Whether the Weather

“Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid: for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; He also is become my salvation” (Isa 12:2).

Some days, cloud-filled skies refuse to let the sun show its radiance, but that doesn’t stop the sunshine from flowing from our hearts. That giant fireball radiantly beams on other days while our hearts barely glimmer, weighed down by life’s cloudiness. But Son-light always outshines the darkness no matter the forecast or our heart’s condition. God’s Son not only sheds light; He brings peace and comfort, reminding us of His presence and strength during darkened days, whether our hearts or the world’s most giant star shine. Sing praise to Him. The Lord God helps us fight our battles; He is our deliverer (2 Chron 32:8).

Fallen Heroes

“From whence come wars and fightings among you? Come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?” James 4:1

Why do we have wars in the world today? Squabbles and disputes begin with people at odds with one another. Fighting and warring start when authority leaders and nations want what others have and will do whatever it takes to make it their own. When war breaks out, someone must defend the innocent from the offenders taking what isn’t theirs; sometimes, the protectors don’t return home from the battles.

Today we pause to remember and honor the multitude of men and women who died, giving their lives serving and protecting our nation’s freedom and that of other countries. Testimonials from those who lost loved ones and stories and pictures of veterans who served but didn’t come home remind us of the high cost of the fallen’s sacrifice. The greatest battle took place on a hill called Calvary, where Jesus died voluntarily on a cruel cross for the world’s sins. But He conquered death’s grip; the empty tomb and the promise that He is coming back bring hope that we will be free of wars one day. God will soon make all things new and perfect again.

Proof in the Spankings

My favorite necklace that I wear every day is precious because my husband chose it and the three-cross-pendant on the chain reminds me of Jesus’ sacrifice for my sins. But as priceless as it is to me, I have to give it a good shaking some days. Why? It gets easily tangled and, left that way, is unattractive. So, because I care about my necklace, I gently shake the chain for it to unwrap from the crosses’ beams. But when that doesn’t work, more aggressive actions are needed. Once loosened, the pendant is free.

A Christian’s life entangled in sin is unappealing, and God does whatever it takes for that person to get back in right standing with Him. He may begin with a gentle shake, just a nudge in their spirit that they need to repent. When that doesn’t work, God will use more drastic measures. Parents don’t take pleasure in disciplining their children, and neither does our heavenly Father. Still, both will for the good of the one who has strayed from going the right way: “My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord, neither be weary of His correction. For whom the Lord loveth, He correcteth, even as a father the son in whom he delighteth” (Prov 3:11– 12). Discipline proves that God and parents love their children; it moves their loved ones to choose repentance that sets them on the path to freedom. The Bible says those who continue sinning without the Lord’s rebuke are not His children (Heb 12:8).

Steady as a Rock

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee. Trust ye in the LORD forever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength” (Isaiah 26:3, 4).

Undisturbed well-being can be ours—regardless of what comes our way—when our thoughts, purpose, and work reflectively take hold of, lean on, and have total confidence in the LORD JEHOVAH. He is the unchanging, eternal Rock of Ages who holds, cares for, and carries us.

Resetting the Setting

Our trailblazing neighbor offered to cut away the trees, brush, and vines that blocked the view of a twenty-plus-foot magnolia tree since he already had the heavy equipment on the property to cut trails through the woods. But to clear the debris infringing the tree, he had first to uproot and move a giant tree stump and a fallen tree from the last hurricane that blocked the way. The process was slow since he was careful not to damage the tree we were trying to rescue, but his persistence paid off; he freed the tree from the forest’s invasion less than two hours later. God used our neighbor and us to recover the tree that had no flowers, and the color of its leaves hinted at the need for soil adjustments. But the next day, to our amazement, the magnolia had a few small flowers—the sun’s light gave it new life.

Although Christians are not perfect, genuine followers of Christ will not deliberately seek ways to sin, dishonoring the One who gave new life to them. But we are susceptible to sudden sin temptations and will succumb to them when not watchful. Paul instructs believers in handling such matters: “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted” (Galatians 6:1).

Unlike a tree with no say in its location or state of being, we can decide but sometimes make poor choices. Life’s clutter can slowly invade people’s space, and before realizing the toll of the debris overtaking them, it stunts their growth. Other times, people’s passions suddenly overtake their good senses. The apostle urges those led by God’s Spirit to intercede on behalf of these folks with prayer, godly counsel, and a forgiving spirit to restore them—reset them, even if it hurts—to bring them back where they belong. Regardless of their situation, we have God’s powerful Word and His Spirit within us to help them see the “Son-light” so they can flourish once again. None of us can remove the consequences of sin or poor life choices from others, but we can point them to or remind them of the One who forgives and holds the answer to all of our needs. Don’t miss that Paul says we are to help those overtaken in a fault in the spirit of meekness, remembering we could need such help one day and would want it given lovingly and patiently by someone with a forgiving heart.

Hold On, My Child

God is love; He is merciful, kind, and forgiving; He is the Giver of life. We who are rightly related to Him know that we can trust Him even in our darkest hours. But believers sever fellowship with God by going their way instead of His. By doing this, we gain His disfavor that only lasts until we repent. Every person faces life’s challenges and experiences differing troubles, disappointments, and sadness. But for God’s children, sorrows lodge only a short while; they are just temporary, though it sometimes seems an eternity. They will one day be succeeded by joy—singing—often in this life, but always for all the righteous in the life to come with our heavenly Father: “For His anger endureth but a moment; in His favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning” (Psalm 30:5).

When the Rocks Cry Out

“And He answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out” (Luke 19:40).

The Pharisees were incensed that Jesus didn’t rebuke the multitude joyfully praising Him, saying, “Blessed be the king that cometh in the name of the Lord,” as He rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. He told them if the people had not praised Him, the rocks would cry out. Isaiah uses a similar language of mountains and hills singing and trees clapping their hands, referring to the exiles in Babylon and of the future Messiah (Isa 55:12). When Jesus hung dying on the cross, taking the world’s sins upon Himself—became sin for us so we could be made right with God through Him (2 Cor 5:21)—no one praised Him. Even His disciples were silent, but “the earth did quake, and the rocks rent” (Matt 27:51). I don’t want rocks or trees taking my place in acknowledging and praising Jesus as King of kings and Lord of lords, but I welcome them to join me.

Infinite Pity

“Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear Him” (Psalm 103:13).

It wasn’t the first time this happened, and most likely, it will not be the last: I asked God for traveling protection. He was faithful, but I didn’t remember to thank Him for keeping loved ones safe until later in the day. How often do we ask our heavenly Father to guide, heal, comfort, encourage, protect, or meet a need for someone or ourselves? We know who to run to for help but sometimes delay or neglect to say, Thank You, Lord. On some occasions, we refuse to express our gratitude when His response to our pleas is not like we hoped. But His timing and decisions are always for the best.

Jesus called God Father in the model prayer (Matthew 6); God likened Himself to a father in the story of the prodigal son (Luke 15). The psalmist compares a father’s affection, care, and forgiveness for wrongdoing towards his children to the LORD's unmeasurable love, mercy, kindness, and forgiveness for those who revere and love Him. God made us; He understands our frailties. He is faithful, even when we are not.

Walk This Way

Yesterday our neighbor blazed five clearings through and around our wooded property. Why? We can’t maneuver through the dense forest without the pathways, whether riding or walking. One trail not only provided a clear path; it led to an unexpected blessing: our trailblazer discovered a duck pond hidden by the trees. All of the clearings begin and end at the field’s edge.

“Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine and learn from those who follow our example” (Philippians 3:17 NLT). Paul encouraged believers to follow the examples set by himself and others like him and often reminded them that not all Christians are genuine; many proved themselves to be enemies of the cross of Christ by their conduct (v. 18). In Hebrews 11, the Book’s writer lists many example-setters—trailblazers—(not flawless) who served God by faith. From their shortcomings and successes, we learn how to walk through life with the Holy Spirit leading us. If the people you look up to and follow don’t point to and lead to Jesus, you’re on the wrong path. He, the only perfect example, came saying, “I am The Way, The Truth, and The Life, no man cometh unto the Father but by Me” (John 14:6). Life begins and ends with Jesus; trust and follow Him. Blessings await; some may be unexpected.

I Wish We'd All Be Ready

“Watch therefore, for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.” (Matthew 24:42)

In the 70s, a popular song told of what life would be like one day: two are in bed; one disappears, and the other is left behind. The same would happen to two workers in the field; one is gone, and the other is left behind (Luke 17: 34–36). The song says that a piece of bread would buy a bag of gold—folks; we’ll soon be at that point with the all-time-high cost of living and a recession looming; food will be more precious than gold. Jesus is coming soon to take His Father’s Church to heaven, and the ones who haven’t surrendered to the lordship of Jesus are left behind. If you would be one of those not taken away, believe that Jesus is God’s Son who died and rose from the dead; confess your sins to God, turn away from them, and trust Jesus as your Savior and Lord while you have the opportunity. One day, that decision will be too late: “Therefore, be ye also ready, for such an hour as ye think not, the Son of man cometh” (v.44). Say yes to Jesus now, or you will be left behind.

Little Things, Big Results

Little things can make a difference in a person’s day: a smile, a word of encouragement, a timely visit, or a look of dismissal and ignoring a need—little acts of kindness or rudeness and neglect matter. A few words hastily spoken or spreading a malicious rumor with a tongue that needs bridling can start a fire, one from hell (James 3:5–6)—unchecked words matter. David’s confidence wasn’t in the little stone he put in a sling to bring down the greatly feared Goliath; his trust was in mighty God, the One he believed in and had proven Himself faithful. Abraham and Sarah told little “white lies,” saying they were brother and sister to save Abraham’s life. So, the king took Sarah for himself. But God told him they were husband and wife in a dream, and had the king not released her, God would have destroyed him and all his possessions (Genesis 20:2–12). There are no little lies, and none are white—all lies are sin-stained and costly.

“The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good” (Proverbs 15:3). God sees (and hears) everything. The littlest actions and only a few words can change the development of someone’s day. What we do and say governs if it will be for better or worse. 

Focused

“Consider the lilies of the field . . .” (Matthew 6:28b).

Flowers aren’t concerned about whether their petals and foliage are attractive, if their nectar attracts bees and hummingbirds, or if it will rain. They don’t wonder how tall they will grow or if someone will choose them for a bouquet; they just are. Trusting their Creator, they do what God created them for without a thought; their beauty honors Him in beautifying creation.

God’s children sometimes wonder if their lights shine brightly enough or are doing what’s necessary and if their service makes a difference in others’ lives. But when we are rightly related to Jesus and fellowshipping with our heavenly Father, our focus shifts from ourselves to Him; concerns about our daily needs, activity in kingdom work, and what others think fade. God molds us for usefulness in this position, and, like the lilies of the field, depending on and trusting Him, we do what He created us for without thinking about it; our surrendered lives honor Him and bless others.   

A Tail's Tale Retold

A squirrel reminded me of an incident with our little dog not long after bringing him into our family two years ago. The puppy had his first experience with a squirrel’s tail, a tail he wanted but didn’t know what to do with it once it was his. He spent hours whining, burying it, unburying, hiding, and unhiding what he thought he wanted. In desperation, he sat before me with the tail dangling from his mouth and looked up at me as if saying, “Please take this from me!” I asked him if he wanted me to take it, and with that, he dropped it at my feet and walked away without looking back. Sometimes we’re like Scout. We want something badly but later regret the decision once we have it. When we no longer want it because of the grief it causes, we look for ways to rid ourselves of it.

King David didn’t want enemies to rise against him, nor did he long for a friend to betray him. But he knew what to do with the troubles God allowed in his life: “Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee; He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved” (Psalm 55:22). The “man after God’s heart” threw the weight of his cares on Jehovah, depending on and trusting Him to sustain him through life’s challenges.

No matter how trivial or weighty an anxiety, trouble, or grief, we can have the same confidence in our Savior and say like David, “As for me, I will call upon God, and the Lord shall save me” (v. 16). If you live rightly with God and rely on Him, He will guard you against being shaken. So, hurl those burdens onto our caring and faithful God—no looking back.

Your Happy Place

“. . . For I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content” (Philippians 4:11).

Paul had some pretty tough life trials to deal with after he surrendered to the lordship of Christ: beatings, shipwreck, stoning, and imprisonment, yet, he learned the secret of being content (satisfied, happy, comfortable). How? He didn’t say but revealed that he could do all things through Christ who strengthened him (v. 13). The apostle learned that God’s providence was always for the best and that anxiety, self-pity, and impatience didn’t resolve any problems. No matter his circumstances, Paul believed that God’s ways were always right, and contentment flooded his soul. We can experience the same peace of mind and blessed satisfaction knowing that divine Providence is in God’s hands. Life is a learning process of the goodness and love of God, and Christ will strengthen us “to do all things” just as He did Paul if we trust Him and let Him have His way with us.

The Altar of Sacrifice

“I beseech ye, therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service” (Romans 12:1).

Paul calls on the recipients of this letter to dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to God, their duty because of His great mercies toward them. “That ye present” implies voluntarily bringing and presenting a sacrifice without blemish before the altar, which was necessary according to God’s Law in the Old Testament. Yet, God made it clear (then and today) that obedience from the heart is better than sacrifices (1 Samuel 15:22). God wants us to offer ourselves as living sacrifices, not animals or other sacrifices—and daily lay aside our agendas and desires to trust and follow Him. Were the animals perfect that God’s people presented? They were not, but they were the best of what they possessed. The apostle’s pleading calls for us to give God an acceptable offering—the best of our time, talents, energies, and resources for His service, the least we can do out of gratitude that He has forgiven our sins. God wants His best for us; He gave His Son to make our new life possible.

The Old Testament sacrifices died at the altar; God calls us to die to ourselves. But we sometimes crawl or fall off the altar as living sacrifices. If that happens, climb back up with a renewed commitment as many times a day as it takes to serve our heavenly Father faithfully—it’s our reasonable service.  

Three in One

“And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying. . .The Lord bless and keep thee: The Lord make His face to shine upon thee and be gracious unto thee. And the Lord lift up His countenance upon thee and give thee peace.” Numbers 6:22, 24–26

The Lord (Yahweh) prescribed this form of benediction for His appointed priests to speak in His name, dismissing the people after an assembly. They were His spokesmen, but He was and still is the Blesser. The New Testament sheds light on the word Lord used three times as Paul spoke a similar blessing: “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen” (2 Cor 13:14). Three persons—yet one God. Just as God’s people in the Old Testament had to be prepared to receive His blessings, so must we. God will bless, protect, and sustain His followers. God looks on His children with favor and surrounds us with lovingkindness. Our Father lifts His face upon us with divine approval and gives us a tranquil heart and life when we are rightly related to Him. 

God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit want to bless and be in communion with you. Are you prepared to receive all He wants to pour out on you?

Path to Blessedness

“Where there is no vision, the people perish, but he that keepeth the law, happy is he” (Proverbs 29:18).

People perish (revolt, are unbridled, stripped naked) when there is no vision (revelation of God and His Word). When people neglect reading and obeying the Bible and when the truth of the Lord’s Word is scarce—ministers and teachers do not correctly proclaim and teach God’s Word—there is no vision. When we don’t read, hear, and obey God’s Word, we lose sight of His authority. Our neglect strips us of outward ornaments and protecting armor, exposing shame and leaving us vulnerable to the enemy’s attacks. Our country’s disobedience and rejection of God prove many have no vision, although God is always present. The visionless have turned away from God, run amuck, choosing to go their selfish way, following their easily deceived hearts recklessly. “But he that keepeth the law, happy is he.” Here, the law referred to is God’s commands, not man’s law. We are obliged to obey our land's man-made rules only if they do not contradict God’s truth. Hearing and obeying God’s Word entitles His children to blessedness.

Rejoice = Spin Around

“. . .Thy mother shall be glad, and she that bare thee shall rejoice” (Proverbs 23:25b). Joy comes to the mother (and father) whose children walk in truth, wisdom, and righteousness. That can happen when you teach them the right way to live—God’s way; dedicate them to the Lord’s service no matter their age. When God entrusts a child to our care, we are to instruct them from the beginning on what He requires of us all, the blessings of obedience and the dangers of disobedience. They learn not only by hearing and adhering to God’s Word and our words but by observing our actions. Our example-setting, continuous training, and the child following our instructions form ingrained habits of right living. When they are “old,” independent—leave our care—they won’t depart from what they learned (God’s promise: Prov 22:6). Does this mean they will never go astray or disappoint us? No, but they cannot turn off what you instilled into them, and they know there’s a way to return home.

Do you want to honor your mom and bless her heart—see her spin around? Obey and serve the Lord.

Shine, Jesus Shine

Moses was weary; the people God called him to lead were stubborn and whiny. When Moses met with the Lord and delayed coming down the mountain, they built a golden calf to worship. They mourned hearing that God was angry and would no longer go before them lest He “consume them.” Moses met with God in the tabernacle with the cloudy pillar (His presence) in the doorway, asking God to show him His way to lead the people. “And the Lord said unto Moses: I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken; for thou hast found grace in My sight, and I know thee by name” (Exodus 33:17). After meeting with God, Moses had to veil his face because it shone so brightly.

Some Christians are satisfied with being passive members of God’s family, sporadically attending church, praying when needs arise—going through life the best they can. Others are more involved, attend church and pray regularly, use their resources to serve others, and seek God’s guidance. Then there are those like Moses, God’s faithful servant, who not only sought God but said he wasn’t going any further unless he knew His presence was with them. He met with God, and not only his outward appearance changed, but so did his outlook on the task God called him to carry out.

God said He would answer Moses’ request because He found favor with him and knew him by name. He knows you and me by name, too, and wants to show us the way to go. But is God pleased with the condition of our hearts? The key to finding His way and will is to be clean before Him and spend time with Him. Moses wanted to meet with God; he needed to hear from Him, and he did. He listened, received, and acted on God’s instructions; his face glowed when he left God’s presence because he wanted to “see” God—and did. We can do all the “churchy” things we think please God and impress others, but what are we like after being with God? Can we or others tell we were in His presence by our changed attitudes and actions? God’s glory shines, but are we letting Him shine through us? 

Will and If

A Pharisee asked Jesus which of the commandments was the greatest. Jesus answered him, saying, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind; this is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it: Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself” (Matthew 22:37–39).

Jesus seldom said “should” (King James Bible); the verb sounds passive, although some synonyms are must, ought to, and have to. We WILL obey God’s commandments if we love Him (John 14:15). We WILL love one another IF we are His disciples (John 13:35); Sheep follow their shepherd IF they recognize his voice—Jesus said His sheep know His voice and WILL follow Him (John 10:27). 

We WILL enter God’s kingdom only IF we are born again from above by God’s Spirit (John 3:5–8). Whether should, ought to, or have to move you to action, life’s “WILLs” and “IFs” are crucial to living now and where you WILL spend eternity—with Him IF you believe in, surrender to, and trust His Son, Jesus.

Transplanted

We spotted a beautiful, mature magnolia tree growing in the woods, but the pines surrounded its beauty. We also found two young ones growing just inside the edge of the woods and decided it was best to move them so they could fully develop, and we could enjoy their beauty. My husband dug them up and planted each in places where they could thrive. At first, we thought it was transplant shock when the leaves turned brown, but now, their leaves are on the ground—our best efforts to save them not only crippled but killed them.

We cannot save people we care about—take them from where they are spiritually and plant them where we think is best. Deciding it’s time for them to yield to God’s authority and our best efforts to shield or deliver them from situations God allows to draw them to a saving knowledge of Jesus is harmful, not helpful. Taking matters into our hands can be detrimental to where they will spend eternity. Jesus said: “No man can come to Me except the Father which hath sent Me draw him” (John 6:44a)—and God does want everyone to enjoy everlasting life with Him (vs. 40), but only He can make a sin-sick soul a new creation in Christ. We are to tell others salvation’s message but surrendering one’s life to Jesus is each person's decision. 

Not Just Sightseeing

“And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, ‘From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it’” (Job 1:7). What was Satan looking for; why all the walking? In this conversation with the Lord, it seems he was taking a census, looking for a target because he “jumped all over” God’s invitation for him to consider Job’s faithfulness. He accepted God’s offer, but Satan could not shake Job’s trust in God after his best efforts.

God created angels, even the fallen ones; they are answerable to their Creator as we are. Unlike God, Satan is not omniscient; he does not know all things and cannot understand our thoughts, but he and his followers learn much about people through our actions and speech. They watch for causes of our weariness, fears, doubts, frustrations, short tempers, anxieties, what angers us, always listening for what triggers us to say what we should keep to ourselves. But why did Satan want to cause Job such grief? He tried to prove Job would doubt God’s goodness, love, and provision but failed. Why does he target believers? Those without Christ in their lives are right where he wants them, separated from God. He directs his efforts toward convincing Christians in distress that God doesn’t care about their needs, to rethink their trust in Him, whispering lies that their Savior has forgotten them. He wants to destroy the testimony of weakened or fallen followers of Christ, making them think they are no longer adequate for God’s service.  

Peter warns believers to stay alert because the devil, our adversary, still prowls around, seeking to devour his targets. (1 Peter 5:8). We, who claim the saving power of God, have the Holy Spirit living within us, guiding us in wisdom and truth and strengthening us. Although God’s servant didn’t have the Holy Spirit’s indwelling presence like we do or understand the reason for his life’s trials, he stood faithful, trusting God just as the LORD knew he would. When we depend on and look to the LORD God, we will faithfully weather life’s challenges like Job. 

Steppin' Up and Out

For good reasons, people wear different footwear: shoes for occupations, yardwork, dress wear, exercise, recreation, and leisure. Each style accommodates the task at hand. Wearing a pair of steel-toe boots to run a race makes as much sense as wanting to wear another person’s shoes you admire, longing to perform their appealing tasks not designed for you. God created, talented, and gifted His children for His purposes, and it’s vital to wear the correct shoes—your shoes—to carry out (“walk in”) those works He uniquely prepared for you to bring Him glory. Step up to and into the tasks God created you to perform wearing the shoes—gifts and talents—He perfectly fitted for your assignments. Serve Him wholeheartedly, carrying out your responsibilities for your Maker’s honor and the benefit of others.

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, that He hath prepared beforehand that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10). 

Picture-Perfect Day Until

The sun is shining, no clouds in the sky, birds singing, all is well with you and the Lord and your family—life is good. But clouds move in, sprinkles fall, and rain pours. Sometimes, such is life; all is well one moment, and the next, darkness overshadows you. Sunshine and rain are gifts from God for creation’s good, but sometimes someone rains on your sunshiny day. Jesus taught His disciples to love, bless, and do good to those who mistreat them—AND pray for their abusers. The reason why? He said, “That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sendeth rain on the just and the unjust” (Matthew 5:45).

We show ourselves as children of God’s family when we imitate our heavenly Father, treating those who despitefully use us with love just as He loved us when we are at odds with Him. While we were yet sinners, God showed His love for the world by Jesus taking our place on the cross and dying, making atonement for the world’s sins (Romans 5:8–10). Jesus asked what reward was there in loving and being kind only to people who treat you well; even the heathen act kindly towards friendly people. God holds Christians to a higher standard, expecting His children to obey His command to love as He loves; to strive for perfection in grace and holiness—God-likeness—because He is holy (1 Peter 1:15–16; Leviticus 11:45). 

Numbered Days

Mothers lose babies by miscarriage; others are still-born. Some babies live seconds, minutes, hours; others days and years—God alone knows our lifespan. What we do with our time here is crucial and limited. Our heavenly Father is merciful and gracious, giving everyone who understands right from wrong the time and opportunity to confess and repent of their sins, yield their hearts to His authority, and follow the Holy Spirit’s guidance. His time measurement is unique: “But beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years and a thousand years as one day” (2 Peter 3:8). One day we will stand before God and give an account of our time (Revelation 20:12); one day, soon, Jesus will return: “Watch therefore, for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. . . Therefore be ye also ready for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh” (Matthew 24:42, 44). Our time on earth will end, and we will face Holy God. Are you and your loved ones ready?