Gift from the heart...

I have learned that it is truly "better to give than to receive"...however, this year God has been teaching me to be a receiver along with being a giver of myself. Last week I received a gift that came from the heart. One of my customers brought to me a priceless gift. She is one that has walked the journey with me several times to Zambia and knows and understands the passion I have for the people of Africa. The gift she gave and made was this quilt inspired by my many trips to Zambia. I was completely overwhelmed. I had never received a gift so beautiful and to know the hours of love that were put into it. The detail that was envolved, the time that was sacrificed and spent....makes this gift so very precious. The name of the quilt pattern "Anazi" intrigued her and in looking it up, she found it to mean "Song of Africa"...how appropriate. Thank you Susy for your gift of love....at the same time, this makes me think of another gift I have received that cannot begin to compare...and that is the Gift of Love given to me by my Savior, Jesus Christ. Such a gift that cost Him His life...a sacrifice that cannot be put into words. The labor of love that He went through for me and for you...Thank You Jesus, for your unspeakable gift.

Food for my Soul...

This devotional and the scripture that was used ministered greatly to my soul...my prayer is that it does the same for others.

Dr. Charles Stanley
December 4, 2006
Those Who Hurt
Mark 10:46-52

When we’re in pain, we may question whether God cares or even knows what we’re going through. Our difficult circumstances can give us a wrong view of Him. Scripture teaches that our three-in-one God is omniscient. In other words, He knows all things. No actions or persons are hidden from His sight. The past, present, and future are all laid out before Him. (Psalm 33:13-15; Hebrews 4:13)

1 Chronicles 28:9 tells us, “the Lord searches all hearts, and understands every intent of the thoughts.” Because of this, He knows us intimately. And with His perfect knowledge, He understands what we really need. (Matthew 10:29-30) God’s love and concern for us do not change, even if our pain has resulted from our own sinful actions.

Jesus repeatedly demonstrated God’s loving concern for people. He met with Nicodemus, one of Israel’s religious leaders. And without condemnation or accusation, Jesus showed him the way to God. (John 3:3) He also visited Zaccheus, a man whose financial dishonesty had hurt many. Jesus even initiated conversation with the Samaritan woman, a social outcast. He also delayed His journey in response to the cry of a blind beggar. He showed compassion to Bartimaeus and affirmed his faith.

Through what we saw Jesus do in his life, we can be sure our heavenly Father cares about us. God’s love extends over us like a canopy. He wants us to come to Him with our questions and pain. Don’t allow trials to cloud your thinking about God’s deep concern for you. Accept Jesus’ invitation and bring your burdens to Him. (Matthew 11:28)