Trust in the Lord

I love this passage from Jeremiah.

And speaking of "blessed," I am ... in countless ways. The photograph in this eCard, for example, was taken on a hike to an island bluff near my home. After suffering a cardiac arrest in March 2022 this hike was not possible for many months, but by God's grace and healing touch I am alive ... and growing stronger with time.

This hike requires a bit of climbing, but I celebrated again yesterday that I can reach the top without stopping periodically to gather my strength, my breath.

There is joy in the making of these eCards, which feature photos I take on my hikes and walks. There is joy in putting the images together with Scripture. There is joy in sharing with brothers and sisters via text and email ... and there is great joy in hearing back that the eCard and scripture were a blessing to the recipient!

Another word for "blessed" is "happy."

Oh, happy day, when Jesus washed my sins away! I will walk with Him in joy until He takes me home.

Who, me?!

I was reminded yesterday in a Bible study that Jesus did not recruit His apostles from the ranks of “the educated” -- or the “professional” religious leaders of the day, but from the grassroots -- working stiffs simply trying to make it through this difficult life.

 

In fact, we know from the gospels that religious leaders of the day took issue with Jesus followers such as Matthew the tax collector. After all, Jews working for the Romans were held in contempt for their collaboration with the enemy. The common practice among tax collectors was not only to collect money for the Romans, but to fudge the numbers to line their own pockets.

 

As was the case with every person Jesus encountered, He looked on tax collector Matthew with love, with a plan to “invest” in his life in a way no one else could.

 

When Jesus said to each of His apostles, “Follow Me,” He was demonstrating that He valued each man for who he was, warts and all -- and expressing His confidence in who they could be, changed forever by His gift of forgiveness and salvation. What an incredible privilege It must have been to accept that invitation!

 

Today Jesus continues to extend that invitation! When we the wounded, the broken, the hopeless acknowledge our desperate need for The Glorious Physician, He takes us into His arms and we are healed! Thank you, Jesus, for your love, a love that will last for eternity!

The peace that passeth understanding

 

The Christ follower is never alone