Bright Eyes

​On Sunday mornings when I’m in town and able to attend church, after the service ends I stand at the front of the sanctuary to pray for anyone needing prayer.   This past Sunday, a woman walked slowly forward with a slight stoop in posture.  Her teeth were black and badly rotted and it was obvious she had suffered a great deal—probably from drugs.  But what caught my attention was her bright eyes—they radiated warmth.  I asked what I could pray for her and she said she was suffering from liver disease.  After I finished praying she gave me a hug and shared how much she loved our church and how being there filled her with peace.  

Marge brought Jennifer, who was new to our church, and introduced her to me.  She shared why she had come to the Ascent and that she was encouraged by the service and hoped she and her husband could get involved as they were as leaders in their previous church.  Again, what caught my attention by this poised and mature woman was her bright eyes. They sparkled and sang of a joy and love that only God can give.  ​

Meditation
Proverbs 15:30--Bright eyes cheer the heart; good news strengthens the bones.
 
I forgot the name of the first woman but I know I’ll see her in church again.  I can’t imagine what her life is like but I know the hope that possesses her comes down from the Father of lights from whom every generous act and every perfect gift originates (James 1:17).  When our faith is firmly focused on God, our eyes tell the story.  They declare glory and proclaim worship.  They speak of grace wrapped around wounded hearts like a warm blanket on cold nights.  They define life not by what is suffered but by what is gained.  
            
Brennan Manning wrote in The Ragamuffin Gospel, “Our eyes reveal whether our souls are spacious or cramped, hospitable or critical, compassionate or judgmental.”  How are your eyes?  What message do they convey?  I pray they are bright and that you will bring men and women, boys and girls to the gates of life to know the One who made you to beam!
 
Inspiration
The thing that tells in the long run for God and for men is the steady persevering work in the unseen, and the only way to keep the life uncrushed is to live looking to God.  Ask God to keep the eyes of your spirit open to the Risen Christ, and it will be impossible for drudgery to damp you.—Oswald Chambers in My Utmost For His Highest
 
©2019 Daniel York  ARR.  Reveration is the weekly devotional ministry of First Cause.  If you would like to receive these devotionals go to www.firstcause.org and click on the “Click here to receive weekly devotionals” box.  Unlimited permission to copy this devotional without altering text or profiteering is allowed subject to inclusion of this copyright notice.      
 
Ecclesiastes 12:10-The Teacher sought to find delightful sayings and to accurately write words of truth.  (Holman CSB)