If our hearts are our emotional houses, we have lived in them, as in our literal homes, too long and too exclusively the past few months. I can tell that people are losing their sense of proportion. Not only are tempers flaring online and in the streets among strangers, but I am seeing even mature believers and loving families snipping and sniping at each other over small things.

Everyone, it seems, has something to say about something – or someone. And what they have to say isn’t pretty. But must it all be said?

 “Mom!”

 “I left Trophimus sick at Miletus” (2 Timothy 4:20)

As some churches tiptoe back into corporate worship and ministries reboot in a post-corona mode, those who are immune-suppressed or elderly are being gently asked to stay home awhile longer. 

In our Bible reading this morning (6/20/2020), Susan and I came to the ninth chapter of Daniel. What we read seemed to be an appropriate prayer, with, of course, some adjustments, for the USA (and maybe some other countries) in light of present circumstances. Susan and I prayed that prayer and I copy it below for the consideration of other WRF members:

“In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider/look (heb.). God has made the one as well as the other in such a way that no one can find out what is to happen next.” Ecclesiastes 7:14.

 Abstract: Thirty-two Moroccan Christians were surveyed about their lives in this Muslim kingdom, including their current lifestyle, church involvement, family life and aspirations for the future.

For many of our youngsters this graduation season, masks and sanitizer are replacing caps and gowns; e-certificates will arrive online instead of sheepskin diplomas. This cohort of youth make up the “coronials,” who are stepping forth into a future that seems even more uncertain than in other years.

Here are two diagnostic questions for Christians that need very honest answers. Here’s the first: if you go to church and also are in a Bible study and prayer group, do they complement each other, so that you get something from one that you don’t from the other? What, specifically?

“Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?" Paul, Galatians 4:16

"For Christ has freed us from the curse of the Law, not from obedience to it."  Martin Luther, Sermon on Galatians 3: 23 - 24

Around the world, scientific research teams are racing to find cures and vaccinations that might protect us from the new plague that is killing tens of thousands and throwing nations and their economies into chaos. The virus has changed our world.

So why are we here, anyway? The Westminster Shorter Catechism says it this way, ‘man’s chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy him forever.’ Does that mean we should first commit ourselves to give glory to our God, and then move on to enjoying him?

Sometimes religion is important, but usually barely, on the margin. Why is that? When you fit religion under the social sciences that helps you think it over.