On my early morning walk I saw this sign written on the side of a boat “expect the unexpected” I walk this way at least three times a week and I have never seen this before. It seemed to jump right into my spirit. How do we prepare to expect the unexpected?

I pondered this for the rest of my walk and the thoughts that came to me were, if we are to get through the unexpected (corona virus) we have to have our feet firmly planted on the Rock of Jesus.

Only a short time ago, no one expected that today almost the whole world is in lock down. The way we do life today is totally different to the way we did it a few weeks ago, and it is changing all the time. There will be many more unexpected things that can and will come upon us in these uncertain days. But one thing you can be ABSOLUTELY sure about is that God will never change, His Word is trustworthy and true.

I want to encourage you, do not give into fear, stand on the ROCK of your salvation and put your trust in God. This chorus just came into my mind “On Christ, the solid Rock I stand; all other ground is sinking sand.”

Who would have ever thought a few weeks ago that most of the world today is in isolation!!!

This morning our church went live on line, this is the first time Andrew and I have ever experienced church on line. At the end of it we decided to play some more worship songs and end our service with having communion together which was lovely.

As I was listening to the song “raise a hallelujah” I sensed that a lot of people might be feeling isolated, especially if you live alone. I want to remind you that if you have made a commitment to Jesus, you are never alone, ever. His word says in Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them (coronavirus) for the Lord your God will never leave you or forsake you.

Don’t allow a feeling of isolation to overtake you during this time, instead sit quietly with the Lord and have communion with Him. I looked up the meaning of communion and this is what it said. “the sharing or exchange of intimate thoughts and feelings, especially on a mental or spiritual level” (off-course it also means The Lords Supper).

You can be sure that the devil will put thoughts and feelings of being isolated into your mind, and if he can get you to dwell on that, you will feel very alone. Tell him he is a liar and Jesus is the truth, then sit down and have communion with Jesus.

Father I pray in Jesus name, if there is any one who reads this blog that is feeling isolated and alone, would you wrap your loving arms around them and remind them by Your spirit that you never leave them or forsake them. Amen

Due to the Coronavirus Schools and kindergartens in Australia are teaching the children to wash their hands properly; they do that by getting them to sing the Happy Birthday song twice. I was thinking about that this morning as I was walking along the beach having my early morning walk with Jesus. This thought popped into my head, seeing we all have to now wash our hands frequently and throughly, why not quote scripture out loud as we wash our hands!!!!

For example:-

God is my refuge and my strength. He will never leave me or forsake me. I am safe and secure under the shadow of His wings. No weapon formed against me will prosper. God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind.

It is the word of God that will counteract the spirit of fear that is trying to overtake us. The children of God have nothing to fear. The coronavirus has not taken our Father by surprise, regardless of what the media tell us, Jesus is still in control.

Next time you wash your hands try quoting scripture, most people know psalm 23 why not start with that. If we do that every time we wash our hands, we will be feeding our spirit, which in turn will make us stronger and take away any fear.

definition of offence: (annoyance or resentment brought about by a perceived insult to or disregard for oneself).

To take offence or to be annoyed and resentful, only hurts me and drains me of all energy and joy. The Holy Spirit whispered to me one day, “Grethe an offence is only an offence if you choose to be offended).

Are you carrying an offence towards someone or do you get annoyed and resentful, stop and think about what the Holy Spirit whispered to me. Today make the CHOICE to not allow offences, annoyance and resentment into your life. They become like a heave Cloak that is worn 24/7.  Choose to take it off today

This is what the Bible says about offences:

I really do not believe in making New Years resolutions, because they are doomed to fail. However I do believe in setting my self a new challenge at the beginning of a New Year.

This year as I sat and talked to my Heavenly Father about what He would like me to challenge my self with in 2020. I had no sooner asked Him and immediately came these words into my mind “speak only words of LIFE“. I knew in my heart that this was the Holy Spirit speaking to me.

So with God’s help I am going to do my very best this year to speak only words that bring life and encouragement to others.

Will you join me in this challenge?

Dear Lord Jesus, Would you help me and any other person who reads this and takes up the challenge with me. Lord convict me by the power of Your Holy Spirit, if I speak words that are not life giving I ask in Jesus Name. AMEN