[Jesus said], “On that day, you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.”
Good morning!
When I left home at the age of eighteen years, took a husband and moved to Texas, there were several significant people in my life whom I missed more than I can say. One of them was my piano teacher.I know that may sound a little strange to all of you, yet, I had spent years studying with Mrs. McClain each week.I trusted her direction and instruction, and she became a very important person in my life.Even when her voice was no longer physically present, I remembered her words of advice, encouragement and love.I knew no matter where I went, that I was carrying a very special part of her with me.Mrs. McClain was an awesome piano teacher, and I know that when I play the piano at church, I indirectly share a piece of who she is with every listener there.This became a double blessing, being young and seven hundred miles away from my family and friends.I knew I would not study with her again.Yet, to this day, I think of Mrs. McClain with a grateful heart every time I sit down and play the piano.
A dear friend made an uncanny observation this week, as we spoke on the telephone.He said, “When I read your writing, I notice that you often talk about the Holy Spirit being present everywhere you go.Do you think that maybe the reason the Holy Spirit is present everywhere you go is because He lives in your heart?”I laughed out loud!Of course, the Holy Spirit lives in me!The love of Christ surrounds me each day, in grace and mercy.The Spirit prompts me to share Jesus with others.Still, I had not realized the depth of how the Spirit reveals Himself.No matter where I find myself, there He is, right in middle of life.This is a true blessing from above to all who believe.Isn’t that awesome!
Close your eyes for a moment and imagine what it must have been like to have walked with the Lord Jesus Christ along the dirt roads in Galilee.You are His beloved disciple and He is coaching you in matters of faith.Think about His Word to you today, “One day [insert your name here], you will finally understand that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.”
I look toward that glorious day when I fully understand the power of Christ’s Word in this Scripture verse.One day, I will realize that Jesus in the Father and the Father is in Him, and He lives in me.What a great way to begin a whole new day, an awesome weekend, and a wonderful new life.Be especially blessed by these words flowing out from the heart of God just to you.
Today, I’m expecting a very special delivery: a piano to play at the parsonage!Thanks be to God!
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Friday, August 08, 2008
The total picture
Today’s Reading:John 14:19 (NIV)
[Jesus said], “Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me.Because I live, you also will live.”
Good morning!
What a great morning this is!August 8, 2008 (8.8.08) – this is the dawn of a brand new beginning!The month of August is filled with grand expectation.In the United States, children, youth and many adults leave summer vacation behind and prepare to return to school.I remember lying in bed the night before the first day of school with butterflies in my stomach, unable to sleep, so nervous about where I would go and if I could find my home room before the tardy bell rang.I wondered who I might meet, and whether I would like my teacher.Earlier this week, I took a walk across the campus of Lindenwood University with some my friends, four of whom I’ve known for quite awhile, and with others whom I had just met.Nestled right in the heart of St. Charles, Missouri, Lindenwood University is such a beautiful campus.There are lots of changes going on here.Between the new road way, expanded parking, new dorms and a new fine arts building which will all be open this semester, I realized with some sadness that this would be my last full year at the University as a student.I’ve grown to love this school, and I couldn’t help but wonder what this brand new year will hold.All of us are turning an important corner, not only in world history but in our own lives.Will your footsteps mark the places where you’ve walked?Where will this new beginning take you?
Jesus Christ is the most forward-thinking brother I know!The prophets of old were given glimpses of the future; the judges begged folks to obey the law, trusting it would carry them into the future with hope, and generations waited with anticipation for the coming of that hope – the promised One of God.My Jesus understands the past, present and future completely.He understands it because He is there from beginning to end.Christ didn’t just see mere glimpses - He is our total picture!Jesus came in human flesh at the request of His Father, so that all people would come to know and fall deeply in love with our eternal life-giver.Jesus came to put a face with a name, Jehovah-Jireh, Yahweh, Elohim, Emmanuel.He is the One we look forward to seeing with great anticipation.
How exciting and bewildering it must have been that night, as the disciples listened to their Master say, “Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me.Because I live, you also will live.”This is a brand new day.The sun is coming up just over the tree line in my subdivision and I can hear the birds singing songs of praise in my back yard.Who are you looking forward to meeting this morning?Are you excited about the days just ahead?Come and join me this morning, as we celebrate this new beginning together.We do not have to understand every aspect of the future - we only need to know the One who is our future.Have faith!His Word is true, you can count on it!We will see Him again.Are you ready?
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Wednesday, August 06, 2008
There are no orphans in God's house
Today’s Reading:John 14:18 (NIV)
[Jesus said], “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.”
Good morning!
I have a difficult time choosing my favorite Scripture passage because there are so many verses that continually speak to my heart.Yet, I would have to say that this one verse, John 14:18, is one of my all-time favorites.I didn’t live in the state orphanage all that long.I don’t really have a memory of what it was like there.I have a few black and white pictures, but they don’t reveal much about what it would have been like to have grown up in an orphanage.I have met some folks along the way who were reared in state facilities, whose parents couldn’t keep them for numerous reasons.Some folks were taken into state custody when their mothers and fathers broke the law and went to jail.Others simply couldn’t afford to feed them.Having raised three children, I have some understanding of the costs involved.In 2008, it is an astronomical expense to raise even one child from infancy to adulthood.If you feed, clothe and educate one child, sending him/her through college, parents should expect to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars according to recent cost of living statistics.I want you to know that my three children have made me a millionaire!They are priceless to me and were worth every penny I spent.What a gift it is to have a family to love.
My mother used to tell me that I was special, because she hand-picked me from all the other babies in the orphanage.Yes, I was adopted, and so was my little sister.We were both blessed to be adopted as infants.If I could, I would say thank you to my birth mother, wherever you are, for choosing not to abort me, and giving me the chance to live.Forty-nine years ago, you made an extraordinary sacrifice of love, by giving me up so that I might have a better life.I will always love you for thinking more about me than of yourself.I pray that you are well and happy and I know we will meet one day in heaven.We will know each other instinctively.What an unselfish gift to willingly give up a child to prospective parents who cannot have children of their own. I cannot imagine what that would be like.
The word family takes on a whole new meaning in 2008.We have biological children, adopted children, blended families and financial sponsorship of children worldwide.Jeff and I are very proud of a young man whom we have not yet met face to face.Melvin lives in El Salvador with his mother and sisters.We hear from him often.He likes to draw pictures of his family and school friends.His artistic abilities continue to grow as he grows.We sponsor Melvin for just pennies a day, and it is a joy to know that he can go to school and learn, receive healthy, nutritious food and adequate clothing and have his medical needs met.One day, we hope to meet him, and say thank you for allowing us the privilege to share life with him.His love continues to nurture us here in the US.Melvin’s picture is on our refrigerator, right next to our grandson Jett.They are the same age, and we love him instinctively.Our families are yoked through Christ’s love.
In God’s house, there are no orphans.We are all brothers and sisters, adopted through Christ into the kingdom of God.In this close-knit community of faith, we learn to nurture and care for each other, just as Christ loves each and every one of us.We help those who cannot help themselves.We choose to love because we are all King’s kids.
Thank you, Lord Jesus, for not leaving us as orphans.We look forward to your return.
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Monday, August 04, 2008
Today’s Reading:John 14:16-17 (NIV)
[Jesus said], “I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counselor to be with you forever – 17 the Spirit of truth.The world cannot accept Him because it neither sees Him nor knows Him.But you know Him, for He lives with you and will be in you.”
Good morning!
Nestled in a tiny clearing off an old gravel road, stood the most beautiful country church I have ever seen.It did not compare to the great cathedrals in Europe, or the large arena-turned worship centers in many of our large cities.We came upon the small, white framed building, as we drove underneath a canopy of large oak trees, whose branches had grown together through the years.The trees provided a cool reprieve on a hot summer’s day.The church yard was meticulously landscaped.A stunning oak gazebo with stone steps sat near the back of the sanctuary.Two large red doors opened into the sanctuary’s pristine foyer and bell tower.I was immediately drawn to my life verse stenciled across its freshly painted walls – I can do all things through Christ, which strengthens me (Phil 4:13).Inside the sanctuary, I noticed the sweet smell of cedar in the air.I looked up and saw the beautiful, open beamed, vaulted ceiling.Sunlight was streaming through the windows, and the wonder of God’s creation was visible all around the sanctuary.I could see the fellowship hall just a few short feet away, in an adjacent detached building.Behind both structures was the community’s cemetery, sitting on a shaded hillside.Every tombstone stood in silent attention, awaiting the trumpet sound peeling from heaven’s gate.It was as if I had stepped out of my car and into a beautiful Thomas Kinkade oil painting.The Bethel United Methodist Church, with its beautiful cross raised high in the sky, was for me the Church of the Wildwood, that incredible country sanctuary I had sung about my entire life.
I met the master builder in worship.He had created with his hands what his heart has always longed for.This place was the outward expression of his soul’s deepest desire.As a renovator and restorer of fine things, he understood the significance of the sanctuary.Beam by beam, the builder erected a sacred and holy space where folks from his tiny community would gather each week to praise the Lord.The master artist poured rivers of life into the vision of this humble human heart, who then poured a labor of love into the space where I sat in worship.The Holy Spirit of God is an indescribable, amazing gift.
It’s presence in this place was simply overwhelming.Jesus promised His disciples that He would send the Spirit of truth to live inside our hearts, creating a sacred space for the Lord to live and reign in us forever.While in worship, I began to take a silent stroll through the sanctuary of my heart.Jesus Christ lives there and He is working to renovate that sacred space inside of me.I am His lifelong work in progress.The beauty of who I am has nothing to do with the exterior shell, the earthly form that will one day return to the dust from which I was created. No, true beauty has everything to do with who Christ is and what He has done in the remodeling of my life.
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Saturday, August 02, 2008
Me first
Today’s Reading:John 14:13-14 (NIV)
[Jesus said], “And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father.14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.”
Good morning!
What’s in it for me?
Let’s face it: we live in a “me-first” mentality.I see this happy attitude poignantly demonstrated every day as I drive to and from work and school.Folks are hard pressed and committed to getting where they need to be as quickly as possible, oblivious to the people traveling next to them on the highway of life.Our thoughts are centered upon the things we must accomplish: the meetings, presentations, and general busyness of our daily lives.We are so preoccupied with our own personal agenda, to-do lists and project deadlines.We cannot spare an extra second to make that telephone call to a friend, or take time to walk across the yard and speak to our next-door neighbor.We pull into our garages and lower the door before exiting our vehicles.We could care less about the stranger stuck in traffic in the car behind us, whom we’ve just managed to cut off.Is our time more precious than theirs?We just want to get ahead.What’s in it for me?Our morning rush is so much more important than anyone else’s.What is it inside of the human heart that drives us to total distraction?How can we be glued to that time clock ticking, yet somehow miss hearing the warning alarm ringing frantically in our ears?
My relationship with Jesus would never have happened had He not wanted to be in relationship with me.This is a complete reversal from the “me-first” mentality.Pastor Terry Teykl writes about the purpose of the Christian walk in his book, The Presence Based Church.Unlike any other bond we form in life, the sacred and holy expression of faith is borne, not from anything we do, but from what God does for each one of us.We should not seek out a relationship with the Lord because of what we may need; rather, we should honor and serve the Father faithfully because of what He does for us.Teykl said that when we pray, we are to pray the prayers that God would have us pray.Getting ourselves out of the way so that the Father can work in and through us is the real miracle, and it only occurs as Christ-like living becomes our soul’s greatest motivation and desire.That “me-first” attitude must melt away, so that Christ-first can become front and center every day.
Jesus said, “I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father.You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.”In the human realm, many feel this is the ticket to personal prosperity.Can we really ask God for anything, guaranteed that He will do it in Jesus’ name?I encourage you to take a closer look at His Word and examine your “me-first” motivation behind the request.Are you praying for your will to be done or for the Father’s will on earth, as it is in heaven?
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Friday, August 01, 2008
The Super in our Natural
Today’s Reading:John 14:12 (NIV)
[Jesus said], “I tell you the truth - anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing.He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.”
Good morning!
It’s amazing what a little faith in Jesus Christ can do.I’ve seen it happen over and over again – supernatural power in a simple, human heart.A little faith in Jesus can change everything! And when we possess a little faith in Christ, we have His power to change the world.My pastor says, “Jesus puts the super in our natural.”Extraordinary, ordinary people who possess His gift of faith, hope and love, can literally move mountains in the name of Jesus.Barriers are broken, and impenetrable walls crumble to the ground.People learn how to love each other completely, just like the Father loves each and every one of us.Because Jesus was making His return flight to the Father, believers now have the potential and ability to do what He accomplished on earth; to share the Father’s love with people around the world.
My friend Kim is a living example of what can happen when someone experiences a little faith in Christ.Just a few short years ago, she was sitting in a Disciple Bible Study class, reading through the Word with her small group, and asking lots of questions. Kim told me that many nights, she could not sleep, thinking about the Scripture and what God was speaking into her life.Kim would sit up half the night reading and praying and listening for His still, small voice.It wasn’t long before she knew that the Father had a special assignment for her.Now, Kim serves FaithChurch in pastoral ministry, and continues her studies at the seminary level.Kim leads Sunday morning worship, teaches Sunday school class and small group Bible studies.She spends time listening and loving on the people God has placed in her path.Because Jesus returned to the Father, He makes a way for Kim to carry on the ministry, following in His steps.When I look at my pastor, I see Jesus Christ living in her.Isn’t it amazing what a little faith can do?
I wonder what the Father has planned for your life…Just a little faith in Jesus Christ will make all the difference.Pick up His Word today and let Him speak.Yes, Jesus is the super in our natural, and He can do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine according to His power that is at work within you.A little faith can go a long way!Are you ready to step into God’s extraordinary plan for your life?
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Thursday, July 31, 2008
Childlike Faith
Today’s Reading:John 14:11 (NIV)
[Jesus said], “Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves.”
Good morning!
Four year old Emily was playing on the carpeted great room floor near the feet of her Mommy, who had stretched out on the sofa to rest.It had been a long day, and Rachel was tired.Emily was playing with her toy cell phone that Granny Deb and Grandpa Jeff had given her on her birthday.Every girly girl needs a bright pink cell phone, with all the ringing bells and whistles and silly jingles that go with it.Emily was happily taking one telephone call after another.“Hello,” she said, in her squeaky, high-pitched voice.“Yes, Mommy’s here.Do you want to talk to her?”Emily stood up, handing Rachel the phone.“Mommy, Meredith from heaven is calling to talk to you.”Surprised by Emily’s words, Rachel took the phone to her ear and said, “Hello?”Emily began to speak the words she heard Meredith say in her heart.“Hi Mommy, this is Meredith from heaven calling just to say I love you and I’m watching over you.Don’t be sad, Mommy.I’m with Jesus now and Buddy and me are having a great time!” (Buddy was their family dog who went to heaven last winter.)I am truly convinced that a four year old can teach all of us much more about matters of faith than most of the adult types I know.
You see, Emily sees things from a totally different perspective.She is able to see the miracle for what it is.Emily knew that even though Meredith is no longer here with us physically, she is ever present with Jesus - happy, experiencing a love and freedom that she could not even begin to imagine while on earth.Her paralysis is completely gone now; the pain has stopped.Breathing free takes on a whole new meaning in the light and love of the Savior.This miracle is obvious to a four-year-old, yet the adults in Emily's life still struggle to understand it.
Just like His disciples, they really didn’t want to hear the words of their Master.They didn’t want to let go or face the fact that He would die.Longing to hold on to the Savior just a little bit longer, the disciples were not hearing what Jesus was trying to convey. Jesus pleaded with them to believe.“Just believe by faith.I’m telling you the Father is in me, and I am in Him, and if you don’t understand this, then just believe on the evidence of the miracles you’ve already seen.”It is a miracle that we wake up each morning, with the possibilities of a brand new day.It is a miracle that we have the potential to reach out and touch another human heart with the Gospel.It is a miracle that God loves us so much that He would go to the absolute ends of the earth to save us, and He did.The miracle is the present, and the present is our priceless treasure.
This morning, I’m thanking God for all the children in my life.At FaithChurch, I am one of four teachers in the 4-7 year age group for Jesus Break, our children’s Sunday school program; yet, I can assure you that it is the children who teach me.If a four year old can understand what it means to believe, then maybe we should reconsider the perks of childlike faith.
Do you believe what Jesus is saying to you today through His Word?
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Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Comfort
Today’s Reading:John 14:10 (NIV)
[Jesus said], “Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me?The words I say to you are not just my own.Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing His work.”
Good morning!
Comfort is the one word I would use to describe Meredith’s memorial service yesterday at the VA Complex at Jefferson Memorial.The place was packed out (standing room only) with family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, scrapbook buddies, and all who had come to know and love my friend through the years.We gathered to honor and remember the woman who had touched so many lives with her outgoing personality and genuine compassion.I heard lots of funny stories about Meredith, and some of the nuances of how she lived out her days.I think one of the most profound statements about her life came from one of her supervisors, who simply said that Meredith “paid attention.”She paid attention to everyone around her, and was more concerned about how they were doing, than how she was doing.It is a rare quality to live a selfless life.I believe this is why Meredith stood out in the crowd.
Our daughter Rachel was there.We sat on the back row together with her husband David, and shared a box of Kleenex tissue.Rachel was determined to get to the memorial service, even after she had an outpatient procedure earlier that day.I know it was an extraordinary effort on her part, and yet, Meredith’s family was worth it.I believe they were truly touched by the outpouring of love for their daughter.In times of grief and sorrow, it is comforting to know that others care.My friend would have been just a little embarrassed by all the fuss and I think she would have been pleased knowing her parents and sister are being taken care of in such a wonderful way.
Repeatedly during the course of the memorial service, it was said that we can carry Meredith inside our hearts and share her love with others by how we choose to live out the rest of our days.Isn’t that what Jesus was trying to convey to His disciples that night?He said, “Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and He is in me?”Jesus came to share the Father’s love with a world desperate to know Him.Jesus is fully human, yet fully divine, making available God’s perfect love in human flesh.His love is relational – the kind of love that puts on skin and expresses itself in ways that we can see and touch and truly understand.When we fall in love with Jesus, He comes and lives inside our hearts.In His love, we reach out and share the Father’s love the people He has placed in our path.
Meredith did this very well, and for me, this was a term of endearment.I pray this morning that my friends, family and coworkers will experience the love of Christ in me.Who knows – they may even glimpse Meredith’s goofy smile radiating from my face.
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Sunday, July 27, 2008
Sticky Agape
Today’s Reading:John 14:9 (NIV)
Jesus answered, “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time?Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.”
Good afternoon!
This morning, I received the news that my dear friend Meredith, who has fought cancer for the last seven years of her life, lost her earthly battle and won the victory in Jesus.She has gone home to glory, where there is now no more pain or suffering or tears of sadness.She is forever in the embrace of our Lord, and that brings me great comfort and joy.Yet, even with that assurance, my heart is breaking for her family and for all of us who knew and loved her.I met Meredith on the campus of Saint LouisCommunity College at Meramec the summer of 2000, when we enrolled in the same summer computer class.She had taken HTML and understood a computer language that was foreign to me.The two of us would sit in the back of the computer lab together, giggling and whispering as we struggled through course work together.If it had not been for her encouragement and support, I would not have passed that class.Our friendship simply grew from there.We became avid scrapbooking buddies, hanging out together on Saturdays, filling our scrapbooks with pages and pages of pictures and recording our precious memories of life and love, family and friends.Meredith had two nieces that she adored, and I heard all about her family’s adventures, especially after she would return home from a holiday visit or after a summer’s vacation.Meredith became an integral part of my family, and our Faith family here in St. Charles.She helped resolve some of the church’s website issues, and frequented our worship services and Sunday school classes.Someday, I will pass from this world into the arms of Jesus, and I know whose face I will see at the gate, standing there, waving for me to come on in.I can’t wait to see Meredith!I may not recognize her at first, but there will be no mistaking her sweet smile and contagious laughter.Her life intersected with mine in a deep and meaningful way.I will carry her spirit within my heart for the rest of my days.I miss her already.
I cried through most of worship this morning.Everything I heard and saw reminded me of my sweet sister in Christ.God, in His awesome master plan, continues to bring some really special people into my life just when I needed them the most.Laura Beth, who now attends school with me at LindenwoodUniversity, has come to my rescue on more than one occasion.She sat next to me in the pew today, as I blubbered into a box of Kleenex I borrowed from the choir room.During the offertory, Laura Beth leaned over and whispered, “You do know what this is, don’t you?”I shook my head and waited for her reply.Just then, she smiled and softly said, “Sticky agape.”I laughed out loud, because at that very moment, I knew exactly what she meant.Every time the Holy Spirit moves, my nose runs, and when I cry, my face swells up and my nose gets red, and I tend to blubber uncontrollably.It’s not pretty.Still, the Father has given us bittersweet tears and lots of sticky agape, just to remind us of His love, especially when we’re hurting and broken hearted, and in pain.It is His gentle nudge that lets us know we are so not alone, even when life does not turn out the way you had hoped it would.
Jesus seemed surprised when He asked Philip the question, “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time?Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.”I know now that when I was in the presence of my dear friend Meredith, I was in the presence of my Lord.You see, He lived in her heart then, and He lives in her heart now.Knowing this should change everything about how we feel about the ones God has placed in our lives.Every person is precious and beautiful and valued in the Father’s eyes.
Do you recognize the Lord in the faces of your family and friends?Can you see Him working in the lives of those you share community with?Don’t miss out on His very best for you.Take a good look, and make time today for the people He has given you to love!Be blessed in His presence through the presence of your family and friends.
Dear Meredith, thank you for being my friend.I’ll see you soon, sister!
Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.”
Good morning!
How much is enough and will we recognize it when we have it?This is the burning question I find myself asking this morning.Because I live in the “Show-Me” state, it is no wonder that this Missourian would entertain such a thought.I remember the famous slogan that emerged in the 1996 film entitled, Jerry Maguire: “Show me the money!”After its release into theatres, people began touting this expression, which I have coined an American euphemism.Living in a struggling US economy that appears to be stretching itself to the absolute breaking point, people are daily praying for God to show them the money simply to put food on their tables and gasoline in their cars.How much is enough and how far will we reach to get it?Are we willing to share our gifts and resources with each other so that all of us can survive through this difficult time together?Would I be willing to put my own comfortable life on hold long enough to reach out and help a neighbor in need?How much is enough and will I know it when I have it?
Philip asks a great question.The disciples longed to see the Father.Just like you and me, they were seeking God out in their lives, putting their families and futures aside, just to know the Master Creator in a deeper way.They thought if they could just see His face, it would be enough.Their longing for the Lord had trumped all earthly desires.And yet, God was right there in the midst of them, and they did not recognize Him!How is it that the Father can be right in front of our very eyes and we somehow miss seeing Him, even when we’re looking!The Lord has given us the evidence we need to know Him fully, yet somehow, we’ve danced around His everlasting gift of life, leaving the pretty wrapping paper untouched and the gift box unopened.The Father was with Philip, standing right next to Him, and after three years of walking together in the flesh, Philip still didn’t recognize His face.
Father, help me see You today in a brand new way.Please do not let me walk by You this morning and not recognize You.My deepest longing is forever satisfied in knowing that You are here with me right now.In Your holy presence, I know I have received the greatest gift of all: Your unconditional love for me.You are all I need from now to eternity.Help me share the overwhelming abundance of Your rich mercy and grace with the people you’ve placed in my life.There is plenty for all.I ask this today in Jesus’ name, Amen.
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Friday, July 25, 2008
The Way Home
Today’s Reading:John 14:6-7 (NIV)
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life.No one comes to the Father except through me.7 If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well.From now on, you do know Him and have seen Him.”
Good morning!
Jeff and I sat on the edge of the twin bed together, enjoying the picturesque view from the window of the Windsor Nursing Home in Terrell, Texas.We were visiting our friend Hollis, whom we had not seen for many years.We have fond memories of the time we spent with Hollis and his wife Lillian, who has now entered into life eternal.Hollis had lots of trouble hearing our voices, and his fading vision did not permit him to see our faces clearly.Yet, even in his advanced years, Hollis had not changed all that much.He was obviously thinner, with a few more wrinkles and age spots.I would have recognized his extraordinary voice anywhere.
My eyes were immediately drawn to the many pictures that decorated Hollis’ room.We knew his children and many of his grandchildren.Hollis caught us up on the news of his family; his words conveyed a deep appreciation and love for each of them.As I admired the photographs, I was amazed by the striking resemblance of his family.Daughter Linda looks so much like Lillian now, that she could have passed for her twin sister.The boys resembled their papa, not just in height; they had inherited their father’s kind and loving eyes.Young Natalie is as beautiful as a young mother as she was a young child.Her face radiates her grandparents’ unconditional love, which is now being passed along to her own babies.The pictures remind me of the strong ties that bind us together as a family.No matter our age or stage along life’s journey, we are part of a generational thread that links us together to the past, present and future.
In every human heart, there is a deep yearning to know who you are and whose you are. Jesus knew His Father.He knew that when the people saw Him as the Son of God, they would then recognize their Father for who He truly is. Jesus came to show the world the way home to our heavenly Father, who loves us so.He is the tie that binds us together as family.No one can know the Father unless they know the Son.
The Father loves you so much that He sent Jesus, His Only Son, to show you the way home.You are precious, priceless, cherished and loved.Come to Jesus today, and meet your Father.He is waiting to love on you right now.
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Thursday, July 24, 2008
Where are you going?
Today’s Reading:John 14:5 (NIV)
5 Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”
Good morning!
“Where am I going?”This is a question I ask myself more often than I’d like to admit.If you are “directionally challenged” like me, then maybe you will understand what I’m talking about here.Once I manage to locate the car keys in the bottom of my big white purse and connect them to the automobile ignition switch, I pause to ask myself a very important question: “Where am I going, and which is the most fuel-efficient, expedient way to get there?”All of us need to have some sense of direction before we pull out of our driveways, especially if we are planning to arrive at the appointed destination on time.
I’ve learned to laugh at myself through the years. And my husband Jeff and I make quite the pair. Talk about two peas in a pod!He likes to drive, yet he constantly asks me which way to turn, as if I know!We get so turned around out there on the highway of life – it’s amazing we find our way anywhere!Brothers and sisters, I can testify that divine intervention is alive and well and at work in our lives - Praise God!
My heart resonates with Thomas’ timeless question.He was totally confused by Jesus’ words.He had absolutely no idea where His Lord was going and wondered how in the world he could possibly know the way.Thank God I’m not alone.The Good News is that Jesus doesn’t want us to plan out our life’s journey, or head off trusting in our own sense of direction.All we have to do is follow the Master, and we’ll get to where we need to be!Jesus is the way and the truth and the life, and no one finds the Father except through Him.So, if we know the Savior, we know the way!
A global positioning system, a dash full of city maps, and a compass on the front of our windshield will not help us one little bit when it comes to finding the kingdom of God.We only need to know our Savior, Jesus Christ, and He will get us to our destination at the appointed time.
Where are you going today?My friends, I pray you will choose to follow Christ.
Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author.Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission.Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles.Articles are sent originally to subscribers only.You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Willing to go?
Today’s Reading:John 14:3-4(NIV)
3 [Jesus said,] “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.4 You know the way to the place where I am going.”
Good morning!
I was thankful to be seated in the upper balcony of FirstUnitedMethodistChurch in Dallas, Texas, on Saturday morning, July 19, 2008.We had the perfect place to see the service of consecration of our newly elected Bishops to the South Central Jurisdiction. From the balcony, we could see the mass youth choir seated on both sides of the balcony and in the front of the sanctuary.We looked down upon the altar area, where Bishops would gather to lay hands upon and pray for our newly elected and appointed shepherds.
As I listened to the Gathering Music, “Living Water of Life” sung by two hundred voices of the North Texas Annual Conference High School Youth Choir, tears of joy began to slide down my face, dripping off my chin and onto the bulletin and Bible sitting in my lap.With no Kleenex in sight, I was wishing for my grandmother’s hankie, the one with the crocheted edging.I saw a future with hope as I gazed upon the faces of our future, singing praise to God Almighty. Jeff and I knew the choir director well - he was a member of our youth group at Stephan Memorial United Methodist Church in Overland, Missouri, thirty years ago. I saw how the Lord was working in his life as he willingly leads youth to Christ through pastoral service in the church. I thought about the history that was unfolding before me.Here I was, sitting in a worship service that was steeped in historical and time-honored tradition.Bishops are appointed to help lead people into a personal and lifelong relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ and we are participating in covenant ministry as part of this holy observance.
How awesome, that God could take a humble human heart and raise him up for servant leadership within the church of Jesus Christ!How awesome that God could use all of us for His plan and purpose in the world!How awesome is the awesome One who forgives, heals, and loves unconditionally!What kind of love would lay His life down so that we might live forever?
I was struck by the power of new life within the sanctuary.I felt the Holy Spirit dance throughout the body, touching every heart in a new way.In this moment, I was acutely aware that Jesus Christ Himself has prepared a special place for every one of us, in this world and in the world to come.A unique and extraordinary gift mix, we are the body of Christ, led by His Spirit.Jesus said that we know the way to the place where He is going.
Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author.Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission.Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles.Articles are sent originally to subscribers only.You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.
