Joy in the Journey

“Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Does she not light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.’” Luke 15:8-9   A few weeks ago I lost a pendant.   My husband made it for me so it has some sentimental value and it is a fairly pricey piece but neither of those facts are the main point here. I lost the pendant after taking it out to show my husband’s relatives. I set it on the table next to the display of all of his other pieces. Then a few days ago I noticed that it was missing. My husband and then a good friend teased that perhaps one of the relatives had taken it. We knew they hadn’t, wouldn’t but that’s a side fact as well. Not wanting to be without it or to disappoint my honey because I lost it, I prayed that I would find it. I looked in the places I was fairly sure it should be but it wasn’t in any of th

  But God demonstrates his own love for us in this; While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 Years ago I knew two brothers who had very different approaches to life. They were a great compliment to each other, best friends. One however, was not as kind as the other.   Whether intentional or not,   brother A made it clear to   brother B that he, A   was brighter, smarter and more capable. When brother B was in school his teacher read a story about two sisters. One was beautiful and the other was plain. The plain one, jealous of the beautiful one constantly told her sister how ugly she was, how no one found her attractive. The beautiful sister began to see herself that way. She began to behave as if she were homely and she hid from people. The teacher asked the class if they thought such mind control was truly possible. Brother B answered that yes, he did think it could happen. When the teacher asked why he replied, “If my brother says I’m dumb, I’m dumb.” Ouch!

Love never fails. And now these three remain, faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13: 8a, 13 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him. Romans 8:28   Turn on your radio or television, listen to conversations around you at work, school or any public venue. What buzz words do you hear? Economy. Gas prices. Gun control. Tolerance. Intolerance. Whatever the topic, when the current state of the world is being discussed it’s usually negative. The world is going to hell in a hand basket as my Gram used to say. Now take a look at worship music. It seems there are two themes that are quite popular these days. God’s love never fails and He is working all things for good for His people. Amen! A few weeks ago our daughter Laura and our son Jeffrey were talking about the songs he was planning to play at church. When he named one, a song loosely based on 1 Corinthians, she mentioned a different one. He told her no

  “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you call upon   me and come and pray to me and   I will listen to you.” Jeremiah 29:11-12   We are taught even in worldly circles to count our blessings. That is something I take very seriously. As diligent and vigilant as I am about it I know I miss some. My hope is that I never miss one that bears great significance. Just this morning I read a story about Corrie Ten Boom. It isn’t new to me, as I have read it a few times before but there was a revelation in it today that brought me great joy and greater hope. It is the story that Ms. Ten Boom tells about her father and train tickets. Her father took her on train rides fairly often. Though he purchased the tickets early he held on to little Corrie’s until just as they were about to board. He didn’t want her to lose it or leave it behind. She likens that care, given her by her earth

Then he said to the people, “Fill four large jars with water and pour it on the offering on the wood.” “Do it again,” he said and they did it again. “Do it a third time,” he ordered and they did it a third time. The water ran down around the altar and even filled the trench. Then the fire of the Lord fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench. 1 Kings 18:33b-35, 38   Yesterday I was praying about something very dear to my heart. As it often does the world had sent me a message that it is too late. Circumstances in my life make a positive answer to my prayer impossible. By worldly views that is probably true. Thank God, I don’t have to live by worldly views. With the power and love of God in my mind, I began to pray, citing to my Father the words that had momentarily stolen my hope. I could almost see him smiling. He reminded me of his promise to me, of his perfect providence and care. Immediate