NO TEAR UNNOTICED

You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book. Psalm 56:8 (NIV)

After my son returned from the funeral of his best friend, I was emptying his suit pockets to take to the cleaners. There I found a pocketful of used, wadded-up tissues.

My heart broke for the pain I saw crumpled in my hands.

It was practically unbearable for him when he was first told of the tragedy, the days that followed leading up to the service, the travel to be with friends and family, and deliver the eulogy. Looking to the future without the chance for making more memories together as they had planned . . . it was all there . . . the pain unbearably written in these crushed tissues lying in my hands.

Suddenly they were excruciatingly precious to me. I held them to my heart, crying and praying for God to somehow redeem the pain and grief of my son and all who loved Stephen. I prayed for God’s comfort and peace to pour over us.

Unable to toss them away, I carefully placed them in a small drawstring bag, gently nestling them in a corner of my jewelry box.

I am reminded of how much more our Father loves us and cares about our pain.

Someday I plan to give the bag to my son as a reminder of how precious he is to God. Not a single tear falls without His notice. He has saved every aching, trembling one in His bottle. We do not grieve alone.  

Dear hearts, if you are hurting and suffering the loss of a loved one or grieving from any kind of loss. I wish I had words to lessen your pain and lighten the crushing load of your grief.

I wish . . . but I don’t. There are just no adequate human utterings.

What I can do is pray and encourage you in HIS Word and the knowledge you are not alone. Our Father God is with you. He cares more than you can imagine. He sees your pain. He’s saving every tear. You are that precious to Him.
 
Words are empty, prayers seem impossible, and grief eats at your heart. But, let me encourage you with the Word of God, which says,

He is near to the broken-hearted and comforts those who are crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:18)
Hang on to hope. He sees. He knows. He cares.

I pray you feel God’s strong arms of comfort and peace wrap around you and hold you in the knowledge of His everlasting love.

©2020 Bonnie Mae Evans

STOP WHINING!

. . . O Lord, Thou art our father; we are the clay, 
and Thou our potter; and we all are the work of Thy hand. Isaiah 64:8 (KJV)

I was not the nicest child. Born a sinner, I had a favorite sin—ME! God sees that as PRIDE.

Actually, it is about more than me. I am God’s child; He gave me to my parents to train up in the way I should go, not the way I want to go (Prov. 22:6). He (and they) gave me siblings, so I had to accept that I was not the center of the universe — not even the “universe” on Cohassett Drive.

When I complained in piteous tones, Mom would say, “I can’t hear you when you whine!” That is a logical fallacy. She was saying, “I won’t listen to your whining.”

Whining is also a disrespectful way to approach our heavenly Father, but . . .

Compare God’s response with Mom’s. He does hear me when I whine to Him. He loved me even before He formed me in the womb, and He knew I would be an accomplished sinner and whiner. That probably describes many of us.

The Master Potter shapes and reshapes hearts and minds until they surrender to His Will. God has been molding us since before we were born. Some of us do require more work than others.

He has been very, very patient with me for many decades—shaping me into something for His pleasure. I need to quit whining about the process, and praise Him for his grace and mercy.

Dear Lord, please remind us that You are the real Center of the Universe. We would be wise to cooperate with Your plan, instead of advising You about our preferences.

© 2020 Sarah F. Strachan

HOLY REFLECTORS AND REFRACTORS

For God who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:6 (KJV)

 

A lovely antique prism hangs in my window. On bright days it refracts the sun and sends brilliant rainbows dancing around the room.

It is a beautiful reminder of God’s love.

If the crystal were silver, the sun’s beauty would reflect its source, but would not refract with clear brilliancy on everything around it. That is like us, dear ones, when we receive God’s grace.

It’s a marvelous truth that when we give our hearts to Christ Jesus, our eternal home with Him is secure. We worship Him with adoration and praise, reflecting His love back to Him in humble gratefulness.

But wait, there’s more—if God intended for that to be all He desired for us, why wouldn’t He have taken us to Paradise right then and there?

He leaves us on earth to be His body, loving and doing good works. In communion with Him we are strengthened and empowered to let His light pass through us to others, so their eyes can be opened to the life-giving power of His love.

His plan is like an infinite circle of love beginning with Him and returning to Him. As His Word says in 1 John 4:19, We love because He first loved us.

During this process of holy reflection and refraction as our hearts are lit with His love, we shower the light of it on others, helping to complete the circle.

Father, change our hearts from silver to purest crystal so we shine Your love on everyone we meet, pointing them to Your saving grace. 

©2020 Bonnie Mae Evans

HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY!

But at the beginning of creation God made them male and female. 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. Mark 10:6-8 (NIV)



In November, 1933, Hank Wayland and Rebecca Carr were married. They had met at the university and wed soon after their graduation. The Great Depression was still in progress, but Hank was able to find a job and provide for his wife. They were very much in love, but it was almost four years before their first child was born…me. A couple of years later Hank opened his own business, a Ford dealership, in a small Missouri town. Later a second son, my brother Al, was born.



Both Hank and “Becky” had strong Christian heritages, and they lived that way. There was honesty, faithfulness, integrity and unity in the home. In that atmosphere, wisdom also flourished. And it rubbed off on us two boys as we grew and developed our own lives and character.  Christ became our guiding light with all the confidence, guidance and blessings that He promises. Certainly there were the challenges and threats common to everyone’s life, but God’s blessing was on us as we faced them all.



Fast forward, Hank passed away in 1986. By 2007, Mother was in a nursing home. When I visited her, she was fond of reminiscing about her life with Dad. She would burst forth, “Happy, Happy, Happy!” Truly they had become one flesh. In doing so, they had become one that God could bless. And He did so in many wonderful ways.



That’s how it works, folks.



Lord, show me the way to Your blessing!



© 2020 Parker Wayland

SEEDS OF LIFE

Already he . . . is gathering fruit for life eternal; so that he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together. John 4:36 (NASB)

For decades I’ve enjoyed a hobby of growing citrus trees. It began one day quite simply, removing seeds from a tangerine for my daughter.

One seed had a little green sprout. I could hardly disregard the hope of new life emerging there. And so, with the planting of a few seeds in a pot of soil, some sunshine and water, thus began a hobby I love.

I’ve planted many varieties of citrus seeds; oranges, lemons, clementines and grapefruit. At present, wintering in my basement under a plant light, are tiny kumquat and Key Lime trees.

One tree in particular grew marvelously over fifteen years. As it grew I transplanted it into larger pots, moving it outside in the summertime. One season it stretched too tall for our ceiling and required pruning four feet off the top. It then grew in diameter monopolizing an entire corner of our family room.

It was a bittersweet day realizing it needed a larger space. I contacted the horticulturist at Rawlings Conservatory and Botanic Gardens, a magnificent glass house dating back to the 1800s. They were happy to give it a home where it now thrives. In their continued care, together we’ve shared the joy of seeing it produce blossoms and lemons.

I’m reminded of the parable of the sower. I find joy in the planting, not only citrus seeds, but seeds of faith in the lives of others by serving and encouraging them through God’s word. It isn’t necessary for me to see the seeds to fruition, but to be faithful in my part along their journey.

Father, show us how to be faithful gardeners of the heart.

©2020 Bonnie Mae Evans

LOVE

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13 (NIV)

I’m surrounded by familiar faces, people who have blessed me for years—plus a few more. I attempt to put on a brave face when Lisa hands me an envelope, but the truth is I’m broken—the fragile dam that holds back my tears is weak. I am weak, and it all begins to make sense, this brokenness I carry around in this heart of mine filled with scars formed by the simple act of loving.

I watch my dear friend Lisa suffer. We’ve gathered to celebrate her birthday—my granddaughter in my arms—her daughter Sierra and grandchildren in heaven. We sing the familiar tune of “Happy Birthday.” Deep inside we are many things, but happy is not one of them.

Our brokenness is not foreign to God. He too grieved the loss of His children to sin, sending His own Son Jesus Christ into the world to be broken for us. Love and pain must coexist for love to exist at all, for it is in the giving of ourselves we are broken. Love breaks us and makes us vulnerable, elevating us to the highest mountaintop or plunging us into the deepest sea. Even knowing the cost, I wouldn’t trade love, the greatest gift of all, for anything.

Among the pictures in the envelope is a smiling picture of Sierra and me. Just as surely as I know one day I will see God, I will again see my sweet Sierra and those who have gone before me. Until then, I will love more abundantly those God has entrusted to me. I hope you will too.

Thank You God for the gift of love.

© 2020 Amy A. Verzi

BACKYARD HARVEST

Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest indeed is plentiful, but the laborers are few.” Matthew 9:37 (NIV)

One year ago, my husband gave me a book entitled, Hearts of Fire, the stories of eight Christian women in the underground church. These women faced intense persecution for their faith, including imprisonment, family abandonment, kidnapping, forced marriages, beatings and exile. They were in the world spreading the Gospel and leading lost souls to salvation in treacherous conditions!

Their stories and their faith inspired me, yet made me ask: How far would I go to spread the Gospel? Would I give up in fear if the government entered my house and told me to renounce my faith or suffer death? Does my service in the church in America matter compared to the suffering endured by these women of faith? These questions loomed in my mind.

Living in the United States, Christians do not have to worry about such brutal persecutions. We have freedom of speech and religion and are not fleeing from a war-torn land; however, our work is not any less important to the Kingdom.

Recently, when my church went on a mission trip to Baltimore City, I realized there was much to do right where I live. God has work for me as well. The harvest is indeed plentiful in my own backyard. All souls are precious to God and He calls us to be His hands and feet right where we are! This gave me a new perspective and renewed desire to keep serving because it does matter!

Lord, bring out the laborers for the harvest here, there, and everywhere! Amen.

© 2019 Maritza Mejias-Ditzenberger

DUNG IT!

And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it  

Luke 13:8 (KJV)

How often have I read this parable and not seen the lesson?

A certain man planted a fig tree.  He liked figs, and wanted a ready supply in his own backyard.   But it takes three to five years for the tree to mature and produce fruit.

For three years he looked for fruit and found none, so he told his gardener to cut it down.  But the gardener had a strategy to “encourage” the tree to produce fruit:  “Dig about it and dung it.”

“Dig about it” is pruning the roots to stimulate new growth of the part that feeds the tree.  

“Dung it” is literally throwing manure around the base of the tree, which will provide nourishment for the roots and also stimulate growth.

I know what dung is.  I know where it comes from.  But I don’t put it in the same category as Miracle-Gro®.

However, if I‘m slow to produce fruit in living for God, He may prescribe “pruning and dung-ing” to encourage my spiritual growth.  Pruning sounds painful—it’s not a haircut.  He’s cutting away stuff that gets in the way of my living for Him.  Dung is fertilizer (nourishment) to help me grow closer to Him and actually produce fruit for His kingdom. 

Dung is seriously unpleasant—the negative things in my life which prod me to draw near to God to seek His will and His way.

Dear Lord, at my advanced age, I am finally seeing that You do have a plan for my life, and will prune and dung me as needed to become the person You designed me to be.

© 2020     Sarah F. Strachan

IN JESUS NAME

Whatever you ask for in prayer with faith, you will receive. Matthew 21:22 (NABRE)

I am part of a few church groups and we keep each other in prayer, communicating via mass text. It's a wonderful thing, but at times, it can also be overwhelming.

Through social media, we can pray for people halfway across the world and are able to reach more people in a short amount of time. My news feed becomes filled with prayer requests most of the time. I always try to stop and pray right then for each request, ending, "In Jesus Name." Saying this so frequently can seem robotic, automatic and can sound without feeling. When this happens, I wonder if the constant use of Jesus' name loses it's special meaning and power. But aren't we suppose to pray in Jesus' name? He promised us if we ask anything in His name, believing, it will be ours.

So how do we keep the fervor of mentioning His name at the end of our prayers? By spending alone time with Him and in His Word. Only when we do this will we refresh our prayer life with renewed vigor. Prayer life is like a muscle. If you do not exercise it, weakness can result. Exercising the muscle will make it stronger, energetic and create more stamina. It is the same with our prayer life.

If we are to further God's kingdom on earth, our "prayer muscles" have to be in healthy shape. After all, there are billions of people to pray for so let's roll up our sleeves!

Lord, let us not grow weary in praying for others, In Jesus Name. Amen.

©2019 Maritza Mejias-Ditzenberger

NEW BEGINNINGS

‘For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.’ Jeremiah 29:11 (NAS)

A New Year can be an exciting time to consider new beginnings. You might remember an idea you thought about in the past, but never pursued. Perhaps this year will be different and you will try something completely new.

For several years, I have wanted to start my own home business. I have done some research and have an idea. Rather costly and time-consuming training will need to be done. I have read about and listened to interviews with those who have already started their own business. I can see a springboard to launch mine, but I have not taken any action yet.

Is there a new idea God has put on your heart? Has He been leading you to join a Bible study group or seek another job opportunity? Do you need some training or more education to pursue your dream? Are you fearful of change or reluctant to get started?

Seek God and trust Him for guidance and wisdom. Ask Him if this is the right time for you to begin a new venture. God has a plan for our lives and work for us to do. He wants to give us a future and a hope, so consider stepping out in faith and making a fresh start. Then, leave the results to God.

Father, thank You for a New Year filled with Your hopes and dreams for a new beginning for each of us. Thank You for the way You revealed Your love by sending Your Son to redeem us.

© 2019 Diane E. Hussey

NEEDING DIRECTION

In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:6 (KJV)

At sixty years old, I fled an abusive marriage; moved alone to a new town, seventy-seven miles away from my original residence. Rescuers had given me furniture and the courts were in my favor, so I had a little income.

Weeks later, in my new home near my daughter and her family, I complained because my TV channels were different—couldn't find favorite programs. Then while driving around, I got lost. I didn't know the area and I was totally confused. I called my daughter, requesting she trace the call and find out where I was.

Later, I dropped into a chair, totally whipped by my circumstances and tears filled my eyes. I wanted to go home. But I didn't want to go back to him. Confusion and sadness became my daily companion.

I prayed, "Oh Lord, you've delivered me from the lawyers, from the financial struggles and have brought me to this new safe place. Grant me wisdom and show me the way."

I talked with a Christian Counsellor, and my friend. After I shared all my facts, she advised. "You're not homesick for him, you are homesick for the familiar,  Make a point of getting to know all your home town, make notes for your TV and buy something new for your home, making it all yours.

I put sticky notes on the TV remote. My daughter and I went furniture shopping and bought a curio cabinet and I unpacked all my knick knacks and figurines. Then I decided I'd start with one new road a week and travel from one end of town to the other. 

Victoriously, the Lord and I conquered my new path.

Thank You, Lord, nothing is impossible for You. Amen and amen.

Ⓒ 2019 Lois Gosley

GOD WILL OPEN THE DOOR

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be open to you. 

Matthew 7:7 (RSV)

My father was a strong, hardworking business man. He loved his work and his family. I had just begun working as a public-school teacher when my father was diagnosed with cancer. I watched him struggle into the late stages of this disease as my loving mother and younger siblings fought daily against his burden. I prayed for God's direction.

I spent time with the Lord explaining my worries and inability to carry the physical and mental burdens, coupled with my teaching responsibilities. I felt like my hands were tied. I asked the Lord to give my mother respite, my father peace and me direction.

"I'm young, Lord," I said. "Let me carry most of the load for them."

The Lord spoke softly to me. "You ask, and  you will receive. You are young and able. I will give you the strength physically, mentally and emotionally to help your parents. I will help you carry the load."

My prayers were answered. My busy schedule opened up enough for me to be with my family and help. My worry dissipated, my energy level soared, and the Most-High God brought me peace.

Thank You, Heavenly Father, for always being there. You are always available when we ask for Your help. Amen

Ⓒ2019 Christy Struben

CELEBRATE!

 

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:10-11 (NIV)

A nine-year-old child is impressionable, but truth is powerful, even at that age. Seventy-three years ago these verses were part of my instruction as our family celebrated Christmas. A couple of months later it led to my baptism.

 

Consider the power of the scene this passage relates. It was just an ordinary night. A group of shepherds were tending their sheep as usual. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared to them. What did the angel look like? It must have been glorious and full of light. The angel’s first concern was that they would be frightened, so he assured them he was bringing good news—even joyous news.

 

The heavenly news was that tonight, in a town near them, a Savior has been born. This Savior was none other than the Christ, the Promised One, the Messiah for whom the people of Israel had been waiting for centuries.

 

As soon as the news was delivered, a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel and praised God saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” Their celebration must have been awesome to behold!

 

How many years have you experienced the great joy that Christ brings? Though you can’t see them, know that the heavenly hosts are still celebrating. Let’s join them in spirit this season as we all give glory to God in the highest.

 

Lord Jesus, happy birthday! What a wonderful, joyous Savior you are!

DEPENDING ON GOD

". . . And your ears shall hear a word behind you saying, 'This is the way, walk in it.' when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left." 

Isaiah 30:21 (RSV)

When I accepted the job of children's director of Community Bible Study, I felt totally inadequate. One morning as I collected the felt Bible characters, paints and brushes, craft paper, glue and Cheerios for manna, I felt overwhelmed with all my new responsibilities.

I toted my overloaded shopping bag to the car, sat behind the wheel ready to leave when I remembered I had forgotten the large poster boards containing the memory verse. I withdraw my key from the ignition, unlocked the house and returned with the poster boars.

After starting the car again, I realized I forgot my lunch. One more time I dashed into the house.

Totally frustrated, I collapsed my head onto the steering wheel and moaned, "Dear Lord, I'm not qualified for this job." Just then I remembered the above verse and felt God say, "I haven't let you forget anything yet, have I?"

Now, after ten years on the job, I know my adequacy is from God. I pray first, make a list, and ask God to check it. Today is the tomorrow you prayed for yesterday.

Dear Lord, Thank you there is never a job to great or too small that You and I can't handle together. Amen.

Ⓒ 2019  Lois Gosley

PROMISES KEPT

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Psalm 23:4 (KJV)

Words erupted from my soul and panic laced my voice as the caretaker held the small box over the freshly dug grave. I cried out—begging her to stop. It was all wrong. Everything was wrong. She didn’t know him. She didn’t love him. He wasn’t her second father. He was mine.

“Can I do it?” I asked. To this day I don’t know what came over me, but something I was invited to observe became something I had to do.

“Yes,” she answered.

The sun was high in the sky as I knelt on the cool grass and looked into the perfect, deep depression next to where my mother was buried. I paused to gather strength. Gently, I pressed a kiss to my fingers and with every ounce of love in my heart placed it on top of the box—once, then again—before lowering his earthly remains into their final resting place.

When the last piece of sod was in place, a promise made long ago had been fulfilled in the days, months, and years since her passing. “I took care of Ed, Mom, just like I promised,” I said, my eyes fixed on their grave marker.

Sometime later I was reminded of God’s great love for us. Even in the valley of the shadow of death, He entrusts our soul to no one but Himself, guiding us through death’s dark shadow into everlasting life.

Father God, thank You for always keeping Your promises.

© 2019 Amy A. Verzi

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SIERRA

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NLT)

On October 25^th we celebrated Sierra’s 31^st birthday. A group of us gathered at the bowling alley to enjoy food and fellowship—and bowl a few games. I have never been good at bowling, so I spent the evening chatting with friends and cheering for others who were strategically rolling balls down the shiny wooden floor. There were many strikes, spares, and of course a few gutter balls. It was an evening filled with fun, laughter, and memories . . . and a few tears.

Tears because someone we loved was missing from the party—Sierra. Sierra and two-year-old Nolan were taken from us along with Sierra’s unborn child the day after Father’s Day. As you can imagine, things haven’t been right since. Sometimes I think if Jesus were standing right beside me, I would drop to my knees, cling to his robe, and beg him to take me home along with those I love. Some days here on earth are just too hard to endure.

Isn’t that what Jesus is telling us in this scripture? In one breath He’s warning us to expect trials and sorrows, and in another He’s encouraging us to take heart because He has overcome the world. So I make room for both—joy and sorrow.

I trust in God’s truth, confident my future is secure in Him. I hope you do too.

Precious Lord, please comfort us in our time of sorrow and fill us with the joy that comes from knowing You. Grant us the courage to face the day confident in Your promises.

© 2019 Amy A. Verzi

NOT THE CO-PILOT

I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.  Psalm: 32:8 (KJV)

I was a fairly new believer in Jesus Christ when I saw a “Christian” bumper sticker that made me smile:  “God Is My Co-Pilot.” Good visual, I thought.   

Soon I saw them on more vehicles—people acknowledging that God is always with them, even when they drive. God must be pleased.

Later, a mature believer told me that God is NOT really anyone’s co-pilot. Something to think about . . . I know that God is always with me. He put it in writing all through the Bible.

I like the visual of God sitting next to me whenever and wherever I drive, but the Sovereign God of the Universe is NOT anyone’s co-anything. I want the visual to be accurate. 

More pondering. . .  Who, other than the co-pilot, sits next to the operator of any vehicle?  

A navigator is the one who reads the map and knows the way to reach the destination. Skip the map — God doesn’t need one.

A driving instructor teaches, coaches, and corrects the student driver — and for protection, there is a second brake pedal on his side of the car.  

I also like to imagine God having an invisible force field to protect me from the careless driver who passes me on the right, then crosses three lanes in front of me to get to the left exit.

Bottom line:  God is NOT my Co-Pilot.  It is an honor to be allowed to drive His vehicle.

Dear God, please be my Navigator, Guide, Coach, and Protector.  Help me to pay more attention to You.

© 2019.  Sarah F. Strachan

PERFECT RECALL

“Therefore you shall lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall teach them to your children, speaking of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.” Deuteronomy 11:18-19 (NKJV)

A melody plays in my mind—too distant to capture. I’m a young girl standing beside my grandmother in church. Her eyes are fixed upon the altar as she sings from memory. Some of the people around us are doing the same. Utterly amazed, I turn back to The Book of Common Prayer resting open on the pew in front of me, search for my place, and raise my voice in song.

There are so many questions I wish I would have asked her. What did those words mean to you as you were singing them? Did they touch your heart? Did you fall so much more in love with Him as they flowed from your lips? Were they like raindrops settling on the tip of your tongue soothing your every hurt?

Most days, I’m at a loss—unable to see behind the eyes of others worshipping around me to know if they’re filled with joy or overwhelmed by burdens. I’m blind to everything except my own relationship with the Savior. But I know He’s present with all of us. He knows what’s taking place in every heart and mind.

His words are life.

Father God, let Your words rain down on us like manna from heaven and make the journey from our mind to our heart so that we might grow closer to Thee.

© 2019 Amy A. Verzi

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