Sparkle plenty

When that day arrives, the Lord their God will rescue his people, just as a shepherd rescues his sheep. They will sparkle in his land like jewels in a crown. How wonderful and beautiful they will be!

Zechariah 9:16, 17 a

Ready to sparkle? Ready to shine? God's rescue is coming, in his time and in his way. Hold onto this hope, because:

1. Hope gives you something to keep living for.
2. You'll be watching for his rescue.  --And, if you are one in ten,
3. You'll give him thanks afterward, knowing he's the Rescuer.

Sometimes, there is truth in silliness.

Have you heard the old joke about the woman who waited so long for her ship to come in that her pier collapsed?  Why would a pier collapse, anyway? Because she didn't maintain it, and she let it get run-down.  Don't ever stop maintaining your faith, your relationship with God. Don't let your expectations of God's greatness on your behalf get lower as time goes by.

There's another joke about the man who said, "When my ship finally came in, I was at the airport!"  We have to make sure we're at the right place for God to work in our lives. Where would that be?  At his side, in his presence, trusting him to bring us out of our current trouble and make us sparkle like a jewel in his crown.

Keep your expectations fresh and polished in the hope of his deliverance, because the God who spoke the universe into being is coming to rescue you. How wonderful and beautiful you will be!