It seems we are always losing things in our family. Recently, I’ve lost my car keys, Lauren lost two library books from school, Robin lost her black "everything notebook" with receipts, coupons, calendar, etc. and I don’t even know what Hannah may have lost!

When we lose something of value, it immediately affects our schedule and most often our mood! We may go into ”overdrive” running through the house trying to locate it or into deep thought attempting to remember where we saw it last. There is almost always some “panic” because it usually is associated with a timetable or cost. Every leave your purse or wallet somewhere or drop your money envelope after leaving the bank? You can break out in a sweat just thinking about it!

What should we first do when we lose something? Well, we should stop and pray. We may not often do that first, but it is the smartest thing to do. Why? Because there is really only one person who really knows where the item it – God Himself. Does He care about your lost things? I believe He does. No prayer or issue is too great or too small for Him. Phils. 4:6-7 comes to mind, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Do you know it really works?! Prayer works. Prayer works because prayer is simply our relationship with Jesus Christ. He’s here to help us.

I can attest that car keys have been found (in coat pockets and by the TV), library books (in the bottom of drawers and the “locker abyss”), and “everything notebooks” on the shelf in the garage. Relief is immediate when the lost item is found!

Jesus described that relief and joy in Luke 15:10: “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” Lost people matter to God and because lost people matter to God; they should matter to us as well. Who are you praying for to come to know Jesus’ as their Lord and Savior? In what ways are you searching for opportunities to influence them for Christ? This season of Lent is a great time to pray for and invite people to worship with us at First Church. God is here and He is here for all who will seek him. Remember the words of Christ, “The Son of Man came to seek and to save what the Lost." (Luke 19:10)

Is there an urgency in your love for others? Do you realize what is really at stake? Eternity hangs in the balance. Who can I influence for Christ today?

We’re leaving for Israel next Wednesday. Do you have lost friends and relatives whose names you’d like me to place in the Western Wall? Bring them to me this Sunday and I will carry them on my person and in my heart to the Jerusalem. Shalom!

Yours in Christ’s Love,
Mark