John 5:17Amplified Bible (AMP)
17 But Jesus answered them, “My Father has been working until now [He has never ceased working], and I too am working.”
Wow! What a last week concluding with the wildest Super Bowl in History. Can you believe it? But for me, this was not the highlight.
My week started with serving and comforting my wife and littlest daughter who came down with the flu. I also served as a nurse for my little dog who had surgery. My household is doing much, much better. My readings have been great reminding me of how God’s plan and purpose are done with such love and care.
Working with our church food pantry was a great time of service and enjoyment. Our church has such wonderful people who give of their time and resources to people who feel despair and need encouragement or maybe have had setbacks such as job loss or sickness. Many of these families don’t even go to our church and come from referrals. My job of unloading supplies and placing produce in bags was so fulfilling knowing that God’s love is demonstrated through each carrot, each can of corn or each bottle of shampoo given. Each bag of supplies was given with such respect and love for each recipient. Being aware of God’s love demonstrated each day through His presence was such a focus for me this last week.
The most memorable event and picture I have of His love with such power occurred when I was in line to get drinks at Sonic one early morning. Even at Sonic (with their crazy commercials), God’s love was reaching out to me! I was waiting in line waiting for our order when to my left I saw a big and brilliant sun rise coming with such majesty and enclosed in that brilliant circle I saw an excavation tractor (like the one below). I wish I had taken a picture with my phone! The Holy Spirit immediately reminded me of the above verse in John 5 and how the Father is working each new day to demonstrate His love, good plans and the expectation of Himself to partner with me (and all of us) in each moment. Isn’t interesting Pastor Steve’s Sunday’s sermon was on this same subject regarding God’s love for us from His perspective. Coincidence? Being thankful for each occurrence of His love whether big or small and knowing He partners with me to do His “love work” each day with complete Sovereignty is very freeing even at Sonic!
Looking forward to the second week of this journey filled with working at the church food pantry, Doctor’s appointment, home projects and resting in His Word.
Blessings to you all!
Don (Donie)
Romans 8:28