Category: Forgiveness

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Good Friday – Great Day

I’ve been thinking about the significance of this day and my walk with the Lord. Evaluating where I’ve come from and how much farther I still have to go. A Bible teacher I know puts it this way, “I haven’t arrived yet but I’ve left”. He means that he has started on this journey called the Christian life but he hasn’t arrived at full maturity – that’s how I feel.

In fact I was talking about that very thing with my Mom just last night. I told her that I pray that we all change. She gave me a puzzled look and asked, “you think I need to change?”. I think we all need to change, to grow, to continue to mature in our walk with the Lord. None of us is perfect or will be until we get to heaven. That’s the beauty of our walk with Christ; we are all being changed as we allow the Lord to work in us.

I accepted Christ as my Savior when I was a little girl. I grew up loving the Lord but had little or no victory in my life. Seems the favorite saying of the people in our church was “when we get to heaven all of life’s trials and struggles with be worth it”. That is true but…I was tired of getting my teeth kicked in by those trials. There had to be more to my Christian life than I was experiencing! There had to be.

Let’s take a look at the life of Peter. His life was a wonderful example of how mine had been. He was tempestuous, quick to react (right or wrong), wanting to do big things and failing. He walked on the water and sank; he would minister to the sick and then be stopped by a boy’s seizure; he was ready to take on the whole Roman guard to protect Jesus and then denied knowing Him to a servant girl!

Good Friday was not a great day for Peter. He denied knowing his dearest friend, the man he called Lord.

He was up and down, up and down and no real victory UNTIL the day of Pentecost when he was filled with the power of the Holy Spirit. After that day, Peter became faith-filled and fearless. He never looked back and he faced every day with the resolve that he would be a witness of the power of God and nothing would stop him from proclaiming the mighty name of Jesus. Beaten over and over, imprisoned, and persecuted he continued moving forward from one victory to the next.

When I saw this miraculous change in Peter, I said “Lord, this is what I want in my life. I want to live in your power and not my own; I want to be a victorious Christian and not one who is plagued with defeat. I want my life to reflect You and not be overcome by the circumstances.” Thank you Jesus – he heard and answered that prayer. I, like millions of other Christians, received the baptism of the Holy Spirit and became filled with God’s power. That was over thirty-five years ago!

Do I still have struggles – you bet. Do I always handle things right – not always. Do I face discouragement – some days it’s a constant battle. Am I victorious – ABSOLUTELY! Jesus said I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me – He’s my strength, He’s the one who carries me when I feel weak and He’s the reason I will live and declare the works of the Lord.

I don’t read God’s Word and serve Him because it’s the right thing to do. I don’t live my life trying to please Him and get His love; I serve Him and follow His word because He loves me so much that it’s almost unfathomable. My faith is in God and Him alone. In His Word I find victory to overcome the world. Following God’s word isn’t so hard when we realize that He is the One with all the answers. We place our faith in Him and He always brings victory!

“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 ERV

Good Friday – Peter came to the end of himself when he denied the Lord but just a few days later he met the Savior and received complete forgiveness. Jesus has made the same offer to us – come to the end of yourself, accept My forgiveness and walk in My victory!

The actions of Good Friday open the door to a Great New Day!

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The Lamb and The Shepherd

As we enter Easter week so many are focused on the crisis we are going through. That was true in Jesus day as well. He was focused on the events of His week. He came to earth to be our sacrificial lamb. We have His promise of forgiveness and a life-long relationship with our heavenly Father; we must keep our focus on that.

“We must never stop looking to Jesus. He is the leader of our faith, and he is the one who makes our faith complete. He suffered death on a cross. But he accepted the shame of the cross as if it were nothing because of the joy he could see waiting for him. And now he is sitting at the right side of God’s throne. 3 Think about Jesus. He patiently endured the angry insults that sinful people were shouting at him. Think about him so that you won’t get discouraged and stop trying.” Hebrews 12:2-3 ERV

I saw a post on a friend’s FB page “Easter isn’t about the bunny; it’s about the Lamb”! Jesus is called the Lamb of God. He came to be the sinless sacrifice; the atonement for our sins.

“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God. He takes away the sins of the world!” John 1:29 ERV

The Lamb of God is also our Good Shepherd. As the Son of God, He recognized that we are vulnerable as lambs and can easily be led astray. He promised to be our Good Shepherd, our protector and provider.

“A thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy. But I came to give life—life that is full and good. 11 “I am the good shepherd, and the good shepherd gives his life for the sheep.” John 10:11 ERV

Jesus used this analogy to make his ministry and purpose easy to understand. Raising sheep was a common profession in that day, Jesus used something they were familiar with to teach his lesson. At night the sheep were kept in a gated pen for their protection and early each morning the shepherd would come and lead the sheep out to pasture. The sheep had become accustom to the shepherd’s voice and so when he called, they would follow. They wouldn’t follow someone who would sneak in and try lead them astray.

Jesus was telling them, and us, if they spent time with Him, listening to His word and getting to know Him, they would follow Him and keep His commandments. He would lead them “in green pastures” (Psalm 23).

As I mentioned in a previous blog, Jesus’ mission statement, His purpose, is to give us life and life more abundantly. He warns us that there is a thief who wants to kill, steal and destroy – that’s the devil. Everything that falls in one of those categories – stealing, killing and destroying – doesn’t come from God.

Those things that bring life, abundance and fullness to life comes from God. “Every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father who created all the lights in the heavens. He is always the same and never makes dark shadows by changing.” James 1:17 ERV

Our Good Shepherd gave His life for us. Let’s keep our focus on Him, following Him and living the life He has provided for us.

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Palm Branches Waving

The commemoration of Easter week is ahead of us. I’ve seen a post several times on Facebook of how we can celebrate what Christ did for us and not break our social distancing or self-isolation. Here it is:

“I’ve been thinking about this virus and the upcoming Easter season. What if we, as Christians, were to take red ribbons and pin or tape them to our door posts?…The bows would show this world and Satan that OUR GOD is still able to deliver HIS people from any and everything that tries to put us in bondage. We are HIS children. We are HIS favorites. We are HIS property, and HE loves us as no one else can. Let us show the world that we believe HIS word, and we are HIS. Cover those door posts, and stand on HIS promise of protection for HIS people. Passover starts April 8th -16th. Let’s get the word out!”

I have placed a red bow at my front door. Is anyone going to see it to ask me about it, possibly not? But I see it every time I come in and go out and it reminds me that the Lord has spared my life by taking my sin to His cross.

Today is Palm Sunday.

People came to Jerusalem this week to celebrate Passover and offer their sacrifices. What started on Palm Sunday ended with an empty tomb one week later.

“The next day a large crowd was in Jerusalem for Passover. When they heard that Jesus was coming for the festival, 13 they took palm branches and went out to greet him. They shouted, ‘Hooray God bless the one who comes in the name of the Lord! God bless the King  of Israel!’ 14 Jesus found a donkey and rode on it, just as the Scriptures say, 15 ‘People of Jerusalem, don’t be afraid! Your King is now coming, and he is riding on a donkey.’ 16 At first, Jesus’ disciples did not understand. But after he had been given his glory, they remembered all this. Everything had happened exactly as the Scriptures said it would.” John 12:12-16 CEV

These people were jubilant! They were so excited to see Jesus so they came running to the street with palm branches waving and voices cheering. There was something about Jesus and his compassionate ways that resounded with the common man. Everyone wanted to be close to Him, to hear His words and experience the miracles.

Just a short time before this Jesus had given His “mission statement” to a group who were following Him and listening to His teaching. Jesus declared that he would watch over us the way a shepherd does his sheep. A good shepherd fights off the predators and takes the sheep to good pasture.

“I am the gate. All who come in through me will be saved. Through me they will come and go and find pasture. 10 A thief comes only to rob, kill, and destroy. I came so that everyone would have life, and have it in its fullest. 11 I am the good shepherd, and the good shepherd gives up his life for his sheep.” John 10:9-11 CEV

Provision and Protection. A full and abundant life.

That’s why people were cheering in the streets! Never, in their lifetime, had anyone been willing to make such claims and to demonstrate such love and commitment. His mission hasn’t changed – He is the same yesterday, today and forever.

He is our protector, our provider, our Savior. He is worthy of our honor and praise. Join with me and let’s lift our voices to say thank you and to express our love for the One who gave His all.

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Finding Love in Silence

A cool morning, a warm cup of coffee, a cozy blanket and quiet! Truly an enjoyable way to start the day!

Alone with just the thoughts of my heart and there is peace! I didn’t always enjoy being alone with just my thoughts. My heart would become anxious; I would turn on the tv or the radio – anything to block out the silence, anything not to focus on the unrest and the distress I felt churning inside.

Maybe you’re like that. You don’t want to get up and be “alone” with your thoughts or with the Father. You want to get up and get going right away to keep yourself from pausing in the quiet of the morning.

King David wrote in the Psalms to “be still and KNOW that I AM God”. To know means to be intimately acquainted with, a deep personal knowledge or understanding.

“God is our protection and source of strength. He is always ready to help us in times of trouble. 2 So we are not afraid when the earth quakes and the mountains fall into the sea. 3 We are not afraid when the seas become rough and dark and the mountains tremble. Selah…10 God says, “Stop fighting (be still) and know that I am God! I am the one who defeats the nations; I am the one who controls the world.” 11 The Lord All-Powerful is with us. The God of Jacob is our place of safety. Selah” Psalm 46 ERV

This verse says to stop fighting where another translation of the same verse says be still. The psalm ends with the word Selah, which means to pause, reflect, take time to let what you just heard sink in.

I used to hate being alone with my thoughts. They told me I was unworthy, I was alone, I wouldn’t amount to anything. My thoughts pointed out all my failures and my shortcomings. I never measured up so why did I want a quiet time to reflect on all that was wrong with me?

However, when I began reading God’s word and taking time to sit silently and let it sink in, I found God’s love and peace.

“With Jesus as our high priest, we can feel free to come before God’s throne where there is grace. There we receive mercy and kindness to help us when we need it.” Hebrews 4:16 ERV

When I come to His throne, in the quiet of the morning, I find grace, mercy, kindness and help. I find Jesus! I’ve had folks ask me why I get up so early – it’s not a chore, I’ve been doing it for years. It’s my place of peace and strength. I can’t imagine starting a day without this time.

In the silence I know that God is with me and He surrounds me with His love!

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Love Doesn’t Keep Track

Have you ever had one of those people in your life that think it’s their job to point out all the things you’ve done wrong or if it isn’t wrong they tell you how you could have done it better? They just have a way of letting the wind out of our sails, don’t they?

They not only have endless “good advice” but they are generally the people that have very long memories and often remind us of past failures and embarrassing moments.

Our God doesn’t do that!

“Love does not give up. Love is kind. Love is not jealous. Love does not put itself up as being important. Love has no pride. 5 Love does not do the wrong thing. Love never thinks of itself. Love does not get angry. Love does not remember the suffering that comes from being hurt by someone. 6 Love is not happy with sin. Love is happy with the truth. 7 Love takes everything that comes without giving up. Love believes all things. Love hopes for all things. Love keeps on in all things. 8 Love never comes to an end. ” I Corinthians 13:4-8a NLV

Our God, our loving heavenly Father, looks past our faults and sees our need. Our need for redemption, our need for renewal, our need for hope, our need for mercy, our need for victory, our need for love and He meets those needs, physical, spiritual and emotional. His grace, marvelous grace, placed us in right standing with Him and in Him our needs are met.

“You have accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord. Now keep on following him. 7 Plant your roots in Christ and let him be the foundation for your life. Be strong in your faith, just as you were taught. And be grateful…9 God lives fully in Christ. 10 And you are fully grown because you belong to Christ, who is over every power and authority. 13 You were dead, because you were sinful and were not God’s people. But God let Christ make you alive, when he forgave all our sins.14 God wiped out the charges that were against us for disobeying the Law of Moses. He took them away and nailed them to the cross.” Colossians 2:6-14 CEV

Have you ever been to the beach and written something in the sand? How long does that message last? It only lasts until the next wave comes in and washes it away. I imagine God’s love and forgiveness to be like that wave – He wipes out our sins and He doesn’t keep track of our failings.

Thank you Father for giving me new life in Christ. Thank you for not keeping track. Help me to be more like you and love without limit.

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Built on Love

Years ago Dave and I had the privilege to share God’s love with the working cowboys of Arizona, Nevada and even into California. Cowboys would gather, sometimes for just a Friday night or a Sunday and other times for a long weekend at what we called Cowboy Campmeetings.

I miss those days. The time with friends, the great Country Gospel music, testimonies of what God was doing on the ranches and in the hearts of the cowboys and the Word. The teaching of the Word was so rich; lives were changed. Folks were saved, baptized and freed from past sin and guilt.

We made dear and life time friends. But the thing that touched me most was the sincerity and simplicity of the faith of those who were there. There was no pretense, no hypocrisy. It was just genuine love for the Lord. Yes, I miss those days.

Wonderful times!

A song we use to sing in Cowboy Church was “I keep falling in love with Him over and over and over and over again. He gets sweeter and sweeter as the days so by – oh, what a love between my Lord and I; I keep falling in love with Him over and over and over and over again.”

This was and is still my daily ambition. Falling in love with Him and getting to know the depth of His love for me. That’s what the Apostle Paul prayed for the Christians who lived at Ephesus nearly 2000 years ago. It is my prayer for us today.

“I ask the Father with his great glory to give you the power to be strong in your spirits. He will give you that strength through his Spirit. 17 I pray that Christ will live in your hearts because of your faith. I pray that your life will be strong in love and be built on love. 18 And I pray that you and all God’s holy people will have the power to understand the greatness of Christ’s love—how wide, how long, how high, and how deep that love is. 19 Christ’s love is greater than anyone can ever know, but I pray that you will be able to know that love. Then you can be filled with everything God has for you.

20 With God’s power working in us, he can do much, much more than anything we can ask or think of. 21 To him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus for all time, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:16-21 ERV

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Coat of Many Colors

One of my favorite Old Testament characters is Joseph. There is so much that we can learn from him.

It seems life dealt him an unfair fate. He had ten older brothers but he was his father’s favorite and he knew it. There was definitely some sibling rivalry going on in this family. Joseph told his brothers and his father that he had dreamed they would all bow down to him one day.

Joseph’s brothers were so angry with him that they were tempted to kill him. Cooler heads prevailed and they sold him to slave traders. He was transported to Egypt. His brothers concocted a story of finding Joseph’s coat covered in blood and they told their father they believed he had been killed by wild animals.

Joseph was bought by the official in charge of the palace guard and served him well. Everything Joseph did had a sense of excellence. His master’s wife was a flirtatious woman and she tried continually to get Joseph to go to bed with her. He refused. Frustrated by his constant refusal, she accused Joseph of rape and he was thrown into prison.

Once again, Joseph excelled in his duties and became the servant of the captain of the guard. He was imprisoned for twelve years before he was brought before Pharaoh. Pharaoh recognized that God’s hand was on Joseph and that he was a man filled with wisdom. Pharaoh appointed Joseph to the highest position in Egypt, no one except the Pharaoh had more authority.

Never once do we read of Joseph complaining about the fate that had befallen him. Not once is it recorded that he spoke evil of his brothers. Repeatedly we read that Joseph served God, God blessed him and he was faithful to God.

A famine came to the entire region. Because of Joseph’s wise counsel Egypt had stored grain and had surplus to sell to its people. This is where we encounter Joseph’s brothers again. They came to Egypt to buy grain for their family.

The brothers didn’t recognize Joseph when they came to buy grain. Through a series of circumstances the brothers came before Joseph several more times before Joseph revealed his true identity. Now the brothers were scared; they were frightened Joseph would retaliate by taking their lives or imprisoning them. Look at Joseph’s reaction:

“Joseph could stand it no longer. There were many people in the room, and he said to his attendants, “Out, all of you!” So he was alone with his brothers when he told them who he was. 2 Then he broke down and wept. He wept so loudly the Egyptians could hear him, and word of it quickly carried to Pharaoh’s palace.

3 “I am Joseph!” he said to his brothers. “Is my father still alive?” But his brothers were speechless! They were stunned to realize that Joseph was standing there in front of them. 4 “Please, come closer,” he said to them. So they came closer. And he said again, “I am Joseph, your brother, whom you sold into slavery in Egypt. 5 But don’t be upset, and don’t be angry with yourselves for selling me to this place. It was God who sent me here ahead of you to preserve your lives. 6 This famine that has ravaged the land for two years will last five more years, and there will be neither plowing nor harvesting. 7 God has sent me ahead of you to keep you and your families alive and to preserve many survivors. 8 So it was God who sent me here, not you! And he is the one who made me an adviser to Pharaoh—the manager of his entire palace and the governor of all Egypt.” Genesis 45:1-8 NLT

Joseph treated his brothers with loving kindness. His focus was to provide for the well being of those who hated him and had lied about him. He didn’t hold the hurt that such a betrayal would foster. Joseph used each situation to honor God. (I encourage you to read Joseph’s life story in Genesis from chapters 37-50.)

Everyone of us have probably experienced some sort of betrayal from loved ones, maybe not as severe as what Joseph did but betrayal all the same. We can spend our days looking back in bitterness or looking up with gratitude for God’s provision.

“I am overwhelmed with joy in the Lord my God! For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness. I am like a bridegroom dressed for his wedding or a bride with her jewels.” Isaiah 61:10 NLT

Joseph’s coat of many colors was a sign of his father’s love. We have been given a robe of righteousness; it too is a sign of our Father’s love. Let’s be like Joseph.

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He’s Not Mad

As the year comes to a close many become introspective; examining their lives over the past year. They also become determined to make changes; to improve themselves in the coming year. Part of the self-examination is letting go of bitterness and also making amends with those who have been hurt.

Religion, man’s idea of how God is, tries to tell us that we have failed God and that He is angry with us. Maybe you’ve grown up with that concept of God, maybe you think there is nothing you can do to please Him so why try.

The angels message on the night when Jesus was born is this, “Peace on earth, goodwill toward men.” Jesus came to show us how greatly God loves us. His whole life was spent doing good and displaying the compassion and unconditional love of the Father.

Jesus ended the war between God and man. God judged our sin by placing it on Jesus and He paid the price. He was convicted, found guilty and punished with death for crimes (Sin) He didn’t do. Our spiritual indebtedness was Paid in Full.

“But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t, the Advocate won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you. 8 And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment. 9 The world’s sin is that it refuses to believe in me. 10 Righteousness is available because I go to the Father, and you will see me no more. 11 Judgment will come because the ruler of this world has already been judged.” John 16:7-11 NLT

The Holy Spirit corrects people who don’t believe that Jesus was and is God’s Son and He is the sacrifice for our sins. He shows us that we are made righteous (in right standing) through relationship with Christ and that God’s judgment belongs to satan and those that follow him.

“Anyone who belongs to Christ is a new person. The past is forgotten, and everything is new. 18 God has done it all! He sent Christ to make peace between himself and us, and he has given us the work of making peace between himself and others.” II Corinthians 5:17-18 CEV

New Year’s Eve is one of the prime times that people are plagued with depression and loneliness. It is our job to tell them that God has made a way of “peace” for them through Christ. The good news that was proclaimed in the angels’ message is still true. Peace on earth, good will to me.

I am doing my job of bringing this good news to you. I hope you will share it too.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. 12 In those days when you pray, I will listen. 13 If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.” Jeremiah 29:11-13 NLT

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We All Need A Good Umpire

I can hear you asking, “what’s an umpire got to do with Christmas?”. It isn’t even baseball season. The rush of the holidays may have you feeling exhausted and/or disappointed. I read several posts on twitter where this was being discussed. One husband said he went into the kitchen, took a look around and told his wife “we’ll just sell the house, come sit down”. I chuckled at that but it’s a very real reaction after days of having company, preparing meals and all the baking that goes into the holiday festivities.

So, why an umpire? Scripture tells us that peace should rule in our hearts like an umpire. The word “rule” used in Colossians means to act as an umpire. I don’t know a lot about sports but I know the duties of an umpire in baseball – he calls balls and strikes, he says who’s safe and who’s out.

“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” Colossians 3:15 Amplified

Peace will do that for us. It will call “out” those bad attitudes and unwanted stress factors as they run across our home plate. The book of Colossians identifies the things that try to “steal home”; things like unforgiveness, lack of understanding, impatience and anger.

“God has chosen you and made you his holy people. He loves you. So your new life should be like this: Show mercy to others. Be kind, humble, gentle, and patient. 13 Don’t be angry with each other, but forgive each other. If you feel someone has wronged you, forgive them. Forgive others because the Lord forgave you. 14 Together with these things, the most important part of your new life is to love each other. Love is what holds everything together in perfect unity. 15 Let the peace that Christ gives control your thinking. It is for peace that you were chosen to be together in one body. And always be thankful…17 Everything you say and everything you do should be done for Jesus your Lord. And in all you do, give thanks to God the Father through Jesus.” Colossians 3:12-17 ERV

When we let peace control our thinking it will lead us to be thankful, kind, humble, gentle, patient and forgiving. It will fill us with joy and we will be able to carry the love of this Christmas season in our hearts.

What a great way to end the Christmas season and to start the New Year!

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A Full Heart

Yesterday was so nice. A day to be surrounded by family and those who weren’t here in person were in my heart and in phone conversations and text messages. Teaching the littlest grandchildren the reason we celebrate – it’s Jesus’ birthday!

My cup runneth over…God has been so good to me. He saw me for who I was and He loved me in spite of my shortcomings and my faults. He sees me now through His eyes of grace and His desire is for my good.

He has placed all I need before me and He has promised to go with me on this journey. He will provide – He won’t abandon me. His desire is for me to become all that He has designed me to be.

“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

That which runs over isn’t wasted because God isn’t wasteful. The overflow is for sharing with others. What do you have to give? Encouragement? Joy? Love? Forgiveness? Understanding? Peace?

“Jesus said: Don’t judge others, and God won’t judge you. Don’t be hard on others, and God won’t be hard on you. Forgive others, and God will forgive you. 38 If you give to others, you will be given a full amount in return. It will be packed down, shaken together, and spilling over into your lap. The way you treat others is the way you will be treated.” Luke 6:37-38 CEV

If you wonder what packed down, shaken together and spilling over looks like I’d like to paint you a word picture. Yesterday our son-in-law was in charge of collecting the Christmas wrapping in a trash bag. At first, the pieces of paper were just tossed in, no problem. But as more gifts were unwrapped he started pushing the paper down to compress the contents of the bag. Finally, the bag was full and running over. No more room!

When we think we can’t contain anymore of God’s goodness, love and forgiveness, press it down and He will add more. He will add so much more that understanding, forgiveness and love will spill over into the lives of others.

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