Quiet Contemplation - Day 39

Psalm 56:11 (NIV)

In God, whose word I praise, in the LORD, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?

            Fear is quite a prevalent topic in our current day. Many say they are fearful while many say we are to have no fear. To be honest, there is wisdom in both; it is a matter of proportions. Fear of a hot stove keeps you from painful consequences; some believe when they are told, some have to touch it to believe it.

            The Bible clearly tells us to “fear” the Lord. Many say that just means to respect the Lord while many say it clearly means to fear Almighty God who will one day put an end to wickedness (in whatever form or to whatever degree) once and for all eternity. Some will believe when they are told, some will tragically never reach the point of belief.

            The hard, brutal reality is that our nation is under the manipulation of a few. Here is one example: increased incentives for COVID testing = more tests = more positive result reporting = states (such as mine) stopping or slowing reopening process ironically just in time to prevent the recognition of the birth of our nation.  Soon, however, testing incentives will stop = less testing = less positive result reporting = “Oh look, we’ve flattened another curve. Yay for us.” Why does this matter? Many states (such as mine) are looking at ways to restrict voting in November or at least to find a method easier for data manipulation, possibly coinciding with testing reports. Dear friends, if this does not frighten you, perhaps it should.

            Here is the bottom line; my ability to move about freely may be manipulated (enjoy your freedom and your ability to celebrate the birth of our nation!). My ability to vote may be manipulated (use your vote wisely!) But one thing can never be manipulated, that is my prayer life! When all else in life seems dependent on a few evil, self-seeking individuals, I can still pray! And, believe me, I will!

            You should fear what is happening in our nation—not to the point of debilitating hopelessness—but to the point of adding states like mine to your prayer list!

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            Teach us the correct way to fear. Strengthen us when hope seems distant. Guide us to place our trust in you and remind those in safe places to pray for those whose freedoms are less secure. There is no shame in fear of present circumstances if it leads us closer to you, Lord.

            In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.

Respectfully written and submitted by

Dotty Willmon, Resurrection Christian—looking for the blessed hope of Christ’s return!

Quiet Contemplation - Day 38

Ezekiel 2:4-7 (NIV)

The people to whom I am sending you are obstinate and stubborn. Say to them, “This is what the Sovereign LORD says.” And whether they listen or fail to listen—for they are a rebellious house—they will know that a prophet has been among them. And you, son of man, do not be afraid of them or their words. Do not be afraid, though briers and thorns are all around you and you live among scorpions. Do not be afraid of what they say or terrified by them, though they are a rebellious house. You must speak my words to them, whether they listen or fail to listen, for they are rebellious.

            The calling of Ezekiel into service for the Lord bears significance in our world today. Our nation is riddled with those focused on rebellion and defiance on many levels—political, social, even down to the level of family relations. Our nation is headed toward disastrous results if we continue on our current path. Times are more than concerning, times are becoming frightening. And yet, as Christians, we are called to speak the word of God’s truth in all that we do and in the way that we live—and whether they listen or fail to listen—they will know that a Christian has been among them!

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            At times, my heart sinks to see the state of our nation in such decline. But you are calling me—as you are calling all of your people—to stand fast in your truth. When we become terrified by the rebellion and defiance of others, calm our fears, and keep us strong. Let them know that by your strength, a Christian has been among them.

            In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.

Respectfully written and submitted by,

Dotty Willmon, Resurrection Christian—looking for the blessed hope of Christ’s return!

Quiet Contemplation - Day 37

Philippians 1:9-11 (NLT)

I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God.

            As my thoughts follow my heart today, I am more convinced than ever that it is the lives of seniors that helps us grasp the true meaning of this passage. They have had many years to grow in knowledge and understanding. They understand what really matters in life. They are the ones who understand the value of the blessed hope of Christ’s return. Each day that they are able to continue living by faith in Jesus Christ blesses us and brings glory and praise to God. I am only beginning to develop the depth of understanding that seniors have to offer.

            Perhaps the question for us would be, how do we communicate our appreciation for seniors who have been our role models and examples of Christian faith through the years? That is a particularly difficult question to answer today because of the physical restrictions placed on many communities as a result of COVID-19 safety guidelines. I believe this is first and foremost a call to action by prayer for everyone who calls themselves a believer in Christ. Pray in thankfulness for the examples seniors give us to follow. Pray for provisions of comfort and strength through each day. Never doubt or underestimate the value of prayer. Our Heavenly Father hears and he responds in ways we can only imagine.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            Thank you for seniors who lead us by example of what it means to place their faith in you. Thank you for their lessons in wisdom and understanding of what really matters. We also thank you for those who are able to provide comfort and encouragement to seniors. Open our eyes to opportunities for service even in the midst of current restrictions.

            In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.

Respectfully written and submitted by

Dotty Willmon, Resurrection Christian—looking for the blessed hope of Christ’s return!