My husband, baby son and I had just been told we would have to move from our apartment because the owner needed it for his family. We didn’t know what we would do. Eddie had only a few months left of his college education and Jimmy had to see the doctor every week because of a birth problem he had. Finally, Eddie’s dad said he owned a field which had a condemned house on it. He could fix it up a bit and let us live in it for those few months. We wouldn’t have to pay any rent either! We were excited and moved in.

The house looked fine after we put our furniture in it, and we were comfortable. One morning I put Jimmy in his potty chair and went into the kitchen to begin making breakfast. Then I went into the adjoining room to take him off his potty chair.Their were four baby rats in it! I hadn’t looked before. Unexpected! I sure was.I have always been afraid of mice and rats but now I had placed my baby with them! Eddie had gone to his classes at the college, and I had never felt so alone in my life. I picked up the baby and and walked quite a few blocks to my father in law’s house where I stayed until Eddie came home. My father in law had some men get rid of the rats and we continued to live there until Eddie’s graduation. However, I never felt comfortable there and I was very happy when we moved out.

Now, I admit that was quite a small thing, but I can mention a much larger story from the Bible, Matthew 25. Ten young girls took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five were foolish and five were prudent.The foolish took no oil for their lamps with them and the prudent had oil enough for any emergency. While they waited, they went to sleep and some of their lamps went out. The foolish asked the prudent for some of their oil. But they refused, telling them they only have enough for themselves.

The bridegroom came and the feast was ready. He took the prudent girls with him to the feast and the door was shut. Later the foolish girls said, “open up for us!” The bridegroom said, “I do not know you.” Jesus told that parable to a group of folks, telling them to be ready at any time they must leave this earth. He is telling you the same thing. He could come any day or hour! Be expectant!

Spend time with me anytime or all the time. Staying at home is getting pretty hard these days, isn’t it? They say it’s almost impossible for young children. I heard, just the other day, that six children committed suicide and that was just because they had stayed at home for such a long time. There has been other problems as well, such as alcohol abuse, over doses of drugs and verbal and physical abuse. I can’t blame them because they haven’t accepted the invitation.

When the children of Israel were walking through the desert, Moses had trouble with them. They were very sinful, and never followed God’s instructions. Because of this God sent snakes into their camp.Many died before they answered God’s instruction. When they looked up at the pole God had directed Moses to plant, the people would not be bitten. They decided to obey. (temporarily)

You have been invited by Jesus to live with him every day. He is tender saying, ” Don’t be afraid, just believe.” He doesn’t fight or shout; He doesn’t raise his voice, He loves to hold little children in his arms and tell them stories. He will heal you, He will listen to your problems and help you fix them. He is your friend.

Why don’t you invite him into your home today. He really wants you to! I know that when I forget he is here, my day doesn’t go so well. But as soon as I talk a bit with him, I cheer up. Maybe you have never felt his love or invited Him into your life. You can do that very easily, Just say, “I believe you live and that you want me to love you. I believe you died for me and my sins and that you arose from the dead and now you will live with me and I will live with you.

Oh your day will be so much better. You will be happier just knowing He is near. Won’t you look to Jesus and see how wonderful He is.