Colossians 1:26 & 27b “The mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints…which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”

What’s not to love about a good mystery movie? We willingly fork over our hard-earned money in an attempt to unravel the who-done-it before the final credits roll. Twists in the plot and a boatload of suspects keep us biting our nails and glued to the screen. And just when we think we have it all figured out, the story takes a sudden turn, and we discover we were wrong all along.

If you head over to scripture, you will discover a Bible-times mystery as the Jews lived out all the plot-twists of a great cliffhanger. They anticipated the Messiah, but mysteriously it was anybody’s guess who He would be and when He would appear. The Jewish nation thought they had it all figured out. The Messiah would be a military leader capable of bringing down the Roman Empire with His mighty sword. He would be loud and strong. He would sit on the throne of King David and wear a golden crown. His celebration would be of the grandest order.

But, as with any good mystery, the Jewish script unraveled. And so it came to pass on a random night, in a nondescript location, a helpless baby was born. Their unconventional Messiah was wrapped in strips of cloth and placed in an animal feeding trough. He wore no kingly robe, nor occupied any golden throne. No sword was in His hand. No mighty Israeli army protected Him. He was placed in a borrowed tomb after suffering a  criminal’s death. And just when His story seemed over, one final nail-biting twist was left. The tomb opened up and the Messiah walked out of the grave victorious over death.

Friend, the final twist in this miraculous story remains the most unconventional ending of all time. Because of a plot no one saw coming, we can enjoy sweet peace as our final credits roll, for we have every confidence in how our story will end.

Father God, we praise you for the unexpected twists in the precious story of Your Son and our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Blessings,

Rita Cochrane

Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, “Woman, behold your son!” Then He said to the disciple, “Behold your mother!” And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home (John 19:25-27)

“From that hour at the cross, he took her into his own home” signifies that this relationship was for as long as Mary lived. We are fairly certain John outlived her because he was the most aged of all disciples, as far as we know, at his death on Patmos. We know that he was faithful in all things, and especially in persecution, both from the epistles he wrote and especially from Revelation. The fact that he took her into his own home permanently seems to me to indicate that they both would have looked back on the statement from the cross when they first beheld each other as mother and son, as the beginning of something very wonderful, instigated—even commanded—by the little boy she raised, who was, simultaneously, the Son of God.

Who gets to physically care for the mother of the Lord? I KNOW John felt the privilege. But, additionally,  what Mother would not look back with fondness when she knew her son had the whole world on his shoulders—all the sin and sorrow—and, yet, He looked down and connected Mary and John. Wouldn’t that be a very dear relationship forged by her son?

Jesus  had said “I must be about my Father’s business,” and “My hour is not yet come,”  and “For this hour I have come.” Yet, in all the import of the establishment of the kingdom , He settled her with the most trusted disciple. If she was there on Pentecost, and she, almost assuredly, was, then she surely came there with John. When she became old or sick, John was the one who made sure she had the elder-care that she needed. I just think this had to be an amazing relationship.

John was at the tomb, outrunning Peter. Don’t you know that Mary, living in the house of John, from the hour at the cross, knew he was going and was anxiously waiting to hear about the “state of the tomb.” I just think so…and I think Jesus, after the resurrection, had to see his mother. We know he saw John and he would have made sure the situation He provided was what he wanted it to be.

These are just some thoughts relevant to a portion of our dig this month. Just thoughts. But I think there’s evidence in the very words “from that hour.” There was a lot ahead of Mary and John and they were destined to look back at this moment at the foot of the cross as they faced the days of triumph (Acts 2) together and then almost immediately the persecution of John began in Acts 3-5.

I also have to remember another mother (Matthew 20:20) who asked Jesus if her two sons, James and John, could have the places of preeminence in the kingdom of Jesus. Salome’s  presumption was pointed out by Jesus who made her aware that she did not even know anything about what she was asking:

You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?”

In Mark 15:40, we see that Salome, ironically, did come to know the suffering Jesus spoke about in Matthew 20:21. She was looking at the cross from a far-away vantage point, while John and Mary were apparently close enough to hear his voice clearly; likely close enough for Mary to see her son’s blood as it ran down his face and poured forth from his hands and feet. Salome was also one of the first to peer into the empty tomb in Mark 16.  Her request that her sons be elevated in the kingdom had been granted. She didn’t know that, in the asking for the top spots in the Lord’s kingdom, she was asking for servant positions and the agony of persecution. But she was.  In a kingdom where service equals greatness, her son John, was to be baptized with the suffering to which Jesus alluded when she asked if her sons could sit on the right and left hands of Jesus in the kingdom. And what greater place at the right hand of the Lord than the servant’s honor of caring for the sweet mother who had given the Lord birth?

This digging has enriched my mother’s heart! If my son is ever ridiculed or chastised for his faithful heart (…and sometimes he is, though in much more benign ways), may I rejoice in this kingdom privilege that honors him.

Cindy Colley

There are places in the Bible that show the devil presenting himself in a way that makes him seem real. His appearance in the wilderness to tempt Jesus has him visible and talking to Jesus (Matthew 4).  He once appeared with the Lord and confronted Him about Job. He accused God of building a hedge around Job, giving him everything he could desire (Job 1:6-7).

There are other instances where he is referred to as “entering the heart of someone” like Judas in John 13:2. Satan was successful in guiding Judas to betray Jesus.

There are times, however, that the devil appears in the form of a real human, lying, deceiving, and placing others in harm’s way for his own purpose.

Such was the case with Ahab, king of Israel. He was a weak king, unable to rule his people according to God’s laws. Instead, he led them into idolatry.

There is a story in First Kings 22 that shows just how wicked he was. He formed an unusual alliance with Jehoshaphat, king of Judah. No alliance had existed between the kings of Israel and Judah, and this one was because Ahab’s son married Jehoshaphat’s daughter. Keeping peace between the two nations would be important because of this relationship.

King Jehoshaphat visited Ahab, and Ahab talked him into going into battle to take back a city that had actually belonged to Israel. Jehoshaphat agreed, and Ahab sought the advice of 400 prophets. These were not prophets of God, but they prophesied a victory for King Ahab.

Jehoshaphat wanted to consult a prophet of God, so Ahab summoned Macaiah from prison. Standing before the two kings, Macaiah prophesied that he could see the army scattered across the hills, like a sheep without a shepherd. This was a prediction of Ahab’s death. He even told them of the delusion that would come to them to deceive them into thinking they could win.

Ahab was angry and sent Macaiah back to prison with only bread and water. He was determined to take advantage of Jehoshaphat’s army to win back his city.

They did fight the battle. They did not win back the city, and Ahab was killed by a stray arrow from an unknown soldier.

When Jehoshaphat returned home, he was met by another prophet who named Jehu. These were the words of the prophet. “Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the LORD? Because of this, wrath has gone out against you from the LORD (Second Chronicles 19:2).

We might look at this situation and think that the Lord made too much of this matter. But here is a good king who made an alliance with a wicked king who was determined to disobey God.

Ahab wanted to be deceived, and the devil took advantage of it. He wanted the city, and he was willing to listen to 400 lying prophets for advice and support. He risked the lives of both armies, Jehoshaphat, and even his own life. He didn’t want the advice of the God in heaven he should have been serving.

Some of us do the same thing. We bargain with the devil when we seek the advice of those who do not serve God. Some go to the Scripture but take verses out of context to prove their point, or they declare the Bible as old fashioned.

Making a bargain with the devil always ends in death, unless one repents. Ahab had repented of his ways just prior to this story. He went back to his evil ways, taking the advice of lying prophets who told him what he wanted to hear.

We need to remember the devil is an adversary, prowling round like a roaring lion, looking for people to devour (First Peter 5:8).

Sandra Oliver

Genesis 3:6 NKJV “So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate.”

Adam and Eve lived the good life. Perhaps their days were spent carefree in each other’s company, frolicking with their animal friends, picking beautiful garden flowers, and enjoying an intimate relationship with God.

Yes, Adam and Eve had it all – All, that is, but for one small thing.

A special tree grew in the middle of their garden. It must have been an exquisite tree and certainly unique from all others because it was off-limits by God’s decree. They were not to eat from it. They were not touch it. And there were no exceptions!

Life was perfect for this first couple until the Evil One entered their paradise. This devious serpent played upon Eve’s desire to have what she could not. So as Satan planted a seed of doubt surrounding God’s deity, with one simple bite Adam and Eve’s garden-life ended and our world changed forever.

When Adam and Eve swallowed the forbidden fruit, a new and unwelcomed emotion swept over them. For the first time, they felt awkward and embarrassed before God, so they covered themselves in leaves and searched a hiding place.

We must not put this story to rest here, or we miss the best part. You see, although His beloved creation had sinned, God lovingly fashioned animal-skin tunics for Adam and Eve before they walked out of the garden forever.

Have you considered the magnitude of this simple act. Yes, there would be consequences for their sin, but God’s first move was an intensely personal one as He provided comfortable clothing for His beloved. It is of vital importance to notice God made their clothing from animal skins to cover the shame of their nakedness, a shame born from their sin. Yes, this shame-covering came at a price, for the animals had to die and shed their blood before Adam and Eve could be clothed.

We mustn’t be too critical of Adam and Eve, for we too have sinned in our own unique ways. From the very first sin in the garden to all the shameful sins we have yet to commit, blood sacrifice is a requirement. The unfathomable part of this story is although it was our sins that nailed the Son of God to the cross, God’s love for us remains steadfast.

Father God, help us realize the redemption from our sins has come at a great price. Thank you for the gift of Your Son’s blood.

Blessings,

Rita Cochrane

It is becoming increasingly alarming to note the number of Christian women who are showing little or no respect to God by the way they dress.  Many have decided modesty is “a personal opinion,” and no one has the right to tell them how to dress.

However, God DOES have the right to tell us how to dress!  Read this command, “in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works” (1 Timothy 2:9-10).

Although these words were penned years ago, they STILL apply today.  God does not change, and His words do not change (James 1:17).   Christians are STILL commanded to present their bodies as a living sacrifice to God (Romans 12:1).  They also are NOT to be conformed to the world (Romans 12:2).

Modesty is described even by a dictionary as “decent.”  God has given us the ability to think and reason; thus we are able to discern what is decent according to standards set by God.  The Bible gives us all we need to know in order to understand decency in appearance and in behavior.

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This excuse may be used:   “That’s the only clothing being sold today and everyone is wearing it, so it must be considered proper now.”   Do you really think that excuse will stand before God?     Look at what Jesus said in Luke 16:15, “And He said to them, You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God.”    Are you willing to become an abomination to God in order to be highly esteemed by the world?

Basically, attitude controls what clothing we choose to wear and what behavior we display.  In Proverbs 27:19, we read, “As in water face reflects face, So a man’s heart reveals the man.”

Ladies and girls, even a TINY BIT of cleavage does not fit the description of modest apparel, NOR does this show respect toward God!  Any display of the thighs is also not a description of modesty. These areas are designed by God as part of the female’s sexuality.  Therefore they should remain covered, so they are not attracting the male’s attention.  These sexual areas of one’s body belong only within the boundary of marriage (Proverbs 5:19).

Married women sometimes publicly wear clothing which exposes “just a hint” of cleavage or the thighs, believing this is permissible now that they are married.  After all, no one else looks at a married woman except her own husband.  Ladies, do not be deceived;  there will be others looking!  Some will deliberately look; others who desire to live godly will not intentionally look, but accidentally see before they can get their eyes turned away.  Do you desire to share with all others what specifically belongs ONLY to your husband?  Do you desire to show DISRESPECT to God AND your husband in this manner?

Others, while not dressing immodestly themselves, call the display of flesh “cute” on others!  No, it is not “cute” in God’s sight, nor is it showing respect to God!  Those approving of immodesty are just as guilty of sin as those who are dressing immodesty (see Romans 1:32).  Yes, immodesty is a sin, and we need to realize it is sin!

Women desiring to truly please God are willing to be more careful about what is or is not “on display” with each item of clothing worn.  Remember even though an item of clothing may appear modest when first put on, as one moves about, clothes also “change positions” and do not continue to stay exactly in the same position.  A woman is not a statue that remains totally still and never moves!   Here’s a helpful hint:  stand before a mirror, full length if possible, and look at your top, bottom, sides, and all points between.  Turn, twist, bend over, raise and lower your arms, eyeing yourself from all angles.  You may realize you are displaying more than you thought!   Sit in a chair in front of the mirror, crossing and uncrossing your legs and note what is seen.  Observe carefully every item of clothing you put on.   Remember the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:28, “But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”   We can cause men, and boys also, to have feelings of lust because of immodest clothing which exposes too much flesh.  We must realize the male is affected greatly by seeing a woman’s or girl’s flesh.  This is the way God designed us; however He also gave very specific guidelines concerning the sexual behavior of both men and women.  If women or girls dress immodestly and cause lust, they are as guilty as the male in this sin.

Women may say they are not able to find modest clothing in stores.  Yes, some stores no longer sell much decent clothing.  It may take looking a bit longer, but it is possible to find  decent clothing.  Some express the idea that modest clothing is “too expensive.”  However, I have found just the opposite;  modest clothing is not as expensive as the “latest styles of immodesty.”

Older women often are deceived by the idea, “No one looks at older women, so it really doesn’t matter what we wear.  Just go for comfort.”  There is no truth to that idea.  All women, regardless of age, are noticed by others.  But more important, all are noticed by God, and all are accountable to God.

A Christian woman with the right attitude will be thankful when a Christian sister draws her aside and lovingly talks with her about an article of clothing being immodest.  A wife with the right attitude will thank her husband for wanting her to dress modestly before others.  Because of the right attitude, she realizes certain parts of her body belong only to her husband and she will not desire to expose these parts to others.  A Christian woman with the right attitude will not buy immodest clothing for herself OR for her children, and she will teach her children (both girls and boys) to dress modestly.  She will teach both by example and with words, explaining it is sin before God and disrespectful to God to dress immodestly.

If we truly desire to glorify God and show respect toward God, we will gladly dress modestly at all times, instead of trying to justify immodesty!  If we respect God, we will teach others to dress modestly also!  Dressing modestly is not just inside the church building, but it should be done everywhere we go.  By the way, men and boys are NOT exempt from dressing modestly!

1 Corinthians 6:19-20, “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?   For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.”

Are you showing respect to God or to the world?

By Dena Ivie

Ahab was a most wicked king. He began his reign as an evil man, and he ended it the same way.

His first mistake was in marrying Jezebel, a princess of the god Baal. She brought with her, not only her beliefs, but her idols as well. Ahab immediately prepared places for her idols and led God’s people into idolatrous worship.

One of the more famous stories about Ahab is his interaction with Naboth. Naboth’s vineyard was next to the palace, and Ahab wanted it for a vegetable garden. He tried everything to get Naboth to sell it to him or trade with him. Naboth told Ahab that he could not sell or trade his land, because it was an inheritance. It was against God’s laws to do anything with it outside his own family.

Ahab went home dejected and pouting. He went to bed, turned his face to the wall, and refused to eat. What a king!

Jezebel to the rescue. She assured Ahab that she would take care of the situation. She devised a plan by sending letters to the nobles and the priests to declare a fast and bring Naboth into court. They were to bring in false witnesses and accuse him of blasphemy against God and the king. Such behavior was punishable by stoning. The letters went out with the king’s seal, which meant it was a declaration that could not be ignored.

Of course, the men did as was commanded. Then they declared him guilty as charged and stoned him to death. Later we read that they also stoned his family.

What is interesting about this story is the way Jezebel used God’s law to serve her own purpose. She obviously knew the laws under which God’s people were supposed to live because of the way she brought about Naboth’s demise. She structured a formal charge of blasphemy against Naboth. She knew there needed to be two witnesses, and she knew that stoning the guilty to death was the punishment for a guilty plea. She also knew that Naboth’s relatives would inherit the land, so she had them killed as well (Second Kings 9:16). Without family to inherit, Ahab took possession of the land.

Our lives are filled with decisions we need to make as to whether something is right or wrong. The old saying, “You can prove anything by the Bible” is true. If you want to justify your behavior, just look long enough, and you will find a way to justify it.

My husband tells the story of a preacher who did just that. The man was on the radio, and in his sermon he made the following statement. “The Bible says that baptism does not save us. It says and I quote, “Baptism doth also save us not.” The man failed to give the Scripture reference, but it is found in First Peter 3:21. It  says, “The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ…”

In this passage, Peter had been comparing Noah’s being saved in the flood with our being saved by baptism. Noah’s salvation required water and his obedience to God’s commands. The same is true with us. It takes baptism, but it also takes our obedience to His commands.

Most people use Scripture to prove something they are doing is right because the Bible doesn’t explicitly forbid it.

If we want to know what God really wants us to do, we will, “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (Second Timothy 2:15). We will look careful to make sure we understand the path God wants us to take. If we are uncertain, we should not take any risks. Our souls depend on our decisions.

Sandra Oliver

As summer arrives, my mind always thinks of bouquets–and weddings! (Possibly more this year because two daughters are planning their weddings, too!) What an exciting time! I think it is a great idea to pass around a notebook at the bride-to-be’s shower and let everyone share words of wisdom with her. As women who trust in the Lord, let’s use these opportunities to give godly advice. I love the beautiful wording used in Proverbs 31:11, “The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain.” In what ways can a godly woman build her husband’s trust?

To start things off, if you are preparing for marriage, and you have said “yes” to a non-Christian man, please stop and re-evaluate. How can two people with different goals reach the same destination? If your heart belongs to God, and his doesn’t, you will not be serving the same master. There will be strife in your home, guaranteed. Please make time to read 2 Corinthians 6:14-18. God warns us against such bonds, and marriage is the closest bond that we make here on earth.

If you are engaged to a Christian, your new husband will want to see that your love for God is the greatest love of all–even above your love for him (Mark 12:30). He should know that you will base your decisions on His approval first, and because you do this, you will strive to be the helpmeet that God wants you to be. Putting our love in the correct priority, God is our first love, and next in order will rightly be our husband. This may not be an issue at the start, but if children are added to the mix, your husband should still be priority over them. We are instructed to leave our father and mother and become one with him, not with our children. (Genesis 2:24) One of the best “gifts” we give our children is to love their daddy.

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Let your husband see that you will use your words to build him up and not to tear him down. “An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who shames him is as rottenness in his bones.” (Proverbs 12:4) You prayed for this man, and chose to be his, now you should honor him accordingly, just as Sarah did. (1 Peter 3:5-6) Find areas in which you can compliment him, not only to others, but to him as well.

Your husband should trust that he is the only one that your intimate love will go to. “I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine.” (Song of Solomon 6:3a) Our husband is the only man that we should flirt with and tease in a sexual, playful way. If we find ourselves dressing or acting in a certain way around another man, then it’s time for an “about face.” Office relationships can be dangerous because of the sheer amount of time spent sitting next to someone. If you see yourself getting too close to a man at your workplace, it’s time to switch jobs. Your marriage is worth it. One thing we gave our daughters in their early teen years was a purity ring. It was to remind them to keep themselves for the husband someday. They give these to their groom on their wedding day. Maybe still wearing this purity ring after the ceremony wouldn’t be such a bad idea? A constant reminder, alongside their wedding band,  to keep themselves only for their husband.

Next, your husband should see that your heart is in your home. “A wise woman builds her house.” (Proverbs 14:1) The world around will call you to do many things, but a woman in her greatest capacity will work to create a godly home. Titus 2:5 gives us more encouragement in this area also. If you are an older Christian woman, take time to encourage a young woman to be a homemaker. Let’s make our homes a peaceful place of comfort and use our time there wisely. (Proverbs 31:27)

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Express to your hubby that you, Lord–willing, want to bear his children. You may think this is a “given” in a Christian marriage, but some couples choose not to have a family. Medical reasons are understandable, but choosing not to have children is not what the Scriptures teach. God told Noah and his sons to “be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 9:1). He certainly did not expect this one family to fill the earth! Of all the people to populate  the earth, shouldn’t we, as Christians, want to bring more children into this world to train as soldiers for the Lord?

This leads right into our next objective for a godly marriage, that you will “think souls.” Not only will you train the “arrows” that God blesses you with, but your husband will see you looking for, and reaching out to those who are searching. “He who is wise wins souls.” (Proverbs 11:30) We should not be Christians in name only. Concentrate on not seeing people as neighbors, co-workers, or salesman, but as lost souls who need the saving Message. Let your door be open to inviting friends over to see how warm a Christian home can be. Who knows who your next guest may be? (Hebrews 13:2)

Let your husband see that you will be content–wherever you are, and in every circumstance. It is my opinion that many young couples expect too much, right from the start. It takes many years of working together to build a home. Be content with what you have been given. I received a wedding gift of a hand-stitched picture that simply states, “Home Sweet Home.” It has hung in every home we’ve shared, whether it was a mobile home, apartment, or a single family home. It reminds me that wherever my husband and I are together, THAT is home. “…for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.” (Philippians 4:11)

Finally, we will look only at the second part of our key verse, “and he will have no lack of gain,” (Proverbs 31:11b) His heart trusts in her because she helps to build their home. A couple devoted to God and each other will benefit not only their spouse, but the Kingdom as well. What a beautiful image we read of in Ephesians 5:22-33 where two people come together as one, just as Christ has only one bride. Husbands love their wives as their own flesh, and the wife respects her husband.

As those around us preach distorted messages of what makes a couple, and what makes a family, let us uphold God’s definitions. If the Lord has blessed you with a godly husband, and you have had years to grow together, take time to encourage a young wife in His ways, and in what worked for you. Be proud of what the Lord has done for you. “She opens her mouth in wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.” (Proverbs 31:26).

Robin Martin

Are you familiar with something called a Chapter 11? If so, did a chill just run down your spine? Chapter 11 is the result of financial ruin and requires declaring bankruptcy. But following the devastation of a Chapter 11, a fresh, new start is possible when all priorities are reorganized and restructured.

Did you know that King David, a scriptural hero, experienced a chapter 11 disaster? His life lay in ruin – just not in the financial sense. But, in II Samuel 11, King David found himself spiritually bankrupt by his sins of pride, lust, adultery, and murder. (Yikes, these are a serious list by anyone’s standard.) David had tumbled so deeply it took a “come-to-Jesus” meeting with Nathan before he recognized his sin. Then, like with financial bankruptcy, David began the painful process of restructuring and reorganizing his faith priorities.

As king, David could have swept the entire adultery/murder fiasco under his Persian rug. But as David’s life lay in ruin, he cried out to God for cleansing. Then, David did what he did so well: He wrote of his sin and redemption for all to read. His painful journey is publicly recorded in Psalm 51. Here is the short of it:

(Psalm 51:3-4) David ADMITTED his sin. “I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.”

(Psalm 51: 10) David SUBMITTTED his heart back to God. “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”

(Psalm 51:13) David COMMITTED to using his tragedy to help others. “Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners shall be converted to You.”

Our lives will contain a broken chapter 11 somewhere along our journey. Our sinful pride will bring seasons of hardship, trials, and faith-weakness. But, friend, take heart. David’s legacy was not defined by one unfortunate chapter. Following the disaster of chapter 11, David found the Father’s sweet redemption in chapter 12. When we admit our sin, submit our hearts back to God, and commit ourselves to saving others, our priorities will be restructured and reorganized, and God’s precious grace and redemption will reclaim us as His own.

Father God, O what love you show us through Your redemption! Thank you!

Blessings of sweet redemption,

Rita Cochrane