“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” Luke 2: 29-32

I read a quote recently on Facebook that said “What if you received today what you gave thanks for yesterday?” and I thought about this child in Haiti. This food she is enjoying today in Gonaives was what she gave thanks for yesterday. This child relies upon our Sovereign Lord to provide her with ALL that she has and truly needs. Too often, I am guilty of not doing that but rather looking into my wallet to see how much I can spend for lunch, or how much gas can flow into my tank. Things work somuch better when we place our trust in our Lord and less upon our own means; just ask this child. Tonight, before you fall asleep give thanks for ALL that He provided for you this day. I am closing today with the words from the hymn ‘I fall asleep in Jesus' Wounds’ that were written by Paul Eber in 1569.

“I fall asleep in Jesus' wounds, there pardon for my sins abounds; yea, Jesus' blood and righteousness my jewels are, my glorious dress. In these before my God I'll stand when I shall reach the heavenly land. With peace and joy I now depart; God's child I am with all my heart. I thank thee, death, thou leadest me to that true life where I would be. So cleansed by Christ, I fear not death. Lord Jesus, strengthen Thou my faith.”

Dear Heavenly Father, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.

May God be with you,

Jay