On the way through the valley never forget how far the Shepherd has already led you! John 10:11 I am the Good Shepherd, the Good Shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
**Upper image found on Wallpaper Apps; text image found on FB; collage by Natalie
One winter my boss invited me to go to a training workshop while his landscaping shop was closed. I was excited for the opportunity but a little nervous. The morning passed quickly as we sat through various sessions on irrigation then we let out for lunch. “Want to come along with us to the restaurant?” my boss asked as he and a friend headed for the door. “No I’ll just stay back here, I’m not too hungry” I nervously replied, remembering I had only a few dollars in my pocket that day. “Okay it’s up to you.” He shrugged and went off to eat. I bought a candy bar from the machine and a soda hoping they would hold me off till dinner. On the way home later the boss mentioned in an offhanded way, “Boy lunch was great and it was all included in the price I paid. Too bad you weren’t hungry!”
I still sometimes laugh at myself when I remember the knowing hunger in my stomach all because I didn’t know that lunch was included! But did you know that many of us act exactly like I did on that day when it comes to our spiritual life. We get to the conference (get saved); but then we try to tough it out with snacks from the vending machines when God has an entire banquet spread for us in Christ.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ
Ephesians 1:3
Think about whatever wisdom, whatever strength, whatever acceptance, provision or direction you wish you had. Remember that God has already paid the price for that in full. Everything (even lunch) is included!
To the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved Ephesians 1:6
Suk* sat quietly in the front of the small church with just a worn carpet separating her from the dirt floor. The volunteer dental hygienist was explaining by use of a giant set of dentures how to brush her teeth. All the children laughed as he passed over the funny teeth with the large toothbrush. As he finished speaking their pastor helped to hand out a toothbrush and two pencils to each of the children. She tightly held her new prize possession for a moment then hid it beneath a corner of the rug to be sure no one would snatch it away as the program continued with a song that required her to clap her hands together.
To us it was just a one dollar toothbrush, but to Suk the toothbrush meant that she was important. No westerner had ever come to her village. In fact almost no one from the outside world showed up for any reason except to carry away the bags and bags of tea leaves. The smallest of gifts meant to her that someone remembered, someone accepted and someone cared about her.
We have received a far more valuable and eternal gift in the love and forgiveness to be found in Jesus Christ. He came to our village from heaven and gave not just a toothbrush, but His own life for us. He knows all that we need and more importantly He has come so that no matter the value the outside world places on our life, we are loved remembered and accepted in the beloved – Jesus Christ.
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