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