Self-examination

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

This week is considered Holy Week.  A week where the crowds were saying Hosanna one minute and crucify Him the next. It’s the week where we remember where Christ gave His life freely for us because He loved us.

He loved us even though He knew we would betray Him, deny Him and wonder off.  He laid down His life so that these things would not be end of our stone cause of His amazing grace.  His sacrifice washes us clean and gives us new chapters.  His death made it possible.

Jesus’ story does not end on the Cross or in grave because on the third day He got up.  He defeated death bringing us life, hope, and peace.This week celebrates the triumphant work of Jesus.  His death and resurrection.

Transparently, I find myself asking how holy am I?  Am I living out the life the Christ gave His life for? Am I conquering sin?  Am I saying Hosanna with my mouth, but crucifying Him in my heart?  Being a disciple is serious business, so am I taking up my cross daily?  Am I dying to self?  Holy Week is about self- examination for me as I take in again the enormity of what Christ did for me, what He does for me! Jesus loved and so must I.

Father, thank You for sending Your Son Jesus.  Thank You for loving us that much.  Thank You for dying for me Jesus.  Thank You for getting back up.  May I live a life that reflects Your love.  May I lay down my will for Yours daily.  In Jesus name.  Amen

Are you ready?

 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.~ Ephesians 6:15

Ephesians 6:10-12 tells us that we are in a battle and we must be battle ready by putting on the armor of God.  We battle not against flesh and blood, "but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms"(Ephesians 6:12).  One peace of that armor is the shoes that come from the gospel of peace.

Something stood out to me today as I read about this peace or armor.  It says that our feet are "fitted with the readiness".  This tells me that we are ready for the battle.  Our position and stance is steady.  I see a boxer in the ring and their stance is ready to go.  We are ready to go into battle or deal with the attacks of the enemy because we have the gospel of peace.  We have the truth.

Jesus came to this earth, walked among us.  He dies for our sins, He himself did no wrong.  He rose again defeating death because He loves us.  He did this to reconcile us, to bring us into right standing with the Father.  The cost He paid for me was the gift of eternal life with Him and the Father.  So when I move, I move in peace.  I move in the assurance of God.  I am ready.

I am ready because of what Jesus did on the Cross.  The plan the Father had for my and your salvation from the beginning.  Giving His life for us.  So the enemy is already defeated and I can walk in that.  I can step to the side when the enemies arrows come. I can stand firm when the blows come.  I will not be moved because I have the right shoes on.  I can respond with a with peace and gentleness because of Jesus.  I am ready.

Lord, I thank You for Your armor and I thank You for Your truth.  Thank you for having me be ready to face the enemy because of what You did on Calvary.  I love You Lord.  In  Jesus name. Amen

A Certain God

 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. ~Hebrews 13:8

A reminder about the truth of God was shared with me yesterday.  God is constant.  He doesn't shift and change like the shadows.  The same God who walked with me in times past is the same God who walks with me in my present, and will be there in my future. He is a certain God.

 He is the God of the universe yesterday, today, and tomorrow.  He is same God who gave His life for me on Calvary so that I can be whole and forgiven.  The same God that forgives me today.  He is the same God who intercedes for me and prays for me.

So as the world around me changes, I can remain confidant in God.  My circumstances will come and go.  Leaders will come and go.  Wars and rumors of wars will be present, but my God remains the same.  His love is unchanging.  His sovereignty is unmoving.  He is Lord.  He is constant and His consistent nature is my comfort.

Lord thank You for being true and real.  Thank You for being consistent in Your goodness and faithfulness.  Thank You for being God.  In Jesus name I do pray.  Amen.

Transparency

 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.~Hebrews 12:2

In full transparency I have been on the struggle bus this week.  My conversations with God have had a hint of desperation as I pray for strength to do my day; to do the work.  The beautiful thing about God is His truth, the knowledge that He will never leave me.  It helps as helped me to fix my eyes on Jesus and not the the struggle.

I was reminded today of just how valuable we are to Jesus  because He made a choice to ensure the cross for us. Knowing this helps me to keep going as I look to the One who finished it all.  He is seated at the right hand of the Father interceding for us.

The struggle won’t last forever and I have a Champion on my side.  This fuels my hope.  This strengthens me and I am grateful.

Lord thank You for making the choice.  Thank You for hearing my pleas.  Thank You for the victory.  In Jesus name. Amen

God is near

  Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. ~Philippians 4:5

Today is one of those days. My world is a little off kilter.  My routine has been altered and I feel rushed and panicky, but God.  I hear God telling me that He is near.  I see that He is near as He is moving pieces into place. 

I also hear God telling me to not let the disruptions and distractions to the flow of my day, disrupt who I am in Christ.  To not let it disrupt my character.  I am not to be narly and irritated , but gentle and this gentleness should be evident to all.  Gentleness is described by the dictionary as having or showing a mild, kind, or tender temperament or  character. 

 Its not lashing out because you are frustrated or stressed.  Its remembering just how blessed you are.  How loved you are by Jesus.

I have to breath God in and trust in His process.  These sandpaper moments are building my character. They are opportunities for me to be a witness for God.  They are strengthening my faith as I lean on Him who is always near.  He won't let me down or leave me alone.

Father, I trust You and I love You.  Let the fruit of peace, joy, and gentleness rise up in me especially today.  May I find rest in You.  In Jesus Name I pray.  Amen.

Walking in your purpose

 "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them"~ Ephesians 2:10

There is nothing more fulfilling than to walk in the purpose that God created for me.  For when I am walking in my purpose I know that I am being equipped by God to do the work that He has planned for me from the very beginning.  I am full of joy because I know that I am doing His work.  I am pleasing Him and helping my fellow man.

However, the enemy does not want me to walk in my purpose.  He does not want me to do my part for the Kingdom.  He wants me weary, frustrated, and filled with fear.  But the enemy is defeated because of God's word and faithfulness.  Jesus tells me that I can come to Him when I am weary(Matthew 11:28-30) and that I can cast my cares onto God( 1 Peter 5:7).  He also tells me that He did give me the spirit of fear, but rather of power,  love, and sound mind ( 2 Timothy 1:7).

Yesterday, I lost my temper with a student.  I kicked him out of my classroom.  It could have ended there, but God allowed me the opportunity for reconciliation. I told the student that  he was one my best students.  I told him that the behavior he exhibited was not like him.  He said he was having a bad week, mind you it was only Tuesday.  I gave the kid a hug and told him it was going to be okay and then I apologized for loosing my temper.  I tell you I was blessed by the situation and joy filled my soul because I walked in my purpose to encourage rather than destroy.  At the time I wasn't concerned about who was watching, but someone was.  They thanked me.  I brushed it off, but it reminded me that others are watching.  I want to be found doing His work.  I give all the glory to God.  The student came back into my classroom focused and weights lifted.

 For me, His work is teaching and encouraging.  It is loving and forgiving.  It's sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.  We all have a purpose and each day is a gift to walk in the works that God has planned for us.  Whether that be encouraging a child, spouse, or co-worker.  Or caring for sick, needy, and lost.  It might even be being an intercessor for someone, our nation's leaders, or world leaders.  Our purpose maybe standing in the gap.  Whatever it is, when you walk in it you will be filled by the Spirit.  You will be empowered and God will get the glory.

Lord, thank You for the opportunity to participate and align my will to Yours.  Thank You for opportunity to walk in my calling, my purpose.  Bless my brothers and sisters in Christ and let us be united in doing Your work.  For those who do not know their purpose, reveal it to them.  Help us to remain humble and give You all the glory.  In Jesus name.  Amen

It's personal

 "Lord, You are my God; I will exalt You, I will give thanks to Your name; For You have worked wonders, Plans formed long ago, with perfect faithfulness" -Isaiah 25: (NASB)

You've Been So Faithful

When I look back over my life, I see the faithfulness of God.  As I battle with the enemy, God is their granting me victory and success.  I proclaim loudly and proudly that the Lord is my God.  I will lift His name up for He mighty and worthy of all the praise.  There is no one and nothing that compares to Him.  

God has worked wonders in my life.  He has brought healing, forgiveness, and restoration.  As David proclaimed in Psalm 23, my cup runneth over.  I was recently reading a devotional and it talked about the shift of " have to" to "get to".  Work can be difficult, but I "get to" go to work and provide for my family.  I struggle with anxiety and depression, but " I get to" see how God works in the midst of it all ushering in peace.  I 'get to" to know that Jesus intercedes on my behalf.

I am right where I need to be because God has ordered my steps.  He has a plan for my life and circumstances cannot circumvent His plans.  He accomplishes the things in my life because He is faithful.  He is perfect and cannot fail.  I "get to" witness this.  What a beautiful thing.

Lord, thank You for being my God.  Thank You for Your perfect faithfulness.   I praise your name and lift You up that all men may be drawn unto You.  In Jesus name I pray. Amen