our differences aside.

“Stop passing judgment on one another” – Everyone acts differently in different situations. Be as gracious in social media as you would if you were talking to the person face to face. People are already anxious. We don’t need to feed into this.

“Serve one another in love” – Can you spare a square? If someone is in need and you have the ability to help, then help them. You might need to make a “no contact” delivery and leave some toilet paper on their doorstep, but you can serve.

“Carry each other’s burdens” – When you call to encourage someone, you can listen. You can empathize. You can’t give them a hug, but you can care.

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other” – Life’s too short. Let it go.

“Build each other up” – When people are isolated, their thoughts and our enemy can get the best of them. Lift them up. Send a text about what you like about them. Post a verse. Leave a voice mail.

“Spur one another on toward love and good deeds” – We need reminders to move forward and not get stuck. While stuck home from work or school, we have time on their hands. How can we help others?

“Pray for each other” – We can pray over the phone. We can even pray on someone’s voice mail.

Meeting with Your Small Group Online

Hebrews 10:25 instructs us “…not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing…” Often these instructions are taken for worship services, which today have moved online. The author of Hebrews is more than likely speaking to smaller home gatherings. This is your small group. You could take the risk and meet together in-person. But, let’s face it, we don’t know where the Coronavirus pandemic is going to go. Your group might meet, but some might choose to stay away – either out of caution or out of fear (Remember: “Stop passing judgment on one another”). If we can’t meet in person, we can meet online.

I was part of an online small group on CompuServe in 1992. There was no video or audio. It was basically a chatroom and a message board. It seems like ancient history now, but this was back before most people had ever heard of the internet. On my dialup modem, I connected with Greg in southern California, Trish in Chicagoland, David in California, and a couple in Idaho. Greg wasn’t even a Christian at the time, but he joined our Christian forum because it offered low priced, flat rate service. One day Greg informed the group that he received Christ as his Savior. We all converged on Greg’s house in San Dimas, California for his baptism. Years later, Greg was a groomsman in my wedding. Since moving to the East Coast, we don’t see each other very often, but we still connect.

With online technology today, it’s easier than ever to host groups online. You get to see faces and hear each other’s voices. It’s much better than my CompuServe days! To meet in online groups, you have to pick a platform. I prefer Zoom, which offers both a paid and free service. Group members can connect by video, audio, and/or telephone. I use it every day for staff meetings and coaching groups.

To make group meetings work best, you have to eliminate distractions –close other windows and notifications on your computer, tablet, or phone. Use ear buds or headphones to prevent audio feedback. Make sure there is nothing distracting in the environment where you are sitting. Then, just focus on your group meeting.

Over the years, I’ve heard people object that people who meet online can pretend to be anyone they want and won’t necessarily present their real selves. I’ve discovered this is also true in in-person meetings. It’s up to group members to choose how much they will disclose about themselves and how vulnerable they will be. Remember: speed of the leader, speed of the team.

Ministry doesn’t have to stop because of a pandemic and social distancing. In fact, there are plenty of opportunities for the church to be the church. The persecuted church in Acts 8:1 couldn’t stay with the apostles in Jerusalem, but they did spread the message of the Gospel throughout Judea and Samaria just as Jesus commanded them in Acts 1:8. How can we use this circumstance to fulfill Jesus’ command? We don’t need church buildings. We don’t need “official” ministries. We don’t need church staff to lead the meetings. Now is a time to be the church more than ever. My hope is even when we go back to weekend worship services, we will never go back to “normal.” The church should continue to be the church.

For more information on online small groups:

How to Host an Online Group by Jason DeGraaff (Offers a comparison of teleconference services).

How Online Small Groups Work by Jay Kranda

It is my grief that the right hand of the Most High has changed.
PSALM 77:10 NRSV

Crying to a Good Source is a sincere quest.
     Hold nothing back—let your tears flow freely in My Presence.
     When you are in deep trouble, reach for the Most High God.
     Pray all night long, if you feel the need—I bless desperation.
     You need My Presence more than sleep—only in Me can you rest.
     I hear your problems.
     Urgent faith consoles you in life’s search.

Contemplating a grievous situation raises serious questions.
     The difference between your sad now and your happy then hurts.
     The good old days seem to never repeat themselves.
     Your heart aches pondering the apparent absence of My love.
     Heavy questions bother your mind and burden your soul.
     Never forget—the Comforter will not leave you.
     Never doubt—the Encourager will not orphan you.
     Never fear—the Advocate will not forget you.
     Never worry—the Sovereign will not fail to take good care of you.
     I heal your pain.
     Ultimate focus changes life’s sufferings.

Considering a Great Savior results in serene quietness.
     Preoccupying your mind with My love tranquilizes panic.
     I am the Good Shepherd—follow Me to heavenly peace and quiet.
     “No pain, no gain” encapsulates more truth than you can imagine.
     There are no rainbows without rain.
     You could not appreciate calm without weathering storms.
     You would not celebrate spring if you did not shiver through winter.
     You would never know the thrill of dawn without lonely nights.
     There could not have been a resurrection without a crucifixion.
     You could not walk golden streets if Jesus had not walked the Via Dolorosa.
     Hard times strengthen character—tears cleanse the soul.
     Coal under pressure makes diamonds—trouble purifies the heart.
     I give you historical perspective and hopeful prospects.
     Unseen footprints carry you through life’s storms.

(c)  Pastor Johnny R. Almond, Day 220 Gentle Whispers from Eternity

While this quarantine is difficult for people all over the world, it is not quite as hard on writers. I do not simply mean that people need our reading material to fill the time. Writers need solitude to write. While many of us have had to learn to write in the midst of the hubbub, it always helps to be alone. This doesn't mean that we are not going stir crazy like everyone else. But this is an opportunity of which we must take advantage. Since most writers support ourselves with day jobs, you may find that you have more time to write than ever before. That is true even if you're having trouble paying the rent.

This is also an important time for a Christian to develop the character and the depth of your soul as a writer. I actually began this nearly a year before the pandemic broke out. The quarantine is a good opportunity to continue what I have begun. I am memorizing the Bible like never before. I do not memorize to have important things to quote in my writing or to impress my friends at church. I memorize Scripture so that God will plant His mind, His insights, His character in me. The mind of Christ is essential for growing as a writer.

I am going through the New Testament taking an entire week with each chapter. I read the whole chapter every day for a week. Each day I memorize a portion of that chapter, usually getting the entire chapter memorized in a week. I start by reading over the first verse of the chapter until I can say it. Next, I read over the second verse until I can say it. Then I go back and read both verses together and go on to the third verse. If I am working on 1 John, two or maybe three verses will be all I need to memorize each day. If I am trying to memorize a chapter, say early in Luke, with over 60 verses, I need to memorize more each day, and I often take a little more than a week to memorize it. After I have memorized a chapter, I review it every day for two weeks. This way I am working on three chapters of Scripture all the time. To review the passages, I use the same process as my memorization. I read the first verse in the passage over until I can say it. Usually the second day I have to memorize it all over again. I go on from there to the next and then the next. I often stumble over verses I have been reviewing for weeks. If I think I am in some kind of competition, I will be discouraged. But this is between me and God, and I trust Him to be working in my life as I spend the time with Him.

I do not have a photographic memory. I could not begin to quote verses that I memorized 6 months ago without reviewing them again. But in the process of memorizing and especially reviewing, God's Spirit works on my heart. He uses His word to plant Himself in me. Although I am writing something that tends to consume my time and thoughts, I am convinced that Scripture memory is my most crucial task in these days.

http://thinkinginthespirit.blogspot.com/
http://theanchorofthesoul.blogspot.com/
http://watchinginprayer.blogspot.com/
http://writingprayerfully.blogspot.com/

Website
http://daveswatch.com/

YouTube
https://goo.gl/PyzU

Amazon Author's Page
https://www.amazon.com/David-Young/e/B008C7VLAQ/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1

Unless they offer an essential service, suddenly everybody has time for a small group. The #1 excuse people give for not joining a group is that they are too busy or they don’t have enough time. Small Group Pastors know what they are really saying is, “Small group is just not a priority.” I get that. But, now the “I don’t have time” excuse has been erased, and small groups should become a greater priority — even if they can’t meet in person.

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Image by Pexels from Pixabay

Why do you need to start new groups during a pandemic?

Whether by choice or by mandate, people are staying away from other people right now. Church services have gone online. School has gone online in many places. While people are making their best attempts to curtail the spread of a disease, isolation and loneliness coupled with a steady intake of cable news and social media is a breeding ground for fear. Isolation and fear come straight from a page in the enemy’s playbook. The devil is having a heyday with this.

People have spiritual and emotional needs. With all of the conflicting information and no one to discuss this with, the monsters in our people’s heads just become bigger and bigger. Last week I wrote about practicing the “one anothers” of the Bible while in quarantine. People need more than worship and a sermon to reassure them and help them deal with what’s going on. Beyond that some people have practical, physical needs. How is your church keeping up with older people or people with medical conditions. We must find a strategic way to care for our members. Here’s a tough thought — your people can find a better online service. How you help them right now will determine where they go and where they give after this is all over. This is fertile ground for the enemy to do his work. This is a tremendous opportunity for the church to do its work.

As a church staff, you are working hard to transition worship and sermons to online services, but what about the social time people spent in the lobby or even in the parking lot. How are you meeting your members’ need for connection? This is the time to launch new groups. Groups could meet on a video platform. Groups could meet on a free conference call line. While many are forced to be apart, there are ways to be together.

How to Start New Groups

Starting new groups online is not so different than starting groups offline, except you have one advantage. People need connection more than ever. Now is the time to get all hands on deck and start as many groups as possible. Churches must mobilize the most people they can for ministry right now. Your people need personal care like never before. You can do this. Here’s what you need to get started:

A willing, caring person to initiate.

If there was ever a time to bypass bulky requirements for group leaders and get all hands on deck, the time is now. Invite every person who will willing and caring to start a group right now. If you are insecure about that method, then review a copy of your church’s membership roster. Who would you feel good about? Call them and invite them right now. Who is willing and caring? Remember, they suddenly have time for a group.

A system to connect.

Once you have invited people to lead these groups, then ask them who they know who would be interested in a group. Take a week and have them invite everyone they know inside the church or outside the church to join their group. Then, invite the rest of your congregation to sign up online or even give out some names for leaders to call and invite to their group. The idea is that everyone in the congregation would have someone to connect with personally every week.

A platform to meet on.

Some localities are still allowing meetings of groups less than 10 people. If people are comfortable meeting in person, then they can. Personally, I would recommend an online option like a teleconference or a conference call. This will prohibit any unnecessary contact and potential spread of disease. Teleconference services such as Zoom, Google Hangouts, and other services offer a stable platform and an easy way to connect online with video. Most services offer a call-in number for those who might be less tech savvy. For a comparison of video platforms, click here. If video is not a good solution because of the internet service in your area, then a free conference line could work as well. Several services are available.

For families with children, encourage them to meet later in the evening when their kids have gone to bed. Wear headphones to eliminate background noise. Mute yourself when you’re not talking. And, do not take your device into the bathroom with you!

Curriculum to guide.

Your groups could start with just a weekly check in to see how everybody is doing. Start the meetings by allowing people to debrief what’s going on in their lives and in their minds. Another great way to start a new group is to ask people to tell their stories or at least the part of the stories that they’re willing to tell. This is an important way for the group to begin to understand each other and have context for what they share in the group.

For new leaders I have discovered that it’s best to use some sort of video-based curriculum that contains the teaching on the video. This makes things safe for both the new leader as well as the pastors. The new leader doesn’t have to be the Bible expert, and the pastors don’t want the new leader to teach or be the Bible expert anyway. By giving them a curriculum that you’ve created or a curriculum that you trust, you could assure that the group will follow the topic that you’ve given them and have a great meeting to encourage each other, build up their faith, and grow spiritually in an unusual time.

Just-in-time training and coaching. Don’t skip this step!

There won’t be a lot of time to train these leaders at first. I have discovered that if you recruit an established leader to follow up with new leaders, you create a win-win situation. The new leaders get help and support right when they need it, and the experience leader gets a trial run at being a coach. Once the trial is over, you can determine whether the new leaders will want to continue and whether the coaches should continue.

Just like groups can meet over a teleconference or conference call, training can also happen in the same way. In the last church I served we had an immediate need for coaches. I knew it would be difficult to add another meeting to an already busy schedule which included all of the coaches leading their own small group, so we met together on a conference line at about 8:30 at night for 30 minutes and did this for about six weeks in a row. Why did we meet so late? Well everybody was home from work, finished with dinner, and their kids were hopefully in bed. With all of these distractions removed, I was able to conduct the training and get these new coaches started. The same can be true for leader training, but I would recommend letting the coaches do the work for at least the first six weeks, then offer more formal training when the leaders are ready to move forward and when the leaders feel like they actually need the training.

Follow up and feedback.

Leading a small group and coaching is important work so you must inspect what you expect. If you’ve asked your coaches to call the new leaders every week, then you need to call the coaches every week and hear what’s going on with the groups. As a pastor, you want to know what’s going on with your people especially during a crisis. Your coaches can give you the needs that you need to address that maybe they cannot. You also get an accurate picture of what’s going on in your small group ministry. If you wait for a report, you are already in the weeds.

Do for your coaches what you expect them to do for your leaders. Just like your people need the care of a leader and your leaders need the care of a coach, your coaches need care from you. Now that your schedule has changed, it shouldn’t be too hard to pick up the phone and give each of your coaches a call.

Supervision and accountability.

While you have successfully given away the ministry to new leaders and new coaches, the only thing that you cannot give away is the responsibility for the ministry. The buck still stops with you. I don’t say this to make you nervous, but I do say this so you will avoid an entirely hands off approach. The coaching structure is effective, but it cannot run on auto pilot. While you are not in the day-to-day care of leaders, you cannot be completely out of it either. This is still your baby.

The End Result

In this climate, everything you do is essentially a startup. You cannot call a meeting and gather people on campus. You cannot do on-site training. You can’t even visit your people in their homes. But you can start online groups that will accomplish all of this. This may go against your personality. This may go against everything that you’ve done before. But the message is the same — We are better together even if we are apart.

By starting new small groups right now, your people will feel less lonely, less isolated, and less fearful. These groups can help your people build their faith and experience the care that they deserve. And the hard truth is that you cannot create that with an email.

My hope for you is that the end result of starting online groups will be at the beginning of something new for your ministry and your church. Pastors and staff cannot possibly meet all of the needs of any congregation. And they shouldn’t. Now more than ever, you need to get your people to engage their gifts and serve others in groups like never before. Don’t waste this moment. Suddenly, everybody has time for a small group!

How to Start Online Small Groups Replay

My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak,
but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever.
PSALM 73:26 NLT

     Life is difficult, but you can depend on Me whatever happens. Circumstances may depress, but inner-stances delight if you trust Me. In a quicksand world, I am the Solid Rock—your Firm and Faithful Friend. Never give up—though your body is dying, your inner being is being renewed day by day. Your troubles are small potatoes compared to the glory of paradise. Hard times are temporary—heaven is forever.

     Believe I am real—trust My perfect wisdom, power, and love. Let these realities become your unflinching confession of faith. Opinions are carried around like a suitcase and just as easily dropped. But convictions carry you around and are your driving motivation—they are more than ideas in your mind; they possess your mind.

     Believe I am righteous—be good for something, My smile. Life’s unfair conundrum is the Job problem—a question of justice. Wicked people get away with murder; you cannot get away with anything. They think I do not realize what is going on, or that I am powerless to do anything about it. You attempt to understand why the rebellious succeed while the righteous suffer—it is puzzling to you. When bad things happen to good people, you wonder if you are being good for nothing. At the end of the day, the world will feel the heat and see the Light.

     Believe I am redemptive—let the Good Shepherd tend your life. The universal church is the circle of My children around the world who implicitly depend on Me and worship Me with all their heart. Believe I am Ruler—bow your knee at the mention of My Name. The inevitable consequences of ignoring Me will be crystal clear at the crash site of sin’s slippery slope. Rebels will have hell to pay! Defectors will face court martial before the Judge of the universe.

     I am your Counselor giving you a creed for troublesome times. I am your Travel Companion on the journey, Guide through life’s maze, Center of Gravity in a topsy-turvy world, Designer of your mansion, Guardian of your heart, Sustaining Breath, and Perfect Storm Shelter.

     Believe I am reliable—lean your whole weight on the Rock of Ages. Every other staff you lean on breaks and pierces your hand and heart—I am the Only Completely Reliable Spot in the universe. Whatever fails, rest assured the Almighty never will disappoint you—you can trust Me.

(c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond

Day 219, Gentle Whispers from Eternity 

The Coronavirus outbreak has opened a new chapter in starting online small groups. Online small groups aren’t a new thing. I was in an online small group on CompuServe in 1992! That might make me the grandfather of online small groups. But, online groups might be new to you.

The Pursuit Church in Minot, ND just launched online small groups off of their online service on March 22, 2020. This church of 1,500 already had about 60 small groups. On that Sunday, 30 people stepped up to start new online small groups. Could you imagine increasing your small groups by 50% in one day. You can hear Tara Wiley tell The Pursuit’s story along with seven principles of starting online small groups.

If you want to jump to a specific point of the video:

What You Need to Start Online Small Groups (Point starts at time code indicated):

1. A willing, caring person to initiate (8:50).
2. A system to connect (13:58).
3. A platform to meet on (18:10).
4. Curriculum to guide (25:14).
5. Just-in-time training and coaching (30:49).
6. Follow up and feedback (34:51).
7. Supervision and accountability (35:59)

Case Study: The Pursuit Church, Minot, ND (44:17)

KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON was a motivational poster produced by the British government in 1939 in preparation for World War II. It was intended to raise the morale of the British public, threatened with widely predicted mass air attacks on major cities.

With the whole world effected by this coronavirus—borders closing, cities & countries locking down, the stock market plummeting, businesses shuttering, people getting sick and dying—how on earth is it possible for us to keep calm?

When mass hysteria threatens to engulf the world, where can we find peace? Ancient words from Scripture (Isaiah 26:3-4 NLT) have a contemporary relevance, reminding us—

            You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!

            Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock.     

The Bible gives a recipe for peace in Philippians 4:6-7. It is not a command, for repressing anxiety drives it deeper into the subconscious and it may later be expressed openly in harmful ways. There’s a healthier and more helpful way to deal with our concerns. God promises that if we pray about everything—telling him what we need and thanking him for all He has done—we will experience peace that cannot be defined or explained, a peace that will keep us from sinking under our troubles.

If we depend on the ageless wisdom of Scripture, we can deal rightly with an uncertain future. This happens only when we have something more than the future and ourselves we care about.  

Humanity has been trying for centuries to substitute faith in the future for faith in God, but the result has never made sense. It is a serious mistake to worship a future which is precarious, instead of God who is “the same yesterday,  today,  and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).

The rise and fall of civilizations—Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome—is proof there is no future any make on earth that people with love of power cannot unmake.

To live for a spoilable tomorrow as the chief purpose of life is to spend our days fooling ourselves. It is far wiser to invest in treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:20)—an unshakable, eternal future.

            When God spoke from Mount Sinai his voice shook the earth, but now he makes another promise:      

           “Once again I will shake not only the earth but the heavens also.”

            This means that all of creation will be shaken and removed, so that only unshakable things will remain.

            Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable,

            Let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe.

            Hebrews 12:26-27 NLT 

Until God brings heaven on earth to this troubled planet, by His grace let’s KEEP CALM.

Johnny R. Almond

Pastor, Hull’s Memorial Baptist Church

Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

There is a sense in which the most important part of a tree is its root system. The stability and nourishment of a tree come from its roots. And, of course, the roots grow more slowly than the branches. So it is with our spiritual lives.

For this reason and others, I recommend Scripture memory as a discipline of prayer. It is not impossible to prayerfully memorize an entire chapter each week. The main issue is slowing down to memorize, allowing God to nourish your soul. Here is the process.

Read a verse over until you can say it. Then go to the next verse. When you have it down, go back to the first and read them together. Then memorize the next. When you have it memorized, go over all three together. Continue this process until you come to a good stopping place. If you divide a chapter into seven segments, you can memorize it in a week. The next day you will have to re-memorize these verses before you start on a new passage. You will soon find this rearranging your entire schedule. And you and God may be pleased with the outcome.

Time spent in prayerful review is the key to memorizing. In reviewing Scriptures I have already memorized, I inevitably misquote some of the verses. I try to resist quickly correcting myself and going on. I often go over the verse several times until I get it right. I use this same process to review each chapter for two weeks. That means I am always reviewing two chapters while memorizing another. I am aware that this will require a significant amount of time. And the current quarantine may be the perfect time to embark on this project.

You will find that such scripture memory produces fervent prayer. I didn't realize this until I started memorizing in this way. Three kinds of prayer come automatically in this process.

1. I have to ask God to help me slow down and concentrate to fix the words in my mind. “Lord, help me memorize this verse!”
2. “Lord, plant your word in my heart and transform my life.” The goal of my Scripture memory is for God to transform my mind, making me more like Jesus. It is mainly in the process of reviewing passages that God takes me deeper spiritually.
3. While I am memorizing and reviewing, God brings people and needs to mind. And He gives me unusual faith as I take time to pray for them while I am deep in His word.

Even though it is automatic, such praying will also have to be intentional. You do not want to become so preoccupied with memorizing that you forget to pray. Scripture memory requires commitment. You will sometimes have to work at it when you are exhausted. You may have to pick up again after being too busy for a day or a week. You may want to set long term goals like memorizing the Psalms in six months, or committing the Gospels, an Epistle, or the entire New Testament to memory. Right now I memorize two chapters from the New Testament, then one from the Old Testament before returning to the New. All the time I work at this, I pray for God to work in my life. While God often uses memorized verses to minister to others, calling Scriptures to mind at crucial times, that is not not my main purpose in this. I do it for God to plant Himself in me.

This method is not “the law of the Meads and the Persians.” I encourage you to adjust this as God leads you. However, I do warn you against trying to shorten the time you spend doing it. God will bless every moment you spend in His word and prayer.

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I've lost it; I’m wasted. God – quickly, quickly!
Quick to my side, quick to my rescue! GOD, don’t lose a minute.
PSALM 70:5 THE MESSAGE

Through all time and eternity, rest assured I will encircle you.
     In your panic, you wish I would hurry.
     Opponents think they have got you, but they do not—I have you.
     Enemies of your soul will be disgraced, but you will not be.
     Do not let the sense of being targeted and wished ill overwhelm you.
     Unfailing Love encompasses you—death’s terror, life’s trouble,
          demons’ distractions, today’s fears, tomorrow’s worries—
          none of these things can come between us, because we are inseparable.

In My gracious time, rest assured I will educate you.
     In your praise, do your best to honor Me.
     I engineer life’s circumstances for the good of those who love Me.
     Time educates for eternity—you are enrolled in Adversity University.
     Friction polishes the gem—hurt can help you grow in holiness.
     Unforgettable lessons instruct you—be sure you learn them well.

In My own good time, rest assured I will enrich you.
     In your poverty, count on My compassionate help.
     The One who died for you lives for you—and He is praying for you.
     In My time, I will replace sin’s ugliness with heaven on earth.
     Unimaginable lavishness is preparing a mansion with your name on it. 

In My glorious time, rest assured you will exult in Me.
     Glory will make you forget gloom—paradise will eradicate pain.
     All creation will one day celebrate total freedom—and so will you.
     Do not let winter freeze your hope—spring is just around the corner.
     Wait patiently and confidently—heaven is sure as sunrise.
     I orchestrate life’s every detail for the good of those who worship Me.
     When My New World Symphony is debuted,
          the universe will stand to its feet in thunderous applause.
     Unending Life encourages you—My promises brighten the future.

(c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond, Day 218 Gentle Whispers from Eternity

Whatever we’re afraid of, whatever we worry about, even death—the worst thing we think can happen, will not end our relationship with God.

The reality is that none of us will get out of this world alive. The ultimate statistic? One out of every one born will die. But we believe that our loving Heavenly Father will give us the grace we need to cross the Jordan, when our time comes—like Corrie ten Boom’s father gave her a ticket just before she boarded the train.  

Beyond death is eternal life. The most famous verse in the Bible reminds us of that. Sometimes at funerals I’ve challenged people to “do something radical—believe that Jesus Christ tells the truth!” Since He does, “The future is as bright as the promises of God.”

The Good Shepherd gave His life for us, defeating death. Because Jesus did this for us, we do not “live our lives as slaves to the fear of dying” (Hebrews 2:14-15). As Eugene Peterson put it in The Message, we don’t have to be “scared to death of death.”

In a silent movie, Charlie Chaplin portrayed a prisoner in chains aboard a ship that was wrecked and began to fall apart. Clinging to debris, he made it to shore. Desperately wanting to be free of his chains, he tried humor, denial, and philosophizing—but every time he tried to walk, he went the length of his fetters then fell down. The last scene shows him looking heavenward—finally realizing if he’s ever to be rid of his chains, he must have outside help.

Looking up is our only hope too. We cannot laugh, deny, or think our way out of the fear of dying—only Jesus can help us. His death has removed the sting of death, overturned the grave’s despair, and brought us eternal victory (1 Corinthians 15:55-57).   

Depending on our Shepherd, we find a better way to face forward than “perhaps” or “maybe.” God teaches us faith language, trust vocabulary. Then we can say with confidence “I will (not might) live in the house of the Lord forever.”  

We joyfully anticipate what God is about to do. Here’s what we can expect—death of death, burial of badness, resurrection to resplendence.

From where we sit, we may feel there’s plenty to be scared of. From where God sits, it has already been taken care of. God sees the bright side of gloomy clouds; one day we will see it too.

The other side of death is life. The other side of despair is solace. The other side of sin’s dirge is redemption’s dance. The other side of earth’s sad discord is the joyful symphony of paradise. The other side of fear is blessed relief.

Thunderstorms obscure stars. Clouds camouflage blue sky. Dark valleys threaten peace of mind. But we can take heart—Jesus walks beside us through shadows to His house. Nothing will ever terrorize the place our Savior is preparing for us on the other side of fear.

Johnny R. Almond

Pastor, Hull’s Memorial Baptist Church

Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

What do you do when you have to wait a long time for something to happen? With the quarantine over Covid19 many of us are finding more time on our hands than ever before. Waiting can be difficult, almost painful. Many years ago, I served as a student summer missionary in Uganda. Possibly the most striking difference between the East African culture and the one I grew up in, was that people had little concept of hurry. I used to joke that I sometimes needed to get off alone and just hurry.

However, God has been teaching me that my inability to slow down and wait in the Lord is a major hindrance to my spiritual life. This is a common problem in the west. We can remedy this by devoting wait-time and more to prayer. 

In the garden before the cross Jesus asked some of His disciples if they could not even watch with Him for one hour. He wasn’t talking about binge-watching TV. He told them and us to watch and pray. As you develop the change of temperament required to stay in God’s presence, you may find yourself seeking opportunities to “be still” in prayer. Let me suggest some ways to pray when you are waiting that may develop into greater spiritual discipline.

Begin prayer on the majesty of God. 
Jesus began the model prayer with praise⁠—Hallowed be Thy Name. Nothing transforms an anxious spirit or boredom into joy like praise.

Pray for the Kingdom of God. 
From praise Jesus shifted His prayer to the kingdom. You can make arrangements to pray for missionaries or unreached people groups while you are waiting in a long line at the store or elsewhere. On your smartphone you can carry lists of mission needs to pray for regularly.

Pray for yourself.
Jesus told us to pray for our daily bread. It is worthwhile to try to discern what your needs really are. One of those needs is spiritual growth. Seeking spiritual growth will surely involve examining yourself and confessing sins. In the Lord's prayer Jesus told us to ask for forgiveness as we also forgive those who have sinned against us. You will need God to work in your heart to love and forgive people who hate or misuse you. Are you asking God to work in your heart?

Focus on other people.
You can pray for others around you, maybe in the grocery store line. You could develop the habit of praying for everyone around you wherever you go. That is sometimes easiest when you have to wait with nothing else to do. 

You may not need a smartphone or a written list to pray for those in your extended family. You can also pray for the members of your Bible class or your entire church roll when you are forced to wait.

Your most valuable praying may come in the word of God. 
One of the ways to pray for a full hour is to pray through the Lord's Prayer. As you pray, “Hallowed be Thy name,” spend time lifting the wonder and Majesty of God. Then pray for His Kingdom in your life and across the Earth. Go through the whole prayer expanding on every part. You can do this with many Scriptures. 

I recommend Scripture memory as a prayer discipline. This is a great way to fill wait time with powerful prayer. Three kinds of prayer come automatically when we are memorizing scripture. Ask God to help you memorize. Then ask Him to plant His word in your heart to transform your life. And while memorizing, God will often bring people and needs to mind. Take time to pray for each of them. 

Praise God, who did not ignore my prayer and did not withdraw his unfailing love from me. PSALM 66:20 NLT

I have not rejected your prayer—I have responded to you.
     When you confess your wrongdoing, I cleanse your soul.
     When you cry out in desperation, I pay attention to your pain.
     When you plead for help, I do not turn a deaf ear.
     Prayer is always a local call—wherever you are, I can hear you.
     Praise Me for an audience with the King.

I have not restricted your praise—I have released you.
     You do not have to hide your faith as a secret disciple—breathe free.
     You do not have to stifle your joy—sing My praises for all the world.
     I have made you genuinely rich by giving you a contented mind.
     My gift to you is out-of-your-world peace.
     Praise Me for invulnerable joy greater than any earthly happiness.

I have not refused your pleas—I have reinforced you.
     My awesome miracles on your behalf irrefutably prove My love.
     Enemies of your soul, including the evil one, cringe at My power.
     Trust in Me—and trouble will not get you down.
     Stay close to Me—and the prince of the world will not conquer you.
     Praise Me for supernatural assistance.

I have not removed your problems—I have refined you.
     Adversity is My University—trust Me and pass the tests of your faith.
     Time educates you for eternity—prepare for your final exam.
     Low points teach you lessons you would never learn any other way.
     The fiery crucible purges filth—trying floodwaters remove debris.
     I defend in guilt, comfort in sorrow, and encourage in frustration.
     Praise Me for being your Travel Companion on rough roads.

I have not renounced My promises—I have redeemed you.
     My Son became a Sacrificial Lamb to buy your freedom from sin.
     I keep all My promises to you—I am the God of My Word.
     With all my heart, I love you—love Me the same way.
     Praise Me for the honor of serving the God of Truth and Love.

(c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond, Day 217 Gentle Whispers from Eternity 

Recently I passed through Buffalo, Texas and wondered. Have you ever reflected on an early life decision and wondered how things might have gone had you made a different decision? I was in my final semester of my first seminary degree and serving as pastor of my second church, when two choices presented themselves to me. I could move to a larger, full-time pastorate in Buffalo, Texas or I could begin collegiate ministry at Pan American College in Edinburg, Texas near the Mexican border. I had pastoral experience. I had no collegiate ministry experience, nor did I even know where Edinburg was, and I had never heard of Pan American College (now University of Texas Rio Grande Valley). So, I decided on what I felt God leading — collegiate ministry. I wonder how things would be different had I chosen Buffalo? For one thing, apart from family members and classmates, I might not have ever met the rest of my readers. In retrospect, the Buffalo vs. college ministry decision seems to have been from the Lord. I wish I could say with the writer of Proverbs, “every decision is from the Lord” (Proverbs 16:33), but others appear not to have been. How about you? Ever wondered about a decision?

Rembrandt -  Jesus Calming the Storm

Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you. 

Joshua 1:9 NLT

We’re more open to truths we’ve heard all our lives when we’re in uncertain times. In our present anxious environment, it is helpful to remember that trusting God gives us courage.   

Someone observed that courage is not the absence of fear, but “fear that has said its prayers.” Honestly, we can be a little frightened even when we have faith; but trusting God gives us courage to go on.

That forward movement may be in response to Jesus’ admonition, “Rise, let’s be going” (Matthew 26:46)—one step, one hour, one day at a time. We do not know what the future holds (we never have); but we know who holds the future. And we trust that the God who has always loved us always will. Our Father’s strong love energizes us to keep on going on this journey of faith.

How is our outlook in these trying times? Do we think “The Lord might provide”? Do we feel “The Lord could provide”, if He should choose to? Or do we exercise faith’s radical optimism, believing like Abraham, “The Lord will provide”?

We can trust God no matter what may happen. If death occurs, there is resurrection. If nothing works out like we wish, God will strengthen our character and teach us lessons we’d never learn on easy street. If hard times get harder, we’ll still be able to find reasons for gratitude. If circumstances get worse, we’ll still find joy in God.        

How can we choose faith over fear? Imagine the disciples with Jesus on a boat when a life-threatening storm erupts on the water. Unprepared to face it, they panic, realizing they might die. All this time, Jesus is sleeping peacefully. The disciples allowed their situation to dictate their reactions. Jesus calms the storm, but not before asking them, “Why are you afraid?”

Now that we’re in a storm we can’t control, how will we respond? Here are three encouraging truths to remember:

• God has power over every storm. Wind and waves don’t concern Him, though they frighten us. We may not be able to change our situation, but we can choose to keep trusting God in the middle of it.

• Fixing our eyes on Jesus leads to peace. We can think about the intensity of the storm, or turn towards the One who can calm it. By focusing on God, who knows every outcome, we can navigate any situation with His wisdom and peace.

• Jesus is always in our boat. It’s easy to focus on our fears when we can’t control our future. Thankfully, Jesus knows our future and He’s always by our side. And He calls us to live by faith, not by sight.

When we feel overwhelmed, we can focus on circumstances, or fix our eyes on Jesus. Storms we face are not nearly as powerful as the Lord of our rocking boat who will see us through every storm.

Be still, my soul! Thy God doth undertake to guide the future as He has the past.

        Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake; All now mysterious shall be bright at last.

Be still, my soul! The waves and winds still know His voice who ruled them while He dwelt below.

- Katharina von Schlegel

Pastor Johnny R. Almond

Hull’s Memorial Baptist Church

Friends on a Journey of Faith

This stay-home season is, for many of us grandparents, a time of extra stress. What food and supplies will we need in coming weeks? Where can we find those supplies? How will we pay for whatever we store up? How are we handling our loneliness? How far should we go in protecting ourselves from exposure to COVID-19?  How vulnerable are we personally, since seniors are less resistant to COVID-19 than our children and grandchildren?

Uncertainty. Anxiety. Panic. Fear. Depression. How can we respond wisely—and in ways that positively influence our grandkids in their own spiritual journey?

Step #1: Let’s reaffirm this vital principle of lifestyle worship in our heart’s convictions:

If God is truly the omniscient, omnipotent, and loving Yahweh of Whom we read in the Scriptures, then our response to this situation is more important than the situation itself.

How is your faith showing today?

Psalm 46:10-11 (ESV) ­­– “Be still, and know that I am God.” . . .

The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Step #2: Let’s reaffirm that vital principle in our mind’s attitudes, because: (1) God sees our heart and our mind (Jeremiah 20:12a)—there’s no hiding the truth from Him, and (2) our attitudes motivate our actions.

Step #3: Let’s demonstrate that vital worship principle in our actions and reactions to today’s situations. Example: Others may think it clever to sneak two of some item in the store when only one of that item is permitted per shopper. But we are not quarantined from God’s call for us to love our neighbors (Mark 12:31). Let’s respect the laws of the land and the needs of others.

We can also show our conviction about that worship principle to our grandchildren in our reaction to this season’s stresses: God wants us to do our best, and then just rest. Let’s let our grandkids catch us in the act of responding with personal discipline, kindness to others, and thankfulness to Him!

Let’s encourage our grandkids amid their stress, too. My wife Jan wrote out two scripture cards last week, one for each of our grandsons, for them to keep in their bedroom: Hebrews 13:5b-6a and 1 Peter 5:7. When they received their 3x5 cards, they immediately read those verses to each other.

Video conversations (via Skype, Zoom, etc.) are also super tools for family contact. This week we connected with most of our scattered family all at once. Part of that animated conversation involved each person—young and old—naming one or two things or people for which they thank God this week. Purposeful, encouraging fun!

Keep looking up.

The Lord bless you and keep you;

the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you.

The Lord  lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace. (Numbers 6:24-26)

© 2020 John Garmo

Golden Sunrise

From where the sun rises to where it sets, you inspire shouts of joy.

Psalm 65:8b NLT

Prayer is your highest expectation.

     Around the globe, people approach the Sun of Righteousness in faith.

     East to West, the Name of Jesus, King of kings, is the world’s hope.

     Celebrate universal search.

My pardon is your greatest elation.

     I am merciful and gracious to the repentant, broken heart.

     I have removed your sins infinitely from My awareness.

     Celebrate unmerited salvation.

My Providence is your humblest election.

     Marvel at My choice to bring you near My heart.

     Early morning and late evening, I never doze; I keep a constant eye on you.

     Celebrate unimaginable selection.

My power is your strongest energy.

     Your help originates from the Constellation Designer—I can handle it all.

     My heart understands you—My might stands under you.

     Celebrate unequaled strength.

My peace is your sweetest enjoyment.

     I quiet high seas—I calm your restless, pounding heart.

     There is no need to ever be afraid of anything—trust Me.

     Celebrate undisturbed serenity.

My provision is your fullest enrichment.

     At sunrise, humbly bow your knees and say please.

     At sunset, gratefully bow your head and say thanks.

     Celebrate unlimited supply.

My praise is your purest ecstasy.

     I am Everything You Ever Really Need in life.      

     Dawn to dusk, find inspiration in Me.

     Celebrate unending song.

© Pastor Johnny R. Almond;  Day 216, Gentle Whispers from Eternity  

Churches are closed! Groups limited to no more than 10! What are we to do?

This morning I gathered with a group of six (including myself). We talked about this very thing. When Church doors close, as they have during this emergency, what are the parishioners to do?
1) Some will put their Bibles on the shelf and turn to watch Netflix/Pureflix/Disney+.
2) Some will watch pod-casts and other visual materials acting like shut-ins.
3) Some will worry and say, "I don't want to catch this plague!"

4) Some will realize their Churches are irrelevant.
5) Some will realize a great opportunity to reach out in small groups and begin to teach and train those within their sphere of influence to be awake and prepared for such emergencies.

I want to be in group 5.

This morning as we met, we had a lesson on how to have a quiet-time. I say "we" because all participated in the lesson. The passage we went through for our quiet-time was Jesus' time of prayer in the olive press (Matt 26:36-46). What stood out to them was telling regarding our situation today:
1) Jesus returned to check on those He wanted with Him because those relationships were important to Him.
2) Jesus' disciples are tired/lazy/unmotivated.
3) Jesus wants His disciples to be awake and prepared.

At the end of the lesson, we broke into groups of three and practiced what we had just learned. Afterwards, I asked of the entire group, "What stood out as we went through and then practiced what we learned?" There were several things:
1) The prayer time (we prayed for the application of the quiet-time of the person on our left) was much more personal.
2) Having been told the lesson, going through the lesson, and then practicing the lesson makes individuals more secure at accomplishing and passing on the lesson.
3) How one relates to personal quiet-times, man-to-man, small group Bible study, and even larger groups is different.

After this discussion, I asked a final question: "Do you believe yourself prepared to share this same lesson in your own homes with another small group?" The answers were a resounding "YES!" I sent these small group leaders off with the admonition as spoken by one of those as we practiced the quiet-time lesson: "Since Jesus has served me, I am willing to go and serve others. (John 13:6-9)"

Serve others by gathering in small groups, passing on the basics of how to maintain a relationship with Jesus. Start with how to have a quiet-time, send them out to meet with others in small groups, and see what it looks like to re-imagine discipleship.

Selah is not translated in our English Bibles. We just have the transliteration of the Hebrew word. But if you follow its usage, you can get a good grip on its meaning. It is used at the end of each stanza of Psalm 46. I have italicized it for you.

Literally, Selah means, step up. It could have been a musical notation. I like the speculation that it was used when the people ascended Mt. Zion with singing. As they came to a pause in the music, they would all take a step, or several steps, up. They would pause to take a step nearer to God. 

There is a delightful little poem in Spurgeon's Treasury of David.

But as I said, whatever the meaning of the word, the most telling thing about selah is where it is placed in the text. Selah is a call to be still and know God.

Selah is used as a pause to reflect. 

Beautiful Temple

Power, O God, belongs to you; unfailing love, O Lord, is yours.

Psalm 62:11, 12 NLT

            No force in the universe is more powerful than the Most High. Artificial light cannot outshine the sun and moon I spoke into existence. Technological advances never do away with the overwhelming need to humbly bow before the Almighty. The Most High God is transcendent—holy, high, above all, outside everything created, distant from earth.

            Yet no friend anywhere is more personal than the God who is Love—immanent, nearer than your hands and feet, closer than your very breath. I am big enough to rule the world, and small enough to live in your heart.

            Because My Son condescended to become a human being, you can see My glory in His face—He reflects My love and faithfulness. No one is nearer My heart than He is—the closer you draw to Him, the closer you get to Me. His grace and truth flood the believing heart with blessing and reality.

            St. Augustine reflected poignantly in his autobiography Confessions: “Our hearts are made for Thee, O God; we are restless until we rest in Thee.” Wait in My Presence—and experience the strength I alone provide. Make Me your Center of Gravity—and discover the true meaning of life. Nestle near My heart—and relax in My dependable care.

            I am your Happiness—so you are not sad in the world’s shadows.

                 My strong love inspires a song in your heart.

            I am your Help—so you are not shaken by violent faith quakes.

                 My strong love energizes you to keep on going.

            I am your Hope—so you are not sarcastic or down-in-the-mouth.

                 My strong love puts a spring in your step.

            I am your Honor—so you are not a self-centered egomaniac.

                 My strong love overshadows your flawed reputation with glory.

            I am your Home—so you are not stranded in an impersonal world.

                 My strong love makes us inseparable friends.

            If I were great and not good, My awesome power would make Me a punishing tyrant, a heartless despot, and a demanding dictator. If I were good and not great, I would be merely an abstract ideal, of no practical value, and powerless to assist you. I am great and good—strong and loving, authoritative and compassionate, just and merciful, powerful and caring.

            Revere My greatness—relax in My goodness.

© Pastor Johnny R. Almond, Day 215, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

This Week’s Question: Since too many have a romanticized view of love, what is love from a Biblical perspective?

Love is one of the three foundational pillars that Christianity is built upon, with faith and hope being the other two pillars. Unfortunately, many claim to be Christians based solely upon their love for God. Nevertheless, from a Biblical perspective these pillars work synchronously and cannot be dichotomized. To be more explicit, true faith is dependent upon love according to I Corinthians 13:2, “And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.” In the same vein, genuine hope must be fueled by love according to Romans 5:5, “Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Similarly, faith cannot be divorced from hope because hope is embedded in it according to Hebrews 11:1, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” In the final analysis, those who claim to have faith without also having hope and love are, in actuality, governed by superstition not faith. Similarly hope that is not accompanied by faith and love is only wishful thinking; and love that is disconnected from faith and hope is mere sentimentality.

In our last post we identified the fundamental element implied in James 2:1-9 to be love, and three reasons were discussed to justify its importance: (1) God commands His followers to love; (2) Love is the distinguishing characteristic that separates God’s children from satan’s; and (3) The motive behind a person’s love is more important than that person’s deeds. So what is love? Four types of love are described Biblically and they are: Eros – Sexual or romantic love; Storge – Natural mutual affection or familial love; Philia – Brotherly love that unites true believers; and Agape – The love God has for humankind. Although each has a place in scripture, agape is focused on in this post because it is the love God has for the world, and is the love that His disciples must have for one another for acceptance into His Kingdom. Paul makes this point very clear in Romans 13:8 when he writes, “Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.”

So what essentially is agape love? Paul, beginning in I Corinthians 13:4 describes agape love beautifully: “4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never fails…” Someone once said, “love is what love does,” which confirms the fact that love is not an emotion. Also, it is not rhetoric. Instead love is the mitigating force that controls one’s speech, thoughts, and works. By examining I Corinthians 13, it is evident that love forces true disciples to be patient, mild, and kind toward others. It also prevents them from being envious of or hating others; and keeps them grounded whereby they neither think too highly of nor feels the need to elevate themselves. Instead, proper behavior is the modus operandi for disciples because they are not easily provoked into behaving inappropriately. True love causes disciples, by their thoughts, to internalize Paul’s words in Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy-meditate on these things.” Meditation, of this nature, prevents true disciples from thinking evil thoughts or gloating when another succumbs to sin. Instead that disciple is happiest when others also stand on God’s truth!

The bottom-line is since love never ends, it is infinite, has no bounds, cannot be measured, transcends time, and, unlike faith and hope, it is the only pillar that extends beyond this realm into eternity. Therefore, since love is infinite, disciples who have it withstand hardship and adversity because love bears all things! Since love is infinite, disciples who have it recite Romans 8:28 as their mantra, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose,” because love believes all things! Since love is infinite, disciples who have it do not allow their circumstances to dictate their actions because love hopes all things! Finally, since love is infinite, disciples who have it are confident of the power behind Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, since love endures all things! To bring true love to life, love was the force behind the Civil Rights Movement because despite the murders, lynchings, jailings, protests, beatings, discriminatory laws, biased government officials, hosings, dog bites, and sheer humiliation; my forefathers, as a group, knew that love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails! They knew it, they lived it, and God delivered to us, as a community, several major victories because of our communal love for everybody!

Next Week’s Question: The Bible has many vivid examples of love, can you think of any? And if “yes” is your answer, can any Biblical principles be gleaned from them?