The Calling

by Mary Stout

I have called you. As you walked down that aisle I called you. I called you to come to the foot of the cross. I called you to a life of love. I called you because of one thing: love.

Long ago the Lord said to Israel: “I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself. (Jeremiah 31:3 NLT)

I called you to become my child and leave all the old you behind. I called you to live  and create a new life within you in Christ.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! (2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV)

As you walked your path I placed a kindness there, a gentle answer to your question I gave you. I lit your path when all seemed bleak and you were weary. I walked with you to the mountaintops and in the valleys. I loved you each and every moment and brought you to a place of hope. Hope is at the heart of giving light in the darkness. 

You will be secure, because there is hope; you will look about you and take your rest in safety. (Job 11:18 NIV)

Because of this steadfast hope we can do all things He requires as we follow His example. 

 O people, the Lord has told you what is good,

and this is what he requires of you:, to do what is right, to love mercy,

and to walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8)

In a world of chaos and disconnection, may our hearts and minds live and breathe and be in Christ as we share the love of Jesus along the way. 

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. (Philippians 4:8 NLT)