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OUR INHERITANCE

Reading ‘The Prodigal Son’ the other day, about two sons and their father, I noticed something I had not seen before or heard any lessons about. In Luke 15 verses 11-32, we read of a younger son asking for his inheritance from his father. The father gave him his inheritance as he requested. The word I want you to look at in this reading is “them,” which is in all of the versions I researched. I have been a Christian for 60 years and never picked up on that word in verse 12. “…So, he divided to THEM his livelihood.” (capitalization by me) The older son, who had not asked for his inheritance, received his inheritance at the same time his brother got his! Now, I know you are saying, ‘what, you did not know that?’ Isn’t it amazing how no matter how old we are or how long we have been a Christian, that we constantly “see” new things we have never thought of before! The scripture is there for everyone, no matter what spiritual journey we are on. Psalm 21:4-5 reads “Show me Your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; on You I wait all the day.”

The fact that their father gave their inheritance to both of them willingly, demonstrates his love, faith and trust that they would spend it wisely. He did not base his actions on their merit or their behavior. He was not thinking about what they would do with it or their actions, whether good or bad. They had the choice of what to do with their inheritance. He gave it all to them. Verse 12 says, “…he divided to them his livelihood.” (During ancient times, the younger son would have received half of what the elder son received. The younger son did not receive as much money from the father as his brother did. Probably a good thing as we are going to see in a minute.)

The word prodigal means: person who spends money in a reckless and imprudent way. So, it is evident by the word prodigal, that the youngest son went and spent all of his money. Verse 13 says “…journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his possessions with prodigal living.” He went far away. He went where no one would know him or see what he was doing. What he did not remember was in Psalm 139:1-3, David says, “O Lord, You have searched me and known me. You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off. You comprehend my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word on my tongue, but behold, O Lord, You know it altogether.” He forgot that God knows all. After he had spent all his money, a famine came to that country. So, he became in need. During this time, the older brother had been at home working. Verse 25 says “…was in the field.” The older brother had been going about his life, doing the things that were required of him and being obedient to his father.

The younger son, found a job to “…to feed the swine.” The Jewish people would look at this as an insulting job, because pigs were unclean according to the Law of Moses. He was desperate. Verse 16 says, “…he would gladly have filled his stomach with the pods that the swine ate, and no one gave him anything.” Verse 17 says “…when he came to himself…” He finally realized, that even the servants at his father’s home ate abundantly, with food even left over and here he was starving. He wanted to go home. When he got home, he thought, he would tell his father “…I have sinned against heaven and before you, and I am no longer worthy to be called your son.”

Well, he was in for a surprise! His father saw him “…still a great way off.” And the father ran to embrace his son. He told the servants to get him the best robe, a ring, sandals and to prepare a fatted calf so they could “…be merry.” A fatted calf was usually only prepared for special occasions. The father was overjoyed that his youngest son had come back! The oldest son, heard all the merriment and asked a servant what was going on. When the servant told him, verses 28 -30 says, “But he was angry and would not go in. Therefore, his father came out and pleaded with him. So, he answered and said to his father, ‘Lo, these many years I have been serving you; I never transgressed your commandment at any time; and yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might make merry with my friends. But as soon as this son of yours came, who has devoured your livelihood with harlots, you killed the fatted calf for him.” (Underlined words by me.) What attitude would you say the oldest son had? Look at the words I underlined. I see he was jealous-all about him-selfishly only thinking about himself. Son was angry-father pleaded-and then look at all the my and I’s. He even calls his younger brother “…this son of yours…” When I read that, I can see what a child might say. With his life and his inheritance, the oldest son reminds his father that he did all he was supposed to do in service and obedience to him.

So, let’s apply some things to us today in this parable.

1. This is a picture of a father letting his son go his own way. The Father in this parable is God. God gives everyone the same chance to make the right choices for their lives. Whether we make the right choice of obedience or not, it is up to us. The Bible is full of men and women making bad choices and good ones. Joshua 24:15 says “…choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve.” Joshua said “…but as for me and my house we will serve the Lord.” God gives us freewill to live our lives for the world or for God. Jesus says in Matthew 6:24 “…You cannot serve God and mammon.” (things of this world) The father had the choice to give his sons their inheritance and they each had the choice of how to use it. God has given us an inheritance in heaven, if we make the right choices on this earth.
2. The younger son did not feel worthy to be called his father’s son because of what he did. The father saw him coming and ran to him with open arms and rejoiced that he came home. That is the same with us. God created us in His image and He loves us without limits or conditions. You are His precious child. God values you so much that He sent His only Son to die upon that cruel cross of Calvary for us. It is through Christ that we find our worth, not by this world’s definition. Even though we have sinned and don’t feel that God thinks we are worthy to be His child, God is actually waiting for us to come back to Him. He is always ready, with open arms, to bring us back into His loving arms. 1John 1:9 says “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Did you see that two-letter word “if?” We have to make the choice to return. When we come to Jesus with our mistakes, our failures or feelings of unworthiness, He is faithful to forgive us and give us hope. Not only does He immediately forgive us, but also cleanses us. He cleanses us, restores us and helps us not to live in that dark place of feeling unworthy and sinful. The father in the parable immediately ran to his son, just as our God will do for us.
3. The older brother became angry and was all about himself. In his mind, his relationship with his father was based on the works that he had been doing. But he did not have the right heart. He had never been given a party and look at all he had done. He was consumed with thoughts of equality and justice for himself. This son failed to realize that he could have enjoyed at any time a party and enjoyed all the blessings that were already given to him. We can be like that. We can keep on serving the Lord but don’t see any recognition from others or we get tired and forget that God is Who gives us recognition by His many blessings, even in the midst of trials or in our service. It all stems within our attitude. The older brother did not have a good attitude. His attitude was negative and centered on himself. We need to stop looking down on and at ourselves and look up to the One who can restore our souls with positivity and forgiveness!

The father in the parable had pleaded with the older son, to come in to the party. The father’s door was always open. God is always ready with open arms to receive us back to Him when we disobey. But He is also always there for us when we are living our lives in the right way. We are in His presence, full of His daily blessings each and every day. Matthew 7:7 says “Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find, knock and it will be opened to you.” We do have to put action into our service for the Lord. We are all worthy to be God’s child, because we were made in the image of God and God loved us so much He gave His only Son on the cross. He gives each of us grace and mercy. God’s mercy allows us to repent and reconcile with Him. His grace provides salvation and eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. He loves us no matter what our actions show.

The parable talks about an earthly inheritance from an earthly father. But our Father in heaven has given us a heavenly inheritance. God’s inheritance is what we should always strive for!

1Peter 1:3-5 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy, has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”

God is always ready with open arms to forgive and welcome us back when we sin. Our inheritance is from our heavenly Father, who freely gives to each and every one of us. Who would have thought the word THEM would have “jumped” out at me!

What are you doing with and towards the inheritance your Father is giving you?

Till next time!

                                                                       Keela

(51% of American Christians plan to vote, but that leaves 49% who plan to stay at home on November 5^th. Apathy among Christian voters can be the ‘gamechanger’ for this 2024 election. It is our right and privilege to vote because of the sacrifice of our men and women now, in the past and in the future, who serve in our armed forces. Raise your voices and have the courage to vote for our God given values. Let’s make a difference! Get out and vote!)

OUR SPIRITUAL DUTY

Our duty is defined as: ‘a commitment to perform an action, whether it’s a general expectation or one that’s triggered by specific circumstances, something that one is expected or required to do by moral or legal obligation. There are a lot of obligations we face today. Legal: duty to fulfill law, and nonperformance can result in punishment or liability. Role based: A duty can be an action or task required by a person’s role or occupation. Respectful conduct: a duty that is respectful and obedient conduct that’s due a parent, superior, or elder. Tax: duty of paying taxes to the government. Moral obligation: a Christian’s duty to submit to God, live for God, and do what God calls them to do.’ (Wikipedia)

Here are some verses that prove we have duties as a Christian.

Colossians 3:23 “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.”

Hebrews 13:17 “Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account.”

Micah 6:8 “He has shown you, o man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”

Ephesians 2:10 “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”

1Peter 4:9-10 “Be hospitable to one another, without grumbling. As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”

Romans 13:1 “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.” And verse 7: “Render therefore to all their due; taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.” (Of course, if the governing authorities are telling us to do something against God, we are to follow God’s commands. See Daniel chapter 3. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were three Jewish men who refused to bow down to King Nebuchadnezzar’s idol and were thrown into a furnace of fire.). If you have not read about these courageous men of God, sit down with your Bible and read their amazing story.)

2Chronicles 7:14 “if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

Proverbs 29:2 “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when a wicked man rules, the people groan.”

Exodus 18:21 “Moreover you shall select from all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens.”

2Timothy 4:3 “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers, and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.”

Deuteronomy 28:43 “The alien who is among you shall rise higher and higher above you, and you shall come down lower and lower. He shall lend to you but you shall not lend to him; he shall be the head, and you shall be the tail.”

I quoted all those scriptures to lead to this conclusion. We are about to vote to elect a new president. Of course, I am not about to tell you how to vote for. Some say there is no perfect candidate and say they are not going to vote at all. In our last presidential election, 25 million Christians did not vote. Wow! As Christians, let us rely on the Bible and God’s grace to discern how we should vote. We are to vote according to Christian morality, values and on God given principles.

As in all things in our lives, pray for guidance to be soberminded, focused and rational, before we go to the poles and exert our duty of voting. Pray for our nation as a whole with whoever is chosen. Pray for a spiritual rebirth.

Sitting at home or not sending in our ballots, is not the right answer as Christians. It is so important for us to stand on God’s truths. We have to vote for the person who has more of the same values as we do which are given us by God’s Word, the Bible.

God’s power has never depended on who is president. He will still have all and final power. Matthew 28:18 says “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.”

Remember, that God will still be in control, no matter what the results are of this presidential election! He is still sitting on His throne! We have to place our confidence, faith and trust in Him.

So finally, GO VOTE! As Christians, it is our spiritual duty! To God be the glory!

Till next time!

                                                                    Keela

THROWING SEED

Sometimes, those of us who write a blog, have a podcast, write a book, get up as a preacher or those who share with others about Jesus, wonder if anyone is listening. You don’t see any results of your hard work and love for the Lord. We all live in a microwave society. We want results and answers right now. We want to know we have actually served God in a way, that throwing the seed out there, helps others and turns their lives towards God. Our faithfulness to God, to continue, is tested.

Faithfulness is defined as: obedience over a long period of time-steadfast in affection or allegiance-firm adherence to promises or in observance of a duty-a place of trust and loyalty. It is not just simply belief but also strong conviction on our part to a certain commitment, no matter what the result. We have to have love-longsuffering-patience-endurance-steadfastness-dedication.

In Hebrews 11:1 we learn, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” This verse is a description of what faith does: the substance or reality of hope and evidence of what we can’t see. Faith itself proves that what is unseen is real. This chapter continues to tell us about the heroes of faith. So many faithful people thru the ages, who did not even see the promise of a Savior.

James 5:17-18 tells us about a man named Elijah. He prayed to God and said to Ahab, a very wicked king, that there would not be rain on the land for three and half years, causing a drought. Ahab called Elijah, “…a troubler of Israel…” and “…my enemy…” During this time, Elijah took care of a widow and her son. (read 1Kings 17-18) Elijah also had a victory at Mount Carmel, seizing the idols and priests of Baal, executing them and burning the idols. Rain was brought back to the land. So, he was busy for the Lord “throwing seed.” But then, in chapter 19, Jezebel (Ahab’s wife) threatened to kill Elijah. So, he ran for his life. Which brings him into depression and the Bible shows how God took care of him. If you have never read this story before, take some time to read it. One fact it shows is that even a man of God can become down and lose hope after sowing seed for the Lord. And also shows, God is faithful to His promises, if we just don’t give up. Such an amazing read and testimony of Elijah’s faithfulness during the visual and invisible acts of God. So many lessons to be learned.

Something I want to bring to your attention about the story of Elijah is this. In the reading of James, we are told, “And he prayed again and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit.” Have you ever thought about that last part? When it actually rained, fruit was produced even though there was not rain for three and half years! During those years, there was actually someone scattering seed. People who had faith in God to continue on feeding the land with seed, believing, having faith, that God would provide for them. If no one had been scattering the seed during that three and half years, there would not be any seed to produce with the awaited rain. We might look around and don’t see anything coming from our efforts teaching others about Jesus and we quit. Even when we don’t see any visual effects of our continued faithfulness, God is working in the unseen. Our seeds are not going to waste!

1Corinthians 3:6-8 says “I (Paul) planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. So, then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor.” Paul had started the church in Corinth. Apollos continued the ministry after Paul left. Both men were only servants through whom God worked. They could not boast about the increase or number of seeds thrown, because God GIVES THE INCREASE. Only God brings unbelievers to Himself, and works through our faithfulness when we do our part.

We must follow God’s commands, even when we don’t see any results. We are going to have doubts, like Elijah had, but if we must continue on down the path of faithfulness that our seed will take hold and produce fruit, even through those doubts we might have. It is our responsibility to do our job no matter what the results, for God will reward us for our efforts, and the quality and faithfulness of our work. We get so caught up in the things we have not seen yet that it causes us to question God’s faithfulness.

You may be saying that you don’t have enough faith to accomplish anything for the Lord. You don’t even think you can scatter any seed for Him. Matthew 17:20-21 says “…If you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.” Mustard seeds are usually about 1 to 2 millimeters (an inch is defined as exactly 25.4 millimeters) in diameter. It is so tiny, one of the smallest seeds on the planet, and yet it grows into a towering and outstretched tree. The measure of our faithfulness and the impact it brings is up to God and the obedience of the receiver. We can have a ripple effect on others, even when what we do is not seen by man.

Our largest faithfulness is in our everyday lives: at the grocery store-cleaning up after our children at home-cleaning the church building-making sure the lights and heat or air conditioning are on before people arrive to services-the tone of our voice during telephone calls and texts-the smile we give to an elderly person. I could go on and on with selfless acts we can do. When my husband was sick, he told me that he couldn’t do anything for the Lord any more. I sat down and wrote down and gave him 100 things he could still do sitting at his computer. We can all show our faithfulness to our God each and every day, even when no one is around, even when it seems hard.

We let our external circumstances define the internal temperature of our faith. Being faithful to God is not contingent on your circumstances. When you think that, the devil is working on you! 

Continue to throw out that seed, whether you are a blogger, podcaster, or person living their best life in faithfulness to the Lord. There is someone needing and waiting to receive that seed. Robert Louis Stevenson said ‘Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seed you plant.’ The result of your actions may never be seen by you, but keep throwing that seed! God will reward you one day!

Till next time!

                                                                     Keela

THE FEELING OF SINKING INTO THE DEEP

The feeling that there is something wrong with you. The feeling that something is pressing on your chest and it wants to pull you down into the abyss. The feeling of overwhelming sadness that no matter what you do, you keep failing to bring the light back into your life. The feeling of sheer emptiness causing loss of or more eating, trying to do away with or fill up to feel whole again. The feeling of sadness, even if you try to figure out why and there is no real reason, because you have all you need. The feeling of wanting to curl up in a ball-stay home alone-stay in bed. The feeling no one cares, even though you know that is not true. The feeling you just want to sit and stare into space, not feeling or thinking about anything or anyone. The feeling you are not worthy to live this life, because you don’t think your life has any value or meaning to others. The feeling that you don’t want to participate in activities that you have always enjoyed before and had interest in. The feeling of hopelessness. The feeling that you have become very negative about everything. The feeling you can’t remember things or function or concentrate. The feeling of fatigue that affects you mentally and physically. The feeling you can’t talk to anyone about how you are feeling because it will bring so much judgement. The feeling that this earth would be better if you weren’t in it. The feeling of wanting to sink into the deep and never surface again.

These are some feelings of depression. I have had some before and I am sure you have too.  My husband suffered with depression for ten years, two of those years in bed 24-7. My husband even came to the point of neglecting his hygiene; not showering for days on end. Feeling sad-depressed is a normal reaction to certain events in life such as the death of a loved one, work issues, financial problems, isolation from family, health problems causing you to not be able to function normally, ending of a relationship or any number of other things that we can be incumbered with in this world. These feelings are normal, a part of us, a part of being human. (There is a book in the Bible called Lamentations, after all!)

 The problem comes when we find ourselves feeling these feelings for 6 months or more and they seem to intensify, even causing some to lean towards suicide. When this happens, a medical professional can help. Years ago, people who were depressed were thought to be possessed by the devil. They were put in irons in prison, beaten, starved, subjected to bloodletting, electrical shock or put into deplorable crazy houses, (as they were called.) In the 50’s, there were antidepressant drugs introduced. Depression was starting to be known as a medical condition-a chemical imbalance.

 In the past, these feelings were thought to be something that a person should be able to cure themselves and it was wrong to seek medical help if you were a Christian. But that is NOT true. Depression can be a chemical imbalance in the brain, genetic vulnerability, stressful life events. Seeking medical help and Christian counseling to talk through your feelings and getting medicine to help control them, is a must if you find yourself in depression for a long period of time. NOTHING to be ASHAMED of!

I was in a “funk” recently. It has been a year since I have seen my daughters’ family, my grandkids, my son-in-law. They are growing up without their Nana. I felt deep sadness. Also, my dad moved into my home. My life has changed dramatically. So many responsibilities, needs and doctor visits. But God has helped me through His Word and special friends, to work towards healing. Isn’t that what we are to do when we go through a trial? Isaiah 26:4 tells us “Trust in the Lord forever, for in YAH, the Lord, is everlasting strength.” Or as some versions say “Rock.” Go to Him first! He is so strong to uplift us if we just reach out to Him. I am guilty of trying to figure things out by myself and THEN turn to God. I could have saved myself so much aggravation and stress if I would have just looked upward to heaven, instead of downward to this earth! Go to God’s Word and search for help. Here are a few verses which I have turned to which have led me to healing and peace.

Isaiah 41:10 “Fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

Psalm 40:1-3 “I waited patiently for the Lord, and He inclined to me, and heard my cry. He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my steps, He has put a new song in my mouth-Praise to our God; many will see it and fear and will trust in the Lord.”

Psalm 34:17-18 “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near, to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit.”

1Peter 5:6-7 “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”

Matthew 11:28 (Jesus is speaking) “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

When you feel the deep pain of depression, turn to these verses and let them sink into your heart deeply to help sooth your heart and soul.

There are so many other verses to lean onto. Great people of the Bible suffered with this illness. Seems like I turn to the book of Psalm and hear David, who shares his honest heartfelt feelings with us and his cries out to God. Elijah in 1Kings 19, is depressed when he was on the run and God’s angels minister to him. There are other examples too. God lets us know through these examples, that being depressed is normal. It is part of living in this broken world. Jesus shared His pain to God in the garden, “And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.” (Luke 22:44) Jesus gives us the example of turning to God in deep heart felt prayer. God has created men and women with the knowledge to help heal the brokenhearted and the scientists who can create the medicine that can help. God also shares with us His healing power, the way to peace.

Philippians 4:6-7 “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God’ and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” And verses 8-9 “…whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy-meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.”

Come to God as you are in your agony. Reach out to others. Start a journal and write out your feelings. Think on positive instead of negative. There are more people out there that suffer with depression than we think, because they are ashamed to let others know their pain. After and during the pandemic, it was predicted that 25% of people were affected with depression, throughout the world. Use the God given resources we now have for this epidemic of deep pain.

When you feel that you are sinking into the deep abyss of depression, reach out to God and He will lead your steps to healing. When you realize those feelings, you have that you are sinking into a deep depression, reach out. You are not and have never been alone!

Till next time!

                                                 Keela

(I want you to know readers, that I am here for you. I don’t always have the answers, but I can listen and not judge. I don’t have medical training, just life and God training and I keep things people tell me close to my heart and do not share. You can contact me at: keelight@sbcglobal.net)

CRACKED POTS

Patsy Clairmont wrote a book called “God Uses Cracked Pots.” Years ago, she was one of the original founders and speakers at the Women of Faith conventions, that I was so blessed to be able to attend several times. There were so many amazing speakers, singing, laughter and tears. When you have an arena full of thousands of women singing, you begin to wonder if this is what heaven will be like. Usually about 12-20 women went with me and we had such an encouraging day together. One year, our preacher was on an airplane and talked to another one of the original Women of Faith, Barbara Johnson, and she gave him free tickets that were right next to the stage. Wow, what great memories!

Patsy was one of my favorites because she used her experiences of life thru humor, to inspire us all. She talked about her personal flaws, mistakes and struggles and showed how God used those as lights to others. One fact she shared was that she had been an agoraphobic. A person who fears leaving environments they consider safe, which in her case, was her home. She shared how all those flaws can shine through all those cracks and broken places in our lives to show the light of Jesus. She showed a clay pot that had a huge crack in it. Most of us would have thrown that pot away because it was beyond repair. But then she put a light in the pot as they dimmed the lights. You guessed it! The light shone brightly through that crack! Wow! What a visual, I will always remember!

I want you to think about yourself as that cracked pot. We all struggle with so many flaws and heart aches every single day. So many things of this world, that grab ahold of us and cause our faith to “crack.” Have you ever asked God why? Have you ever questioned your faith? Maybe you wonder if you have enough faith to make it to heaven one day. Some trials seem long and hard. When I was taking care of my mentally and physically sick husband for ten years, there were many times I wondered why was this the journey that He had me on. When we had gotten married at such a young age, my life was not envisioned to be like this. I had not had an inkling that he would die before he turned 60.

Have you ever wondered why someone you know seems to “have it all.” They have a huge bank account, beautiful home, good health, able to travel and what seems like a bright future. During the time my husband was sick, there were many months that fear gripped my heart because I had no idea how I was going to pay the water bill. One month, it was the day they were supposed to come out and shut off our water. Thankfully, I went to the mail box and there was an unexpected check that covered it and I paid that water bill very quickly. Last year, it would have been my husband and my 50^th wedding anniversary. They have all been hard in the almost fifteen years he has been gone, but this one seemed harder. There were many of my friends who had gotten married the same year and I saw on Facebook, all the celebrations and trips those blessed people were taking. So happy for them. But why did I not have that blessing? It definitely felt like a “crack in my pot of life.”

John 16:33 Jesus tells us “In the world you will have tribulations…” James 1:2-3 tells us “…count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” Oh, so there is a God given reason why we have these trials? Why we have to wait! Why we have pain and worry about these earthly things! The aim of testing and trials, are not to destroy us but to refine and purify us in our faith. How can we know we have faith, if we don’t have things in our life to test that faith? It is essential in our Christian maturity, to produce in us patience and endurance. When we have faith and can look back and see that God was faithful to help us through the last trial we had, we can remember and be assured that He is working in our lives for us and through us, in this trial. Patience includes the idea of standing fast under pressure, with a staying power that turns adversity into opportunities. We can share with others, who are going through a similar trial, how and with Whom we made it through.

Mark 6 tells us of a time the disciples were in a boat and Jesus had gone to a mountain to pray. A huge storm came up and Jesus was on the land. Jesus saw that they were straining against the wind. The verses say that at the fourth watch Jesus went to them walking on the water. The fourth watch lasted several hours in the night-early morning. So, Jesus had waited to come save them for probably four to six hours! Of course, the disciples thought He was a ghost, but they soon found out it was Jesus walking to them on the water. Jesus speaks and tells them who He is and for them to not be afraid. When Jesus got into the boat the storm ceased. I can’t even imagine how hard it was for those disciples to try to control their boat and how scared and tired they had to have been! Jesus wanted to show them that He was in control and show them of His deity, even in the wind and the waves of the tempestuous sea.

Those long 10 years of my life, I asked God so many times to help me but there was no answer in the way I wanted. God let me struggle in those hard days for my future and the testimony of my faith even in the storm. God let me “crack” under the pressure of those days, in my earthly “pot,” so that I can now let others see the light that shines for the Lord by writing and speaking through those “cracks” in my life. Those “cracks” have taught me so many valuable lessons. I have learned that there is always hope if you keep your faith in God. There is a reason why we all struggle on this earth and carry heavy burdens. Don’t give up. Don’t give in to the devil who tries to grab us when we are down. God keeps His promises. Lean into God’s healing and His strength. There is a heaven one day when this earthly body gives up. We can go there thru our obedience and faith. Matthew 11:28-29 says “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

We just need to trust in Him and have faith that God will work out your trials for your own good. God is always taking care of us. It just may be through all those “cracks” of tribulation we suffer on this earth. We just have to have the faith that this earthly “pot” which has been cracked over and over, shines with God’s light inside of us. We can shine brightly through that “cracked pot”

2 Corinthians 4:6-10 “For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed, we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed-always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.” God’s glory is manifested through broken-cracked pots-vessels, through you and me, who endure earthly trials by relying on His power!

Till next time!

                                                         Keela