Writing On Eagles Wings

(photo courtesy of James Miyashita)

“When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.” – Isaiah 43:2

2020 is coming to an end. Throughout the holiday season, I have heard comments about how great it will be when this year ends, and a new one begins. Unfortunately, not much will change on January 1, 2021. There is no magic wave of a wand that will make the coronavirus disappear or the political tensions in our country dissipate. In fact, New Year’s Day will come and go, and most likely things will continue much the same way as they are now.

It can be quite demoralizing to think that 2021 will still have increasing cases of covid and political upheaval. Small businesses will still be struggling to keep afloat, churches will still be threatened with closures, and frankly, wickedness will continue to be accepted and embraced by the world as we know it.

But there is hope. No matter what happens on January 1^st or any other day, God continues to be God. Nothing changes that. There is great comfort knowing that God remains in control, and although I cannot see the “big picture” through my limited vision, I can rest in the knowledge that He works everything out according to His perfect plan. He has a plan for me, and there is nothing this world can do to stop His plan from coming to fruition. That is very reassuring! “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

Additionally, when troubles come my way, and they will, I know that I never have to face them on my own. God is always with me. He promises to see me through every single situation. Being a Christian doesn’t mean that my life will be without hard times, it means that God will always be with me, leading me through the adversities that will undoubtedly come. Psalm 23:4 states, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me…”

As the Lord leads me through life, regardless of how difficult the circumstances, I can trust Him to see me through each situation. Proverbs 3:6 states, “In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” God is faithful to do exactly as He has promised in Scripture. “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.” (Psalm 37:23) He has promised to order my steps, and as I follow Him, I can trust that He will never lead me astray. The road may be rough at times, but walking with God will get me through.

Regardless of what happens on January 1^st, 2021 promises to be a great year filled with blessings from my heavenly Father in the fulfillment of His promises. In fact, it just may be the year that the Lord Jesus Christ returns to take His bride home! Perhaps instead of listening to all the negativity in the media, we should be listening for the trump of God!

Earthly friends may prove untrue
Doubts and fears assail
One still loves and cares for you
Jesus never fails

Though the sky be dark and drear
Fierce and strong the gale
Just remember He is near
And He will not fail

Jesus never fails
Jesus never fails
Heav’n and earth may pass away
But Jesus never fails.

(from “Jesus Never Fails” by Arthur Luther)

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” – Isaiah 41:10

**********

Perhaps today!

 

“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” – Luke 2:10-11

Have you ever wondered how the shepherds knew where to go look for the newborn Jesus? Bethlehem was not a small city, and it was overcrowded with visitors responding to the census, yet in all the hubbub, the shepherds knew exactly where to go simply based on the angel’s statement, “And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger” (Luke 2:12). A manger is merely a manufactured trough, often hewn out of stone and usually filled with water or feed for the animals. It would be a common fixture in and around Bethlehem, which again raises the question of how did the shepherds know to which one to go?

Just on the outskirts of Bethlehem is an area known as the “shepherds’ field.” This was a special field manned by special shepherds, sometimes referred to as Levitical shepherds, to care for special sheep, designated to be raised and eventually sacrificed in the temple of God in Jerusalem. These animals had to be carefully tended to as sacrificial animals had to be “without spot or blemish” (Deuteronomy 15:21) in order to be acceptable for use in the temple. In order to keep watch on the sheep, there was a stone structure, or tower, where a shepherd could keep watch over the entire field, while others were on the ground tending the flocks. This tower was known as the Migdal Eder, or the “tower of the flock.”

The Migdal Eder also served another purpose. On the ground level, the tower had a safe haven for ewes to give birth to their lambs. Here the priestly shepherds could protect the ewes during the birthing process and once born, they would wrap the little lambs in “swaddling clothes” to keep them from injuring themselves during the perinatal period, thus keeping them “without spot or blemish.”

When the angels announced to the shepherds that they would find Jesus wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger, the shepherds knew exactly where to go… the Migdal Eder. This was place described by Micah centuries earlier, and this prophecy was most likely well known to these shepherds. “And thou, O tower of the flock, the strong hold of the daughter of Zion, unto thee shall it come, even the first dominion; the kingdom shall come to the daughter of Jerusalem” (Micah 4:8).

It was here in the Migdal Eder where God’s ultimate sacrificial Lamb would be born. In Bethlehem’s sacred fields, set aside for the sheep that were to be sacrificed to God in His holy temple, His perfect Lamb, Jesus, our perfect sacrifice for sin, first came into the world. He was wrapped in swaddling clothes and placed in a manger, fulfilling God’s promise to send us a Saviour. It was to this place that the shepherds “… came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger” (Luke 2:16) exactly as the angel had said.

There are no coincidences in the Bible. The fact that Jesus was born in the place specified for the sacrificial lambs, and that He was referred to by John as “the Lamb of God” shows the divine execution of God’s plan and how it aligns perfectly with the Scriptures. Jesus was born to be the Saviour of the world, the perfect Lamb of God who would one day sacrifice His life upon an old rugged cross that we might have the forgiveness of sins and everlasting life in heaven with Him.

Your only Son, no sin to hide
But You have sent Him from Your side
To walk upon this guilty sod
And to become the Lamb of God
Your gift of love they crucified
They laughed and scorned Him as He died
The humble King they named a fraud
And sacrificed the Lamb of God
 
Oh, Lamb of God
Sweet Lamb of God
I love the holy Lamb of God
Oh, wash me in His precious blood
My Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God

(from “Lamb of God” by Twyla Paris)

“The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.”  – John 1:29

**********

The real gift of Christmas is Jesus.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(photo courtesy of Samantha Campbell)

“When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.” – Matthew 2:9

Tonight is supposed to be the night when the planets Jupiter and Saturn cross paths, appearing as a “bright star” in evening sky. There has been quite a bit of speculation as to whether or not this is the same type of event that spurred the magi on to their historic journey to find the new king just over 2,000 years ago.

According to Johannes Kepler, a German astronomer in the 17^th century, the Bethlehem star appeared in 7 AD and might have been the star that led the wisemen to Jesus. Modern day astronomers say the last time Jupiter and Saturn crossed paths was approximately 400 years ago, but it was during daylight hours and not visible. The last time it happened during nighttime hours was nearly 800 years ago.

It is interesting to note how humanity tries to find some kind of plausible explanation for supernatural events. If you follow the Christmas narrative in scripture, it is quite clear that the star guiding the magi did not stop over the manger. In fact, the Bible only records one group of visitors to the manger, which was the shepherds, not the wisemen. These kings from the east did not visit Jesus as a baby in a manger, but rather as a “young child” in a house. “And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him…” (Matthew 2:11).

In order for the wisemen to follow a star, it would have had to be visible for an extended amount of time in order for them to follow it from “the east” to the home of the 2-year-old Jesus. This would seem to necessitate a much longer occurrence that what we have with the  current conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn.

Impossible then for this to be same type of thing that happened when Jesus was born? Not necessarily. God can do anything. He made the sun stand still in Joshua 10:13. “And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies. Is not this written in the book of Jasher? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down about a whole day.” He is the creator of the universe, which includes the stars. “And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also.” (Genesis 1:16). Therefore, He can do whatever He wishes with the stars including making them behave in ways never before seen by mankind.

While I am not an astronomer by any stretch of the imagination, I do know that if God wanted to put a “star” in the sky, it would not necessarily have to be explained by natural events. But could it be? Absolutely! God can use natural phenomena as easily as He can use supernatural ones.

So is tonight’s event similar to the “Bethlehem star” of long ago? Maybe. Will I be outside tonight viewing the “Bethlehem star”? Yes, I plan to be! After all, the first time Jesus came to us, He was preceded by a heavenly sign. Maybe, just maybe, the next time He comes, there will be another astronomical wonder heralding His return! Just saying…

Oh, star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to thy perfect light.

(from “We Three Kings” by John Henry Hopkins, Jr.)

“When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.” – Matthew 2:10

**********

Anytime something makes us stop and look to God, it is a good thing.

 

 

(photo courtesy of Samantha Campbell)

“Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” – Psalm 37:4

2020 has really been an interesting year. While there has been a lot of negativity associated with this year, there have also been a great number of blessings that I have experienced.

Here are a few of the wonderful things that have happened to me in 2020.

• Read through the Bible and deepened my relationship with the Lord
• Healed family relationships
• Mended friendships
• Made new friends
• Became healthier and embarked on a new career as a health and wellness coach

Here are a few verses that have supported me in my life journey in 2020.

• Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
• Philippians 1:6 – “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:”
• Psalm 37:5 – “Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.”
• Psalm 19:14- “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.”

When I reflect on 2020, I will remember the faithfulness of my God, the love of my family, and the joy of friendship. I will remember how wonderful it is  to be in the house of the Lord, and to worship with my brothers and sisters in Christ. I will remember that I am kept firmly in the hand of God regardless of what is happening in the world, and my future is secure with Him.

I will always remember the good things in my life in the year 2020, and I will look forward to a wonderful 2021.

When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.

Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God has done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your many blessings, see what God has done.

(from “Count Your Blessings” by Johnson Oatman, Jr.)

“This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” – Psalm 118:24

**********

Praise God for His goodness to me!

 

 

 

 

(photo courtesy of Mark Speer)

“Unto thee, O God, do we give thanks, unto thee do we give thanks: for that thy name is near thy wondrous works declare.” – Psalm 75:1

T – Truth is found in God’s Word.

• “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.”- John 17:17

H – Home in heaven is being made for me

• “In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” – John 14:2

A – Assurance of eternal life

• “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” – I John 5:13

N – Nothing is impossible with God.

• “And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.” – Luke 18:27

K – Kept secure in God’s hand

• “And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” – John 10:28

S – Salvation comes through Jesus Christ only.

• “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” – Acts 4:12

G – God’s gift of love

• “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

I – Immutability is found in God; He never changes.

• “For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.” – Malachi 3:6

V – Victory is assured through Jesus.

• “But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 15:57

I – Immanuel is promised by God.

• “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” – Isaiah 7:14

N – Never will God leave us.

• “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” – Hebrews 13:5

G – God is love.

• “And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.” – 1 John 4:16

Some thank the Lord for friends and home
For mercies sure and sweet
But I would praise Him for his grace
In prayer I would repeat

Thank you, Lord, for saving my soul
Thank you, Lord, for making me whole
Thank you, Lord, for giving to me
Thy great salvation so rich and free

(from “Thank You, Lord” by Seth and Bessie Sykes)

“Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.”- Psalm 100:4

**********

Thank you, Lord, for loving me with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3).

 

 

 

 

 

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” – 2 Timothy 3:16

When I moved from California to Georgia, I experienced quite a bit of culture shock. First, the language, even though it was English, still sounded foreign to me. For example, in California, a buggy is what a baby goes in. In Georgia, a buggy is where you put groceries. Secondly, road directions are explained completely differently. In California, someone would tell me to turn left on 1^st street, then right on Figueroa St. In Georgia, I am told to turn left at the old oak tree, then right at the big red barn.

One other major difference was the concept of church revivals. I always thought those were camp meetings held in the 1800s, but I was so wrong! Revivals are alive and well in my adopted home state! If you’ve never been to a church revival, you are missing something AMAZING!!

These past four days of our recent revival were phenomenal! We sang songs of praise, prayed individually and corporately, and listened to messages from God’s Word targeting personal self-examination and rejuvenation of my Christian walk. Every aspect of revival challenged me, inspired me, and exhorted me to work on becoming a better Christian. As I listened to the messages, the Holy Spirit worked in me through God’s Word to impact my heart and change my behaviors and attitudes to be better aligned with the Scriptures and better able to serve the Lord.

Each evening was rich with worship and praise of the Lord Jesus Christ through song, testimony, prayer, and fellowship! Just like all the past revivals I have attended, this one was also a wonderful blessing to me!

I realize that with the coming of Jesus rapidly approaching, there is much for me to do. My responsibility as a Christian is to share the gospel with others. Why? So when He does appear, others will be able to go with Him back to heaven! I must admit, after revival, I am revived, refreshed, and ready to go to work!! By the way, the next time we have a revival, please join us!

Lord, take my life, and make it wholly Thine;
Fill my poor heart with Thy great love divine;
Take all my will, my passion, self and pride;
I now surrender, Lord, in me abide.

O Holy Ghost, revival comes from Thee;
Send a revival, start the work in me;
Thy Word declares Thou wilt supply our need;
For blessings now, O Lord, I humbly plead.

(from “Search Me, O God” by James Orr)

“For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” – Isaiah 57:15

**********

For revival in our land, we must first have revival in our hearts.

“But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.” – Romans 8:25

Waiting is not an easy thing to do. Right now, we are waiting for the results of yesterday’s elections. Some folks are glued to their televisions or computer screens as they wait, hoping to hear the minute the results are made known. Others are lamenting their waiting woes to friends or family. Even if there is no outward manifestation of waiting, most of us are waiting for the final results of the presidential election.

Elections are not the only thing for which we wait. I remember waiting for the birth of my children. Both were about a month late according to the dates the doctor gave me. It was very difficult to wait, but I was powerless to speed things up. Another difficult time for me was when I was waiting for the results of medical tests. Wondering if the news would be positive or negative took its toll while I waited, but again, I could do nothing but wait. Receiving the results from my nursing exam took much longer than it does today because “way back then” the tests were not given on a computer, but rather on paper. The scoring process took nearly a month.

Our lives are filled with waiting. Tax refunds, doctor’s appointments, telephone calls, and more! Waiting can certainly tax one’s patience. However, there are times when waiting has positive repercussions.

The Bible speaks of waiting on the Lord on numerous occasions. Those times of waiting yield great results, so it is important that we embrace “waiting on the Lord.” Here are some reasons why.

• We wait for God’s strength.
  • Isaiah 40:31 – “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”
  • Psalm 27:14 – “Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.”
• We wait for God’s goodness.
  • Lamentations 3:25 – “The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him.”
• We wait for what God is preparing for us.
  • Isaiah 64:4 – “For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him.”
• We wait for God to hear us.
  • Psalm 40:1 – “I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.”
• We wait for God’s salvation.
  • Psalm 25:5 – “Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.”
• We wait for the Lord’s return.
  • Luke 12:36 – “And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately.”

Waiting on the Lord requires trusting the Lord. In order to wait, we must trust that God’s timing is what is best for us. We must remember that He knows exactly what needs to be accomplished and when it needs to be done. Isaiah 55:9 records God’s words, “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” When we trust Him, it is easier to wait. Not necessary “easy,” but “easier.” Remembering that He only acts in our best interest helps us rest in Him. As our trust grows, so will our ability to wait for His perfect timing.

There’s not a mountain too tall,
There’s not a problem too small
That Jesus can’t resolve.
In time He’ll get involved,
Our God He cares about us

So wait on the Lord,
Wait on the Lord,
Wait on the Lord,
And He’ll renew your strength 

(from “Wait on the Lord” by James Wilson)

Psalm 130:5 “I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.”

**********

God is never late; He is always right on time. Trust Him and wait.

 

 

 

 

 

 

“The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace.” – Psalm 29:11

Although today is the last day to vote, there is the possibility that it will be a few days before we know the outcome of the election. During this period of time, many people will be filled with angst as they await the results. Some fear that if their candidates do not win, our country will be doomed. Those on the opposing side feel the same dread.

As children of God, we must remember some key points that my pastor shared this past Sunday. No matter who wins the election, these truths still remain:

• God will still be God.
• Jesus will still be my Saviour.
• The Holy Spirit will continue to dwell within me.
• God’s Word will remain infallible.
• God’s promises will still be true.
• I will still be held in His protective hand.
• God will continue to be in control.
• Nothing can thwart God’s plans.

The knowledge that the Lord remains unchanged in who He is should be a source of comfort to us in this unsettling time. Hebrews 13:8 reminds us, “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” He is the one who seats those in authority over us as it says in Daniel 2:21, “And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:”  Additionally, we are called to pray for those in authority over us, no matter who that person is. “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.” (1 Timothy 2:1-2)

I recently read something that reminded me of these additional truths:

• Jesus loves Donald Trump with an everlasting love.
  • “The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.” – Jeremiah 31:3
• Jesus sacrificed His own life to save Joe Biden.
  • “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8
• Jesus redeemed Mike Pence on the cross of Calvary.
  • “For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” – 1 Corinthians 6:20
• Jesus fearfully and wonderfully made Kamala Harris.
  • “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.” – Psalm 139:14
• Jesus loves them all… just like He loves you and 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

Please remember these truths as you pray for America and her leaders especially in the days ahead.

God bless America, land that I love
Stand beside her and guide her
Through the night with the light from above

From the mountains to the prairies
To the oceans white with foam
God bless America, my home sweet home

(from “God Bless America” by Irving Berlin)

“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” – 2 Chronicles 7:14

**********

Take time today to pray as if your life depended upon it… because it does.

 

 

 

 

“Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.” – Deuteronomy 31:6

There are a lot  of people who are fearful of waking up November 4^th and hearing the results of the 2020 presidential election. I’ve heard speculations of what would happen to America if a particular candidate is elected. I’ve read several posts on social media where our society as we know it is doomed depending upon who is elected as president of our nation. So many of these anxieties are not founded upon accurate facts, and the fears generated lead to anger, hatred, depression, and despair. No good comes from it.

We tend to grasp on to what feeds our personal beliefs, and often this skews our objectivity. People readily embrace the “facts” that support their viewpoints, and they become increasingly anxious when they hear comments contrary to their hopes. For a while, I, too, was caught up in the fervor sweeping our nation because I forgot something very, very important. I forgot who was going to be in charge on November 4^th.

No matter what happens at the polls, God will still be God. His will will continue to be accomplished despite what any man can do. We don’t always know the big picture, and that’s when we must trust God for the outcome. The Bible tells us that it is God who places those in authority over us, whether it’s a pastor, a governing official, a boss… God is in control of it all. Daniel 2:21 states, “And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:” When I remember that, my fears dissipate.

Remembering to keep my eyes on Christ is the only solution to my heart’s worries over society’s ills. When my thoughts focus on God’s Word, the problems of the world fade away. (Hebrews 12:2) I am reminded of who holds tomorrow in His hand, and I am free from fear and worry! Praise the Lord!

I don’t know about tomorrow, I just live for day to day
I don’t borrow from the sunshine, for it’s skies may turn to gray
I don’t worry o’er the future for I know what Jesus said
And today I’ll walk beside Him for He knows what lies ahead
 
Many things about tomorrow I don’t seem to understand
But I know who holds tomorrow, and I know who holds my hand

(from “I Know Who Holds Tomorrow” by Ira Stanphill)

“There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.” – Proverbs 19:21

**********

Trust God; His ways are so much higher than ours!

 

 

“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:” – 1 Peter 2:9

I am not an athletic person. Never have been. I remember many times in junior high school when I waited, somewhat embarrassingly, to be chosen to be on a team. Inevitably, I was one of the last to be selected because I was never an asset to a sports team. I knew I was chosen only because everyone in our physical education classes had to be on one team or the other. Even after being chosen, I was usually at the bottom of the line-up if we were playing softball, and I warmed the bench a lot if the game was basketball or tag football. Being “chosen” to be on a team in school didn’t have much meaning for me.

Today, I am on a different team for which I was specifically chosen by its Captain. I was not chosen because I was the last one available. I was chosen because my Captain wanted me on His team! He saw something in me that even I didn’t know was there, and He believed I would be a great team player! I am so happy that He saw beyond my outward appearance and looked upon my heart as it states in 1 Samuel 16:7. “But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.” I am sure by now you realize who my Captain is. He is the Lord Jesus Christ, and His team consists of all those who have trusted Him as their Saviour.

I have no particular attributes that set me above any other member on our team. I am not the greatest teacher or the most talented singer. I am not the most outgoing when it comes to visitations, and I am not the greatest organizer of events. Yet, Jesus still wants me on His team. Why? Because He loves me! Jesus knows my abilities well because He gave them to me, and He has placed me in the exact place where I can serve Him to the best of my ability.

Maybe you aren’t a teacher or singer either. Maybe your talents lie in areas such as technology or food management. Maybe you are an encourager or a good listener. Whatever your gifts are, Jesus has a place for you on the team. All you need to be is willing to do whatever He asks, remembering He will not ask you to do something for which He will not equip you to do.

The first step is trusting Christ as your Saviour. After that, let Him show you what He wants you to do, then do it! It’s that simple. His Spirit will guide you and help you as you serve Him, and you will be filled with the joy of the Lord! There is also a pep squad! Hebrews 12:1 tells us, “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,” It’s true! All of heaven will be cheering you on!

Jesus, my Lord will love me forever,
From Him no pow’r of evil can sever,
He gave His life to ransom my soul;
Now I belong to Him;

Now I belong to Jesus,
Jesus belongs to me,
Not for the years of time alone,
But for eternity.

(from “Now I Belong to Jesus” by Norman J. Clayton)

“Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” – John 15:16

**********

It’s good to be on the winning team!