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Listen while you read: "Rise Up O Men Of God"1 (Lyrics) |
Recently on quiet summer mornings as I walked our country valley road, I was aware of sounds made by creatures and machines that I could not see. I heard engine noises from jets and propeller-driven aircraft. Truck and car tires hummed, and horseshoes clip-clopped on pavement out of sight on the other side of the hilltops. Mostly, I heard birds chirp, tweet, trill, warble, whistle, coo, and caw.
One time as I paid close attention to the birds, I asked the Lord in prayer to whisper something into my heart. This is what I heard:
Matthew 28:20b – And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. (NIV)
This was Jesus' promise to His disciples when they would no longer be able to see Him.
Since the quiet morning walk when I heard this promise, the reassuring truth of Jesus' last words to His people has echoed over and over in memory as I listen to birds and a multitude of other things that I hear but cannot see.
These experiences remind me of Hebrews 11:1 – "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (NKJV), or as Eugene Peterson puts it, "The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It's our handle on what we can't see." (MSG)
What could remind you to trust God's love and presence?
Prayer: Father in heaven, we give thanks for our senses. Abba, we ask in the name of our Saviour, Jesus Christ the Lord, keep us alert to Your presence with and kindness for us. Amen.
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Thanks Pat for the encouraging word.
Thanks Pat – just what I needed this very day! God bless you.
Wonderful thoughts Pat!
Keep writing.
Blessings.
Hi Pat,
Such true words, in Hebrews 11, (and yours too). I preached sermons on that passage. Faith is indeed substance of things not seen.
May you be surrounded by His presence today and every day as you walk your journey of faith and trust.
Be blessed.
God’s creation does have a way of reminding us of these things, Pat.
This is especially seen in Romans 1:20. It is a good reminder of our faith. Thank you for sharing your experience.
All God’s blessings to you.
Dear Pat,
This word today is one of reassurance that God is with us now and always. Thank you for sharing your insights. I loved your quote from Eugene Peterson. My prayers are going up to the Father for you daily. God bless.
Thanks again, Pat – important to me.
I pray the Lord whispers something special to every reader today.
Thank you.
God bless you.