Time… We all have the same amount, 60 minutes in an hour, 24 hours in a day, 7 days in a week, 52 weeks in a year. The current COVID-19 pandemic, however, has changed the ways that most of us are using our time. For some of us, we actually have more things to do in the same number of hours, we have extra responsibilities, new challenges, less or different resources, and the list goes on. For others, we have a great deal more down time; we cannot do our usual activities; perhaps you cannot work for your employer. For all of us, it is important that we use our time wisely, that we make it count.

Below this paragraph, I have included links to a few online resources that have been encouraging and refreshing to me. Some of them will only take you 5 minutes. Some of them could keep you busy from 30 minutes to many days. I pray that as you explore them, you would be blessed, challenged, encouraged, and changed.

Ligonier Ministries is committed to bringing Biblical truth to the world. Founded by the late Dr. R. C. Sproul, this ministry has both published resources ranging from multiple books to a monthly publication, Table Talk. During this pandemic, Ligonier has made their online streaming teaching series, which consist of lectures from qualified Bible and seminary teachers that are 23 minutes each, on a variety of scriptural and theological topics, available to the general public for free. You may access these lectures by clicking here, download the accompanying study guides, or you could even start an online study group utilizing Ligonier Connect.

First Presbyterian Church in Columbia, SC, has streaming services every Sunday morning and Sunday evening as well as some lovely weekday devotionals. They also have a regularly updated COVID-19 Ministry page.

Desiring God Ministries started by John Piper has many helpful sermons, blogs, and articles.

Grace to You Ministries started by John MacArthur also has many delightful articles, sermons, and resources.

Perhaps this is a time for you to learn a new language, a new skill, or to work out. Perhaps you are busier than ever working in the field of politics, finance, or medicine. Whatever your calling, don’t forget to make your time count. Focus on what is important. Be faithful. Prepare for the future, and keep eternity in mind. We all have the same number of minutes in a day, but none of us know when our time will run out.

And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment,  so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him. (Hebrews 9:27,28 ESV)

We know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God … eternal in the heavens. 2 Corinthians 5:1 How little is death dreaded by a believer, since it will bring the soul to the full possession of its hidden life in heaven I is a dark valley that divides between this world and the next, but it is all a region of light and blessedness beyond it. We are now on the border of the eternal world, and we know but little of that invisible I country. Approaching death opens the gates to us, and begins to give I our holy curiosity some secret satisfaction, and yet how we shriek I backward when that glorious unknown city is opening upon us! We are often ready to beg and pray that the gates might be closed again; O! For a little more time, a little longer continuance in this lower visible world!’ This is the language of the fearful. But it is better to have our Christian courage brought up to a divine height, and to say, ‘Open ye everlasting gates, and be lifted up ye everlasting doors, that we may enter into the place where the King of Glory is’. (cf. Psa. 24:9  kjv). There shall we see God and rejoice in his overflowing love. We shall see him face to face, and not through the glass darkly. What supreme glory shall our life display. This is life eternal indeed, and joy unspeakable. How gloriously shall the perfections and honours, both of body and mind unfold themselves. Is this the crown I fought for on earth at so feeble a rate? And was this the prize for which I ran so slow and lazily? O shameful indifference! O undeserved prize and crown! Had I imagined how bright the blessing was which lay hidden in the promise, surely I would have ventured through many deaths to secure the possession of it. O guilty negligence! And criminal unbelief! But your sovereign mercy has pardoned both and made me possessor of this fair inheritance. Behold I bow at your feet forever, and adore your riches of overflowing grace. Isaac Watts, Works, 1:105-107   Isaac Watts, the theologian, pastor, and hymn writer, struggled with illness throughout his life. I pray that this little quote will help give you perspective in the times of trial that we are facing. Philip

 

I am a physician. I practice family medicine and obstetrics in Chattanooga, TN. The clinic where I work is is bilingual Spanish/English, and we are committed to providing healthcare to the underserved and vulnerable in our community following hippocratic and biblical principles. I am well aware of the risks of COVID-19, a novel coronavirus, for my patients, myself, my coworkers, and our employees. Indeed, it is hard for me to wrap my mind around the statistics that are rolling out day by day; the case fatality rate appears to be more than 100 times greater than the case fatality rate of  H1N1 influenza pandemic in 2009.  According to the CDC (CDC H1N1 2009 Pandemic), from April 12, 2019 until April 10, 2010 about 60,000,000 persons in the United States of America contracted H1N1 influenza virus. During the same time period, the CDC estimates that 12,469 persons died from this virus in the USA with a case fatality rate of 0.02%. At noon on March 17, 2020 the CDC reports 4,226 persons in the USA have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and 75 persons have died in the USA from COVID 19 (CDC Daily COVID-19 Cases in U.S.) with a current case fatality rate of 1.7%. Today, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports 179,112 persons diagnosed with COVID-19 and 7,426 deaths from COVID-19 worldwide which is a case mortality rate of ~4% (WHO March 17, 2020 COVID-19 Situation Report). In the news we are hearing about countries, like Italy, whose medical systems are being overrun with patients needing care with case fatality rates approaching 8%.

Throughout the USA, hot spots of COVID-19 activity are popping up. Today, the CDC is reporting the presence of COVID-19 confirmed in 49 states, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and US Virgin Islands (CDC Daily COVID-19 Cases in U.S.). At 2:00 pm on March 17, 2020 the State of Tennessee reported 73 patients with COVID-19, 1 of which is in the county where I live and practice (TN Novel Coronavirus Daily Updates). The Hamilton County Health Department states that COVID-19 is present in our community, and more test results are expected to be available daily (Hamilton County, TN Press Release 3/15/2020). Our national, state, and local county and city governments are all recommending social isolation, self quarantine if symptomatic, and conservation of healthcare resources without sacrificing quality of patient care. There are serious efforts to limit and slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Many health care facilities, including the clinic where I work, are unable to obtain and maintain a sufficient inventory of sanitization supplies and personal protective equipment which increases the risk of transmission of COVID-19 from patients to healthcare providers, and health care providers to patients. Most local stores are sold out of toilet paper, sanitization supplies, and multiple grocery items. Our clinic has been unable to obtain and maintain the ideal amount and type of personal protective equipment.

So what does all this mean? It means that COVID-19 is a real problem. A large problem, if 60,000,000 people are infected in the USA over the next 12 months it is likely that about 1,200,000 or more will die from the disease. It is conceivable that all of us will loose a friend, or neighbor, or loved one from COVID-19. Some of us reading this blog may not survive. It means that many people are full of fear. Many people are panicking. Some people are ignoring the problem, seeming to adopt the stance that ignorance is bliss. Others don’t believe that COVID-19 is actually dangerous, afterall, it has killed less people so far than what the flu kills every year. Some people are convinced that this is all about politics and money, media manipulation to influence presidential elections. It means that our lives are affected by discomfort, limited mobility, limited gatherings, corporate worship services canceled, educational, religious, and entertainment conferences and gatherings canceled, travel to various countries restricted or impossible. It means that most residents of the USA are being pushed outside of their comfort zone.

I am a Christian. I believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God, and as such is infallible and inerrant. I believe that the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ is good news for everyone who knows about the bad news of COVID-19.

This past Sunday, March 15, I listened to Dr. Derek Thomas preach at First Presbyterian Church in Columbia, South Carolina utilizing their online streaming service (God’s Word for Crazy Times, Dr. Derek W. H. Thomas). I might have given this sermon a different title, one like He’s Totally Got This! As Dr. Thomas preached from Habakkuk 3:1-19 I was again reminded of the sovereignty of our God, who is good, and only does what is right. Dr. Thomas reminded us that when Habakkuk was facing trials and calamity he responded with songs of worship. Secondly, we should look to God, not look to the calamity for answers and direction. Even in the worst case scenario, God is on His throne and completely in control. We may wait quietly on the Lord. And no matter what, even in the worst case, even if we or a loved one loose our lives, our salvation by grace through faith in Christ Jesus trumps the worst case! To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. To have our physical body perish is to enter into the completion of our salvation.

Shortly after listing to this sermon, my family and I were listening to a medley of hymns and scripture verses. Some of the scripture verses were from Job 38 exalting the power, wisdom, might, and sovereignty of God.

“Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding. Who determined it measurements? Surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it? To what were its foundations fastened? Or who laid its cornerstone, when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy? Or who shut in the sea with doors, when it burst forth and issued from the womb; when I made the clouds its garment, and thick darkness its swaddling band; when I fixed My limit for it, and set bars and doors; when I said, ‘this far you may come, but no farther, and her your proud waves must stop!’ Have you commanded the morning since your days began, and caused the dawn to know its place, that it might take hold of the ends of the earth, and the wicked be shaken out of it? It takes on the form like clay under a seal, and stands out like a garment. From the wicked their light is withheld, and the upraised arm is broken. Have you entered the springs of the sea? Or have you walked in search of the depths? Have the gates of death been revealed to you? Or have you seen the doors of the shadow of death? Have you comprehended the breadth o the earth? Tell Me, if you know all this.”

I cannot answer any of those questions. Neither could Job. Job repented for demanding an explanation of God. I cannot criticize God’s decisions. He is using COVID-19 to accomplish His purposes. He is absolutely in control!

In the last few days I also have read some quotes from what C. S. Lewis wrote about the atomic age, which is very relevant to our response to the novel coronavirus (C. S. Lewis on the Coronavirus). Yes, threats to our safety are real, but let us neither deny these threats, nor exaggerate them. And if we are to get sick or die, then let us be doing both those things that please God and prepare us to stand before His judgment throne complete in Christ, and also those things that are normal human things to do.

So what does all this mean? It means that it is a time of trust and courage. It means that we can walk by faith, and please the Lord and glorify God in the middle of COVID-19. It means that we have joy, even in uncertainty. It means that we can follow the advice of Dr. Martin Luther when he was facing the Bubonic Plague, or Black Death in Wittenberg (Whether One May Flee From A Deadly Plague, Dr. Martin Luther). The following are a few excerpts from what Dr. Luther wrote:

“I shall ask God mercifully to protect us. Then I shall fumigate, help purify the air, administer medicine and take it. I shall avoid places and persons where my presence is not needed in order not to become contaminated and thus perchance inflict and pollute others and so cause their death as a result of my negligence. If God should wish to take me, he will surely find me and I have done what he has expected of me and so I am not responsible for either my own death or the death of others. If my neighbor needs me however I shall not avoid place or person but will go freely as stated above. See this is such a God-fearing faith because it is neither brash nor foolhardy and does not tempt God.”

“If the people in a city were to show themselves bold in their faith when a neighbor’s need so demands, and cautious when no emergency exists, and if everyone would help ward off contagion as best he can, then the death toll would indeed be moderate. But if some are too panicky and desert their neighbors in their plight, and if some are so foolish as not to take precautions but aggravate the contagion, then the devil has a heyday and many will die.”

Yes, this does apply to COVID-19 (Martin Luther on the Coronavirus). In faith, without fear, fulfill your duties to your neighbor. Love your neighbor as yourself. Remember, that in ministering to the least among us, you are ministering to Christ. At the same time, do not be foolish. If you can avoid exposure or potential exposure, avoid it. If you are a healthcare provider or a minister of the gospel, take reasonable precautions as you minister to the sick. Use medication and technology as it is available and helpful. But first and foremost, realize that God is in control. Encourage the dying to look in faith to Christ. Encourage all to repent of sin and believe the Gospel.

Tonight, as I lay my head on my pillow, the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ turns my panic to peace, turmoil to trust, fear to faith, worry to wonder, chaos to calm, and hording to helping. There is good news for those who know about COVID-19.

 

*** Some of the links I provided in this article are to pages that are updated daily; I expect that some of statistics in this post will be outdated in the next 24 hours. ***

It has been a long time since we posted anything…

I hope to begin using this site again. Our lives have been busy! I am sure that you life has also been busy. We are thankful to the many blessings that we have experienced and that God is continuing to lead us and grow us.

Please let us know if you would be interested in us developing and maintaining a blog again.

Philip & Bethany

Dear Family and friends,

  I am going to try to give a little update and express my gratitude, so please bear with me as I try to put my thoughts and feelings into words.

  First of all I want to thank the Lord for restoring my health and answering all the prayers that went up on my behalf. Even if He had seen fit for the outcome to be different He still would be a loving, merciful, and gracious Father. I am thankful that He saw fit to let me be a wife and mother for however long He sees fit to give me. I want to serve and worship Him in everything I do.

  Thank you for all your prayers, care, meals, visits, etc…..   I (we) feel very loved and cared about. May the Lord bless each one of you (those who we know and those we don’t). I still have a ways to go till I am back to myself. Each day is a little better and I get a little stronger. Thursday afternoon I had a follow up appointment with the family doctor and they did a repeat chest x-ray. My lungs are back to totally normal! PTL  I’m still coughing some, but other wise my body just needs time to regain strength and energy. To give you an idea – they say for every day you are in bed with sickness like this it takes a week of recovery. I was in ICU for a week, five of those days I was on the vent and paralyzed. I have made good progress and at this point just need to take it a day at a time making sure to rest and not overdo it. My sisters have been such a blessing to us in helping out with the children and house work.

  Thanks again for all your prayers and love. They mean a great deal to us and more than we can express in words.

  Hope you have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

   -Bethany for the Sutherlands

Been a while since I put a post up…. Life has been very busy here the last while. Time doesn’t stand still and neither does our little girl. She is growing up so fast, learning new things every day and being our little sunshine! Thought I better post some pictures from the past three months before she is ten months old. 🙂

7 Months – 18 lb.  27 1/2 in.

 

Having a snuggle with her brothers! She loves her brothers.

 

8 Months – 18 lbs. 12 oz.

 

 

She makes some of the silliest faces sometimes. She sure brightens our day!

 

9 Months – 19 lb. 3 oz.  29 in.

 

Being a silly little monkey!

She is saying “please” here.

 

She is growing up so fast…..she walks along furniture. starting to walk just holding on to one hand, stands by herself for a bit,  learning new words every day, showing her own personality more……all in all a great joy and blessing to our family! I don’t have any pictures but she adores her Daddy! She is a “Daddies Girl!” and loves when he comes home. She loves to wave bye-bye when he leaves for work, snuggle with him, anything to do with Daddy makes her day! She will choose to leave me to go to him…..the boys were the opposite.

Hope you enjoy this quick update. Have a great day and do all to the glory of God!

Where have the last six months gone? Can hardly believe she is already six months old…..feels like we just had her and here she is halfway to a year. At 5 1/2  months she was 27″ long and weighed 17 pounds.  At five months she was sitting up on her own, pushing up on her hands and knees, and saying “Ma-ma-ma”, “boo”, and “bro” (for brother). Now at six months she is pushing up on her hands and feet, has two teeth, scoots everywhere backwards and in circles. She sure isn’t letting any grass grow under her feet so to speak. Well I will quit boring you with words and let you see the pictures your waiting to see!

 

These were taken in or flower beds that I redid this spring/early summer. I had a hard time choosing which pictures to post …… I got so many I liked and she is so cute! It was hard getting her to look at the camera because she was so happy to be outside and have new stuff to touch and grab. Hope you didn’t get bored. 🙂 Have a great day!

-Bethany

 

Our sweet little girly!

 

First pigtails! 

Being silly……

 

Such a little character….. We sure love this little girl!