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Listen while you read: "Saviour While My Heart Is Tender"1 (Lyrics) |
Romans 8:38 – And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow — not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. (NLT)
The police gave my brother a choice — either join the navy or go to jail. He was just sixteen, but he'd fallen in with the wrong crowd and had been the wheelman when they were stealing speakers from a drive-in movie theatre. My father cut him right out of the family, and my brother went off to Vietnam at the height of the war. Returning, he couldn't seem to find work till he saw a small ad in the classifieds wanting a mechanic to run the physical plant for a brand-new bank.
He sent it to me, and I wrote him a resume and cover letter, but I warned him that the ad was too general. There would be hundreds of applicants. His only hope was to get our father to back him officially, as that versatile individual — our father — had taught himself civil engineering in his spare time, and now was licensed.
"But he won't talk to me," he said.
"Ask for his help," I counselled. "Tell him again how sorry you are and show him what I wrote." What I'd written was an offer for him to job-share with my father. The bank would be getting two employees — a young navy mechanic (mostly helicopters) and a licensed civil engineer, all for the one salary. Then I prayed as my brother went one more time to ask our father's forgiveness and show him this opportunity.
On the verge of retirement and heartsick over their estrangement, my father jumped at the chance (as did the bank). Trust between my father and brother was restored, and they worked in peace together for the rest of their lives.
Unlike my human father, our forgiving heavenly Father never gives up on us. It is as though every single one of us is the only child that God has. His focus is on us, hearing when we call, delivering us from evil till our cup of blessings runs over. God's goodness and mercy follows us all the days of our lives. When we call for help, He is there, responding in love and forgiveness. In return, we have the privilege of walking with Him daily, following as He directs and leads.
Psalm 91:15 – He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. [KJV]
Prayer: Dear Father, how happy are we who know Your forgiveness personally! For those of us who have not yet found it, help us to experience Your salvation. Thank You for letting us learn by experience and faith that You always hear and answer. Cause our trust to grow deeper and stronger as we see Your promises come true. We are grateful for the gift of family. Help us to be conscious of their needs and reflect Your love to them as we share our lives together. Amen.
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Saturday, June 3, 2023 – In Halifax, Nova Scotia — Pray that God's will may be done in all the decisions that will be made as the General Assembly meets in Halifax, Nova Scotia, at St. Mary's University over the next three days. Pray for safe travels for commissioners and staff. Pray that there may be unity of Spirit in allour striving to be a church that continues to honour the Word of God.
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Beautiful. Thanks for sharing, Rose.
A wonderful story and challenge, Rose.
Beautiful Rose, simply Beautiful! Thank you for writing.
A very moving story Rose, God is extraordinary! Blessings!
That story is a blessing…. thank you.
(Texas)
Dear Rose:
Another wonderful devotional! Nothing compares to our Father’s love!
Thanks, Rose, for another wonderful story of God’s work in your amazing life. It’s a great encouragement to me.
Rose, what a difficult time that was for your family. Thank God for forgiveness and restoration of family relationships! May God’s blessings continue! Blessings.
Hi Rose:
That was such a beautiful story! Thank you so much for not only sharing your personal story but our Godly story as well. You’re such a blessing.
Rose, this is such a heartwarming message of love and forgiveness. I am so pleased that your family reconciled, and l love the parallel to the divine forgiveness of our beloved Father!
Blessings.
Hello Rose
Thank you for this devotional, it was a good one and I am so happy with the outcome.
Yes, I am amazed how God never gives up on us!!
God bless.
Dear Rose,
What a beautiful life journey came out of the difficulty between your brother and father. How wonderful their relationship was restored. God is so good to hear our prayers.
Blessings.
Hi Rose. Thank you for sharing this. I was so deeply touched that I cried. I have a hard time believing that God forgives me for all the wrong that I did before I was a Christian. What you shared has helped understand more how God forgives us. It is about Him, not me. Thank you so much for sharing this.
Thank you Rose, for your story.
I recall my growing up in the slums of Montreal, and the kids found it very easy to be persuaded to fall into a life of crime.
But some of us found a second chance to find a good life that our Lord has meant for us.
Bless by the Holy Spirit, we have found our life in His Grace.
Dear Rose,
Thanks for writing this devotional. Always good news when one hears of mending of relationships, especially among family members. God is so faithful to answer prayer and forgive us when we recognize our wrong and turn to Him.
Blessings,
(B.C.)
Wonderful story and application Rose!
Blessings.
That must have been inspired by the Holy Spirit.
What an inspiring story.
Rose,
Thank you for sharing a heartwarming, heartfelt part of your life experience and Christian journey. It was touching to hear of the restored relationship between your brother and his dad after your brother, with your encouragement, went to your father, asked for help – and received it. This reminds us how much we are blessed to have a heavenly father who loves us so much that we can go to him and ask for forgiveness and grace.
Rose, your messages are so moving and encouraging for OUR Christian journey!! Thank you again for sharing your faith!!
Dear Rose,
Thank you for this one, especially the Psalm and the Prayer.
I’m glad you include such reassuring lines.