“Valentine Love for Everyone” By Sandra Fischer Valentine’s Day gives us an opportunity to send cards to those we love. I recall during my days in elementary school, every class member was expected to make or buy Valentine's cards to give to everyone in the class—regardless of how we felt about them. So, I gave one to the boy who sat behind me and pulled my pigtails, to the girl who told the teacher I chewed gum at recess, and to the one who threw paper wads at me when the teacher wasn’t looking. Today I am still called to show love to everyone, not because it’s the Valentine thing to do, but as a follower of Christ, I am commanded to. He said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, love your neighbor as yourself.” Luke 10:27 (NIV) He defined “neighbor” in the parable of the good Samaritan as being anyone needing mercy. Doesn’t everyone? In Matthew 5:43:44 (NIV), he carried the commandment even further. “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” How can he ask us to do such a thing? Because he demonstrated what true love is—yes, Jesus showed the greatest expression of love by stretching out his arms on a cross that encompassed the world. Through his death, burial and resurrection, his act of love allows anyone who receives his “Valentine” to be forgiven of their sins, reconciled to God, the Father, and inherit eternal life. For me, it means I’m still expected to give that kind of “Valentine” to everyone. Lord, help me to show the love Christ has shown to me. Sandra is a Faithwriters Platinum member and author of the book, “Seasons in the Garden.” Contact

 

 

This Little Light of Mine –  by Sandra Fischer

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." – John 8:12 (NIV)

A sudden blackout occurred during an evening storm causing total darkness in our home and neighborhood. Lights, appliances, and all the electronic devices we are blessed to enjoy—the computer, TV, and telephone succumbed to the outage. I was bummed.

Then, I recalled Ben Franklin’s advice: “Instead of cursing the darkness, light a candle.” I managed to navigate through the dark to find that ancient alternative tucked away in a drawer. With one click of a lighter, the small, soft glow of the burning taper dispelled the blackness in the room. 

The luminance of the candle fascinated me. As I watched it yield its wax to the flaming wick, I marveled at the power of one little light to penetrate the darkness. I thought of the Light we celebrate during the Advent season—Jesus, heaven-sent by God, who came into this dark world, declaring Himself to be its Light.

I remembered, too, that because I am His follower, I have the Light of life. And, He says, "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 6:14 (NIV) At times I am overwhelmed by the world’s darkness—a temporary “power outage” beyond my control. Yet, I can choose to be like the light of this one small candle—dispelling the gloom in my small corner of the world. Instead of cursing the darkness, I can let my little light shine. 

Lord, help me to remember the Power within me is greater than that in the world.

Sandra is a Faithwriters Platinum member, author of the book, “Seasons in the Garden.” Contact

My Special GPS

My Special GPS - Sandra Fischer “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:27 (NIV) Ever wonder how we made it anywhere without a GPS (Global Positioning System)? Don’t get me wrong, I’m grateful for technology that helps directionally-challenged people like me. And, as I grow older and lose short-term memory brain cells, I’m hoping for a new advanced system to tell me why I went to the kitchen and what I went there to get. Regardless of all the devices humans have created for directions or supplemental guidance, as a Christian believer, I have a GPS of far greater importance than any man-made invention—God’s Preordained Shepherd. This GPS, provided by the one and only Almighty, Ever-present, All-knowing God ensures that I am never lost or out of His reach, nor is He out of mine. The writer of Psalm 139:7-9 (NIV) writes: “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.” While the voice on a man-made global device tells me where to turn or which route is best while traveling, if I listen to the voice of Jesus, my Shepherd, I will end up where I belong—following Him as He guides me securely on the right path every day, which eventually will lead me safely home with Him. Sandra is a Faithwriters platinum member, author of the book, Seasons in the Garden. Contact

Healer of our Hearts

 

Healer of Our Hearts - Sandra Fischer

Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart ~

 Psalm 119:2 ESV

Our first granddaughter was born with a hole in her heart and the prognosis was that she would need surgery, if the hole did not close. God answered our prayers to heal it without surgery. She is a healthy teenager today. 

Pascal, a 17th century theologian, contended that we all are born with spiritual holes in our hearts. He said that this God-shaped vacuum in the heart of every person can never be filled by any created thing, but only by God. It does not heal on its own. 

Some of us try to fill it with people or things – family, friends, jobs, hobbies, achievements or material possessions. Some even use drugs or other addictive substances to fill the void. We search what the world offers to make us complete, but only Jesus can fill that empty space, if we allow him to. Only Christ, the heart healer, can make our holey hearts whole.

Has the hole in your heart been healed? Or are you searching for someone or something to fill it? The answer is just a prayer away. Ask God to forgive your sin and accept his gift of grace through Christ’s provision by his death, burial and resurrection. 

"If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.". Romans 10:9-10 ESV

Lord, I pray for those who don’t realize that you, Jesus, are the only heart healer. I pray they will come to know you and allow you to make them whole.

Sandra is a Faithwriters.com platinum member, author of the book, “Seasons in the Garden”. Contact

Spring is here!