Heaven's Scent

 "What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived the things God has prepared for those who love him."                       1 Corinthians 2:9

    Though the day was briskly cold, I determined to walk to the lagoons anyway. To my delight, along the way was a gift from my Creator - a fragrant bouquet of dark violet lilacs in full bloom. As I paused to graciously receive this aromatic blessing, I wondered about the scents of heaven. 

    Our eyes shall behold the promised Holy City, coming down in all its brilliance like that of a very precious jewel. In our ears will reverberate the din of the multitude, like the roar of Niagara with loud peals of thunder and shouts of Hallelujah. 

    But what treats await our olfactory senses? 

    When I was a child, my family loved to dine on the back porch where the summery aromas of the honeysuckle vine overpowered any culinary offerings. This sweet scent spurs memories of long ago with such clarity that the passage of years evaporates, and suddenly I am there once more.

    I hope heaven smells like that, and I am quite confident it will. The God who infuses our earthly home with whiffs of jasmine or the glories of gardenia will most certainly satiate our senses with the richest of aromas in our new abode. 

    Such an anticipation is heaven sent.

"Blessed are those you choose and bring near to live in your courts! We are filled with the good things of your house, of your holy temple." Psalm 65:4

    

Glass Houses

 Jesus said, "'Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.' 

    At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there.

    Jesus straightened up and asked her, 'Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?'

    'No one, sir,' she said.

    'Then neither do I condemn you,' Jesus declared. 'Go now and leave your life of sin.'" John 8: 7-11

    In our local paper, on the front page, there was a report of a woman I knew some years ago. It surprised me to learn she had been convicted of theft.

    It pleases me none to say my immediate thought was to call so-and-so and spread the news. After all, she was fair game, being in the paper and all. Thankfully, the Holy Spirit reminded me to have compassion on her. What if a sin of mine was posted for all to see? 

    Perhaps you have heard of this proverb, "Those who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones." Though Solomon did not write this, its premise is biblical, hearkening back to the woman who was caught in the act of adultery. She was front page news as her accusers dragged her before Jesus for all to see, demanding she be stoned in payment for her deed (as quoted above).

    Indeed, God's word says, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," and "The wages of sin is death." (Romans 3: 23, 6:23) However, before you slump in dejection as the memory of your sins weighs upon you, finish reading these verses!

    "...for all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Jesus Christ." and " ...but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

    Obviously, sin is not okay with God since the Lord caused his only Son to suffer as our sacrifice. "The punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed." (Isaiah 53:5) That is the very essence of the Good News.

    We all live in glass houses. When we see another stumble in the chains of slavery to sin, let's remember to pray for that person to meet the One who has the power to break those chains.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him. Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God." John 3:16-21

  

Even There

 "Even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast." Psalm 139:10

    One of the perks of being a senior is having a colonoscopy.

    Of course, I am speaking facetiously since the entire procedure (for me) is akin to having a hood placed over my head as I am led to the gallows. Yes, yes, I know it's for my benefit and all that, but I am a coward when faced with all things medical.

    To enlighten those who may not have participated in this experience, the preparations leading up to this rather odious screening of one's colon involves a gradual weaning of the very sustenance that keeps one alive, that is food and water, so that, in the final six hours, not even an ice chip may pass one's lips. 

    So, it was in this very weakened, sleepless condition that I entered the doors of the endoscopy clinic. Upon arrival, a cloud of angst settled 'round me like a raiment of doom. It didn't help matters when the receptionist quizzed me about having a "Do Not Resuscitate" order on file. By the time I was ushered behind the curtain, fear had so fully engulfed me that I timidly asked the nurse in a thin voice, "How many people have died on the table in this place?"

    She calmly assured me of the rare occurrence of that particular danger. As she turned my right arm to administer my IV, she commented on my tattoo which bears the reference of my life verse, Isaiah 41:10. "So do not fear," I began to recite, "for I am with you..." The nurse smiled in full acknowledgment, assuring me she also knew that verse. 

    Ah, the words of the Lord that are "sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb" (Psalm 19:10) coursed through my veins, bringing His strength and peace. The Holy Spirit within reminded me to "Consider Him who endured such opposition." Thoughts of my Jesus, who went forty days and nights without sustenance in the desert of temptation, was tended by the angels when it was all over. I knew He tended to my needs as well. 

    Is God present in an endoscopy clinic? Yes! Even there. I can attest to it.

    Feeling much better the following day, I opened my Bible and randomly selected a Psalm where David's words, penned to God while in the Desert of Judah, became my own:

"You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you. I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water. I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips I will praise you. On my bed I will remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. Because you are my help, I will sing in the shadow of your wings. I cling to you; your right hand upholds me." (Psalm 63: 1-8) 

    

    

The Story of My Life

 "And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Hebrews 12: 1-3

    One of my favorite genres of literature is biography; it appeals to my nosy nature. Currently, I am reading, "Johnny Cash: the Redemption of an American Icon." Written after his death, the author must rely upon personal interviews and glean recorded accounts, citing references along the way. Had Cash written his own story, it would have been an autobiography.

    Who is writing the story of my life?

    When I became a Christian, my account went from being autobiographical to a most interesting biography - one I could never have hoped to pen myself. When I gave Jesus the authority, He expertly began to weave the plot, introducing new characters as He develops the story line. With a vivacious intellect, He wends the way from action/adventure to the throes of drama, then adds a whiff of romance, written as sweet poetry, before comedic tones are introduced to lighten the story. Mysteries may be revealed in the next chapter, or He may, in His wisdom, evolve them into a cliff hanger. 

    Every story must have an antagonist, and mine is not free from the dastardly determination of the devil. However, Jesus provides protection for the protagonist with the armor of God as He continues to build to a climax.

    When the final page is penned, these words of finality, "The End," will not be seen. Rather, there will be only this: "...To be continued."

    Jesus, as the Author of life itself (Acts 3:15), is the only One with the qualifications to take my unedited pile of papers and turn it into a best seller. He, who knew my story before the world began, created me, redeemed me from a life of slavery to sin, and will whisk me off to a mansion to live happily ever after with Him. 

    And that, my friend, is no fairy tale.

"Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." Psalm 139:16

This Jesus

     To prepare for Easter this year, I began reading through the Gospel of Mark a few weeks ago. Though I didn't quite finish prior to Resurrection Day, I took up where I left off this morning:

    "The soldiers led Jesus away into the palace and called together the whole company of soldiers. They put a purple robe on Him, then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on Him. And they began to call out to Him, 'Hail, King of the Jews!' Again and again, they struck Him on the head and spit on Him..." (Mark 15: 16-18)

    Overcome with miserable grief, I had to quit reading. I bowed my head in utter shame to be counted among the sinners who did this to my Beloved. The weight of all my iniquities pressed upon my sorry frame as I sobbed out all my regrets to my King. 

    "I am not worthy to be in your Presence, Jesus!" I said in muffled sobs, "But I love you so!"

    I don't want to be counted among this reviling mob. Reading the account of the trial and crucifixion nettles me, stirs me into a fit of discomfort to say the least. The words of this mournful hymn from my past came to my heart: "Chief of sinners though I be, Jesus shed His blood for me; Died that I might live on high, Lived that I might never die. As the branch is to the vine, I am His and He is mine."

    I want to be counted as one who loved Jesus, like the woman who sobbed at His feet as she wiped them with her hair. I want to be seen standing stalwart in faithfulness at the foot of the cross, not wrenched in bitter denial by the charcoal fire in the courtyard. Oh, how I hate this sinful nature of mine! 

    Then the words of Peter's Pentecostal address came to mind (Acts 2: 14-41). Filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter raised his voice above the din and declared with conviction, "Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs...this man was handed over to you by God's deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing Him to the cross."

    This man. The same one who fed the five thousand, gave sight to the blind and healed with compassion was the One they dressed in purple, spat upon and mocked. Hit repeatedly over the head. Scorned.

    Peter went on to say, "But God." (In these two words, the course of history and the fate of all mankind are held!) "But God raised Him from the dead...God has raised this Jesus to life...God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah."

    This Jesus, to whom all authority has been given, we shall see coming again on the clouds of glory. This Jesus, the babe of Bethlehem, Immanuel, is the One I worship and adore. He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. This Jesus, whose sandals I am not worthy to untie, calls me His child. 

    When Peter's audience heard this, they were "cut to the heart" and asked, "Brothers, what shall we do?" 

    Indeed, what shall I do when the full knowledge of my sins weighs heavily upon me, and the unworthiness of my soul shines like the midday sun? The answer lies within a word seen as rather archaic in these days: Repent. Tell this Jesus I am sorry for what I've done, thank Him for His sacrifice which paid my debt and shower Him with pure love. Then, pick up my cross daily and follow Him.

"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8

You Are Mine

 "But now, this is what the Lord says - He who created you, Jacob, He who formed you, Israel: 'Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine." Isaiah 43:1

    Yesterday, I joined the throngs at the grocery store and, what began as a mundane task, soon became a celebration, the likes of which only God can do.

    At first glance, the cashier who rang my order appeared weary. I can relate to that since I work on my feet; my legs were still aching from the previous day. I inquired about her welfare and she, with a sigh, acknowledged the increased shoppers due to Easter.

    "How will you be spending the holiday?" I asked. 

    "I'll be going to church," she replied, "then cooking for my family."

    Aha! The door had opened just a bit, enough for me to venture, "He is risen! We've much to celebrate, don't we?"

    The fatigue fled from her face as she shared with me her testimony. "Have you heard of the show, 'The Chosen'?"

    "You bet," came my enthusiastic response. "I love that show because it has helped the Bible to come alive for so many."

    She showed me her coffee mug which bore the name of the series and I showed her my tee shirt that proclaims, "Jesus is King!" The celebration had begun as I bagged the items she was scanning. 

    "Do you recall the first episode, the one where Jesus quotes that verse to Mary Magdalene saying, 'I have called you by name, you are mine'?" asked the cashier. "That's the scene that changed my life!"

    As her words worked in my heart, it dawned on me what she was saying, but to clarify, I asked, "Do you mean, you became a Christian that moment as you watched the show?"

    Yes! With joy, she is celebrating Resurrection Sunday as a redeemed daughter of the King this year! Jesus summoned her by name; she is now His. 

    As I drove away from the store, my heart was soaring with gratitude for the Living Savior who loves us and knows us personally. 

    I implore you to read John 20:1-18 and put yourself in the sandals of Mary Magdalene. In her deep sorrow, she came looking for a dead body, but even that was taken away along with her hope. (Aren't we glad she didn't find what she was looking for?) Inconsolable, she asked whom she believed to be the gardener, "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him."

    "Jesus said to her, 'Mary.'" That's all He had to say for the Light of the world to break through her clouds.

    Insert your own name there. If you are wandering amid brokenness, looking for some semblance of hope, turn your eyes upon Jesus, the Author of your life. He knows you by name.

    Won't you join the cashier and me in the celebration? 

Big Shoes to Fill

 "How then can we be saved? All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags." Isaiah 64: 5, 6

    Kids like to play dress-up. I have a photo of myself in my dad's coat, hat and shoes when I was just a child, too inadequate to fill them. My father had some big shoes to fill, and though I wanted to be like him, I didn't have what it took. 

    George Jones sang a song entitled, "Who's Gonna Fill Their Shoes?" He sang about the greats of country music, those irreplaceable legends who had made their mark in the world before they left it. Part of the chorus has this to say: "Who's gonna give their heart and soul to get to me and you? Lord, I wonder who's gonna fill their shoes?"

    Many centuries ago, when God made his covenant with Abram, he listed promises which He had committed to fulfill. All Abram had to do was to "walk before me faithfully and be blameless." (see Genesis 17: 1, 2) How could he, a sinner, (or any of his descendants, like us), fill those shoes? Of course, God already knew we were in need of rescuing.

    What we needed was Someone who could do just that. Someone blameless. That's when God sent his perfect Son to fill the shoes. He intervened on our behalf.

    "But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear...The Lord looked and was displeased that there was no justice. He saw that there was no one, he was appalled that there was no one to intervene; so his own arm achieved salvation for him, and his own righteousness sustained him. He put on righteousness as his breastplate, and the helmet of salvation on his head; he put on the garments of vengeance and wrapped himself in zeal as in a cloak...The Redeemer will come to Zion, to those in Jacob who repent of their sins." (Isaiah 59: 2, 15-17, 20, emphasis mine)

    As a child of God, I am no longer inadequate. When I put on the righteous garments of Jesus, I am covered by his grace. The requirements have been fulfilled in Him, and the shoes fit Him perfectly. 

    Now I am dressed like my Father.

"He has sent me to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels." Isaiah 61: 1-3, 10

It's About Time

 "And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over, the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light." Romans 13: 11, 12

    As I went through the house changing clocks to daylight savings time, I thought about the wisdom of the Creator of time. God, who has no beginning or end, arranged it so that our lives are governed by the passage of time. 

    Think about how much of our lives revolve around the clock and calendar. From the time the alarm goes off, it's a race against time as we strive to get to work on time. Then it's watching the clock until lunch time before punching out and heading home for dinnertime. It's all about time.

    Time flies! (can I get a witness?) At age 62, I do not feel old but the mirror tells a different story. One of my dear friends from childhood was lamenting the unbelievable fact that her granddaughter was turning seventeen this year. Seventeen! Seems just yesterday we were seventeen. 

    There are only so many hours in a day, so it's imperative not to squander time since it's the stuff life is made of. Benjamin Franklin said, "Never leave that till tomorrow which you can do today." Procrastination is a colossal waste of time, and the worst thing you can ever do is to drag your feet about eternal life.    

    The Bible says, "I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation." (2 Corinthians 6:2)  This means time is of the essence. We are not guaranteed tomorrow. Even the next moment is an unknown. You are running out of time! If you have not accepted the free gift of eternal life in Christ, don't waste time in doing so. Once you do, Jesus takes you by the hand and assures you, "Surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:20) 

    I can think of no better way to spend my time.

"But I trust in you, Lord; I say, 'You are my God.' My times are in your hands." Psalm 31: 14, 15

The Proprietor

 "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." Colossians 3: 23, 24

    Recently, I tootled south to the neighboring county to visit my dear friend and sister-in-Christ, Suzi. We lingered over lunch at the Rise and Dine before shopping at a few clothing boutiques. 

    Like hens in a coop, we clucked with the clerk over fashion and merchandise as I tried on a few things. Then we drove over to a second shop, one we'd not seen before. Like seasoned pros, Suzi and I examined their offerings, warming to the savvy selections and the affordable prices. After I noticed a few candles with some Christian buzz words on them, I rounded the rack of cozy sweaters to spy a round table laden with devotionals of many topics, surrounding a stack of free Bibles in the center.

    Calling Suzi over to see, our eyes glittered like two girls in a candy store. With glee, my friend said, "I think I've just found a new favorite store!" 

    Suddenly, it was like the Son shone into that storefront, casting a crisper meaning over our excursion. As we made our purchases, we spoke with the proprietor, a young woman wearing a winter-white stocking cap. We commented on her goody table and asked for her testimony.

    Her deep brown eyes conveyed the compassionate love of Christ as she told us her story. Gesturing 'round the shop with her hands, she spoke this truth: "Fashion is fun and all, but it fades away. The true and lasting purchase was made at the cross." In conclusion, she said, "Some patrons come in, see the table, and leave in a huff." Sadly, they have turned on their heels away from redemption and peace, but maybe enough of a seed had been planted just by seeing the offerings of this one, young proprietor.

    As Suzi and I drove away, I pondered the importance of using whatever we have for God's glory. For Moses, it was a staff. For David, a stone. For this gal, a store. For me, it's the written word. 

"Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine. Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for she is more profitable that silver and yields better return than gold." Proverbs 3: 9, 10, 13, 14  

Gabbing with God

 "'Because he loves me,' says the Lord, 'I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.'" Psalm 91: 14-16

    Today, God taught me about communication.

    Halfway through the morning, I realized I was not receiving any texts or calls on my cell phone. During a break, I paused from my task at work to call my husband, but the message on my phone indicated I was not connected to any network. As my coworkers and I talked among ourselves, we discovered there was a connectivity problem that affected half the United States. It was an odd feeling, not being able to dash off a quick message.

    The scuttlebutt had been that an enemy had hacked our cell towers or satellites. In these times of great deceptions, I really didn't know what to believe. On my way home, though, I stopped by my daughter's house to inform her. Living alone, her cell phone is her only source of communication. 

    Continuing on my way, that familiar feeling of anxiety threatened to encroach upon me, so I talked aloud to God. Passing a church sign, I smiled to read, "Trust your unknown future to a known God." It was as if He were audibly chiming in on our conversation.

    But wait; it gets better! Upon checking my mailbox once home, I spied an unfamiliar handwriting on an envelope mailed from somewhere in Cleveland. What's this? 

    Unfolding the single sheet of notebook paper, my heart swelled within me when I read these words from an unknown person:

"I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you for standing for Jesus. It's a great delight as I'm driving by to take my son to school and see the sign in your yard that reminds us of the truth that Jesus is our only hope. I haven't seen many of those, if any. I pray the Lord's blessing be upon you and your family as you serve the Lord's purposes. Blessings in Christ, Chris."

    The irony was not lost on me that, though my cell phone was affected, it had no bearing on my direct line with the Great I Am. When I remain connected to the Vine, He speaks to me through any means available, whether it be a sign along the road or an item of snail mail. No enemy, however loud he may roar, will ever be able to sever my communication with God.

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." John 15: 5

Deeper Than the Holler

 "And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power...to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." Ephesians 3: 17-19

    While listening to music the other day at work, Randy Travis' signature drawl was singing, "Deeper Than the Holler." Though the lyrics are meant to illustrate a man's limitless love for his lady, personally it portrayed Jesus' love for me:

My love is deeper than the holler, stronger than the river,

Higher than the pine trees growin' tall up on the hill.

My love is purer than the snowflakes that fall in late December,

And honest as a robin on a springtime windowsill,

And longer than the song of a whippoorwill.

        It's easy to see the parallel between the chorus and the verses above, drawn from Paul's letter to the Ephesians. As I meditated on this, I drew a horizontal arrow in my journal, pointing to the left, labeling it "wide." Next, a vertical line along the left side with a downward arrow marking "deep." On the opposite end, another vertical arrow, pointing up to demonstrate how high is this love of Christ. The diagram was finished by a lower horizontal arrow, pointing to the left, to indicate "long." 

    How much does Jesus love us? Just go outside and walk the lines of the diagram. Begin walking to the east. Keep going until east meets west. Or, if you're tired of walking in that direction, follow that arrow to the north up, up, up where the air is clear, through the stratosphere! Is there a ceiling? If your feet could carry you, head to the south until your circular route brings you all the way 'round till you're back where you began. 

    Do you get the picture? The love of Christ is all-encompassing. Long ago, before the foundation of the world, He set out to love us. Widely, He stretched out his arms and sacrificed himself while we were still sinners. Deeply, He descended to the depths to declare the debt had been paid; death had been swallowed up in victory! He then ascended to the heavenly realms, where He sits at the right hand of the Father, until He returns to judge both the living and the dead. 

    Upon receipt of such a Valentine, what is the only acceptable response? To love the Lord my God with all my heart, all my soul, all my mind and all my strength to the ends of the earth and back!

    "For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear Him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. But from everlasting to everlasting, the Lord's love is with those who fear Him." Psalm 103: 11, 12, 17

    "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8: 38, 39

    

The Joyful Choice

    What a week! How many of you know that when God teaches, He often reiterates the lesson three times, in quick succession? And usually, He addresses the listener by their full name on the last delivery, just as your mother would have done when she wanted your attention.

    There in the doctor's waiting room sat a man adjacent from me, reading a book. Without introduction, he simply lowered his book, turned to me and asked, "Why do riot police get up early?"

    "Uh, I don't know. Why?" came my reply.

    With a twinkle came the answer: "So they can beat the crowds." 

    This came from a man who just learned he must have all his teeth extracted before radiation can be administered for his cancer. 

    The following day, a text arrived from a dear family member. "My biopsy has revealed a diagnosis: I have breast cancer." Having called her as soon as I could, she stated plainly in bold faith, "Do I want to have surgery? No, but tis no matter." She continued, "For me, it's a win-win situation. I want to go forth in victory, come what may."

    Then came a visit to our tax-man, who is also a friend from long ago. During our comfortable banter, he shared with me the harrowing hassle he had endured at the hands of the IRS. Due to an oversight, he was thusly penalized, costing this widower thousands of dollars. "It was a nightmare," he concluded, "But I am thankful to God, who is so good to me, for giving me each day. Life is a gift!"

    For the Christian, finding joy is not a pasted-on Pollyanna-happiness, but rather a wellspring of deep-down decision to choose it through the power of the Holy Spirit. Joy joins hands with Hope, and that hope comes only from knowing Christ. "For the joy set before him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." (Hebrews 12: 2, 3)

    The joy is yet to come; it is set before us, as it was for Jesus. Did He want to be crucified? No, but He endured it for us, knowing it was the only way to mend fences between God and Man. Psalm 30:5 implores, "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning."

    I had been wrestling with robotic "assistants" over the phone, wearily wrangling with a problem that seemed to loom larger than life, and the tears came. I'd had enough. But as I considered these three lessons from above, I tenderly felt the hand of Jesus on my shoulder as He bade me to "Come to me, all you who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28) He'd called me, using my full name.

    I love this concluding verse because it is a recipe for joy. To taste it, I must trust in Him.

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13

    

God's Welcome Mat

 "As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him." Luke 10:38

    If I remember correctly, my niece had a mat at her front door which declared, "Go Away!" Knowing her as I do, this was all in great jest. She's a funny kid, that one.

    I don't think there were welcome mats during the days of Christ, but if there were, dear Martha would have had one. It was no small task to invite a Stranger and His twelve friends in for a visit! As she scrambled about to kill the fattened calf and knead hasty loaves, her sister, Mary, was the one whose hunger was being satisfied as she listened to Jesus, the Bread of Life.

    There came a day in my own life when Jesus entered my home at my invitation. He is the Head of this house; the unseen Guest at every meal. He walks with me daily, and I with Him. 

    I wonder if the portal of heaven has a welcome mat? When I die and my guardian angel guides me there, I know my Father will be there with a hearty greeting! After I wipe the earthly dust from my shoes, I will run into His divine embrace, weeping tears of joy. Home at last! After I hug the long gone saints whom I have sorely missed, then Jesus will show me around.

    "Here is the living room," He may say as we tread the golden floor, "and here is the kitchen." Before showing me to a room of my own, my mouth will drop open at the sight of the royal banquet hall, where the long tables will be set in preparation for the marriage supper of the Lamb. 

    I will feel right at home with my Savior, whose company I so enjoyed while in my earthly tent. Because I opened my home to Him, He opens His to me. Welcome home!

"Jesus replied, 'Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them." John 14:23

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with  me where I am." John 14: 2, 3 

How Do I Love Thee?

     Great comfort is mine when I digest the verses in which God declares His love for me. I have written some, such as these, on paper hearts which I then taped to my bathroom mirror:

"This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down His life for us." 1 John 3:16

"This is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins." 1 John 4:10

"See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!" 1 John 3:1

    The true cause to pause for reflection comes with the question Jesus had posed to Simon Peter during his reinstatement: "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" (John 21:15) The joy of having breakfast on the seashore with the resurrected Christ was still fresh on Peter's heart when the Savior got to the heart of the matter three times by asking, "Do you love me?"

    I imagined Jesus inserting my own name in this very telling query: "Rachel, daughter of Russell, do you truly love me more than these?" 

    How much do I love you, Jesus? When I was drowning in a sea of selfishness and grasped your extended hand, did I tell you then that I loved you? When you blessed me beyond reason with two daughters and one grand, did my heart overflow in gratitude to you? When, in sickness of the heart I wept bitter tears and you held me close to your breast, did I, like the one leper in ten, return to hug you? Would I recklessly pour my most expensive possession at your feet, or would I join the rich, young ruler, walking away with a closed fist?

    Do I truly love you more than anything or anyone else? With the grace of the Holy Ghost, may I, like Simon Peter, avow: "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you." (John 21:17)

    Then may I hear the voice of Jesus say, "Then feed my sheep. Follow Me!"

"Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them." John 14:21

Untouchable

 "We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the One who was born of God keeps him safe, and the evil one cannot harm him." 1 John 5:18

    About a decade ago, while my husband and I lay asleep one night, I was awakened by something. Upon opening my eyes, I was stricken with such terror, the likes of which I had never known. There, at the foot of our bed, loomed a large, dark form. It bore no discernable features other than a ghoulish outline, but the evil it emitted was palpable and unmistakable. 

    It spoke not, nor did it move toward me, yet I instinctively grasped my husband's arm as I buried my head in his side. Though he awoke, he could not see anything, nor could I convey the reason for my fear since I was unable to speak. When my gaze returned to the foot of the bed a second time, the presence was still there. After a third time, it was gone. Trembling, I poured out to David what I had experienced. 

    I had cried out to Jesus to purify the room and surround our home with a battalion of angels before I would reenter it. The reasons behind this encounter eluded me. Had I unintentionally invited a demon into my home? 

    The answer came to me just the other night while reading a devotional entitled, "Who I am in Christ," by Neil T. Anderson. It's a marvelous book filled with thirty-six readings and prayers, based on the truth of Scripture which expound upon all the glorious riches we have in Christ Jesus. Protection from evil in one of them.

    Imagine my reaction when, in chapter twenty-four, I read: "Have you ever awakened at night feeling terrorized? You may have felt a pressure on your chest or an evil presence in the room." The author explained that, as a child of God, evil cannot touch me. If I live in submission to God, just proclaiming the name of Jesus will make the devil flee; I am safe in the arms of God. He is my sanctuary. 

    Looking back on this experience, though it had filled me with such terror, I am grateful to have been shown just how deep the demonic darkness can be, thereby drawing me closer than ever to my Savior's side. Satan, the father of lies, cannot stand in the face of Truth. Thanks be to Jesus, who has been given all authority and supremacy over all things, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities. (see Colossians 1: 15-20) In Him, I am untouchable.

"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." James 4:7

"My sheep listen to my voice; I know them and they follow me. I give them eternal life and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand." John 10:27

The Rock

 "He is the Rock, his words are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is He." Deuteronomy 32:4

    MercyMe. Lauren Daigle. Casting Crowns. These are all Christian music artists I love, but every once in a while, I am drawn to the old, familiar hymns. Their lyrics are powerful poems, based upon the truths of Scripture.

    Listen to these, taken from "The Solid Rock," written by Edward Mote in 1834:

"My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness;

I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus' Name. 

On Christ, the Solid Rock, I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.

When He shall come with trumpet sound, O may I then in Him be found!

Clothed in His righteousness alone, faultless to stand before the throne!

On Christ, the Solid Rock, I stand, all other ground is sinking sand."

    Upon what other foundation could I build my life that would guarantee my trip to spend eternity in heaven? Let's see.

    If I built upon family, they, too, must leave this world, so I can't count on tagging along with one of them. Besides, how can I be sure of their destination? Hmm.

    What if I relied upon the government for my needs? Do they offer some type of after-life payment plan? No, their track record is not that great on this side of the sod.

    Well, if only I stockpiled enough money, then I could buy my way past the pearly gates. No, the Egyptians tried that, but those riches were all discovered in the pyramids. Besides, those funds are all left behind to beneficiaries. That won't work. 

    How about attending church religiously, serving at a soup kitchen and tithing ten percent to a worthwhile cause? Certainly, my good deeds will get me in. Though that is a popular belief, God says otherwise: "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is a gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast." (Ephesians 2: 8, 9)

    I know! A couple of college degrees is what's needed. Then I will outsmart God. The Lord says, "Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God, the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe." (1 Corinthians 1: 20, 21)

    The only way I can be assured of my salvation is to put all my hope on the Rock, which is Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 10:4) He created me, He sustains me, He redeemed me by his precious blood. He has promised to come back for me and take me to be with Him where He is. (John 14:3) All other ground is indeed sinking sand.

"He will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord Himself, is the Rock eternal." Isaiah 26: 3, 4

    

What's New?

 "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth...So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them." Genesis 1:1, 27

    Gaily wrapped gifts have been opened by now. Ribbons rolled and saved until next year; reusable boxes have been stacked in the basement, hollow and waiting. All things that were exchanged from hand to hand, house to house or shipped o'er land and sea were not new items. They were made from pre-existing materials that have been around since the creation of the world.

    While reading from my "Today in the Word" devotional this morning, the author's thought spurred my soul: "We are valuable not because of what we produce or not because of what we can give to God. The most we can do is simply rearrange and reorganize what God already created."

    Though, this Christmas, I received and gave some lovely gifts, the true gift is what Jesus has created in us. The Scripture tells me, "Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day." (2 Corinthians 4:17) The true gift is ME! It's Christmas every day when we live in Christ.

    Dear Lord, today as I rearrange and reorganize the living room, may my heart bend in true worship to You, my Creator. May I reflect on the new me that you are working on every day. It is really miraculous to think that You are making all things new, beginning with the hearts of believers like me. Let your light shine in me, like the star that guided the wise men, drawing others to the Light of the World. I love you, Jesus.

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come; the old has gone, the new is here!" 2 Corinthians 5:17