"For see, I am creating new heavens and a new earth -
so wonderful that no one will even think about the old ones anymore." Isaiah
65:17 (TLB)
Have you ever had a day where you've seen the world
through God's eyes? A one-in-a-million kind of day? The kind of day where all of
creation is a showcase of God's very best handiwork? A day where you can't help
but notice how beautiful the world is! A day where the sky is such a perfect
colour blue that you actually think to yourself. 'Ah, so that's why they
named it sky blue.'
A day when crisp white clouds float so effortlessly
across that perfect blue sky that you can almost feel their joy and sense them
smiling at you? A day when bird songs and children's laughter tickles your heart
and your ears? A day when everywhere you look people are being kind to each
other? A day when all of the world is vibrating with happiness, hope and love?
Well, I've just had one of those days! It was as profound and wondrous an
experience as the lyrics depicted when Louie Armstrong tenderly crooned the
famous ballad, What A Wonderful World. It was a taste of heaven on earth and a
lifeline of hope to the future.
"He has put his angels in charge of you to watch over
you wherever you go." Ps 91:11 (NCV)
It was on that one-in-a-million kind of day that I was
hurrying to a business meeting with a stranger. The walk signal lit up and I
scurried into the intersection. It was then that I noticed the homeless man on
the far curb, and he wasn't moving. He just stood with his hand on a grocery
cart full of odds and ends, watching me. This gentleman was quite striking. He
was also incredibly clean and well groomed for a street-person. He exuded a sort
of old movie-star vibe - standing tall in his pale grey clothing with a
confidently pleasant yet peaceful expression on his face. As my foot strained
for the curb our eyes met and he spoke to me,"My that's a lovely dress you're
wearing today." Barely pausing, but smiling broadly, I thanked and wished him a
good day before hustling off to my appointment. Yet there was something about
him that had resonated within me. That 'something' has stayed with me like a
fragrance that lingers on clothing long after a loving embrace. Perhaps that
brief human interaction, that soul to soul connection, impacted me so profoundly
because I was seeing this world thorough God's eyes that day. Or, maybe I'd had
a close encounter with an angel.
"Don't forget to be kind to strangers, for some who
have done this have entertained angels without realizing it! Heb." 13:2 (TLB)
Loving Father, we thank you for giving us a world
abounding with diversity, intricate detail, and vibrant colours. Forgive us when
the cares of this world obscure our spiritual vision and harden our hearts to
the beauty and wonders that surround us. Help us to see things as you do so that
our hearts remain light and generous. May we be so encouraged by Your Word that
we spread Your peace, hope and joy to all we meet. In Jesus Name we pray, Amen
Marci Maxwell
Marci.maxwell@hotmail.com
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
everyone to look towards Jesus as the source of all the solutions to our
problems. It contains a daily inspirational story, a Bible verse and encouraging
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The Nugget: Published three times a week, this newsletter features inspirational devotionals and mini-sermons dedicated to drawing mankind closer to each other and to Christ.