WHO IS THIS MAN GOD GAVE ME TO LOVE?

“Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” Matthew 19:4-6 (NIV)

This faithful man, I call him husband, has vowed to love me beyond my dying breath, who looks upon my many imperfections, choosing to cast them to the shadows and instead illuminate my gifts, overlaying my weaknesses with his strengths, creating this oneness most people only dream about, this idea of being complete without entirely losing oneself.

This steadfast man, I call him friend, has walked beside me, even into the pit of despair, never straying far and always willing to step in should the need arise, providing me with sufficient time and space to grieve and mourn all that has been lost, his hand outstretched patiently waiting for mine to take hold, ready to guide me from the darkness—from sorrow and pain into the light.

This enchanting man, I call him lover, is the one who quickens my heart, and the passage of time only endears him to me more, for it is still him I long to possess—it is his kiss I desire, his touch I seek, the gentle caress of his spirit interwoven with mine—and together we have created this treasure called family.

What is this mystery called marriage? How much sweeter would life be if we all regarded our spouse with such favor?

Father God, thank You for the gift of marriage.

© 2019 Amy A. Verzi

MOTHER'S DAY VISIT

When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple standing by, whom He loved, He saith unto His mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith He to the disciple, Behold thy mother! and from that hour that disciple took her unto his own house. John 19:26, 27 (KJV).

She came to visit in the night.
I felt her sitting on my bed.
My heart pounded when I saw her face
and listened to the words she said.

"I came to see my little girl
who worked so hard to save my life.
But, dear, you know I am with Jesus.
There's no sorrow or tears in Paradise.

"Jesus said that I could visit
just for a little while.
He's seen your sorrow at missing me,
and He wants to see your happy smile.

So, let's not speak of hurtful things
that bring on tears and heavy stress.
I'll scratch your back and you scratch mine.
Such simple things brought us happiness.

"I've come to say 'I love you dearly.'
I know you miss me and that's all right.
When tomorrow comes, you'll feel so good.
You'll not remember this visit tonight.

"Tomorrow is a special day.
Please kiss your children and say 'I love you.'
They won't believe I came to say,
"'I love you, love you, with all my heart.'"

Thank You, Father, for a loving mother in my life. Amen.

© Evelyn B. Ryan

LIFE CHANGES REQUIRE AN UNCHANGING GOD

“For I know well the plans I have in mind for you,” oracle of the Lord, “plans for your welfare and not for woe, so as to give you a future of hope.”  Jeremiah 29:11 NABRE

Our new year began with laughter, family and friends. It was wonderful!

However, the evening ended in sadness with a call informing us about the passing of our abuelo (grandpa). He was very old and sick—we knew the time was near.

Along with this, my sister, who has been at my side all my life, is moving far away to live out her dream of being an actor. Although I am very happy for her, there is a sadness at losing her now. We’ve always been close, and she has been my rock. Whenever my anxious and depressive moments have taken over, I could always count on her being there.

God has given me a husband and now the support shifts to him. My sister is now discovering God’s plans for her. Reflecting on this, I am reminded by the verse by the profit Jeremiah. I trust God knows the plans He has for me.

Even though I am saddened by these changes, I am excited for the future! God’s timing always works out. My husband and I have been trying to have a child. With the extra room in the house because my sister left, maybe His time for that is near. My hope is in the Lord’s plan for us and no matter what may change—He is our unchanging Rock.

Lord, help us to accept the changes in our lives as they help bring us closer to who You created us to be. Amen.

© 2019 Maritza Mejias-Ditzenberger

WORDSMITH

Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17 (NAS)

In your walk with God have you considered how collaboration with others can strengthen your gifts? We’re blessed with fellow Christians to share wisdom and guidance to hone our talents.

We all have gifts to glorify God. The list of gifts is as long as the imagination of our Creator. Mine is writing.

There are many synonyms to the word “writer.” My favorite is “wordsmith.” It creates a word picture in my mind of how we craft each script we write. This task is like taking something akin to iron, working and shaping it until it fits the purpose for which I am calling it.

A blacksmith wields his hammer, shaping the iron into a useful implement for the purposes intended.

God’s Word is the sword of the Spirit. When wielded, its power can accomplish the task of shaping hardened hearts into what God intended.

A wordsmith is similar to a blacksmith or farrier, who uses his skill making the tools of his craft in combination with a hot furnace.

As Christian writers, we put our words in the fire of critique with the assistance of other wordsmiths gently and lovingly reviewing our work. We laboriously shape our tools into devotions and other useful compilations of words.

We sharpen each other’s words so that when combined with God’s Word, they accomplish His goal.

We pray our words reach the hearts of readers drawing them closer to God and living a life that brings Him glory. This is the intended use for the craft God gifted us.

Whatever tools God has given, I pray we seek guidance from other believers to help sharpen them into usefulness for God’s kingdom.

Father, thank You for the strengthening “iron” of other believers.

©2019 Bonnie Mae Evans

WHEN THE SON COMES UP

He is not here; he has risen!  Luke 24:6a (NIV)

They tell me one Friday many years ago, a just Man experienced an unjust persecution. Falsely accused, beaten, and bruised, He bore the wrongdoings of a people He was born to emancipate. HE DIED for a crime He did not commit all because the people who crucified Him were in need of His redemptive, life altering love.

There are moments in our lives when it seems the weight of our darkness is more than we can bear. The mounting bills, the wayward children, the ailing parents, and the dreams deferred all make it feel like the Son has set on our lives. While we may not have died a literal death, we have cried our last tear, we have given up and our lives have lost all meaning!

Similar to this just Man, darkness has filled our sky and seemingly the sun set on our lives, but just as that was not the end of His story, it’s not the end of ours either. His darkest day was the beginning of something amazing. Could that be our truth too?

We can rejoice today because Good Friday prepared the way for Easter Sunday! When the Son rose up from the grave, our lives were changed forever. Death was defeated and salvation became ours.

My friends, remember this today, darkness and defeat do not have the final say. They are not the end! Jesus continues to be our Present Help, our Comforter, our Strength, and our Hope! When darkness invades our world, there’s no need to fear, just sit back and wait. It’s only a matter of time before the Son comes up! Hallelujah!

Father, let Your Son arise and shine brightly in our lives. Amen.

© 2019 Dawn M. Wayman

WHO DO YOU SAY I AM?

. . . Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?”Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Matthew 16:13-16 (NLT)

After asking His disciples “who do people say I am?,” Jesus understood that some people thought He was John the Baptist. Others thought He was possibly Elijah or one of the prophets. Then Jesus asked a more pointed question: “Who do you say I am?”

I remember this conversation from my scripture readings. This account is recorded in the gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke.

As you read this question and Peter’s response, does it cause you to pause and consider your own response, “Who do I say Jesus is?”

As a young believer, I had no depth to my faith.  Peter’s reply certainly indicated his strong belief in Jesus but I only viewed it within the context of the biblical story. I did not pause and consider a personal response. 

When I began to truly yearn for God and search His Word, I began to read The Bible with the goal to understand the story of Jesus, starting with the Old Testament.  Now a scripture verse such as, “Who do You say I am?” causes me to pause and reflect on my personal response.

Yes!  He is indeed the Messiah, the Son of the Living God. These words become sweeter and sweeter with each passing year. 
  
Is this true for you?  Can you stand as solidly as Peter on your reply? “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” God has prepared our hearts well. Our faith is grounded in Christ. 

Father, thank You for sending Your Son, the Messiah to live among us. In Jesus name.

 © 2019 Marianne Lucot

IN HIM WE LIVE

For in him we live and move and exist. As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’ Acts 17:28 (NLT)

This scripture speaks deeply to my soul. I live in Him. And move and exist in Him. I ask myself, “Is this posture expressed in the way I live each day?”

How will this look to others? I imagine an individual’s defining nature will be selfless, loving, gentle and encouraging. He or she will meet others’ needs, listen without judging, give hope to the hopeless, and offer a hand to those who are lost. 

How do we achieve the essence of living in Him?

Is this the desire of your heart? God has led me to this posture through my quiet time and His Holy Word. I have sensed within my soul a deepening of faith and a more intimate love for Jesus.  Through fellowship and serving alongside other believers in my local church, I have witnessed others who are already living in Him.

Living in Him is a daily decision and process. In each moment we empty ourselves and seek His face. We long to be filled with His Holy Spirit—overflowing and pouring His love onto all we encounter.

In the evening we examine our day—where we witnessed the Holy Spirit working through us and where we have missed opportunities.

We praise Him for His presence and look forward to tomorrow with renewed vigor to continue His good work in and through us. 

Father, thank You for Your Word which encourages us to empty ourselves and be filled with Your Spirit, desiring You to work through us in a mighty way. We are indeed Your children.

© 2019  Marianne Lucot