THE NEW EWE

"What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!'"

Luke 15:4-6

March 24, 2021

LIFE IN THE FOLD:

Several years ago when Jon and I went to Germany, there is a particular image that stands out in my mind. One Saturday we decided that we would like to ride the train in order to sightsee. Their rail system is amazing, and we chose to take the slow train (instead of the monorail that goes really fast!), to better enjoy the scenery. It would stop at each little town we went through. Most stops had a covered platform where people would wait to get on the train. There was a recording that would announce, in a few different languages, the names of the town for each stop.

At one particular stop there was a white picket fence and a walkway that ran from the fence gate to the platform. This young boy, who looked to be about 7-8 years old got off the train alone. Standing at the gate was another little boy, probably about that same age, waiting for the train. When the first little guy got off the train, he ran to the gate, which the other boy had opened. The boys threw their arms around each and it was quite obvious that they were very excited to see one another. They walked off together with their arms slung around each others shoulders.

We had wondered whether the boys were brothers and one had been gone and was returning home; or if they were best friends getting to spend the day together. It was quiet precious seeing the boys excitement at seeing each other and not being embarrassed at showing their love for one another and joy of being together.

Since that time, I've had that picture in my mind when I think about heaven. I see the Father standing by the gate, waiting in anticipation, for one of His children to arrive home. His face lights up with joy as our spirit leaves our earthly body and we enter into the glory and splendor of heaven. And He is there to personally meet each and every one! Perhaps when that person is breathing their last few breaths on earth, they feel that quickening in their spirit that they are nearing their final destination. As soon as they take that last breath, they see Jesus waiting for them and they run into one another's arms; not caring who sees, and displaying their deep love for all to see. Perhaps as they take their first few steps down the street of gold, they have their arms slung around one another's shoulders.

Psalms 116:5 says, "Precious in the eyes of the Lord is the death of His saints (faithful servants)."

As difficult as it is for us on earth when a loved one dies, leaving us feeling grief-stricken and missing their presence, the Father rejoices in being forever united with His precious children. He longs for us and when our time on earth has finished, that means that He gets to welcome us home. And the truth is, one day it will be our turn to leave this earth and feel the arms of Jesus and hear His voice saying, "Well done, good and faithful servant! Welcome home!"

That is a wonderful thought and gives us hope that eternity and all that heaven holds is awaiting for us!

But the truth is, while we are on earth that example of those two boys can still be relevant.

Romans 1:16 says, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel (or Good News), for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who trusts....."

Mark 8:38 tells us what happens to those who are ashamed: "For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this unfaithful and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels."

Too many christians love God, but fail to stand unashamedly in declaring and showing that love. They don't want to be laughed at, mocked, ridiculed, questioned, or labeled. It's not that vocally deny their faith or deny having a relationship with Jesus, but they tend to stay quiet and say nothing; hoping that perhaps their actions and kindness will speak for themselves.

At the train station the boy waiting could have thought, "I'll just wait here and let my friend come to me. By that time, maybe the train will have pulled away and be out of sight, and no one will see me give him a hug. I don't want to be embarrassed by acting excited to see him and have people laugh at us showing affection for one another. He knows I love him and am excited to see him, so I'll just wait and tell him in private."

Let's not have that attitude towards Jesus! Let's not think that we have to keep our relationship with Him and our love for Him private, so no one questions or laughs or mocks. Instead, let's declare our love for God and let Him shine through us for all to see! Let's live life spiritually unashamed!

JON'S PERSPECTIVE:

Hiding your relationship with God can be more subtle and tempting than it might sound. It's hard to imagine denying you believe in Jesus.

But there is a story of a man who was sneaking around the enemy. They had arrested one of his trusted friends, and he was trying to sneak around. I don't know what exactly he was trying, but maybe he was looking for a chance to rescue his friend, or to at least get information he could use later to help. Whatever the case, a servant saw him, and asked him if he was a Jesus-follower. He panicked and denied it. Two more times, he almost got caught sneaking around, and denied knowing Jesus. He managed to make it away, but realized he had just denied his relationship with Jesus three times.

You might recognize the story of Peter after Jesus was arrested. It may take on a little different perspective if you don't know ahead of time who they were. It's easy to see Peter as being weak. But honestly, I believe he was tricked with the subtle details. He never meant any betrayal. He just wanted to stay close, and safe.

Jesus forgave Peter before it even happened. But that didn't make Peter feel much better. He had been warned, and still failed. We have Peter's warning and his actions as two warnings. So we should be doubly careful.

ON THE MENEWE:

Chocolate Frosting

Sift powdered sugar and cocoa together. Add in softened butter, stirring really well. Mix in vanilla and milk. Beat until smooth and of a spreading consistency.

If cake is freshly baked, wait at least one hour to frost.

Optional: Add chopped pecans over top.

THIS, THAT AND THE OTHER:

I've been reading back over some of the stories that I've shared in the past years that I've been writing this newsletter. It's surprising how many of the memories that I've shared, that I had forgotten about.

My Grandma Horton was a white-haired woman who always wore her hair in a bun. She made all of her own dresses, off the same pattern. She wore cotton tennis shoes, and cut the a hole in the end of the shoe where her big toe was, to wear when she was home. She had a pair of church tennis shoes and left the toe intact in those. She wore stockings that were rolled down to her knees to church; but rolled down to her ankles at home. She quilted all the time and made beautiful quilts. She wasn't much of a cook. She bought Little Debbie cakes to give the grandkids when they came to visit. She never had a telephone, saying that she couldn't hear on them.

So when my dad shared this story with me many years ago, it surprised me. Daddy said that when he and his brothers were kids at home, his mom would sew all of their shirts for them. But then she would cut labels out of store-bought shirts and sew them into the homemade ones, so that people would think that they were bought from the store. I'm sure back then most woman sewed and made their kids' clothing, so I just found it odd that this would be important to her.

THOUGHT TO PONDER:

Joseph did not endure the pit, Potipher's house, and prison because he knew he would end up in the Pharaoh's palace. He simply remained faithful wherever he found himself. God did the rest. - H.B. Charles Jr

OUR HEARTFELT THANKS TO YOU:

We love you!

Loretta & Jon

http://www.graysheep.org