God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

It was about 25 years ago that a woman found herself dying of AIDs.

She had been a faithful wife, but she had been married to an unfaithful husband. As was the case back then, her reputation was ruined, and she found herself deserted by her friends and most of her church. One day her loneliness was broken by a visit by the hospital chaplain.

She wanted him to provide something she could hold on to. She wanted that, but in reality she felt there was little the chaplain -- or anyone else -- could do to bring comfort. Everything about her showed she felt unloved, forgotten and hopeless.

As he was listening, the chaplain noticed a small, silver-framed picture of a pretty girl on the woman's dresser. Finally, during a break in the woman's telling of her woes, he asked, "And who is this?"

For the first time, the woman's face brightened. "That's Teri, my daughter. She's the only beautiful thing left to me."

The chaplain asked, "Would you still call Teri your daughter if she was in trouble ... maybe bad trouble ... maybe trouble so bad so none of her friends talked to her or wanted to spend time with her? Would you still love her?"

The woman shot back: "Reverend, what kind of question is that? Of course, I would love her. She's my daughter. I'm her mother. If everyone else left her, that's when she would need me the most."

In a voice not much louder than a whisper, the chaplain said: "My question was a hard one, but I wanted to hear your answer. You see, I want you to know that God has your picture on His dresser too."

Then he explained to her, just as I'm explaining to you, that when no one else cares, God continues to love.

Even if you are unimportant to the rest of the world, you are still incredibly special to your Father. You are so important He let His only Son live and die so you, if you have the faith He wishes to give, will live forever.

Today, my friends, that story may just be a story to you. Still the day may come when you, like that lady, feel alone and nobody, not even the Lord, cares for you.

If that day ever arrives -- and I pray it doesn't -- on that day don't you believe those feelings and thoughts; don't believe them for a moment or for a minute.

God cares and Jesus has put your picture on His dresser.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, the devil and the world would simply love us to believe we are unloved and unwanted. Grant that when they try to sell us such a suggestion, the Lord Jesus will speak from our hearts and set them straight. This I ask in the Name of the Savior who has shown me the intensity and depth of His love. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Today's Bible Readings: 1 Chronicles 26-27    1 Corinthians 15:1-28

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