The Bible says in James 1:2-3, “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.”

When James uses this word temptations, he is speaking about difficulties or trials.  These are the outside problems that threaten to steal our inside joy. We know trials are definitely going to come.

What are we counting during these days of trials?  We can count the days and hope it ends.  We can count the people who are sick or dying. Or we can do what this verse tells us to do and count the joy.

The word joy means a cheerfulness or calm delight.  This does not mean you are jumping up and down over calamity, but you are cheerful, calm and steady through it.

Joy Strengthens us.  There is great strength in putting our life in the hands of the Lord. I John 1:4 says, “And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.  The Bible will give us strength and is a book that we need during these days.  Not Facebook, not the news, but the Bible. 

Joy Serves.  When we are trusting in the Lord, it is easy to serve others.  Psalm 100:2 says, “Serve the Lord with gladness…”  There are people all around us that need services and help. 

Joy Surrenders.  God sure did not ask my opinion on this Coronavirus.  It is his will and not mine.  Psalm 4:8 says, “I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety.”

Joy Stabilizes.  In the white-water rapids of the past couple of weeks, never have we needed our life stabilized like today.  Nahum 1:7 says, “The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.”  Our community needs to see surrendered and stabile Christians during these coming days.
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On a scale of one to ten, what is your joy count?  We should all aim to get that count up near ten.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Seriously, have you ever seen anything like this?  That is a rhetorical question, because we have never seen anything like this in the United States.  As this highly contagious virus spreads rapidly, fear is spreading even more rapidly.

What is even more alarming is the deaths.  Were the people ready to die?  Were they ready to face eternity?  People are stocking up on masks, hand sanitizer, and toilet paper for some reason, but don’t forget the preparation for the future.  You can know that you are ready for eternity.

Please accept the diagnosis: no matter how healthy our body is, our soul is infected with sin. Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.  The glory of God is Heaven, and we come short of getting there because of our sin.

Please accept the consequences:  you sin is going to separate you from God and heaven for all eternity.  Romans 6 23 says, “For the wages of sin is death…”

Please accept the cure: the good news is that Jesus took the punishment of Hell in our place.  He paid for our sin with His life.  Romans 6:23 continues “….but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”  God’s way is easy.  God’s way is simple.  God’s way is free.

To receive this gift and the cure from sin, all you must do is repent of your sin and ask Jesus to save you.  Romans 10:13 says, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
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This virus is taking lives every day as it sweeps across our country.  Are you prepared for eternity?  If you would like to talk with someone, call our church office at (903)665-8865 or my cell at (903)235-9623.  We would love to pray with you and share the Lord with you during this time. 
 
 

​A note from Pastor Buckner regarding the Coronavirus:

This is a unique time in history to be alive and live for God.  Psalms 146:2 says, “While I live will I praise the LORD: I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being.”

For now, our service structure remains the same.  We are monitoring the news closely and will make changes as the need arises. 

We are going the extra mile in cleaning to make sure that everything is sanitized, including all door handles. 

Please wash your hands often.

We ask that during services and church events that you refrain as much as you can from shaking hands and contact.

If you are sick or have any symptoms of sickness we ask that you stay at home for the safety of others.
If you have health concerns that make you fearful of being in crowds, please take   advantage of our livestreamed services.  If you have breathing issues already, we want you to be especially careful.

We have upgraded our livestreaming equipment and you can clearly watch all of our services online.  You can access the stream from our website (HopeAtHeritage.com) or Facebook page.  You can also give your tithes and  offerings through our website as well. 

Because of this virus, we have decided to postpone our special Friend Day to a time more convenient to comfortably inviting your friends and family.  Don’t stop inviting people to church and witnessing.  This is an amazing time to talk to folks about their souls.