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1 Corinthians 13:12 – For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. (KJV)
My friend and I had the opportunity to house-sit for her sister this past summer. Her sister lives on Vancouver Island, in British Columbia, Canada, so we figured that this would be a great opportunity to enjoy a little get-away.
Unfortunately for us, after the first two days, smoke rolled in from the raging forest fires throughout the province. The smoke's density soon lowered visibility drastically. In fact, we could barely see the house next door and nothing much more. It also made breathing difficult, and enforced a stay-inside policy for much of our trip. Needless to say, we were disappointed, as we both love a good long walk and to be out and about each day. Our little get-away had turned into our little shut-away.
These smoky days brought to mind today's Scripture verse. As a youngster, I learned this verse from the King James Version, and it has always stuck with me, for I can understand the happenings of life only so much, and it has so often felt like looking through a dark glass or a veil of smoke. Why would a handsome young man, who had so much, end his own life, shocking everyone? Why was that tiny babe taken so suddenly? Why do so many harden their hearts to the salvation of Christ? Why must mankind war against one another? We all have our opinions, and sometimes even some facts, but so much is kept from our sight and our minds, and often, our hearts ache terribly because of it.
Yet in this verse, we find our hope. For when we finally see Christ, through death or through His coming again, we shall no longer know only in part but in the whole. For me, having this promise allows me to lay down so many burdens that I have no answers for. It allows me to embrace peace and patience and hope. For the One in whom I believe does not lie, nor does He deceive. One day, the smoke will roll away, and the beauty of truth's horizon will be revealed in all its glory for eternity.
Prayer: Father God, praise to You in whom we can trust and hope and place our faith amidst the many unanswerable questions and circumstances which come our way. Because of You and Your promises, we can live fulfilled and joyous lives without knowing everything. For even as now we know only in part, one day we shall know all things, even as we are known. In the wonderful name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
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Sunday, May 28, 2023 – Worldwide — Day of Pentecost—Pray that our churches worldwide may experience a fresh filling of the Holy Spirit, so that we may be better enabled to share our faith with our families, friends, and communities.
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Amen, Lynne. Come Lord Jesus come.
Thank you, Lynn, for the hope in this message.
Thank you for today’s devotional Lynne, very much appreciated!
Thank you Lynne, always appreciate your thoughtful devotionals!
Thank you, Lynne, for sharing this devotional with us today. Blessings.
Thank you so much for today’s devotional. I have never thought of the verse that way before, but it makes so much sense to me today. Thank you!
So true! So true!
There are things we don’t understand.
May God help, heal and guide.
Praying that we be aware of those who need encouragement.
Good morning Lynne,
Thank you for another very meaningful devotional. I always appreciate your writings.
Blessings,
(B.C.)
Dear Lynne
Thank you once again for the devotional this morning. I do so enjoy your writing and always am touched spiritually when you share with us.
Many blessings,
(Ontario)
Oh my, Lynne, you do have some interesting experiences! Such a beautiful hope-filled devotional birthed from your smoke-filled days. Thanks for sharing your precious insights with us. Today’s reminder struck a chord with me and has strengthened my resolve.
Blessings.
O Lynne, I cried as I read this. Really speaks to my heart, and I believe, to everyone who reads it. You are a skilled storyteller and writer whom God inspires with every word you write. How it helps me today, all these unanswered questions. I often say I have a list of ‘why’s’ for when I get to heaven. I have even made appointments to look up some writers and those whom I will never meet on earth. Thank you for a vivid and unforgettable devotional.
Hello Lynne Phipps,
Thank you for your consistently meaningful and inspiring devotionals. I often scroll to the bottom to see who’s written the devotional before I start to read and when I see your name I dig in with anticipation of a “good word”.
I forwarded today’s to some folks. As always, I found it quite helpful.
May God bless you.
Lynne
I must say you got my curiosity up when you talked about coming to Vancouver Island and all the smoke this past summer. I live on Vancouver Island and the smoke was not bad in our area of the island, so it left me wondering what part of the island was so filled with smoke when you were on the island house sitting. Of course, once I got over my questions then I was able to read what you were leading up to in your devotional for which I truly thank you.
Blessings.
Oh, my goodness, Lynn! Did you ever hit the nail on the head with today’s devotional. I have so many questions that need answering when I get to where I am going. In fact, I sometimes wonder if God is afraid of all the questions that are going to pour from my mouth, and so he continues to leave me here on Earth. He is just not ready for this ‘Chatty Kathy’. Thank you for your continued explanations of God’s word, and your clear, easily understood analogies!
Blessings!
(ON)
Hi Lynn,
Many years ago, we visited the church where both my wife and I grew up. They had the minister who was there when we were both in our early teens, as the guest preacher on that Sunday and he preached on that passage. I still remember that he said that it is like looking at a mirror from a distance and not seeing too well, but “then” we will see face to face. I like your analogy too though. Thank you for writing.
Blessings.
I knew this one of yours before I got to the end. Thank you again.
Dear Lynne,
I always enjoy your contributions. They give me a real lift. I am very sorry that the forest-fire ruined so much of your holidays. We were lucky because there was much less smoke here, but the Olympic Mountains were mostly hidden from view. Thank God for winter.
Cheers and Blessings.