Today is the 3rd Sunday in a row that my family watched our church service from home. These weeks have involved new adjustments along with a lot to process. You can probably relate! Songs are helping. I heard from lots of friends about what they’re singing these days during this week’s #worshipleaderwednesday conversation on social media. And I caught up with worship leader, Jared Anderson, to find out how he and his large family are impacted by the Coronavirus. They’re on official lockdown in Colorado. I asked him about his song picks for this season, too. He’s been going LIVE on social media each evening for Nights of Song (6-7 Eastern), sometimes with a friend or family members. I loved that Jared shared his heart and mind, and that he’s sharing the gift of music as an offering to help others while also steadying his family. I also 100% love that Jared is fun to talk with and lives in a colorful home!
Episode 7 also features Neal Harmon, CEO of VidAngel: a filtering service with access to familiar titles and original content, allowing you to skip the stuff you’d otherwise fast-forward and mute. That’s good news if you need a laugh from Dry Bar Comedy or are looking for something spiritual for the family like The Chosen. You may have heard about this first-ever multiple-episode tv series based on the life of Jesus and the impact he had on those closest to him. My husband and I recently binged it. So, as a fan, I was eager to geek about about with Neal. Listen to the podcast to find out when season 2 is coming out – and how it’s being affected by the Coronavirus. Plus, Neal shares his favorite character and scene, and some fun stories behind-the-scenes.
JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Vision, today’s 20/20 Insight focuses on the contagious effect of courage.
While the Coronavirus is having a contagious effect on the world in an unhealthy way, there are contagious influences that have a positive effect on our lives.
One of those influences is courage.
Sometimes, one person’s willingness to step forward and stand for God motivates others to step forward too. This can happen when someone leads the way by example or offers words of encouragement for someone who is feeling timid or fearful. Billy Graham has said that courage is contagious. When a brave man takes a stand, the spines of others are often stiffened.
Jesus is the ultimate example of courage. Hebrews 12:2 encourages us to fix our eyes on Jesus. “For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
Focusing on the courage of Jesus to go to the cross gives us greater clarity for living out the Christian life.
JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Vision, today’s 20/20 Insight focuses on the contagious effect of Love.
While the Coronavirus is having a contagious effect on the world in an unhealthy way, there are contagious influences that have a positive effect on our lives.
One of those influences is love.
God loves us, and inspires us to love. Our capacity to love others is influenced by the fact that God loved us first. Whenever God’s people are motivated by the love of Jesus, we are sending a powerful statement to the world.
Jesus said in John 13:34, “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” The love of Jesus was a sincere expression of God’s grace extended at the cross. That is the kind of love that is able to turn sinners to saints.
Focusing on the life-changing impact of God’s love gives us greater clarity for living out the Christian life.
JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Vision, today’s 20/20 Insight focuses on the contagious effect of motivation.
While the Coronavirus is having a contagious effect on the world in an unhealthy way, there are contagious influences that have a positive effect on our lives.
One of those influences is motivation.
Hebrews 10:24 encourages us to “consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”
We can all probably remember an influential teacher, pastor, or coach who has mentored us to reach the next level of personal growth. They brought out the best in us and inspire us to be that kind of influence for others. The call of the Christian is to be a voice of encouragement for others to grow in love and good deeds. How can we do that? We can motivate others by our example, with words of hope, and by connecting with them on a regular basis.
Focusing on ways to motivate others in the faith gives us greater clarity for living out the Christian life.
