Heavenly Words

Matthew 1:20
“… Do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.” (NKJV)


The day after we were married, my husband and I were headed for O’Hare Airport when we were hit head-on by a car on the Dan Ryan Expressway. We were taken to a hospital and released three hours later with only headaches. But it was now evening, our car had been towed, and the bus lines were closed. An expensive taxi ride would eat into our savings.

A man in the waiting room offered us a ride to the airport. Tired and shook up, we knew it was risky, but we accepted his offer.

“I was in a car accident myself a few months ago,” the stranger said. He would always walk with a limp, but he was thankful to be alive. As he dropped us off at the airport terminal, he gave us $10 and said, “Buy yourselves a good breakfast.”

Even though that accident could have been a blight on our first days together, it became one of the best days of our shared lives because a stranger offered to help us and he did so magnificently with his words.

The angel was a stranger to Joseph and yet he had good news for Joseph.

Who can you help today with encouraging words and actions?

Kayleen Reusser
www.KayleenR.com

God is our refuge and strength

Psalm 46: 1: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

When my mother-in-law was in the last stages of liver cancer, she and her husband chose hospice care to ease her toward the end of life. That gave her eight children and their spouses opportunities to nurse her at home.

Dozens of people helped us survive those three months. Hospice employees and volunteers taught nursing skills. Neighbors shoveled the driveway so her doctor could come for treatments. Church friends brought meals and cards arrived. Friends from several states phoned in concern.

Danish hymnwriter, Nikolai Frederik Grundtvig, wrote in an 1855 sermon, “We will not be fearful or despondent in the great transition period from darkness to light, from death to life... for... God’s children... shall not fear evil as they walk through the valley of the shadow of death.”

God, thank you for the help we receive from Christian brothers and sisters. Show us how to help others in their need.

The End

Kayleen Reusser
www.KayleenR.com

A Tribute to My Dad

One year ago today my dad died from complications due to surgery to fix an aortic aneurysm. It was unexpected and hard to hear that his various systems were shutting down.

But in the end, we knew it was best for him to be gone and not trying to live with limited capacity. The doctor had said he would be paralyzed from the waist down. That would have been a hard thing for my dad who was always active, either farming, building things in his shop, taking care of dogs, or playing with grandkids.

He loved Mom and they had just celebrated 47 years together a few days before.

We will spend time today as a family remembering Dad. I think he would be proud to see where we all are today. One grandchild graduated from college this year and he would have been thrilled with that since he didn’t go to college.

But even with his lack of education, Dad worked hard and provided for his family in a great way. We never did without, but we didn’t grow up spoiled either. We went to church and Dad went when he wasn't gone on the railroad. He was happiest with his family and people. Dad had a lot of friends, including some young guys who he was like a mentor with.

He also believed in giving people a second chance. If a guy came to Dad who had served time in jail, Dad would give him a job. I was always amazed that he would allow this person to work in his shop when he was gone. As far as I know, nothing was ever stolen.

I think this is why I have stayed in the position as editor of the Allen Co Jail Chaplaincy newsletter since 2000. I figure if Dad could see the worth in a person who had made a mistake, I wanted to be a part of that too. In each issue we do an interview with an inmate who has been brought to Christ through the jail chaplaincy. I always hope that when they get out, someone will give them a chance to work like my dad did with the other guys.

Another way Dad has influenced me through my writing was during this past year when I wrote a play as part of a playwriting group. I introduced a Grandpa and young man in it that, I didn’t realize until after the play was written, reflects what I saw in the relationship between my dad and my son. They were close and Dad always had time to talk to my son.

The play’s cold reading will be in a few weeks and I’m wishing Dad was here to see it. I know he would get a kick out of seeing something I’ve written – he always made a fuss about anything I had published. That meant a lot.

So even though Dad won’t be there, I’ll be thinking of him and thanking him for such a great life and example to us. We loved him and can’t wait to see him again someday in Heaven.


Kayleen Reusser
Freelance writer
http://www.KayleenR.com

Watching our Words

Ps 15:3 “He does not evil to his neighbor...”

Our Ladies Bible Study had concluded and Helen slipped into the ladies’ room. As we gathered our purses and Bibles, Alexa asked, “Has anyone seen Tom Mitchell’s house recently?”

Several of us who knew the man with a slovenly yard shook our heads. Alexa continued, “He’s brought in more old cars, probably to salvage parts from. I swear that man has more trash at his place than a junkyard!”

We all laughed and turned to leave--then froze at the look on Helen’s face. She stood outside the bathroom, staring at us. Her face was white and her eyes wide with disbelief. Without a word, Helen snatched up her Bible and purse and hurried out of the church building.

Helen’s appearance and unexplained departure concerned me and I hurried after her. “Helen, wait!” Her keys were in the ignition by the time I caught up with her. “What’s wrong?”

“I overheard your remarks,” she burst out. “Everyone thinks Tom Mitchell is trash, but he is my father and it hurt me to hear all of you talking about him like that!” Tears spilling down her cheeks, Helen drove away.

I still remember the incident though it happened years ago. But I can’t remember what our lesson was about that day– could it have been love?

God, help me to watch every word that comes out of my mouth, especially judgments made in jest. It is evil and most definitely hurts. Help me to be an instrument of your peace.

Kayleen Reusser
Kjreusser@adamswells.com
www.KayleenR.com

We Preach Christ Crucified

1 Corinthians 1:18-24

“We preach Christ crucified…” verse 23

As a writer, I admire the Apostle Paul. He knew how to sling words together to create an explosion.

When he referred to Jesus as the “crucified Christ”, he coupled words that would have really angered his listeners. Jews could see Roman crosses erected in Palestine and recalled the curse instituted by God upon anyone hanged on a tree (Deuteronomy 21:23).

The Greeks and Romans reasoned that God’s Chosen One would never be treated as a rebellious slave on anything so utterly offensive and undignified as a cross!

Paul knew that Christ had suffered a particularly cruel and shameful death. He knew it was considered foolishness to his readers to speak of a “crucified Christ”.

Yet, under the inspiration and courage of the Holy Spirit, Paul used the two words that best conveyed his meaning.

Throughout the centuries, the cross has become a sign of salvation and victory. In a strange twist of irony, the church now sees the former symbol of humility and shame as the path to life and salvation.

To those responding to God’s call of love and obedience, the cross makes available the power of God to overcome sin. It reveals the wisdom of God in offering men the only effective scheme for their salvation.

God, thank you for giving Your Son to die on the cross so that we might have life.

Kayleen Reusser
www.KayleenR.com

A Tribute to My Parents' Marriage

Today would have been my parents’ 48th wedding anniversary. Dad died last year from complications following surgery. We miss him, but we know he is better off in Heaven than in a nursing home as he most likely would have been.

Dad was a builder. On my mantle sits a wooden wishing well filled with flowers. Dad made around 60 of these and gave them away to people he liked. In the corner of the living room sits a cedar chest he also made for each of us girls. He also made me book shelves at my request.

Those items were in his spare time. He also formed a company that made utility trailers, which he ran for many years, as well as farming and working on the railroad.

Dad worked hard, and he made things to last. I’m glad one of them was his marriage. His family benefited from his commitment to his wife, family, church, and friends.

Thanks, Dad, for being a good husband to our mother for 47 years. We love you and look forward to giving you a hug and kiss again someday.

“For we know that all things work together for those that love God and are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28

Kayleen Reusser
http://www.KayleenR.com

Stories of Hope

I Timothy 1:12-17.

“Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all.” (vs 15)

As a writer, I love to publish stories of how God has worked in people’s lives. Donna and Thad divorced and later remarried when they allowed God to become central in their marriage.

Joe didn’t believe God loved poor kids and became a tough individual until an evangelistic crusade preacher showed him God’s care in his life.

Each of these people cried, when telling me their stories, overcome by the wrongness of their past actions.

In this passage Paul called himself “the worst of sinners”-- not once, but two times (v.15,16)

Earlier he referred to himself as a “blasphemer”, “persecutor”, and “violent aggressor.” I wonder if after writing these words Paul also cried with remorse. If so, he didn’t allow his thoughts to dwell on the past.

He stated twice that he was shown mercy by God (v 13,16), adding that he knew his life story could be used by God to win people to Him.

Donna, Thad, Joe, and Paul let their lives be used as an example to win others to Christ.

Does someone need to hear your story today?

Lord, help me to share my story of how You saved me. I will always love and trust you. Amen.


Kayleen Reusser
Freelance writer
www.KayleenR.com

Appearance Isn’t Everything

Ps 48:1-8
v. 2: It is beautiful in its loftiness, the joy of the whole earth.” NIV

He was born in an agricultural community and learned the trade of tinkering from his father. John led a dissolute life until given a Bible. The tinsmith devoured the contents and began preaching, but he was arrested for preaching without a license and the tinker spent the next 12 years in jail.

John used the time to teach the Bible to fellow prisoners. Jailed a second time in 1675, John Bunyan completed a magnificent allegorical manuscript about Heaven. “The Pilgrim’s Progress” (1678) attained such enormous popularity that, together with the Bible, it was almost the sole reading matter for many centuries.

Jerusalem was not impressive in size. Mount Olives to the East was higher. Yet, God had declared this city holy. The Psalmist believed it represented the idea of God’s place above the world, where God met Man, and holiness & sinner were bridged.

Physical appearance impresses everyone, but God. He sees only what can be, with His help.

God, help us not to judge on appearance or manmade standards. You are the supreme Authority on what is good and acceptable and perfect. Help us to measure with Your ruler. Amen.

Kayleen Reusser
Freelance writer
http://www.KayleenR.com

A New Start

Zechariah 8:1-6
v 3: This is what the Lord says: “I will return to Zion and dwell in Jerusalem. Then Jerusalem will be called the City of Truth…” NIV


My friend Maggie Troyer used to be a drop-out, drug-dependent and a prostitute. She knew she was living selfishly, but she didn’t want to change.

Then Maggie married Richard, also a drug-user. Maggie and Richard knew their marriage wouldn’t survive their bad habits so they began going to church and reading the Bible.

When Maggie and Richard asked Jesus Christ to be their Savior, they rejoiced! The decision gave them strength to stop taking drugs and start marital counseling. Today Maggie and Richard serve God in the Midwest.

Jerusalem, the holy city of God, had rebelled against His laws. It was considered “unclean” (Lamentations 1:8-17), a “harlot” and murderer” (Isaiah 1:21).

Yet, Zechariah prophesied that God would return to dwell there. It would become an honest place and the city would be set apart for true service to God.

Rebellion towards God doesn’t have to be permanent. Each person who turns aside from doing wrong can know His forgiveness and love and receive a new start in life.

I struggle against rebellion towards God daily – wanting to be critical, worrying, eating too much. It’s so great to know God knows about my struggles and He loves me anyway.

He loves you too – struggles and all.

You can read more about Maggie and her amazing story of deliverance at http://www.christianitytoday.com/tcw/2004/003/15.24.html.

Contact Maggie for speaking appearances at Setonefree@aol.com.

Take care.

Kayleen Reusser

http://www.KayleenR.com

Spoons vs Forks

Acts 20:17-35
It is more blessed to give than to receive. (v. 35)

My seven-year-old daughter, Lindsay, was helping me set the table. “I’m glad I’m not a fork,” she suddenly announced.

‘What’s wrong with forks?” I asked.

“Forks like to stab things, trying to get everything for themselves. It’s like they say, ‘Gimme, gimme’ all the time.”

I held up a knife. “What about these?”

Lindsay shook her head. “Too bossy. Knives always want to change things to fit themselves.”

“But spoons are like your friends,” she said, cradling one in her palm. “They seem to say, ‘Here, let me help you.’”

What utensil would people use to describe you?

God, it is tempting to take when we should give. Help us to always see the blessing in giving.

The End

Kayleen Reusser
Freelance writer
http://www.KayleenR.com

A Tribute to My Husband

My husband and I recently celebrated our 26th wedding anniversary. I missed posting this on the actual day (Aug 2), but I didn’t forget about the day or the man whom I married. John has been a terrific husband. He’s stuck by me through some hard times, like when I had back surgery and couldn't get up or down from a chair without pain. He’s also helped care for our three children and always worked hard to provide for us. It hasn't been easy. But we’ve always found something to laugh at and that’s probably been the glue that held us together, as well as our faith in God. He’s always been a church-going guy and that’s been a source of pride for me. He’s interested in the Bible and knowing what God wants out of Him and he strives for it daily.

To sum it up: John, you’re a peach. I wouldn't trade you for any other man in the world. I hope we have another 26 years together. Love you.

Kayleen
www.KayleenR.com

I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair...

Psalm 51:1-10
Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity…” v 2

I've been swimming a lot during this hot weather and realized I've forgotten to buy shampoo designed for swimmers. As a result, my hair is slightly brittle at this stage and nearing bird's nest status. At least it isn't green-- yet. :)

Whenever I spend a lot of time washing my hair as I am now, I think of the scene in the movie, “South Pacific” when Mitzi Gaynor sings, “I’m gonna wash that man right outa my hair.”

The analogy of cleaning her life of romance with soap and water is cute.

Ironically, David wasn’t kidding around at all when he used a similar concept in describing his bad behavior with Bathsheba.

After the prophet Nathan confronted David about his sinful behavior with Bathsheba, David confessed his wrongdoing and Nathan declared his forgiveness. Still, David couldn’t rest until a full and heartfelt confession was made.

He used cleaning terms to show the seriousness of how he felt about his past actions --“blot out my transgressions”, “wash me thoroughyly from my iniquity”, “cleanse me from my sin”, “purify me with hyssop.”

The latter refers to a plant used to apply the blood of a sacrifice (Exodus 12:22).

David wanted to remove every trace of blight from his life to the point of offering himself as a sacrifice.

We don’t have to use hyssop today to have our sin removed from God’s sight. Jesus became our sacrifice and hyssop branch so that any sin we confess to God is wiped clean.

David might have sung Mitzi’s song, with a twist of lyrics, “God’s gonna wash that sin right outa my life.”

God, help me to see my sin for what it is—a tragedy against You, others, and myself.

What do you think about this subject of sin and forgiveness? Do you believe we need to rid ourselves of it by bringing God into it? Why or why not?

Take care.

Kayleen
www.KayleenR.com