We’re finding ourselves these days with a new normal lifestyle. It has caused me to think about the fact that this season of many of our lives is going to be a once in a lifetime defining line in the course of world history, i.e., before COVID – 19 and after COVID – 19. It has also caused me to think about the fact that we all long for normality. The question then becomes, “What will be the new normal?” upon return to life as we once knew it.
I think a new normal can be very positive because this time has created new means and methods of doing things.
One of my main questions, working and living within the local church world, is will we return to our church buildings as we once knew them? Perhaps in some arenas that is a literal question, but I guess I am considering it in a more rhetorical sense as well. I mean, will it be church business as usual?
In talking with a missionary friend who serves in a European nation recently, he told me it was illegal to homeschool his children in this country and there were very few Christian school options. And then he said this, “Right now, during this world crisis, we are required by that same government to homeschool!” What an almost humorous, 180-degree change of government control and new normal.
Will our coveted church buildings hold their same attraction? Will the megachurch maintain small connect groups for prayer, fellowship and study? Will the local church that never used technology or was perhaps anti-technology for conducting meetings reverse that strategy? Could there be numerous changes to those in-house church programs that we held onto so tightly for so long? And will the tech savvy next generation be given the reins from the older generation leaders so these new means and methods can be further developed in an effort to keep the local church relevant and up to date for generations to come?
If we can learn from this time, I think the church will grow exponentially. If we can apply technology in a Holy Spirit centered way, then we will see new forms of evangelism, caring for the shut-in, counseling, training and even in holding elder meetings, all of which will not require travel.
So let’s be thankful for this season, embracing new ways of completing important tasks and brand-new ideas, being creative and honoring one another’s gifts all at the same time.
I received a text message that included a very derogatory comment about the president of the U.S. followed by this line, “I hate him!” I was a bit taken aback by the straightforwardness of emotion and the use of such unchecked and pejorative language.
Integrity has two sides: that which you will not do and that which you will do. The latter is often forgotten when it comes to integrity. Integrity is adhering to principles that you or your ethical and moral side hold as truth and of value to follow. Integrity by definition is being “honest” and walking in, “soundness of moral character.”
I first confessed Christ as my Lord almost 49 years ago. That is close to half a century of getting to know my Creator. It’s a lot of life, a lot of joy and a lot of challenges faced. One thing I have discovered is His overwhelming compassionate heart.
In good times, we tend to think we control life. We have control of our family, our money, our jobs and our lives. When crisis or tragedy hits, we quickly realize we’re not in control of everything and that feels so out of control, so uncomfortable and abnormal. When we cannot explain something or make sense of something, we then look for something or someone to blame. Ultimately we may look to blame God because He’s God and He could make things occur differently.
There is always something to learn in life about ourselves or about others in both good and bad times. The book of Ecclesiastes reminds us there is a time and a season for everything. (See Ecclesiastes 3:1.) Here are a few of my observations and reminders from this amazing, but challrenging season.
COVID–19 has certainly had an impact on the world, but it’s not my generations first pandemic. In 1968 and 1969, when I was a young teenager, the United States fiercely faced the Hong Kong flu. In that year we experienced 100,000 deaths. To be truthful, I don’t even remember going through it or being encouraged to take one single precaution. The H3N2 flu must have been so much more dreadful with so many deaths over the period of one year.
So many have found Psalm 91 to bring great comfort, strength, truth and spiritual reality to us during this unique time. Personally, I have been praying through it every morning for my loved ones and the many others I am responsible for. One morning I felt prompted to look up one of the words in the dictionary for greater clarity and then became intrigued with so many of the other words found in this amazing Psalm. I ended up with a very amplified version and decided to share it with you below. I hope it is of great comfort, help and support to you as it is to me when praying these beautifully written words.
If there is one thing we know about Christianity, it’s that it is a faith of generosity. Generosity is one of the themes found throughout the scriptures. In fact, the more we give, the more blessed we become – Give and it shall be given unto you…
Can you remember before you were married how you could spend hours upon hours together and still desire more connection? Prior to marriage, we practiced honoring one another with lots of grace, patience and time. It was easy; we were in love and we were doing our best to make a really good impression. Where does that go?
Steve Prokopchak 