Monday, March 23, 2020
#HOMEchurch Day7. This is my Poppa with me from when he was in his mid-50s. Among the thousands of eternal investments he has made in my life, he used to take our entire family to the beach every summer.
Now, at age 92.5, Poppa is quarantined in his nursing facility: no visitors in, no residents out, for any reason. He is an extrovert, and a story-teller who loves human companionship – thus, he already struggled with loneliness before this epidemic began…
About 50 million Americans are aged 65 and older. You cannot help them all – but you can help one. Think of an older person in your life who has been affected by this virus – either by sickness or quarantining or some other factor – and give them a call. Tell them you miss them. Tell them they matter. Tell them what they mean to you. And then pray for & with them.
Today, I will call Poppa.
Tuesday, March 24, 2020
#HOMEchurch Day8. Today, memorize a Bible verse that is meaningful to you. Encourage yourself by quoting the verse throughout this season and remembering God’s faithfulness through all circumstances. Here’s a link to help with Scripture memory: https://liketreesplanted.com/category/scripture-memory/
Wednesday, March 25, 2020
#HOMEchurch Day9. Jesus taught His disciples HOW to pray. He taught them to pray frequently and fervently. He taught them how to think of God in prayer, and how to address God in prayer.
But there are surprisingly few things that Jesus directed His disciples to pray for specifically. One of the rare specifics that Jesus told His disciples to pray for is found in Luke 10:2 – “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest fields.”
I am learning to make this prayer a part of my daily life. A friend encouraged me to set my phone’s recurring daily alarm for 10:02am, and to pray specifically for the harvest every day:
- for the followers of Jesus around the world to make themselves available to God as His harvest workers, everywhere they are
- for doors to open for the Gospel in areas that are hostile or closed to Christianity
- for God’s Spirit to move into those areas and prepare people to receive God’s love
- for harvest opportunities right you live, and for open doors to impact the people nearest you with God’s love
Believers are stopping to pray at 10:02am in every time zone around the world, prompted by Luke 10:2. Would you join us? Would you set your phone’s alarm for 10:02am, and take 60 seconds each morning to ask the Lord of the harvest to open doors for the Gospel, and to send out more workers into His harvest fields? And hey – if you’re really gung-ho, you can even set a second alarm to pray for this again at 10:02pm each night!
Thursday, March 26, 2020
#HOMEchurch Day10. Today, set aside 20 minutes by yourself to spend alone with God in Psalm 106, following these instructions:
- Read through Psalm 106 slowly, deliberately. Take your time.
- Go back through Psalm 106, and re-read any sections that you did not understand the first time through.
- Ask God, “What do you want to say to me through this Psalm?” – and then take 5 slow, silent breaths, just sitting still in God’s Presence – just listening.
- Now, read Psalm 106 again, but this time, read it aloud to yourself, and read it like it’s your first time ever seeing it. Take note of the phrases, words, or elements that stand out to you this time.
- Finally, ask God, “How would You have me respond to this Scripture today? What would You have me do as a result of reading this Word today?” Now, just sit, and wait, and listen for how His Spirit might answer that question in your heart and mind…
Friday, March 27, 2020
#HOMEchurch Day11. One group in our world-wide family of faith that is significantly impacted by this season of quarantine is our foreign missionaries – Christian workers who already live outside of their home culture, separated from their families and comfort zones.
One of the most valuable things a Christian working on foreign soil can receive from home is a hand-written letter. There is such a warmth and love that hand-writing conveys which typing cannot replicate.
Do you personally know a Christian serving overseas? If not, do you have a friend or family member who knows one? Or does your church support a missionary somewhere?
Today, one of the most loving things you could do would be to hand-write them a letter. Even if you can’t mail it to them, you can take a photo of it, and send the photo of your letter to them through email or instant message.
Saturday, March 28, 2020
#HOMEchurch Day12. Do something FUN today with your household! Fun is sacred. Fun is holy. Did you know that God actually required the people of Israel to hold three, week-long festivals together, every single year! And, that “fellowship” was one of the core attributes of the early Church!
Let celebration and laughter be the primary ways you guide your household to God today:
- Play hide-&-seek.
- Bake some brownies.
- Hang up some Christmas lights somewhere for no reason.
- Pull up some karaoke versions of popular songs on YouTube and sing & dance & laugh along!
- Rearrange your furniture to build a fort.
- Read a children’s book by candlelight.
- Look up cheesy jokes online, and take turns telling them to each other, while trying NOT to laugh!
Like Trees Planted 