Without delving into details of this year, I want to specifically come to the subject of separation, and to quickly get to the main one that led me to write this post.
Many have died from the virus. More have died from heart disease and cancer and most of these separated from their loved ones because of the restrictions in medical facilities. Our children and I were blessed to be with Jerry when he died on June 1 from heart failure.
Among many others, one of the areas has been the separation of the children of God from their heavenly Father and His family, and between His family members.
While it is tragic, we can find something good in all this. We have a closer look at who are truly God’s people. It is in times like these that a sifting takes place, and we see a separation of true believers from those who are only habitual worshipers.
There has been a hunger and thirst among some who love the Father and Jesus, the Son ~ those who have not had a place to worship. Many churches are still closed, and their members are not even looking for one that is open.
We have been blessed to increase our membership during these last few months, not only because of other churches being closed but because some have adopted new movements that have sprung up this year. This is proof that the teaching may not have been sound when we had the liberty to worship.
It is evident that when the church is shaken, there will be revision. God’s kingdom could not go on the way it had been. It is being turned upside-down and inside-out. If we return to what we consider even half-normal it will never be the same.
“And you shall be holy to Me, for I the Lord am holy, and have separated you from the peoples, that you should be Mine.” Leviticus 20:26
The separation of God’s people from the world will continue as we see who will worship during these times, and who simply do not care anymore.
‘Therefore “Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you.”
2 Corinthians 6:17
Other activities on the Lord’s Day are becoming more and more prominent, but He is forming a family for Himself who love and worship according to what pleases Him. These are the ones who live in peace and blessings from Him. These will be more prepared for the next round of separation. If God’s people do not turn in repentance and true faith, we will see another wave of chaos and violence leading to a greater separation.
Be joyful, if you are able to meet with God’s people. Pray fervently for His mercy and healing so restrictions may be lifted. But, more than anything, pray for those closest to you to be brought safely into the fold of the great Shepherd.
As His people, we are promised His presence and power at all times, in any distress or dilemma we may encounter.
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
NOTHING ~ nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:35, 37-39
I post this today for disciples of Christ as the particular day we prove our devotion to Him ~ the day separated from other days of the week. Observing this day is a projection toward the final day when He will separate His people from this world and eternally to Himself.
“All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats.” Matthew 25:32
“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. For our God is a consuming fire.” Hebrews 12:28-29
Dear Father in heaven, send your Holy Spirit to bring us to repentance. Turn us from the world, its fear and chaos ~ to worship you in spirit and truth, in reverence and awe. Show us your great and mighty work in your church today ~ for your glory and our joy. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Image: Google
God's Grace ~ God's Glory! 
Frances, I am so sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. I know that he is finally Home, yet I’m sure you miss him in your remaining time of exile here on earth.
I apologize that I am so late in offering condolences as well. I haven’t had time for reading blogs, but this one today popped up in my email inbox – which is unusual – so I suppose the Lord wanted me to see it!
I fully agree with all you’ve written here this morning. I have seen some fruit of this shaking lately, and I am loving it! The Lord has called me to minimize writing for a season and I am very much involved in the lives of my high school junior and senior as well as working at their school. It’s been an amazing time where I have a group of middle school kids I am blessed to speak truth to on a regular basis. It’s been very time-consuming but very gospel and prayer focused and I love it. God is at work in the hearts of so many around me, and He is doing amazing things through this crazy time. I’m thankful to be a part of it all!
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Dear Heather, Much has been transpiring since this writing. We are sensing the greater need for intercession. In this new stage, I am praying and working for a strong ministry of intercession for the women of our church. Wives and mothers live in a strategic place between fathers and children. As keepers at home, women have a special place as we stand in the gap for the Kingdom. Remembering Savannah Wesley, who, with all her children when she prayed had to find a corner in their home and cover her head with her apron. They knew she had entered the presence of the Lord and would not bother her while she prayed. He is moving his people to prayer and supplication as never before. I am blessed to hear of your ministry and pray the Lord’s blessings upon you and those around you.
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Thank you for this, this resurrection morning especially, Fran. A great encouragement to me — cbs
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The Lord is doing a great work in you and His people through His shaking and separation. Peace, joy, and blessings as we continue to seek His kingdom and righteousness.
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A true profession of faith Fran as you speak from the true and painful reality of physical separation— and you remind us that whereas we are separated in this life from the Father, we will be reunited— but, as the day of reunion draws near, more and more will merely dismiss the call.
Time is of the essence!
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Thank you, Julie. His timing is always perfect for His sovereign will. Blessings.
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🙂
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Thank you for this, Frances. I agree that there’s a sifting going on. Some have been lamenting the fact that church attendance (in person or on line) has gone down, but God is revealing His remnant. Those that remain are the committed and steadfast, and now it will be easier to tell the true believers from the pretenders. I have long felt that it’s been too easy to profess Christ in America, but something tells me it’s not going to be as easy in the near future. “But God is faithful …”
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Thank you, Annie. Isn’t it exciting when we see Him rise up, claim His own by filling us with His presence and power to do His sovereign will ~ but sad to see those who are separated from us. We ask His mercy for us all. We have His blessings as we stand stedfast in the truth of the gospel.
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I think of you from time to time when I do family things, thinking of how it can’t be easy to lose Jerry. Which usually lead me to pray for you. Praying also for your ministry. Thanks for this update, may the Lord use you and also your church.
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Dear Jim, your prayers are precious to me and to our Lord. We are establishing a women’s ministry of intercession in our church as we see the greater need for prayer and supplication in these times. As prayer branches, we are seeing fruit already in His vineyard. Thank you and the Lord bless your ministry and your church.
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I pray the women’s ministry of prayers will be used by God
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