The beauty of today is hard to miss here in Pearland! God is with us and holding us in his powerful hand, whether it's sunny or rainy outside. There is nothing I long for more than to hear God's voice. I know that he has good plans for me, and they will be realized only if I am listening and moving to his rhythms. Today, I'm listening for what he wants to say through this text of Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:1-8. Come along and let's listen together!
For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer. (v. 4-5)
God is good, indeed! What strikes me here is that in warning about "deceiving spirits and things taught by demons" (v. 1), he is not thinking of slipping past moral boundaries and going with the world's flow, as we might expect. (He warns about that elsewhere.) He's cautioning us here about ascetic, legalistic, joy-smothering religious positions that make God look like a Cosmic version of the head nun at a strict Catholic school.
I'm so glad that God has created so many things for us to enjoy! He didn't have to make the world so beautiful. He didn't have to build into human nature our love for good food (can anyone say Thanksgiving?), or for the amazing, passionate love experienced in the holy union of marriage. But he did, and he gave it to us to enjoy! One of the myths that unbelievers believe about Christianity is that it takes all the fun out of life. Not true, says God! He just helps us discern the difference between fun that is healthy and life-enhancing and fun that insidiously robs us of our deepest needs.
I'm going to enjoy God's blessings today! And I'm going to thank him for all the good things he has placed in my life to bring me joy. Thank you, God, for reminding me of how good you are to me!
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Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Who I Want to Be
Is the world a little lighter this week, or am I a little heavier? Must be the former! I hope you enjoyed your Thanksgiving holidays and that you gave a lot of thanks! I have been out of town enjoying the company of my family that I haven't seen in a while. Having my mom and my three sisters all in one place at the same time hasn't happened since 2005!
Thank you, Michele, for your last post on the end of the second chapter of 1 Timothy. As I lean in to hear a word from God for my life today, I'm reading 1 Timothy chapter 3. Please give yourself the blessing of reading these 16 verses with me. For our purposes, the key is to ask God what he wants you to hear personally.
Whoever desires to be an overseer desires a noble task. Now the overseer is to be above reproach. . . . In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect. . . . In the same way women are to be worthy of respect. . . . (v. 1-2, 8, 11 TNIV)
As I read the descriptions here of the kind of men and women that the church needs to serve in leadership or special roles of service, what I see is an image of the quality of a person's core that makes the world better. Interestingly enough, what is missing from the lists are the specific gifts that are obviously needed to serve in these roles. Those gifts are assumed. Why would you even think of appointing someone as a leader who doesn't have the gift of leadership? Why would you appoint someone to lead a compassion ministry who doesn't have the gift of compassion? The emphasis instead is on their character.
Why is that? Because that is what we might be tempted to overlook. We might see someone functioning as a high capacity leader in a company or an institution and assume that this person would be a great church leader or ministry leader, too. We might appoint them based on their intelligence and talent and success level without really taking a close-up look at their character.
That would be a big mistake. Why? Because as important as our gifts are, what drives the way we use them is the person we are inside. I may be smart and resourceful, business savy, well-spoken and connected, but the engine driving me is my character. And it will either lead me to use my gifts to bless others or to selfishly manipulate them. My character will either make my gifts shine or it will overshadow them. Just ask Ndamukong Suh. Giftedness is important. Character is essential.
I want to be a man that fits this profile. Regardless of whether I'm a church leader or not, I want to be this kind of man. This is the quality of man that makes a positive impact on his world. This is the kind of woman that I would look up to and trust. This is the kind of person I would want speaking into my life and influencing others. How about you? Go back and read the qualities mentioned here again. That's who I want to be.
And how do I get there? Follow the One who came as God in flesh, who couldn't be silenced even by death, who was raised and taken up in glory, proclaimed as the hope of the world throughout every generation since. Through his grace, his example and the power of his Spirit, I can become the man God envisioned when he created me (v. 16).
Thank you, Michele, for your last post on the end of the second chapter of 1 Timothy. As I lean in to hear a word from God for my life today, I'm reading 1 Timothy chapter 3. Please give yourself the blessing of reading these 16 verses with me. For our purposes, the key is to ask God what he wants you to hear personally.
Whoever desires to be an overseer desires a noble task. Now the overseer is to be above reproach. . . . In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect. . . . In the same way women are to be worthy of respect. . . . (v. 1-2, 8, 11 TNIV)
As I read the descriptions here of the kind of men and women that the church needs to serve in leadership or special roles of service, what I see is an image of the quality of a person's core that makes the world better. Interestingly enough, what is missing from the lists are the specific gifts that are obviously needed to serve in these roles. Those gifts are assumed. Why would you even think of appointing someone as a leader who doesn't have the gift of leadership? Why would you appoint someone to lead a compassion ministry who doesn't have the gift of compassion? The emphasis instead is on their character.
Why is that? Because that is what we might be tempted to overlook. We might see someone functioning as a high capacity leader in a company or an institution and assume that this person would be a great church leader or ministry leader, too. We might appoint them based on their intelligence and talent and success level without really taking a close-up look at their character.
That would be a big mistake. Why? Because as important as our gifts are, what drives the way we use them is the person we are inside. I may be smart and resourceful, business savy, well-spoken and connected, but the engine driving me is my character. And it will either lead me to use my gifts to bless others or to selfishly manipulate them. My character will either make my gifts shine or it will overshadow them. Just ask Ndamukong Suh. Giftedness is important. Character is essential.
I want to be a man that fits this profile. Regardless of whether I'm a church leader or not, I want to be this kind of man. This is the quality of man that makes a positive impact on his world. This is the kind of woman that I would look up to and trust. This is the kind of person I would want speaking into my life and influencing others. How about you? Go back and read the qualities mentioned here again. That's who I want to be.
And how do I get there? Follow the One who came as God in flesh, who couldn't be silenced even by death, who was raised and taken up in glory, proclaimed as the hope of the world throughout every generation since. Through his grace, his example and the power of his Spirit, I can become the man God envisioned when he created me (v. 16).
Friday, November 25, 2011
"Pretty is as Pretty Does"
Happy day after Thanksgiving! I hope you all had a great holiday and are continuing to enjoy all that God has blessed you with. I have really been focusing on what blessings I have in my life and giving God praise and thanksgiving for them. Praising God helps to lift our spirits and gives us a positive focus for our thoughts. This is Michele writing tonight and I feel so privileged to be with you again. We are focusing on 1 Timothy 2:8-15 today. Here is what jumped out at me:
And I want women to be modest in their appearance. They should wear decent and appropriate clothing and not draw attention to themselves by the way they fix their hair or by wearing gold or pearls or expensive clothes. For women who claim to be devoted to God should make themselves attractive by the good things they do. (v. 9-10)
Why do you think it was important for Paul to point this out? Maybe because all scripture is inspired by God and he knows women pretty well. After all, he created us! Why is it that so many women are obsessed with the way they look or what they wear? Isn't it a sign of security when you always look your absolute best and never show a single flaw? Actually, it's quite the opposite! Insecure women dress immodestly and constantly focus on how they look. If I'm secure in who God has created me to be, I will be secure in all situations. Regardless of what my outward appearance is.
Our culture encourages a way of dressing and appearing that is far from what is appropriate and tasteful. Just take a look at various high school youth and you will see that modesty is something of the past for many of our teens. It seems as if they all want to express themselves and be their own person, but they yet to know who they really are. Don't get me wrong, this is not only a problem for our young generation. I've seen many middle aged women who dress very inappropriately as well.
We need to decide if we want to try to measure up to society's image of who we are or if we would rather listen to our Lord and Savior and be a person led by his spirit and let that shine from us. His light is far more beautiful than any designer outfit one could ever purchase. When we are guided by his light and live our lives for him, we radiate. Now, that's beauty! Our actions will be directed by love and our hearts will be filled with joy. No more emptiness inside. And we will be women of God. The way we act speaks louder than what we look like on the outside.
As a mother of a very close friend used to say, "Pretty is as pretty does".
Lord, I want to be your daughter. I want to live my life in such a way that others can see you and think I'm beautiful because of that......not because of my outward appearance. Make my heart pure. Let your light radiate from me and lead others to you. You are my God and my King. Reign in my heart for the world to see! Amen
And I want women to be modest in their appearance. They should wear decent and appropriate clothing and not draw attention to themselves by the way they fix their hair or by wearing gold or pearls or expensive clothes. For women who claim to be devoted to God should make themselves attractive by the good things they do. (v. 9-10)
Why do you think it was important for Paul to point this out? Maybe because all scripture is inspired by God and he knows women pretty well. After all, he created us! Why is it that so many women are obsessed with the way they look or what they wear? Isn't it a sign of security when you always look your absolute best and never show a single flaw? Actually, it's quite the opposite! Insecure women dress immodestly and constantly focus on how they look. If I'm secure in who God has created me to be, I will be secure in all situations. Regardless of what my outward appearance is.
Our culture encourages a way of dressing and appearing that is far from what is appropriate and tasteful. Just take a look at various high school youth and you will see that modesty is something of the past for many of our teens. It seems as if they all want to express themselves and be their own person, but they yet to know who they really are. Don't get me wrong, this is not only a problem for our young generation. I've seen many middle aged women who dress very inappropriately as well.
We need to decide if we want to try to measure up to society's image of who we are or if we would rather listen to our Lord and Savior and be a person led by his spirit and let that shine from us. His light is far more beautiful than any designer outfit one could ever purchase. When we are guided by his light and live our lives for him, we radiate. Now, that's beauty! Our actions will be directed by love and our hearts will be filled with joy. No more emptiness inside. And we will be women of God. The way we act speaks louder than what we look like on the outside.
As a mother of a very close friend used to say, "Pretty is as pretty does".
Lord, I want to be your daughter. I want to live my life in such a way that others can see you and think I'm beautiful because of that......not because of my outward appearance. Make my heart pure. Let your light radiate from me and lead others to you. You are my God and my King. Reign in my heart for the world to see! Amen
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Don't Let it Slip Away
Are you ready to hear from God today? Me too! How refreshing to wake to God's voice! This is Michele posting this morning and we are moving on to 1 Timothy 1:18-2:7. Take it in and see what God is saying to your heart as you read. This is what stands out most to me:
Cling to your faith in Christ, and keep your conscience clear. For some people have deliberately violated their consciences; as a result, their faith has been shipwrecked. (v. 1:19)
I have always had an overactive conscience. This was particularly evident when I was a little girl. I confessed everything I did to my mom, everything! As you can imagine, I tried my hardest to be well behaved then. But, as I grew into my teenage years I began to ignore my conscience and not be so up front about my misbehavior. Guess what? I ended up not being so well behaved as a teenager. It's the same way with our faith. God speaks to us through our consciences and when we listen we stay on track.....but, if we ignore his voice our faith will become less and less important over time. This reminds me of a song by Casting Crowns called Slow Fade. This song basically states that our faith doesn't just dissipate over night, it's a slow fade and something we can lose over time as a result of each and every choice we make. So, listen to the voice of God and don't allow your faith to slowly fade away. I don't want mine to be shipwrecked!
Not only do we want to keep our own faith on track, we also want others to have a strong faith in our Lord and Savior. How can you and I help with that?
I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them, intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them.......This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand truth. (v. 2:1 and 3-4)
Our God is not just partial to those of us who have already chosen him, he loves all people and wants everyone to spend eternity with him. Does this mean that all will be saved? No. The Bible is very clear that all will not be saved. That doesn't mean that God doesn't give each one of us ample time to make a life changing decision. Who knows, he may use you and I to minister to a lost soul and see someone become a Christ follower as a result.
So, what God is telling me today is that I have two very important callings on my life. One is to keep my own faith in check and the second is to pray for others so they can do the same for themselves and others in their life.
Thank you, Lord, for reminding me of the importance of listening to my conscience. Take me back to when I was a little girl who worked so hard to do what was right. Hold me accountable and give me a heart for all people. Help me to love others and care about where they will be spending eternity. I want to be like you! Amen
Cling to your faith in Christ, and keep your conscience clear. For some people have deliberately violated their consciences; as a result, their faith has been shipwrecked. (v. 1:19)
I have always had an overactive conscience. This was particularly evident when I was a little girl. I confessed everything I did to my mom, everything! As you can imagine, I tried my hardest to be well behaved then. But, as I grew into my teenage years I began to ignore my conscience and not be so up front about my misbehavior. Guess what? I ended up not being so well behaved as a teenager. It's the same way with our faith. God speaks to us through our consciences and when we listen we stay on track.....but, if we ignore his voice our faith will become less and less important over time. This reminds me of a song by Casting Crowns called Slow Fade. This song basically states that our faith doesn't just dissipate over night, it's a slow fade and something we can lose over time as a result of each and every choice we make. So, listen to the voice of God and don't allow your faith to slowly fade away. I don't want mine to be shipwrecked!
Not only do we want to keep our own faith on track, we also want others to have a strong faith in our Lord and Savior. How can you and I help with that?
I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them, intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them.......This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand truth. (v. 2:1 and 3-4)
Our God is not just partial to those of us who have already chosen him, he loves all people and wants everyone to spend eternity with him. Does this mean that all will be saved? No. The Bible is very clear that all will not be saved. That doesn't mean that God doesn't give each one of us ample time to make a life changing decision. Who knows, he may use you and I to minister to a lost soul and see someone become a Christ follower as a result.
So, what God is telling me today is that I have two very important callings on my life. One is to keep my own faith in check and the second is to pray for others so they can do the same for themselves and others in their life.
Thank you, Lord, for reminding me of the importance of listening to my conscience. Take me back to when I was a little girl who worked so hard to do what was right. Hold me accountable and give me a heart for all people. Help me to love others and care about where they will be spending eternity. I want to be like you! Amen
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
I'm the Worst
It's high time for a word from God today! Let's take in a sweet, refreshing drink from his holy Scriptures, 1 Timothy 1:12-17. Remember as you read, this is the Apostle Paul writing under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. What strikes you about him? about his attitude? Does this sound like one of the all time greatest Christ-followers?
Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners--of whom I am the worst. (v. 15)
Jesus said it himself. He didn't come for those who already have it all together and think they don't need God's mercy. He came for sinners--sinners like Paul. And me. He came to save us from the guilt, condemnation and power of the sin that had us trapped. It was a rescue mission from across time and space penetrating the veil between the spiritual and physical dimensions. Pretty cool, huh?
Let's see, if St. Paul was "the worst of sinners," where does that leave me? Sure, I never persecuted or executed Christians, but at least he did what he did out of the conviction that he was doing the right thing. He thought he was doing what God wanted him to do. I can't say that about the sins I've committed. I'm afraid my motives were something far less than defending God's truth against "heresy." How about you?
I'm thankful that Paul opens up this little window into his heart for us. He lets us see his self-image. There's no holier-than-thou condemning spirit about this amazing apostle. He is so convicted about his own sin, his own past, that he doesn't have any pretense of being better than his pagan peers. Yet he isn't consumed with guilt. He's thankful beyond belief for God's grace! And he's all about offering it to the rest of us.
Father, I know that I am, like Paul, someone that you pulled out of the grips of sin, setting me free by your grace. I am so thankful for that! To borrow a line from Titanic, you have saved me in every sense that a person can be saved. I celebrate your grace! May I never think myself above or better than others who have yet to break free. And may they see the power of your grace in my life and the way that I treat them so that they can experience its saving power, too. Amen!
Please share your thoughts! Comment below. And please give this blog a boost on your Facebook page by clicking the Facebook "f" icon below. I appreciate it! And have a happy Thanksgiving!
Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners--of whom I am the worst. (v. 15)
Jesus said it himself. He didn't come for those who already have it all together and think they don't need God's mercy. He came for sinners--sinners like Paul. And me. He came to save us from the guilt, condemnation and power of the sin that had us trapped. It was a rescue mission from across time and space penetrating the veil between the spiritual and physical dimensions. Pretty cool, huh?
Let's see, if St. Paul was "the worst of sinners," where does that leave me? Sure, I never persecuted or executed Christians, but at least he did what he did out of the conviction that he was doing the right thing. He thought he was doing what God wanted him to do. I can't say that about the sins I've committed. I'm afraid my motives were something far less than defending God's truth against "heresy." How about you?
I'm thankful that Paul opens up this little window into his heart for us. He lets us see his self-image. There's no holier-than-thou condemning spirit about this amazing apostle. He is so convicted about his own sin, his own past, that he doesn't have any pretense of being better than his pagan peers. Yet he isn't consumed with guilt. He's thankful beyond belief for God's grace! And he's all about offering it to the rest of us.
Father, I know that I am, like Paul, someone that you pulled out of the grips of sin, setting me free by your grace. I am so thankful for that! To borrow a line from Titanic, you have saved me in every sense that a person can be saved. I celebrate your grace! May I never think myself above or better than others who have yet to break free. And may they see the power of your grace in my life and the way that I treat them so that they can experience its saving power, too. Amen!
Please share your thoughts! Comment below. And please give this blog a boost on your Facebook page by clicking the Facebook "f" icon below. I appreciate it! And have a happy Thanksgiving!
Monday, November 21, 2011
Know Your Goal
Happy Thanksgiving week! I hope you enjoyed our conversations with God through the Gospel of John as much as I did! I'm turning now to one of the more practical writings of the New Testament, the first letter Paul wrote to Timothy. I hope you'll take a few minutes and soak in God's Word, the first eleven verses of chapter one. As you read over it again, what is jumping out at you or making you think?
What resonates most with me is this:
The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. (v. 5)
Paul was concerned about some people in the church who were teaching things that sounded intriguing and scholarly, but there was just one problem. They were way off base. And what their teachings produced was controversies. There is plenty of that around in Christian circles and churches today. Some teachers have pulled all kinds of things out of context in the Bible to develop theories and prophecies about everything from the European Union to the date of Jesus' return. Others want to hash out their opinions on the validity of tongue-speaking or Calvinism. It all makes for stimulating theological debate. And a lot of disagreements.
The Apostle Paul, who wrote a lot of the material people debate over, states that there is one central goal to the commands of God and healthy spiritual teaching. Love. Surprised? Sound (healthy) doctrine is teaching that motivates and equips us to live lives of love for God and for people. How loving am I in my actions and words? That's a good indication of how much I understand and obey the teachings of Scripture.
And what kind of love are we talking about? Love that comes from a pure heart. No phoniness. No ulterior motives. No demands for something in return. Just the real deal.
It's also love that flows from a clean conscience. When I'm living with integrity and holiness I am free to love people without guilt getting in the way. I can open myself up instead of hiding emotionally.
And it's a love that finds its source in a sincere faith in God. I love because I trust in the love God has for me. I don't withhold love out of fear that I'll get stepped on or hurt. My love is powered by the ability to trust. And when that trust is in God instead of people, even when my love is not returned I am able to keep on loving.
So there you go. That's what "sound doctrine that conforms to the glorious gospel of the blessed God" produces in me and in my listeners. It makes the world a better place to live.
You are invited to share what God spoke to your heart in this text by commenting below. Choose "Anonymous" from the "Comment as" menu if you choose not to sign in. Give us a little love on Facebook if you don't mind! (Click on the "f" button below.)
What resonates most with me is this:
The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. (v. 5)
Paul was concerned about some people in the church who were teaching things that sounded intriguing and scholarly, but there was just one problem. They were way off base. And what their teachings produced was controversies. There is plenty of that around in Christian circles and churches today. Some teachers have pulled all kinds of things out of context in the Bible to develop theories and prophecies about everything from the European Union to the date of Jesus' return. Others want to hash out their opinions on the validity of tongue-speaking or Calvinism. It all makes for stimulating theological debate. And a lot of disagreements.
The Apostle Paul, who wrote a lot of the material people debate over, states that there is one central goal to the commands of God and healthy spiritual teaching. Love. Surprised? Sound (healthy) doctrine is teaching that motivates and equips us to live lives of love for God and for people. How loving am I in my actions and words? That's a good indication of how much I understand and obey the teachings of Scripture.
And what kind of love are we talking about? Love that comes from a pure heart. No phoniness. No ulterior motives. No demands for something in return. Just the real deal.
It's also love that flows from a clean conscience. When I'm living with integrity and holiness I am free to love people without guilt getting in the way. I can open myself up instead of hiding emotionally.
And it's a love that finds its source in a sincere faith in God. I love because I trust in the love God has for me. I don't withhold love out of fear that I'll get stepped on or hurt. My love is powered by the ability to trust. And when that trust is in God instead of people, even when my love is not returned I am able to keep on loving.
So there you go. That's what "sound doctrine that conforms to the glorious gospel of the blessed God" produces in me and in my listeners. It makes the world a better place to live.
You are invited to share what God spoke to your heart in this text by commenting below. Choose "Anonymous" from the "Comment as" menu if you choose not to sign in. Give us a little love on Facebook if you don't mind! (Click on the "f" button below.)
Friday, November 18, 2011
The Challenge of Following
A day without hearing from God is to my soul like a day without food and water to my body. Today's conversation is taking me back to the last chapter of John to focus a little more on Jesus' words to Peter. Let's re-read John 21:15-25 and drink it in.
The thing that is jumping out at me today is Jesus' twice-made challenge:
"You must follow me!" (v. 22, also 19)
It's not a suggestion or even an invitation at this point. It's more of a demand. Jesus is saying to me, "Do you want a real relationship with me? Here's how it works. I lead and you follow. Period. There's no negotiating. This isn't up for discussion. If you really love me (which he asks Peter three times), you will give me your whole heart and follow my lead. After all, we're not equals. You have to trust me."
That sometimes seems so simple, and I am all in. But then there is this whole deal with my expectations and the comparisons I make. I generally expect that since I'm following Jesus, he's going to lead me by the green pastures and still waters. Okay, I realize that he's not exempting me from hitting some rough terrain now and then. That's part of the challenge of growing stronger. But I don't expect the worst to happen. That just doesn't seem like what he would want for me.
But he says this to Peter:
"...when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go." (v. 18)
And John explains:
Jesus said this to indiicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. (v. 19)
The fact is that some of us will be called to glorify God that way, too. My wife, Cathy, was. And it's not just in physical death. It might be that God calls us to bring him glory through another kind of major loss. When the worst happens, it doesn't necessarily mean that God has turned against me. It may be just the opposite. But when you're that person, it's not easy looking around at other disciples who seem to have all the favor of God resting on them.
And that's just what Peter did. He turns and looks at John. Everyone knew he was Jesus' favorite.
When Peter saw him, he asked, "Lord, what about him?" (v. 21)
I can feel what Peter felt. Am I the only one that's going to have to suffer? You're telling me I'm going to have to follow you through heartache and loss. What about the other guy? What about the pastor at the big church down the road? What about the other women in my ladies Bible study? They're not going to get off easy while I get beaten like a rented mule, are they? For me, it's not that I want others to suffer loss. It's just that I don't understand why it's me that takes the hit. What did I do to deserve that? Do you love the other guy more than me, Jesus? If you haven't ever felt that way, you've probably not suffered very much in the course of serving God. Nothing will shred my joy like getting caught up making comparisons. I can't go there. I need to hear Jesus words to Peter like they were said to me:
"If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me." (v. 22)
This thing called discipleship doesn't lend itself to my expectations and comparisons. It's about me letting go of my life and putting it in Jesus' hands knowing that it belongs to him anyway. It's about following him regardless, wherever, no reservations, no demands. Why would I do that? Because regardless of whether my path is easy or harder than a woodpecker's head, it's going to lead to Life. And I can't get there any other way.
Share your thoughts, will you? Comment and share this post with your Facebook friends. Click on the square button with the "f" on it. I look forward to hearing from you!
The thing that is jumping out at me today is Jesus' twice-made challenge:
"You must follow me!" (v. 22, also 19)
It's not a suggestion or even an invitation at this point. It's more of a demand. Jesus is saying to me, "Do you want a real relationship with me? Here's how it works. I lead and you follow. Period. There's no negotiating. This isn't up for discussion. If you really love me (which he asks Peter three times), you will give me your whole heart and follow my lead. After all, we're not equals. You have to trust me."
That sometimes seems so simple, and I am all in. But then there is this whole deal with my expectations and the comparisons I make. I generally expect that since I'm following Jesus, he's going to lead me by the green pastures and still waters. Okay, I realize that he's not exempting me from hitting some rough terrain now and then. That's part of the challenge of growing stronger. But I don't expect the worst to happen. That just doesn't seem like what he would want for me.
But he says this to Peter:
"...when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go." (v. 18)
And John explains:
Jesus said this to indiicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. (v. 19)
The fact is that some of us will be called to glorify God that way, too. My wife, Cathy, was. And it's not just in physical death. It might be that God calls us to bring him glory through another kind of major loss. When the worst happens, it doesn't necessarily mean that God has turned against me. It may be just the opposite. But when you're that person, it's not easy looking around at other disciples who seem to have all the favor of God resting on them.
And that's just what Peter did. He turns and looks at John. Everyone knew he was Jesus' favorite.
When Peter saw him, he asked, "Lord, what about him?" (v. 21)
I can feel what Peter felt. Am I the only one that's going to have to suffer? You're telling me I'm going to have to follow you through heartache and loss. What about the other guy? What about the pastor at the big church down the road? What about the other women in my ladies Bible study? They're not going to get off easy while I get beaten like a rented mule, are they? For me, it's not that I want others to suffer loss. It's just that I don't understand why it's me that takes the hit. What did I do to deserve that? Do you love the other guy more than me, Jesus? If you haven't ever felt that way, you've probably not suffered very much in the course of serving God. Nothing will shred my joy like getting caught up making comparisons. I can't go there. I need to hear Jesus words to Peter like they were said to me:
"If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me." (v. 22)
This thing called discipleship doesn't lend itself to my expectations and comparisons. It's about me letting go of my life and putting it in Jesus' hands knowing that it belongs to him anyway. It's about following him regardless, wherever, no reservations, no demands. Why would I do that? Because regardless of whether my path is easy or harder than a woodpecker's head, it's going to lead to Life. And I can't get there any other way.
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Thursday, November 17, 2011
Divine Guidance
Spiritually hungry? Feeling confused? Frustrated? Today, while praying, Jesus spoke a word to my heart, reminding me of something he once said to another follower long ago: "You are worried and troubled about so many things. But only one thing is needed." I realized that the one thing is to sit at his feet and listen to him. When I don't do that, my mind gets so confused and distracted and my stress level goes up. Fears creep in. So I'm focusing on doing the one thing I need most.
Today, we're taking in his final conversation recorded in John's account (chapter 21). Do the one thing that you most need to do, too. Turn off the distractions and read along with me.
"I'm going out to fish," Simon Peter told them. (v. 3)
I can really relate to Peter in this moment. Although he knows that Jesus is risen, he still doesn't know what to do next. Jesus has briefly appeared a couple of times, but he seems to have basically made his exit from their everyday lives. The whole discipleship/ ministry thing seems to be over. For over two weeks, they've been sitting around in a locked room waiting for something, some direction. And it hasn't come.
So Peter makes a decision. He's not the kind of guy who sits around being passive. He's a man of action. He's received no direction from Jesus so he sets his own. He apparently aims to return to his previous profession, fishing. I imagine that he figures he's got to do something, and the only thing he knows to do is go back into the workforce. But it doesn't go so well.
So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. (v. 3)
John is so cool. He always sees the spritual symbolism in events. He points out that it was night. Peter is out there in the dark, drifting directionless and coming up empty-handed. And that's what happens when I try to make my own life plans without listening for God's guidance and calling. It's not a fun place to be and it is not what I want. But something happens.
Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore.... He called out to them, "Friends, haven't you any fish?" (v. 4-5)
Oh, Jesus, you don't have to rub it in, do you? I guess we sometimes don't get it otherwise. Okay, you're right! I need your guidance. And then he gives them clear directions:
He said, "Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some." When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. (v. 6)
So when Peter forges ahead with his own plans, he comes up empty. But once he has some clear guidance from Jesus and follows it, boom! He's fruitful and productive! That's what I need. Clear direction from Jesus. I'm desperate for it!
Then Jesus invites Peter and company to breakfast on the shore. After a weary, frustrating night in the dark, Jesus wants to bring him back from isolation in his own self-made plans to that place where he can spend focused time with Jesus and receive his true calling. And he gets it . . .
When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?" "Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my lambs." (v. 15)
Ah. Now Peter is getting somewhere. Now he knows what his life is really supposed to be about. Finally he has the clear direction that he previously lacked. His life of ministry wasn't over, after all. It was only just beginning. And with Jesus' help and guidance, his life would be more productive than he could imagine.
And there's the symbolic irony again. Did you notice that John points out that Jesus showed up at sunrise? With Jesus' appearing and guidance comes the dawning of a new day. When I have confidence that I have received guidance from him and I act on it, I find myself stepping out of the darkness of confusion and frustration. The sun comes up. The way forward is clear.
But how long must I wait for it? And what should I do in the meantime? I guess I must go back to the word he already gave me:
"You are worried and troubled about so many things. But only one thing is needed. Sit at my feet and listen."
Your comments are welcome! Sign in and comment below or choose "Anonymous" in the "Comment As" field. And please consider blessing someone else you know by sharing this post on Facebook. Just click the "f" button below.
Today, we're taking in his final conversation recorded in John's account (chapter 21). Do the one thing that you most need to do, too. Turn off the distractions and read along with me.
"I'm going out to fish," Simon Peter told them. (v. 3)
I can really relate to Peter in this moment. Although he knows that Jesus is risen, he still doesn't know what to do next. Jesus has briefly appeared a couple of times, but he seems to have basically made his exit from their everyday lives. The whole discipleship/ ministry thing seems to be over. For over two weeks, they've been sitting around in a locked room waiting for something, some direction. And it hasn't come.
So Peter makes a decision. He's not the kind of guy who sits around being passive. He's a man of action. He's received no direction from Jesus so he sets his own. He apparently aims to return to his previous profession, fishing. I imagine that he figures he's got to do something, and the only thing he knows to do is go back into the workforce. But it doesn't go so well.
So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. (v. 3)
John is so cool. He always sees the spritual symbolism in events. He points out that it was night. Peter is out there in the dark, drifting directionless and coming up empty-handed. And that's what happens when I try to make my own life plans without listening for God's guidance and calling. It's not a fun place to be and it is not what I want. But something happens.
Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore.... He called out to them, "Friends, haven't you any fish?" (v. 4-5)
Oh, Jesus, you don't have to rub it in, do you? I guess we sometimes don't get it otherwise. Okay, you're right! I need your guidance. And then he gives them clear directions:
He said, "Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some." When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. (v. 6)
So when Peter forges ahead with his own plans, he comes up empty. But once he has some clear guidance from Jesus and follows it, boom! He's fruitful and productive! That's what I need. Clear direction from Jesus. I'm desperate for it!
Then Jesus invites Peter and company to breakfast on the shore. After a weary, frustrating night in the dark, Jesus wants to bring him back from isolation in his own self-made plans to that place where he can spend focused time with Jesus and receive his true calling. And he gets it . . .
When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?" "Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my lambs." (v. 15)
Ah. Now Peter is getting somewhere. Now he knows what his life is really supposed to be about. Finally he has the clear direction that he previously lacked. His life of ministry wasn't over, after all. It was only just beginning. And with Jesus' help and guidance, his life would be more productive than he could imagine.
And there's the symbolic irony again. Did you notice that John points out that Jesus showed up at sunrise? With Jesus' appearing and guidance comes the dawning of a new day. When I have confidence that I have received guidance from him and I act on it, I find myself stepping out of the darkness of confusion and frustration. The sun comes up. The way forward is clear.
But how long must I wait for it? And what should I do in the meantime? I guess I must go back to the word he already gave me:
"You are worried and troubled about so many things. But only one thing is needed. Sit at my feet and listen."
Your comments are welcome! Sign in and comment below or choose "Anonymous" in the "Comment As" field. And please consider blessing someone else you know by sharing this post on Facebook. Just click the "f" button below.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Doubt
Good morning to all of you! This is Michele with you this morning and today we are reading John 20:24-31. Read it more than once if you would like. It's a short but powerful section of scripture. The focus is on Thomas and his doubt about Jesus' resurrection.
Then Jesus told him, "You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me." (v. 29)
Thomas wasn't alone. We all struggle with doubt. Being doubtful is very unsettling and sometimes very scary, depending on what we're doubting. I believe we are all like Thomas at one time or another and wonder if our Lord is really with us or if what we think we are hearing is really from him. It's much easier to actually visibly see, audibly hear, and physically touch our Lord than just have blind faith in his presence. But.......we, unlike the disciples, don't have those things. We have to simply believe that Jesus is real and trust in him completely.
I believe this concept goes much deeper than just believing that Jesus is real. After we come to the point in which we put our trust and faith in Jesus we need to continually believe in his guidance in our life. If we don't continue to seek God, if we put him on a shelf and don't give him our time and attention, we will have greater doubt. It only makes sense. If I'm struggling with a situation in my life and I'm in doubt but keep my distance from God how can I expect to fully receive his guidance and clear direction. I will begin to take it all on myself which is a recipe for disaster. But, when I focus on God and his Word and talk with him on a regular basis, it all seems much clearer. We have to nurture our relationship w/ Christ so that we can decipher where he's leading us. By stepping away from God we leave ample room for the deceiver to come in and try to steal away the blessings God has for us. I don't want to lose the blessing God intends for me.
God, help me to be in your Word and in your presence often so that I will fully believe you and put all my trust in you. I can't take all things on myself because if I do I will mess them all up. I need your direction. Help me to nurture my relationship with you so that there will be clarity and clear direction in life. When I step away from you there is more room for the enemy to step in and confuse me. I want to live my life believing you and believing in you. Yours is the only voice I want to hear! Amen
Please share your comments with us. We love to hear what God is doing in your life and what he's saying to you through the blog.
Then Jesus told him, "You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me." (v. 29)
Thomas wasn't alone. We all struggle with doubt. Being doubtful is very unsettling and sometimes very scary, depending on what we're doubting. I believe we are all like Thomas at one time or another and wonder if our Lord is really with us or if what we think we are hearing is really from him. It's much easier to actually visibly see, audibly hear, and physically touch our Lord than just have blind faith in his presence. But.......we, unlike the disciples, don't have those things. We have to simply believe that Jesus is real and trust in him completely.
I believe this concept goes much deeper than just believing that Jesus is real. After we come to the point in which we put our trust and faith in Jesus we need to continually believe in his guidance in our life. If we don't continue to seek God, if we put him on a shelf and don't give him our time and attention, we will have greater doubt. It only makes sense. If I'm struggling with a situation in my life and I'm in doubt but keep my distance from God how can I expect to fully receive his guidance and clear direction. I will begin to take it all on myself which is a recipe for disaster. But, when I focus on God and his Word and talk with him on a regular basis, it all seems much clearer. We have to nurture our relationship w/ Christ so that we can decipher where he's leading us. By stepping away from God we leave ample room for the deceiver to come in and try to steal away the blessings God has for us. I don't want to lose the blessing God intends for me.
God, help me to be in your Word and in your presence often so that I will fully believe you and put all my trust in you. I can't take all things on myself because if I do I will mess them all up. I need your direction. Help me to nurture my relationship with you so that there will be clarity and clear direction in life. When I step away from you there is more room for the enemy to step in and confuse me. I want to live my life believing you and believing in you. Yours is the only voice I want to hear! Amen
Please share your comments with us. We love to hear what God is doing in your life and what he's saying to you through the blog.
Friday, November 11, 2011
The Shining Island in the Storm
"Peace be with you!" Hello everyone! Hope your day is going great! In our world, we are inundated by information and entertainment. Our minds are flooded constantly with "stuff." Can you, with me, just stop everything for a minute? No music, no talking, and simply close your eyes and listen to the silence. And now, in your head and heart, hear Jesus say, "Peace be with you!" Only with Jesus can our souls be filled with that valuable comodity: "the peace that passes understanding." Read John 20: 19-23 and let it soak in. These words bring amazement to the followers of Jesus and John, the beloved apostle, remembers it clearly!
Our darkest path. This is Katrinka writing today and I have lived long enough to experience such times in life. I think everyone has shared in the bitterness of "times that try men's souls." Sometimes we think we are singled out for trouble, but nothing could be further from the truth. The example of Job in the Old Testament brings things into focus. God singled him out as being an example of righteousness, and yet God allowed Satan to try him to the point that he was on the verge of death. He suffered the loss of everything he had! When his wife bitterly questioned why Job was holding onto hope and integrity in the face of such major calamity, he gave her a very wise answer: "Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?" (Job 2:10).
It brings incredible peace into my soul to read The Bible. Try it. It is definitely the" Best Medicine" for any problem. Today this scripture from John brings blinding light into the room, and into our hearts. The Light chases the darkness away and lifts up our souls to praising our God! Jesus IS the Light of the World, and He suddenly appears in the dark, gloomy room! Jesus unexpectantly stands right there in front of his distraught and pesimistic friends in all His Resurrected Glory!
Talk about "cleaning up the environment"? Jesus instantly cleared away all the rubbish of darkness and depression with His appearance and the words: "Peace be with you!" It seems logical that the followers were shocked. Who wouldn't be? Luke 24:37 tells us more, stating that they thought they were seeing a ghost! Jesus showed them His wounds and reassured them that He really does live again! It is stunning to think that One who they saw dead and buried is now standing before them alive and well. More than that, Jesus is different in the most glorious ways, and the fact that He just appeared in the room shows that there were some big changes in His risen body.
Need a fill-up? Many times you and I need a spiritual refueling. If there was ever a need for refueling, this was the time for the followers of Jesus. They got an instant refill with His appearance, but He had even more for them. Jesus breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit."
The Godhead is composed of Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Before His crucifixion, Jesus, the Son, was with them in human form. He told us that when we see Him we also see the Father. But now, after His resurrection, there is another Gift from above--the Holy Spirit. He is also called "the Comforter" in scripture. The name alone gives peace in the Christian heart. The Comfort of God is not something external, it is internal, nourishing and healing true followers of Jesus from within. The Spirit of God insures the Christian a comfort that is beyond any remedy the world can provide. He produces the "peace that passes understanding," no matter what the circumstances of life.
Jesus changes things! This particular occasion we read about today changed a lot of things in the life of the followers of Jesus. Jesus gave them, among other things, the gifts of: (1) peace, (2) joy, (3) comfort and (4) direction: (1) In place of stress and worry, the disciples were given reassurance and peace of mind that Jesus was absolutely not overcome by opposition and physical death. (2) In place of depression and tears they received relief and an upbeat spirit! (3) In place of aching lonelinss and tears of loss, they received proof that He lives, the warmth of His reassurance, and the constant presence of the Holy Spirit within their hearts. (4) In place of the feeling, "Where do we go next?" they received clear instructions and focus for the future: Jesus said, "As the Father has sent me, I am sending you."
Our Job Description. As Christians, you and I have been given these same gifts and the same direction and instruction. Jesus says to us, as well: "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned (Mark 16:15-16). Now we are ready to face the day with Jesus, hearts up, positive thinking, peace in our hearts, and a mission to live by! Let's go do it, shall we?
Peace? Is it possible to have peace in this world of worry, struggle, disappointment, loss and pain? Peace when all seems "down the drain" and hope is almost gone? Peace when someone precious to me is no longer there? Peace when I feel most people are against me and "out to get me?" Peace when all I have worked for and hoped for seems to be lost forever? Really??? How is that possible? It seems like a pipe-dream, to say the least!
Tunnel of gloom. This passage in John that we are sharing today takes place after the darkest times in the lives of Jesus' disciples. They have lost everything! They followed Jesus with such high hopes for the future! They saw His power and believed Him to be invincible. And yet, the Jews and Romans together have taken Jesus and killed Him. Fear, despair, confusion and hopelessness fill the room where the disciples are gathered. Gloom and depression hang in the room like dark clouds. When Jesus was crucified, darkness fell over the land, and that darkness continuesto reign in their hearts -- permeating them to the core.
Tunnel of gloom. This passage in John that we are sharing today takes place after the darkest times in the lives of Jesus' disciples. They have lost everything! They followed Jesus with such high hopes for the future! They saw His power and believed Him to be invincible. And yet, the Jews and Romans together have taken Jesus and killed Him. Fear, despair, confusion and hopelessness fill the room where the disciples are gathered. Gloom and depression hang in the room like dark clouds. When Jesus was crucified, darkness fell over the land, and that darkness continuesto reign in their hearts -- permeating them to the core.
Our darkest path. This is Katrinka writing today and I have lived long enough to experience such times in life. I think everyone has shared in the bitterness of "times that try men's souls." Sometimes we think we are singled out for trouble, but nothing could be further from the truth. The example of Job in the Old Testament brings things into focus. God singled him out as being an example of righteousness, and yet God allowed Satan to try him to the point that he was on the verge of death. He suffered the loss of everything he had! When his wife bitterly questioned why Job was holding onto hope and integrity in the face of such major calamity, he gave her a very wise answer: "Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?" (Job 2:10).
It brings incredible peace into my soul to read The Bible. Try it. It is definitely the" Best Medicine" for any problem. Today this scripture from John brings blinding light into the room, and into our hearts. The Light chases the darkness away and lifts up our souls to praising our God! Jesus IS the Light of the World, and He suddenly appears in the dark, gloomy room! Jesus unexpectantly stands right there in front of his distraught and pesimistic friends in all His Resurrected Glory!
Talk about "cleaning up the environment"? Jesus instantly cleared away all the rubbish of darkness and depression with His appearance and the words: "Peace be with you!" It seems logical that the followers were shocked. Who wouldn't be? Luke 24:37 tells us more, stating that they thought they were seeing a ghost! Jesus showed them His wounds and reassured them that He really does live again! It is stunning to think that One who they saw dead and buried is now standing before them alive and well. More than that, Jesus is different in the most glorious ways, and the fact that He just appeared in the room shows that there were some big changes in His risen body.
Need a fill-up? Many times you and I need a spiritual refueling. If there was ever a need for refueling, this was the time for the followers of Jesus. They got an instant refill with His appearance, but He had even more for them. Jesus breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit."
The Godhead is composed of Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Before His crucifixion, Jesus, the Son, was with them in human form. He told us that when we see Him we also see the Father. But now, after His resurrection, there is another Gift from above--the Holy Spirit. He is also called "the Comforter" in scripture. The name alone gives peace in the Christian heart. The Comfort of God is not something external, it is internal, nourishing and healing true followers of Jesus from within. The Spirit of God insures the Christian a comfort that is beyond any remedy the world can provide. He produces the "peace that passes understanding," no matter what the circumstances of life.
Jesus changes things! This particular occasion we read about today changed a lot of things in the life of the followers of Jesus. Jesus gave them, among other things, the gifts of: (1) peace, (2) joy, (3) comfort and (4) direction: (1) In place of stress and worry, the disciples were given reassurance and peace of mind that Jesus was absolutely not overcome by opposition and physical death. (2) In place of depression and tears they received relief and an upbeat spirit! (3) In place of aching lonelinss and tears of loss, they received proof that He lives, the warmth of His reassurance, and the constant presence of the Holy Spirit within their hearts. (4) In place of the feeling, "Where do we go next?" they received clear instructions and focus for the future: Jesus said, "As the Father has sent me, I am sending you."
Our Job Description. As Christians, you and I have been given these same gifts and the same direction and instruction. Jesus says to us, as well: "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned (Mark 16:15-16). Now we are ready to face the day with Jesus, hearts up, positive thinking, peace in our hearts, and a mission to live by! Let's go do it, shall we?
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
No More Tears
God is interested in every detail of your life! He loves you, and he is wanting to speak into your life today. Quiet yourself for a moment and let him. Let's hear from his Word, John 20:11-18. It's Sunday morning early. The jeers and angry shouts have died away, along with the Man on the cross. An anxious day of silence and painful inactivity followed. Mary and some other women had gone to the tomb, found it open and empty, and returned with the news. Peter and John had raced there to check it out for themselves. Only Mary Magdalene returned behind them, at a slower pace. By the time she arrives, they've already left. Now she finds herself alone with the tomb. Or so she thinks. Give it a read.
Twice in this scene, Mary is asked the same question. Did you notice?
"Why are you crying?" (v. 13, 15)
It's kind of an interesting, if not ridiculous, question to ask a person visiting a grave. Don't you think? I've visited Cathy's grave many times, and I have never been asked by people who came close by why I was crying. Once, a lady gently approached me and asked me about the person I had lost. Others have paid no attention to me. After all, crying is normal in a cemetary.
So why does Mary get asked a question like that, twice? It seems almost insensitive. Perhaps those who questioned her expected her to have come to realize that she had nothing to cry about. She had heard Jesus predict his death and resurrection. She had already seen the empty tomb. Patch in the details from the other accounts, and you see that she and the other women had already been told by an angel that he was risen. Yet, somehow her heart just can't believe it. He has overcome death and the grave, but she is still mourning as if he's still dead.
So, she gets the question first from two angels inside the tomb, positioned like two Vanna White's highlighting the spot where he once lay: "Why are you crying?' Then comes the question again from Jesus himself as he walks up behind her: "Why are you crying?" It's his gentle way of saying, "Don't you realize that I've won? I have launched an offensive on the gates of death and Hell, and I've come away victorious! This isn't time for mourning. It's time for celebrating!"
It's important to know what time it is. And in my own times of loss and sorrow, or periods of discouragement and defeat, when I feel like all is lost and the weight of the world presses down on my shoulders, this question rings out of the text, out of this scene at the empty tomb, and speaks an important reminder to me. What, ultimately do I have to be down about? I need to turn and lift up my eyes and see the risen Savior there behind me, smiling, alive and victorious, stretching out his hand to me. The victory has already been won! Every battle I still have to fight, regardless of the outcome, will end in glory. And his power to overcome is in me, right now! Thank you, Jesus!
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Twice in this scene, Mary is asked the same question. Did you notice?
"Why are you crying?" (v. 13, 15)
It's kind of an interesting, if not ridiculous, question to ask a person visiting a grave. Don't you think? I've visited Cathy's grave many times, and I have never been asked by people who came close by why I was crying. Once, a lady gently approached me and asked me about the person I had lost. Others have paid no attention to me. After all, crying is normal in a cemetary.
So why does Mary get asked a question like that, twice? It seems almost insensitive. Perhaps those who questioned her expected her to have come to realize that she had nothing to cry about. She had heard Jesus predict his death and resurrection. She had already seen the empty tomb. Patch in the details from the other accounts, and you see that she and the other women had already been told by an angel that he was risen. Yet, somehow her heart just can't believe it. He has overcome death and the grave, but she is still mourning as if he's still dead.
So, she gets the question first from two angels inside the tomb, positioned like two Vanna White's highlighting the spot where he once lay: "Why are you crying?' Then comes the question again from Jesus himself as he walks up behind her: "Why are you crying?" It's his gentle way of saying, "Don't you realize that I've won? I have launched an offensive on the gates of death and Hell, and I've come away victorious! This isn't time for mourning. It's time for celebrating!"
It's important to know what time it is. And in my own times of loss and sorrow, or periods of discouragement and defeat, when I feel like all is lost and the weight of the world presses down on my shoulders, this question rings out of the text, out of this scene at the empty tomb, and speaks an important reminder to me. What, ultimately do I have to be down about? I need to turn and lift up my eyes and see the risen Savior there behind me, smiling, alive and victorious, stretching out his hand to me. The victory has already been won! Every battle I still have to fight, regardless of the outcome, will end in glory. And his power to overcome is in me, right now! Thank you, Jesus!
I love to read your comments and thoughts. Sign in at the top right of the page and then comment below. If you have had trouble signing in, read the link How to Sign In. You can also choose Anonymous from the Comment As menu.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
It's Already Taken Care Of
Good evening and happy Tuesday! This is Michele with you tonight. We are moving into Chapter 20 of the book of John and we will begin with verses 1-10. There is much to be taken from this reading as it focuses on the resurrection of our Lord. Please read with me and listen for the voice of God to speak into your heart.
Early on Sunday morning, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. (v. 1)
Why was Mary going to the tomb? Was she going to pay her respects? Did she just want to be as close as possible to her Lord and Savior? She had just watched the life-changing death of Jesus two short days ago. Maybe she wanted to spend some time at the place where his body was buried.......a time of reflection on what he had done for her. Whatever reason she had for going to the tomb, Mary was probably blown away by what she saw when she arrived!
Chris and I read this together and he had some great insight into this section of the text. This is what we discussed as we studied together:
Have you ever wondered how a certain task would ever get accomplished? Have you ever spent needless time contemplating how to approach a situation? Have you ever wanted to dismiss a much needed action because you can't wrap your head around what steps need to be taken first? Me too! Mary may have wondered all the way there how she would be able to get into the tomb because of the huge stone that covered the entrance. A stone that she knew she wouldn't be able to move on her own. But, the amazing part is, Jesus had already moved the stone that had previously kept her from his body. She didn't need to be concerned with that at all. There have been numerous times in my life when I've found that my worries were unwarranted because Jesus had already taken care of my issue without my having to do a thing! He's moved many stones out of my way to fulfill his plan. He does the same for all of his children.
Did Jesus roll away the stone so he could get out? No, he moved the stone so others could go in! Our Lord doesn't need a doorway but he's in the art of making doorways for others. He wants us to seek him out. He wants to show us his magnificence and invites us to enter into his presence.
What did Mary, Peter and John find when they looked in the tomb? Jesus' body was no longer there! They saw just what he wanted them to see when they entered the doorway he had provided. And because of what they saw....they believed.
Then the disciple who had reached the tomb first also went in, and he saw and believed- for until then they still hadn't understood the Scriptures that said Jesus must rise from the dead. (8-9)
Lord, give me the wisdom to see the doors that you're opening in my life. Help me to see just what you want me to see as I enter them. Keep my mind focused on you and your reign in my life. You are my King and my guide. Amen
Please share your comments with us. Your thoughts are so important and insightful. Share on facebook also......it's a great way to bless your friends!
Early on Sunday morning, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. (v. 1)
Why was Mary going to the tomb? Was she going to pay her respects? Did she just want to be as close as possible to her Lord and Savior? She had just watched the life-changing death of Jesus two short days ago. Maybe she wanted to spend some time at the place where his body was buried.......a time of reflection on what he had done for her. Whatever reason she had for going to the tomb, Mary was probably blown away by what she saw when she arrived!
Chris and I read this together and he had some great insight into this section of the text. This is what we discussed as we studied together:
Have you ever wondered how a certain task would ever get accomplished? Have you ever spent needless time contemplating how to approach a situation? Have you ever wanted to dismiss a much needed action because you can't wrap your head around what steps need to be taken first? Me too! Mary may have wondered all the way there how she would be able to get into the tomb because of the huge stone that covered the entrance. A stone that she knew she wouldn't be able to move on her own. But, the amazing part is, Jesus had already moved the stone that had previously kept her from his body. She didn't need to be concerned with that at all. There have been numerous times in my life when I've found that my worries were unwarranted because Jesus had already taken care of my issue without my having to do a thing! He's moved many stones out of my way to fulfill his plan. He does the same for all of his children.
Did Jesus roll away the stone so he could get out? No, he moved the stone so others could go in! Our Lord doesn't need a doorway but he's in the art of making doorways for others. He wants us to seek him out. He wants to show us his magnificence and invites us to enter into his presence.
What did Mary, Peter and John find when they looked in the tomb? Jesus' body was no longer there! They saw just what he wanted them to see when they entered the doorway he had provided. And because of what they saw....they believed.
Then the disciple who had reached the tomb first also went in, and he saw and believed- for until then they still hadn't understood the Scriptures that said Jesus must rise from the dead. (8-9)
Lord, give me the wisdom to see the doors that you're opening in my life. Help me to see just what you want me to see as I enter them. Keep my mind focused on you and your reign in my life. You are my King and my guide. Amen
Please share your comments with us. Your thoughts are so important and insightful. Share on facebook also......it's a great way to bless your friends!
Friday, November 4, 2011
A Very Expensive Funeral Attended by Two
Hello everyone! Sorry to be a little late writing today. Our reading is taken from John 19:38-42. When I sit down and take the Bible, open it up and read, it seems as though a feeling of peace fills my heart! I hope you will read this short passage with me and thoughtfully let it speak to your heart. Today this is Katrinka writing, and always grateful for the opportunity to share this time with Chris, Michele, and especially you. May God bless us as we let more of His Word into our minds and souls.
In this section of John we have been reading about THE EVENT. Which event? The crucifixion of our Lord and Savior in detailed account, about the event that shook the earth and darkened the day, about the event that took our Lord Jesus into the realms of Death itself. At this point in the sequence of such momentous happeningss, the future looks quite uncertain. How is it possible that the life of Jesus come to this tragic end? His death on the cross was one of humiliation and shame! What does the future hold for his followers?
The funeral. In these few verses today we see the "funeral" that was held for Jesus. Surely the Son of God was buried in a showy, grand manner with loyal disciples all around him. Surely there were many flowers, and expressions of respect and honor for the departed Lord! That is how we would like to see it happen, but, sadly, that is definitely not the case.
Those who attended. Doesn't it seem strange to you that it was not Peter. or John. or James that came to Pilate and asked to have the body of Jesus? After all, they were his best friends, always-present followers, weren't they? But, as Jesus had already predicted, "the sheep would be scattered." Even John who was with Mary at the cross did not come and ask for the body so his mother could bury him! It all seems so tragic and disappointing to me. We cannot judge accurately, but it seems that they had all given up and were quickly moving our of range so that the authorities would not associate them more with Jesus, the crucified. No, instead of loyal friends around him to the end, it was only a couple of "secret believers" who stood up to bury him at the end of Jesus' earthly life.
Joseph of Arimathea surely had no idea that his act of asking for the body and burying it in his own new tomb would go down in the Word of God for generations of people to read! I ask myself, why was he so brave now? Why didn't he stand up and say that he was a believer in Jesus before, when things were going great for Jesus? His courage failed him then, but now, all of a sudden he stands up to be counted as a follower. Why? Could it be that he was there, watching, listening as the crucifixion took place? Could it be that, as some of the soldiers who were on the job there, he said to himself in the end: " Surely this was the Son of God!" Whatever it was, Joseph was a changed man. He did not allow himself to go into depression and give up on his belief just because Jesus had been killed! Instead he performed a service for our Lord that no one else did -- he honored and took care of Jesus' body! He stepped up and sacrificially gave his new tomb, his love and his service to His Lord when others abandoned him.
Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night, was there too. We read that he was there with Joseph of Arimathea. He had been reluctant to visit with Jesus in the daytime, also out of fear of the Jewsish leaders. And yet at this time he also steps forward boldly, participating in the "funeral" of Jesus, in the special care of his earthly body. His contribution demonstrated great love and respect for Jesus. He brought a mixture of expensive myrrh and aloes, and not just a little bit but a lot -- about 75 pounds worth! This was used to rub all over Jesus' dead body, to clean, scent and preserve it. He spared no expense and gave of himself to see that Jesus had a decent, Jewish burial.
Hands-on Service. These two men, apparently both quite wealthy, did not bring along their servants to do the work. They did it themselves! By this time Jesus had undergone so much! Beatings, scourgings, spit, thorns scraping his head -- all these along with the actual crucifixion and the spear in the side -- must have left the body of Jesus in quite a horrible state. I can't write this without tears filling my eyes! Still, these two men took the body of Jesus and personally did all that it took. They cleaned it, rubbed it all over with the spices and expensive perfumes. Then, with their own hands, they wrapped Jesus in strips of linen. They did it all according to Jewish burial customs. They placed his body in a clean, new tomb and left. They had done all they could do as mere men.
These two men fulfilled what was written above the cross: "King of the Jews." They took the body of Jesus and honored it in the Jewish way as it should have been done. They honored Jesus with their actions when others honored him with words. Joseph and Nicodemas performed the funeral for Jesus. And I feel sure that when he arose from the dead, they were rejoicing and being glad they had done what they had done! And I feel sure in my own heart that they will be given a place in heaven for their efforts and faith.
How about us? How do you and I honor Jesus? -- in words or in deeds? Actually, our Lord and Messiah deserves both! He deserves our everything and our all! We can honor Him best in real service to His church and to those around us. Thank you, Lord, for letting us know how Jesus was buried. It has some great lessons for us. And let us never forget that partaking of the Lord's Supper can be a continuation of honoring His death for us. Blessings on each of you!
In this section of John we have been reading about THE EVENT. Which event? The crucifixion of our Lord and Savior in detailed account, about the event that shook the earth and darkened the day, about the event that took our Lord Jesus into the realms of Death itself. At this point in the sequence of such momentous happeningss, the future looks quite uncertain. How is it possible that the life of Jesus come to this tragic end? His death on the cross was one of humiliation and shame! What does the future hold for his followers?
The funeral. In these few verses today we see the "funeral" that was held for Jesus. Surely the Son of God was buried in a showy, grand manner with loyal disciples all around him. Surely there were many flowers, and expressions of respect and honor for the departed Lord! That is how we would like to see it happen, but, sadly, that is definitely not the case.
Those who attended. Doesn't it seem strange to you that it was not Peter. or John. or James that came to Pilate and asked to have the body of Jesus? After all, they were his best friends, always-present followers, weren't they? But, as Jesus had already predicted, "the sheep would be scattered." Even John who was with Mary at the cross did not come and ask for the body so his mother could bury him! It all seems so tragic and disappointing to me. We cannot judge accurately, but it seems that they had all given up and were quickly moving our of range so that the authorities would not associate them more with Jesus, the crucified. No, instead of loyal friends around him to the end, it was only a couple of "secret believers" who stood up to bury him at the end of Jesus' earthly life.
Joseph of Arimathea surely had no idea that his act of asking for the body and burying it in his own new tomb would go down in the Word of God for generations of people to read! I ask myself, why was he so brave now? Why didn't he stand up and say that he was a believer in Jesus before, when things were going great for Jesus? His courage failed him then, but now, all of a sudden he stands up to be counted as a follower. Why? Could it be that he was there, watching, listening as the crucifixion took place? Could it be that, as some of the soldiers who were on the job there, he said to himself in the end: " Surely this was the Son of God!" Whatever it was, Joseph was a changed man. He did not allow himself to go into depression and give up on his belief just because Jesus had been killed! Instead he performed a service for our Lord that no one else did -- he honored and took care of Jesus' body! He stepped up and sacrificially gave his new tomb, his love and his service to His Lord when others abandoned him.
Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night, was there too. We read that he was there with Joseph of Arimathea. He had been reluctant to visit with Jesus in the daytime, also out of fear of the Jewsish leaders. And yet at this time he also steps forward boldly, participating in the "funeral" of Jesus, in the special care of his earthly body. His contribution demonstrated great love and respect for Jesus. He brought a mixture of expensive myrrh and aloes, and not just a little bit but a lot -- about 75 pounds worth! This was used to rub all over Jesus' dead body, to clean, scent and preserve it. He spared no expense and gave of himself to see that Jesus had a decent, Jewish burial.
Hands-on Service. These two men, apparently both quite wealthy, did not bring along their servants to do the work. They did it themselves! By this time Jesus had undergone so much! Beatings, scourgings, spit, thorns scraping his head -- all these along with the actual crucifixion and the spear in the side -- must have left the body of Jesus in quite a horrible state. I can't write this without tears filling my eyes! Still, these two men took the body of Jesus and personally did all that it took. They cleaned it, rubbed it all over with the spices and expensive perfumes. Then, with their own hands, they wrapped Jesus in strips of linen. They did it all according to Jewish burial customs. They placed his body in a clean, new tomb and left. They had done all they could do as mere men.
These two men fulfilled what was written above the cross: "King of the Jews." They took the body of Jesus and honored it in the Jewish way as it should have been done. They honored Jesus with their actions when others honored him with words. Joseph and Nicodemas performed the funeral for Jesus. And I feel sure that when he arose from the dead, they were rejoicing and being glad they had done what they had done! And I feel sure in my own heart that they will be given a place in heaven for their efforts and faith.
How about us? How do you and I honor Jesus? -- in words or in deeds? Actually, our Lord and Messiah deserves both! He deserves our everything and our all! We can honor Him best in real service to His church and to those around us. Thank you, Lord, for letting us know how Jesus was buried. It has some great lessons for us. And let us never forget that partaking of the Lord's Supper can be a continuation of honoring His death for us. Blessings on each of you!
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Broken Heart
God is speaking to anyone who would listen. All we have to do is open the Bible and read. The final scene from the cross will frame our conversation today. Let's read John 19:31-37 together and then reflect back over it. What is he wanting us to hear?
...[T]hey came to Jesus and found that he was already dead.... [O]ne of the soldiers pierced Jesus' side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water. (v. 33-34)
The notes in my NIV Study Bible explain that the phenomenon of water flowing along with the blood could be caused by the spear piercing the sac that surrounds the heart (pericardium) and the heart itself. That fact tells me three important things.
One, Jesus was really human. Yes, he is fully God, but he's also fully human. There were other times in Scripture where God or an angel took human form. They made themselves look human to interact with humans, but they didn't really become human. This was not one of those times. Jesus wasn't just God in human form. He was God in human flesh. And that means he experienced the human condition. He knows how it feels to be a man. He can relate to me. He understands me. And I can aspire to be like him. I can lay aside those thoughts that I can never be the kind of person that he was. I can't do it perfectly like he did. But by his grace and strength, I can be Christ-like.
Two, Jesus was really dead. Accepting the reality of Jesus' resurrection from the dead is no small thing. I need evidence. And this is one solid piece of it from an eyewitness who had nothing to gain and a lot to lose by lying about it. Could Jesus maybe have just been unconscious? in a coma? mostly dead but not all dead? And then he just woke up in the tomb and broke out? Not a chance. His heart was run through with a spear head.
Three, in bearing the brunt of my sins, Jesus' heart was broken. It cut him straight to the heart, literally. He was broken-hearted about my plight, my stubbornness, my brokenness and my hopelessness. And he cared so much for me that he took it all on himself, even though it killed him. He has literally changed my life, made me whole and given me hope and a brilliant future. I don't want to break his heart anymore. I want him to feel how much I love him, and I will show him everyday.
Spread the word by sharing this post to your Facebook page. It might be a lot more meaningful to someone than anything else you share.You're invited to share your reflections about what Jesus did for you. Comment below (sign in first at the top right of the page, or choose "Anonymous" in the "Comment as" field).
...[T]hey came to Jesus and found that he was already dead.... [O]ne of the soldiers pierced Jesus' side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water. (v. 33-34)
The notes in my NIV Study Bible explain that the phenomenon of water flowing along with the blood could be caused by the spear piercing the sac that surrounds the heart (pericardium) and the heart itself. That fact tells me three important things.
One, Jesus was really human. Yes, he is fully God, but he's also fully human. There were other times in Scripture where God or an angel took human form. They made themselves look human to interact with humans, but they didn't really become human. This was not one of those times. Jesus wasn't just God in human form. He was God in human flesh. And that means he experienced the human condition. He knows how it feels to be a man. He can relate to me. He understands me. And I can aspire to be like him. I can lay aside those thoughts that I can never be the kind of person that he was. I can't do it perfectly like he did. But by his grace and strength, I can be Christ-like.
Two, Jesus was really dead. Accepting the reality of Jesus' resurrection from the dead is no small thing. I need evidence. And this is one solid piece of it from an eyewitness who had nothing to gain and a lot to lose by lying about it. Could Jesus maybe have just been unconscious? in a coma? mostly dead but not all dead? And then he just woke up in the tomb and broke out? Not a chance. His heart was run through with a spear head.
Three, in bearing the brunt of my sins, Jesus' heart was broken. It cut him straight to the heart, literally. He was broken-hearted about my plight, my stubbornness, my brokenness and my hopelessness. And he cared so much for me that he took it all on himself, even though it killed him. He has literally changed my life, made me whole and given me hope and a brilliant future. I don't want to break his heart anymore. I want him to feel how much I love him, and I will show him everyday.
Spread the word by sharing this post to your Facebook page. It might be a lot more meaningful to someone than anything else you share.You're invited to share your reflections about what Jesus did for you. Comment below (sign in first at the top right of the page, or choose "Anonymous" in the "Comment as" field).
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Sweet Accomplishment
If you can't hear the voice of God speaking to you through the account of Jesus' crucifixion, you may just not be listening with your heart. Let's go back to the account in John 19. Michele had a great post yesterday on the fact of Jesus caring for his mother in his final moments. Now let's sit in on the end in verses 28 through 30. Read it two or three times. Can you hear him? Why are these sayings so important?
Jesus said, "I am thirsty." (v. 28)
Why did John include this detail? Maybe it was because he had made a point of emphasizing that Jesus was the cure for that gnawing thirst inside each one of us. Jesus had promised to provide "living water" freely to anyone who wants it, and that we would never go thirsty again (see chp. 4). How ironic that he now thirsts himself.
But this is how it had to be. Only in dying could Jesus give us Life. And only in enduring parching thirst could he become the thirst-quencher. Do you see the symbolic significance in the fact that when his side was run through with a spear, along with the blood flowed water (v. 34)?
Jesus said, "It is finished!" (v. 30)
That's no give-up! That's the exclamation of a man who completed what he came to do. It's in the same category as tossing your graduation cap in the air. It's the Cardinals storming the pitcher's mound as they put an exclamation point on the last inning of the World Series. (Well, multiplied by the power of 10.) Jesus had a life mission, and he wrapped it up in his death on the cross to take the punishment for the sins of all who would accept him as their substitute. He checked out of this life knowing that he had completed his life's purpose.
That's how I want to go out, too. Don't you? Because I was put here for a reason, and so were you. I'm still alive today for one reason--because I haven't finished what God has planned for me to accomplish. Hopefully, I won't be done today! But I want to eventually come to the end of my life with the same kind of satisfaction that Jesus had. I want to be able to say with my dying breath, "I have finished what God put me here to do." I haven't left anything undone. I didn't shirk my responsibilities. I didn't close a deaf ear to my mission. I didn't sit around passively observing other people serving God. I accepted my mission. I let God lead me step by step as I did what he put before me to do. I served his cause.
And when that day comes and I face the reality of death and eternity before me, I will have the deep satisfaction and peace of knowing I did what God put me here to do. Those may be the best last words a person could have: "It is finished!"
It would be great to know how this speaks to your heart and life. Share it with me in the Comments section below. And invite your Facebook friends to join this conversation with God. Share this post by clicking the Facebook button ("f") below. Be blessed!
Jesus said, "I am thirsty." (v. 28)
Why did John include this detail? Maybe it was because he had made a point of emphasizing that Jesus was the cure for that gnawing thirst inside each one of us. Jesus had promised to provide "living water" freely to anyone who wants it, and that we would never go thirsty again (see chp. 4). How ironic that he now thirsts himself.
But this is how it had to be. Only in dying could Jesus give us Life. And only in enduring parching thirst could he become the thirst-quencher. Do you see the symbolic significance in the fact that when his side was run through with a spear, along with the blood flowed water (v. 34)?
Jesus said, "It is finished!" (v. 30)
That's no give-up! That's the exclamation of a man who completed what he came to do. It's in the same category as tossing your graduation cap in the air. It's the Cardinals storming the pitcher's mound as they put an exclamation point on the last inning of the World Series. (Well, multiplied by the power of 10.) Jesus had a life mission, and he wrapped it up in his death on the cross to take the punishment for the sins of all who would accept him as their substitute. He checked out of this life knowing that he had completed his life's purpose.
That's how I want to go out, too. Don't you? Because I was put here for a reason, and so were you. I'm still alive today for one reason--because I haven't finished what God has planned for me to accomplish. Hopefully, I won't be done today! But I want to eventually come to the end of my life with the same kind of satisfaction that Jesus had. I want to be able to say with my dying breath, "I have finished what God put me here to do." I haven't left anything undone. I didn't shirk my responsibilities. I didn't close a deaf ear to my mission. I didn't sit around passively observing other people serving God. I accepted my mission. I let God lead me step by step as I did what he put before me to do. I served his cause.
And when that day comes and I face the reality of death and eternity before me, I will have the deep satisfaction and peace of knowing I did what God put me here to do. Those may be the best last words a person could have: "It is finished!"
It would be great to know how this speaks to your heart and life. Share it with me in the Comments section below. And invite your Facebook friends to join this conversation with God. Share this post by clicking the Facebook button ("f") below. Be blessed!
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Jesus' Never-ending Love for Us
Are you ready to hear what God has to say to you today? Good! I, Michele, am taking you to John 19:25-27. Read it through and ponder what God is trying to get across to you. This is a wonderful example of the way Jesus' loves for us. One that should be read with great attention.
Standing near the cross were Jesus' mother, and his mother's sister, Mary (the wife of Clopas), and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother standing there beside the disciple he loved, he said to her, "Dear woman, here is your son." And he said to this disciple, "Here is your mother." And from then on this disciple took her into his home. (v. 25-27)
Do you think Mary understood what was going on? Did she understand the complete truth of who her son was? I don't know if she truly understood but I do imagine she felt Jesus' love for her when he made sure that she would be cared for after his final breath. In the midst of his suffering, Jesus was concerned for his mother. He knew how hard this was for her and he loved her so much. Although the text does not make it clear, we can assume that Joseph was already deceased by this time. Jesus wanted his mother to know that she would always be cared for, even after he was gone. Doesn't he care for us as well?
Have you ever felt his love for you so powerfully? Have you ever had to fall prostrate on the ground because you are overwhelmed with Jesus' love for you? Has there ever been a time when you felt Jesus' arms wrap around you with a feeling of pure peace and comfort? I have! This has happened to me on several different occasions, both in times of turmoil and times of pure bliss. I've felt Jesus' arms around me in times of complete an utter loneliness, when I've felt weighed down by the demands of this life, or when I've felt like a failure as a parent. Jesus has also wrapped me in his love in good times when I've accomplished something that has seemed impossible to me or when he brought into my life the wonderful man who will soon be my husband!! No matter what the situation may be, Jesus can surround us with a feeling of complete peace, protection and love.
His love is that far, that wide, that deep....it can and will reach into any situation to transform us. Feel his love for you, really take it in! Just as he made sure his mother would be continually cared for, he will make sure of the same for each one of us. He will never leave us to flounder on our own. It may feel that way at times, but he promises not to do that. He is always with us and no matter where we are or what our circumstances are he will never forsake us. He is never too busy for us. He was still caring for his people as he hung on the cross!
Thank you, dear God, for caring so much. Thank you for never leaving us to make it on our own. Your love for us never ends. You are King of my life! I will lay every burden and praise at the foot of the cross where they belong. Amen
Please share your comments with us. We love to hear what you feel God is saying to you in the daily reading. Share this blog with your friends as well. You just never know who may be blessed when you share God's Word!
Standing near the cross were Jesus' mother, and his mother's sister, Mary (the wife of Clopas), and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother standing there beside the disciple he loved, he said to her, "Dear woman, here is your son." And he said to this disciple, "Here is your mother." And from then on this disciple took her into his home. (v. 25-27)
Do you think Mary understood what was going on? Did she understand the complete truth of who her son was? I don't know if she truly understood but I do imagine she felt Jesus' love for her when he made sure that she would be cared for after his final breath. In the midst of his suffering, Jesus was concerned for his mother. He knew how hard this was for her and he loved her so much. Although the text does not make it clear, we can assume that Joseph was already deceased by this time. Jesus wanted his mother to know that she would always be cared for, even after he was gone. Doesn't he care for us as well?
Have you ever felt his love for you so powerfully? Have you ever had to fall prostrate on the ground because you are overwhelmed with Jesus' love for you? Has there ever been a time when you felt Jesus' arms wrap around you with a feeling of pure peace and comfort? I have! This has happened to me on several different occasions, both in times of turmoil and times of pure bliss. I've felt Jesus' arms around me in times of complete an utter loneliness, when I've felt weighed down by the demands of this life, or when I've felt like a failure as a parent. Jesus has also wrapped me in his love in good times when I've accomplished something that has seemed impossible to me or when he brought into my life the wonderful man who will soon be my husband!! No matter what the situation may be, Jesus can surround us with a feeling of complete peace, protection and love.
His love is that far, that wide, that deep....it can and will reach into any situation to transform us. Feel his love for you, really take it in! Just as he made sure his mother would be continually cared for, he will make sure of the same for each one of us. He will never leave us to flounder on our own. It may feel that way at times, but he promises not to do that. He is always with us and no matter where we are or what our circumstances are he will never forsake us. He is never too busy for us. He was still caring for his people as he hung on the cross!
Thank you, dear God, for caring so much. Thank you for never leaving us to make it on our own. Your love for us never ends. You are King of my life! I will lay every burden and praise at the foot of the cross where they belong. Amen
Please share your comments with us. We love to hear what you feel God is saying to you in the daily reading. Share this blog with your friends as well. You just never know who may be blessed when you share God's Word!
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