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Listen while you read: "To God Be The Glory"1 (Lyrics) |
John 8:36 – So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed. (RSV)
I was busy at the computer one morning, and I got tired of listening to the aggravating buzzing of a fly around the room. I was tempted to go and get the fly swatter, but as we all know, as soon as we get that in our hand, the word is out, and the flies disappear, right?
When it became obvious that the buzzing was coming from the window area, I got up and slowly opened the window for it to fly out. Instead, the silly thing flew back into the room. I stood and waited for it to come around again and maybe then it would see its freedom. Again, it flew around, but it did not take advantage of my generous offer of freedom. This only lasted a few more flights around the room, but then, it saw the light and flew out.
Wow! It hit me that this is just like us: God offers us forgiveness as a way out of our sin, and we may fly around the idea but not accept His offer of freedom. Eventually, we may do so. Sooner — rather than later — would be the best, but God is patient and understanding, so He waits.
I cannot explain accurately just how I felt when I opened the window and the fly flew out! Wow! I gave it its freedom, instead of using the fly swatter. Thank You, Jesus, for offering us life instead of death. Thank You for being patient and understanding in the process.
- Heart's Door
Thank You, Jesus …
For standing at my heart's door
Waiting to give me so much more.
If He isn't within you, I implore
Quickly open your heart's door.
He will give you love, peace, and joy.
Oh! to seek His warm and wonderful grace
Just look up and focus on that loving face.
Jesus is there through thick and thin,
He will take you out of bondage and sin.
Ask Jesus in, He'll give you so much more
But first, you have to open your heart's door.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You so much for Your patience. You love us so much and have only good things to give us. Help us to realize what we have in You, Lord. Please bring people to the point of opening their hearts and asking You in, so that they, like the fly, will have freedom and abundant life. In Your precious name, we pray. Amen.
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Thank you. Beautiful poem.
Thanks for the encouraging thoughts, Brenda.
Amazing what God can use to teach us spiritual truth!
If I open my heart’s door, will the blood leak out? Good study.
Good message Brenda.
Thank you.
Thanks for a good illustration today Brenda.
Blessings.
Thanks for sharing this devotional with us, Brenda. Oh my, are we ever like that fly! Blessings.
I have opened the window and let trapped insects fly free and felt good. I never made the connection as you so nicely have. Thank you.
So true. I would like to add that often Christians don’t claim the freedom we have in Christ. And we’re just as stuck as your fly – buzzing around making noise.
Thanks for your timely message. I especially liked the poem and copied it for future reference. I always find your writings interesting and inspirational. Many Thanks.
Greetings Brenda,
Great devotional this morning. Thank you for submitting it. Your poem was extra special and right on!
Blessings,
(B.C.)
Hi Brenda,
Thank you for your writing today!
Your illustration using a fly and freedom was a brilliant way to talk about forgiveness and God.
Never would I have thought a fly could help me on my faith journey. Now, your story of forgiveness will pop into my mind every time I’m dealing with a fly by the window. And I’m glad to have this reminder.
I also connected with your poem. I would like your permission to share it, noting you as the author.
Thanks again for your message.
I’m one of those people who can’t bear to kill anything and always try to catch and let out.
One time a client of mine and I chased a chipmunk all, over the living room and would he allow himself to be swept out the door? No way!
So I really relate to your message.
Thank you for it.