Yesterday Georgia governor Brian Kemp said he was issuing a shelter-in-place order effective on Friday, and announced that schools K-12 would be closed for the remainder of the school year. In his remarks he quoted Joshua 1:9 – “Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Another Scripture passage we need to hear from the highest levels of our cities, states, and federal government is 2 Chronicles 7:14 – “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
I remember 19 years ago when our federal leaders were standing on the steps of the Capital singing hymns and praying as the ashes of the Twin Towers continued to drift through the air of New York City. Our hearts were, to take John Wesley out of context, “strangely warmed.” Churches were full on September 16, five days after Islamic terrorists flew two airplanes into the Twin Towers, one into the Pentagon, and a fourth plane was taken down by the passengers on board before more hurt could be done.
But by Thanksgiving that initial rush towards God was in the background. And now America has more corona virus cases than any nation on earth. God was speaking directly to Israel in 2 Chronicles, but I believe that the promise can hold true for this nation that once called itself a Christian Nation.
Humble yourselves.
Turn from your wicked ways.
Then I will hear!
👉 For the last five years Bonnie and I have sailed exclusively with the Carnival family – Holland America, Princess, and Carnival (there are more, but those are the ones with whom we’ve put to sea). Since the corona virus infection began to dramatically affect cruise ships – and we were on the Carnival Miracle with our 14 day cruise cut to 13 days and our port of disembarkation turning us away – the corporation has been keeping those of us who have served in their entertainment department updated with frequent, and transparent emails.
The one I received yesterday was full of bleak news. Overall operations have been suspended until May 11, all Alaska sailings are cancelled through June 30, and all San Francisco sailings for the remainder of 2020. And two ships have had their sailings canceled until October and November respectively – those ships were originally scheduled for European voyages.
The good news in all of these changes concerns the crew who were stranded on board when passengers were disembarked. None of the crew, regardless of their nationalities were permitted to go ashore. Since then, Carnival has been sending everyone home that they could, arranging transportation and other needs, with the aim of keeping no more people on board than is necessary to maintain the safety and integrity of the ships. If a Team Member’s country is on lock down or if there is no travel available, the team member will remain onboard in a non-working position. Carnival is provide lodging, meals, medical care, and enrichment opportunities for them until they depart.
Bonnie and I definitely appreciated hearing that because from cruise to cruise we have our favorites, sometimes buying them special treats and gifts, and giving them our email addresses so if they wish, they can communicate with us. I know that they have more important things to do and don’t expect long and witty emails, but hearing from corporate that these “kids” are being well taken care of is good news. And because some of you have asked, I share this.
👉 I am disappointed not to be able to share any significant quotes from Commissario Guido Brunetti today. He and one of his detectives were running down leads, and there was nothing prose-worthy to share. However, I will ask those of you who watch “Murdoch Mysteries,” the show from Canada about Toronto detective William Murdoch, forensic genius and over-the-top inventor, if you were disturbed by the episode “Fox Hunt.” Murdoch’s wife, Dr. Julia Ogden was turned into a looney Gladys Kravitz (the nosey neighbor from “Bewitched”) spying on her neighbor, suspecting him of killing his wife. It’s disturbing to see a good show going down hill. Producers, quit while you are ahead.
👉 Well, let’s return to sheltering in place and close for today. Here is Psalm 91:1-3:
You who live in the shelter of the Most High,
who abide in the shadow of the Almighty,
will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress;
my God, in whom I trust.”
For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler
and from the deadly pestilence.
And click here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-HwVboqmb8 to hear “Sheltered in the Arms of God.”
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