Esme's New Friend

 "Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.' And He took the children in His arms, placed His hands on them and blessed them." Mark 10: 14-16

    What a friend we have in Jesus!

    A little over one year ago, our two-year-old granddaughter, Esme, had fallen from a second floor window, landing on her back. The prayer chain sprang into action while we anxiously awaited news. 

    Though it seemed at the time Esme may have had a spinal cord injury, our Heavenly Father, rich in mercy, gave His diagnosis: a mild concussion; no fracture, no paralysis. When we saw a picture of her wearing a wee hospital gown as she walked beside the medical staff, a balloon bobbing overhead, we rejoiced in her salvation from harm. It was as if an angel had lifted her in his hands, lest she dash her foot against the stones below (Psalm 91:11-12)

    Last night, when being tucked into bed, Esme asked her mom if they could pray together because she wanted to ask Jesus to be her friend. Her mother had been telling her that Jesus would come live in her heart if she would invite him. After they prayed, Esme asked her mom to put an ear to her chest to see if she could hear Him in there. Happily, her mother complied, concluding, "Yes! And He is saying, 'I love you, Esme!'"

    This is more thrilling to me than the news of her birth because she has been born of the Spirit. I will never have to say good-bye to my granddaughter; we will live together forever in heaven with our Savior Jesus. I know my mom and dad will love to meet her there in glory! More than these, Esme will have a Friend who walks with her and talks with her, who will never leave her nor forsake her, come what may. What a Friend!

The Savior Kindly Calls

The Savior kindly calls our children to His breast;

He folds them in His gracious arms, Himself declares them blest.

"Let them approach," He cries, "Nor scorn their humble claim;

The heirs of heaven are such as these, for such as these I came.

With joy we bring them, Lord, devoting them to Thee,

Imploring that, as we are Thine, Thine may our offspring be.

    

      

My Dirty Dress

 "For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me." Psalm 51:3

    Hanging in the back of my closet is a dirty dress I once wore. While searching for something to wear the other day, I saw it there, sin-stained and filthy. It even smells rotten, like a dead animal.

    Why do I keep it? It serves as a reminder of who I used to be. 

    Looking at it now, I can't believe I once wore that and thought I looked pretty good. I didn't know how ill-dressed I was until I compared myself to the holiness of Jesus.

    Because "the wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23), even when I thought I looked my best, "all my righteous acts were like filthy rags." (Isaiah 64:6) That's why the dress smells like death, because I was dead in my transgressions. But when I asked Jesus to clean me up, He took off my grave clothes and gave me His own precious robe of righteousness. And, I might add, it's a perfect fit!

    Though that is pretty amazing, there's more.

    God doesn't see that dress in my closet. In fact, he has forgotten all about it. He said, "I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more." (Isaiah 43:25) If I had any sense, I would put that dress where God keeps such things: "You will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea." (Micah 7:19)

    But, like I said, I keep it as a reminder. I never want to return to that style of living. Why would I? I am clad in garments of praise, no longer in a spirit of despair (Isaiah 61:3) as is fitting for the Bride of Christ. 

I'm lookin' pretty good these days.

"Now Joshua was dressed in filthy clothes as he stood before the angel. The angel said to those who were standing before him, 'Take off his filthy clothes.' Then he said to Joshua, 'See, I have taken away your sin, and I will put fine garments on you.'" Zechariah 3: 3-4

    

Perfection in 6/16ths of an Inch

 "He has made all things beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men, yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end." Ecclesiastes 3:11

    In the dappled sunshine serenaded by an avian symphony, I set out on a morning walk in the neighborhood. 

    The lawns of the more affluent, whose homes preside over the harbor, were immaculately tended. Verdant ribbons of grass curled around curated gardens, weed free and pristine, while forays of flowers bobbed their heads in personal pride, enjoying their prominent residence. 

    On the opposite side of the street, as I passed a humble bungalow, I almost missed a bouquet which rivaled the splendor of Solomon. Deep in the grass near the edge of the road grew a wee trail of orange-colored blossoms, certain to be classified as a weed by those who would know. 

    Reaching down, I plucked one for closer examination. Five tangerine petals formed a Christmas star which framed the stamen and pistil that symmetrically formed a star within a star. Fascinating!

    Once home, I placed the treasure in a small saucer of water. The diameter of the blossom measured 6/16th of an inch, yet its perfect beauty bore silent testimony to the wonder of our Creator. 

    If the eternality of God is reflected in a flower smaller than a dime, how much more should we who are formed in His image? Solomon's observation in the verse above is spot on: Though God has set eternity in our hearts, do we take time to fathom all He has done? 

    It's been said, "Take time to smell the roses," but the wonder of God can also be seen in a tiny weed.

"See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these." Matthew 6: 28-29 

    

The Wedding

 "You will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." 2 Peter 1:11

    It was dubbed "The Wedding of the Centuries," and since I was a skillful writer, I was chosen to cover the story. It was the chance of a lifetime, a most coveted opportunity, one I was beyond excited to report.

    Taking my seat among the others of the press box, I breathed a sigh of relief for having the necessary credentials for admittance to the gala of such magnanimous opulence. This regal wedding had no precedence, for no other such occasion could begin to rival the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.

    The King of kings, also known as the Great I Am and the Lion of Judah, had chosen a bride whom, we had heard, He will crown with love and compassion, replacing her raiment of ashes and despair. Every ear had heard about this, but no eye had yet seen.

    So we waited. Cameras poised. Pens in hand. Then, as the symphony of stringed instruments ebbed and flowed, the aromas of myrrh and aloes, comingled with cassia, announced His arrival. Every knee bowed as the Bridegroom, clothed in splendor and majesty, strode from His chamber, his sword girded on his side. Like the sun that rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other, nothing was deprived of His warmth.

    Jesus Christ, who had ridden forth victoriously in the cause of truth, humility and justice, had been given the place of authority at the right hand of God. The kingdom of the world had become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and with the scepter of justice, He shall reign forever and ever. His right hand achieved awesome deeds; sharp arrows had pierced the hearts of the King's enemies. The nations had fallen beneath His feet! His throne, where palaces were adorned with ivory, will last forever and ever. And now, in the fullness of time, with the last enemy having become His footstool, the King had come for his bride.

    Who was she, this most honored of all women? Who was this Princess, all glorious within her chamber, who had kept her lamp filled with oil and the wick trimmed while her Kinsman-Redeemer went to prepare a place for her? Rumor had it she had made herself ready; fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear. The media leaked that she had adorned herself with her jewels and her gown was interwoven with the gold of Ophir.

    From my seat in the press box, I had been writing what I was witnessing at a frenzied pace, not wanting to miss one detail of the scene, but now this pregnant pause poised my pen above paper as we all awaited the arrival of the bride.

    Behold! What was this unexpected commotion to my left? I turned to see the steward of the King coming to me with an urgent message:

    "Listen, daughter," he began, "and pay careful attention. Forget your people and your father's house. Let the King be enthralled by your beauty; honor Him, for He is your Lord." I could not believe my ears, but he continued. "Because you made peace with God through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, you have gained access by faith into this grace in which you now stand. In embroidered garments, you will be led to the King, followed by your virgin companions. You will enter the palace of the King in joy and gladness!"

    Me? I am the Bride of Christ?! It seemed incredible that this lowly reporter, seated at the very end of the press box, was worthy to occupy the seat of honor at the banquet table.

    As I rose on shaky legs, I heard the steward say, "Come!" to others that had been chosen since before the creation of the world. "Come! Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life." We, who believed in the death and resurrection of Jesus, were all the bride of Christ.

    As we shed our earthly tents, we donned the righteous robes of Christ for, without the proper attire, the King will tie that interloper hand and foot and throw him into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

    What a happy throng we made, this heavenly host arrayed in white. We joined the chorus of angels singing, "Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come." As we filed into the great banquet hall, God Himself dwelt among us, making sure to wipe any tears from our eyes. Those days of mourning, crying or pain had passed away.

    An angel graciously helped me find my place at the long table, heavy laden with fresh flowers and the richest of fare. Golden plates gleamed and crystal stemware sparkled by the light of the Son. My heart skipped with joy when I espied my name card at the center of the place setting. My name! Inscribed beneath were these words:

 "I have redeemed you, I have summoned you by name. You are mine."

Love, Jesus

Scriptures were drawn from: Psalm 45, Psalm 19:5, Isaiah 43:1, 54:5, 55:2, 61:10, 62:5, Matthew 22: 1-14, 25:5, John 14: 2-3, Romans 5:2, Philippians 2:10, Hebrews 10:13, Revelation 4:8, 11:15, 19:7, 21: 2-9, 22:17

    

How to be a Know-It-All

 "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever! Amen." 2 Peter 3:18

    On June 7, 1996, my parents gifted me with a Bible. On the dedication page, my mom wrote the reference to the verse above, the last written words of the Apostle Peter. 

    Like the impetuous Peter, I sometimes think I know-it-all. I can relate to him when he drew a sword in the Gethsemane garden in defense of Jesus (John 18:10). I'd like to think I'd be ready to follow my Lord fervently, even to prison and martyrdom (Luke 22:33). If we're honest, any of us would rather be remembered as being heroic than being the one who denied even knowing Christ (Luke 22:57). Like Peter, my hopes would also be blotted out by the blood of an executed Messiah.

    That's why Peter's advice above keeps coming back to me; these are words of wisdom spoken by someone who knows. There are two keys to unlocking the wisdom. First, I must grow in grace. This requires humility, a stepping-aside in love to be a better listener, to get off my high horse and wash the feet of others (John 13:14). Second, I give Him the glory both now and forever! Apart from Jesus, I can do nothing (John 15:5).

    When Paul prayed for the church in Ephesus, he said, "And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord's holy people, 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, emphasis added)

    Upon reading that, I wondered how I can know something that "surpasses knowledge"? 

    It wasn't until I looked back upon the doodle I had made when journaling the verse. I had drawn a horizontal line to demonstrate how wide and how long is the love of Christ. Then, I had drawn a vertical line to express how high and deep it is. Lo and behold, there before me was a cross!

    If I want to be a know-it-all, I must set aside my Bible and just bask in the Presence of Christ, to let His love pour over me. 

    Life goes full circle. Before the Fall of Mankind, Adam used to walk with God in the cool of the day, perhaps talking about the animals or gazing up at the galaxies in wonder. Since sin entered in, God and Man have pined for one another, keenly missing the blessing of that fellowship. Thanks be to God, the bridge has been mended by the Cross! The vertical and the horizontal meet in the middle as the vortex of history swirls around Calvary. 

    When the ascended Christ restored the repentant Peter over breakfast on the shores of Galilee, He did so by asking, "Do you love me?" (John 15-19) Jesus asks the same of me and of you before bidding us to "Follow Me." 

    That's when the real learning begins.

"Be still and know that I am God."  Psalm 46:10

"Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away." 1 Corinthians 13:8

     

The Rainbow and the Cross

 "When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of the flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross." Colossians 2: 13-15

    After Bible study the other night, my friend and I were treated to an awesome sky designed simply to delight us. As we drove home, it was challenging to stay in my lane as I craned to see this spectacle. The dark cloud bank on one end lay in stark contrast to the setting sun at the west, where the brooding bunch reluctantly parted, ushering in a golden splendor that bathed shadowy trees in a holy illumination. 

    As we rounded a bend, the crowning glory came into view as a full rainbow arched across the dramatic vista stealing our breath. By that time, it became clear I needed to pull over to take a picture. After obtaining the best view, I shared it with my friend, lamenting the telephone pole that stood in the way of the otherwise perfect pic. 

    Then my friend wisely commented, "But did you notice the pole is in the shape of a cross?"

    Indeed, what I had perceived as being "in the way" became the focal point of the photograph as the cross, with all its redemptive hope, took center stage over the now secondary rainbow.  It was a blessing to see these two symbols of God's covenants with mankind occupying the same scene. 

    Once home, gratefulness for God's promises filled my heart as I pondered the photo.

    After the great flood, God said to Noah, "Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life." (Genesis 9: 14-15) 

    Just as the ark saved Noah and his family, the blood of Christ provided salvation to all who believe in His name. As Jesus said at the Last Supper, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you." (Luke 22:20) By His death on the cross, He ushered in the new covenant spoken of in the Old Testament when God said, "I will be their God and they will be my people...For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more." (Jeremiah 31: 33-34)

    How many people have stumbled over the cross, seeing it as an offense that is "in the way" rather than the very thing that has the power to save them from an eternal doom? My prayer is that the love of God breaks through their clouded heart with holy illumination, accepting Jesus as their personal Savior.

"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." 1 Corinthians 1:18   

    

Land of Their Dreams

 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 5:3

    When the realtor first showed us the home we ended up buying ten years ago, the goosebumps on my arms told me this was the right place for us. And it's true; we are very content here.

    Be that as it may, this is not my dream home. That is yet to come!

    A friend gave me this poem while at church yesterday. It's too divine to keep to myself:

Some glorious morning they will come

From all nations, from every generation;

Side by side, they will march

Into the celestial city of Jehovah.

And in perfect harmony

They will begin humming a new song,

A song composed by God, arranged for his children.

As the saved by grace approach the land of their dreams,

The Host of heaven will step aside;

Even the angels will be silent,

For they cannot sing this new song,

For it is a song reserved for voices

Who once cried out for the Redeemer -

Those washed in the blood of the Lamb -  

Yes, these are the Redeemed.

    As I was pulling weeds this morning, I kept thinking about "the land of their dreams." Tis the place Jesus spoke of in John chapter 14: "My Father's house has many rooms...I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am."

    If you are bogged down by a mundane task today, or troubled by grave circumstances, lift your hearts to God and let Him remind you of the dream home you will someday occupy as one of the Redeemed. Then go out and tell others of the wonderous things God has done in your life. Maybe they will come, too. There will be plenty of room (and no weeds!)

"And a highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness; it will be for those who walk on that Way. The unclean will not journey on it; wicked fools will not go about on it. No lion will be there, nor any ravenous beast; they will not be found there. But only the redeemed will walk there, and those the Lord rescued will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away." Isaiah 35: 8-10

Martha, Martha

"I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?" (John 11: 25-26)

        If you recall the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead, then you would remember the sister, Martha, to whom Jesus spoke the words above. When the stone covering the tomb was rolled away, the stench of death assaulted her nostrils, confirming the gruesome reality of death. Rooted to her spot, Martha gaped in horror mingled with wonder after Jesus commanded Lazarus to come forth. "What would happen?" she may have pondered, "Is this for real?"

    Imagine the irrevocable shock she experienced when she saw her bound brother stepping out into the sunlight as Jesus ordered, "Take off the grave clothes and let him go."

    Though the Scriptures make no mention of Martha being present in Jerusalem when Jesus was crucified, I wonder what she would have thought as she puzzled over His death, recalling His words, "I am the resurrection and the life." How could He have raised Lazarus only to now be the One in the tomb? What of the promise He had made about never dying?

    I imagine Jesus, who knows the contents of the heart, chiding her softly: "Martha, Martha, did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?" (John 11:40, emphasis added)

    What do you believe? What does Jesus mean to you? Was He just a prophet who spoke memorable adages to live by? Or was He the Son of God who laid down His life for sinners, only to take it back up again, leaving behind a tidy pile of grave clothes? 

    What happened on that first day of the week in Jerusalem that day changed everything. It was more than just a supernatural event. The resurrection of Jesus Christ claimed the victory over the grave for all who believe. 

    Getting back to Martha, imagine if she were one of the five hundred to whom Jesus appeared before His ascension. Would there be any ceiling on her joy? Should we have any limits on ours?

    Take off the grave clothes! He is risen indeed! Hallelujah!

"On this mountain he will destroy the shroud that enfolds all peoples, the sheet that covers all nations; he will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears from all faces; he will remove his people's disgrace from all the earth." Isaiah 25: 7-8 

Funny Honey

 "Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'" John 14:6

"God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son does not have life." 1 John 5: 11, 12

"Jesus said, 'If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.'" John 8: 31, 32

Amber and pure,

The scent of allure;

Will it be sweet?

Or a snare of deceit?

That is a question for the ants.

    I hate killing things. If I see a free range spider in the house, I trap it in an inverted glass for release outdoors because I figure we are all God's creation. He gave to mankind the charge to "rule over all the creatures that move along the ground." (Genesis 1:26)

    So, when spring's arrival begat the annual migration of sugar ants into our home, I tried to be tolerant of their trespass until they swarmed the honey jar. As their "ruler," I declared war solely born of territorial frustration. 

    The honey jar was surreptitiously replaced by a liquid ant bait which bore much resemblance to a honey jar invitingly laid open on its side. As I henceforth eyed the doomed swarm, I do confess my deceitful trick filled me with guilt, knowing they were carrying poison back to their hungry families. But, the trick worked and they stopped coming.

    This illustrates the spiritual battle that rages about us every day and, sadly, I represent the devil in the story. Jesus said of our adversary, "He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies." (John 8:44) 

    Satan has no original ideas, so he counterfeits whatever God has done. If God declares that Jesus is the only way to heaven, Satan is replacing the honey jar with the lie of interfaith harmony and religious diversity. Therefore, we have people like Oprah Winfrey who say, "There can't possibly be only one way" to heaven. 

    For example, this newspaper headline caught my eye a few months ago: "Giant Statue of the Buddha in New Jersey becomes Interfaith Hub." This article, found in the religion section, goes on to tell about the 30 foot high statue of Buddha erected a decade ago by a Sri Lankan monk whose dream was to unite people of all faiths. It has since become a hub and a spiritual home for "Buddhists, Hindus and Christians." 

    This, my friend, is some "funny honey," as the ants would say. 

    The article went on to joyously reflect on the religious diversity found there amid the murals and peace garden aflutter in colorful Tibetan prayer flags. One visitor enthused, "Anybody who comes to that temple feels so calm and collected once they see that big Buddha."

    How nice, until they carry that poison home to their families as they travel that wide road that leads to destruction. 

    In his book, "Answers to Questions about Spiritual Warfare," Dr. David Jeremiah said, "Someone once told me that if you want to identify a crooked stick, the best thing you can do is lay a straight stick down next to it." He continued, "That same principle works when dealing with the deceit of Satan. If you will lay the 'straight stick' of God's Word next to what it is you are trying to discern, you will usually be able to identify Satan's deceitful propaganda."

    I urge all to choose life! Don't fall for the deceptions, but put on the full armor of God as found in Ephesians 6: 10-17. It's a matter of life and death, so don't drink Satan's funny honey. 

"The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous. They are more precious than gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb. By them your servant is warned; in keeping them, there is great reward." Psalm 19: 9-11

Home

 "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:18

    Houses tell stories. 

    Like finding tattered pages from a book, I have read "excerpts" of the family who lived in my home before me. Written in the concrete of the basement floor are their names, Flo and Ed, along with a date: July 30, 1949. There are also footprints, smaller than mine, imbedded there which bade me to know more about these folks who once walked my floors.

    With a bit of research, I discovered Flo was a kind-hearted second grade teacher. Her husband, Ed, was an amiable man who liked to work with his hands. They had one daughter, Katy, whose name I found etched in the pavement out back, and they are buried in the Mayfield cemetery.

    I imagine Flo, looking out at the back yard as she washed dishes, waving to Ed who walked by with yard tools. Perhaps Katy was there, too, blowing bubbles in the sunshine. A happy family, I'd like to think, whose voices are no longer heard, just as mine will someday be silenced as well, because everything that is seen is temporary.

    That being said, is anything really mine? My car will one day join others in the junkyard. The halls of my home will be occupied by others someday. Even my body is an earthly tent, a temporary house for my soul. 

    So, what's the point? Where do I belong? What do I have in this life?

    What is unseen is eternal. My soul is my only possession that will last and, thanks be to Jesus, I know to Whom it belongs - to the One who has gone to prepare a place for it and has promised to come back and take me to be with Him where He dwells. "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?" Jesus said in John 14: 2-3. "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." 

    When I get there, perhaps I will look out at the back yard and wave to passersby, who will return the gesture with a broad smile, because we will have arrived in that better country, a heavenly one. That is where I belong.

    There's no place like home!

"All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth...They were longing for a better country - a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them." Hebrews 11: 13, 16

 

    

More Than These

 "When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, 'Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?'" John 21: 15a

    I picture myself dining in my home with Jesus, a simple meal of warm bread and fish, just the two of us. Satiated, we push back and place napkins on the table. I'm not thinking of anything in particular (except maybe dessert) when His piercing gaze meets mine and He asks me plainly, "Rachel, daughter of Russ and Trudy, do you love me more than these?"

    My heart quickens as I look around at all the stuff that represents my life: pictures of my family, sentimental keepsakes in the china cabinet, loving tokens from others, items of comfort and security. Would I give it all up for Christ? 

    This verse comes to mind as I write: "For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his own soul?" (Mark 8:36) Is anything around me worth more than Jesus?

    Consider heaven. What do I want to see upon my arrival, first and foremost? The colossal gate made of a single pearl? The shiny, golden street as pure as transparent glass? The merry eyes of my mother? 

    If heaven were a barren landscape, void of all save Jesus, would I be just as eager to go there? Do I truly love Him more than these?

    Yes! A thousand times, Yes! May it be so. May I join Simon Peter in saying, 

"'Yes, Lord,' he said, 'You know that I love you.'" John 21: 15b

    

Scars for Life

 "Now Thomas, one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, 'We have seen the Lord!'

    "But he said to them, 'Unless I see the nail marks in His hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.'

    "A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, 'Peace be with you!' Then He said to Thomas, 'Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.'" John 20: 24-27

    Do you have any scars?

    I have one that I received when I was about five or six years old, when some of the neighborhood kids and I were constructing a blanket-over-the-clothesline tent. As I was laying down a foundational brick, so was another kid who accidentally squished my pinky finger between our two bricks. 

    The game was over as I ran inside to my mother and kids dispersed. I can still recall my personal horror when I saw the doctor actually sewing my skin together, as my mom would darn a sock.  

    Today, I look at the crooked scar with a fondness, allowing the childhood memories of play and providence to warm me  It has become physical proof of what transpired on that day.

    Over the years, I have acquired other scars, though these are of the invisible sort. Most of these stem from my own rebellion, though some were caused by others. These old wounds are part of who I am; they are mile markers of where I have been, what I have done and (hopefully) how much I have learned from my mistakes. 

    The question is: Are they scars or are they wounds? In other words, have these inflictions healed?

    It shames me to admit this, but I have a wound I have been nursing for forty years! Isn't it about time I give it to Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of my life? Anything I have suffered pales in comparison to the pains He endured for my sake. 

    His scars are for my life. After allowing Jesus to heal me, only then can I look upon these internal scars with fondness because they have become evidence of my faith in Christ. 

"Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed." Isaiah 53: 4, 5

No Body

 "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name in heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved." Acts 4:12

    It was a clear, sunny day Saturday, so when I glanced out my kitchen window, I wondered why I saw fog. However, I quickly realized it was smoke. Our neighbor's house was on fire!

    As David dashed outdoors, I called 911. "Do come quickly!" I implored to the dispatcher. "I believe the man is inside!" Other neighbors joined my husband in an effort to gain access, but the smoke was too thick, the flames too intense. Moments seemed eternal as we waited for the firefighters' arrival, and we cried in helpless grief. We were powerless to save him; he perished that day. 

    Sadly, I gaze now across the blanket of snow at the stark, skeletal frame of our neighbor's house. Bouquets of flowers join some balloons and a teddy bear in his yard - expressions of the neighborhood's mourning - but I am dismayed to say I never met the man whom I occasionally saw over the fence. And now he is gone. The opportunity to share my faith went up with the black smoke. 

    Like our little crowd of concerned citizens that fateful day, we, without Christ, are powerless to save from hellfire and damnation, either ourselves or others. But, thank God, the story doesn't end on this morbid note. 

    The Bible says it best: "You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5: 6-8)

    Salvation is found in nobody else, and the reason for this is simple: Christ died but there is no body. The grave is empty, only the graveclothes were there. He is risen from the dead! (Luke 24: 1-6) Jesus won the victory over the power of the grave and, when we place our trust in Him, nobody can snatch us from His hand. (John 10:28)  Only Jesus Christ has the credentials, as God's perfect Son, to have sacrificed Himself in our place. Nobody else.

    I do not know if my neighbor had accepted this free gift of salvation; hopefully, he had. I wish I had spoken to him about it because what if nobody had? My urgency to share my faith should have matched the emergency nature of the call I had made. 

    Dear God, forgive me. Help me to be somebody who cares.

My God and My King!

 "When you, God, went out before your people, when you marched through the wilderness, the earth shook, the heavens poured down rain...The chariots of God are tens of thousands and thousands of thousands; the Lord has come from Sinai into his sanctuary." Psalm 68: 7, 17

    Processions of pomp and regalia are so impressive. Think of a victorious march of uniformed soldiers in a ticker tape parade, or a splendorous bride with metered step going forth with a twenty-five foot train in her wake. Swells of "Pomp and Circumstance" set the tone for many a graduation as mortar boards are happily flung skyward.

    Grand as those may be, imagine being cordially invited into the sanctuary of the Most High, to witness the spectacular pageantry of the procession of God as recounted in Psalm 68:

    "Your procession, God, has come into view, the procession of my God and my King into the sanctuary." (verse 24)

    Imagine, perched on the edge of your seat with a craned neck, you've been rolling your program into a tube as you nervously await the splendid display of His Majesty. Though you are in the nosebleed section, wild horses could not tear you away as you bite your bottom lip in anticipation. Finally...

    "In front are the singers, after them the musicians; with them are the young women playing the timbrels." (verse 25)

    Oh, can you hear the magnificent swell of music? Holy! Holy! Holy! Lord God Almighty! All stops have been pulled out as reverberations of glorious praise flow from the choir. Trumpets may sound; let everything that has breath praise the Lord.

    "Praise God in the great congregation; praise the Lord in the assembly of Israel." (verse 26)

    By now, you are on your feet, hands held to the heavens as pure worship courses through your body. Like David dancing with abandon before the Lord, you are jumping out of your shoes. None of earth's grand displays could compare to this parade of glory.

    "There is the little tribe of Benjamin leading them, there the great throng of Judah's princes, and there the princes of Zebulun and of Naphtali." (verse 27)

    Those around you excitedly point to the cadence of the tribes. You can hardly believe what you're seeing! Not even Solomon in all his splendor is arrayed as one of these. 

    I can only imagine those things which God has prepared for us in the heavenly realms. As I watch the tender snow falling from above, my imagination takes me to the storehouses of snow where my God and my King reigns eternally. The asphalt street on which I live will be replaced with a ribbon of pure gold, as seen from the window of the heavenly mansion, my new abode. 

    Nothing can compare to seeing Jesus, the One who laid down His life for me and crowned me with love and compassion, without Whom I haven't received an invitation to the procession of God. Though I'd like to be one of the singers, I will be content to just be there. 

    Will you join me?

"Sing to God, you kingdoms of the earth, sing praise to the Lord, to him who rides across the highest heavens, the ancient heavens, who thunders with a mighty voice. You, God, are awesome in your sanctuary; the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people. Praise be to God!" Psalm 68:32, 33, 35

My Pilot

"Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, 'Lord, save us! We are going to drown!' He replied, 'You of little faith, why are you so afraid?' Then he got up and rebuked the wind and the waves, and it was completely calm." Matthew 8: 23-26

    Air travel is a lesson in complete surrender. It begins with the humiliation of doffing one's shoes, dutifully waiting, like cattle in a corral, as a squad of strangers examine personal belongings while unsung notes of suspicion are sung in the minds of travelers. There's a tingle of fear that one will not be accepted, set aside and rejected, never to reach one's destination.

    Something akin to this happened to me on my way home from Houston. As I stepped through the metal detector, I was singled out. My bag was searched. The jar of peanut butter I wanted to bring home was confiscated. As I endured this, alone in an intercontinental airport, the temptation to worry nagged at me, but I silenced it by quoting Psalm 31:15: "My times are in your hands." The peace of God settled me right down and I made it to the gate on time. 

    After the hustle of boarding, I settled into my seat by the window. As usual, the flip-flop feeling in my stomach began to kick in, reminding me of my acrophobia, but I squashed it by quoting Psalm 56:4: "When I am afraid, I put my trust in you." The peace of God settled over me once again as I watched the activity on the ground from my lofty vantage point.

    The power of the airliner's ascent pushed me back into my seat as we soared through seemingly impenetrable cloud cover. No visible touchstone could ground my perspective; in faith, I relied on the pilot to see us through. Up, up, up we soared until the glorious landscape of the second heaven proclaimed the power of God. Sunshine soaked fluffy mountains of white in a surreal world where angels traverse. I felt the wonder of my inclusion into this spectacular sight as the words of Psalm 19:1 came to mind: "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands." The peace that passes all understanding enveloped me like a downy comforter. Fear was soundly dismissed.

    Surrendering to God's plan and purpose seems contrary to life's ways as an adult, but when I sit back in my seat like a child in the family sedan, only then can I enjoy the ride - not because I know the way, but because I know the Pilot. 

    Upon my exit in Cleveland, I thanked the pilot with the yellow stripes on his sleeves for getting me home, but he was just the co-pilot. Jesus brought me safely to my destination.

Jesus, Savior, pilot me

Over life's tempestuous sea;

Unknown waves before me roll,

Hiding rock and treach'rous shoal.

Chart and compass come from Thee:

Jesus, Savior, pilot me.

    

    

Unhindered

 "People were bringing little children to Jesus for Him to place His hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, He was indignant. He said to them, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.' And He took the children in His arms, placed His hands on them and blessed them." Mark 10: 13-16

    Recently, I visited my eldest daughter and her family in Texas. It was time for my three-year-old granddaughter, Esme, to have her annual check up, so I went along.

    As we waited in the pediatrician's exam room, Esme busied herself writing on a board on the wall provided for that purpose. When the nurse arrived, Esme made one last drawing before going to her: it was a cross. 

    In candid excitement, she told the nurse, "I made a cross. Jesus died on the cross!" Though the woman chose not to reply, Esme's declaration brought joy to her mother and me (and to our Lord as well, I'm sure.) 

    May I be so eager to say as much!

    The gospel is simple enough that a child may understand it, but somewhere along the line, we make it into a theological oration when it needn't be. I remember, the older my mother got, the bolder she became in sharing her faith. 

    I am going to take a lesson from Esme and my mom by lifting high my gospel light, unhindered. This must be what Jesus meant by receiving the kingdom of God like a little child, no matter one's age. 

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile." Romans 1:16 

What's in Your Right Hand?

 "For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you." Isaiah 41:13

    Have you ever gone out and realized you left your phone at home? A sinking feeling of dread may have washed over you, akin to losing your purse or wallet. To those of us who are old enough to remember the days when a phone hung on the wall, we may chide ourselves for such ridiculousness, but truth be told, these rectangular leashes have become so much more than just a phone.

    A phone may also be a source of banking, an atlas, a dictionary, a mail box, for some a Bible, a game board, a timepiece, a calculator, a calendar, a news source, a neighborhood, a radio and a watchdog. With this in mind, have we, as a society, arrived to the point of no return? Are we able to live without these devices?

    Let me ask you: Can a phone forgive? Can it redeem your life from the pit? Heal your diseases? Create new life? Can it fight for you against all evil, sustaining and protecting you? 

    With apologies to southpaws, what's in your right hand these days? What's in God's right hand? A phone? Let's see what the Bible says about it:

• "Your right hand sustains me." Psalm 18:35
• "I cling to you; your right hand upholds me." Psalm 63:8
• "Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand." Psalm 73:23
• "His right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him." Psalm 98:1
• "The Lord's right hand has done mighty things." Psalm 118:16
• "Your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast." Psalm 139:10
• "Christ Jesus who died - more than that, who was raised to life - is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us." Romans 8:34

    In the book of Joshua, when the Lord was preparing Joshua for battle and conquest, He implored him, "Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9) It's the Lord Almighty who is with me wherever I go! With Him at my right hand, why do I need my phone all the time?

    

    We must be so careful not to turn a tool into an idol. I challenge you to turn your devices off for a day. Reach out and grab Him by the right hand; He will never let you go. He is available 24/7.  He imparts wisdom and discernment. If you are lost, He will search for you, joyfully placing you on His strong shoulders. In Christ alone, our hope is found. What a friend we have in Jesus!

    

    There's no app for that.

"The blacksmith takes a tool and works with it in the coals; he shapes an idol with hammers, he forges it with the might of his arm. Such a person feeds on ashes; a deluded heart misleads him; he cannot save himself, or say, 'Is not this thing in my right hand a lie?'" Isaiah 44: 12, 20

Embrace January

 "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens." Ecclesiastes 3:1

    While burrowed beneath a blanket of blue, the rumblings of rhymes ceased my slumbers this morning until I just had to rise and put pen to paper. Peering at the snowy scape from the sanctity of my cozy home, the words came unbidden as if the Lord had something to say about January. Hence, this poem:

Embrace January

Though some may pine

For a warmer clime,

There are those

With frozen toes

  Who love January.

The branches bare

Claw at frigid air,

While trees in rows

Wait in sweet repose

   During January.

Baubles once festive

Now packed away, restive,

Pave the way

For a brave, new day

    In brash January.

While lake breezes

Tease and freeze us,

There's joy in the struggle,

'Fore warmth as we snuggle

    In cozy January.

Storerooms of snow

Await the word, "Go!"

From our Lord above

Who also loves

   Beautiful January

.

So refrain to complain

About winter's cool reign;

Put not God to the test,

But relax and rest.

 Enjoy January.

"Have you ever given orders to the morning, or shown the dawn its place, that it might take the earth by the edges and shake the wicked out of it? Have you entered the storehouses of snow or seen the storehouses of the hail? From whose womb comes the ice? Who gives birth to the frost from the heavens when the waters become hard as stone, when the surface of the deep is frozen? Everything under heaven belongs to me." Job 39: 12, 13, 22, 29, 30; 41:11