Today I went back in my journal and found this verse. A lot of different people came to mind. I thought first, of course, of those who are brokenhearted and crushed in spirit. Maybe when you read those words certain faces immediately come to your mind as well.
As I kept reading, I also came across verses which encouraged us to remember we are one body, each being members of one another.
Scripture tells us “if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it”
(1 Cor. 12:26).
Maybe today is a good day for you to stop and pray, write a note, send a text, or make a phone call. Or, maybe you are the one that this verse is meant for.
Remember the man with the withered hand that Jesus healed on the Sabbath? When Jesus said, “Stretch out your hand,” He wasn’t referring to the man’s good hand. He wanted the withered hand. That’s the one He wants from you too. You can stretch out that hand even now, wherever you are—even if you are reading this at work, or from your kitchen table surrounded by bread crumbs and peanut butter smudges. No matter where you find yourself today, He is near.
Somewhere along the line you and I have met and you gave me your email address. Now, it is my privilege to stop and pray for you. Today my prayer is that you will remember the Lord’s nearness. Even if your life is really loud right now, He is as close as a breath.
I’ll leave you with a favorite line I read in an old book I found once in Maine. ”The faintest cry of misery arrested His footsteps.” Think of all the times Jesus stopped and turned toward those who cried out to Him. Think of all the times He was moved with compassion. He left heaven to walk toward the need of the whole world, and He came with forgiveness, love and restoration to our heavenly Father. He hasn’t changed. God’s heart is for our nearness—always.
Jesus prayed, “Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am and behold My glory” (John 17:24).
This is our hope. He wants us where He is, both now and forever.
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Note: I’ll soon be sending you information about some new songs I’ve been working on, and let you have a preview. Speaking of previews, make sure you add this email to your address book so it won’t get blocked if I send you a song or a picture. Also, I have both a Fan Page and a regular old profile on Facebook. I keep pretty active on that. And if you want me to put up a favorite song on the Fan Page, just post a request.
Please know you are being prayed for today, and thanks for reading.
Blessings to you,
Sherri
