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

BEE FRUITFUL

Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. John 15:4 (NAS)

During times of intense trials, I picture myself clinging to Jesus, arms wrapped tightly around His legs, face buried, tears flowing into His robe.

As more confidence developed surviving those trials, I moved into more independent roles of service. I learned to dry my tears, unclench my hands and step out sharing and practicing what I learned. 

Honestly, at times I want to run back to Jesus clinging to Him as before—held, safe and secure. 

As Christians branching out is our goal, sharing with others the grace and hope we received in Christ, thus bearing fruit. Therefore, I need to venture into not-so-comfortable places while still remaining close to Him. 

There can be no true spiritual growth without Him; however, there can be no fruit if He is not shared.

While contemplating this reciprocity of His kingdom, my eyes followed a bee buzzing deep into blossom after blossom. In the bee world, taking what it needs for strength and endurance, it gives back by pollinating plants so they are fruitful—nature’s reciprocity, replicating God’s perfect plan.

There is balance between receiving and giving. 

While never outgrowing our need to rely on God, we grow. In growing we become a conduit from Jesus to others.  Intimately connected to Him, we gain strength and momentum from the Holy Spirit. 

Christ is the vine providing nourishment for the fruitfulness of our souls, thus fulfilling our role on the continuum to Heaven.  

Father, thank You for teaching us by abiding in You, we can branch out to others, and help increase the yield of the Kingdom harvest.

©2019 Bonnie Mae Evans

LOGAN MEETS LOIS FROM LOIS LANE

You have helped me, and I sing happy songs in the shadow of your wings. Psalm 63:7 (CEV)

“If he can do it, you can do it,” I said to encourage the kindly older lady in the wheelchair.

She smiled in agreement and said “I lost the leg a couple of months ago.” When my wife, my dog Logan and I first met her, I had not noticed. Privately, the executive director told us the lady’s left leg had been amputated, and she was awaiting a prosthesis.   

This was Logan’s first time as a “Paws for Comfort” volunteer. The seniors of the Retirement Village started gravitating to my 13-year old yellow Labrador, another senior. “Would you like to say hello?” I said.  The compliments flowed.  “What a nice dog.”  “He’s beautiful.”  “She’s so well behaved,” said a certain woman insisting that Logan was a she.  I repeated “he” several times, but finally got a look from my wife to let it go.

There was also “what happened to his leg?”  My refrain was: “Oh, he had a tumor on his leg three years ago and he lost his paw.  He wears a brace outside, but in the house does not need it.”

Finally, we met Lois, a happy dog lover, who once lived on a private drive named Lois Lane. Logan let her love on him with back rubs and head pats. He brought a happy song to the hearts of the residents.

Dear Lord, help us share our gifts whatever they may be; our time, our beloved pets, or a warm-hearted smile so we may bless others by spreading joy.

© 2019 Aubrey Evelyn

LIFE ALWAYS FINDS A WAY

By your perseverance you will secure your lives. Luke 21:19 (NABRE)

One bright sunny day, I was walking out to the job site, and I noticed a little green plant growing out of a brick column! I stopped immediately and took its' photo, then shared it to my social media page titling it, "Life Always Finds a Way." For the rest of the day, I thought how similar our residence in life is to that plant. 

Over the years I have heard many inspirational stories of how people have gotten through terrible trials and have come out on the other side stronger and wiser. We are made to be resilient. Cancer survivors remind me of this. No matter what we face in this life, God has given us His Spirit to accompany, guide and strengthen us. Even in death, life through Jesus continues.

In the hard times, we may feel defeated, but we are not! God is with us, reminding us to stand tall because nothing can defeat His children. I’ve realized this in my own life struggles. We can always start again and be fruitful no matter the timing or place God may have us. We can still grow right where we are, in the midst of trials, hardships and obstacles.

So do not allow yourself to feel like it’s over for you. Whatever your dream is or your hope, if you are still breathing, you still have a chance. Just like the little plant, you will burst through your obstacles and find life on the other side! With Jesus, anything is possible!

Lord, thank You for giving us a fighting spirit and Your Word which brings us life! Amen.

© 2019 Maritza Mejias-Ditzenberger

TRULY AWESOME

Others went out to the sea in ships… They saw the works of the Lord, his wonderful deeds in the deep. For he spoke and stirred up a tempest that lifted high the waves. They mounted up to the heavens and went down to the depths. Psalm 107:23-26a (NIV)

 

The bridge of a submarine is low to the water. For safety reasons, a submarine normally runs on the surface during a storm. The Officer of the Deck and two lookouts must be on the bridge while everyone else is safely below decks. For the 4 hours of their watch they face the onslaught of huge wave after wave, 20 feet high or more, coming at them incessantly. The bow rises dramatically as the crest of the wave passes it. Then the wave crashes over the bridge where the crew is huddled under cover, and finally the bow plunges into the trough for the next wave.

 

Who can spend even a fraction of a 4-hour watch in a storm at sea and not be awed at the power of God? Such an experience makes the doubts of a theoretical skeptic seem ludicrous. The remainder of Psalm 107 gives other examples: the wanderer in a desert wasteland, the thirsty and hungry, the prisoner sitting in darkness and the rebellious fool. In each case, this awesome God rescues those who turn to Him. The Psalmist tells us how to respond to this awesome love? “Let them give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for men. Let them exalt Him in the assembly of the people and praise him in the council of the elders.” (Psalm 107:32-33)

 My awesome God, You are truly worthy of all my praise!  Amen

 

©2019 Parker Wayland