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Rev. Austin Miles
The cross should cancel out virus fear
By Rev. Austin Miles
One of the most perplexing events in our history would have to be the coronavirus that has literally stopped the entire world in its tracks. This "pandemic" has totally wiped out all normal behavior of most civilizations, including shaking hands as a friendly gesture, hugging anyone, kissing a baby, or even standing close to anyone, which, of course, could transfer the virus. The math on this is at least six feet from anyone to ensure the safety of everyone. So get out your tape measure. Don't leave home without it.
So this is a strange era in which one should never get too close to anyone. It has often been told to me during counseling that this was the norm for the family he or she came from, even without the disease threat. It was just a way of life. The blessing of receiving Jesus means that he is always at our side. And He is our advocate.
The virus itself is puzzling in many ways. Why did it form? How did it form? Was it actually created in China? That is some of the speculation bouncing across the landscape with the question, "could the virus have started in the Wet Markets of China? The Wet Markets of China are the most unsanitary and cruel markets in existence. They border on the downright savage.
The market is filled with terrified animals, including dogs and cats, stuffed in small cages. The customer picks out the animal he or she wants, the animal is yanked out of the cage and slaughtered right then and there on the spot. The animal is then cooked and eaten.
It is thought by medical professionals that THIS is where the coronavirus began. It was started by animals as a result of their filthy living conditions. As an animal lover, this writer is going to take some action to have these "wet markets" put out of business and torn down.
There is much in this life that repels us, scares us, and makes us wonder if life is worth it. The cross settled this question. The cross gave us Jesus Christ who said, "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee." Hebrews 13: 5.
And looking at the corruption of a very wicked world, it is easy to become negative and virtually give up on life. Don't do it!! We are told clearly in the book of Deuteronomy, Chapter 31 Verse 8, "And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee; he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed." And best of all, He forgives us of our sins, like wiping the slate clean, giving us a new start in life. Who would not want that new beginning? I did at one time and since then life has been beautiful. I have a great (and pretty) wife, kids, grandkids and great grandkids.
This minister-writer has seen many spectacular demonstrations of the power of the Holy Spirit and the intervention of Christ both in public meetings and in private. Why be deprived of this kind of relationship that took so much strength for Jesus to face that cross, determination and yes, suffering, to accomplish while at the same time resulting in everlasting life for all those who put their trust in Him?
Think about this, readers. This is the real thing. I care for you, want the best for you, and do not want one of you to be absent when the final curtain is drawn over this earth.
The painting of Jesus and the lambs was by Bob Boyd of Issues in Education who joins me in
WISHING YOU ALL A VERY HAPPY EASTER.
ANALYZING TODAY'S NEWS FOR TOMORROW'S HISTORY
© Rev. Austin Miles
April 9, 2020
One of the most perplexing events in our history would have to be the coronavirus that has literally stopped the entire world in its tracks. This "pandemic" has totally wiped out all normal behavior of most civilizations, including shaking hands as a friendly gesture, hugging anyone, kissing a baby, or even standing close to anyone, which, of course, could transfer the virus. The math on this is at least six feet from anyone to ensure the safety of everyone. So get out your tape measure. Don't leave home without it.
So this is a strange era in which one should never get too close to anyone. It has often been told to me during counseling that this was the norm for the family he or she came from, even without the disease threat. It was just a way of life. The blessing of receiving Jesus means that he is always at our side. And He is our advocate.
The virus itself is puzzling in many ways. Why did it form? How did it form? Was it actually created in China? That is some of the speculation bouncing across the landscape with the question, "could the virus have started in the Wet Markets of China? The Wet Markets of China are the most unsanitary and cruel markets in existence. They border on the downright savage.
The market is filled with terrified animals, including dogs and cats, stuffed in small cages. The customer picks out the animal he or she wants, the animal is yanked out of the cage and slaughtered right then and there on the spot. The animal is then cooked and eaten.
It is thought by medical professionals that THIS is where the coronavirus began. It was started by animals as a result of their filthy living conditions. As an animal lover, this writer is going to take some action to have these "wet markets" put out of business and torn down.
There is much in this life that repels us, scares us, and makes us wonder if life is worth it. The cross settled this question. The cross gave us Jesus Christ who said, "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee." Hebrews 13: 5.
And looking at the corruption of a very wicked world, it is easy to become negative and virtually give up on life. Don't do it!! We are told clearly in the book of Deuteronomy, Chapter 31 Verse 8, "And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee; he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed." And best of all, He forgives us of our sins, like wiping the slate clean, giving us a new start in life. Who would not want that new beginning? I did at one time and since then life has been beautiful. I have a great (and pretty) wife, kids, grandkids and great grandkids.
This minister-writer has seen many spectacular demonstrations of the power of the Holy Spirit and the intervention of Christ both in public meetings and in private. Why be deprived of this kind of relationship that took so much strength for Jesus to face that cross, determination and yes, suffering, to accomplish while at the same time resulting in everlasting life for all those who put their trust in Him?
Think about this, readers. This is the real thing. I care for you, want the best for you, and do not want one of you to be absent when the final curtain is drawn over this earth.
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WISHING YOU ALL A VERY HAPPY EASTER.
ANALYZING TODAY'S NEWS FOR TOMORROW'S HISTORY
© Rev. Austin Miles
The views expressed by RenewAmerica columnists are their own and do not necessarily reflect the position of RenewAmerica or its affiliates.
(See RenewAmerica's publishing standards.)