Scripture for Today: Hosea 13:13 “Pains as of a woman in childbirth come to him, but he is a child without wisdom; when the time arrives, he doesn’t have the sense to come out of the womb.”

One never completely forgets the childbirth experience, even after decades have past.  But the memories of the pain give place quite quickly to the joy of holding that precious newborn!  My firstborn was two weeks late but the wait, though hard, was well worth it!  Experiencing the miracle of birth is a privilege I am glad God gave to women!

I cannot imagine a baby refusing to be born!  Our verse uses the image of childbirth to describe Israel’s rebellion.  It was a dark time of idol worship.  The people had become proud after being satisfied with God’s provision.  They forgot Him and turned to Baal.  It is a difficult chapter of painful judgement.  But God’s judgement is always just.  There is opportunity to repent but in this instance, there was no wisdom or sense to do so.  Ephraim, or Israel, acted like a child refusing to exit the womb towards life.

Sin hurts.  Whether it is enduring its consequences or undergoing judgement, there is pain.  I am thankful for God’s grace that gives the opportunity to ask forgiveness.  There is pardon and mercy for those that do.  There is life when exiting that sinful behavior.  There is life for me because of Christ.  He took all the pain and death that rightfully should have been mine and bore it Himself.  Because of Him I am born again!

The time has arrived as “today is the day of salvation!” (II Corinthians 6:2)  My prayer is that today, family members and friends will “exit the womb” to new birth, forgiveness and new life!

Scripture for Today:  Ephesians 6:17 “Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.”

My husband and I recently visited a chateau in Murol, a small village in the Auvergne region of central France.  Their armory was impressive with many different helmets on display, spanning the centuries.  The ones pictured here are replicas from the twelfth and thirteenth centuries.  There was quite a variety of styles and each had a name.  But the one thing they all had in common was their ability to protect the head.

Our verse for today is part of the list of spiritual armor the believer is to wear.  We need the protection it affords when facing the enemy.  With it, we stand firm in the struggle against the powers of the dark world and the spiritual forces of evil.  Without it, we are vulnerable to attack.  We are not strong on our own, but only in the Lord and in His mighty power.

The helmet is a crucial piece of equipment as a blow to the head can be fatal.  Our salvation is by God’s grace.  He has called us out of the darkness and into His light. (I Peter 2:9)  That helmet of salvation identifies us as His soldier fighting on His side, the winning side.  We may be fighting in a battle but Christ has already secured the final victory in this war.  Satan may try to attack our thinking, planting doubts and causing us to question, but our helmet is securely fastened and our salvation is sure.  Being assured of my salvation gives me the courage to stand firm and fight!  My destiny is already decided because of Christ, my Commander-in-Chief!

Thank you Lord, that no matter what the enemy may do, You assure my salvation!

Scripture for Today: Rev. 3:8 “I know your deeds.  See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut.  I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept My Word and have not denied My name.”

I am standing in front of what is called a “holy door.”  It is found in Saint Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican.  This is one of four holy doors in the papal basilicas of Rome.  In times past it was opened once every hundred years, then every fifty.  Now, it is cemented shut from the inside and only opened at special times at the discretion of the Pope.  It is opened to grant all who pass through a “plenary indulgence.”  According to the Catholic Church tradition, this means a removal of all temporal punishment due to minor sin.

Our verse for today is spoken by Christ to one of the seven churches; Philidelphia.  He commends them for their good deeds and perseverance.  The door to the Kingdom of Heaven is opened to them.  Nothing and no one can shut this door!  Jesus took on Himself all the punishment for sin.  It is only through Christ’s sacrifice that we have access to the Father.

There is a stern warning to the teachers of the Law and the Pharisees.  With their emphasis on works and their rejection of faith in Christ, they shut the door of the Kingdom of Heaven in people’s faces! (Matt. 23:13)  They not only refused to enter themselves but used their influence to keep others from entering.

I am grateful the door of faith in Christ and entrance to Heaven stands open today.  There is still opportunity to enter.  But one day, He will shut that door.  Thank you Lord, for Your patience and grace today to keep that door open.