“Yes, I can forgive you. Your sin isn’t so bad. NEXT!”
“Hmmm…yes, your sin is forgiven,” as He eyes another person down the line with a long stare. “NEXT!”
“Well, you…I remember you…hmmm…your sin is a tough one…” more long and thoughtful stares and contemplation. “Yes, your sin is forgiven. But it was close. NEXT!”
“Oh…,” big sigh, a long look at me, as He sizes me up and thinks hard. “Yes, yes, yes. You. I have been waiting for you…mmmm. What do I do about you? Your sin is a doozy! I’m just not sure about your sin.” More sighs as He says, “Well, well, well…I’ll get back to you… NEXT!”
Thankfully this is not the picture of how God hands out forgiveness! Jesus’ blood covers it all, past present and future sins. None is too great or horrible to cover. It’s done. The forgiveness has been issued. We just have to believe and receive. And our sin is covered forever from the moment we believe and receive the gift of forgiveness made possible by His death on the cross.
It’s like God has created this great coat that is already made perfectly and hanging on a hanger for each person to receive. This coat is awesome because it changes colors and designs based on our needs. It is light and insulated at different times depending on our location and need. This is the last coat you will ever need and suits you perfectly but not everyone believes in its value or knows it’s there. On the day that each person hears that it is available; they chose whether they will walk away with it. Some quickly take it realizing its value. Some contemplate its worth and choose to decide later. Some look at the coat they are already wearing or know they have one in their closet and think, “I’m doing fine. I don’t really need this.” Others think, “This coat is ugly or useless,” and turn their backs and never think about it again.
Nothing changes about the coat, itself. Once it was created, it was offered and will continue to be offered for a very long time; not indefinitely but nearly. It will always meet your need. It’s waiting; you just need to take it.
When Christ died on the cross, our sin was taken care of. Forgiveness was available and complete, no matter when the sin or what the sin. It was finished. The only thing remaining is your choice to take what is being offered.
Have you? Will you?
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not die but have everlasting life.”
Romans 10:9 “If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Friday, June 10, 2011
Saturday, June 4, 2011
OUCH!
A dear friend responded to my last post “OUCH! Thanks for the reminder!”
That’s a bit how I felt when writing that post and reading that portion of my Bible study – Discerning the Voice of God. I don’t remember all I have written over the last year and half but it is pretty safe to say that what I have posted has been messages I felt God was teaching me at the same time I was writing them. I too felt an "ouch" when first thinking of that last post. But ouches can be good. Sometimes we need something prickly to get us out of our rut of habits and misdirection.
I opened up my Bible study again this morning and read a quote by Jim Cymbala, pastor at Brooklyn Tabernacle of New York:
"Our spiritual ear will never be sensitive to His voice if we have a personal agenda to which we are already committed. God leads and speaks to the humble who have surrendered their plans and want to do His will. With an ‘open heaven’ and a surrendered will, we will be able to clearly hear God’s voice in our hearts.”
According to Pastor Cymbala's quote, to hear the voice of God in our hearts we must be more dedicated to God's plans in our lives and live a life surrendered to Him.
A verse has been popping up in my head for the last week or more and even more since writing that post. James 5:16 “the prayers of a righteous man availeth much.” A reminder of righteous living from Beth Moore, a righteous person does not willing or purposefully sin against God. We cannot ever call ourselves sinless but we can be living in such a way we where we are not purposely ignoring the leading and directions of Jesus, His Word and His Spirit.
I have also been praying for quite sometime to “hear” Jesus’ voice as I once did and to be able to pray effectively for others as I once did. These are some of the answers I have been getting: hear My voice, obey My voice immediately and listen some more. Basically it comes back to John 14:23
“…if anyone loves Me, he will obey My teaching…”
I say I love Him, I must obey like I’m supposed to – immediately and completely. I want to hear Jesus' voice, so I must live a life surrendered to Him and His plans. I want my prayers to be effective and powerful for Jesus and His people, so I must live a righteous life.
What about you? Do you want to recognize the voice of Jesus in your life? Do you want your prayers to avail much?
“We must trust and obey, for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus.” (A quote from an old hymn.)
Thanks for being on this journey with me!
That’s a bit how I felt when writing that post and reading that portion of my Bible study – Discerning the Voice of God. I don’t remember all I have written over the last year and half but it is pretty safe to say that what I have posted has been messages I felt God was teaching me at the same time I was writing them. I too felt an "ouch" when first thinking of that last post. But ouches can be good. Sometimes we need something prickly to get us out of our rut of habits and misdirection.
I opened up my Bible study again this morning and read a quote by Jim Cymbala, pastor at Brooklyn Tabernacle of New York:
"Our spiritual ear will never be sensitive to His voice if we have a personal agenda to which we are already committed. God leads and speaks to the humble who have surrendered their plans and want to do His will. With an ‘open heaven’ and a surrendered will, we will be able to clearly hear God’s voice in our hearts.”
According to Pastor Cymbala's quote, to hear the voice of God in our hearts we must be more dedicated to God's plans in our lives and live a life surrendered to Him.
A verse has been popping up in my head for the last week or more and even more since writing that post. James 5:16 “the prayers of a righteous man availeth much.” A reminder of righteous living from Beth Moore, a righteous person does not willing or purposefully sin against God. We cannot ever call ourselves sinless but we can be living in such a way we where we are not purposely ignoring the leading and directions of Jesus, His Word and His Spirit.
I have also been praying for quite sometime to “hear” Jesus’ voice as I once did and to be able to pray effectively for others as I once did. These are some of the answers I have been getting: hear My voice, obey My voice immediately and listen some more. Basically it comes back to John 14:23
“…if anyone loves Me, he will obey My teaching…”
I say I love Him, I must obey like I’m supposed to – immediately and completely. I want to hear Jesus' voice, so I must live a life surrendered to Him and His plans. I want my prayers to be effective and powerful for Jesus and His people, so I must live a righteous life.
What about you? Do you want to recognize the voice of Jesus in your life? Do you want your prayers to avail much?
“We must trust and obey, for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus.” (A quote from an old hymn.)
Thanks for being on this journey with me!
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
I said, “Do it NOW!”
Wow does that phrase bring back some memories…cringes…sassiness….LOL! It also brings back some memories of what I have had to say to my own children now that I’m the parent. Quite a phrase huh?
Although, I believe Jesus does not speak to us in this way and definitely has more patience with us than I do with my kids, I wonder if sometimes He knows my stubborn heart so well, this exclamation is required to get my attention; just as my parents did.
I have been doing a Bible study by Priscilla Shirer titled Discerning the Voice of God. This week’s study is about responding to God’s voice and today was about responding immediately. She shares a story of being in a relationship in college and seminary that God had clearly told both to end. Neither wanted the relationship to end despite God’s clear direction. The gentleman in the relationship eventually listened to God’s leading and ended the relationship. Priscilla shares how much heartache she suffered by not obeying God immediately and how much regret she had when she realized that the man she is now married to was going to her church while she was resisting God in her previous relationship. She potentially lost precious time with her husband because of her unwillingness to obey God immediately.
She followed up this story with an example from the Bible (Abraham and Isaac – Genesis 22:2-3) and a question for her readers: Has the Lord given you instructions this week to which you have taken too much time to respond? Let’s just say that my instructions were not this week and I had a couple that I could have listed. But the one I thought of almost immediately was this blog.
Last week I received a comment on my email from someone who had read my last blog. It was posted so long ago I’m not sure of the date off the top of my head. The comment was positive and this anonymous reader had been sent to my blog by a friend. I had also received a comment on the same blog post maybe two or three weeks ago. These comments pleasantly surprised me and encouraged me. Maybe I shouldn’t have stop posting.... I had allowed my schedule to keep me from posting regularly and then allowed some discouragement about lack of comments and visits to my blog to keep me from doing what I know God wanted me to do. I had not responded immediately like He wanted three weeks ago and not last week, so when reading this chapter in my study I decided that it required immediate attention. Hopefully by being so honest with you, my readers and those trying to be or thinking about being in relationship with Jesus, I will be held accountable to posting like God has asked me to do. We don’t know the plans He has for us, nor do we always know the plans He has for our required obedience. I have to remember that my obedience or disobedience effects more than just me. Selfishness…maybe a topic for another post, I guess I don’t realize how selfish I can be with my time and my decisions.
Priscilla made another very good point that actually prompted me to write this blog. “God speaks with perfect timing. Our response should be immediate obedience.” (pg 114)
As we complain and cry over God and His plans and awful timing, could it be that the poor timing is due to our poor response time? Something to think about...
Has the Lord given you instructions this week to which you have taken too much time to respond?
Although, I believe Jesus does not speak to us in this way and definitely has more patience with us than I do with my kids, I wonder if sometimes He knows my stubborn heart so well, this exclamation is required to get my attention; just as my parents did.
I have been doing a Bible study by Priscilla Shirer titled Discerning the Voice of God. This week’s study is about responding to God’s voice and today was about responding immediately. She shares a story of being in a relationship in college and seminary that God had clearly told both to end. Neither wanted the relationship to end despite God’s clear direction. The gentleman in the relationship eventually listened to God’s leading and ended the relationship. Priscilla shares how much heartache she suffered by not obeying God immediately and how much regret she had when she realized that the man she is now married to was going to her church while she was resisting God in her previous relationship. She potentially lost precious time with her husband because of her unwillingness to obey God immediately.
She followed up this story with an example from the Bible (Abraham and Isaac – Genesis 22:2-3) and a question for her readers: Has the Lord given you instructions this week to which you have taken too much time to respond? Let’s just say that my instructions were not this week and I had a couple that I could have listed. But the one I thought of almost immediately was this blog.
Last week I received a comment on my email from someone who had read my last blog. It was posted so long ago I’m not sure of the date off the top of my head. The comment was positive and this anonymous reader had been sent to my blog by a friend. I had also received a comment on the same blog post maybe two or three weeks ago. These comments pleasantly surprised me and encouraged me. Maybe I shouldn’t have stop posting.... I had allowed my schedule to keep me from posting regularly and then allowed some discouragement about lack of comments and visits to my blog to keep me from doing what I know God wanted me to do. I had not responded immediately like He wanted three weeks ago and not last week, so when reading this chapter in my study I decided that it required immediate attention. Hopefully by being so honest with you, my readers and those trying to be or thinking about being in relationship with Jesus, I will be held accountable to posting like God has asked me to do. We don’t know the plans He has for us, nor do we always know the plans He has for our required obedience. I have to remember that my obedience or disobedience effects more than just me. Selfishness…maybe a topic for another post, I guess I don’t realize how selfish I can be with my time and my decisions.
Priscilla made another very good point that actually prompted me to write this blog. “God speaks with perfect timing. Our response should be immediate obedience.” (pg 114)
As we complain and cry over God and His plans and awful timing, could it be that the poor timing is due to our poor response time? Something to think about...
Has the Lord given you instructions this week to which you have taken too much time to respond?
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
What's on Your Silver Platter?
I know of someone who has more opportunities than most people, an opportunity to see a dream come true and make an amazing contribution to this world and the spiritual world and this person does not recognize it for what it truly is. It lies before this person on the proverbial silver platter and is ignored for another day, another time or after this hobby or event. Do you know someone like this? Was this or is this you?
As I was lamenting over this person and the decisions being made, I was quickly reminded that I am no different. My Father owns cattle on a thousand hills. He is the King of Kings and He is offering me or waiting to offer me more than I can imagine or even ask for and I set Him aside for another day or another time; after this hobby or event. The Maker of the universe, the One who died for me, the One who rules over everything is doing everything to get my attention, to reach out to me in relationship and who know what else. Why don’t I see this when the opportunity to spend time with Him arises? Why do I choose the “pig pen”(Luke 15:11-32) when all the “riches” I could imagine are lying before me?
Oh how Jesus must shake His head and shed tears over my wasted opportunities and joys. He loves me so much, more than I will ever know this side of heaven. At times I take that love for granted. It will always be there for me so He can wait. Sad, isn’t it?! I have had some pretty incredible times with Christ, intimate sweet times that I truly cherish but somehow forget when faced with doing my Bible Study or spending long periods of time praying. I think in the moment most times not the long term. I think of my desires not the desires of Jesus or even others because the more time I spend with Him the better I am for everyone else. As Jack Nicholson said, “You make me want to be a better man (woman).” When I spend time with Jesus in prayer, meditation and Bible study, I want to be a better woman.
Part of me thinks I need to add some insightful comment on scripture but I’m not thinking of anything right now. I know that I am not the only one who is turning his/her back on all that Jesus has to offer.
• Peace
• Joy
• Security
• Hope
• Love
• Help in our time of need
Rev 21:21 “And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; each one of the gates was a single pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.”
Rev 4:2b-5a “there in heaven a throne was set. One was seated on the throne, and the One seated looked like jasper and carnelian stone. A rainbow that looked like an emerald surrounded the throne. Around that throne were 24 thrones, and on the thrones sat 24 elders dressed in white clothes, with gold crowns on their heads. From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings, and thunder.”
2 Kings 6:15-17 “When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. ‘Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?’ the servant asked. ‘Don’t be afraid,’ the prophet answered. ‘Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.’ And Elisha prayed, ‘Open his eyes, LORD, so that he may see.’ Then the LORD opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.”
This is a glimpse of some the power, majesty and wealth of the One who wishes to be in relationship with each of us. He gave up all of that to DIE for us so that we might be with Him and be in relationship with Him and we often walk away from that. WHY?
Do a word search on one of the words or all of the words listed above. Meditate on the verses above and think on what lies before you and what you will do in response to His invitation to be in relationship with Him. You are not alone nor do you have to live on or in your own power. Jesus has all that you need right now. Lean on Him. Say “yes” to Him. It will be more than you can hope for or imagine. (Eph 3:20)
As I was lamenting over this person and the decisions being made, I was quickly reminded that I am no different. My Father owns cattle on a thousand hills. He is the King of Kings and He is offering me or waiting to offer me more than I can imagine or even ask for and I set Him aside for another day or another time; after this hobby or event. The Maker of the universe, the One who died for me, the One who rules over everything is doing everything to get my attention, to reach out to me in relationship and who know what else. Why don’t I see this when the opportunity to spend time with Him arises? Why do I choose the “pig pen”(Luke 15:11-32) when all the “riches” I could imagine are lying before me?
Oh how Jesus must shake His head and shed tears over my wasted opportunities and joys. He loves me so much, more than I will ever know this side of heaven. At times I take that love for granted. It will always be there for me so He can wait. Sad, isn’t it?! I have had some pretty incredible times with Christ, intimate sweet times that I truly cherish but somehow forget when faced with doing my Bible Study or spending long periods of time praying. I think in the moment most times not the long term. I think of my desires not the desires of Jesus or even others because the more time I spend with Him the better I am for everyone else. As Jack Nicholson said, “You make me want to be a better man (woman).” When I spend time with Jesus in prayer, meditation and Bible study, I want to be a better woman.
Part of me thinks I need to add some insightful comment on scripture but I’m not thinking of anything right now. I know that I am not the only one who is turning his/her back on all that Jesus has to offer.
• Peace
• Joy
• Security
• Hope
• Love
• Help in our time of need
Rev 21:21 “And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; each one of the gates was a single pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.”
Rev 4:2b-5a “there in heaven a throne was set. One was seated on the throne, and the One seated looked like jasper and carnelian stone. A rainbow that looked like an emerald surrounded the throne. Around that throne were 24 thrones, and on the thrones sat 24 elders dressed in white clothes, with gold crowns on their heads. From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings, and thunder.”
2 Kings 6:15-17 “When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. ‘Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?’ the servant asked. ‘Don’t be afraid,’ the prophet answered. ‘Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.’ And Elisha prayed, ‘Open his eyes, LORD, so that he may see.’ Then the LORD opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.”
This is a glimpse of some the power, majesty and wealth of the One who wishes to be in relationship with each of us. He gave up all of that to DIE for us so that we might be with Him and be in relationship with Him and we often walk away from that. WHY?
Do a word search on one of the words or all of the words listed above. Meditate on the verses above and think on what lies before you and what you will do in response to His invitation to be in relationship with Him. You are not alone nor do you have to live on or in your own power. Jesus has all that you need right now. Lean on Him. Say “yes” to Him. It will be more than you can hope for or imagine. (Eph 3:20)
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Lavish love
Ephesians 3:16-19 explains Paul's desire for all of us to understand how wide and long and how high and deep is the love of Christ.
Beth Moore in her Bible study A Woman's Heart God's Dwelling Place(pg 168) shares her Inspired thoughts on this passage that I really wanted to share with you.
"How wide and long and high and deep - with His lavish love Christ embraces us equally in four perfect directions. This verse about the completeness of Christ's love for us might be applied like this: God's love for me extends in every direction. Because I am His child, all that is behind me must be worked toward good, even when I have failed (see Rom. 8:28). In addition, everything ahead of me belongs to God. My future is entirely His, and His love extends through circumstances I have not yet known (see Jer. 29:11). No matter how deep I sink into a pit of despair, His hand can extend that much deeper to lift me out (see Ps. 40:2). No matter what heights this human experience can boast, God's ways are higher. Every day I spend with Him, I am lifted out of insignificance to ascend and take my place in God's high calling in Christ Jesus (see Isaiah 55:9; Phil. 3:14).
God's Word states that this life is only a breath, a disappearing vapor, very brief. And we get only one opportunity to experience Him as mortals relating to an immortal Savior. Will you agree to experience Him in His fullness? Will you revel in your God through the breadth, length, depth, and height of this human experience? Can you say to Him, 'I want to experience every part of You that is possible this side of heaven'? If you can, then you will 'know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God' (Eph. 3:19)."
I hope you have a few minutes to think about this and to begin to grasp how great is the love of Christ Jesus (for each of us)!
Have a blessed day and Thanksgiving weekend!
Renee
Beth Moore in her Bible study A Woman's Heart God's Dwelling Place(pg 168) shares her Inspired thoughts on this passage that I really wanted to share with you.
"How wide and long and high and deep - with His lavish love Christ embraces us equally in four perfect directions. This verse about the completeness of Christ's love for us might be applied like this: God's love for me extends in every direction. Because I am His child, all that is behind me must be worked toward good, even when I have failed (see Rom. 8:28). In addition, everything ahead of me belongs to God. My future is entirely His, and His love extends through circumstances I have not yet known (see Jer. 29:11). No matter how deep I sink into a pit of despair, His hand can extend that much deeper to lift me out (see Ps. 40:2). No matter what heights this human experience can boast, God's ways are higher. Every day I spend with Him, I am lifted out of insignificance to ascend and take my place in God's high calling in Christ Jesus (see Isaiah 55:9; Phil. 3:14).
God's Word states that this life is only a breath, a disappearing vapor, very brief. And we get only one opportunity to experience Him as mortals relating to an immortal Savior. Will you agree to experience Him in His fullness? Will you revel in your God through the breadth, length, depth, and height of this human experience? Can you say to Him, 'I want to experience every part of You that is possible this side of heaven'? If you can, then you will 'know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God' (Eph. 3:19)."
I hope you have a few minutes to think about this and to begin to grasp how great is the love of Christ Jesus (for each of us)!
Have a blessed day and Thanksgiving weekend!
Renee
Saturday, November 20, 2010
I want to be with you
God wanted so badly to be with His people, to be with us. In Exodus, he even gave instructions how to build the Tabernacle that He would dwell in to be amongst His people, to dwell with them. However, He knew that His holiness would kill them if they weren't prepared so He protected them them with the veil. It wasn't until hundreds of years later, when Christ died on the cross as the final blood sacrifice for our sins that the veil was torn (Mark 15:38, Hebrews 10:19-22). Through Christ we now have access to God. Our God did all this so that He might be with us and we with Him! This is how much He loves us! He will do anything to be with us and live amongst us. In Exodus He gave detailed instructions to build His dwelling place. In the New Testament gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) we learn how He gave His life so that we may become His new living temple. 1 Corinthians 3:16 "Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you."
God has done everything He could do to be intimately in our lives. Do you have anyone who has gone to such lengths to love you and be with you?! If you can say "yes" to that, you are truly blessed. But if the "yes"' is in reference to a person, sad to say, you cannot be with that person forever but with God it is forever. He has promised to never leave us (Hebrews 13:5). Romans 10:9 says "that if you confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved."
With this act and belief, you too will have the afor mentioned indwelling of the Spirit of God and become His living temple and begin a truly intimate loving relationship with the Creator God, Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. This is the greatest love we can ever know and have. It will last all eternity.
Will you believe? Will you accept His gift of love?
Just say,
"yes."
God has done everything He could do to be intimately in our lives. Do you have anyone who has gone to such lengths to love you and be with you?! If you can say "yes" to that, you are truly blessed. But if the "yes"' is in reference to a person, sad to say, you cannot be with that person forever but with God it is forever. He has promised to never leave us (Hebrews 13:5). Romans 10:9 says "that if you confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved."
With this act and belief, you too will have the afor mentioned indwelling of the Spirit of God and become His living temple and begin a truly intimate loving relationship with the Creator God, Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. This is the greatest love we can ever know and have. It will last all eternity.
Will you believe? Will you accept His gift of love?
Just say,
"yes."
Thursday, November 4, 2010
____________________ (a catchy title lost to me)
Hebrews 2: 17-18 “For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.”
We may from time to time remember the sacrifice Jesus made for our sins. It is unfathomable that He would give up Heaven to come to earth as a baby to eventually die a horrible death on the cross for our sins knowing how many times we would reject Him, ignore Him and blaspheme Him. Yet He chose to do these things for us to pay the penalty for our sins. That in and of itself is amazing and makes me just shake my head in wonder and awe.
But these verses in Hebrews talk of even more than the sacrifice on the cross. Jesus came to earth because He knew how fickle and untrusting we can be. He wanted to reach out to us in so much love it would take eternity for us to discover it! Jesus is omniscient (knows everything) and that in and of itself can be a bit much to wrap our heads around on a good day but what if we are having a bad day or maybe even a really bad day. A day of our own making or a day that catches us in the circumstances of life. Is His omniscience enough – knowing exactly what has happened and how it makes us feel simply because He knows everything? Does His omniscience bring us comfort? Not always at least I don’t think so when those days hit me.
I have a friend whose parent died this past weekend. She knows and believes in Christ and His character. Does this bring her comfort? I am sure it does. But does it bring her more comfort knowing that the God who saved her and loves her, knows exactly how she is feeling because while living on earth, He too experienced the same thing?* I would think the answer is yes.
Jesus came not just to die for us but to experience life as we do. He knew that in our time of sorrow, trouble, temptation and difficulty we in our human weakness would do better knowing that He understands exactly what we are going through not due to His omniscience but life experience. He loves us that much! He sacrificed and suffered that much to bring us more comfort and love us in a way that we could hang on to in our time of need.
*Did you catch in the gospels that when Christ was ministering to the Israelites and it mentions His family, it doesn't mention Joseph? Also when Jesus is hanging on the cross He takes the time to make sure John takes care of Mary. Why? Because He was the eldest son and he was responsible for caring for Mary when His father died. I know that it never states in the Bible Joseph died but it is inferred in a number of ways.
We may from time to time remember the sacrifice Jesus made for our sins. It is unfathomable that He would give up Heaven to come to earth as a baby to eventually die a horrible death on the cross for our sins knowing how many times we would reject Him, ignore Him and blaspheme Him. Yet He chose to do these things for us to pay the penalty for our sins. That in and of itself is amazing and makes me just shake my head in wonder and awe.
But these verses in Hebrews talk of even more than the sacrifice on the cross. Jesus came to earth because He knew how fickle and untrusting we can be. He wanted to reach out to us in so much love it would take eternity for us to discover it! Jesus is omniscient (knows everything) and that in and of itself can be a bit much to wrap our heads around on a good day but what if we are having a bad day or maybe even a really bad day. A day of our own making or a day that catches us in the circumstances of life. Is His omniscience enough – knowing exactly what has happened and how it makes us feel simply because He knows everything? Does His omniscience bring us comfort? Not always at least I don’t think so when those days hit me.
I have a friend whose parent died this past weekend. She knows and believes in Christ and His character. Does this bring her comfort? I am sure it does. But does it bring her more comfort knowing that the God who saved her and loves her, knows exactly how she is feeling because while living on earth, He too experienced the same thing?* I would think the answer is yes.
Jesus came not just to die for us but to experience life as we do. He knew that in our time of sorrow, trouble, temptation and difficulty we in our human weakness would do better knowing that He understands exactly what we are going through not due to His omniscience but life experience. He loves us that much! He sacrificed and suffered that much to bring us more comfort and love us in a way that we could hang on to in our time of need.
*Did you catch in the gospels that when Christ was ministering to the Israelites and it mentions His family, it doesn't mention Joseph? Also when Jesus is hanging on the cross He takes the time to make sure John takes care of Mary. Why? Because He was the eldest son and he was responsible for caring for Mary when His father died. I know that it never states in the Bible Joseph died but it is inferred in a number of ways.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
A father's keepsakes
Recently I have been planning out a picture wall of our family members. It has been fun to pick pictures from many years ago and more recent ones. It is so great to reminisce over old memories and good times. I know that when I finally finish that wall many in our family will enjoy the memories it will spark.
Keepsakes bring fond memories, feelings of love, laughter and people both close and far away. Many families treasure their loved ones in this way – through pictures and other mementos. Our heavenly Father is no different. He too has keepsakes, mementos that keep us close to Him until we can physically be close to Him.
Incense is a precious thing to God. He keeps it close to Him in heaven – right before the entrance to the Holy of Holies in the tabernacle that Moses built (Exodus 30:6) and next to His throne (Rev 5:8). It is so precious to Him that it is considered “most holy to the LORD.” (Exodus 30:37) This incense is placed near Him so He can breathe it in and be pleased with its aroma and what it reminds Him of. And what is that memory…
Psalm 141:2, Revelations 5:8 and 8:3 all speak of the incense as the prayers of the saints. Our prayers to God not only are heard but they are collected and stored in a golden bowl and are as incense to the Lord that He breathes in and that brings Him pleasure! Think on this…
God doesn’t just have pictures of us in His mind that He cherishes…
He doesn’t just listen to our prayers…
He saves them…
Savors them…
and breathes them in…
making them a part of Himself!!!
We are that precious to Him!
You are precious to Him!
Don’t ever forget that. Your prayers are not bouncing off the ceiling but being collected by God’s angels and placed in a bowl next to the Throne of God as incense to be breathed in and remembered, cherished.
Your prayers are the keepsakes of the Father.
Keepsakes bring fond memories, feelings of love, laughter and people both close and far away. Many families treasure their loved ones in this way – through pictures and other mementos. Our heavenly Father is no different. He too has keepsakes, mementos that keep us close to Him until we can physically be close to Him.
Incense is a precious thing to God. He keeps it close to Him in heaven – right before the entrance to the Holy of Holies in the tabernacle that Moses built (Exodus 30:6) and next to His throne (Rev 5:8). It is so precious to Him that it is considered “most holy to the LORD.” (Exodus 30:37) This incense is placed near Him so He can breathe it in and be pleased with its aroma and what it reminds Him of. And what is that memory…
Psalm 141:2, Revelations 5:8 and 8:3 all speak of the incense as the prayers of the saints. Our prayers to God not only are heard but they are collected and stored in a golden bowl and are as incense to the Lord that He breathes in and that brings Him pleasure! Think on this…
God doesn’t just have pictures of us in His mind that He cherishes…
He doesn’t just listen to our prayers…
He saves them…
Savors them…
and breathes them in…
making them a part of Himself!!!
We are that precious to Him!
You are precious to Him!
Don’t ever forget that. Your prayers are not bouncing off the ceiling but being collected by God’s angels and placed in a bowl next to the Throne of God as incense to be breathed in and remembered, cherished.
Your prayers are the keepsakes of the Father.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Valley of Bacca Traveler
Life sucks! Shit happens!
Can you relate? A bit harsh for a site like this you might think but sometimes that’s how you feel. Out of control, powerless, helpless and alone? Life is spinning out of control and just taking you along for the ride. Dizzy yet? Feel like hurlin’? Who’s merry go round is this anyway and
I want off right now?!
Maybe the road you’re on isn’t really a merry go round spinning out of control trying to make you dizzy and really crazy. Maybe just maybe it’s a road that is meant to be straight but gets a little out of whack with the distractions and exhibitions that pull us left and right and around this bend and short cut.
One of the fun memories I have as a kid is going on road trips. My family would go camping and on rainy days we didn’t head for the theatre or restaurant, we’d head on a road trip. No maps, no particular destination, just exploring. We’d find garage sales, interesting places to stop or maybe tourist sites to explore. It was fun…dirt roads, dead ends, farm land, various livestock, little towns with big houses and wrap around porches all strung up with red, white, and blue banners, and maybe little ice cream shops. It was fun.
But let’s say you’re on a specific journey. There is a definite place you want to be or need to be. You have a map, a MapQuest route or maybe a GPS laid out plan and then….CONSTRUCTION…traffic jam…accident…you name it. Something happens that ends up taking you off course. One turn and short cut leads to unfamiliar roads and sometimes newer roads that your GPS doesn’t recognize and you’re lost trying to get back on the right road again. All the fun sites that we passed on our road trips don’t bring you joy and excitement they bring you frustration, misery and very likely anger; anger at the situation and probably at the people in the car with you.
Did you ever realize that there was someone who was in control? Someone who desperately was trying to get your attention and wanting to lead you directly to the place that would bring you the rest, love and joy you’d been secretly or openly looking for? But as you did all the things you had to do or were responsible for and then just felt like doing for the heck of it, you turned off the road that you were meant to be on. Eventually the distraction led to misery, tears and suffering or maybe these things just happened and your detour/distraction kept you from running into the “strength” or help you were meant to have. Maybe just maybe when your conscious or nagging voice tells you to stop or get back on track…maybe just maybe it’s not a buzz kill trying to rob you of your fun but maybe just maybe it’s Someone trying to get you back on the right road to true and everlasting joy, hope and love.
You are not alone…EVER. Jesus Christ is constantly pursuing you and inviting you to be with Him in the best relationship you will ever have.
The valley of misery, tears, and suffering (valley of Baca ) also has oases (strengths) to help you along the way. We can travel from strength to strength as we travel to God and His dwelling place with the help of Jesus along the way. (Psalm 84:5-7)
A rock band – Third Day, recorded a song called the Mountain of God that depicts just what we’ve been discussing. Here are some of the lyrics from that song:
“I thought that I was all alone, broken and afraid; but You are here with me, yeah You are here with me.”
“Even though the journey’s long and I know the road is hard, I must go through the valley to stand before the mountain of God.”
The post just below this one has a YouTube video of the entire song. Listen to it and realize that you’re not alone and the end of your road ends at the Mountain of God…His dwelling place waiting for you; a place of everlasting love, peace, and joy right in the middle of a lifefilled with misery and suffering.
Can you relate? A bit harsh for a site like this you might think but sometimes that’s how you feel. Out of control, powerless, helpless and alone? Life is spinning out of control and just taking you along for the ride. Dizzy yet? Feel like hurlin’? Who’s merry go round is this anyway and
I want off right now?!
Maybe the road you’re on isn’t really a merry go round spinning out of control trying to make you dizzy and really crazy. Maybe just maybe it’s a road that is meant to be straight but gets a little out of whack with the distractions and exhibitions that pull us left and right and around this bend and short cut.
One of the fun memories I have as a kid is going on road trips. My family would go camping and on rainy days we didn’t head for the theatre or restaurant, we’d head on a road trip. No maps, no particular destination, just exploring. We’d find garage sales, interesting places to stop or maybe tourist sites to explore. It was fun…dirt roads, dead ends, farm land, various livestock, little towns with big houses and wrap around porches all strung up with red, white, and blue banners, and maybe little ice cream shops. It was fun.
But let’s say you’re on a specific journey. There is a definite place you want to be or need to be. You have a map, a MapQuest route or maybe a GPS laid out plan and then….CONSTRUCTION…traffic jam…accident…you name it. Something happens that ends up taking you off course. One turn and short cut leads to unfamiliar roads and sometimes newer roads that your GPS doesn’t recognize and you’re lost trying to get back on the right road again. All the fun sites that we passed on our road trips don’t bring you joy and excitement they bring you frustration, misery and very likely anger; anger at the situation and probably at the people in the car with you.
Did you ever realize that there was someone who was in control? Someone who desperately was trying to get your attention and wanting to lead you directly to the place that would bring you the rest, love and joy you’d been secretly or openly looking for? But as you did all the things you had to do or were responsible for and then just felt like doing for the heck of it, you turned off the road that you were meant to be on. Eventually the distraction led to misery, tears and suffering or maybe these things just happened and your detour/distraction kept you from running into the “strength” or help you were meant to have. Maybe just maybe when your conscious or nagging voice tells you to stop or get back on track…maybe just maybe it’s not a buzz kill trying to rob you of your fun but maybe just maybe it’s Someone trying to get you back on the right road to true and everlasting joy, hope and love.
You are not alone…EVER. Jesus Christ is constantly pursuing you and inviting you to be with Him in the best relationship you will ever have.
The valley of misery, tears, and suffering (valley of Baca ) also has oases (strengths) to help you along the way. We can travel from strength to strength as we travel to God and His dwelling place with the help of Jesus along the way. (Psalm 84:5-7)
A rock band – Third Day, recorded a song called the Mountain of God that depicts just what we’ve been discussing. Here are some of the lyrics from that song:
“I thought that I was all alone, broken and afraid; but You are here with me, yeah You are here with me.”
“Even though the journey’s long and I know the road is hard, I must go through the valley to stand before the mountain of God.”
The post just below this one has a YouTube video of the entire song. Listen to it and realize that you’re not alone and the end of your road ends at the Mountain of God…His dwelling place waiting for you; a place of everlasting love, peace, and joy right in the middle of a lifefilled with misery and suffering.
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