DEVOTIONS FOR THE CAPTIVES[1] – The Last Saturday of Lent 04/01/2023
Read Philippians 4
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:12-13)
I am age 66, and I have had many professional roles in my life. I retired last year because prostate cancer necessitated the removal of it and the recuperation period of 2-3 months was more sick days than I had in my then role as a Veteran Service Representative with the State of Kansas. And as it seemed good, Denise and I decided that this should be the year to move back to Kentucky for our “forever home.” Such a home should be one floor, amendable to the handicapped, and have an extra bedroom or two for the family that will care for us as we come to need it.
Of course, we didn’t “need” to buy a home and many families have managed well with much less than we have. But again, it seemed good to do this. So, Denise moved early into our daughter’s place to begin the process of searching and to be close to all her family. I won’t go through all the exciting details of the lengthy move process and the challenges we met, but all along the way, everything we needed (but not everything we wanted) was provided, and surely all of this was by the desire and hand of God.
In the process of selling a small old house with “issues” (as all old houses have) and buying a modern ranch-style, I encountered home inspectors for the first time. In four previous home purchases, I had never thought about having an inspection. This time the bank required one of me. Of course, in selling a house with issues, our buyers in Kansas had one as well. In both cases, the buyers were able to learn more about their contemplated purchases and make requests of the sellers prior to closing as well as learn about how to maximize the future value of the home by better knowing how to care for it. In both cases, the buyers were very happy to have selected the house and made a home.
Learning about home inspection, I decided that this was something I should do, my recovery being successfully complete (I remain cancer free, PRAISE THE LORD). Getting my pre-licensing education, the licensing process, and discovering InterNACHI®, the world’s leading association for home inspectors and their resources have helped me so far and again: surely this is with the desire and hand of God, is it not?
May the heart and hands of Christ bless you and your family on this day, and may you too discern his unfathomable love in His sure provision for your needs. Amen
[1] You may wonder where this name comes from. It comes from the devotions I write as part of God’s mission to the incarcerated and the churches who would accept them into the body of Christ, a mission I serve Him in. You can learn more about it at www.jail2church.com . Who are the captives? All of us are in a temporary age where all is not well, and sin and its effects want to bind us. These devotions are for all of us.
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