It’s disappointing that we will not be together tomorrow. But you can watch a short greeting from me and Pastor Jim here.

 

Now don’t let the fact that we are not meeting as a church keep you from taking time to worship the Lord on his day, the Lord’s Day. Like believers in nations where to publicly name Jesus as Lord is to risk one’s life, you can remember the Lord at home alone or with your family.

It can be as simple as this short service, to which you could add responsive readings, more songs and scriptures, the Lord’s Table, ?

Thank the Lord for his mercy. Recognize one or two of his attributes for which you are particularly grateful. Ask that his Holy Spirit fill you with assurance in the face of the uncertainties of COVID-19 life. Pray these Psalms:

“Hear me Lord and answer me for I am poor and needy.” Ps. 86:1

“Establish my steps in your word.” Ps. 119:133

“Let you compassion quickly meet our needs for we are on the brink of despair.” Ps. 79:8

“Protect me God because I take refuge in you.” Ps. 16:1

“I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name O Most High.” Ps. 9:2

 

Psalm 103 and Matthew 6:25-34 would pair nicely under these circumstances.

 

Joni has released an encouraging video, especially given her lifelong dedication to men and women and boys and girls who are the very most vulnerable to the virus (5 minutes). Watch it here.

John Piper answers the question, “How Do We Make Sense of the Coronavirus?” (17 minutes). Listen to it here.

 

Watch “God Always Keeps His Promises” with motions for kids (and the young at heart) here.

 

1 Standing on the promises of Christ my king,

through eternal ages let his praises ring;

glory in the highest, I will shout and sing,

standing on the promises of God.

Refrain:

Standing, standing,

standing on the promises of God my Savior;

standing, standing,

I’m standing on the promises of God.

2 Standing on the promises that cannot fail,

when the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,

by the living Word of God I shall prevail,

standing on the promises of God. [Refrain]

3 Standing on the promises of Christ the Lord,

bound to him eternally by love’s strong cord,

overcoming daily with the Spirit’s sword,

standing on the promises of God. [Refrain]

4 Standing on the promises I cannot fall,

listening every moment to the Spirit’s call,

resting in my Savior as my all in all,

standing on the promises of God. [Refrain]

 

Steven Lawson: “Our Sovereign God” (48 minutes). Watch here.

 

In Christ alone my hope is found,

He is my light, my strength, my song

This Cornerstone, this solid Ground

Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.

What heights of love, what depths of peace

When fears are stilled, when strivings cease

My Comforter, my All in All

Here in the love of Christ I stand.

In Christ alone! – who took on flesh,

Fullness of God in helpless babe.

This gift of love and righteousness,

Scorned by the ones He came to save

Till on that cross as Jesus died,

The wrath of God was satisfied

For every sin on Him was laid

Here in the death of Christ I live.

There in the ground His body lay,

Light of the world by darkness slain:

Then bursting forth in glorious day

Up from the grave He rose again

And as He stands in victory

Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me,

For I am His and He is mine

Bought with the precious blood of Christ

No guilt in life, no fear in death,

This is the power of Christ in me

From life’s first cry to final breath,

Jesus commands my destiny

No power of hell, no scheme of man,

Can ever pluck me from His hand

Till He returns or calls me home

Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand.

 

Thank the Lord for his promises, like those described in Matthew 6. Ask His blessing on our leaders, our church, your loved ones, our ministry partners near and far.

and..

“What can I say but this, Lord: my heart admires you, and adores you, and loves you.

My little vessel is as full as it can hold, and I would pour out all that fullness before you to receive more and more.

You are my hope and my help, my glory, and the lifter-up of my head (Ps. 3:3). My heart rejoices in your salvation (Ps. 13:5).

And when your Spirit allows me to converse with you, a thousand wonderful thoughts flow into my should with refreshment and joy. They seem to crowd the happiness of many months into every single moment.

In humble wonder, I bless you for the knowledge and grace that lifts and sanctifies my soul… even now, through your grace, I feel your supporting arm leading me toward heaven. I await your salvation with a blend of passionate desire believers cannot help feeling, and a calm surrender born of your unchanging promise.

Amen.” – Philip Doddridge