Each Life Matters

 "What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish." Matthew 18: 12-14

    Recently, David and I traveled with a group on a bus trip to Holland, Michigan. We were two of forty-eight passengers, besides the driver, Linda, and the escort, Russ. Every time the group reboarded after a stop, the escort made a careful count of the passengers. 

    As Russ passed my seat, I ventured to inquire, "Does the bus ever leave if one is missing?" to which he vehemently responded, "Never!"

    His persistent counting of heads reminded me of the Lord Jesus. As the Chief Shepherd and Overseer of our souls, He is no less conscientious than our tour escort as He minds the sheepfold. 

    As I pondered this within the above scripture, it occurred to me that the lost sheep is a believer who had wandered away from the faith. To illustrate this, if a passenger had been missing from our bus, Russ would not have gone out and grabbed anybody from the street corner to fill the seat. No, he would, of course, make a careful search for the one who held the ticket to ride. No passenger is forced to get on the bus; they come willingly.

    To be a passenger on the bus to eternal life, the ticket price has been paid for by the blood of the Shepherd Himself, who laid down His life for us. To board the bus, one must leave his life of sin by accepting the free ticket and riding in the direction God takes him. And if he should wander off, the Escort will make a careful search for him, not leaving without him!

    I have been riding God's bus for many years now and I love it. The Driver knows the way like the back of his hand. The passengers are protected from harm. We are well fed and cared for tenderly. The scenery is always changing and the destination promises to be more than we could ever imagine. The fellow passengers are friendly, and there's plenty of room for more to join us. 

    The door is open! Come on!

"For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost." Luke 19:10

"The Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6

If My People

 "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14

    As part of the celebration of our country's 250th birthday, May 17, 2026 has been proclaimed a national day of rededication to God. I was grateful to read online the following: "Rededicate 250 will be rooted in giving thanks for God's presence in our national life throughout 250 years of American history and asking for his guidance." On that day, there will be a gathering at the Mall in Washington D. C. for worship and prayer.

    Over the past several years, my heart has been broken for my country. The lines of division and acrimony have been so sharply drawn, they are almost visible. What will become of the United States? Jesus said in the gospel of Mark, "If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand." (3: 24-25) 

    My thoughts traveled to Nineveh, the wayward capital of Assyria, to which the prophet Jonah was sent by God to preach against it, because their wickedness had come up before the Lord. The man, Jonah, was very reluctant to do this in light of the barbarism his countrymen had endured at the hands of the Ninevites. Perhaps he felt God's merciful forgiveness should not have been extended to them.

    But God's ways are higher than our ways. His thoughts are higher than ours! (Isaiah 55:9)

    When Jonah finally made it to Nineveh, he rather half-heartedly went around saying, "Forty more days and Nineveh will be overthrown." (Jonah 3:4) Though he wasn't the most dynamic evangelist, the people of Nineveh believed God, proclaimed a fast and, at the king's direction, all from the greatest to the least donned sackcloth to demonstrate repentance. Within the king's decree, he said, "Who knows? God may yet relent and with compassion turn from his fierce anger so that we will not perish." (Jonah 3:9)

    That is exactly what happened. When God saw they had humbled themselves and turned from their wicked ways, he did not bring on destruction after all.

    Each one of us must come to God in humility and repentance. Remember, "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall." (Proverbs 16:18) Please consider kneeling with others in rededication with a broken and contrite heart on May 17th. Only God can turn this thing around.

     

    

Wait

 "Wait for the Lord; be strong, take heart and wait for the Lord." Psalm 27:14

    It delights me to say Mr. and Mrs. Bluebird have taken up residence in our back yard. 

    As I was peeling an obstinate orange the other day, I glanced out the kitchen window toward the nesting box where they live. There was Mrs. Bluebird peering out the round window, looking this way and that. She remained doing so for quite a while, so I began to ponder life from her perspective. 

    What must it be like to be the one who has to wait? She has a job to fulfill, tending the nest while the Mr. goes about searching for food, but her stance at the window seems to indicate a worried waiting. Perhaps she is asking herself, "What if Mr. Bluebird met with a predator, a hungry hawk or a sleek cat? What if he's laying in a ditch somewhere, the lifeblood oozing out of him? What if he never comes back? Then what?" 

    We who wait for the Lord Jesus are not unlike this little bird, are we? We're in our little corners of the world, tending our nests to the best of our ability, but then we start to wonder, "How long, Lord?" 

    I get tired of waiting.

    But, unlike Mrs. Bluebird, we have no reason to worry. Here's why:

• Jesus has no predators! "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me." (Matthew 28:18) "And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them by the cross." (Colossians 2:15)
• Death has no power over Jesus! "But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him." (Acts 2:24) "Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; He has risen!" (Luke 24: 5-6)
• Jesus is coming again! "From now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven." (Matthew 26:64) "'Men of Galilee,' they (the angels) said, 'Why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.'" (Acts: 1:11)

    Jesus has gone on to prepare a place for us. The reassurance he gave to his disciples is meant for us as well when he declared, "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you may also be where I am." (John 14:3)

    

    In the meantime, we do not wait idly. We have a job to do: "Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." (Matthew 28:19-20)

    

    Those baby birds in our care must learn what we already know before they fly off. 

"Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the Master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time? It will be good for that servant whose Master finds him doing so when he returns. Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions." Matthew 24: 45-47

Watch!

 "If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: 'Watch!'" Mark 13:36-37

    Seasoned fishermen were traveling to the other side of the Sea of Galilee one evening when a furious squall arose. Waves broke over the sides of the boat until they were nearly swamped. It's easy to imagine the flurry of action that took place involving the bailing of water, the shouting of commands and the adjustment of sails. Meanwhile, Jesus was in the stern, asleep on a cushion. The frantic disciples shook Him awake with ragged voices saying, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?" 

    After Jesus rebuked the wind and the waves, it became completely calm. Turning to His followers He quizzed, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" (Mark 4:35-40)

    Allow me to paint a different scene. On a quiet evening after a full Passover meal, Jesus and His disciples went to the Garden of Gethsemane, a grove on the Mount of Olives. Taking Peter, James and John further into the garden with Him, Jesus implored them to stay awake, watch and pray so that they would not fall into temptation. As the three dozed to a serenade of crickets beneath a moonlit expanse, a stone's throw away the soul of their Master was swamped with sorrow to the point of death as He pled with the Father in deep distress. Three times, He returned to His friends, only to find them sleeping. (Mark 14: 32-42)

    A storm of a very different nature was brewing in the heavenly realms that moonlit night as the clash of good verses evil rang out at a fevered pitch. The very climax of history, when Time would be cleaved in two like the veil in the temple, was fast approaching when the Son of Man would be lifted up drawing all people to Himself (John 12:32). Satan, that snake of deceit, would soon slither 'round His nailed feet on Calvary as if to taunt, "Try to crush my head beneath your heel now!" (Genesis 3:15) 

    Which scene is more conducive to sleep? The tempest on the lake or the dark, quiet garden? Yet, which of the two is more volatile with lasting results? 

    When Jesus gave the Olivet Discourse (see Mark 13), He implored the listeners (which includes you and me) to "Watch out...You must be on your guard...Pray...Keep watch...Be alert!" He warned against false prophets, persecution, rebellion and betrayal, while of physical threats such as wars and rumors of wars, he said, "Do not be alarmed." 

    In this world, we will have trouble which include literal storms like disease, tornadoes or even murder that threaten to take our very lives, but to lose one's soul is far worse. That is referred to as the "second death." (Revelation 20:6, 21:8) Of the attacks that threaten our faith in the promises of God, of these we must be alert, on guard and never sleeping, for if we lose that, we lose everything.

"What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their own soul? (Matthew 16:26)

"Do not be afraid of those who kill the body and cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell." Matthew 10:28

Walking With Jesus

 "I will instruct you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble." Proverbs 4: 11-12

    It looks like a nice day for a walk, something my old limbs ache to do. Though I have access to a treadmill, I prefer to be out-of-doors where there's more to see than a screen. Maybe I'll see if my husband wants to walk along the lake today.

    During my Bible time this morning, I thought about walking. When we walk with someone else, we enter into an agreement to be together, heading in the same direction, experiencing the same conditions, meeting the same passersby, and seeing similar things. If one runs off to do their own thing, the agreement has been broken, at least until the travelers reconvene. The two must keep in step, and at least one must know the way. 

    When I walk with the Lord, it means I have agreed to stay with Him, to keep in step and trust Him in all kinds of conditions or circumstances. Sometimes, we may rest beside the still waters. Perhaps a storm kicks up when He may stop for shelter, insist we carry on through it, or He may calm the tempest. When I need some sleep, it is He who stays up through the watches of the night to deliver me from evil. 

    Even in times of cultural discord, when it seems like no one else is on the path, I keep going, one step in front of the other, one day at a time. The Bible says Enoch "walked faithfully with God," and uses the same description for our friend, Noah (Genesis 5:24 and 6:9). As a result, both were commended in the Hall of Faith chapter (Hebrews 11) for their perseverance. 

    Several times, I left the path and rolled pell-mell down a rebellious slope, but He pushed through the briars and beat off the enemy with His rod before He found me. Then, He cleaned me off and asked me to take His hand once again.

    So, I write to encourage other travelers to stay close to our Guide, the Shepherd, because He is the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6). When we walk with Him, we step on a sure foundation on a road already trod with plenty of light, and in the company of the Best Friend we could ever ask for. 

    It really is a good day for a walk!

"Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?" Amos 3:3 

   

One Day With Him

 "And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Look! God's dwelling place is now among the people and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God." Revelation 21:3

    One of my Bible study guides recently asked: Are we genuinely looking forward to God dwelling with us? To what extent do we truly long for His Presence in our daily lives?

    I closed my eyes for a moment to imagine one day with Jesus. How would that be?

    To begin with, I'd wake up aware that He was still with me, having kept watch over me during the night. I'd slept like a baby without immoral dreams or anxious insomnia. Eagerly, I arose to fix us some coffee. Did I read my Bible as I usually did? No, there was no need! The Word had become flesh and made His dwelling right there with me, so we cupped our mugs, enjoying the warmth of the brew and the ease of conversation. It was as if we had known each other my whole life!

    Even when the conversation lulled, it was not awkward at all. As we sat there in the dining room, a small smile crinkled His warm brown eyes as He watched the sparrows at the feeder. Perhaps He was recalling with fondness the day He formed the dear winged creatures. Just then, our cat, Kiwi, sauntered into the room. It wasn't like him to approach visitors, but Jesus was no stranger to him. Tail up, he rubbed his face on His leg in happy greeting. Our Creator, in turn, reached down to stroke the silky fur.

    Sitting there, I espied my prayer journal nearby so I used the opportunity to talk to Him about each of my concerns. He encouraged me to pray without ceasing; it was my faith that mattered most to Him. He said He had often been asked why He was so silent, why didn't He answer our prayers? With a downcast glance, He folded His hands as if in deep thought and wondered about His children. After all, wouldn't they know that God, who did not spare his own Son but gave Him up for us all, wouldn't He also, along with Him, give us all things? All things! (Romans 8:32)

    I began to wonder if I needed to fix breakfast for the Bread of Heaven? Instead, I directed my hunger into a barrage of questions. What was life like in that ark for Noah and family? Cure my curiosity about the Nephilim, please. Is it true that the Angel of the Lord was you in the Old Testament? Why was Satan allowed to be the prince of this world? What did you do between the ages of twelve and thirty besides "grow in wisdom and stature?" How many hairs do I have upon my head?

    As He patiently satisfied my querries, I started to become possessive of His time, wanting Him all to myself, so I rose to close the drapes and turn off my phone. All I wanted to do was to drink freely from the spring of Living Water and gaze upon the beauty of the Lord. I never tired of praising His Name and thanking Him for all the times He delivered me from evil. Together, we remembered all the saints that have gone on before me, lovingly recalling their Christian service. I even fetched a photo album that we pondered side-by-side on the sofa.

    All too soon, I knew our unique day was drawing to a close. Taking my hands into His, He looked into my eyes and said, "I know your deeds, Rachel, your love and your faith." I stood a little taller until He continued.  "Nevertheless, I have this against you: You did not wish to share Me with anyone else today. How will others hear the Good News unless you tell them about Me?" 

    With a sob in my throat, I repented of this and vowed to boldly share my faith. What good is buried Treasure? He wrapped me in an embrace, holding me close to His heart before reminding me, "Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:20)

"You are with me." Psalm 23:4 "I am with you." Isaiah 41:10

Home

 "Look! God's dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." Revelation 21: 3-4

    HOME

Once full of life, now scarred by strife,

She was "For Sale" again.

So I drove by, with a deep sigh,

To let the mem'ries win.

I saw her there, with stick-brown hair,

The girl who once was me.

Rubber-tipped sneaks and ruddy cheeks,

A Band-Aid on my knee.

Bent o'er the soil, my mom's in toil,

Deep in the rhubarb patch.

Nearby I stand, with grubby hands,

Eager for worms to catch.

The lilac bush now hung its tush

Wearily o'er the fence,

As weeds pervade where beds were made,

As if they had no sense.

It struck me then, a home is when

Her people love her dear.

When God above joins hearts in love

Perfect, to cast out fear.

When at the table we read the Bible

Our souls the Lord did see,

The hearts of those, in sweet repose,

Awaiting the Gospel seed.

Each soul does yearn for what I learned

There in my childhood home:

Christ died for me to set me free

To dwell in His heavenly home.

Tis there that I shall never spy

Thorny thistles and weeds.

No bloom will fall, no Death will call,

No tears shall line my cheeks.

His people we will ever be, ne'ermore to cry or sigh.

We'll praise His Name, ne'ermore the same,

With Him we'll dwell on high.

"In my Father's house are many mansions. 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 that you also will be where I am." John 14:2-3