CELEBRATE

Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say Rejoice. Philippians 4:4 (RSV).

Recently folks enjoyed the Fourth of July with fireworks celebrating our country’s independence. I didn’t attend, but was able to hear all the pops, bangs, sizzles and whistles from my home. Thinking about what the celebration meant, and how much people sacrificed for us to enjoy this liberty, I thanked God and celebrated being born in America.

I also celebrate being a child of God, and that Jesus Christ died for me, and my sins are forgiven. I am thankful that no persecution prevents me from worshipping in this free land. At church, a wonderful,warm and caring community prays for me and provides loving Christian fellowship and support. That is worth celebrating.

Getting together with my daughter, her husband, and my grandchildren sends fireworks of love in my heart every time. I celebrate family.

When success comes my way, or when accomplishing something new, it is worth celebrating. Whenever a magnificent sunset or a beautiful flower graces my path, I celebrate God’s creativity.

Praise God for all the trials I’ve endured. They have produced growth and strength enabling me to help others. I celebrate His provisions and for wisdom from above.

In celebration of my life, my writing, my art work, I thank God for His love. Celebrate with me. Let our fireworks of praise reach heaven as we count our blessings.

Thank you, Lord, for reminding me through the world’s pops, bangs and whistles that You are the Way, the Truth and Life. No fireworks can out shine You, Lord.  Amen.

©2014 Lois Gosley

THE GIFT OF SONG

...whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God 1 Corinthians 10:31b (NIV).

I had a dream that Barbara arrived in heaven. As she passed Jesus, who was there to greet all those entering heaven, He touched her shoulder and something clicked inside her. Barbara's throat was opened and she had the deep desire to sing. When she opened her mouth, the most beautiful song came out and danced on the air. At last, she could sing again.

When I awakened, I remembered when we were children, and my sister, Barbara, shut herself in our big walk-in closet. She sang at the top of her voice, pretending she was a famous opera star. Sometimes she yodeled, making her voice run up and down the scales. It was nerve-wracking to my older sister, Gene, and I, but nothing we said would make her shut up. She was delighted with her singing.

Barbara sang every chance she could as she grew up. I often sang with her at our yearly family reunions, choosing songs that enabled us to harmonize. When she was ill with Lou Gehrig's disease, I asked her to sing with me in church. She cried and said, "My voice has gone away." She could no longer carry a tune. Instead of singing, we cried together for her loss.

When I dreamed about Barbara getting her voice back, more beautiful than ever, it was a confirmation that she was singing to our Lord. I knew she was doing her best for the glory of God.

Dear Lord, one day let me sing again with Barbara, harmonizing a song for Your glory. Amen.

(c) 2014 E. Bonnie Ryan

TWO QUESTIONS

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Matthew 6:26 (NIV).

In recent months, I realized that I had been out of touch with two old friends. I wondered what was happening in their lives. I sensed a nudge from the Lord to contact them.  

I left a message on Nellamae’s cell phone. My prayers for her continued, and so did my concern. I questioned, “Where is she, Lord?” Then, her daughter called and told me her mother had gone home to be with the Lord a few days before . . . right when the Lord brought her to my mind.

Although saddened by the loss of my dear friend, I knew she longed to be with her Savior. My question had been answered.

When I finally reached my other friend, Susan, she explained that for the past two years, all her time and energy had been focused on the care of her mother, who had recently passed away. Now, my second question had been answered.

How good the Lord is to answer even minor questions we ask. O Lord, what is man that you care for him . . . Man is like a breath; his days are like a fleeting shadow.

(Psalm 144:3a, 4). God knows we want answers to questions in our lives, and He will provide them, even in unexpected ways. His love for us reaches down when we ask, “What happened, Lord?”

Father, thank You for hearing our prayers and for caring so much for us that Your answers to our questions are uniquely designed by You.

© 2014 Diane E. Hussey

DOUBT IS DESTRUCTIVE

“I believe. Help my unbelief” Mark 9:24 (RSV).

Money is tight this month. The rain gutter is in need of repair after the last severe storm. My tire keeps going flat. I had to be rescued twice from the church parking lot. My income arrives once a month. It’s entered into my checkbook, and then the monthly bills gobble it up. Will my funds make it through the month, or will there be month left over at the end of the money?

Doubt challenges my reasoning, dulls my enthusiasm, wipes out my hope and worst of all, steals the most vital ingredient to survival—faith.  Fear and faith cannot live together.

The words in the above verse were spoken by a man with a demoniac son. The father felt his son’s condition was hopeless. After all, the disciples couldn’t drive out the demon. Jesus’ response was, “O faithless generation. . . ” (See Mark 9:17-27).

No way do I want to be a member of the “faithless generation.” I believe the Lord is my provider, and I will make it through this month. Jesus often asked people if they believed He could perform miracles. I need to say “Yes” to God and actively believe–always. My situation today is the arena for a miracle. This should be exciting!

Dear Lord, thank you for providing for me in all areas of my life. I confess that money causes me the greatest anxiety. You have always provided what I need when I needed it. I believe. Help my unbelief. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen

©2014 Lois Gosley

KANSAS TO BALTIMORE

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose Romans 8:28 (NIV).

A woman new to the church Bible study introduced herself with a smile and said, “I’m a fellow Christian visiting Baltimore from the Sunflower State of Kansas.” She asked us to pray for her brother who was in hospice care. I was startled when she mentioned his name.

“Did he write a book about alcoholism?” I asked.

“Yes he did,” she answered. “Did you read it?”

“I taught a college class about addiction for many years. The purpose of the class was to prepare teachers to instruct students about substance abuse. Your brother’s book was on my required reading list.”

“Please write my brother,” she said. “It would cheer him to hear that story.”

In answer to my letter, the man’s wife wrote, “My husband had tears in his eyes when I read your letter to him. He thanked God that you presented to teachers. His hope is they will return to their classrooms and bring the facts concerning substance abuse to many others. What a blessing this was for him to hear, especially at this  difficult time!”

Some may call this co-incidental. The writer, his wife, his sister, the members of this Bible study group and I would call this a “God-incident.” God had called this man to fulfill a specific purpose. Many people were touched as our Lord reached out to this dying man confirming the positive consequences of His obedience to the call.

Heavenly Father, help us to hear Your call on our lives and to fulfill the purpose You have for each of us.

© 2014 Christy Struben