Left at the IGA

Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine … and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?
Luke 15:4

They were headed for the nursing home to visit Gramma. Sally, one of five girls, was asleep in the back seat when Momma stopped at the IGA. Living twenty-plus miles from the grocery store meant taking the opportunity to shop when it presented itself.
Awakening, Sally found the car empty. Getting out of the car, Sally entered the store undetected. Drawn to the shiny aluminum strip along the display cases in the cold-food section, Sally momentarily forgot her objective. The cool, variegated silver bar (at just the right level for a four-year-old) called to her, inviting her to run her fingernails against its irregular surface. Sally giggled as she ran to the meat case at the back of the store. From one end of the store to the other she went, fingernails gliding over the shiny, diamond-plated surface. It tickled her fingers!
As she turned to make her next pass, she could see up the long aisle and out the doors at the front of the store. She froze! Momma’s car was moving! She was being left behind! She ran for the front of the store screaming, “Momma!” As she reached the doors, she was gently scooped off her little feet by a kindly woman. Comforting Sally and holding her close, she tenderly whispered, “Momma will be back, hon. Don’t you worry.” She knew the young mother would return. And sure enough, ten minutes later, through bullet-sized tears, Sally saw her Momma jump from her car, running, arms extended toward her.

†

Everything changed when Momma realized her child was nowhere to be found. Her purpose shifted from a visit to Gramma to a mission of finding her lost child.
Jesus feels the same way about those who have strayed from the flock. He will not rest until they are safe in the fold. Like Sally, we can become sidetracked by the things of this world. And like the kindly woman, Jesus will send one of His own to comfort and embrace the lost child until, through the tears, he sees Him coming.

Prayer

“Thank You, Jesus, for always looking for us when we’re lost. Amen.”

He Knows My Name!

The Lord knows those who are his …
2Timothy 2:19

Ricky was on his way to his in-laws to pick up his wife. It was a warm spring day so he drove with the car windows down. As he passed by his Amish neighbor’s farm he was surprised to hear one of the boys holler, “Hi Ricky!” I had no idea any of these kids knew my name! He waved and hollered, “Hi Guys!” to the passel of kids, and thought back to a day almost two months ago, when he and his wife had stopped by to introduce themselves to their new neighbors.
Ricky had to admit he was a bit chagrined that he couldn’t remember the name of the boy who’d just called his; it was kind of disconcerting … and humbling. Yet there was another sensation, one deeper and more meaningful, which surfaced and remained: It felt wonderfully validating for someone to know and call him by name! It was as if the young boy had pronounced a blessing over him by speaking his name in the presence of his brothers and sisters. He was saying, “I know you, Ricky Miller. You matter enough to me to have remembered your name from that first day you stopped at my house.” It was then Ricky remembered the boy had been standing beside his father when he’d introduced himself. Abe! That’s his name! Ricky made a mental note to return the blessing … as well as learn the names of all ten of Abe’s siblings.

†

To be hailed in this manner is akin to being handed a glass of ice-water on a hot summer’s day when you’ve been working all day in the hot sun. Its welcomed coolness penetrates every part of your being, bringing pleasant relief; and this from a mere acquaintance.
Jesus is more than ‘acquainted’ with us. He knows us intimately! His death and resurrection purchased our salvation! He says, “I know you! You matter so much to me that I have known your name from before your birth! You are Mine!” See Revelation 2:17

Prayer

“There is a thrill that runs through me, that permeates my entire being at this knowledge, Lord Jesus! I am blessed because You know my name! Amen.”

Not Who I Am

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.

Matthew 5:17

Sitting behind his desk, Liz’s slap was fresh in Ken’s mind. “Liz, I know our last appointment didn’t end the way you’d hoped, and the truth is I wish I could have helped you. But the program guidelines wouldn’t allow it.”

“So… you gonna deny me again?!” she challenged.

“I’m going to do whatever the guidelines call for, Liz.”

Yet, as Ken reviewed the verifications Liz had provided he realized that a ‘denial’ was exactly what this case would result in. “I’m sorry, Liz, but you don’t meet the income guidelines again.”

Incensed, she started to rise…

“Wait… please…” Ken implored. “I have something I’d like to propose.”

She settled back into the chair, “What?!”

“Tomorrow is Saturday. I would like to come to your house and repair your car. Look…I know you think I’m uncaring and heartless. And in your shoes I might feel the same. But what I do is not who I am.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“It means I do care about you and your situation. I don’t control what the program guidelines dictate, but I do have to abide by them. But it doesn't mean I don’t understand or care. So…if you’ll allow me, I’ll fix your car and pay for it myself.”

Skeptical, Liz accepted the offer.

Following the repairs that next evening, Liz asked, “Why would you do this for me, especially after the way I've treated you?”

Ken smiled. Give me the words, Lord…

†

Had Ken not compassionately reached out to Liz she might never have known that the rigid person she encountered wasn't at all who he was.

Many times, when doing what the rules dictate, we are judged unjustly; because what we do does not always define who we are.

Jesus told the people that His coming did not reject or eliminate the law, but that grace should now accompany it.

As Disciples of Jesus Christ, we have the opportunity to extend grace on a daily basis, and reveal Whose we are, if we only choose to explore the possibilities.

Prayer

“Lord, help me see people for who they are and not judge them by what they do. Please, show me where I can be Your hands and feet today. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

T.J.’s Windmill

Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding.
Proverbs 4:1

T.J. was a Massey-Ferguson man himself. But he didn't seem to mind his new six-foot windmill being John Deere green and yellow. The colors were a good contrast as it stood beside the American flag he displayed every day.
When his grandson erected the windmill, placing it where T.J. could catch sight of it from his recliner in the living room, no one had any idea of the effect it would have on people’s lives.
T.J.’s house was situated in the bottom of a river valley running east to west, allowing the predominant westerly winds unbidden access to the windmill. Windy days were an event; not because watching the windmill itself was so interesting, but because something about that spinning windmill stirred T.J.’s memories, causing him to talk about the past. His ninety plus years spanned countless changes in our nation’s history. You never knew if you were going cotton picking in Mississippi, drilling oil wells in the hills of Ohio, or crossing Germany and France as a medical battalion aide during World War II. As a matter of fact, you could never be sure of what you were in for when the wind blew. But if you listened closely, there was wisdom, experience, and instruction to be gained.

†

Listening is an art form. Listening to the elderly is priceless. Unfortunately, many of our elderly are discarded as senile and troublesome, despite the fact that their very presence proclaims they have yet to complete their final earthly purpose.
There is an untapped wealth of knowledge and experience stored within the memories of our elder statesmen and women.
Solomon instructs us to gain wisdom at our fathers’ knees, not view them as spent and of little use.
By refusing to listen to them, we forfeit invaluable assistance and understanding. We label them of no value. This is foolish at best and at worst is complete arrogance.
They are not meant to merely mark off each day until they die. We should avail ourselves of such knowledge before it fades.

Prayer

“Teach us to respect our elders, Lord. Help us recognize the value of their memories and appreciate their minds. Show us how to treat them with the reverence they deserve and the respect You decree. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Wounded in Battle

Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Colossians 3:13

Kim knew Toby was furious, so she kept silent for the moment.
“That really ticks me off!” he proclaimed as he climbed in the car. “I’ve half a mind to go back there and … ” He let his words trail off.
Toby was responding like most of us have when we’ve been wounded by a brother or sister in Christ; he’d smiled on the outside, saying it’s no big deal while a fire smoldered inside, kindling resentment and threatening to choke out all reason.
His countenance was anything but spiritual. But the farther he got from the moment, the clearer he heard God’s voice. “Do you think I missed what happened? I know how much what Tim did hurt you.” Then he felt God ask, “Who would benefit from you responding in anger? Your battle is not against Tim.” He knew this was true, but the wound was so fresh that he didn’t want to accept it. “You can refuse to follow Satan’s plan,” God said. “Have you never been guilty of doing what was done to you?” God asked. Ouch, that hurts, Toby thought silently.
Toby looked at Kim and said, “It’s so much easier to be forgiven than it is to extend forgiveness.”

†

All of us, without exception, will be wounded in or by the church. It’s impossible to put that many people together and not have casualties.
In the moments immediately following the wounding, we are faced with choices: to strike out in pain and anger, to simmer in bitterness until it interrupts communication between us and God. We can spread vicious rumors, slandering the one who hurt us or act self-righteous as though nothing happened, allowing ourselves to carry the wound into the future where it will affect everything we do.
Or we can take it to God, asking Him to help us do what we cannot do on our own: forgive them as God, through Jesus, forgave us.

Prayer

“God of mercy and grace, You have forgiven us so much. Show us how to forgive when it’s so hard. Be close right now because we can’t do this alone. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Living the Memories

For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day.
1 Corinthians 15:3, 4

It was as if he had found a great treasure. As he lifted the lid on the trunk, he was taken by a boyish excitement. He had no idea what he would find. Pulling away the sheet covering the items in the trunk, he gently began lifting each one reverently from its resting place. Greg felt his pulse quicken, and he couldn’t wait to learn what secrets would emerge. A waffle iron Gramma had used still shined as though it were brand-new.
Memories of visiting Gramma’s apartment down the block came flooding back; he’d been but a child. Gramma would fix him waffles and tea for breakfast. Tea was a staple of every meal, especially at 4:00 p.m. since Gramma had been born in Great Britain.
As Greg lifted each item from the trunk, a new and special memory came with it. After several hours of reminiscing, he replaced each item to its resting place and closed the lid. How precious are the memories of living. Though the items would perish, the memories would last forever.

†

Memories are passed in many ways, all of which are meant to impart something of value. As Greg spent those hours in fond remembrance of his grandmother, he could vividly recall the events as they had unfolded because he was actually there for many of them. As it stirs our heart to read about Greg’s joy in reliving the events that shaped his life, we get a better understanding that we have the privilege of reliving much of Jesus’ life and death through Scripture. We have been given eyewitness testimony from those who were there! These are not bedtime stories—although it is a good time to read them to our children—but true-life events in our Savior’s life. He invites us to read ourselves into the storyline.

Prayer

“We thank you for the written record of Your life, Lord. Enlighten our hearts as we open the Word so that we may feel some of what the disciples felt so we may feel alive in the memories. Amen.”

Anchored in God’s Love

For if, when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more … shall we be saved through his life!
Romans 5:10

Rebecca and Brook shared a unique bond. People found it ironic. They knew it was anchored in God’s love. Rebecca’s son had been killed two years ago in a traffic accident. He’d been T-boned by a car eluding police in a high-speed chase.
Rebecca prayed for the young man who had taken her son’s life, asking God to help her forgive him. She prayed for him to have a revelation of God’s grace and healing power. When he was sentenced to prison, she began visiting, even bringing him a Bible. With each visit, Rebecca shared stories of her son’s life and how he had loved Jesus and served Him faithfully. During one of their visits, the young man gave his life to Christ. He shared how his mother had also come to know Jesus through someone’s selfless act of love, someone she had never met. He went on to tell Rebecca how, two years before, his mother had been the recipient of a heart transplant. It had changed her life. Before he finished, Rebecca knew—her son had been the donor, this young man’s mother the recipient. Shortly thereafter, Rebecca met Brook for the first time. They hugged silently in a tearful embrace. One weeping tears of grace, the other tears of gratitude.

†

Not bound by a heart of unforgiveness, Rebecca was able to show the love of Jesus Christ to someone in desperate need of it. Being secure in the knowledge that her son was safe in his Savior’s arms, she was able to show grace and unmerited favor to someone the world would call her enemy.
Through the events that took her son’s life, Rebecca was able to see God’s hand at work instead of becoming bitter at the loss of her child.
It can be difficult to ask God to help us do something so unnatural. We cannot forgive this kind of wound in and of ourselves. We need divine assistance. Had God waited until He felt like forgiving us, we would be damned for eternity.

Prayer

“What shall we say, Lord, except thank You for Your mercy and grace, Your unmerited forgiveness and favor! Amen.”

The Wounds of a Friend

Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
Proverbs 27:6

As Kevin sat at the bar kindling a conversation with the girl beside him, he noticed Nathan come through the front door. Just great, he thought through his alcohol-tainted brain. Now I get to listen to Nathan’s fidelity sermon.
Nathan moved up beside Kevin and spoke just loud enough for Kevin and the girl to hear. “Hey, Kev. Missy was kinda wonderin’ what time you’d be home for dinner. She and the kids were hopin’ you’d take them to the movies later.”
Kevin watched his chance for a late-night rendezvous end as the girl got up and left. “What the hell do you think you’re doin’, Nate?” Kevin said heatedly, shoving Nathan against the bar.
“Kev, you’ll regret doin’ somethin’ stupid when you sober up. Come on. You know an affair won’t solve anything. Missy deserves better than this from you. All you’re gonna get from this kinda thing is trouble and heartache. The worst is that Missy and the kids’ll pay the heaviest price.” Nathan led Kevin to his car and drove him home, thankful that Kevin had not argued. It wasn't the first time he’d opposed Kevin’s loose lifestyle. He hoped and prayed it would be the last.

†

True friends don’t sit idly by and allow us to throw our lives away. When we care enough to be involved in someone’s life, we have a responsibility to him. If we see him making mistakes that could harm him or others, we have a responsibility to intervene in love.
Nathan’s strength and wisdom had spoken truth through the alcohol’s hazy temptation. Only the faithfulness of a true friend had prevented Kevin from making a huge mistake. Out of all the men in the bar that night, many whom Kevin considered friends, only one had proven worthy of the definition. All, save one, thought his actions were acceptable.
True friends tell us the truth. Confronting a friend in love can be uncomfortable. But that discomfort is only temporary.

Prayer

“Lord, give me strength to be a true friend. Help me to never look the other way when a friend’s life is at stake. May You bless me with a friend as faithful as Jesus. Amen.”

Precious Time

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
James 1:22

Mikey was a question-a-minute kid, and Bruce didn't feel up to it right now. It had been a rough day, and all he wanted was to finish reading his devotions before dinner.
“Read the directions, Mikey!” Bruce hollered. “I can’t teach you everything. Some things you just have to figure out on your own!”
“Dad?” persisted Mikey.
“For God’s sake, Mikey! Stop asking me questions! I told you read the directions! Can’t you see I’m reading my Bible?”
Mikey saw. But what he heard was, “I don’t have time for you. What I’m doing is more important.”
Mere seconds after Bruce’s outburst, God spoke to his heart; “My Son is worth your time, so is yours.”
Bruce got up and went in search of Mikey. He found him sitting on the basement steps, rejection written all over his little face. In his hand was a broken piece of the model he’d been working on.
“I’m so sorry, Buddy,” Bruce spoke softly. “I will always have time for you,” he said as he wrapped his arm around his son’s shoulders. “Can you forgive me for the hurtful things I said?”
Mikey’s bright smile and exuberant nod told Bruce this had been the right thing to do. The time invested in fixing the model with his son would be priceless!

†

Many times we allow our emotional and physical condition to reign over our spiritual lives. None of us are innocent. Thank God children are so resilient! But we can, and do, make the same mistakes with others we encounter on a daily basis.
The chance to touch hurting people as they pass through our lives is incalculable. If slighted, they may not be as forgiving, and the moment God presented us may be lost.
God asks us to live out the gospel, to give of ourselves—meaning time...and possibly comfort—in an effort to raise others to a place they have never been, confident that Someone else has their best interest at heart.
Our actions speak what our words cannot. Whether listening to a wounded heart or assisting in a physical need, this scripture is a call to action.

Prayer

“In the beginning was the Word. Father, may the Word be found active and alive in me. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Don’t Take it to the Grave

…when David had served God's purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep;

Acts 13:36

Sixty-three years old, and eligible for early-stage Social Security, Terry had been ready for retirement…ready to enjoy the fruits of his labor. He’d been a model employee in his thirty-eight years at the plant. Terry was a loving and devoted family man. His children had grown up in a secure home, never knowing want or need. Terry’s job had provided for vacations and college. In the world’s eyes, Terry had lived the American Dream.   

Yet, he’d never found that deep sense of fulfillment he’d strived to achieve in his work. He left work each day with a wistful sense of, When I retire I’ll be able to do what I really want to do! Secretly, Terry had always wanted to make people laugh. A masterful storyteller, Terry had always intended to write anecdotal stories that made for light hearts, but he’d never gotten around to it.

Now, standing beside his casket, his wife, Jean, not only felt the great sense of loss that comes with the death of a spouse…she felt regret. Terry’s dream would never be realized. He would never write a single line, or see his finished work published. Life seemed so cruel.  

†

Today’s text says David did what he was created to do…and then he died.

With no inkling of when that moment will come for us, wouldn’t it be great to know that, as we are kneeling before the King, we, like David, had fulfilled God’s purpose for our life?   

It’s been said that if you want to find the most potential on earth, look in a graveyard. The truth is most people aimlessly trudge through life following a path they didn’t choose, working at a dead-end job they found no fulfillment in, and then die unfulfilled.    

There is no sin or shame in working at a job not of our choosing; we must provide the necessities of life. Yet, there is a divine purpose, born in each heart, which yearns for fulfillment. It will not happen automatically or by chance. That is why it’s called our purpose and not our accident.  We must seek God’s divine purpose for our life...and then follow His leading…until we die.   

Prayer

“Lord, reveal to me my life-purpose…that area of service You created me for. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

As Good As His Word

For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.

2Corinthians 1:20

 “God told me I’d meet my wife when I transferred to Lee University,” Josh told the group attending the training seminar. “But when I finished my junior year and still hadn’t met someone I began to wonder… ‘Was I mistaken? Hadn’t God promised me a wife?”

He shook his head, “By the end of my senior year I hadn’t had a single date! I’d been so sure Mrs. Holland would have appeared by now. But she was a no-show. I returned home puzzled.”

“Reflecting on my time at Lee I realized I had met a girl in my first year at Lee…we had become friends… But she was with someone else. So she couldn’t have been the one… could she? We kept in touch after graduation, and I found out she broke it off with the other guy. We talked on the phone every so often, then a couple times a week, and eventually every day. Ultimately, we got married. So…God hadn’t reneged on His promise; He just said I’d meet my wife at Lee. He didn’t say we’d get married there. It’s funny how we hear God say something and immediately form our own version of how that is supposed to look.” 

†

Josh never questioned God’s promise, yet at the end of his tenure at Lee he was puzzled. Had God actually spoken the promise? Or, had he imagined the whole thing?

It’s a natural response that when God’s promise doesn’t come to fruition immediately we begin to doubt that we ever heard His voice.

Only faith or prior experience with having waited on the fulfillment of one of God’s promises can silence our suspicious heart.

Scripture tells us that our promises come through Christ, and our faith says ‘let it be so’. When we hear from God we can be sure that what He has spoken will come to pass. He is as good as His word; His word just might look a little different than what we were expecting. So keep an open mind…and hold fast to what God told you.

Prayer

“Give me the faith to hold onto your promise, Lord, no matter how long it takes. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

This is a preview from the new book I'm currently writing; More Snapshots: Continuing The Spiritual Journey

It’s All About A Choice

Listen to his voice, and hold fast to him.

Deuteronomy 30:20

Aaron didn’t have the tool he needed to fix his wife’s rocker, so he headed to the local hardware store.

“Hey Keith! How you doin’?” he greeted the owner.

“I’m good.” Keith responded, then asked, “How about you?”

“I’m great!” Aaron said enthusiastically.

Keith looked up from his task at the counter and quipped, “Don’t worry. It won’t last.”

“Maybe, maybe not. But as long as it does, I’m gonna ride it out! Besides,” he countered, “I believe this just might last forever!”

“I’m telling you, it won’t!” Keith bantered, chuckling, “but you go ahead and try to hang on to it for as long as you can, Bubba!”

Aaron got the tool he needed and bid Keith farewell. On the drive home, he smiled about his good-natured exchange with his long-time friend. Yet, even as he smiled he could hear God whisper: “Life, and what happens to you during it, is about how you choose to view your circumstances. And although keeping a positive perspective isn’t always easy, it is preferable. Today you chose well. Continue to choose wisely.”

Aaron just smiled.

†

The lyrics of the song ‘Jesus Calling’ by Christian Music Recording Artists, 33 Miles, speak of how God wants us to approach life…no matter our circumstances. The last line of the first and second verses says, “And how you see your circumstance is all about a choice.” This is more than an implication. While embroiled in the trials of life, we do have a choice of perspective. As you read the chorus, ask God to help you listen while you’re interacting with life.

“When you see the rushing wind, feel the pouring rain, hear the thunder now, as the clouds roll in, and your blinded by the lightning, do you also hear that still small voice saying, It’s okay, you’re not alone, you may be scared to death, but I won’t let you go. You may think the sky above is falling, but can you hear Jesus calling?”

Prayer

“Lord of peace, may I always choose to listen for your still, small voice in the storms of life. May my perspective be one that finds it’s origins in Your encouraging love. Amen.”

Inspired by the song, It’s All About A Choice by Christian recording artists, 33 mile

Childlike

When Jesus saw this, he became angry and said, "Let the children come to me! Don't try to stop them. People who are like these little children belong to the kingdom of God. Mark 10:14

“Mom?” little Jackie asked. “Did Mrs. Burson eat somethin’ sour?” Jackie’s mother, Janet, smiled as he added, “’Cause she looks like she ate one o my sour apple candies!”

While formulating the proper response for a six-year-old, Janet watched in horror as little Jack skipped right over to Mrs. Burson, reached up and took her hand, and said, “Did you eat some of your kid’s sour candy, Mrs. Burson?”

Janet hurried to head off Mrs. Burson’s response. To her surprise, Mrs. Burson smiled at young Jack. She looked him straight in the eye, and asked, “Do I look that bad, Jackie?!”

Before he could respond, Janet interrupted, “What Jackie meant to say was…”

With an upheld hand, Mrs. Burson cut her off, “Oh, Janet. I’m quite sure he said what he meant. But thank you for attempting to ease the sting.”

Unconscious of his faux pas, Jackie innocently added, “Sometimes them sour apple candies give me a bellyache. Do you have a bellyache, Mrs. Burson?”

Totally at a loss for words, Janet waited for Mrs. Burson’s response.

“You know something, Jackie. I believe I do,” she said with a laugh. “Thank you for helping me ascertain the source of my displeasure!”

Jackie quizzically asked, “What’s an ascertain of displeasure?”

Mrs. Burson and Janet both broke into laughter!

†

Only a child can get away with such boldness. Their innocence disarms the normal offensive response we would certainly give to any adult who dared question the noticeable displeasure of our stern countenance. Why is that?   

Mainly, it’s because we know children are not malicious. They are unsullied by cynicism and cruel intent, we wouldn’t think of demeaning them for reaching out to us.

Jesus points out that those who possess such childlike innocence display an important characteristic of Kingdom citizenship….a very important characteristic, that if lost, we should hope to re-discover (ascertain).

Prayer

“Lord, my grown-up countenance is lacking in innocence. Please restore the childlike wonder and faith of my youth so I look like a citizen of Your Kingdom. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Bullied

Rescue me, O Lord, from evil men of violence … they make their tongues as sharp as a serpent’s.
Psalm 140:1, 2

Carl wet his pants in the third grade. The teacher wouldn't let him out of class. Her rule was, “You go before or after, not during classes.” Seated right behind Carl that day was the class bully. Bully’s harassment of Carl began that day. He never let up, always calling him derogatory names.
After years of Bully’s abuse, Carl became aware of two things: he was afraid to stand up for himself, and nobody else was going to do it for him. He lived in constant fear of his next encounter with Bully.
Carl never forgot those years and became an angry man because of those unresolved wounds, venting his anger in ways that caused additional pain for himself and those he loved. He developed a quick temper and frequently spoke in clipped sentences to let people know they were an annoyance.
God tried to help Carl, but Carl was angry at God for allowing Bully to do the things he had done. For all intents and purposes, Carl appeared to be an upstanding, confident man. In silence, Carl’s private wound continued to ache; he refused to talk about it.

†

Carl isn't alone. Many of us walk around with deep, secret wounds inflicted by the bullies of the world, hoping no one will ever find out. Satan wants us, like Carl, to remain silent, for in the silence there is no healing.
God wants those who have known bullies to come to Him for healing. He alone can take away the pain. He alone can speak His truth into the wounds of our heart. God is heartbroken over the bullies of the world because they abuse free will.
Free will means that God could not stop Bully from doing what he did anymore than He would stop us from committing the sin in our lives. To do so would mean we had no free will. But God is there in our pain, asking us to let Him heal our wounds. Free will is ours in this matter also.

Prayer

“Come and set me free from this pain, Lord. Speak Your truth to my heart. Bring healing to my soul. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Not Crushed, Not Abandoned

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned.
2 Corinthians 4:8, 9

Unable to find the restaurant they were seeking, they settled on this steakhouse. Their waitress was very personable and pleasant. She was a Hurricane Katrina transplant, now living thirty miles inland. She hoped to get home to the coast in the next couple months.
They asked her about how life had changed. She was quick to share how her former employer had provided a fifteen-thousand-dollar debit card to help with temporary relocation.
She spoke about how normal things had seemed the day the storm hit and how much her life had changed since. She and her sister had gone to Florida to ride it out. They had taken nothing with them, expecting to return home in the morning. They returned to the neighborhood ten days later to find the house gone. There was nothing left but the cement slab with the ceramic tile still in place. Yet she quickly downplayed their loss, citing how others had lost their lives.
When she finished, the group asked if they could pray with her. As they held hands and prayed, tears fell. The waitress felt God’s embrace that night; she felt loved.

†

Eighteen months after the storm, it was the first time anyone had offered to pray for her. One act of love can bring the beginning of healing. They had reached out to the waitress in sensitivity and obedience. God uses us when we are available and obedient. If we are willing to step out for the cause of Christ, He will teach us great and wonderful things. This small act of compassion produced several testimonies for the future. When we follow the Holy Spirit’s leading, we discover the outcome is God’s goal, not our comfort. Mostly, we find that others are hungry for spiritual nourishment. Taking time to ask your waiter or waitress if he or she has a prayer need may be the first step to healing. God whispers in our ear, “Tell them I care.”

Prayer

“Show me the opportunities where a prayer can make a difference in someone’s life, Lord. Then give me the courage and strength to pray with them. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

On Eagle’s Wings

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles.
Isaiah 40:31

It was clear and cold as she stepped out the back door, heading for town. The sun had risen into a brilliantly blue winter sky. The snow on the ground made it almost blinding. She spotted two cardinals sitting in the walnut tree at the back of the property. There were few birds around this time of year.
Just as she reached the car, she heard the high-pitched 'screeeech' of a bird of prey. Looking in the direction it had come from, she spotted the eagle! He was just hanging there, circling as if weightless. These were her birds! Well, God’s birds really. But she felt He had given them to her. They had been His witnesses to her in rough times. God had always brought them on just the right day at just the right time, letting her know He was watching.
These majestic birds had migrated to this river bottom some twenty years ago. They had made tremendous advancement; there were now some ten nesting pairs in a twenty-square-mile area. Each time she witnessed the awesome grace and beauty of the huge birds, she gave God thanks.

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We are witness to God’s creative power and imagination. Eagles are but one example of His love of beauty in majesty. They are also the model He chose in Scripture to convey power, strength, and safety.
Isaiah pronounces God’s promise of renewed strength and the ability to overcome, rising above the cares of the world if we trust and hope in the Lord. God wants us to understand that our daily strength should come from Him alone.
By putting our trust in Him, we will never grow weary. He doesn’t promise life will be easy. But if we allow Him to draw us apart from our labor, He will replace our weakness with His strength. The text suggests that we do this expectantly, trusting Him to produce in us a work we are incapable of.

Prayer

“Lord, we thank You that You send us signs of Your strength to encourage us. Help us come to an understanding that we can exchange our limited strength for Your unlimited power. Teach us as we come in faith. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”