When You May Be Found

Open Your Bible

Lamentations 4:1-11, Psalm 32:6-7

Text: Lamentations 4:1-11, Psalm 32:6-7

I confess I’m easily, daily, hourly tricked by the exterior of a person — what they look like, where they live, what they do with their days, even how the world classifies them in terms of wealth and status and ethnicity and name. I confess I believe the lie that those things matter; I confess I have to remind myself of the person inside the person—the story and soul that make them who they are.

I remember reading CS Lewis’s essay “The Weight of Glory” for the first time, how it gripped my heart and imagination with the truth that people are just souls with bodies. I say “just” like it’s no big deal, but the truth is, it’s a very big deal. The biggest, actually. The folks I drove past on the interstate today, them in their car and I in mine; the nice young man who handed me our dinner at the drive-thru window on the way home from a late day; the woman who listened as my son breathed deeply in and out as he sat on the table in the doctor’s office; the mom who walked out of that room with her own sick boy just before we walked in—they are each the creation of a loving God. They are each the soul Jesus died to save.

“There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal. Nations, cultures, arts, civilizations—these are mortal, and their life is to ours as the life of a gnat. But it is immortals whom we joke with, work with, marry, snub and exploit—immortal horrors or everlasting splendors.”
– CS Lewis, “The Weight of Glory”

Whew. It’s heavy, right?

But Lewis is right. These false classifications and temporary circumstances I confess to idolizing can change in an instant—but I hold them up nonetheless. I tend to judge myself just as harshly—What right do I have to my health and my home, my family and my job? And there I go, carrying false guilt around with my true guilt and wondering why it’s so hard to stand.

Like the gold and the stones in this passage from Lamentations, all the shiny things eventually tarnish and all the strong things soon scatter—and if my hope for myself and others is found in anything but God, I am tossed around like a dry leaf in the wind. Like the lady Jerusalem, I stand in ruins, longing just for a place to hide.

Therefore let everyone who is godly
offer prayer to you at a time when you may be found;
surely in the rush of great waters,
they shall not reach him.
You are a hiding place for me;
you preserve me from trouble;
you surround me with shouts of deliverance. Selah
– Psalm 32:6-7 ESV

The consequences of my sin are devastating, but more devastating still is my lack of repentance. Lack of repentance breeds shame, and shame whispers lies in my ear. Shame tells me I can’t be forgiven. Shame tells me I’m not worth forgiving. But the Cross tells a different story—the true story.

Jesus knew shame. The beloved hymn says it well:

On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
The emblem of suffering and shame;
And I love that old cross where the dearest and best
For a world of lost sinners was slain.

Jesus endured my shame on the Cross, every last ounce. He endured yours, too. When I’m guilty of shaming others… when I’m guilty of shaming myself… when I am guilty of forgetting who He is, who I am in Him, and who YOU are in Him — His sacrifice covers it all.

Will you seek Christ with me today just as you are, sin and all? Will you believe with me that He can be found? He is there on the Cross, with mercy enough for you and for me.

Matthew Henry writes, “In a time of finding, when the heart is softened with grief, and burdened with guilt; when all human refuge fails; when no rest can be found to the troubled mind, then it is that God applies the healing balm by his Spirit.”

May our hearts be softened by grief and burdened with a godly guilt that leads to repentance. When all human refuge fails—and, by God’s grace, even before!—may we repent and look to the Cross.

 

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75 thoughts on "When You May Be Found"

  1. Julie says:

    We are learning the word ‘value’ in my fifth grade classroom. When I read your comment Steph I can’t think of a better example to help them know how they are valued by God :) the life of God was poured for them!

  2. Steph says:

    Whoever loses his life will find it. Jesus didn’t just say that, but was obedient to the fathers will. And invites us to do the same. There’s no such thing as cheap grace. We’ll never know how much it cost.

  3. Kasey Tuggle says:

    Would our Godly grief lead us to repentance!

    1. Kasey Tuggle says:

      I just love that!!! Repentance leads me to worship. To see myself in the humble way I should see myself- that leads me to have the right frame of mind so I can live focused on Jesus!!

  4. Sharon says:

    What is the source of the Matthew Henry quote at the end of this post?

  5. Peace2015 says:

    Reading through Lam 5:1-22 and the condition of Jerusalem at that time is eerily similar to the condition our county, the United States of America, has become today. What a sad situation. Isaiah 55:6 reminds us to, “Seek the Lord while He may still be found.” Christian brothers and sisters, we have work to do…repent, seek, tell the Good News!

  6. Amanda says:

    This passage from Lamentations was my hardest to read so far. And all I could think (before I even got to the devotion) was, “there, without Christ, would I be. Run, Amanda, flee and cling to that beautiful Cross that receives my repentance”. Thank you that in each devotion you are not leaving us in the desolation of Lamentations but bringing us to repent and return to the beautiful Saviour who forgives, saves, and restores.

    1. Kendra says:

      Yes! You took the words right out of my mouth. Thank you Jesus for your loving kindness and mercy that’s new every morning!

  7. Antimony says:

    “Lack of repentance breeds shame, and shame whispers lies in my ear. Shame tells me I can’t be forgiven. Shame tells me I’m not worth forgiving. But the Cross tells a different story—the true story”. Is that what this is? Shame because I would rather wallow in failure than try to move beyond it? Because failure is my “comfort zone”? And moving outside of ones comfort zone is never fun? Maybe. Maybe so.

  8. Cecile says:

    Amanda, you write so beautifully. Thank you for that devotional.
    I've been home sick with a cold the past couple of days and so I've been watching the horrible news about the videotape made by the OU chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. And I know that, instead of condemning their behavior and going on my way, I have to look inside and acknowledge and confess my own prejudices, even when they are not as blatant as the hate displayed in that video. When I despise or look down on others who are outwardly different from me, I despise the majesty and variety of God's creation. May we all be forgiven and strive for something better.

  9. Crista says:

    I love the CS Lewis quote! I’ve been praying for God to allow me to see others as He sees them, but I had never quite thought about it as Lewis put it.

    My heart is breaking for a family member today who is crying out to God with his behavior. I’ve been crying prayers to God today. It seems like he’s at a place where he can completely reject God or drown in His love and mercy. If my heart breaks like this for him, why doesn’t it break for others both people I know who don’t know Jesus and strangers who are in need.

    Praying for my family and that God will show me what He wants me to see.

  10. Steph says:

    Yes!! Don’t want to be walking in shame, when Christ has paid the highest price so that we don’t have to walk in shame or sin anymore. Asking for a heart of repentance. To go before the cross humbly and be wrecked by God.

  11. Katherine says:

    This devotional and scripture really spoke to me and has challenged me to look hard at how I’m treating others (the other rude driver on the highway comes to mind)

  12. Beverly says:

    In the midst of a dinner conversation with my Husband last night, I had an intense moment of realization followed by an outburst of some very much needed tears and ugly sobs. Because for more than six years, I have been lugging around the pain and anger and shame of a professional decision made during a very sour time in my life. This poor decision has left me wandering in the wilderness, convinced God was disappointed in me (really I was disappointed in myself and projecting that on to God) and this was why I had trouble hearing Him and was not receiving any new blessings He might have had for me.
    And these lies, these false beliefs whispered ever so slyly in my ear all these years – are just not Truth. Yet they sought to convince me that my unresolved anger and hurt was okay to continue to dwell in and stay stuck. To float along, surviving, not really living – and wondering why God’s best for me felt like a fairytale, non-reality, impossibility. Because I had put my hope in the shiny things – a dream job, others’ approval and their judgement, and my own lofty expectations. And so I fell flat on my face covered in pride and all sorts of muck. Because as Amanda said, “…if my hope for myself and others is found in anything but God, I am tossed around like a dry leaf in the wind.” And for more than six years, I have felt dead to myself, purposeless, constantly striving yet never finding. The truth is that I was all those things because I was searching in all the wrong places. My failed attempts and half-hearted prayers got me no where.
    But God. (My all-time favorite two words!) He never left me. He has been patiently waiting for me to intentionally seek the fullness of Jesus, to find Him and take hold of Truth. Because nothing is impossible with God. He can restore me and heal my dead places of broken hopes and bitter relationships that have resulted from the shame and mess I’ve been needlessly carrying all these years.
    God restores. God heals. He has a beautiful purpose and plan for all of us, even now. Even when our broken hopes and repentances feel silly or less than. He uses ALL things for our good and His glory. He makes all things new. And this is the best news!
    So, yes! – I’m in. Seeking Christ today (and every day!)

    1. Gema Muniz says:

      Amen!I can relate to the way you feel, as I have also been trying to live up to societies standards and have felt miserable when I fall short. Last week I heard a message that snapped me out of this trance I was living in. The pastor spoke about How we miss out on what God has for us, on enjoying the moment because we are always seeking for more. Let’s live the moment and know that we are exactly where God wants us to be. Praying for me to always keep my eyes on God and not on the things of this world. God bless you sister.

    2. Sarah Martin says:

      Beverly! Oh your words and praise to the Lord is so inspiring. Thank you for sharing with us in such a real and authentic manner. Isn't it nuts how we can carry around guilt and shame for junk we did so long ago? I do the same thing. I've done stupid stuff in my past life when I worked in the corporate world as I lived caught up in the shiny and glittery–the things that fade away. I know it wasn't the job that made me act that way, it was my own lack of focus on Jesus. I love how you ended your post with such hope as you grasped on to the restoration and forgiveness that God offers us so freely— we often forget! Hugs!!!
      sarah

    3. Cailey says:

      Thank you so much for sharing, Beverly. This is right where I am at too. (Though for me, the wilderness season has been 7 years). When I struggle with being frustrated for “not seeing” things earlier-not truly believing all Jesus is for me- I have to remember that God is writing my story and that there is no condemnation.
      Thanks again for your honesty, transparency and for sharing the Hope you have in Jesus!

    4. Pamela says:

      Beverly: your message is inspiring. I have often focused way to much on my career and making a picture perfect life for my family and I when I should have been focusing more on my spiritual life. Thankfully having a beautiful baby girl (and another one on the way any day now) has opened my eyes to the important things in life: above all having a strong relationship with God, then my husband, then family and friends and LASTLY my career. Life is so much better setting my priorities straight. Many blessings!

    5. ~ B ~ says:

      But God – two of my favorite words also. I know it pains Him, watching us beat ourselves up emotionally. I have done the same thing Beverly. Past decisions, that haunted me into a quiet and regretful submission. One that worked to hold me back and keep me from flourishing in God's love for me. I will be prayerful that this realization for you grows you and that you are able to rid yourself of the pestering nuisance that seeks to encroach on your future. Love to you in this! ~ B

  13. StacyW711 says:

    Gayle–a courageous couple at our church shared their story of forgiveness and restoration after an affair. Maybe it can help you and your husband. Find it at baypres.org under video stories and then here. The couple starts at about the 7:20 mark: “At the close of the Restored by God sermon series, Bay Pres members share stories of God’s restoration in their own lives.”

    They—and him, in particular have been generous and grace-filled in sharing–even to our church marriage retreat and Mops groups. They are an extraordinary blessing. Maybe to you also. Praying for you both.

  14. Laura says:

    Thanks for these words this morning, and congrats on your new partnership. Quick question though, I read this with my study Bible this morning and was curious to hear more about the phrasing "surely in the rush of great waters, they shall not reach him.." part of Psalm 32. What does this mean? I clearly see that these verses encourage us to reach out to God and not wait, and I can't make some educated guesses, but the study Bible was not clear. But thoughts on this?

    1. Grace says:

      my study bible says that the terminology “great waters” is associated with Near Eastern creation myths, where usually a chaotic mass of water (sometimes depicted as a sea monster) had to be conquered by a god before he could create the world and rule over it. in these myths even after the world was created, the waters were a threat to its inhabitants and the order of the earth. “hence by association they were linked with anything that in human experience endangered or troubled that order.” hope this helps!! :) x

  15. Christine says:

    I love how I can walk away with something completely different in my reading, yet both takeaways ring just as true – that’s TRUTH! Going through Lamentations I am struck by just how wretched I am without Jesus! With out my Lord who came down from the highest high to have all the worlds sin and hate and judgement heaped upon His precious head. For me. For you. And we don’t deserve that – not even a tiny little bit.

  16. Jenny says:

    Oh, psalm 51:17! May I allow my spirit to be broken and humble before my Lord!

  17. Melody says:

    First, congratulations on the new partnership with Lifeway!

    Wow! I, too, make so many judgments based on exterior alone. And I often allow myself to be consumed with how others might be judging me based on my exterior. I, too, carry around false guilt and shame. And I, too, don't repent often enough because I struggle to find myself worthy of being able to repent in the first place. Thank you for reminding me that I am worthy of repentance, forgiveness, and grace, and that I can extend that grace to others by seeing them as worthy individuals, people that Jesus died for too. God finds me worthy, no matter how much I think I've messed up.

  18. stinav96 says:

    I, too, love the C.S. Lewis quote, and I guess I'm struck by how our sin cheapens our worth in the eyes of fellow immortals from the first several verses of the Lamentations passage this morning. God created gold, but we put forth dullness and ashes when we don't repent and insist on wallowing (or reveling!) in our sin. Even as Christians it can be difficult to see fellow sinners as the gold they've been created to be, and for that we must repent and seek the Lord to open our eyes. Praying today for repentance that leads to a true portrayal in my life of what Creator God made us to be.

  19. Sarah Keller says:

    I am so easily tricked by the exterior of a person, too. And I'm tricked by the "everyday", and by a sense of complacency that's more comfortable to sit in than facing the many hard, dire realities of the lives of so many around us- namely, their lack of Christ and His redemption and new life. But thank you for your honesty about it, and as always, for the encouragement to see the world as it really is, through His lens of truth, and then to trust Him and strive for better with His help. I am SO thankful for what you ladies do here, praise God for your faithfulness, for His mighty work through you, and for all of us lucky women who get to be a part of it! I blog about faith, motherhood, and art/design, and I have a big link to you from the sidebar of my website. I recommend you to as many women as I can! Thanks again, and God bless! | http://www.sarahkeller.com

  20. Gayle says:

    "Lack of repentance breeds shame, and shame whispers lies in my ear. Shame tells me I can’t be forgiven. Shame tells me I’m not worth forgiving. But the Cross tells a different story—the true story."
    A few years ago my husband had an affair. It was a very rough time in our life, we were experiencing empty nest, death in each of families, and just other day to day struggles that come with living on this earth. To say I was devastated, would be putting it mildly. I was hurt, crushed, my self esteem is still suffering, but I love my husband, I love the life that we have built in our 32 years of marriage. It was worth fighting for. There are days now when I can't even remember the woman's name or the exact time that it happened. My husband on the other had is consumed by guilt, shame, and a sense of worthlessness. He can't seem to get passed it. He feels unworthy of my love, of my respect, of God's love & forgiveness. When I read this statement in the devotional today, my mind went immediately to him, and oh how I wish he could apply this to his life. His guilt is affecting his health emotionally and physically. Pray for my husband, that he can fully repent and accept God's forgiveness.
    This study is a blessing to me and I am so thankful for this group of friends I have found on this site.

    1. MNmomma (heather) says:

      Prayers lifted Gayle…

    2. Alynn says:

      I will be praying for him.

    3. Cathy says:

      Praying

    4. melanie says:

      I struggled for many years with terrible guilt and shame of having an abortion. I finally met a mature Christian who reminded me through bible study and long talks that God removes my sin as far as the east is from the west. I came to the place where I had to face my flesh, doubts and fears — I realized I was not surrendered; By stepping aside and moving my flesh out of the way –I received forgiveness, after many many years I was able to receive the full grace of Jesus. Praise God Jesus hung on that cross – for me, for your husband for all of us. no one's sin is greater than someone else's. I'm praying your husband comes to the place where Jesus is waiting – for your husband to move out of the way of forgiveness and let God's grace rain down.

  21. Rachel says:

    Thank you for this. I really struggle with the false guilt that you mentioned, or struggle with telling the difference between true guilt and false… Does anyone know of any books or other resources where I could learn More about this and perhaps learn to deal with false guilt better? Thanks! Thank you to She Reads Truth for all your work and dedication, these morning devotions have done so much to change my heart and to shape my days.

  22. Loida says:

    Amanda, once again: thank you! Please keep keeping it real!

  23. Jess Stanley says:

    This was so good! I actually stopped and had a moment of confession with the Lord. I thank you for your realness and rawness because your words caused the Holy Spirit to move in my heart and convict me of the same thing. I am eager to love someone during a hard time/tragedy but on a day to day basis I fall short of His glory so often by judgments and not seeing people for people because I am so busy with a list or busy judging them based on what I see – just like how you said it. I love that you ended it with His sacrifice covers all. When I forget…when my day goes on and who I am in Him and who THEY are because of HIM slips my mind I can rest assured that His grace covers all. So thankful He is not done with me yet!

  24. ~ B ~ says:

    That hymn floods me with memories. Ones that immediately bring tears to my eyes. Good tears, happy tears, but tears, none the less. I was a child and that was another my grandmother would sing. There was a special rise in her face when she would round out the words of that song and I always took notice. It's true, that even when our children or those around us, seem to be distant from God and that they aren't "getting" Jesus, that things do connect. Our hearts for Jesus are noticed in our actions, perhaps even more than words. I remember the details of my grandmother's heart for Jesus. I just wish I knew her story, that I thought to ask it when I was young. Others' stories are opportunity to see God around us. Which is, I think, why I am so drawn to love them, people stories. I find that if I ask questions, if I allow people, even strangers, to share their adventures, not only do they lighten up, but I walk away with wonderful insight to those I'm sharing this world with and most importantly I can walk away with glimpses of God. It helps keep me grounded in remembering that I am not here alone, I am no more special to God than anyone else and knowing all that He has done in my life, just makes me want to hear about what He's done in others or is doing. It connects me to brothers and sisters.

    In fact, there is a man at our local grocer. His job is to retrieve the shopping carts. He does this fantastically. I've seen him walk 1/2 a mile, through traffic, to retrieve a lost one. He perseveres in wind, rain, snow….he's always there. One day, I stopped and spoke with him. I told him that I've seen what he does and just wanted to commend him and let him know that his attitude in work is noticed, he was humbled and slightly embarrassed, we exchanged names and went back to our day. But since, each time I walk into that store, if he is there, we catch up. I've learned more about Arthur, nearly each time he shares a bit more of his story and he just continues to impress me with his heart. I know that he is my brother. I look forward to seeing him, my children look forward to seeing him and when I don't, I am prayerful that he is well and hope to the next time.

    Point is, I couldn't agree more with C.S. Lewis that there are "no ordinary people"…. I love that, it is a weighty belief though … we do encounter those immortal horrors, but I much prefer hoping and thinking that in Jesus, I will see more everlasting splendors. That in this life, if others come to know Jesus, if I strive to live out my life for Him entirely, we all might change our shape and those horrifics, myself included, will glisten in the Son and each becoome an everlasting splendor! So thankful for the cross, for all that it bears, for me, my brothers and sisters…. that I can turn my grief, my shame, my "aloneness" towards it, because it tells me I am, we are, worth saving. ~ B

    1. MNmomma (heather) says:

      My goodness does Jesus use you to speak to me B :) Thank you!!!!!!

      1. ~ B ~ says:

        Wouldn't it be awesome if we could catch up over coffee and share our thoughts on these devos? I receive so much insight here! That would just make it even better, but I'll have to settle for my own coffee and laptop and love you ladies from my couch! ~ B

        1. MNmomma (heather) says:

          oh man…that would be awesome!

      2. Kendra says:

        Love your words- thank you!

  25. joanne says:

    Okay – GOTTA read that C.S. Lewis piece. Wow. The consequences of my sin are dvestating, but my lack if repentance, even more so. But His sacrifice covers it all. Wow.

    1. ~ B ~ says:

      I had the same thought. Looking forward to picking it up. ~ B

  26. Abby says:

    He is a hiding place for me!
    He preserves me from trouble!
    He surrounds me with shouts of deliverance!

  27. “There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal. Nations, cultures, arts, civilizations—these are mortal, and their life is to ours as the life of a gnat. But it is immortals whom we joke with, work with, marry, snub and exploit—immortal horrors or everlasting splendors.”
- CS Lewis, “The Weight of Glory”
    This is convicting as a teacher. All (even the annoying ones) my students are image bearers and I am tasked with bringing that out. What a humbling honor.
    I was also so encouraged by the call to repent and come as we are. Thank God for His grace that restores me from shame.

    1. Missy says:

      Anna, and other teachers, as a teacher who is now home with her own kids I feel like I have a little hindsight on the privilege it is to step into a room of littles or kids in their wet cement years, and speak God´s truth (all truth is God´s truth… calculus, grammar, or color theory!) daily. As much as you can, consider your classroom holy ground. Pray over chairs as you walk in or as you go… whether you teach in a public or private school. Treasure the gift He´s put in front of you that is your call to teach!

      Praying Ephesians 4:11 ("He gave teachers…. to eqiup the saints." paraphrased) over you and all teachers today.

    2. Aubri says:

      Anna, as a student teacher this is so encouraging to read. Thank you for sharing this and bringing me hope in a field people are beginning to think you are crazy for entering!

  28. Lindsey says:

    Too big to comprehend. God is so awesome and I can't even comprehend it. My brain cannot make sense of it. I can't wrap my head around His awesomeness and His great Love for us. It doesn't make any sense to me, but yet it makes perfect sense….and I know that doesn't make any sense. ;) But it's true. I totally get it, but I just don't get it. All praise and glory and honor belongs to YOU, Father God. HalleluYAH! Thank you for this team of Your dedicated writers/ my precious sisters in You who help to shine some light on You each day.

    1. shereadstruth says:

      Lindsey, I many times find so much comfort in knowing I can't even comprehend how good God is. It's amazing, isn't it?! Thanks for joining us, friend!

      xo-Kaitlin for SheReadsTruth

  29. Beckey says:

    Just.. I.. wow. Just wow. I don’t even know how or where to begin.

    Who am I to judge anyone? My sin was nailed up on that cross right along with theirs. In that way we are the same.

    “There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal.” Gonna be carrying that one around with me a while.

    Beckey
    http://reallyreallyrealhousewives.blogspot.com http://www.etsy.com/shop/queenbsbusywork

  30. Heidi says:

    “Shame tells me I’m not worth forgiving. But the Cross tells a different story–the true story.” Amen and amen. I need to hear this every.single.day! And preach it to my children and my students. God is so good!!

    1. I pray I teach this to my students as well Heidi!! How grateful I am for the Gospel story that reigns true over my mess.

  31. Kelly_Smith says:

    That awareness that every person is a soul is easily lost in this marathon of life. Especially as we put forth our best efforts through tweets, pins and pictures. We create the facade that we are strong and healthy, when, in fact, our faces are blacker than soot, our skin has shriveled on our bones. We look around and see beauty and perfection all around us, but behind those screens sit real people with real problems dealing with real sin. We are, each one of us, in need of a Savior. Can we let down our guard and be vulnerable and real with some people so that we may journey together toward the cross? That is one thing I value about this community; it is safe to say we are struggling here. Thank you, SRT Team, for being vulnerable first, inviting us all to lower our veil and bare our true soul!

    1. ~ B ~ says:

      So True Kelly – every word! ~ B

  32. Sereta says:

    Today a scripture was uncensored I had a hard time reading about cannibalism. But the intensity show the suffering we can feel when we don’t accept the gift of Jesus in our life. great devotion today.

  33. tina says:

    Spoke to a friend the other day, who had been nervous about going to a school reunion…after 30 years…especially as she had been wondering whether the old 'high school crush' would be there…Lamentations 4:1 …'How the gold has lost its lustre, the fine gold become dull…' I will say no more…except, time, precious time, had been wasted…wondering…we are like that though…aren't we…looking to the past, of those younger days…when life held a different tune…and all, in our memories looked rosier..

    Amanda, I have that C.Lewis quote on my desk….a great reminder that each person I meet, talk to, encounter is a child of God…and that they matter…whatever their story…, but here's the thing…we change, be it our bodies, our thinking, our lives, they change, we change…so although we have these memories, they may not work in the moment we are in, as they were not made for or in that time…But God…He…never changes..He is the same in the memories of yesterday, as He will be today, tomorrow…To HIM alone can we look… With Him alone can we stand, In HIM alone can we HOPE…
    Looking to other things, shiny or otherwise, will never be enough…The Old Ragged Cross ….the emblem of suffering and shame…painful and heart wrenching though it sometimes can be.., To look to the Cross.., the love of us, for which Christ sacrificed Himself, so we would be free…is where I need to look, and it is where my God may be found..
    Seeking Christ today, in all my sin, as I am, with you Amanda Bible….believing HE can be found….on the Cross, with mercy enough for you, me and the whole community…Thank you….

    Blessed day to you all…with love Tina..xx

  34. Jenn says:

    I can't tell you how many times I have read Genesis 1:27…….in the image of God He created them, male and female He created them…….and I ignored or missed or skimmed over the magnitude of the fact that He made us ALL in His image. You saw the people you encountered when that hit you, I saw the people I had to accept are the ones He died for that I couldn't even comprehend Him loving. Those in other countries that are doing horrible things to Christians……they are made in His image. Those written about in the history books that live in infamy for the atrocities they committed in their time. Those who are yet to come, that will make us cover our wide open mouths, gasping in horror, and cause tears to flow freely from our eyes. They are all His children too……and He loves them as much as He loves me. How can that kind of grace ever be understood? Two wooden beams that stand as a symbol of love so pure that any who encounter and accept it have no response but to fall face down in worship.

  35. Row. says:

    Amazing! I awoke with a troubled heart and felt guilty because I know I should "worry about nothing but Pray about everything" and here I am feeling God put these words here just for me at just the right time. so many words jumped out at me. Psalms and also what Henry Matthew wrote: "When all human refuge fails, when no rest can be found to he troubled mind, then God applies the healing balm by his sprit" WOW!
    Thank You.

    1. shereadstruth says:

      I love how He works even in the smallest details, Row! Thanks for sharing this reminder with us today!

      xoxo-Kaitlin for SheReadsTruth

  36. Claire says:

    The consequences of my sin are devastating, but more devastating still is my lack of repentance. Lack of repentance breeds shame, and shame whispers lies in my ear.

    I needed to read this for some times the whispers are so loud. Bringing it all to the cross this morning.

    If you have a minute please pray for my son and I – the first full day in 8 months we will be apart as I go back to work. I pray he will be calm, content and know God’s grace and love. And that I will trust in Him.

    1. Kate says:

      Praying for you Claire, hope the day goes smoothly and quickly x

    2. tina says:

      Oh Claire, really, is,it that time and day already…..Praying for you both to have a peaceful, content, and God, so God blessed day..big hug to both yourself and Theo..xxx

    3. Kelly_Smith says:

      Prayers for you and sweet baby this morning!

    4. Jenn Pierce says:

      Claire – praying for you and your son during this transition. Peace be to you both!

    5. Missy says:

      Praying for you Claire. May the Lord bring peace to both your souls:)

    6. MNmomma (heather) says:

      Prayers lifted Claire….Have an AWESOME first day back! You've GOT THIS!!!

    7. Laresa says:

      Praying for you today, Claire!

    8. Braionna says:

      Prayers for you & your precious baby boy. It’s rough, but God will see you through! ❤️

    9. Claire says:

      Thank you all so much for your prayers I’m overwhelmed. we both had such a good day I am so greatful to God for his provision!

    10. Cathy says:

      Praying

    11. Danya Ho says:

      He will do well

  37. Angie says:

    I love CS Lewis’ quote…there are no mere mortals, no ordinary people. God has given us an immortal soul. Such a good reminder to view each other as incredibly valuable and the urgent need for us to share Jesus.

  38. Karla says:

    Thank you Amanda…those words were like balm to my soul. I needed the reminder that Jesus is my protector. I need to Rid myself of guilt through true repentance so that I might live forgiven and full of Joy.