February 9                                                    Ezekiel 39:  21-29; Philippians 4:  10-20

                                                                                                John 17:  20-26

 

Ezekiel 39:27b  “I will show myself holy through them in the sight of many nations.”

 

John 17: 25-26   “Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.”

 

Philippians 4: 12a-13  “I have learned the secret of being content on any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”

 

 

Dear Gilead Church,

 

I write you from the shores of the Mediterranean. I beseech thee to remember me to my friends and loved ones. I have heard rumors that you travel amongst the communities of Hebron with long faces. Bemusing the economy and price of gas and home heating fuel.

 

I am concerned that in your worries you have forgotten the face that we show those who have yet to experience the glory of GOD. We are his emissaries in the world. It is through our actions that others will or will not turn to our Savior. It is through Christ that we found the love of God, the Father, and it is through our love that others will find the love of Christ.

 

It is through God’s consistent love that we can be content in all things. Let his light shine through you into the darkness of this world. Let your smile in the presence of difficulty be your shield. And your words of encouragement to others are your sword against injustice.

 

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it in the name of Jesus the Savior, and give thanks for all things to our Father in heaven. Remember that a trial may be a time for you to shine brighter and longer than before.

 

Yours in Christ,

 Paul

 

 

~ Jane Straut