My three sons; the cost of sacrifice

I've often wondered, "How does a mother send her son off to war?" Really…..how does she do it? What does she tell herself in order that she may have the courage to face the possible truth; he's laying down his life for his fellow human man, someone who would (probably) never fully comprehend the value of a life sacrificed for theirs. Our three sons are the most precious gift that God has ever given to my husband, Doug, and me. Even with all the trials that come with raising "boys", there are the joyous moments that take their place. The eleventh hour ballgames, the musical learning curves (trumpets, drums and electric guitars vibrating throughout the house) and the annual rituals that are celebrated and part of enjoying family life. So how does a mom compartmentalize all of that stuff in exchange for his life? I must say, I don't ever want to know the answer to that question.

 

"For God so loved the world (those who would never fully comprehend the value of a life sacrificed for theirs) that He gave His only son (we have three….God had only one), so that everyone (the good, the bad and everyone in between) who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. God did not send his son into the world to condemn it, but to save it (His love is unconditional and readily available)." John 3:16-17

 

The only hope a mother has is that her son will return from war or that the value of his life will not be in vain. No guarantee's; just hope. She understands that the "cost of sacrifice" compels her to let her son go while trusting that the lives saved will be worth the price paid. Perhaps at the core of God's love is a mother's heart, the same heart that compelled God to let Jesus "go" and become the sacrifice that was necessary for a lost and dying world.

Thought to live by: God loved me so much that He gave me all He possessed at the cross.

"Who's your daddy; knowing God as Abba Father" is a daily devotional written by Pat Ferguson © 2011 All rights reserved

Nationwide is on your side

When you think "Nationwide" you think of the four little words that followed and became synonymous with its name; "is on your side." The two thoughts almost seem inseparable. Even if you can't carry a tune in a bucket you can sing that simple little jingle to a "tee".

"Then the Spirit came upon Amasai, who later became a leader among the Thirty, and he said, "We are yours, David! We are on your side, son of Jesse. Peace and prosperity be with you, and success to all who help you, for your God is the one who helps you. So David let them join him, and he made them officers over his troops." (1 Chronicles 12: 18, NLT)

David was way in over his head and he needed all the help he could get. Can we only imagine when David saw what could have potentially been his enemies coming to his aid, telling him they were there to help him via God? Even blessing him in advance and affirming they were on his side? David, out in the wilderness, surrounded by overwhelming odds, suddenly see's the hand of God coming to his side. Perhaps today you're out in the wilderness wondering "Where's God?" Don't worry….you're not alone…..God is just waiting for you to trust Him and allow Him to join you in your time of need. Had David attempted to fight his battles with his own might he would have lost. But David chose to follow God and to trust God in every situation. And God chose to take those who could have opposed David and turn them into his army.

Thought to live by: "Your God is the One who helps you" and He's on your side.

"Who's your daddy; knowing God as Abba Father" is a devotional written by Pat Ferguson © Copyright 2011, All Rights Reserved

Winning shot

^{Described by most as a "normal" kid, Wes Leonard was anything but. Standing tall at 6' plus, Wes not only physically soared over his friends he mentally, spiritually and emotionally reached heights most adults have never even imagined reaching. Known as a talented athlete and a humble young man, Wes was someone who took all the recognition his young life would receive in stride while never realizing that his final "winning shot" would bring the world to their knees. Only seconds after Wes' last shot rung through the rim, his heart gave out on him. As a gasping audience cried and prayed Wes went to claim his heavenward prize; to be with Jesus.}

"Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:12-14/NIV)

How often is it that we take for granted the last thing we just did, said or engaged in, thinking that one more tomorrow is on the calendar of our short existence here on earth? I often have to remind myself that the last thing I just did could be the first thing God wants to talk to me about when I get to heaven – and that makes me stop and think, quite often. Living in fear is not of God and neither is living to die; but living in the moment while being fully present and embracing who Christ is in our lives is very much of God. Today, as you plan what your world will look like think about what you will say to God should today be the last chance you have to make a "winning shot". I'm almost certain Wes just thought he was playing basketball when in reality he was changing lives for eternity.

Thought to live by: I will make every moment of today count for Christ.

"Who's your daddy; knowing God as Abba Father" is a daily devotional written by Pat Ferguson (Copyright © 2011 Pat Ferguson; All rights reserved)