Category: Salvation

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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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It’s A Gift!

This morning as I sit here, I am replaying in my mind some of my favorite scenes from one of my favorite western movies, Crossfire Trail.

Tom Selleck was cast as the story’s hero, and he had some great one-liners. My favorite – “It’s a gift”.

That line grew so large that it was my only focus. I sat here mulling it over, “Lord, what do you want me to see. What are You saying to me”?

And then it jumped off the page of my Bible:

“ But God has a way to make people right, and it has nothing to do with the law. He has now shown us that new way, which the law and the prophets told us about. 22 God makes people right through their faith in Jesus Christ. He does this for all who believe in Christ. Everyone is the same. 23 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. 25-26 God gave Jesus as a way to forgive people’s sins through their faith in him. God can forgive them because the blood sacrifice of Jesus pays for their sins. God gave Jesus to show that he always does what is right and fair. He was right in the past when he was patient and did not punish people for their sins. And in our own time he still does what is right. God worked all this out in a way that allows him to judge people fairly and still make right any person who has faith in Jesus.” Romans 3:21-26 ERV

It’s a gift!

Our right standing with God – our forgiveness, our salvation, our peace is a gift. It’s nothing we could ever earn, not something we can buy or acquire by our own goodness. It’s a gift.

Recently we were at our granddaughter’s sixth birthday and when it came time to open her gifts, she was reluctant. Everyone was standing around watching and she was self-conscious but once the first gift was opened and she found something she always wanted, she eagerly opened all the others.

Not once did she look at any of us gift-givers and say “Oh, you shouldn’t have. I haven’t been good enough. You need to take this back until I’ve done something to earn it”. That would have been silly and unrealistic. It’s a gift.

She used to childlike faith to accept the gift freely and eagerly and said thank you.

“So do we have any reason to boast about ourselves? No reason at all. And why not? Because we are depending on the way of faith, not on what we have done in following the law.” Romans 3:27 ERV

God’s gift to us should be accepted the same way, with childlike faith. We have no room to boast on our own goodness. We receive right standing with the Father the same way Kristine received her birthday presents – with joy!

If you have felt you needed to be good enough, more pious, or needed to earn your salvation let all of that go and enjoy what Christ has done for you.

It’s a gift!

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Found!

Have you ever lost something valuable? Maybe it was a piece of jewelry, a credit card or maybe something more personal like a relationship; did you search and work hard until you “found” it again?

Jesus taught three stories about things that were lost – a sheep, a coin and a son. The shepherd, the woman and that father searched until all was restored.

Do you know the Father is doing the same with us?

“If any of you has 100 sheep, and one of them gets lost, what will you do? Won’t you leave the 99 in the field and go look for the lost sheep until you find it? 5 And when you find it, you will be so glad that you will put it on your shoulder 6 and carry it home. Then you will call in your friends and neighbors and say, ‘Let’s celebrate! I’ve found my lost sheep.’

7 Jesus said, ‘In the same way there is more happiness in heaven because of one sinner who turns to God than over 99 good people who don’t need to.’” Luke 15:4-7 CEV

God, the Father, has been asking man for thousands of years to allow Him to be their God, to lead and direct. Jesus watched as the Father had searched (seek) for His people when they had gone off to follow after other gods and do their own thing. He lovingly brought them back.

Jesus followed the Father’s example as He went from town-to-town teaching, preaching, doing miracles and spreading God’s love. He was reminding them, and our Father will continue to pursue us – He won’t give up.

” Suppose a woman has ten silver coins, but she loses one of them. She will take a light and clean the house. She will look carefully for the coin until she finds it. 9 And when she finds it, she will call her friends and neighbors and say to them, ‘Be happy with me because I have found the coin that I lost!’ 10 In the same way, it’s a happy time for the angels of God when one sinner decides to change.” Luke 15:8-10 ERV

The Father pursues us diligently just like the woman who lost her coin. Each one of us are valuable to Him. Remember the children’s Sunday School song; “red, yellow, black and white they are precious in sight”. We are precious to Him, that’s why Jesus came.

“The Son of Man came to look for and to save people who are lost.” Luke 19:10 CEV

As the Father pursues us, searching for us when we are lost, we should pursue daily fellowship with Him. He is waiting for us to seek Him!

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Do You See It?

I have always had a vivid imagination.

When I was a young girl, I didn’t need books with pictures because my mind would make the words come to life. It still happens today.

Through my mind’s eye I have seen Daniel in the lions’ den, Miriam standing at the riverside watching over Moses, the leper who was healed, the woman who touched the hem of Jesus’ robe and Mary in the garden on resurrection morning.

When I read the last few chapters of John and the story of the crucifixion it’s hard for me because my mind takes me there and I can see the anguish on Jesus’ face as he is stripped, whipped and abused.

“He was hated and men would have nothing to do with Him, a man of sorrows and suffering, knowing sadness well. We hid, as it were, our faces from Him. He was hated, and we did not think well of Him.

4 For sure He took on Himself our troubles and carried our sorrows. Yet we thought of Him as being punished and hurt by God, and made to suffer. 5 But He was hurt for our wrong-doing. He was crushed for our sins. He was punished so we would have peace. He was beaten so we would be healed. 6 All of us like sheep have gone the wrong way. Each of us has turned to his own way. And the Lord has put on Him the sin of us all.” Isaiah 53:3-6 NLV

But the thing that has made the biggest impact on me is His eyes. Going through the pain and anguish that He did, His eyes were never angry, they were always filled with love. It was love that held Him to the cross. It was love that forgave the thief hanging next to Him. It was love that asked John to care for His mother. It was love that said, “It is finished”!

“Let us keep looking to Jesus. Our faith comes from Him and He is the One Who makes it perfect. He did not give up when He had to suffer shame and die on a cross. He knew of the joy that would be His later. Now He is sitting at the right side of God.” Hebrews 12:2 NLV

It was the Father’s love for us that sent His Son and it was Jesus’ love for us that compelled Him to die. Both the Father and the Son are the living examples of unconditional love.

” But God showed His love to us. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 NLV

Close your eyes. Do you see it? Jesus is looking at you with a smile on His face and eyes filled with love!

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Blessed Assurance

Another morning started with praise!

There is a time and place when completely alone, no noise – only the sound of my own breathing, that from the depth of my heart a song rises up.

“This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long.”

That’s the chorus to a hymn written 150 years ago by Fannie Crosby, “Blessed Assurance”. Miss Crosby wrote hundreds of hymns of faith. She was a woman who faced hardships, not the least being that she was blind from the early age of three. Her mother and grandmother raised her to know and trust God’s word and it’s evident in her music.

The first verse of this hymn goes like this:

“Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.”

Heir of salvation, purchased of God, Born of His Spirit, I’m washed in His blood. What a marvelous truth, a truth to give strength, hope and resolve. The premise for this song comes from a verse in Hebrews.

“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 10:22 CEV

The writer of Hebrews spent the whole book comparing the sacrifices and duties of the Old Testament priests with the blood sacrifice of Jesus. The sacrifice of animals had to be done every year to cover sin but the blood sacrifice of Christ was done once and for all, cleansing us completely.

“But Christ offered himself as a sacrifice that is good forever. Now he is sitting at God’s right side, 13 and he will stay there until his enemies are put under his power. 14 By his one sacrifice he has forever set free from sin the people he brings to God.” Hebrews 10:12-14 CEV

A sacrifice that is good forever, never needing to be repeated, offered by the sinless Lamb of God; one sacrifice setting us free from sin!

“ Christ is the sacrifice that takes away our sins and the sins of all the world’s people.” I John 2:2 CEV

This sweet assurance is mine and is available to all who receive the sacrifice that Christ made on our behalf. This is my story, this is my song…Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!

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Sound the Alarm

What do a beeping smoke alarm and the early morning hours have in common? Nothing good!!!

Why is it that smoke detectors always seem to wait until the wee hours to chirp or in this case beep intermittently? Trying to tell us it’s time to change the battery but it’s unsettling to say the least…

Isn’t that the way it is with “warning” devices? They interrupt the normal flow – they come with annoying sounds that set us on edge and that is their purpose. A warning has to be something loud or out of the ordinary so that we stop, look and listen!

The same is true in spiritual things. God gives warnings.

He sent Moses to the pharaoh; Noah preached to the world before the flood; Daniel’s dream foretold the fall of the Medo-Persian empire; Jesus came preaching salvation and the end of the age!

“Later, as Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, his disciples came to him in private and asked, ‘When will this happen? What will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the world?’

4 Jesus answered: Don’t let anyone fool you. 5 Many will come and claim to be me. They will say that they are the Messiah, and they will fool many people. 6 You will soon hear about wars and threats of wars, but don’t be afraid. These things will have to happen first, but that isn’t the end. 7 Nations and kingdoms will go to war against each other. People will starve to death, and in some places there will be earthquakes. 8 But this is just the beginning of troubles.

9 You will be arrested, punished, and even killed. Because of me, you will be hated by people of all nations. 10 Many will give up and will betray and hate each other. 11 Many false prophets will come and fool a lot of people. 12 Evil will spread and cause many people to stop loving others. 13 But if you keep on being faithful right to the end, you will be saved. 14 When the good news about the kingdom has been preached all over the world and told to all nations, the end will come.” Matthew 24:3-14 ERV

“The Spirit clearly says that in the last times some will turn away from what we believe. They will obey spirits that tell lies. And they will follow the teachings of demons. 2 Those teachings come through people who tell lies and trick others. These evil people cannot see what is right and what is wrong. It is like their conscience has been destroyed with a hot iron.” I Timothy 4:1-2 ERV

Things are happening all around us; things around the world and even in our own country and states are alarming. However, we have no need to fear or be in distress.

“Then people will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 When these things begin to happen, stand up tall and don’t be afraid. Know that it is almost time for God to free you!” Luke 21:27-28 ERV

The good news is this. The warning signs are given so we won’t lose hope, so we won’t give up. The alarms are sounding. It’s time to look up, the day of His coming is soon!

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Extraction

Six years ago we were in Indiana for the Indianapolis 500 race. This was a bucket list item of Dave’s. Our son and his girlfriend made it possible. It was an amazing time!

I don’t remember who won but what I do remember is the patriotism. The unapologetic display of our flag and the way they honored our fallen soldiers and those who are currently serving.

The image I used this morning was one I captured as the Army Airborne performed a ground to air extraction. We watched as each man went hand-over-hand up the rope and the helicopter rose higher and higher, simulating the removal of soldiers to safety. The last soldier was charged with unfurling the American flag. I cried…

Isn’t it great to have a day when we think about the sacrifice that others have been willing to make on our behalf? Time to reflect and remember those who have given so much. Folks that we don’t even know have fought for us, many gave their lives.

And yet, there is one greater than all these who gave His life for our freedom.

“And we can see that it was while we were powerless to help ourselves that Christ died for sinful men. In human experience it is a rare thing for one man to give his life for another, even if the latter be a good man, though there have been a few who have had the courage to do it. Yet the proof of God’s amazing love is this: that it was while we were sinners that Christ died for us.” Romans 5:6-8

When we were at our worst, He died to set us free from sin and all the destruction that it would bring. The freedom He gives isn’t just for this life but it has eternal value. He gives us an abundant life here on earth and the promise of eternity in heaven with Him.

“The thief comes with the sole intention of stealing and killing and destroying, but I came to bring them life, and far more life than before. ” John 10:10

The thing that Christ asks of us is that we don’t take His sacrifice for granted, ignoring it or taking it lightly. He asks us to love and live a life of love as He did. We have a responsibility to share the love that He has freely given us with others.

“This is my commandment: that you love each other as I have loved you. There is no greater love than this—that a man should lay down his life for his friends. ” John 15:12-13 CEV

Every day should be “Memorial Day” as we remember the One who gave His all for us.

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Make Over – Made New

At one point or another you have probably seen at least one episode of a “Make Over” show on television.

You know the ones – the DIY shows where they completely remodel a home. Some of them make over the person; new haircut, makeup, weight loss and wardrobe. There have been times when I’ve thought it would be nice to have someone create a hairstyle just for me and/or help me find a wardrobe that minimizes the faults and accentuates the strengths.

That my friends is a makeover.

But what about making something new? A new home or a new car, one that no one else has lived in or driven. What’s even more special is when it’s not only new, but custom. The floorplan, cabinetry, countertops, windows, room size, and the view have all been designed specifically for you. No room for complaint – it’s new.

Our Christian lives are like that, made new!

“ Anyone who belongs to Christ is a new person. The past is forgotten, and everything is new.” II Corinthians 5:17 CEV

Everything is new.

“Stop being bitter and angry and mad at others. Don’t yell at one another or curse each other or ever be rude. 32  Instead, be kind and merciful, and forgive others, just as God forgave you because of Christ. 5 Do as God does. After all, you are his dear children. 2  Let love be your guide. Christ loved us and offered his life for us as a sacrifice that pleases God.” Ephesians 4:31-5:2 CEV

We are to have the same character as our heavenly Father. We are new in Him. He has placed His nature in us. For a long time, I didn’t see myself as new in Christ; at best, I saw myself as remodeled and truth be told, I saw the remodel as incomplete. Still struggling and dealing with old issues that would never really be fixed this side of heaven.

“Christ died, and we have been joined with him by dying too. So we will also be joined with him by rising from death as he did. 6 We know that our old life was put to death on the cross with Christ. This happened so that our sinful selves would have no power over us. Then we would not be slaves to sin. 7 Anyone who has died is made free from sin’s control.

8 If we died with Christ, we know that we will also live with him. 9 Christ was raised from death. And we know that he cannot die again. Death has no power over him now. 10 Yes, when Christ died, he died to defeat the power of sin one time—enough for all time. He now has a new life, and his new life is with God. 11 In the same way, you should see yourselves as being dead to the power of sin and alive for God through Christ Jesus.” Romans 6:5-11 ERV

Dead to sin and alive for God!

Made new!

Dead to the power of sin – dead to temper, lying, a critical spirit, gossip, self-pity. Dead.

“ But God treats us much better than we deserve, and because of Christ Jesus, he freely accepts us and sets us free from our sins.” Romans 3:24 CEV

A makeover is something we try to do, made new is something only God can do. I like His way better!

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