Friday, March 24, 2017

STRANDED

Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked. Psalm 82:4 (ESV).

Going to the store in the heavy rain after dark was not a pleasant task for me. Shopping was not my thing. While parking, I saw an elderly woman sitting inside her car in the downpour. I went in the store and made my purchases, hurrying back to my car. That same woman was still there. Something inside urged me to go ask if she needed help.

"Yes," she answered. "My car won't start. Will you take me to the gas station across the street?"

"Of course, get in." The door was unlocked.

"I'll sit in the back so water won't get all over the place," she said thoughtfully.

I drove her to the gas station, wishing her God's blessings. She tried to pay me. I told her a firm "No," and drove the four blocks home. While parking, I turned around to check my position and my heart sank. She had left her keys on the back seat. It meant another trip to the station to give them back to her.

The woman was looking out the door as I pulled up to the station. She ran to me when she saw me stop. When I handed her the keys, she thanked me profusely and tried to pay me again. "No, it is my pleasure to help you. I would want someone to help my mom if she needed it."

Before she could insist, I waved "goodbye" and drove home again, praying she would be all right.

Father, thank You for the privilege of helping someone in need. One day it might be me asking for help from a stranger. Amen.

© 2017 Evelyn B. Ryan

Friday, March 17, 2017

GRACE WORDS

But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. 2Corinthians 3:18 (KJV)

I do not like my mirror. If it were a person, I would say, it is rude and unkind. Looking into it makes
me feel insecure. Wanting to hide, I say "Where is my make-up?" Does this sound familiar to you? It makes us chuckle, but there really are those times we avoid the mirror. It's saying something I clearly do not want to hear.

Remember going into a fun house at the carnival--the funny curved mirror that makes you tall or short in an exaggerated way? It's not a true reflection of the person looking into it. We laugh and do not become insecure at the warped image of ourselves because we know it's a lie.

Often, we turn people into mirrors. We are encouraged or delighted by an edifying word, we feel accepted in that moment. Conversely, we become insecure by the smallest comment that seems critical. Those words are taken as a reflection of our selves.

Circumstances speak to us as well. Have you ever felt that way? Perhaps, the circumstance is not from anything you did or forgot to do or didn't do right. Life just happens. Still, it reflects back at us,
"Failure!" "Loser!" They're like the hawkers at a bazaar selling their wares, hoping you will buy. Will you own these labels? Amid all the tumult there is one still small voice. The only voice that matters is
what the Word of God says about us.

We are His beloved!

Dearest Jesus, I thank you that my identity and value are in You alone.

(C) 2017  Carolann Renaud



Saturday, March 4, 2017

CREATURE LESSONS

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2 (NAS)

Early one morning as I knelt in prayer facing into the woods, the russet leaves of the forest floor began to move. Before my eyes, what I had not seen came to life as five deer rose from their beds.

The color of their coats perfectly blended to match the surroundings. As they moved through the trees I could not easily distinguish them from the fallen leaves except for the occasional flick of a white tail signaling caution.

The moment caused me to reflect on my walk as a Christian. Was I blending too well with society? Like the flash of the white tail, did my Christianity show up only as needed?

Or, was I more like the cardinal showing up with a bright flash and a cheerful song, unashamedly proclaiming my hope in Jesus Christ?

It is so easy to blend. We can do it by standing in silence in the face of injustice and not offering a helping hand or a badly needed encouraging word. Perhaps we do it without even being aware. How about those times when we are blessed and forget to give God the glory and praise that belongs to Him?

Nonetheless, inaction or reticence to step out and proclaim Christ in all situations is like withholding bread from a starving person.

I want to be known as a Christ follower in all that I do and say, so that others will see and know Jesus.

Father, help us to drop our camouflage and proudly wear the shining coat of salvation that others may see You. Amen.

 ©2017 Bonnie Mae Evans