Category: Salvation

Posted on

Check The Mirror

But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it. James 1:22-25 (NLT)

Wow! This passage includes another reminder of the blessing of obedience, but it’s not where I want to focus today. Nope! I want to tell you what I’ve learned about the importance of checking the mirror.

Several years ago, I was given a physical understanding of this spiritual truth.

Back then, our daughter’s family lived in the area. It was convenient whenever I was going downtown because we got to visit before they dropped me at the Metro station for my traffic-free ride into D.C.. From there, it was a short walk to meet George at work. Then we’d stroll down the boardwalk to the baseball stadium.

This particular Friday, I was running behind for a date night ballgame. I pulled on a cute but cool skort, shucked my jersey over my head, brushed my hair in front of the bathroom mirror, grabbed up my bag, and dashed out the door.

Traffic on I-66 was thick, but I was pulling into our daughter’s driveway with plenty of time to spare. I parked, pulled out my lipstick, smeared some on, and leaned over to check my lips. The reflection in my rearview mirror brought tears of horror and self-annoyance to my eyes.

My morning had started out fairly routine. I ate, read my Bible, went for my morning swim, showered, slapped on moisturizer, and left it to “dry” while I did my chores.

Mind you, I never go out without the protection of foundation on my face. I especially don’t go on a date with my hubby without the added benefit of color. But today I’d looked into the mirror without seeing what the mirror revealed about me. I had never put on any foundation or color!

Thankfully, our daughter saved the day with the basics of foundation, blush, and mascara. Protection and color. Whew!

Okay, now that you’ve enjoyed a chuckle, let’s talk about why we look in a mirror. To see ourselves, right?

God’s word is like a mirror. It shows us the truth about ourselves. God is Creator! He’s the definer of truth. Jesus — God in the flesh — is Truth.

There are two ways I can fool myself when reading my Bible. Both leave me walking away unaware of what I look like in the mirror of God’s word.

One, I’m fooling myself when my mind is on something else entirely while reading my Bible. Like when I was brushing my hair and thinking about my need to get on the road. I totally missed what the mirror would’ve shown me; I didn’t have on my foundation and color!

Two, I’m fooling myself when I use the mirror of God’s word to look at someone else. George and I often stand side by side to brush our teeth. I usually spend more time looking at him than I do looking at myself.

Both are harmful when we’re looking into the Mirror of God’s word.

When I am not really thinking about what I’m reading, I don’t see my attitudes and choices through the filter of God’s word.

When I focus on others while I’m reading, I’m in danger of becoming critical, judgmental, and condemning of them and their choices.

Both leave me walking away deceived (fooling myself). Yes, I’ve read my Bible. Cha-ching! Check that off the list for today! But…

Bottom line?

It’s not enough to consistently read God’s word. I must do what He says is right or I’m just fooling myself!

LORD, thank You for the truth of Your word. Please don’t let me read Your word with half a mind. Please don’t let me deflect your truth toward others, but help me reflect Your truth through obedience. Do not let me fool myself, but walk in the freedom and blessings of obedience.

And LORD, for those reading this today, give them a desire to read their Bibles. Help them see themselves in the mirror of Your word. And protect them from the accusations and condemnation of our enemy. Thank You, LORD Jesus. Amen.

Holy Spirit helps us understand the truth of what we read in the Bible. He is every Jesus-follower’s God given Helper. Are you a Jesus-follower, or do you only know about Jesus? If you’re not sure, you can use the steps in this link to be sure. https://peacewithgod.net/mobile/?utm_source=Microsoft&utm_medium=CPC&utm_term=HowToGoToHeaven&utm_campaign=USPWGMobileSearchMic

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, a Division of Tyndale House Ministries, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Posted on

Know Your Position!

When I am raised to life again, you will know that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.” John 14:20-21 (NLT)

Last week I looked at the blessings of practice and how reading our Bibles is a vital part of practice. https://barbaracoulson.com/practice-brings-blessing/

I’ve spent this week pulling that same thread. I couldn’t seem to stop thinking about those blindfolded sailors. Like a dog with a bone, I kept gnawing over the purpose behind that drill. I felt a deep truth just beyond my grasp and I’ve chased it all week.

The blindfolded sailors had to know two things. Everything about the interior of their ship AND their position in the ship. Knowing those two things was imperative for the drills to successfully ensure their safety.

What does that mean for me as a Jesus-followers? I need to know two things.

Who the LORD is AND who I am in Him.

Who the LORD is…

The LORD is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow; He’s unchanging! So everything I’ve learned of Him so far, every facet of His character He’s revealed to me is as true of Him today as it was when I first learned it.

Who I am…

I am His daughter, redeemed by Him on the cross and through His resurrection. Every benefit and blessing of our relationship is mine. I have all the authority and power of His name accessible to me through His word and prayer.

What am I learning? How do these two truths translate into facing the unexpected? How do they help when fear, doubt, sorrow, anger, and discouragement crowd into my mind and create a fog of distress?

Remembering tethers me (and you) to unchanging truth when the world feels out of control. Remembering turns our eyes from our circumstances to the One who is our help in times of trouble. We can take a breath because He’s bigger and stronger and able to show us the way through whatever it is we’re facing.

NOTE: Just like every sailor needs to know their position in the ship, we need to know our position. Are you in Christ? Maybe you’re not sure. If not, you can be. Use the link in the green box at the bottom of this post and take steps to be sure.

LORD, thank You for being unchanging in a world that is ever-changing. Thank You for making it possible for me to be in relationship with You, the God of all creation, the Maker of heaven and earth. Thank You for loving me that much. Please keep showing me more of who You are so I will trust You more and more.

And LORD, for those reading this today, please help them see You more clearly. Help them understand who they are (or can be) in You. If they are not Jesus-followers, grow in them a hunger to know You. If they are, grow in them a hunger to know You even more and grow in their understanding of their position in You. Thank You, LORD!

For more information on how you can be sure of your relationship with God, go to https://peacewithgod.net/mobile/?utm_source=Microsoft&utm_medium=CPC&utm_term=HowToGoToHeaven&utm_campaign=USPWGMobileSearchMic

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, a Division of Tyndale House Ministries, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Posted on

What’s a Jesus-Follower?

Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but are yourself lost or destroyed?  Luke 9:23-25 (NLT)

After writing last week’s post, https://barbaracoulson.com/bold-words/, I’ve begun to look at the different uses of the word follow. In a world where social media is the norm, I’ve realized something. We use the word follow in a much more casual way than Jesus did in today’s verse.

Being a Jesus-follower is a lot different than following someone on Facebook or following your favorite blogger.

Why? Look back at today’s verse. Jesus was the One speaking to the crowd in this passage, and He said, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me.” (the underlined is my emphasis)

There is no qualification here. No loop holes for what it means to follow Jesus. Either I’m a follower of Jesus or a follower of my own way. I cannot do both, unless…

What I choose is His way. There is no other way I can live my life my way and still be a Jesus-follower in the purest representation of the name, Jesus-follower.

But this leads me to ask, why were we all created so uniquely if we’re not supposed to be ourselves? Why not just create clones of the “perfect person” who does everything the way Jesus would do it?

Okay, I think it goes beyond the pat answer, “because He wants us to willingly follow Him.”

1 Corinthians 12 & 13 tell a story of just how important our unique differences are AND how genuine love creates unity and harmony through those differences. We discover our differences have purpose and enable us to live the life He created us to live (Ephesians 2:10)

God created us uniquely because He wants to use us uniquely. He has created us with specific purpose. Just as the creator of my food processor realized there were some kitchen tasks a blender doesn’t fulfill as well as the food processor, God knows there are tasks I can carry out in a unique way. There are also tasks He wants you to carry out in your unique way.

And just as I can do without both my food processor and my blender, my task is much easier, more enjoyable, and much less time consuming when I use them.

We become usable when we choose to follow Jesus, but the unique qualities He has given us also lend to the perfect timing of His purpose.

He knows me (and you) intimately. And that has nothing to do with whether we are a Jesus-follower. It also has nothing to do with how closely we do, or do not, follow Him.

He knows how we learn. He knows our fears. He knows what we’ve experienced, our strengths, our weaknesses, our likes, our dislikes. He knows us.

And how intimately He knows us has no bearing on how intimately we know Him. That is the greatest benefit of being a Jesus-followers…

Being in an intimate relationship with Jesus, God in the flesh.

The more we follow Him, spend time listening to Him (reading His word, the Bible), talking to Him (prayer/journaling), and learning from Holy Spirit, the more intimately we will know Him. (Holy Spirit is our Teacher and lives in everyone who chooses to believe Jesus is God, lived a perfect life, died to pay for our sins, rose from the grave three days later, and is in heaven preparing a place for each of His followers).

The more intimately we know Jesus, the easier it becomes to follow Him.

LORD, thank You for taking my sins as Yours and making Your righteousness mine. I want to follow You and Your ways, but I often struggle with wanting to do things my own way. Change my heart, LORD, so I will desire to please You more than myself and/or others. Help me to learn more of You. And help me let go of my old ways of thinking.

And LORD, thank You for each one reading these words today. Help them know their unique qualities are not mistakes, but what makes them perfectly equipped for the good works You created them to do. Help them to see You clearly, so they can follow You well. Give them a greater desire to follow You than their own way. Thank You for hearing our prayers, LORD. Amen.

If you’re not sure you’re a Jesus-follower, you can use the link below to find out how to take that first step to being sure. I’m praying for you, Friend! If you’re walking the fence line between knowing about Jesus and knowing Him, you are in a precarious position that is difficult to live. I would love to see You jump down on the side of Jesus and enjoying the freedom of following Him. https://peacewithgod.net/mobile/?utm_source=Microsoft&utm_medium=CPC&utm_term=HowToGoToHeaven&utm_campaign=USPWGMobileSearchMic

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, a Division of Tyndale House Ministries, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Posted on

Bold Words!

Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example. For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ. They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth. But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control. Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stay true to the Lord. (Philippians 3:17-4:1a)

If you’ve read my blog for any amount of time, you know I’m a thread puller. I cannot stop with just one verse. I need to understand it. What was its intention and how does it apply to me today? I truly believe if there was nothing for me (or you) to take away from a passage of Scripture, it would not be included in the Bible.

Anyway, this passage is from my Sunday morning prayer and Bible time. Paul wrote it in a letter to the church of Ephesus and his boldness struck me. The verse of the day was Ephesians 3:20. When I read it in context, this is what followed.

“Pattern your lives after mine.” v 3:17

Self Question(s): Am I following Jesus closely enough that others can follow me to Him?

“there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ“ v 3:18

Self Question(s): What does my conduct reveal about my desires? What do my words, my responses, my actions, and my choices tell others about my priorities in life?

“they think only about this life here on earth” v 3:19

Self Question(s): Am I remembering to live with eternity in mind or do I make all my decisions based on the here and now?

“we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior” v 3:20

Self Question(s): Am I eagerly waiting for Jesus to return for me? And if so, why? Is it just so I can get away from the troubles of this world (John 14), or am I looking forward to seeing Jesus face-to-face?

“he will bring everything under his control” v 3:21

Self Question(s): What areas of my life do I still need to submit to the authority of Jesus Christ?

“stay true to the Lord” v 4:1

Self Question(s): Am I consistent as a Jesus-follower, or do I only follow Him when it feels good, others will agree, or doesn’t require any effort or sacrifice?

All of this brings me back to the bold statement of Paul, “pattern your lives after mine.”

LORD, I desperately want to be a consistent Jesus-follower who others can follow toward you. I want my desire to be for You and Your ways. Help me to never lose sight of You even as I live here on this earth. Help me learn from You. Teach me to submit to Your authority in every area of my life. And create a genuine love for You and others in me, so I will always follow You well.

And LORD, for those reading this today, I pray You would reveal to them just how much life You have for them. May they understand following You is not about finding out about the rules, but about the deep intimacy of relationship with You. And may their growing intimacy with You overflow into every other relationship in their lives. Amen.

To find out how you can become a Jesus-follower, go to… https://peacewithgod.net/mobile/?utm_source=Microsoft&utm_medium=CPC&utm_term=HowToGoToHeaven&utm_campaign=USPWGMobileSearchMic

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, a Division of Tyndale House Ministries, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Posted on

The Gift of Presence…

“And when you believed in Christ, he identified you as his own by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom he promised long ago.”  Ephesians 1:13b (NLT)

I love to get presents. I know how that sounds, but it’s true. They’re tangible evidence I was on the giver’s mind. And every time I see or use them, I remember who gave them to me; it’s like they’re with me.

Which brings me to my favorite kind of present. I call it the gift of presence. It’s the gift of time spent together. It’s friends and family coming to visit, holidays together, lunch with a friend, date nights, double dates, baseball games, family reunions, day trips, retreats, small group, ministry events, etc.

The presence of the ones I spend time with lingers long after we go our separate ways. Smells, places, words, and things remind me of our time together.

Jesus gives every one of His followers the ultimate gift of Presence. Holy Spirit lives inside every single Jesus-follower (John 14:26). He is always with us. He is our Helper, Teacher, and Counselor.

Holy Spirit gives gifts too (1st Corinthians 12:4 & 11). And He displays His presence in our lives with His fruit (Galatians 5:22-23). We get to spend every day enjoying all the benefits of His presence (Galatians 5:25). Best part ever? We can remember those times, but they just keep coming. Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives is never-ending!

LORD, thank You for not leaving me alone and for giving me Holy Spirit. Thank You for all the great memories we’ve created together over the years. Help me practice being alert to Your presence on a more consistent basis. Thank You for all the love the gift of Your presence represents in my life!

And LORD, for those reading this, please make Your love visible to them in a very specific and personal way today. May they see You, trust You, and delight in You even more than they already do. Bless them with a tangible reminder that You are right there with them. Thank You!

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, a Division of Tyndale House Ministries, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Posted on

Which Way Should I Go?

I may be wrong, but I believe everyone wants to make the best possible choices in life. The thing is, we don’t really know how to make those best choices apart from our Maker. He created us and He knows what will bring us benefit and what will wreak havoc and harm. So how do we find our way to making beneficial choices? The Bible, tells us Jesus is the way (John 10:1-18, John 14:6)

Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” John 8:12 (NLT)

I’ve underlined what jumped out at me. I want to go the way that leads to life, but this verse tells me I must follow Jesus in order to know the way. So how do I follow Jesus?

I’m no expert, but I’m learning by baby steps. I need to read His word, the Bible, so I will recognize Him when He speaks to me (John 10:1-18). No, I’ve never heard Him speak to me audibly, but I’ve clearly heard Him in my spirit. I’ve also recognized His leading in the circumstances of my life, and in the words of those around me. He’s even used people who don’t follow Him to nudge me in the right direction. And I have His Holy Spirit living in me (He lives in every Jesus-follower) helping me understand what I read in the Bible, God’s word (John 16:5-15).

But here’s where it can get a little tricky. I’ve discovered I must check what I think He’s leading me to say or do against His word. If the two do not agree, I’m wrong. His way for me will never contradict His word.

Your word is a lamp to guide me
    and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105 (GNT)

I need to know His word (Psalm 119:11). Then I’m not always scrambling to find His way. If I read His word regularly, I will learn it, I will quickly recognize what is not truth, and the way I think will be transformed (Romans 12:2).

I’m also learning to trust His word beyond my own understanding of it (Proverbs 3:5-6). I do not think the way He thinks (Isaiah 55:8-9). Which brings me full circle…

If I’m going to walk in the light of Jesus, I must go the way He goes. I must do what His word says is right, and continue following Him even when my mind screams His way makes no sense. He is the light; staying close to Him helps me see with better clarity.

One more thing. During those times when I’m unsure, I can trust God’s plan and time. Sometimes He stops. Those are times of waiting. Waiting is not sitting idle; waiting is a time for continuing to do the last thing He showed me to do.

Times of waiting and serving build my confidence in Him and my ability to serve Him well, while giving me time to practice what I’ve learned. Serving while I wait renews my strength and my spirit (Isaiah 40:31). Serving while I wait prepares me for the next portion of my journey with Him.

How about you? Are you a Jesus-follower? If you are, please share some of the ways you’ve learned to recognize Him and His direction for you. If you’re not…

Today is a great day to become a Jesus-follower. I’ve included a link below to give you more information on how to get started. Please let me know if you make that choice. I want to celebrate with you!

https://peacewithgod.net/mobile/?utm_source=Microsoft&utm_medium=CPC&utm_term=HowToGoToHeaven&utm_campaign=USPWGMobileSearchMic

Posted on

Give Thanks

Thanksgiving Day is an American holiday set aside for remembering all the blessings we’ve enjoyed throughout the year. It’s also a day filled with tradition.

Everything good comes from the LORD. How do I know this? The Bible tells me so!

“Every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father who created all the lights in the heavens. He is always the same and never makes dark shadows by changing.” James 1:17(CEV)

This Scripture also tells me our thanks should be given to God.

One of my favorite Thanksgiving traditions is making Christmas ornaments with our grandchildren. We do it immediately following our pumpkin pie breakfast. (Yes, eating pumpkin pie for breakfast is another tradition.) Why make ornaments? Because the thing we are most thankful for is Jesus, and Christmas is when we celebrate His birth. Without Him, we wouldn’t be able to live in heaven after we leave earth (Psalm 103 & John 3:16).

How about you? What’s your favorite Thanksgiving tradition and why?

Posted on

He Holds Our Hand!

I chose to believe God’s word is true over fifty years ago, but I find my faith is challenged every time there is a divergence between what I want and what God’s word says is good and right.

Faith makes us sure of what we hope for and gives us proof of what we cannot see. Hebrews 11:1 (CEV)

Faith is choosing to believe without visible proof, but it is not a one time decision. Why? Because every choice we make reveals what we believe about God, Jesus, the Bible, and even who we are as Christ-followers.

The following is one of my favorite Bible verses. I love the promise of God’s presence when we stumble in our walk of faith.

Though they stumble, they will never fall,
    for the Lord holds them by the hand.” Psalm 37:24 (NLT)

When we take that first step of faith and call out to God (Romans 10:9-10), He doesn’t just save us and leave us. No! He comes alongside us, takes our hand, and never lets us fall!

How about you? Do you believe God’s word, the Bible, is true. If so, how does it make you feel to know God will never let you fall?

Posted on

Created to Fly!

While in Shenandoah National Park, we saw a couple of caterpillars and a lot of butterflies!

True Brushfoot: Question Mark caterpillar taken in Shenandoah State Park by George September 2019

Would you believe I once filled an entire dresser drawer with caterpillars? I did! Unfortunately, Momma discovered them. My plan was to feed them azalea leaves until they became pupae (chrysalis). Then they would become butterflies and flutter out into my room when I opened the drawer. Cool idea, right?!

Monarch taken in Shenandoah State Park by George September 2019

I haven’t been able to stop thinking about the differences in the caterpillars and butterflies since we took our day trips. The caterpillars were working hard to climb those stems; using all their legs. Meanwhile, the butterflies were flitting from place to place, and able to easily evade anything trying to harm or devour them.

Red-spotted Purple taken in Shenandoah State Park by George September 2019

That had me thinking. Those caterpillars were always meant to be butterflies. They weren’t created to be eggs, larvae (caterpillars), or pupae (chrysalis). Nope! They were always meant to become butterflies!

Red Admiral taken in Shenandoah State Park by George September 2019

Just like people were always meant to be in relationship with God and live with His indwelling Holy Spirit power. That was God’s plan for us from the very beginning. He never meant for us to live apart from Him; struggling to live in our own strength.

Red Comma taken in Shenandoah State Park by George September 2019

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 (ESV)

Spicebush Swallowtail with blue-green cloud taken in Shenandoah State Park by George September 2019

“But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.” John 1:12-13 (NLT)

Unlike the caterpillar, which has no choice in it’s life stages, we are given the freedom to choose whether or not we will be in relationship with God. Jesus is the way of salvation from eternal separation from God, and He is also the way for us to live transformed lives (John 14:6 and 2nd Corinthians 5:17). We can choose to live the life we were created to live by just asking Jesus to make it happen (Romans 10:13).

Spicebush Swallowtail with green cloud taken in Shenandoah State Park by George September 2019

How about you? How have you changed since becoming a Christ-follower? Were there challenges from within yourself or others? What are the benefits of those changes?

Posted on

Mine!

I was a grade-schooler when my mother started keeping Charlie. It helped his parents and provided additional income for our family.

Charlie’s story is not mine to share, but he had already faced much tragedy and sorrow. He needed to be loved and feel loved.

Charlie adored me, but I considered him a rival for my mother’s love.

He acted like he was a part of my family! He would beg to stay with us even when his parents weren’t working. I came to resent him with a passion I’m not proud to admit.

While reading the end of Jonah, I realized I can foster those same feelings in my relationship with God. Any time I don’t share His Good News of salvation, I’m basically saying, “Get your own family!”

You’re right!

I cannot choose salvation for anyone else.

I cannot invite Jesus Christ to be LORD in their lives.

I cannot walk by Holy Spirit for them.

But…

I can tell them the Good News of Jesus and invite them to become my brother or sister in God’s family (Romans 10:14-15).

I can genuinely desire for them to escape eternal death (Romans 3:23).

I can tell them their sin has been paid for by Jesus Christ (Romans 6:23).

I can value them, be available to them, and let my light shine brightly at all times. Praying they will see and call on the LORD for salvation (Romans 10:9-10 & 13)

I can point the way to safe harbor in Jesus, who is our salvation.

St. Michaels MD harbor taken by George

“Lord, help!” they cried in their trouble,
    and he saved them from their distress.
He calmed the storm to a whisper
    and stilled the waves.
What a blessing was that stillness
    as he brought them safely into harbor! Psalm 107:28-30

I’ve spent the morning thanking God, for the blessing of being His daughter, for His continuing mercy and compassion for me, His slowness to anger and overwhelming grace. I have so much to be thankful for, and my Father desires to give those same good gifts to those around me.

So I’m asking Him for a generous heart. A heart that genuinely wants others to know Him as their own Abba Father. I’m asking for a willingness to share Him with others, and not begrudge anyone the opportunity to experience the joy of His salvation or the abundant life He has for them. I’m praying my Father will teach me to love others as He loves me. And, yes! I know I’m asking for a multitude of miracles when I ask those things of Him!!!

How about you? Are you a member of God’s family? If you are, do you freely invest in others and invite them to be a part of our family too? If you’re unsure of whether you’re a member of God’s family, I’d be delighted to share the Good News with you or answer any questions you may have. (No, I don’t have all the answers, but I have others I can ask for help in finding them.)

Charlie’s name is fictional to protect his identity!

error: Content is protected !!