2 Corinthians 5:16 – 6:13

We are people who live, not for ourselves, but for the living Christ. Therefore, we no longer regard other people or our situations according to the flesh. The world says, treat others as competitors in a zero-sum game. Christ says, look out for the interests of others. Lord, remind me of that command when I reach out my hand for the last jug of milk at the grocery store as another person reaches for it too. Bridle my tongue when I am talking to someone whose assessment of the COVID-19 crisis differs from mine.

We servants of Christ are new creations. We therefore have the ability to face afflictions, hardships, calamities, sleepless nights, hunger (6:4-5) with endurance, purity, patience, kindness, genuine love, truthful speech, joy (6:6-10). That ability comes from the Holy Spirit, who indwells us. Lord, I choose today to live by the Spirit, to live as Your new creation. I know that is a choice I need to make daily. Especially during this calamity called COVID-19, open my ears and my heart to hear the voice of Your Spirit, and strengthen me to obey.

We who enjoy a restored relationship with God are entrusted to carry the message of reconciliation to others. The COVID-19 crisis has surely “rattled the cages” (as Pastor Dave put it) of some unbelievers around us, showing them that they are not, in fact, in control of their own lives. This is a favorable time for them; today could be the day of their salvation. Lord, whom do you want me to implore on behalf of Christ, “Be reconciled to God!” Show me, and give me boldness to be Your ambassador. Fill my mouth with words to explain clearly that salvation is available by God’s grace, not by human works. Praise be to Jesus, who was without sin but voluntarily bore ours to save us.

Calvary Family

Thank God for our successful virtual church service on Sunday. About 140 computers, which I’m guessing translates into well over 200 people, were connected in cyberspace for worship, prayer, and the preaching of God’s word. Pray for our pastors, staff, and worship team as they work hard to make this option possible for us. Pray for our small groups as they find ways to meet and connect virtually.

I have been thinking about people who are not in a small group at Calvary and who are not well plugged in to the community. Ask God to bring to mind someone you’ve met who might fall in that category. Then take the initiative to reach out with a phone call or e-mail to see how they’re doing. (If you need contact information, I’m sure staff would be happy to help.) If you are that person who has been functioning on the fringes of the Calvary community and are hungry for connection, feel free to reach out to me. I’d love to hear from you! (Click on the “Submit a Prayer Request” button, below, or reply to this e-mail.)

Pray for those in our body who are facing severe hardship right now because of the coronavirus and all the shut-downs. Pray that their needs would become known within the body so we can help, that embarrassment or pride would not stand in the way.

Lift up our Chinese congregation. They have been dealing with the anxiety we feel now since mid-January, when they began to hear scary news about the virus from family and friends in China. Pray that their congregation will remain a true community as they also live-stream services on WeChat.

Take time to read and pray through two Scripture passages referenced by our pastors on Sunday: Philippians 4:6-8 and Isaiah 43:1-3a.

In Christ,
Carol Gilbert
Calvary Community Church of Brea