LOVE WITHOUT LIMITS 

Bernadette Keene 

Today’s Scripture: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, ESV 

Theme: Knowing God’s will may be simple--pray, rejoice, give thanks in all situations--yet following through isn’t easy. 

MY DAD, MY HERO 

My father passed away in 2019, but there are days when my mind is flooded with memories of all the times he rescued me, helped me figure things out or find my way, even if I had disappointed him. All the times he prayed for me, I will never know. When I was 13 years old, I was in a terrible accident. Back in the day, newspapers were delivered out of a bag thrown over the handlebars of a bicycle. That day, I was covering my brother's route for him and was almost finished when I was struck, run over, and dragged seventy-five yards by a drunk driver in a pickup truck going sixty miles per hour. I remember the sounds of a basketball thumping on the ground as a few boys from my school played a game, the smell of burning rubber and gasoline, and the taste of blood and dirt like it was yesterday. One of the boys ran over and covered me with his jacket and somehow, I managed to give him my address and told him to get my dad. The next thing I remembered was my dad, on his knees leaning over me as the EMT's worked on me. He was holding my hand saying, "I'm here right here; everything is going to be okay."  

It truly is a miracle that I am alive today. As I think of my dad and that memory, I cannot help but see how he was an earthly reflection of my Heavenly Father, not just on that day, but every day of his life. Every mistake, every broken heart, every moment--good or bad, he was there for me. I miss him terribly, but I am so thankful for his life and how it impacted mine and helped me find my way back to faith. 

A FOREVER LOVE

In the movie Soul on Fire, the narrative follows John, a young boy who suffers severe burns due to a gas explosion. His family remains close, offering comfort and support. His father kneels beside him and reassures him with the words, "I am here, I love you, and there is nothing you can do about it." This message serves as the central theme of the film. Throughout John's difficult recovery and periods of discouragement, the steadfast love of his father, along with the unwavering support from friends and family, provides John with the strength and resilience necessary to endure the challenges he faces. John’s father and the way he loved his son through his recovery reflects the way our Heavenly Father loves us, even if we make mistakes.  

Make It Personal: Have you ever encountered adversity so overwhelming that you doubted you would make it through? A tragic accident or an experience that left you feeling unlovable? Many of us can connect with John's story in some way. There may be days when we want to give up or feel that life is too hard; but the most important truth to remember during these times is that your Heavenly Father loves you unconditionally—and there is nothing you can do about it. 

Pray: Jesus, You are our strength and shield. Help us to completely trust You with all our hearts, letting go of our worries. Fill our minds with Your perfect peace. Grant us peace of mind and heart as we step out in faith, even when we cannot see the path ahead. Give us strength to persevere through whatever challenges we face, knowing that You are near and that You love us. Amen. 

Read: Psalm 28:7, Lamentations 3:22-23 

Weekly Memory Verse: “Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14, ESV