...well, anything that is in God's will!
Today, the devotion was John 21:1-13, about the disciples fishing in the night, thinking Jesus was dead. They caught nothing and probably felt like all was lost on so many levels: no fish, no Jesus, no direction, no joy, no peace as they had all run away when Jesus was arrested just a week or so ago.
As they are in their boat downhearted and empty of fish, they are told by some guy on the shore to cast their nets to the right side of the boat. I suppose they had nothing to lose, so they did. They then caught 153 fish and their nets were so full they should have broken, but they didn't. That is when they shifted their focus from them and their situation to the guy on the shore and realized who the "guy" is! Wow!
Peter jumps overboard and swims to shore. Waiting there is Jesus with breakfast prepared for them! How cool will that be in heaven some day?
This is a great reminder to me to first of all, always keep my eyes on God: His glory, His will, His scripture. If I am focused on the things of this world without keeping it all in His will, then I will not have a good day. I see this all the time as I am a "doer." I get caught up in completing projects and that is my entire focus. It causes me to take my eyes off of God.
However, if when I am doing my doer thing, I focus on God, then I accomplish things, and I accomplish them in a way that glorifies God and is His will. That is what I really want to do all the time. I don't seem to be able to consistently do this, though. So what do I do about this? Well, I cling to the following verse:
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
- 1Co 10:13
God, thank you for always providing a way for me to get through anything. Help me to focus on you only!
Thursday, April 16, 2015
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
Defend your faith
I Peter 3:12
"Always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you."
My devotions this morning, John 20:24-31, were about Jesus coming back to see the disciples and Doubting Thomas.
Thomas did not believe until Jesus came back when Thomas was in the room. Then Thomas had to see and touch Jesus' scars to believe. Jesus tells them all that they have believed because they have seen, but blessed are those who have believed even though they have not physically seen or touched Jesus. That is me!
I have never seen Jesus physically and touched His nail scarred hands; yet I believe. I believe because I have seen the changes in my life and others who believe. I believe because I have read the Bible and in it are tons of examples of why I should believe because of God's love. I believe because there are eyewitness accounts in the Bible of people seeing Jesus raised from the dead. I believe because there is physical evidence of the scrolls that make up the Bible. I believe because there is no way people would die for something unless they really believed it and because the New Testament church spread the gospel like wildfire. Thousands of people believed at one time when the gospel was preached!
Wow! How can I not believe!
So, there you have it, "be prepared to make a defense." Mine is prepared!
"Always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you."
My devotions this morning, John 20:24-31, were about Jesus coming back to see the disciples and Doubting Thomas.
Thomas did not believe until Jesus came back when Thomas was in the room. Then Thomas had to see and touch Jesus' scars to believe. Jesus tells them all that they have believed because they have seen, but blessed are those who have believed even though they have not physically seen or touched Jesus. That is me!
I have never seen Jesus physically and touched His nail scarred hands; yet I believe. I believe because I have seen the changes in my life and others who believe. I believe because I have read the Bible and in it are tons of examples of why I should believe because of God's love. I believe because there are eyewitness accounts in the Bible of people seeing Jesus raised from the dead. I believe because there is physical evidence of the scrolls that make up the Bible. I believe because there is no way people would die for something unless they really believed it and because the New Testament church spread the gospel like wildfire. Thousands of people believed at one time when the gospel was preached!
Wow! How can I not believe!
So, there you have it, "be prepared to make a defense." Mine is prepared!
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
Breath on me, breath of God!
Today, in my devotional, I read John 20:22
And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.
It is interesting that God breathed Adam into existence, that He breathed the Spirit into the disciples, and that He breathed the Holy Spirit into all believers. That is not to say that before Jesus did this, no one else had the Holy Spirit, because the Bible says otherwise. However, here is an example of the Lord ensuring we would have peace as we walk with Him during our time on this earth.
Things are never easy and simple! Some days are just bad...everything goes wrong without any forewarning, relationships get screwed up and we are caught unawares and blind sided and hurt, people behave oddly and we are left wondering what happened, we say and do things we wish we hadn't.
It says in the Bible that our Spirit wants to do what is right, but our flesh (and everyone else's) is weak. So we, and others, do things we wish we hadn't. Then comes John 20:22. And we have peace.
We have peace! We have peace because God loves us and gave us that peace. We have peace, because no matter how anyone else treats us, we are loved by God. We have peace, because no matter how badly we mess up, we are loved and forgiven by God!
Praise God for His never-ending and deep love for all of us! We have peace!
And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.
It is interesting that God breathed Adam into existence, that He breathed the Spirit into the disciples, and that He breathed the Holy Spirit into all believers. That is not to say that before Jesus did this, no one else had the Holy Spirit, because the Bible says otherwise. However, here is an example of the Lord ensuring we would have peace as we walk with Him during our time on this earth.
Things are never easy and simple! Some days are just bad...everything goes wrong without any forewarning, relationships get screwed up and we are caught unawares and blind sided and hurt, people behave oddly and we are left wondering what happened, we say and do things we wish we hadn't.
It says in the Bible that our Spirit wants to do what is right, but our flesh (and everyone else's) is weak. So we, and others, do things we wish we hadn't. Then comes John 20:22. And we have peace.
We have peace! We have peace because God loves us and gave us that peace. We have peace, because no matter how anyone else treats us, we are loved by God. We have peace, because no matter how badly we mess up, we are loved and forgiven by God!
Praise God for His never-ending and deep love for all of us! We have peace!
Monday, April 13, 2015
What have I seen? What have I done?
Today the scripture was about Jesus, after He has risen, instructing the disciples to go out and share the Gospel with everyone.
As a Christian, I am instructed to do the same. Do I? I started thinking back through the last couple weeks, then months, then years. I have not shared the Gospel with anyone, I don't think. Well, maybe I have, but then I didn't see any fruit from it.
That seems kind of sad. Here I am, forgiven through Christ, loved by God, and promised eternity in heaven with the Father, and I am not excited enough to share this and see others come to Christ through my sharing the Gospel?
Okay, so maybe I shared a little, but nothing happened! Maybe I appear so different from others I am around that they can see I am a Chistian by my behaviour. Maybe that example made an impression. Maybe I have planted some seeds along the way, but where are the converts? I don't see them; not even in my own family.
Where does that leave me? What am I doing wrong? What am I doing right?
Father, please help me to share the Good News when the Spirit leads me to do so. I want to lead others to you. Please help me do that whether I get to see the results or not. Amen
As a Christian, I am instructed to do the same. Do I? I started thinking back through the last couple weeks, then months, then years. I have not shared the Gospel with anyone, I don't think. Well, maybe I have, but then I didn't see any fruit from it.
That seems kind of sad. Here I am, forgiven through Christ, loved by God, and promised eternity in heaven with the Father, and I am not excited enough to share this and see others come to Christ through my sharing the Gospel?
Okay, so maybe I shared a little, but nothing happened! Maybe I appear so different from others I am around that they can see I am a Chistian by my behaviour. Maybe that example made an impression. Maybe I have planted some seeds along the way, but where are the converts? I don't see them; not even in my own family.
Where does that leave me? What am I doing wrong? What am I doing right?
Father, please help me to share the Good News when the Spirit leads me to do so. I want to lead others to you. Please help me do that whether I get to see the results or not. Amen
Sunday, April 12, 2015
The Pursuit...
“...if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
- 2 Chronicles 7:14
My devotion today used the word pursuit frequently in regards to God pursuing us. That is why I started this blog the first time, because I finally figured out that God pursues me constantly...even when I am running in the other direction.
I have looked back at my life and have seen occasions when I finished a conversation but did not know what I was saying, yet I know He was using me for the sake of the other person.
This happens with actions, too. Once I was in a serious accident. I unbelievably walked away from it unscathed. I remember saying God must have plans for me or I would be dead...and I had not accepted Christ as my Saviour at that point.
It is crazy wonderful to know that through all my good and bad choices, God is always trying to get my attention so that He can save my soul, forgive me of my sins, and keep me in heaven with Him.
Thank you Father for always pursuing me and everyone else, too. I pray that if there is anything I should be doing for my friends and family as part of your pursuit of them, that you do not let me fall short! In Jesus Christ's name I pray. Amen.
My devotion today used the word pursuit frequently in regards to God pursuing us. That is why I started this blog the first time, because I finally figured out that God pursues me constantly...even when I am running in the other direction.
I have looked back at my life and have seen occasions when I finished a conversation but did not know what I was saying, yet I know He was using me for the sake of the other person.
This happens with actions, too. Once I was in a serious accident. I unbelievably walked away from it unscathed. I remember saying God must have plans for me or I would be dead...and I had not accepted Christ as my Saviour at that point.
It is crazy wonderful to know that through all my good and bad choices, God is always trying to get my attention so that He can save my soul, forgive me of my sins, and keep me in heaven with Him.
Thank you Father for always pursuing me and everyone else, too. I pray that if there is anything I should be doing for my friends and family as part of your pursuit of them, that you do not let me fall short! In Jesus Christ's name I pray. Amen.
Saturday, April 11, 2015
Ghosts?
Today, my devotion continued with what Jesus did after God raised Him from the grave. It has been refreshing to continue the Easter story as that is really what happened. There wasn't a big Easter celebration and then everyone moved on to their busy lives and forgot about it.
No, Jesus Christ came back physically and showed the disciples He was alive, had scars from the cross, could eat, walk, talk. Then he taught them. He showed them how the Old Testament scriptures had been fulfilled by Him. He taught them that they were to go and tell all nations. The story continues from Easter through all eternity! HALLELUJAH!
However, I noticed in the responses to this devotion today, that ghosts were brought up. Do they exist or not and can we Biblically prove or disprove this...as everything should go back to the Bible. So, I went to GotQuestions.com which I have used on many occasions to gather information to answer my Biblical questions.
You are probably thinking, is this a Snopes kind of thing? Well, please know that Snopes is the opinion of two people; so do with that what you want. On the other hand, Got Questions is Biblically based. That doesn't mean I have to agree with everything; I still need to verify with the scriptures, and prayer, the truth about what I have read or heard. Having said that, here is what GotQuestions.com says about ghosts:
Hebrews 9:27 declares, "Man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment." That is what happens to a person's soul-spirit after death"judgment. The result of this judgment is heaven for the believer (2 Corinthians 5:6-8; Philippians 1:23) and hell for the unbeliever (Matthew 25:46; Luke 16:22-24). There is no in-between. There is no possibility of remaining on earth in spirit form as a "ghost." If there are such things as ghosts, according to the Bible, they absolutely cannot be the disembodied spirits of deceased human beings.The Bible teaches very clearly that there are indeed spirit beings who can connect with and appear in our physical world. The Bible identifies these beings as angels and demons. Angels are spirit beings who are faithful in serving God. Angels are righteous, good, and holy. Demons are fallen angels, angels who rebelled against God. Demons are evil, deceptive, and destructive. According to 2 Corinthians 11:14-15, demons masquerade as "angels of light" and as "servants of righteousness." Appearing as a "ghost" and impersonating a deceased human being definitely seem to be within the power and abilities that demons possess.
I thought that was interesting. I already knew from reading the Bible that there were angels and demons. However, how do you explain people saying they have seen a ghost?
Well, let's assume they have seen something. According to this explaination (which is based on scripture), the ghosts are either angels or demons. That makes sense to me, both scripturally and after a short prayer.
On the Got Questions website, they go on to state that all of the fortune telling, etc. would be a great way for a demon to force a person's attention off of God in understanding things and on to the person telling them what they want to hear or even giving then real information as demons have access to that as well as angels.
It is scary to think that our society enjoys psychics, ghost hunters, ouija boards, tarot cards, s'ances, etc. and these are really machinations of demons getting a foothold in that person's life! Pulling them further from God. So, the next time I hear someone state they use these, I will hope the Holy Spirit tells me to help this person see the truth...I just hope I follow the Holy Spirit's prodding and pray before I open my mouth.
So, are there ghosts? No, I am obligated to agree with scripture in that I don't think there are dead people coming back to haunt people if that is what people are referring to. However, I do believe, scriptural, there are angels and demons who can either help us or hurt us based on which one they are. The angels help us walk with God in a closer relationship. The demons hurt us and pull us away from a close relationship with God!
What do you think?
No, Jesus Christ came back physically and showed the disciples He was alive, had scars from the cross, could eat, walk, talk. Then he taught them. He showed them how the Old Testament scriptures had been fulfilled by Him. He taught them that they were to go and tell all nations. The story continues from Easter through all eternity! HALLELUJAH!
However, I noticed in the responses to this devotion today, that ghosts were brought up. Do they exist or not and can we Biblically prove or disprove this...as everything should go back to the Bible. So, I went to GotQuestions.com which I have used on many occasions to gather information to answer my Biblical questions.
You are probably thinking, is this a Snopes kind of thing? Well, please know that Snopes is the opinion of two people; so do with that what you want. On the other hand, Got Questions is Biblically based. That doesn't mean I have to agree with everything; I still need to verify with the scriptures, and prayer, the truth about what I have read or heard. Having said that, here is what GotQuestions.com says about ghosts:
Hebrews 9:27 declares, "Man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment." That is what happens to a person's soul-spirit after death"judgment. The result of this judgment is heaven for the believer (2 Corinthians 5:6-8; Philippians 1:23) and hell for the unbeliever (Matthew 25:46; Luke 16:22-24). There is no in-between. There is no possibility of remaining on earth in spirit form as a "ghost." If there are such things as ghosts, according to the Bible, they absolutely cannot be the disembodied spirits of deceased human beings.The Bible teaches very clearly that there are indeed spirit beings who can connect with and appear in our physical world. The Bible identifies these beings as angels and demons. Angels are spirit beings who are faithful in serving God. Angels are righteous, good, and holy. Demons are fallen angels, angels who rebelled against God. Demons are evil, deceptive, and destructive. According to 2 Corinthians 11:14-15, demons masquerade as "angels of light" and as "servants of righteousness." Appearing as a "ghost" and impersonating a deceased human being definitely seem to be within the power and abilities that demons possess.
I thought that was interesting. I already knew from reading the Bible that there were angels and demons. However, how do you explain people saying they have seen a ghost?
Well, let's assume they have seen something. According to this explaination (which is based on scripture), the ghosts are either angels or demons. That makes sense to me, both scripturally and after a short prayer.
On the Got Questions website, they go on to state that all of the fortune telling, etc. would be a great way for a demon to force a person's attention off of God in understanding things and on to the person telling them what they want to hear or even giving then real information as demons have access to that as well as angels.
It is scary to think that our society enjoys psychics, ghost hunters, ouija boards, tarot cards, s'ances, etc. and these are really machinations of demons getting a foothold in that person's life! Pulling them further from God. So, the next time I hear someone state they use these, I will hope the Holy Spirit tells me to help this person see the truth...I just hope I follow the Holy Spirit's prodding and pray before I open my mouth.
So, are there ghosts? No, I am obligated to agree with scripture in that I don't think there are dead people coming back to haunt people if that is what people are referring to. However, I do believe, scriptural, there are angels and demons who can either help us or hurt us based on which one they are. The angels help us walk with God in a closer relationship. The demons hurt us and pull us away from a close relationship with God!
What do you think?
Friday, April 10, 2015
We are changed
I am so grateful that God loves us enough to send Jesus to die for our sins, that He sent the Holy Spirit to help me every minute of every day, that ALL my son's are forgiven...for they are many. Starting with feeling hurt which leads to anger or vengeance.
Usually, I am only thinking of myself when someone else hurts my feelings. If I had thought about what the other person was thinking or feeling, I would have realized quickly that the issue wasn't what was said but something else, and I could have helped perhaps instead of getting my feelings hurt.
The greatest commandments is to love the Lord our God with all our hearts, our souls, our minds. If we do this, the second greatest commandment makes sense, love your neighbor as yourself, because my neighbor is also loved by God. If I love my God, and He loves me...and He loves my neighbor, then I should love my neighbor also. Makes sense! Sounds easy right? Then why doesn't that happen all the time? How do I miss things?
So, Father, please help me to think about the other person first, not myself, so that I can show you I love you by loving others and I can show your love to them.
Usually, I am only thinking of myself when someone else hurts my feelings. If I had thought about what the other person was thinking or feeling, I would have realized quickly that the issue wasn't what was said but something else, and I could have helped perhaps instead of getting my feelings hurt.
The greatest commandments is to love the Lord our God with all our hearts, our souls, our minds. If we do this, the second greatest commandment makes sense, love your neighbor as yourself, because my neighbor is also loved by God. If I love my God, and He loves me...and He loves my neighbor, then I should love my neighbor also. Makes sense! Sounds easy right? Then why doesn't that happen all the time? How do I miss things?
So, Father, please help me to think about the other person first, not myself, so that I can show you I love you by loving others and I can show your love to them.
Thursday, April 9, 2015
The Great Commision
Today, I read about Jesus telling His disciples, that would be us also, to go and tell all nations about Him. It goes on to state how they did great things: healed the sick, saved the lost, raised the dead, didn't die from poison, etc. It even says, we will know we are His by these miracles.
Hmmmm. I believe I am His. I also think I have never healed the sick, given sight to the blind, or performed any other miracle... other than raising three sons without losing my sanity! I see there is a disconnect between the scripture and my life. So, where does that leave me?
Could I, no should I, be healing the sick and the blind, and definitely saving the lost? Does healing still happen today? Or was it just the disciples?
Well, at this point you are looking for an answer, and so am I. In the comments in my reading today, many people expressed with scripture that we should do what we are lead to do by the Holy Spirit. If we do, we just might do these miracles, or we just might plant a seed, or we might be the one to save a soul. However, we won't do any of that if we don't follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, stay close to God, read scripture, pray, pursue God.
Maybe I should be performing miracles in Jesus' name. Maybe I just don't believe enough? Maybe a don't listen enough? Maybe I don't act upon the Holy Spirit's leading, or act confidently upon it? I want to do that. I am going to do that.
Hmmmm. I believe I am His. I also think I have never healed the sick, given sight to the blind, or performed any other miracle... other than raising three sons without losing my sanity! I see there is a disconnect between the scripture and my life. So, where does that leave me?
Could I, no should I, be healing the sick and the blind, and definitely saving the lost? Does healing still happen today? Or was it just the disciples?
Well, at this point you are looking for an answer, and so am I. In the comments in my reading today, many people expressed with scripture that we should do what we are lead to do by the Holy Spirit. If we do, we just might do these miracles, or we just might plant a seed, or we might be the one to save a soul. However, we won't do any of that if we don't follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, stay close to God, read scripture, pray, pursue God.
Maybe I should be performing miracles in Jesus' name. Maybe I just don't believe enough? Maybe a don't listen enough? Maybe I don't act upon the Holy Spirit's leading, or act confidently upon it? I want to do that. I am going to do that.
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
Whom do I seek?
That was the devotion for today...Who do you seek? It starts with Mary at the tomb looking for Jesus. Crying. She looks inside, and He is not there. Then someone approaches her, and she asks Him if He has taken Jesus' body away and where. Finally, Jesus calls Mary by name, and she realizes it is Jesus, and she wants to cling to Him. This is who she had been seeking.
As I have written before, the scriptures always have a fresh message even when I have read them so many times I know what the words will be and I consider skimming rather than reading and contemplating what message God has for me today. Today, the message was: there is always a fresh and new message! So, I should always read and contemplate and allow the Holy Spirit to show me the message.
The second message was that Mary relentlessly sought Jesus...even though she didn't even understand yet that He was the Messiah and instead thought He was dead! Every fiber of her being knew she should seek Jesus, so she did. In fact, she sought Jesus relentlessly even when He appeared to be dead! What faith!
Do I seek Jesus relentlessly? Do I seek Him when I have no clue what is happening nor why? Do I seek Him when everything is going as planned, flawlessly? Do I seek Him when I am hurt? Father, I want to seek you relentlessly as Mary did. Please help me to do that every minute of every day! Amen.
As I have written before, the scriptures always have a fresh message even when I have read them so many times I know what the words will be and I consider skimming rather than reading and contemplating what message God has for me today. Today, the message was: there is always a fresh and new message! So, I should always read and contemplate and allow the Holy Spirit to show me the message.
The second message was that Mary relentlessly sought Jesus...even though she didn't even understand yet that He was the Messiah and instead thought He was dead! Every fiber of her being knew she should seek Jesus, so she did. In fact, she sought Jesus relentlessly even when He appeared to be dead! What faith!
Do I seek Jesus relentlessly? Do I seek Him when I have no clue what is happening nor why? Do I seek Him when everything is going as planned, flawlessly? Do I seek Him when I am hurt? Father, I want to seek you relentlessly as Mary did. Please help me to do that every minute of every day! Amen.
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
It is spring!
Yesterday, the day after Easter, I awoke, sad, distraught, not celebrating as I had been on Easter morning! That was confusing and saddened me!
Today, my devotional took me to what happened after Christ rose from the grave...after Easter! It took me to spring...what happens after a long cold winter where the trees are barren and the weather does not make me glad!
Spring is here, a new beginning, just as Christ is here after He rose from the grave. A new beginning is there for everyone who believes in Christ. That is me!
So, today, I am going to remember that new beginning instead of pouring over the moodiness of the day after a huge celebration. Without the reason for the celebration, there would be nothing to be happy about. Yesterday, I struggled to regain the celebration, when I should have been celebrating still as Christ is risen and is here with us and, for those of us who believe, we are with Him forever!
Now, that is the reason I should celebrate every day! Yes! Spring is here!
Today, my devotional took me to what happened after Christ rose from the grave...after Easter! It took me to spring...what happens after a long cold winter where the trees are barren and the weather does not make me glad!
Spring is here, a new beginning, just as Christ is here after He rose from the grave. A new beginning is there for everyone who believes in Christ. That is me!
So, today, I am going to remember that new beginning instead of pouring over the moodiness of the day after a huge celebration. Without the reason for the celebration, there would be nothing to be happy about. Yesterday, I struggled to regain the celebration, when I should have been celebrating still as Christ is risen and is here with us and, for those of us who believe, we are with Him forever!
Now, that is the reason I should celebrate every day! Yes! Spring is here!
Monday, April 6, 2015
After Easter
Easter Sunday has come and gone. The family time, the worship, the singing in the choir, celebrating with family, traditions. All have happened. All the celebrating is over. Now, it is time to get back to reality.
Reality? Really? Well, that is how I feel right now. I was pumped up yesterday with the Good News, yet today I am sad. I can not find that wonderful feeling I had yesterday, and that bothers me.
I know this is reality. That nothing has changed since yesterday. I am still a sinner, God is still in control, Jesus Christ still died for my sins and because of that I am forgiven of my sins. What could be wrong?
I don't know. But I do know the confidence I have that God loves me. So, I will get up and go through my day, and, I pray I will look to Him every second of every minute of every hour of the day.
If I do that, everything will be okay...no, it will be perfect!
Reality? Really? Well, that is how I feel right now. I was pumped up yesterday with the Good News, yet today I am sad. I can not find that wonderful feeling I had yesterday, and that bothers me.
I know this is reality. That nothing has changed since yesterday. I am still a sinner, God is still in control, Jesus Christ still died for my sins and because of that I am forgiven of my sins. What could be wrong?
I don't know. But I do know the confidence I have that God loves me. So, I will get up and go through my day, and, I pray I will look to Him every second of every minute of every hour of the day.
If I do that, everything will be okay...no, it will be perfect!
Saturday, April 4, 2015
Lent - Time of Renewal
Lenten season is a great time of renewal and rightly so. This year, however, has been the best for me. I have been reading a great devotional daily that is inspired by God. It has brought to me a depth of understanding and a clarity of the cross that I didn't have before.
I also learned a great deal by writing this blog. This blog was started as a part of giving up something for Lent. I decided to ADD blogging (thanks to the teacher friend God has put in my life). Unfortunately for me, that means I also gave up some things. I gave up some extra sleep time, my private thoughts, and my desire to whisk through my devotionals in order to get on with my day (yes, I am a "doer"). I gave these up so I could remember every day what Christ did for me on the cross. Wow! I would definitely suggest this to anyone! I have had to STOP my busyness and really focus on Christ, my Father, and the Holy Spirit! What a great journey!
This journey will not stop. It is too valuable. I will not go back. I have been renewed! Thank you, Father!
One thing I do need to change is to go back and review what I have learned. As a teacher, I know definitively that if you don't review, you forget! I need to go back and read my own blogs, so that I do not forget what I have learned. From now on, on Saturday mornings, I will go back and read and reflect on what I have learned instead of writing more! On Sunday mornings, I will work on my scripture memorization. Then I will be ready for worship!!!
I also learned a great deal by writing this blog. This blog was started as a part of giving up something for Lent. I decided to ADD blogging (thanks to the teacher friend God has put in my life). Unfortunately for me, that means I also gave up some things. I gave up some extra sleep time, my private thoughts, and my desire to whisk through my devotionals in order to get on with my day (yes, I am a "doer"). I gave these up so I could remember every day what Christ did for me on the cross. Wow! I would definitely suggest this to anyone! I have had to STOP my busyness and really focus on Christ, my Father, and the Holy Spirit! What a great journey!
This journey will not stop. It is too valuable. I will not go back. I have been renewed! Thank you, Father!
One thing I do need to change is to go back and review what I have learned. As a teacher, I know definitively that if you don't review, you forget! I need to go back and read my own blogs, so that I do not forget what I have learned. From now on, on Saturday mornings, I will go back and read and reflect on what I have learned instead of writing more! On Sunday mornings, I will work on my scripture memorization. Then I will be ready for worship!!!
Friday, April 3, 2015
Good Friday - It is Finished Day
From my SheReadsTruth.com today:
"IT IS FINISHED"
by Raechel Myers
I wish I could greet each one of you with a quiet hug on this day of mourning. It is perhaps the most bittersweet day of the year, but somehow, in the darkness, the “sweetness” is harder to find.
Have you read through today’s passages yet? If you haven’t, I’d love if you’d do that first.
Psalm 22:27-31
Luke 23:44-49
Mark 15:33-39
John 19:28-30
Today we’ll sit in three gospel accounts of Christ’s crucifixion. Allow your heart to enter the text and ask the Holy Spirit to quiet distractions as you give ear to this sacred narrative.
. . .
Do you feel the weight of what you just read? It’s hard to read without deep sighs and even tears, isn’t it? The reality of a real man—my God—enduring what He did. It makes me painfully uncomfortable. Yet, as I read these words, I’ve never felt so deeply loved.
Christ's final words came with His dying breath—"It is finished." And it was.
He bore the wrath of the one, true, holy God against sin—wrath that was due to literally anyone and everyone but Him. And it was finally over. His death completed the work of salvation for His people. It was truly finished then, and it still is.
It is finished. Complete.
And hear this today—really hear it: Because it is finished, there is nothing that any one of us can contribute to Jesus’ work on the Cross to bring us any closer to salvation.
Let’s worship the One who was wounded for our transgressions and crushed for our iniquities. As we observe this holy day of sacrifice for salvation, let’s remember the chastisement that brought peace for you and me, and receive the healing that comes to us from the stripes He bore.
It is finished, friends.
Thanks be to God.
“
He was wounded for our transgressions;
he was crushed for our iniquities;
upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,
and with his stripes we are healed.”
(Isaiah 53:4-5, ESV)
Thursday, April 2, 2015
Why we should study the Bible...
Everytime I read the Bible, something new jumps out at me. EVERYTIME!
For instance, today's devotional was about the last scene in Jesus life on earth, John 19:22-27. I have read this at least a hundred times, I am sure of it. However, today, several new thoughts became apparent.
So, here is the setting. Jesus was on the cross. The Roman guards were betting for his robe. The crowd was looking up to the cross to him and jeering and ridiculing Him, and then He looks down and gives Mary to his favorite disciple.
I have read this so many times, I almost skimmed instead of reading it today. What I would have missed if I had skimmed! There is so much in that small section of scripture.
First, Jesus is on the cross and the guards are betting to see who can get his clothes. In my devotional this morning, they go back to earlier in scripture, to the occasion when the woman who touched the hem of Jesus garment was healed. This makes you wonder what might have happened to the guards, or to the guard, who received Jesus garment. If just touching the hem of Jesus' garment could heal someone, what could happen to the soldier who won His robe? Was he later a believer? Did his household become believers? Was he used greatly by God even though he was one of the soldiers that nailed Jesus Christ to the cross? Of course it could all be true, because Jesus Christ died for all our sins. We nail Him to the cross every time we do something wrong...no matter how small, or insignificant, we think it is. So, why couldn't the Roman soldier who nailed Jesus to the cross and bet for his clothes not become a believer?
Then, the scripture reference goes to people who are looking up to the cross where Jesus is. I realized people have to look up to Jesus to see that He is suffering, and then that I should continually look up as I go through my day. Of course I am human, and as Paul said, we want to do what is godly but our flesh gets in the way. So I must continually work at looking up, so that I can be more Christ-like everyday.
Then at the end, Jesus looks down at Mary, his mother, and gives her to John. John takes her into his home and takes care of her. It is amazing that at the end of Jesus' life as he is on the cross dying, as he is dying for all of our sins, that he remembers his mother and ensures that she is taken care of when he is no longer physically on this earth. As a mother I find this overwhelming and it brings tears to my eyes!
What a great God we have! Not a single detail was overlooked! We have forgiveness for our sins, we have a God we need to look up to every minute of every day if we want to do what is right and not sin, we have a God who loves ALL sinners, we have a God who never overlooks even the smallest details!
For instance, today's devotional was about the last scene in Jesus life on earth, John 19:22-27. I have read this at least a hundred times, I am sure of it. However, today, several new thoughts became apparent.
So, here is the setting. Jesus was on the cross. The Roman guards were betting for his robe. The crowd was looking up to the cross to him and jeering and ridiculing Him, and then He looks down and gives Mary to his favorite disciple.
I have read this so many times, I almost skimmed instead of reading it today. What I would have missed if I had skimmed! There is so much in that small section of scripture.
First, Jesus is on the cross and the guards are betting to see who can get his clothes. In my devotional this morning, they go back to earlier in scripture, to the occasion when the woman who touched the hem of Jesus garment was healed. This makes you wonder what might have happened to the guards, or to the guard, who received Jesus garment. If just touching the hem of Jesus' garment could heal someone, what could happen to the soldier who won His robe? Was he later a believer? Did his household become believers? Was he used greatly by God even though he was one of the soldiers that nailed Jesus Christ to the cross? Of course it could all be true, because Jesus Christ died for all our sins. We nail Him to the cross every time we do something wrong...no matter how small, or insignificant, we think it is. So, why couldn't the Roman soldier who nailed Jesus to the cross and bet for his clothes not become a believer?
Then, the scripture reference goes to people who are looking up to the cross where Jesus is. I realized people have to look up to Jesus to see that He is suffering, and then that I should continually look up as I go through my day. Of course I am human, and as Paul said, we want to do what is godly but our flesh gets in the way. So I must continually work at looking up, so that I can be more Christ-like everyday.
Then at the end, Jesus looks down at Mary, his mother, and gives her to John. John takes her into his home and takes care of her. It is amazing that at the end of Jesus' life as he is on the cross dying, as he is dying for all of our sins, that he remembers his mother and ensures that she is taken care of when he is no longer physically on this earth. As a mother I find this overwhelming and it brings tears to my eyes!
What a great God we have! Not a single detail was overlooked! We have forgiveness for our sins, we have a God we need to look up to every minute of every day if we want to do what is right and not sin, we have a God who loves ALL sinners, we have a God who never overlooks even the smallest details!
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
We are not worthy of heaven, but Jesus is. Jesus makes us worthy
“Who can be afraid of one who is written in the same list with us? Surely we may come boldly to Him, and confess our guilt.
He who is numbered with us cannot condemn us. Was He not put down in the transgressor’s list that we might be written in the red roll of the saints? He was holy, and written among the holy; we were guilty, and numbered among the guilty; He transfers His name from yonder list to this black indictment, and our names are taken from the indictment and written in the roll of acceptance, for there is a complete transfer made between Jesus and His people.
All our estate of misery and sin Jesus has taken; and all that Jesus has comes to us.”
- C.H. Spurgeon
He who is numbered with us cannot condemn us. Was He not put down in the transgressor’s list that we might be written in the red roll of the saints? He was holy, and written among the holy; we were guilty, and numbered among the guilty; He transfers His name from yonder list to this black indictment, and our names are taken from the indictment and written in the roll of acceptance, for there is a complete transfer made between Jesus and His people.
All our estate of misery and sin Jesus has taken; and all that Jesus has comes to us.”
- C.H. Spurgeon
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