All That You Are

Awesome is a good word to describe it. As I ponder the almost unbelievable reality of the heavenly Father's love that he would send his only begotten Son to die for our sins, I am filled with reverence and gratefulness. And that the Son of God (Elohim in the Hebrew) in trusting obedience to his Father and love for us, would agree to humble himself and became a human and live for 33 years among sinners who often treated him like dirt and then crucified him is even more awesome.

Yes, our Savior was beaten and mocked. He even shed blood over the agony of what he was facing. But that's not the worst of it. He carried the weight of the whole world's sins on his shoulders. I can't even carry the weight of my own sins. He also knew separation
from his Father for the first time. Oh the width, and length and depth and height of the Father and Son's love for us (Ephesians 3:14-21).

ALL THAT YOU ARE

Heavenly Father,

Precious Savior,

Your offer is irresistible,

All that you are,

For all that I'm not,

Your righteous desires,

For my sinful ones,

Your Spirit's fruit,

For my fleshly works,

Your strength,

For my weakness,

Your wisdom,

For my stinking thinking,

Your healing,

For my wounds,

Your deliverance,

For my bondages,

Your wholeness,

For my brokenness,

Your fellowship,

For my loneliness,

And oh so much more,

Prove your love for me.

My Favorite Roads

MY FAVORITE ROADS

By: Jan Hagg

From early childhood some of my favorite roads were the ones heading home. As I got off the school bus, the tantalizing smell coming from the kitchen greeted me as I walked through the door.

Until my Mom, who was my dearest friend died, I lived at home. Moving to an apartment afterward was a lonely experience. Every time I drove away from my childhood home, it felt as though I was heading in the wrong direction. Over time this feeling lessened. Then God in loving answer to my many prayers provided me with a sweetheart man and a new home. No longer lonely, the road home was once again my favorite one.

As a child, one of my favorite roads was the one heading to my great aunt and uncle, Maggie and William's home. As did they, their tree shaded lawn and gorgeous flowers drew me to the place. I have a picture in my mind of us five kids frolicking amidst the trees on their lawn. When they died and we could no longer go to visit, my heart broke. Another favorite drive was to my Aunt Jan's and Uncle Sam's house. Sharing a meal together and playing with my cousins made the day. Alternating homes, we got together with them often.

Some very special roads for me are the ones leading out of town for a longer vacation or even just one day away from the normal routine. I also love the roads heading into a state park with its calming views and scenic hiking trails. Also, I love taking local roads from beginning to end.

As the saying goes, "The road to a friend's house is never long." A number of very special places for me are the homes of my good friends. Being a people person, time with those closest to me is essential.

Judith Thurman wrote, "Every dreamer knows that it is entirely possible to be homesick for a place you've never been to, perhaps more homesick than for familiar ground." I found this years ago on the cover of a Land's End catalog. Because it so beautifully sums up the greatest desire of my heart, for many years it hung above my computer. While savoring each blessing God has placed in my life on earth, the day when my beloved Jesus and I meet face to face to spend eternity together is my most longed for moment.

It cost God the highest price to purchase our salvation. His only Son had to die for our sin. Oh the love of the Father and Son that they would make such a sacrifice! Our part is to get honest about our sin, turn from it, and accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior. All of us are heading toward one destination or another. Where we end up all depends on which road we chose to travel. Will we live for self or God? The former is a miserable dead end trip. From years of personal experience I can wholeheartedly testify that, "Serving Jesus is the most joyous adventure and best path anyone could possibly choose!"