Going back again to another day's devotional from "Jesus Calling", the topic was "life-clutter." And most of us have it. I know I have too too much of it. You know, the endless to-do lists that steals time and occupies mind space, even when we are with the Lord. It kind of floats in the back of your mind while you are studying or praying, sometimes even squeezing Jesus out completely!
The reading reminded me of Luke 10:41-4: And Jesus answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her."
Martha had been running around, working, fixing, making sure everything was done and ready for the dinner party while Mary was just sitting at the feet of Jesus, basking in His presence and listening to Him speak. And while I could certainly argue in favor of Martha (stuff had to get done, right?), I believe that putting Jesus first, and then serving is what He was asking for. Perhaps spending a little time at the feet of Jesus would have freed Martha's attitude to serve with joy. I am not condemning this hard working woman, I am in her shoes all too often. It's just that like Martha, my attitude in service is not one of joy, but of duty and then resentment because I don't take the time to sit at the Master's feet and gain His direction, strength and peace to guide my day. This has been a battle for me over the years. Geez I am a slow learner !!!
If I choose to focus on the never ending list of chores and errands and projects--the one good thing gets crowed out. But if I choose instead, to put Jesus first not just in my time, but in my thoughts, His presence will not be taken away from me.
Lord, help me to put this into practice today.
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
Asked and Answered
It's been a bit since I posted....the holiday madness, topped off with a computer that has been giving me problems, well it seems like everything is giving me problems these days, and my attitude has reflected that. But God has been faithful, putting up with me and still speaking, visiting and extending His hand in loving care. Some day I am going to get this and NOT let go like I do so often now.
One of the devotionals I read in the last couple of weeks spoke of letting Jesus fill the empty spaces inside of me while I sit in His presence. Empty spaces? I don't think I have them....I have plenty of spaces filled with disappointment, anger and bitterness, but they sure aren't empty! What I want is those spaces to be filled with His love, joy and peace!! I want His righteousness and purity to fill my heart and being!!
So I prayed this. I pray for Him to replace all the negative, life strangling, joy stealing emotions with His peace filled, all encompassing loving presence. I pray for righteousness, for joy, to be able to love others, and to be able to love God with all my heart.
I looked up the first verse the devotional was based on. And here is the "answered" part of this visit:
Matthew 5:6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they shall be filled.
That is not usually what happens. I don't regularly get a verse given right after I pray for something. But it did this time and I was amazed and thrilled. God is so kind and loving. How blessed am I?
The Lord promises me, and all who desire righteousness in their lives, that we will be filled. It surely doesn't seem to happen overnight. Right-ness of heart and life will be an ongoing process until Jesus returns or we are called home. But God promises it will happen!! And the more time I spend with Him the more He will change my dark spaces to His light filled home.
Lord, thank You for answering the cry of my heart. Thank You for Your promises and for comforting Your struggling child. Help me to step out of the dark prison of my heart and walk with You in the light, walking across the water in the beautiful plan You have for my life, freely, not minding the waves or the wind. Let me not forget You are with me. Let me let go of the negative that holds my heart and embrace Your peaceful, joy-filled presence that You desire to fill me with instead. In Jesus holy and precious name. Amen.
One of the devotionals I read in the last couple of weeks spoke of letting Jesus fill the empty spaces inside of me while I sit in His presence. Empty spaces? I don't think I have them....I have plenty of spaces filled with disappointment, anger and bitterness, but they sure aren't empty! What I want is those spaces to be filled with His love, joy and peace!! I want His righteousness and purity to fill my heart and being!!
So I prayed this. I pray for Him to replace all the negative, life strangling, joy stealing emotions with His peace filled, all encompassing loving presence. I pray for righteousness, for joy, to be able to love others, and to be able to love God with all my heart.
I looked up the first verse the devotional was based on. And here is the "answered" part of this visit:
Matthew 5:6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they shall be filled.
That is not usually what happens. I don't regularly get a verse given right after I pray for something. But it did this time and I was amazed and thrilled. God is so kind and loving. How blessed am I?
The Lord promises me, and all who desire righteousness in their lives, that we will be filled. It surely doesn't seem to happen overnight. Right-ness of heart and life will be an ongoing process until Jesus returns or we are called home. But God promises it will happen!! And the more time I spend with Him the more He will change my dark spaces to His light filled home.
Lord, thank You for answering the cry of my heart. Thank You for Your promises and for comforting Your struggling child. Help me to step out of the dark prison of my heart and walk with You in the light, walking across the water in the beautiful plan You have for my life, freely, not minding the waves or the wind. Let me not forget You are with me. Let me let go of the negative that holds my heart and embrace Your peaceful, joy-filled presence that You desire to fill me with instead. In Jesus holy and precious name. Amen.
Friday, December 12, 2014
Dreams
Everyone is supposed to have dreams, right. Aspirations, desire for the future, plans....Well for me that really is not something I am comfortable with. I always think of myself as being "dreamless." I mean, I figure what's the point. I can't ever remember one really coming true. And the reasons for that vary, but mostly I blame myself. Whatever desires for the future I had when I was young fell by the wayside long ago, lost in the turns of life, living now it seems in regret and the need to get through the day. Dreams of animals and art so long gone. This does not mean to say that God isn't good and hasn't done good by me. And that I am not grateful for all His love, His care, and His blessing in my life. And in reality I do have a wonderful place I get to work with cats. I have to admit that in some small way that dream actually came true. Hmmm, I guess I better think about that. But by and large things have not turned out like I planned (I know that's true for many), so for me the word "dream" sense fear through my heart, and I shut down.
So when a dear friend gave me a Joyce Meyer devotional for my birthday and the very first one was on Dreams.....well I couldn't even read it. I went straight for page 2!! LOL But God was not to be denied! He was going to get this dream thing across to me in spite of myself!
Fast forward to the next day....I picked up another devotional that I've fallen in love with...."Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young. And yes, you guessed it......the day's passage was on dreams. UGH!!! Really Lord??? The first two sentences: "I am working on your behalf. Bring Me all your concerns, including your dreams." Oh my goodness. I was stunned to say the least. Does this mean Jesus wants me to have plans and hopes for the future? Does He want me to have somewhere to go, a dream to pursue, to trust Him with? It terrifies me. Remember I said I blame myself for not realizing my younger self's ambitions? Well it's the same here. I am afraid if I look to the future with a desire, I will in the same way I have always not have the follow through. Or barring that, life will happen to steal it away.
But I really feel the Lord is telling me to dream. And then to bring it to Him. I can't tell you how fearful I am at this. The thoughts of past disappointment and present day regrets weigh me down and harden my heart to this process. I think God is visiting here to let me know to open up. And maybe He is doing that for you as well. Open up our hearts to the dreams HE wants for us. Dreams He wants to put inside us and work toward with us.
Something I was reminded of when I went back to the Joyce Meyer devotional book (and yes I read the first one on having a dream) is the verse Jeremiah 29:11: For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Good plans. The Lord's plans. He has them, even when I don't, when I can't.
Thank You Lord for pursuing this with me. For not letting me get away with having no dreams. I know I am scared to death. But You are with me. Immanuel. Help me to aspire, to have a place to go to. A vision for the future that You put in my heart and that we work on together. Where will we go.....
So when a dear friend gave me a Joyce Meyer devotional for my birthday and the very first one was on Dreams.....well I couldn't even read it. I went straight for page 2!! LOL But God was not to be denied! He was going to get this dream thing across to me in spite of myself!
Fast forward to the next day....I picked up another devotional that I've fallen in love with...."Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young. And yes, you guessed it......the day's passage was on dreams. UGH!!! Really Lord??? The first two sentences: "I am working on your behalf. Bring Me all your concerns, including your dreams." Oh my goodness. I was stunned to say the least. Does this mean Jesus wants me to have plans and hopes for the future? Does He want me to have somewhere to go, a dream to pursue, to trust Him with? It terrifies me. Remember I said I blame myself for not realizing my younger self's ambitions? Well it's the same here. I am afraid if I look to the future with a desire, I will in the same way I have always not have the follow through. Or barring that, life will happen to steal it away.
But I really feel the Lord is telling me to dream. And then to bring it to Him. I can't tell you how fearful I am at this. The thoughts of past disappointment and present day regrets weigh me down and harden my heart to this process. I think God is visiting here to let me know to open up. And maybe He is doing that for you as well. Open up our hearts to the dreams HE wants for us. Dreams He wants to put inside us and work toward with us.
Something I was reminded of when I went back to the Joyce Meyer devotional book (and yes I read the first one on having a dream) is the verse Jeremiah 29:11: For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Good plans. The Lord's plans. He has them, even when I don't, when I can't.
Thank You Lord for pursuing this with me. For not letting me get away with having no dreams. I know I am scared to death. But You are with me. Immanuel. Help me to aspire, to have a place to go to. A vision for the future that You put in my heart and that we work on together. Where will we go.....
Cats, and Blue tooths
I have 3 different God visits to talk about...that explains the odd title today. There are of varying importance. Maybe importance is not the right word. I kind of think it should be noted that our God is wonderfully involved in every part of our days, whether the matter be small or big, deep or light.
My cats. As I sit here typing, I have one cat that always loves to come and hang out with me at this time of the day. Emma loves to cuddle now (of course I am trying to do my Bible study and prayer time...LOL). She purrs and purrs, sits on my lap and snuggles up close, eyes closed in pure happiness. The rest of the day, she is hit or miss as to whether she wants attention. Noah on the other hand, has very few times a day he wants human attention. He enjoys playing with me, but the petting and hugging and loving sessions are much fewer and ONLY on his schedule! Usually when he wants something to eat. LOL My oldest, Spotty, loves affection the most. My "hardened" street cat is for the most part the biggest must going.
So as I sat here with Emma, I thought about it. There is no difference in my love for them. Each one holds my heart, fills my heart. And then it came to me...it's the same with the Lord. No matter what kind of "child" we are to Him, we hold and fill His heart as well. Each one of us is the apple of His eye. I hold His heart. I, someone who feels like such an abysmal failure as a Christian, is loved just the same as the one who seems to get it right all the time. I love this concept. And I love the way God uses my animals to teach me about Himself. No need to doubt His love when I mess up for the 1000th time that day. Thank You Lord for yet another visit, another reminder of Your love for me. And for each one of you!
Now on to the blue tooth. Is blue tooth one word or two? Beats me. Anyways, two nights ago I once again lost my blue tooth. Readers, you have no idea how many blue toothes I lose!! I just bought this one a couple of weeks ago because I lost the previous one. UGH!!!!
Well, it seems those same cats that I love so very much, were the culprits this time. Of course I prayed to the Lord, please please please let me find my blue tooth. I know I had it, I spoke to a friend when I got home from work. Where in the heck could it be!?!?! Well I got up yesterday morning and lo and behold in the middle of the bedroom floor was my little device I had so earnestly searched for the day before. I am guessing my little darlings thought it made a great toy. I was so thankful. I really, really did not want to spend money on another one.
Thank You Lord for reminders of Your love and Your care. I leave you with this verse, a prayer for each of us.
Ephesians 3:17-21 Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. 18 And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. 19 May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
20 Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. 21 Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.
My cats. As I sit here typing, I have one cat that always loves to come and hang out with me at this time of the day. Emma loves to cuddle now (of course I am trying to do my Bible study and prayer time...LOL). She purrs and purrs, sits on my lap and snuggles up close, eyes closed in pure happiness. The rest of the day, she is hit or miss as to whether she wants attention. Noah on the other hand, has very few times a day he wants human attention. He enjoys playing with me, but the petting and hugging and loving sessions are much fewer and ONLY on his schedule! Usually when he wants something to eat. LOL My oldest, Spotty, loves affection the most. My "hardened" street cat is for the most part the biggest must going.
So as I sat here with Emma, I thought about it. There is no difference in my love for them. Each one holds my heart, fills my heart. And then it came to me...it's the same with the Lord. No matter what kind of "child" we are to Him, we hold and fill His heart as well. Each one of us is the apple of His eye. I hold His heart. I, someone who feels like such an abysmal failure as a Christian, is loved just the same as the one who seems to get it right all the time. I love this concept. And I love the way God uses my animals to teach me about Himself. No need to doubt His love when I mess up for the 1000th time that day. Thank You Lord for yet another visit, another reminder of Your love for me. And for each one of you!
Now on to the blue tooth. Is blue tooth one word or two? Beats me. Anyways, two nights ago I once again lost my blue tooth. Readers, you have no idea how many blue toothes I lose!! I just bought this one a couple of weeks ago because I lost the previous one. UGH!!!!
Well, it seems those same cats that I love so very much, were the culprits this time. Of course I prayed to the Lord, please please please let me find my blue tooth. I know I had it, I spoke to a friend when I got home from work. Where in the heck could it be!?!?! Well I got up yesterday morning and lo and behold in the middle of the bedroom floor was my little device I had so earnestly searched for the day before. I am guessing my little darlings thought it made a great toy. I was so thankful. I really, really did not want to spend money on another one.
Thank You Lord for reminders of Your love and Your care. I leave you with this verse, a prayer for each of us.
Ephesians 3:17-21 Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. 18 And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. 19 May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
20 Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. 21 Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.
Friday, December 5, 2014
Happy Birthday to Me!!
Got the best best best gift from Jesus today! The reminder of His presence. Always. All the time. Through all things.
I have this new devotional. And I was excited to see what the reading for today was. (You know what usually happens, you look at the readings on your birthday only to find some obscure words that seem to have nothing to do with your life and your left scratching your dead in confusion and disappointment). Well that was not the case today and I am blown away by God's visit with me today.
I started out by saying I wanted a verse for my new year. And I have the verse Philippians 4:11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. That is what I want to work on, strive for, take hold of and live out this upcoming year. Geez, I have a long way to go!! But through the power of the Holy Spirit I will get there !!
And then the devotional reading. The first line: "Let my presence override everything you experience." Wow. Everything has Jesus' presence, so in everything I am okay and cared for, in everything I am content.
The author then went on to speak about Jacob in the wilderness, sleeping with his head on a rock and dreaming dreams of angels and promises. He awakens and exclaims, "Surely the Lord is in this place and I was not aware of it." Jacob discovered that God was in the hard dry wilderness. How many times each day do I forget that when struggling with the big problems and the small annoyances? Well that is what the Lord is telling me to remember...His presence overrides everything...I'm here....be content.
It also occurred to me that I am to remember the Lord in the good times too, the times where blessing, peace and joy are flowing. He wants me to be aware of Him every moment. His presence overrides everything. It pervades each minute of the day...good and bad.
This was just the most amazing and sweet birthday gift. Lord, take me through this new year of my life, learning to experience Your presence each and every minute of the day. Raise my awareness and let my focus remain on You.
Psalm 31:20a You shall hide them in the secret place of Your presence, from the plots of men.
I have this new devotional. And I was excited to see what the reading for today was. (You know what usually happens, you look at the readings on your birthday only to find some obscure words that seem to have nothing to do with your life and your left scratching your dead in confusion and disappointment). Well that was not the case today and I am blown away by God's visit with me today.
I started out by saying I wanted a verse for my new year. And I have the verse Philippians 4:11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. That is what I want to work on, strive for, take hold of and live out this upcoming year. Geez, I have a long way to go!! But through the power of the Holy Spirit I will get there !!
And then the devotional reading. The first line: "Let my presence override everything you experience." Wow. Everything has Jesus' presence, so in everything I am okay and cared for, in everything I am content.
The author then went on to speak about Jacob in the wilderness, sleeping with his head on a rock and dreaming dreams of angels and promises. He awakens and exclaims, "Surely the Lord is in this place and I was not aware of it." Jacob discovered that God was in the hard dry wilderness. How many times each day do I forget that when struggling with the big problems and the small annoyances? Well that is what the Lord is telling me to remember...His presence overrides everything...I'm here....be content.
It also occurred to me that I am to remember the Lord in the good times too, the times where blessing, peace and joy are flowing. He wants me to be aware of Him every moment. His presence overrides everything. It pervades each minute of the day...good and bad.
This was just the most amazing and sweet birthday gift. Lord, take me through this new year of my life, learning to experience Your presence each and every minute of the day. Raise my awareness and let my focus remain on You.
Psalm 31:20a You shall hide them in the secret place of Your presence, from the plots of men.
Thursday, December 4, 2014
Mom's Journal- Born Again, Part 2
Born Again---it's a catch phrase for Christians. It sometimes stirs up thoughts of holy rollers and bigots who hate. That is not what it is meant to express. It is simple a term used by Jesus to describe the transition of those who put their trust in Him for salvation.
Here's Mom's thoughts.
To be saved-
Turn away from sin.
Believe in the death and resurrection of Jesus.
Receive Jesus as Lord and Savior of your life.
Repent-
Consider your life, turn away from everything that is contrary to what God wants.
Acknowledge-
Jesus Christ died on the Cross to cleanse you of sin. Take Him as your Savior, as the substitute who paid the price for your sin.
Matthew 3:7-10
7 But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming to watch him baptize,[a] he denounced them. “You brood of snakes!” he exclaimed. “Who warned you to flee God’s coming wrath? 8 Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. 9 Don’t just say to each other, ‘We’re safe, for we are descendants of Abraham.’ That means nothing, for I tell you, God can create children of Abraham from these very stones. 10 Even now the ax of God’s judgment is poised, ready to sever the roots of the trees. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire.
Romans 5:9-10
9 And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. 10 For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son.
Titus 2:14
14 He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds.
Ask Jesus to be the Lord of your life. Acknowledge openly and verbally that Jesus is your Savior and Lord.
1 John 2:23
23 Anyone who denies the Son doesn’t have the Father, either. But anyone who acknowledges the Son has the Father also.
New Birth - Born again
John 3:1-16
3 There was a man named Nicodemus, a Jewish religious leader who was a Pharisee. 2 After dark one evening, he came to speak with Jesus. “Rabbi,” he said, “we all know that God has sent you to teach us. Your miraculous signs are evidence that God is with you.”
3 Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again,[a] you cannot see the Kingdom of God.”
4 “What do you mean?” exclaimed Nicodemus. “How can an old man go back into his mother’s womb and be born again?”
5 Jesus replied, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit.[b] 6 Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life.[c] 7 So don’t be surprised when I say, ‘You[d] must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows wherever it wants. Just as you can hear the wind but can’t tell where it comes from or where it is going, so you can’t explain how people are born of the Spirit.”
9 “How are these things possible?” Nicodemus asked.
10 Jesus replied, “You are a respected Jewish teacher, and yet you don’t understand these things? 11 I assure you, we tell you what we know and have seen, and yet you won’t believe our testimony. 12 But if you don’t believe me when I tell you about earthly things, how can you possibly believe if I tell you about heavenly things? 13 No one has ever gone to heaven and returned. But the Son of Man[e] has come down from heaven. 14 And as Moses lifted up the bronze snake on a pole in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15 so that everyone who believes in him will have eternal life.[f]
16 “For this is how God loved the world: He gave[g] his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.
By faith, pray and receive eternal life in Jesus Christ.
To know Jesus as our Lord and Savior, pray this way--
"Ask Him to forgive you for the wrongs you have done. Ask Jesus to be in charge of your life, as Lord and give your life to Him"
Believe when you pray this way Jesus saves your and makes you His own.
I know, a lot of Scripture in here. Not a bad thing!! Take the time to read it and meditate and pray about it. The Bible says that all of us have sinned, we've all done things wrong and are not perfect. But God still loves us and wants to have a relationship with us. Through Jesus that is possible. God is perfect and to approach Him we too must be perfect. We cannot achieve this on our own, that is why we need a Savior. And that is why God is so amazing. Because He Himself became flesh in the person of Christ to be that Savior. As we celebrate Christmas, the coming of Messiah, Christ the Lord, think about why He came. He came for YOU. Over the manager where the baby Jesus lay, was the shadow of the Cross...the reason He was here...to make us holy in the Father's sight by way of His death on the Cross. In a world where truth is twisted and turned, thrown away when inconvenient, the truth of God's love and His plan for our salvation remains unchanging, whether it is believed or not, and it is a secure foundation for our lives, both here and for eternity. Thank You for such a great salvation Lord.
Here's Mom's thoughts.
To be saved-
Turn away from sin.
Believe in the death and resurrection of Jesus.
Receive Jesus as Lord and Savior of your life.
Repent-
Consider your life, turn away from everything that is contrary to what God wants.
Acknowledge-
Jesus Christ died on the Cross to cleanse you of sin. Take Him as your Savior, as the substitute who paid the price for your sin.
Matthew 3:7-10
7 But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming to watch him baptize,[a] he denounced them. “You brood of snakes!” he exclaimed. “Who warned you to flee God’s coming wrath? 8 Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. 9 Don’t just say to each other, ‘We’re safe, for we are descendants of Abraham.’ That means nothing, for I tell you, God can create children of Abraham from these very stones. 10 Even now the ax of God’s judgment is poised, ready to sever the roots of the trees. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire.
Romans 5:9-10
9 And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. 10 For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son.
Titus 2:14
14 He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds.
Ask Jesus to be the Lord of your life. Acknowledge openly and verbally that Jesus is your Savior and Lord.
1 John 2:23
23 Anyone who denies the Son doesn’t have the Father, either. But anyone who acknowledges the Son has the Father also.
New Birth - Born again
John 3:1-16
3 There was a man named Nicodemus, a Jewish religious leader who was a Pharisee. 2 After dark one evening, he came to speak with Jesus. “Rabbi,” he said, “we all know that God has sent you to teach us. Your miraculous signs are evidence that God is with you.”
3 Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again,[a] you cannot see the Kingdom of God.”
4 “What do you mean?” exclaimed Nicodemus. “How can an old man go back into his mother’s womb and be born again?”
5 Jesus replied, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit.[b] 6 Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life.[c] 7 So don’t be surprised when I say, ‘You[d] must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows wherever it wants. Just as you can hear the wind but can’t tell where it comes from or where it is going, so you can’t explain how people are born of the Spirit.”
9 “How are these things possible?” Nicodemus asked.
10 Jesus replied, “You are a respected Jewish teacher, and yet you don’t understand these things? 11 I assure you, we tell you what we know and have seen, and yet you won’t believe our testimony. 12 But if you don’t believe me when I tell you about earthly things, how can you possibly believe if I tell you about heavenly things? 13 No one has ever gone to heaven and returned. But the Son of Man[e] has come down from heaven. 14 And as Moses lifted up the bronze snake on a pole in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15 so that everyone who believes in him will have eternal life.[f]
16 “For this is how God loved the world: He gave[g] his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.
By faith, pray and receive eternal life in Jesus Christ.
To know Jesus as our Lord and Savior, pray this way--
"Ask Him to forgive you for the wrongs you have done. Ask Jesus to be in charge of your life, as Lord and give your life to Him"
Believe when you pray this way Jesus saves your and makes you His own.
I know, a lot of Scripture in here. Not a bad thing!! Take the time to read it and meditate and pray about it. The Bible says that all of us have sinned, we've all done things wrong and are not perfect. But God still loves us and wants to have a relationship with us. Through Jesus that is possible. God is perfect and to approach Him we too must be perfect. We cannot achieve this on our own, that is why we need a Savior. And that is why God is so amazing. Because He Himself became flesh in the person of Christ to be that Savior. As we celebrate Christmas, the coming of Messiah, Christ the Lord, think about why He came. He came for YOU. Over the manager where the baby Jesus lay, was the shadow of the Cross...the reason He was here...to make us holy in the Father's sight by way of His death on the Cross. In a world where truth is twisted and turned, thrown away when inconvenient, the truth of God's love and His plan for our salvation remains unchanging, whether it is believed or not, and it is a secure foundation for our lives, both here and for eternity. Thank You for such a great salvation Lord.
Mom's Journal: Born Again, Part 1
It's been a while since included an excerpt from Mom's Journal here. It's coming up to a year since she's was called home to the Lord. This was our first Thanksgiving without her, but she was remembered and missed. I am so thankful for the sense of family she gave to us and that we still carry on today. As I was saddened by her absence, the Lord reminded me Thanksgiving morning that she was now with Him, celebrating an eternal Thanksgiving.
Today's entry gives her thoughts and insights on being "Born Again." I am praying that it hits the hearts its meant to, that it opens them up for the Lord's loving presence to pervade. So here goes.
Born Again- a heavenly birth, a spiritual birth from above, our choosing a path to God.
An act by which God imparts spiritual life to one who chooses to trust Christ.
1 Corinthians 2:10 10 But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets.
1 Corinthians 2:13-16 13 When we tell you these things, we do not use words that come from human wisdom. Instead, we speak words given to us by the Spirit, using the Spirit’s words to explain spiritual truths. 14 But people who aren’t spiritual can’t receive these truths from God’s Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and they can’t understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means. 15 Those who are spiritual can evaluate all things, but they themselves cannot be evaluated by others. 16 For,“Who can know the Lord’s thoughts? Who knows enough to teach him?” But we understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ.
John 3:3-5
3 Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.” 4 “What do you mean?” exclaimed Nicodemus. “How can an old man go back into his mother’s womb and be born again?” 5 Jesus replied, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit.
vs3- Jesus said- Most assuredly unless one is born again, he cannot see the kidom of God.
vs5 Most assuerdly, I (Jesus) say to you, "unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God."
1 John 5:1-8
Faith in the Son of God
5 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has become a child of God. And everyone who loves the Father loves his children, too. 2 We know we love God’s children if we love God and obey his commandments. 3 Loving God means keeping his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome. 4 For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. 5 And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.
6 And Jesus Christ was revealed as God’s Son by his baptism in water and by shedding his blood on the cross—not by water only, but by water and blood. And the Spirit, who is truth, confirms it with his testimony. 7 So we have these three witnesses— 8 the Spirit, the water, and the blood—and all three agree.
5:1 ...believe that Jesus is the Christ is born of God...
5:5...he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.
here Mom says to read it (the passage) in it's entirety in the Bible, I have included the passage here.
Understand that one who is born again: loves other believers, obeys the Word of God and the Holy Spirit.
Looks like Mom was laying out the Scriptures here. I am praying that they will find a home in the hearts of my reader friends here that don't know the wonderful plan of salvation and the invitation to eternal life and fellowship that the Father desires for us to experience with Him, our Creator. Her second entry on "Born Again" seems to go into her own thinking on it. I will enter it separately.
Today's entry gives her thoughts and insights on being "Born Again." I am praying that it hits the hearts its meant to, that it opens them up for the Lord's loving presence to pervade. So here goes.
Born Again- a heavenly birth, a spiritual birth from above, our choosing a path to God.
An act by which God imparts spiritual life to one who chooses to trust Christ.
1 Corinthians 2:10 10 But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets.
1 Corinthians 2:13-16 13 When we tell you these things, we do not use words that come from human wisdom. Instead, we speak words given to us by the Spirit, using the Spirit’s words to explain spiritual truths. 14 But people who aren’t spiritual can’t receive these truths from God’s Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and they can’t understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means. 15 Those who are spiritual can evaluate all things, but they themselves cannot be evaluated by others. 16 For,“Who can know the Lord’s thoughts? Who knows enough to teach him?” But we understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ.
John 3:3-5
3 Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.” 4 “What do you mean?” exclaimed Nicodemus. “How can an old man go back into his mother’s womb and be born again?” 5 Jesus replied, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit.
vs3- Jesus said- Most assuredly unless one is born again, he cannot see the kidom of God.
vs5 Most assuerdly, I (Jesus) say to you, "unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God."
1 John 5:1-8
Faith in the Son of God
5 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has become a child of God. And everyone who loves the Father loves his children, too. 2 We know we love God’s children if we love God and obey his commandments. 3 Loving God means keeping his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome. 4 For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. 5 And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.
6 And Jesus Christ was revealed as God’s Son by his baptism in water and by shedding his blood on the cross—not by water only, but by water and blood. And the Spirit, who is truth, confirms it with his testimony. 7 So we have these three witnesses— 8 the Spirit, the water, and the blood—and all three agree.
5:1 ...believe that Jesus is the Christ is born of God...
5:5...he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.
here Mom says to read it (the passage) in it's entirety in the Bible, I have included the passage here.
Understand that one who is born again: loves other believers, obeys the Word of God and the Holy Spirit.
Looks like Mom was laying out the Scriptures here. I am praying that they will find a home in the hearts of my reader friends here that don't know the wonderful plan of salvation and the invitation to eternal life and fellowship that the Father desires for us to experience with Him, our Creator. Her second entry on "Born Again" seems to go into her own thinking on it. I will enter it separately.
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
Patience....again!!! Ugh!!
Ephesians 4:1-2 Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. 2 Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.
We've just concluded a study in Ephesians at church. In doing a review of this study, I had a line from our study guide jump out at me again. "Patience: self-restraint in the face of provocation."
So again I was reminded of the need for more patience and humility in my life. I firmly believe that most impatience is born of pride. And most impatience, in my life anyway, seems to come when dealing with difficult people or difficult circumstances caused by people (hey I see a theme here!).
No where in scripture does the Lord tell me I am allowed to be impatient with others. This God visit once again reminded me of the need for being kind and longsuffering with others. Humility. If my actions and words are coming from a place of humility rather than pride, my character will reflect Christ. This is such a hard lesson for me to learn let along put into practice.
Ecclesiastes 7:8b The patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.
'nuff said!!
Lord, help me to put this into practice. To show patience in the face of provocation...however small or large that provocation may appear, that You may be glorified, that Your love will shine through me. I really have no ability on my own to do this. Lord, remind me, it's not about me. Thank You for continually teaching and sharing Your heart with us all Lord. You are so patient!!
We've just concluded a study in Ephesians at church. In doing a review of this study, I had a line from our study guide jump out at me again. "Patience: self-restraint in the face of provocation."
So again I was reminded of the need for more patience and humility in my life. I firmly believe that most impatience is born of pride. And most impatience, in my life anyway, seems to come when dealing with difficult people or difficult circumstances caused by people (hey I see a theme here!).
No where in scripture does the Lord tell me I am allowed to be impatient with others. This God visit once again reminded me of the need for being kind and longsuffering with others. Humility. If my actions and words are coming from a place of humility rather than pride, my character will reflect Christ. This is such a hard lesson for me to learn let along put into practice.
Ecclesiastes 7:8b The patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.
'nuff said!!
Lord, help me to put this into practice. To show patience in the face of provocation...however small or large that provocation may appear, that You may be glorified, that Your love will shine through me. I really have no ability on my own to do this. Lord, remind me, it's not about me. Thank You for continually teaching and sharing Your heart with us all Lord. You are so patient!!
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