September 3, 2021

Have you seen the bumper stickers that say things like “Honk if you love Jesus” or “If the operator of the vehicle is not in his seat, he’s been raptured”? I guess everyone has a right to express themselves any way they want. I often see fish signs on cars so we know they are Christians, unless the fish have feet indicating they believe in evolution. Sometimes we like to use things like this as an outward expression so that others may think about Jesus. Anytime you can get an unsaved person to think about Him, it’s good. But it made me think. Over the years, I have had different Bible verses printed on paper on my fridge. When I struggled with depression my favorite reminder was “The Joy of the Lord is my strength” Nehemiah 8:10. This one helped me remember that without God, I am weak and I didn’t want to let the enemy steal my joy, so this helped often. Later I remember having “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matt 6:33. Or another translation is: Seek the Kingdom of God above ALL else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need. I have a nice wooden sign in my kitchen that someone made for me. “Give us this day, our daily bread”. From Matt 6 also. Roger got me a wooden engraved sign that is above the doorway to the house, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” Joshua 24:15. I have a wall in my tv room with pictures/signs from Hobby Lobby with Bible verses. I like to be surrounded by reminders of God’s love & goodness, because I can forget!
Last Sunday I had gotten a text from my sister in FL. Our 88 yr old father who lives in a nursing home there was taken to the hospital with covid. I had a mixture of emotions. He is ready to go home to see mom. He doesn’t like the nursing home, although it is one of the nicest, cleanest ones I have been in, he doesn’t like the food. He has to use a scooter and if given a chance I have no doubt he would try to run away from home on it. So, my emotions were between, his quality of life, going home and of course all of us missing him. I could only pray “God, your will be done in his life”. My youngest sister however was in spiritual warfare for him. Binding covid and praying him well. It made me feel a little guilty. But then a friend at church reminded me (of something I know so well!!).
Psalm 139:16. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
God knew us & created each of us with all our quirks & special nuances BEFORE we were born and He knew THEN our last day here as well. How amazing that this God who hung the stars in the sky made us, with a beginning and a purpose, but for those who love & follow him, there is no end!
By the way, my dad was released from the hospital yesterday. His time on earth is not over. Praise God.