Distance Devotions          –          April 30, 2020

Psalm 122:1                     –          Happiness in Attendance

Psalm 122:1 A Song of degrees of David. I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.

As we approach the end of the government’s guidance on the COVID-19 crisis, it is time for us to begin to meet inside of the buildings the Lord has given us for worship.  Some churches never ceased in-person meetings with a small percentage of their congregation attending.  Some are still very concerned and uncertain about getting out and being in public with numbers of people.  Regardless of where you are on that decision now, in the near future (I hope), we will all be more comfortable with being together in church.  The Live Stream that we have been using for the last four years is a blessing, but is no substitute for being with the Lord’s people.

I am glad that the disease did not hit as hard as some predicted.  Thank God that we have not seen a nationwide flood of sickness and death.  As I write this, the death toll is estimated to be about 60,000.  Though that is a small percentage of the population, if you lost a loved one it is tragic.  Numbers and stats are great, but the reality of it hitting close to home is where people live.  Remember to pray for the families who lost their loved ones. 

I am glad that we have freedom to meet and worship the Lord.  During these weeks, as I have begun to be more active after my back surgery, I had often gone to the church’s mailbox.  In doing so, I have seen many of you mailing in your tithes and missions offerings.  It has been a joy to see and know of your faithfulness. 

I am glad that we have access to our Heavenly Father through the means of prayer.  He listens and knows the depths of our being.  We may not be the most articulate at expressing ourselves, but the Holy Spirit takes our prayers and presents them before the Father.  When we stumble verbally, the Spirit makes intercession for us.  (Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.) 

I am glad that the message we have is one of hope.  Despair marks the news media and the pundits of this world because they do not know God.  We who have trusted him know the brightest days of our existence are just ahead.  There is coming a time on this earth when disease and war will be rampant.  Half of the world’s population is going to die in a seven-year time frame known as the Tribulation.  We, the New Testament Church, will be lifted out of here prior to that in the mighty Rapture.  I am glad that we will not go through the Tribulation.  I am glad for the promises of God that he will not, yea, cannot, break nor fail to fulfill!

Are you glad?

Pastor F. J. Weems III