Today is Monday :) I am generally not a fan of Mondays, mostly because I am tired from Sunday. But yesterday I got to take a nap which is an unusual occurrence for me on Sundays. So today I woke up with the first ring of my alarm. Jumped up and showered. I made a bowl of oatmeal before dashing out the front door.
So today my bible reading was in Luke. The phrase that stood out to me today was "But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart." Luke 2:19. Later in the chapter it repeats that Mary treasured up all of these things in her heart.
Interesting...how often have we treasured up things in our heart and pondered them? Mary had a lot to ponder about. This was her baby, her firstborn, the Son of God. So much information, shepherds finding them in a barn to worship her baby. Talk about a birth announcement! The Angels took care of that! Then there was the purification rite at the temple. Simeon came up and spoke of their son being the Messiah. Then right after that there was Anna, who also spoke about their child being the redemption of Israel! Wow...so much for such a young mama to take in. Yet I am sure when she looked into her baby boy's eyes she saw love and compassion. Not really knowing what the future held.
Mama and Daddy, look into the eyes of your babies. Pray over them, love them. You do not know what the future holds for your babies. We know that they aren't deity but they do have an important role to fill. They very well may be pivotal in our world. Teach them, prepare them! Teach them the Word of God. Teach them how to live a righteous life, every moment. Tell them the love of their heavenly Father, their Savior. Let them know that they are called now to serve the Most High. They are not too young and we never know what their future holds.
I have a friend named Beth on an e-list that I participate in. Her church family lost a dear servant of Lord this past week. His name is Brian. Brian was only 24 years old but he knew the Lord. He served the Lord well. She has shared about Brian's faithfulness before on the list. He did whatever he could to serve the Lord. He worked in the sound booth, he read the Word, and he loved and shared the gospel with everyone who would listen. Brian left a hole to fill in his church and his family's lives. Brian lived every moment of his life!
You notice that I said his name is Brian. That wasn't a mistake. His name is Brian. Brian may have left this world but he is very much alive in heaven. He is face to face with God. Brian's time here was too short but it was well spent. When he entered the gates of heaven, The Lord was able to say, "Well, done good and faithful servant." I didn't know Brian personally but he left a testimony of grace, love, compassion and faithfulness behind. He would want EVERYONE to accept Jesus as their Savior. I am sure there would be nothing more comforting to his parents and pastors if someone accepted Jesus because of Brian's life and testimony. That would be the legacy that Brian would want.
So would you all join in prayer with me for those left behind? For Brian's parents, his grandparents, his church family. That they would feel God's comfort and peace surrounding them. And please pray that if anyone who knew Brian but doesn't know Jesus would choose salvation today. Then they too would get to see Brian again one day in the future and most importantly they would know that they have a hope and a future in Christ.
Well done Brian, good and faithful servant of the Lord.
Shanin
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