During the storms of life, we still worship an amazingly good God and give thanks for all the amazing love we have experienced during this beautiful journey of life. God is still working on our behalf. He is extending His hand to walk along side of us and lead us forward, like a loving Father walking with a beloved child. We can live without fear because of God’s perfect love that always flows towards us. Not even death can separate us from His vast love. In these uncharted waters, God is closer than ever and, in response, we can draw nearer to encounter His love that flows towards us in precious and real ways.
An Understanding and Response to the Coronavirus Pandemic
We are all facing unprecedented societal changes in response to the coronavirus (CoVID-19) which was declared to be a global pandemic on 3-11-2020. Many people are trying to understand this virus and gain a proper perspective. I am also inviting and encouraging people of faith to continue to pray or our community, our nation and our world. Will you take the time to increase your understanding and to join in prayer?
Click here to see the 12 things I am praying.
Our Promises
I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
Psalm 27:13 NIV
This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins… And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.
1 John 4:10, 16 NIV
Jesus: “This is how much God (Father) loved the world: He gave His Son (Jesus), His one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need to be destroyed (perish); by believing in Him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending His Son, merely to point an accusing finger; telling the world how bad it is. He came to help, and to put the world right again.”
John 3:16-17 MSG
Jesus: “The thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it more abundantly.”
John 10:10 NASB
Jesus: “I am the Resurrection and I am Life Eternal. Anyone who clings to me in faith, even though he dies, he will live forever. And the one who lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
John 11:25-26 TPT
The Goodness of God
We are invited to see life from God’s perspective and to allow His goodness be a framework for navigating the storms of life as well. Please enjoy this brief two minute video from Pastor Bill Johnson encouraging us during tough times to avoid being offended but to instead press into a greater understanding of how good God is.
(Click on image to watch video)
Questions for Thought
- Are you choosing life, and life more abundantly? One of the greatest joys is to dance in the rainstorm or sail with a brisk wind. Don’t let difficult challenges hold you back from experiencing the fullness of joy and peace.
- Are you adding to your destiny list? Be encouraged to keep a destiny list of things and desires God has put on your heart. Keep track and celebrate as items on that destiny list are fulfilled – that is a testimony of God’s goodness and faithfulness.
- Have you shared your story or journey with following generations? Your life is an important part of human history that influences generations to come. Your life’s journey may seem like it has a ceiling but that is the floor for the next generation to go even further in experiencing God and life. Your story matters to others.
- What would your life look like if you experience a greater freedom in your heart? It is possible for our hearts to be healed and whole. There is no limit to how much of God’s love you can receive in your heart. God yearns for interactive relational intimacy with you on earth as His beloved son or daughter. Just ask for a greater embrace of His perfect love, then rest and receive.
- What is your legacy of influence? We each live lives of influence. Think about what heart beliefs and core values you are passing on by how you live your life. Consider how your heart beliefs and core values are extension of God’s perfect love. Take time to make that love known to another person in a practical way of love being shown.
Creating Your Own Legacy
Have you thought about the impact you can make in life? Have you considered living life with a perspective of eternity? Have you considered readjusting the priorities of life around love – love for God, for family, for others, and for community, including your workplace?
Enjoy a short video from a younger David Skjaerlund encouraging an executive leadership group to think about the concept of a living legacy and the priorities of life.
Touching People’s Lives
What is the most important thing in life? What is the second most important thing in life? Have you ever considered how to encourage those around you as a lifestyle of love?
Enjoy a short video from a younger David Skjaerlund challenging an executive leadership group to make love known to those around them, including a culture of encouragement that places a priority on people.
Childlike Greatness
Have you ever thought about defining greatness and what greatness might look like? What would you say if you were asked that question? Jesus did answer that question and it surprised many people.
Enjoy a short video by Cora (Skjaerlund) Marsh where she shares some insights on the definition of greatness and what that might look like in life.