From the Desk of the Eagle Eye Scribe

KTS Blog 11/2020

From the Desk of the Eagle Eye Scribe by Chaplain Nikita Johnson

Theme-Seeing From God’s Perspective

November 2020- A Time of Reflection

Scripture Reference- Isaiah 12:1-6, I Chronicles 16:8, 23-26, and 34. Lamentations 3:19-23(read these entire chapters, the ones before, and the ones after for context)....”This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.”

In November, we celebrated the end of Daylight Saving Time, Election Day, Veteran’s Day and Thanksgiving Day. We fall back with Fall, setting our clocks back one hour as our days appear shorter, and our nights seem longer. We had a record breaking voter turnout on Election Day this month, as many people celebrated the end of one administration for the highest office in the land, and the unofficial beginning of another. We pause to remember all veterans who serve our country, seasoned veterans who are experts in their fields, those who are currently fighting for our freedom, and all those who lost their lives serving in our military and armed forces.

In November, we set aside time to commune with family and friends during the Thanksgiving holiday, while we feast on good food, and reflect on all we are thankful for. Many churches and various organizations are making sure their communities in need have a turkey dinner to enjoy during this season.

We all have so much to be thankful for. While still being restricted and affected by the pandemic, we can reflect on how God is with us and working in, through and for us during this stressful and uncertain time. We can reflect on the fact that God is always with us and promises to never leave nor forsake us. Even in the valley of the shadow of death, God is there. He is as close to us as our nearest breath, for He is the air we breathe. We can have hope because God’s mercy will never let us be consumed. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair, persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down but not destroyed. God’s mercy and love for us never fails; it is new every morning. In dark times we can reflect on how great our God is, instead of worrying about how big our problems are. We can reflect on what the Lord has already done for us, instead of stressing out over our future. Reflecting on the fact in God’s presence there is fullness of joy, is far better than wallowing in self pity, and despair. This we can recall to mind. Great is His faithfulness yesterday, today and forevermore. Amen.

Simple Sample Prayer

Dear God, we come to you with praise and thanksgiving. Thank you for life, and that more abundantly, health for by your stripes we are healed, and strength for the joy of the Lord is our strength. Heavenly Father, we praise you for the time you have given us to reflect on our lives, our situations, and your goodness; knowing you will always see us through. We pray for all Veterans, those who served in the Armed Forces, the Crisis Intervention Organizations, the Essential Workers, and First Responders everywhere.Thank you Lord for we are (1) Deeply loved, (2) Highly Favored, (3) Greatly Blessed by you. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

Songs to Meditate on This Month

1. Grateful- by Hezekiah Walker and LFC

2. God with Us- by Terrain

3. Everyday is a day of Thanksgiving by Dr.Charles Hayes and the CCoP Choir

4. Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) by Hillsong United