W∴ B∴ Dennis F. Snoddy

Grand Chaplain’s Message

Dear Brothers,
     I have been praying for the right words to share during this unusual time. I first want to thank MWGM Steve Pence and all the leaders of our fraternity for having the courage to make the difficult decisions to protect our fraternity and every brother. You are all in my prayers and you have my full support.
     As I watch TV and have conversations at work or over the phone it is obvious that we are in a time of chaos and uncertainty like most of us have never known. We are all concerned about our health and the health of our loved ones. Our economy and jobs are in danger. We are faced with our own mortality and the possibility that the way of life we are accustomed to can change indefinitely. When I am faced with the fact that I don’t have all the answers I turn to the One who does. I am convinced that God is not surprised by the current events. In fact, I believe He knows exactly how we should live in the days ahead. I am convinced that He knows what to do. He loves us enough to guide us in this time and powerful enough to take care of us.
I want to share a few verses that seem to have relevance in our current condition. I would like you to consider them with me.
1 Peter 4:7-11 New International Version (NIV)

The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.

     The first thing I notice in this section is that God is reminding us that our time is limited. Not just in the time of COVID-19 but in all times death is certain. Pandemics bring this to the front of our mind but we all have limited time. To make sure we make the best of our time we need to be sober-minded. To think clearly so that we can get the most out of the gift of life we have been given. Don’t be overwhelmed by the chaos but instead focus on our faith that God is in control and He intends for great good to come to your life. Circumstances may change but His great plan does not. Have faith. 

     Love deeply. God through Peter wants to make sure we understand what is most important. God loves us. You matter to Him. He has a plan to care for us. As we draw near to Easter we are reminded of that plan. As a Christian, I know that God loved us enough that He sent His only Son to give His life as atonement for our sin. His love overcomes everyone one of our failings and faults and He offers us life. Not just the ability to take in a breath and walk around on this earth for a time but the chance to be forgiven and to be made whole. God has a plan for each of us and it is for our good. It is an eternal plan. We can accept His love and we can share His love. His love overcomes. During our current crisis, I have seen His love come through many of His children. I have seen His love overcomes fear to bring hope. We all have seen selfishness but we have also seen people give so generously that it leads others to step forward to do the same. We have seen people from all areas of life risk their health and even their lives to help others. They have earned our respect and admiration. They have reinforced what it means to be good! They help us all to want to be our best. Are you loving those around you deeply? 

     I pray we will all be motivated to think carefully about how we will face the upcoming days. That will have the courage to love deeply because it really does change lives. Ours and the ones we love. That we will give our best in service to God and to one another. That we will have faith that if we live well what matters most can never be taken from us. That the life God gives will always prevail. 

     I want to close by saying that many of you who are reading this have been an example to me. To think clearly and with faith. To love deeply and to follow God faithfully. Thank you! You are all in my heart and in my prayers. I am convinced that if we will just follow God’s guidance through this time we will not only make through this time but that we will grow through this difficulty. I have faith in all of you too.

God bless,

Dennis Snoddy

Fraternally Yours,
Grand Chaplain Dennis F. Snoddy
Email: dennissnoddy@hotmail.com
Phone: 318-715-8377