
We had a pretty heavy thunderstorm last night. It rained in torrents and the lightning strikes were quite frequent and the thunder loud. All of my house dogs huddled around me, not wanting to be alone. And I am so thankful that I put a surge protector on my power box; I am sure that it saved us from some unneeded expenses during the storm and the power reset on multiple occasions.
And now, on Sunday morning, it is rather gray and dreary, not as beautiful as most early mornings here when we have a glorious sunrise. But there is sun in my heart because Sunday is a wonderful day of renewal and of community fellowship in praise of our Lord and what His Son our Savior has done for us. Sometimes our hope falters a bit during the week and even though I pray and try to read the scripture regularly, I just need that extra boost of hope that Sunday morning worship brings.
As I enter our little country church so quaint and pretty in a very simple way, I see the lighted picture of Jesus and His gaze into my eyes from its placement above and behind the pulpit. It always brings a tear to my eye because it makes me think of that day so many years ago when He died in such a horrible way for a sinner like me. His willingness to give the ultimate sacrifice for all of my faults never fails to amaze me and give me the strength to stand for Him. May I always maintain that strength no matter what I may face in my remaining days on this earth.
We Christians are truly blessed and it is incumbent on us to always stay true, to fight the dark angel who is always waiting to enter if we let him. We must fight with all the power of the Holy Spirit within us and do all we can to live as God wishes. We will make mistakes, but we must always work doubly hard to eliminate our weaknesses and frailties for the love of God in three persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, is always available to lead us down the path to righteousness. Put Jesus first in your life and all else will take care of itself and it will be an eternal care in the presence of He who made us. What greater love and gift can there be?
Dear Lord, Thank you for Sunday morning and the opportunity to gather together in fellowship with you. Help us to use the hope and strength that comes from our Sunday spiritual nourishment to go forth and face the cold world with all of its issues and problems and to successfully do our part to further your Kingdom. We know that with you we are everything and will live forever; without you we are nothing and we will die when our life on this earth is done. The wonder of that promise to us provides everything that we need as long as we believe. We ask humbly that you guide us accordingly. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.