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Listen to this devotional: |
Listen while you read: "The Head That Once Was Crowned"1 (Lyrics) |
Are you fond of squirrels? From my childhood, I remember the damage that they can do if they get into one's attic, so I've not been particularly fond of the critters! This morning, however, as I sat at my table enjoying a coffee and glancing out my back window, I was actually in awe of a pair of black squirrels in my neighbour's trees. As they chased each other, leaping from tree to tree, I couldn't help but think of the faith that they have! Some of those high branches seemed to me to be unable to hold the weight of a chipmunk, let alone a squirrel! Yet, there they were, scurrying to and fro, jumping from unimaginable heights to fragile-looking twigs!
That made me ponder the witness of my Christian faith. Peter demonstrated his faith by stepping out of the boat and walking on the water, as long as he kept his eyes on the Lord. Faith is often defined as complete trust. As a Christ-follower, my faith, my complete trust in Him alone, is the cornerstone of this personal relationship. Going to the Scriptures is the key to growing in our faith and trusting Jesus. Then, like the squirrels, we'll take leaps of faith, trusting the Lord completely, and in doing so, we'll exhibit the joy of the Lord and please Him!
Especially since March 2019, God has shown Himself to be completely trustworthy! When my husband and I were celebrating our 50th year of marriage on an eastern Caribbean cruise, Bob suffered a fatal heart attack as the ship was entering the first port, San Juan, Puerto Rico. God provided many miracle moments that only He could have orchestrated throughout that challenging time. My faith has grown and deepened as I've come to trust Jesus more. I realized that I have dared to take leaps of faith, sharing God's grace with individuals, as well as speaking to groups (before COVID-19). I encourage you to trust Him, too. He will uphold us with His great love and equip us to take leaps of faith with His help!
Romans 10:17 – So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the Word of Christ. (ESV)
John 7:38 – Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, "Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water." (ESV)
When we believe in Jesus with even the smallest amount of trust, the good news is that He will work in and through us. The joy of living our faith will be evident!
Something to consider: How do we trust Him like the squirrels leaping to the next branch or Peter stepping out of the security of the boat towards Jesus in faith? Let each of us seek to know Him more, that we might live out our faith with such joy that others will know that we are His and will want to know Him, too!
Prayer: Dear Father, strengthen our faith as we seek a closer walk with You throughout this new year! Guide us as we move forward. Help us to keep our eyes on You, trusting and listening for Your Word, Your guidance, and Your assurance that You have a plan for each of us. Help us to take leaps of faith for Your sake. Thank You, Lord, that You are with us and will never forsake us. In Jesus' precious name, we pray. Amen.
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Encouraging words, Mary Lou. Happy New Year.
Thanks so much for strengthening our faith for the new year.
Congrats Mary Lou. Very good devotional.
Blessings.
Thank you to Mary Lou, to Rev. Robin Ross and to all the Presbycan staff!
Faith and Trust in God, in Jesus is imperative!
Thank you, Mary Lou. You certainly show evidence of your faith in your response to your husband’s sudden death. Thank you for this encouraging message.
Dear Mary Lou,
Thank you so much for those mental pictures of the leaping squirrels. I will think of them when my faith is weak.
Hi Mary Lou enjoyed listening to your reading this morning. I’m so sorry what a shock. It must have been a busy time. My husband of 45 years also died of a heart attack.
Take Care.
Dear Mary Lou:
Thank you for your beautiful words of wisdom and grace. May our wonderful Lord bless you and always keep you close to Him.
I am sorry for your loss. I pray God blesses you and keeps you safe and healthy.
Hello Mary Lou
Thank you for your devotion. Amazing when we watch nature how it teaches us so much about God in different ways.
Sorry about your husband, and only God could help with that situation for sure.
We do have devastating heartache at times, but it is a comfort knowing we do not go it alone.
God bless.
Greetings Mary,
Thank you for this thoughtful and mindful devotional. It was sad to hear of your husband so unexpectedly passing away at the time of a special event in your married lives but thankful that your faith has carried you through such a time. Yes, we must be ever thankful that the Lord never leaves us to face alone, happenings in our lives. He is ever present at our side and so deserves our endless praise and gratitude.
Blessings as you go forward with our loving Saviour in this new year of 2021.
(B.C.)
Hi Mary Lou,
As you started out with the question whether or not we like squirrels, I will start out with my answer, “No I don’t.” I have a constant battle to keep them out of my bird feeder, they have chomped on the 4″ post, they have climbed over the upside-down big flowerpot I have partway up the post, they have totally destroyed a couple of them. Last summer I trapped about 10 of them and gave them an all-expense paid trip into the country, but more keep showing up, the big gray ones are the worst, the black ones not far behind, they look nice, but they are very destructive. Here in town, where we live now, I rarely see a red squirrel nor chipmunks.
Thank you for writing this meaningful devotional.
A Happy New Year.
When I face adversity that is when I become most aware of the Lord’s presence and help.