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Listen while you read: "All Hail To Thee Immanuel"1
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Psalm 139:23-24 – Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (NIV)
Years ago, I ran across a framed certificate of recognition that I had been given a year or so before by my congregation for my leadership of the Youth Group. As soon as I turned it over, I remembered why it was stored away in a box rather than hanging on my wall.
After I had received it, I put it in the trunk of my car. When I next saw it, I noticed that the writing had become smeared, and I assumed that some water had gotten under the glass and ruined the certificate. At the time, things were not going well with the operation of the Youth Group, and the smearing on this once-distinguished recognition seemed all too appropriate.
However, after I had run across it again and had had a closer look, I realized that the smearing was just some ink on the outside of the glass. The certificate itself was not harmed at all, and a little water wiped away the problem. By that time, things were running extremely well with the Youth Group.
The incident left me to wonder at just how easy it is to focus on the negative smears in our lives and forget the good that we have done. In a society that constantly demands us to be our best and to avoid failure at any cost, it is too easy to forget the good that God has placed in us as part of His creation. Yes, we are sinful; yes, we make mistakes; but YES! Let us rejoice that we have a heavenly Father Who blesses us and walks with us despite our failures. Pray with me:
Prayer: Thank You, Father, that You know me for who I am, even when I'm not sure. Thank You that You believe in me, even when I can't believe in myself. Thank You that Your love wipes away the smears that darken my soul, so that even I can catch a glimpse of the beauty that lies beneath. Amen.
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About the author:
Derrick Cunningham <riker_omega@hotmail.com>
Cobourg, Ontario, Canada
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Enjoyed your message today.
Thanks, Derrick, for the encouraging words.
Thanks Derrick, keep up the good work with the youth. Blessings.
So well put Derrick.
Thank you.
Good morning, Derrick,
I loved the message and the prayer. Thank you.
Thank you for sharing this timely reminder of God’s love and omniscient plan for our lives. Blessings.
What a timely devotional, even from 1996!
Bless you Derek!
(BC)
Good morning, Derrick,
It is so true that we navigate to the negative and have to work to see the positive. Thanks for sharing. I was not reading PresbyCan in 1996 so it is all new to me. Blessings.
Thank you, Derrick, for your reassuring words today. Yes, there are times we can get very down on ourselves about life happenings but we need be so thankful that our loving Lord is always on our side, ready to lift us up. May you continue to look on the positive outcome of past events and blessings for sharing your writings today.
We fail but Jesus forgives.
Thank you, Derrick, for yesterday’s devotion.
I enjoyed it very much.
Blessing to you,
(Québec)
Smears on the outside of the glass – mistaken for smears on the inside – a great image of one of my biggest struggles: thinking that I am such a ‘bad’ person because of things I have done (or not done) in the past, that have made life more difficult for someone else. In fact – these are ‘common’ failures that God forgives, and uses, one way or another, for the good of those who love Him, including myself. They are smears on the outside, removed by His mercy and grace. It’s time for me to accept the fact that they are removed – forgiven, and used to teach me, change me, bring me closer to God through self-examination and repentance – and are NOT permanent stains on my character. Thank you for this help today!! God bless.
Thank you for this message of hope and peace in the Lord overcoming challenges in our life.