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Listen while you read: "When We All Get To Heaven"1 (Lyrics) |
The World Health Organization has declared this latest coronavirus a pandemic. This directly affects life for all of us to some degree.
At first it was a sad development in far-away China, where sickness and death rapidly spread. Then it moved to South Korea, Iran, Italy, and other countries. Infections and death rapidly followed. Sad — but for many of us, still distant.
Then it arrived in North America and things started to get close to home. Financial markets suffered, schools and churches closed, and panic buying of items such as toilet paper occurred.
It really hit home to so many when even sports activities were shut down. Many people follow sports such as basketball, baseball, soccer, and hockey.
This became really serious when the possibility arose that the Stanley Cup Final may not be played for the first time in over a century. The last time that occurred was in 1919 as a result of the infamous Spanish Flu outbreak.
In the midst of such uncertainty, my neighbour, Peter, put a sign on his door that said:
- The clock of life is wound but once
And no man has the power
To tell just when the hand will stop
At late or early hour
Now is the only time you own
Live, love, and toil with a will
Place no faith in tomorrow
For the clock may then be still.
It certainly made me think. As the apostle Paul wrote, "Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days." (Ephesians 5:16 NLT) As I write this and as you read this, our clocks are still running. I am therefore challenged to follow the direction given by our Lord:
Matthew 22:37-39 – Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" (NIV)
God is certainly present despite the threat of COVID-19. Our opportunities to be kind to others may be limited. Or they may simply be by staying at a distance and not interacting in normal ways.
In any event, the fragility of life as set out in The clock of life reminds us that now is the time for action. May we each respond as Paul teaches us:
2 Corinthians 6:2 – For he says, "In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you." I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation. (NIV)
Prayer: Dear Father, we thank You that You are still in control, even in, and particularly in, these troubled times. As You have given us time, may we take action to follow You and share Your love with others. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
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Tuesday, October 15, 2024 – In Paris, Ontario — Pray for the fall Alpha series that is running at Paris Community Church, Paris, Ontario, that through this ministry, people may be better connected with one another and take a step closer in faith to Jesus.
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Thank you.
You bless me sir. Thank you.
Amen Walter. Take care and stay safe.
Very true, Vincent. How are things where you are? Be safe.
Thank you, Vince.
Appreciate your devotional.
(QC)
Thank you and keep safe, Vincent. May God protect you, your family and everyone who lives in your complex.
Dear Vincent – thank you for continuing to inspire our confidence in the Lord, even in these troubling times. God Bless you.
Thank you for such a timely and thoughtful devotion on this day. May God continue to bless you.
(Ontario)
Really enjoy your contributions. Much insight and common sense, making such a positive contribution to readers and no doubt your neighbours.
Keep writing!
Hi Vincent:
I was thinking of you and was hoping you are well and that your residence is safe. I always enjoy what you write, and I thank you for doing this, the Lord’s wonderful work.
Hello Vincent,
I read your excellent article in PresbyCan this morning, so fitting for what is happening in our times.
God bless you, and please, please, please stay safe! Praying…
Dear Vincent,
Thank you for another powerful reminder of your faith and that God is with us. I have forwarded it because the message is very important, especially at this time when people are anxious and alone. You are blessed with a good communication to others. Blessings.
Hello Mr. Walter,
Thank you for your inspiring devotional messages. I have always enjoyed yours and today’s was no exception. Sometimes, I scroll down to the bottom to see who has written the devotional before I read it. I’ve always been happy to see your name and scroll back up knowing there is a blessing in store.
Greetings Vince,
Thank you for another special devotional. We need be so grateful to our loving Lord for always being on duty, watching over us and ready to hear our prayers. Our peace and comfort comes when we turn to Him and praise Him with grateful thanks for His love each day as we know not what tomorrow brings.
Blessings to you and praise for your thoughtful devotionals.
(B.C.)
Thank you so much for this ‘timely reminder’, Vincent! I totally agree with the poem your neighbour posted and am mighty thankful that my husband and I had made the most of each day and opportunities to serve while we could before his sudden fatal heart attack a year ago!
These days, we definitely are ‘limited’ in what we can do to show love to our neighbour (except through technology at this point for me as I’m quarantined but as you say, even staying at a distance). I thank YOU for taking time to share God’s Word by writing these reminders for us! God has used you in this way to minister to readers near and far!
Hi Vince,. May God grant us His mercies.
Some say, why doesn’t God step in?
I suspect like many other things God allows this but uses it.
You also live in Toronto and can see how people are doing amazing things to help one another in the face of difficult situations they are experiencing themselves.
This really is a tough one, Vince, even when we have a strong faith. I have no fear for myself as I have assurance that the Lord will greet me with open arms. I have many loved ones and friends to greet. Some of our children walked away from their childhood faith and have not returned. I have taken my burdens before the Lord.
Stay well and we’re doing our best here.
Thanks for a thoughtful summary and inspired writing this morning, Vincent, a great mix of your understanding and a lifesaver tossed to us from your accumulation of experience, strength and hope. Sure helps me.