The Mystery of Faithfulness

Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: 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 3:21-23 NIV.

I have a great appreciation for my father-in-law who is 96 years old. He doesn’t make resolutions, but he resolutely reads the Bible day after day, year after year. We all know and admire people like him. Perhaps they began with a New Year’s resolution. Perhaps not. They probably had times in which readings were short or omitted, but they learned to persevere in busy days, difficult days, joyful days, and ordinary days. Since they look to the Lord for the compassion which is new every morning, they don’t need New Year’s resolutions.

Their ability to be faithful can seem like a mystery. We wonder how they managed until we find a clue in the disciple’s teaching, "We love because he first loved us" (John 4:19 NIV). Here we see the comparison. We become faithful because He was first faithful to us.

The Lord uses others to inspire us, but He himself shows us the way. We learn by doing. The more we spend time sitting with Him, hearing His voice, and experiencing His love, the more we yearn to know Him. We discover the mystery. Being faithful actually comes from the desire to be near Him who loves us. It is a by product, a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). Gently He leads us with unfailing compassions.

Prayer: Gracious Lord, as you are faithful to us may we become faithful to you. In the coming year may we spend more time hearing your voice as we read your Word. Thank you for your promises. Thank you for your compassions. Amen.

© 2008 V. Colclasure

Where Will You Be?

In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 1 Corinthians 15: 52 (KJV)

‘Twas the night before Christmas
And all through the earth
The Christians were gathered
For Jesus’s birth.

What they were praying was very unique.
They all came together,
For God they did seek.
They came from near, they came from far.
They were stopped in the fields.
They were stopped in their cars.
They looked to the sky.
Praising God’s Holy Name,
They would not stop; this wasn’t a game.

Then what in the sky did they see far above?
But Jesus who’s coming for his first Love.
With a sword in his hand, and a thundering shout,
“It’s time and I’ve come to take my church out.”
He stood tall on his heels as the Church did rise.
He was finally able to claim his prize.
No longer a babe in a manger you see,
He’s Savior to all who fall to their knees.

Where will you be on that wonderful day?
Up in the sky or asleep on the hay.

Lord, we remember the star shinning over Bethlehem when Jesus was born. I pray the true meaning of Christmas shines, in the hearts of all men.

© Copyright 2008 Marcella Panowicz

GOOGLE HIM

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, . . . James 1: 5-6 (NIV)

You have questions? Google helps find answers. Today, we have access to information within seconds. Anyone with a question from animals to zippers, from doctors to dates can go on the world-wide-web and Google it. Although I am a novice at navigating cyber-space, I know the more I go there the more my confidence builds.

This instant access to information brings to mind our spiritual access to God. Sometimes, human nature is quite consistent and predictable. Like the Google tool, God invites me to Google Him, anytime, anywhere, anyplace. Whether I need guidance, peace, or protection my Lord God promises to provide, especially if I call out to Him in expectation . . . believing. Google may provide information, but Google Him for all the wisdom, mercy and power. Just give God the glory.

Dear Lord Jesus,
Trials and troubles only make me stronger. Yes, the testing of my faith produces patience. This joyful heart is aching for more patience. With every beat I will trust you. Thank you for giving me access, reminding me I am loved. Amen.

© 2008 Evelyn Taylor

Hold Me Close, Lord

“For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, do not fear; I will help you.” Isaiah 41:13 (NIV)

When I arrive to take care of my grandchildren, my two year old granddaughter will stand right next to me, look up, and very insistently declare, “Hode you, Gramma, hode you.” She knows that I will reach down and scoop her up into my arms and hold her. She is looking for someone who loves her to hold her close and devote full attention to her as she chatters and asks me to read her a story. She also knows that if she falls down and hurts herself, I will be there to comfort and reassure her.
Just as a small child longs to be held and rocked in loving arms, we long for God to hold us close. When we are hurt or lonely or sad, we cry out to God, “Hold me, Lord; hold me.” We want His comforting love and attention. Sometimes we just want someone who cares about us to listen. God is always ready to listen to our fearful, anxious pleas as well as our joyful, happy prayers of thanksgiving. In Jeremiah 29:12, He tells us to pray, and promises He will listen to us.

Dear Father: I need to feel that someone cares about me. Please hear my prayer, and hold me in Your loving arms. Amen

© 2008 Diane E. Hussey