Herein lies my challenge to you, Church. I have comprised a list of things you can be doing if you are working from home or spending more time at home than usual:
1. Pray. How many times have you thought to yourself, "If I had more time and less distractions, I would pray more?" Right now we are in a confusing time but we have unlimited access to the throne of God (Rom. 5:1-2; Heb. 4:15-16).
2. Pray for Revival. I have been overwhelmed with the hope and longing that God would mobilize us by the power of His Holy Spirit to seek ways to love our needy neighbors. In a dark time like this, the church can be a Light to the Nations in a way that causes unbelievers to ask questions (1 Peter 3:15). Wouldn't it be a shame to look back on this time and see that we drowned out our fears with Netflix instead of being a Light to the Nations?
3. Check-in. Use this time to download Zoom, Marco Polo, or Facetime to connect with brothers and sisters in the church. Read together, pray together, cry and laugh together.
4. Share Wisdom. If you are a homeschool mom, there are more than likely some parents in the church and some neighbors who are freaking out right now as they have become a homeschooling parent. Share resources and help in any way possible.
5. Serve Neighbors. If you are aware of a neighbor that needs something but you are afraid of human contact, use Amazon to ship them something they need or something that can cheer them up.
6. Worship. If you are a parent and have never really had the time to lead your kids in family worship, start a new rhythm. Ten minutes in the morning or at lunch. One Psalm, one song, and a time of prayer.
7. Make a Schedule. Create a daily schedule of rhythms that can accomplish needed tasks, make time for worship, and provide some kind of online community. Free time can often lead to sloth and lust and we must be active to not fall into these.
8. Spend Time. We have been spending time, in person, with our neighbors. We are safe about this and I know this isn't for everyone. Our neighbors have made us cookies, and we have gone to the store and got needed items for our neighbors. If this is doable, do it.
9. Marvel. Right now it is raining like crazy. Get on some old clothes and go walk in the rain (umbrella is optional). Go dig up worms, get dirty, and be a kid again. Marvel at God's creation.
10. Download RightNow Media. This is an incredible resource for which our church has a certain number of licenses. This will help with Bible Studies, provide sermons, etc. Contact the church office for more info.
Church, what if God is using this time of worldwide change to draw a host of people to himself? What if this is a time for our neighbors to know that we are not a people of fear but a people of hope? This is an incredible and exciting time to be alive. We have a message that can give hope and eternal life to those who are afraid and dead in their sins. Let's not waste this time, beloved.
Pastor Wes
