THE GIFT

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:23 (KJV)

The Christmas story is filled with hope, love and redemptive truth for all mankind. Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners. Jesus Christ was born to die.

Like the Israelites, we are lost in our transgressions and in desperate need of a Savior. Born into Adam’s seed and having inherited his sin nature, we can never be good enough or do enough good to measure up to the holiness of God—perfection. And if you’re anything like me, you don’t have to look too hard or think too long to see areas in your own life where you fall short.

In John 14:6, Jesus tells us He is the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Him.

Jesus Christ is the only person to walk the earth who was perfect—the only One who knew no sin and could stand in the gap for us on the cross. We can only get to heaven by the grace of God through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ.

There is no other way. Only when you get Jesus, you get heaven.

Father God, Our hearts are filled with joy, gratitude and praise for all the blessings You have so generously bestowed upon us. May all the people in the world—from every tongue, tribe and nation—pray to receive the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, and experience Your boundless love, mercy and peace forevermore.

© 2018 Amy A. Verzi

 

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JESUS”

For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger. Luke 2:11-12 (NKJV)

I recently enjoyed a Christmas Tea. The assorted food items were very tasty and the fellowship was inviting and warm. As a special treat, a mother and daughter shared their Christmas tradition—one they have observed and passed down through the generations for forty- plus years.

They present to Jesus a birthday cake on Christmas morning, specifically baked and decorated to represent God’s story of redemption. Everyone, young and old, participates in sharing the story of Jesus.  

The round cake represents the world and the chocolate layers show the sin of the world (Romans 3:23). The white frosting shows how Jesus’ purity covers our sin (Psalm 51:7). The cake is adorned with an angel, representing the first bearer of the Good News (Luke 2:10-11). A star also adorns the cake, representative of the star the wise men followed to worship the baby Jesus (Matthew 2:9-10).  Twelve red candles represent Christ’s shed blood, covering us throughout the year (Matthew 28:20), and evergreens surround the cake to represent eternal life ( John 3:36). With the candles lit, we reflect on Jesus as the light of the world (John 8:12). We then worship and sing “Happy Birthday, Jesus” (Isaiah 9:6).

This sweet tradition assures the true meaning of Christmas is remembered through the scriptures and celebrated throughout the generations to come. Let us pass on this tradition!

Father, may we honor Your gift to the world, Your precious Son, above all else each Christmas season.

© 2018 Marianne Lucot

THE BETHLEHEM STAR

"...for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him." Matthew 2:2b (KJV)

The stars in heaven shown so bright.
I watched them glow in the dark night.
My heart was peaceful, happy, content.
I know what love of the Father meant.

I read in the Bible of the Bethlehem star,
and how the three wise men traveled so far
to worship the baby who in a manger did lay,
sleeping so sweetly in the warm, soft hay.

They presented Him gifts to prosper Him there,
that He would need in His parents care.
His Father in heaven oversaw His care,
sending angels to watch over Him there.

The Bethlehem star shown down where He lay,
snuggly and warm in the soft bed of hay.
No one knows how long the Bethlehem star
shown down on Jesus from afar.

His Father above smiled on Him each day,
as the Bethlehem star faded slowly away.
The star did its duty to welcome the King
and cause the angels to joyfully sing.

God's gift of His Son was to all mankind
so that we all would keep Jesus in mind.
Our gift in return is to give Him our love
and worship the King in heaven above.

Merry Christmas to all at this time of year.
Spread joy and love of the Savior, Dear.
Every knee should bend, every head should bow
at the name of Jesus. That's love, then and now.

                  Merry Christmas everyone!

Thank You, Father, for the gift of Your Son, Jesus.

©2018 Evelyn B. Ryan

FOLLOW THE MASTER'S DIRECTIONS

Listen my son, to your father's instruction...Proverbs 1:8 (NIV)

When I brought home a beautiful little black Labrador puppy, the whole family immediately fell in love with her. She was a "people dog." It seemed that she wanted to be with adults as well as children as long as they would pay attention to her.

She loved to go for walks and retrieve toys and balls thrown for her to find and catch.

Since we were relatively new in our walk with Jesus our Savior, we decided to name her Faith. We loved to use the phrase, "We walk by Faith,"  It was our private "double meaning reminder" of our covenant with the Lord.

My son, Bruce, enjoyed playing "fetch" with Faith. While watching this activity at the beach one day, I noticed Faith always kept her eyes on Bruce and the ball. If she was headed in the wrong direction, Bruce would whistle and point in the direction she needed to go in order to retrieve the goal. In the puppy's case the goal was a rubber ball.

Bruce was pointing directions to Faith, helping her to find her way to retrieve the goal. In the puppy's case, the goal was a rubber ball.

The swimmer was pleased and the master was pleased.

Our Lord calls on us to follow his directions in order to complete His goals for our lives. Like our puppy, Faith, we need to watch and listen to our Master, follow His words from the Bible and listen to the whispers of the Holy Spirit as He directs us.

Prayer: Lord, help us to keep our eyes and ears on your words. Help us move in the directions you desire us to live.

 (C) 2018    Christy Struben 

OUR FIRST THANKSGIVING

...give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1Thessalonians 5:18b (NIV)

Most families celebrate Thanksgiving, passing the tradition to their children. Not so with my family. My mother never cooked a turkey.

My stepfather's employer gave everyone at work a turkey for Thanksgiving. We were thankful when he brought one home, but my mother did not know how to cook it.

Mother looked at that bird like it was an alien. She washed it, and gave thanks to God for abundant food. While staring at the bird, Mom decided boiling would make it tender. She filled her biggest pot with water and boiled the bird for two hours. Whew! It stunk up the house. "Is the turkey supposed to smell that way?" she asked my stepfather. He shrugged and walked away.

Mom was upset. Well, she mumbled, maybe it needs to be fried. Cutting the wings, legs and thighs off, she dusted them in flour and fried the pieces in three large skillets. The odor was nauseating. She mumbled, it must have to bake. She placed all the pieces in her largest baking pan and shoved it into the oven.

The air was thick with a heavy rotten odor. Mom opened the windows and doors to air out the house. To test if the bird was fit for human consumption, Mom offered a drumstick to our dog. He sniffed it and retreated to the pantry. The only thing that turkey was good for was the garbage can!

Even though our Thanksgiving dinner was bologna and cheese sandwiches and a purchased pumpkin pie, we offered our thanks to God.

Dear Lord, thank You for the mistakes we make that teach us to correct our ways. Amen

© 2018  Evelyn B. Ryan

A DAY OF THANKSGIVING

So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. Acts 2: 46-47 (NKJV)

Every day for the early church was a day of thanksgiving, gathering and eating together and praising God.

I recall from our country’s history how the first pilgrims came to this country, desiring freedom from religious oppression and economic hardships. They were looking for a fresh start— new beginnings. They gathered with family and friends to celebrate and break bread together, giving thanks to God for bringing them safely to this new land of plenty.

How wonderful the ­­­United States of America sets aside a day to celebrate Thanksgiving Day!

As a nurse, I often would work this holiday. The staff members who worked planned to bring a favorite dish to share, and celebrate the holiday together. One Thanksgiving Day, my husband was home and working outside. Several neighbors noticed and invited him to their table. He politely declined. When I returned home, Bill showed me the two plates of food he had received from two neighbors. How thoughtful they were to make sure he did not miss out on friends or a turkey dinner with all the trimmings. 

I am filled with gratitude for the many volunteers who devote their time each Thanksgiving and many other days throughout the year to prepare a grand meal for those who are homeless, who have no family, and those families struggling to provide. May each day be as Thanksgiving, celebrating, giving thanks, and sharing with everyone.  

Thank you Father for showing us how to share Your love not only on Thanksgiving Day but every day.

© 2018 Marianne Lucot

SOX MELTS MY HEART

And they went into the ark with Noah, two and two of all flesh in which there were the breath and spirit of life. Genesis 7:15 (AMP)

One of my favorite places to visit is the veterinary office. I enjoy watching everyone’s pets interact with their owners and their immediate surroundings. After all, they are God’s creatures in whom the breath and spirit of life resides. Their body language demonstrates many of our human emotions including fear, sadness, stubbornness, aggression, joy, love and contentment. You may even think of others.    

Sox, our cat, has a chronic health condition which requires frequent visits to the veterinary office. He instinctively knows we are trying to help him feel better. He never gets upset as he is probed and prodded, and he always takes his medicine easily, with no resistance.

We enjoy our sweet personable cat. He frequently walks right behind us as we take our daily walk in our neighborhood. When we stop and visit outside with a neighbor, Sox will walk up and accept a friendly rub on the head from them.

At home, Sox often settles in our lap or in another spot within the same room. If we are in different rooms, Sox will often settle somewhere in between.  His sweet nature and desire to be social melts my heart.  Can you imagine if our hearts melted for our neighbors and strangers as it does for our precious pets?  Isn’t this how Jesus desires us to love each other, even those we feel are unlovable? That kind of unconditional love would indeed change the world.

Father, melt our hearts as we go into our communities, to share Your love with our neighbors

© 2018 Marianne Lucot

I AM A CHILD OF GOD

Worship the Lord with gladness;
    come before him with joyful songs.
Know that the Lord is God.
    It is he who made us, and we are his;
    we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
Psalm 100:2-3 (NIV)

I shared an unforgettable evening with my stepmother this past week. We attended a book-signing event featuring Mitch Albom and his recently released novel, The Next Person You Meet In Heaven. Time passed quickly as he shared bits and pieces of his life and writing with us. And like his novels, his words lingered in my mind long after the evening came to an end.

Thoughts of Chika, a little girl from Haiti, awakened me in the night. Memories of watching a video during the event of her singing “I’m no longer a slave to fear—I am a child of God” filled me. She appeared to be singing for an audience of One, seemingly unaware of anything around her, content in her solitude with the Lord. Although at the time I felt like an intruder, I couldn’t turn my eyes from the scene before me—pure worship, adoration and trust. In a matter of seconds, a child I had never met etched a permanent mark on my heart.

No matter the number of days we are given, our lives are interconnected, and even one chance encounter has the potential to change us. Change the way we believe … change the way we worship … change the way we love.

Chika went home to be with the Lord, but the memory of her singing and her childlike faith shall stay with me forever.

Father God, Thank You for little children—for the times we experience the beauty of pure worship and absolute faith through them.

© 2018 Amy A. Verzi

A PIERCED HEART

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double–edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow, it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)

As a newly baptized Christian, during a Sunday worship service, I would often be sobbing as if my heart had been pierced.  It was as if God was speaking directly to me. As I look back, I know the Holy Spirit was using God’s Word to convict me in areas of my life I was holding onto. It was a battle of the wills, the flesh and the Spirit. Over much time the Holy Spirit would win each battle.

Our sinful nature can be compared to an onion which has many layers. As the Holy Spirit exposes our layers, we must surrender and allow Him to peel back each layer we hide behind, sometimes bringing tears. This provides room for God’s Holy Spirit to fill us and transform our lives. Only then can we be used in His Kingdom work.

I am humbled how God works in our lives, accepting us in our brokenness, but not willing to leave us there. I am thankful to be in a church where I hear God’s Word preached every Sunday. Even as a more mature Christian, I continue to feel the Holy Spirit prompting me through God’s Word to examine my heart.

Although we may have a close walk with Christ, we still have that sinful nature.  Daily, we must be in God’s Word and ask the Holy Spirit to examine our hearts and remove everything impure. Only then will God work through our hearts, reaching others far from Him.    

Father, I am thankful Your Word pierces my heart. Amen

© 2018 Marianne Lucot

EAGER EXPECTATION

The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. Romans 8:19(NIV)

It has always amazed me how Apostle Paul was given such insights to write the things he did in the New Testament. Romans 8:18-27 is one shining example. I sat down to attempt describing what that passage means. Here is the comforting and exciting result:

This passage encompasses the whole true perspective of our lives—that is, of those who believe in and follow Christ Jesus. We have a personal relationship with each person of the Trinity, and this passage tells of the significance of those relationships.

It begins on a grand, infinite scale—all of creation! Creation is waiting in “eager expectation” for us to be revealed as the sons (and daughters) of God. That is amazing in itself. I am reminded of my human birth. My mother and father sent announcements to their family and friends, and they all celebrated. Will God be pleased to announce me as His son?  

It speaks of creation’s liberation from “bondage to decay” (for us, sin and death). Then we will be brought into “glorious freedom of the children of God.” Now, with the indwelling Holy Spirit that Jesus has given each of us, we have a taste of the first-fruits. But beyond that we have hope for a far greater future. We wait for it patiently with “eager expectation.” In the face of such great anticipation we don’t really know how to pray, but the Holy Spirit helps us and also intercedes for us in accordance with God’s will.

Through Paul, God has given us assurance that He will be pleased to claim us and announce us to all creation. Wow! I can hardly wait!

Lord, It’s wonderful to be your child!

© 2018 Parker Wayland

THE HEART OF JESUS

Jesus replied, “All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them.” John 14:23 (NLT)

Recently, I had my hair appointment with the same hair dresser of seventeen years. We have gotten to know each other through our visits and we always catch up on how our families are doing. Pete told me he has not seen his granddaughter for the past six weeks. I asked him why.  He explained his wife of 12 years and his grown son who is thirty are at odds with each other.  Pete’s wife believes her stepson and his wife do not like nor show her any respect. They do not even address her by any name. Her feelings are hurt and she has dug her heels in and wants an apology. 

Meanwhile, the stepson does not feel they have done anything wrong and refuses to apologize. Pete is very disturbed by this. He just wants peace and to see his granddaughter, who has just turned one year old. I too being a peacemaker can understand both sides.

As a daughter of God, I desire to do His will each day. The Holy Spirit prompted me to share a fresh perspective on this situation with Pete. I explained, “Because of my faith, everything I see and hear goes through the heart of Jesus. He has taught us to forgive just as He forgives us. If your wife or your son would consider God’s teaching to forgive, they may be able to find peace.” Pete was encouraged to share this perspective and hopeful they may find resolution and healing.

Father, thank you for giving me the opportunity to bring You Glory through my response.

© 2018 Marianne Lucot

AN INDIVIDUAL MATTER

The fool says in his heart, there is no God. Psalm 14:1(NIV)

 

Yet my beloved country, the United States of America, seldom recognizes or acknowledge God in its public and legal policies and discussions. Are we really a nation of fools? Sometimes it would appear so.

 

The principle of freedom of religion is affirmed in our constitution. This is right and good. God does not want people to honor Him because they are forced to. That is no basis for the kind of loving relationship He desires. People of many backgrounds come to the United States seeking religious and other kinds of freedom. Atheists, Muslims, Hindus and others—all are welcome just as Jesus stretches out his hands of welcome to all people.

 

It is the task of those who are disciples of Jesus—not secular media or the government, to share and teach His love. We, not the media, must give glory to God in our interactions with people. We, not the government, must gracefully lift up the Bible as the source of truth. We, not only the government, must adopt biblical moral standards for our lives. We, not the government, must share the truth of the gospel with those who haven’t heard or adopted it.

 

Thus the issue of honoring God for who He is becomes an individual matter. The actions of our government can honor God only as they flow from the individuals that make policy and decisions of the government. God works through the actions of individuals—His disciples.

 

Lord, give the United States governing officials and citizens who will honor and love You and are eager to be guided by Your wisdom in all they say and do. Amen.

 

© 2018 Parker Wayland

JOINED TOGETHER THROUGH PRAYER

Dear brothers and sisters, I urge you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to join in my struggle by praying to God for me. Do this because of your love for me, given to you by the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:30 NLT

I participate in an online care team ministry, responding to individual’s prayer requests. I draw upon the scriptures and often include one or two verses which they can refer to for strength and encouragement. I also write personal heartfelt prayers to address the details of their situations and include this in the email. Frequently a response of gratitude is received.

Several months ago, I responded to a prayer request from a dear woman, Judy whose husband is facing a life threatening illness. There are no coincidences with God as I, a nurse of over 40 years experience was chosen by God to respond to this prayer request. Judy continues to correspond, giving me detailed updates and asking for continued prayer and encouragement. She and I have much to praise as the Lord is meeting their financial and personal needs in addition to her husband’s medical needs. His condition remains critical but they have witnessed how faithful God has been. They give all the Glory to God when the medical staff comments on their hopeful and positive spirit.

Through our own life experiences, we understand the power of prayer to strengthen and comfort us, filling us with hope and deepening our faith and our witness of Our Almighty God.  May we each continue to seek out opportunities to come along side friends, family members, or even strangers. We will lift them in prayer and celebrate with them as God moves in their lives.

Thank you Father for the gift of prayer.

© 2018 Marianne Lucot

LOVE BEYOND UNDERSTANDING

A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. . .  John 13:34 (RSV) 

All my life I felt as if I was on the outside looking in. As years passed, I realized love was missing. Love was not expressed in my home. My mother might hug me, but she would just as easily, slug me.

No one went to church. Once I asked why we didn’t go. Dad said they were all hypocrites. Meanwhile he worked all the time, and Mom was sick all the time. They both died young.

When I was seven, my brother was born. If I heard it once, I heard it a hundred times, “You finally got the boy you wanted.” My seven-year-old interpretation: I’m not important or wanted.

After high school and business school, I married and had a beautiful daughter. We moved to Maryland from Pennsylvania. There I met a lovely Christian woman, and we became friends. She encouraged me to join Community Bible Study—and I did, eventually becoming Children’s Director. 

One CBS lesson stressed God’s love. Did God love me? I prayed, Dear Lord, I want to feel Your love. In Jesus’ name, I prayed. 

Being asked to be on a Servants Team panel at CBS Headquarters, and speak about the program was a fun chore. After it ended, I was surprised when they thanked, hugged and congratulated me. My Teaching Director hugged me with tears, which made me cry. I was overwhelmed with love. I felt loved and accepted—God’s love. Where would this love come from—His Family.

God finally got the girl He wanted.  

Dear Lord, I pray those feeling unloved to know Your unsurpassed Love. Amen

© 2018 Lois Gosley 

RIGHT OR LEFT?

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” Isaiah 30:21 (NIV)

In every good story, there is usually a pivotal moment when the hero comes face to face with who he is and who he needs to become to achieve his main objective. As readers, we are invested in the life of the hero, having spent many hours on a rollercoaster waiting for this moment to occur. Breathless, we stand at the fork in the road where our hero is faced with a decision. He can choose to remain on the familiar path—or he can choose a new path and be transformed, taking the first scary step toward achieving his main objective. Inside, we are screaming at the top of our lungs to choose the new path and leave the past behind.

The news is inundated with inspiring stories of people who have risen above unbelievable circumstances—and tragic stories of people who spend their lives making excuses, blaming others and refusing to accept responsibility for their actions. Why do some people overcome obstacles while others take the road to destruction?

None of us choose our parents and siblings, the circumstances of our birth, where we live as children or the environment in which we are raised and sadly, some of the things that happen to us. Yet all of this, our background and the baggage we accumulate along the way, shapes a part of who we are, but not necessarily who we become.

Who we become is the result of our choices and who we choose to follow.

Lord, As we encounter the forks in the road, guide us to the path that leads to You.

© 2018 Amy A. Verzi

 

HEAVENLY PETS

Thy righteousness is like the mountains of God; Thy judgments are like a great deep. O Lord, Thou preservest man and beast. Psalms 36:6 (NAS)

I have a confession. I’ve been troubled by the apparent silence of the Bible on the subject of what happens to our pets after they die. After another devastating loss of a dear furry friend, I searched the scriptures in need of His comfort and peace, praying for the Lord’s guidance to find solid Biblical assurance. As always God was faithful and I was amazed.

Although the verse, “And your beloved pets shall reside with you in Paradise” did not appear, I found consolation. The opening scripture reminds us that God is righteous; His judgment is deeper than we can comprehend, and He saves the flesh of His creation. Of course He would! Didn’t He create each one and tell Adam to look after them?! During the great flood He used Noah to gather His animals to replenish the earth. Jesus was surrounded at birth by animals. Revelation speaks of animals in Heaven.

Luke 12:6 states, Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God.

This verse tells of God’s love and care for all His creation, even tiny birds that were sold in ancient market places for a widow’s mite. His heart is turned toward the life and well-being of each one. He also loves and cares for the pet’s owner. He knows our human need of their companionship and our concern for their afterlife. The love in our hearts first originated with Him.

My best assurances came in Psalm 145:2 which states all flesh will bless His holy name forever and ever.

I offer praise and thanksgiving Father, for your loving care of all Your creation.

© 2018 Bonnie Mae Evans

BE FREE

Therefore, if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. John 8:36 (NKJV)

The other night I had the joy of hearing Anita Baker perform in the city as a part of her farewell tour. My intention was to bask in the beauty of her music all night, but in the middle of the show a fellow concertgoer captured my attention. Her passion and love for the artist and music were amazing. She was on her feet dancing, singing, and calling out to Ms. Baker throughout the night. While she caused me to chuckle a bit, I admired her freedom to enjoy the concert with no restraints. She even got me thinking about how we live out our faith journeys.

How often do we live chained by our past, our mistakes, our shortcomings, and our sins? I’m amazed by how remembering those things can make us lose our zeal for our present lives in Christ! We’ve been given freedom through Jesus, but at times our living suggests we believe otherwise.

The lady at the concert walked in the door filled with joy, freedom, and expectation. She knew she was getting ready to have an incredible experience. She refused to allow anything to make her feel bound.

Can you envision what our lives would look like if we adopted a similar attitude? Imagine being free to not worry about how our past sinful nature impacts our present life. I think a daily decision to walk in our freedom given by Christ would open the door for God to do incredible things in our lives. So, we should walk in our freedom. The Son set us free, we are truly free indeed.

Father, thank You for the beautiful gift of freedom. Let us walk in it daily.

© 2018 Dawn M. Wayman

GROWING THE NEXT GENERATION

He decreed statutes for Jacob . . . so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children. Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands. Psalm 78:5-7 (NIV)

It is a privilege to serve with God in our elementary children’s ministry. I began to serve two years ago and God has been growing me through this experience. How wonderful it is to share Bible stories throughout the year. I witness firsthand how well they recall the Bible stories, and name books of the Old and New Testaments. Each month they are challenged to memorize a specific Bible verse. Our children grow up so quickly.  If we do not share God’s word, the story of His people and the Hope of Salvation in their formative years, we will lose the opportunity.

We impact their lives with God’s truth which never fails. We share God’s springs of living water with the children.  This also ignites a desire in each volunteer to be more like Christ. We desire to reflect Jesus so they experience and desire His love to flow through them. As the children express a desire to be baptized, we inform the parents of the steps to take toward baptism. We are laying the foundation in these children to be the next generation’s Christian leaders and disciples.

I challenge you to serve our young children wherever you are. You will create your legacy as you share your love for Christ. You will be amazed how God will bless you through this labor of love.

Thank you Father for calling me to serve and lead our children to Your Truth.

© 2018 Marianne Lucot

ARE YOUR EYES FIXED ON JESUS?

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5 (NIV)

 

After listening to the reading from John 21 this morning, I became rather excited, anticipating the pastoral message. Surely his message would cover the three times Jesus asked Peter if he loved Him, and I’d be able to finish writing one of my devotions. Imagine my surprise as the pastor began to share his thoughts on another section of the passage, where Peter takes his eyes off Jesus and looks at John.

Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is going to betray you?”) When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?” Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me” (John 21:20-22).

Follow Jesus.

It sounds simple enough, but sometimes feelings of inadequacy and uncertainty slither uninvited into my mind, overwhelming and distracting me. And instead of looking to the One who laid the earth’s foundation, I begin to look around me. Why does this cycle seem to repeat itself so easily?

Today I was reminded that our ability to do what God has called us to do is not dependent on us, our strengths or weaknesses, but is dependent on His strength and our willingness to take up our cross daily and follow Him.

Precious Lord, As we press on toward the goal You have planted within our hearts, grant us the courage and confidence to keep our eyes fixed on You.

 

© 2018 Amy A. Verzi

 

RESCUED

..."He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters." Psalm 18:16 (NIV)

This Psalm brought forth a painful memory from my youth. Our neighbors were going to the pool and I had permission to join them.

The shimmery blue water invited me to jump in. I decided to check the depth of the water first. Holding on to the rungs and pushing myself down, my  feet touched the bottom. The pressure of the water pushing on my chest frightened me. Letting go of the ladder, my body popped up like a cork. Reaching for the rungs, it surprised me to realize there was still an arms length between me and the ladder. Another foot of water was above my head. I kicked hard to get closer to the ladder but my struggle was useless. I promptly sank, fear seizing me. My lungs burned, begging for air.

Kicking hard, reaching as high as possible, I felt the warmth of sunshine on my hands. To my horror, my body began sinking for the third time. My lungs burst forth with a whoosh, and I swallowed water.

Suddenly, a hand reached into the water and pulled me to the surface. I grabbed the ladder and with the "Helping Hand," pulled myself out and sat on the edge, coughing and sputtering. My whole body tingled and I shivered violently.

Concerned, Mrs. Clay asked if I was alright. I nodded "yes" and grabbed my towel, wrapping it snugly around me. No more water for me today. I came too close to drowning. Fully aware of the spiritual intervention I had experienced, caused me to breathe a prayer: "Thank You, God, for Your "Helping Hand" that reached down and saved me."

Father, no matter where I am, You are there, holding my hand to keep me safe. You drew me out of the deep water. Amen.

© 2018  Evelyn B. Ryan