I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done. Psalm 143:5 NIV
 
Mary said, "He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever." Luke 1:54-55
 
God made a covenant with Abraham which was fulfilled through God's Son, Jesus. The steadfastness of God is a gift we can hardly understand. We, his children, can be a difficult lot, mired as we are in pride, self-interest, selfishness, etc. Amazingly, God stands ready to welcome us back just as soon as we repent and turn to him.
 
Today, as I think of personal thoughts--family traveling, friends' son going through difficult surgery, a sister-in-law celebrating her birthday despite unimaginable physical challenges, a  much-loved baby, the joy of having spring return, etc.--I am amazed that God's love is in the center of all of this. I pray for the positive outcomes of these thoughts and many others that are in my prayers today. All of us have daily concerns that try to crowd our thoughts from letting God control of all that we can turn over to his loving care. Just as a butterfly can never realize how beautiful it is, we can never fully realize the beauty being God's child. We can only believe that he understands and cares for us more deeply than we can ever care for ourselves or for others. Even in the most difficult of days, God brings the glimmer of hope to us, Abraham's descendants, forever.
 
Dear Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,
Thank you for remaining faithful to us, your children, throughout all generations. Thank you for including all of your believing children in your redemption plan. Keep us in your loving care forever. Help us to share your promise with our family and with others. Amen.
 
Florence Smallfield      
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