Just some early morning thoughts from me to you…

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”   
James 1: 17 (NIV)

“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”
John 13: 34-35 (NLT)

“The Lord had said to Abram, ‘Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you. I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others.’”
Genesis 12: 1-2 (NLT)

“Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!”
Isaiah 6: 8 (NASB)

At the end of long wearying days doing my best following after God’s call, while wading through the tugs, calls, and distractions of the world, a night’s sleep with my bride is a welcome friend.  

Hearing her gentle breathing next to me after she has fallen asleep. 

It brings a much-needed smile to my face.

And during those occasional moments when I wake in the night, the sound of her soft breathing assures me that she is okay.  

While touching her arm, careful not to wake her, I am reminded looking at her precious face—that she is mine.

A touch, as she continues to breathe, connecting me with all she is and has been for me, and so many others, all these years together.  

A good and perfect gift from God.

Don’t let go.

You probably know what I mean.  

Sacred gifts from God. Gifts which take on even deeper meaning when something threatens our time together with them.

The world is about the world. Stuff. Image. Winning. Trophies. Resumes.  

None of it will last. Unless we use it for the good of others, and to glorify God, not ourselves.  

So, what does God want us to do with all the gifts, talents, and resources with which He has blessed us?  

He calls us to embrace the sacred gifts of the lives He has given us.  

And He has blessed us, so that we will be a blessing to all others. (Genesis 12: 1-2) 

All the lives we know, and all those we may not know, who He brings before us every day to lift, to help, and to save. Lives which may be walking through dark and desperate times, where all seems lost.  

And God points to you, to me, and to all of us—to lift them.  

To not let go of them.  

Lives He sets before us—to lift, to write our names on, assuring they reach not only the fullness of their lives here on earth, but also to assure them of their place in Heaven after this short life here is over.

Sacred lives. Good and perfect gifts from God.  Everyone. 

Lives God brings before us—to embrace, care for, and love—as His example taught us, and as His disciples, He calls us to do.

To answer God’s call as Isaiah did to touch the world with and for Him— “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!”

As God reminds us— 

Don’t miss the moments to bless lives around you.  

Don’t walk by. Don’t let go.

Maybe even a life blessing you with gentle breathing after she has fallen asleep.

In His Name–Scott

You will be moved and reminded by this powerful video and performance by Gentri as they sing “Don’t Let Go.”