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Since 1997, November has been designated by presidential proclamation as “National Family Caregivers” month.  In recognition of the work that over 90 million people in the United States do 24/7 caring for a loved one.  As caregivers for more than 28 years, my wife, myself, and our other two sons experienced the challenges and the joys that caring for a child with special needs brings to a family.

Caring for someone you love isn’t a burden, but it is hard work.  I, for one, am grateful that the work being done by many of our fellow citizens is being recognized this month.  They go about their tasks without complaining and without any compensation, other than the love they receive from those they care for.  In our case, it was our son with special needs, but so many others are busy caring for a parent that is aging, or a spouse that has need of extra care.

The work that family caregivers do is exhausting.  They put in many hours: organizing medications, planning, and going to doctor appointments, ensuring that their loved one’s needs are being met.  All the while, juggling jobs and their own household responsibilities.  Even if their loved one is in a care facility of some type, the stress of making sure they are cared for can be overwhelming.  They truly are the unsung heroes of our day.  From time to time you may notice them out in the community doing the work, but for the most part, you would never notice them as they go about their day.

So this month, if you have an opportunity, tell a family caregiver “thank you” for the labor of love that they do. We all must realize that at some point in time we will probably be in their shoes, caring for someone we love.

Below is the link to the 2020 Presidential proclamation honoring Family Caregivers.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/proclamation-national-family-caregivers-month-2020/

God bless the Family Caregivers!!!

 

I have had the privilege of sitting in on some conference calls and to speak personally with several pastors since the beginning of the “pandemic” that the world is going through. To a man, the biggest desire on all of their hearts is to see the flock whom the Lord has made them overseers. They struggle with not being able to tend to the needs of their people. They may be able to preach using technology that is available or even has drive-in services, but it’s not the same as being together as a body or a flock.
Jesus compares His followers to sheep. Sheep are very dependent animals. The shepherd leads feeds and protects the flock. Jesus called Himself the Good Shepherd.
John 10:14-16 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so, know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice, and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.
The Lord cares for His individual sheep and the sheep are called to follow Him. He even spoke of the shepherd that would leave the fold of 99 and search for the one that was lost. His care for us is never-ending.
Those of us that are part of a church body or flock need to understand the heart of the man that the Lord has made overseer of his local flock. These men are not just hurting at this time because things are so different, but, they hurt for each church member. This is a time of anxiety for many of the flock and the under-shepherd wants to minister to the needs of the sheep. That goes beyond just preaching and praying. They have a heart of wanting to lead, feed, and protect those in his care. Pray for the Pastors that have the heart of a shepherd today. They are not only experiencing their own individual pain but, also they feel the hurt of every one of the sheep he leads.
Be sure that you are part of the flock of God. The Good Shepherd laid down His life for you so that you can be forgiven by the grace of God. He paid the price for our sin so that we can be in the fold. Won’t you trust in Christ today? Ask God to forgive your sin and accept as Jesus is the only way of having your sins forgiven and receive Him as your Savior. Make Him your Shepherd and you will know His heart.

I want to share with you an excerpt from a new book that I am in the midst of writing, “Unexpected.”  Considering the days that we are living in, the timing of this book may be perfect.  This passage is from the second chapter, “Reacting to the Unexpected.”

I find it interesting that Job had to rise up after hearing the devastating news. Some have speculated that in his sorrow he fell to the ground, it may mean that he was seated when he heard the news. I believe that he may have been in prayer for his children at the very moment that he received the news of his great loss. His habit was that he prayed for his children when they would gather together.
Job 1:4-5 And his sons went and feasted in their houses, every one his day; and sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them.5 And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Thus did Job continually.
Job 1:13 And there was a day when his sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother’s house:
Job 1:18 While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, Thy sons and thy daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother’s house:
This is purely speculation on my part, but it could be that Job was sacrificing and praying for his children as they were killed when the house they were celebrating in collapsed from a strong wind.
What a perfect time for Satan to attack Job as he was in prayer. Remember, Satan’s purpose was to get Job to curse God to His face. Not only did God not protect Job’s children from cursing God in their hearts, but they died at the celebration. The thing that Job feared the most happened to him.
Job 3:25 For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me.

Never forget, child of God, you have an enemy that will never fight fair.

As we navigate this time of uncertainty we grasp for something that will give us hope.  The President gets on television and tries to offer hope by referring to the “Professionals,” they try to offer hope by referring to statistics, the news media doesn’t offer much hope at all and we all get tired of being stuck at home without much hope of getting out any time soon.  People are yearning to go out to a restaurant and having a meal.

The only real hope there is today is in the Lord.  I know to some that may seem like just words, but the Lord has proven Himself trustworthy to me time and time again!

Psalm 42:5 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.

The Biblical definition for hope is an expectation or confidence in the Lord.  Knowing that He will do exactly what he says he will do.  In light of the current events, the pages of Scripture are unfolding before our eyes!  Remember that much of the history that is in the Bible was prophecy at one time.  The one-world government, one-world monetary system, and even a one-world religion seem as though they will be very easy to pull off in today’s world.  All of which has been prophesied in Scripture to take place in the last days.

I have confidence that all these things will come to pass, because, my hope is in God not in a political, monetary or religious system.  I also have the expectation of arriving in heaven someday.  Nothing can change that.  I can say that my hope is in the Lord because I have placed my faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ!

You too can have the hope of heaven today.  Admit that you are a sinner and need forgiveness for your sin.  Believe on Christ as your sacrifice for sin and ask the Lord to forgive you. Then your hope of heaven will be in God, not in yourself or some good work.

Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

Have hope in these uncertain times.  Believe in God, He will keep you through the troubles, and deliver you home!  You will get out of this house and got to your home in heaven.  Have hope In Spite of Being Homebound!

In the turbulent times that we live in today, it is important to “LIVE IN SPITE OF” the current circumstances.  I realize that many restrictions have been put in place to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus and our lives have all been changed.  Many people have lost jobs, going to the grocery store is discouraging, as people hoard certain products and life can be a challenge at this time.

However, we must not allow our circumstances to keep us from LIVING our lives.  What I mean is, make the necessary changes, but don’t let the changes steal our joy and care for others.  Our children and grandchildren need to see us with a smile on our faces.  We shouldn’t be in panic mode, we need to rely on the Lord through trying times. When David was running from Saul and went to the enemies of Israel the Philistines, he was afraid, yet kept his trust in God.

Psalm 56:3 What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.

As people that have placed the saving of their soul in the hands of God through Christ, we need to trust Him beyond our salvation.  Not in politicians or 401ks or having enough toilet paper to last for the next 6 months.  Our trust must be in the Lord.

Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

Are we enjoying the peace of God today or are we fretting over the circumstances around us?  May we LIVE IN SPITE OF the current situation by enjoying the peace that comes from trusting in the Lord.

Remember, that there are many people that have loved ones that are in the hospital or nursing homes today that they are not allowed to see.  There are people that are directly affected by the coronavirus that are suffering.

Let’s look to lift someone up today.  Show others the peace of God and joy in the midst of trials.  Family and friends are watching us today.