God of light, shine brightly on the life of this dear reader especially in dark areas they may be facing. In Christ Jesus' name, amen.
In Hebrews 11 we find these words, "though he is dead, he still speaks." (v. 4). The reference was to Abel, whose faith allowed him to offer to God "the firstlings of his flock and of their fat portions." This was in comparison to his brother, Cain, who "brought an offering to the Lord of the fruit of the ground." Most pastors would be glad and would say, "We're thankful for your gifts!" God was not. It was faith that made all the difference. And it is faith that will make the difference in our lives as to the continued witness our lives will have on those people that matter to us each day. What are we "saying" now that will be "said" later?
Most will say, "I want to be remembered as a good provider." And provision is good, but is it eternal? Many are those whose parents are great providers, but because of their lack of faith and attention and affection, have tried to shower their children with things and not time. No time to listen, to love, to learn just who their children are, and the children will find others in which to find that which they never had. In early 1967, there appeared an article in The Daily Mail about a 17-year old girl who left home. The parents were quoted as saying, "I can't imagine why she would run away, she has everything here." Based on this article, Paul McCartney wrote "She's Leaving Home" that features the refrain, "She (we gave her most of our lives), is leaving; (sacrificed most of our lives) Home (we gave her everything money could buy), She's leaving home after living alone for so many years (bye bye)." When they finished recording it, their manager Brian Epstein cried. So should we if this is about us.
May we live a life of faith that speak of love, love towards God and those whom God has blessed us with, so that our lives speak not only now, but after we are long gone.
PRAYER: God of love, grant me both love and faith to live a life that speaks truth and love right now, and that when I am gone, I may continue to give witness to You because of the love You had for me and I was able to share with others. In Jesus' Name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
PRAYER REQUESTS: Ben Robbins remained in serious but stable condition but was being moved from Bryan/College Station to Houston. Maxine Lowe had been taken out of ICU to a private room but was being considered to be placed back in ICU. Alex Westbrook is at Valley Baptist Hospital, but can receive no visitors.
