February 28 Devotion

On a recent long car trip to Texas to visit our three granddaughters (not to mention our son and his wife!) My husband and I noticed a truck that asked "Is what you are living worth Jesus dying for?" Of course the answer is no, it could never be enough. Psalm 49 tells us that "No man can redeem the life of another -- or give God a ransom for him -- the ransom of life is too costly, no payment is ever enough." Reading the old testament can be scary! Thank God we also have the New! Thank God for Jesus and the Holy Spirit! Thank God for grace!

God has made the offer, he is waiting for us with open arms. God promises, "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." In every moment of our lives we choose between happiness and misery. Sometimes long-term misery comes disguised as short-term pleasure. Sooner or later most of us realize that our desire for happiness is much more than a desire for passing pleasure, and that passing pleasure will not quench our deeper desire for happiness -- happiness that can be sustained independent of circumstances -- success, money, possessions, opportunities, etc. Happiness comes from within -- from having God (the Holy Spirit) within and listening through prayer and meditation. It comes from trusting God, not our own limited resources. How comforting to know that no matter how difficult life is that "God has our back!"

"The Spirit Song"
Oh, let the Son of God enfold you with his Spirit and his love,
let him fill your heart and satisfy your soul.
Oh let him have the things that hold you,
and his Spirit like a dove will descend upon your life and make you whole.
Prayer: Father, quiet our thoughts. Help us to really listen for your guidance as we pray. Give us the wisdom to make decisions that will bring us long lasting inner happiness, rather than short term pleasure. Holy Spirit, enter into our hearts and make us whole! Amen

Margaret Williams