I look up when I am down
Hoping Someone greater than I am
Somewhere, beyond where I am
Would do what I can’t, get me out
Of where I’m stuck but wisdom taught:
It’s not enough to look up for help
Where do I turn my gaze of hope
After looking up for help? What I do
While I wait will leave me leading
Or lagging. Looking down sinks
Looking around, I find little ropes of help
Dropped here and there, connecting
Leading to ordained escape.

Food For Thought: Has anybody ever told you that nobody is your problem? Jesus never thought so of Peter or Judas or any of the people that opposed Him and His mission. Why? Everyone is an instrument. God’s will must be accomplished and individuals make themselves available, depending on the inclination of their hearts, to be used of God or the devil. Satan may capitalize on our weakness but love restores, not condemn. If Judas had returned repentant like Peter, Christ would have embraced him. Why? Jesus looked beyond the denial, betrayal and oppositions to see the cross as the Father’s will. He saw death not as an end but a means to resurrection to eternal glory and salvation for mankind. The only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth, thoroughly tempted and triumphant in all of life’s events, is our model through life’s experiences. What are you losing your heart and head over? Wake up, there is nothing new under the sun. Others have emerged victorious from same and worse experiences. If they made it, then we can. If Christ made it, believe that it is so that we can. And if you believe, then don’t react as though you don’t? Cheer up, there is a glory behind your cross, a crown beyond the grave. It’s all yours if you add a little more patience to grace so that after you have done the will of God, you will not disqualify yourself from the rewards. May grace lift you above all circumstances, good or bad, so you can stand out as light on a hill top, which cannot be hidden, radiating praise and attracting glory to Him who sits on the Throne, amen.

Scripture: No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. 1 Corinthians 10: 13.

Prayer: Dear Lord, when I am knocked down and out, strengthen me to lift up my heart, my head, my hands to You and in the place of praise, find my escape route, amen.