A Holy Response

     I personally know it all to well- the weight of the world's current situation weighing on our shoulders. The pandemic is spreading faster than we can catch our breath. Fear and concern for those we love staring us blatantly in the face as the number of cases rise. A tiny microscopic organism keeping us away from church, work, vacations, and seeing those we love. Many are trying to find answers in a time such as this- "why GOD?". There are so many conspiracy theories looking to the probability of prophetic scripture- "Is this what it was pointing to?". Maybe. Maybe not. Here is what I do know- the truth must prevail, and the church must respond to these times in it. Here are some truths I want to focus on in times such as these: 1) GOD is holy, 2) GOD is merciful, and 3) Our response should be in a holy fear.
 
 GOD is holy. GOD has the full right to do whatever HE so pleases. The world is wicked and evil, and HE is just to punish if HE pleases. We have strayed from godly obedience. We have denied our purpose in our GOD ordained design. We have defied HIM. We have sinned greatly against the ONE WHO created us to glorify HIM. HE is pure, righteous, good, just, and holy. HE is above all and in all. HE is omniscient, enthroned and the CREATOR of all things. We have ALL sinned and fallen short of the glory of GOD. We stand no chance before HIS holy throne on our own accord. There is condemnation for those who do not trust in HIM. There is a rightful eternal separation from HIM for those who do not turn from their wicked ways. When GOD flooded the earth, in the time of Noah and the ark, HE was just to obliterate wicked mankind. When GOD passed over Egypt, at the time of Passover, GOD was just to obliterate wicked mankind. GOD is holy and mankind is wicked and evil.

     GOD is merciful. I want the weight of the last paragraph to sink in for a minute before we dig into this truth. The holiness of GOD emphasizes HIS mercy. Mercy is GOD denying to give us what we rightfully deserve. We deserve condemnation, but HE withholds it from us. When GOD flooded the earth HE also instructed Noah to build an ark and to bring in his family and 2 of every kind of animal. GOD had mercy on Noah and HIS creation. When GOD passed over Egypt HE had mercy on HIS people instructing them to put lamb's blood over their doorpost. When GOD saw a wicked and evil world HE sent HIS BELOVED SON to take the place of sinful mankind at Calvary, and POURED HIS wrath upon HIM. GOD is indeed merciful in the face of an absolutely wicked and undeserving world.

     Our response should be in a holy fear. Noah built the ark on dry land. Why on earth build a giant boat when the earth was dry? Noah believed and trusted GOD and that HE would do as HE said HE would even if it seemed crazy. This is holy fear. Moses instructed the people to spread the lamb's blood that they may be spared and they did so. This is holy fear- to know GOD has the right for vengeance. We must live a life in the pursuit of holiness. We must seek GOD in these wicked times. We must fall into repentance asking for GOD's mercy in our own lives and in the life of our world. We must surrender what we desire exchanging them for the desire to know GOD more. We must kneel with our faces on the floor before a holy GOD asking HIM to guide us through these times. We must pray for and love one another in the midst of a quarantine striving for a holy unity as GOD has desired and intended for mankind.


     This is my prayer in these times:

ABBA FATHER, 

YOU are high and holy. YOU are above all and in all. YOU are enthroned and sovereign. YOU are just and right in all that YOU do. FATHER, we are a wicked nation, undeserving of YOUR mercy. We have fallen away from our created purpose and sought after lesser gods. Thank YOU FATHER for sending YOUR SON to take our place at the cross. FATHER, I ask that YOU have mercy on YOUR people. Turn YOUR face from YOUR anger. Be gracious to us though we are undeserving. Lead and guide us to be lights in the midst of this dark world for the advancement of YOUR kingdom. FATHER, I plead before YOUR holy throne that YOU would bring a greater number of people to YOURSELF. FATHER, teach us how to love one another well during these times. FATHER, use my ransomed life in any way YOU choose. 

In YOUR holy and precious name. 

Amen

Much love, Frances Hope

For the Love of Hurting Hearts

    I've pondered quite a bit lately on an anonymous prayer request expressing a genuine struggle with personal sin. Honestly this person's transparency in their struggles convicts my heart and makes me want to commend them. So often I have observed that people are so quick to respond to the practical service of others, but so slow to ask "How's your heart?". Don't get me wrong sometimes we need practical help, but more often we need prayer to endure this broken world as broken beings. As someone who personally struggles with depression I feel a greater sense of mercy for hurting hearts. What if we were as intentional to fill hearts as we were bellies? What if we were less concerned about cultural and generational differences and focused more on the common goal of our pursuit of CHRIST? What if we were more faithful to fight for unity rather than dwell on diversity? ESPECIALLY in the church body! This world is broken and we are broken people. The realization of depravity should lead us to be more intentional to care for and pray for one another. This is my prayer and my plea- that in all circumstances the gospel would prevail. When you are striving to love someone that is hard to love with the love of CHRIST- keep striving calling to mind the love the HOLY GOD has towards you. When you know a brother or sister is struggling help them with their physical need AND ask them how you can pray for their heart, pouring truth into them. If you are someone who is suffering be honest and transparent choosing wisely who you seek council from. Brother, sister, and friend- I challenge and I plead with you to care for one another with a gospel saturated love. In a world full of division fight for unity, caring for the hearts of those around you. Serve boldly, love deeply, and press forward running your race.

     Much Love, Frances Hope