And Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior Himself said in John 15:13  “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.”   Christ is speaking of the great love He has for mankind by His willingness to lay down His life on the cross, so that we could live through Him in the Spirit of Love.

As we rejoice in the greatest gift to mankind this Easter Sunday and fill our hearts with His love let us be reminded of what the apostle Paul said in Ephesians 2:4,5  “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved).”

It was LOVE that held Jesus Christ on the cross - not nails !

This great love is on full display and is poured out into the hearts, minds and souls for those willing to risk dying in order to treat and care for their fellow human beings who are suffering, sick and dying from this horrendous COVID-19 Virus.  They are fearless and living out the truth found in 2 Timothy 1:7  “ For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

Let us be so ever thankful to God and for these brave, courageous men and women on the front lines of this raging war.

God is Love [1 John 4:8]  and is fully demonstrated by the courage, strength and loving hearts of millions of men and women risking their own lives in order to save the sick and dying.  Doctors, nurses, housekeeping, aides, dietary, laundry, maintenance and all the ancillary services bringing supplies to support this nightmare, as hospitals are overrun with this tragic event.

Let us place our trust, faith and hope in God and let not the fear of this virus overwhelm us.  Let this truth be in your heart as found in Psalm 31:14,15,24  “ As for me, I trust in You, O Lord; I say You are my God.  v15  My times are in Your hand; Deliver me from the hand of my enemies [this evil].  v24  “ Be of good courage, and He[God] shall strengthen your heart, All you who hope in the Lord.”   Psalm 46:1  “God is our refuge and our strength, a very present help in trouble”

The Police, EMT’s, Fireman, Scientists compiling tests, Trucking services, The Defense Department and Army Corp of Engineers building and providing makeshift facilities, Grocery stores, Pharmacies, Gas stations, Restaurants with takeout services,  Manufacturing plants and Distribution centers all trying to stay open to keep much needed medical supplies and equipment for our nations’ hospitals.

All these people dedicated and committed to a cause greater than their own.  All doing what their God given gifts are to help people through these trying times of uncertainty, fear and the stress of combatting this invisible enemy.  Taking heart that God is with them and will see them through to the end.   Matthew 28:20  “ I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” 

As Jesus Christ said in John 14:27  “ Peace I give to you – Let not you hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”

It’s a time the rest of us here in America and the World can only watch, wait and feel the helplessness and our total inability as humans to have any effect over this dreaded virus.  It’s a stark reminder of how little control we do have in our lives.  Our only true course of action is to turn to the only One who will be able to get us through these trials and difficult times and His name is Jesus Christ.

Joel 2:12,13 “Therefore says the Lord, Turn to Me with all your heart.  Return to the Lord, your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness.  v21 Fear not, be glad and rejoice for the Lord has done marvelous things.”

My friends, have FAITH, HOPE, LOVE, TRUST IN THE LORD.   PRAY (especially for those fighting this war and those who are sick and have died) and know that God is greater than any virus that is in this world.  I pray that all will follow the guidelines and be strengthened and grow in your faith and rest in these words of truth.   1 John 5:4  “ For whoever is born of God overcomes the world.  And this is the victory that has overcome the world -  Our faith.”

1 Corinthians 16:13,14  Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.  Let all that you do be done with love.

John 15:13  “ Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.”  

Start today – Don’t delay and change your life - Let the words of God speak to you and be filled with a peace and joy beyond measure.  

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