Mary's Song

Mary's Song is recorded in Luke 1:46-56. It is beautiful worship, expressing joy in God our Savior. He knew well Mary's humble heart and He knows each of us who love and serve Him. God's shows His mercy to all generations and performs [His] mighty works, which may seem upside down to our world. Check this out:

"He has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty" (Luke 1:50-53 NIV).

Mary knew Scripture. She knew the character of her God and even as a young woman, she experienced a loving and worshipful relationship with Him.

We may strive for importance, but this is the person God chose to give birth to His Son so He could live among us and show us how to love God and live for Him. When the disciples asked who was the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, unless you change [from wanting to be important] and become like children [He meant childlike-not childish-innocent and trusting], you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 18:1-5 NIV). 

This picture of Mary shows me the innocence, humility and faith that Jesus talked about. I hope this season you will look at Christmas in a new way, through Mary's eyes to experience true worship, the first step in Advent Conspiracy. God bless you.

Surrender

King Zedekiah had a keen sense of God's presence and, time and again, he called for Jeremiah to hear what God had to say. He didn't like what he heard. "Surrender to Nebuchadnezzar and live," Jeremiah said. "If you do not, Jerusalem will be destroyed and you will not escape."

Consider how hard it would be for one king to surrender to another. Not the most honorable thing, right? Zedekiah watched a few Israelites  move to Babylon and they lived. Some stayed in Jerusalem and some escaped to Egypt where they died by famine or sword. The king rejected God and chose to stick it out in Jerusalem. The Babylonians laid siege against the city for two years in which Zedekiah had many chances to change his mind. He did not and Nebuchadnezzar burned the city to the ground and captured the king. The last thing he saw was the murder of his sons. Then Nebuchadnezzar gouged out his eyes and put him in heavy bronze shackles until he died.

What would Jesus say? The answer is in Matthew 10:39. "Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." Surrender takes humility and faith, and that is what Jesus requires. He gave His life so we could be forgiven and live with Him forever. How can we give Him any less?

Jesus comforts us with His words in Matthew 11:28-30. "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Although King Zedekiah had an awareness of God's presence, he did not like what God required and died for his choice to stay in Jerusalem.

Do you know a relationship with Jesus? If not, don't discount an awareness that you might have that He is near. I had the awareness more than twenty years ago and it caused me to call on the name of Jesus and surrender. It was a good thing. I asked God to help me live more like Jesus and He changed my heart and my life.

Lord Jesus, I pray for the person reading this post, that he would experience your amazing, life-changing love. Amen.

Hannah's Lucky Day

A child's cry pierced Philip's peace. Children's laughter and songs had filled the air on that beautiful spring day. They ran up the hillside ahead of their parents. In those days it was customary for parents to bring their sons and daughters to a rabbi to receive blessings on their birthdays. This particular day, they brought them to Jesus. He took them in His arms and loved them.

Philip wondered, what caused the crying? He looked around and under an olive tree sat a little girl. She couldn't have been more than four years old.

"Hi, little one. What's your name?" he asked.

"Hannah," she replied.

"How old are you?"

Hannah held up four fingers. "It's my birthday," she smiled. "Mama brought me to see Jesus, but I can't find her."

Philip picked her up and put her on his shoulders. "Can you see her now?"

"No, I don't see her."

Philip walked all over the hillside and sang in his deep baritone voice, hoping someone would hear and claim Hannah. No one did. At dusk he carried the little girl to his home. He wondered, how could anyone abandon such a sweet child? The servants smiled and gave Hannah pomegranates and raisin cakes, and they took care of her.

In today's troubling times, for whatever reason, more children end up on the streets. Crowded orphanages and foster families need help. Safe Families, part of Koinonia Family Services is an organization that helps children of families in crisis. Find out how you can get involved whether by sponsoring a child or helping provide for the families that do.

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for Your amazing love. In these trying times, watch over the children at risk. Hold them in them palm of Your hands and protect them from the environment and from evil people that would abuse them. O Lord, my heart breaks for the children. I pray, too, for the parents, that in their distress they would turn to you, say your name, the name above all names. And when they do, that  they would experience your amazing and unconditional love. Amen.

Hired Last

Jesus said the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner  who hired workers early in the morning to work in his vineyard. Each agreed to accept a denarius for the day. At nine o'clock he went out and hired more laborers. He hired more at noon, and three o'clock and five o'clock. In the evening He paid each man who worked a denarius.

Those who worked through the heat of the day expected more pay than those who worked only an hour at the end of the day and questioned the landowner. "These last men put in one hour, and you made them equal to us who bore the burden of the day and the burning heat!"

The landowner replied, "Friend, I am not being unfair to you. Didn't you agree to work for a denarius? Take your pay and go. I want to give the man who was hired last the same as I gave you. Don't I have the right to do what I want with my own money? 

Jesus said, "So the last will be first, and the first will be last" Matthew 20:16.

I am glad God's ways are higher than my ways, especially since I consider myself to be among the laborers hired at the end of the day (not fit for God's service until later in life). Yet, God is gracious through the blood of His only Son to grant me an inheritance. Praise Him for His faithfulness.

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for making it possible for me to be counted in your kingdom. Thank you for giving your all for me. I give my all to you. Amen.

Highway to Heaven

John and I spent a lot of time at Lake Almanor this summer. A walk on wooded trail or drive through Lassen National Forest is a heavenly experience. It makes me feel close to God, but it also makes me think of the hope we have in Christ.

Since the first day we believed in Jesus as our Savior, that the precious blood He shed was for the forgiveness of our sins and eternal life with God, we have been on a highway to heaven. While I'd like to think of it as a jeweled staircase or a treelined path, Jesus gives another perspective. He said, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me," Luke 9:23, and "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world," John 16:33.

Jesus showed us what the highway to heaven looks like. He went by the name that even today brings rejection and persecution, but He gives us this encouragement: "Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. ¹³ And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. ¹⁴ You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it," John 14:12-14, and "If you love me, keep my commands. I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever," John 14:15-16.

Through the power of the Holy Spirit, Jesus is always with us, for comfort, counsel, peace, and strength. We have nothing to fear for greater is He who is in us than He who is in the world.

The highway to heaven is not the popular way that leads to destruction, but it is the narrow way that leads to eternity with our Lord. And surely His mercy and love will follow us all the days of our lives, on earth and in heaven.

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for the hope of heaven. Thank you for showing us the way, even being the way (John 14:6). Thank you for the peace and supernatural strength to follow you. Amen.

Don't Forget!

Jesus' last supper here on earth with His close circle of friends was the Passover meal, a celebration all Jews enjoyed because of its reflection on their freedom from slavery in Egypt. He knew it was the last time He would eat before His suffering.

On the last day for the people on death row, they get to pick whatever they want to eat. For some it's a steak and for others it's ice cream. Jesus had other things on His mind. He instituted our communion service with the twelve. He said of the bread, "This is my body broken for you. Eat this in remembrance of me," and of the wine, "This is my blood poured out for you for the forgiveness of sins." It sounds so formal to me, but I think He meant to say, "Don't forget me! Don't forget why!" He said to His followers, ". . . 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. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matt. 28:19-20).  He wanted them to tell about the crucifixion, burial and resurrection for they are the power of our faith. Because His followers obeyed, we can know the truth today and have a relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

I would love to see the mural in Dallas, Texas that depicts the resurrection of Jesus by artist, Ron DeCianni. The Son rising from the grave and pushing back the stone, His eyes on the Father. The keys of sin, death and hell on His belt. Because He is victorious, we can trust Him to carry us to where He is. That is our hope. That's what Easter is all about.

This video is a must-see to appreciate the painting that took more than two years' work. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yABivU-AKQ

May God bless your Easter with His love and presence.

Be Mine

"Friendship improves happiness and abates misery, by the doubling of our joy and the dividing of our grief." Cicero

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! King Solomon-Ecclesiastes 4:16

Friends are gifts from God wrapped in love and relationship. Jesus valued His circle of friends, and I do too. They inspire, encourage, comfort and counsel me. The sound of a friend's voice brings a smile to my face and draws me out of the doldrums. I love being with my friends for walks, shared lunches, or help in times of trouble. My very best friend is closer than a phone call or an e-mail or FB message. He is with me all the time and His name is Jesus. He wants to be your best friend too. He says, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light," Matt. 11:28-30.

Think About It
Do you know Jesus as your Friend? He says in Revelation 3:20, "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me." Imagine Jesus waiting at the door of your heart for you to invite Him in. He loves you so much that if He had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it (Max Lucado).

Pray About It
If you would like to ask Jesus into your heart, pray this prayer. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for not giving up on me. I have made choices and done things that are not pleasing to You, and I need You to forgive me and help me live for You. Amen.

Don't Forget

Read Deuteronomy 8

God led the Israelites from Egypt through the desert to humble and test them. He wanted "to teach them that man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God," Deuteronomy 8:3 NIV. Yet when they were hungry, He gave them bread from Heaven and
when they were thirsty, He brought water out of a rock. Their clothes did not wear out and their feet did not swell. Still the people grumbled and didn't trust God. A whole generation died in the desert for lack of trust before Israel crossed the Jordan River into the Promised Land.

I, too, lived in the desert, failing to trust my God and my Savior, choosing my ways over His, day after day and year after year. I, too, died there (spiritually). Thinking I was good for nothing, I didn't want to go on. I didn't know how to make things right, but God did. He sent Jesus to take away my sin and give me a new life, a life of trusting Him. Wow! why didn't I do this before? I don't have to depend on my own wisdom or strength because I can trust God for all I need. Oh, life didn't become magical or problem free, but now I have a Friend to walk with me, counsel and comfort me.

Now check this out. The Spirit led Jesus into the desert to be tempted by the devil. It makes me think of my time in the desert. I was tempted and fell into sin. Jesus didn't. He used words from Deuteronomy 8 in response to the devil's tempting to turn the stone into bread. "Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God," Matthew 4:4 NIV. Jesus was tempted as we are--by the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life, but every time He used God's word in defense. That is what He wants us to do too, to know God's word and apply it.

Application
Before Jesus went to the cross, He was with His disciples at the Last Supper and said, "Don't forget me! Don't forget why! Love others as I have loved you. God's love is the answer to our deepest need. Will you let God love you today? forever?

Prayer
Lord Jesus, I pray for those reading this post, that they may know Your amazing love and respond. Amen.

Life With Purpose

When Tim Tebow became an NFL quarterback, his dad said, "This is the time to write your book. You have a built-in platform."  Most writers have to work years to develop a platform so publishers will pay attention to their book proposals. Not only did Tim Tebow write his book, Through My Eyes, he uses his position to let his team players know he cares about them. His life purpose is to find ways to introduce people to God's amazing love.

Zechariah told his son, John the Baptist, "And you my child will be a prophet of the Most High for you will go before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of sins because of the tender mercy of our God . . ." Luke 1:76-78 NIV.

While I think it would have been wonderful for my dad to tell me my life's purpose, I am without excuse, because Jesus' last words to His disciples (and every believer) were, "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:34-35 NIV.

Application
I may not have the benefit of a built-in platform, but I pray for God to teach me to love as He does. I write for His glory whether for magazines, anthologies, blogs or curriculum to reach more people than I could ever come face to face with.

Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank you for giving me a life of purpose. Show me your way and teach me your paths. Strengthen me with your word and mercy that I may accomplish your will in my life. Amen.

Jesus--God's Gift of Love

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called

Wonderful Counselor,

Mighty God,

Everlasting Father,

Prince of Peace.

Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end." Isaiah 9:6-7

Did you know that these two verses, often quoted at Christmas, were written by Isaiah more than seven hundred years before Christ was born? Isaiah worked during troubling times when people had no regard for the deeds of the Lord, no respect for the work of His hands. God spoke through Isaiah to warn the people they would be exiled because of their life choices, but that He would bring hope and peace through one Man.

Application

While we celebrate the first coming of Jesus at Christmas, we prepare for His second coming. That means we respond to God's amazing love by loving Him and others. Loving God means doing what is right and good. Sometimes that means standing alone. Have you ever had to do that? I have and I feel like the lone ranger Christian. Be encouraged! God says in Isaiah 7:9, "If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all." Hard words, but words that hold great hope and eternal life with God. How will you show God's love this week? Will it mean that you will stand alone to do what God wants you to?

Prayer

Father God, thank you for your incredible plan for us. Strengthen us to stand firmly in our faith and to reach out to others with your love, especially during this season when many people feel left out and lonely. Amen.

Do This in Remembrance of Me

Jesus was with His closest friends the evening before His betrayal, suffering, and crucifixion. He knew the mockery of hearings, the spitting and ridicule He would endure that night. So while He was with His friends He washed their feet and treasured every moment with them. Although He tried to tell them what was to come, He knew they didn't get it.

I can imagine Jesus saying to them, "Don't forget me. Don't forget why. Don't forget to do this. Don't forget how much I love you. Don't forget that I'll always be with you." He told these things to ordinary men who finally got it, men who would tell others how much Jesus loved them and how much He did to forgive them so they could have eternal life with Him.

Today the words, "Do this in remembrance of Me" took on a deeper meaning for me when I saw Jesus at the table with His friends for the Last Supper. Self-examination penetrated my soul as I heard God's word, humbled myself and surrendered into His presence.

Oh God, forgive me for trying to live my life (again) on my own strength. Open my eyes to see the wonders of You, Your word and presence every day. I love you. Amen.

Blessed and Bruised

Do you feel like you can only show your face when everything's going well with you? Me too. Only the Christian sisters with whom I have bonded closely do I feel I can share my emotional frustrations and hurts, my pain and suffering, my fear and failure. It's no wonder people think Christians should be perfect.

Yet the Bible shows how Abraham, Moses, David, Job, Peter and Paul (among many others), made mistakes and experienced despair while following God. In Ecclesiastes 3, Solomon talks about the seasons of life--"a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven."

Although Jesus called us to be light and salt to the world, we are human. People in the world need to know how we handle suffering--that we don't give up, but keep our focus on God regardless of our situation. We have a comforter and healer. Out of God's love for us, He promised to be with us always, never to leave or forsake us. We are blessed and bruised. May we show this kind of faith to the world we live in.

Lord Jesus, help me show my trust in you no matter what I experience. Amen.

Don't Pray Like Them

Jesus usually used parables when He taught, except when He taught people how to pray. He used direct speech. "Don't pray like them." The hypocrites liked to make appearances and show off with eloquent words. Jesus saw through their empty prayers. He said, "But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you," (Matthew 6:6 NIV).

I've thought I'm okay because I pray in private and not in public for recognition. Yet, today when I read the Lord's Prayer in the sixth chapter of Matthew, I asked myself if my life matched my prayers. How often have I prayed for the homeless and hungry and done nothing personally to help them? Can I honestly say, "I gave at church," and think it is enough? How often have I prayed for the sick and failed to call or visit or send a card? I've been in the hospital and I know how important those calls, cards and visits are.

I've thought that my prayers are good Christian prayers. "Lord, bless me and expand the boundaries of my ministry." But when I looked at the Lord's Prayer, I didn't see one single personal pronoun--not one. Check it out:

Our Father who art in Heaven,

hallowed by your name,

your kingdom come,

your will be done

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread,

Forgive us our debts,

as we forgive our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

For yours is the kingdom and the power

and the glory forever. Amen.

Prayer is not about me, but about God and others. Yet, I live in a selfish and self-centered world. God's thoughts and ways are higher than mine. He made each of us in His image and desires more for us. He loves us so much He has made a way for us to be with Him forever. We can learn to work and pray and love as He does but only with His power and strength.

Lord Jesus, thank you for loving us. You are the awesome and true God. You have life and love everlasting. Empower us to love as you do, to live out our prayers after we say "Amen."

The Father's House

In Bible times, when a man was betrothed, he built a new section of his father's house where he and his bride would live and raise their family. Jesus said, "In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. 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 may be where I am," (John 14:2-3 NIV).

The bride of Christ is the church. Have you wondered what the Father's house looks like? Sometimes when I survey the mansions near my home, I wonder what kind of place Jesus is preparing. "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him, but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit, 1 Corinthians 2:9-10 NIV).

The Bible is filled with hints of what our new home is like--the river of life that flows from the throne of God, the tree of life that bears twelve kinds of fruit, one for each month of the year, streets of gold, fortress walls made of precious jewels, and much more. The best part is that when it's finished, Jesus will come to take us there.

Will you be ready? Be sure that no sin, nothing you have done against God's laws, will be able to enter the place where Jesus is. He gave all He had so you could be with Him in that glorious place. Will you accept what He did on the cross and choose to live for Him? I hope your answer is 'yes.' He does too. He stands at the door of your heart waiting for you to ask Him in. I am praying for you.

Lord Jesus, if there is anything in the lives of the people reading this message that is outside of your will, please send your Holy Spirit on them and make them aware of their need for your amazing love. Thank you for all you have done and will do for those who love you. Amen.

The New Jerusalem

Have you dreamed what Heaven or the New Jerusalem would be like? God gives many clues in Revelation 21. Check this out:

• The New Jerusalem will come down from heaven prepared as a bride for her husband on their wedding day.
• The walls will be of jasper (that means diamonds).
• Each of the twelve gates will be a single pearl.
• The foundations of the walls will be of precious jewels--jasper, sapphire, chalcedony, emerald, sardonyx, carnelian, chrysolite, beryl, topaz, chrysoprase, jacinth and amethyst.
• The streets will be of pure gold.
• There will be no evil, shame, or deceit.
• There will be no tears, pain or suffering.
• There will be no sun, moon or stars because the glory of God will give it light.
• There will be no temple because the Lord God and the Lamb will be our temple.
• Jesus, the Lamb, will be it's lamp.
• The nations will walk by it's light.
• The City of God will be as long as it is wide as it is high--1400 miles cubed (as far as from San Francisco to Chicago).

I believe Jesus is coming soon. He told the apostles before He returned to the Father that He would prepare a place for them (and all who believe), so where He goes they will be able to go. Our loving Father doesn't want any to perish but for all to come.

Things in the world are changing rapidly--the weather, politics, nations against nations. No one knows the hour or the day when Jesus will come again--only the Father. As sure as the waters flooded the world in Noah's time, that day is coming. Will you be ready?

Here are some great resources for you to consider:
Heaven by Randy Alcorn
Heaven is Real by Todd Burpo
Zion's Hope

Lord Jesus, open the eyes of everyone to their need for you. Comfort the broken hearted and rescue the suffering. Help our unbelief and lead us to trust You today and forever. Amen.

Lovely Feet

The Bible says I have lovely feet. Hard to believe that my feet--the ones with crooked toes, callouses, and bunions could be considered lovely to anyone. However, Isaiah 52:7 says, "How lovely on the mountains, are the feet of him (her) who brings good news . . ." NASB.

And I have good news. Are you consumed with cravings and desires that never get satisfied? I've been there and can testify that it is a lonely and empty place. Fortunately for me, I had God somewhere in my past and enough sense to cry out to Him. By earthly standards I was a complete failure. But to God, I was worth picking up all the broken pieces. That's what He did. He took my broken life and gave me a new heart.

I was the prodigal (daughter) and my Heavenly Father was waiting for me with open arms. I was ready to give up but He whispered in my heart, "Could you make it today if I promise to stay with you?" What love God lavished on me! It changed me forever. You know what I learned? That what God does in me, doesn't stay in me. I have to tell others.

If you are searching on line for meaning in life, I urge you to call on Jesus' name. He is waiting to warm you with a love like you've never known before. Say His name and surrender your heart to Him. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Lord Jesus, I am praying for the person reading this post. He might be out of choices, out or sorts, at the end of the road. Show him your ways, oh Lord, and teach him your paths. Amen.

Though None Go With Me--Review

      Though None Go with Me begins at the turn of the twentieth century and spans World War I and II, The Great Depression and considerable personal loss. Elisabeth Grace LeRoy wants what all of us want—to love and be loved. When she discovers her deepest longings can only be met by our Lord, she makes a commitment that will shape the rest of her life—to make her life an experiment in obedience to Christ, regardless of the cost.

      As a wife, I learned from Elisabeth to cherish each moment with my husband, even in suffering. As a mother, I related to how she taught her children to love God and how she never stopped loving them and praying for them. I joyfully shared her love story and cried through every loss with her, amazed at her strength. It was hard for me not to pray for her as I read through the novel. I carried the book with me everywhere and read it while I waited for my kids or grandkids.

     The story of Elisabeth's extravagant faith was made into a Hallmark channel movie. Like other books by Jerry Jenkins, it is heart-moving and life changing. Though None Go With Me is one of my favorite books and I've chosen to publish this review for a second time. It is available in paperback, Kindle, audio and DVD here.

Love Each Other

Mother's Day brought memories of times when my children were little. How I miss those days! My son, Jason, used to hold his stuffed bear over his shoulder, close his eyes and pat the bear gently on the back. Softly he whispered, "O-o-o-o," and it occurred to me that he loved his bear the way I loved him.

Jesus said in John 15:12, "Love each other as I have loved you." That's what Jason showed me that day  so long ago, and it became my prayer--that I would love as God loves. Some people are not easy to love, like the guy who cut in front of me in traffic and made me slam on my brakes or another man who yelled at me, shaking his fist at a stoplight. For me to love others as God loves me, I need His help.

Lord, help me love people as you do. Keep me from any temptation to judge those who are not like me. I need your help. Thank you, that because you are always with me, I can do what you call me to do. Amen.

Are You Living With Eternity in Mind

          “Sue, you won’t believe this place!” I dreamed of hearing these words from my friend, Betty, who lost her fight for life after a brief illness. She’s now joyfully home with our Lord and her cheerful voice made me long to be in heaven. Images of Betty walking with God in the cool of the day replaced memories from a few days before when I held her hand in the hospital during times of excruciating pain. No longer would she experience the unbearable suffering—not because of death, but because of life, eternal life with Christ. He rose from death, victorious, and I’m convinced Betty did and so will all who believe in Jesus as their Savior.

While it’s fun for me to imagine my friend feasting under the Tree of Life or splashing her feet in the River that flows from God’s throne, you and I are left here on earth to finish the work He called us to do.  

Life Goes on in Heaven

Whatever we do for God, whether in ministry or daily tasks we perform as for the Lord, will last forever. Randy Alcorn says in his book, Heaven, that man’s creativity and technological advancement will not be lost in heaven. Could it be this is how God created us in His image? He says in His Word that His gifts and callings are irrevocable. Certainly, these skills will be necessary in the New Jerusalem, a city as high and wide as it is long (from San Francisco to Chicago—cubed). A city of this size will require workers—people with intelligence, skills and abilities.  

Set Your Mind on Things Above

Today God is not as interested in our work, as He is in how we live and show His love to a dying world. Jesus set an example for us. He wasn’t rich as we think of rich, but He fed the hungry, healed the sick and helped the poor. We may think the need around us is too great, but Jesus fed a huge crowd from a boy’s lunch. The boy gave what he had and Jesus multiplied it. I’m amazed how this principle works in my life—that whatever time, talent or resources I offer, God multiplies for His purposes. When I visit or pray for the sick, teach a class, give monetarily or by a word of encouragement, God keeps giving to me so I can keep giving to others.

A few years ago, my friend, Shirley, modeled Christ’s love to me when I fell at work. I didn’t know the fall broke my hip—just that I couldn’t get up. Tears of fear welled up in my eyes. Shirley surprised me when she lay down by my side. Patting her outstretched arm, she said, “Rest your head here and don’t worry about a thing!” She stayed with me until the ambulance came. Shirley’s demonstration of Christ-like love motivates me to find ways to show God’s love by being vulnerable and sensitive to other people’s needs. At our Lord’s glorious appearing, I hope He finds me busy so He will say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” 

          Thank you, Lord Jesus, for making a way for us to be with you forever. Thank you for the hope of never having to say goodbye. Amen.

God is Making All Things New

In springtime, Daffodils, tulips, irises, and poppies show off their brilliant colors. Heavenly scents and blossoms on fruit trees enhance every setting. Trees that have been bare all winter, leaf and fill in the landscape. Earth becomes a paradise--until the wind blows and fills the air with pollen. Then sounds of sneezing and coughing interrupt creation's symphony. 

Not everyone can enjoy the beauty of Spring without symptoms of hay fever. Everything grows in the Sacramento Valley where I live and lots of people, like me, endure the season with sneezing, coughing, itchy, runny eyes and noses. Walmart, CVS and Rite Aid stock up on antihistamines to reduce the symptoms but often turn us into groggy zombies.

Once again, I'm reminded that this is not my home. In my future lies a real Paradise where I long to experience springtime forever without sneezing, coughing, itchy, runny eyes and nose. Jesus said, "I am making all things new," (Rev. 21:5). To me that means beauty without the pollen. Our heavenly home will have no need of it because everything will be perfect and permanent--no need to reproduce.

Thank you, gracious Lord, for the hope you give us of spending eternity with you in the place you have prepared for us. Amen.