Be careful then, how you live; not as unwise but wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Don’t get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Speaking to one another with Psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:15-20
This may or may not shock you. But in the weeks following the order to stay six feet apart, or social distancing, the liquor industry has sold almost $3 million dollars worth of alcohol, so I’m sure it’s exceeded that amount by now. My pastor started a sermon series titled “ What to do when you don’t know what to do” I’m here to tell you drinking isn’t it! You still have to sober up, and the hangover I’ve been told, is not fun.
Ooooh I hear Isaiah 55 coming on. Why spend your money on what is not good?
The instruction or admonition to us in this season is; Be careful how you live. So how are you living? I taught in Bible Study a few weeks ago that, how we eventually emerge from this crisis, will speak volumes about our walk with Jesus Christ. My audience is mixed I know, so I won’t assume that we’re all followers of Christ. Only you and Jesus know that. But, we can either come out victors or victims. You get to decide.
Are you, like we ended a few weeks ago, speaking to your souls? Or are you drowning in self pity? Are you speaking to each other with psalms and hymns; which is implying positivity on our part, or are you glued to your television listening to the self appointed experts who haven’t got a clue? Talk, talk and offering no solutions. You become what you behold or give yourself over to. I challenge you to begin to listen to how you are speaking this week. Listen how many times you speak about what’s going on versus speaking the Word of God. You may shock yourself; but it will explain why you feel the way you do.
To try and make this brief, it’s now 6 A. M. (The Writer gives me two messages each day) He’s no slouch. The Bible says “weeping may endure for a night, BUT JOY!! Comes in the morning. Hallelujah! Did you hear that? Joy comes in the morning! Psalm 30:5 You cannot have joy watching the news 24/7 Joy is found in the person of Jesus Christ. The Bible is filled with precious promises. Instead of channel surfing to hear if someone has a different story on Covid, Search the Word for what to do, when you don’t know what to do! Shout out to Pastor John for that line. We are looking for answers in all the wrong places.
Be careful then; how you live, not unwise, but as wise. James 1:5 reads; If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given you. If you’re struggling with how to navigate these uncertain times, seek the Lord, believe me when I tell you, we may be brilliant but we’re not that smart. He holds all the answers. I told the Bible class, and you in one of the messages, If you want to know current events “READ THE BIBLE! Yeah I’m yelling. Did we not read in a previous Message in Psalm 42 where the sons of Korah was lamenting about not being able to go to church? Well. Ahem. Are we not locked out of our church buildings right now? Just saying. It is written. I know we’ve been allowed limited access, but try going over 25% attendance and see what happens. We don’t even have control over our own church buildings, businesses and lives. We’d better wake up!
So how are you living in these times of not knowing what to do? As believers in Christ on free vacation (some are still working I know) it’s time to discover what you’ve been missing in your busyness. I wish you could all hear my pastor’s messages on “What to do when you don’t know what to do.” (Epic Church International, Sayreville, New Jersey-shameless plug) but it’s all good. You’re the only one who can decide how you’ll emerge. You choose -not God. You! He’s given us the tools we need to overcome every and anything. Take the time, make the time to find out. Behold! See! Look! I AM doing a new thing, do you see it?
My friends, we've never walked this way before. These are strange times for sure. But we have a sure Anchor. We have a firm foundation. His name? Did I forget to tell you? His name is Jesus. And He’s coming soon.....
Father the times may be uncertain, but I’m sure of this one thing: You are Sovereign over all. When I don’t know what to do I can run to the Rock of my salvation. Thank you for your promise to keep me in perfect peace as I keep my mind stayed on you, trusting in you, the One who never fails. In Jesus Name I pray. 🙏
You study the scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about ME, yet you refuse to come to ME to have life. Jesus....John 5:39-40
Written by permission of the Holy Spirit.
W. Tennant