I wanted to start the week out with a bit of encouragement!💆🏼♀️💞 First off, here at Garlands of Grace, we are praying for YOU. This virus has caught the world by surprise but with the Lord there are no mistakes or unknowns! Remember, the Lord is on His throne and in control. He has a perfect plan! May we boldly say, “The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” Sharing my Top 5 things to do during Home Quarantine:
“See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:15-16
#1 Redeem the time! Now is a great time to get those to-do lists tackled or make new ones! Clean out the pantry, organize your closets, start those box gardens, get the moldy cheese out of the refrigerator or stale cereal out of the cabinets ;), de-cluttered to garage, clear out your inbox! Whatever you have needed or wanted to do at home but haven’t found the time, do it! NOW is your opportunity redeem the time….
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”2 Timothy 2:15
#2 study the Word! Get in the Word of God! By yourself and if possible with your family. Read it, Meditate on it, recite it, and memorize it! This time of recommended (or for some ordered) home quarantine is a great time for unhindered concentration on God’s Word. Get equipped for the days ahead(Ephesians 6:10-18), renew your mind(romans 12:12), and encourage your heart(psalm 119:49-50)! We are told “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeder out of the mouth of God.”(Matthew 4:4). There is no greater way to combat the cares of the world than with the rich promises of God found in His Holy Word!
“And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God”Ephesians 6:17
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
1 Thessalonians 5:11
#3 Encourage others! Social distancing doesn’t make encouraging others impossible. Send a text to check on friends and family, call up grandma or mom just to say “hi”, share scripture and words of encouragement on your social sites. Be a shining light that points others to our source of hope!
“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.”Matthew 5:14
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7
#4 Pray! Take this time of aloneness and “social distancing” to draw near to the Lord in PRAYer! Bring your needs before him with thanksgiving knowing he promises a peace that passes all understanding as you do. pray for yourself, your family & friends, those effected physically and financially by the Corona virus. Pray for our nation and those in authority. We are told that “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”(James 5:16)! Let’s join in prayer.
“Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.”
psalm 46:10-11
#5 Be still. Rest in the Lord and wait patiently on HIM. In psalm 46 we are told that “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” During this time of chaos and confusion, take the Lord at His word and rest in His promises. Be still and know that he is God! I love how it says in acts 15:18 “Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.” The Lord is in control! He has a perfect plan and He promises “all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
“So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.”
Hebrews 13:6
