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The Choice is Yours

Have you ever sat alone with your thoughts? Wondering how things are going to be in the future or what you could have done differently to change the past and shape your present?

Maybe you’ve been going over and over the dynamics of a relationship; your education or lack thereof; your financial situation or your health. Too often, you begin to follow rabbit trails in your mind and come to a place of discontentment or disaster.Before you know it you are angry or depressed.

You know how it goes, you have a bad dream where you fight with your spouse or a friend or a co-worker and when you wake up, you’re madder than blazes and it spoils your morning and maybe your day.

I know none of you have had experiences like that but some people have. Some people let their imaginings become real and they are hurt by them.

But what has any of this got to do with anything. Glad you asked because it takes me to this morning’s devotional thought.

“We live in this world, but we don’t fight our battles in the same way the world does. 4 The weapons we use are not human ones. Our weapons have power from God and can destroy the enemy’s strong places. We destroy people’s arguments, 5 and we tear down every proud idea that raises itself against the knowledge of God. We also capture every thought and make it give up and obey Christ.” II Corinthians 10:3-5 ERV

One version of this verse tells us to cast down vain imaginations. That’s what I was talking about above. When those thoughts of failure, death, desertion, and humiliation come you need to take them captive or cast them down. But how?

“Dear friends, God is good. So I beg you to offer your bodies to him as a living sacrifice, pure and pleasing. That’s the most sensible way to serve God. 2 Don’t be like the people of this world, but let God change the way you think. Then you will know how to do everything that is good and pleasing to him.” Romans 12:1-2 CEV

and how do you change the way you think…

“Brothers and sisters, continue to think about what is good and worthy of praise. Think about what is true and honorable and right and pure and beautiful and respected.” Philippians 4:8 ERV

The news you hear everyday is mostly bad; most of you have a tendency to run “the worst case scenario” when you think of doing something new. But that needs to change.

Yes, it’s that simple. If you don’t like the way the red shirt looks, you change to the blue. If you don’t like the brown boots you change to the red ones. If you don’t like the fishing lure you’re using you change to live bait.

Your thoughts are the data that you input to your mind’s hard drive. They dictate your prejudice, your approval,  joy, and your sorrow. You can make wrong assumptions and be destroyed or you can choose to consider God’s word, his thoughts and live in victory.

“ For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 NKJV

Change – renew your mind to God’s way of thinking instead of your own. Think about what’s good, honorable, pure and true. When those bad thoughts and imaginings come, change them! Change them immediately! Replace them with what God has said about you and your situation.

When you do, the word of God will rule in your heart and God’s word brings peace and light!

Time for a change!!

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Not By Sight

Have you ever been blindfolded? Maybe as a kid you played Pin the Tail on the Donkey or another game that required you to have your eyes covered. How well were you able to maneuver?

 

It’s an old movie but have any of you seen the movie Entrapment with Sean Connery and Katherine Zeta Jones?  It was a movie that fascinated me. I especially liked the part where Sean Connery was teaching her to maneuver through the maze of laser beams on the security system so she could get to the mask. Crawling under strands of yarn, stepping over the same, turning on a dime – it was like a ballet and then what was truly amazing is that she had to be blindfolded and do it all without ringing the bells that were attached to the yarn.

So how does this all apply to our devotional today?

“For we walk by faith and not by sight”.  II Corinthians 5:7

Walking by faith is almost like being blindfolded. We have to see with our heart and not with our eyes. We must be well trained, trusting, confident in the instruction of the one guiding us – not moved by the distractions around us but focused only on the goal.

Elisha was a prophet of God who had been thwarting the plans of the King of Syria. The King had been trying to conquer Israel’s king and armies but each time they were aware of his battle plan and avoided capture. God gave the Syrian king’s plant to Elisha and Elisha was giving information to Israel’s king.

One morning Elisha’s servant got up early and this is what happened.

“When Elisha’s servant got up the next morning, he saw that Syrian troops had the town surrounded. “Sir, what are we going to do?” he asked.

16 “Don’t be afraid,” Elisha answered. “There are more troops on our side than on theirs.” 17 Then he prayed, “LORD, please help him to see.” And the LORD let the servant see that the hill was covered with fiery horses and flaming chariots all around Elisha.” II Kings 6:15-17

The Old English said he prayed “LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see.” It wasn’t his physical eyes that needed to be open; it was his spiritual eyes, his eyes of faith.  Elisha could see that God was there and providing a way but the servant could only see the obstacle when he needed to see the answer.

There were a number of times that Jesus spoke healing over someone and told them they were whole before they actually saw the physical results.

“And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight. 52 And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.” Mark 10:51-52

When we are walking by faith, we will see that God’s word is true and effective with our spiritual eyes even before we see things change in our physical realm. Faith is substance; it’s real, it’s tangible but it is also spiritual.

“Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1

God called Abraham the Father of many nations before He had a child. Was God a liar? Hardly! He foresaw what was coming into Abraham’s life and He called things that weren’t as if they had already occurred. He did this at creation and called light out of the darkness and it was.

When we walk with our eyes on Jesus and His word we will be able to see the way God sees.

“…Our message is that Jesus Christ is Lord. He also sent us to be your servants. 6 The Scriptures say, “God commanded light to shine in the dark.” Now God is shining in our hearts to let you know that his glory is seen in Jesus Christ. 7 We are like clay jars in which this treasure is stored. The real power comes from God and not from us…

These little troubles are getting us ready for an eternal glory that will make all our troubles seem like nothing. 18 Things that are seen don’t last forever, but things that are not seen are eternal. That’s why we keep our minds on the things that cannot be seen.”  II Corinthians 4:5-7 and 17-18

Christ has put his power in us. The power to see by faith.  We are able to see things in an eternal light, we can see things from God’s perspective.

So put on your blindfold today – block out the natural and look at the eternal. Walk by faith and not by sight!

 

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Which Way to Go? Where to Turn?

Finding the proper direction when traveling doesn’t seem to be much of a problem these days. Every phone has a free app that can give us driving directions.

But what about directions for life?

Wouldn’t it be great to know which school to go to, which person to date and marry, the right job to take? Which investment  will give the best return, which house to buy? What doctor or surgeon has the right skills? How should I discipline my kids? Or just the simple things…where do I go for dinner tonight?

What if I told you there is a way to know the right answers? Are you listening? Do you really want to know?

“But God is your teacher, and he will not continue to hide from you. You will see your teacher with your own eyes. 21 If you wander from the right path, either to the right or to the left, you will hear a voice behind you saying, “You should go this way. Here is the right way.” Isaiah 30:20-21 ERV

God has always promised to be involved in the details of our lives. He wants to give us direction and with that direction comes success. God had promised the Israelites that He would give them  land. He would show them how to defeat their enemies, where to build their homes and even how to tend their crops.

“But you must be strong and brave about obeying the commands my servant Moses gave you. If you follow his teachings exactly, you will be successful in everything you do. 8 Always remember what is written in that book of law. Speak about that book and study it day and night. Then you can be sure to obey what is written there. If you do this, you will be wise and successful in everything you do. 9 Remember, I commanded you to be strong and brave. Don’t be afraid, because the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:7-9 ERV

He is wanting to do the same for us! But His instruction is the same.

“ You have known the Holy Scriptures since you were a child. These Scriptures are able to make you wise. And that wisdom leads to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is given by God. And all Scripture is useful for teaching and for showing people what is wrong in their lives. It is useful for correcting faults and teaching the right way to live. 17 Using the Scriptures, those who serve God will be prepared and will have everything they need to do every good work.” II Timothy 3:15-17 ERV

Trusting God’s word will prepare us for everything in life. It will correct us when we are wrong and direct us to what is right; this isn’t just for our spiritual lives but it’s instruction for every good work.

Now look at what Solomon said. He was professed to be the wisest man who ever lived so his instruction should be worth considering.

“Children, listen to your father’s teaching. Pay attention and you will learn how to learn. 2 The advice I give is good, so don’t ever forget what I teach you.

3 When I was my father’s little boy and my mother’s dear son, 4 my father taught me this: “Pay attention to what I say. Obey my commands and you will have a good life. 5 Try to get wisdom and understanding. Don’t forget my teaching or ignore what I say. 6 Don’t turn away from wisdom, and she will protect you. Love her, and she will keep you safe.

7 “The first step to becoming wise is to look for wisdom, so use everything you have to get understanding. 8 Love wisdom, and she will make you great. Hold on to wisdom, and she will bring you honor. 9 Wisdom will reward you with a crown of honor and glory.”

10 Son, listen to me. Do what I say, and you will live a long time. 11 I am teaching you about wisdom and guiding you on the right path. 12 As you walk on it, you will not step into a trap. Even if you run, you will not trip and fall. 13 Always remember this teaching. Don’t forget it. It is the key to life, so guard it well.” Proverbs 4:1-13 ERV

Practical, sound advice.

The words above were only half of the chapter. Read the final verses in this chapter. Isn’t this what we all want to attain?

“Don’t bend the truth or say things that you know are not right. 25 Keep your eyes on the path, and look straight ahead. 26 Make sure you are going the right way, and nothing will make you fall. 27 Don’t go to the right or to the left, and you will stay away from evil.” Proverbs 4:24-27 ERV

We don’t need to be confused by the sign posts we encounter in life. We have a perfect and infallible GPS, we just need to follow it.

God’s Perfect Scriptures – GPS

 

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These Are a Few of My Favorite Things

I love reminiscing!

When I knew that we would be leaving Montana I began going through all the tubs of photographs and papers that had been saved. Looking at old pictures, talking of old times.

There were wedding invitations, baby announcements, friendship cards, letters of encouragement and trinkets. Some souvenirs of vacations we had taken, little gifts from friends, they all reminded me of good times and wonderful people.

I sorted through the photograph albums with the kids. Each of them took pictures that were special to them. Passing on the memories made them come alive again.

Even now I collect pictures throughout the year and make one of those hard cover books that you can do through any photo outlet. I’m getting ready to start working on the book of last year’s visitors.

Maybe that’s what prompted my thoughts this morning as I woke from sleep – thoughts of things the Lord has done in my life.

My earliest memories are of singing choruses’ through our house as a 3-4 year old. I always loved singing at home and at church. But I also remember times when I was hurting in the worst way and the Lord was there for me.

I remember when the cupboards were empty and so was the checkbook and the Lord was there for us. I remember when we were searching for answers and the Lord gave us wisdom. I remember when my heart was so full of love and gratitude for the Lord that words couldn’t express what my heart felt and I could do nothing more than be silent in His presence.

So many memories… “Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart. 12 Rejoice in the LORD, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.” Psalm 97:11 -12

Jesus talked about remembering to his disciples. At the “Last Supper” as the celebrated the Passover, Jesus told them that each time they ate of the Passover they should do it in remembrance of Him. The Passover was a feast of celebration, of remembrance.

The Jews were to remember when God brought them out of Egypt with the blood applied to the door posts of their homes. It was a type and symbol of Christ giving His life for our deliverance from a life bound by sin. So as Jesus ate the Passover just hours before his crucifixion He said,

“And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.” Luke 22:19

He then went on to tell the disciples that He was sending the Comforter who would remind them of all things He had taught them.

“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” John 14:26

So today, I encourage you to remember. Remember the good things! Remember what the Lord did by dying for you; remember His resurrection; remember how He has walked with you even when you didn’t acknowledge His presence. Remember His unconditional love and His unending grace. Remember that He has blessed you with every spiritual blessing in heavenly places.

Don’t waste your mind by mulling over past failures but rather renew your mind with memories of God’s goodness and blessings.

“Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. In Christ, God has given us every spiritual blessing in heaven. 4 In Christ, he chose us before the world was made. He chose us in love to be his holy people—people who could stand before him without any fault.” Ephesians 1:2-4

REMEMBER!!!!

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Don’t Waste Your Mind

The Mind is a terrible thing to waste!  Each day we are bombarded with so much information and it’s all competing for a place in our minds.  We are the ones who decide what downloads we accept and we are the ones who decide what data to delete.
Think about this. What is the difference between the Apostle Paul and Hitler?  Both spent a great deal of time destroying the Jews and Christians and feeling they were justified in doing so.  Paul was a part of the first lynch mob, or stoning party, that destroyed the life of Stephen, the first Christian martyr. After that he did everything he could to track down the Christians, have them arrested and killed. Hitler rounded up the Jews and tried to annihilate them. The difference – repentance!
Paul’s message of God’s unconditional love and his understanding of grace were born out of his past. But what’s that got to do with your mind – plenty. Your mind has been telling you, you’re unworthy – God can’t or won’t love you; He won’t forgive you; He won’t use you! You’re a disgrace – if people knew who you were or what you did, they wouldn’t want anything to do with you. Such a waste!
“All the other apostles are greater than I am. I say this because I persecuted the church of God. That is why I am not even good enough to be called an apostle. 10 But, because of God’s grace, that is what I am. And his grace that he gave me was not wasted. I worked harder than all the other apostles. (But I was not really the one working. It was God’s grace that was with me.)” I Corinthians 15:9-10 ERV
Paul knows how it feels to deal with feelings of unworthiness but instead of wallowing in it he downloaded an overwhelming dose of God’s grace and stepped into the acceptance of God’s unconditional love.
“8 But Christ died for us while we were still sinners, and by this God showed how much he loves us.” Romans 5:8 ERV (written by Paul)
There is also a comparison that can be drawn between Peter and Judas. They both denied Christ. Peter repented. Judas was overwhelmed with guilt and shame and hung himself.  Forgiveness and restoration were available to both of them but only one appropriated it.
Then there was a young man who lived a life of drunkenness, greed, self gratification and immoral living. He chose to walk a path that went against everything he had been raised to believe in. He had no concern on how this affected his family – he just didn’t care! But in desperation he returned home. He had run out of money, had no place to stay and there was a famine and recession going on.
“But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, 19 and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.”’ Luke 15:17-19 NKJV
Do you see where his mind was? “I’m not worthy”. The son underestimated the love of His father.
“And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. 21 And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’
22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. 23 And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; 24 for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ And they began to be merry.” Luke 15:20-24 NJKV
Repentance -> forgiveness -> restoration = GRACE.
I heard this testimony of a pastor who is very well known in our nation. His wife was asked why she felt her husband had such a generous, giving heart. Her reply brought tears to his eyes. She said she felt it was because he had never lost sight of his salvation. He had lived a life much like that of the prodigal – sex, drugs. This pastor has always been “mind-filled” with God’s great love. God’s great gift have always been at the forefront in his thinking. He gives generously because he has been forgiven so much.
As I said at the beginning, a mind is a terrible thing to waste – so don’t! Don’t waste it looking at the unworthiness of your past, instead look at God’s grace and love and then touch the lives of others. Don’t let your past hold you in bondage but instead let God’s grace free you to love others.
I leave you with the words of Paul
“So, as a prisoner for the Lord, I beg you to live the way God’s people should live, because he chose you to be his. 2 Always be humble and gentle. Be patient and accept each other with love. 3 You are joined together with peace through the Spirit. Do all you can to continue as you are, letting peace hold you together.” Ephesians 4:1-3 ERV
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He Lives

You all know how I feel about the old hymns. There is so much truth and power in those songs but because I sang them over and over again as a child I didn’t realize the value of the words. Also, sad to say, the message of those songs didn’t line up with the message that many times was being preached from the pulpit.

 

I often heard “this life down here will always be a struggle BUT when we get to heaven it will all be worth it”. I agree with the fact the heaven will be so much greater, not even comparable, with the life we live here but we are called to be victorious, world overcomers, living the abundant life of Christ while we are here. So many times Christians live as if they were saved and stuck.

 

Jesus didn’t live a substandard life and He hasn’t forgotten us. When he died, rose and ascended to the Father He did it for us.  Jesus lives to make intercession for us. He is our source of strength and our example of victory.

“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” John 10:10 NKJV

“But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. 25 Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” Hebrews 7:24-25 NKJV

Jesus message to all of us is this.

“He said, “Peace be with you!” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here. Look at my hands. Put your hand here in my side. Stop doubting and believe.” 28 Thomas said to Jesus, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “You believe because you see me. Great blessings belong to the people who believe without seeing me!” John 20:26-29 ERV

I’m one of those – those who have not seen Jesus with my nature eye but I believe. I see Him with my heart of faith.

This is the song I woke up singing.  It was written by a man named Alfred Ackley.

I serve a risen Savior

He’s in the world today.

I know that He is living,

Whatever men may say.

I see His hand of mercy;

I hear His voice of cheer;

And just the time I need Him

He’s always near.

• He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!

He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way.

He lives, He lives, salvation to impart!

You ask me how I know He lives?

He lives within my heart.

•  In all the world around me

I see His loving care,

And though my heart grows weary,

I never will despair;

I know that He is leading,

Through all the stormy blast;

The day of His appearing

Will come at last.

•  Rejoice, rejoice, O Christian,

Lift up your voice and sing

Eternal hallelujahs

To Jesus Christ the King!

The Hope of all who seek Him,

The Help of all who find,

None other is so loving,

So good and kind.

 

No matter what type of celebration you have today I hope your heart is filled with this

HE LIVES!

 

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Safe on Stormy Seas

Dave and I like to watch historically factual movies. Over the last few months we have seen stories on the life of Mary, Queen of Scots; a prison ship that sailed from England to New South Wales; a series on the founding of the western frontier; one based on the fur trappers and traders that opened northern trades routes and another on the Revolutionary War.

At some point during each one of these we have made the comment that we certainly have an easy life compared to those who came before us. We had to consider how we would have reacted if we had been alive during those times.

This morning while I was praying and thanking God for the life I have I began to consider these people and their hardships and then I thought of Paul, the apostle. His life was impacted by persecution and peril. I focused in on his strength and resolve. I want you to see his comments. I think you will find hope and encouragement by seeing how the Lord met him in his greatest struggles.

Paul accepted the life of a missionary. He traveled Europe and Asia proclaiming the message of Christ. Each city he went too had converts but also critics. Some of the critics sought to discredit Paul by bragging about their credentials. This is where we find Paul speaking up in II Corinthians 11. The passage I am including is lengthy but please read it. Listen to the words of a man who has faced severe danger and persecution.

“Are they Jews? So am I. Are they from the family of Israel? So am I. Are they from the family of Abraham? So am I. 23 Do they work for Christ? I have worked for Him much more than they have. (I speak as if I am crazy.) I have done much more work. I have been in prison more times. I cannot remember how many times I have been whipped. Many times I have been in danger of death. 24 Five different times the Jews whipped me across my back thirty-nine times. 25 Three times they beat me with sticks. One time they threw stones at me. Three times I was on ships that were wrecked. I spent a day and a night in the water. 26 I have made many hard trips. I have been in danger from high water on rivers. I have been in danger from robbers. I have been in danger from the Jews. I have been in danger from people who do not know God. I have been in danger in cities and in the desert. I have been in danger on the sea. I have been in danger among people who say they belong to Christ but do not. 27 I have worked hard and have been tired and have had pain. I have gone many times without sleep. I have been hungry and thirsty. I have gone without food and clothes. I have been out in the cold. 28 More than all these things that have happened to my body, the care of all the churches is heavy on me. 29 When someone is weak, I feel weak also. When someone is led into sin, I have a strong desire to help him. 30 If I must talk about myself, I will do it about the things that show how weak I am. 31 The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ is to be honored and thanked forever. He knows I am telling the truth. 32 In the city of Damascus the leader of the people under King Aretas put soldiers at the gates to take me. 33 But I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall and I got away.” II Corinthians 11:22-33 NLV

People either hated Paul or loved him. His message was one of life and peace but it was greatly opposed yet he kept going. Where did he find the strength? He tells us.

“8 I asked the Lord three times to take it away from me. 9 He answered me, “I am all you need. I give you My loving-favor. My power works best in weak people.” I am happy to be weak and have troubles so I can have Christ’s power in me. 10 I receive joy when I am weak. I receive joy when people talk against me and make it hard for me and try to hurt me and make trouble for me. I receive joy when all these things come to me because of Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” II Corinthians 12:8-10 NLV

Do you see the answer to Paul’s prayer? “When I am weak, then I am strong”. That’s the same answer that Christ gives to us. When we feel weak, helpless, hopeless, discouraged, misunderstood, pick on or abandoned we can find strength in our weakness because Christ will come to make us strong. Paul wasn’t always saved from the storm but he was always safe in the storm.

“Christ is the one who gives me the strength I need to do whatever I must do.” Philippians 4:13 ERV

Jesus said, “A thief comes only to rob, kill, and destroy. I came so that everyone would have life, and have it in its fullest.” John 10:10 CEV

We have Jesus’ word that He came to provide us with a good life, a life of victory and peace. He promised to give us strength for whatever comes our way. So many times we want a life that is “storm free” and start to cave when troubles come. Remember, Daniel wasn’t saved from the lion’s den but in it. Noah wasn’t kept from the flood but he was safe above it. Jesus wasn’t kept from the cross but rose victoriously from the tomb. Here’s one final thought from the Apostle Paul. One that will give encouragement and hope.

“We are like clay jars in which this treasure (God’s strength) is stored. The real power comes from God and not from us. 8 We often suffer, but we are never crushed. Even when we don’t know what to do, we never give up. 9 In times of trouble, God is with us, and when we are knocked down, we get up again. 10-11 We face death every day because of Jesus. Our bodies show what his death was like, so that his life can also be seen in us…

17 These little troubles are getting us ready for an eternal glory that will make all our troubles seem like nothing. 18 Things that are seen don’t last forever, but things that are not seen are eternal. That’s why we keep our minds on the things that cannot be seen.” II Corinthians 4:7-18 CEV

We need to be like Paul, always aware that God is with us. We draw our strength from Him when we face “little troubles”. We get up and go on knowing that God is there to keep us safe on stormy seas.

When we are weak, we are strong in God!

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He Knew

JESUS KNEW!!!

He knew what was going to happen to him and He didn’t open his mouth to defend Himself! He knew and he didn’t destroy the soldiers who came to arrest Him in the garden. He knew and he didn’t demand that His disciples die with Him or come to His aide, He simply asked them to pray with Him that He would stand strong to face the trial that was ahead. He knew He would be separated from God. This was probably the greatest struggle for Him because He and God the Father had never been separated. He knew the torture that He would face, the rejection, the ridicule, the scorn.

It was all recorded in the Old Testament hundreds of years before Jesus was born – Psalm 22 and Isaiah 53. He knew all this but He loved us so much that He chose to face this awful death.

HE KNEW!!

“My God, my God, why have you deserted me? Why are you so far away? Won’t you listen to my groans and come to my rescue? 2 I cry out day and night, but you don’t answer, and I can never rest…6 But I am merely a worm, far less than human, and I am hated and rejected by people everywhere. 7 Everyone who sees me makes fun and sneers. They shake their heads, 8 and say, “Trust the LORD! If you are his favorite, let him protect you and keep you safe.” 9 You, LORD, brought me safely through birth, and you protected me when I was a baby at my mother’s breast. 10 From the day I was born, I have been in your care, and from the time of my birth, you have been my God…14 I have no more strength than a few drops of water. All my bones are out of joint; my heart is like melted wax. 15 My strength has dried up like a broken clay pot, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth. You, God, have left me to die in the dirt. 16 Brutal enemies attack me like a pack of dogs, tearing at my hands and my feet. 17 I can count all my bones, and my enemies just stare and sneer at me. 18 They took my clothes and gambled for them. 19 Don’t stay far away, LORD! My strength comes from you, so hurry and help…31 People not yet born will be told, “The Lord has saved us!” Psalm 22

Then the eyewitness account in Matthew 27.
“At noon the whole country became dark. The darkness continued for three hours. 46 About three o’clock Jesus cried out loudly, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” This means “My God, my God, why have you left me alone?” 47 Some of the people standing there heard this. They said, “He is calling Elijah.” 48 Quickly, one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled the sponge with sour wine and tied the sponge to a stick. Then he used the stick to give the sponge to Jesus to get a drink from it. 49 But the others said, “Don’t bother him. We want to see if Elijah will come to save him.” 50 Again Jesus cried out loudly and then died. 51 When Jesus died, the curtain in the Temple was torn into two pieces. The tear started at the top and tore all the way to the bottom. Also, the earth shook and rocks were broken. 52 The graves opened, and many of God’s people who had died were raised from death. 53 They came out of the graves. And after Jesus was raised from death, they went into the holy city, and many people saw them. 54 The army officer and the soldiers guarding Jesus saw this earthquake and everything that happened. They were very afraid and said, “He really was the Son of God!” 55 Many women were standing away from the cross, watching. These were the women who had followed Jesus from Galilee to care for him. 56 Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of James and John were there.” Matthew 27:45-56

He really was the Son of God, the soldiers said. Yes, He knew!!

He endured all this to be our Savior and our example.

“Let us keep looking to Jesus. Our faith comes from Him and He is the One Who makes it perfect. He did not give up when He had to suffer shame and die on a cross. He knew of the joy that would be His later. Now He is sitting at the right side of God.3 Sinful men spoke words of hate against Christ. He was willing to take such shame from sinners. Think of this so you will not get tired and give up. ” Hebrews 12:2&3 ERV

HE LOVED – HE KNEW – HE CAME – HE DIED – HE ROSE – HE LIVES!

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Reflection and Imitation

I was reminded today of a picture I took several years ago. Dave and I love exploring the area we live in and we were taking friends to see a small lake that we sometimes fish in.

The conditions were perfect. The sun was shining brightly, there were clouds in the sky and no wind. I was able to take this picture using my cell phone and was surprised at how well it captured the beauty I saw with my natural eye.

How amazing!

The ability to reflect or imitate an object greater than yourself. The moon reflects the light it receives from the sun; water reflects images surrounding it; a mirror gives a true and honest reflection.

As people we often reflect the qualities and characteristics of those we admire. We’ve all heard the expression, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. The Apostle Paul tells us that we are to be imitators of God. I like that.

“You are God’s dear children, so try to be like (imitate) him. 2 Live a life of love. Love others just as Christ loved us. He gave himself for us—a sweet-smelling offering and sacrifice to God.” Ephesians 5:1-2 ERV

When we accept God’s gift of salvation our lives are changed. We receive God’s nature, we get His DNA and so we should reflect His character.

“For if a man belongs to Christ, he is a new person. The old life is gone. New life has begun. ” II Corinthians 5:17 NLV

A reflection or imitation is never as perfect as the original but it’s a good representation.  Jesus told those who followed Him that the world would know they were His disciples because they loved others the way He did.

“ “I give you a new command: Love each other. You must love each other just as I loved you. 35 All people will know that you are my followers if you love each other.” John 13:34-35 ERV

Yesterday I asked you to consider or think on God’s love for you. Today I ask you to consider being a reflection or an imitator of His love to others.

 

 

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Consider

I told you yesterday that I was going on a private call with my Father. He always takes time for me and I love it!

The word that kept coming to me over and over again was “consider”. As I say that word to you right now I have to wonder what is the first thing that comes to your mind.

What are you considering?

Maybe it has to do with your job, your family, finances, health, relationship, vacation or education.

When I walked outside early yesterday morning I looked up and the sky was overcast so I couldn’t really see the stars but this morning when I walked out it was clear and the stars were brilliant. I was in process of considering.

The sky brought everything into focus. I needed to consider the One who made all this.

“Lord our Lord, your name is the most wonderful in all the earth! It brings you praise everywhere in heaven. 2 From the mouths of children and babies come songs of praise to you. They sing of your power to silence your enemies who were seeking revenge.

3 I look (consider) at the heavens you made with your hands.
    I see the moon and the stars you created.
4 And I wonder, “Why are people so important to you?
    Why do you even think about them? Why do you care so much about humans? Why do you even notice them?”

5 But you made them almost like gods and crowned them with glory and honor. 6 You put them in charge of everything you made. You put everything under their control.
7 People rule over the sheep and cattle and all the wild animals.
8 They rule over the birds in the sky and the fish that swim in the sea.

9 Lord our Lord, your name is the most wonderful name in all the earth!” Psalm 8 ERV

It was a private conversation between me and the Father. Me asking why I was so important to Him; He made the stars and the universe, why does He care about me?

I get so busy considering other things that I forget to consider God and His promises. I’m going to live this word, consider, for the next several days. I encourage you to do so as well.

“Jesus said to his followers, “So I tell you, don’t worry about the things you need to live—what you will eat or what you will wear. 23 Life is more important than food, and the body is more important than what you put on it. 24 Look (consider) at the birds. They don’t plant, harvest, or save food in houses or barns, but God feeds them. And you are worth much more than crows. 25 None of you can add any time to your life by worrying about it. 26 And if you can’t do the little things, why worry about the big things?

27 “Think (consider) about how the wildflowers grow. They don’t work or make clothes for themselves. But I tell you that even Solomon, the great and rich king, was not dressed as beautifully as one of these flowers. 28 If God makes what grows in the field so beautiful, what do you think he will do for you? That’s just grass—one day it’s alive, and the next day someone throws it into a fire. But God cares enough to make it beautiful. Surely he will do much more for you. Your faith is so small!” Luke 12:22-28 ERV

Join me today in considering God’s greatness and His goodness. I hope you take time tonight to go out and look at the night sky. Try to count the stars. In all of eternity past they’ve been there, right on the course God designed for them.

If He cares about the stars, the birds, the flowers and the grass CONSIDER how much more He cares for you!

    

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