Greetings in the name of the one who is worthy, Jesus Christ – THE Crucified and Risen Saviour! What a delight to be “up and running” this morning…so give thanks to God for people like Troy who worked behind the scenes and David who handled calls/complaints/queries – they did so with patience and perseverance and at personal cost. Thank you God for the individuals who worked on our behalf – blessings on them! What a dreary day in the Kingdom…it is good that the light of God’s presence isn’t thwarted by weather! Never mind – we are alive and have a measure of health and enjoy freedom! I will be praying for you today, asking Father to release healing and comfort and courage!
This morning I have been reflecting on the life-events that have been taking place in the lives of family and friends. In the midst of this process, God gave me a passage of Scripture to hang onto: “…this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raise the dead (has resurrection power). He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favour granted us in answer to the prayers of many.” – 2 Corinthians 1:9-11 NIV. I believe that God wanted me, and you, to know that our lives have purpose and meaning beyond what we can observe and reason within ourselves.
Now, if you have been following along. we are creating an Advent 2014 journal that contains insights, songs we have heard, Scripture verses that keep appearing, people who enter our lives at seemingly random moments, or whatever is meaningful to us at the time. I have been sharing some of the things I am putting in my journal and I want to share what I am going to put in the journal today. On a daily flip-over calendar for December is today’s Scripture verse and challenge: Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” Matthew 18:21-22 NIV. Then comes the question that is supposed to make you think: “Can you think of a time when you’ve needed God’s forgiveness more than once? Who in your life could use a reminder today, that Jesus never gives up on us?
Somehow, I needed that challenge and I am going to let that “sit” in my heart awhile…and my friends, let me tell you this morning: “No matter what you are thinking, no matter what discouraging thought, no matter what anger, no matter what guilt or shame, no matter disappointment, no matter what failure, no matter what sin — no matter what…God has not given up on you! What an entry for your journal..just a suggestion…and this is at the center of our Advent celebration: “God has not given up on me!”
Be blessed!