I AM A CHILD OF GOD

Worship the Lord with gladness;
    come before him with joyful songs.
Know that the Lord is God.
    It is he who made us, and we are his;
    we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
Psalm 100:2-3 (NIV)

I shared an unforgettable evening with my stepmother this past week. We attended a book-signing event featuring Mitch Albom and his recently released novel, The Next Person You Meet In Heaven. Time passed quickly as he shared bits and pieces of his life and writing with us. And like his novels, his words lingered in my mind long after the evening came to an end.

Thoughts of Chika, a little girl from Haiti, awakened me in the night. Memories of watching a video during the event of her singing “I’m no longer a slave to fear—I am a child of God” filled me. She appeared to be singing for an audience of One, seemingly unaware of anything around her, content in her solitude with the Lord. Although at the time I felt like an intruder, I couldn’t turn my eyes from the scene before me—pure worship, adoration and trust. In a matter of seconds, a child I had never met etched a permanent mark on my heart.

No matter the number of days we are given, our lives are interconnected, and even one chance encounter has the potential to change us. Change the way we believe … change the way we worship … change the way we love.

Chika went home to be with the Lord, but the memory of her singing and her childlike faith shall stay with me forever.

Father God, Thank You for little children—for the times we experience the beauty of pure worship and absolute faith through them.

© 2018 Amy A. Verzi

A PIERCED HEART

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double–edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow, it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)

As a newly baptized Christian, during a Sunday worship service, I would often be sobbing as if my heart had been pierced.  It was as if God was speaking directly to me. As I look back, I know the Holy Spirit was using God’s Word to convict me in areas of my life I was holding onto. It was a battle of the wills, the flesh and the Spirit. Over much time the Holy Spirit would win each battle.

Our sinful nature can be compared to an onion which has many layers. As the Holy Spirit exposes our layers, we must surrender and allow Him to peel back each layer we hide behind, sometimes bringing tears. This provides room for God’s Holy Spirit to fill us and transform our lives. Only then can we be used in His Kingdom work.

I am humbled how God works in our lives, accepting us in our brokenness, but not willing to leave us there. I am thankful to be in a church where I hear God’s Word preached every Sunday. Even as a more mature Christian, I continue to feel the Holy Spirit prompting me through God’s Word to examine my heart.

Although we may have a close walk with Christ, we still have that sinful nature.  Daily, we must be in God’s Word and ask the Holy Spirit to examine our hearts and remove everything impure. Only then will God work through our hearts, reaching others far from Him.    

Father, I am thankful Your Word pierces my heart. Amen

© 2018 Marianne Lucot

EAGER EXPECTATION

The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. Romans 8:19(NIV)

It has always amazed me how Apostle Paul was given such insights to write the things he did in the New Testament. Romans 8:18-27 is one shining example. I sat down to attempt describing what that passage means. Here is the comforting and exciting result:

This passage encompasses the whole true perspective of our lives—that is, of those who believe in and follow Christ Jesus. We have a personal relationship with each person of the Trinity, and this passage tells of the significance of those relationships.

It begins on a grand, infinite scale—all of creation! Creation is waiting in “eager expectation” for us to be revealed as the sons (and daughters) of God. That is amazing in itself. I am reminded of my human birth. My mother and father sent announcements to their family and friends, and they all celebrated. Will God be pleased to announce me as His son?  

It speaks of creation’s liberation from “bondage to decay” (for us, sin and death). Then we will be brought into “glorious freedom of the children of God.” Now, with the indwelling Holy Spirit that Jesus has given each of us, we have a taste of the first-fruits. But beyond that we have hope for a far greater future. We wait for it patiently with “eager expectation.” In the face of such great anticipation we don’t really know how to pray, but the Holy Spirit helps us and also intercedes for us in accordance with God’s will.

Through Paul, God has given us assurance that He will be pleased to claim us and announce us to all creation. Wow! I can hardly wait!

Lord, It’s wonderful to be your child!

© 2018 Parker Wayland

THE HEART OF JESUS

Jesus replied, “All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them.” John 14:23 (NLT)

Recently, I had my hair appointment with the same hair dresser of seventeen years. We have gotten to know each other through our visits and we always catch up on how our families are doing. Pete told me he has not seen his granddaughter for the past six weeks. I asked him why.  He explained his wife of 12 years and his grown son who is thirty are at odds with each other.  Pete’s wife believes her stepson and his wife do not like nor show her any respect. They do not even address her by any name. Her feelings are hurt and she has dug her heels in and wants an apology. 

Meanwhile, the stepson does not feel they have done anything wrong and refuses to apologize. Pete is very disturbed by this. He just wants peace and to see his granddaughter, who has just turned one year old. I too being a peacemaker can understand both sides.

As a daughter of God, I desire to do His will each day. The Holy Spirit prompted me to share a fresh perspective on this situation with Pete. I explained, “Because of my faith, everything I see and hear goes through the heart of Jesus. He has taught us to forgive just as He forgives us. If your wife or your son would consider God’s teaching to forgive, they may be able to find peace.” Pete was encouraged to share this perspective and hopeful they may find resolution and healing.

Father, thank you for giving me the opportunity to bring You Glory through my response.

© 2018 Marianne Lucot

AN INDIVIDUAL MATTER

The fool says in his heart, there is no God. Psalm 14:1(NIV)

 

Yet my beloved country, the United States of America, seldom recognizes or acknowledge God in its public and legal policies and discussions. Are we really a nation of fools? Sometimes it would appear so.

 

The principle of freedom of religion is affirmed in our constitution. This is right and good. God does not want people to honor Him because they are forced to. That is no basis for the kind of loving relationship He desires. People of many backgrounds come to the United States seeking religious and other kinds of freedom. Atheists, Muslims, Hindus and others—all are welcome just as Jesus stretches out his hands of welcome to all people.

 

It is the task of those who are disciples of Jesus—not secular media or the government, to share and teach His love. We, not the media, must give glory to God in our interactions with people. We, not the government, must gracefully lift up the Bible as the source of truth. We, not only the government, must adopt biblical moral standards for our lives. We, not the government, must share the truth of the gospel with those who haven’t heard or adopted it.

 

Thus the issue of honoring God for who He is becomes an individual matter. The actions of our government can honor God only as they flow from the individuals that make policy and decisions of the government. God works through the actions of individuals—His disciples.

 

Lord, give the United States governing officials and citizens who will honor and love You and are eager to be guided by Your wisdom in all they say and do. Amen.

 

© 2018 Parker Wayland

JOINED TOGETHER THROUGH PRAYER

Dear brothers and sisters, I urge you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to join in my struggle by praying to God for me. Do this because of your love for me, given to you by the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:30 NLT

I participate in an online care team ministry, responding to individual’s prayer requests. I draw upon the scriptures and often include one or two verses which they can refer to for strength and encouragement. I also write personal heartfelt prayers to address the details of their situations and include this in the email. Frequently a response of gratitude is received.

Several months ago, I responded to a prayer request from a dear woman, Judy whose husband is facing a life threatening illness. There are no coincidences with God as I, a nurse of over 40 years experience was chosen by God to respond to this prayer request. Judy continues to correspond, giving me detailed updates and asking for continued prayer and encouragement. She and I have much to praise as the Lord is meeting their financial and personal needs in addition to her husband’s medical needs. His condition remains critical but they have witnessed how faithful God has been. They give all the Glory to God when the medical staff comments on their hopeful and positive spirit.

Through our own life experiences, we understand the power of prayer to strengthen and comfort us, filling us with hope and deepening our faith and our witness of Our Almighty God.  May we each continue to seek out opportunities to come along side friends, family members, or even strangers. We will lift them in prayer and celebrate with them as God moves in their lives.

Thank you Father for the gift of prayer.

© 2018 Marianne Lucot

LOVE BEYOND UNDERSTANDING

A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. . .  John 13:34 (RSV) 

All my life I felt as if I was on the outside looking in. As years passed, I realized love was missing. Love was not expressed in my home. My mother might hug me, but she would just as easily, slug me.

No one went to church. Once I asked why we didn’t go. Dad said they were all hypocrites. Meanwhile he worked all the time, and Mom was sick all the time. They both died young.

When I was seven, my brother was born. If I heard it once, I heard it a hundred times, “You finally got the boy you wanted.” My seven-year-old interpretation: I’m not important or wanted.

After high school and business school, I married and had a beautiful daughter. We moved to Maryland from Pennsylvania. There I met a lovely Christian woman, and we became friends. She encouraged me to join Community Bible Study—and I did, eventually becoming Children’s Director. 

One CBS lesson stressed God’s love. Did God love me? I prayed, Dear Lord, I want to feel Your love. In Jesus’ name, I prayed. 

Being asked to be on a Servants Team panel at CBS Headquarters, and speak about the program was a fun chore. After it ended, I was surprised when they thanked, hugged and congratulated me. My Teaching Director hugged me with tears, which made me cry. I was overwhelmed with love. I felt loved and accepted—God’s love. Where would this love come from—His Family.

God finally got the girl He wanted.  

Dear Lord, I pray those feeling unloved to know Your unsurpassed Love. Amen

© 2018 Lois Gosley