From the bunker day 6

Well, it’s starting. California has issued a mandatory shutdown of all non-essential businesses, and I am hearing from others here in Ohio the same thing; a plant shut down, a store closing and hours cut. Fortunately people will be able to apply for unemployment. But the emotional turmoil is still there, even if they know it isn’t their fault. Men and women are created to produce, to create, to find solace in a job well done. Even though unemployment helps to bring money into the home, it isn’t the same; we need to feel useful. Compound the fact that we are not to congregate with our friends. Social distancing is turning into social isolation.

I don’t know how people face the pressure without knowing Jesus. Our relationship with Jesus isn’t  a magic bullet to financial success or healthier bodies. The world offers those things and often in greater abundance. What Jesus truly offers is hope. I love the following passage:

(ESV) 7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. 8 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 10 always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.” 2 Corinthians

We are not crushed, despairing, forsaken, or destroyed. When you are already dead you have nothing to lose. One of our members, in his late 80’s said, “if I die I know I’m going to heaven, so why be afraid?” Hope is powerful. We endure the hard things because we know this isn’t all there is. Today might be hard, but there is always tomorrow. Tomorrow looks bleak, summer is coming. If summer is too hot, well winter is right around the corner. You can be either half empty or half full, how you feel about life depends on it.

Having a family that cares about you is so important, and I’m talking about the church. We are not meeting but we are the church. People are offering to run errands for our older members, and as I have talked with them are doing well. And as more of our family are without jobs we may have to help support them, emotionally, in prayer, but financially as well. James 2 says, “(ESV) If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? 17 So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

 Our benevolence fund is about depleted and with the present economic crisis we are going to have a lot more needs. If you are able to give to both the general fund and the benevolence fund you would be helping your brothers and sisters. Let’s not take God’s blessing of employment for granted. As he has blessed us let’s also bless others.

Remember we are more than conquerors. We are overcomers. We are children of the light. We are adopted, forgiven, restored, and you are remarkable. I’m just saying…

From the Bunker Day 6