The Lord Is My Refuge

This morning on the way to work, a deer ran directly in front of my vehicle. I am certain that I came within five feet or less of hitting the deer. As I abruptly hit my brakes, I prayed that God would protect me. Thankfully, I braked in time, and the deer ran off into the trees unscathed.

Driving down the road, I caught my breath about ten minutes later. I kept replaying the scene in my mind over and again. What if my attention had been diverted to my cell phone? What if I had been reaching down to pick up my water bottle? I am certain that any distraction, no matter how small and insignificant, would have resulted in an accident.

Psalm 91:9-11 (NIV) says, “If you say, ‘The Lord is my refuge,’ and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” I thank the Lord for His protection. All praise goes to Jesus Christ for being my refuge and for sending His angels to keep me safe on the road.

Perhaps you are facing a trial or tribulation of a different kind. Your difficulty may be ongoing, seemingly without end. You or someone you love may be battling cancer, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, or some other disease. You may be suffering from addiction or depression. You may be in Eastern Europe, frightened for your life and the lives of your loved ones due to the war in Ukraine. No matter where you are, God is watching over you.

If you make the Lord your refuge, He will protect you. He will rescue you. He will save you. Do not let the distractions of this world cause you to miss the life-changing opportunity to call on the name above all names, Jesus Christ.

John 3:16 (NIV) says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Jesus Christ loves you more than you could ever imagine. Put your trust in Jesus Christ today.

Our Father

This month, millions of people will celebrate Father’s Day.  Some fathers will be honored at church, other fathers will be celebrated at home, and many fathers will enjoy fishing, grilling, or quite possibly, doing nothing at all.  And like any good Husband or Dad would, some fathers may even find themselves completing “honey-do” lists or sitting on the floor playing with their children.  But what makes a Dad truly special?  It’s not his willingness to buy a bigger car or a nicer house, or even the way he prolifically mows the lawn or takes out the trash.  It’s not even the way he shows his children how to build the tallest skyscraper out of building blocks.  The thing that makes a Dad truly great is the unconditional love that he has for his children.

Ever since I was a little girl, my Daddy has loved me unconditionally.  No matter what I am doing, he is always my number one supporter.  Whether I am teaching school, singing with the Florida Worship Choir and Orchestra, or writing a new song or blog, he always encourages me and prays for me.  You see, it’s not about what I’m doing.  It’s the fact that I am the one who is doing it.  He loves me for who I am, not for what I do.  Perhaps you have the same relationship with your father, so you know exactly what I am talking about.  Dads love us even when we spit up on their new suit on the way to church as infants, spilled milk on their new house slippers as toddlers, or backed their car into the mailbox as teenagers.  You may wonder why fathers love us so much, even when we make mistakes.  Because from the moment we are born, our Dads become some of our biggest lifelong fans.  We are priceless treasures in the eyes of our fathers.

In the same way, our Heavenly Father considers us a treasure.  In Isaiah 43:4 (NIV), the Lord says, “you are precious and honored in my sight.”  Even before you were born, God knew all about you, right down to the number of hairs on your head.  Matthew 10:30-31 (NIV) says, “And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.  So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”  You are valuable in God’s sight.  Why?  Because God loves you unconditionally; He cares about you so very much.  I Peter 5:7 (NIV) says, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

Perhaps you feel alone and long for this kind of compassion.  You may not have a loving relationship with your father here on this earth.  You may have gone your separate ways as a teenager, chasing something you now regret.  Or your father may be abusive, either physically or emotionally, causing you to distance yourself from him.  I encourage you to pray that God will mend the broken bridge between you and your father.  If your father has passed away, you are not alone.  God loves you and He is with you always.  He will comfort your heart, surrounding you with the peace that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7).

Whatever circumstance you find yourself in, rest assured that our Heavenly Father loves you so very much.  No matter what you’ve done, or where you are, you will never be out of the reach of His unconditional love.  Romans 8:38-39 says that nothing can ever separate us from the love of Jesus Christ.  He will mend your broken heart, restore your joy, and reveal His purpose for your life.  Put your trust in Jesus Christ today.  He is a Father to the fatherless.  Call on His name.  Your life will be changed when you call upon our Heavenly Father.

In Christ’s Love,

Jennifer  


(originally published on 6/30/15)

Move That Mountain!

Two Quarters

Climbing a Tree

Everything You Do Matters!

Looking Beyond

Ever since I was a little girl, I have had a burning desire to tell others about the love of Jesus Christ.  As an adult, I yearn for God to swing wide the doors of opportunity for me to minister even more to people around the world.  What about you?  Do you long for something more?  Is there a tugging at your heart to accomplish something bigger than yourself?  Beyond our occupation, our family, our friends, we are all here for a greater purpose.  God has placed us on this earth to fulfill a divine calling in our lives.  We are here to tell others about Jesus Christ and his love.  Just as we look beyond a picturesque sunset and anticipate the dawning of a brand new day, we must look beyond our current circumstances and fix our eyes on Jesus Christ.

Recently, I read the story of how the song, “Beyond the Sunset,” was written.  Virgil Prentiss Brock penned the words one evening in 1936 after a conversation at the dinner table.  The topic of conversation was an unusually gorgeous sunset at Winona Lake in Indiana, despite the storm clouds looming overhead.  Virgil’s blind cousin, Horace Burr, commented that it was the most beautiful sunset he had ever seen.

Virgil said to his cousin, “People are always amazed when you talk about seeing.”  Horace replied, “I can see.  I see through other people’s eyes, and think I often see more; I see beyond the sunset.”  Virgil said the phrase “beyond the sunset” and the striking inflection of his cousin’s voice struck him profoundly.  He immediately began singing the first few lines of the song.  Before they had even finished their meal, the entire song was written.

I must say that this story left me speechless.  This gentleman who could not see ultimately had greater vision than those with perfect eyesight.  He did not focus on the impending thunderstorm.  Instead, he focused on the true beauty.  He saw more than a lake, a sunset, and storm clouds.  His sight was not limited by the horizon.  He could look beyond the physical limitations of this world in order to catch a glimpse of something that was seemingly Heavenly.  He knew that even in the sunset, there was sunshine awaiting him.

I invite you to listen to my song, "There's Sunshine Awaiting You."

How many times in life do we look at our current situation and begin to succumb to a state of hopelessness and despair?  Perhaps you see your children hanging out with the wrong crowd.  Instead of asking God for help, your mind first goes into a tailspin of all of the possible outcomes.  Will they try drugs, participate in underage drinking, have sex before marriage, or even get arrested?  Once the myriad of possibilities stop running through your mind, that’s when you finally stop to pray about it.  Since when did prayer become the last possible course of action?  Prayer should be our first line of defense, not our last resort.

We should not dwell on the problems of this earth.  Instead, we need to pray and have faith that God is working all things together for our good (see Romans 8:28).  Jesus Christ is the answer to every problem in life.  Hebrews 12:2 says we should fix our eyes on Jesus.  It does not say to look around the world to see if there is a better alternative.  It clearly says to look at Jesus, “the perfecter of faith.”  Even when we do not see a way out and our own vision clouds our view, he will strengthen our faith and help us see the way out.  Every day, we need to stay focused on Jesus.  Only then will we be able to fulfill the calling that the Lord has placed on our lives.

You may be thinking I don’t have a calling.  I’m not a pastor, a Sunday school teacher, a musician, a singer, a choir director, a deacon...  As Christians, we each have a calling on our lives.  This calling may not require us to have a leadership role within the church.  Our mission may be to write notes of encouragement to those who are grieving, to help serve meals at the local homeless shelter, to volunteer to clean the church, or countless other ways we could serve the Lord.  God may be calling you to be a prayer warrior, going to the throne of grace on behalf of people who are sick, battling addictions, or enduring heartache of some kind.  Ask God to show you what he wants you to do.

When we get to Heaven, individuals who have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ will hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23).  What does a servant do?  They work.  In the same way, we should devote our lives to the work of the Lord.  The Bible says we should do everything we do as unto the Lord.  That means everything we do should be done for God, not for man.  So whether you are mowing the lawn for your neighbor, donating clothes to the church clothes closet, or helping collect items for someone who lost their home due to a fire, always complete the task as if you were working for our Heavenly Father.  He gave his only Son to die on a cross for our sins.  He gave his best.  We should strive daily to give our best to him in return.

The Hoppers, a Southern Gospel singing group, sing a song titled, “We’ll Work ‘Till Jesus Comes.”  That is exactly what we are called to do.  We are called to share the Good News with everyone we meet, whether we are standing on the platform at church or standing in the checkout lane at the grocery store.  Looking at the headlines, it is imperative that we tell people about Jesus and how he died to save them from their sins and give them the gift of eternal life.  The return of Jesus Christ is closer than ever before, yet there are so many people who do not have this blessed hope.  We need to be “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13).  It should be our primary goal in life to share this blessed hope with everyone we meet.

Perhaps you think this is the pastor’s job.  Or maybe you feel an evangelist would be able to explain the Gospel more eloquently.  But what about the people who will not go to church or attend a revival?  How can someone hear about the Lord unless someone tells them?  Will you be the one to answer the call that God has placed on your life?  Will you take time to visit someone, to write to someone, to talk to someone and tell them about the saving grace of Jesus Christ?  You are the only Bible some people will ever read.  If you do not tell them about Jesus, they may never be able to look beyond their circumstances.  They may never know the joy of looking beyond the sunset.  Don’t let the impending storm clouds get in your way.  Set your eyes on Jesus Christ.  Allow him to use you according to his perfect will.  I can guarantee that your life will be forever changed when you start looking beyond the shortcomings of this world and begin focusing on the amazing plan God has for your life!

In Christ’s Love,

Jennifer

A Forever Fortune

Have you ever had dinner at a Chinese restaurant and been given a fortune cookie at the end of your meal?  When you opened it up and read your fortune, were you excited or disappointed?  Perhaps it left you scratching your head.  It may have read, “You will experience great friendships and abundant wealth.”  Or it could have said something nonsensical like, “Growth is not an attitude but action.”  While it may be fun to break open these special edible message vessels, the papers inside are printed in massive quantities and the fortunes received are simply obtained by chance.  Unlike the fortune cookies, there is one treasure that has been offered to every man, woman, boy, and girl.  This treasure was not one given by chance, but through God’s divine plan since the Creation of this world.  Jesus Christ gave His life for us, so that we could have eternal life.  That, my friends, is the ultimate forever fortune.

Fortune cookies are given as a way to thank you for your patronage and leave you on a sweet note, both literally and figuratively.  But what if someone gave you a gift even when you spit on them, cursed them, and wished them dead?  That’s exactly what Jesus Christ did.  The soldiers “struck him on the head with a staff and spit on him.  Falling on their knees, they paid homage to him.  And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple robe and put his clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him” (Mark 15:19-20).  Even though the soldiers treated Jesus in this horrible manner, he died for every single person on this planet.  That means he even suffered and died for the very people who killed him.

God gave his only Son because he loved the world, knowing that they would crucify him.  I John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”  God didn’t send his Son to die just for the rich or poor, the tall or short, the men or women.  God gave his only Son for every single person on earth.  It wasn’t by chance, like the fortunes in the cookies, but it was by the grace of God that Jesus Christ gave his life for us.  He gave his life as a living sacrifice, so that we could have our sins forgiven and be granted eternal life in Heaven.

But wait, there’s more.  Jesus didn’t just die, rise again, and return to his Father, leaving us to fend for ourselves on earth.  Romans 8:34 says, “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.”  Jesus is praying for us.  Imagine.  The King of Kings and Lord of Lords is praying for me, and you, and every single person on this planet.  That’s how much he loves us.  He never stops thinking about us!  That is unconditional love that is only found through Jesus Christ.

Perhaps you are reading this blog and you feel you are in a hopeless situation.  Maybe you feel as if no fortune cookie, prayer, or anything else could possibly save you from your current circumstances.  I am here today to tell you that nothing is too big for God.  I was born lifeless.  Jesus restored my life.  My heart broke in two when my mom passed away.  Jesus restored my joy.  So many times, it may seem that all hope is lost.  But there is one rock on which we can stand, even when it seems the walls are crashing in.  Jesus Christ is the only lasting hope that can be found in this world.  He will always see us through.  Jesus loves you more than you could ever comprehend.  Cast all of your cares on him, for he cares for you (I Peter 5:7).

It’s not a myth, a fairy tale, or a message in a fortune cookie.  Jesus Christ is alive and well today.  He is sitting at the right hand of the Father, interceding on our behalf.  Call on his name today.  Jesus will be the anchor for your soul, the light in your darkness, and the refuge to which you can run.  Don’t fret over the daily worries of this world.  The greatest treasure is not one that can be deposited into a bank account.  The most valuable fortune is one that is stored up in Heaven (Matthew 6:20).  Put your trust in Jesus Christ today.  Only then will you begin to realize the greatest gift this world has ever received.  For the greatest fortune is not a fleeting thought.  The most valuable treasure is the love of Jesus Christ and his love will last forever.

In Christ’s Love,

Jennifer 

Our Shield

Yesterday, while walking through the grocery store, my cell phone began playing the song sung by the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, “Thou, Oh Lord.”  The phone was in my purse with the lock screen in place.  No one touched it.  Yet somehow, some way, the phone began to play this song loud enough that I could hear it, even in the midst of the crowded supermarket.  I picked up the phone to see what was going on, since I have a different song set as my ringtone.  When I pressed the button to stop the music, it kept playing.  Finally, I turned the sound completely off.  The music stopped, but I am still perplexed as to how this occurred.  While I cannot explain how it happened, I am fairly certain that I know why.  I believe God was reminding me that He has everything under control.

Sometimes in life, it seems like everything is going according to our plans.  Our job provides a stress-free environment and steady income, our family is healthy, nothing rains on our parade, so to speak.  All too soon, a storm comes through like a tornado, perhaps causing turbulence in the workplace, illnesses among our family members, or other negative circumstances we must endure.  It is during these times that we need to have the calm assurance that Jesus Christ is standing alongside us, providing a shield from the calamity that threatens to overwhelm us.

Psalm 3:3 says, “But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head” (ESV).  The Lord never sleeps nor slumbers.  He is always awake, watching over us, interceding on our behalf.  When you are having a wonderful day, Jesus is there, keeping you safe from harm.  When you are having a miserable day, Jesus is there, keeping you safe from harm.  It doesn’t matter where you are or where you are going, Jesus Christ will always be a Shield surrounding you, helping you along the way.

A couple of weeks ago, my dad and I were out working with our cattle.  As I opened one of the gates, a swarm of wasps came out after me.  Because I had never been stung before, I was extremely concerned as I felt a wasp sting my leg.  I prayed that no others would sting me.  At that moment, I know that the Lord placed a shield around me, keeping me from getting stung multiple times or getting stung on the face.  I am grateful for His protection and His healing, as the sting did not cause an allergic reaction.  On the same day, my dad was charged by one of our cows more than once.  This particular cow had horns, which could have caused a serious injury.  I prayed that my dad would not be harmed in any way.  Once again, the Lord proved faithful and true, placing a shield around my dad, protecting him from the potential danger.

Sometimes, we get so busy with our daily activities that we do not even notice the hand of God working in our midst.  A traffic delay could be saving you from an accident down the road.  An unexpected phone call could keep you from slipping and falling on a piece of ice in your kitchen.  Having to go back inside your house for a forgotten item could serve as a reminder to turn off the stove or unplug the curling iron before it causes fire damage to your home.  You see, there are so many scenarios where God sees the possible outcomes before we could ever begin to process them all.  He knows our future.  That’s why we need to trust in His timing, because He knows what lies ahead.

As human beings, none of us are perfect.  Our natural tendency is to call on the Lord more when we are in distress than when everything is going well.  When we are sitting on cloud nine, we tend to believe we are doing great on our own, like a captain of a ship enjoying smooth sailing on a sunny day.  But just like the captain should be thanking God for the calm seas, we need to remember to thank Him for His blessings every day.  In the good times and the bad times, we need to praise Him for His endless love and mercy.  We need to trust that He will work everything out for our good, no matter what is going on around us (see Romans 8:28).

God’s Word says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6).  The Bible doesn’t say to acknowledge the Lord on Sunday and don’t worry about it the rest of the week.  It says “in ALL your ways acknowledge him” (emphasis added).  We need to completely depend on Jesus Christ, making sure that everything we say and do revolves around His plan for our life.

Jesus Christ is our Shield.  He is the glory and the lifter of our head.  Jesus wants us to live an abundant life.  He wants us to be happy.  He wants us to lean on Him.  By doing so, we can ensure that our focus is not on the trials and tribulations of this world, but on the One who loves us more than we could ever imagine.  If we keep our eyes on Jesus, we’ll find that the difficult times are more bearable and the joyful times are even more delightful.  Let us praise the King of Kings and Lord of Lords for all that He has done in our lives!  From dawn until dusk and all through the night, the Lord is watching over you, keeping you safe.  Jesus Christ is our constant Friend, our Lord and Savior, and our Shield.

In Christ’s Love,

Jennifer

Lost and Found

Have you ever lost something?  Maybe you misplaced your cell phone, a wallet, or a set of keys?  Did you ever get lost on the way to your destination because of a wrong turn or missing an important street sign?  Perhaps you lost an important file on your computer due to a power surge.  There are many things in life that are easily lost.  Small items roll underneath the seat in the car, items fall between the sofa cushions, and important papers become lost in the shuffle of incoming papers.  Due to unforeseen circumstances, children often find themselves lost in a grocery store or at a mall.  Hopefully someone comes along who can help them find their parents, alleviating the panic and distress caused by the unexpected separation of parent and child.  Without doubt, inexplicable joy ensues when the lost is found!

Even the Bible tells stories of people losing things.  Take the shepherd who loses his sheep, for example.  He leaves ninety-nine sheep behind just to find the lost little lamb.  What about the women who lost one of her silver coins?  After finding it, she calls her friends and neighbors over for a celebration.  One man spends all of his money on prostitutes and wild living.  He gets to the point where he even craves a meal of pig’s food, due to lack of food during famine.  Finally, he returns home.  He asks his dad to make him a servant because he is no longer worthy to be called a son.  Instead of become angered, his dad says, “Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate.  For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found” (Luke 15:23-24 NIV).

In the same way that the shepherd, the woman, and the father rejoice at finding what was lost, the angels in Heaven rejoice when a man or woman gives their life to Christ.  The Bible says, “There will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent” (Luke 15:7 NIV).  When someone makes the decision to serve the Lord with all of their heart, they become a child of God.  Unlike the child who may find themselves lost in a sea of strangers, as Christians, we are never lost.  We are never out of the embrace of His loving arms.  Amid so much separation in this world, I am thankful to know that nothing can separate us from the unconditional love of Jesus Christ.

Romans 8:38-39 (NIV) says, “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  What an amazing promise.  No matter what we encounter in life, we will always have the love of God.  Whether storms, wars, or other calamities surround us, we can rest assured that we are inseparable from the vast power and love of Jesus Christ.

Through every circumstance that life throws our way, Jesus will send His angels to encamp around us, protecting us from harm.  Why?  Because that is how much He loves us.  I John 3:16 says, “This is how we know what love is: Christ gave His life for us.”  Love is more than a word.  It is an action.  Christ did not die on the cross to gain notoriety nor to prove a point.  Jesus Christ died to cleanse our sins, to redeem us, and to give us life everlasting in Heaven with Him.  If you had been the only person on the face of this earth, Christ would still have given His life for you.

No matter where you are today, you are not out of the reach of the love of Jesus Christ.  You may be in a prison, a hospital, or even a war-torn village.  Wherever you are, no matter what you’ve done, Jesus Christ loves you.  Call on the name of Jesus Christ and you will find redemption through Him.  Salvation comes only through the one true living God.  Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6 NIV).

Don’t wait until tomorrow, for it may be too late.  Ask Jesus Christ to come into your heart.  It is the most important decision you will ever make.  Stop living your life, feeling as if you are lost in a sea of despair.  There is hope in Jesus Christ.  Through Jesus, the lost is found and sorrow turns to joy!  Just like the little child who goes astray and is reunited their parents, today is the day when you can be united with your Heavenly Father.  A personal relationship with Jesus Christ is the most priceless gift anyone could ever receive.  And it is a gift that you cannot misplace and better yet, no one can take it away from you!  Nothing will ever separate you from the infinite love of Jesus Christ!

In Christ’s Love,

Jennifer

Peace Beyond Understanding

Have you ever experienced something in life that tried to rob you of your peace?  There are minor instances where our peace is suppressed only momentarily, such as when we have a flat tire on the way to work.  Sometimes in life, though, we endure hardships that seem too difficult to bear.  I know firsthand what the latter feels like.  Nearly six years ago, on August 2, 2008, my mom went to be with the Lord.  That night, my world was shattered.  But even in the midst of the most horrific night of my life, Jesus Christ wrapped His loving arms around me and my dad.  Although our human eyes saw what looked like a devastating storm raging in our lives, He showered our hearts and minds with peace beyond our understanding.

All of my life, I have read Philippians chapter four and it still one of my favorite passages of scripture.  But it wasn’t until I went through the tragedy of losing my mom that I truly began to understand the meaning of verse 7.  Here is the verse in context, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7 NIV).  The Apostle Paul tells us that we should not be anxious.  That means we should not worry about anything.  Instead, he tells us to pray in every situation.

You might be thinking, how could I possibly not worry and pray when I am upset, stressed, or grieving?  I know, it sounds nearly impossible.  But I can tell you that a life with constant anxiety is much more difficult than a life with prayer at the center.  That night, as we called loved ones to give them the devastating news, Psalm 121:1-2 ran through my mind repeatedly.  It says, “I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from?  My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”  I looked up at the silhouette of the mountains under the moonlit sky and prayed that God would give us strength in the coming hours, days, months, and years.

You see, even as I stood outside our camper with a broken heart, I knew that Jesus Christ was not only standing beside us, but He was holding our hands, to keep us from falling.  He is the Prince of Peace.  Although the circumstances were anything but peaceful, Jesus brought peace to our troubled hearts.  My dad and I sat beside my mom and sang, “Living by Faith.”  Our faith was the only thing that kept us going in that heartbreaking moment.  We prayed that God would send the Comforter to us.  Through our faith in God, we were showered with the peace that Paul wrote about.  We had peace in a situation where it doesn’t even seem to belong, according to our human perspective.  This kind of peace is a peace that exceeds all understanding.

One day my parents and I were enjoying a family vacation in the mountains and the next day, my dad and I were going to the local funeral home.  My heart had shattered into a million pieces.  My dad and I were exhausted, physically, mentally, and emotionally.  But we still had peace.  It wasn’t the peace like one feels while lying in the sun at the beach or listening to the raindrops go pitter patter on a metal roof.  This was the kind of Heavenly peace that I cannot understand nor fully explain.  Inexplicable peace that comes from Heaven above when the current circumstances seem like peace should not be found.  That is the kind of peace Paul writes about and the kind of peace that we experienced that night.

Six years later, I still miss my mom daily.  But my dad and I have found a new normal and a new purpose.  The same God who gave us peace in the midst of a tumultuous storm six years ago is the same God who gives us peace now, whether we are on the mountain top or in the valley.  Life without my mom is not easy, especially on days like her birthday, Mother’s Day, or even this coming Saturday, August 2.  But our lives are made glorious by the peace and joy that comes from knowing Jesus Christ!  He is the reason we live, the reason we laugh, the reason we love!  I thank Him every day for His countless blessings and His peace that passes all understanding.

I want to encourage you today.  Whatever it is you are going through, put your unwavering trust in Jesus Christ.  He will never fail you.  The peace that comes from knowing Jesus Christ as your personal Savior is unlike any other you will ever encounter on this earth.  With Jesus Christ living in your heart, you will experience a truly abundant life.  Through the good times and the bad times, He will guard your heart with peace like no other.  He will fill your heart with joy unspeakable!  You will be able to face each and every day with the calm assurance that God will give you peace beyond your understanding!

In Christ’s Love,

Jennifer

The Lifeboat

Every time I look at the headlines in the newspaper or watch the news on television, it saddens me to see how this world is declining so rapidly.  Many people have become lovers of money, lovers of evil, and even lovers of themselves.  Some individuals have no regard for human life, whether the human is an adult or even a newborn baby.  Even in my short 32 years on this planet, I can see the numerous changes that have taken place since the 1980’s.  Some of these changes have been good; however, some of them have simply led to destructive ends.  In reality, this world resembles a sinking ship.  I am so thankful that I have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ to carry me through the storm.  He is my Peace for the present and Hope for the future.  Jesus Christ is the Lifeboat for all who believe in Him.

Looking back in history, there was another time when the world became corrupt to the point that God wished His Creation did not even exist.  There was so much wickedness on this earth, the Bible says, “The Lord regretted that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled” (Genesis 6:6).  Just imagine.  The humans on earth had gotten so evil that their very own Creator regretted creating them and was troubled by what He saw.  Only one man was found to be worth saving.  God’s Word goes on to say, “But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord” (Genesis 6:8).

But Noah: those two little words saved a family’s life forever.  Noah was found to be faultless.  He was different than the rest of the population.  Let’s just say he stood out from the crowd.  God saw something special in Noah and his family.  Genesis 6:9 reads, “Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked faithfully with God.”  I’m sure Noah wasn’t perfect.  He probably slammed a few doors in his time and he may have gotten upset if one of his sons didn’t do their chores the first time they were asked.  But he didn’t engage in wicked deeds and sinful ways.  Noah trusted God and knew that the Lord would take care of them.

What would you do if God came to you and said that He was going to destroy the earth because of the destruction people had brought into the world (Genesis 6:13)?  Would you make a phone call, Facebook about it, or just sit down and cry?  Well, this actually happened to Noah.  But he didn’t question God.  He didn’t have a panic attack either.  He didn’t even Tweet about it or text his best friend to tell them the news.  Instead, he listened intently to all of the instructions, detailing the size of the ark that he was to construct, what animals to bring aboard, how much food to pack, and all of the other tasks that must be completed.  Then the Bible says, “Noah did everything just as God commanded him” (Genesis 6:22).  Noah didn’t just do half of the job and then sit down to watch his favorite program on television.  He didn’t delegate someone else to do the job.  He simply did what God asked him to do.

So many times, we complain about jobs that the Lord asks us to do.  Sometimes, we are tired and it’s hard to find energy to get the job done.  Other times, people often try to discourage us, even though we know God has enabled us for the task at hand.  I am sure Noah was discouraged when his friends laughed at him for building an ark. They had never seen a flood like that before.  They surely thought Noah had lost his mind.  What would your neighbors think if they saw you building a big boat in your front yard, standing tall at approximately 45 feet high?  I am sure the Neighborhood Beautification Committee would have something to say about that at their monthly meeting!  Look at Noah, building that atrocity!  And bringing all of those animals so close to where our children play!  Something must be done to prevent such outlandish behavior!

But God had asked Noah to accomplish a monumental task.  Noah ignored the backlash from the opposing side and immediately obeyed God.  He didn’t tell God that he had to fit it in between watching the Sunday afternoon football game and improving his golf swing at the range on Saturday.  He didn’t tell God that he just didn’t have the energy and would try to get around to it next week.  He didn’t even tell his neighbors what was going on.  He just got the job done.  Oh, and Noah didn’t try to cut corners when building the ark.  He accomplished the task precisely as God commanded.  Noah did all of this without complaining, even at the age of 600 years old.

God provided a lifeboat, so to speak, for Noah and his family, along with two of every clean animal.  Everything else was destroyed.  Because Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord, he and his family were spared.  God tells Noah that the rainbow will be a sign of the covenant between God and all life on earth, promising never to destroy the earth by flood waters again.  The rainbow is a promise not only to Noah and his family, but also to you and me.  God will be our Shelter from the storm.  Just as this world seemingly spirals out of control, we have a safe haven in the midst of the tumultuous seas.  Every single person, young or old, who puts their trust in Jesus Christ, will be saved.

Whatever you are going through right now, there is no situation too hard for God to handle.  Jesus even told His disciples, “‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible’” (Matthew 19:26).  God is greater than every prison, every hospital, every nursing home, every bottle of alcohol, and every other thing that may try to pull you away from the love of Jesus Christ.  The Bible says that nothing can separate us from the love of Jesus Christ (Romans 8:39).  He will rescue us when the raging waters rise.  He will be our beacon in the night, directing us toward safety.  No matter what you are facing today, remember that Jesus Christ is your Lifeboat.

In Christ’s Love,

Jennifer

Faith Makes All Things Possible!

When was the last time you heard someone say, “I can’t?” Or perhaps you recently heard someone remark, “That’s impossible!” Many times in life, we find ourselves faced with challenges that truly seem insurmountable. Our family may have unreasonable expectations of our abilities, our boss may ask too much of us, and our friends may become disappointed if we cannot be there for them every single time they need us. God may often give us a task that seems impossible. But it is in these moments when we feel so unqualified, so insignificant, that God reminds us that He makes all things possible. In our own strength, we can do nothing, but with God’s strength, we can do anything! By putting our faith in God, all things become possible!

One of the prime examples of the impossible becoming possible comes from the book of I Samuel. A young man by the name of David finds himself in the midst of a battle. Completely unprepared for the encounter, he is pitted against the largest man on the opposing side: Goliath. Now Goliath is a giant, both literally and figuratively. The Bible calls him a “champion” and says that he stood at a height of 9’9” or 3 meters (I Samuel 17:4). Compare Goliath to David, the youngest son of Jesse, one of Saul’s servants. David does not spend time on the battlefield, but spends most of his time tending his father’s sheep. When David says that he will fight the Philistine, even King Saul himself is doubtful of David’s ability to conquer the giant. Saul said, “‘You are not able to go out against this Philistine and fight him; you are only a young man, and he has been a warrior from his youth’” (I Samuel 17:33). Even so, David has something that Goliath does not have: faith in God.

David knows that God will protect him from all harm, just as He promises in His Word. He said, “‘The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine’” (I Samuel 17:37). David is offered Saul’s very own tunic, as well as a bronze helmet, coat of armor, and sword. But he wasn’t used to all of that heavy equipment. Instead, he goes down to the stream and collects five smooth stones. He didn’t use special armor. He wasn’t carrying any high-tech weapons. He did not even wear a helmet. He had a slingshot, some small stones, and faith that could move mountains. Most importantly, he knew that the true and living God would be his shield in battle.

David wasn’t acting out of naivety or inexperience. He was acting on faith. Goliath approaches him with his shield bearer going before him, taunting David as he sees this inexperienced warrior bringing “sticks” into the battle (I Samuel 17:43). But David was not deterred by Goliath’s unfavorable commentary. David simply states, “‘You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied’” (I Samuel 17:45). David had faith that God would carry out His plan. Although he may have been scared or worried, he remained faithful, confidently relying on God’s power to bring him to victory.

What if we had such great faith? How would our lives be different if we had faith that a few small stones would slay a giant standing in our way? David did not have any superpowers. He was just an ordinary human being whom God used to accomplish something truly extraordinary. Through faith, David became a high ranking officer in Saul’s army. But his greatest accomplishment was that he obeyed God and God honored him because of his faithfulness.

God will do the same for you. Whatever you are going through, God is looking out for you. He wants to be your shield in battle, your rock that you can stand on, your shelter from the storm. Have faith that God will make all things possible. Matthew 17:20 says, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” Have faith that God will be with you, every step of the way. With faith in God, the impossible becomes possible!

In Christ’s Love,
Jennifer

Jesus Gave His Life For Love

My dad is one of the best examples of Christ’s love that I have ever known.  He loves me so much that he would truly do anything to ensure my well-being, safety, and health.  That’s how fathers and mothers are.  They would run into a burning building, or dash in front of a moving truck, in an effort to protect their children.  So how much more did our Heavenly Father love us?  So much that He gave His only Son to show His love for us.  John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”  God didn’t just give His Son’s life for one or two people.  He gave His only Son for every man, woman, boy, and girl on this earth. 

When was the last time you said, “I love you,” to someone you know?  Was it this morning at breakfast?  Or last night before you went to bed?  Sometimes, we just get busy.  Before you know it, a day, a week, or even a month may go by before we realize we have not recently told our loved ones how much we love them.  Funny, isn’t it?  How can we become so busy that we do not tell the ones we love that we love them?  Sure, they know this already; however, we all have an inherent need to be loved.  We all need to hear those three little words every now and then.  Of course, sometimes love is shown in a different way and requires no verbalizing whatsoever.

Consider the love of Jesus Christ.  He didn’t just send us a card on Valentine’s Day.  He didn’t send us a text message, follow us on Twitter, or befriend us on Facebook.  And He didn’t make a phone call, send a letter, or e-mail us either.  No.  Jesus Christ died to show us how great His love is for us.  I John 3:16 says, “This is how we know what love is; Jesus laid down His life for us.”  The Bible clearly states that love is the selfless act of Jesus giving His life for us.  He loved us so much that He endured the agony of the cross, so that we might have eternal life in Heaven.  The Son of the living God went above and beyond every gift ever given in the history of mankind.  He gave His life.  Not just for a particular person of a certain race, culture, socioeconomic status, or other demographical statistic.  Jesus Christ died for every single person on the planet.

As Jesus Christ hung on the cross, He thought of you.  He knew you needed redemption.  He knew you needed a friend.  He knew you needed to be loved.  He didn’t die for fame or fortune.  He didn’t die to have His name engraved on a plaque in a prominent place or have His picture on the cover of People Magazine.  Jesus Christ died to cleanse us of our sins.  I am a sinner.  You are a sinner.  We are all sinners.  The Bible says that everyone has sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).  God’s Word also states, “He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities” (Isaiah 53:5).  It doesn’t say that He was pierced for the transgressions of criminals, murderers, or abusers.  It says He was pierced for our transgressions.  He bore all of the pain and suffering for everyone.  Why?  Because that is how much He loves us.

No matter what you’ve done in your life, there is no place beyond the reach of Jesus Christ.  He can make the vilest sinner clean.  Maybe you have taken drugs to the point where you think life is pointless.  Perhaps you have consumed enough alcohol that you have medical concerns being raised.  You may be abusing your family, whether physically or verbally.  In spite of all you have done, there is forgiveness found through Jesus Christ.  As Christ hung on the cross, one of the criminals hanging next to Him said, “Remember me” (Luke 23:42).  He had likely never walked in the door of a church.  He may have never read the Bible, given to his favorite charity, or even said a kind word to anyone.  But he believed that Jesus Christ had the divine power to redeem him of his sins.  Jesus said, “Today you will be with me in Paradise” (Luke 23:43).

Jesus Christ extends the same grace and mercy to you.  Romans 10:9 states, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”  There is no special prayer or secret code.  It is simple enough that a child can understand.  Just call on the name of Jesus Christ.  Believe that He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords who arose on the third day.  Put your trust in Jesus Christ today and you will be saved.  He will cleanse your sins, mend your broken heart, and fill your mind with peace that passes all understanding.  There is hope in Jesus Christ.  He loves you more than you could ever imagine!  That’s why Jesus gave His life: for love.

In Christ’s Love,

Jennifer

Let Us Adore Him!

During the 13^th century, one individual wrote down the words to what would soon become a beloved Christmas carol, “O Come All Ye Faithful.”  While it is believed that John Francis Wade is the one responsible for bringing these lyrics to the Christian church, uncertainty remains as to who is primarily responsible for the accompanying tune.  Still, one thing will always remain crystal clear: this song is a call for all Christians to adore the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  Every time I hear this song, I can’t help but feel overwhelmed with a renewed joy due to the gratefulness in my heart for the love that He has shown to me every day of my life.  That is why I do not see this song as a Christmas carol, but instead, as an anthem for all Christians everywhere.  We should give praise and adoration to Jesus Christ 365 days a year.  He is so worthy of our praise.  So I invite you to join me.  Come, let us adore Him!

The year was 1745.  John Francis Wade found himself in the midst of a battle between the Church of England and the Church of Rome.  During this time, many Catholics were forced to hide their faith from those around them.  Others fled the country, seeking religious freedom.  John Francis Wade was one of these individuals who chose to leave everything behind on a desperate quest for freedom to worship the one true and living God.  Having found refuge in France, he worked diligently to preserve documents of the church and to transcribe sacred music that otherwise may have been lost forever.  God rewarded his persistence by giving him the ability to write many songs, including the beloved Christmas carol, “Adeste Fideles,” also known as “O Come All Ye Faithful.”

Just imagine.  John Francis Wade was surrounded by trouble on every side, being persecuted for his faith and eventually having to flee his home country.  Yet, in the midst of this turmoil, He kept the faith and stood firm in his walk with God.  He knew that giving God praise and adoration was the key to having a meaningful and happy life, in spite of what was going on around him.  In the third verse of this cherished hymn, the lyrics state, “O Jesus!  Forevermore be Thy name adored.”  He did not write, at Christmastime be Thy name adored.  Instead, he wrote “Forevermore.”  Most assuredly, John Francis Wade knew that we should adore the name of Jesus continually, every moment of the day, every day of the year.  Despite the many trials and tribulations in his own life, he remained faithful.

Is there something in your life that is preventing you from praising the name of Jesus Christ continually?  Are you discouraged, due to a failed marriage, difficult financial circumstances, or wayward children?  Is there something at work that just doesn’t feel right and causes you to be stressed or even depressed?  Or is there a dark secret deep inside your heart that no one knows about but God?  No matter what you are going through, Jesus Christ cares about you.  He loves you more than you could ever imagine.  Don’t let the trials of this life weigh you down.  Talk to Jesus and tell Him all of your worries, cares, and fears.  He wants to help you.  He will bear your burdens.  You don't have to do it alone.  Wherever you are, just lift your hands and praise Him for the blessings He has given you.  Ask Him to give you wisdom to handle all of life's twists and turns.  Stand amazed at how God works in your life when you are in tune with His still, small voice.  Listen to Him.  Trust Him.  Worship Him.  Give praise and adoration to the Lord, for He is worthy to be praised!  Don’t wait until Christmas or even until Easter.  Let us adore Him today!  O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!

In Christ’s Love,

Jennifer

Pray Continually

“God is great. God is good. Let us thank Him for our food...” As a child, I have fond memories of reciting this mealtime prayer with my Grandparents. I am so thankful that I had parents and grandparents who always prayed over our meals and parents who always prayed with me before I went to bed. Even to this day, my dad and I thank God for the delicious food that He provides and we pray together before we turn in for the evening. But as an adult, I have found that prayer is an even greater necessity than ever before.

Some days, prayer is the only thing that gets me through challenging circumstances or life’s tragic disappointments. Whether I am having an awesome day or a not-so-perfect day, I have come to realize that each day only gets better the more I pray. Because the more I talk to Jesus, the more my mind is focused on things above as opposed to things on this earth. The Bible says to set our sights on Heavenly things. When I pray, my mind is fixed on Jesus, our Lord and Savior. When I am not praying, my mind is scattered among the many tasks that must be completed each day. This is the reason why we need to not only pray before we sit down to eat, or before we go to bed at night, but throughout every minute of every day. I want to challenge you today to make it a daily priority to pray continually!

Paul gives sound advice when he writes to the church at Thessalonica. He writes, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (I Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV). Paul doesn’t say that we should pray once in a while. He doesn’t say we should pray when we get up or before we go to bed. He says that we should pray continually. Once again, he writes, “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful” (Colossians 4:2 NIV). Paul is encouraging us to pray throughout our day, without stopping.

If you’re like me, your mind is suddenly aflutter with all of the things you have to get done. You’re thinking, how in the world can I possibly pray continually if I have to go to work, make dinner, wash the dishes, do the laundry, take your son or daughter to soccer practice, visit someone in the hospital, make cookies for your child’s class party tomorrow, take the cat to the vet, and shop for groceries. Not to mention the dentist appointment you forgot to reschedule because of the conflict with your other appointment to have your tires balanced and rotated on your new car, compounded by the fact that you desperately needed a haircut over a month ago. Needless to say, life is hectic and schedules are inevitably going to be busy.

Nonetheless, we can still pray continually. While it is wonderful to have time to kneel at the altar at church and cry out to God, or to spend time alone with God at home, we can still talk to Him throughout our day. I often find myself praying while washing dishes, driving down the road, or taking a shower. That’s the beauty of prayer. There is no set way to pray. Jesus gives us the Lord’s Prayer as a guideline, but we can talk to Him just like we would talk to our best friend. You know why? Because Jesus Christ is the best friend you will ever have. He loves you with a love that is unchanging, unconditional, and everlasting. He wants to hear your voice, whether you are asking Him to intervene in a particular situation or if you are praising Him for the good things He has done in your life. He longs to hear from you.

I want to introduce you to a man named Epaphras. Paul vouched for Epaphras, saying that he was a hard worker. But the most important thing Paul said about this man is that he knew how to pray. He writes, “Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured” (Colossians 4:12 NIV). Epaphras didn’t just pray. He wrestled in prayer. And he didn’t just do it whenever it struck his fancy. He did it always. Epaphras knew the value in praying continually and he was faithful in prayer, despite his busy work schedule and in spite of those who may have persecuted him for the time he spent in prayer. Why? Because he knew that prayer was the key to living a life in God’s perfect and divine will. Epaphras knew that the only way to be truly happy and content with his life was to be in tune with what God had called him to do.

What about you? Is there something in your life that is preventing you from praying continually? Perhaps you are facing a difficult time in your life with the loss of a loved one, a diagnosis of cancer in your family, or a son or daughter who has gone astray. I want to encourage you today. Jesus cares about you. Tell Him all of your cares. Pour out to Him all of your fears. Jesus told His disciples that they should always pray and never give up (Luke 18:1 NIV). He is telling you the same thing today. Do not give up. No matter what is going on in your life, there is hope in Christ. Take hold of Jesus’ hand and never let go. Talk to Him today, whether out loud or silently. Every day will seem brighter if you give your burdens to Jesus. So be sure to cast your worries aside, talk to Jesus daily, and stand amazed as He transforms your life! From sunrise to sunset, don’t let a minute slip by without praying continually!

In Christ’s Love,
Jennifer

The Perfect Christmas

Are you searching for the perfect Christmas?  Do you worry over whether or not you will finish your shopping on time?  Perhaps you want every cookie to look like they came off of the cover of a magazine.  Or maybe you are concerned over how your relatives will get along at the annual Christmas gathering this year.  While we would all like to piece together the perfect Christmas, we need to realize that Christmas doesn’t have to be perfect.  In fact, the one and only perfect Christmas many years ago was still far from perfect.
 

On December 9, I had the privilege of attending church at the Brooklyn Tabernacle in Brooklyn, New York.  The Christmas program, “Christmas Once Again,” was the best Christmas program I have ever seen in my life.  The music reached down into the depths of my soul.  The lyrics spoke to the innermost part of my heart.  The anointing of the Holy Spirit overwhelmed me completely, causing tears of joy to stream down my face.  Every word spoken, every note sung, and every move made ministered to my heart and soul in such a special way.  It was one of those days I will remember for the rest of my life.

While the vocalists, musicians, dramatic team, and others involved gave a superb performance, it wasn’t about the technical execution of the program.  For me, it was about the message being conveyed through the excellent presentation.  Songs such as “His Love Is All I See” and “Would It Still Be Christmas?” captured my full attention, tugging at my heartstrings, reminding me once again what the Christmas season is all about.  I’ve loved Jesus Christ with all of my heart ever since I was a little girl, but after this experience, I’d have to say I left there loving Christmas more, loving life more, and loving Jesus more.

The dramatic segment began with a father who was dreaming of the perfect Christmas.  He expected his family to epitomize perfection.  He wanted Christmas to be a certain way and fantasized about a family straight from the television classics in which the mother wears pearls in the kitchen and the children take etiquette to the extreme.  All too soon, he wakes up, realizing that his family is far from picture-perfect.  His wife is frazzled over dinner preparations, his children have their own ideas of the way things should be, and their relatives are eccentric to say the least.  Everything seems to go wrong and one by one, their guests leave.  His children storm out of the room.  His wife explains to him that Christmas doesn’t have to be perfect because the first Christmas wasn’t perfect either.

You see, the very first Christmas was far from perfect.  Jesus Christ, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, was born in a stable.  There wasn’t even any room in the inn.  Jesus wasn’t laid in a crib in a hospital.  He was laid in a manger of hay.  There were not thousands of people there to witness this grandiose event.  No paparazzi or news reporters were there to cover this significant moment in history.  Instead, a few Wise Men and some shepherds were the only ones who came to congratulate the new parents.  But with all of its imperfections, this first Christmas was absolutely perfect.  Why?  Because this single night literally changed the world.

This Christmas, don’t dwell on trying to create the perfect Christmas.  Instead, ask God to give you a blessed Christmas.  It doesn’t matter if you wrap gifts the night before Christmas, or if the cookies get a little too brown on the bottom.  And no one will know if you made the whole meal from scratch or took a few shortcuts here and there.  What really matters is whether or not you and your family spend time together and whether or not you take time to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  With Jesus Christ at the center of your Christmas, your Christmas will be truly perfect.

In Christ’s Love,

Jennifer

A Cat Named Monkey

I’ve always had a soft spot in my heart for furry little animals that need a home. Whether it is a dog’s tail wagging happily as she takes me for a walk (yes, you read that correctly, takes me!), or if it is the soothing sound of a cat purring as he lays beside me on the sofa, I am a pushover for these friendly creatures that God put on this earth. I guess you could say the real testament to my love for animals would be the fact that I currently have three cats, a dog, a rabbit, and two pygmy goats. There’s just something unexplainably wonderful about a four-legged animal that snuggles up against me and loves me unconditionally, no matter what.

It was just a couple of years ago that my youngest cat came to live with us. I adopted this particular cat when he was barely even weaned from his mother. The previous owner could not support all of the kittens in the litter and decided to go ahead and give them away to the first homes they could find. Just as you suspected, I was one of the first to respond. There was something about this particular kitten’s face that said, “You need me and I need you.” Pretty convincing, since we now have each other!

When we first got this cat, he would climb up the side of everything (even humans!), just like a monkey. And so, the name stuck. “Monkey,” as we affectionately call him, has essentially decided that I am his mother. He presses his head up against my hand, unwilling to back away. He purrs continuously, and like most people, thoroughly enjoys a full body massage. Still, there is one thing that he does not like. He does not like the moment when I must resume my daily responsibilities and leave his company. The moment I walk away from him, he is crushed. I’m telling you the truth! Every time, without fail, he howls in sadness that our “playtime” has ended for now. He just can’t bear the thought of being apart from me, even for a moment. The very notion of being out of my sight is heartbreaking for him.

This evening, as we concluded our daily routine of him pushing against me and me giving him a massage, he howled as I left his sight, just as he had so many times before. As I walked away and listened to his sorrowful cries, I thought of how much our Heavenly Father loves us and just how much He is grieved when one of His children leaves His embrace. Amazingly, though, Jesus continues to love us, whether we acknowledge Him or not. If we spend time with Him, He loves us. And in those times when we’re just “too busy” and do not have time for Him, Jesus Christ never once stops loving us.

Think about it. Jesus Christ loves you and me unconditionally. That means He loves us, no questions asked. He loves every single person on this planet: parents, grandparents, children, and grandchildren. He loves the drug addict, the alcoholic, the murderer. Jesus Christ does not discriminate. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you came from, Jesus Christ loves you. When you are running late for work and do not have time to say, “Good morning, Lord,” Jesus still loves you without fail. If you spend your evening watching television, leaving no time for reading His Word, He still loves you. Even if you have gone astray, whether for days, months, or years, Jesus loves you unconditionally, as though you had never even left His side. God’s Word says that there is not one thing in God’s Creation that “will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:39 ESV). Nothing can come between you and the perfect love of Jesus.

Just like my cat named Monkey, Jesus Christ longs for us to stay at His side, so that we can live a life of true joy that is only found in Him. He loves hearing the voice of His children. He loves embracing us in His fatherly arms. He longs to have us hold his hand as we journey down the road of life, just as a child would hold the hand of their father. Why? Because we are loved by the One who forgives our sins, forgets our past, and forever loves each of us with a fervent, absolute love that has no end.

In Christ’s Love,
Jennifer

A Person Should...

Everyone always says, “A person should…”  Fill in the blank with whatever you like.  Everyone has an opinion on what “people” should be doing.  But my question to them is this: what are they doing themselves?  So many times we get wrapped up in what others think, feel, or desire.  Ultimately, we may even lose sight of what we, ourselves, actually think, feel, or desire.  Instead, we need to ensure that our opinions, feelings, and desires are given to God.  Inevitably, there is only one thing that should be at the top of a person’s to-do list: a person “should” follow Christ.

During our daily routines, we have a myriad of tasks we must complete.  From the simplest, mundane items, such as brushing our teeth and selecting our clothing for the day, to the more complex items, like deciding whether or not we should go to the dentist for a cavity filling, a crown, and/or a root canal, despite the dentist’s recommendation for all three.  No matter what is on our schedule, it seems there are always too many items on the “to-do” list and never enough hours of the day in which to do them.

Still, it is easy to fall into the trap of becoming one of those people who consistently preach, “Do as I say not as I do.”  Now, this could be a positive statement, given the appropriate context in which it is used.  However, there are many times when this statement is not just used, but abused.  For example, a mother may tell her daughter to avoid getting pregnant as a teenager, even though she herself was pregnant at a very young age.  Or a father may tell their son to avoid smoking cigarettes, even though he himself began smoking at the same age of his son and continually smokes a pack or more per day.  Inevitably, children want to emulate their parent’s behavior.  And in the end, the majority of children will follow in their parent’s footsteps, disregarding any verbal instructions that have been given.

As Christians, we need to lead by example.  We need to show others how to live a life fully devoted to Jesus Christ.  They need to see that our lives reflect the light of the Son of the Living God.  He is the perfect Role Model.  People need to be inspired to emulate Christ, as that is what we have been called to do.  You see, it’s not about whether or not you check everything off of your to-do list.  If you do, that’s a wonderful accomplishment.  And if not, hopefully you can complete the tasks another day.  Ultimately, though, there is only one thing that a person “should” do, and that is to serve the Lord with all of their heart.  Whether or not you purchase groceries today or tomorrow will only affect what is on the menu for dinner tonight.  What you do for Christ will affect eternity.

In Christ’s Love,

Jennifer