​Don't Give Up! - Psalm 135:14

Saturday March 19

Don't Give Up - Psalm 135:14 (NIV)

“For the Lord will vindicate His people and have compassion on His servants.”

When I visit the Native Reservations on the Olympic Peninsula, one of the first things I notice is houses in need of paint and repair and broken down cars.  But I also notice that the people are always friendly and easy to talk.  When you take the time to listen to their stories, you may find out the truth about living a Reservation life day by day.

One of the reasons for the broken down cars and homes in ill-repair is that the income per family is about $700 a month, and often times even less. Many of the Reservations are isolated, and there are no jobs available. In spite of this, they remain loving people who typically have a good sense of humor - even though many of them are living with generational depression, due to traumatic events from the past. Drugs are easy to get.  Suicide is higher on the Reservation for young people than the national average, because of addiction, broken homes, and the feeling of hopelessness.

But many of the elders are believers in Jesus, and they have a strong relationship with the Lord, and by having them as a big part of the family and community helps the children and youth on their journey through life.

Jesus died on the cross for all of us, not just some of us, and because of His sacrifice and love, we all have hope and eternal life forever in Him.

Lord,
I am always thankful for the gift of the Holy Spirit, who You have sent to us to teach us each day of our lives. 
In Jesus name, Amen.

Deacon Tom Benzler (Ioway) - Olympic Peninsula, Washington