When I think about how blessed I am to have Jesus as my best friend, I rejoice. As I focus on the goodness He has shared with me, even during the toughest days of my life, I rejoice. The King of kings and Lord of lords loves me. He cares for me. He died for me and rose again to reveal that love.

Dwelling on those thoughts strengthens my heart and my mind. I can fix my eyes on Him and not the circumstances. I learn to view life through the Father’s eternal perspective and realize that every aspect of my life is exactly where it needs to be — in His presence. Now I understand better that He is enough and because of that I am in the best place possible.

On this day, November 17th, 1869, after ten long years and a vast amount of labor, the Suez Canal was opened for ships to pass between the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea. Travel and cargo from Europe to the East saved over 5,000 miles. What a blessing to all the nations!

But rather than peace, there was much bloodshed. Many nations fought for possession and power.

God promised blessings to all nations through Jesus, the son of Abraham. Jesus’ death and resurrection opened up more than an earthly canal. It opened up heaven to people of all nations.

Nations still fight. People still fight. But God’s peace and comfort in Jesus our Savior gives us faith to put aside the power struggles of this world. Our sins are forgiven. We share His peace and forgiveness with others.

As children, probably most of us, at some point, played Follow the Leader. In this game, one was the leader, and the rest were to copy and do whatever he did. If he folded his arms or clapped his hands, we did too. If he hopped through a mud puddle, so did we. It was a simple game in simpler times.

As adults, we still have a Leader to follow. Each day we pray for His guidance as we reach out in love to visit a shut-in, to offer condolences to the recently bereaved, or to drive someone to a doctor’s appointment. We can ask ourselves, “What would Jesus do?” then go and do likewise. He is willing to guide and lead us each day in His footsteps. May we always strive to walk in them.

As the daughter of an inner-city pastor in Chicago, I accompanied my dad on holiday deliveries. When we carried a turkey into the kitchen of a member-in-need, the woman said, “Just, a turkey? I wanted a ham. Set it there …” Our gifts barely fit on the counter overflowing with hams, turkeys, and all the trimmings. The image is seared into my brain.

Perhaps that experience triggers the recurring question, “How did the Good Samaritan do it?” (Luke 10:30-37). The despised foreigner didn’t hesitate; he reached across cultural boundaries to a person in need. You and I have accumulated numerous experiences with giving and receiving. Most bring happy memories. This year, I hope my response to non-profit campaigns is not driven by the need to clean out a closet or the end-of-year calendar. I pray to move past personal history to be an honest Good Samaritan.

What an exciting promise that our Lord is giving to us in this passage. He wants His joy to be in us and when it is, we will experience a peace that is hard to imagine or explain. When talking about joy, I have often said, “True JOY is Jesus first, Others second, and Yourself third.” When we have this in the right order, we can and will experience a joy that is beyond our comprehension.

And when that joy is in us, we can share it with those that are around us. There are so many in our world who need that joy within their lives. You and I may be the only ones that can share Christ’s joy with them. Share His joy with someone today and see what happens.

The other day I received a hug from God. There was no white robe, beard, or staff. The hug came from a woman dressed in navy blue pants and a floral top. My day had been going pretty well, but little frustrations were starting to pile up. That God-hug cleared my frustrations and gave me a better perspective.

God surrounds me with His hug. Scripture reveals His sure promises of salvation in Jesus. He is always present. “I am with you always even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). I am ever more aware that the hug I give or receive is a gift from God. Maybe you’re not a hugger, but an unexpected phone call, plate of cookies, or card are also forms of an “I care” God-hug.

An 83-year-old church member was recently diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer. I asked him to share how he had experienced God’s comforting presence when receiving such news. He quietly said, “God is my Sustainer!” We often find ourselves on our knees in fervent prayer one day and then rejoicing with exhilaration the next. This is what I call the Prayer-to-Praise cycle. How do we handle the constant ups and downs? We need a constant, a Sustainer, so we rely on God’s caring and compassionate heart for comfort.

We’re a long way away from Easter, but in the middle of the hymn, I Know That My Redeemer Lives (LSB 461) is stanza five — an example of this Prayer-to-Praise cycle. Stanza one is sung with Resurrection jubilation, and then stanza five mentions fears, tears, and troubles … what happened? Our JESUS LIVES to wipe all those stanza five troubles away!

As I considered retirement, I was excited, yet anxious. Life in retirement seemed to have more unknowns than knowns. One of my retirement “knowns” was spending more time with my parents and caring for their needs. However, my “unknown” was the misbelief that retirement would move at a slower pace. On the contrary, my life became increasingly more busy.

My decision to spend more time with my parents would not change; however, I changed the busyness of life by slowing down, resting in God, and savoring moments with my family. God gave His people the Sabbath as a time of rest. A time to slow down and savor His compassion and love.

Here are words that you might hear or speak: “I can care for myself.” “I really do care about something, but there are times when I don’t care about anything.” “People today don’t seem to care at all.” “I need to show more care for others.”

Here is a question: Do I get care from my family, friends, or co-workers? How do I show more care for others?

Here Is the answer: Care comes from God. He cared enough to send His Son, Jesus, to die for us. He cares to be with us always. He cares to give us eternal life with Him. But that’s not all! God gives us the ability to care for others. He desires us to care for others as He has cared for us. God cares for us and equips us to give His care to others.

During the years my mother was in a nursing home, we would often struggle about gifts to bring her for her birthday, Mother’s Day, etc. Usually we would settle on flowers for her room. It always brought a sweetness to the space (especially the roses) and the aroma would sometimes trigger wonderful memories from her life.

St. Paul reminds us that our presence can bring the fragrance of the knowledge of Christ into the lives of those around us, bringing comfort and healing. How wonderful are all the ways in which the Spirit works in us and through us, impacting the world! We are witnesses in many different ways as we live lives of holiness and sacrifice, reflecting the lavish love of Jesus.