Have you heard of the plant named "The Crown of Thorns"? I was told that this plant, the Euphorbia Milii, which is pliable and easily intertwined into the shape of a crown, is covered with sharp spike-like leaves. It boasts a beautiful flower, a bloom that is exquisite and delicate. But the remarkable feature about this plant is that it blooms unceasingly.

A crown of thorns was placed on Jesus' head. Through His own death, Jesus paid the supreme sacrifice for our sins with His precious blood shed on the cross. He paid the ransom. Redemption refers to the process of freeing a slave, a person who was owned by someone else and could be bought or sold according to the Old Testament laws. Christ died on the cross as a vicarious sacrifice for our redemption. Through His own death, Christ freed us from the slavery of sin forever. He suffered, endured the pain of the stabbing thorns of His crown and of the cross in order that we might have forgiveness of sin and know everlasting joy. There is no greater joy than the joy and peace we have in knowing Christ as our Lord and Saviour.

Christ's love and forgiveness is unceasing, just as the Crown of Thorns plant goes on blooming. We, too, can bloom unceasingly by His grace, as do the blossoms on the "Crown of Thorns" plant.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for wearing a crown of thorns for us. Thank You for paying the supreme price for our redemption. May we live, by Your grace, blooming unceasingly for You. Amen.

I remember that Friday well. It had been a heavy work week at the Long Term Care Centre. The flu virus had invaded our staff; dedicated caregivers filled the slack. We struggled to meet the needs of our residents adequately. "The phone is for you again," I heard, as I reached for my coat late that day. "It is the Laundry; they want to speak to you."

An eager voice asked, "Do you remember when you took our drapery pieces and yardage ends to your friend who makes quilts for the homeless?" A pleading voice continued, "We have more, and we'd like to clear them out before the weekend. Is it possible for you to pick them up today?"

"Not today," I muttered to myself. My evening schedule was a busy one. "Certainly the linens can be picked up at another time," I reasoned with myself, "This is Friday. Monday and new week will soon be here."

I buttoned my coat, put on my boots, and was about to lock the office door, when a feeling of guilt overwhelmed me. I was overcome with an intense necessity to halt and to reconsider my decision to leave the centre abruptly. "Lord, you must be speaking to me," I thought to myself, "and if I must, I will take the time to go down to the Laundry!"

Afterwards, I knocked at Annie's apartment door, tightly clutching a large bag filled with drapery ends, while I shuffled two boxes heaping with linens with my feet towards her doorway. I noted anxiously that the hum of Annie's sewing machine was not audible. Her faltering steps soon reassured me that she was up and around.

"You have come! God has answered my prayer!" exclaimed Annie after she had opened the door. "I told God just today that I would have to quit sewing quilts for the needy if I didn't get more material before nightfall." Annie's face beamed with a smile of gratitude. "I've been so discouraged. I've several quilts waiting to be finished, but I haven't a scrap of material left in my apartment. But now," she continued excitedly, "God used you to answer my prayer!"

I stood in awe as I realized how God did use me to answer Annie's prayer. Annie left her concerns with her Lord and trusted Him to answer her requests.

Prayer: Lord, help us to follow Your leading and prompting. May we not withhold good from those who deserve it when it is within our power to act today, not tomorrow. May we, too, follow Annie's example and consistently leave our concerns with You, for You do answer prayer! Amen.

I remember the morning well. I was abruptly awakened in the midst of a frightening dream — a dream of fear and danger for my daughter who was in Athens preparing to sail to the islands. It was 3:10 a.m. Perspiration dotted my brow. A feeling of rigidity claimed my body. My heart raced as I gave way to panic and alarm. What was happening to Twyla?

Before I realized it, my clammy hands were tightly clasped in unuttered prayer.

Didn't God's Word say that we were to pray without ceasing? God's time to listen to us is limitless and boundless. "God, I pray for Twyla's safety as she travels," I gasped, "I claim Your protection from harm and danger." I was aware of God's presence. I was assured that His power is unlimited and His mercies unbounded as I finally drifted back to sleep.

I trembled in alarm when a telephone call later came from Greece. "Hello, Mom. This is Twyla," greeted me across the airways. I breathed a prayer of thanks when I heard her voice. My heart filled with gratitude to God for answered prayer as my daughter related her story. "I boarded a crowded bus that took me to the departure docks," my daughter rushed to tell me. "I was pushed against the door as the driver turned abruptly on the side of a steep hill." Her voice trembled, "Everyone gasped in shock as the right wheels lifted from the road. Mom, all I could see was the dark water lashing against the rocks far below!"

A thankful voice went on to say, "It was a miracle. There was panic, then hushed silence. Only a miracle enabled that bus driver to get those wheels, swinging in the air, back on the road. God protected me, Mom!"

My reaction was one of praise and joy to an almighty God Who had answered my prayers, unlimited by distance and unbounded by grace. I was humbled and blessed to realize that God spoke to me in the night and alerted me to pray.

God tells us to be joyful always, to pray without ceasing, and always to have a prayerful attitude. We are to acknowledge our dependence on God and to give thanks in all circumstances. Paul says in but not necessarily for all circumstances. Can't God accomplish some good out of our difficult situations? We are to be thankful, and we are blessed by God's faithful presence at all times.

Prayer: Lord, You have promised to be with us always. Thank You for hearing us in our fear and when darkness surrounds us. May our joy, prayers, and thankfulness be unlimited in all circumstances, just as Your mercies to us abound. Help us to be aware of Your presence every day, understanding that Your everlasting love is shown to us in all circumstances of our lives. Amen.