Category: Devotionals

“For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” – Matthew 26:28

There once was a king who had a vast kingdom. He loved his subjects more than anything, and he would do anything for them. He ruled in wisdom, kindness, and love. One day, a horrible virus came upon the kingdom. It was a terrible virus, and it was very insidious. People could have avoided it by washing their hands frequently and practicing good health habits, but they weren’t diligent, and they began to get sick. Their lungs filled with thick fluid and, breathing became difficult. The hearts of those infected were not strong enough to survive the attacks of the virus, and so the people began to die. The virus invaded everything. People were exposed to it without even realizing it, and the virus continued to spread like a wildfire. More and more people died. First, it was a few, then hundreds, then thousands. The numbers of deaths continued to climb, and despite all that the best medical professionals could do, the virus continued. It cared not the age of the individual; it infected children, teenagers, young adults, and the elderly. The king urged his scientists to find a cure, and they worked feverishly to do so. The people begged their king to help them, and he was desperate to save his people.

One day, a scientist came to the king with a discovery. They had isolated a specific antigen on this virus that could be targeted by a very rare blood antibody. If there was anyone in the kingdom that had this antibody, it could save the people. The king made a decree that everyone in the kingdom was to be tested. From the lowliest servant to the king himself. All would have their blood analyzed for the rare antigen. Thousands and thousands of people had their blood tested, but no one had the antibody. The king was so sad; he knew that everyone in his kingdom would die from this virus if it wasn’t stopped.

“Isn’t there anyone with this antibody?” he cried out, dropping his head into his hands.

At that moment, a scientist ran into the throne room. “Your Majesty!  We have found someone with the antibody!” He came to a stop in front of the throne.

The king stood up and shouted as a huge smile spread across his face. “That is wonderful!” Then he noticed there was no sign of jubilation on the face of the scientist. “What is it?” the king asked.

The scientist hesitated, then spoke. “In order to save the people, it will require more blood antibodies than this person can safely give. He would have to sacrifice his life, giving all his blood. That is the only way…”

The king sat back down on his throne. “To save us all, he would have to die?”

“Yes.”

“Who is this person? Does he know?”

At that moment, the king’s only son entered the throne room. The prince approached the throne and turned to his father. “It is I, Father. They have told me everything. I understand the need, and I will do it. Only my blood will save our people.”

The scientists were able to create a vaccine for the virus, and the people in the kingdom were saved due to the prince’s sacrifice. The kingdom rejoiced that the vaccine was successful. The virus had been defeated, and life soon returned to normal. The virus became a thing of the past, and as time moved on, people forgot about the horrors of its sickness and death. Hardly anyone received the vaccine anymore. No one really saw the need. Nearly everyone had forgotten the great price that was paid for their salvation. The prince’s sacrifice was just a story of long ago.

People soon returned to their old ways, living as they had always lived. The vaccine bottles began to gather dust in the pharmacies. Good health practices faded away, and the story of the virus’ defeat was just a small paragraph on a page in a history book.

But the virus wasn’t dead and gone; it was just gathering its strength…

In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,
A wondrous beauty I see,
For ’twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,
To pardon and sanctify me.

So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it some day for a crown.

(from “The Old Rugged Cross” by George Bennard)

“And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood” – Revelation 1:5

**********

Years ago, I read a story with a plot similar to this one. I have not been able to find it since, nor do I know who wrote the original. This is my own version tailored to the events of today. I would love to give credit to the original writer. If anyone knows who that might be, please let me know.

“Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee.” Isaiah 12:6

Why does God allow so much evil in the world? Famine, war, disease, betrayal, economic woes, hatred… He is omnipotent and sovereign. Why can’t He just stop it all? Why doesn’t He just get rid of all the awful things in this world and let us live happily ever after? He can, of course, but for now, He chooses not to do so.

We all have the ability to choose or reject God. It’s called free will. One day, God will remove sin from this world forever, but right now He has a reason for waiting. That reason is 2 Peter 3:9. It states, “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” He waits because He is giving everyone the opportunity to accept Jesus, His Son, as their Saviour. He waits because He doesn’t want to lose any of us. He waits because He loves us.

Right now, sin is rampant on earth, and frankly, sin is enticing in its allure. It beckons, and people follow not realizing that in the end, sin is a deadly trap. Right now, mankind’s foot hovers over the steel jaws of sin, toying with the pseudo-pleasures of wickedness, but one day that trap will snap shut, and there will be no more chance to escape its evil grip. God uses the terrible things of this world to draw us to Him so that we can escape the eternal consequences of sin before it’s too late.

Think about it. When times are hard and situations are difficult to face, to whom do we turn? When there is no one that can help us, where do we go? Think back to 2001. Two decades ago, our nation came under attack, and our churches began to fill with people seeking God. Right now, we are facing another dire situation. Covid-19 has invaded the world bringing sickness, financial troubles, social isolation, and fear… and people are turning to God. When the results of sin come, humanity always turns to God.

Christians are not immune from hard times either. My life has had its own shares of troubled times, and each time, God used them to draw me nearer to Him. Throughout the years, my faith has grown as He took me through the hard times of abandonment, cancer, strained relationships, and loss. He has used every difficult situation to bring me closer to Him. And frankly, without those hard times, I cannot unreservedly say that I would have the relationship with God that I have at this moment. Why? Because being comfortable in a sinful world is what Satan uses to deceive us and keep us from God. I don’t like tough times, and I don’t like tribulation in my life, but I am grateful for their purpose. 1Thessalonians 5:18 states, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” Note this verse does not say “for every thing…” but rather, “in every thing…) In every situation (especially in hindsight), I can see the hand of God working and for that, I definitely give thanks. I know God used each situation to grow my faith and deepen my relationship with Him, and I also know He will continue to do so until Jesus comes and take me back to heaven to be with Him forever.

One day, the time will end when mankind will have the opportunity to call upon Christ for salvation. At that time, God will eradicate all sin. Satan and his cohorts will all be forever banished from our lives, and we will begin forever with God in heaven. But that time hasn’t come yet because God is still patiently waiting for His children to come home.

If you’ve never accepted Jesus’ forgiveness for the sins in your life, won’t you do that today? He sacrificed His life on the cross, taking the punishment for your sins, so that He could be your Saviour. He is waiting for you to come to Him, so that He can save you from the eternal punishment of sin and give you eternal life through Him. You want that “happily ever after”? It can only come through Jesus!

The Savior is waiting to enter your heart,
Why don’t you let Him come in?
There’s nothing in this world to keep you apart,
What is your answer to Him?

If you’ll take one step toward the Savior, my friend,
You’ll find His arms open wide,
Receive Him and all of your darkness will end,
Within your heart He’ll abide.

Time after time He has waited before,
And now He is waiting again,
To see if you’re willing to open the door,
Oh, how he wants to come in.

(from “The Savior is Waiting” by Ralph Carmichael)

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28

**********

If you know someone who needs Jesus, please share Him with them today!

“A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.” Proverbs 29:11

I received a text message today from a dear friend, and she wrote “… going to garden, to talk, and to listen…” As I walked this morning, the phrase “…to listen…”  kept coming to my mind.  I thought about how often I came to my prayer garden “…to do…” but rarely “…to listen…” Sometimes I am so wrapped up in myself that I spend a lot of  unloading on God, and I never hear what He has to say to me.

So today in my prayer garden, I decided to simply sit and listen to God.

I come to the garden alone,
While the dew is still on the roses,
And the voice I hear falling on my ear
The Son of God discloses.

He speaks, and the sound of His voice
Is so sweet the birds hush their singing,
And the melody that He gave to me
Within my heart is ringing.

And He walks with me, and He talks with me,
And He tells me I am His own;
And the joy we share as we tarry there,
None other has ever known.

(from “In the Garden” by Charles A. Miles)

“Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10

**********

Listen to God through His Word and His Spirit. It’s amazing what you will hear!

“…be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” – 1 Corinthians 15:58

This is a very unusual world we live in these days. Cloistered in our homes, unable to visit anyone. For me, the inability to go to church has been very hard, especially because my social life also revolves around the church. This time of isolation can be very, very difficult and very lonely at times.

I’ve read a couple of things on social media comparing our time of social isolation to the days of the early church when believers had to stay in the homes and worship for fear of imprisonment or death. Others have stated that our worship situation is similar to underground churches that meet in countries where Christianity is forbidden.

I praise God I live in a country where I can worship without fear, and I would never want to minimize the trials and tribulations of the early church believers or the persecuted Christians in today’s world by comparing my situation to theirs. However, during this time of social isolation, I do feel disconnected from my brothers and sisters in Christ. I miss the fellowship; I miss the unity of our spirits, and I miss serving God together.

However, this time of isolation is teaching me that no matter where I am or in what situation I find myself, I can always be “abounding in the work of the Lord.” When John the Baptist wandered in the wilderness, he continued the work of the Lord (Matthew 3, John 1). When Paul and Silas were in prison, they still praised God and shared Christ with those around them (Acts 16:25-34). When John Bunyan, author of Pilgrim’s Progress, was in prison, he served God through his writing. When Corrie ten Boom was in a German concentration camp, she continued to share the gospel with other prisoners. I realize that no matter where I am, God will enable me to serve Him if I am willing.

One of the things I’ve rediscovered is sending notes through the mail. I know that I enjoy getting letters, so I’ve started doing that. It’s such an easy way to encourage others and share Jesus. Maybe it doesn’t seem like much to others, but for me, it’s a way to connect with others and serve God at the same time! “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:” – Hebrews 10:24

Another way I can serve God is by praying for others. The Bible tells me to “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2) It’s seems odd to think that praying is actually a service to the Lord, but He commands us to continually be in prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17) and to pray for others. I can serve Him by being a prayer warrior for my family and friends!

Social media is yet another way to serve the Lord. I’ve read posts of how God has been working in people’s lives; I’ve looked at beautiful pictures with Scriptures on them, and I’ve watched livestream videos of church services! These have been so encouraging to me! Such wonderful testimonies of how God continues to move forward in the hearts of His people! “Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11

It’s pretty exciting to know that there are many ways to continue serving the Lord while being isolated at home. All we need to do is find our niche! Pray and ask the Lord to show you what you can do to serve Him, then listen for His response. It may surprise you!

Through this time of social isolation, we must continue to be steadfast, unmoveable, and always abounding in our work for Jesus. We never know where our seeds of faith will be planted or who will water them, but we do know God will bring forth the fruit, for our labor is not in vain!

Perhaps today there are loving words which Jesus would have me speak;
There may be now in the paths of sin, some wand’rer whom I should seek;
O Savior, if Thou wilt be my guide, though dark and rugged the way,
My voice shall echo Thy message sweet, I’ll say what You want me to say.

I’ll go where You want me to go, dear Lord, O’er mountain, or plain, or sea;
I’ll say what You want me to say, dear Lord, I’ll be what You want me to be.

(from “I’ll Go Where You Want Me To Go” by Mary Brown)

“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;” – Colossians 3:23

**********

I’d love to hear how you are serving the Lord at your home during this time of isolation!

“In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;” – Ephesians 1:7

Today, as I walked, I passed by a dogwood tree in my yard. Its lovely white blossoms were in full bloom. I stopped to admire the flowers, and the legend of the dogwood tree came to mind.

The story goes that the tree upon which Jesus was crucified was a dogwood, a tree similar in size and strength to an oak. However since that day, it was said that God declared the dogwood would no longer be a tall strong tree, but rather a small tree, bent and twisted, and it would never again grow big enough to be made into a cross. Its blossoms are white, and in the center there is a cluster that represents the crown of thorns that Jesus wore. The dogwood flower has four petals, two large and two small, that form the shape of a cross. Each petal has an indentation, as if a nail had gone through, and the edges of the notch are colored rusty red, representing the blood of Jesus.

In reality, the dogwood is not a tree that is native to the Middle East, and it is not mentioned in the Bible. It does, however, bloom each year in early spring around Easter, and its part of God’s creation that reminds us of the great sacrifice that Jesus made on an old rugged cross so that you and I could have eternal life with Him in heaven one day.

In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,
A wondrous beauty I see,
For ’twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,
To pardon and sanctify me.

So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it some day for a crown.

(from “The Old Rugged Cross” by George Bennard)

“For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” Matthew 26:28
**********
“Be assured that there is no sin you have ever committed that the blood of Jesus Christ cannot cleanse.” – Billy Graham

“Seek the Lord when he can still be found; call him while he is yet near.” Isaiah 55:6

I have some regrets in my life. Things I wish I had done differently. These are my “if onlys.”

Some are whimsical.

• If only I had seen that mud puddle…
• If only I had not eaten that second doughnut…
• If only I had used sunblock…
• If only I had not put a pink shirt in with the whites…

Some are more serious.

• If only I would have listened…
• If only I had made that phone call…
• If only I had watched where I was going…
• If only I had kept my mouth shut…
• If only I had taken the time…
• If only I had chosen differently…

I suppose we all have our own personal list of “if onlys,” but there is one “if only” that no one should ever experience. It is “If only I had called upon the Lord…”

The Bible tell us there will be a time when calling upon the Lord will be finished. Fortunately, that time has not arrived yet. God is still patiently waiting, giving everyone a chance to call upon Him for salvation. 2 Peter 5:9 reminds us that God “…is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”

Today, God is very near. He is waiting for each of us to call upon Him. While salvation is the greatest need of mankind, God also wants His children to continually be “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” (1 Peter 5:8) We can call upon Him for help, for comfort, for hope. No care is too small. Jesus waits to hear them all. He tells us in Jeremiah 29:12, “Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.” If we call, He will hear us. And if He hears us, He will respond. “And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:” (1 John 5:14)

Take time today to call upon the Lord. He’s waiting to hear from you.

The Savior is waiting to enter your heart,
Why don’t you let Him come in?
There’s nothing in this world to keep you apart,
What is your answer to Him?

Time after time He has waited before,
And now He is waiting again,
To see if you’re willing to open the door,
Oh, how he wants to come in.

(from “The Saviour Is Waiting” by Ralph Carmichael)

“The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.” – Psalm 145:18

**********

Calling upon Jesus for forgiveness of your sins and saving you is the first step. After that, He wants to hear from you about everything! Won’t you call upon Him today?

“With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” – Ephesians 4:2-3

Yesterday, my husband planted fruit trees with my daughter and granddaughter. Later, my daughter worked out with her girls. My son-in-law took time off from work to have lunch with his family. I helped another granddaughter dissect turkey hearts for a science lab. My husband and son-in-law worked to livestream our church’s midweek service. Just another day in our self-isolation!

There are six people in my immediate family, and we cover three generations in my house. We have two young teens, two adults, and two seniors living together under one roof. My family has practiced self-isolated now for two weeks, and honestly, it’s been fine. How do we do it? Well, we all have the same Father, and one way we honor Him is to co-exist as a family in harmony. God is the center of each of our lives, and we try to “do what Jesus would do” in our relationships with one another every day.

It’s not always an easy task by any means, but it’s doable when we allow the Holy Spirit to guide us. It is He that keeps us in the bond of peace. Do we ever get cross with one another? Sometimes, but we have learned to “forebear one another in love, endeavoring to keep unity,” all through the power of God’s Holy Spirit. We respect one another; we listen to one another, and we try to be kind to one another. “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

We have chosen to make this time profitable for all of us. One day, this pandemic will just be a fading memory, but until then, we will continue to make the best of it and enjoy our time together. There is no other group of people with whom I would rather be self-isolated than my family. I am truly blessed!

There shall be showers of blessing:
This is the promise of love;
There shall be seasons refreshing,
Sent from the Savior above.

Showers of blessing,
Showers of blessing we need:
Mercy-drops round us are falling,
But for the showers we plead.

(from “There Shall Be Showers of Blessings” by Daniel W. Whittle)

“And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places;” – Isaiah 32:18

**********

We all can survive this virus. All we need to do is stay close to Jesus!

“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” – Romans 10:17

Have you ever wanted something that required effort to obtain? Maybe it was a new car for which you had to save money over a period of time. Perhaps a new career to which you had to go back to school. Maybe you wanted a new outfit that would take hours to create from fabric and thread. Whatever it was, when you finally were able to have it, it was so precious to you because you had waited so long and worked so hard for it.

Faith is like that. I find myself sometimes wishing I had more faith. But faith doesn’t just happen. I had read a verse in the Bible a long time ago, Romans 12:3, which ends, “…according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith,” and I assumed faith did just happen. I assumed that God doled out faith in portions to each of us, and that was that. I had my share, and that was it. No more, no less. Today, I am realizing I completely misunderstood that verse!

So, here is my takeaway. My faith began as a tiny seed. “But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it…” (Matthew 13:23). For me, it was planted long ago in a little country church, and the portion was very small. It was limited by my age and ability to understand the things of God. As I grew, the seed of my faith was watered and began to grow until I understood my need for a Saviour. “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 3:15). I realize now that the measure of my faith had increased! How? Through God’s Word! His Holy Spirit was opening my eyes to a deeper understanding of the Bible, and as He did, my faith grew. I just didn’t realize it at the time.

As an adult, I have been blessed with two godly pastors in my life who taught me more about God and helped me grow as a Christian. Has my faith grown? Absolutely. Both men taught from the Bible as empowered by the Holy Spirit, and as a result, I continue to grow in my knowledge of God, and my faith has increased. “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught…” (Colossians 2:6-7). It is so clear to me that the instruction I have received from the Word of God has been the catalyst for the increase in my faith over the years. I did not receive a designated portion of faith that would be a set amount for my entire life. Instead, I see that God has been measuring out my faith in increments that I can understand and then build upon. My “measure of faith” has not been static, but rather it has been  dynamic, divinely changing over the years!

I think about the wise man who built his house upon a solid foundation. “Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:” (Matthew 7:24). My solid foundation is Jesus Christ, my Saviour. From there, God has been helping me build my house of faith. He has provided the tools for me, and He dispenses the materials little by little… that’s the measure He gives to me. It’s an on-going process whereby my house is built. Sometimes I build a lot, sometimes I build just a little, but the foundation is solid! It’s not easy, either. Building my house of faith requires effort. But if I want it bad enough, I will work for it through personal Bible study, going to church and listening to godly messages, and paying attention to the Spirit of the Lord. Why? Because the more I understand the Word of God, the more “materials” God gives me to reinforce and grow my faith.

Quite amazing what can happen with one tiny seed, isn’t it?

More about Jesus would I know, more of His grace to others show;
More of His saving fullness see, more of His love who died for me.

More about Jesus let me learn, more of His holy will discern;
Spirit of God, my teacher be, showing the things of Christ to me.

More, more about Jesus, more, more about Jesus;
More of His saving fullness see, more of His love who died for me.

(from “More About Jesus” by Eliza E. Hewitt)

“Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.” Psalm 86:11

**********

My mansion in heaven… when faith becomes sight!

“I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee.” Isaiah 44:22

I’m a sinner. I know it, and Romans 3:23 confirms it. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” When it comes to my sins, I remember a lot of them. Some I could write about, but others, I would never dare to put into print. I suppose you could say those are my secret sins. They are the sins that shame me. The ones I wish never happened; the ones that I can’t seem to forget; the ones I’ve hidden from everyone.

Except God.

I can’t hide my sins from God. He knows about them all. Every single one of them. And in His sight, the “little” ones are just as heinous as the “big” ones. Any one of them is enough to keep me from God and His heaven. When perfect holiness is the standard, even a little white lie is enough to condemn me or anyone else. Seems hopeless, doesn’t it? But it’s not. Why? Because the Bible tells me that God loves me and you! (Jeremiah 31:3)

Romans 5:8 states, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” I love this verse! It tells me that no matter how vile a sinner I am, God still loves me with that everlasting love of which the prophet Jeremiah wrote. God still found value in us, and that’s the reason He chose to sacrifice His only Son, so that we might have eternal life with Him! “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)

The Bible tells me, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). When I think about my life and the sins that I so easily embraced, it overwhelms me to think that the all-knowing God of heaven loves me so much that He allowed His Son, Jesus, to take the punishment for my sins on the chance that I would one day understand my need for a Saviour and bow before Him begging for forgiveness. But I did understand, and I did beg for His forgiveness. And He gave it!

Today, I still remember some of my past sins, but I know God doesn’t remember them anymore (Hebrews 10:17). In God’s mind, my sins have been completely eradicated from my life’s history.  I believe that when I’m in heaven, I, too, will remember them no more because I have chosen to accept Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, acknowledging Him as Lord and Saviour of my life, and He has forgiven me of every single sin – past, present, and future! Since I’ve been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb, I know when I’m with Jesus in heaven, there will be no more sadness or tears for me!

If you’ve never experienced God’s forgiveness of sin, all you need to do is believe that Jesus, God’s Son, died on the cross, taking upon Himself the punishment for your sins, and ask Him to forgive you for those sins, and save you! The Bible states in Romans 10:13, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” You can call upon Him today, and He will save you!

One future day, I know I’ll see Jesus in heaven, and I will also see His scars from when He was on the cross. Only then will I be able to grasp in full what He did for me so long ago. I am, and will forever be, grateful to be a sinner saved by grace.

Would you be free from the burden of sin?
There’s power in the blood, power in the blood;
Would you o’er evil a victory win?
There’s wonderful power in the blood.

There is power, power, wonder-working power
In the blood of the Lamb.
There is power, power, wonder-working power
In the precious blood of the Lamb.

(from “There is Power in the Blood” by Lewis E. Jones)

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9

**********

“No child of God sins to that degree as to make himself incapable of forgiveness.” – John Bunyan

Just Hanging Around

“Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:” – Proverbs 6:6

I married an ant. I birthed two ants. I have a couple of grandchildren that are ants. It’s tough living in a household of ants, especially when you aren’t one! An ant represents a person who is always on the move, busy doing anything, but always busy. In fact, they enjoy being busy.

I don’t really think of myself as a sluggard, but this verse did make me stop and take a look at myself. I am definitely not an ant, but I sure hope I’m not a sloth! A sloth is a very slow animal known for just “hanging around” – literally! A sloth hangs on a branch and seemingly does nothing for days on end. I sure I’m not a sloth!

I had to wonder about that though because my family often teases me about being on the computer a lot and not being as active as they are. (Mind you, my son-in-law is on his computer all day for his job, but he never gets in trouble for it!) My excuse is that sitting at a computer is what a writer does, right? I can’t write when mowing the lawn or tending a garden, but am I being a sloth? Proverbs has a few verses about being slothful, and they are not complimentary! Proverbs 19:15 states, “Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger,” and Proverbs 18:9 tells us “He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.” No, I definitely don’t want to be a sloth. So what am I?

I made the mistake of asking my family what type of animal I might be. I got four different answers, so I thought I’d do a little research. My results? I think I’m more like a donkey. After all, donkeys spend their days resting during the hottest part of the day (yep, that’s me!), and they are voracious eaters (definitely a yes!). My husband sweetly pointed out that donkeys are also a bit stubborn! (Me?)

All kidding aside, it really doesn’t matter what type of animal compares to me, what is important is that I am not slothful when it comes to serving the Lord. He has given me a job to do while I am here on earth, and it’s my Christian responsibility to keep busy doing His work. It could be by teaching Sunday school, handing out tracts, visiting the sick and elderly, or even sitting at a computer writing a Christian blog! The Bible says in Colossians 3:23, “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.”

Even in times of social-isolation, we can keep busy for God. Write someone a “just thinking about you” note; call someone and have an “encouragement chat,” send a missionary a “keeping in touch” email. There’s so much we can do for God even within the confines of our homes.

I may not be an ant, but I can be as busy as a bee for the Lord!

Take my life, and let it be consecrated, Lord, to Thee;
Take my moments and my days, let them flow in ceaseless praise,
Let them flow in ceaseless praise.

Take my hands, and let them move at the impulse of Thy love;
Take my feet and let them be, swift and beautiful for Thee,
Swift and beautiful for Thee.

Take my voice, and let me sing always, only, for my King;
Take my lips, and let them be filled with messages from Thee,
Filled with messages from Thee.

(from “Take My Life and Let It Be” by Frances Ridley Havergal)

“Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;” Romans 12:10,11

**********

Not sure what to do? Ask Jesus. Then quietly listen for His response. He’ll tell you!