Knowing Jesus

Jeremiah 9:23-24 NIV

This is what the LORD says: “Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches, but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,” declares the LORD.

Knowing Jesus, that’s the goal.  Knowing His goodness, mercy, faithfulness and love.  Human strength weakens and fades and riches come and go, but God remains the same.  Oh, for the joy of knowing Him and His righteousness.  What peace to be in relationship with the One who saves.  The more time we spend with Him the more we become like Him as He transforms us into His image( 2 Corinthians 3:18). Our hearts are circumcised and our lives are change.  Oh what a gift to walk with Jesus.  What a reason to be so ever grateful and thankful.

Jesus, You are the prize.  The aim is to know You better each and every day.  May we seek Your face in all that we do and see Your hand move in our lives.  Let us boast in You.  Forgive us for those time we falter and put lesser things in the forefront.  Bring us back to You and keep us humble.  May those who don’t know You learn of You through us as we lift You up.  In Jesus name we pray.  Amen

The other side?

 

Luke 6:28 NIV

bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.

One day this week I heard myself say to my students, "you guys are about to see the other side of me come out."  Perhaps you have said something similar.  We all desire to meek and humble, but we seem to have to let others know that we are not to be trifled with.  We don't want to appear weak.

Well as I made the statement, the Holy Spirit spoke to me and convicted me.  The other side they see should be the one they are seeing - Jesus.  I am not to respond to insults and persecutions the way the world does. I am to respond as Christ would.  My conversations should always be full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that I may know how to  answer everyone (Colossians 4:6).  I should be able to give a response that enables the person I am speaking to grow. My response should reflect that I know Jesus and have spent time with Him.  I should respond in love.

This does not mean I am weak. This does not mean that I do not set healthy boundaries.  It means that my boundaries are God's and I respond with grace. Think about how confused that person will be when you respond with a knock out punch of the Holy Spirit. They will be expecting blow of insult or tat for at which resolves nothing, but they would never expect for you to continue to walk in peace.  Knowing your worth in Christ, walking regally as a part of His royal priesthood.

So I closed my mouth, disciplined with re-direction and oozed grace.  The other side should always be Christ.  Family holidays are approaching and some tough situations may arise with others because relationships can be tricky.  This is true for family and strangers alike.  May we be quick to hide behind Jesus so that is the side that they see.

Jesus, I thank You for You.  I thank You for your love.  I thank You for answered prayers.  I thank You for grace. May I extend that grace even to those who seek to hurt me or mistreat me.  May I know how to set healthy boundaries and walk in peace.  Forgive  me for the times that I come up short and continue to direct my steps.  In Jesus name.  Amen

A Pure Heart

 

Psalms 51:10-12 NIV

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

God is a good God and loving Father.  When I mess up He offers me forgiveness of my sins(John 1:9). In Psalm 51 David has been confronted with his sin with Bathsheba and he humbled himself and prays to the Lord.  He knows that it is God whom he has sinned against( Psalm 51:4).  He ask God to blot out His transgressions (Psalm 51:1).  He wants to be restored. 

Like David  I desire is a pure heart.  A heart that acknowledges and serves the Lord.  I want a steadfast spirit, one that won’t compromise, but stands firm on the word of God. I want to live a faithful life and be a doer of His Word ( James 1:22).

But I can do nothing without His Spirit.  I am nothing without Him.  In His presence is where I find peace, joy, and strength.  In His presence is where I find love and comfort. Weights of this world are lifted.  

I desire for God to restore the joy of His salvation.  The joy of oneness with Him.  I want our relationship tight for I gain strength from Him.  Strength to do right rather than be right.  Strength to extend grace and mercy as I have received it. A sustained spirit that won’t waiver when challenges arise.  I want God.

Lord, I love You and adore You.  Thank You for forgiveness of sins and strength for the journey.  Thank You for Your Spirit and love.  May we, as your people, have clean hearts so that we might worship You in spirit and truth.  So that we may live godly lives pointing others to Christ.  We will be careful to give You all the glory, honor, and praise.  In Jesus name. Amen

Provider

 

Philippians 4:19 NIV

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

I stand firm on this promise because my God is faithful to His word and He is faithful to perform it. Whatever your need, physical, mental, or spiritual you can trust that God's got it and He has you.  We just to have faith and believe.

The enemy doesn't want us to believe.  The enemy doesn't want us to pray and he doesn't want us to praise.  But we can overcome because Jesus already has. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)  Problems and trials may come, but God has promised us peace.  He has promised to meet our needs.  Our Father is rich, rich in His mercy and kindness towards us.

So look beyond your circumstances because God already has.  He clothes the lilies of the field and feeds the sparrows.  (Matthew 6:28; 26)  We are worth more than that.  So do not fret.  Lean into God.  Trust God.

Lord, we thank You for your provision.  We thank You for meeting every need.  Help us to stand on your word and not waiver.  Help us to praise You in advance.  We love You Lord and thank You for all that You do and have already done.  In Jesus name. Amen