Category: Salvation

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Grateful for Unconditional Love

Unconditional love and loving-kindness walk hand in hand.

We saw over the last week that the loving-kindness of God is His love in action. His protection, provision, peace and forgiveness. Forgiveness is certainly paramount in my life and thoughts.

For years, I felt I had to earn God’s love. I needed to be reading my Bible every day, praying according to some set standard, going to church by man’s standard, doing as many good works as possible and giving, not only finances but my time, according to a standard.

I couldn’t! I didn’t measure up to the standard of a good Christian.

“My dear children, I am writing this to you so you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, there is One Who will go between him and the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the One Who is right with God. 2 He paid for our sins with His own blood. He did not pay for ours only, but for the sins of the whole world.” I John 2:1-2 NLV

My sins – past, present and future – were paid for by Christ. We were on His heart before He went to the cross and willingly gave His life. We were forefront in His thoughts. He died for us. He wanted us to have an unbroken relationship with His Father.

“I do not pray for these followers only. I pray for those who will put their trust in Me through the teaching they have heard. 21 May they all be as one, Father, as You are in Me and I am in You. May they belong to Us. Then the world will believe that You sent Me. 22 I gave them the honor You gave Me that they may be one as We are One. 23 I am in them and You are in Me so they may be one and be made perfect. Then the world may know that You sent Me and that You love them as You love Me.” John 17:20-23 NLV

This was just part of the prayer Jesus prayed on the night He was arrested and taken to trial. His thoughts weren’t on the persecution He was about to face, He was thinking of us!

“The Lord says, ‘I love you people with a love that continues forever. That is why I have continued showing you kindness.'” Jeremiah 31:3 ERV

Forever!

“We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are. 23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. 24 Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins.” Romans 3:22-24 NLT

I want to spend my time walking and talking with Him each day. My Father loves me. All those things I said I felt I had to do to earn and deserve God’s love, I now do because of my love and gratitude for His unconditional love!

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Consider the Cost

What does counting the cost have to do with Thanksgiving?

Many of us are counting the cost these days. The cost of fuel at the gas station, the price of groceries keeps going higher and now we are looking forward to Christmas and the presents we would like to buy for family and friends.

If you’re on a budget all of this brings up the thoughts of cost cutting. But once again, how does this tie into having a thankful heart?

I was reminded of not counting the cost the other day when I came home and heard a song on Pandora.

“Here I am to worship,

Here I am to bow down,

Here I am to say that you’re my God,

You’re altogether lovely,

Altogether worthy,

Altogether wonderful to me.

I’ll never know how much it cost to see my sin upon that cross.

I’ll never know how much it cost to see my sin upon that cross.

And I’ll never know how much it cost to see my sin upon that cross.

No I’ll never know how much it cost to see my sin upon that cross.” By Chris Tomlin

“I’ll never know how much it cost”…stop and think about that!

How much did it cost Jesus to bear our sin? It cost Him relationship with His Father. It cost Him His home in heaven, His reputation. He was hated by men and hated by the realm of Satan and his demons and they spent time trying to destroy Him. He was misunderstood by His friends and family. It cost Him His physical life, which He laid down willingly, but only for three days and then He rose again!

Aren’t we glad that Jesus didn’t look for cost saving measures when it came to our salvation. No second-rate sacrifice, only the most costly would do. To Jesus, we were worth it!

“He was hated and rejected; his life was filled with sorrow and terrible suffering. No one wanted to look at him. We despised him and said, ‘He is a nobody!’ 4 He suffered and endured great pain for us, but we thought his suffering was punishment from God. 5 He was wounded and crushed because of our sins; by taking our punishment, he made us completely well…

8 He was condemned to death without a fair trial. Who could have imagined what would happen to him? His life was taken away because of the sinful things my people had done. 9 He wasn’t dishonest or violent, but he was buried in a tomb of cruel and rich people. 10 The LORD decided his servant would suffer as a sacrifice to take away the sin and guilt of others. Now the servant will live to see his own descendants. He did everything the LORD had planned. 11 By suffering, the servant will learn the true meaning of obeying the LORD.

Although he is innocent, he will take the punishment for the sins of others, so that many of them will no longer be guilty. 12 The LORD will reward him with honor and power for sacrificing his life. Others thought he was a sinner, but he suffered for our sins and asked God to forgive us.” Isaiah 53:3-12 CEV

This is loving kindness. This is how valuable Jesus thinks we are. Thank you Jesus for going through all of this just for me!

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Lost & Alone

This morning my thoughts went back to the sheep we learned from a few days ago.

The nighttime temperatures have dropped in the desert. This morning, although I had the window open all night, I needed to close it. When I first got up it was 52* and now it’s down to 47*. Not freezing but chilly. Then I heard the coyotes; they are on the prowl, seeking an unsuspecting prey.

That little sheep that was lagging behind can be easily separated from the flock and the Shepherd. It becomes vulnerable to the elements, the darkness and to predators.

“Give all your worries to him, because he cares for you. 8 Control yourselves and be careful! The devil is your enemy, and he goes around like a roaring lion (or a coyote) looking for someone to attack and eat. 9 Refuse to follow the devil. Stand strong in your faith. You know that your brothers and sisters all over the world are having the same sufferings that you have.” I Peter 5:7-9 ERV

Worry will sidetrack us, it causes us to lag behind and become separated. It leaves us searching, trying to be self-sufficient and we lose sight of the Shepherd. Then like a coyote or a wolf the devil, our enemy, comes in for the kill.

He’s a faith killer.

Remember what he said to Eve in the garden, “The snake spoke to the woman and said, “Woman, did God really tell you that you must not eat from any tree in the garden?” Genesis 3:1 ERV

He asks questions like did God really promise to never abandon you, did He really tell you not to worry, does His word really say He will protect and provide for you. He is the great deceiver, and he will bring doubt wherever he can.

Enter the good Shepherd.

“If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he will joyfully carry it home on his shoulders. 6 When he arrives, he will call together his friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’ 7 In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!” Luke 15:4-7 NLT

Jesus is in the seeking and saving business. He leaves the 99 safely in the sheep fold and goes searching for the lost.

For those who feel lost and alone, cry out – the Shepherd is there, He will save you!

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Smile Big!

This is a teaching I have used before but it’s an analogy I like. Just something to remember.

We see a lot of pumpkins around that still have their yucky parts, we are all in a process of cleaning!

“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.

19 What we mean is that God was in Christ, offering peace and forgiveness to the people of this world. And he has given us the work of sharing his message about peace. 20 We were sent to speak for Christ, and God is begging you to listen to our message. We speak for Christ and sincerely ask you to make peace with God.” II Corinthians 5:17-20 CEV

Being a Christian is like being a pumpkin. God picks you from the patch and washes all the dirt off of you. He cuts off the top and scoops out all the yucky stuff. He removes the seeds of doubt, hate and greed. He carves you a new smiling face and puts His light inside of you to shine for all the world to see.

We, all too often, look at ourselves and others and become critical. We aren’t what we want to be or should be. But when the Father looks at us, He sees us complete in Christ.

“I say this because all of God lives in Christ fully, even in his life on earth. 10 And because you belong to Christ you are complete, having everything you need. Christ is ruler over every other power and authority.” Colossians 2:9-10 ERV

Jesus didn’t give up on Peter who denied Him or Paul who killed Christians. He loved Zacchaeus and the woman who committed adultery. The thief on the cross next to Him went to Paradise without having ever been to church, been baptized or having given anything in the offering plate. Why? Each of them received God’s forgiveness for their sins.

When we accept the work of Jesus on the cross, we are forgiven and given a new life. We are all in a process of growing in that new life and we are being transformed, its a daily renewal.

So too all my fellow pumpkins, welcome! Smile big and let the light of God shine brightly.

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You Are Loved

This morning I have spent some time looking at pictures from four years ago. You see, this is a very special day, it’s our youngest granddaughter’s birthday. This afternoon, all three of our youngest grandkids will be coming for a sleepover. I love being a Bestamor.

I don’t imagine that God has photo albums; He doesn’t need them. We are always present in His thinking. From the day we accept Christ as our Saviour and become a part of His family He takes special interest in us, He even knows the number of hairs on our head.

“What is the price of five sparrows—two copper coins? Yet God does not forget a single one of them. 7 And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.

8 “I tell you the truth, everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, the Son of Man will also acknowledge in the presence of God’s angels.” Luke 12:6-8 NLT

Even before we accepted Christ He loved us.

“When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. 7 Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. 8 But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” Romans 5:6-8 NLT

Do you see that? Willing to die. There’s a common expression, “that’s to die for”. It’s used to describe excitement over a new car, a good meal, a vacation – but when God used that expression, He was talking about us.

We are that precious and valuable to Him.

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 NLT

As a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother I feel I have a big capacity to love but as much as I love it isn’t even close to the depth of the love God has for us.

“And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. 19 May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.” Ephesians 3:18-19 NLT

May your day be filled with the thought of this very thing, you are loved so deeply that you were “to die for”.

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Listen & Learn

“Come to me with your ears wide open. Listen, and you will find life. I will make an everlasting covenant with you. I will give you all the unfailing love I promised to David.
4 See how I used him to display my power among the peoples. I made him a leader among the nations. 5 You also will command nations you do not know, and peoples unknown to you will come running to obey, because I, the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, have made you glorious.” Isaiah 55:3-5 NLT

Ears wide open. Years ago, we heard a preacher use the phrase “Got your catchers on?”. He was talking about the two appendages we have on either side of our head. We actually used this same phrase when we were about to tell our kids something important.

So, get your catchers on.

Yesterday I shared a verse with you that was life changing to me. I had grown up knowing that the Jewish people were God’s chosen. The Lord did so many miracles for them; they were given so many promises. And then one day as I was reading, I saw these verses:

“I ask you again, does God give you the Holy Spirit and work miracles among you because you obey the law? Of course not! It is because you believe the message you heard about Christ.

6 In the same way, ‘Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.’ 7 The real children of Abraham, then, are those who put their faith in God.

8 What’s more, the Scriptures looked forward to this time when God would make the Gentiles right in his sight because of their faith. God proclaimed this good news to Abraham long ago when he said, ‘All nations will be blessed through you.’ 9 So all who put their faith in Christ share the same blessing Abraham received because of his faith…13 But Christ has rescued us from the curse pronounced by the law. When he was hung on the cross, he took upon himself the curse for our wrongdoing. For it is written in the Scriptures, ‘Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.‘  14 Through Christ Jesus, God has blessed the Gentiles with the same blessing he promised to Abraham, so that we who are believers might receive the promised Holy Spirit through faith.” Galatians 3:5-14 NLT

(at this point let me say, If you haven’t read the book of Galatians, especially chapter 3, this would be an excellent time to read it)

Because of Christ’s death on the cross, we who are Gentiles (not Jews) have come to receive the blessings and promises that God made to them. Amazing!

Why?

“Today the Lord will conquer you, and I will kill you and cut off your head. And then I will give the dead bodies of your men to the birds and wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel! 47 And everyone assembled here will know that the Lord rescues his people, but not with sword and spear. This is the Lord’s battle, and he will give you to us!” I Samuel 17:46-47 NLT

“The king was overjoyed and ordered that Daniel be lifted from the den. Not a scratch was found on him, for he had trusted in his God…26 ‘I decree that everyone throughout my kingdom should tremble with fear before the God of Daniel. For he is the living God, and he will endure forever. His kingdom will never be destroyed, and his rule will never end. 27 He rescues and saves his people; he performs miraculous signs and wonders in the heavens and on earth. He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions.” Daniel 6:23,26-27 NLT

The show of power and strength that David displayed against Goliath was for one purpose – “the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel!” The deliverance of Daniel in the den of lions was a testimony that “He rescues and saves his people”.

Isaiah said God wants to use us to display His love to the people of the world. It’s a promise.

Hear what God is saying. Do you have your catchers on?

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Washed Away

For the last several days Dave and I have sat and watched the waves of the Aegean Sea come rolling in. There’s been a sea wind they call “Meltemi” and it has kept the otherwise calm sea, breaking its waves over the rock jetty with some considerable strength.

Boats have stayed safely moored in the small harbor.

As we were sitting in a local taverna yesterday we were directly at the waters edge. I watched each wave and enjoyed the sea spray on a warm afternoon.

Later last night I began to think about the waves and how they wash the rocks as they roll in and recede.

Washed. Washed clean.

Kind of like what the Lord does in our lives.

“God our Savior showed us how good and kind he is. 5 He saved us because of his mercy,
and not because of any good things we have done. God washed us by the power of the Holy Spirit. He gave us new birth and a fresh beginning. 6 God sent Jesus Christ our Savior to give us his Spirit.” Titus 3:4-6 CEV

By the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives we are washed cleaned and given a new, fresh beginning!

“…But now the name of our Lord Jesus Christ and the power of God’s Spirit have washed you and made you holy and acceptable to God.” I Corinthians 6:11 CEV

The things in our lives that we are ashamed of have been washed clean. Those things that make us embarrassed, that hold us by a grip of guilt, unworthiness and shame are the very things that are washed away by the Spirit of God and because of that washing we are cleansed.

“The Law of Moses is like a shadow of the good things to come. This shadow isn’t the good things themselves, because it cannot free people from sin by the sacrifices offered year after year. 2 If there were worshipers who already have their sins washed away and their consciences made clear, there would not be any need to go on offering sacrifices…21 We have a great high priest who is in charge of God’s house. 22  So let’s come near God with pure hearts and a confidence that comes from having faith. Let’s keep our hearts pure, our consciences free from evil, and our bodies washed with clean water.” Hebrews 10:1-2, 21-22 CEV

Religion has no power to make us clean. It only serves to remind us of our sins, our misdeeds and our failings. However, when we come to Christ (our high priest), His forgiveness purifies our hearts and gives us a clean conscience. We are free from guilt and able to live each day knowing we have been washed clean.

“A husband should love his wife as much as Christ loved the church and gave his life for it. 26 He made the church holy by the power of his word, and he made it pure by washing it with water. 27 Christ did this, so he would have a glorious and holy church, without faults or spots or wrinkles or any other flaws.” Ephesians 5:25-27 CEV

The power to cleanse comes from Christ alone. His death removed the guilt and stain of sin from our lives. Through the power of His word we are reminded daily of that cleansing. We are a holy people without spot or flaw.

All our sins have been washed away!

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Inquiring Minds

A long time ago I was asked by some students who worked for me “Are you one of those born again ‘Christians’?” I could tell by the question that this was an opening from the Lord and I could also tell that I wasn’t what they were asking.

Let’s read this morning’s verses and then come back and I’ll give you my answer to their question.

“Friends, when I came and told you the mystery that God had shared with us, I didn’t use big words or try to sound wise. 2 In fact, while I was with you, I made up my mind to speak only about Jesus Christ, who had been nailed to a cross.

3 At first, I was weak and trembling with fear. 4 When I talked with you or preached, I didn’t try to prove anything by sounding wise. I simply let God’s Spirit show his power. 5 That way you would have faith because of God’s power and not because of human wisdom.” I Corinthians 2:1-5 CEV

I asked the student posing the question what he meant by Christian. He said that his aunt and uncle were always telling he couldn’t do this and had to do that. If he didn’t he was going to hell. And they are “Christians” so are you one of those?

I took a deep breath and answered. “No, I’m not a Christian like that but let me tell you what I am”. My office area was filled with students because it was midday and they always came to hang out in my office. They all got quiet and gave me their attention.

“I am a Christian because Christian means one who is like Christ. I am born again because that means I have been given new life by Jesus. He has forgiven my sins and made me new.

I am a fanatic because I trust the Lord with what I do each and every day. I pray over my grocery list. I pray for my kids to be healed and my husband to be safe at work. I pray for you (calling a student by name) to pass your Algebra test and for another student to find something valuable that she had lost.

I believe that God wants to be involved in every part of my life and I also know that He can handle it so much better than I can do on my own.

I don’t live by a long list of do’s and don’ts. I live by relationship with a Heavenly Father who loves and wants the best for me. I want to do nothing that would displease Him. When I do fail, because I do, I go to Him and find His forgiveness. His love isn’t based on my goodness – it’s unconditional!

So I guess to answer your question, yes, I am a born again Christian. I’m a fanatic who believes that God wants to show me his love and his power and I pray that each one of you will want a relationship like that too.”

That day the Lord opened the door for me to talk with and pray for many of the students in that room. I thank Him that my life wasn’t filled with religious words and condescending looks but with real life relationship. From that day forward I have tried to live and teach Jesus in a practical way that cowboys, farmers, ranchers, students and just plain folks could understand.

I encourage you to live a life that draws questions. Inquiring minds want to know the answer is Jesus!

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The Name of Jesus

When I was a little girl, my mom would tell me stories about my grandfather. I never knew him; he died the day I was born. Mom felt it was important that I knew about him. He was a gracious and loving man – a man who loved the Lord, both he and my grama were such wonderful Christians.

One thing more she told me is the hymn, “Jesus Is the Sweetest Name I Know”, was one of his favorites. I was so happy when I learned to play it on the piano.

“Jesus is the sweetest name I know
And He’s just the same as His holy name
And that’s the reason why I love Him so
Jesus is the sweetest name I know”

A few days ago, I was reading in the book of Acts. Peter and John were on their way to the synagogue one day and they encountered a man who was lame. That man asked them for money, but they gave him so much more. Peter grabbed a hold of his hands and told him, “In the name of Jesus, rise up and walk”. The man did. Long story short the religious leaders arrested Peter and John. Before they were released the religious leaders ordered them to no longer speak to people using the name of Jesus. This was Peter’s answer:

“‘There is no way to be saved from the punishment of sin through anyone else. For there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we can be saved.’ 13 They were surprised and wondered how easy it was for Peter and John to speak. They could tell they were men who had not gone to school. But they knew they had been with Jesus.” Acts 4:12-13 NLV

Peter refused to be silent. There is no other name besides Jesus that has the power to save!

Yesterday as Dave and I were streaming our church service the praise team sang a song that I was unfamiliar with. It triggered a heartfelt response of tears and gratitude. I’ll share just a bit of the lyrics and add a link so you can hear the whole thing.

I Speak Jesus

I just want to speak the name of Jesus
Over every heart and every mind
‘Cause I know there is peace within Your presence
I speak Jesus

I just want to speak the name of Jesus
Til’ every dark addiction starts to break
Declaring there is hope and there is freedom
I speak Jesus

‘Cause Your name is power
Your name is healing
Your name is life
Break every stronghold
Shine through the shadows
Burn like a fire…”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBIz8vDMG20

The name of Jesus brings power, healing, freedom from addictions and life!

“ Because of this, God lifted Jesus high above everything else. He gave Him a name that is greater than any other name. 10 So when the name of Jesus is spoken, everyone in heaven and on earth and under the earth will bow down before Him. 11 And every tongue will say Jesus Christ is Lord. Everyone will give honor to God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11 NLV

Yes, the name of Jesus is the sweetest name I know!

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Write Your Story

Today I’m going to offer you a physical challenge. It may take you outside your comfort zone. I want you to write down how you came to faith in Jesus. Someday when you are no longer here you’re family and loved ones will want to know how your relationship with the Lord began.

Jesus asked this of his disciples: “Jesus went to the area of Caesarea Philippi. He said to his followers, ‘Who do people say I am?’ 14 They answered, ‘Some people say you are John the Baptizer. Others say you are Elijah. And some say you are Jeremiah or one of the prophets.’ 15 Then Jesus said to his followers, ‘And who do you say I am?’” Matthew 16:13-15 CEV

Who do you say that I am?

If that were the topic of your High School English class essay, how many words, how many pages would it take to answer the question? Sitting here this morning my heart runs to so many places; each time reminding me of God’s love and faithfulness revealed through Jesus.

Peter’s answer to Jesus was this: “Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Matthew 16:16 ERV

Peter’s answer was God given. These men who had lived with Jesus day in and day out, had experienced life, God directed life, up close and personal. Yet earlier in this chapter they once again doubted, thinking in mere human terms and not in God’s terms.

Jesus reminded them that they should be founded on the rock – in Matthew we have the story of the man who built his house on a rock and when the storms of life came, he was not shaken; when we know that our foundation is Christ, the storms of life won’t shake us.

I’m sure, if asked, the shepherds would have said He was a babe, born to be our Savior. The wisemen called Him a king. John the Baptizer said he’s my cousin but He’s also the Lamb of God who comes to take away the sins of the world. The woman with the bleeding condition called Him healer and the Samaritan woman at the well called Him the man who told me all I ever have done. Saul on the road to Damascus called Him Lord. John, while on the Isle of Patmos, called Him Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. Mary called Him master.

So let me ask you again – Who do you say that I am?

“ Your heart should be holy and set apart for the Lord God. Always be ready to tell everyone who asks you why you believe as you do. Be gentle as you speak and show respect.” I Peter 3:15 NLV

I say His name is Jesus. He is my Savior, my dearest friend, my healer and the One who gives me peace in any storm, my constant companion. My Lord and My God.

Give voice to your testimony. The world needs to hear your story!

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