Hope for Today - Bodie Thoene

As we read today’s scriptures we were struck again by the promise of God’s provision for those who trust His Word.  I remember my grandmother Trudy in l932 Depression-era Arkansas.   I wrote her story in Shiloh Autumn.  It is a novel about her faith in the midst of hard times.  I wish everyone in America could read it today.  The drought struck the good and the bad alike. She was left at home with three boys when my grandfather headed west to California to work in the oil fields. 

Like the widow in today’s scriptures,  God provided for her and her sons (one of whom was my father) by a series of incredible miracles.  She lost her home and was forced to move on, but the Lord directed her steps to a new and better place.  She never forgot that God’s love for her was demonstrated in those days of hardship and loss.   She passed that glorious hope and faith to her children and grandchildren. 

Like the widow of Zarephath,  she was able to feed her children and had enough left over to share with Elijah.

Today, with worries mounting and threats all around you,  can you raise your eyes and believe? Are you able to see the beauty of this moment? Go outside. Look at a single flower and remember Jesus has promised you will be clothed and fed in a way more beautiful than this!  Will you lay your life and the lives of your loved ones in the hands of a loving God? 

Do you believe God loves you and that He can and will take care of you?  Read today’s scriptures.   Believe that God will provide all your needs. He will never leave you or forsake you. 

Reading 1
1 Kgs 17:7-16
The brook near where Elijah was hiding ran dry, because no rain had fallen in the land. So the LORD said to Elijah:“Move on to Zarephath of Sidon and stay there. I have designated a widow there to provide for you.”

He left and went to Zarephath. As he arrived at the entrance of the city, a widow was gathering sticks there; he called out to her, “Please bring me a small cupful of water to drink.”

She left to get it, and he called out after her, “Please bring along a bit of bread.” She answered, “As the LORD, your God, lives, I have nothing baked;
there is only a handful of flour in my jar and a little oil in my jug. Just now I was collecting a couple of sticks, to go in and prepare something for myself and my son; when we have eaten it, we shall die.”

Elijah said to her, “Do not be afraid.Go and do as you propose. But first make me a little cake and bring it to me. Then you can prepare something for yourself and your son. For the LORD, the God of Israel, says, ‘The jar of flour shall not go empty, nor the jug of oil run dry, until the day when the LORD sends rain upon the earth.’”

She left and did as Elijah had said. She was able to eat for a year, and Elijah and her son as well; the jar of flour did not go empty, nor the jug of oil run dry,as the LORD had foretold through Elijah.

Ps 4:2-3, 4-5, 7b-8
Responsorial Psalm
R.     (7a) Lord, let your face shine on us.

When I call, answer me, O my just God, you who relieve me when I am in distress; Have pity on me, and hear my prayer! Men of rank, how long will you be dull of heart? Why do you love what is vain and seek after falsehood?
R.     Lord, let your face shine on us.

Know that the LORD does wonders for his faithful one; the LORD will hear me when I call upon him. Tremble, and sin not; reflect, upon your beds, in silence.
R.     Lord, let your face shine on us.

O LORD, let the light of your countenance shine upon us! You put gladness into my heart, more than when grain and wine abound.
R.     Lord, let your face shine on us.

Mt 5: 13-16
Gospel
Jesus said to his disciples: “You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house.

Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds
and glorify your heavenly Father.” 

THIS IS THE PROMISE OF THE LORD!

And you say,  “Praise to YOU, Lord Jesus Christ! I believe!”  

TO SUM UP:
You are salt and LIGHT in this dark world.  Even a little salt flavors the broth.  One small candle pushes back the darkness. The faith you live by is a bright beacon for the hopeless.  

Hard times come to the good and the evil alike.  But there is a difference in the way God’s beloved children walk through the fire.

It gives God great pleasure when you recognize that even in dark times,  HE WILL FILL YOU WITH HIS LIGHT so others may be drawn TO HIM!   Your purpose may be to live through the same difficulties the unsaved live through…BUT YOU LIVE THROUGH HARDSHIP WITH YOUR HEAD HELD HIGH and your heart filled with the certainty that you will make it to the end of the story!   You know your Heavenly Father will let his glorious face shine upon you!   You know and demonstrate by your faith that God in your heart is what will get you through.

Someone who is living through a hard moment is looking to you in your hardship today.  They are saying, “I want to know the God who gives such strength!  Oh Jesus!  Help me be like that!”

Your story is as important to God as the story of the widow of Zarephath!   In heaven and through eternity,  your faith will be be remembered and spoken of by the angels!   You are meant to be The LIGHT of the World!  

Blessings of heaven are poured out on you today!  In the name of Yeshua, our Messiah!

Bodie