Two for a Penny!

"Let the beloved of the LORD rest secure in him,

       for he shields him all day long,
       and the one the LORD loves rests between his shoulders."    Deut 33:12

Dear Sisters, Beloved of the LORD!

I have been living in this scripture along with Matt 10:29-31. Just seeing a sparrow warms me inside! I saw Matt 10:29-31 live in a friend's life a few weeks ago and it has left God's finger prints on my heart. I will share her story at the end of this devotional.

God met with Israel at the mercy seat and He meets with us at the throne of grace. The holy of holies was opened to us by the shed blood of Jesus. There is no other way to come to the Father but through His beloved Son. As we seek God we must realize He does not endow us with power from which to draw as needed. He, Himself, is the power from which we are to draw moment by moment. I am moved that He has planned it so. I am helpless without Him and must continually lean in dependence upon Him. I so long to have my life count for eternity and this can only happen as I daily take up my cross, reckon myself dead to sin and allow Jesus to live through me. God is never in a hurry to mature us. Much time is required.

 I am often at my wit's end before being rescued. It is not that He likes to see me struggle with fear and unbelief or feel hopeless. I do believe He wants me to 'know' beyond any doubt that I my rescue is by Him, by His Love! His daily Love-manna brings me into continual dependence on Him. Where will I find strength for practical separation to God, unless in God Himself? I do not just want to turn to Him when I have no where else to go. God is more and more to me as I mature reminding me weakness means His strength. Through trials I am being 'fit' for the Master's use! Just as He brought Israel into the place He prepared and is working faithfully to prepare us for His purposes. He stands beside you. Lean hard, listen to His heart beat.

God to Israel: Behold, I am going to send an angel before you to guard you along the way and to bring you into the place which I have prepared. Exodus 23:20

May God open our eyes to see His ever present sparrows, His reminders that He loves us and we need not fear.  Soak in scripture! Pastor said, 'We often study God's word informational-ly. We need to study it relationally. God's word is not given to us to relay information but to call us into relationship with Himself! (first)  We must do more than memorize, we must internalize." God's word will change our life. Praise Him!

The story:

My friend was struggling in a court battle for custody of her son. The lies were flowing from the father and social worker seemed to gain a momentum from the pit. She neared panic, wanting to flee the courtroom as a hopelessness flooded her being and prayer loomed ineffective. Without going into detail her cell phone rang and God intervened causing Truth to reign and the deceit was exposed!  He rescued her! A miracle. Her son was placed with her (rightfully so). She left rejoicing but so broken. At home, wearily sitting on the floor front of patio doors, she was unmoving in thankful quiet; unable even to sing. She saw a sparrow outside the door staring in....  she said it appeared he wanted to enter! She stood, slid open glass and screen  and he hopped in and stood near her as she again sat on the floor. He cocked his head and stared up at her not moving. She then heard these sweet living words:

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Matt 10:29-31

She sensed God's great love for her and her son. The sparrow then turned and flew on. My friend's extreme dependence was met with extreme grace. Amazing grace. Amazing God. Amazing Love!

 "Two for a Penny" sculpture by arlene zimmerman is inspired by this true story.

But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion's mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen. 2 Timothy 4:17-18

I have got away from grace if I have the slightest doubt about God's love for me. J.B.S.

Father-God,

 Thank You for loving us and preparing us and giving us Your Spirit to indwell. You know our every weakness yet still choose to live in us! You choose to favor us and cherish us and we are so in need of Your unconditional love and grace. I just get a peek at the amazing perseverance You exercise toward us.  Everything does not have to be well with my circumstances to be well with my soul, because You are my God and You allow me to come and worship you..... who am I that You should love me so? You are near. I am blessed. Open my sister's eyes to see Your greatness in ways they may have overlooked of late. In the Name of Jesus, the Holy One, amen

two for a penny,

 az