
One of the jobs of the CSBDRM team was to help homeowners relocate any possible items that may have survived the damage of fire. Two of our team members asked the daughter of the “T”, where her mom who had died the year before, may have placed her “keepsakes”. As a possible location amongst the ash and rumble was determined, they started their search. It paid off, that day they found one “keepsake-coin” that the mom had collected over the years from different family vacations. That night as a team, we prayed that more coins would be found the next day.
Luke 15:8, “Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Doesn’t she light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it?” (NIV)
The next morning the sifting resumed as all of our thoughts and prayers were with those who searched through the ashes. We knew that the family would be blessed by the determination of those who searched for that which was lost…and then one by one more coins were found!
Luke 15:9, “And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.’ (NIV)
Our hearts were filled with joy as we witnessed the gifting of the lost coins to the family. My words can not fully expressed what we saw, felt and understood.
Luke 15:10, “Jesus said, “In the same way God’s angels are happy when even one person turns to him.” (CEV)
Impression #3 Don’t give up!
Be faithful in all you do whether for your family, friends or strangers…serving, searching and loving them with the strength that comes from the relationship we have with God and the gift of Jesus; when he centered himself on that cross for our sins…the wrong, the cruel, the selfishness of who we can be.
Because…
2 Peter 3:9, “The Lord isn’t slow about keeping his promises, as some people think he is. In fact, God is patient, because he wants everyone to turn from sin and no one to be lost.”
Prayer:
Lord, Please help those who have been buried in the ashes and rubble of this world. Help them to see your loving hand as it reaches down to lift them up, as they recognize the gift of the cross and turn to you! Amen
2 Corinthians 4:8-9, “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” (NIV)
Caprice <><
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