Thoughts for another day

July 5, 2012.

Today's verse: 2 Tim. 2:9. But God's firm foundation stands, bearing this inscription: "The Lord knows those who are his," (NRSV)

(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

You may be maligned by the world or bent in debt and the injustice of others but if you have a relationship with the Lord, you're standing on His firm foundation for He knows you as His.  No matter who you are, where you're from, where you're going, whether alone or otherwise, the Lord knows you if you're His.

Our Scripture today is so reassuring, particularly because of the times we live in: They're so unsure and unsafe.  A man traveling by train to go to his office, falls down, is injured and lies near the tracks for a long while because no one is bothered, yet the Lord knows him and provides safety until help comes.  A woman goes to work and gets out a little late in the evening, forgetting she has to cross a dark patch on her way back home, a patch infested with vermin and the scum of the earth; she is mugged, robbed, stabbed and left for dead.  He places His angels near her till help comes, sending it in a very strange way – a dog barking incessantly till its owner senses there's something wrong and sets out following it till they come upon this woman!  There're many incidents like this, astounding us but they're true and they happen and demonstrate that God is with you for He knows you!

A big comfort I have because of my communion with Him is in what He said, 'I AM with you always' and therefore I never worry; not only for me but also for my family.  The other day I got a phone call asking my daughter had met with an accident while going to school.  I didn't bother, (though it did make me a little anxious), because I know in whom I have believed and also because I qualify in the category that receives the promises mentioned in Psalm 91 of which is also, 'A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.'   I don't boast as being worthy to qualify but in His mercy He has made me able to follow Him despite the odds.  And when I think of the life beyond this, again I know that He knows me and therefore I can envision the beauty of Paradise, a beauty beyond all compare, prepared by Him for all of us who're devoted to Him and who look to living together, Him and us in eternal union.