Bible

Meeting Dad

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As a father  shows compassion to His children so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear Him. Psalm 103:13 ESV

Back in 1966 when I was 15 I met my dad outside a family courtroom. That day he came to contest my mom’s plan for my adoption by my step father. I really had no idea what was happening as mom went into the judge’s chambers and I was left standing in the hall. Seated by the doorway was a vaguely familiar looking man with his wife and I wondered what he was doing there. Then mom came out looking a bit grim and it was my turn to talk to the judge. I went in alone more curious than afraid wondering what he wanted with me.

“Do you like your father?” The judge asked.

“I don’t know. ” I answered truthfully. I don’t know who my father is.

“Then how would you like the chance to find out ” the judge asked. “How would you like to visit with him one weekend a month?”

This morning as I was reading this verse, I remembered that one day God had also shown up to claim me as His own. I had done nothing to deserve His love forgiveness and compassion but He chose me. Because of the precious blood of Jesus He granted me and anyone in this world who is willing the amazing wonderful and unearned privilege to meet our Heavenly Father and to be included in His family forever!

Jesus Our Life Preserver

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Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him, because he knows my name when he calls to me I will answer him. I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation. Psalm 91:14-16

Some have compared this new Corona virus to the swine flu outbreak or Ebola. But a more realistic comparison that most of us have forgotten is the polio epidemic of 1916 that swept through cities like New York and Boston. Back then, very much like today panic ensued as tens of thousands were infected and 2,000 deaths occurred in New York City alone. Because we are accustomed to thinking that there is a cure for every conceivable disease that is hard for us to imagine how generations of everyday people could face such uncertainty with courage.

The fears we face today may feel very different than those of the past but our hope remains the same. Our hope is in trusting God. He has promised to be with us. Our hope is not just a doctrine or a trophy to be kept on display but it is our life preserver in desperate times. God has not forgotten us and He has promised to deliver us; answer us in our trouble; rescue us and shows us His salvation.

Hope in His Word

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I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.  Psalm 130:5 KJV

When we were young many of us used to song: “The B-I-B-L-E, Yes! That’s the book for me. I stand alone on the word of God, The B-I-B-L-E!” Today as we are older, whether we are looking out the window of a nursing home or looking out the window at work or school we all sometimes wonder how we will make it.

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It is easier facing outward conflicts because at least we can see the enemy we are fighting. But when things seem dark and confusing on the inside then there are moments when we feel as if things are hopeless. God’s word gives us this promise from King David who found that his greatest enemies were bigger than the giant Goliath whom he had faced on the battlefield. David’s battle with sin, failure, and shame left him wondering how he could face his family, his friends and his responsibility as a leader and example for others.

At his darkest moment David remembers that the same God who had given him hope when he fought the giant with a sling had also promised him forgiveness and restoration when he had sinned. God’s word isn’t weakened by our failures, doubts or needs. There is no limit to how much God can restore and His promises are not a limited time offer. You haven’t missed your chance to ask God for His help.  Today is the perfect day in all eternity to put your hope in His word!