Day 203 | Thursday, 8 October 2020

Day 203 - Audio Version

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Day 203  |  Thursday, 8 October 2020

 Another COVID-19 death has been reported in the county bringing the total to 13 deaths.  As of 3:30 on Oct. 6th the total confirmed cases in the county was 701 with 167 in zip code 14701 which is the second highest total in the county with Dunkirk 14048 being the highest at 180.  Fredonia, 14063, is third with 157 cases.
 If you have been listening to the scientists and the medical professionals, you know that we are entering the flu season.  The flu season is already a challenging time for we senior citizens.  We add the threat of COVID-19 to the flu season and we have good reason to be concerned and perhaps heighten our precautions and safety measures. 

 I have talked over the past 202 days of God giving us strength and of God taking care of us and watching over us.  I know we are all strong in our faith and that is why it is good that we have one another, to help us stay focused on what we need to do and how we need to grow.  These are trying times.  Let me share the words of an Afro-American spiritual that may be familiar to some of you. 

 “I Want Jesus to Walk with Me”
1.   “I want Jesus to walk with me.  I want Jesus to walk with me.  All along my pilgrim journey, Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me.”
2.   “In my trials, Lord, walk with me.  In my trials, Lord, walk with me.  When my heart is almost breaking, Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me.”
3.   “When I’m troubled, Lord, walk with me.  When I’m troubled, Lord, walk with me.  When my head is bowed in sorrow, Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me.”

Psalm 121 A pilgrimage song. (CEB)
1 I raise my eyes toward the mountains.
    Where will my help come from?
2 My help comes from the Lord,
    the maker of heaven and earth.
3 God won’t let your foot slip.
    Your protector won’t fall asleep on the job.
4 No! Israel’s protector
    never sleeps or rests!
5 The Lord is your protector;
    the Lord is your shade right beside you.
6 The sun won’t strike you during the day;
    neither will the moon at night.
7 The Lord will protect you from all evil;
    God will protect your very life.
8 The Lord will protect you on your journeys--
    whether going or coming--
    from now until forever from now.
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Lord, our God, as we continue our journey through this unprecedented year and what feels like dismal times, we ask you to continue to walk with us.  Protect our daily journeys.  Help us do what we need to do to maintain safety.  Lord be with those who are troubled, sick and dying.  Walk with them and bring your protection and comfort.  Lord, hear our prayers.  Amen