When preparing and gathering items needed for the Christmas Tea and table I would be hosting, I came across a scripture verse that I had scribbled down ages ago upon the cover of a manila folder. As I read and then again slowly re-read the verse, I sat in amazement as how it could not be more fitting for tonight's theme of 'Hope & Celebrating Christ as our Refuge.' "Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed." says the Lord, who has compassion on you. ~ Isaiah 54:10
Two words stand out to me in glorious fashion. Covenant & Compassion. Tonight we support and help educate you on 'Preemptive Love' and how this amazing coalition provides emergency and ongoing relief to refugees and the victims of ISIS. More importantly we want to deeply impress upon your hearts just how Great our God truly is! I have chosen to represent the Country, Libya, and the brave souls who endured such unimaginable horrors and fled their once beloved homeland with only the clothes upon their backs, little ones alongside. Memories of loved ones, now perished, forever etched within their minds. These women were led by the Spirit of the One True God out of death and into life. As God has promised in ~ Hebrews 13:5 "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." It is His covenant, which He made with each and every man, woman, and child who has given their life over to Jesus. What greater compassion is there than the ultimate sacrifice of God's precious gift of His only Son, Jesus? "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whomever shall believe in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." ~ John 3:16
Life can be difficult! However, after reading through these scriptures, and listening to their incredible testimonies, I am reminded of just how wonderful and precious our lives truly are. There were no tear stained faces nor remorseful words spoken. Only beautiful, radiant smiles that illuminated their saved souls.Salvation has more than one meaning now. Jesus is their Refuge as He is also ours. He came as a tiny babe, born into the humblest of stables, to bring Salvation to a sin, sick, weary world. Receive His Grace for it is yours for the taking. Lean upon His Strength when trials quake and the storms begin to take their toll. Look and see. He is there with you during the darkest of nights. He is our Hope that rises like the dawn. He is our GOD!
