God's gift

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  ~John 3:16

Tomorrow is Good Friday.  The day that Jesus laid it all on the line for me and the world.  He shed His blood and gave His life that I might be saved; that I might live in the freedom of His love.  I was looking for scriptures that I could share with others to mark this day, but they all seemed so cumbersome.  This is the one God laid on my heart.  For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whosever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life. (John 3:16) 

God loves us.  As messed up as we are God loved us enough to sacrifice His one and only son that we might live and not die,  Jesus took on our sins ( 1 John 2:2) so that we might be reconciled to God (Romans 5:10).  He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. ( 1 John 2:2)

He gave His Son so we can live.  As I think of Good Friday and what it meant for Jesus it sobers me.  Jesus suffered for me and the world.  He died an agonizing death.  He was mocked and beaten.  He hung on a cross.  Yet, even then He asked God to forgive us (Luke 23:34)  That's love.

 Easter is not about Spring Break or Easter Eggs or bunnies. It not about sleeping in late, but it is about restoration.  The restoration I receive because of the gift God gave to me, to all of us.  Christ had to die in order for me to live, but the truth doesn't end there.  I live because He didn't stay in that tomb.  He got up on the third day (1 Corinthians 15:4)  with all power in His hand (Mathew 28:18). I live because my Savior lives. I have a home in heaven because of the love God and His precious gift.  The world does not have to perish, we can choose life by believing in Jesus and accepting His love.

Father, thank You for loving us.  Thank You for looking past our faults and seeing our need.  Our need for You.  Thank You for sacrificing your Son so that we might live.  May we think on the real meaning of this season and give You praise.  In Jesus name.  Amen

My Sustainer

 Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you. ~ Isaiah 46:4

What a beautiful blessing and promise of God.  He promises to be with us even to our old age. He is the One who will sustain us and rescue us.  This reminds me to keep my focus on Him and not the troubles of this world.  It settles me into a mindset of gratitude as I think about the goodness of God and all that He has done for me.  

 I am never alone and never without hope because of Christ.  He carries me when I am too weak.  It is He who gets me over the hump and allows me to see the end of a another work week.  It is He who allows me parent and make the tough calls. It is He who rescues me from debt and allows me to be the lender instead of the borrower.  It is He who rescues me from sin and strongholds.  He breaks the chains that would seek to hold me down.  

He is the great I AM ( Exodus 3:13-14).  He is omnipotent and omnipresent.  He is Alpha and Omega.   He is my portion and I am grateful.

Father,  thank You for your promises and love.  Thank you for keeping me.  Thank you for rescuing me from the darkness and bringing me into Your marvelous light.  Forgive me for those times when I think I can do it on my own.  Help me to always look to You, the source of my strength.  Bless my community and the sick among us.  In Jesus name.  Amen

He has overcome so that I can rest in peace

 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,~1 Peter 3:15

God is good and He is good to me.  I do not want this day to go by without thanking Him for His many blessings.  I thank Him for the victories.  I thank Him for already overcoming. "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

Today I learned that my son's school district is preparing to move into Phase 3.  This would cause my son to be in the building 5 days a week.  He has not done this since March of last year.  Immediately all the logistic that come with him being in school popped into my head and I sprang into action trying figure it all out.  There are some concerns that I have.  Growing pains to address as I have to let go more and more, but God brought me back John 16:33.   This world will have trouble.  There will be growing pains and some possible suffering, but I don't have to worry about it because I have peace in Christ Jesus. 

Jesus is not surprised by the events that occur in my life or anyone else's. He knows my troubles and fears, but He has already addressed them.  I just have to trust in Him and know that He is good and His plans for me and my son are good.  

Today's blog was intended to be a testimony and response to the reason for my hope and it still is because my hope is Christ.  Its not just when He saved me.  It's the day to day work that He does in in my life.  The peace that only He can bring.  

Father, thank You for using my everyday life events to be a reminder of  Your sovereignty, goodness, and love.  Thank You for your peace and assurance.  Thank You for the victory.  In Jesus name.  Amen

The Freedom of Grace

 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you[a] free from the law of sin and death. ~Romans 8:1-2

I think about all of my faults and short comings and then read Romans 8:1 and realize how blessed I am. What amazing gift God has granted me and my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.  We have been set free from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:2) .  We are no longer condemned (Romans 8:1), but rather redeemed.  

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace. ~Ephesians 1:7  

Just knowing that my sins are forgiven lifts a huge weight off of my shoulders.  I don't have to earn God's love because it has been freely given.   For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. ~Ephesians 2:8-9.

I love God and want to please Him.  I want to be more like Him everyday.  This is a good thing, but I have to be careful to keep a balance and know that my failures don't condemn me.  He doesn't condemn me.  I am not loved because I am perfect, I am loved because I an His. I  have to trust in His word and  know that He who began a good work in me will complete it. (Philippians 1:6)   I am not where I want to be, but God will get me to where He wants me to be.  I have to accept His grace and share that grace with others.

Father, thank You for freeing me from the bondage of sin.  Thank You for not condemning me.  Thank You for loving me unconditionally.  Bless my fellow brothers and sisters and Christ.  Help us to walk in the freedom that You bestow upon us in Christ Jesus.  Help us to prove worthy of your blessings.  In Jesus name.  Amen

Dealing with Anxiety, Praising Him Anyhow

 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. ~Philippians 4:6-7

I struggle with anxiety. Maybe you do too. Each morning I wake up with a sense of dread that causes nervous energy that seeks to rob me of my peace. But God's word is steadfast, tried and true.  It is He who provides the cure.  Each morning I give my anxiety to Him. I give every worry or potential worry to the One who knows what I have need of before I even ask (Matthew 6:8)

I present my request to Him with thanksgiving and each day I find myself at the end of the day in peace.  I find myself triumphant at the end of another work week.  I find myself full of joy as I witness blessing after blessing and prayer after prayer being answered.  Prayers like remembering to fix my sons lunch.  My son passing a test on material he was struggling to understand.  A supportive and loving husband who soothes me to sleep when I am struggling to find that comfort spot. Colleagues who make the work day go faster with their willingness to share their time and knowledge, collaborating to get the work done.  Prayers to be a witness for Him.   "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." (Philippians 1:6) Prayers for patience for the unknown things, knowing in due time He will work it out. He answers ALL these things and more.  He  fuels my thankfulness and ushers in peace as I trust in Him.

You know, when I think about it,  God makes it easy to follow Him.  We just have to submit and be that "yes" girl or boy.  He does the work, we only need to rely on the power that lies within which is Jesus Christ, To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me. ( Colossians 1:29) 

Lord, thank You for loving me as I am and providing the answers to my concerns through Your word.  Thank You for allowing me to approach your throne of grace daily with the assurance of your comfort.  Thank you for your peace that allows me to soar rather than crumble.  I love you Lord.  In Jesus name I pray.  Amen

God is good; He hears us

 You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you. Hear my prayer, Lord; listen to my cry for mercy.  When I am in distress, I call to you, because you answer me. ~Psalm 86:5-7

6 It is comforting to know just how good and loving God is.  My sins are ever before me, but He forgives me.  "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9)  and responds to me with love when I call to Him.  He is merciful and He listens to my prayers and cries for mercy.  When I am in distress He answers me. He does not leave me hanging out there.  He never leaves me nor forsakes me (Hebrews 13:5).  

Yes, He corrects me when I am wrong, but He never abandons me.  Rather He reminds me that I am His child.  He holds me close and removes the fears and doubts. He washes me(Psalm 51:10). He fights for me (Exodus 14:14).  When and where I am weak, He is strong (2 Corinthians 12:9).   He is God and He is good.

Father, thank You for opening up Your heart to me.  Thank You for Your loving-kindness and grace.  Thank You for allowing me to come to You and receive comfort.  Thank Your for being a very present help.  Thank You for hearing my prayer.  Bless this land and its leaders.  May our hearts turn to You and call to You.  May we seek You with our whole hearts.  Heal our hearts and our land.  In Jesus name.  Amen

Self examination

 Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord. Lamentations 3:40 NIV

As is often the case, home repairs are called for over time.  Money and circumstances sometimes prevent one from dealing with the situation so you may try some self-maintenance (patch up)and hope for the best.  You (I) turn a blind eye to the problem.  I don't deal with it.  The result being that over time, you find the situation worse than when it first began.  The shock of the decay sends me into a small frenzy.  How will we get this done?  How will we repair the damage that has now spread.

The situation with my hoe repair had me thinking about the examination of my heart and how it is important to deal with sin and problems as soon as you see them.  You must examine and test yourself knowing that God has you and you need only to turn to Him.  You need to open yourself up to the healing of the Holy Spirit before the sin spreads and seeks to decay your faith. When you find a problem, repent and turn to the Lord.

My home repair will be fixed.  I trust God to make a way as surely as I trust Him to make a way for me back to Him.  I am grateful for the grace and mercy that Cross brings.  I am grateful for His love and the lessons He teaches me in the everyday happenings of life.  I am thankful for God and His goodness.

Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. ~Psalm 139:23-24

In Jesus name I pray. Amen