Encouragement for joy - in times of despair
March 17, 2020
Dear Family Friends and Loved ones;
A thick dense cloud pack slowly moved across the sky, inch by inch hiding what was left of the orange western horizon and totally eliminating the waning moon that was struggling to pierce through to light my path. There was a sense of foreboding, almost as though some creature of darkness was waiting behind every tree to pounce on me from behind.
I should be filled with happiness. After all one of my favorite holidays is just around the corner, and the fresh smell of newly tilled ground, waiting for seeds to be planted, will soon fill the air. Unfortunately my happiness has been covered with a heart of concern for all those who are wondering whether they will live or die and where their next dollar will come from as everything across our great country closes down.
It's a time of trouble most Americans have never experienced before, and we are all in one of those "damned if I do, damned if I don't" situations. If drastic actions aren't taken, millions of people will die. If drastic actions are taken, and the death rate is kept low, people will complain and wonder what all the fuss was about. Regardless of the quarantine, or "social distancing," as those more politically correct would call it, there is only one way to ultimately stay a plague and that is to pray, trust, and continue to believe God. He always keeps His promises. He said "Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; (6) Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. Ps 91:5-6
I'll do my part. I will do my best to be safe. But when push comes to shove, no matter what happens to me, I win. I believe the truth of the Gospel as the apostle Paul wrote it in 1 Cor 15:3-4 "For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; (4) And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:" I know where I will spend eternity.
The next few months may be tough but continue to "Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses." 1 Tim 6:12 Do that and one way or another, you too will eventually come out on top.
By the way, I said my happiness was being covered. That's taking place by circumstances far beyond my control. Happiness and joy are two completely different things. My joy remains full. My hope is still strong, and I have a sense of excitement as I watch events unfold around the world that will eventually lead to the end of this age and the return of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! Look up church. "...your redemption draweth nigh." Luke 21:28
May you reach out in faith, receive Christ as your savior, and trust God to see you through.
Grace and Peace to all who believe.
Dr. James W. Blanchard
Faith Christian Tabernacle
4911 W. 1100 S.
Rensselaer, Indiana 47978
[email protected]
Dear Family Friends and Loved ones;
A thick dense cloud pack slowly moved across the sky, inch by inch hiding what was left of the orange western horizon and totally eliminating the waning moon that was struggling to pierce through to light my path. There was a sense of foreboding, almost as though some creature of darkness was waiting behind every tree to pounce on me from behind.
I should be filled with happiness. After all one of my favorite holidays is just around the corner, and the fresh smell of newly tilled ground, waiting for seeds to be planted, will soon fill the air. Unfortunately my happiness has been covered with a heart of concern for all those who are wondering whether they will live or die and where their next dollar will come from as everything across our great country closes down.
It's a time of trouble most Americans have never experienced before, and we are all in one of those "damned if I do, damned if I don't" situations. If drastic actions aren't taken, millions of people will die. If drastic actions are taken, and the death rate is kept low, people will complain and wonder what all the fuss was about. Regardless of the quarantine, or "social distancing," as those more politically correct would call it, there is only one way to ultimately stay a plague and that is to pray, trust, and continue to believe God. He always keeps His promises. He said "Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; (6) Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. Ps 91:5-6
I'll do my part. I will do my best to be safe. But when push comes to shove, no matter what happens to me, I win. I believe the truth of the Gospel as the apostle Paul wrote it in 1 Cor 15:3-4 "For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; (4) And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:" I know where I will spend eternity.
The next few months may be tough but continue to "Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses." 1 Tim 6:12 Do that and one way or another, you too will eventually come out on top.
By the way, I said my happiness was being covered. That's taking place by circumstances far beyond my control. Happiness and joy are two completely different things. My joy remains full. My hope is still strong, and I have a sense of excitement as I watch events unfold around the world that will eventually lead to the end of this age and the return of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! Look up church. "...your redemption draweth nigh." Luke 21:28
May you reach out in faith, receive Christ as your savior, and trust God to see you through.
Grace and Peace to all who believe.
Dr. James W. Blanchard
Faith Christian Tabernacle
4911 W. 1100 S.
Rensselaer, Indiana 47978
[email protected]
