what I didn't miss

I had the opportunity a week ago to get away and spend time in NC with our daughter and son-in-law.

What I didn't miss was all the hatred being spewed in the news.  I never remember a time in my lifetime where hatred was stated with absolutely no regard for another's feelings or well being.  I never watched any of it or listened to any of it the whole time I was away.  And I have to say I feel more rested and so thankful!

This is our son-in-law with his mom Trish
working at the donut window.

This is an picture just of their event center and Market - 
there are over 400 acres of orchards and property.

What I got to experience instead was family coming together around a dream and countless hours of hard work, and I got to see that dream become reality while being surrounded by a family that ALL love the Lord!  

Refusing to watch the news however, doesn't mean I am unaware of what's taking place or all the injustice going on.  We've been told that to keep silent on the maters behind the beginning of all of this violence is wrong, and then criticized again when doing the exact opposite, voicing our opinion.  I can't imagine what the family is going through that lost their son and brother - and having it replayed over and over.  And I'm also sad for the innocent businesses that are being destroyed and robbed.  Some family businesses that have poured their finances and endless hours into - only to be lost forever.  Are these actions justified due to racism.  Of course not, I believe the opposite is true, it's probably creating even more hatred and fear between law enforcement and those breaking the law.  So what are we to do as believers?

During a commercial last night,  I caught a glance of people including law enforcement 'take a knee' in remembrance of the loss of life and it brought this verse to mind. 

Phil 2:9-11

Therefore God has highly exalted himself and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of JESUS every knee will bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father!

Can you picture that?  EVERY KNEE - good and evil - every created human being will take a knee in confession to the sovereignty of God!!!  Admitting that Jesus Christ is Lord!!

I believe what we need to do as believers is saturate ourselves in scripture and prayer for our country and watch diligently for God opportunities to make Him known to people that are desperately searching for reason and hope right now.

Ron was approached by a young man as he was doing yard work the other day who said, "I hear you're a pastor, can I ask you a few questions?"  He went on to describe his life and that he doesn't know how to decide what he should do with his life.  Ron talked to him for quite a while and suggested some materials that might help him too.  This conversation may not have happened if there wasn't fear about Covid and all the violence going on, only God knows...

So, we must show everyone around us that Jesus is the only answer, we must watch for chances to serve those who are mistreated or scared - this could be the greatest period of evangelist opportunity in our lifetime if we stand confident in Jesus!!