We are a little over a week into the effort to slow down the pandemic known as Covid-19. To this point people are handling things well, for the most part. But it will be what happens over the course of the next several weeks, perhaps months, that will reveal people’s true colors.
I am reminded of the huge blizzard that hit Louisville when I was in high school the winter of 1978. I, as a sophomore, suddenly became interested in the news, as I would watch the Snow report for which schools would be closed. In Louisville we were out of school for about 4 weeks. Everything was shut down. People couldn’t go anywhere and were getting restless. A term began circulating called cabin fever.
Fortunately to this point in 2020, some of the speculating and reported rumors have not come to fruition. But the longer this pandemic continues, the more these rumors will spread. Our governor said something like this, “There’s the pandemic, and there’s fear. The pandemic is real; the fear is not.” But fear–when interpreted as reality–will lead to potentially rash decisions.
Jesus tells us that our actions will reveal the true colors of our hearts. We read in Luke 6:43–45 (CSB) 43 “A good tree doesn’t produce bad fruit; on the other hand, a bad tree doesn’t produce good fruit., 44 For each tree is known by its own fruit. Figs aren’t gathered from thornbushes, or grapes picked from a bramble bush. 45 A good person produces good out of the good stored up in his heart. An evil person produces evil out of the evil stored up in his heart, for his mouth speaks from the overflow of the heart.
Brothers and sisters, as this crisis continues, time will begin to reveal the hearts of every one of us. It is my prayer that we as the children of God will bear the fruit that reveals the True Vine. Jesus says, John 15:5 (CSB) “5 I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without me.”
Remember to stay strong in Christ, as we continue to honor God with our lives. Remember it is only by abiding in Christ that we will be able to bear fruit in a barren time. May we bear much fruit.
Announcements:
Remember that ministry needs continue even when we are unable to meet in person. As this crisis continues, the needs will only continue. If you would like to give online, visit our website www.pinerbaptist.org, and click on the giving tab at the top of the page. Your donation is secure and will be deposited in the church’s account.
We are continuing the collection of food to help feed Piner Elementary families during this time. Bring your items to the church by Wednesday, so that they can be delivered by Friday. Jody has requested the following items: Canned Soup and Fruit, Spaghetti and Sauce, Mac & Cheese, Boxed Cereal, Peanut Butter & Jelly, and Crackers.
The Food for Thought ministry continues. We are collecting nonperishable food items for children whose needs have only increased during this recent crisis: Apple sauce, juice boxes pudding, pop tarts, cereal bars, etc. Make sure there are no peanuts in any donations. Thanks for your support of the children in our community.
We will be doing a trial run of three Sunday School classes tomorrow, Sunday, March 22. The Guttridge’s class, Don’s class, and the Baldauff’s class will be our guinea pigs. If all goes well, we will try to launch Sunday School in full by next Sunday, March 29. If you want to be a part of this trial and are not in one of these classes, please send an email to mark@pinerbaptist.org.
Don’t forget to “join” us online for worship on Sunday Morning at 10 a.m.