No Smoking!

When I was a kid I remember how my parents laid down the law about the evils of smoking early and often. The only problem with their argument was that I knew there was a carton of Camels in the kitchen drawer which I began snitching on Saturdays when I was about 11. Those pesky cigarettes made me wonder a little about laws in general – even God’s laws. But the good news is that Jesus isn’t like me or my parents. He not only tells us the right thing: He does it Himself! So when Jesus told us to ask, seek and knock, it is wonderful to know that He also put into practice everything that He asked us to do.

Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7 ESV

Now stop for a minute and ask yourself, “Why does the creator of the universe need to ask for anything?”  Then remember when Jesus says. “Come to me all who are thirsty. Come to me and drink” He doesn’t chase after us with a garden hose! Instead He asks and then patiently waits for us to come. Also there are times when we get so tangled up in sin that we just can’t get out. That is when He comes seeking us like a shepherd. He willingly leaves the safety of Heaven just so He could find us at the cross. Last of all recall that He doesn’t break down my doors of doubt and anger (though He could). Instead Jesus stands outside knocking; and then waits until I open. What an amazing Savior we have! Jesus didn’t just come to lay down the law. He came lay down His life!

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A Quiet Afternoon

We went walking along the Anclote River in Tarpon Springs yesterday. It was just a rare afternoon without thunderstorms (at least till we got home!). Though our walks are a bit shorter as we have grown older they are still the best times for us to just talk and share special time together.

Walking along quietly with the Lord is no different. He treasures time we spend with Him with the only stipulation that we tell Him the truth.

Lord , who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain? The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart; Psalm 15:1‭-‬2 NIV

Are we sorry for something? Confess it to Him- He already knows! Do we have a need- there’s no use pretending we can work it out on our own- just ask. He is not only our Savior and Lord, He has offered to become our closest friend. All we must do is walk by His side and listen to all He has to say on a quiet afternoon by the River of Life.

Prayer Request – Up-Date

Dear readers I am so grateful to those of you who have prayed for our dear friend Pastor Thomas in India. The latest word today is that he is still in their ICU unit recovering from a stroke but is feeling better. For those who are willing to continue to pray please continue to lift up our brother, his family and the many pastors and Christian workers who rely on Emmanuel Ministries. In the end we are all one family in Christ. If we will support one another in these battles then the joy of God’s victory is ours to share.