Ponder This…
When you look at a vase that holds freshly cut roses, it is absolutely beautiful. The roses look as though they could withstand the days ahead without being wilted. They allure the onlooker with their vibrance. Their color, their smell, and the delicacy of their petals are breathtaking. They force you to stop and stare. They capture, as it were, a moment in time, and time seems endless for them; but after a week, if you were to look at the same roses you would notice a change. Their petals are not as bright. They droop instead of standing at attention, and they no longer smell fresh. They had a certain amount of time in which to shine. So do you. You do not have forever. Use your time wisely. Impact as many people as possible in a positive way, and do what God tells you to do. You are a rose. You only have a limited time in which to make a difference, but while you have the time, encourage those around you so that they cannot help but fix their attention on God—the Rose of Sharon.

Dear Lord,
This is a very special time in our history and we need you. A new President is being sworn into office…the unrest in the Middle East between Israel and Hamas continues…Russia boldly flexes her muscles and one can only wonder what may be simmering under the surface…there is economic uncertainty here at home and people are nervous…. This is a time when your people must show courage, wisdom, and strength of faith. May we place our trust in You and You alone. May we trust You by following your Word, listening to your voice, and resisting the tendency to become anxious. “I will never leave you nor forsake you,” says the Lord (Heb 13:5).

Amen