Joshua Bible Sketch

Peace in times of uncertainty, fear, loneliness, failure, anticipation, change, harshness, shame, blame, harm, suffering, exhaustion, pandemic, and death

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 ESV Bible verse sketchbook hand lettering doodle

God commands us to be strong and courageous and promises to be with us! We receive certain hope as we fear, love and trust Him above all.

• Freedom that comes from the fear of God (watch)
• Favorite Bible passage Joshua 1:9 (listen)
• Thy Strong Word talk on Joshua 1 (listen)

The Holy Spirit offers faith through baptism into Christ who provides…

• direction in this life
• care and compassion
• mysterious joy
• transformation and ability to love others
• gentle harmony with each other
• safety and protection
• forgiveness
• healing and comfort 
• grace
• mercy
• peace
• eternal life

God doesn’t hinder the prayers of those who live in an understanding way which honors others. 

• Heavenly Father, within your will and timing, we ask for an end to the COVID-19 pandemic; give effective care to those infected or afraid; protect and inspire those providing care, supplies and leadership.
• Creator, thank you for granting us strength and courage when we are weak and scared.
• Forgive us when we fall to temptation, when our vast flaws and inadaquacies—doubtful, negative thoughts, words and actions—misguide our own and others’ focus away from You.
• Move us to let go of arrogance, pride, stubbornness and selfishness. 
• Open our ears to listen to, absorb and grow in the Word. 
• Help us pay attention and really hear others well; then, allow us to reflect Your compassion, forgiveness, humility and grace.
• Remind us that we cannot earn Your forgiveness but You forgive in Christ’s Name. 
• Your ways are above ours—we cannot comprehend your presence, power and knowledge—we are in awe of your great love and mercy!
• Thank you for sacrificing Your perfect Son Jesus, to suffer, die and victoriously rise to intercede for and save us! 
• We sinners repent. We don’t deserve it, yet, we trust Your atonement and gladly rest in your promises of our resurrection and ultimate reunion with all believers together with You in heaven.
• Dear Father, Comforter, and Savior—remind us You are in control of life and death. You desire all to receive the faith You give in Your Word. You, alone, are the final judge of our individual hearts through the lens of Christ. 
• Thanks for being with us during these extraordinary times, here and wherever we go (or don’t go). 
• Guide us to patiently trust You, recognize, enjoy, and thankfully share Your grace, peace and gifts this day.

Amen.

I will never leave you nor forsake you. Joshua 1:5b NIV

Let the Word sink into your heart and mind

• Bible (read or listen)
• Deeper Bible study (learn more)

Deuteronomy Bible Sketch

The greatest commandment is to love the Lord your God

Life-changing days of social distancing to slow the spread of COVID-19 disrupts our lives and causes many of us to focus on our compassionate Lord

• We pray for an end to this pandemic according to God’s will and timing
• We praise God for the unchanging truth of the Bible
• We give thanks to God who provides our needs of body and soul

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. Deuteronomy 6:5 ESV

Peace is in Jesus who bore our sins on the cross.

So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. Romans 6:11 ESV

True love is Christ who is pleading God the Father’s mercy on behalf of sinful believers who confess and repent. Our Heavenly Father sees the work of His Son who died on the cross and rose on the third day for all people. Those who believe are forgiven and granted eternal life on the Last Day. Hearts of Christians are filled with thanksgiving and are moved to fight sin, love others, and share the Gospel. Mighty power of the Holy Spirit is given in faith to trust in the promises of Jesus. Patient endurance in suffering which God allows is worked in believers to help us grow in character and love. Our souls are filled with hope through the Sacrament of Holy Baptism which calls all to live according to God's will, renouncing the devil and all his works and ways, and to confess the faith in the one true Triune God.

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28: 18-20 ESV

Knowledge of the Lord isn’t automatic—it must be learned and organized in high priority.

Church and school cancellations are set-up to protect people from the coronavirus. These changes effect how children and adults worship, learn, teach, and socialize. Like never before, it is important to dedicate time to be in the Bible, listen, browse, and subscribe to resources…

• Quick Tips for New Homeschoolers
• Home Congregation sermons, social links
  —You Tube
  —Facebook
  —Instagram
• Portals of Prayer
• Around the Word
• Worship Anew
• Lutheran Hour Ministries
• Church info and links
• Christian books and study materials

I lift up my eyes to the hills; from where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2 ESV