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Bloom Daily Devotional Series

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Bloom in God's Promises

Table of Contents

Gratitude

About the Author

Foreword

Introduction

Back in the Saddle

Mary Magdalene

The Open Tomb

Oh Man!

Day Two

The Cabin

Journaling

Time

Bloom in the Weed Patch

What Do You Believe?

He’s My Dad

Eyes of a Child

Heed My Own Advice

Narrow Hole

Two Become One

Communication

Mindset

God or Coincidence

The Missing Light

Favorite Barista

Ultra-Religious

Bible Study Group

Blooming, Budding, Dying

Unconditional Love

Broken Seashells

Milestones

Intense Fellowship

501C3

Junk

Create Memories

BMV Day

Mighty Oak

Prayer Police

Just Wait

Missing Dad

Mr. Bluebird

God’s Favor

Deposits

Spring Day

Hard Stuff

Easy Stuff

Dinner Table

Oddities

Adversity

Paradise

Be Inspired

Harmony

April Snow

The Relay Race

Social Distancing

Grain Bin Construction

The Skunk

Adulterous Woman

Pine Trees

The Uncles

Knight in

Rock Bottom

Grandfather May I

Ryan Jr.

Recipe for a Happy Life

Life Gets Sticky

Natural Gift

The Golden Girls

Baling Crew

Jigsaw Puzzle

Leave Egypt

At the Heart of It

Something out of Nothing

Devastation in Iowa

Happy Place

The Poof

The Dirt Patches

Work Hard & Enjoy Life

Legacy of Prayer

Fear of Men

Rearview Mirror

The Blood

Dreary Autumn Day

Respect

The House

Development

Anticipation

Dr. Livingstone

A Lucy

KOKO

The Spices

Chicken Manure

Stuck in Neutral

Hymn of Promise

Curiosity

Hydroplane

The Wedding Dress

Math Problem

Tangled Yarn

Covid-19 Christmas

Gratitude

Old MacDonald

Conclusion—The Promise

I Stood at the Window

Resources

Foreword

The SIGN of a Good Friend

As I sat down to begin to write this Foreward, I was thinking, “How do I describe my relationship with Mary in a few words?” I sought the definition of friend in a dictionary and reviewed Scriptures that talk of friends. Then one morning, I sat down to put on my makeup and looked up to see a little sign that my sister had given me which said:

SISTER (noun)

  1. Someone who knows everything about you and loves you anyway.

BINGO! That is how I would describe Mary. She is someone who knows everything about me and loves me anyway. So, I am going to ‘take a page in Mary’s book’ and write something based on an everyday event – seeing a little sign in a new way.

I have known Mary for over 30 years. We went to the same elementary school and high school but one of us (I won’t say which) was a ‘couple’ years older so our paths did not cross. But when she married Jim, who is a good friend of my husband, our friendship began. The things we have done would take pages and pages if I mentioned them all. Our kids were in her 4-H club, we did a couple’s Bible Study for several years, and went to Women of Faith conferences together. We even organized groups of women to attend those conferences. We have enjoyed going to concerts (we love our Reba) and I have enjoyed helping her host her book events/craft shows. But the thing we seem to enjoy most often is going out to dinner with our husbands and catching up on what is happening in our lives. And I know she is always just a phone call away. We have shared struggles and secrets; sorrows and joys; and prayer requests and praises.

Mary’s love for the Lord and obedience to sharing that love resulted in the most significant event in my life. I am most grateful to Mary for an invitation to attend a “Walk to Emmaus” weekend. Mary had been on one of these weekends and told me she thought I would enjoy this spiritual renewal weekend. I trusted her so I packed my bags and let her drop me off at a local church to spend the weekend. I had no idea what to expect. It was during that weekend that I gave my life to Christ. In that moment, sitting alone in the darkened sanctuary listening to Written in Red being sung, Mary and I became sisters in Christ! My life was changed as a result of that weekend. I will be forever grateful that she brought me to the place that would bring me into a personal relationship with Jesus!

Looking back at that definition for sister, “Someone who knows everything about you and loves you anyway.” I can certainly say that describes Mary. But there is One that truly knows everything about me. God even knows my deceitful, selfish heart and still sent his only Son to die on the cross for me.

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8 NASB)

I pray that as you read this book you will see the love God has for you and will be encouraged in your faith. I thank God for all of His gifts and bringing Mary into my life is certainly one of them. He has blessed her with a great ability to see Him in all things. May we all learn to do the same.

Copyright © 2021 by Mary Rodman. All rights reserved.

Back in the Saddle

After weeks, no months of editing, formatting, marketing, etc. I am back in the saddle. My saddle just happens to be my office chair and my reigns are my laptop computer. It feels so good to write again. Don’t get me wrong, God has been with me every step of the way, but when it comes to my books, my favorite part is the writing. I get excited about sharing a story, doing the Bible research, and tying it all together for you.

In the midst of the publishing process, my publisher Diane asked me, “What do you plan to do after this book is published?”

I was quick to reply, “Clean my house!” which happened to be a total disaster at the time.

We both had a chuckle as she rephrased her question. “What are your writing plans for the future?”

That simple question made me long to write more devotions. Maybe one day I will break out of the mold and try something different, but for now I am committed to book three of the Bloom Devotional Book Series, Bloom in God’s Promises.

What brings you excitement when you serve the Lord? For me it is writing, but we all have different areas of service. Once you find your niche, you will shine because Jesus is a part of your ministry.

Psalm 138:8 says, The Lord will work out his plans for my life—for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever. Don’t abandon me, for you made me.” If we believe the promises in this verse, we should not fear serving the Lord.

His PlansJeremiah 29:11 is probably the most quoted verse when it comes to God’s plan for our lives. But what about 1 Corinthians 1:25? “This foolish plan of God is wiser than the wisest of human plans, and God’s weakness is stronger than the greatest of human strength.

This verse speaks volumes about the abilities of God verses our own weak humanness. We cannot begin to understand what our future holds, what plans to make, or what strength we need for the journey, but God does. We need to tap into His strength for the daily journey as well as the long trail.

Faithful Love—There are countless verses like Lamentations 3:22, “The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. God loves us without end. Once again, a concept that is hard for our earthly brains to comprehend. During difficult moments in life, you may struggle with how you feel about God, but He never stops loving you. When we understand His love to its fullest, our lives are changed forever. On the most difficult of days, we love Him because He loves us.

You Made Me—The words of Psalm 139 always resonate in my heart when I think of how God made each one of us. Perfect. Unique. Wonderful. Quirky. Beautiful. Passionate. Crazy. Don’t hide behind a mask on insecurity. God made you! Magnificent, original, wild, lovable you. He not only made you, He made you with a purpose in mind.

Get back in the saddle and head down the trail of life! On your most difficult days, remember God has a plan for your life. When you feel unloved, stand on the promise of God’s unending love for you. Are you lacking confidence because of your unusual personality or your capabilities? God made you exactly the way He wanted and with a purpose in life. Find your niche in Christian service and Bloom as you remember God’s promises each day.

Suggested Scripture

  • Jeremiah 29:11
  • Psalm 139
  • Psalm 136:5

Copyright © 2021 by Mary Rodman. All rights reserved.

Prayer Police

My granddaughter Reagan has learned to pray before eating her snack at preschool. So now at mealtime, Reagan patiently waits for the prayer to be said. Her sister, Mya, however is not so patient. She is always starving (just ask her) and dives in as quickly as possible.

Reagan has earned the nickname of Prayer Police because she always says, “Mya is eating before we prayed.”

I don’t like to encourage tattling, but I love how at the age of four, Reagan has become an influencer. Generally, Mya will put down her fork, acknowledge her mistake, and wait for the prayer before she continues.

I was not a Christian influencer at the age of four, and there are days as an adult I still miss the mark. As Christians, we sometimes find it easier to go with society, rather than standing up for our beliefs and our Christian values.

Jeremiah understood how the pressures of society could be a bad influence. Following the evil reign of Manasseh, Judah had become very corrupt. The people knew the importance of God’s blessing, but refused to change their ways to receive it. They continued their evil practices, but didn’t understand why God’s wrath was upon them. As God’s prophet, Jeremiah was caught in the middle. He prayed for Judah, but the people of Judah hated him. Jeremiah feared for his life as Judah continued to rebel against God.

Regardless of their hatred toward him, Jeremiah continued to pray. But, He [God] had decided to banish Judah from his presence because of the many sins of Manasseh, who had filled Jerusalem with innocent blood. The Lord would not forgive this.” (2 Kings 24:3b-4).

Jeremiah was afraid of the people of Judah. They had rejected him as a prophet to pursue their evil ways. He felt abandoned by God and was even angry at Him because his prayers could not change God’s heart. If God would no longer allow him to intercede for Judah, what was his purpose on earth?

This is how the Lord responds: “If you return to me, I will restore you so you can continue to serve me. If you speak good words rather than worthless ones, you will be my spokesman. You must influence them; do not let them influence you! They will fight against you like an attacking army, but I will make you as secure as a fortified wall of bronze. They will not conquer you, for I am with you to protect and rescue you. I, the Lord, have spoken! Yes, I will certainly keep you safe from these wicked men. I will rescue you from their cruel hands.” (Jeremiah 15:19-21 – Emphasis added)

We are often caught in the middle like Jeremiah. Between good and evil. Right and wrong. Godly and ungodly. When we are in these circumstances, God calls us to be an influencer, not a follower. Our reward is His protection on earth and eternity in heaven.

I am proud of my prayer police granddaughter Reagan. She isn’t praying for Judah, but she is making an impact for Jesus in her small little world. I challenge you to become the prayer police in your small piece of the world too.

Copyright © 2021 by Mary Rodman. All rights reserved.

Bloom in God's Promises Book Trailer

Enjoy the book trailer for the #1 bestselling devotional book, Bloom In God’s Promises. Click here to order your copy today.

Live Life in Full Bloom

Table of Contents

Thank You Gift
About the Author
Foreword
Introduction
Give It Your All
White Iris
Toilet
Deep Roots
God’s Love
Lord’s Prayer
Wonderful Creations
Bloom
Dance and Celebrate
Fog of Confusion
Snow Angels
Teachable Moments
Peppermint Patty
Who Are You?
Grandpa Said No
Flowermonia
Nothingness
Under His Wings
Seriously
Father-Daughter
Rosie
Hair Style
Bathroom Remodel
Life if a Journey
Does He Notice?
Partnership
Ground Sparrow
Generations
Sad Memory
Get Out of Your Box
Be Strong and Immovable
Long-Distance Friends
Why Me Lord?
The Cleaver Family
Rotisserie
Sweet Aroma
Garbage Dump
Encouragement
Fire of Blessings
Catch Your Dirt
Play-Doh
Childhood Confession
Bluebirds and Mimosa Trees
Disgusting Tasks
Gnarly or Smiling
Rules of Grace
Old Friends
Overstuffed
Dare to Dream
The Fall and the Rise
Break the Silence
The Donkey
The Storm
Zip-Line
Happy Anniversary
Sandcastles
Follow Christ More
The Fire
Sorry Grandma
The Key
The Rock
Lost Cell Phone
Shattered Window
Reflection
Leah’s Dedication
Pelican
Social Media
Donnie
The Breeze
Flea Market
Bottle of Wine
Deception
What’s Your Handicap?
Give Everything
Raindrop
Email Blunder
Glitter Stones
Wild Flowers
In the Year 2525
Out on a Limb
Thunder
Killdeer
Abundance
Dirty Truck
Tough Love
Zucchini Crisp
Dullbozer
Snuggles
Leap of Faith
Artesia Geyser
The Move
Combine Repair
Underfoot
Dale
Difficult Decisions
Memorabilia
Compassion for the One
Conclusion—New Beginnings
Resources

Bloom in God's Promises

Foreword

So Who is Mary Rodman and why should you make these devotionals part of your daily walk with God?

I believe the best answer to both these questions is best stated by Mary herself:

“I am Mary Rodman, who was saved by God’s grace. I am a simple, beautiful, humble, gifted, disciple of God, whom He chose to write my crazy stories, intertwine them with scripture and share with the world.” (Taken directly from the devotional within these pages, “Who are You?”)

Mary’s passion for life and living according to God’s Word is self-evident in each and every story she weaves…Stories from her own humble daily life with family and friends.

Her divine gift? “Seeing” teaching moments in everyday mundane events. She then pivots them into humorous, divinely inspired devotions…each designed to capture your heart and bring you joy as you’re gently reminded of God’s grace in your life.

I’ve been privileged to share the final part of this journey with Mary. It’s been an honor to help her publish this book and guide her to include special gifts for you. Be sure to visit her website and pick them up here.

https://maryrodman.com/BookBonuses

And think of Mary when you’re looking for an inspirational speaker, or a facilitator for your next weekend retreat…you’ll be glad you did!

Diane K. Bell/ Publisher-in-Chief

LegacyLanePublishing.com

Copyright © 2019 Mary Rodman. All rights reserved.

Give It Your All

At a recent event known as the Walk to Emmaus I was blessed to be on the leadership team and help lead discussions with some wonderful ladies. On our last day, we asked one another about our favorite Bible story. For me it was so hard to choose. You have the story of Esther. The Samaritan Woman. The woman who touched Jesus’ robe. Peter walked on water. How do you choose just one? I admit I don’t remember which one I selected, but I remember Iola’s favorite. It was the widow woman’s offering.

This short story in the Bible wasn’t even on my top ten list, so when Iola mentioned this story it piqued my interest. I have always felt that Jim and I are good financial stewards, so these few verses never made much of an impact. I always read them with pride in my heart. Give financially, yep done, checked off my list of good deeds. What an attitude, because the story is about much more than financial stewardship!

While Jesus was in the Temple, he watched the rich people dropping their gifts in the collection box. Then a poor widow came by and dropped in two small coins. “I tell you the truth,” Jesus said, “this poor widow has given more than all the rest of them. For they have given a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.” Luke 21:1-4

I read these verses several times over the next couple of days, and studied the footnotes in my Bible. God calls for us to give our all. Not just financially, but in every area of our lives. I am now convicted every time I read, “For they have given a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.” Jesus calls us to give all of our time to serve others. All of our strength for the trials in life. All of our compassion for the hurting. All of our gifts and talents. In every area of our lives, we should take intentional steps to give all we have to Christ.

In these verses, Jesus isn’t concerned about a money issue. He is concerned about a heart issue. The widow wasn’t blessed because she gave financially. She was blessed because she gave from her heart. She reminds me of David, a man after God’s own heart. (1 Samuel 13:14). She was a woman after God’s own heart. She wasn’t a woman who simply gave monetarily. She was a woman who invested in the kingdom of God with all of her heart, all of her mind, and all of her soul. (Matthew 22:37).

Dear Lord,

I ask your forgiveness for my foolish pride and for the time I spend on worldly items, which do not point others to Christ. Change my heart Lord, so I desire to serve You with my whole heart, my whole mind, and my whole soul. Help me to use my gifts and my talents within your church, and the ministries which bless You. Lord give me strength to go above and beyond what I feel is possible each day, because with You everything is possible. Please help me grow stronger in my faith and become a Christian who desires to see others as You see them. Make me more like the Widow Woman and turn me into a woman who is after God’s own heart. You have asked for my best Lord, and for today, I give You my all.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

White Iris

The flowerbed beside our driveway is full of iris. One variety has a small, dark purple bloom. Today when I looked at all the beautiful purple flowers, I did a double take. Right in the middle of the purple iris was a single white iris bloom! I have never planted white iris at my home, so I considered it a gift from God. The white bloom stood out amongst all of deep purple flowers. It was so radiant and I quickly snapped a photo to show a couple of my friends.

As I scurried about my evening routine, I reflected on the white flower and looked at the picture numerous times. The white flower is a symbol of so many biblical truths. Color mutation—God is the creator of everything. Yesterday, today and tomorrow. He created the white iris from the genetics of a purple one. White—the color of purity. Jesus was the only pure person to walk this earth, and with His purity comes an opportunity for us to have eternal life. Single flower—let your light shine. Be who Jesus has called you to be in this world. Even when you are the only white flower in the crowd, show it boldly. My white iris beautifully illustrates this scripture.

In the beginning the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. (John 1:1-5)

 The gospel of John helps us understand that the Word, or Jesus, existed from the beginning. God created everything through Him. From the mountains to the seas, the flowers to the birds, He created it all. He is still in the creation business today, just like He created a white iris from purple ones. Just as the white iris is a new creation, we are a new creation in Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:17).

You often see portraits of Jesus dressed in white. White is a symbol of purity. He was sinless, without flaw, and perfect in every way. Through His perfection, He provided redemption for our sins. His death and resurrection,brought light to everyone.” (John 1:4b). The white iris reminds me of the old hymn, “What can wash away my sins, nothing but the blood of Jesus.[i]” This perfect Lamb of God washed away our sins so we may be pure and white, just like the white iris.

Once you accept Jesus as your Savior, the Light is part of your life and the darkness slowly fades. Difficulties will come your way. The loss of loved ones. Financial struggles. Divorce. Rebellious children. Crying babies. However, no circumstance you face is in total darkness. He is the true Light in a dark world. Christ is your White Iris in a flowerbed of worldly problems.

There is the twist in the story though. The next day I had two white irises. The third day three and this morning I have white iris blooms in several places. This is an example of the glory of Christ! When you shine your light in a dark world, you show the love of Christ. Soon others are led to His amazing grace and Christians multiply like the white irises in my flowerbed!

As you scurry about your daily routine, focus on the White Iris called Jesus. He is still and will always be in the creation business. He is the Light of the world. His Light will shine bright in the darkest moments of your life. So, continue to celebrate your salvation and shine your light for Jesus!

[i] https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/history-of-hymns-nothing-but-the-blood

Live Life in Full Bloom Book Trailer

Enjoy this short book trailer for #1 bestselling devotional, Live Life in Full Bloom. Click here to order your copy today.

Bloom Where You're Planted

Table of Contents

How to use this devotional

Thank You

A thank you gift for you…

About the Author

Foreword

Introduction

Gold Band

Tears

Spoon of Forgiveness

Thermostat

Furniture Moving

Corn and Rain

Can a Mother Resign?

Peeling the Layers

Greater Love

Jesus Wept

Flight 93

Woman After God’s Own Heart

Drought Index

High Seas Expedition

Object or Person

GPS Adventure

Silo’s Edge

Wrong Side of the Bed

Mountain Peak

Planting and Watering

Walk with Christ

Cars

China Cow

Pruning Bushes

Quilt Squares

Balance

Old Faithful

Soar Like an Eagle

Step of Faith

Mya Ann

Cleansing Rain

Worker Bee

Things to Do

Lightning Bugs

Knit Together

Deer and Fawn

God’s Change

Bridges of Love

Socks

Missed Opportunities

Shower Curtain

Esther—God’s Pretty Woman

The Calf

Daily Fetch

Hedge Apples

Fall Colors

Muddy Waters

Bird Poop

Hens and Chickens

Storms of Life

Transformation

Star Gazing

Well Done

Blessings

Survivor

Missed Roads

Motorcycles and Bison

Dust Bunnies

Purple Barn

A Day Without Stanley

Alf

Heart of Worship

Stepdads

Rocks and Chocolates

Destruction Leads to Construction

Rose Among Thorns

Clean Your Closet

Vacation Dud

Precious Cargo

Commitment

Little Things

Volunteer Violas

Squirrel or Opossum

Box of Memories

Doilies and China

Honest Mistake

A Time

The Flame

Streaked Windows

Bobsled Ride

Country Road

Circle of Faith

Ducks in the Field

Paula

Names of God

Sequoia Trees

So I Might Serve

Ultimate Gift

Spiritual Blindness

Family Legacy

Priceless Moment

Candles

Bittersweet Christmas

Awaiting Baby King

Reagan Elizabet

Fulfillment

The Lost Sheep

Conclusion

Resources

Endnotes

Foreword

I like to call them God-incidents. You know, those moments where you feel the presence of God in a powerful way during your everyday activity, or perhaps it’s when you’re having a difficult time in your life and someone unexpectedly contacts you to see how you are. Mary has a gift for looking at these God-incidents in her life, interlacing them with scripture, and putting them down on paper.

Mary and I met several years ago at a spiritual renewal weekend called, “The Walk to Emmaus,” and have served together on several more of these weekends. It was during one of these “Walks” that Mary shared one of her writings with me; one of her God-incidents. Mary shared with me she had several more if I would like to read them. I was deeply touched by what she had written and how she related scripture to the events. I and several others encouraged her to continue writing and put the writings together in a book. I’m glad she listened and followed through.

One of my favorites happens to be “Bird Poop.” Yes, you read right. Mary’s husband, Jim, challenged her to write a devotion about bird poop and she did just that. She related how we step into those unexpected problems in our lives and we feel like we are in the midst of bird poop. I’ll let you read the devotion for yourself to see how Mary has taken those God-incidents in her life, related Biblical stories and scripture to them, and woven them into the wonderful book you now hold in your hands.

When you finish reading, I hope you will embrace Mary as a friend and come to see similar God-incidents in your life as well. I am proud to call Mary my friend and look forward to sharing more with her in the future.

Pastor Kathy Reiff

Gold Band

At the age of eighty-five my mother, Mildred Conklin, was faced with a very tough decision. The doctors discovered she had a large aortic aneurism just above her heart. Her choices: Risky open-heart surgery or take her chances that it wouldn’t rupture. The odds weren’t good with either option! My mother said, “I don’t have a choice. I’m not done living for my great grandchildren yet.”

She opted for the surgery and was moved to a larger hospital in Columbus where surgery soon followed. As Mom was about to go into surgery the nurse asked her to remove her wedding band. Mom said, “No, you can just tape it. It has never been off my finger.”

The nurse explained that Mom needed to remove the band because it would burn her finger if they had to shock her. Mom reluctantly agreed, but told Dad that he had to remove it, because he was the one who put it on her finger sixty-six years ago. So, Dad removed the wedding band and gave it to me.

Following a seven-hour surgery, Dad was escorted to see Mom in recovery. The rest of us were winding down the hallways to a waiting room. Suddenly Dad and his escort appeared. Dad wanted to put the ring back on Mom’s finger, and I still had it in my purse. He put the ring on her finger but it was once again removed due to the swelling in her hands. Three days later, and upon Mom’s request, Dad permanently put the wedding band on her finger again. What a testament of love and commitment!

The band is worn and tattered. After sixty-six years of marriage the gold is much thinner than that of a small paperclip. It is so fragile and no longer quite round. There is nothing beautiful about it to the eye, but great beauty lies within. It represents hard times, good times, hard work, raising a family and all the trials of life. It is a symbol of their commitment to their marriage vows. Vows which were taken and upheld to the highest standard.

Just as my parents are married and committed to one another, Christ asks the same of us. In the Bible, we are often referred to as the bride of Christ. He desires a covenant relationship with each of us. One such example can be found in Hosea.

I will betroth you to Me forever;

Yes, I will betroth you to Me in righteousness and in justice,

In lovingkindness and in compassion,

And I will betroth you to Me in faithfulness.

Then you will know the LORD.

(Hosea 2:19–20 NASB)

 

Can you hear God calling you into a love relationship with Him in these verses? Just as the gold band represents commitment to my parents, God asks us to be fully committed to Him. It is a lifetime commitment to walk with Him daily. We will face trials, but when we are devoted to Christ, He will strengthen us.

Trust in the LORD and do good.

Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.

Take delight in the LORD,

and he will give you your heart’s desires.

Commit everything you do to the LORD.

Trust him, and he will help you.

(Psalms 37:3–5)

Commitment. It can be a short-term commitment, maybe a few days or weeks to complete a task. It can be a sixty-six-year, death-till-we-part commitment like my parents. But a lifetime, loving relationship with God will be like no other commitment you will ever make. He will lead you and cover you with grace during times of failure. Please make a promise to the Lord today by praying, “Yes Lord, I love you with all my heart, and I trust You. I will follow wherever You lead me today and always. Amen.”

Oh, the wonderful places He will take you, once you give yourself to Him wholeheartedly.

Tears

It amazes me how God’s Word continually speaks to my heart. He knows exactly what I need to hear and when I need to hear it. During my Bible reading this morning, a verse spoke to me. I have read the passage before, but today it became a verse of great comfort, one which shows a very compassionate God. All of us have been through difficult times in our lives and have shed many tears along the way. I’m sure you have felt comfort and compassion from friends and family during some of your difficulties. But did you realize that Christ can feel your pain and sorrow more than your friends and family?

As I have grown in my Christian walk, I have learned that God set me apart when He formed me in my mother’s womb. (Jeremiah 1:5). I believe He has every hair on my head numbered. (Matthew 10:30, Luke 12:7). But I never realized God feels my pain and sorrow and collects my tears.

In John 11:35 it says Jesus wept. This verse shows Christ’s compassion and humanness. He felt the same pain Martha, Mary, and the others felt over the death of Lazarus. Jesus was mourning with them. Feeling their sorrow. But Psalm 56:8 shows His compassion in a deeper sense. You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book. (Emphasis added).

Christ is so compassionate that He keeps track of your every pain and sorrow. Maybe it was a skinned knee as a child. God wiped away your tears even though you didn’t understand it at the time. Possibly you shed tears from the loss of a loved one recently. God has those tears in a bottle! Maybe you have cried over a broken relationship. God has felt your pain and recorded your pain in His book. What an amazing, compassionate God!

But in the midst of your sorrow, remember the compassionate God was also called El-Shaddai by the Hebrew people. El-Shaddai means God Almighty or the God who is sufficient for the needs of His people. Our sorrow is all part of His greater plan for our lives. Your pain today may lead to greater strength tomorrow. So, let God catch your tears as you focus on the cross. May you rest in His loving, compassionate arms because El-Shaddai holds your future in His hands.

Spoon of Forgiveness

Have you ever had one of those moments in life, where you think maybe you were temporarily possessed by Satan or something? You just wish you could undo everything that just happened in the last thirty minutes of your life. Wouldn’t it be great if you could edit your life just like you edit a document? You could highlight the moment, and press delete! Poof—Gone! Unfortunately, life just doesn’t work that way.

One of those moments in my life involved a spoon. It seemed to be my weapon of choice this particular day. Earlier in the day, a man had treated my teenage son very disrespectfully, including accusations and verbal obscenities. Unfortunately, this wasn’t the first incident. He was known for treating others in this manner, including my son when he was younger and played little league baseball.

Something just snapped in me that day. It had been a very long week at the county fair and I was exhausted. It was the last night of events. I was setting up a dinner for the buyers of the Junior Fair livestock sale and I had borrowed a very long handled spoon from a nearby booth to stir lemonade. Every Christian value I was ever taught vanished. I found myself pointing the spoon in the man’s face, defending my son’s honor! I literally yanked a cell phone out of his hand, to make sure I had his undivided attention. I invaded his space you might say—to make sure he was as intimidated as my son had been earlier in the day.

Due to my mistake, I had to suffer the consequences for my actions. Those consequences were missing my other son receive an award for his outstanding work in 4-H. You see apparently, you shouldn’t point spoons at people who might call the sheriff. No, I’m not a convicted felon, but I did miss the ceremony due to the sheriff’s need to question me. I had actually been accused of hitting the man with a spoon, which was untrue.

So why did I react in this manner, rather than having a stern Christian conversation with him? The first thing that comes to my mind is that I didn’t pray first. I was simply an upset mother on a mission to defend her son. I should have been a Christian mother, taking her petition to God. “Don’t worry about anything; instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” (Philippians 4:6). I should have counted my blessings, and asked God for the guidance about the situation, and not handle the situation with anger myself.

Fortunately, God does forgive our sins. “There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.” (Luke 24:47). But Jesus actually commands us to do even more, “Love our enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5:44). I have learned that one’s unconfessed sin can make for a very bitter and ungrateful heart, but confession and forgiveness creates a clean and thankful heart. A heart which can be molded into a servant for Christ.

Points to Ponder

  • What incident from your past, do you wish you could highlight and delete?
  • Have you either forgiven or apologized to those involved? Remember to pray for those involved as well.
  • Have you sought God’s forgiveness and asked Him for a clean and thankful heart?

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