Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day!  Mother's and grandmothers are special and have a purpose that God created them for before they were born.

I am thankful to have had a mother who taught her children by the way she lived life. She was perfect in my eyes--a wonderful Christian woman--humble, gentle, and full of such a deep love for her family. She taught us how to love God and others. Although she is in heaven, I still miss her so much and am comforted by the fact that one day we will be reunited. 

I want to share the following excerpts from the Wisdom Hunter's Devotional, entitled "A Mother's Love", written by Boyd Bailey.  It speaks to my heart and expresses my own feeling as to the Christ-like characteristics my mother possessed.

"As apostles of Christ we could have been a burden to you, but we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children” (1 Thessalonians 2:6b-7).

"A mother’s love reflects the love of the Lord, deep in its capacity and generous in its application. She awakens in the middle of the night to nurse a hungry infant or care for a sick child. Her intuition injects love at points of pain and in situations that require extensive encouragement. A mother’s love lingers long in conversation and understands with her sensitive heart. She loves, because Christ’s love compels her to love like Him.

Moreover, a mother’s love is loyal and longstanding. A child may be in trouble, but Mom is always close by, full of compassion and acceptance. Her love can be blind in its loyalty, but her offspring never doubts where they are welcome. Jesus was rejected by angry, jealous men and abandoned by His closest friends, but His mother was waiting with Him to the bitter end, “Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother…” (John 19:25a).

A mother’s love even has the capacity to be a mother to those who are not biologically her own. She opens her home, shares her food, gives her time, dispenses her wisdom, and encourages obedience to follow Christ. Paul experienced this. “Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother to me, too” (Romans 16:13). Moms sometime mother greatness not their own.

Lastly, a mother’s love is gentle; the way God is gentle toward His children. He calls us to love and to lead like Jesus. Love serves people and does not rule with rigor. “God's servant must not be argumentative, but a gentle listener and a teacher who keeps cool, working firmly but patiently with those who refuse to obey” (2 Timothy 2:24, TM)."

Thankfully, my mother was the type of person Mr. Bailey speaks of in his devotional. How thankful I am for always knowing mother would  welcome me home in spite of my failures and poor choices. This is also how our heavenly Father is.  He loves us in spite of our failures and bids us to come to Him for rest, safety and comfort.   For me, knowing that He loves me that much gives a peace deep within that nothing else can even come close to giving. I pray that each of you have, or will, experience this peace in your heart and life.  God bless.

Prayer: Father, God.  Thank You for the privilege of motherhood.  Help each of us to continually look to You for guidance in our role as mothers and grandmothers. Lead us in love to be the kind of role models that You desire, so that we might gain the respect and love of our families.  I pray this in the name of Jesus.  Amen.

Standing on the Promises

Last night at my Bible study class, I learned that there are over 30,000 promises found in God’s Word.  God, through the Holy Spirit, reveals Himself to non-believers through the promises and instruction found in His Word.  For the believer in Jesus Christ, these promises will strengthen and provide encouragement through each season and circumstance of life.

God showed His great love for mankind through the promise of the Messiah, Jesus Christ.  (Luke 2:8-14 and Matthew 1:21)   There could never be any greater love shown to us than that of Jesus Christ laying down His life, so that we might believe on Him and one day spend eternity with Him in heaven. 

God’s promises are also meant to help Christians grow spiritually.  The more we study His Word, the more we trust God in all circumstances. The many promises found in God’s Word are needed at different stages in our life and in the varying circumstances that we face.   If we are hurting, afraid, anxious, discouraged, doubting, tempted, needing peace or guidance, or overcome by guilt, trials, and monumental circumstances that have left us feeling defeated, rest assured that God’s Word will never fail. His Word comforts beyond what we can imagine. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8) He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end (Revelation 1:8).  He is God.  He does not change (Malachi 3:6).  Through His Word, He says what He means and means what He says.  

I am very thankful for God’s Word and the promises found therein.  His Word is a “light unto my path and a lamp unto my feet.” (Psalm 119:105) Therefore, I rest in Him with the joy, peace and calm assurance that I am His and He is mine.  I have everything to gain and absolutely nothing to lose by a life spent serving Jesus Christ.

I found the list below in my Bible.  I do not know how long it has been there or where it came from, but these thirty-two scriptures and references prompted my writing tonight.  These promises of who we are in Christ give us reason to rejoice. Truly, we have been set free through His shed blood on the cross.

The Word of God says we are:

1.      “Justified by faith, at peace with God and standing in His grace.”  Romans 5:1-2

2.      “Justified by His blood and saved from the wrath of God through Him.”  Romans 5:9

3.      “Reconciled to God through the death of His Son, and saved by His life.” Romans 5:10

4.      “Made righteous by the obedience of Christ.” Romans 5:19

5.      “The righteousness of God, in Christ.”  2 Corinthians 5:21

6.      “Crucified with Christ and no longer a slave to sin.” Romans 6:6

7.      “Dead in Christ and freed from sin.” Romans 1:7

8.      “Dead to sin, but alive to God in Jesus Christ.” Romans 6:11

9.      “Not under law, but under grace.” Romans 5:14

10.  “Freed from sin and have become a slave to righteousness.” Romans 6:18

11.  “Made dead to the law through the body of Christ, and joined to another, to Him who was raised from the dead.” Romans 7:4

12.  “There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1

13.  “Set free from the law of sin and of death.” Romans 8:2

      14.  “Not in the flesh, but in the Spirit.” Romans 8:9

15.  “Led by the Spirit of God, and are the sons of God.” Romans 8:14

16.  “Called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28

17.  “A conqueror through Him who loved us.” Romans 8:37

18.  “Sanctified in Christ Jesus, a saint by calling.” I Corinthians 1:2

19.  “Alive in Christ.”  I Corinthians 15:22

20.  “Comforted in all affliction so that I may be able to comfort others.” 2 Corinthians 1:4

21.  “In Christ, and therefore a new creature.” 2 Corinthians 5:17

22.  “Reconciled to God, through Christ.” 2 Corinthians 5:18

23.  “Delivered out of this present age.” Galatians 1:4

24.  “Not justified by the works of the law, but through faith in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 2:16

25.  “No longer a slave, but a son, an adopted son, an heir through God.” Galatians 4:7

26.  “Set free by Christ.” Galatians 5:1

27.  “Sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise.” Ephesians 1:13

28.  “Raised up with Him, and seated with Him in the heavenly places, in Christ Jesus.” Ephesians 2:6

29.  “Saved by grace, through faith, and that not of ourselves, it is the gift of God.” Ephesians 2:8

30.  “His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works.” Ephesians 2:10

31.  “Delivered from the domain of darkness, and transferred to the kingdom of His beloved Son.” Colossians 1:13

32.  “Reconciled in His fleshly body, through death, in order to stand presented before Him, made holy, made blameless, made beyond reproach.” Colossians 1:22

If you do not have a personal relationship with Jesus today, please ask God to reveal Himself to you through His Word.  He is not willing that anyone should perish (2 Peter 3:9). You must come before Him with a willing heart and believe that He is who He says He is; that He can do what He says He can do; and that through Jesus Christ, you can begin a new life of forgiveness, salvation, peace and eternal life apart from that which you are presently experiencing. 

Prayer:  Dear Lord, You alone are God.  There is no other. Thank You for the many, many promises found in Your Word.  So many times, we hold on to these promises in desperation, and at other times, we look to these promises with joy, anticipation, and excitement.  Thank you for meeting our needs during the different seasons of life’s circumstances.  Bless all who read these words and use them for Your glory and Yours alone.  I pray this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.  Amen.

Song: Standing on the Promises, written by R. Kelso Carter (1849-1928), sung by Alan Jackson.

We've Come This Far

“So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.” I Peter 4:19 

“Humble yourselves therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” I Peter 5:6-7 

Tonight, in the quiet of my little writing room, I am finishing my BSF Bible study lessons for the week. This week’s lesson focuses on the book of I Peter. Within the contents of these five chapters of scripture, there are many references and themes regarding trials and sufferings that we as Christians will undergo. 

The book of I Peter teaches us that these times come to make us stronger and to strengthen our trust in God. It is through the tough times that our faith will grow, if we will allow that growth. One thing that I am certain of is that God did not bring us this far to leave us. So, by faith we keep moving forward leaning on our Lord and trusting that He always knows what is best for us.

Today at church, some friends and I were talking about how many hurting people there are in our own little circles. Multiply that number by scores of others who are not personally known to us, and on every hand there are hurting people. Some are suffering from illnesses. Still others are discouraged, depressed, stressed, anxious, and lost in a feeling of hopelessness. Others are out of work and desperately need employment. Some are spiritually lost and have no direction for their lives. I am praying that the latter will seek a personal relationship with Jesus Christ for the guidance that they need. So, everywhere we look, there is pain and sorrow and suffering. That fact alone might be depressing if that were the end of the story. Thankfully, it is not! 

If you are reading this blog and your circumstance(s) fit into one of the categories mentioned above, please be assured that God knows your heart, hears your cries, and sees your needs. He has not abandoned you. He walks beside you through these times of uncertainty. Call on Him. He hears, He listens, and He answers. Take heart, dear ones. God is not finished with you yet.  

The song posted below is a simple song. It is entitled, “We’ve Come This Far by Faith.” I have been singing it for over a week waiting for an opportunity to write these words. My heart and my prayers are with my family and friends and all others who need encouragement and the assurance that the gentle Shepherd walks beside them at this very moment.  

Prayer: Dear Lord, we love You with all of our hearts. Be with each person reading this blog tonight. Stay near to those who are hurting. We thank You in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

Give Me Jesus

“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”  John 8:12

The song below, “Give Me Jesus” by Fernando Ortega, says it all.  Listening to it as I was cleaning house this morning, I felt His love and closeness to me.  What a comfort to know that nothing else really matters…….not worldly possessions nor things that some try to hold on to.  All are just shallow attempts to fill the void in a heart that only He can fill.  Things of this world will one day fade away, but Jesus…the same yesterday, today, and forever is all that I want.  My prayer is that along with me, you will say, “Just give me Jesus.”

Prayer:  Dear Lord, thank You for loving us and for being all that we need.  Help those who do not know You to have the desire for a relationship with You so that they might experience the inner joy and peace that only You can bring.  This I pray in Jesus name.  Amen.

Cielo (Heaven)

“Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.  Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.  Psalm 95:1-2

“Come, let us worship and bow down, Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker.”  Psalm 95:5

Until this past Sunday, I had never heard the song entitled, “Cielo (Heaven)” by Phil Wickham.   My heart was touched as our church choir and worship team sang this song so beautifully and worshipfully.  

Based on the Word of God, we know that heaven will be a beautiful place. I lack for words to describe what it will be like.  My earthly mind cannot comprehend it, but  my eternal mind can be excited about heaven. I know it's going to be a wonderful place!  I will see Jesus face to face and fall humbly on my knees to worship the One whose death covered my sins.  My loved ones are waiting for me there.  That in itself is such a wonderful promise.

While we are here on earth and are looking forward to heaven, we know that because of God’s great love for us, we will never be able to sing loud enough when we’re singing for Him. Nor can we ever bow low enough in His presence for we are so unworthy of that great love.  As His child, I know that I will never be able to lift my hands high enough when I am reaching for Him.  But, what peace and joy I feel by knowing that He is always there with such love and grace, and that He reaches down for me in love and tenderness each day.

I pray that you enjoy the song and will praise our heavenly Father, for He has done great things! 

Prayer:  Father, God, I thank you for Your great love and for the unmerited favor of Your grace.  As my friend wrote in her blog recently, we know that this grace that has been so freely given to us is definitely God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense.  Thank you for Jesus and for salvation.  Because of Him we have the assurance of eternal life. Thank You for first loving us so that we in turn may love You and others.  I pray this prayer in the precious and matchless name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.  Amen.   

He's Alive!

“While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, "Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee.” Luke 24:4-6

“I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades”. Rev. 1:18

“And who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord.”  Romans 1:4

“Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even if he dies. And those who live and believe in me will never die. Do you believe this?"  John 11:25-26

Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.  John 14:6

The above scriptures speak of the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection are the foundation upon which Christians base their belief. True belief in the resurrection should fill us with awe and overwhelm us with a sense of peace and thankfulness. Jesus died and rose again so that we could live an abundant life and worship Him for all eternity.

Because of the finished work of Jesus Christ through His resurrection, we have assurance that our past sins are gone.  The shed blood of Jesus on the cross means that we can live every day in His forgiveness. Our future is bright because the tomb is empty! 

For Christ-followers, hope came with His resurrection.  Jesus willingly entered the mystery of death and came out alive. His first step out of the tomb changed the world forever. Were it not for His sacrifice on the cross for all mankind, we would have no hope of eternal life. He paid the price and brought life where we once were dead. Because He lives, we are able to face today and all of our tomorrows with the assurance that He is in every situation. 

The resurrection was God’s declaration to the world: “This is My Son!”  The resurrection serves to tell us that “with GOD all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26), and it gives us the assurance that every one of His promises will come to pass. If Christ is truly risen, how can any trials of this world possibly lead to defeat?

This Easter season, let's place our faith in the sacrifice of Jesus for the forgiveness of our sins and live in the promise and power of His resurrection. Let's pray for our mind to be fully opened to His truth and for our life to be lived because we KNOW He is risen!

Our future can be full of Jesus.  Our eternity can be secured in Him. But, we must first look for Him.  Pause and ask yourself, if you have truly sought a living and loving relationship with Jesus Christ. If not, He waits to receive you at this moment.

Christ the Lord is risen today.  Hallelujah!

Prayer: Father God, just saying “thank you” for sending Your only Son to the cross for sinners such as I, seems like such a feeble attempt on my part to let You know how grateful I am.  Help me, and each person reading this blog to be grateful for life, for salvation, and for the hope of eternity spent with our Lord and Savior.  And help us to be grateful enough to carry His message to those who are in need of the peace and joy that only He can bring.  Please take these words and look into our hearts knowing that we love You above all others, and want to be Your servants for the rest of our days.  For those who do not know Jesus as Savior and Lord, place within their hearts a desire to seek Him.  Please let this be the day that their lives are transformed beyond what they could ever imagine. This I pray in His name, the name above all names—Jesus Christ.  Amen. 

Forgiveness-An Act of Worship

"Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."  Luke 23:34, NIV

"If Jesus forgave those who nailed Him to the Cross, and if God forgives you and me, how can you withhold your forgiveness from someone else? How can you withhold your forgiveness from yourself? If God says, "I forgive you," who are you to say, "Thank You, God, but I can't forgive myself"? Are your standards higher than His? Are you more righteous than He is? If God says, "I forgive you," then the only appropriate response is to say, "God, thank You. I don't deserve it, but I accept it. And to express my gratitude, I, in turn, forgive that person who has sinned against me."

We forgive others, not because they deserve it, but because He deserves it! The only reason we have to forgive is that He commands us to, and our obedience gives us opportunity to say to Him, "Thank You for forgiving me. I love You." Our forgiveness of others then becomes an act of worship that we would not enter into except for Who He is and for the overwhelming debt of love we owe Him. "  Anne Graham Lotz

The thoughts above may be written by Anne Graham Lotz, but they are so succinctly the expression of my own heart, that I wanted to post them for my readers.  I have found that forgiveness when done in the right Spirit is a powerful thing.  Being forgiven is a powerful thing.  When we forgive and are forgiven we are freed from the weight of guilt and bitterness.  I am so thankful for God's forgiveness, the forgiveness of others, and my ability to forgive and let go of grudges, hurt or resentment.  We can never be what God wants us to be with bitterness, unforgiveness, or guilt harbored in our hearts.

Prayer:  Dear God, thank You for women like Anne Graham Lotz who express words in such a way that I never could.  Thank You for her ministry and for her Spirit-filled life.  Thank You for forgiveness, both given and received, and for the stream of cool, clear spiritual water that runs through our hearts when we forgive and accept forgiveness.  You are worthy of all our praise now and forevermore because of Your great love for us.  I pray this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.  Amen.