The Miracle Card

                                                                             

 ^“ The Lord bless you and keep you! The Lord let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you!                                      The Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace!”                                                                

The Holy Bible  |  Numbers 6:24

Gratitude is often reserved for Thanksgiving; but I contend that it is even more important at Christmas and Easter… So I have to ask: do you have your Miracle Card, yet?

Some time ago, in prayer, it occurred to me that I have had an abundance of miracles in every aspect of my life, all unexpected, against all odds—Physical healings, healing of depression and anxiety, protection from harm, healing of broken relationships, financial blessings, healing of memories relating to childhood trauma, etc…. Though I can’t list them all here, I will tell you that my miracle list is quite extensive, and goes on and on. And I am sure yours is too!

There is such power in the name of Jesus, so much in fact, that repeating His name alone, when not taken in vain, can be your fervent, frequent prayer. No need for eloquent speech when praying. Are you ready to have the Christmas spirit all year long in a way that will radically change your faith experience forever? If so, then consider this:

During this Christmas season, you likely have an empty Christmas card sitting on your kitchen table. Here is something you can easily do to make this Christmas more meaningful, and keep the ‘holiday spirit’ going all year long. All you need is an empty Christmas card and a pen:

1)      Find a Christmas card that you really like.

2)      With a permanent marker, write on the top of the front: of the card: ‘MIRACLE CARD.’

3)      Say a quick prayer, thanking Jesus for all the blessings and miracles he has given you.

4)      Begin by writing inside the card, in small print, a word or phrase that describes any time that Jesus interceded for you or answered your prayers over the past year. It could be anything. I say write small, as you may be rather surprised at all the things He has done for you over the years, and you may even run out of space on your Miracle Card!

5)      Continue writing in your Miracle Card throughout the year, going back over time as you remember all the times Jesus has helped you in ways that could not be explained.

6)      When you are done, you can revel in your new found joy, and the peace that comes with knowing you are loved unconditionally, by your Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In essence, in doing this, you are giving Him all the credit for His many blessings!

Keep the card easily accessible. Maybe in your office, or near your bed. Continue throughout the year to write all your lifetime blessings and miracles in your Miracle Card, and continue to pray for whatever you need. For gratitude to God opens the door to His peace and joy, two things that far outlast the seasonal ‘Christmas spirit’ we have all come to know. This Christmas season, let’s acknowledge, and seek, the Great Healer, Comforter, Protector, and Savior, Jesus Christ, and give Him due credit, in gratitude, for all your miracles and blessings!

“The joy of the Lord is your strength.” 

Nehemiah 10:8

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[ASK]  “Ask and you shall receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be open to you.”

Luke 11:9

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©    Copyright 2019   |   Adele M. Gill

Part II: Joy Abounds

Greetings from Adele's Inspiration Cafe!

Today's blog post:

Part II: Joy Abounds

By Adele M. Gill

http://www.theinspirationcafeblog.net

‘The joy of the Lord is your strength.’ Nehemiah 8:10

Joy abounds. I recently wrote about joy in a blog called ‘Unshakable Joy.’ However, feeling inspired enough to continue on the topic, hence Part II.

'If God is for us, who can be against us?’

 For Christians, love and peace and joy are central concepts. God-based joy especially has the ability to help us live hope-filled lives in peace. There is no need for despair and/or hatred when you are confident that God is in control and fighting your battles for you. ‘If God is for us, who can be against us?’ When you believe God is at the helm and in control, you are more able to hop hurdles and challenges that would bog anyone down in their humanness. In fact, joy is a manifestation of God working in one’s life, and is accompanied by a deep, abiding peace.

Happiness vs Joy

Joy is one of the first fruits of the Holy Spirit. To experience joy in our lives is a blessed gift from God, an enduring treasure. Happiness is similar to joy. However, it leaves us feeling good for a time, then the feeling soon passes, as life presses on with its ongoing issues, challenges, frustrations, and disappointments. In essence, happiness is often a fleeting feeling, but joy is lasting as it stays with us even and especially as we enter into times of adversity. Happiness is dependent on one’s mood, environment, short comings, successes and accomplishments, where joy is more of an enduring internal state found when one experiences the peace that the Holy Spirit of Jesus brings.

Joy Is Easy to Spot

Joy is particularly easy to spot. When one gets into times of adversity; that is because it is paradoxical. For joy is best witnessed in someone who is going through times of tumult, yet they are seemingly at peace. With that kind of joy comes a quiet knowing that all is well, despite how things appear. Scripturally, that is called ‘walking by faith, not by sight.’ You are able to put aside daily strife and walk in the sublime confidence that God is leading the way.

7 Bible Passages for a Joy-filled Life

Romans 15:13

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

John 16:24

“Until now you have not asked anything in My name [Jesus]; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete.” 

Philippians 4:4

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice!”

3 John 1:4

“Nothing gives Me greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”

Proverbs 12:20

“Those who promote peace have joy.”

Luke 15:7

“I tell you, in just the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance.”

Nehemiah 8:10

‘The joy of the Lord is your strength.’

My prayer for you today is that your joy will outweigh whatever you endure this day. May God himself be with you and yours showering you with enduring joy especially in times of adversity. May you walk in the confidence that God is with you through it all, in control, and fighting your battles with you and for you. Amen!

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Chaplain Adele M. Gill, RN, BSN, ABDA is author of 3 books including “From Broken to Blest: Embracing the Healing that Awaits You,’ written with Dr. Verna Benner Carson. From Broken to Blest is now available on Amazon and at Barnes at Noble in print, Nook & Kindle versions.            For more info:  https://amzn.to/2pNt9Sk

© Copyright 2019   |   Adele M. Gill

Great Things

Greetings from The Inspiration Cafe!

Today's blog post: Great Things

“The Mighty One has done great things for me and holy is his name.”

Luke 1:49

by Chaplain Adele M. Gill

http://www.theinspirationcafeblog.net 

Today’s Holy Scripture is an answer to the question posed by a popular song called ‘Mary Did You Know?’ that came out just a few years ago. The angel appeared to Mary, and was very clear about what was ahead for her, and she said “Yes!’ all the same. In this Bible passage, Jesus’ mother, Mary, spontaneously expounds on her awe-inspiring feelings of gratitude that she has for God’s unsurpassed gift to her and humanity. She is grateful to God for allowing her the privilege to be Jesus’ mother. Yet Mary had a choice. She did not have to say “Yes,” but did so willingly, with some trepidation, and with complete abandon, then went on to become Jesus’ mother and His first disciple.

Here is the contextual Bible passage for when Mary was approached by God to become Jesus’ loving mother:

The virgin’s name was Mary. ²⁸ The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”

²⁹ Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. ³⁰ But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. ³¹ You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. ³² He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, ³³ and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”

³⁴ “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”

³⁵ The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called^[b] the Son of God… ³⁷ For no word from God will ever fail.”

³⁸ “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fullfilled.” Then the angel left her.

Sometimes God asks us to do things that are out of our comfort zone. Such was the case with Mary. She was just a young girl, unmarried, and a virgin. Though she was betrothed to Joseph, as you can imagine, in those times, her pregnancy presented serious complications in her life. But she still said “Yes!” to God’s request.

How many times have we tried to avoid what God is asking us to do? How often do we opt to stay in our comfort zone rather than follow God’s leading in our life? Unlike Mary, it is likely that we have never been approached by an angel with a message from God, yet all of us have had times where we feel compelled to ‘do the right thing’ through blessings of conscience. Though I don’t believe in  coincidence, there have been times where I felt I got a God-wink that led me out of my comfort zone, to act on something, or to look at something—or someone—in a new way.

I believe that God tries to communicate with all of us in a way we can understand and embrace. Perhaps not to the extent of Mary through an angel, but we need to pray to God in the name of Jesus, listen and try to be open to whatever He has in store for us and our lives. We need to be open to His Holy Love, his peace, His kindness, and His mercy, and share them with others as we have received them from God. Putting aside any negative imagery of God the Father, we need to bask in His benevolence and Light, and listen a little closer to what He is trying to tell us and show us. His presence is real. Maybe we need to seek Him with greater fervor and a grateful heart and see what miracles He has in store for each of us!

© Copyright 2018   |  Adele M. Gill

Gratitude Opens Doors

“Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things…All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.” Psalm 98:1-3

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikUovryDh80

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Every morning, upon rising, is a brand new opportunity to say “Thank you” to God for the many blessings He bestows on each and every one of us. Not sure of how blest you are? Well consider this…

It is vitally important to give credit where credit is due as we go about our day. With God, there are no coincidences in this life. Giving God credit for all that is does in our lives through His grace is essential to growing in gratitude. For whatever can we do on our own without Him???

Beginning with waking up in the morning to face each new day, we are so blessed by God. Gratitude to God comes when we recognize and embrace the fact that through Jesus Christ, our Savior and friend, and the power of the Holy Spirit, God showers us with so many blessings each day that we can hardly count them. There is no one else that is so intimately involved in our daily lives; no one else who has the power to save us from ourselves and the world around us.

For most of us, to be able to breath, walk, see, speak and hear upon rising is this just the start of things…All abundant blessings come from God. Sure, we all have free will, but when you place your life in God’s hands each day, He is able to do far more with our lives than we ever could on our own with all the limitations our humanity we have. For the asking, He will help you become a bolder soul, more compassionate, more loving, steady and focused, clean and sober, financially sound, and even go before you to pave the way for you at every turn. He will do it!

Jesus stands in wait for you to call upon His holy name in times of need. If you know Him, you are blessed. If you don’t know Him, you have equal access as those who do. If you seek Him with all your heart, you will find Him and he will change your lot through the power of His blessed grace, also known as undeserved favor. None of us deserves to have Jesus at our side. But it is His sublime compassion and great unconditional love for humanity that brings Him to us again and again for the asking. Seek God with all your heart then wait with confidence for Him to answer your pleas. Rather than answering every prayer exactly as we desire, He will always come through for you according to His Divine Will for you in your life -- for the most benefit to help you grow and flourish.

Even a simple prayer like “Jesus help me” can be enough to get His attention. He already knows each of us personally – our hearts and minds -- in the most intimate ways, and stands in wait for us to simply reach out when we are ready. He love us and loved us profoundly first, though we sometimes are unaware of it, hence the delay in the connection with Him. What feels like reaching out to Jesus for the first time may really be answering His call while reaching for His mighty outstretched hand to us.

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Adele M. Gill  |  Copyright 2016

Words: Building Others Up

^29 “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Ephesians 4:29

Words. How important are they in the full scope of things? Well, in a word, very important! Words, when used as encouragement, can be used to build up or tear down, and to that end, they are as powerful as a double edged sword!

Words can soothe a broken heart and bring courage, rejuvenation, and strength to those who are hurting or lost along the way. Thy can also lift a person up from the abyss of darkness in their own soul, and help them regain their footing once again. In essence, words have the power to be like aloe for a burdened soul, encouraging them to seek solace and higher ground, which is a win-win for all involved.

Yet when words are bitter or condescending, they can tear down others, and in one fell swoop, the speaker as well. Words of discouragement, words of condemnation, words of hatred and malice are capable of leveling even the bravest soul as they can be truly destructive. Thy also put people at odds, pitting one against the other.

Each of us needs to guard against such negativity, both as one speaking destructive words on occasion, and also on the receiving end. We need to be astute in recognizing our own speaking patterns and quell negativity before it even starts, as well as those of others. We need to guard our mouths and open our hearts whenever in conversation lest it go astray, and, for self-preservation, step away from those who engage in expressed negativity lest we find it is contagious!

All of us have at one time or another felt like we need to have the last word. However, we simply do not. For it is in having the last word that we often step foot into the muck and mire of negativity through our own speech. It is then, at that point, that we must learn to recoil and think carefully about what we will say, when, and to whom. It is better for our health, and the welfare of others, to remain silent than to engage in such negativity.

For some people, pulling down others can easily become a way of life through confrontation, sarcasm and even gossip. Rather, we need to put ourselves aside, and speak life into our relationships to edify other people. We need to lift each other up, so to speak, through our words.

It has been said that kindness begets kindness. That entails reaching out to others with an open hand, ready to grasp theirs in synergy. Indira Ghandi once said, “You cannot shake hands with a clenched fist.” Truer words were never spoken! We need to release all that limits us from becoming encouragers, mediators, and negotiators, paving the way to build relationships and others up rather than tear them down.  We need to embrace each other in new and unprecedented ways that help to nurture each other, rather than to denigrate the goodness in people.

Sometimes we have people in our lives that are negative or that we disagree with. They may seem short-sighted or even cruel in their delivery of their own words. Yet we need to remember that no one is all good or all bad. There is always common ground to be found if we simply take another look beyond our knee jerk reaction. For many times, when we are able to take the higher ground, mayhem, discord and malice melt away, and go by the way side. They become non-existent as we strive to see the best in others, even giving them a pass on important matters. In that way, we are fulfilling our Biblical destiny to “Love one another.”

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Adele M. Gill  Copyright 2016

Jesus Loves You: Trust in Him!

                                                          

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”  Romans 15:13

There is so much to prayer beyond simply asking God for all that we need in this life. When we trust in Jesus, and subsequently praise and worship Him for all that He is, we are surprisingly, profoundly filled with hope for today and eternity, sublime peace, and abiding joy. And the reverse is true as well: Through the power of the Holy Spirit, praise helps us trust God, Our Creator, through Jesus Our Savior. Trust in Him!

For praise unlocks an abundance of hope and deep inner peace, as we acknowledge the greatness of Almighty God in our own lives, for all of humanity, and the universe at large. It is vitally important to acknowledge God in our lives through prayer BEFORE we ask for what we need. Then, while waiting for His answer to our pleas, we are far more prepared to wait in confidence for His answer to our petitions.

This prayer practice is essential to the realization of inner peace and hope-filled joy, even and especially, in times of adversity. To pledge allegiance to the Almighty before asking Him for anything is not only prudent and wise, it sets the stage for Him to answer our prayers in a way that we can embrace and understand. No, it is not a given that we get everything we ask for in prayer as we want it to be. But God, according to Scripture, “Works all things for good for those called according to His purpose” [Romans 8:28].

I don’t know about you, but I am so glad that God is in control of my life. Yes, we all have God-given free will. But when you we chose to hand our lives over to God, and walk with Jesus Christ, what a difference it makes in our perspective, our attitude towards things. Clearly, a positive attitude and openness to God’s leading makes us more whole, more alive than ever before. It is easier to forgive ourselves and others for sins of omission and commission, to believe in healing, and seek God’s protection and comfort when needed. It takes the sting out of disappointment(s) when we realize we are not alone and trust that God has His hand in what has transpired or is transpiring.

Only our Omnipotent God has the full picture of our lives and of those around us. Due to His loving kindness and mercy for us, we can only assume that He is at the helm working out the best outcomes for us all. And what tremendous hope, peace and joy that realization brings!

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Copyright 2016 Adele M. Gill  |  Distributed by News Consortium

On Being a Catholic Christian: It is a Luxury to Be Understood

                                                             

On Being a Catholic Christian: It is a Luxury to Be Understood

by Chaplain Adele M. Gill, RN, BSN, CPC

Published on 9/1/16 by Catholic Online / News Consortium

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Being a Christian today can be riddled with challenges and awkward times. Being a believing Christian is not for the faint of heart, or for those looking for popularity or worldly reward. However, they are compelled to embrace the high road whenever humanly possible, even to the dismay of others. In actuality, being a modern day believing Christian sometimes involves being surrounded by hostile, lukewarm souls that chide them for their ways and beliefs. So who will help Christians today to stay the course and embrace the power of the Holy Spirit, and the way of the Lord with zeal, fervor and continuity of faith? For me, the answer is simple: I say, Jesus Christ himself.

Today the term ‘Christian’ has somehow been distorted. Sad to say, some believe the term is one that describes hypocritical thinking and behavior, others conjuring up thoughts of incongruous piety as they observe self-professed Christians sorely lacking in continuity of faith. They could not be further from the truth. One good example of such distortions is the politician who claims to be a Catholic Christian but in name only, who stands for, and promotes and votes for abortion, euthanasia and the death penalty. Even the unchurched easily see the flagrant disregard for God of such politicians. Truly anyone can watch the news and spot these biblically tepid ‘leader’ souls. However, it is also true that one may personally know someone for many years before making such a personal find. This is not meant as a judgement of anyone, but rather as an observation. This is especially true of those who ascribe to, and hide behind, the old adage, “Never talk politics or religion.” If we follow this popular philosophy, how will we ever share what is most important in this life and the next and grow!

True Christians are uniquely called to peacefully and humbly walk with God. It’s not that they are so good, or deserving, of God’s love, but it is the striving soul that turns to God in humility when hurting, and also to Him in gratitude. This gratitude translates into the privilege of grace, as believing Christians know that all that we have, all that we are able to do comes from God himself. For it is a blessed thing to be called to humbly walk the Christian life. 

In reality, a believing Christian is simply a striving soul who tries to live according to the teachings of Jesus Christ. Yes, we all fall short, yet this is our express goal that echoes in our hearts and minds. It is the fuel of our deepest, fervent convictions. Most often, these are Bible reading people with a personal relationship with Jesus, their Savior. A peculiar people to those around them, Christians are called to live by the high road in opposition to the way of the world, and for that, sometimes set apart and often largely misunderstood. But remember this:

“It is a luxury to be understood.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

And the differences continue on as we consider this. Christians are compelled to turn to God at every turn to restore lost peace, promote comfort, to seek protection, and even for sublime joy in adversity, despite how they may feel about any given person or in any circumstance. By trying their very best to work for peace, believing Christians frequently forfeit opportunities to strive to preserve their own reputations, avoid having to have the last word, resist the urge to ‘fight back’ when wronged, and try to restrain from lashing out at others. It is not perfection that drives them, but it is the love of God that compels them to seek the high road whenever possible.

Perhaps you have heard the Christian faith referred to as the “Christian thing.” In a worldly sense, it is very easy for other people to compartmentalize Christians by being dismissive of them and their faith. Modern culture promotes and condones this disrespect, and it is almost impossible to remedy. It is possible to be a Christian in name only, an experience that is akin to membership in a club rather than choosing the road to seek Jesus and grow in faith.

With Jesus, there is continuity in faith that includes a general respect for that which is Godly, a kinship with the Divine that calls for rising above one’s comfort zone. For with the fervent believing Christian soul, there is a zeal and kindness that is best expressed through love, compassion and charity poorly understood by the world at large, but it is not always easy, to say the least. All too often, the worldly are allergic to such fervent souls and attempt to dampen their spirits. But it doesn’t need to happen that way. There is no need to become a doormat for those who cause divisions and obstacles to what you have learned of Christ. For the Bible tells us:

“I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned.  Keep away from them.”  Romans 16:17

Yes, sometimes believing Christians do feel sad, rejected, abandoned, angry, helpless, hopeless, or complacent in the face of obstacles or difficult circumstances. It is all part of the human condition. It is easy to see why Christians must be patient, persistent and self-controlled in their dealings with others, even as they eventually grow to become sojourners in this world to some extent. Unlike the ways of the world, this is a sign of progress for growing in Christian life, as we are reminded not to get too comfortable as this life is just the waiting room for all of eternity.

Like anyone else, believing Christians often naturally look to others for answers and consolation when presented with hurtful, toxic, or difficult people, and challenging situations. The difference is that they are able to eventually move on, by the grace of God, through activated faith, prayer and Holy Scripture, as they seek counsel and comfort in Jesus Christ alone. Paradoxically this allows believing Christians to flourish and realize the greatest hope, peace and joy they have ever known, even in a world hostile to the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Copyright 2016   |   Distributed by News Consortium

Everyone Who Asks Receives

Greetings from The Inspiration Cafe!

Everyone Who Asks Receives

By Adele M. Gill

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find;

knock and the door will be opened to you. 

For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds;

And, to the one who knocks, the door will be opened." 

Luke 11:9-10   [NIV]

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Does prayer really change things? I think so, but consider this…

I have a close friend who prays about just about everything. She is very connected to God in prayer, and has had many prayers powerfully answered in miraculous ways. Once I asked her for the reason for her peace and joy, and she did not hesitate: 

"God is the reason for my very being. Everything I have, everything I am, everything I am able to do is because of the love of Jesus."

It is easy to wonder how someone can have such simple faith in this turbulent world. But today's Holy Scripture goes a long way to explain the life-changing power of prayer...In fact, this Bible passage is Jesus' invitation to you and to me to come to Him. There is no need for eloquent words or long explanations. Simply turn to Him with all that you have on your heart and in your mind, all that you are.

Though it is not always easy to pray in times of adversity, I have found it is even harder in good times. The truth is, that we as humans are easily distracted. Distracted by worries, distracted by relationships, distracted by pleasure, distracted by ruminating thoughts, distracted by what our children do and don’t do, and by our own sins, both of commission and omission. Whatever the scenario, we are always on the go, and rarely take the time to stop and ask God for what we need. As Christians, to really discover and possess peace and joy in this life, we need to embrace God’s outstretched hand in prayer, and by so doing, we are entering into a personal relationship with Jesus that is like no other on earth.

Truly, it is vitally important to stop and take a minute to invite Jesus in in good times and bad. Trust me, there is no one who knows you better! He knows when you are reeling from disappointment, and dealing with abandonment issues. He knows when you need healing and comfort. He knows what you need and don't need. He knows about your all your relationships, everything you do and even your unspoken motivations. Unlike anyone else, He knows it all!

Interested in taking the first step to accept Jesus’ invitation? According to this Scripture, here is the prayer pathway suggested in this Scripture to follow when you pray to God for or about something or someone:

1)       “Ask and it will be given to you.” Ask for whatever you need in earnest. No request is too great or too small for God.

2)       “Seek and you will find.” Seek God with all your heart and your failings and misgivings will fall to the wayside as you place your focus on Him rather than your problem(s).

3)        “Knock and the door will be opened to you.” When you seek God with all your heart and mind, you are answering the greatest invitation for all times—God’s call.

The second part of this Bible passage refers to what you can anticipate.

For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds;

And, to the one who knocks, the door will be opened." 

And what a joy it is when you realize your prayers are heard and answered as only God can! Yes, clearly prayer changes worry to wonder, cynicism to joy, and brokenness to blessings. It can ease any pain and bring healing to the sick, and companionship to the lonely. It can bring light to your days when before you lived in stark darkness.

There are times in life when circumstances and relationships are beyond our control and we feel like we are careening out of control. Give it all to Jesus, for He is the greatest hope the world has ever known. Like someone waiting for you to call, He is there for you just waiting for you to hand over your next “God job” –you know, the thing that keeps you awake at night. 

Accept Jesus’ invitation from today’s Scripture, and your life will never be the same as He will change things for the better for you! He died on the cross for you and me to be present to us for all of eternity!

Adele M. Gill   |   Copyright 2016   |   www.theinspirationcafeblog.net