GETTING BACK TO NORMAL Part 1

BARBARA E. PERKINS

GETTING BACK TO NORMAL
Part 1
What is normal?  What many accept as normal is not pleasing to God.  All people are very important in God’s plan, but for some reason that is not what happens in our normal society.  …And that’s normal.  God’s word in Deuteronomy 16: 19 (NKJV) declares, “You shall not pervert justice; you shall not show partiality, nor take a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous.”  In the Book of James 2:1-4 God’s word is also confirmed, “My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality. 2 For if there should come into your assembly a man with gold rings, in fine apparel, and there should also come in a poor man in filthy clothes, 3 and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say to him, ‘You sit here in a good place,’ and say to the poor man, ‘You stand there,’ or, ‘Sit here at my footstool,’” 4 have you not shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?”  Then Colossians 3:25 continues with these sharp words, “But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality.”  Yet, we see partiality in the way people are being dealt with every day and on every level during the coronavirus pandemic.  Our healthcare workers, first responders, sanitation workers, those working in meat packing companies, grocery stores, the postal service and other critical workers providing a service on the front lines during this pandemic are overworked, underpaid and understaffed.  Many of them are working in unsafe conditions, putting their very lives in peril, as well as that of their families and communities.  Many of the doctors and nurses are literally crying because of the coronavirus produced trauma, fatigue, inadequate working conditions, plus lack of supplies and equipment.  The deadly neglect in nursing homes and assisted living facilities, across this nation, during this coronavirus pandemic is unconscionable.  Thus, they need the cooperation of this entire nation and our prayers to be able to successfully do their jobs.  This has become normal.  Our brave veterans have dedicated years of their lives, many sacrificing their lives or limbs to protect the U. S. A.  Yet, the medical and other services provided for them, so badly needed, are lacking.  That’s this nation’s normal.  It’s sinful!!!    Another challenge, there are states in the U. S. A. where drinking water is unsafe to drink because of pollution.  This has been a problem in several states for years with Michigan, California and New Jersey topping the list and it is appalling.  In addition, there are so many other harmful environmental issues affecting our air, land and sea. Unfortunately, it has become our normal.  Then, there are all these other little and big things that mess up our normal, like bigotry, factions and pride.  I don’t believe that Almighty God is pleased with the normal that we are trying to go back too. His word 1 Cor. 3:19-20 admonishes us, “For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, ‘He catches the wise in their own craftiness;’ 20 and again, ‘The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.’”  We, as a nation, are in a very bad place right now, therefore we need to repent and pray to God, so that He will have mercy on us and answer our prayers (2 Chronicles 2:14).  LORD GOD ALMIGHTY, we so desperately need You to heal our land and reverse the course of the coronavirus.  LORD GOD, please have mercy on us and our nation.  In Jesus Christ’s Powerful Name!  Amen!

Would you like to be saved and develop a relationship with God as your Heavenly Father?  If you would really like to know God, invite His Son, Jesus Christ, into your heart.  Please pray this prayer:  Dear God, please forgive me of my sins.  I believe in my heart that Jesus Christ is Your Son.  I believe that He died on the cross, shed His blood, and rose from the grave for my salvation.  I confess Jesus right now as my Savior and Lord.  God fill me with your Holy Spirit so that I can live a life that pleases You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!  If you prayed this prayer and really meant it, based on Roman 10:9-10, you are saved.  Welcome into God’s Family!