Category: I John

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Enjoying Good Fruit

So as I’ve been sitting here with my coffee and my thoughts I had the following verse fill my heart:

“14 May my words and thoughts please you. Lord, you are my Rock—the one who rescues me.” Psalm 19:14 CEV

Words and thoughts – those two are linked together on more than one occasion in the Bible. Jesus put it this way.

” Every tree is known by the kind of fruit it produces. You won’t find figs on thorny weeds. And you can’t pick grapes from thorn bushes! 45 Good people have good things saved in their hearts. That’s why they say good things. But those who are evil have hearts full of evil, and that’s why they say things that are evil. What people say with their mouths comes from what fills their hearts.”   Luke 6:44-45 ERV

I remember my first experience growing peaches. It was years back. We had moved to a home with a small peach tree in the back yard. I was so hopeful that we would have sweet juicy peaches at the end of summer. But no! It took a couple of years to see the tree really produce . All the time it was drawing nourishment from the ground, developing a strong root base and maturing. Only then did the peaches come. The first harvest it was only a few large peaches but the second harvest there were many more.

We’re like that tree. When we begin our walk with Christ we need time to take in His word, our roots spreading out deep, giving us a firm foundation. As we apply His word to our lives our thoughts and actions change. Our heart changes and we begin to produce good fruit.

Thoughts, the things we save in our heart will come out our mouths. Just like fruit grows on a tree, thoughts produce words. If we spend our time thinking on the hurts, failures, and criticism, those are things that we will produce with our words.

However, if the meditation (thoughts) of our hearts are pleasant, loving, forgiving and kind then the fruit we produce will be gracious, loving, understanding and good!

When we allow the Holy Spirit to work in our lives He shows us what Jesus truly did for us – He cleansed us completely so we are able to have confidence in the Father’s presence. Confidence brings peace.

The night when Jesus was arrested He was in the Garden with His closest friends. He was still teaching them up to the very end. They came to the point where they could finally see that yes, Jesus was the Messiah. He was God’s Son.

Jesus spoke to them the words He held in His heart.

“31 Jesus answered them, Do you now believe? [Do you believe it at last?]  32 But take notice, the hour is coming, and it has arrived, when you will all be dispersed and scattered, every man to his own home, leaving Me alone. Yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me.

33 I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]” John 16:31-33 AMP

Jesus knew they would all leave him when he was arrested. Fear would overtake them. However, He spoke words of encouragement and confidence to them and to Himself. These men who had once been afraid of their own shadows would soon stand before the rulers of the land and boldly proclaim that Jesus was the Christ and they would serve Him even if it cost them their lives.

Jesus gave us this example. Don’t think about our fears, failures and heartaches but instead look at the bigness of His sacrifice. He conquered the world for us. We can live in peace and victory knowing that God has and is working everything out for us.

“We show our love for God by obeying his commandments, and they are not hard to follow.

4 Every child of God can defeat the world, and our faith is what gives us this victory. 5 No one can defeat the world without having faith in Jesus as the Son of God.” I John 5:3-5 CEV

We need to fill our hearts, our minds, with memories of all the times the Lord has proven to be our defender, our strength, our joy, and our unshakable hope. When we plant those seeds of confidence we will harvest peace and rest.

Father, I want to speak gracious and loving words from a heart that’s filled with confidence in You!

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Amplified Understanding

Do you know what the word amplified means?

According to the Merriam-Webster 1828 Dictionary this is the definition of amplify:

1 : to expand (something, such as a statement) by the use of detail or illustration or by closer analysis

2a : to make larger or greater (as in amount, importance, or intensity) : increase

b : to increase the strength or amount of especially : to make louder 

Hearing aids are amplifiers, they increase the strength of sound.

We’ll all driven up next to someone at a stop sign or light and heard the sound amplification coming from their stereo speakers.

I’m sure you can think of other examples or illustrations to go along with mine and that too would be amplification.

When I first began studying, I mean really studying, the Bible I got an amplified translation and began to read it for greater comprehension.

Today I want to share a few of my favorite verses with you from the Amplified Bible. I praise God for those who have been called to the work of translating the Bible, not just in foreign languages, but into versions that make it easier for us to use and understand.

These verses have really helped me and I hope that there are one or two that provide what you need!

HE WILL NEVER LEAVE ME OR LET ME DOWN!
“Let your character or moral disposition be free from love of money [including greed, avarice, lust, and craving for earthly possessions] and be satisfied with your present [circumstances and with what you have]; for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!]” Hebrews 13:5 AMP

WHEN CHRIST RULES, PEACE REIGNS
“And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ’s] one body you were also called [to live]. And be thankful (appreciative), [giving praise to God always].” Colossians 3:15 AMP

HE CARES FOR ME
“Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.” I Peter 5:7 AMP

I HAVE AN OVERFLOWING LIFE
“The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).” John 10:10 AMP

MOSES AND I HAVE THE SAME GOD, THE GREAT I AM!
“And when that time comes, you will ask nothing of Me [you will need to ask Me no questions]. I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, that My Father will grant you whatever you ask in My Name [as presenting all that I Am].

24 Up to this time you have not asked a [single] thing in My Name [as presenting all that I Am]; but now ask and keep on asking and you will receive, so that your joy (gladness, delight) may be full and complete.” John 16:23-24 AMP

MY FATHER’S WORD GIVES ME CONFIDENCE
“And this is the confidence (the assurance, the privilege of boldness) which we have in Him: [we are sure] that if we ask anything (make any request) according to His will (in agreement with His own plan), He listens to and hears us.

15 And if (since) we [positively] know that He listens to us in whatever we ask, we also know [with settled and absolute knowledge] that we have [granted us as our present possessions] the requests made of Him.” I John 5:14-15 AMP

These verses when read from the Amplified show the depth of intensity that other translations don’t.

When Moses saw the burning bush in the desert God spoke and told Moses that He was I AM. This meant whatever Moses needed he could count on God  to be I AM. Jesus went on to tell his disciples that He was I AM. He told them that when they come to God with a request in His name that they are counting on Him being the I AM just like Moses did.

The same holds true for us when we come to the Father in Jesus name.

For those who are just new to reading the Bible I suggest you get an Easy To Read (ERV) or Contemporary English Version (CEV) but for those of you would want to have a more intensity and depth I recommend the Amplified Version.

Really, it all comes down to finding a version that we can understand and apply personally. Pray about it and God will direct you to the right version.

Let God’s word give light to your path and understanding to your heart.

 

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Watching Them Grow

Yesterday we were at our grandson’s wedding but of course you knew that.

What a beautiful day!

I know it’s cliché, but they grow up so fast. Sitting there on the patio of the wedding venue Dave and I were recalling the times that he had come to visit, fishing trips, Christmases, making jam in the kitchen – the things that make memories for us as grandparents.

Of course we want to see them grow, mature and have many more exciting moments and make lasting memories.

Isn’t that just like our heavenly Father? His desire is to see us grow up and experience the life that He has designed for us. He wants us to dream big and achieve those dreams.

“Let’s pray that our young sons will grow like strong plants and that our daughters will be as lovely as columns in the corner of a palace. 13 May our barns be filled with all kinds of crops. May our fields be covered with sheep by the thousands, 14  and every cow have calves.

Don’t let our city be captured or any of us be taken away, and don’t let cries of sorrow be heard in our streets. 15 Our Lord and our God, you give these blessings to all who worship you.” Psalm 144: 12-15 CEV

The Lord gives blessings to all of us who worship Him. I know I’ve said it before but God is more desirous of our success than we are. He has given us all the resources we need to grow in Him.

“Let the wonderful kindness and the understanding that come from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ help you to keep on growing. Praise Jesus now and forever! Amen.” II Peter 3:18 CEV

Do you see what these verses say? It’s by the kindness and understanding that we receive from the Lord that we grow. Yes, it’s possible to learn from trial and error but God’s plan is that we mature and develop by the good things He provides.

“Love should always make us tell the truth. Then we will grow in every way and be more like Christ, the head 16 of the body. Christ holds it together and makes all of its parts work perfectly, as it grows and becomes strong because of love.” Ephesians 4:15-16 CEV

It’s by love that we grow perfectly and become stronger.

I can just hear our heavenly Father say, “I remember when you were little and you came to me wanting to share all of your life’s experiences with me. I’m so glad that you’ve grown up and still want to do that.”

At every stage of life God’s word has a message for us.

“I write to you, dear children, because your sins are forgiven through Christ.
13 I write to you, fathers, because you know the one who existed from the beginning. I write to you, young people, because you have defeated the Evil One.
14 I write to you, children, because you know the Father. I write to you, fathers,
 because you know the one who existed from the beginning. I write to you, young people, because you are strong. The word of God lives in you, and you have defeated the Evil One.” I John 2:12-14 ERV

Thank you Father for all you have done and are still doing to see that I grow up and become like You.

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Confidence

There are some things we know we are really good at while others present more of a challenge.

That feeling is called self-confidence. It can be defined as a feeling of self-assurance arising from one’s own abilities or qualities. Being sure of our talents and abilities is essential in our careers and daily life.

The Lord wants us to have confidence without being arrogant or self-prompting. He wants us to have our confidence is Him and HIs word. Our total dependence in Him keeps us from carrying the burden of winning approval and acceptance.

Since we have been talking about absolutes I wanted to share this verse with you. It gives us insight in knowing God’s will and provides us with “the’ confidence.

“Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 15 And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.” I John 5:14-15

Knowing God’s will and praying or asking according to that will is a sure fire way to get our prayers answered with a yes every time. So what is God’s will and how can we know that we are asking according to it?

“If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” John 15:7

Jesus put it this way to his disciples, if you abide or live in my word, then you can ask what you will and it will be done. We can conclude that God’s word is His will.

Some of us have written our last will and testament. In it we convey our final thoughts and desires and it is must be followed precisely by the executor.  It’s the same for God. He has listed His will in His testaments.

When we pray what we see in God’s word and are living by the instructions in the Word, we can have “the confidence” that God will answer in a positive way.

No more wishy-washy wondering of “you just never know what God is going to do”. Yes, we do! He’s going to keep his word.  He sent Jesus to tell the world what He was going to do and He’s not keeping secrets from us today – all we have to do is open the Book and we can find His will written in His word.

“ Jesus says yes to all of God’s many promises. It is through Jesus that we say, “Let it be so,” when we give thanks to God.” II Corinthians 1:20 NLV

If God made a promise, He will keep it. He can’t lie.

Sometimes we don’t see the answer immediately and we begin to doubt that we’re “good” enough to get an answer from God. God’s never given us anything based on our own merit so we mustn’t fall into that trap.

If that were the case none of us would get born again because we certainly weren’t deserving of that. That kind of thinking comes from a sense of self-confidence or a lack of it. The confidence that we need comes from trust in God’s abilities not our own.

When we’re waiting to see God’s word come to pass and our prayers to be answered we need to follow the instruction of these verses:

“Do not throw away your trust (confidence), for your reward will be great. 36 You must be willing to wait without giving up. After you have done what God wants you to do, God will give you what He promised you. ” Hebrews 10:35-36 NLV

Let “THE CONFIDENCE” in God’s word rule!

 

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Paid It All

Keeping the focus on the absolute truth of God’s word again today.  

Here are a couple of verses that point out the absolute atonement that Jesus provided for our reconciliation with God.

“And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” I John 2:2

Propitiation is an old word that meanings atoning sacrifice. Jesus is THE atoning sacrifice for sin. He freely gave his life so that we could be brought into right relationship with the Father.

And He’s not just the propitiation for a few but He died for the sins of THE whole world. He has made provision for ALL. No one is excluded or left out.

But why?

“Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” I John 4:10

Jesus is THE propitiation – the atonement, the reconciliation, the reparation – for our sins. His death was more than enough to provide atonement for all that we have done.

“All have sinned and are not good enough to share God’s divine greatness. 24 They are made right with God by his grace. This is a free gift. They are made right with God by being made free from sin through Jesus Christ.” Romans 3:23-24 ERV

Have you ever looked through binoculars? You know that when you focus in one object the ones around it become blurred.  We need to do that with Christ.

The focus isn’t on us but on Christ and what He has done.

“Yes, God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him would not be lost but have eternal life.” John 3:16 ERV

Everyone – there is another absolute – no one is excluded. Everyone is offered the gift of eternal life because the price of sin has been paid in full!

 

 

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The Road Home

We travel a lot, not as much as we used to but we still find ourselves on the road several times a month.

When we lived in Montana home was at the end of one and a half miles of dirt road. Now that we are in Arizona home is about the same distance from the freeway exit.

Each time we turn off we say, “we’re almost home”. Even Glory, our Australian Shepherd, knows we’re home! What a wonderful place to be!

Today, I’d like to go back to the story of the prodigal son in Luke 15. It’s a marvelous example of a wonderful trip home! This story has such great meaning to me – I desire to emulate the “father” in the story in all I do.

He divided his worth between his two sons. One ran off immediately to spend it in an unwise way. There was no appreciation for his father’s hard work in acquiring so much, just reckless abandon in spending it. The other son really never recognized or appreciated the fact that he had been given such a valuable inheritance.

The younger son finally realized that he had spent everything and was at the end of his rope and went home a broken man, willing to do whatever (work as a slave) just to have enough to keep him out of the pig pen.

The father was moved with compassion, he never really gave the son an opportunity to tell him all the awful things he had done, how rough life had been or to beg with a remorseful soul. The father restored the son to right relationship, forgave him his trespass and from what we can tell never brought it up to him again.

“ The son got up and went to his father. While he was yet a long way off, his father saw him. The father was full of loving-pity for him. He ran and threw his arms around him and kissed him. ” Luke 15:20 NLV

The older brother became resentful. He felt the father should have considered all the younger brother’s awful behavior, “he should have to pay for his behavior” and then got angry because the father was throwing a party. Resentful that the father hadn’t given him a party…

I think the father was a bit bewildered by this. He told the older son, you could have had a party anytime you wanted. You were always here and I gave you your part in the inheritance – you could have done anything you wanted with it.

Now here’s the questions. Do you realize that your heavenly Father welcomes your return with a party? Do you realize that your older brother, Jesus, never acts like this brother? In fact, He’s in there helping with the party…

I think the lesson of this story is three fold – repent and return to the Father, the Father’s love is unconditional love and don’t be jealous like the older brother (act like the Father).

“His father replied, “My son, you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32 But we should be glad and celebrate! Your brother was dead, but he is now alive. He was lost and has now been found.” Luke 15:31-32 CEV

Who do  you identify with? Are you the son that has run from the father’s home to live life your own way? Are you the resentful older brother who feels the Father favors the younger son or are you like the loving Father who loves each of his children and desires to provide for them no matter the circumstance?

Jesus is never jealous that we share the Father’s love or the inheritance of blessings that He has given us.  He loves sharing it with us.

“ God’s Spirit makes us sure that we are his children. 17 His Spirit lets us know that together with Christ we will be given what God has promised. We will also share in the glory of Christ, because we have suffered with him.” Romans 8:16-17 CEV

There have been times in my life that I have been like all three of the characters in the story.  I have had my prodigal moments, distancing myself from the Father, doing things my own way, on my own terms.

I have also been jealous when I have seen the Lord blessing people who have been far from God and who I felt didn’t deserve to be blessed.

And as I have grown, I have had times when I have be so glad to see the prodigals come home. Helped with planning the party and loved them back into the family.

“The Father has loved us so much! This shows how much he loved us: We are called children of God. And we really are his children. But the people in the world don’t understand that we are God’s children, because they have not known him. 2 Dear friends, now we are children of God. We have not yet been shown what we will be in the future. But we know that when Christ comes again, we will be like him. We will see him just as he is.” I John 3:1-2 ERV

The Father is excited as He waits to greet those who are on the road home!

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Time to Suit Up

I don’t think I have done a teaching on the blog on the armor God provides for us. This morning, I want to remind us of how well protected we are!

In Ephesians 6, Paul tells us to put on the full armor of God. It’s important that we aren’t going out to battle in our own strength but that we stay in our place, “in Christ”, to stand against the enemy. Jesus completely defeated Satan and his demons with His death and resurrection. We are here as His ambassadors, the occupational forces, so to speak.

A man I know, as an 18 year old, was part of the occupational forces in Germany after WWII. Although young and inexperienced, with no power of his own, when dressed in the US Army uniform, he represented the USA and all that stood behind it. In that uniform, he commanded respect because of who he represented.

The same holds true with us – as Christians, we are to be Christ’s representatives and we have all the power of His resurrection and of our Father God backing us  while on this earth. We aren’t just saved and stuck – we are world overcomers in this life.

“We show our love for God by obeying his commandments, and they are not hard to follow. 4 Every child of God can defeat the world, and our faith is what gives us this victory. 5 No one can defeat the world without having faith in Jesus as the Son of God.” I John 5:3-5

So now let’s look at the armor that we’ve been given for this occupation.

“To end my letter I tell you, be strong in the Lord and in his great power. 11 Wear the full armor of God. Wear God’s armor so that you can fight against the devil’s clever tricks. 12 Our fight is not against people on earth. We are fighting against the rulers and authorities and the powers of this world’s darkness. We are fighting against the spiritual powers of evil in the heavenly places. 13 That is why you need to get God’s full armor. Then on the day of evil, you will be able to stand strong. And when you have finished the whole fight, you will still be standing.
14 So stand strong with the belt of truth tied around your waist, and on your chest wear the protection of right living. 15 On your feet wear the Good News of peace to help you stand strong. 16 And also use the shield of faith with which you can stop all the burning arrows that come from the Evil One. 17 Accept God’s salvation as your helmet. And take the sword of the Spirit—that sword is the teaching of God. 18 Pray in the Spirit at all times. Pray with all kinds of prayers, and ask for everything you need. To do this you must always be ready. Never give up. Always pray for all of God’s people.” Ephesians 6:10-18

Our strength comes from being in the Lord. We are to wear His armor and stand. And when it gets tough we keep STANDING! Our strength to stand comes from the word of God. Here’s a break down of the armor:

Belt of Truth: Jesus said to the Father. “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. John 17:17

Breastplate of Righteousness: Our righteousness comes through Christ. “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the of God in him.” II Corinthians 5:17

Shoes of the Gospel of Peace: The Gospel is the word of God and when we let it enter our lives, it brings peace. “But the word of the Lord endures for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.” I Peter 1:25

Shield of Faith: We can’t have faith without the Word. “ So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17

Helmet of Salvation: Salvation comes through the Word. “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,” Ephesians 1:13

Sword of the Spirit: It is the word of God. “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12

Prayer: Prayer is effective when we pray God’s word or His will over a situation. “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. 14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he hears us: 15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.” I John 5:13-15

So you see, if we don’t know God’s word we are really trying to stand on our own and not in His power, because all the armor has the Word of God as its foundational element. The Word is the “metal” that the armor is forged from.

When we are wearing the armor of God, we will be able to stand forever because Jesus said, “heaven and earth will pass away but my word will never pass away”.

Now, go out and occupy! Take your stand.

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God Knows Your Name & Your Need

I have a list with the names of family, friends and acquaintances in my prayer journal.

I began talking to the Lord about the different names on that list this morning. Some of you I know have personal needs and so I was praying about those. But then I came to some of your names and I didn’t know what particular need there is in your life.

As I was hesitating in what to pray I felt the Lord say “It’s ok. You know their names, I know their needs.”  I love that about God. He knows all about us.

“When you pray, do not say the same thing over and over again making long prayers like the people who do not know God. They think they are heard because their prayers are long. 8 Do not be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask Him. ” Matthew 6:7-8 NLV

Look at the Apostle Paul. In the letters that he wrote to the different churches he always let them know that he was praying for them.

“ I thank God every time I remember you.” Philippians 1:3

“ In our prayers we always thank God for you. He is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Colossians 1:3

As I said, sometimes we know how to pray for a specific need and other times we just need to let the Holy Spirit direct our prayers because we lack the understanding for what is needed.

“Also, the Spirit helps us. We are very weak, but the Spirit helps us with our weakness. We don’t know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit himself speaks to God for us. He begs God for us, speaking to him with feelings too deep for words. 27 God already knows our deepest thoughts. And he understands what the Spirit is saying, because the Spirit speaks for his people in the way that agrees with what God wants.” Romans 8:26-28 ERV

A couple weeks back I had sent a friend a text early in the morning to tell her that I was praying for her. She responded back and gave me some specific needs that were immediate.

We were in the truck and on our way to an area where there was no cell service. Her text was the last that came in for several hours. I was disappointed that I didn’t get a chance to tell her that I was now praying specifically for those needs.

The Lord reminded me that although I couldn’t communicate with her that I could certainly pray on her behalf and that He wasn’t limited by a weak cell signal. He was moving to meet her needs.

God is so good!

What a privilege it is to pray for others. What a joy it is to know that our God isn’t deaf but He hears and answers our prayers.

” I write this letter to you who believe in the Son of God. I write so that you will know that you have eternal life now. 14 We can come to God with no doubts. This means that when we ask God for things (and those things agree with what God wants for us), God cares about what we say. 15 He listens to us every time we ask him. So we know that he gives us whatever we ask from him.” I John 5:13-15 ERV

We have God’s word so we know what He wants for us and we can pray for those things to come about in our lives and the lives of our friends and family. We can even join in prayer for those we don’t know personally.  Again, all we may know is a name but God knows their need.

Jesus is our example for life. He took every spare moment to pray. The night he was arrested and taken to be crucified He was in the garden praying. He was praying for himself and his followers and he was praying for us too.

“I pray not only for these followers but also for those who will believe in me because of their teaching.” John 17:20 ERV

We are those who have believed because of the teaching of His disciples. Jesus prayed for us  and now that He is in heaven He continues to intercede on our behalf.

Prayer is conversation with the Father. When someone we know or love comes to mind let’s talk to the Father about them.

Remember, we know their name and He knows their need.

 

 

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Big Love

Woke up this morning with the old song, “Oh, how I love Jesus. Oh, how I love Jesus. Oh, how I love Jesus because He first loved me” running through my mind.

I accepted Christ as my Saviour when I was very young. I remember realizing my need for forgiveness, walking the aisle Sunday night at church and the sweet Christian lady who talked with me to make sure I understood salvation and then prayed with me. At that tender young age, I really didn’t have much sin to be forgiven but I did know that Christ had died for me and had forgiven me.

Now that I’m older, I’m amazed by God’s goodness, mercy and grace. His unconditional love paid the price of sin for everyone through Jesus’ sacrifice. Every sin ever committed from the beginning of time until this earth passes away were forgiven in that one act of sacrifice! God had not only forgiven the sins I had committed up to the day I asked Jesus to be my Saviour but He has forgiven every one of them since. Even if I had become some horrible, terrible sinner His forgiveness would have still been there for me.

“My children, I am writing this so that you won’t sin. But if you do sin, Jesus Christ always does the right thing, and he will speak to the Father for us. 2 Christ is the sacrifice that takes away our sins and the sins of all the world’s people.” I John 2:1-2

And whether my sins were great or small, it doesn’t matter – I still needed a Saviour. The Apostle James writes that “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” James 2:10

It’s a like a picture window; if you throw a rock through it, it’s broken; if you put a bee bee through it, it’s still broken. The size of the hole doesn’t matter, the glass is broken. So whether you’re Hitler or a small girl in Yuma, Az, sin is sin and it requires a Saviour. The same sacrifice was necessary for both of us.

God’s love is unconditional. It doesn’t matter if we are the most base sinner who ever lived or the most self-righteous. His love is the same. Each day I realize where I could have been without Jesus and I am so grateful and thankful that I am not without Him and that He chose me, He adopted me and made me a new creation.

I will close this glorious Sunday morning with an example from Jesus himself.

“A Pharisee invited Jesus to have dinner with him. So Jesus went to the Pharisee’s home and got ready to eat. 37 When a sinful woman in that town found out that Jesus was there, she bought an expensive bottle of perfume. 38 Then she came and stood behind Jesus. She cried and started washing his feet with her tears and drying them with her hair. The woman kissed his feet and poured the perfume on them.

39 The Pharisee who had invited Jesus saw this and said to himself, “If this man really were a prophet, he would know what kind of woman is touching him! He would know that she is a sinner.”

40 Jesus said to the Pharisee, “Simon, I have something to say to you.”

“Teacher, what is it?” Simon replied.

41 Jesus told him, “Two people were in debt to a moneylender. One of them owed him five hundred silver coins, and the other owed him fifty. 42 Since neither of them could pay him back, the moneylender said that they didn’t have to pay him anything. Which one of them will like him more?”

43 Simon answered, “I suppose it would be the one who had owed more and didn’t have to pay it back.”

“You are right,” Jesus said.

44 He turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Have you noticed this woman? When I came into your home, you didn’t give me any water so I could wash my feet. But she has washed my feet with her tears and dried them with her hair. 45 You didn’t greet me with a kiss, but from the time I came in, she has not stopped kissing my feet. 46 You didn’t even pour olive oil on my head, but she has poured expensive perfume on my feet. 47 So I tell you that all her sins are forgiven, and that is why she has shown great love. But anyone who has been forgiven for only a little will show only a little love.”

48 Then Jesus said to the woman, “Your sins are forgiven.”

49 Some other guests started saying to one another, “Who is this who dares to forgive sins?”

50 But Jesus told the woman, “Because of your faith, you are now saved.May God give you peace!” Luke 7:36-50

Oh how I love Jesus!

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Made Special

I know we all want to feel special. There is something about us that “entitles” us to the little extras. A bigger piece of pie, an extra scoop of ice cream, more money per hour at work, the bigger bouquet, the nicer car, the corner office and the list goes on.

However, I’ve never been the one to win the trophy buckle, to graduate valedictorian, be promoted to executive team or even win the state championship. But there is one thing I’ve done that puts me in the top group every time!

“Yes, God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone (whosoever) who believes in him would not be lost but have eternal life. ” John 3:15 ERV

Yes, I’m a member of the world – I’m an everyone! That makes me a recipient of the Father’s love and a participant in life eternal. I’m one of millions/billions of people who lived but I am one in a million in God’s eyes! He knows the number of hairs on my head, He knows when I fall and He knows my name.

“Training your body helps you in some ways. But devotion to God helps you in every way. It brings you blessings in this life and in the future life too. 9 Here is a true statement that should be accepted without question: 10 We hope in the living God, the Savior of all people. In particular, he is the Savior of all those who believe in him. This is why we work and struggle. 11 Command and teach these things.” I Timothy 4:8-11 CEV

Father God is the Savior of ALL but we have a part to play and that is we must BELIEVE in Him.

If I came to your house with a big box, wrapped in beautiful paper, tied up with a gorgeous ribbon and I had put your name on the box, would that present be yours? Well of course it would!

If you took that present and set it on the dining room table and looked at it, each day, admiring how pretty it was and how nice it was of me to bring it, would it benefit you? No, not really. It’s not until you open the gift, fully accept it, that it truly becomes yours and is a benefit to you.

Many people have seen the gift the Father brought them; the gift of forgiveness and restoration but for whatever reason have failed to open it and appropriate it for themselves.

“My dear children, I write this letter to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone sins, we have Jesus Christ to help us. He always did what was right, so he is able to defend us before God the Father. 2 Jesus is the way our sins are taken away. And he is the way all people can have their sins taken away too.” I John 2:1-2 CEV

“no matter if that person is a Jew or a Gentile. There is only one Lord, and he is generous to everyone who asks for his help. 13 All who call out to the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:12-13 CEV

So you see if you are a whosoever, an everyone, an “all people”, the gift is yours! Accept it and take advantage of what is being given – it definitely makes you a winner!

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