LIFTING MY VOICE: AN UNSHAKEABLE KINGDOMIn the present climate wher...

LIFTING MY VOICE: AN UNSHAKEABLE KINGDOM
In the present climate wher...: AN UNSHAKEABLE KINGDOM In the present climate where the COVID-19 Coronavirus is bringing the nations of the world, seemingly almost to ...

AN UNSHAKEABLE KINGDOM

In the present climate where the COVID-19 Coronavirus is bringing the nations of the world, seemingly almost to a standstill economically and socially, and everyday seems to bring new restrictions on people movement and association, with strict social distancing being enforced by police units - for the Church of Jesus Christ, the Living God - this is a time of realignment and refocusing on all that really matters in life.

Australia, where I live, in this past short space of time, has experienced massive fires, floods and prolonged drought. If that was not enough for the nation to bear, now we have joined the nations of the world in facing the unseen battle with a highly contagious virus, COVID-19, which originated in Wuhan Province in China, and quickly spread around the world.

I would venture to say that the impact this virus is making in disrupting the normal patterns of everyday life in many nations, has not been seen since times of war. Certainly, in my sixty nine years living in Australia and New Zealand, has there ever been anything like the measures being undertaken now by governments jointly around the globe.

Christians, who adhere to the Bible as the inspired Word of God should perhaps be not too surprised that such things are happening today. In Matthew 24 in the New Testament, when the disciples of Jesus asked Him what would be the sign of His coming [again] and of the end of the age, He replied: "Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many." And you will hear of wars and rumours of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences and earthquakes in various places.

All these are the beginning of sorrows." Verses 3-8

Jesus said there would be pestilences in various places. Over the past two decades, there have been a number of deadly viruses that have appeared causing varying degrees of infection rates and mortality. SARS virus, Bird flu, Swine flu, Zika virus, Ebola and now the Coronavirus - come quickly to mind. No doubt there have been others receiving perhaps less media coverage. What does the word 'pestilence' mean? Well, the Merriam-Webster dictionary defines the word as: a contagious or infectious epidemic disease that is virulent and devastating. 
The Cambridge English dictionary defines pestilence as: any serious infectious disease that spreads quickly and kills large numbers of people.

While this current pandemic is causing much fear and panic, and a sense of foreboding is hovering over many lives about their economic and health futures, this is a time for Christians who have their hope in Christ, and who are fully trusting the integrity of His Word - to shine brightly with a deep sense of God's abiding peace and love.
Truly, as in the Book of Esther in the Old Testament, this is a time for those who belong to the kingdom of God to know they "have come to the kingdom for such a time as this." 

There is a real sense that, when the world and the world systems are in meltdown, the church has the opportunity to arise and shine brightly amidst the darkness and gloom. It is interesting that I saw a post on Facebook yesterday that showed shelves in a US supermarket, normally stocked with Bibles - and there were but a few Bibles left on mostly bare shelves. People are looking for hope! They are desperate to find peace in the storms of life. Jesus is still the Prince of Peace, and He is the Author of Life, who still holds out hope for the hope-less!

The writer to the Hebrews in the New Testament book of that name says in chapter 12 that everything that can be shaken will be shaken so that only those things which cannot be shaken will remain. Friends, there is a shaking going on!
Verses 28, 29 tell us: Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be moved, let us be gracious, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. For our God is a consuming fire! 
The kingdom of God is an unshakeable kingdom! 

TO BE CONTINUED

LIFTING MY VOICE: NO FEAR HEREPART THREEOur six-year old gra...

LIFTING MY VOICE: NO FEAR HERE



PART THREE



Our six-year old gra...: NO FEAR HERE PART THREE Our six-year old grandson is currently living with us full time, and attending a Christian sch...

NO FEAR HERE

PART THREE

Our six-year old grandson is currently living with us full time, and attending a Christian school here in Hobart, in southern Tasmania. This particular school is having two student free days, in order that the teachers can prepare material and set in place contingencies should the school need to close its doors, because of the COVID-19 Coronavirus threat.

As of writing, in the state of Tasmania, Australia's island state, there have been twenty eight confirmed cases of this virus, all being people who have returned from interstate or overseas travel. There have been, to date, no person to person infections in this state. Even so, the government has commenced Stage 1 of measures deemed necessary to seek to contain the spread of the virus.

Thousands of jobs have been lost, strict social distancing protocols have been enacted, and the police force has been given powers to fine those not adhering to the government's directives. Further tighter measures have been foreshadowed in the event that the disease shows signs of significantly increased casualties in the state.

At a press conference called by the Premier, Peter Gutwein this morning, in reply to a question from a journalist about the policy regarding schools, he clearly stated that at present the national health advice is that there is no risk for children continuing to attend school. In spite of this, we know personally of at least one Christian school in the Hobart region which has already closed, and the school where our grandson is enrolled - on their Facebook page today, stated that ninety (90) percent of parents/carers have decided to keep their children at home and continue their education away from the school.

We were somewhat shocked about this. Then perhaps we should not have been. Our grandson's young teacher rang us yesterday afternoon to ask what we planned to do with him - to keep him at home or still send him to school. I told her that we would want to still send him to school while it remained open. She then said: "If I had children, I would want to keep them at home." Talk about a hint that we were, perhaps being irresponsible sending our grandson to school still.

Of the eight deaths from COVID-19 in Australia so far, all have been in their 70's and 80's, and most probably have all had other immune system deficiencies. It has been stated that eighty percent of all cases of the infection experience mild symptoms.

Another post featuring on the Facebook page of the Christian school our grandson attends is about 40 and 50 year olds in NSW who are now in intensive care in NSW with the Coronavirus. What they fail to mention, though, is I suspect that, as with those who have already died or who are very ill, they have most likely been experiencing other health issues weakening their bodies' immune systems.

Because it is a Christian school, I thought I would seek to bring some encouragement to those reading their Facebook page. I posted the following about an hour ago: 

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High

Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress;

My God, in Him I will trust."

Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler

And from the perilous pestilence. Psalm 91:1-3

At this time, the Church of Jesus Christ is called to arise and shine, not cowering in fear, but to walk by faith, and to extend the love of God to a world that is in panic and turmoil. After all, Jesus is the Prince of Peace.

I posted it to the school's Facebook page, then after less than five minutes it disappeared. Unbelievable!

There is NO mention of Jesus, of our need to trust God at this time - just depressing posts about COVID-19.

Let us be sure of one thing: Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. Hebrews 13:8
As Jason Golden, Evangelist posted a few days ago:
HOW DO WE BEAT THE CORONAVIRUS?

FAITH OVER FEAR

WISDOM OVER WORRY

PRAYER OVER PANIC


TO BE CONTINUED

If you would like to know more about how to become a Christian, and be delivered from fear - and know God's deep abiding peace, 
Go to www.vision.org.au  Click on Growing your faith tab, then from the dropdown menu, click on "Looking for God?" God Bless!

LIFTING MY VOICE: NO FEAR HEREPart TwoAs I stated in the firs...

LIFTING MY VOICE: NO FEAR HERE
Part Two





As I stated in the firs...: NO FEAR HERE Part Two As I stated in the first part of this blog, the current Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic going ar...

NO FEAR HERE

Part Two

As I stated in the first part of this blog, the current Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic going around the world is causing much fear and panic in communities, leading to panic-buying of food and household necessities, in some places at such an alarming rate that supermarkets have had to take drastic measures to cope with supply and demand issues, and to help the elderly and disabled be able to shop safely.

As also stated, not only by me, but by many others, the fear and panic being experienced by multitudes is in some ways probably a greater threat to peace and security than the infection itself.

It is at times like that in which we are living, that the Church of Jesus Christ has the opportunity to shine brightly with the hope that believers experience as they are fully trusting the Lord for deliverance and for safe protection from all harm.

Psalm 91 offers incredibly wonderful promises of protection to the child of God who is fully committed to following and trusting the Lord Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord.

Verse 1,2 says: He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High 

Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress;

My God, in Him I will trust."

What powerful scripture verses to take a stand upon in this - and in fact, all times, when unseen dangers are lurking. 

Joseph Prince, Senior Pastor of New Creation Church in Singapore,  in speaking about this verse, points out that in the Hebrew, Psalm 91:1 has the sense of: He who sits in the secret place of the Most High 

Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 

Also, in the Hebrew, shadow always speaks of protection.

For the Christian, under the New Covenant, the secret place is IN CHRIST!

Ephesians 2:4-6 tells us But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love  with which  He loved us, even when we were dead in sins, made us alive together in Christ (by grace you have been saved), and He raised us up and seated us together in the heavenly places in Christ.

Notice the psalmist in verse 2 of Psalm 91 declares: I will say of the LORD! There is great power in making declarations with our mouth. He does not say: I will think of the LORD, BUT - I will SAY of the LORD. Right from the beginning of time, in Genesis Chapter 1, the LORD God spoke all things into being. God said: "Let there be light, and there was light." Each time a new aspect of God's awesome creation came into being, it was predicated by: Then God said!

As born again, Spirit-filled believers in the  LORD Jesus Christ, we are to walk  by faith, not by sight - and we are to have our hearts, and our mouths filled with words of faith, and not fear.

In Mark 11, we see the incident when Jesus cursed a fig tree, because it had no fruit. The next day as He and His disciples passed it, they saw that it had withered from the roots. 

Jesus then told His disciples: "Have faith in God. For truly I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be removed and be cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you will receive them, and you will have them." vs 22-24

Psalm 91:3 says 

Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler

And from the perilous pestilence.

What on earth is a perilous pestilence? Well the Merriam-Webster dictionary defines it as:  a contagious or infectious epidemic disease that is virulent and devastating. So, God is saying in this verse from Psalm 91 that He will deliver those who abide under the shadow of El Shaddai - God Almighty - from contagious and infectious diseases - of which the current COVID-19 virus qualifies.

Psalm 91:4-6 continue to provide further comfort and encouragement to those who face dangers unseen.

He shall cover you with His feathers,

And under His wings you shall take refuge;

His truth shall be your shield and buckler.

You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, 

Nor of the arrow that flies by day,

Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness,

Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.

Again, King David, in writing this psalm, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit expresses the confidence we can have in God's protective covering of those who are fully committed to Him.

TO BE CONTINUED

If you would like to know more about how to become a Christian, and experience the love and protection God promises in His Word - and to know sins forgiven, and to have a brand new start in life,  being "born again" of the Spirit of God, go online to www.vision.org.au This is the home of Vision Christian Media in Australia, which includes the nationwide Vision Christian Radio network. Click on "Growing your faith" tab at the top of the page, and then from the dropdown menu, click on "Looking for God?" God Bless!

LIFTING MY VOICE: NO FEAR HEREI have just been listening to the ...

LIFTING MY VOICE: NO FEAR HERE



I have just been listening to the ...: NO FEAR HERE I have just been listening to the song "We Believe" by Newsboys. Great song of declaration of total depe...

NO FEAR HERE

I have just been listening to the song "We Believe" by Newsboys. Great song of declaration of total dependency on the Lord Jesus Christ.

Let me share some of the lyrics with you for your encouragement, son and daughter of the Living God:

In this time of desperation

When all we know is doubt and fear

There is only one foundation

We believe, we believe

In this broken generation

When all is dark, You help us see

There is only one foundation

We believe, we believe

We believe in God the Father

We believe in Jesus Christ

We believe in the Holy Spirit

And He's given us new life

We believe in the crucifixion

We believe that He conquered death

We believe in the resurrection

And He's comin' back again, we believe

So let our faith be more than anthems

Greater than the songs we sing

And in our weakness and temptations

We believe, we believe

Let the lost be found and the dead be raised

In the here and now, let love invade

Let the church live love our God will see

We believe, we believe

And the gates of hell will not prevail

For the power of God has torn the veil

Now we know Your love will never fail

We believe, we believe

As of mid-March, 2020, the world is in the grip of a fear that has not been seen for probably decades - because of an unseen enemy, an unwelcome invader of microscopic proportions - a virus called COVID-19, popularly dubbed Coronavirus, because of the crown-like appearance exhibited by this virus under the gaze of the electron microscope.

Beginning its reign of terror in the Chinese city of Wuhan, the sprawling capital of Central China's Hubei province, a commercial centre divided by the Yangtze and Han rivers - this viral infection has spread to a large number of countries around the world, with most people affected in China, Italy and Iran, and South Korea with lessening numbers in other countries. As of today, in my home nation of Australia, there have been three hundred cases of this virus.
In the island state of Tasmania where I live, at this point in time, there have been only seven cases of Coronavirus.

Authorities say that about eighty percent of those infected suffer only mild symptoms, with the other twenty percent requiring some kind of medical help, either from a GP or through hospital care. Sadly a small percentage of those infected have succumbed to the virus and have died - the majority being elderly (80+), and/or having other pre-existing medical conditions which have seen their immune systems compromised.

What is becoming increasingly clear with every day that this "pandemic" is progressing is that, even worse than the threat of the infection - is the fear and panic, and community anxiety being experienced by many. As much as the mass media and social media are being helpful in disseminating useful information about the Coronavirus, they have been also a contributor to much fear and panic by those across the nations who are suddenly faced with the prospect of facing their tenuous mortality. The fear of death is a major fear which will drive many to take some extreme and sometimes desperate actions.

I was a little shocked when mid-morning today, I decided to go to the local Woolworths supermarket to buy something. There was hardly a free parking space in the large shopping centre carpark area. Monday morning is typically fairly quiet. Then it dawned on me that people are suddenly panic-buying on the back of the Prime Minister and cabinet yesterday announcing new measures to limit the spread of the virus - BUT, as I said above, at present, there are only seven cases of COVID-19 in Tasmania, an island state with a population, in round figures, of half a million.

TO BE CONTINUED

If you have read this blog and would like to know more about how you can become a Christian, and be assured of your eternal salvation:
Go online to www.vision.org.au  This is the home of Vision Christian Media in Australia. Click on the Grow your faith tab at the top of the page, then click on "Looking for God?" from the dropdown menu.
God Bless!

LIFTING MY VOICE: WHO WILL WEAR THE CROWN?THE CORONAVIRUS OR THE KIN...

LIFTING MY VOICE: WHO WILL WEAR THE CROWN?THE CORONAVIRUS OR THE KIN...: WHO WILL WEAR THE CROWN? THE CORONAVIRUS OR THE KING OF KINGS Part Three THE PROPHETS ARE SPEAKING In my previous post, I menti...

WHO WILL WEAR THE CROWN?

THE CORONAVIRUS OR THE KING OF KINGS

Part Three

THE PROPHETS ARE SPEAKING

In my previous post, I mentioned that seasoned prophet, Cindy Jacobs, in consultation and prayer with other prophetic people in America and around the world, had released a response to the current threat of the coronavirus, or otherwise known as COVID-19.

Because fear can cause us to make reactionary or unwise decisions, Cindy Jacobs says we need to pray for wisdom for our leaders to contain the spread of the virus while protecting their people effectively.

Two aspects of fear were identified in this present situation - the fear of the contagious disease itself and the fear of lack. The fear of lack can cause economies to collapse and people to move into individual survivalism.

This fear of lack has been seen markedly in my home nation of Australia in recent days, as supermarket shelves have been emptied of toilet paper, and other daily necessities. One Facebook friend here in Hobart said a supermarket he visited had sold out of long-life milk. He lightheartedly remarked: "I might have to buy a cow!"😄 There have been reports, sadly of customers fighting each other for toilet rolls, and supermarket staff being abused. There is certainly a lot of panic being displayed by many, who are being overcome by fear. 

As of writing, there is not one case of coronavirus having been registered where I live in southern Tasmania.

Across the world, people are being faced with the greatest fear known to mankind - the prospect of our own mortality. This, for the Church of Jesus Christ should be a time for Christians to display great courage to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with a world that is without hope and is panic-stricken. Jesus is the Prince of Peace.

Many prophetic voices across the world have been prophesying the coming of the next great awakening, and that it will happen on a worldwide scale. Forces of evil would like to use this to either delay or disrupt the coming awakenings and revivals. We need to pray that this will not happen, but rather that the moves of God will escalate worldwide. God wants this season to turn into a catalyst of revival instead of contagion.
"The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have  come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." John 10:10 NKJV

Cindy Jacobs further stated that we should make a decree that the coronavirus will cease worldwide, and that God will heal all who are currently affected by it.
Finally, she says that, as Christians, we should re-consecrate ourselves, our families, and our nations to God through the taking of Communion. We are to 
remember the miracle of Passover. Plead and apply the Blood of the Lamb on the doorposts of our spheres.

(Words in italics above are from Cindy Jacobs' online post regarding how Christians and the Church should be praying at this time).

Here in Australia, the Australian Prophetic Council based in Brisbane, with input from prophetic voices from around the nation and other nations of the world - released a word headed: "It's Time To Stand Against Coronavirus: Release The Overcoming Victory Of The Spirit." Psalm 29
In this word, there is again a call for the Body of Christ worldwide to stand together as one against this attack of the enemy. It was stated that this coronavirus has come to taunt the armies of the Living God, firstly in China and now in the rest of the world. The word stated that this virus is wearing a crown. This virus is a ruling authority and as such is commanding an army of warriors. It is a false god standing against the Kingdom of the true and Living God.
The Australian Prophetic Council post says further that they saw this virus as a Goliath, taunting the armies of the living God, and our response must be like that of David's: "You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whose armies you have defied. This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you and take off your head.....1 Samuel 17:45,46

As with the word from Cindy Jacobs and the Global Prophetic Movement, the Australian Prophetic Council believes the LORD is saying this is a time for the  Body of Christ, the church to have a corporate response to this virus threat by warring against this evil invader that would see multitudes struck down by its effects. This is the time for God's worshipping warriors to arise with boldness and proclaim that this enemy is defeated in Jesus' Name! 

As I close this blog, let me encourage you with these verses from Isaiah 59,60
When the enemy shall come in like a flood,
the Spirit of the LORD will lift up a standard against him

Arise, shine;
For your light has come!
And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you.
   For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth,
And deep darkness the people;
But the LORD will arise over you,
And His glory will be seen upon you.
   The Gentiles shall come to your light,
And kings to the brightness of your rising.

"Lift up your eyes all around, and see:
They all gather together, they come to you;
Your sons shall come from afar,
And your daughters shall be nursed at your side.
   Then you shall see and become radiant,
And your heart shall swell with joy;
Because the abundance of the sea shall be turned to you,
The wealth of the Gentiles shall come to you. Isaiah 59:19; 60:1-5 NKJV

The Coronavirus will lose its crown shortly, and the King of Kings, the LORD Jesus Christ will march forth with His worshipping warriors to boldly proclaim the Hope of the World through the transforming power of the Holy Spirit when the Good News of the Gospel is received.

For information on how to become a Christian, to put your trust fully in the God of peace, the LORD Jesus Christ, go online to:
www.vision.org.au Click on the "Grow your faith" tab at the top of the page, then from the dropdown menu, click on "Looking for God?"
God Bless!

LIFTING MY VOICE: WHO WILL WEAR THE CROWN?THE CORONAVIRUS OR THE KIN...

LIFTING MY VOICE: WHO WILL WEAR THE CROWN?THE CORONAVIRUS OR THE KIN...: WHO WILL WEAR THE CROWN? THE CORONAVIRUS OR THE KING OF KINGS! (Continued) THE PROPHETS ARE SPEAKING As stated in the first ...

WHO WILL WEAR THE CROWN?

THE CORONAVIRUS OR THE KING OF KINGS!

(Continued)

THE PROPHETS ARE SPEAKING

As stated in the first part of this blog, a number of prophetic voices in the church have released words in recent days regarding the threat of the Coronavirus pandemic. Those that I have read are from trusted prophetic people, those with proven personal and ministry integrity.

Cindy Jacobs, a much-respected prophet from Texas, who heads up a ministry called "Generals International", and who speaks prophetically to the destiny of nations - in a post online yesterday headed: "Response to Coronavirus from the Global Prophetic Movement" said - "After seeking wisdom and prophetic counsel from prophets across the nation and around the world, we believe that since this is a worldwide issue, it's going to take the whole Church to cry out together for the mercy and healing power of God to contain it.

The renowned passage 2 Chronicles 7:14 promises us that if God's people pray, seek His face, and turn from their wicked ways, then He will heal our lands. Throughout the history of the United States, presidents have sought to align the nation with this sacred promise."

WHAT HAVE THE PROPHETS SAID THAT WE SHOULD DO AT THIS TIME - IN PRAYER?
1.  Pray Psalm 91 over your families and nations.
     He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
Because you have made the LORD, 
who is my refuge,
Even the Most High, your dwelling place,
No evil shall befall you,
Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling; Ps. 91:1,9-10.

The prophets are concerned that fear is spreading in epidemic proportions in our nations. We need to pray at this time against fear and remind ourselves that God has not given us a spirit of fear. "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love and of a sound mind." 2 Tim.1:7

Another prophetic word on this issue I discovered on the Elijah List website was headed: "Coronavirus: The Pandemic Is To Be Faith, Not Fear." This was from a prophet named Danny Steyne from New England in the USA.
Quoting a section of this word, he says: I believe the pandemic that has been sparked by the media over this coronavirus has begun to run over into the homes and lives of the Church, but it will be faith and unity that will be the ultimate victory in defeating the most vicious virus that has been a pandemic much longer than this virus.
It's called "fear", and it stops believers from believing. It straddles them like a saddle to keep them in its control, it imprisons them in its clutches, and only a call to return to the "deeds you did at first" (Rev 2:5) will release the faith born from love that will deny all enemies of the Cross any further assault.

We must step towards faith instead of fear, now!
This same man says while the Lord was speaking to him, he heard the Lord say:
"And NOW, I'm going to unleash my superheroes in this hour. They will bring this virus to a full stop, and because of the way it will be suddenly stopped many will believe in Me. They will move by love accompanied by faith, unknown to men but known to God."

Another respected and trusted prophetic voice, Johnny Enlow published a word, again on the Elijah List site, headed: "Faith Will Decimate The Coronavirus."
He has this to say: I just heard the Lord regarding the coronavirus. He was there when the virus was being engineered and He did His own counter engineering.
In His tinkering, He has caused it to be the most "susceptible to be affected by faith" virus that ever existed. The virus is absolutely destroyed when exposed to faith. Prayers of faith. Actions of faith. Stands of faith. The virus can smell faith and it is decimated by it.
I heard the roar of the virus turn to a whimper. This is a built in recipe for an explosion of salvation and the miraculous and of every kind of spiritual encouragement.

Evil will pay a great price as fear and death will be swallowed up in victory. Haman will again hang on his own gallows and it will happen in more ways than  one.

We are in the days where God will always be "greater than." Whatever card the enemy plays, God will have the trump card to take the hand. Don't bow to fear; crush it instead. Courage is your friend. Jesus is your King!

                        TO BE CONTINUED

If you are reading this blog, and would like to know more about becoming a Christian, please head online to:www.vision.org.au
This is the home of Vision Christian Media in Australia. Click on the "Grow your faith" tab at the top of the page, then from the drop down menu, click on "Looking for God?" God Bless.

LIFTING MY VOICE: WHO WILL WEAR THE CROWN?THE CORONAVIRUS OR THE KIN...

LIFTING MY VOICE: WHO WILL WEAR THE CROWN?THE CORONAVIRUS OR THE KIN...: WHO WILL WEAR THE CROWN? THE CORONAVIRUS OR THE KING OF KINGS As of writing, according to Wikipedia reports, more than 89,000 case...

WHO WILL WEAR THE CROWN?

THE CORONAVIRUS OR THE KING OF KINGS

As of writing, according to Wikipedia reports, more than 89,000 cases of the Coronavirus infection have been confirmed, of which 8,000 were classed as serious. More than 65 territories have been affected with the largest number of cases in mainland China, South Korea, Italy and Iran. Officially, more than 2,900 people in China have died with around 130 having died in other countries. More than 44,000 people have recovered. [We are, I believe to assume that the tens of thousands of people not recorded as having recovered are most likely in the process of doing so].

There is no doubt that this infection is posing a threat to public health around the world, with the greatest threat being the pneumonia type symptoms which may develop further complicating the initial viral infection.

The coronavirus is named as a derivation of the Latin corona, meaning "crown" or "halo", which refers to the characteristic appearance of the virus particles (virions): they have a fringe reminiscent of a crown or of a solar corona (Pictured above).

Authorities tell us that the coronavirus now circulating is related to other coronaviruses that have been around for decades, such as the various strains of the SARS virus which also produced a number of deaths in the early 2000's - but which was relatively short-lived in its distribution.

As well may be expected, secular media outlets have been beating up this story and, while providing factual information regarding this infection, have also been blowing it out of all proportion in some instances. About a week ago, I read a headline on the Internet Microsoft Edge news page which said words to the effect: "Every Australian Will Get Coronavirus". That kind of headline obviously is intended to instill fear and panic in the hearts and minds of the readers, as well as greatly increasing their readership. I do not believe this headline is a truth fact. There has probably not been any infection or disease epidemic or pandemic which has affected every person in a nation, although certainly there have been widespread pandemics such as the Black Death of the 14th century and the Spanish flu epidemic of 1918, which purportedly killed more people than all the casualties of war in World War One.

In the last two decades, there have been a number of viral infections which have caused alarm worldwide - such as the SARS virus, the H1N1 bird flu around 2009, and the Ebola scare which, I think from memory most affected several nations in West Africa. 

As a committed Christian, a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ, what should my - and your response be to this threat from the Coronavirus now circulating through increasing numbers of nations?

Interestingly, a number of prophetic voices have arisen, addressing the present Coronavirus pandemic threat. 
The Bible says in Amos 3:7,8 Surely the Lord God does nothing
                                           without revealing His purpose
                                            to His servants the prophets.

                                           The lion has roared;
                                             who will not fear?
                                           The Lord God has spoken;
                                             who can but prophesy?

In the New Testament Book of Ephesians, in chapter 4, verse 11, the apostle Paul lists what are known as the Ascension Gift Ministries of Christ to the church. These are apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. These leaders have been given to the church to equip the saints for the work of ministering effectively in the world and in the church.
There are people in the church today - both men and women who have been called and commissioned into the office of modern day prophets. 

That being said, there have been a number of prophetic words published in recent days relating to the coronavirus threat. I do not intend to reproduce all these words verbatim in this blog, but will provide some highlights of several of these words to provide some sense of encouragement, especially to those who have their trust in the Lord God fully.

I will publish the next part of this blog, but to whet your appetite for more to come (Hopefully), the title for one of these words is: "The Coronavirus: The Pandemic Is To Be Faith - Not Fear".