Where's My Pocketbook?

“God sent His Son to earth to claim what was lost in the Garden.” – Os Hillman

Last week, Deanna and I enjoyed a delicious ham dinner at the clubhouse in our community. To celebrate Christmas, our HOA hired a local restaurant to cater the meal which consisted of sliced ham, macaroni and cheese, corn, baked potatoes, a salad, and rolls. And, of course, there was ice cream and cookies for dessert. Delicious!

My mother, who also lives in our community, wasn’t able to attend so we got her a meal to-go. I carried it to our car, went to my mom’s mailbox to get her mail, and then returned to the clubhouse to pick up our laundry that Deanna had done earlier in the day at our son’s house.

In all the confusion, Deanna forgot to grab her pocketbook, which we realized when we got back to our camper. Fortunately, the HOA president had noticed it sitting on our table, placed it in a safe place, and then called to let us know. Needless to say, Deanna was very relieved!

That simple story reminds me of the sentiments that Os Hillman mentioned in today’s quote as well as in his further commentary below…

“God’s intent is to recreate what was lost in every domain of life. But remember one thing; His Kingdom does not come by manipulating or controlling your world. It comes by changing one heart at a time. If you try to exert your influence intentionally you will fail. Real change comes through repentance, prayer, love and solving problems for people. Change is a fruit, not a goal. As you abide in His Son, you will see the fruit of your relationship with Him manifest through the change in individual hearts (John 15:5). Remember, culture changes one heart at a time. Transformed people transform culture.”

Just like Deanna’s lost – and then found – pocketbook, God’s desire is to reclaim what Adam relinquished and Satan stole in the Garden of Eden. That is why He sent His Son to earth to live a perfect life and then die a sacrificial and atoning death.

Now it is our job to share that Good News with others and watch as God transforms lives and redeems His world one life – and one heart – at a time.

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:2 (BSB)

- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President