I would not say that I have an inside track or any high and lofty wisdom to share, but I have had some interesting thoughts and observations lately as the recent events have unfolded. If nothing else, we can pause and consider some things together. There are too many to discuss in one blog, so we’ll just hit some highlights this time with more to follow, okay? If fear, anxiety, or panic has gotten ahold of you over what is going on in our world today, then my hope is, at the end of this read, you’ll have a little more peace of mind. Hope you’ll hang with me, as I hope to share more over the coming days and weeks. Your life matters to me, so let’s talk about this like family. So, who’s really behind the panic, the hysteria, the hoarding surrounding this coronavirus? Tragically, people have died, and that is so very sad! I do not want to seem less than compassionate about the losses or the risks, but there is a definite agenda at work in all of this that needs to be exposed for the truth can set us free. While it may be easy to point the finger at the media or China or politicians or anyone greedy enough to profit off of human suffering, there is a bigger picture and something at work behind the scenes where it would like to stay. In fact, the more we blame people who we can see, the happier the puppeteer is. There is a force that operates in darkness, shuns the light, and casts blame all around, and it is having a field day! I read something this morning that made me realize that one of the primary goals of this coronavirus is ISOLATION, a classic tactic of an enemy. At this point, decisions are being made in states that, in order to protect people, will cause us to basically shun people. In some places, there are to be no large gatherings, no school for 2 weeks plus, etc., causing many to suspend church services, sporting events, and much more. One definition I found of “divide and conquer” is the policy of maintaining control over one's subordinates or opponents by encouraging dissent between them, thereby preventing them from uniting in opposition. I’ve seen posts about people fighting over supplies in stores and have personally seen many empty shelves this week, but the last thing we need right now is “friendly fire”. The truth is that we need each other! In fact, we were created for companionship. Let’s take a look at the Word of God for some insight and direction. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 says, “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” In Deuteronomy 32:30, it says one could chase a thousand, but two could put ten thousand to flight! I John 1:3 says “That which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.” There is good news in Matthew 18:20: “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” Hebrews 10:24-25 says, “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” Now, I am not recommending we disregard reason and wise instruction but that we recognize the bigger picture in all of this mayhem and look for creative solutions. It is true that we have an enemy, a spiritual enemy, who is all about isolation, dividing and conquering. I Peter 5:8 warns “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” Ephesians 6:12 says, "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." It's so easy to get distracted by people and think they're the enemy. However, it will help us to remember that we're all being influenced by the spiritual world, for good or evil, so let's all try to point less and pray more in these trying times. Regarding who came up with COVID-19, I don't know, but there is good news found in John 10:10 where Jesus said “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” No matter what happens in this world, there is a God Who created us, loves us, and desires fellowship with us, and none of this has caught Him by surprise. The other thing to remember, though, is that we also need each other, and we are stronger together. There is power in unity, and our enemy knows that. Refuse to be a puppet! I truly believe if we will push back fear, God can release creative ideas through us that will change our world! We’ll talk more another time about the unlimited source of provision and some effective fear fighting techniques, but I think this is a good start to our family discussion. Thank you so much for joining me! Truly, before this coronavirus, our world was already struggling with too many electronic relationships, but not enough human contact, real conversations, or heartfelt communication. Whatever you do in this hour, please reach out if you need help, and find some creative ways to stay connected to one another because your life matters! The world needs what you have to offer. I don’t wanna see you just survive this. I want you to thrive in this hour! You are valuable and precious, and I’m praying for you. #yourlifematters2me