Those of you who
know me, know Jesus has transformed my life. It doesn’t mean my life has been
pain-free or easy, but over the last 35 years, I have grown deeper in love with
Jesus. In spite of circumstances, he brings a deep peace, an abiding joy and a
purpose-filled life. This week I want to share the simple, profound and amazing
gift of the Gospel. Maybe you are turned off by religion. Jesus was too. He
called the religious leaders of his day vipers and hypocrites and white-washed
tombs filled with everything unclean. (Matthew 23) Maybe you’ve been hurt by a
church or know a hypocrite or two yourselves! Me too. I have also been
privileged to know hundreds of true believers filled with the light of Christ. Don’t
listen to a particular denomination or to one certain preacher as having all
the answers. Go directly to God’s word and listen to Him. I pray you will take
a few minutes each day this week to open your hearts and your minds. If you
seek him, you will find him. Don’t put too much stock in my words, but read the
Scripture verses chosen just for you this week. I am praying for you.
For those of you
with logical, rational minds (like my husband) it might help to know that more
evidence exists that Jesus walked the earth than almost any other person in
history. The Bible has been 100 percent accurate in its prophetic words, in
historical accuracy, in archaeological proof and in advanced scientific
knowledge. An example would be a verse that describes the earth as a circle
(Isaiah 40:22) written in the 8th century BC) hundreds of years
before anyone else mentioned the earth as a sphere. (I recommend these two
books for the left-brained among us., “The Case for Christ” by Lee Strobel and “Surprised by Faith” by Don Bierle)
The claims of Jesus
himself cannot be reduced to his “being a good man or teacher” as many argue. C.S.
Lewis says in “Mere Christianity,” that our choices are to deem Jesus as a
lunatic, as a liar or as Lord. God is a holy and righteous God. As fallen
humans, there is no way to connect with him. The plan to redeem humanity came
in God’s Son, Jesus Christ.
For all
have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23
He was the perfect
sacrifice for sin, being the only one to live a sinless life. He shed his holy
and precious blood and died the most agonizing, horrific death that has ever
been suffered. Why? To bridge the gap between us and our Father in heaven. He
felt every disease, every sin, every mistake, every torture, every terror,
every trauma, every tragedy, every one of them as he died. And he overcame them
all. His sacrifice was for you and for me, for everyone. Here are some words
for our first day this week spoken by Jesus.
“I have
told you these things so that, in me, you may have peace. In this world you
will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Tired of maneuvering the world on your
own? Weary of asking and not finding answers? Tired of guilt and shame, worry and fear, addiction or hopelessness? Jesus may
be opening your heart to his truth.
“Come to
me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
Rest and peace,
within our very souls. Intrigued? I hope so.
Jesus,
I pray for each person reading your word this week. Speak to
their hearts and minds with your Holy Spirit and speak with your truth and your
light.
Amen
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