The Fullness of Christ

 

And God placed all things under His feet and appointed Him to be head over everything for the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills everything in every way.  Ephesians 1:22-23

For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority. Colossians 2:10

     When I taught Bible studies, I used this example. On a table sits a pitcher filled with sand, an empty jar and three rocks. Imagine taking the pitcher of sand. As you pour it into the empty jar, you list the ways you spend your days. Pour in the work, time with the kids, cooking, watching TV, reading, laundry, phone calls, computer and anything else that comes to mind.

     The jar is plum full. You love the Lord your God with all of your heart, soul and strength. The three rocks represent the Bible, prayer and service. You try to squeeze them into the top of the jar but they just won’t fit. Now picture the sand being poured back into the pitcher. The three rocks are placed into the bottom of the now-empty jar first. And the sand? As it is poured back in, it all fits!

     We think we do God a favor by sitting in a church pew for an hour each week. One hour out of the 168 available to us. If the service goes over an hour, we look at our watches, think about the game about to begin or what we will have for lunch. A distracted faith. It’s there, but we place little value on it when all is said and done.

     Jesus wants a real relationship with us, not a ritual, not a religion, not squeezed into the last five minutes of our days The Bible is His gift to us. It is a way to get to know the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit intimately. I guarantee when you soak yourself in the word you will develop a hunger and a thirst for more.  Remember the living water yesterday? It is always available.

     And reading Scripture and time with Jesus won’t feel like an obligation or duty, it will be the most important and valuable portion of the day.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.  Matthew 5:6

     And you will be filled.

    And to know this love that surpasses knowledge-that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:19

 Dear Lord,

We long to sit with You on a daily basis, filling up on Your word and praying and talking with You. Let that be the desire of our hearts from this day forward. Develop in us a hunger and a thirst for Your righteousness.

Amen

Soul-quenching Love

 

     Is your soul thirsty and parched? That abundant love and contentment Christ offers can fade into the background of our daily existence, when the urgent takes precedence over our needs, our physical, mental, and spiritual needs. The Samaritan woman at the well during the hottest part of the day, met the One who would fill the dryness in her life. Here are His words for her and for you and to me.

Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 4:13-14

     The lost woman believed. She would become one of Jesus’ first evangelists as she offered the Messiah’s truth to her family and the surrounding area. Soul-thirsty answers, life-quenching truth, free-flowing living water available whenever and wherever we need it. Is it time to stop and drink?

    How do we receive this flowing spring water that will last until eternity?

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

   Believing in Jesus begins with His abundant love. We realize our need for a Savior and His offer is iron-clad. We are His until He will wipe the earthly water from our eyes and we will walk with Him beside the streams of living water forever.

For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd. He will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.  Revelation 7:17

    Heaven will provide perfection one day. What about our dry, cracked souls today? He offers us thirst-quenching answers for every tear-stained question, for every deep longing, for every pit of shame. The water is satisfying. Thirsty? Dip into the life-quenching well of Jesus.

Dear Jesus,

Walk with us beside the still, cool waters of Your saving grace in our uncertain lives. Take our hands as we search for answers and lead us to the Words of life. Refresh our souls. You are the answer to our longings. Fill us to the brim.

Amen

Overflowing Love

 

     The ordinary events of everyday life can be filled with the presence of Jesus. It takes practice. It takes time. It takes a deepening sense of who He is and how to seek Him in the middle of the muddle, in the sorting of the laundry piles, in the sneak peek out the kitchen window while cleaning the dinner dishes, in the warm embrace of your spouse. His presence is everywhere, anywhere, anytime. Ready?

The grasslands of the wilderness overflow, the hills are clothed with gladness. Psalm 65:12

     Creation overflows with gladness. Ok, our Minnesota winters may not fill our hearts with gladness. But this fall has been glorious. The last couple of days have been around 60 degrees with bright blue skies and vibrant colors.  God gives us these spectacular colors before the cold sets in.  With Jesus we can overflow with hope.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

     Trusting Him allows us to live in hope.

All this is for your benefit so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God. 2 Corinthians 4;15

      God’s extravagant love, His overflowing grace is available to us in His presence and in His word Weaving through the intricacies of our lives we find balance and a rhythm as we walk with the Holy Spirit of God. As our knowledge grows and our lives change, the love that has filled us miraculously begins to overflow.

May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.  1 Thessalonians 3:12

 Dear Father in heaven,

Thank You for Jesus. He gives us a life overflowing with grace and love that rises up to eternity, that extravagant love that fills our hungry souls. Overflow our lives with that love, so we can give it away, just as You gave it to us.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Extravagant Love

 

     Extravagant love. What comes to mind? Is it a bracelet dripping with diamonds, a trip around the world, a love poem written just for you? Our world tells us, “You deserve the best.” “You are worth it.”  “You need this to be happy.” Jesus turns all of that upside down with His sacrifice on the cross. While we were yet sinners, He took it all upon Himself, suffered and died, because He loves us.

But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!  1 John 3:1a

     Extravagant love may not come in the way we envision it. It comes in the heart of the mom with the disabled child. There is not much time to think about herself or her needs. She would not have wished or dreamed about this life for her family, but would she have it any other way? No, the love is deeper than anything she has or will ever experience.

     Sacrificial love. It’s all around us, in the care of a loved one with Alzheimer’s or cancer, in caring for the poor, in missionary work in other cultures, in the service of our country, in the front-line heroes. These lives are all around us and they are beautiful. The extravagant love of Christ is available and ready to be absorbed and shared.

     This sacrificial love is often found in places and with people the world would rather avoid. The difficulties and sufferings we are called to endure, often become the very places we witness the holiness of Christ and His love. Don’t be afraid of His lavish love. It is there for the taking. He gives it richly, abundantly, extravagantly, sacrificially. Can we do the same?

Jesus,

You, the pure light of the world, washed the filthy feet of Your disciples. Show us how to love in the ways of Your heart. Take away our fear as we step a little closer to serving others sacrificially in Your name. After all, that’s what you taught us to do.

Amen

Satisfying Love

 

     It was a summer, Saturday evening about 30 years ago. The picture is etched in my mind. Our daughters were somewhere around the ages of six and four. The house was clean. The gardens were planted. The yard freshly mowed and trimmed thanks to my husband. Our girls sat quietly with their French braids, clean from their baths in their freshly laundered nightgowns.

       “Ahh.” Pure satisfaction. You may have noticed the time frame. This is not a daily experience. Far from it. We have those moments when all seems right with the world; when the jobs are done, the tough project complete, after enjoying a satisfying meal, or a day off. Then hunger returns. Another project rears its ugly head. Dishes are dirty. Laundry is piling up. The house is in chaos, the kids squabbling, just too much to do.

     Jesus offers us this deep and satisfying, soul-quenching contentment. All day. Every day. When we place our lives totally in His hands, we recognize the kids are from Him, the grass and all of creation was breathed into existence, just for us. And our lives can be given completely to Him, the satisfying days, along with the frustrating and chaotic days. What Jesus offers us is more than a momentary feeling of satisfaction. He offers us the abundant life, grace-given, love overflowing assurance of the more-than-enough life.

But Godliness with contentment is great gain. 1 Timothy 6:6

     Contentment with Jesus is available in the midst of the chaos, in the fear of the moment, in times of hunger and peril. Every moment can be entrusted to Him. Let’s dig into the abundant life this week. In the meantime, breath out a satisfied, “Ahh” with me. He has you in the palm of His hand. Be content there and then go tackle that mess.

Dear Father,

You gave us Your Son. He gave everything up for us and loves us too much to ever let us go. Give us that Godly contentment every day no matter what is in front of us.

In Jesus name

Amen

Teach Your Children

 

     Raising our children to love Jesus in the world today is vital. As we see disrespect grow, violence increase, drug use as an epidemic, our youth need Jesus. The Jewish people were taught to have God’s word on their hearts and minds each day.

Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home, when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you rise up. Deuteronomy 11:19 (Deuteronomy 6:7)

    God has promises for us as believers. As we teach our children about His love and His word, they will never forsake Him.

Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6

     I have such special memories of our girls growing up. Reading devotions with them each night before bed. Praying with them when they were having difficulties at school or with friends. And they love Jesus. They are passing their faith and love on to the next generation!  Our grandkids are blessed.

     Our faith will never leave us. Jesus is always here with us. Faith does not have to be and should not be a once-a-week duty. It is a life. A life lived for Christ. A life filled with His everlasting love. Believe and your children will never depart from it. God’s love is everlasting.

The Lord appeared to us in the past saying, “I have loved you with an everlasting love. I have drawn you with unfailing kindness. Jeremiah 31:3

But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear Him and His righteousness with their children’s children. Psalm 103:17

Father,

Your everlasting love will flow from generation to generation as we speak of you as we walk through our days as we sit down and as we rise. Help our younger generation to find You again, for our country to trust in You again. We love You as You first loved us.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Happy birthday to our daughter Lauren!

Loved By God

 

     As we age, we can appreciate our memories, our life-long friendships, our families and our Christian family. I am beyond blessed and I am feeling the love of Jesus.  The sunny vibrant skies of fall have been a reminder of all that God has given us.  Feel loved today and take in every single blessing in your life.

     Years ago at a Bible study I facilitated, we studied the books of the Thessalonians. The study included these words:

For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that He has chosen you. 1 Thessalonians 1:14

     You, dear brothers and sisters, are loved by God, chosen in fellowship to worship, to pray, to sharpen the faith of one another.

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17

     The Bible reminds us to stay close to our fellow Christians as we witness the times leading toward Christ’s return. Stay in the word. Rely on your Christian family and continue and appreciate the glory of the earth God has given us.

Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them. Let all of the trees of the forest sing for joy. Psalm 96:12

The heavens declare the glory of God, the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Psalm 19:1

Father,

Your love for us is so deep and overwhelming. Thenk You for surrounding us with a family of believers. Keep us united in Spirit as we live out our lives with Your amazing grace and love.

In Jesus name,

Amen

His Marvelous Ways

 

     This week I have been striving for more flexibility, away from the sometimes rigid and controlling plans of my own. Jesus can change me with words from wise friends, with my conscience giving me clues on right and wrong, and through our plum line, the Bible.

     But I have come to a realization. Deep down, I appreciate my ordinary life, filled with routine. I know it fits me at this season of my life. Maybe, just maybe, God ordained it this way.

     Has he allowed you a life to fit your deep-seeded personality and your gifts? How marvelous are His ways. With my eyesight deteriorating, I am more than grateful to have a patient husband, supportive daughters and their families and great friends who still want to hang around with me!

     God understands each of us, in whatever season of life we find ourselves. His ways will work with you, wherever you are, in whatever place you live, with the people surrounding you, to help you be at peace and filled with joy. Most of all, we have Jesus.

God’s voice thunders in marvelous ways. He does great things beyond our understanding. Job 37:5

For you are great and do marvelous deeds. You alone are God. Psalm 86:10

The Lord has done this and it is marvelous in our eyes. Psalm 118:23

     Wherever life finds you today, give praise to the Lord. He has done and will continue to do marvelous deeds in your life and in mine. He will allow and encourage changes in us and He will find the perfect places and people to surround us. Let Him be sufficient for your days, routines and all.

Lord,

How marvelous are your ways! You find a perfect fit for us throughout our lives. Guide us into praising You each day and listening to Your voice.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Do Not Worry

 

     Our heavenly Father is in control. His wish for us is to trust Him completely with our lives, to believe He has us in the palm of His mighty hands. How about a day without worry? Having loved Jesus with a deep faith for thirty plus years now, I have seen Him deepen my faith through suffering, deny my wishes when He knew they weren’t right for me, delight me with His miraculous ways time and time again, and defended me when I needed it most.

     Listen to the words of Scripture and allow Jesus to take away your worries and your burdens. He cares for us.

“Therefore, I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, not about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air. They neither sow nor reap, nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to the span of life?” Matthew 6:25-27

“Come to Me all who are weary and heavy burdened and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

     God is watching over you. Cast all of your cares on Him.

Cast all your cares on Him because He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

     As our trust grows in our God, the one who promises us eternal life, the one who sent His only Son to die for us, the one who cares for the birds of the air, the one we can trust to keep all of His promises, we can find peace. Here is another promise to fill your heart.

“Peace I leave with you. My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27

Father,

We take the words of Jesus into our hearts and souls today, trusting Him with all of our cares and worries. Fill us with that peace that passes all understanding as we give all of our lives to You. You are faithful and unchanging.

In Jesus name,

Amen

A New Thing

 

     I like to have a plan. Early to bed, early to rise describe my husband and me. Breakfast is typically around 6:30, lunch around 11 and dinner at 5.  Each day I sort through what lies ahead for the day, for meals, for the week ahead.

     I am fortunate to have some wonderful and wise girlfriends and I was able to spend a few hours with some of them over the weekend. One of them said, “Well, we have to be flexible.” Wise words.

     Lately, I have been writing the blogs for the week as a theme, spending a few hours putting them together. Last week’s theme was finding freedom in the Holy Spirit, understanding that God will always work in us, working for His good and perfect purpose in our lives.

     This week let’s listen to the Spirit, allowing him to do something new. Each day will bring new surprises and adventures. I plan to get up at my usual time. (No surprise there!) But I will not plan what I am going to write ahead of time, trusting the Spirit to move in my life as I allow Him to do as He pleases with the day.

     What will He do in your life today?

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up. Do you not perceive it. I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:19

     If you are feeling stuck or lost, don’t be afraid. God will make a new way. He can provide clear, living water during the desert times of life. He can bring fresh blooms and new fruit, after a long cold winter. He can find a new way for us! Do you see it?

Father,

Thank You for teaching us and leading us with something new. We ask for Your Holy Spirit to show us a new path today. Thank You for the freedom that faith gives us to place our trust in You.

In Jesus name,

Amen

 

The Plan Is Jesus

 

     Thinking about freedom in Christ brings about peace and faith. His good and perfect plan will be fulfilled and, somehow, He uses us to accomplish just that. We have relaxed into His Spirit this week, dressing ourselves in our new spiritual clothes, allowing Him to work in us as individuals as He uses our very own personalities and gifts. Let’s continue to listen for His lead, understanding He never gives up and will continue to work in us until His coming.

     As we close out the week of studying His plans and purpose, He reminds us that all of us, working together, as different parts of His body, are working toward one common goal. Our goal, as a church, is to bring glory to Him and to make Him known.

     It is not about us. It is always about Him.

But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you My power and that My name might be proclaimed in all the earth. Exodus 9:16

     God has raised you up at this time, in a particular family, in a work environment, in a neighborhood, to bring glory to His name, so that others may know and proclaim who He is. And every single thing we do, including laundry, eating a meal, fulfilling our passions and desires, the ordinary and extraordinary, can be done for Him.

Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:3

     God created us for His glory. That is our united purpose, each one of us, to show His glory.

Everyone who is called by My name, whom I have created for My glory, I have formed and made. Isaiah 43:7

Father,

You have created us to glorify You. Complete Your plans and purposes in our lives as you continue to work in us with Your everlasting and unfailing love. Give us the spiritual clothes we need in our hearts to live our lives for You and give us freedom and peace to enjoy the journey.

In Jesus name,

Amen

 

A Purpose and a Plan

 

     God’s purpose and His work in you will look very different than His purpose and His work in me. He knows us intimately. He understands our quirks, our frailties, and He understands and will use our personalities, our natural talents and the spiritual gifts He freely provides.

     I have given time to ministries that were not a good match for me. Once I understood that God could use me in exactly the ways He had made me, I began to understand and to listen to how He could use me in the very best way that suited me. The work He has for us will always bring joy and blessings.

     If something you are doing in the name of Christ brings a sense of duty and obligation, a sense of dread or fear, pray and ask if it is right and if it will bless others. God loves a cheerful giver. It’s easy to compare and compete in this world. But God ordained the body of Christ to work together.

     Sometimes, we will plant a seed, and the next person will water that seed, and finally, God will grow and nurture it until it blooms!

The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. 1 Corinthians 3:8

     Whatever God accomplishes through us will be for our good and for the good of others and to fulfill His perfect will. (Romans 12:2)

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

Jesus,

Help us to see ourselves through Your eyes. Allow us to walk in the plans You have designed for each one of us individually. It is miraculous that You have designed each one of us to be used in such a variety of ways We praise You today.

Amen

 

A Guaranteed Plan

 

     A great way to relax into the freedom God offers, is to remember His Holy Spirit now lives within us. We know that we know that we know, we belong to Him and will one day reside in a perfect eternity with Him. His Spirit is a deposit and a seal.

And you also were included with Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit. Ephesians 1;13

Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God who has given us the Spirit as a deposit guaranteeing what is to come. 2 Corinthians 5:5

     A seal and a guarantee. As we are filled with and guided by that perfect Spirit, we look different, we act different, we are transformed. Look at the first part of the verse above from 2 Corinthians.  We have been “fashioned” for a purpose.  Did you know you wear inner clothes? God works from the inside out.  Clothe yourselves with the Spirit today. Here is our fashion statement.

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12

     The spiritual clothing provided by the Spirit is really all that matters to God. He tells us it is all about the heart.  It brings beauty from the inside out.

Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. 1 Peter 3:4

     I want that gentle and quiet spirit of peace that is of great worth. Put on your spiritual clothes and that inner light will shine.

Lord,

Thank You for the work You do in us with Your Holy Spirit. Help us submit to His lead, so we can represent You with beautiful hearts, clothed with Your character. Change our inside fashion.

In Jesus name,

Amen

 

God's Grace God's Plan

 

     Remember, we did nothing to deserve Christ’s sacrifice for us. None of us are worthy. But because of His great love and His willingness to come to this earth, we are saved and we are called!  Jesus came to serve us and that kind of love brings out the best in us. Love always does.

He has saved us and called us to a holy life-not because of anything we have done, but because of His own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time. 2 Timothy 1:9

     It all boils down to grace, His unmerited favor upon us. His grace is sufficient to get us through each day! (2 Corinthians 12:9) His mercies are new every morning! (Lamentations 3:22-23)

     Whatever your plans for this day, the purpose and plan of our Lord for your life will prevail. Begin the day with Him. Ask for His guidance and for Him to be shown through you as you go through the business of the day. And be refreshed. He is working!

Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21

Father,

We know that our faulty human notions and plans don’t always match up to the amazing plans You have in store for us. Bless others through us. Help us plant seeds of hope because of You and we will be blessed.

In Jesus name,

Amen

A Good Plan

 

     God’s promises and God’s purposes have been and will continue to be fulfilled. All is accomplished in His own timing and will come to pass in His perfect and good will. Hard to believe sometimes? One of the questions unbelievers ask is, “How can a loving God allow such evil and horror?” 

     Our answer is, a resounding “Jesus is the answer!” The evil in man’s hearts has been on this earth since the beginning of time. Satan is real and will one day be vanquished. In the meantime, we can trust God and live in joy and peace, because of Jesus. His purpose will prevail.

I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, “My purpose will stand and I will do all that I please.” Isaiah 46:10

     God’s plans and purposes are over-arching, spanning the heavens and the earth. He watches over the sun and the moon and the stars. He watches over nature, with all of creation is under His control. And He watches over you and me. Let this bring you a sense of freedom. He is working in each one of us continually. Allow His love to set you free!

For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose. Philippians 2:13

     Did you hear that? It is God’s work in us. His “good purpose” will be done through us because of Him.  And He never, ever, ever gives up on us. Feeling discouraged or unworthy? Join the club!  But God sees us as His beloved children. His work continues with patience and love. He will provide the people, the opportunities, and the good works He wants accomplished through us. What a blessing!

Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6

Lord,

Your ways and your thoughts are so much higher than ours. Let us relax into Your good works, knowing You will fulfill everything that needs doing until the return of Christ Jesus.

Amen

Limitless Love and Protection

 

     As we willingly listen to God, we can allow ourselves to be His beloved children. Relax in His arms, knowing He will hold you up and believe in you.  He chose you! This truth will give us the freedom to be ourselves, to be humble, to give ourselves a break. We are human. Our failures and missteps don’t grieve our Father in heaven. He is the God of new beginnings and second chances.

     His protective arms can give us the eyes to see others as beloved children, too. If only each person would understand the love of Christ. It would be a new world, one that will ultimately be available for all of us who believe in Him.

     Be His child today and sit with Him for a time. Soak up His unconditional love and receive His free gift of grace. His light will fill you with His type of joy and hope. Always hope. Angel wings will surround you. The eyes of heaven are upon you.

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1

He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge. His faithfulness will be your shield will be your rampart. Psalm 91:4

For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. Psalm 91:11

     Such precious words for us to end the week. It is HIS faithfulness that keeps us going. His angels will guard us in all our ways. I love the thought of these mighty heavenly beings guarding us, guiding us, surrounding us.

     You are His forevermore. His limits know no bounds.

Father,

As we trust in You and Your ways, we have freedom to move within Your boundaries, to feel loved and protected as we move through our earthly days. Help us to see others through Your eyes.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Freedom Within Limits

 

     There are those who believe Christianity will rob us of all fun. No more parties, no more adventure, no more freedom.  In fact, just the opposite is true! In Christ we have true freedom to be ourselves, made manifest through Him. He offers forgiveness from all we have or will do. He offers freedom from the chains that have bound our past, whether guilt, anger, bitterness, greed, addiction, or deep pain.

     Our souls can be lifted to heaven each day, as we recognize the truth of our real home. As Christ begins to grow us into His righteousness, we feel ourselves letting go of the chains, and enjoying our freedom in Him.

So, if the Son sets you free, you are free indeed. John 8:36

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 2 Corinthians 3:17    

     God has freed us from sin and death. Take in a deep breath and let it out. You are free!

For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:2

Jesus,

You did it! You set us free! Don’t let us lose the awe and wonder of our salvation as we move freely in Your love and grace.

Amen

 

Speech Limits

 

     It is a year filled with anger, hate and violence in our country and it’s easy for us to get caught up in it as we each take a side. We do need to speak the truth of God in love. Some of us are meant to speak up in politics, to serve and take a stand, to speak out against what we know is not right. Always. But God does set limits on how and when we speak. The Holy Spirit, if we trust Him, will guard our hearts and our mouths as we move out into the world.

Let your conversation be always filled with grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Colossians 4:6

Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity. Proverbs 21:23

     Read through James 3 and see what he has to say about the power of our tongues. Let’s watch our speech and let it be pleasing to God.

Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing to You, Or Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14

     As we strive to follow God’s instructions, keep asking Him for wisdom.

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. James 1:5

Father,

Guide us in when and how to speak to others. Fill our mouths with Your grace and truth. Keep Your light shining in us and through us.

In Jesus name,

Amen

 

Inner Limits

 

    Our thoughts are often the battleground between us and God. Fear and worry take hold. Anger rises up. Guilt comes back to haunt us. The Bible promises us that God has the answers to our inner well-being. Scripture can override each negative pattern in our own minds. Our souls can be prosperous and successful as we listen.

Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips. Meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Joshua 1:8

     Each time your mind moves away from God’s promises, take that thought captive!

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10;5

     I don’t know about you, but fear and worry creep easily back into my mind. Recently, one of my best friends and I each had a day and night of anxiety and worry. Talking about it later, she reminded me that faith should be enough. I agree! If only we remembered that we are all in God’s hands and it IS possible to have victory over those thoughts pouring through our minds.

     As we move through this life together, let’s keep reminding each other, lift one another up when we need it, offer Scripture when appropriate and memorize the verses that rise up against the enemies in our own minds.

Lord,

Your eternal love will keep our souls at peace.  Bring us back to You again and again as we let our worldly emotions get the best of us. You are always there waiting to capture and destroy those negative thoughts.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Outer Limits

 

     Our children and grandchildren test our boundaries as they grow. “No!” becomes a familiar word. They do the opposite of what we ask them to do and watch for our reaction. I loved watching our girls grow and I adore doing the same with our grandkids. They know how to push our buttons. They crave independence and control. Keeping them safe is a priority as we watch them make mistakes and grow. Setting limits and boundaries is never easy, but always necessary

     Just as we do, God must shake His almighty head and smile at us. His limits and boundaries keep us safe. His word gives us instructions to follow. I can imagine Him wondering if we will ever learn as we say or do something contrary to all He has taught us.

.     Maybe it’s time to grow up and listen to the wise advice of our heavenly Father. Let’s say, “Yes!” to listening, to following His lead.

The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The rules of the Lord are true, and all are righteous. They are more precious than gold, then much pure gold, sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb   Psalm 19:7-10

     God’s word will keep us healthy and safe and one day lead us safely home.

Father,

Help us to say a resounding, “Yes!” to Your commands. Your wise counsel is greater than any earthly wisdom. Keep our children and grandchildren safe under our care and love. Teach them Your ways.

In Jesus name,

Amen

For The Joy

 

As the time approached for Him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. Luke 9:51

     Jesus knew His time on earth was coming to an end. He knew the anguish He would soon be facing.. He sets out resolutely. Sometimes we need that determination, the discipline to put one foot in front of the other. There is fear or grief, worry and despair, uncertainty and conflict. Somehow, we do it. One small step at a time. We move ahead.

Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore I have set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame.  Isaiah 50:7

     Jesus cries out to God in the garden of Gethsemane in anguish, His sweat turns to blood. The only time in eternity He is separated from the Father will come upon the cross, when the world darkens until the work is finished. The suffering of our Lord reminds us. He has been through it all and more.

     We have loved ones in heaven. We know the end of the story. Can we press on? Here are some amazing words to hang onto today:

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. 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 12:1-2

     Jesus saw the joy beyond the cross. We can see the joy beyond the pain if we fix our eyes on Jesus, the perfecter of our faith, rising above our circumstances with a love beyond words.

Dear Father in heaven,

Remind us of the joy set before us as we struggle and strain through some of our days. Bless us and our families and friends and brothers and sisters in the faith, as we turn to Your Son Jesus. We can rise above with Him.

Amen

I so appreciate all of you reading God’s word with me daily.  Vacation time is here. See you on October 13.  Keep praying. Keep believing. Keep loving.

 

Yesterday, Today, Forever

 

     To rise above, we need to trust and believe God’s promises, praising Him without understanding the world around us. The word of God replaces darkness with light. The word of God is alive, active and powerful. (Hebrews 4) Jesus is the word of God. And His word lived among us. (John 1) Jesus brings joy and understanding.

     When we accept Jesus as Savior, we are “justified.” It is “just as if” we had never sinned. In that moment of true faith, we are sealed with the Holy Spirit forever!

And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit. Ephesians 1;13

     But He is not done with our lives on earth. Justification is past, and sanctification begins. This is the process of setting us apart from the world and growing us in the faith, making us into the image of Christ. The Word (Jesus) transforms our lives and as we become more and more His disciples we can grow in the fruit of the Spirit. We are sanctified in the present and throughout our lives.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22

     One day we will receive our glorification and our resurrection bodies and live forever with Jesus. There is never a moment when He is apart from us from our moment of belief until we step into heaven. You are made right with God. He is working in your life right at this moment and one day we will be praising Him with our loved ones among the angels. Feel the hope and joy. You are His!

After this I heard what sounded like the roar of a great multitude in heaven shouting, “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God. Revelation 19:1

We are justified by Christ, sanctified through Christ and glorified with Christ. Amen!

 

Humble Hearts

 

     I have more questions than answers this week. Searching and seeking over the last thirty-five years always brings me to the foot of the cross. Can I trust God even when I don’t understand? Or do I run from Him and try to figure it all out on my own? Or do I humble myself before the Creator of the universe with the understanding that He will get me through. He will get us through.

     God hates pride above all. There is a list of the seven things God hates in the book of Proverbs and pride is at the top of the list. Lucifer’s removal from heaven came from his desire to be like God.

     Jesus is our example of the humble servant. He humbled Himself to die for us. He chose to live among us and leave the glories of heaven. He loves a meek spirit, a humble heart, a willingness to be the least and put others before ourselves.

     We can’t do it without Him. None of it. Beginning on our knees each day with a willingness to leave the answers to Him will set our hearts and minds in the right place. On Him. And He will lift us up.

     To rise above, we first need to humble our hearts.

“So the last will be first and the first will be last.” Matthew 20:16

“For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and the humble themselves will be exalted.” Luke 14:11

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up. James 4:10

Humble yourselves therefore, under God’s mighty hand that He may lift you up in due time. 1 Peter 5:6

     The maintenance man from a church we attended when our girls were growing up told us, “To humble ourselves does not mean to think less of ourselves, it means to think of ourselves less.”  Wise words from a man of faith.

Dear Father,

We come before You this morning, with a willingness to bow before You. We don’t have all of the answers, but You do. Comfort us and lift us up to be Your servants in the world around us.

In Jesus name

Amen

Compassion and Hope

 

     Suffering is all around us. Friends are going through difficult surgeries and waiting for results, along with so many others on my prayer list. I know it’s the same for you. What do we do with the heartache and grief? Where do we go and how do we cope?

     After years of questioning and searching, I turn first in Jesus. Often in the darkness, we catch a glimpse of His light and hang onto hope. The presence of suffering does not mean the absence of a loving God. This fallen world was not His choice. But the offering of the sacrifice of our heavenly Father’s Son to wipe the slate clean came from Him.

     We have a creator who stepped out of heaven and felt it all. He placed it all on His shoulders and suffered the consequences meant for us. He will share the burdens of this life until we are with Him in perfection one day. His Spirit will groan with us, will comfort us, will teach us great lessons through the suffering and bring meaning and purpose to it all.

     In the meantime, we are in this together. We struggle together, cry together, rejoice together and sit with each other when we hurt and when there seems to be no answers and no comfort to be found. The hurt is unbearably tough isn’t it? All of it is temporary and as fleeting as a teardrop. God is collecting those tears and one day will wipe away every last one of them. (Revelation 21)

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 1 Corinthians 1:3-4

Dear Jesus,

You know our pain and our loss. Comfort us today with Your unfailing love and give us the comfort we can share with others. You understand. One day we will know in full. Give us hope today.

Amen

Return

 

     Jesus understands you, right where you are. He accepts you just as you are and He is available 24/7. When we are sleepless, he is awake.

He will not let your foot slip-He who watches over you will not slumber. Indeed, He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. Psalm 121:3-4

     When we lose our faith, He remains faithful. There are verses in the book of Lamentations (chapter 3) that remind us. His mercy is new every day. The titles of the blogs this week have all begun with the prefix, “re” meaning again and again and again. Sometimes, I wonder how God puts up with me. And He says to me over and over again.

“Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11;28

The Lord came to us in the past saying, “I have loved you with an everlasting love. I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” Jeremiah 31:3

     He continually redeems, renews and refreshes our souls, again and again and again. The well never runs dry.

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

     Keep renewing and refreshing your hearts and souls. Be refreshed and nourished with the living water of Jesus.

Lord,

Here we are again. You are the God of second changes, of renewal, redemption and refreshing. Your patience with us never ends. You love us unconditionally and always want the best for us. We ask for that living water to satisfy our weary hearts and souls.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Reconciliation

 

        I saw someone share on Facebook that God needs to send us all to our rooms for a while. Well, we certainly deserve it, don’t we? Our sports and our busy lives, our celebrities, our technology, our political corners, often take precedence over Him. He yearns for a deep relationship with each of us. He paid the price for us as the mediator between a holy God and us.

For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man, Christ Jesus. 1 Timothy 2:5

     Because of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, we are reconciled forever with God. What a gift! The good news is too much to take in. Because of this sacrificial love, we can move boldly right into the heavenly throne room of God.

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

     Go boldly and with confidence to God and give him your worries, your doubts, your uneasiness, your fear. If we take our time-outs, we will have the time to sit with Him awhile. His mercy is strong enough to return us to peace over and over again. Let your soul be refreshed.

I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint. Jeremiah 31;25

Lord,

We know you are there, but sometimes our distractions and our busyness move us into places of fear. This time for all of us is difficult, but You understand. Bring us back to You. Jesus lived among us and was tempted in every way. The only sinless man to walk the earth and He paid the price for us.

Amen

 

Redeemed

 

     As we look to creation around us through each season, from the falling leaves to a dormant winter, from spring and new life to the bloom of summer, remember Jesus. Jesus redeems and renews.  He offers rebirth, a new way to live. As a believer for almost 40 years, I have seen the transforming power of Jesus over and over again. He saved my brother, Jim, as his body gave way to Parkinson’s. People came around him in miraculous, mind-blowing ways and he could no longer deny and turn from the presence of the God who longed to save him.

     I have seen His power in redeeming addicts over and over again, changing lives for His glory. I have witnessed His peace as I ministered in crisis care. This peace and joy of our Lord could be seen in the faces of those in hospice care, of those grieving the loss of their spouse or child, in dealing with cancer, and the list goes on. The spiritual power of Christ gives us this deep peace, unlike anything on earth. His love is over-powering, sacrificial and ever-present.

     I pray for you who read this blog and I pray, always, that God’s word will bring you that peace and joy and hope and love, through everything life throws at us. Do you feel it right now? Let your heart be redeemed, bringing fresh hope.

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

     I give you this last verse as a blessing over you today.

May the God of all hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:1

Amen