January 25~SPIRITUAL SOCIAL DISTANCING:  KILL THE BACTERIA

Romans 8:1  “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”

When we actively live lives that bring glory back to God, we can live without any condemnation. The best way to make sure that we always walk after the Spirit is to always kill the bacteria-that is-our flesh. When we don’t kill bacteria it spreads, makes us sick, and can kill us if left untreated.  When we walk after the Spirit, the Spirit acts as an antibody that fights off bacteria (flesh) and helps us live healthy (pure and holy) lives.  We don’t ever have to live in quarantine (condemnation) when we walk after the Spirit.

Ka’Liyah S. Streater

January 24~SPIRITUAL SOCIAL DISTANCING: TRUSTING GOD IN DIFFICULT TIMES

Ephesians 4:31  “Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:”

The year 2020 was a year in which we experienced changes like never before.  We do our best to remain six feet apart; we are advised not to hug, touch, or gather with friends and family.  What was once familiar to us is now totally different.  With these restrictions, we can find ourselves angry, bitter, and full of resentment.  But we must remember that God is still in control; just as He brought the children of Israel out of the wilderness, He will guide us through this calamity and will see us through.

Debra Townsend

January 23~SPIRITUAL SOCIAL DISTANCING:  STAY SPIRITUALLY ALIVE WITH CHRIST

Romans 8:10  “And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.”

As sinners, we are born spiritually dead because of sin.  It is by grace through faith in Christ that we are made spiritually alive.  When we are baptized in Jesus’ Name and receive the Holy Ghost, our human spirit is regenerated and made alive in Christ.  If one does not have the Holy Ghost, he is spiritually dead and does not belong to God (Romans 8:9).  The Word of God instructs as saints to spiritually social distance ourselves from sin because we have Christ dwelling in us.  

Stacey Edwards

January 22~SPIRITUAL SOCIAL DISTANCING:  ALONE! BUT NOT ALONE

Ephesians 4:22  “That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;”

Who would’ve ever imagined, having to wear a mask whenever out in public or having to keep 6 to 10 feet between yourself and the next person.  Yes, this world has gotten out of control, but be confident, FEAR NOT, God is still in control!  God wants to do a great thing in your life, but you must first remove those things holding you back.  I’d like to think of it as “Isolation Before Manifestation” or “A Spiritual Social Distance.”  Don’t miss the shift that’s about to take place!

Deron Barnes

January 21~SPIRITUAL SOCIAL DISTANCING:  GLORIFYING GOD

I Corinthians 6:20  “For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”

In one verse, Paul challenges the believer to know that we do not belong to ourselves, and, as such, have a duty to glorify God in our bodies and in our spirit.  The word glorify simply means to honor with praise, admiration, or worship, to elevate, lift up, add dignity to, dignify, enhance, and promote.  As we are strongly encouraged by the CDC, and other health officials to practice social distancing due to the rapid spread of the Coronavirus, so should we distance ourselves from sinful acts that would pollute our body, and our spirit.  We glorify God in our bodies, or elevate and dignify Him when we avoid fornication, or any sin against the body and also yield to sacrificial prompts of God, such as extended fasting or intercessory prayer; we glorify God in our spirits when we make a practice of singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, or any activity that builds us up spiritually.  My brothers and sisters, be encouraged to know that when you glorify God in your body and spirit, that with such sacrifices, God is well pleased. 

Vincent Davidson

January 20~SPIRITUAL SOCIAL DISTANCING:  LET GOD ABIDE IN YOU

I Corinthians 6:19  “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

We have been purchased by the blood of Jesus who died on Calvary.  Our body is the temple for Him to dwell in and to give Him honor.  He sent us the gift of the Holy Ghost to reside in us to help us give ourselves to Him and not yield ourselves to fleshly and worldly desires.  It is a privilege and an honor to belong to Him.  Today, as a witness of Jesus Christ, you can get the victory to all of your problems by allowing God to abide in you.

Maggie Barnes

January 19~SPIRITUAL SOCIAL DISTANCING:  KEEPING YOUR GODLY SPACE

Ephesians 4:29  “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”

We as Saints must know that we are often watched closely.  When we are communicating, we should be sure the conversation is pleasing to God.  Because of the pandemic, mandates from government officials require that we socially or physically distance.  But as saved individuals, the Holy Ghost lets you know when to spiritually social distance.

Donald Barker

January 18~SPIRITUAL SOCIAL DISTANCING:  STAYING IN THE WILL OF GOD

Ephesians 4:26  “ Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:”

We are in this world, but not of the world.  As a child of the King, we must practice separation and detachment from those who would take away our spiritual well being.  Let’s keep our minds sanitized with the Word of God.  God, however, does not want any distance between Him and us.  Therefore, let’s continue to walk faithfully, trust God, love Him daily, pray, seek His face, and follow His commands.

Brenda Jones

January 17~SPIRITUAL SOCIAL DISTANCING:  BEING DILIGENT

2 Peter 3:14  “Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.”

As we await the coming of the Lord, we must keep our spirit from contamination.  We are asked by officials at this present time to constantly wash our hands, wear a mask, and remain six feet apart while in public.  To keep back spiritual contamination, we must keep a prayer life.  We must read and study the Word of God so that we’re ready to go back with Him when he comes for His Church.

Cheryl Jemison

January 16~SPIRITUAL SOCIAL DISTANCING: DO YOU FOLLOW GOD’S GUIDELINES? 

Ephesians 4:17  “This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,”

God’s guidelines for safe spiritual social distancing are called commandments. The commandments of God are not suggestions, options, or recommendations and are not open to discussion. To maintain a healthy spiritual life, the born again believer must practice consistent prayer, Bible reading, fasting, and regular church attendance, being careful not to walk (live) as the Gentiles (heathens, un-regenerated sinners). Obedience to the commandments of God will keep one from testing positive for that deadly disease called sin.  Following God’s guidelines will protect us.

Angela Barnes