Drawn to Jesus

Nearly 50 years ago Dick and I met a couple who knew Jesus in a way we had never experienced. That encounter made me want to know Jesus better, to experience that genuine, living relationship that I saw my friends had with Him.

I was drawn to Jesus for many reasons. At the time, neither Dick nor I knew what direction our lives were going—vocationally, educationally, or geographically. I needed to know there was Someone greater than either or us who was ultimately guiding us. Jesus has shown us over and over that He has a plan for each of our lives, His plan has brought us to many good places, relationships, and purposes. (Jeremiah 29:11)

As a worrier, I often fretted unnecessarily about things over which I had no control—things so silly I was too embarrassed to even mention to anyone. I needed Someone to confide in and to trust for protection of my family and myself. Jesus always listens and always reassures me that He is aware and cares about even the little, ridiculous things I come to Him about. (Philippians 4:6-7)

And then there was the problem of trying to be good enough to please God and earn my way to Heaven. As I read God’s Word, I realized I was NEVER going to be good enough! In comparison to God’s total holiness, I would always be tainted by my wrongdoing, my failures, my shortcomings—UNTIL I put my trust, not in myself, but in Jesus’ death on the cross to pay the penalty for MY sins. The moment I believed Jesus saved me, I received God’s pardon! (Romans 10:9)

What is it about Jesus that appeals to you? Is there a need in your life that only Jesus can meet? The last 50 years of knowing Jesus have been filled with blessings—even in the midst of challenges, troubles, senseless worries, and heartaches. Why? Because I don’t have to face anything by myself. I am not in control. But I know the One Who is and He is always with me. (James 4:8) He will always be with you, too! Just draw near Him!

Be encouraged!

©2024 Pamela D. Williams.

Comments welcome at writepam71@gmail.com

Telling The Truth

Dick and I just finished watching 13 seasons of a program called, “Death in Paradise”. It is about a close-knit police team on a Caribbean island and is filled with many instances of comic relief. It is not gory or explicit. It’s purely fictional. However, it most certainly highlights many truths, both positive and negative, about humanity.

In every episode there is one glaring commonality—people lie.

The reasons we lie vary. As in “Death in Paradise”, we often lie to avoid retribution—even as children we lie to avoid being punished. We may lie to protect the image others have of us. We might lie to safeguard our chances of achieving something we want. We frequently lie to transfer blame for our own misdeeds.

We may sugar-coat lying by calling some untruths “little white lies” or try to justify a falsehood by claiming it was harmless. However, God doesn’t see it that way. God’s view of lying is clear. According to Proverbs 6 there are seven things the LORD hates, and a lying tongue is one of them. (v.19)   In God’s Ten Commandments we are told, “Do not lie.” (Exodus 20:16) Proverbs 12:22 warns us that “The Lord detests lying lips.” And liars are listed with those who Revelations 21:8 says will be condemned to Hell.

Like the criminals in “Death in Paradise”, we may try to cover up our guilty actions by spinning a tale that paints us in a good and innocent light. However, there is One who knows the truth, One whose opinion of us is all that matters.

Lying is serious to God! Next time we are tempted to utter a lie, no matter how “white” or “harmless” it may seem to us, I pray that God will remind us that He expects His followers to ALWAYS speak the truth. (Ephesians 4:15, 25)

Be encouraged!

©2024 Pamela D. Williams.

Comments welcome at writepam71@gmail.com