Access Key

Hotels dispensed with door keys years ago.  At check-in, guests are issued an access key.  This past weekend, my room at the Westin was spacious, outfitted with heavenly linen and a plethora of pillows.  The rainfall showerhead in the bathroom was warm and relaxing.  A comfortable, well-appointed room was mine for the evening.  All that was left to do was to use the access key I had been given.  As believers, we have access to a place that far outweighs a room at the Westin.

Romans 5:1-2

5 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, ² through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

What’s better than the Westin?  The answer is to have peace with God though faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.  He is our access key to right standing with God.  Therefore, we do not have to live in fear of God’s wrath.  Because of our access through Jesus Christ, we have been declared justified. With our access key, we will be able to enter heaven’s door.  I can only imagine what’s beyond the door.  Use your access key today and one day I’ll see you on the other side.

 

I Can Only Imagine by Mercy, Mercy

 

 

After the Rain

After the rain, there is growth and beauty.  Sunbaked Texas has endured drought conditions for years.  Crops are failing, cattle are starving, the lakes are down and the aquifer needs replenishing.  Rain is perpetually on our prayer list.  This past month, we were blessed with sporadic showers.  That was all that was needed for the cactus in my back yard to blossom.  A beautiful yellow flower appeared from a dry, prickly pear cactus after the rain.  Life is like that.  Believers will have a dry spell. The pain may seem overwhelming, and then God sends a breakthrough.

Psalm 30:5

For His anger is but for a moment,
His favor is for life;
Weeping may endure for a night,
But joy comes in the morning.

It is comforting to know when we return and repent, God’s anger dissipates.  His favor rains down on us continually, giving us new life.  Just as the cactus blossom appeared after the rain, following a season of pain and tears, our joy will come in the morning.



 

Arrow of Light

The highest award in Cub Scout is the Arrow of Light Award.  Boys work on their outdoor skills, physically fitness, and learn more about citizenship and working with others to earn the honor.  Upon completion of the Arrow of Light, a Cub Scout can bridge into a Boy Scout Troop. Jared and Zachary both have this plaque hanging in their room as a reminder of their transition from the den to the challenges of the Boy Scout Pack.  I have come to see the boys as an arrow leaving my side, soaring to heights I can only imagine.

Psalm 127:3-5

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,
The fruit of the womb is a reward.
⁴ Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,
So are the children of one’s youth.
⁵ Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them;
They shall not be ashamed,
But shall speak with their enemies in the gate.

Our children are a gift from God.  Like small arrows we hold them in our hands for a short while.  We sharpen, polish and prepare them for the bow because arrows are not meant to stay in the pouch but are destined to soar. With prayer and purpose, we aim them toward our intended target, accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

 It has been an honor and a joy to have groomed, encouraged and ministered to my little arrows, Jared and Zachary.  This weekend, my last arrow will launch from the quiver.  I look forward to watching where both boys land.  I have no doubt, the skills gained from the Cub Scout Arrow of Light will help them along the way, but it will be the God of Light that makes their path straight. Parting ways is difficult, but watching them fly makes it all worthwhile.