{"id":35312,"date":"2023-05-01T03:30:22","date_gmt":"2023-05-01T10:30:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lccredding.org\/church\/?p=35312"},"modified":"2023-04-26T10:00:39","modified_gmt":"2023-04-26T17:00:39","slug":"may-1-2023","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lccredding.org\/church\/2023\/05\/01\/may-1-2023\/","title":{"rendered":"May 1, 2023"},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/div><\/div><\/div>

The View From Here<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\u00a0<\/strong>\u201cThe heart of a man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.\u201d <\/em>Proverbs 16:9<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em>\u201cEven to old age I am He, and even to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry and will deliver you.\u201d <\/em>Isaiah 46:4<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em>Over this past month, I\u2019ve attended two reunions\u2014my (50th<\/sup>) high school reunion and a family reunion. It\u2019s both fascinating and odd how we age. I didn\u2019t keep up with those in high school, but my cousins I grew up with are very dear to my heart and soul even though we live many miles apart.<\/p>\n

My heart breaks for some that have lived a \u201cgood\u201d and seemingly productive life, without God. I see their loneliness and emptiness of soul. They have heard the Good News yet hardened their hearts because of loss or pride and chose not to trust or believe in God. I\u2019m so glad He was relentless in His chase after me and the Holy Spirit had softened me to receive His truth.<\/p>\n

My first reaction is sadness and overwhelming helplessness. But the Lord reminds me quickly of His love that is timeless and His salvation that can reach us at any age. I need to continue to pray and have open relationships by making an effort to text, write cards, and visit\u2014or even invite on vacations. The Lord is definitely able to reach the prideful, hardhearted, and those who have given up. He desires to remove the oppression and heaviness of believing lies and putting their trust, hopes and dreams in things, careers, or people.<\/p>\n

The Lord\u2019s call is loud and persevering as an earnest friend with a serious need. I can hear Him calling out to the broken and bitter hearts who can\u2019t see their need\u2014to realize the wrath that is hanging over them and the hell that is before them without eternity with Jesus. The contrast is so distinct. His call to me to reach out is just as loud and serious.<\/p>\n

Because the view from here gives me the ability to see and have confidence of the Lord\u2019s strong hand and guidance as He has led me over the years, I do not need to be concerned with rejection. It\u2019s worth it. I see that He has bathed me in His lovingkindness even when I wasn\u2019t aware. We are His hands and feet: \u201cBeing confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Christ Jesus\u201d <\/em>(Philippians. 1:6).<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em>As life goes on, may we recognize the opportunities the Lord gives to us to reach out and not hold back or make excuses. As my dad would say, \u201cSeize the day\u201d (for the Lord).<\/p>\n

Oh Lord, we cry out to You for those we have done life with who don\u2019t know You. Jesus, please continue to pour Your grace through us, and may we not make excuses but, in love to You, reach out in confidence and joy.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>

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