Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 1:7-8 these words, my theme for today– “Now you have every spiritual gift you need as you eagerly wait for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. He will keep you strong to the end so that you will be free from all blame on the day when our Lord Jesus Christ returns.”
Yesterday was quite a day for me. Right after I posted my blog, I received a Facebook message that I had violated their “Community Standards” by posting something in one of their three categories: sexual content, slavery or trafficking, or prejudice–some sort of language like that. Obviously, I clicked on the option that said I objected to their judgment and asked for a review. That led to a message that because of COVID, they were very busy and would not review my issue for some time. I was unable to post to my two accounts for thirty days.
As my readers know, most days I begin with writing, first to my blog, and then, in some form or other, sometimes identical, I post to my Facebook account and my Facebook author account. I kept getting, in red print, restricted. Then it said I could not post for 29 days.
Late yesterday. I received an apology from Facebook, that they had been in error. I felt like I had a “get out of jail free card” from Monopoly.
My morning was spent in researching for a story I’m writing. It is a piece about Chernihiv, Ukraine where terrible fighting has occurred. It is called a Hero City by Volodymyr Zelensky. Although much of this beautiful city has been destroyed, its soldiers and citizens put up such resistance against the Russians, including the shooting down of a plane that crashed into a neighborhood, that after a battle from February 21-March 30, the Russians surrendered and moved on toward Kyiv, hoping to conquer the capital. I read horrific accounts of the battles, the courage of the Ukrainians defending this beautiful city, and the deprivations they are suffering.
Whatever we face, whatever difficulties in this life, God provides an unquenchable spirit of persistence. When Paul wrote to the Corinthians, he knew persecution. Actually, at first, he had been a persecutor of the early church before God chose to use Him to spread the gospel. God’s strength and direction can make heroes from ordinary people, and He calls us to live this life for the one to come.
We will have difficulties. Right now, I am suffering from a painful ear infection in my “good” ear. The other one is deaf. The prospect of possibly not being able to hear my loved ones’ voices, or my children and grandchildren play their instruments, or the prayers and music of the church is frightening. I am in constant prayer that the medicine and God’s healing will prevent that personal tragedy. But I know, just as the people of that little village in Ukraine, that God is mightier than man’s armies, and can even protect this little part of my flesh, or use losses to His benefit and glory.
My Psalm 165
Great are you, Lord
And greatly to be praised. Hallelujah!
For Your ways are omniscient, omnipotent
And utterly amazing.
The whole universe moves as one
Under Your direction.
The sun rises and sets at Your command,
And we are assured of Your Presence,
Confident in Your judgments.
We ask forgiveness for following
Our own paths rather than Your direction.
We are so apt to wander
To live as if we are in control.
Forgive our arrogance.
Today lead me to follow Your direction,
To ask Your guidance in my decisions
In management of time,
In relationships with others
You send to me.
Bless the God incidences You provide me
To speak of Your love and purposes.
Holy Spirit, comforter, Guide, Intercessor,
Bless those who grieve today,
For lost opportunities,
For ailing loved ones,
For those who have left this life.
Guide those who are wandering,
Suffering from a loss of direction
And feeling hopeless.
Be their guide, their comfort,
And answer to their needs.
Thank You for being Lord, Savior
Deliverer, comforter, Healer,
And Abba, Father,
This day and forever. Amen.
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