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Joe was supposed to leave for France this Thursday to help strategize for a church plant we are doing there. Last night we decided he better not go, given the outbreak of the corona virus there, and the fact that he is in the at-risk category. I know everyone has an opinion on this pandemic and none of us really know who to trust, but that’s definitely NOT THE POINT OF THIS BLOG.  Before we had decided, I was working on getting him hand sanitizer, but of course, it is sold out everywhere, including Amazon! That’s when I went online and learned how to make my own. I found one with ingredients I had around my house, and I love it so much I’m going to share the link below. Speaking of that, when you see the ingredients you might wonder why I just happened to have a Costco sized bottle of vodka. Seriously, not a drop of the stuff has ever passed the lips of this good old Baptist girl. (Well, there was that time someone in our church served vodka slushes at a party in their home and Joe unwittingly drank a couple of them, talking all the way home about how delicious and unique they were, but that’s another story altogether.) That is also NOT THE POINT OF THIS BLOG. Sorry for the whiplash here as I move from vodka slushes to my Sunday morning prayer time. Sorry for the whiplash here as I move from vodka slushes to my Sunday morning prayer time. I was praying about Joe’s trip, and I began to feel God speaking about the whole corona virus scenario. In short, I felt him say that this could be the greatest opportunity we as a church have had in the past century to shine the light of his glory in a world where panic may become the norm. And then I sensed him saying that it could be the precursor to the revival we have longed for, cried out for, pined for, petitioned for and pleaded for over the past two decades. I am not a prophet and am not even suggesting that this a prophetic word, but these are the things my heart was sensing and I feel compelled to share them. ...this could be the greatest opportunity we as a church have had in the past century to shine the light of his glory in a world where panic may become the norm. You may notice that I used the word “could” in both cases and there is a reason for that. There are things we can and must do as followers of Christ and while God is always ready to pour out his Spirit in fresh ways, he often waits until we are ready. To that end, here are a few thoughts about what to do in the face of this global pandemic:
So much more could be said, but I’ll leave it there. Before I share the link for hand sanitizer, let me say I have no tie to this website—I just liked the recipe. Do your own google search but I’ll forewarn you that most recipes involve rubbing alcohol, which is now also almost impossible to get. Click here for the link. And if you have the Costco vodka hanging around too, now’s the time to use it!
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For decades now I have focused on Jesus final hours during the Lenten season, and every year I am astounded at how God reveals new things and takes me to new depths in my grasp of the Cross and what redeeming love looks like.
I hope you are on the journey this year! Here are some resources to guide you:
DAILY LENTEN SCRIPTURES: From the beautiful "Passion" translation. Click here.
OTHER RESOURCES: Click here  Words can't describe how excited I am to share about this book by James Choung and Ryan Pfeiffer. Not only does the hope of revival pluck continually at my heartstrings, but I am starting to believe we may be on the verge of an awakening like we have not experienced in decades. I don’t say this glibly. To that end, there couldn’t be a timelier guide than this book. I rarely review books, but I’m doing this for one and only one reason—to convince you to buy it immediately. Find out why below. FULL DISCLOSURE: I have known Ryan Pfeiffer since the 90’s when my own college son was rocked by Jesus through his influence at UCSD. We have a long family history, and while that might make me biased, it also means I know that Ryan lives what he writes. He is the real deal—I can promise you that! While I don’t know James personally, I have seen his humble ministry, and his heart in the book will make you want to know Jesus more—is there anything better? get blessedSo many books on revival are inspiring and challenging, but they often leave us feeling pressured or inadequate. We don’t know how to get holy enough, pray enough, find the right formula or do enough spiritual calisthenics to get the results others have seen. This book will NOT make you feel that way. Ryan and James share truth through the lens of their personal struggles and breakthroughs, and not once will you feel anything but hopeful as you read their stories. Revivals should create a new normal. They weren't given so that we could go back to the way things were. They were given so that our faith can have capacity for more, to hope for more, to seek more of God's kingdom. (Longing for Revival, p. 25)
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Contact Tricia here.
Tricia McCary RhodesAuthor of 7 books and a professor for Fuller Theological Seminary, Tricia specializes in helping others experience God’s presence through practicing soul-care. 
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