GOD IS NOT FINISHED WITH US

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
    for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23 (NIV)

It is not my intention to seem ungrateful; however, there have been moments in my life when instead of second chances, I would prefer a “do over”—where time could be rewound as easily as a movie or television show. Once the scene replayed, it would not be a repeat of the previous one where I had sinned; the new scene would reflect my life in total obedience and fellowship with God.

Unfortunately, God does not give us the option to “do over” the events in our lives. While we may experience forgiveness, we must live with the consequences of our choices. Perhaps it is a reminder that our sufficiency lies not in ourselves, but in Him.

I wonder if the Apostle Paul felt the same way. When we first meet Paul, Saul of Tarsus, he is hunting and persecuting Christians. It is only after he encounters the risen Lord on the road to Damascus his life is transformed. For the remainder of his days, Paul faithfully served our Lord. Much of the New Testament is filled with his letters and encouraging words.

Paul’s life is a reminder that God is not finished with us.

As we meditate on these words, may we encourage one another to move beyond past failures and shortcomings and embrace the fullness of life God has prepared for each one of us.

Father God, Thank You for never giving up on us, even when we are tempted to give up on ourselves. Your mercies are new every morning.

© 2018 Amy A. Verzi

 

PAPA, REMEMBER ME?

Do you remember me?
I am the little girl
who sat upon your knee.
You combed my golden hair
and called me "honeybee."
Papa, do you remember me?

I looked into his faded eyes
behind the vacant stare
and tried to find the loving man
I knew had once lived there.
There was no recognition,
no warmth, no, not a word.
There was no inclination
that he had even heard.

I put my arms around him,
his shoulders gaunt and thin,
and prayed to God in heaven
that Papa would let me in.
But hope was quickly fading
and I held him close in fear.
Then behind his faded eyes
slipped a single salty tear.

Do you remember me?
Papa, I'm the little girl
who sat upon your knee.
You combed my golden hair
and called me your "honeybee."
Papa, do you remember me?

© 2018  Evelyn B. Ryan

FINDING THE MAIN THING

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. James 1:2-3 (NIV)

My grandson, Zac,  wanted to spend Christmas with his family. He was aware it would take at least six hours to drive from New York City to Latrobe Pennsylvania. Anyone who has driven that route knows the hills and curves through the mountains can be treacherous.Nevertheless, Zac started out on this trip at midnight after a busy eleven hour work day. He chose Route 30 rather than the turnpike hoping for a shorter drive.

Suddenly he was caught in a "white out" He could not see more than four feet in front of him. He reported later that it was nerve wracking moving very slow and struggling to stay on the road. There were no road side places offering shelter. He looked towards heaven and said, "I now know how Joseph and Mary must have felt--alone and afraid.

Zac spoke aloud, "I must keep my mind on the "Main Thing. Jesus, You re the Main Thing. Please help me!Suddenly, a huge white truck cam barreling towards him from behind. There was no safe path to move out of the way. Some how the truck passed safely. "Thank You Lord!"

Zac followed the tire treads from that truck as best he could. He reported he prayed more than he had in all the past weeks combined. He reported to the family that Jesus is the "Main Thing" in our lives!

Thank You Lord for Your presences. You are our hope and our salvation. Thank You for teaching us  us and bring us salvation.
(C)  Christy Struben 2018

AWESTRUCK

He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water. John 7:38 (NAS)

At our church I serve as a baptism assistant. It is a great joy and privilege to help others further their walk with Christ through this ministry.

During the preparation process, I am frequently awestruck by this thought—if matter cannot be created or destroyed, then it is entirely possible that some molecules of this very water ran rivulets down Jesus’ body when He was baptized as well. Baptism is a truly holy moment, that thought makes it even more sacred to me. His essence, His very presence is there rejoicing with us whether in the air we breathe or the droplets of water dripping from our “new in Christ” bodies.

We now also share the same Spirit that is in Christ. It is living in each of us who have accepted Christ as our Savior—the Holy Spirit of God. That Spirit is to be poured out in love on everyone we meet so they will see Christ in us and be drawn to Him.

Much like the cycle of water through the process of condensation and evaporation, our spirits are to be renewed by touching others for Christ and then theirs, by touching someone else. The cycle of sacrificial love resulting in drawing us back to Him goes on and on.

So, the next time you look into a cool refreshing body of water or see a fluffy white cloud drifting by, maybe you’ll think of the cycle of God’s love poured out for us and pass it on.

Thank you, Lord for the miraculous cycle of water and for renewal of our hearts through Your Holy Spirit.

©2018 Bonnie Mae Evans