Recently a friend forwarded an e-mail message containing two photos of a funnel cloud and a tree that had been blown down. One photo was in its normal, upright position; the other had been rotated to its side. The second one clearly showed an image of Jesus holding his arms open. I was reduced to tears.

Many times in my life that tornado has passed through, leaving total destruction along its path, and Jesus was there inviting me to come to Him. I didn't see Him, but He was there waiting patiently for my perspective to change, and willing to carry my burdens, to forgive me for the mess I had made of my life and to love me unconditionally.

When I finally surrendered it all to Him, everything changed, especially my perspective. There is nothing that compares to knowing the love of Christ and the life He has to offer.

John 15:9-11 – As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for Jesus. Thank You for Your love. Thank You for bringing us through the storms in our lives. Help us, Lord, to be beacons in this world for You. Fill our cups that Your love may overflow into the lives of all with whom we come into contact. In Jesus' name. Amen.