Ours Forevermore

     Jesus picks up the broken pieces of our lives. He forges the path ahead and straightens our path for the future. He speaks to our inner souls with the power of His Spirit. He is always and forevermore on our side. He is working for us. He protects us. He will answer our prayers.  His presence is always available and nothing, no nothing will ever separate us from our Savior.

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39

     The height of our pride will not separate us. The depths of despair will not separate us. The demons tempting us will not separate us. Death will not separate us. He is here, there, and everywhere, our ever-present Savior. He adores you.

Jesus,

Thank you for Your uncompromising and unconditional love that far exceeds any earthly love. Your promises are eternally true. You are the way, the truth and the life.

Amen   

Within You

     If only we would listen. If only we would read the Bible FIRST! If only we could see the future. If only we trusted God through the tough times. If only… Remember this; the Holy Spirit of God resides within you. If we listen to His voice above our own needs and wants, our steps will become more determined and steady.

     The rocky places will remain. We will falter and stumble. But the inward peace and joy will remain. The power of the resurrected Christ resides in us as soon as we believe. And that Spirit will guide us right through heaven’s door.

Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Galatians 5:25

     Place your confidence in the One in control. Listen and watch for Him. Trust His mighty hand upon your shoulder. Speak with His power and love. He walks in front of you, resides within you and walks behind you. Live by the Spirit. Walk by the Spirit.

Amen

Behind You

     Remember, Jesus is a step ahead figuring things out. And, He is right behind you to pick up the pieces. Feel like you have failed one-too-many times, fallen into one-too-many sins, taken control in one-too-many situations without checking in with Jesus?

     Join the club; the human race. Yep, we can’t help ourselves. We are just one step away from the next mishap. But, there is God, our heavenly Father, waiting for us to turn around. You know; the One who sent His Only Son to take all of those flaws, those sins, those rebellious souls and forgive them, once and for all.

     He loves you. Forever and ever. Just keep turning back to Him. There He is, just behind you, and He is waiting for you. He holds out His loving arms and says, “It will be ok. I am here.”

The Lord will watch over your coming and going, both now and forevermore. Psalm 121:8

Jesus,

You are in front of us and behind us as we stumble through life. You pick up the pieces and start us all over again with patient endurance. You love us that much and we thank You.

Amen

In Front of You

     Whether you feel it or not, Jesus is working for you. He walks ahead of you. He moves boulders out of the way. Oh, there may be one or two rocks to stumble over. He leaves them to slow you down a bit and so that you will ask for His help. There will be small pebbles and rocks left behind as He pushes you ahead to the life He has planned.

     You are His workmanship; His masterpiece; His beloved. He never gives up. If you feel unworthy or disobedient, don’t fret. He knows your heart. Keep returning to the Master’s side and He will guide you in all good things. It is His work to do.

…being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it out to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:5

    He will continue His good work in you throughout this life. He is just ahead of you, sorting it all out.

Jesus,

You know us better than we know ourselves. Your kind, generous, and forgiving heart allows us to falter along the way. Guide us and grow us into the life You see just around the corner.

Amen

The Holiest of Weeks

     He is risen! Without the resurrection, Christianity would have no hope. Jesus destroyed death for us. Because He is risen, so are we! As believers in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus, we have eternal life. Hallelujah! As we think of His suffering on this Good Friday, spring forward to the hope of Sunday.

     Watch for the tips of the tulips, the first blooms of the crocus and daffodils and the buds on the trees. The bright hope, new life, our heavenly home. Hope remains and so does love. And Jesus loves you more than life itself.

He is not here. He has risen, just as He said. Come and see the place where he lay. then go quickly and tell His disciples. "He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see Him." Now I have told you. Matthew 28:6-7

Lord,
You are risen. You are alive. The resurrection has conquered death and one day very soon, we will live with you forever. We praise You and worship You.
Amen

The Holiest of Weeks

     Jesus walked this earth. He rode on a donkey. He ate and drank with His closest friends. He knew His purpose and He followed His Father's will. And He came to the cross willingly. He knew the cost and He bore the suffering we deserve. All He asks from us is to believe.  Mind boggling love. He counted it joy.

For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross, scorning its shame and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2b

 What if our suffering counts for some eternal joy?  What if it means something bigger than our finite minds comprehend?  Could there be greater good through it all?  Trusting God is so hard in the midst of our greatest suffering. But good will win. Jesus promises us eternal bliss. He will use it all and it will all unravel into the magnificent tapestry of heaven.

Father,
Jesus counted it joy to suffer for us. Can we say the same as we serve Him?  The suffering of Jesus brought us everything. Can we give Him our lives in return?  Help us learn how to do it.
In Jesus name.
Amen  

The Holiest of Weeks

     Before Jesus went to the garden to pray, He shared a last supper with His disciples. The impact of that last meal remains and resounds with us today. Each time we take the cup and the bread, we remember the finished work of the cross. His body given for us. His blood shed for us.

And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them saying, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.". In the same way, after the supper, He took the cup saying, "this cup is the new covenant in My blood which is poured out for you." Luke 22:19-20

     Solemn and holy, this week of weeks. Remember what He did for you and for me. The cup and the bread. His blood and His body.  Given for us.

Jesus,
Let Your communion table be a sacred reminder of Your great sacrifice. You took it all. All of the agony and the punishment. We are devoted to You.
Amen

The Holiest of Weeks

     You have been there. On your knees, praying for a miracle. Crying with grief. No answers. Turning to God for help, for mercy. Even Jesus, the Creator of all, asked for His agony to be removed. He understands whatever you are going through right now. Jesus took His friends to the Garden of Gethsemane with Him. It was a quiet place to pray. The following Words are difficult to read.

“My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” He said to them. “Stay here and keep watch.”  Going a little farther, He fell to the ground and prayed that, if possible, the hour might pass from Him.  “Abba, Father,” He said, “everything is possible for You. Take this cup from Me. Yet not what I will, but what You will.”  Mark 14:34-36

     The disciples fell asleep. And when Jesus was arrested, they fled. Do you run from God when trouble comes? Or do you stay awake and pray to your Father in heaven? He agonizes with you. He never sleeps and He will never leave you.

Jesus,

You understand our pain and the difficulties of this earth. Help us to run to You. You will see us through. You have been through it all and more. Thank You for the Words of the Bible.  Amen

The Holiest of Weeks

     The holiest of weeks is upon us. Reminding ourselves of Christ’s last week on earth brings us back to our knees in awe. The plan of redemption, in the fullness of time, came to save us. It played out that week over 2,000 years ago. It was the week of the life that transformed the world, one soul at a time. The hundreds of prophecies from the Book of Genesis to our time were fulfilled in Him.

     As Jesus rode the donkey into Jerusalem, the faithful Jews were bringing their unblemished lambs into the city for the annual sacrifice. The lambs were to be inspected over the next few days to make sure they were clean and pure, the symbol of sacrifice for sins. Jesus, too, would be scrutinized and examined until Pontius Pilate would tell everyone, he could find no fault in Him.

     Jesus was the perfect Lamb of God, the final fulfillment, the finished work. The perfect man, the only man, the God-man who could remove sin from the world through His death and resurrection. Shout Hosanna to Him today as you get ready for this holiest of weeks in history.

They took palm branches and went out to meet Him, shouting, “Hosanna!” “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the King of Israel!” John 12:13

     Blessed is our Savior. Hosanna!

Jesus,

Holy Week brings us to our knees, again, as we walk with You through each day. From the last supper, to the agony of Gethsemane, to the brutal death on the cross to the raising of Your body. We praise and worship You.

Amen

Life and Death

    We celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ next week. Without the raising of Jesus from the dead, there is no hope. Hundreds of witnesses saw Jesus after His resurrection. They touched Him. They spoke with Him. They ate with Him. And His disciples watched Him ascend into heaven. And He will return. He is risen!

But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the fruistfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man.  1 Corinthians 15:29021

    God became man. He suffered in agony for hours, taking on all of our sins and diseases. The world went dark for three hours. The enormous veil of the temple was ripped from top to bottom. The earth shook. Three days later the SON came out and light entered the world. That light shines in your heart and in mine forevermore. He is risen! He is risen indeed!

Jesus,
Your sacrifice paid the price once and for all, and now death has no sting. To live is Christ, to die is gain. We love you.
Amen

Life and Death

     Our true home and our citizenship remain in heaven. Are there days you yearn for it? No more tears. No more pain. No more grieving. Our imaginations can run wild with the thoughts of our heavenly home. The mortal becomes immortal and the perishable imperishable. The lame will leap. The blind will see. The deaf will hear.

     Let's think about the resurrected body of Jesus. Remember, after His resurrection He was back on the earth for forty days. And the Bible tells us our bodies will be like His. His body had flesh and bone. He walked with His disciples. Theyrecognized Him. He ate and drank with them. (Luke 24) They could touch Him. His wounds were visible and doubting Thomas could place His finger into His side where He was speared. And something else so cool! It seems He could walk through walls. And could transport from place to place immediately. (John 20)

Listen, I tell you a mystery. We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality.  1 Corinthians 15:51-52

     Heavenly thoughts will get us through the toughest days. One day soon, the trumpet will sound and we will be changed. No more time and space. Flying through space? Maybe. Climbing mountains in a single leap? Possibly. Spending eternity with Jesus. Most certainly. We can only imagine.

Lord,

We thank You for the glimpses You have given us of heaven. If we knew too much, we wouldn't be able to bear one more second away from You. But earth has its own blessings. Help us to make the most of every moment. To love, to cherish, to be grateful. We love You.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Life and Death

    We know our bodies, our earthly tents, will wear out. All of us, every single one, will die. There is no getting around it. What happens after we die? Our culture wants to avoid the subject. Live life to the fullest! Party on! Life is short! Live it up! It is as if there is nothing after our short lives on earth. The eternal part of us lives on. Our soul, which is our mind, our will, and our emotions moves on. Where?  With Jesus, we have the definitive answer.

"Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life and will bot be judged, but has crossed over from death to life." John 5:24

    When sin entered the world man was separated from God spiritually. And that is the second death. Without Christ, our soul will be eternally separate from God. There is spiritual death, or the second death. With Christ our soul lives on and we are filled with His Spirit! Without Him, there is darkness and eternal hell.

Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who is victorious will not be hurt at all by the second death.  Revelation2:11

     Believe what the Spirit of God says. Believe in Jesus. We have already crossed over from death to life. We will never, not ever, be separated from the love of Christ. Eternity awaits.

Jesus,

Your truth speaks out. We have a choice. Let everyone hear the words You speak. We pray for those who do not know You. And we thank You for the gift of eternal life.

Amen

Life and Death

     Cursing and blessing. Life and death. Choose life (Deuteronomy 30) There is a road to life and a road to death. From one man sin came into the world. One sinless Man brought the opportunity for life. Choose life! We have seen the ravages of sin. Death caused by sin in the form of drug and alcohol abuse. There is death in relationship caused by adultery and abuse.

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus, our Lord.  Romans 6:23

     But we need not fear death of the body, but death of the soul. The second death is the road of death to our souls. The gift of God is eternal life. Choose life! What a glorious choice. Bondage and death. Freedom and life.

Do not be afraid of those who kill the body, but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Matthew 10:28

Father,
Thank you for Jesus. Everyone has a choice to choose life in Him. We choose life and blessings in Him.  Joy and peace for our souls now and eternity forever.
In Jesus name,
Amen

Life and Death

    Ok, please put up with me today. I had all intents and purposes set on the deep subject of life and death. I love deep conversation. The meaning of life. The fear of death. The soon return of Christ. And then the seemingly inconsequential pitfalls and minor mishaps in life begin to pile up. So today I whine. You have been there.

    Life intrudes on our best intentions. A stomach ailment followed by a cough/achy flu bug followed by tooth and jaw pain. Add to that never-ending computer issues  (i am typing this slowly on my IPad). A refrigerator on the "warm" setting, NO SLEEP!  You can paint the picture. The colors and the outline are familiar. You can fill in your own story.

    You all know by now, I rely on Jesus. I love Jesus. I write about Jesus. I study Jesus. I long to tell others about Jesus. And, yet, I fall apart when those non- life threatening miniscual problems add up.

    Here I sit. The sane and rational part of me has been taken over by tears. They feel good. I want to savor them. Poor pitiful me. But images are re-inserting themselves. My husband's patient understanding and warm embrace. Shopping with my beautiful daughters. One chooses a large piece of artwork that reads, "He's Got The Whole World In His Hands," and the other daughter chooses a small table frame reading, "silly rabbit, Easter is for Jesus." Yes, they love Him, too. I smile through the tears.

    Blessings. There they are. Watch for them. In the middle of a really bad "I just want to have a pity party kind of day."  We can allow each other those days. Life can be tough  Wallow for awhile. Confide in a friend.  God shows up. In a smile. In a friend. In a hug. In a piece of rope, a piece of hope to hold onto for dear life.   Hang on to life. Hang on to hope.

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain. Hebrews 6:19

Dear Jesus,
Give us a vision of life and hope in You. Help us to count our blessings and, at the same time, allow the tears to flow. You understand it all as our anchor of hope.
Amen

Glorious Grace

  As believers, our home is secure in heaven. Our greatest desires and our deepest dreams will be realized in eternity. Today, right now, God wants to encourage you, sustain you, motivate you, and love you. He is your Father. You are His beloved child.

    Is it time to get rid of the guilt?  It's so easy to go there...I should have...I could have...why didn't I?  Accept God,s grace and begin again. He is the God of new beginnings and second chances. All He desires is time with you. You can confidently go directly to the throne of grace with your needs.

Let us then approach God's throne of grace so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:16

    God's glorious grace. Never take it for granted. His grace was given in His beloved Son, Jesus Christ. The One and Only.

Lord,
We come confidently and humbly before the throne of grace. You never turn us away. Hear our prayer.
In Jesus name,
Amen

   

Glorious Grace

    Grace found us and saved us. Grace remains available to us every moment of every hour of every day of our earthly lives. Most astounding of all, God's grace is sufficient. It is enough. Grace gives us exactly what we need to make it through the most difficult of days. Grace works through  our weaknesses to show God's glory.

But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.". Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses so that Christ's power may rest on me. 2 Corinthiansv12:9

    Losing your confidence? Feeling weak?  Place your confidence in Christ. He will work through you to show His strength and power. The power that runs the heavens and the earth. The power of the One who was raised from the dead. He will do mighty things through you.

Jesus,
We don't understand it but You are sufficient. You even work through the parts of our lives that we consider unworthy. Shine Your mighty power through us to show Your glory.
Amen

Glorious Grace

    The grace-filled, freely given gift of salvation promises us eternal life with Jesus. Until then, our Lord doesn't leave us alone. Not for one single second. His grace is present with us now  He understands our pain. He felt it. He suffered it. He died to overcome it. He is with you. He forgives. He loves. He carries you.  His mercies are new every morning. (see Lamentations 3). Where there is grace, there is more grace.

For out of His fullness we have received grace upon grace. John 1:16

    Grace upon grace. Light and more light. Glory to glory. Count on Him. Grow in His love and His glorious grace.

Dear Lord,
We rely on Your constant presence and Your unending love  We look for and count on Your unending grace. 
Amen

Glorious Grace

    There is something within the human spirit that yearns to please God. Some of the world religions pray five times a day. Others believe we come back in other lives until we get it right.  But we never get it right. We all fall short.

    God doesn't ask for us to prove ourselves worthy. None of us are. He doesn't need us to check off our "Godly duties" each week as if we are doing Him a favor. He placed the stars in the sky. He created all things. And,yet, He is mindful of us. He loved us enough to become one of us.

But God demonstrates His own love for us in this; while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans5:8

       Jesus died for you because He loves you. There is nothing you can do to deserve it. You can't work to attain it. It just takes faith. A bit humbling isn't it?  Maybe it's time to fall to your knees and accept it. His glorious unmerited favor. His grace.

Jesus,
We bow to You with eternal thanks and praise for what You have done. Your gift of salvation opens our hearts to a world filled with love. There are no words big enough to show You our gratitude.
Amen

Glorious Grace

    Have you filled up on God's grace lately?  We don't deserve it. He gives unmerited favor. He offers blessings and light and love. He gives freedom from bondage and the abundant life. Best of all, He offers us eternal life with Him.  An incredible gift. Free of charge. God Himself, in Jesus Christ, lived a sinless life and paid the price. His life as a ransom for yours and for mine.

For it is by grace you have been saved through faith-and it is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-not by works so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2;8-9

   Remember these verses. Soak them into the recesses of your heart. Your eternity is a gift of grace. If you haven't accepted Christ as Savior, put your complete faith in Him. Offer Him this very short life for eternity. For it is by His glorious grace, through faith, that we are saved. Believe Him. Believe in Him.

Jesus,
You gave everything for our salvation. Open hearts to accept this monumental free gift of life forever by grace alone.
Amen

Delight and Joy

    This week we delighted ourselves in the Lord.  As we find our deepest delight in Him and His ways, He leads us to our God-given path. Our desires will come from His heart. He will nourish us with the living bread and water of life. And somehow, even at the end of a devastating day, a dire diagnosis or a dreaded date we feel the deep-seeded delight in Him. All is well with our souls. We can count on Him.

Until now you have not asked for anything in My name. Ask and you will receive and your joy will be complete. John 16:24

    Dwell on Jesus today. Let His joy complete you as you trust and serve.

Lord,
Let our joy be complete in You. Straighten our steps as we choose to walk the path You have chosen for us  we pray in the name above all names, Jesus
Amen

The Richest of Fare

        Chapter 55 of Isaiah begins with the words, "Come all you who are thirsty..."  Our Lord is the living bread and water of life. He nourishes our souls and fills the emptiness of our hearts. he invites all who hunger and thirst to come to Him.  Are you thirsty?

Listen, listen to Me, eat what is good and you will delight in the richest of fare. Isaiah 55'2b

    As we fill ourselves with what is good and true, the living water will begin to flow through us.

Whoever believes in Me, as Scripture has said,  rivers of living water will flow from within them. John 7:38

    And we will delight in the richest of fare.

Jesus,
You provide us with living bread and water. Fill us with the fare that will never disappoint and will never leave us empty. We delight in You.
Amen

All is Well

    In 1873, Horatio Spafford wrote the words to All Is Well With My Soul after losing all four of his precious daughters in a shipwreck. As he crossed the Atlantic near the spot where they died, he said the Holy Spirit gave him the words. Here is the first verse.

When peace, like a river, attendeth my soul,
When sorrows like sea billows roll,
Whatever my lot, He has taught me to say,
All is well, all is well, with my soul

    At the end of our lives, eternity begins. With Jesus, it can always and forever be well with our souls.

Then my soul will rejoice in the Lord and delight in His salvation. Psalm 35:9

Dear Jesus,
We rest in Your blessed assurance. We delight in Your salvation and all is well with our souls.
Amen

Delight in Him as He Delights in You

    Where do we find delight? Thinking back through the snapshots of my life, watching our daughters grow has been a well-spring of delight. From the deep baby giggles to the first faltering steps, from school bus rides to drivers licenses, their lives have brought us pure delight. Did you know your Heavenly Father finds delight in you, beloved child?

The Lord your God is with you, the mighty warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in His love He will no longer rebuke you.  He will rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17


    Your faith pleases Him (Hebrews 11). The Lord delights in you. He rejoices over you with singing. Remember you belong to Him, precious one.  How He loves you!

Dear Lord,
We don't deserve Your great love and mercy and, yet, you take great delight in Your children. Let us gain confidence under Your great care.
In Jeses name,
Amen