#OvercomeByTheBlood

[ogloriousday]

..It's April Fool's Day, the day for joy from: practical jokes, pranks, pointless errands, trickery, "lighthearted" teasing, and of course a convincing hoax or two. Yet, despite what the calendar says today is a day that many may not find "fun". The news is giving reports on pandemic numbers. Grocery and wholesale stores are continuing to report delays and unavailable items. And, state and local governments are giving updates on new or extended "stay-at-home" orders. Everywhere you look there is a strange balance of panic and normalcy, adjustment and  frustration, and chaos in a "tug-of-war" with calm. 

For some, it may be easy to be "fooled" in to thinking that social distancing is pointless. For some, it may be easy to be fooled in to thinking that the walls are Caving in around you. And, that there's only room for Anxiety and Depression in Isolation. For some, it may be Easy to be fooled in to thinking that Hoarding goods and looking out for self is best. For some, it may be easy to be fooled in to thinking that the way things are now will become a never ending "new normal". And, that there's no need to try to Accomplish anything planned for in 2020. Wherever you may or may not find yourself in relation to these things, or in Comparison to others, remember this: Be Wise.

Now is Not the time to become Distracted or Discouraged. Now is Not the time to become (or remain) Selfish and Self-absorbed. Now is Not the time to Give Up or Give In. Whatever you may be feeling or dealing with Be. Wise. Be Wise in What you Do and in what you Don't Do. Be Wise in your Work, whether educational, personal, or professional. Be Wise in what you Say and what you Don't Say. Be Wise in what you FOCUS on. Be Wise in How you Spend your time. Do not be fooled in to forgetting that God. Is. In. Control. And, this too shall pass. (2 Cor 4:17-18)  

Take some time today to step away from work, news updates, stock watching, unnecessary store preorders, dwelling on negative or dark thoughts, selfish social media posts, endless dating app swiping, and Pointless conversations that will only Lead to another Heartbreak. And, instead, FOCUS on God. Seek him in his Word. Seek his Guidance and Direction. Remember that you are Loved. Recognize the many Blessings that you've received.  Ask for Healing for the sick and those who are grieving and hurting. Ask for protection for those who are the most Vulnerable and are not able to work from home or Self-isolate. Ask for those who are Lost and feel Distant from God to be Found and Reconciled to him. Most of all, Ask for Wisdom (James 1:5). 

Listen. There is nothing wrong with Celebrating Life, having a Good laugh, Self-preservation, or even finding yourself caught up in what's going on around you for a Moment. However, when we begin to become Distracted by the many issues and vices that Plague human life and Fooled in to forgetting our Purpose and that God is ALWAYS in Control we step away from being Wise and start to Wander. 

Now, Don't feel guilty if you've looked forward to April Fool's day in hopes of having a laugh to break up the Monotony and feelings of Disconnection created by Social Distancing. Don't feel like there's something Wrong with you if you caught the "panic buying" bug. Don't feel bad if you've taken Advantage of Opportunities to Advance in the midst of Domestic Stagnation. But.. Don't Forget about God. 

Now is the Time to Be Wise and Invest in our Relationship with Him. Now is the time to Share your Story, for we shall Overcome by the Blood of the Lamb AND the Word of our Testimony (Rev 12:11). Now is the time to Call that Family member or Friend and give them a Word of Encouragement. Or, say 'Hello' and Let God Direct the Conversation. Now is the time to Pray. (1 Th 5:17) Now is the time to Be Intentional about what you do and what you focus on. Now is the time to Be Wise. You can do it! And, remember it may be April Fool's Day, "the day for Joy from jokes and jests", but TRUE Joy comes from God (Ps 16:11)..

#2Corinthians #James #1Thessalonians #Revelation #Psalms #OGD #ogloriousday #theprayerblog #DoNotBeFooled #BeWise #SeekGod #AskForWisdom #PrayForOthers #ShareYourStory #PowerInPrayer #OvercomeByTheBlood #TrueJoy #ComesFromGod