THE LOST HIKER

Rejoice with me, I have found my lost sheep." Matthew 15:6 (KJV)

Recently, a woman, went for a walk in the beautiful evergreen forest of Hawaii and got lost. She admitted being irresponsible and unprepared for the hike. She ate berries and green leaves for nourishment to survive. She never gave up hope of being rescued. 

Meanwhile, hundreds of people, police barrages and volunteers from all around, joined the search. Finally, after seventeen days, a helicopter spotted her waving her arms and sent down a basket to carry her out. She claims it was a spiritual journey, and she praises the rescuers who never gave up.

One of the rescuers said to the hiker, "It's a blessing to know love won't stop looking for you."

I thought about Jesus and His quests to save the lost. Our Bible is full of Jesus pursuing the lost–– coin, sheep, prodigal son, and souls. Jesus never gives up. Also, she was still being searched for when she had been irresponsible. She didn't have to be perfect to be saved.

I'm glad she didn't have to be perfect because I find myself lost in hopelessness and feeling defeated with a medical issue. I allow my mind to wallow in negativity. Jesus is here. I just have to look up, not down, and He's circling waiting to let down His loving arms to carry me out.

I can't imagine the love of God that won't stop until I'm saved. When God's love seems far away—who moved?

Thank you Lord for your Love beyond understanding. When anyone is lost, I pray they seek your face. Amen and Amen.

©2019 Lois Gosley

GOD'S PEOPLE

This mystery is that through the Gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 3:6 (NIV)

This world has always persecuted Jews. The holocaust of World War II was extreme, but persecution also persists today in cultural and political ways.

Yet the Scriptures make clear that God created Israel, the nation of Jews, to be uniquely His people. The patriarch Abraham believed God. As a result, God promised that all nations would be blessed through him. Thus, through this promise, Jews have an inherent relationship with God from birth.

I am not Jewish, and non-Jews are outside that initial promise. When I read the Old Testament stories of how other peoples outside the promise, such as the Philistines, were as nothing before the Lord, I am horrified! Add to that an awareness of my sins which threaten to block any relationship with God, and I am desperate for hope. What can I do?

This verse from Ephesians 3 is God’s answer to my desperation. As a Gentile, I am so relieved and delighted that God has invited me into the family of His people. He sent his Son Jesus to open a new way. Although I am not a Jew, through the Gospel of Jesus Christ I am brought near, grafted in, and my sins are forgiven. That indeed is the ultimate “good news.” And it starts as soon as I accept Jesus’ invitation to come to Him.

Lord Jesus, You are indeed the Son of God and the One who can bring me into the company of God’s people.  I accept your invitation, and I look forward to a life eternally with You. Amen.

© 2019 Parker Wayland

SEEING CLEARLY

While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen, for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:18 (NAS)

A recent disappointment in a matter my husband had been faithfully praying for left him discouraged and questioning. In his human wisdom, it looked like the answer he was seeking would show God’s faithfulness and bring glory to His name. These verses came to mind, My thoughts are not your thoughts. Nor are your ways my ways. (Isaiah 55:9) His are so much higher than ours. Our vision is limited.

A much-needed vacation followed on the heels of that disappointment. The timing also seemed perfect to send off for repair the “loops”—magnifying glasses he has to use in his dental practice. He was assured they would be fixed by his return to work.

On the last day of vacation, my husband’s reading glasses broke. After running into a pharmacy to get another pair, he came out disconcerted that the lenses he normally used were sold out. He could only get a higher magnification.

Returning to work on Monday, he found his “loops” had not arrived. He certainly could not work without them. He decided to take a look using his new readers. To his amazement, the extra magnification allowed him to see clearly.

That’s when my husband saw God’s hand intricately weaving events leading up to that moment.

He was reassured that God is in control, deeply cares about the everyday details of our lives, and is working everything out for our benefit—even when we cannot see.

 Father, we are grateful You see and know all things. Continue to increase our trust in You. Amen.

 

©2019 Bonnie Mae Evans

 

NIGHTTIME WANDERINGS

I will lift up my eyes to the hills, from where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. Psalm 121: 1-2 (MEV)

It’s 3:30 in the morning. I cannot sleep. The world seems to be closing in on me, and I wonder what awaits me beyond the bend where my eyes cannot reach—a mystery.

Our days are numbered. The amount of sand remaining in the hourglass is known only to our Creator. Would I change the way I spend my days if this were revealed to me? More than likely—yes, I would.

Tears dot the corners of my eyes ready to give way and wash my cheeks. I am in a season of mourning and have been since June 17^th when precious loved ones were taken from us—an intentional act of violence. Evil seems to be closing in on all that’s good.

I lament all of it—the loss of life, the sickness that has gripped those I love and the division that plagues our world. I grieve how far we’ve strayed from God’s original design—and my own role in the whole mess. Like Eve in the magnificent Garden of Eden, I too have been disobedient.

The storm rages around me while nature is at rest. Tears now fall in earnest. Helpless and defeated, I lift my eyes to the heavens seeking the presence of my Lord, blind to how the stories He’s written into our lives will unfold. Even as my faith waivers in the uncertainty of it all, I know God is enough . . . for me . . . for you. He has to be.

Father God, please strengthen and uphold us in the seasons of our lives. Guide us into the presence of Your glorious light.

© 2019 Amy A. Verzi