The word ever means ongoing, doesn’t it? But what word you put in front of it can make a difference. That word sheds light upon the ongoing question.
Whatever can imply disbelief or nonacceptance. “Whatever you say…” “Whatever happens…”
However can suggest either a change in thought – “However, I see it differently.” – or an inability to see a change. “However are you going to do that?”
Whenever often has an exasperated sigh hidden in it. I may be done, but who knows when? “Whenever you decide to take out the trash…” “Whenever you go to the store…” “Whenever will things change around here?”
But whoever indicates a belief that someone can do something. “Whoever wants this job can have it.” “Whoever makes an A will be exempt from next week’s test.”
Jesus used this word. He told the religious officials about to stone a woman to death for a grievous sin, “Whoever is without sin, pick up the first stone.” (But He chose not to, instead He forgave the woman and commanded her to go and sin no more.) He told his followers and curious onlookers, “Whoever believes in me shall inherit eternal life.” Not everyone would that day, but one day…
If I say whatever, whenever, or however, then doubt creeps in. But even if I do not know what, when, or how, if I know who, then my question changes from “maybe” to “someone can.” As a Christian, I believe in my soul of souls in the Who. He is all-powerful, almighty, all-knowing, and all-loving. He is the one who died for the sin of the world and rose again, so those who believe can have life everlasting in His eternal kingdom, where there is no hurt, anger, or pain.
And there is one other “ever” I know. No matter what, or how, or even when, I know His love for me is forever. It is for you as well.
Without question, Jesus is the whoever you are looking for in your life, and will be forever more.
One letter can make a huge difference. Mean versus moan. Bad vs bed. Dog vs. dig.
others, and loving others takes our minds, actions, and hearts off ourselves. Then, we begin to realize we have something in common – we all need love. We need each other. We need God.
This time of year many of our minds are on gifts. What are we going to give Uncle George who is so hard to shop for? What about our grown kids? Our coworkers? Our pastors or ministry teams? How much should we spend? Should we bake cookies and treats to give neighbors or is that against the new social distancing rules?
Training pets takes patience, time, and tenacity. I’ve had my little guinea pig for about five months now. At first, he was so afraid of this giant outside of his cage but slowly he has come to trust me as the person who opens his bag of food to scoop some into his bowl or reaches in the refrigerator to bring him veggies. But, I am also the one who disturbs him when I have to clean out his cage. Sometimes I turn on this loud box with flashing pictures and weird sounds in the evening. And I use this noisy machine with a light in front of it and run it back and forth across the carpet.
The closer you get to a mirror, the sharper the image becomes. You may begin to see wrinkles, blemishes, small details previously unnoticed. But you also can see beauty, clearer characteristics, and sparkling eyes…if you look the right way.
The online dictionary defines the word plight as “a dangerous, difficult, or otherwise unfortunate situation.” Many people may think that describes 2020.
Reins are used to train a horse. With the bits in its mouth, the rains tug on him, telling him which way his master wants him to turn, stop or run. It is control by force. When someone is out of control, we say they must be reined in. I have heard that a g horse that is forcefully reined in too much develops a callus on the corners of its mouth to protect itself from the bit. After a while, it’s body puts up a natural defense against the reins.
“When you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’
Where Did You Find God Today? 