Coach’s Contemplations,
As I write this article our nation is in turmoil over the events in Minneapolis and the death of George Floyd.
I will probably never fully understand the fear that comes from being racially targeted or profiled, and knowing human nature I believe this problem will always be with us this side of heaven. But my heart does ache for those who are the victims.
It grieves me that our natural response to these incidences is to attack back or lash out. We all do it. If someone hurts me or someone I love, I want to hurt them and if I can’t hurt the one directly responsible, I want to hit something. I am convinced this is part of our fallen human nature. It takes a great deal of self discipline to not react in some circumstances. It takes a great deal of respect, and when you have been disrespected it is hard not to do the same. It truly reminds me of how desperately we need God.
God’s solution is so unlike ours. God demonstrates his love for us in that while we are disrespecting him, he sets aside all his rights as the Almighty, Holy, Creator of the Universe and allows us the created to condemn him. And He accepts our death sentence. All because he loves us so much he cannot do otherwise. O, that the whole world could see this love, but Satan constantly tells us, “God is the bully. Run from him before He punishes you.”

We see that in the Garden of Eden, after convincing Adam and Eve to disobey, he then convinces them to run and hide even as God seeks them out to forgive them. These days remind me more and more how much we need a savior, and that savior is Jesus. The people around you need him too. So, I remind you in these troubles times.”Give them Jesus.”
Pastor Mark

As we continue to shelter ourselves from the Corona Virus of 2019. I see a lot of posts on FaceBook that pass judgement on others. Now I will admit that I too fall victim to this.
I shake my head when people in the stores ignore distancing, but here is my point if you don’t want to distance that is fine and I respect that. There are, however, people with health issues that are simply more comfortable respecting the distance. When I choose to ignore the distancing, do I do so in a way that still allows others to distance or do I do it in a way that says, you are a jerk for listening to the guidelines? We seem to be good at condemning people for having a different take on things than we do.
Some people are wearing masks out of a heightened anxiety. For some that may be a lack of faith in God’s ability to see us through this crisis. Some wear the mask in faith trusting that this is a way God has provided for us to get through this.  
Some do not wear the mask or distance themselves, because they believe God is in control and will take care of them. Some refuse to wear the mask because they believe it is a Government means of control. They believe if they wear the mask they are approving of all the government abuses going on in the midst of this crisis.
So for some, wearing a mask is an act of faith and for some not wearing a mask is an act of faith.  What is most important is that we love one another and encourage their faith in Christ in the midst of this crisis.
God has promised to see us through. He has even promised to see us through the Great Tribulation.  The victory has already been won by Christ! And He says, “Behold, I am with you always even to the end of time.”
Pastor Mark