Dear Covenant Family:

I admit that the past 2 weeks have been tough for me.  I typically talk with God a lot in my life, but the past 2 weeks I have been preoccupied with other stuff – like the terrible situation our country seems to be in right now!  We have worsening coronavirus, continuing peaceful protests, not to be confused with the rioting, looting, property destruction, and serious crime including the murder of young innocent children also going on, and doublespeak from many politicians who say we cannot have church due to coronavirus but who then allow very large crowds to gather when that may provide a political advantage.  It is making my head spin a lot!!!!  Then we also have to decide if kids can go to school this fall and, maybe more importantly, can we have football this fall?????

In contrast, we have had great Wednesday messages from Tina and Carl the past 3 weeks, short but very pointed and helpful to focus on God rather than this other stuff!  It draws me back to reality for a bit, but then I have drifted back each time to the fallen world surrounding me.

I have also been reading a book the last 2 weeks called God Whispers which is very interesting (I am glad to loan it to anyone who would like to read it !).  The book explains the when, where, how, and why of the important 2-way conversation we should be regularly having with God.  That plan usually works well for me, but not the last 2 weeks!!  I am wondering why God is not talking to me………. but then realize I am not talking with Him very much either!!!  I think God finally had enough of this.  Here is what God has said to me the past 3 days, shouted at me like from a bullhorn!!  Of course, He chose my favorite Christian author, Sarah Young, to reach me through my daily devotional Jesus Always.  Here is what He had to say to me (highlights are mine):

July 8 – I draw near you in the present moment.  Seek to enjoy My Presence in the present; trust and thankfulness are your best allies in this quest.  When you wallow in the past or worry about the future, your awareness of me grows dim.  But the more you trust Me, the more fully you can live in the present, where My Presence awaits you always.  Speak to Me frequently: “I trust You, Jesus.”  “I love you, O Lord, my strength. (Psalm18:1)”  These short prayers keep you close to Me – confident that I’m lovingly watching over you.

July 9 – As you look to Me more and more, I become your joyful Focus.  When you look at the world today, many disturbing things call out to your attention.  If you concentrate too much on those things, you will become deeply discouraged.  Meanwhile, the One who is continually with you calls out: “I am here!  Look to Me, beloved, and find Joy in Me!”

Psalm 105:4 – Look to the Lord and his strength; seek His face always”.

July 10 – You overwhelmingly conquer through Me, the King of Glory who loves you.  No matter what is happening in this fractured, fallen world or in your own life, you are victorious.  I won the Victory once for all time through My sacrificial death and miraculous resurrection.  My unfailing love has accomplished this wondrous conquest and made you much, much more than a conqueror.  You’re an heir of the kingdom of eternal Life and Light!

Deuteronomy 31:6 – Be strong and courageous.  Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you.  He will not leave you or forsake you.

I have heard His message to me loud and clear!  God is good….. all the time…. even when I drift away……………..

May God bless you all today and always!