A Day to Remember

A young boy ran up to me after chapel and showed me a date his teacher, Dee Helinski,  had written on a tract.

“What’s this?” I asked while reading it.

“It is the date I asked Jesus to save me.” He smiled and then said, “I got saved last night, Mrs. Loyd.”

I hugged him and thought to myself, “Well, there is another one, Lord and the host of angels and believers were rejoicing!”

Our new birth is a Day to Remember! If you don’t remember when you were born again, at least think back to the year and try in your mind to think of the month or as close to it as you can. It is important to most people to know when they became a believer in Jesus Christ. 

Different ones through the years have said to me, “Well, I’ve been saved all my life. My mother went to the 1^st Baptist Church of Yonder Year and I was baptized in Yonder Year Pond.”

No, and a thousand times, NO! Being a member of a church does not save you and neither does baptism. Both are important and friend, you could have been saved most of your life, but remember that life had a starting point…..there was a day of salvation. When did your new life begin?

2Pe 3:1 ¶ This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance:
2Pe 3:2 That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour:
2Pe 3:3 ¶ Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,
2Pe 3:4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.
2Pe 3:5 For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:
2Pe 3:6 Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:
2Pe 3:7 But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.
2Pe 3:8 ¶ But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
2Pe 3:9 ¶ The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 

In the Old Testament God placed an importance on “Knowing” and “Remembering” the time God delivered His people.

Ex 13:3 And Moses said unto the people, Remember this day, in which ye came out from Egypt, out of the house of bondage; for by strength of hand the LORD brought you out from this place: there shall no leavened bread be eaten.
Ex 13:4 This day came ye out in the month Abib.

God was very specific with His people and commanded them to remember the day they came out of Egypt, but not only did He need for them to remember, but to celebrate their deliverance as well. The feast of the unleavened bread was to be celebrated by His people.  As a side note……If you are looking for a new study, may I encourage you to read in depth the different FEASTS and what each one means. It is fascinating!

We celebrate birthdays and go all out year after year after year, but few celebrate their Spiritual Birthday. If you are saved, then you are BORN AGAIN.  The date of my salvation is somewhere in the records of the Church of the Brethren in Middleburg, Florida. No one seems to know. I do know that I was baptized July 24, 1959 after my salvation. Therefore, that date has become very important to me. I was also called into full time ministry on July 24 of another year.  I remember the moment as the Holy Spirit touched me and I walked the aisle to receive Jesus Christ. Amazing to me was our magnificent God who loves me so much that He used these dates in my life, days to remember. I have them written down and I encourage you to do the same also. You might need a starting point. It isn’t about numbers but about “remembering” the day, or month or year of your salvation and maybe you are as I am and do not know the exact day. Nailing it down in your mind and then writing it down to remember is so very good because Satan WILL COME and try to cause doubt. It is a big help to younger children and to teens to write it down, immediately, in their Bibles.

I love this quote by my friend Dr. John R. Rice, “One who has trusted in Jesus Christ as his own Savior, given his heart to Christ and depended upon Him, is saved whether he remembers exactly when it happened or not.” If you struggle in this area of not knowing, go back to that time as close as you can, and get it settled today.

When the students come to me desiring to be BORN AGAIN, I lead them first to the Word of God and then they follow through with their asking Christ to forgive them of their sins to receive Him as their personal Savior.  It is beautiful. I do something next that I have been criticized for and that is OK. I still do it and it is this:  If a child came to the knowledge of Jesus today, October 16, and prayed out loud with me confessing his sins, I will help that child find a chapter and verse to write down that date, which I call A Day to Remember.  Example: October 16=10:16. I look for chapter 10 and verse 16. I may have several to choose from but every now and then, I may not. It is not a magical figure, or number or something that God commands.  For me and the little one, it gives them a starting point to trust the scriptures and start their journey in His Word.

John 10:16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.

Mr 10:16 And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them

Heb 10:16 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;
Heb 10:17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.

Again…..if you don’t know your day of salvation then begin TODAY and get it settled! If you are not sure you are born again, then what are you waiting for?  This is your DAY TO REMEMBER!

Ro 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
Ro 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Until next time, Lord willing...

Sharon

There is a better way!

Jeremiah 2:18 And now what hast thou to do in the way of Egypt, to drink the waters of Sihor? (dark or turbulent waters) or what hast thou to do in the way of Assyria, to drink the waters of the river?

Galatians 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

2 Peter 2:20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.

I think if there is one thing we have trouble with as Christians, it is not realizing our position in Christ.  There is so much available to us that we, for some dumb reason, refuse to claim and use.  We would rather pin ourselves in a corner with our fleshly lusts and be servant to sin rather than walk in freedom with the Master.

One time while living on the banks of the Rio Negro, my husband was talking with an Indian family that had moved from a small village up river to our town.  They were slowly but surely establishing their family in a more modern way and needed Mark’s help with getting some trees they had cut for building their house.  In their more primitive thinking, they had decided to float the lumber down the river and then down a stream that cut into our town and ran along the back side of their property.  Mark agreed to help them guide the logs with his canoe until it reached their land.  The day came when they had everything ready to go and my husband went to do his part watching over the trees as they floated down the stream.  Now, one thing Mark noticed was that after you left the main river which was called black for it’s color, the stream they were now on ran just as quick, but it was filthy.  The waters were murky, filled with leeches and also the dumping grounds for most of the sewage.  It was not a pleasant place to be.  As the logs got closer to their destination, they hit a barrier and the men had to get out of the boat and untangle them.  The whole process was time consuming and hazardous, but Mark eventually made it back home.   Afterwards he told me that he could have hired a taxi to haul the logs from the bank of the main river to this Indian man’s land for five bucks.  But because he was helping based on the man’s plan, he had exposed himself to disease and danger, when had he thought it through, he could have realized that there was a better way. 

Mark and I look back at that event and laugh.  I cringe a little when I think about how sick Mark could have gotten or all the things that could have gone wrong.  But this little story fits perfectly with today’s thoughts on how we can get to know God better. 

If you and I want to know God and draw closer to Him, the one place we don’t need to go looking is in some “dark and turbulent” waters of the world.  Jeremiah lamented over the people of Israel and their unwillingness to realize they were GOD’S people.  He reminded them that they were not slaves to be told what to do by their enemies, but rather they were free to follow and obey the Living True God.  And yet, Israel would have none of it.  They chose to be entangled and pinned in by their enemies.  When all along there was a better way.

There is a better way for you and me to take today.  As we go about our daily tasks we have a choice to go through them as redeemed and regenerated children of God filled with the power of the Holy Spirit to walk correctly or refusing to acknowledge our position and handcuff ourselves to failure.  It is really that simple, but it means we have to think about God and being His child.  Once we think about it, we see our freedom and we will act in it.  The other side is to believe the lies of the enemy that we are worthless creatures who God does not care about and has left to our own devices.  (click)  Did you hear the sound of the handcuffs locking?  That is what the enemy wants, to make us prisoner to his deception.

You have gotten up this morning and you may be carrying a load no one around you understands.  But, can I assure you that you do not have to see that load as your master?  You are God’s child, He isn’t going to let you fall under the weight.  Make the conscious choice for His way, the better way, on how to manage what He has allowed in your life.  Don’t listen to the devil tell you that you are the cause of your troubles and that you have no hope.  NO!  Take those handcuffs and throw them at his face as you pick up God’s Word and seek your Heavenly Father’s face about how to manage today! 

1 Peter 5:7-9 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

You aren’t alone.  You don’t need to put yourself in danger of spiritual disease and allow the enemy to leech the happiness off of your spiritual walk.  You can resist him….IN FAITH!

Recognize you are a free child of the King.

Have Faith in God to stomp the enemy and deliver you in a better way!

Until next time, Lord willing,

Sheri

What is Your Name?

What is your name? Is your name written in the Lambs Book of Life?

Six sophomores sat in my conference room filling out some information for the PSAT that was just given this past week and as I wrote them passes to go back to class. I sat there looking at them with a half-smile, not being able to remember their names.  They just laughed at me and one young man said, “Mrs. Loyd, don’t you remember my name? I was in your office sooooo many times when I was in elementary school?”

No, I don’t remember their names based on why they were in my office a few years ago but I do remember their sweet faces because I get to see them every day. Once they said their name, then I remembered. Funny how quickly we forget someone’s name, isn’t it? I don’t think it has anything to do with our age, do you? 

God, our Father, NEVER FORGETS OUR NAMES.  Isn’t that encouraging? I asked my husband, “Our names in heaven, will they be the same as  on they are on earth?”  He didn’t know for sure, but thought just maybe they would stay the same based on some familiar scripture.  Again, if we go back to the Bible our questions will be resolved.

Joh 12:17 The people therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from the dead, bare record.

Jesus knew his name. He knows my name, friend and He knows yours as well IF you are born-again. Brings a constant smile to my face knowing that Jesus knows my name!

Lu 10:20 Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.

Your name is written in heaven, too, IF you are born-again, friend. My smile is growing wider…..how about you?

Mt 17:3 And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him.
Mt 17:4 Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.

Moses and Elias had the same names after death.

Re 20:15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

Jesus knows His own; therefore those who have rejected Him have no name written in the Book of Life. Now that makes me sad, friend. I have relatives that need Jesus Christ and you do too. Once they are cast into the Lake of Fire, there is no return, no other chance, no coming back, no waking up, no going off for a while and returning…..NO IT IS OVER!

What is your name? Is it written in the Lamb’s Book of Life? Say the names of your loved ones out loud. Are they born-again? Will Jesus know their name or will He cast them into the Lake of Fire? You and I are responsible to get the Gospel out to this world, but we first must start in our own household, wouldn’t you agree?

We have readers of our blog who live in several different countries. I don’t know your name, but if you are a believer of Jesus Christ, then God knows your precious name. One day you and I will get to meet! I am praying for you to make an effort to witness to your loved ones. I know some of your countries prohibit Christian worship. I am so sorry! You may be the only one though, who stands between your loved ones and hell. 

Don’t wait.

For those of you who are school teachers, don’t wait to share the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ with your students. One of my sisters is a retired public school teacher and did not have the opportunities that some of us have….BUT….those of you with the same restrictions can still kneel down at their desk, placing your hands on the back of that chair and CALL OUT THEIR NAMES to our God above and He will hear from heaven!

DON’T WAIT!

Da 12:1 ¶ And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.
Da 12:2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.

Everlasting means EVERLASTING!!!

What is your name?

Until next time, Lord willing…

My name is Sharon. I will identify with my Savior, the Rose of Sharon. :)

It's the "little" things

Psalms 119:38 Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear.

Every time I am at a certain grocery store I get very aggravated at the checkout.  No, it isn’t the lines or a slow cashier, but a tic-tac display that sits at an angle OVER the conveyor belt that ushers my purchases towards the register.  That display impedes every item that comes forward.  I have to stand there and pull stuff away from it.  In this culture, people don’t mind standing right on your heels either.  They will watch how much you pay, what you pay with and even watch you punch in your pin number if they can.  So, when I have to stand there and pull stuff away, sometimes I have to reach around people to do so.  My question is:  Why does the store leave it there if it is just a nuisance?  Isn’t there somewhere else it can be put?  Like on the opposite side? 

Little things can get in the way of our day to day regular lives and they also can get in the way of our spiritual lives. 

Let me ask you a question.  Do you want to be “devoted” to the Lord?  We talk about having our morning “devotions”, but have you ever thought about what that means? 

As my husband was preaching one night on temptation, I heard him use the word devoto in Portuguese.  It made me wonder if the word came from giving promises and if it was the same in English.  So here is what Webster’s defined devote as:

1. To appropriate by vow; to set apart or dedicate by a solemn act; to consecrate.

Just like in a marriage when a couple makes their vows.  A wife vows her husband to devote herself to him.  They are separated from being single and alone TO being partners in everything.  A vow is not a little thing, but little things will keep us from a vow!

So, when I ask if you want to be devoted to the Lord, I am asking you, do you want to set yourself aside for Him?  Do you want to consecrate YOUR life for God?  If your answer is yes, then there are probably some “little things” you need to remove or pay attention to. 

No two people are alike, and since I am not your personal judge, I won’t even begin to make a list of things to care for, that lies between you and the Lord.  I know in my life there are things I have to watch and confess and care for daily, if not, they “get in the way” of my relationship with God.  But in order for me to care for them, I have to get alone with God and that means being determined that nothing will stop me from my time with Him in the mornings.  As we make this journey to get to know God better, let’s be consistent with that time alone with Him.  It is in those moments we can learn from His Word and pour out our hearts to Him and let His Spirit shine the convicting light on the “little things” we are allowing to come between our soul and the Saviour.

Do you have a tic tac display impeding you somewhere in your life?  Are you constantly dealing with it?  Why not make the determined act of removing it?  Whatever it is, ask God to help you help yourself.  He will.  Ask Him to stablish His Word in you like the Psalmist did.  Ask Him to remove the dross so your life can be pure before man and Him. 

When we set ourselves aside for God, we are allowing Him full control.  We are telling Him, "God, I am yours, you can utterly destroy me for your glory."  That is a HUGE thing to do and I wouldn't do it if you don't want Him to take you at your word, your promise. This isn't something for you to compare yourself with someone else either.  It is for you to determine that you will be a better servant to God tomorrow than you were today.   And that means caring for the little things.  May we all have the courage to do what needs to be done!

Until next time, Lord willing

Sheri

Weekend Getaway # 41

"Ever Wonder Why God Created You the Way You Are?"

Deanne Day one of our third grade teachers told a very effective story to the 1^st-3^rd grade children during Chapel. The youngsters really got into the story but so did Mrs. Day. Her expressions were quite unique. Being a natural “story teller” she needed NO microphone! I tease her often for her loud voice but you know what, God gave her that voice for His purpose.  Have you ever noticed how critical we are of ourselves when in reality, we are unique human beings made in the image of God, Himself? Have you thanked God for YOU, lately? I’m not talking about what a sorry sinner you and I are……we KNOW that, right? We are nothing without Christ working through us but I’m talking about the exclusive design God had in mind when He created us.

Ps 139:13 For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. What does Planned Parenthood do with this verse? What have they done with God? We just can’t deny that God is our creator, people, and He wants us to be happy with HIM in that design.

Ps 139:14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

May I just take liberty and ask you, “Have you looked at yourself lately? Do you like what you see? Be honest. I will do the same. Maybe it’s time for a spring cleaning in our own bodies? I’m very serious but I must laugh at the same time because I am as guilty as the next woman who finds fault of the design. So, what has God ALREADY said about His design?

Ps 139:16-18 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them. How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.

We are fearfully and wonderfully made, just like we are for His purpose and not for our own. It is difficult to believe when you and I experience severe health issues or physical disabilities but God’s Word does not lie. It is getting more difficult to convince young people of this truth because we focus too much on the physical and not enough on the spiritual part of who we are. The physical part may not have eyes, but that same person with no eyes may see because of the spiritual. God has supplied us with all our parts and it is ALL we need for Him.

We are unperfect! In the womb we are formed and a record is made in heaven. God’s eyes saw YOU and me before anyone else did.

We were in God’s mind as He thought about us before birth and continues even into eternity!  God’s mind…..I cannot even imagine HIS MIND, can you? My mom gave birth to me, alone. I don’t like to think on it but God takes me back to that day, May 29, 1946. I was not to live, but God intervened. Why? Go back to your day and thank Him for your life. With all your imperfection, He is perfect. Change what needs to be changed and get to the best that you can be. We don’t have time to waste, do we? As you make a list of those things that you have power over to change, pray for those who have the same need of change.

A young man sat across from me disappointed in his recent choices which brought some pretty severe consequences. He had some negative things to say about our school: it is too difficult, the rules are too hard, the dress code is unreasonable, etc. I have heard them all through the years and my violin began playing.  It was not new to these sagging ears!

“May I ask you a question? Have you confessed your sins and asked Jesus to be your personal Savior?”

Looking at me with a piercing stare he answered, “Yes, right here a month ago.”

“Huh! Is that right? Wonder what God has planned for you? Have you asked Him?”

“No, but Mrs. Loyd, it is just TOO hard!”

“Ok, I believe you. Did you know that Jesus took that “too hard” and nailed it on the tree while He was dying for you? Now, here you are trying to pry it down from the cross. Tell me, what’s wrong with this picture?”

With a sincere heart, he replied, “It isn’t too hard for Him but for me?”

“Huh! You know you are smarter than I thought you were! Now, let’s get down to business and find out just what God needs for you to learn about all this.”

This young man had some physical disabilities which caused him to think less of himself, therefore, his perception of God was totally shallow. Once he understood that God created him with these disabilities, he was ready to start a journey with me. We have become great buddies by the way.

It was his mom’s birthday so he made her a card and we talked about his recent health issue. All the while I prayed, “God, help me show this young man he is made for YOUR glory and not his own.”

I prayed with him and said, “You know, God needs preachers and YOU just might be the one He will call.” In my mind I thought about Paul, the great missionary and soldier of the Lord Jesus Christ!

He stared at me with those piercing eyes and said, “You might be right, Mrs. Loyd.” As he left he turned and yelled with a Preacher voice, “GOD BLESS YOU, MRS. LOYD!”

Amazing how quickly we can change our view of ourselves when we realize the one Who “made” us.

Until next time, Lord willing.

Sharon

What's in your cup?

Psalms 116:1-19 I love the LORD, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications. Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live. The sorrows of death compassed me, and the pains of hell gat hold upon me: I found trouble and sorrow. Then called I upon the name of the LORD; O LORD, I beseech thee, deliver my soul. Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful. The LORD preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and he helped me. Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the LORD hath dealt bountifully with thee. For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling. I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living. I believed, therefore have I spoken: I was greatly afflicted: I said in my haste, All men are liars. What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me? I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD. I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people. Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints. O LORD, truly I am thy servant; I am thy servant, and the son of thine handmaid: thou hast loosed my bonds. I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD. I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people, In the courts of the LORD'S house, in the midst of thee, O Jerusalem. Praise ye the LORD.

At different times of my life certain passages of Scripture have marked the moment with me.  The above passage is one of those “marks”.  If you are like me, you have felt the graciousness of God on your life after a great trial or after returning from a time of rebellion.  Whatever the case may be, you and I both know He does NOT give us what we deserve!  He has been pretty good to us!

In verse 13, there is a phrase that we can glide over if we are not careful.  What is the “cup of salvation”?  In the mornings I like to have a good hot cup of coffee while I open my Bible and read.  It wakes me up and I sip on it with great pleasure.  Maybe you are a hot tea drinker, whichever you prefer, you know that feeling of getting your favorite morning beverage in your hands as you greet the day.  Well, here the Psalmist is reflecting on all that God has done for him and all he has been delivered from, then he says he will take the cup of Salvation and call upon the name of the Lord.  Frankly, if you go to reading all the commentaries on this phrase you may end up a little confused. But if you take this all in context you will find that no matter how the commentaries differ, they all agree that it is an acknowledgement of the goodness of God’s salvation and the act of remembering it.

I don’t forget to make coffee in the mornings.  I don’t forget to drink it either.  It is something that is part of my day.  So my question to myself is, what is wrong with me that I would put more importance on a cup of coffee than I would the cup of Salvation?  I am not talking about the Eucharist, but the act of bowing my head while thanking God for all that Calvary means to me.  The empty tomb, the promise of His return, and the mercy shown to me, a sinner!  Just typing these things makes me want to get up from my table where my cold empty coffee cup sits and go pray and thank God for His goodness!  If He never did another thing for you and me, we will still have received a million times more than what we deserve! 

Don’t get upset at God and go demanding your “rights” to Him when sin has caused some destruction in your life.  He has extended His hand in Romans 8:28 to us and then goes on to tell us NOTHING can separate us from His love, so why are you so upset with Him?  He has done nothing wrong!  Take some time to reflect like the Psalmist did and realize God has loaded you down with benefits.

I am not writing from the viewpoint of teacher to student here.  I am telling you that over the last few months as I have battled in my own battles, I SHOULD have taken time to ponder the “cup of salvation” and let His goodness speak louder than my sorrow!  Oh that I would learn from the Scripture and follow what It says!

If you are able to read this today, you have eyes that see.  You have a functioning brain that has allowed you to click a link and “open” it up to read these words.  There are those in a hospital bed today that can do none of this.  There are those in countries where there is no electricity, much less money for a computer, who can NOT do what you are doing right now.  There are those who are on their knees right now in some muslim country crying because they are being beaten and they do NOT know our God.  They don’t know the HOPE that is in Jesus Christ.  You and I are beyond blessed.  I don’t have to feel obligated today to go down to a temple and ring a bell or light a candle to a false god.  I don’t need to pray the rosary or kiss a statue and cross my chest in hopes of a blessing.  No, I can sit here with the LIVING WORD OF GOD and claim the promises written therein for my life today and know without a shadow of a doubt that my God, the Creator of this universe will bend His divine ear to hear my voice.  This puts me to tears.  How humbling a thought! 

Take a moment to reflect on how blessed you are.  Even if you just signed some divorce papers or you are in a financial mess at the moment, your God is still on the Throne and He has not left or forsaken you if you are His child.  Reflect on Him before you reflect on your problems.  He can change the lives of your wayward children.  He can change your heart to accept your current circumstances with joy instead of a frown.  He absolutely can make a way for you to look up again instead of weeping.  He didn't hold back His only Son from you did He?  Then why aren't you trusting and thanking Him?  

Practical tip:  Every time you pick up a cup, think about the “cup of Salvation”.  Thank God for what He has done, what He is doing and what He is going to do. 

Until next time, Lord willing,

Sheri