You didn't think, did you, that just by pointing your finger at others you would distract God from seeing all your misdoings and from coming down on you hard? Or did you think that because he's such a nice God, he'd let you off the hook? Better think this one through from the beginning. God is kind, but he's not soft. In kindness he takes us firmly by the hand and leads us into a radical life-change. Romans 2:3-4 (the Message)
I challenge you to go back and read Romans 1 to get a view of chapter 2. The people in the church that Paul is writing to think that they are better off than the people Paul refers to in chapter one. But Paul makes it clear God sees all sin and no sin has a degree of worstness - sin is sin - period.
I was with a friend working out and she was telling me about a conversation she had with her mom and then she said, "I didn't want my mom to know the whole truth so I told her a vanilla lie." I said, "what is a vanilla lie?" She said a vanilla lie is the truth told in a different way. Like how I wanted to know, I mean I might need this information for future vanillas I might need to tell, I mean to tell someone the truth but a little different could work for my benefit. So I told my friend to explain it to me. She just looked at me (if I can presume to know what she was thinking it would be; really Jackie, you really need me to explain vanilla and lie to you) so I began to prompt her with questions:
So a vanilla lie is really the truth? She answered, "not really."
So it's a lie? She said "well, no."
If it is not the truth then it has to be a lie. My friend got mad at me because somewhere along the way she had started to believe that a little lie was ok as long as you justified it as vanilla. I guess vanilla means not murder, not getting drunk or doing drugs, not....
Sin is sin, Jesus' blood covers it all. If you are desiring to know God and wanting a closer walk with Him, and you feel like He is dealing with something that does not seem all that important to you, yet He keeps bringing it up, deal with it; He has a purpose and He will not let you live in sin or any lifestyle that will harm you. He sees the future, you do not, that is just another reason to trust Him. Let God lead you into a radical life-change.
My brother-in-law had a heart attack about a week ago and he's been told if it tastes good, spit it out. Hear God say to you, "Child, if it has the word vanilla attached to lie, it is not a sweet tasting lie, it's a lie, spit it out, don't' continue in sin, walk in purity."
God loves us too much to let us live lives that hinder us from walking in the freedom that He so richly purchased for us through the blood of His Son.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
New Name
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it.”’ Rev. 2:17
Years ago we were living in Alabama and I knew that God had told me that He would sell our business and move us back to South Carolina. I remember the day God confirmed the "yes, I will do this" and that just filled me with great anticipation. A year and a half goes by and nothing happens, and I began to really talk to the Lord about it and sometimes I would whine and complain.
One particular day I just couldn't sit down to have my quiet time early, there were just too many interruptions and things that had to be done; like taking customers home because we had their car, picking up parts for the business, doing what my husband wanted because he thinks he is the boss of me :) As I go about the day I am talking to the Lord about how I "see" Him doing nothing and even questioning Him about the thing He has promised to do. I would remind God that it was He who had planted the idea in my heart about the business selling and that He would have to do it or it wouldn't be done. I'm telling you on this day that was my main conversation with the Lord, so much so that I began to say after each part of the conversation, "Lord, I know I'm bugging You about this but I just really need to be reaffirmed in this." Over and over I'd state my case and then say, "I'm sorry for bugging You about this Father."
Finally about two o'clock I sat down in the recliner, with my Bible, my journal, and a listening heart and told the Lord I really wanted to hear from Him and I reminded Him that we only had about 30 minutes before I had to pick up Claudia from school. I opened my Bible and began to read Revelation 2 and when I got to verse 17 I stopped so intrigued. I began to talk to the Lord about my new name, "What is my new name going to be, I know I can't know now but could you just give me a hint?" I got quiet, listening, and then I heard the Holy Spirit say, "Pest." My eyes got huge and I said "what!" And I knew God was laughing, having fun with me, because of the way my day had gone and my constant talking to Him about the same thing - bugging Him.
God is so huge and you can trust Him with every aspect of your life. Be determined to know Him through consistent times alone with Him, in the Word, pouring out your heart to Him. You will begin to have a camaraderie with Him and live in anticipation of being with Him and that is the best part of your life.
Years ago we were living in Alabama and I knew that God had told me that He would sell our business and move us back to South Carolina. I remember the day God confirmed the "yes, I will do this" and that just filled me with great anticipation. A year and a half goes by and nothing happens, and I began to really talk to the Lord about it and sometimes I would whine and complain.
One particular day I just couldn't sit down to have my quiet time early, there were just too many interruptions and things that had to be done; like taking customers home because we had their car, picking up parts for the business, doing what my husband wanted because he thinks he is the boss of me :) As I go about the day I am talking to the Lord about how I "see" Him doing nothing and even questioning Him about the thing He has promised to do. I would remind God that it was He who had planted the idea in my heart about the business selling and that He would have to do it or it wouldn't be done. I'm telling you on this day that was my main conversation with the Lord, so much so that I began to say after each part of the conversation, "Lord, I know I'm bugging You about this but I just really need to be reaffirmed in this." Over and over I'd state my case and then say, "I'm sorry for bugging You about this Father."
Finally about two o'clock I sat down in the recliner, with my Bible, my journal, and a listening heart and told the Lord I really wanted to hear from Him and I reminded Him that we only had about 30 minutes before I had to pick up Claudia from school. I opened my Bible and began to read Revelation 2 and when I got to verse 17 I stopped so intrigued. I began to talk to the Lord about my new name, "What is my new name going to be, I know I can't know now but could you just give me a hint?" I got quiet, listening, and then I heard the Holy Spirit say, "Pest." My eyes got huge and I said "what!" And I knew God was laughing, having fun with me, because of the way my day had gone and my constant talking to Him about the same thing - bugging Him.
God is so huge and you can trust Him with every aspect of your life. Be determined to know Him through consistent times alone with Him, in the Word, pouring out your heart to Him. You will begin to have a camaraderie with Him and live in anticipation of being with Him and that is the best part of your life.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
God Over Me
Then the prophet Haggai and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophets, prophesied to the Jews who were in Judah and Jerusalem, in the name of the God of Israel, who was over them. Ezra 5:1
Do you desire for God to be over you? What would that look like? I think it would be a life of obedience, of desiring to walk in the Spirit, and not fulfilling the lust of the flesh. (Gal. 5:16)
Tell the Lord your desires, as I read Ezra 5:1 I began to tell the Lord my desire; this is what I wrote in my prayer journal Jan 8, "How I pray LORD that Your word would speak to me, through Your Holy Spirit, so that verse 1c is me - ...in the name of the God of Jackie, Who is over her. God, I do want you to be the God over me, directing me, building me up, holding me close, protecting me, using me to advance your Kingdom. YOU ARE THE GOD OVER ME!"
What does the "God over me life" look like? I think it is us living in constant thought of Him. You may be thinking "isn't that obsessive?" No, not really, think of David as he stood before Goliath. ( 1 Sam 17) Do you think that giants are taken down with a hope and a wish? Of course not. David had a past with God and that past of constant communication, constant thinking of, singing praises to, led to great confidence in a God so big that David knew as soon as the rock left the sling God would do the rest.
Here is what I think; I think we need to get obsessive and get up every morning with our hearts shouting, "God, be the God over me today!"
And now I'll get even bossier; take the words of Romans 12:1-2 from the Message translation and put them on an index card or whatever you prefer (you could easily copy and paste) and make them real, say them everyday, memorize them, let them become a part of your life. I pray that as you read these verses that you will see these verses only become possible when He is the God over you.
So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you. Romans 12:1-2
Do you desire for God to be over you? What would that look like? I think it would be a life of obedience, of desiring to walk in the Spirit, and not fulfilling the lust of the flesh. (Gal. 5:16)
Tell the Lord your desires, as I read Ezra 5:1 I began to tell the Lord my desire; this is what I wrote in my prayer journal Jan 8, "How I pray LORD that Your word would speak to me, through Your Holy Spirit, so that verse 1c is me - ...in the name of the God of Jackie, Who is over her. God, I do want you to be the God over me, directing me, building me up, holding me close, protecting me, using me to advance your Kingdom. YOU ARE THE GOD OVER ME!"
What does the "God over me life" look like? I think it is us living in constant thought of Him. You may be thinking "isn't that obsessive?" No, not really, think of David as he stood before Goliath. ( 1 Sam 17) Do you think that giants are taken down with a hope and a wish? Of course not. David had a past with God and that past of constant communication, constant thinking of, singing praises to, led to great confidence in a God so big that David knew as soon as the rock left the sling God would do the rest.
Here is what I think; I think we need to get obsessive and get up every morning with our hearts shouting, "God, be the God over me today!"
And now I'll get even bossier; take the words of Romans 12:1-2 from the Message translation and put them on an index card or whatever you prefer (you could easily copy and paste) and make them real, say them everyday, memorize them, let them become a part of your life. I pray that as you read these verses that you will see these verses only become possible when He is the God over you.
So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you. Romans 12:1-2
Monday, April 26, 2010
Poor and Needy
Bow down Your ear, O LORD, hear me; For I am poor and needy. Psalm 86:1
On Thursday we took a close look at the first part of verse one of Psalm 86 and today we will look at the last part of verse 1.
Do you "feel" poor and needy or do you know for a fact that you are poor and needy?
Let me tell you something that I talk to the Lord about frequently. "I'll say, Lord, I need Your direction for this day, may I accomplish much." And then my day does not go as planned. I'm trying so hard, I'm on a dead line and I don't want all I have to do done half way because that does not show excellence. What a struggle, so I talk to the Lord some more, even asking Him why I can't accomplish more. I pray that as we look at the Hebrew word for poor, we will see all of verse one flow into power and trust in your life for your God. Let's get started.
The Hebrew word for poor is anly and has these meanings; poor, afflicted, humble, wretched, weak. Now the root word for anly is anah and has these meaning; 1) to be occupied, be busied with. 2) to be depressed, be downcast.
The Gensenius's lexicon stated these meanings; 1) to bestow labor upon anything, to exercise oneself in any thing.
Now let's put all of verse one together - What happens first? We call out, "Bow down Your ear, O LORD". What do you picture when you say those words? I picture God bending down, getting near to hear me, His face near my face; He is interested in what I have to say, my cries for help, everything. He hears and He goes into action speaking His perfect Word over me, answering me. I continue to cry out, hear me; for I am poor -
I am anly - poor, afflicted, weak, I am so occupied and busied with so many things that have to be done.
And I am needy; in want, needing help, needing you to deliver me.
Maybe I am the only one who has the problem of too much to do and not enough time to do it. Maybe I am the only one who has days where the interruptions leave me frustrated and maybe I am the only one who has days where motivation is a problem. God used Psalm 86:1 to mightily let me see that He is trustworthy and all I have to do is call out, ask Him to bend down and hear me, answer me, to speak His power packed, action always Word over me and my situation and my day will never be the same.
The same is true for you, start calling out, it's the first thing to do in a day that is packed with too much to do.
On Thursday we took a close look at the first part of verse one of Psalm 86 and today we will look at the last part of verse 1.
Do you "feel" poor and needy or do you know for a fact that you are poor and needy?
Let me tell you something that I talk to the Lord about frequently. "I'll say, Lord, I need Your direction for this day, may I accomplish much." And then my day does not go as planned. I'm trying so hard, I'm on a dead line and I don't want all I have to do done half way because that does not show excellence. What a struggle, so I talk to the Lord some more, even asking Him why I can't accomplish more. I pray that as we look at the Hebrew word for poor, we will see all of verse one flow into power and trust in your life for your God. Let's get started.
The Hebrew word for poor is anly and has these meanings; poor, afflicted, humble, wretched, weak. Now the root word for anly is anah and has these meaning; 1) to be occupied, be busied with. 2) to be depressed, be downcast.
The Gensenius's lexicon stated these meanings; 1) to bestow labor upon anything, to exercise oneself in any thing.
Now let's put all of verse one together - What happens first? We call out, "Bow down Your ear, O LORD". What do you picture when you say those words? I picture God bending down, getting near to hear me, His face near my face; He is interested in what I have to say, my cries for help, everything. He hears and He goes into action speaking His perfect Word over me, answering me. I continue to cry out, hear me; for I am poor -
I am anly - poor, afflicted, weak, I am so occupied and busied with so many things that have to be done.
And I am needy; in want, needing help, needing you to deliver me.
Maybe I am the only one who has the problem of too much to do and not enough time to do it. Maybe I am the only one who has days where the interruptions leave me frustrated and maybe I am the only one who has days where motivation is a problem. God used Psalm 86:1 to mightily let me see that He is trustworthy and all I have to do is call out, ask Him to bend down and hear me, answer me, to speak His power packed, action always Word over me and my situation and my day will never be the same.
The same is true for you, start calling out, it's the first thing to do in a day that is packed with too much to do.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Hear, Answer - Action
Bow down Your ear, O LORD, hear me; For I am poor and needy. Psalm 86:1
For the last week or so I have been meditating on Psalm 86. It has been like water that quenches my thirst. I have chewed on it, been amazed by it, wake up thinking about it, and want to know it personally, by experience. So yesterday during my quiet time I knew Psalm 86 was where God wanted me and as I read the first 2 verses I couldn't get past them and I knew God had something for me, excitement rose up within me and I began to dig for the treasure in His word.
The first thing I did was look at verses 1-2 in different translations at http://www.biblegateway.com/. Please bear with me as I describe what I wrote in my prayer journal.
verse 1, line 1:
Hear, O LORD, and answer me (NIV)
LORD, listen to me and answer me (NCV)
Bend an ear God; answer me (MSG)
Incline your ear, O LORD, and answer me (AMP)
Bow down your ear, O LORD, hear me (NKJV)
Bend down thine ear, O LORD, and hear me (KJV)
I began to tell the Lord the "stats" - 4 out of 6 say "answer me" while the other 2 say "hear me". Why the difference? To me, in my mind, they say 2 different things. Answering involves hearing and responding. Hearing only means hearing.
I continued to a resource I use frequently when I want in-depth study. So at http://www.blueletterbible.org/ I looked up the Hebrew word, and each meaning for that word to get better understanding. The Hebrew word for the word "hear" is anah and has these meanings: to answer, respond, testify, speak, shout.
I giggled a little as I wrote the word "shout" because I can just see the Lord shouting at me when I'm not really listening yet I have prayed, "speak to me, Father", "I want to hear you" :)
I told the Lord that I want to be more obedient, I don't want God to say of me, "that is one hard-headed youngin", I want Him to say of me as Paul said of Timothy in 1 Timothy 1:2 Jackie, a true daughter of the faith."
I continued to talk to the Lord and said, "God, just as David said in Ps. 86:1 "Hear me, O LORD, and answer"; I ask the same thing - "God, hear me; the cries of my heart and answer."
I wrote in huge letters "THANK YOU" because God revealed a truth to me that can never be taken away from me, and I so much needed the truth He revealed.
I continued in the other Scripture references where the word hear is used as anah (the same word used in Ps 86) and I saw that each one involved someone answering and then saying something, for example: And Abraham answered and said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord ... (Gen. 18:27)
I was thinking that I wanted God to hear and answer me, not just with words but with action - action for my benefit. And here is when this girl received what God had for me and I pray it excites you too. God took me back to Gen. 18:27 And Abraham answered and said... - please hear me on this; God never listens passively to His child, He always hears us.
When God answers you it will be Him saying His word over you! Hallelujah! Why am I excited? Because God's word is ACTION, it is POWER, it is JESUS, THE WORD MADE FLESH!
And God answered Jackie and said___________. Now you make it personal, put your name in that Scripture sentence and hear God speak His holy word over you. Why should this excite you? When I don't know what to pray for someone I will pray this: "Holy God, speak your word over ________ today, over what they are going through; just as in Gen 1 You hovered over the face of the waters and You spoke "let there be" and light happened, that is Your word in action, so I ask Lord, hover over their life, then speak Your word, powerfully producing what they need."
We can boldly pray as David did in Ps. 86:1 and know with confidence that God hears us and He is answering. You can trust Him.
For the last week or so I have been meditating on Psalm 86. It has been like water that quenches my thirst. I have chewed on it, been amazed by it, wake up thinking about it, and want to know it personally, by experience. So yesterday during my quiet time I knew Psalm 86 was where God wanted me and as I read the first 2 verses I couldn't get past them and I knew God had something for me, excitement rose up within me and I began to dig for the treasure in His word.
The first thing I did was look at verses 1-2 in different translations at http://www.biblegateway.com/. Please bear with me as I describe what I wrote in my prayer journal.
verse 1, line 1:
Hear, O LORD, and answer me (NIV)
LORD, listen to me and answer me (NCV)
Bend an ear God; answer me (MSG)
Incline your ear, O LORD, and answer me (AMP)
Bow down your ear, O LORD, hear me (NKJV)
Bend down thine ear, O LORD, and hear me (KJV)
I began to tell the Lord the "stats" - 4 out of 6 say "answer me" while the other 2 say "hear me". Why the difference? To me, in my mind, they say 2 different things. Answering involves hearing and responding. Hearing only means hearing.
I continued to a resource I use frequently when I want in-depth study. So at http://www.blueletterbible.org/ I looked up the Hebrew word, and each meaning for that word to get better understanding. The Hebrew word for the word "hear" is anah and has these meanings: to answer, respond, testify, speak, shout.
I giggled a little as I wrote the word "shout" because I can just see the Lord shouting at me when I'm not really listening yet I have prayed, "speak to me, Father", "I want to hear you" :)
I told the Lord that I want to be more obedient, I don't want God to say of me, "that is one hard-headed youngin", I want Him to say of me as Paul said of Timothy in 1 Timothy 1:2 Jackie, a true daughter of the faith."
I continued to talk to the Lord and said, "God, just as David said in Ps. 86:1 "Hear me, O LORD, and answer"; I ask the same thing - "God, hear me; the cries of my heart and answer."
I wrote in huge letters "THANK YOU" because God revealed a truth to me that can never be taken away from me, and I so much needed the truth He revealed.
I continued in the other Scripture references where the word hear is used as anah (the same word used in Ps 86) and I saw that each one involved someone answering and then saying something, for example: And Abraham answered and said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord ... (Gen. 18:27)
I was thinking that I wanted God to hear and answer me, not just with words but with action - action for my benefit. And here is when this girl received what God had for me and I pray it excites you too. God took me back to Gen. 18:27 And Abraham answered and said... - please hear me on this; God never listens passively to His child, He always hears us.
When God answers you it will be Him saying His word over you! Hallelujah! Why am I excited? Because God's word is ACTION, it is POWER, it is JESUS, THE WORD MADE FLESH!
And God answered Jackie and said___________. Now you make it personal, put your name in that Scripture sentence and hear God speak His holy word over you. Why should this excite you? When I don't know what to pray for someone I will pray this: "Holy God, speak your word over ________ today, over what they are going through; just as in Gen 1 You hovered over the face of the waters and You spoke "let there be" and light happened, that is Your word in action, so I ask Lord, hover over their life, then speak Your word, powerfully producing what they need."
We can boldly pray as David did in Ps. 86:1 and know with confidence that God hears us and He is answering. You can trust Him.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
New Grounds for Believing, Part 2
Then Jesus became explicit: "Lazarus died. And I am glad for your sakes that I wasn't there. You're about to be given new grounds for believing. Now let's go to him." John 11:14-15
Yesterday I shared how God had reminded me of these verses as I walked, confessed, and then listened for His voice.
And now for the rest of the story:)
I go to choir practice and the second song we are singing God speaks to my heart and says, "You wanted new grounds for believing." I began to cry because I remembered the first time I had ever heard this song and the situation I was in then and how God used it to take care of me, lift me up and give me peace, hope, and assurance, I would make it through. On February 24, 1998 my mom called and told me that my dad had terminal lung cancer and they had given him 8 weeks to live. When I am upset I can't sit still for long and I will clean anything in sight, I probably had the cleanest bathrooms in the state of Alabama. I have a dear friend who had given me Kirk Franklin's CD "Stomp"; so as I cleaned I listened to "Stomp" and had hit the repeat button but I guess it only repeats so many times before it moves on to the next song. I am on my knees with rubber gloves on my hands when the next song starts and the words would have made me go to my knees if I weren't already on them; my gloved hands go up in the air while the tears stream down my face and I knew - I knew - that I would make it, I knew I would stand, that no matter what came my way, my life is in His hands. That song carried me through, along with God's holy word and on April 12, 1998, Easter Sunday morning as the sun came up my Dad went home to be with his Lord and saw his risen Savior face to face. Hallelujah!
That Wednesday night through that song God said, "I brought you through before, you can trust Me to take you through again."
Wait, I'm not done! I got home from church that night and something that I have been praying about for years, a desire of my heart, God made a reality. New grounds for believing!
Don't' quit - trust Him - He's able - Keep on, keep on - He is worth it - help is on the way!
click here to enjoy the song!
http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/kirkfranklin/mylifeisinyourhands.html
Yesterday I shared how God had reminded me of these verses as I walked, confessed, and then listened for His voice.
And now for the rest of the story:)
I go to choir practice and the second song we are singing God speaks to my heart and says, "You wanted new grounds for believing." I began to cry because I remembered the first time I had ever heard this song and the situation I was in then and how God used it to take care of me, lift me up and give me peace, hope, and assurance, I would make it through. On February 24, 1998 my mom called and told me that my dad had terminal lung cancer and they had given him 8 weeks to live. When I am upset I can't sit still for long and I will clean anything in sight, I probably had the cleanest bathrooms in the state of Alabama. I have a dear friend who had given me Kirk Franklin's CD "Stomp"; so as I cleaned I listened to "Stomp" and had hit the repeat button but I guess it only repeats so many times before it moves on to the next song. I am on my knees with rubber gloves on my hands when the next song starts and the words would have made me go to my knees if I weren't already on them; my gloved hands go up in the air while the tears stream down my face and I knew - I knew - that I would make it, I knew I would stand, that no matter what came my way, my life is in His hands. That song carried me through, along with God's holy word and on April 12, 1998, Easter Sunday morning as the sun came up my Dad went home to be with his Lord and saw his risen Savior face to face. Hallelujah!
That Wednesday night through that song God said, "I brought you through before, you can trust Me to take you through again."
Wait, I'm not done! I got home from church that night and something that I have been praying about for years, a desire of my heart, God made a reality. New grounds for believing!
Don't' quit - trust Him - He's able - Keep on, keep on - He is worth it - help is on the way!
click here to enjoy the song!
http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/kirkfranklin/mylifeisinyourhands.html
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
New Grounds for Believing
Then Jesus became explicit: "Lazarus died. And I am glad for your sakes that I wasn't there. You're about to be given new grounds for believing. Now let's go to him." John 11:14-15
I was walking Roscoe last Wednesday and as is my habit while I walk, I talk to the Lord. My heart was so burdened, there were and are so many trials that are weighing me down. I confessed my lack of faith and any known sin, attitudes, that would hinder me from hearing from my Lord. I was desperate to hear from Him and to see Him move in my life. After confessing immediately these words came to my heart and mind; "You're about to be given new grounds for believing." I remembered the first time I saw them in the Scripture years ago and yes I was going through a difficult time then and I heard the Holy Spirit whisper to me, "the same is true for you", I remember jumping up and down and shouting, because the Lord had just promised to bring back to life what I thought was dead, a desire that I had prayed for years and I had just told the Lord, "You know Lord, even though this is a deep desire and because I "see" nothing and haven't for a year or more, I relinquish it to You, I just don't think I'm suppose to pray about it anymore, I still desire it to happen, I just don't think You want it for me." And then in His word came the promise from John 11:14-15
What are you going through right now, the thing or things that have you so burdened? Talk to the Lord about it, He knows your need in each situation, and He is more than willing to speak His word over you to bring comfort, hope, and anticipation.
I want you to see the these verses in the New King James Version: Then Jesus said to them plainly, “Lazarus is dead. And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, that you may believe. Nevertheless let us go to him.”
Even though things may look neglected by God in your life or even your dreams and desires look dead, you can trust God. Sometimes His delays are for this purpose "that you may believe". His timing is perfect and when He moves in your situation it will be like dreams come true and others will benefit. John 11:45 Then many of the Jews who had come to Mary, and had seen the things Jesus did, believed in Him. Let Jesus be glorified in your life and all your situations and the result will be greater trust in a living, loving God and the result of that will be a testimony and others will see and hear it and put their trust in Jesus!
I'll see you tomorrow with the rest of that Wednesday night. Be believing!
Monday, April 19, 2010
Be Jesus!
...I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. 1 Tim. 3:15
When I am reading God's word I have a prayerful heart that says, "Father, give me understanding, let Your word come off the page and into my heart." Understanding will not come by osmosis, I can't just carry my Bible around or stare at it while sits on the table and get what God has for me, It has to be picked up, opened, and read. I am so grateful that God put the desire for His word in my heart and I pray He is doing the same for you.
As I was reading 1 Tim. 3:14-16 I became intrigued, and I began to talk to the Lord about what I was reading, "Lord, so every church struggles, every church needs to know how to act, conduct ourselves. Lord, thank you for making this so clear."
How are we to conduct ourselves in the house of God? How are we to live in the family of God?
1 Tim 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness:
God was manifested in the flesh,
Justified in the Spirit,
Seen by angels,
Preached among the Gentiles,
Believed on in the world,
Received up in glory.
BE JESUS! Act like Jesus; that's it. He is verse 16. Ask yourself questions before you respond to situations: could I see Jesus doing this, saying that, would He be concerned about this to the point He would get more people involved or am I just being nit picky, maybe I should keep my mouth shut. If you don't know how Jesus would respond then read the Gospels and investigate how Jesus responded in those Scriptures to different situations then emulate His responses.
Jesus' number one goal is for all to know Him. The lost to be saved and the saved to grow in the truth and knowledge of Him. Is that your goal? To see the lost saved, others growing, if it is then stay the course and be Jesus.
When I am reading God's word I have a prayerful heart that says, "Father, give me understanding, let Your word come off the page and into my heart." Understanding will not come by osmosis, I can't just carry my Bible around or stare at it while sits on the table and get what God has for me, It has to be picked up, opened, and read. I am so grateful that God put the desire for His word in my heart and I pray He is doing the same for you.
As I was reading 1 Tim. 3:14-16 I became intrigued, and I began to talk to the Lord about what I was reading, "Lord, so every church struggles, every church needs to know how to act, conduct ourselves. Lord, thank you for making this so clear."
How are we to conduct ourselves in the house of God? How are we to live in the family of God?
1 Tim 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness:
God was manifested in the flesh,
Justified in the Spirit,
Seen by angels,
Preached among the Gentiles,
Believed on in the world,
Received up in glory.
BE JESUS! Act like Jesus; that's it. He is verse 16. Ask yourself questions before you respond to situations: could I see Jesus doing this, saying that, would He be concerned about this to the point He would get more people involved or am I just being nit picky, maybe I should keep my mouth shut. If you don't know how Jesus would respond then read the Gospels and investigate how Jesus responded in those Scriptures to different situations then emulate His responses.
Jesus' number one goal is for all to know Him. The lost to be saved and the saved to grow in the truth and knowledge of Him. Is that your goal? To see the lost saved, others growing, if it is then stay the course and be Jesus.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Relaxation
Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Psalm 51:7
I was in the health food store yesterday and as I browsed the aisles for what I needed I ran across a bottle of Hyssop and immediately I thought of the Scripture in Psalm 51.
I would encourage you to look this Psalm up and meditate on each word. King David wrote this Psalm after being confronted by the prophet Nathan about his sin with Bathsheba, you may also want to go and read 2 Samuel 11-12 to get a full view of the situation.
David knew the picture the hyssop paints. Look at Exodus 12:24 Then Moses called for all the elders of Israel and said to them, “Pick out and take lambs for yourselves according to your families, and kill the Passover lamb. And you shall take a bunch of hyssop, dip it in the blood that is in the basin, and strike the lintel and the two doorposts with the blood that is in the basin. And none of you shall go out of the door of his house until morning. For the LORD will pass through to strike the Egyptians; and when He sees the blood on the lintel and on the two doorposts, the LORD will pass over the door and not allow the destroyer to come into your houses to strike you.
King David knew the verses from Exodus 12, and as he confessed his sin he could picture the hyssop being dipped into the blood and spread across his heart. Jesus Christ is the Passover Lamb and when we know Him as our Lord and Savior then we are covered with His blood, cleansed from our sin. Hallelujah to His name!
What happens next? God hides His face from your sins and blots out all your iniquity (Psalm 51:9), so that you cry out as David did in Psalm 51:10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
As I looked at the bottle of Hyssop I read underneath the word Hyssop; "promotes relaxation", and I smiled because I thought how true. When we know that our sins are forgiven, we can have great peace and rest in a loving, kind, wonderful Lord, who looks at us with nothing but pure love. That should promote relaxation in us.
I was in the health food store yesterday and as I browsed the aisles for what I needed I ran across a bottle of Hyssop and immediately I thought of the Scripture in Psalm 51.
I would encourage you to look this Psalm up and meditate on each word. King David wrote this Psalm after being confronted by the prophet Nathan about his sin with Bathsheba, you may also want to go and read 2 Samuel 11-12 to get a full view of the situation.
David knew the picture the hyssop paints. Look at Exodus 12:24 Then Moses called for all the elders of Israel and said to them, “Pick out and take lambs for yourselves according to your families, and kill the Passover lamb. And you shall take a bunch of hyssop, dip it in the blood that is in the basin, and strike the lintel and the two doorposts with the blood that is in the basin. And none of you shall go out of the door of his house until morning. For the LORD will pass through to strike the Egyptians; and when He sees the blood on the lintel and on the two doorposts, the LORD will pass over the door and not allow the destroyer to come into your houses to strike you.
King David knew the verses from Exodus 12, and as he confessed his sin he could picture the hyssop being dipped into the blood and spread across his heart. Jesus Christ is the Passover Lamb and when we know Him as our Lord and Savior then we are covered with His blood, cleansed from our sin. Hallelujah to His name!
What happens next? God hides His face from your sins and blots out all your iniquity (Psalm 51:9), so that you cry out as David did in Psalm 51:10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
As I looked at the bottle of Hyssop I read underneath the word Hyssop; "promotes relaxation", and I smiled because I thought how true. When we know that our sins are forgiven, we can have great peace and rest in a loving, kind, wonderful Lord, who looks at us with nothing but pure love. That should promote relaxation in us.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
I Was Dusting
Love is...Love does...Love never...1 Cor 13:4,6,8
I was dusting the other Friday morning and dusting is not one of my favorite things to do. As I was dusting I was praying, which makes dusting easier, I turned and looked at a framed cross stitch I had done years ago of 1 Cor. 13:4-8, 13. As I am reading the verses I thought of the word "love" and I said, "God, You are love." Then I read the verses this way: God is patient, God is kind. God does not envy, He does not boast, He is not proud. He is not rude, He is not self-seeking, He is not easily angered, He keeps no record of wrongs. God does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. God always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. God never fails. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
Now when I read God always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres; I knew that God was getting my attention for a particular purpose and that attention getting God wanted a response from me. There is a part of my life, that God has been speaking to my heart about. I knew that God was saying, "Jackie, I am always protecting you, have no fear of being unprotected, THE I AM IS HERE, I am your very present help." Then the thing that the Lord and I had been talking about He responded through these words, even now the tears come; "Child, I am trusting you and I will always trust you with this, and my sweet child, I have great hope for you, always." Then I said, "Lord, what if I mess up, make the wrong decision?" And His response, "My love for you always perseveres."
I ask the Lord to keep me on track, lead me to resources that will help me, and most of all through His Word He would show me Himself. And even days later He is doing just that!
Take a heart check, what has the Lord been talking to you about? Not sure? Ask Him. Just say, "Lord, I'm not sure if this is You or me, but I want to know. Please make it clear." Then start looking, listening, and then responding. When you have a searching heart and you tell HIm you want to know His will for you in any situation, I believe God will pull out all the stops to get you what need, point you in the right direction, lead the right people into your life.
The greatest of all - IS GOD.
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
I was dusting the other Friday morning and dusting is not one of my favorite things to do. As I was dusting I was praying, which makes dusting easier, I turned and looked at a framed cross stitch I had done years ago of 1 Cor. 13:4-8, 13. As I am reading the verses I thought of the word "love" and I said, "God, You are love." Then I read the verses this way: God is patient, God is kind. God does not envy, He does not boast, He is not proud. He is not rude, He is not self-seeking, He is not easily angered, He keeps no record of wrongs. God does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. God always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. God never fails. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
Now when I read God always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres; I knew that God was getting my attention for a particular purpose and that attention getting God wanted a response from me. There is a part of my life, that God has been speaking to my heart about. I knew that God was saying, "Jackie, I am always protecting you, have no fear of being unprotected, THE I AM IS HERE, I am your very present help." Then the thing that the Lord and I had been talking about He responded through these words, even now the tears come; "Child, I am trusting you and I will always trust you with this, and my sweet child, I have great hope for you, always." Then I said, "Lord, what if I mess up, make the wrong decision?" And His response, "My love for you always perseveres."
I ask the Lord to keep me on track, lead me to resources that will help me, and most of all through His Word He would show me Himself. And even days later He is doing just that!
Take a heart check, what has the Lord been talking to you about? Not sure? Ask Him. Just say, "Lord, I'm not sure if this is You or me, but I want to know. Please make it clear." Then start looking, listening, and then responding. When you have a searching heart and you tell HIm you want to know His will for you in any situation, I believe God will pull out all the stops to get you what need, point you in the right direction, lead the right people into your life.
The greatest of all - IS GOD.
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
You Have Everything You Need
Now on the first day of Unleavened Bread, when they killed the Passover lamb, His disciples said to Him, “Where do You want us to go and prepare, that You may eat the Passover?” And He sent out two of His disciples and said to them, “Go into the city, and a man will meet you carrying a pitcher of water; follow him. Wherever he goes in, say to the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says, “Where is the guest room in which I may eat the Passover with My disciples?”’ Then he will show you a large upper room, furnished and prepared; there make ready for us.” So His disciples went out, and came into the city, and found it just as He had said to them; and they prepared the Passover. Mark 14:12-16
This is the Scripture I read on April 2 for my quiet time. The timing couldn't have been better and I believe that God planned it that way because of the struggles I was and am going through, He wanted to encourage me and give me clear direction and that is exactly what He did.
I will share what I wrote in my prayer journal and comment at the end.
Jesus, in Mark 14:12 the disciples ask You where You wanted to eat the Passover. I find that interesting. Then in vs. 13-16 you tell them where to go, what they will see and encounter. Then in v15 - Jesus, show me how to apply what You bring to my attention - please. I need to know Your thoughts so I live for You - effectively.
V15 Then he will show you a large upper room, furnished and prepared, there make ready for us.
V 16 They found it just as You said.
**Jesus, You've already prepared the way for me - furnished everything necessary:
1. I must go
2. If I have questions, I should ask. (v12)
3. You will give clear directions
4. I must trust You
Jesus, as I wrote I thought of my struggles; I have everything necessary for being a success. You've given me the ideas, I must implement them. You've prepared the way, furnished everything, I need to do my part. (v16)
God desires intimacy with you and He wants you to be a great success, as I stated above He has furnished everything necessary for you to succeed, so it's time for self-evaluation. Where do you not succeed, where are your struggles? Get alone with God, ask Him questions, seek His counsel and then what He says do - you do. Here is our problem the majority of the time: we think we are smarter than God and we don't really want our way of doing things altered. It's time you got over yourself and then take God to your heart and never ever get over Him.
What is it God has been or is telling you to do? Write it down! You keep thinking about it, it's in your head, now put it down on paper (or your computer). Why? Because in your head it is just an idea, but on paper it becomes a plan, a plan that gets looked at, prayed over, and God whispers, "Do it this way, it'll be the best way." And that is success.
One last point. In the evening He came with the twelve. Now as they sat and ate. Mark 14:17-18a The result of your obedience (verses 12-16) will be sweet fellowship and nothing compares!
This is the Scripture I read on April 2 for my quiet time. The timing couldn't have been better and I believe that God planned it that way because of the struggles I was and am going through, He wanted to encourage me and give me clear direction and that is exactly what He did.
I will share what I wrote in my prayer journal and comment at the end.
Jesus, in Mark 14:12 the disciples ask You where You wanted to eat the Passover. I find that interesting. Then in vs. 13-16 you tell them where to go, what they will see and encounter. Then in v15 - Jesus, show me how to apply what You bring to my attention - please. I need to know Your thoughts so I live for You - effectively.
V15 Then he will show you a large upper room, furnished and prepared, there make ready for us.
V 16 They found it just as You said.
**Jesus, You've already prepared the way for me - furnished everything necessary:
1. I must go
2. If I have questions, I should ask. (v12)
3. You will give clear directions
4. I must trust You
Jesus, as I wrote I thought of my struggles; I have everything necessary for being a success. You've given me the ideas, I must implement them. You've prepared the way, furnished everything, I need to do my part. (v16)
God desires intimacy with you and He wants you to be a great success, as I stated above He has furnished everything necessary for you to succeed, so it's time for self-evaluation. Where do you not succeed, where are your struggles? Get alone with God, ask Him questions, seek His counsel and then what He says do - you do. Here is our problem the majority of the time: we think we are smarter than God and we don't really want our way of doing things altered. It's time you got over yourself and then take God to your heart and never ever get over Him.
What is it God has been or is telling you to do? Write it down! You keep thinking about it, it's in your head, now put it down on paper (or your computer). Why? Because in your head it is just an idea, but on paper it becomes a plan, a plan that gets looked at, prayed over, and God whispers, "Do it this way, it'll be the best way." And that is success.
One last point. In the evening He came with the twelve. Now as they sat and ate. Mark 14:17-18a The result of your obedience (verses 12-16) will be sweet fellowship and nothing compares!
Monday, April 12, 2010
Speak the Truth in Love
Instead, speaking the truth in love. Eph. 4:15a
I need to tell you that I would much rather have people tell me anything with love, it just sounds better and makes me feel better, and it doesn't put me in a bad mood or a guarded attitude around that person.
I'll give you an example; but first I have to tell you what we do for a living, it'll make more sense. We are self-employed, the name of our business is R & J Distributing, Inc. (my honey liked R&J, it stands for Rick and Jackie, he's so original (but I'll keep him) I wanted something a little different, like I'm Sweet, Inc. or whatever the greek word for sweet cakes is, something different that would make people go "hum" or they might have said, "huh?"). We deliver Little Debbie Cakes and so does our son, Tommy. They are up very early in the morning and when I work with Ricky, I am up very early. I am not a morning person at all, I do not like to talk or be talked to. So, one morning around 3:30am I am up and Ricky is getting ready to walk out the door takes one look at me and says very sweetly, "I love what you do to your hair while you sleep", he smiled, kissed me and left. About 3 minutes later Tommy walks in the door to pick up his hand-held computer takes one look at me and says, "mama, your hair is jacked". I pointed my finger at the door and said, "get out", he did his wicked laugh and left. I was on my way to take a shower, and turned to look in the mirror, and said to myself, "Jackie, you got jacked hair". Now I can make fun of myself, say things to myself like, "girl, you need to exercise more, your butt is getting bigger". But I don't want others saying what they may be thinking about my butt or anything else.
When we open our mouths and say things to others intentionally or unintentionally we just may hurt them or put them on the defensive and cause a broken relationship with them. So all through out this day practice speaking only words that will edify and build others up and not hurt.
Let's look at Eph 4:15-16, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.
I believe that when we are speaking the truth in love we are being Christ in action, every word that came from Jesus' mouth was filled with love. And when we don't speak the truth in love I believe Jesus looks at us and says, "Grow up". He intends for His children to mature, grow up, in Him, to let Him rule in our lives, be the Head. (v15)
So go forth today speaking only words that will build others up, you will not lie or embellish the truth but speak it in love - you will be Jesus to others and in so doing you will be building others up. Another cool part of this is you may run into people who do not know Jesus but the way you respond to them totally throws them off guard and you just might get to tell them about Jesus and that will be a woo hoo moment in your day.
Back to the example; Ricky's comment to me about my hair got him a smile and a kiss, Tommy's comment got him a scowl and a growl. See the difference? :)
I need to tell you that I would much rather have people tell me anything with love, it just sounds better and makes me feel better, and it doesn't put me in a bad mood or a guarded attitude around that person.
I'll give you an example; but first I have to tell you what we do for a living, it'll make more sense. We are self-employed, the name of our business is R & J Distributing, Inc. (my honey liked R&J, it stands for Rick and Jackie, he's so original (but I'll keep him) I wanted something a little different, like I'm Sweet, Inc. or whatever the greek word for sweet cakes is, something different that would make people go "hum" or they might have said, "huh?"). We deliver Little Debbie Cakes and so does our son, Tommy. They are up very early in the morning and when I work with Ricky, I am up very early. I am not a morning person at all, I do not like to talk or be talked to. So, one morning around 3:30am I am up and Ricky is getting ready to walk out the door takes one look at me and says very sweetly, "I love what you do to your hair while you sleep", he smiled, kissed me and left. About 3 minutes later Tommy walks in the door to pick up his hand-held computer takes one look at me and says, "mama, your hair is jacked". I pointed my finger at the door and said, "get out", he did his wicked laugh and left. I was on my way to take a shower, and turned to look in the mirror, and said to myself, "Jackie, you got jacked hair". Now I can make fun of myself, say things to myself like, "girl, you need to exercise more, your butt is getting bigger". But I don't want others saying what they may be thinking about my butt or anything else.
When we open our mouths and say things to others intentionally or unintentionally we just may hurt them or put them on the defensive and cause a broken relationship with them. So all through out this day practice speaking only words that will edify and build others up and not hurt.
Let's look at Eph 4:15-16, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.
I believe that when we are speaking the truth in love we are being Christ in action, every word that came from Jesus' mouth was filled with love. And when we don't speak the truth in love I believe Jesus looks at us and says, "Grow up". He intends for His children to mature, grow up, in Him, to let Him rule in our lives, be the Head. (v15)
So go forth today speaking only words that will build others up, you will not lie or embellish the truth but speak it in love - you will be Jesus to others and in so doing you will be building others up. Another cool part of this is you may run into people who do not know Jesus but the way you respond to them totally throws them off guard and you just might get to tell them about Jesus and that will be a woo hoo moment in your day.
Back to the example; Ricky's comment to me about my hair got him a smile and a kiss, Tommy's comment got him a scowl and a growl. See the difference? :)
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Hearing and Doing
“Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. "But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.” Matt 7:24-27
Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them. The NIV states it this way - and puts them into practice. Jesus is saying to us through these verses; do My word, put it into practice in your life. I will call you wise and your life will be built on Me, your Rock, and no matter what happens, rain coming down, streams rising, winds blowing, and trying to beat you down, you will not fall because I, the Lord Jesus, am your Rock, your Sure Foundation.
God's word always calls for a response from us, from all who read and meditate on it. What is going to be your response to Matthew 7:24-27? Are you going to cry out these words, "Jesus, I am depending on You, Your life flowing through me right now and not just my life but the lives of those I love, and Jesus, not just for this moment but every day of our lives. Be our Rock, remind us of these verses over and over, and we will build our lives on You. Jesus, be big in our lives!
Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them. The NIV states it this way - and puts them into practice. Jesus is saying to us through these verses; do My word, put it into practice in your life. I will call you wise and your life will be built on Me, your Rock, and no matter what happens, rain coming down, streams rising, winds blowing, and trying to beat you down, you will not fall because I, the Lord Jesus, am your Rock, your Sure Foundation.
God's word always calls for a response from us, from all who read and meditate on it. What is going to be your response to Matthew 7:24-27? Are you going to cry out these words, "Jesus, I am depending on You, Your life flowing through me right now and not just my life but the lives of those I love, and Jesus, not just for this moment but every day of our lives. Be our Rock, remind us of these verses over and over, and we will build our lives on You. Jesus, be big in our lives!
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
The Going
I say then: Walk in the Spirit...But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Galatians 5:16a, 22-23a
I'm going to share with you what I wrote in my prayer journal March 14, 2010, the more personal (none of your business) stuff is left out. There are times that I go back and read the entries and say, "yes, that is exactly what I want" and there are other times that the conviction comes back as clear as the day the Lord revealed it to me and I am reminded to examine myself.
I pray you are encouraged.
Holy One - You are so very good to me!!!! I'm reading Galatians 5:16-26 and as I go - well let me tell You the going - I know You don't mind:)
I prayed, "Lord, I want to walk in the Spirit, verse 16, to be led by the Spirit, verse 18, not to be occupied with me, my flesh, verse 19, but occupied by the Spirit, verse 22. Jesus I want to be Yours - my flesh crucified with it's passions and desires, verse 24.
Romans 6:6 no longer a slave to sin. To choose life, Dt. 30:15-20, being transformed from glory to glory, 2 Cor. 3:18, and me walking in newness of life everyday, Romans 6:4c!
Isn't God's word wonderful? God knew what I was struggling with that March 14th, He also knows my heart and the desires of my heart. The stuff I left out, that is too personal to share, came after I had written the above Scriptures and my desire to walk according to His word, and the Lord encouraged me tremendously. I ask Him, "Lord, how many times will You have to encourage me in this?" And I heard Him say, "As many times as you need."
You too can count on God to meet every need and encourage you in every circumstance of life.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Your Face, Your Name
They brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means The Place of the Skull). Then they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it. Mark 15:22-23
In verse 23 we see that they offered Jesus wine mixed with myrrh. Myrrh is a narcotic and would have deadened the pain but it would also dull His senses, making Jesus not as alert and able to think clearly. Why did Jesus refuse to take the wine mixed with myrrh? Because Jesus wanted to be clear-headed, He didn't want anything to distract Him from your face, He wanted to clearly be able to picture your face and say your name.
When you think that "no one loves me, no one cares for me" - Jesus never stops! He craves your presence. He wants fellowship with you.
Run to the One who loves you best and most, your day will never be the same.
In verse 23 we see that they offered Jesus wine mixed with myrrh. Myrrh is a narcotic and would have deadened the pain but it would also dull His senses, making Jesus not as alert and able to think clearly. Why did Jesus refuse to take the wine mixed with myrrh? Because Jesus wanted to be clear-headed, He didn't want anything to distract Him from your face, He wanted to clearly be able to picture your face and say your name.
When you think that "no one loves me, no one cares for me" - Jesus never stops! He craves your presence. He wants fellowship with you.
Run to the One who loves you best and most, your day will never be the same.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Come and See
But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.” So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word.
The Women Worship the Risen Lord And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, “Rejoice!” So they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see Me.”
The two Mary's arrive at Jesus' tomb, it's early, the day is just dawning; they are there to put spices on Jesus' body. As they arrive a great earthquake shook the earth because an angel of the Lord descended from heaven. The angel goes over and rolls the stone away from the tomb revealing that Jesus is not there. Then the angel sits on the stone and answers the the two Mary's.
Let me tell you that my heart is getting so excited!! Verse 6 "HE IS NOT HERE; HE IS RISEN, AS HE SAID" - Yes!!! We serve, love, and worship a risen Savior!
Next the angel says, "Come, see". I want you to hear Jesus saying those words to you everyday of your life. Every day is an invitation to come into the presence of Messiah and hear Jesus say to you "rejoice" verse 9, "and don't be afraid", verse 10.
COME AND SEE, THERE IS AN EMPTY TOMB, A RISEN SAVIOR. THERE IS HOPE.
What has you troubled, in pain, worried, cast down, Jesus longs for you, give your burden to Him, your day will not be the same.
The Women Worship the Risen Lord And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, “Rejoice!” So they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see Me.”
The two Mary's arrive at Jesus' tomb, it's early, the day is just dawning; they are there to put spices on Jesus' body. As they arrive a great earthquake shook the earth because an angel of the Lord descended from heaven. The angel goes over and rolls the stone away from the tomb revealing that Jesus is not there. Then the angel sits on the stone and answers the the two Mary's.
Let me tell you that my heart is getting so excited!! Verse 6 "HE IS NOT HERE; HE IS RISEN, AS HE SAID" - Yes!!! We serve, love, and worship a risen Savior!
Next the angel says, "Come, see". I want you to hear Jesus saying those words to you everyday of your life. Every day is an invitation to come into the presence of Messiah and hear Jesus say to you "rejoice" verse 9, "and don't be afraid", verse 10.
COME AND SEE, THERE IS AN EMPTY TOMB, A RISEN SAVIOR. THERE IS HOPE.
What has you troubled, in pain, worried, cast down, Jesus longs for you, give your burden to Him, your day will not be the same.
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