Like so many of you, I have been practicing “social distancing” when going to the grocery store, talking with people, and even during our online only worship service with the core of people who were onsite to provide so many with an uplifting time of worship. We know it is good for preventing the spread of COVID-19 and we want to protect our families, friends and neighbors. But it is a great time to highlight that in this time of social distancing, spiritual connection is all the more important. This past Sunday I shared a whole new perspective on Jesus touching someone from a distance when he healed the Centurion’s servant from a distance (Luke 7:1-10). The story took on new meaning as we respond to the current pandemic. Jesus still touches people form a distance even if we are separated and need to worship virtually. Jesus still touches us when we pray and read God’s Word. Another great spiritual truth is that we can be touched from a distance and we can touch others from a distance by staying spiritually connected. Within the scripture itself the Centurion and the religious leaders all touched others from a distance to help the man who lay sick confined to his home. It is not just sickness that distances us, many times people have grown apart from God or each other by busy schedules and distracted minds. In this time when we stay at home, it’s a great time to reconnect with those in our family as well as our faith.
As I listened to the addresses of both Gov. Cuomo of New York and Gov. Holcomb of Indiana this past week, I realized that despite some political differences between the two both highlighted the truth that in this time of social distancing, spiritual connection is all the more important. I invite us all to continue to practice responsible social distancing, but also to reconnect with faith and family as we practice the vital practice of spiritual connection.
For the scripture of the week, I chose part of the letter that Jeremiah wrote to the young people who had been taken away in the Babylonian captivity. Though he was a great distance away, Jeremiah encouraged them with a letter that became a source of faith and strength for Daniel and others as they faced great adversity, and it still rings though the pages of history as a great source of comfort and strength. As you read the scripture, I hope you will find comfort and strength, and also think of who you might encourage from a distance.
(scripture of the week)
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the LORD” (Jeremiah 29:11–14, NIV11-GK)
(prayer of the week)
Lord in these times of social distancing when so many of us are feeling disconnected, help us to rediscover spiritual connection to our family and friends as well as you, Our Rock and Our Redeemer, amen.
(quote of the week)
There are good ships and wood ships,
Ships that sail the sea,
But the best ships are friendships,
And may they always be! --Irish Proverb
Listen to recent sermons by Dr. TJ Jenney at http://inspiresundaymessages.blogspot.com/
YouTube
Check the latest leadership blog by Dr. TJ http://www.drtj.us
As I listened to the addresses of both Gov. Cuomo of New York and Gov. Holcomb of Indiana this past week, I realized that despite some political differences between the two both highlighted the truth that in this time of social distancing, spiritual connection is all the more important. I invite us all to continue to practice responsible social distancing, but also to reconnect with faith and family as we practice the vital practice of spiritual connection.
For the scripture of the week, I chose part of the letter that Jeremiah wrote to the young people who had been taken away in the Babylonian captivity. Though he was a great distance away, Jeremiah encouraged them with a letter that became a source of faith and strength for Daniel and others as they faced great adversity, and it still rings though the pages of history as a great source of comfort and strength. As you read the scripture, I hope you will find comfort and strength, and also think of who you might encourage from a distance.
(scripture of the week)
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the LORD” (Jeremiah 29:11–14, NIV11-GK)
(prayer of the week)
Lord in these times of social distancing when so many of us are feeling disconnected, help us to rediscover spiritual connection to our family and friends as well as you, Our Rock and Our Redeemer, amen.
(quote of the week)
There are good ships and wood ships,
Ships that sail the sea,
But the best ships are friendships,
And may they always be! --Irish Proverb
Listen to recent sermons by Dr. TJ Jenney at http://inspiresundaymessages.blogspot.com/
YouTube
Check the latest leadership blog by Dr. TJ http://www.drtj.us
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