03/23/2020
Linden Free Methodist Church
LFM family, in case you haven’t heard the news, Governor Whitmer has issued a “stay at home” order effective at midnight tonight (3/23). This is a safety measure, not a jail sentence and there is still room for the essentials of shopping for food or medicine, getting gas, outdoor exercise (stay 6 feet apart please), getting medical treatment, and a few more things. Essential services are exempt, and rest assured, if you are still called to work, you have our prayers! I know the uncertainties of this unusual season dangle the twin temptations of worry and fear, but I pray the certainty of the Savior, Jesus, will put out those fires! The church has prospered in the past during times of reduced freedoms. From Paul’s jail letters that still instruct and inspire, right up to the present time, there are no boundaries that the Holy Spirit cannot cross! Stay in contact! Call to chat, check-up, or share a need. Plan to attend our Sunday Facebook live church at 10:30 am. You may want to tune in at 7 pm this Wednesday for a live session to talk about our anxieties and needs. Here’s your combat gear:
“Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.”
Philippians 4:4, 5–9 (NLT)