Go out into the world uncorrupted, a breath of fresh air in this squalid and polluted society. Provide people with a glimpse of good living and the living God.  Philippians 2:15a

I hope this verse looks familiar to you. I used it last week, but I have a totally different way of presenting it to you today. We, as the people of God, have been harassed lately because we are painted as uncaring, unloving, and uncompassionate to those who are trying to express themselves in a sinful way. I read an article lately called “Truth is Compassion,” and I have to say, that says a lot, It doesn’t however, give us a license to be mean and uncaring. Many unsaved are no more than broken, hurting souls, trying to make it through another day.

 When I first got saved, my parents had to admit that I had changed for the better. I was motivated, cheerful, and getting better grades in school. They didn't understand how Jesus could made a difference, but they saw the result.

 If this broken world can`t see Jesus in us, they have no other recourse than to believe the world around them.

“Provide people with a glimpse of good living and the living God.”   “Love is patient, love is kind, it is not rude, or prideful. It is not provoked, and does not think evil of others.

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The Doe of the Dawn- Psalm 22

A Psalm of David

Did you ever see this saying that is actually above Psalm 22? It seems out of place at first glance. This psalm is prophetic about what Jesus would suffer on the cross and it was written by King David, a thousand years before Christ.

Why would a phrase like that, be placed before such a serious, important portion of scripture? When we think of a doe, we envision a gentle, meek, peaceful creature; strong, but quiet and unassuming. The dawn awakens us to newness, fresh beginnings; it comes after the darkest portion of the night. It dispels all darkness, because it has conquered it.

 The marriage of meekness and light, peace with strength, speaks of one who parted the darkness from the day.

My times are in your hand- Psalm 31:5a

When I was pregnant with my third child, I asked the Lord to help me trust Him that my child wouldn't be born when I was alone with my two other children. My previous deliveries were quick, and I didn't want to be left with two little faces looking at me while I was puffing and doing the “who haw” breaths. {Lamaze is a gift.}  Also I was wondering about getting my son off the bus when who knows what was going on. There is nothing more unpredictable than the timing of a baby!

God, being who He is, answered my prayer with this verse. It gave me such peace, that I never worried again about how this scenario would unfold.  Matthew woke me at about 1:00am, to tell me that it was time for him to come into our world. I should have known that that would be “the time”, since the others woke me at this same time.

 One never knows with babies, but we can always trust our faithful Father in heaven to bring about His purposes in His timing.  I hope this verse will minister grace and peace to you in whatever you are birthing.  A new relationship, a new gifting, a brighter future! 

Blessings and love, Ann