Have you ever been somewhere unfamiliar and unexpectedly run into a friend?
I live in Southern California and recently traveled to Michigan for a conference. It took only minutes to realize I’d under-packed on cold weather gear. A Midwestern winter is not for the faint of heart! Speeding from one event to the next, I hunched my shoulders against the wind and tried in desperation to locate my position on a campus map.
Cold, frustrated, and alone, suddenly I heard a deep voice break through the wind.
“Hello, Courtney!”
I looked up from my map, and my eyes met those of a dear friend from college, a writing buddy with whom I’d lost touch years ago when we’d moved to opposite ends of the country.
“Kevin!” I broke into a grin. “Oh my goodness, how are you?”
In a split second I’d gone from unknown to known, a face in the crowd to a friend. He asked where I was headed, and when I admitted my geographical confusion, he held out his hand for my map.
“Ah,” he said, “your event is in the same building as mine. I know right where it is. Let’s walk there together.”
The human story is one of lostness. We wander from the good path God has set before us. We choose self over others, wrong over right, and trouble over peace time and time again. And as we do, Jesus keeps calling to us, saying, “Look up. Turn around. Mine is the good path.”
In the story of the prodigal son, a father’s younger son took his inheritance early and squandered it all in “foolish living” (Luke 15:13). When a famine hit, he became destitute and realized he had nowhere to go but home. We read that he “came to his senses” and then planned an elaborate apology speech (v.17). But before he could get one word out of his mouth, while he was still far off, his father saw him and ran to him. Embrace was instant.
We, too, are invited straight into the arms of our Savior. In Isaiah, the prophet called out how there is no bar to admission, no prerequisite for love.
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine.”
—Isaiah 43:1
In Christ, we go from unknown to known, lost to found, destitute to redeemed. The cost is steep, but he pays it all. The only thing He asks is that we’d look up when He calls our name.
He’s ready to walk together with us all the way home.
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115 thoughts on "Joy Through Redemption"
Lord, like the prodigal son, You let me taste the emptiness of worldly pleasures to allow me to see that there is so much more. True life is found in You! You redeemed me and I know that You are my joy, to enjoy forever. Amen
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In all honesty, I’m behind with my reading by a few days but today I just want to read this one and leave it. Such a strong message to ‘LOOK UP AND FOLLOW ME’. Amidst the chaos of Christmas nativities, shopping and food, I just need to take a beat and look up. It’s now written in the front of my bible in big letters so it’s one of the first things I read when I open the cover.
God bless everyone celebrating this special season. I pray that in the middle of the muddle you find the peace and joy that was intended by Christmas. I thank God that we have all been lost and he keeps calling to us, celebrating our return each and everytime because each one of us, each life and soul is important to him and he is calling us by name! Amen x
Thank you Jessica! I, too, will write those words to be reminded of why we celebrate Asvent and Christmas!!
Amen. I too am behind and the same thing caught my attention.
Amen
No sadness on being behind! Me too! I try and remind myself I’m still in the word and have the drive to catch up and read the word!
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The story of the prodigal son is such a beautiful example of God’s love for us and His patience for us!!
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Loved todays reading. Isaiah 43:1 makes me think of the song “Spoken For” by Mercy Me. That song always moves me. “To hear you say ‘this one’s mine, my heart is spoken for.” Praise God for being a loving Father with an abundance of love and grace for the lost.
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Hi ladies, may I ask for your prayers over the safety of our kids’ school. The school sent out communication to parents advising that they have received a threat this morning, along with some other schools. They are working with the police and they consider it a low level threat. This has never happened before and our kids are in elementary level. This adds more anxiety and fear. Thank you for your prayers for everyone’s safety. Be blessed dear sisters.
❤️ praying
Continuing to pray!
It is so comforting to know God is always with us ❤️
Another song, “known” by Tauren Wells!❤️
“No prerequisite for love”
Praise ABBA ❤️
Isaiah 43:1-7 !! What a powerful and beautiful verse. “ I have called you by name; you are mine “. Thank you, Lord.. thank you.
This scripture reading reminded me of the song Anchor of Peace by North Point Worship
“ There’s a way back home for the wandering soul There’s a peaceful camp for the restless one And if you’re so far gone, you can’t see the shore Well, just lift your eyes, and look to the Lord ‘Cause He’s walking on the water He’ll calm your raging sea Oh, you don’t have to look no farther He’s the hope that you need Oh, if your sails are torn and tattered And the storm just won’t cease Take hold of the hand of the Saviour He’s the anchor of peace Oh, He’s the anchor of peace “
Have a blessed day, She’s!!
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Like so many others here, I have two prodigal sons – brought up in a ministry home (my husband is a pastor). They were taught scriptures since they were old enough to listen. Both prayed to receive Christ at a very young age, and seemed to really love Jesus in their younger years. But now – both adults, they have no relationship with God, nor do they desire to. I too often wonder…how did we get here? But God – He is the only one who has the power to change their hearts and minds. So I pray, and I wait.
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Continued prayers for all my SRT sisters that also have prdodigals. ❤️
The Father is still looking out for your sons! Their journey/story is not over.. Remember God has the victory even in the walk home.. He will not rest until He sees them coming back to Him..
Will join you in prayers for all our prodigals..❤
❤️ praying with this same hope expressed by Tina…for all the prodigal.
A praise and a prayer request. A couple of days ago I wrote a comment that my brother that had passed told me in a dream to basically help save our other brother, and I told him that years ago. Well my brother just called me a second ago and said he had a scary dream last night he wanted to talk to me about bc he knew I was the only one who would take it seriously. He said basically he had a dream he was in a house of demons and woke up and felt evil all around him. He said he somehow new instinctively to grab a cross and start praying. He said that as soon as he called on Jesus he felt the evil lift, but he called me and said he felt that he was being spiritually attacked bc recently he has been drawn to know more about God, and did I believe in spiritual warfare. I do believe that and I’m am one full of praise that he is seeking the Lord again and two asking for prayers of protection around him and his family as he begins his faith journey.
Praying, Lanie!!
Wow! That’s huge! Praying that your brother will come to know Christ personally and that you will have just the right words to share with him. Praising God with you that your brother is searching!
Thanking God that your brother knew just where to come to be encouraged in his search and questions. Praying you will be led by the Holy Spirit to be the light and point for him, your brother, to find the safety of our Father Gods love and for your brother to receive Him, Jesus, for himself… This is super exciting.. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers for this brother, Lord I pray you walk him home to you.
Amen.❤
Wow, Lanie! Agreeing with our sisters! ❤
Yes!!
I don’t normally comment but do read your messages of faith, love and support often. Today’s reading meant so much to me as this Christmas my three adult children who have
loved one another all their lives are at odds with one another and for the first time in our family’s lives (including 7 grands) we are not celebrating Christmas together. I have been crushed by this! The Isaiah passage speaking of gathering your sons and daughters blessed me as well as the assurance of His love and presence. Also, in Luke 15 – the son “came to his senses“ is what I am praying for each of my adult children. I know the enemy is at work here because it makes no sense at all!
Thanks also for all the song suggestions-I write them at the top of my notes on the Scriptures each day.
Life is hard, but God is faithful!❤️
Thank you for sharing Grammie D. That must be heartbreaking. I’m praying with you that they would “come to their senses” and peace for you in the waiting.
So sorry to hear Grammie D. – nothing breaks a Mama’s heart more. Praying for reconciliation. ❤️
Oh, Grammie D, praying for you ❤️ that they will come to their senses….and that your heart and mind would be protected and wrapped in peace during the wait, as long as that may be :'(
Please pray for my friend Jillian as her husband starts chemo today. THank you
Praying. ❤️
Praying..❤
Sisters, please forgive this second post, but after I listened to Tami’s suggested song by Casting Crowns, I listened to this one and noticed how the words align with many of our comments today.
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LOVING MY JESUS
I was a wandering soul
Traveling a well worn road
A sinner so far from home
No second chance in sight
I heard You call my name
I felt You lift my shame
And I made a vow that day
That I’d spend the rest of my life
Loving my Jesus
Showing my scars
Telling my story of how mercy
Can reach you where you are
And I pray the whole world hears
The cry of my heart
Is to see all the ones I love
Loving my Jesus
Sin tries to make you hide
Whispers that same old lie
Keep all your pain inside
‘Cause no one will understand
The last thing this lost world needs
Is someone I’m trying to be
Truth that has set me free
Is that I’m just a broken man
Loving my Jesus
Showing my scars
Telling my story of how mercy
Can reach you where you are
And I pray the whole world hears
The cry of my heart
Is to see all the ones I love
Loving my Jesus
When all is said and done
When my last song’s been sung
I stand face to face with the one
Who gave all for me
May all I have to show
Be all that mattered most
Making Your great name known
Let this be my only legacy
Loving my Jesus
Showing my scars
Telling my story of how mercy
Can reach you where you are
And I pray the whole world hears
The cry of my heart
Is to see all the ones I love
All the ones I love
Loving my Jesus
Songwriters: Matthew West, John Hall. For non-commercial use only.
I have never heard this song. POWERFUL!!! Thank you for sharing!
I have never heard this song Cee Gee! Thanks for sharing. I love Casting Crowns!
KRISTY and TAMI – ❤ I do, too, and somehow had not heard this one until today!
“The only thing He asks is that we’d look up when He calls our name.” This is yet another reminder of the message in our readings yesterday. Consider and HONOR what He asks of us, remembering the words “to act justly, to love faithfulness, and to walk humbly with your God” from Micah 6:8.
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Today’s words that stand out to me: wisdom, understanding, riches, grace, redemption.
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Thank you Courtney Ellis, for the illustration in the devo!
Courtney stopped and acknowledged Kevin when he called her name. We respond similarly when someone seeks us out. Why would we not show the same respect and honor to the One Who redeems us and calls us by name? If anyone has earned that honor, He has. Sobering reminder, COURTNEY, and I thank you – again! ❤
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Have a blessed day, shes! ❤
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When I moved to Colorado at 46, I felt so alone. Lost. I missed the familiarity of home. Of the people I loved. I still do. I have been here 17 years. It has taken some time to develop some friendships. I have very few. It’s just a different way of life here. There’s a lot of blatant disbelief. Even from my husbands kids. When I go back to Illinois and hear my name, I am overjoyed. God knows my name. And I am overjoyed. When I pray I cry often. To be so loved by God, to be carried through this life by hands that lift us up, to be known, that’s joy.
Amen!
He saw us….. Afar off! While we were yet in sin and transgression! Whew! Thank you, Lord for saving this prodigal!
He will walk us home!!! Yes! I’m often sad with the knowledge that when my time comes, my hubby won’t be here with me to walk me home. This infused hope right when/where I needed it! Jesus will walk me home!
Amen Mia!
Amen, Mia! Jesus WILL walk us home..
Much love to you and yours, dear heart..❤
Isaiah 43:1 “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name;you are mine.” So thankful that He sees us and knows all our faults and failures and still loves us! I my s t need to remember to look up when He calls my name!
Praying for all the requests and for all affected by the shooting in Wisconsin.
In my Life Group I heard an interesting telling of the Prodigal Son story.Our leader called it “The Compassionate Father”story. All my church life the prodigal son has been the main character but how once the spotlight was the compassionate father who was ready to receive this prodigal. This father had the wisdom to deal with both of them without belittling or criticism.
We recently discussed the many angles of that parable in our life group. Endless avenues of discovery and discussion! ❤
He calls us by name ✝️❤
The Isaiah passage is so dear to me. To have the loving Father tell me He has redeemed me means so much to me. To be redeemed means to regain possession of something in exchange for payment. Jesus paid the price which has allowed me to regain my place in His family. He bought me back, after the enemy had stolen me away. He paid for my freedom and brought me back to His loving arms. Sometimes the very thought of it brings me to joyful tears. Redeemed. Bought back. Reinstated into the Lord’s Kingdom.
Yes, Amen, so grateful he brings us back!
Praise God He calls us by name and knows us
I am the son who is angry that the other is treated so well when they behaved so poorly. In reality I would be thrilled if someone began to know God or returned to their faith. But, knowing myself I would be displeased if they received better things than I did, when I had always followed God. I am not happy with this knowledge and I pray that God softens my heart.
He’s with us ALL THE WAY!
To school
To work
To the hospital
To church
To the lost
And yes finally,
To our heavenly home!
“But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.”
The comfort and sensation of a deep exhale I get when reading these words. I am so grateful for this undeserved grace.
The ending of this devo brought back BEAUTIFUL memories of when I first started attending the church I still attend today. Its now been about 25 years. I raised my children there. The worship song that I would hear often resonates with this morning’s devo. “He Knows My Name” by Maranatha. I loved, loved, loved to sing this! Oh….thankful for beautiful memories and the assurance we have a FATHER who calls us His Own. AND will never EVER leave us. HE KNOWS MY NAME!!!
Today’s theme reminded me of these lyrics that so beautifully remind us of how the Lord has rescued us from our wandering with the redeeming love of Jesus:
… Come thou Fount of every blessing
Tune my heart to sing Thy grace
Streams of mercy, never ceasing
Call for songs of loudest praise
… Teach me some melodious sonnet
Sung by flaming tongues above
Praise the mount I’m fixed upon it
Mount of God’s redeeming love
… Here I raise my Ebenezer
Here by Thy great help I’ve come
And I hope by Thy good pleasure
Safely to arrive at home
… Jesus sought me when a stranger
Wandering from the fold of God
He to rescue me from danger
Bought me with His precious blood
… Oh to grace how great a debtor
Daily I’m constrained to be
Let Thy goodness like a fetter
Bind my wandering heart to Thee
… Prone to wander, Lord I feel it
Prone to leave the God I love
… Here’s my heart Lord, take and seal it
Seal it for Thy courts above
… Here’s my heart Lord, though it’s weakened
Hold me in Your precious arms.
Praise Him who has redeemed me from my wandering!
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Redemption is the greatest gift! Thank you Jesus Christ for your redeeming grace.
The human story is one of lostness. So, so true. It’s amazing how many times I thought I had it all together and then bam, I didn’t. Without Jesus in our hearts leading and guiding us, we truly are lost.
Thank you for the prayers and encouraging words yesterday for the situation with our son. It’s a strange and wonderful time that we are in right now with our family members who are not believers. We have the youngest who was estranged for years and is now back with us. We have the oldest, who wasn’t estranged, but avoided us as much as possible because he felt convicted by our faith every time he was with us (his words, not ours). And then our middle, who has the steadfast, “older brother” in the family, keeping the faith and essentially “doing everything the right way.” Now they are all with us. The middle, who I prayed would have a soft heart toward her wayward sister especially, has been so loving and caring, not suspicious and bitter like she once was. The oldest is humbled, not yet to the point of accepting his faith in God back, but humbled and not defensive like he was. And the youngest is soaking in her family again. She missed us, I know. She calls us for advice, she listen to us, she comes over whenever she can. All of it is truly a miracle!
I share all of this again to just give God the glory! His redemptive power is working in our family. For so many years I just couldn’t understand how our family got so broken. We raised them all in church, worked in ministry, prayed with them. They all accepted Jesus as their Savior at young ages. How did we get here? But once again, the human story is one of lostness. Which is why we need Jesus to redeem what is broken and restore what is lost.
This is beautiful, Laura. Thank you for sharing a piece of your life with us.
I too was “raided right” but strayed. If I can give you any encouragement, the seeds you planted in your children will produce fruit one day! I wasn’t in my 40s til I accepted Christ – it’s all in his timing. I thank my mom for planting the seeds she did. Now my own children are prodigals and I have to trust that the Lord will work on them, is spite of my failed attempts:)
Thank you, LAURA.❤️ We have been witnesses to your story of pain, sadness, faith and hope as it has unfolded over time, and have joined you in prayer. Thankful to witness God’s love and the healing process as it is unfolding, as we continue to pray with you.
Amen, searching.. Beautifully said.❤
This is so encouraging to me Laura as we have five children who have wandered from their faith. I too wonder how we got here. They respect our faithfulness but have chosen to seek other paths. (Or no path) We all get along, love one another, have fun together but…
the most important piece (peace!) is missing. I DO TRUST that one day my Jesus will bring them home. My prayers continue and will continue till there is no breath in my body.
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Thank you for sharing. I have a similar story and it grieves me. This past year taught me a lot about surrendering. Nothing I say or do can bring our kids back to following Jesus…it will be the Holy spirit working in their hearts. I pray and wait expectantly for this day. I know Jesus loves them more than I do, but it’s hard to see the choices they are making and know that He could bring so much peace to their lives.
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Such an encouraging testimony of God’s faithfulness. Thank you for sharing ❤️
Praying for your family, Laura, and so appreciative of you bringing us along on this journey. My almost 18-year-old dies not believe, and is giving us more pushback about going to church. Seeing your family’s story unfold definitely helps keep my hope/faith alive. I’ve been influenced by you to incorporate fasting with my prayers.
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“while he was still a long way off…” oh what comfort it is that our gracious Father meets us even when we are still so far from Him. There’s such peace in knowing that when I turn and look to Him, changing my heart posture from “me” centered to Christ centered, He meets me exactly where I am. Guiding me to a renewed life full of joy. Over and over again.
Your words are so beautiful and profound. Thank you for sharing them.
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Yes, Jesus, help me change my posture from me-centered to Christ centered.
And I love knowing the father never stopped watching for his son to return. He never gave up on his prodigal. ❤️
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Father God, How humbled I am that in my sins and trespasses you sent Christ Jesus to die for me. I’m grateful today that not only do you save me from hell, but you put my feet on a path that is filled with blessings and many good things. Please help me to keep the right posture of heart as I worship you and live a life filled with gratitude giving to others just as you’ve given to me. Amen!
Amen, Julia
Amen! ❤
That’s what rock me with emotion this morning
may I “look up when He calls my name”
Me too, LaRae! ❤️
Oh Lord thank You that I am known and loved. Let me always be promoted to run into Your arms. Amen
Left on my own I am the prodigal looking to the world for satisfaction, wandering to the next ‘thing’ to make me happy and I am the older brother, selfish, self-righteous, jealous and judgmental. Oh Jesus I long to be the father, gracious, generous, quick to forgive and love again. I have no chance to get there on my own, you are my only hope – thank you for redeeming me!
This is so well said! I am copying it into my journal:) Thank you!
Ditto, Tami.
Notable & quotable, Lori!
GM ladies. I’m a day behind and just read yesterday’s readings and all the comments. Loved all of your comments. Love how God comes to each of us in very specific ways. He is our rescue story. As I’m getting ready for work, this song by Casting Crown came on. I had to share the lyrics here. This is my rescue story!
This is the story of a runaway
With no way home and no way out
I threw the best of me away
I had my chance, it’s too late now
Too far gone and too ashamed
To think that you’d still know my name
But love refused to let my story end that way
You didn’t wait for me to find my way to You
I couldn’t cross that distance even if I wanted to
You came running after me
When anybody else would’ve turned and left me at my worst
Love moved first
What kind of grace, relentless grace
Would chase this rebel down
Crawl into this prisoners cage
Take my hand and pull me out
You knew I couldn’t make the change
So You became the change in me
And now I live to tell the story
Of the God who rescues
In Christ we go from unknown to known! And he payed it all! He calls us by name! By his blood we have been redeemed! Joy through redemption! May I remember to look up knowing he has redeemed me! Amen and amen!! ❤️
Amen
God is so so good! ❤️
DEAR BELOVED LORD JESUS, HELP! WE ASK YOU TO FILL US WITH YOUR JOY. LET YOUR GLORY FALL UPON US. LET US BE A LIGHT TO SHINE SO ALL CAN SEE AND THAT WE WILL INVITE THE LOST TO COME TO CHRIST THIS CHRISTMAS. WE DECLARE THE PRODIGALS COME BACK TO JESUS. THANK YOU JESUS. AMEN
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AMEN
Thank you father for your loving kindness and forgiveness. For bringing me to my senses.
“I have called you by your name; you are mine.”
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Thank You, Lord. May I always hear Your voice when You call.
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Praying for your requests, Ladies.
Amen Kelly.
Do not those words for our Lord just warm your heart!!
Yes Lord, my heart be so tuned to you that I hear you call my name.
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Those words in red …. Luke 15:32 ”It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found.’ ”
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Such rejoicing in heaven as each of us accepted Christ as Savior. And for those of us who later walked away, more rejoicing when we came to our senses and ran back to Him. ❤️
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Love Isaiah 43:1 and Psalm 111:10
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MARCI WILDEMAN – praying for guidance in your next steps
LAURA – praying for your son and the adjustment for all of you as he settles in at home, that he turns back to the Lord
FOSTER MAMA – good to see you, praying for wisdom and guidance in the fostering decision. Not sure what you mean by “household management”, lol … but I need some!
HIS SPARROW – you’re a good friend, praying for your friend in her grief
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Praying for those affected by yesterday’s tragic school shooting in Wisconsin
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CEE GEE – yes, He is The Sacrifice ❤️
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I’m Gonna Walk With Jesus, I’m gonna walk, I’m gonna walk…. Consumed By Fire, written by Don Koch, Jordan David Ward, Caleb Paul Ward.
Love that song, too, SEARCHING. Yes, the passages you mentioned are special to me, too. .❤
Funny, when I was commenting on Lanies ‘re her brother, I wanted to write how there would be rejoicing in heaven, even in his questioning and searching..❤
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As Paul reminds us in Corinthians – ‘For our sake He [God] made Him [Jesus] to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.’
The unfathomably depths of the love of God for us should give us great joy and gratitude each and every day!
Thank you Lord for your love for me
Courtney Ellis, this is so beautiful..
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Christ, we go from unknown to known, lost to found, destitute to redeemed. The cost is steep, but he pays it all. The only thing He asks is that we’d look up when He calls our name.
He’s ready to walk together with us all the way home.
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BUT GOD..
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Lord, may I always look up, when you call my name!
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Here I am Lord, save me..
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Amen.
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Happy Tuesday, my loves.. covered in the joy of the Lord!
Hugs.❤️
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I was up much earlier this morning, but I made myself go back to bed, but not before coming to SRT to read this comment. So as I read the scriptures this morning and devotional by Courtney, her words resonated with me and had wondered, where did I read this? And then I remembered. During the wee hours of the night, I had read your comment. Love you sweet Tina! Sending you a “tight squeeze” across the pond.