Learning to Live in the New Normal!

Change – it is inevitable. There are tons of jokes about change, some more funny than others. After all, no one typically embraces change really well unless the change was their idea in the first place. So, here’s the question of the week…

How are you doing with all the change that has come your way amidst COVID19? How are you doing in your 'new normal'?

It has been amazing to see the country - for the most part - and the Christian community pitch in to help others with a spirit of teamwork and solidarity. Many are sacrificing of their time and talents to help others. (And then there are those that simply stay in a state of panic from one change to the next.) I have a feeling we’ll never take the privilege of corporate worship and church gatherings for granted again. At least, I hope not! Our children and grandchildren have all been affected by the virus and its restrictions in one way or another. The world as we knew it has changed. The world as our children and grandchildren have known it will never be quite the same. The world as God sees it remains unchanged. Yet, His purposes remain!

Hebrews 6:13-20 give us this great assurance to hold onto no matter what is going on in the world around us.

“When God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to swear by, he swore by himself, saying, ‘I will surely bless you and give you many descendants.’ And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised. People swear by someone greater than themselves, and the oath confirms what is said and puts an end to all argument. Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.”

Is it possible to try and wrap our minds around all the change that has taken place in our world since the day of Abraham? Or, what if we only considered the changes in our world since Jesus faced his imminent death in the Garden of Gethsemane? Change is inevitable. Since the beginning of time, change has been an ever-present reality. 

So, I encourage you with these thoughts and reflections. Just as the generations before us adapted to their 'new normal' as life threw changes at them, I pray that you, your husband, your family and your church seek God's direction as you continue to make adjustments in life. May we each adapt to our 'new normal' while holding onto the One who is always faithful! 

Don't get distracted in this time of change. Keep looking for ways to be creative in life and consistent in your spiritual walk. 

Here are a few fun new ways to stay in step with God that I’ve been introduced to this week. Perhaps one or two of these ideas could work into your life or the life of your church family. Check them out, and remember to keep trusting in God’s unchanging plan - from beginning to end! “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8

For you or the women you know…

Jennifer Rothschild

“If we’ve gotta be socially distant, then we’ve gotta get even more spiritually connected.”

Beginning March 31 at 12 noon ET, a new Facebook Live group will spend about 30 minutes studying Isaiah 40 together. “The timing is perfect because Isaiah 40 opens with comfort and closes up with strength. Two things I desperately need from God right about now. How about you? And, speaking of being ‘together,’ Isaiah 40:5 says ‘The glory of the Lord will be revealed and all people will see it together.’ Let’s learn how God comforts and strengthens us.” 

All you’ll need is your Bible. Can’t watch live? Watch anytime it works for you!

Check out the preview video -

https://www.facebook.com/jennifer.j.rothschild/videos/2715576442009896/?__tn__=-R&inf_contact_key=4c6a85885e301ad821822415ee310c641b0a3f0fd3ee5d9b43fb34c6613498d7

Join the group -

https://www.facebook.com/groups/BibleStudyBistroJennRothschild/?inf_contact_key=39c5352447e11141eaf310063baf433c16358d5485884e2f31e6019a0d26c8b0

Liz Curtis Higgs

“Since our Women’s Bible Study can no longer meet on Tuesday mornings at our church, we’re gathering online for The Women of Easter Study.” Jump in at noon on Tuesday, March 31 on Facebook Live with Liz or view the video after it’s live from any device you own, and at any time that works for you! “Meanwhile, stay safe, stay well, and stay close to the One who sees you and loves you.”

Pre-recorded Week 6 – “The Women of Easter”

https://www.facebook.com/LizCurtisHiggs/videos/the-women-of-easter-chapter-6-live-with-liz-httpwwwlizcurtishiggscombooksthe-wom/497402210954621/?__so__=permalink&__rv__=related_videos

More Resources –

“The Women of Easter”

https://www.lizcurtishiggs.com/books/the-women-of-easter/

“Take This Cup” - Online  Easter Devotional

https://www.lizcurtishiggs.com/take-this-cup/

More podcasts available anytime day or night!

https://www.lizcurtishiggs.com/category/podcasts/

For You & Your Hubby

Stay-At-Home Date Night! (for Couples and Churches)

April 4 & 24 |Only $12 per couple

Special Guests (April 4) - Dr. Gary Chapman and Jeff & Debby McElroy.

“During these unprecedented times, couples are in need of opportunities to laugh together and grow together like never before. Whether you or the couples of your church need to laugh or to learn, we're excited to offer these nationwide Stay-At-Home Date Nights! Whether you're married, engaged, or in a serious relationship, expect to be encouraged, inspired, and better equipped to handle this challenging time together!”

Join this Facebook Live Event -

http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07egzjglxzc91e1cda&llr=5wr5aibab

Sponsored by https://foreverfamilies.com/

Free Resources for the Homebound

Perhaps you’ve heard of or used “Children’s Worship Bulletins” in your church, but did you know they also had an outreach for those who are homebound? Plus, during this COVID19 situation, they’ve created four days’ worth of devotions and activities for those in our churches who are homebound or who are caregivers. It’s a great way to reach out to those who may feel isolated.

These downloadable files are totally free and are printable without restriction -

www.hometouchministry.com/covid19-resources-for-elderly-homebound

Plus….

There is also a subscription service if you’ve ever thought about having an outreach ministry to your homebound or elderly members.

“The senior adults or those that are ill and confined to their homes, a nursing home or hospital bed, would love to attend church programs and services and experience the fellowship and community of their church family on a regular basis. HomeTouch is no substitute for that experience, but it can help you to fill the void they may feel when they are no longer able to be physically present in church. It can help you create a loving, ministering outreach to your shut ins and other members, who for any reason are not able to be a part of the physical church family.”

Check out their website at https://www.hometouchministry.com/