Gospel: Lucas 21: 34-36

Sinabi ni Jesus sa kanyang mga alagad: "Mag-ingat kayo't baka bumigat

ang inyong mga isip sa mga bisyo, paglalasing at mga intindihin sa
buhay. At baka bigla kayong datnan ng araw na iyon. Babagsak itong
parang bitag sa lahat ng nasa lupa. Kaya lagi kayong magbantay at
manalangin para maging marapat na makatakas sa lahat ng
mangyayaring ito at makaharap sa Anak ng Tao"
Songs

• Fight the Good Fight of Faith

• Born Into Battle
• God is my Refuge
 Discussion Topic:

PANDEMIC, Trying to Know the

Unknown
During this COVID-19 global pandemic, we’re all having to navigate new
territory and uncharted waters, whether it be learning how to use
unfamiliar technology or finding a way to get back to normal. It’s
definitely a season in which all of us are having to learn stuff that we
haven’t been taught.
During this journey of trying to know the unknown, I’ve been greatly
helped by God’s timeless wisdom and knowledge communicated
through the Scriptures.
Resist Laziness
Proverbs 22:13 is only one of a myriad of verses in the book that
compel us to diligence instead of slothfulness: “The sluggard says,
‘There is a lion outside! I shall be killed in the streets!” For us, it’s not a
lion, but a virus that’s roaming the planet. And the beast is tempting us
to use it as an excuse to jettison diligence and hard work.

Militantly guard against the lure of idleness by developing daily

routines, creating some element of structure to your day, and enlisting
some accountability to help keep you on track.
But what I have discovered is that–while I may not have more time on my hands–I
do have more control over my time. And more control combined with my flesh is a
train wreck waiting to happen. It’s a seedbed for laziness. Militantly guard against
the lure of idleness by developing daily routines, creating some element of
structure to your day, and enlisting some accountability to help keep you on track.
Refuse Isolation

Proverbs 18:1 says, “Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out
against all sound judgment.” Social distancing and shelter-at-home orders are
inconvenient but wise practices. However, they give believers a pass on pursuing
what Scripture says we need, and we need the camaraderie and counsel of other
believers, lest we find ourselves straying down.
Go the extra mile and take advantage of every means you can to stay
connected to regular conversation with Christian friends. Interact with
others through email, videoconferences, and social media, or even
physical presence within appropriate guidelines. Take great pangs to
keep the flow of wise counsel coming into your life.
Relish the Moment

If there’s anything this pandemic has done, it’s made us all keenly aware of our
fragility, vulnerability, and lack of control. The author of Proverbs warns, “Do not
boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring” (Pr. 27:1).
Almost overnight, so many people were transported by the COVID-19 scare from a
place of freedom, self-sufficiency, self-confidence, and indulgence to a state of
imprisonment, dependence, fear, and rations. But as a believer, I must live every
day in view of the world to come, I can’t afford to presume upon tomorrow.
God doesn’t promise me another day on this planet, so I need to seize
today with gratitude and appreciation, and I need to leverage every
moment. So, take a walk and enjoy God’s creation. Hug your wife and
kids, and tell them how thankful you are for them. Read the Bible and
pray more.
Tell someone about Jesus, because they–like you–aren’t promised
another day. Carpe diem.
Repent

This journey has caused me to look inward and do a lot of soul-

searching, asking God to show me my own sin and to look to Him in
repentance and faith. While human nature is most inclined to lash out
against God with anger and questioning, the Spirit of Christ within us
compels us to use our discomfort as an occasion for repentance,
renewal, and crying out for revival.
“My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline or be weary of his reproof,
for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom
he delights” (Pr. 3:11-12).

Allow prayers & Scriptures to help you know the unknown.

Discussion Starter:
• Share if you can relate with ‘laziness’ and ‘isolation’ during this
pandemic, especially in your service.

• What can you do about it?

• Share about “relishing” or “repenting” during this pandemic.