In the New Testament Jesus tells us that God blesses peace making people but Jesus never said it was easy. “Mom he’s picking on me!” Is one of the most common phrases around every family, (including ours) because it is easier to blame someone for our problems than to make peace with them. Sadly, jumping on the band wagon of pointing an accusing finger at people who are different than us at school or work ( or church) just feels so right. But today’s scripture warns us that God takes quite a different view. God says He loves it when we work to make peace and He offers us His friendship.
Instead of accusing others even if they are truly guilty, Jesus chose to begin the peace process by taking our guilt on Calvary. He died to bridge the friendship chasm between us and the Father, and He offers us His friendship whenever we are ready to make peace with Him.
Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Ephesians 3:30 NLT
This morning I just wanted to express my overflowing gratitude for God and for you who have prayed for our nursing home outreach. Since reopening the three homes I visited pre-Covid only 2 of them have returned to somewhat normal attendance. One facility which is nice but understaffed has been so unresponsive that though I was earnestly praying for people to come I was ready to give up our meetings. Then two weeks ago God began His answer by having a sympathetic staff person get involved who brought in 8-10 people. At the time I posted here about my excitement at God’s answer but I was totally unprepared for yesterday’s amazing experience.
It began an hour before I was scheduled to come when one of the residents called my cellphone. This would normally have been my week to sing for the memory care unit but Lucy let me know they had me on the calendar for a different room. A bit confused I prepared some extra devotional newsletters to give out and loaded my things in the car.
On entering Watermark Assisted Living the lady at the desk directed me towards a meeting room on the first floor I had never seen before. In a bit of confusion I carried my guitar and music stand around a few corners till finally I walked into a room jammed with more than twenty residents and family members from every ward including my special memory care friends! So today I simply am posting to give God glory and say thank you to every one of you who have prayed, commented and encouraged me along the way. No matter how long I have been following Jesus, He never seems to run out of new ways to amaze me by his far beyond – overwhelming – and infinitely more way of answering prayer!
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