Scripture: John 14:3 (NIV) – “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”

Message: The New Testament of the Christian Bible is sprinkled throughout with promises of the return of Christ to earth. Some of the familiar proclamations can be read in Revelations 22:7a, 12:10-12 and 20:4-6, Matthew 24:26-30, Mark 13:26-37, Luke 21:27-36 and in John 14:1-6. The idea that Christ will return suggests that He is not here on earth.

However, I believe Jesus is omnipresent and with us every day, if we open our hearts and minds to His presence!  Recently, after Hurricane Helene, I was watching a street weather reporter stop in the middle of his broadcast and suddenly hand his microphone to someone on the sideline.  He then proceeded to wade through almost chest high water to rescue a petrified woman in a flooded car.  He carried her back to safe ground!  She felt the arms of Christ saving her and he acted on behalf of Christ!  I witnessed Christ giving Hope, Joy, Peace and Love in a big way.  It happens in small ways too.

We act Christ-like when we bring a meal to the family of a newborn, when a grocery clerk takes you to the item you cannot find, when we offer a listening ear, or help out a stranger, a neighbor, or a co-worker.  In most cases, it takes only our time, patience, and caring and loving concern.  Each morning ask God to clothe you in His Goodness and Love so that you can receive and be the Hands and Feet of Christ before His Second Coming.  We are the givers and receivers of His Love.  We don’t have to wait and wonder!

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, help me to be more intentional with my thoughts, words and actions.  This morning fill me with love, kindness, patience and selflessness, so that I might be able to witness Christ on earth, and be like Christ at every opportunity.  Help me to love others, and to see and share all the Goodness He is providing on this earth.  During this time of hurricanes, floods and desperate people in need, may I be a conduit of Jesus’ Saving Grace today and always.  Amen.

Donna McElhose