I was brought up with a Mum and Dad who loved God.
Being the youngest of five, (I had twin sisters but sadly one died of TB when she was only one year old) I guess things monetary wise were a bit stretched, but we certainly never went without the essentials and we certainly had plenty of love handed out liberally, especially by my hard-working and devoted Mum.
BUT
That didn’t stop us going off the rails – (well the boys that is) unfortunately when we became of age and even had families of our own, the world and it’s lures were all too much and even though I personally put on the face of a Christian and did all the ‘Christian” things – I was far off from the Lord.
But Mum and Dad kept on praying for us – determined and sure that God would bring us back to Him.
Personally for me their prayers have been answered.
Dad died in 1998 and our Dear Mum passed away in 2000. Before they died they both recorded a message to us from “beyond the grave” sort of thing and re-listening to them again recently I was staggered at Mum’s simple yet solid faith in God – determined that her sons would come back to the Lord.
She says at some point that she has never stopped praying for us even before we were born. And in another part that “It doesn’t matter if Dad and I don’t see it for we have prayed fervently for you all.”
Well I’m afraid they didn’t see it – But I know that one day we will ALL meet around the throne of God in unity and love of our Lord and Saviour.
Here is a transcript of her message – I pray that you will be blessed as you read it as I was to hear it.
The prayers of a faithful Mum and Dad for their kids is awesome in it’s simplicity and mighty in it’s outcome – Praise God.
(From my Mum)
As my Savior has said – Weep not for me for I have only gone ahead to rest and wait for you in a place where there is no more pain or loss.
My children, when you were under our care your Dad and I endeavoured under the scant knowledge that was ours to show you that God has an infinite plan for us.
That plan of God’s was to bring home to us the amazing power and love that is available to anyone who has surrendered their hearts and love to the guidance and teaching of the Holy Spirit which is the gift from God to those, when in faith believe in the hearts and confess with their mouths that Jesus is the Messiah, died to pay the price of our sins and that He rose again.
I tried to teach you of The advantages of a committed life, of the security we have knowing that what ever happens we are the children of the Almighty God and nothing can separate us from Him – we have someone to go to when we are in trouble – and who isn’t in this sad world of ours.
Our God is a prayer answering and miracle working God – how many times have we proven that – over and over again.
He has promised never to fail or forsake those who put their trust in Him.
Sin unconfessed is the only thing that can disturb that relationship which exists between man and His maker for sin uncovered by the sacrifice of the Son of God CANNOT, literally CANNOT, exist in the presence of the glory and holiness of the Father.
So that those who have not come in faith to the Father find that sin puts a barrier between them.
Sin estranges God and Man – for the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ happened only that man may be restored to the relationship that should exist between the creature and his creator.
Gods greatest miracle is not the creation of the world, the suspension of the sun, the ceaselessness of the tide, Gods greatest miracle is the salvation of the human soul that all people should be saved and is unwilling that any should be lost and He has bound up the salvation of men and women with the prayerful ministry of his own people.
There is no doubt that the prayers for the salvation of others are well within the will of God. Your Dad and I have prayed fervently for the salvation of all our family – and this type of prayer is never in doubt and being the will of God shall in is own good time be fulfilled.
It doesn’t matter if your Dad and I don’t see it, for we have prayed for you all and these are just some of these promises we have held for you all.
Isaiah 54:13 That you all will be “taught of the Lord” and great will be your peace.
Psalm 119:11 That you all will “hide God’s word in your hearts.”
Colossians 1:9 That God will fill you all with the knowledge of His will so that you can walk in a way that’s pleasing to Him and that your lives will bear fruit.
Proverbs 3: 5-6 That your hearts will trust in the Lord and not lean on your own understanding
Psalm 5:12 That God’s favour will surround you all like a shield.
I can assure you, my children, that you were prayed for and committed unto the Lord before you were born- the Grandchildren also – and Gods promises are true.
The salvation of a soul is a mighty BIG undertaking for it just doesn’t include cleansing from sin but a full commitment of a life to God’s will and the receiving of a place in the family of God and the freely given gift of a life everlasting to Christians of all ages – there is no generation gap here – and also the presence of our beloved Lord Himself.
No one can be saved unless they are convicted or conscious of sin and when that consciousness of sin is present the way is opened to bring that one to the feet of the Saviour.
To confess and repent, that is being sorry for sins committed, and being determined to turn to Christs way of living will enable us to partake freely of the peace, joy and love that can be found in this earth.
Turning from sin and trusting Jesus also includes safety and perfection in the next world when our Lords presents us faultless before the presence of His Father and ours.
Now I know we have enjoyed a happy life together in spite of troubles that may have sunk the ship, but we also shared the gift of laughter, a sense of fun, of little private jokes as well as tears and I am very pleased to have loved you all and I am so looking forward to a wonderful reunion with you ALL in our Lord’s good time.
Your dad and I praying that you all will see the value of sins forgiven, a walk in a plain path, and a keeping in a world of sorrow and danger.
May God bless you all my darlings from the eldest to the youngest child and may He give through you the answer to our continual prayer.
Will the circle be unbroken? – God grant that it may – see you in the morning – Love you – Mum.
“…Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough?” (1Cor. 5:6)
Today during breakfast, my son asked an interesting question. He asked if he had to confess his sins to his parents, or could he just confess them to God. We explained that he only had to tell God, but our curiosity was peaked so we asked what he did. He proceeded to say that he wasn’t sure if it was a sin but that he ate a piece of food that landed on the floor. He explained that it was on the floor for less than five seconds, so he wasn’t sure if that counted as being too dirty to eat. Well, we laughed and explained that it wasn’t a sin to eat off the floor. It was just gross. Then my husband said…”oh I feel a blog coming on!” So, here I am writing a blog about it. His question actually sparked a great discussion about sin and that it’s not so much the act, but that it keeps us from hitting the mark God has set for us. If we sway to the right or to the left even just a little, we can go off the course God has put us on. It turned out to be a great life lesson.
So, I’ve been thinking about his question. Is it okay to eat off of the floor if the food has only been there for 5 seconds or less? Is it okay to sin if it’s only for a short time? Is there such a thing as a little sin? You know, maybe it is okay for him to eat off the floor just this once. But what if it happens again? I think he will be more likely to eat off the floor more easily the next time. The first time it’s a little gross. But the second time isn’t so gross. The idea of it being gross fades and so he does it again. What if this time the food is there for longer than 5 seconds? Does it taste any different? Is there a new level of grossness that has been reached? I would say probably not. If it’s acceptable to eat under the 5 seconds, then a few more seconds won’t matter. If he continues in this pattern, he will be eating food off the floor that has been allowed to sit longer and longer. He will keep pushing the envelope and before you know it he will want to eat his meals off the floor. That’s how sin is. It starts off small and grows.
Yesterday, while sitting in Starbucks, a friend and I witnessed someone backing up and hitting a car parked on the side of the road. Then the driver drove off. He didn’t leave his phone number with an apology. He just got out of there quickly. I couldn’t believe it. My friend called it. She knew he would just drive away. In attempt to impose justice, I took down his tag number and we left it on the car that was hit. My point is this, just because he didn’t take responsibility doesn’t mean he didn’t hit the car. In the same way, just because no one saw us sin doesn’t mean it isn’t sin. Just because no one can read our thoughts, doesn’t mean that we our thoughts aren’t sinful. We really need to come before the Lord and ask for a sensitive spirit. We need to allow the Holy Spirit to convict us. If we don’t, what seems menial will grow to something out of control. Something that started as a sinful thought will take over our lives if we are not careful. Then we will be sitting on the floor eating dirty food wondering how we ended up there.
This was a great lesson for my whole family this morning. My son, who makes me laugh daily because he is such a kid, reminded me that sin, even in the smallest form is still sin. He reminded me that I am never above the ability to sin. And even when no one is looking, my sin is still seen by the One who matters. He reminded me that sin left unchecked will turn into a more grievous sin, eventually. And that it is not being legalistic to be careful about sin. It is honoring to God to remember that the enemy is always trying to trip me up. It starts in the mind and moves into actions. It was a great reminder to me today that I need to have a healthy respect for God’s commands and keep them. Finally, I have learned that eating food off the floor, even if it has only been there for 5 seconds is still gross!!
As the Colorado weather slowly becomes more predictable and the sunshine lightens my Seasonal Affective Disorder, it’s as if I am opening my eyes after a long sleep. It comes to me in a flood and if I think too long on it, I will be overwhelmed. I have been standing in my own way all winter long.
In my twenties, thirties and even early forties I would have told you if you want something, quit waiting and do it! I would have found it that simple. The kicker is, I would have MADE it that simple too. Now, hitting my mid-forties, I have to admit it isn’t as simple as I thought. I have responsibilities, I have expectations laid on me, I have limitations in time, ability and (dare I say it) finances. I no longer “mind over matter” things impulsively. I think it through, weigh the consequences to my family members, check the schedule and do the math.
There are benefits to impulsive living. I admire someone who can wake up one day, pack a bag and move to Borneo because they feel the Lord calling them to it. That is a freedom and confidence I have never felt. There are things I fear about impulsivity: Unrecoverable mistakes, regret, failure. The thing is, how much of what I allow to slow me down is really necessary? Am I being responsible or stalling? Am I considering others or making excuses? Do I really need the money I think I do or will God provide the answer if I let Him?
With the return of warm weather, my bravery peeks it’s fuzzy head around the corner too… There is a big, amazing world out there. I serve a tremendous God who wants things for me that I cannot even dream to desire yet. I have hope… Hope is huge!
Somedays you need a dash of inspiration and a gentle shove to wipe away the sleepy sandiness from your eyes. Pick something. Big or small, filled with impact or inconsequential, but choose something that you have always wanted to do. Ask God to water that seed and grow your dream. What’s the worst thing that could happen? The time will pass whether you are doing something you love or not – why not do something you love!?!
It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone. (Eph 1:11-12)
Amazing and extraordinary things happen to all of us through our journey here on earth; some very good and some very very bad.
In January this year I wrote a blog entitled “Consequences”. In that blog I fictionalised a story set in World War 2 – a story where our hero or anti-hero killed a man who was looting from his friends home during the blitz.
It wasn’t until the man actually came face to face with an encounter with God that he realised his need of forgiveness and ‘owned-up’ to his crime
The consequences of our past sins, although forgiven by God can still have far-reaching effects on our lives as well as those who may have been hurt in the process.
In this blog I would like to relate the true story of George Anderson Hopper and where I will not dwell on the “consequences” of sin, I would like to emphasise the utter forgiveness of our gracious and merciful Lord; also try to come to terms with the age old question “where was God in all of this?”
George Anderson Hopper was born on the 10th June, 1955 and was executed by lethal injection on 8th March, 2005 in Huntsville, Texas for the murder-for-hire of 33 year old Ms Rozanne Gailiunas.
Hopper was sentenced to death in 1988 for the October 1983 murder of Ms Gailinuas who at 33 was the mother of a 4 year old son.
Ms Gailinuas was found still alive by her young son, but died two days after being admitted to hospital.
Hopper was ‘hired’ to kill Ms Gailinuas by William Garland who had been paid $5,000 by Dallas socialite Joy David Aylor whose husband Larry was allegedly planning to marry Ms Gailinuas and had filed for divorce from his wife.
Mrs Aylor who was ultimately convicted of capital murder in 1994 and who is now serving a life sentence.
Hopper’s life and the tragic events leading up to and after the murder of Ms Gailinuas has been the subject of two book and a tele-movie but they don’t tell of his obvious conversion to Christianity at sometime during his time on death row.
After searching the net and pouring over heaps of information on Hopper, the only evidence I have of a changed life of this man is in his final words before the lethal injection did it’s work.
His final words as he lay on the table that day in 2005 were and I quote:-
“I want to apologize to you, and I am sorry, I have made a lot of mistakes in my life. The things I did changed so many lives. I can’t take it back, it was an atrocity. I am sorry. I beg your forgiveness, I know I am not worthy of it. I love you Mom and Dad, and all my family. Thank you for everything. Jesus, thank you for your love and saving grace. Thank you for shedding your blood on Calvary for me. Thank you Jesus for the love you have shown me.” (http://222.tdcj.state.tx.us/stat/dr_info/hoppergeorgelast.html)
Obviously some unknown person has shared the gospel with this guy and obviously he has made a commitment to Christ. From his last words it would appear that he had accepted Jesus as his Saviour and Lord.
Against all odds, this man who was so vicious; so hard; so calculating; so cruel as to murder this young woman and mother of a 4 year old child, in such an horrendous manner, had been touched by the hand of Jesus even as he sat in death row in that jail in Huntsville Texas.
We will never understand exactly how God works and how exactly this man had been changed, or for that matter who it was that brought the good news into that jail for him to hear.
What we do know is that if he was sincere in his repentance and acceptance of Jesus as Lord, then he would have been forgiven his sins for as it says in John 6:37b “….and he who comes to me I will in no wise cast out”
So glad that this verse is in the Bible because there have been many times that I failed our Lord so miserably.
There have been times when I have honestly come to Him wondering how and why He could ever forgive me.
Hopper was a wicked and vile sinner who deserved nothing from God or man BUT aren’t we all?
God was merciful to Hopper even after all of what he did – Yes, he still had to pay the consequences of his sin as we all do and yes, his life was forfeit here on earth according to Texan law; but God says “I will in no wise cast out”. Full stop. Thank you Lord for that full stop because there was no “unless” after it.
There are no conditions put on coming to Christ; no provisos; nothing we can do; we just come to Him, repent and accept His gracious gift.
So if I come to Jesus; He will not cast me out. Hopper came to Jesus and I am sure that Jesus, true to His word would not cast Him out.
All of salvation is GRACE . It is the GRACE that God chose to save the ungodly; it is GRACE that Jesus came to earth to secure our salvation by dying at Calvary, and it is GRACE that changes stony old hearts to hearts of flesh; all through the power of the Holy Spirit.
It is only through the Holy Spirit that we can come to Jesus at all. It was only through that same Spirit that Hopper came to Jesus too.
The Bible makes that perfectly clear in 1 Corinthians 12: 3 it says:- “Therefore I want you to know that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, ‘Jesus be cursed,’ and no one can say ‘Jesus is Lord,’ except by the Holy Spirit.”
So George Anderson Hopper, convicted murderer was led by the Spirit to proclaim that Jesus is Lord and he had accepted Him to be his Saviour before his execution date on 8th March, 2005.
Amazing news, incredible and awesome – everybody, no matter who we are or what we have done can come to Jesus, repent of our sins and claim forgiveness through the blood of His sacrifice.
But what about Hopper’s innocent victim, Rozanne Gailiunas, her young son and her family and extended family?
Where was God in all of that; where was He when she was dying an horrific death?
It is so hard for us to get our minds around this eternal question!
What about the parents who pray and pray for the sick child and yet their child never gets well; how about broken relationships that never come back together; how about businesses that fail; and how about horrendous murders like Rozanne’s?
Life, it seems is just made up of tribulations and trials of every sort; situations completely out of control; completely out of left wing; everything going pear-shaped; Where is God?
There are some things that we will never understand; there are some things about God’s will that we will never understand.
But, what God does do through our trials is to give us a perspective as to how to handle our situation when bad things happen.
What would it be like if my greatest crisis become my greatest opportunity; not so much in the crisis itself but in my very life?
What if a miracle took place through my crisis? Again, not so much in the actual crisis, but in me?
What if God used my crisis as a blessing to others and in so doing became a blessing to me also? In other words what if the Miracle in the crisis was ME?
I wonder what it would be like to seize the opportunity of my crisis to actually SEE God’s glory?
After all of that I still have no idea How Rozanne’s family and extended family coped with that tragedy; or for that matter where they all stood with God.
All I know is whatever happens, our God is just and merciful and whatever he decides will be fair and accurate.
So when things go pear-shaped, frustrating and confusing; I wonder if it would be possible to seize the opportunity to see the potential to trust in Jesus more instead of blaming Him for whatever it is that is sinking our ship.
Thinking like that makes me wonder; just maybe our greatest set-backs may become our greatest building blocks to a miraculous and super natural relationship with our Heavenly Father.
WOW! Mysteries – I love em!! – Well sometimes anyway – I must admit that the mysteries of the computer make me frustrated, angry and despairing!!
But other mysteries well that’s another matter; the mystery of creation; the universe; the gobsmacking splendour of the galaxy; the rainbows; the beauty of the sunrise; the stillness of star studded skies in the wilderness, all of these can leave me breathless with heaps of unanswered questions…
There is one mystery though that I will never get my head around – and I reckon it is the GREATEST mystery of all time!!
How God saved me is one HUGE mystery and one which I will eternally grateful for.
The plan of salvation is the mystery of mysteries and shows a love that is beyond our minds to comprehend.
God paid the price for my salvation – He took me to be His prize!! Me! that is a mystery that I cannot understand.
I had nothing; proud; deceitful; jealous; I could sin and feel no compunction; hear of my guilt and remain unhumbled. Then Jesus came!
He changed my life and where I was only ever out to make life better for me, whatever the cost, He made me realise that I was bound to sin; a slave to sin; I was in chains and didn’t realise it.
If we come to Jesus, we need to come bearing no gifts; there is nothing we can bring to Him; we owe everything to Him; how then can we bring anything to Him?
It is only through his grace that we can come anywhere near him at all.
Jesus is the King of the dependent: King of the despised; King of the weak; King of the left-outs and King of the hated!
Hated? – Yes Hated; we will be hated by others if we make a stand for Jesus. Left out? Yes certainly we will be left out; not part of the crowd; even despised.
The world at large will not take too kindly to us telling them about the only way to enrich their lives for eternity is to accept the invitation that Jesus brings; Why?
Because to come to Jesus we have to empty ourselves of all we have; we need to be totally dependent on Him bringing our sins; our past; our everything and laying them at the foot of the cross.
We need to leave behind the things of earth; and not place importance on the things that really don’t matter. That was one BIG lesson I had to learn – Jesus died for us just as we are.
When He died on the cross, He took my sins up there with Him; when He died so did I in a way; died to sin; I became bound to Jesus through His death when I accepted the gift of freedom that He offered me.
The old life I had is gone – Now I have to rely solely on Him.
I don’t know what mysteries lie ahead; have no idea, really what eternity will be like; death doesn’t scare me but it is a mystery – an amazing mystery and one where I can be assured of God’s amazing promises that where He is I will be also.
I have no idea what lies ahead of me; what trials; what tribulations; what joy; what pain – but I do know whatever happens, Jesus goes before me anyway.
There is nothing that I could possibly go through that he hasn’t been there before me; and that He has promised to be with me through everything that happens.
My life is bound up in Jesus – My whole life is in Him.
The very same power that resurrected Jesus; that rolled the stone away; that killed death, is the very same power that saved me and brought me to life with Him.
Jesus paid the price for you and me. His blood bought us life.
When we are weak, then we are strong; God can’t use us when we are proud, haughty and full of our own importance. We need to be totally broken in front of Him; totally dependent on Him; giving Him the glory in everything we do.
Glorifying God is when we see God as more important than anything else we are doing or what or who is in our lives.
It is only when we humble ourselves to the His will and let the Holy Spirit infill us will be be even remotely able to kneel before a Holy God.
We have to come to a point in our lives where we realise that can do nothing on our own; all power comes from God.
We can hold nothing back thinking that God can do so much and we can do the rest; we have nothing with which to come to God save his miraculous grace by which we are saved.
It is only when we come to that realisation that He will lift us up and see us through the sacrifice of Jesus; see us washed and clean; free of sin.
When someone asks you how many friends you have, what leaps to the forefront of your mind? Is it that awkward moment in time standing in the gym during high school PE and the teams being picked were down to you and Chubs McGhee? Does your Facebook or Twitter account leap to validate your worth? Or do you stop to actually count out among real, live, analog human beings who you would call at three am to help you out of a sticky situation? How do you define your community?
To say community has changed is a gross understatement. It is a reality that is forever changed with the introduction of social media and is still changing at lightening speed. What it means depends largely on your individual perspective and paradigm. For me, community means different things at different times. As a writer, I have a community that I write for. I have made friendships that fuel me creatively online through my blogs and my writing obligations. I don’t discount this community because it is virtual – the blogosphere is still very real and very important to my process as an author.
I have community created by my work environment. As a horse rancher I am welcomed into a community that harkens back to loyalty, old ways and words that come out of your mouth meaning something. It is a comforting community that bonds on a level some people have never been exposed to. We raise our kids together, laugh together, weep together, celebrate accomplishment together – it is the closest thing to an old fashioned barn raising or quilting bee I can think of. Whether your ag involvement is cattle, horses, pigs or farming – we all understand that not many understand us, and we like it that way.
Lastly, there is the community of my relationships. This circle is the smallest by far. Those closest to me are allowed to see my heart, to feel my hurts, to listen to my whispered dreams, my fears and my sins. This community is supposed to be small, sacred, protected. Too often I have watched as someone exposes too much and I cringe. I guard this inner circle fiercely and I expect its protection in return. It is not for every eye to see.
I have been struggling of late with the term “community,” mostly because I have a shy daughter who would rather pull her own fingernails out than be subjected to a room full of people. She is assaulted by the noise, the expectation of inclusion, the fear of rejection. It is not something I relate to easily and so God is working through her to teach me. What is community and what should it be to be healthy? Is that the same for everyone? Should it be?
We are called to fellowship with one another in order to rejuvenate our souls to exist in the World. We are not made to be lone, solitary creatures, of this I am sure. But how much is too much? Is community really found in the pews of a mega-church? Am I invalid as an effective Christian if I cannot make myself stand up and dance in the aisles? Is reservation and introversion a sin? Am I really called to expand my community to encompass all 1800 Facebook friends? Does everyone want to know what I had for breakfast or hear about my latest argument with my teenaged son on Twitter? Somehow, I doubt it.
I long for days gone by when community had a much simpler definition. It included the surrounding farms and homesteads. You counted on neighbors to help with the harvest and to share in the bounties. You knew who was having a baby and your extended family stayed pretty close. Community meant safety, security and provision. Your communal circle was the source of your livelihood, your pantry was open to trading for what you lacked, people cared about each other’s needs and made a point to make sure their community’s needs were met. The lack of technology made things very simple…
Modern convenience has changed our definition of community from a small neighborhood circle to a world wide arena. You don’t have to live right next door to follow the growth of your high school bestie’s kids. While that has widened our horizons it has cheapened the impact when we can hit a button and “like” anything we find funny, inspiring, or worthy of congratulations. Gone are the days of being physically present in order to celebrate with those we know. Gone also are the days of actually knowing someone. You can be anyone you want to be online. You can hide volumes behind a sunny status line. You don’t have to be real, flawed, or human if you don’t want to. This falsity has created a faćade of unattainable perfection and a detrimental sense of inadequacy when we fail. It tells us that if we are not as perfect as our Pinterest buddies we have somehow failed as a human being. It isolates us from participating in the real world that surrounds us. Its effect is tragedy beyond imagining.
All that said, I am confusingly grateful for the ability to connect with others through social media, blogs and the internet in general. Living out here on a horse ranch more than twenty minutes from the nearest coffee shop or Walmart, this widening sense of community has afforded me a lifestyle that I would not have otherwise. I chat with friends I cannot see often, I can FaceTime with family that lives half a country away, I text my husband to let him know how much I appreciate his drive while he works away from home. It isn’t all bad – as long as it is balanced. In that word, volumes of wisdom lie…
If you feel like you are coming away from this with more questions than answers, you are not alone. I still don’t know if there is a “right” answer… I do know that community isn’t going back to the days of knowing your neighbors well, and I am ok with that. I will continue to strive to reach out in the physical sense and be present to those I find dear. I also know that dealing with my daughter will teach me to care for her heart differently. While I will push her to develop friendships that challenge and stretch her, I will also encourage her to nurture her need for solitude. Those times will strengthen her when she steps out to become the woman of God she was always meant to be. That alone is my goal as her mother…
1 Corinthians 13:12 (NIV) “For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.”
Do you ever feel like your life is lived in a fog? Has your vision for the future been impaired or somehow veiled? Are you looking at a fuzzy world, as if there is still sleep in your eyes?
The Word of God tells us that while we work out our salvation on earth, we will only see part of the whole picture God has designed for us. This means we have only parts of the puzzle and they are barely visible through the fog. This includes what we know and understand of the heavenly realm. Right now we have only a poor idea of what heaven will be like, not to mention our Creator. We can’t comprehend the full riches and glory that will be revealed to us upon entering our eternal home.
God holds many mysteries in His hand. He reveals only portions of them to us and then requires us to walk with Him by faith. In fact, our futures are dictated by faith, yes …..BLIND faith. In our eyes, our path may often appear to be fuzzy, but in the eyes of God it is always perfectly clear in which direction He must take us. He knows who we will become, where our ministries will lie, and to which valley, desert, or mountaintop He must lead us.
It is highly probable that the “fog” God provides is for your benefit. If you were to see too far into your future, you would be overwhelmed. Imagine if God told you, as a child, that you would suffer a brain tumor and nearly die. What if He showed you the death of a brother or a personal sin that caused the death of an innocent person. How would you bear it? He knows your frame; He knows that you are but dust. He carries the burdens of the world on His shoulders so that you can concentrate on living just one day at a time.
When thick fog provides only limited vision, you will be able to see just far enough ahead to safely place one foot in front of the other. This concept parallels the reminder we have from God to not worry about tomorrow, because each day has enough cares to keep us occupied. When we look too far ahead into the future, we become overburdened. God will help us carry the load on our backs, as He wants us to be effective witnesses for Him.
If your trial has you confused or wondering why things have turned out as they have, then pray. God will always talk to His children. He may not give you the answers to all of your questions (for your own good), but He will send you encouragement and words of hope and love.
To trust Him with your uncertain future is to love Him with your whole heart.
Matthew 6:34 (NIV) “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Isaiah 43:2 (NIV) “When you pass through the waters,I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers,they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire,you will not be burned;the flames will not set you ablaze.”
“God has wisely kept us in the dark concerning future events and reserved for himself the knowledge of them, that he may train us up in a dependence upon himself and a continued readiness for every event. “ – Matthew Henry
As I get older I am realising more and more just how forgiving My God is.
When I look back on my life and see the incredibly stupid decisions and mistakes I have made and how I have botched up heaps of areas in my life I remember just one thing that God is amazing and awesome and in his awesomeness he has forgiven me and will always be my wonderful Saviour and Lord.
It was years ago that I came to a pretty clear decision that I needed God.
I came as young person to ask forgiveness and accept God’s free gift of a clean slate and a chance to ‘start over’ with Him. Did than mean that I would live a spotless life without mistakes? – NO!! – but it did open a miraculous door to be able to tap into the everlasting forgiveness and mercy of our Great God.
I was a bit too young to realise at that time just how big that decision was, but I thank God for it because I can honestly say that he has never let me down.
God is so willing to forgive only because His love is just so deep and it is His deepest desire that everyone comes to Him. He doesn’t want to turn anyone away.
I, unfortunately constantly let Him down but He has never failed me. Does that mean I have lived a life without things going wrong? – DEFINITELY NOT!! – things happen in my life that happen to everyone. Sickness, financial worries, death, job security – you name it – but through it all God has been there always willing to talk to me and comfort me and through His Word and prayer to give me hope and courage to face the future.
Does it mean then that I will never make mistakes again? – I wish!! but NO!! Unfortunately mistakes and sin are inbuilt in all of us and being human yes I guess it will happen again – Will God forgive me again if I am truly sorry and come to him – of course he will – amazing!!
God also gives us the strength to walk away from mistakes and sin if we let Him – He does say in the Bible that “He saves us FROM our sin” – meaning from the sin that we are about to commit.
All I can say is – keep Him close – as close as you can at all times – ask Him by His spirit to live in you and control your thoughts and deeds.
God is not only forgiving but he is just and Holy.
Because he is so holy – he cannot bear to look on our botched up lives – I know because my life is probably one of the worst botched up lives there is. That is why he gave Jesus to die on the cross and take our punishment and so instead of seeing our wrecks of lives when he looks at us He sees the life of the sinless Jesus. How amazing is that!!
So God sees us as holy as well – whew!! But only if we accept Him into our lives.
God is the source of every good thing in our lives. He is the one who daily gives us strength and a reason to have hope and faith. You can tap in to the divine strength today.
Years ago I said a prayer like this:-
Dear God,
Thank you for sending Jesus to die for me.
I am truly sorry for the sins and mistakes I have made.
Please come into my life and take control.
Don’t ask me how but God’s spirit can come and take up house in our lives and change us. He did it to me and he can do the same for you.
Matthew 27:32-56: 32 As they were going out, they met a man from Cyrene, named Simon, and they forced him to carry the cross. 33 They came to a place called Golgotha (which means The Place of the Skull). 34 There they offered Jesus wine to drink, mixed with gall; but after tasting it, he refused to drink it.35 When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots. 36 And sitting down, they kept watch over him there. 37 Above his head they placed the written charge against him: THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS. 38 Two robbers were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left. 39 Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads 40 and saying, “You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God!”
41 In the same way the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders mocked him. 42 “He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself! He’s the King of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. 43 He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if he wants him, for he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” 44 In the same way the robbers who were crucified with him also heaped insults on him.
The Death of Jesus
45 From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land. 46 About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lamasabachthani?”—which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
47 When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “He’s calling Elijah.”
48 Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a stick, and offered it to Jesus to drink. 49 The rest said, “Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to save him.”
50 And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.
51 At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. 52 The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. 53 They came out of the tombs, and after Jesus’ resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people.
54 When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, “Surely he was the Son of God!”
55 Many women were there, watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to care for his needs. 56 Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee’s sons.
Jesus went through torture beyond any of our imaginations. He went through personal humiliation, physical pain, and spiritual anguish. The worst of all was probably the suffering that came in verse 46. He experienced separation from God. That is the ultimate consequence of sin. Separation. Spiritual death. I can’t even imagine what he went through at that moment. The weight of sin for everyone who ever lived, was living, and would live was upon him at that moment. That full amount of God’s wrath was on Jesus. Jesus had never sinned, but God made him to be sin for us (2 Corinthians 5:21). God’s Son, the Creator of the universe, was rejected by His creation and isolated from His Father. The separation had to be the worst suffering of all. The wrath of God was satisfied. Because of Jesus’ suffering, we are restored to a right relationship with God if we accept His FREE gift of salvation.
According to John’s account (John 19:30) of Christ’s death, what Jesus said in verse 50 was “It is finished.” These words mark the end of his suffering. It marks the completion of Jesus’ mission to restore us to a right relationship with the Father. At the time Jesus Christ died, the “curtain of the temple” was torn from top to bottom. This symbolizes that the way into God’s presence was now open. Because of what Jesus did, we have permanent access to God for all those who give their lives to Christ.
Just one person’s sin would’ve been enough to put Him on the cross. He would’ve done the exact same thing if you were the only person on earth. ”A cross, 3 nails, the weight of my sin, loneliness, pain and sorrow. That was on my Savior’s,”to do list”,for that day. I am the cause.”
“He died not for men, but for each man. If each man had been the only man made, He would have done no less.”- C.S. Lewis
“It was my sin that held him there. Until it was accomplished. His dying breath has brought me life. I know that it is finished.”
Jesus did all of this out of love. When He was hanging on that cross He was thinking of you. He gave salvation to anyone who comes into contact with His saving and delivering power. He paid the ultimate sacrifice so that we don’t have to be separated from God anymore. We now can have a relationship with Him through Jesus Christ.
I also want to say that through Jesus’ ministry he was rejected by the world. Many mocked him, laughed at him, called him a liar,etc. We, as Christians, can expect the same type of rejection. If Jesus is the center of your life, the world system will reject you. David Wilkerson says: “It is a very costly mercy that;s been shown to us. Jesus paid a price in the human flesh. It’s the same price we are going to pay. We have to pay the cost of total rejection. Society will never accept you if Jesus Christ is the cause and the meaning of your mercy and grace.”
You see, the cost of following Jesus is great. Some of us will be rejected, mocked, beaten, tortured, and even killed for our faith in Jesus Christ. Other religions will be accepted. Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism will be accepted. However, Christianity will never be accepted by the majority of society. Why? Because Christianity is the only true religion. The cost is great, but the reward is even greater- an eternity with Jesus!
Jesus tells us that the world will hate us. He tells us that we will be persecuted. Jesus went through considerable suffering so that we can have freedom from sin and death. Expect to face troubles on this earth, especially persecution. But take heart! Jesus has overcome the world (John 16:33).
The Greatest Story Ever, the Greatest Truth Ever does not stop here. There is more.
The Resurrection:
1 On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. 2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. 5 In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? 6 He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 7 ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ ” 8 Then they remembered his words.
9 When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others. 10 It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles. 11 But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense. 12 Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened.
On the Road to Emmaus
13 Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15 As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16 but they were kept from recognizing him.
17 He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?”
They stood still, their faces downcast. 18 One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there in these days?”
19 “What things?” he asked.
“About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20 The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21 but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. 22 In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning 23 but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24 Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.”
25 He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.
28 As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus acted as if he were going farther. 29 But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.
30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. 32 They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”
33 They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together 34 and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” 35 Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.
Jesus Appears to the Disciples
36 While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”
37 They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. 38 He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds?39 Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.”
40 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. 41 And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he took it and ate it in their presence.
44 He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.”
45 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. 46 He told them, “This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”
As I was looking through all four accounts of the Resurrection, I saw Luke gave the most descriptive telling so I decided you use his account. If you want proof of the Resurrection look at the baptism of the Holy Spirit and the gifts of the Holy Spirit. If Christ did not raise from the dead, there wouldn’t be that kind of demonstration of the Spirit’s power.
The Resurrection of Jesus is one of, if not the most central truths of the Gospel. If the Resurrection had not occurred, followers of Jesus would have no hope and their faith would be pointless. In fact Paul says, “And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith” (1 Corinthians 15:14). As Lecrae says, “That implies that our lives are built around Jesus being alive.” Because Christ conquered death, death no longer as power on those who are in Him either. We can enter Paradise with Jesus. Christianity is the only religion on earth that can say that their “main man” is alive! Enemies of God try to stop the message of the Resurrection because they know the effect that the message can have! They can NOT stop a miracle, however! Without the Resurrection my whole life (and every Christian’s) would be wasted. He is risen!
Once again the Greatest Story ever, the Greatest Truth ever does not end there. It is an ongoing thing. Jesus sent us the Holy Spirit after a ascended into Heaven (Check out Acts chapter 2 for more details on that). Jesus is returning soon! Are you ready?
“Paul said if Christ ain’t resurrect then we wasted our lives Well that implies that our life’s built around Jesus being alive Everyday I’m living tryin show the world why Christ is more than everything you’ll ever try”- Lecrae
I am not a political animal. I don’t post political rants and have often kept my opinions to myself so much so that my own parents didn’t know what party I affiliated with. I like it that way. I think that the old adage my grandfather held to is still true: Don’t discuss politics, religion and family “laundry” in mixed company. It doesn’t mean I don’t have an opinion – In fact, I have very strong opinions. However, another thing my granddad used to say holds me back most days from expressing mine to just anyone: Opinions are like backsides. Everyone has one and no one is particularly interested in yours. I wish we could understand that understatement is so much more powerful than overstatement on any given day.
There are enough hot-button issues out there to keep a poster busy from sunup to sundown. I could ramble on and on about what I think and how I feel about things from gay marriage to food genetics. Fact is, who cares? I mean, obviously some one cares what I would have to say, but for the most part people aren’t listening, they are watching.
The most influential people in my life don’t influence me because of what they support politically or believe religiously, they influence me because of what they DO in a day. How a person acts, reacts and presents themselves to me is much more important than their political or religious views. If someone is abrasive, overbearing and constantly trying to school me on how to live my life you can bet that I don’t associate with them often. If you have an opinion that I don’t agree with I don’t necessarily have to change your mind to be your friend, but realize that the same goes both ways.
I trust that you are smart enough to have your opinion and I appreciate it when you believe the same of me. Do not dare to condescend to me and I will not unfriend you or think less of you when we disagree. I have a belief system that is sound and one that I cherish. I expect you have the same kinds of things in your treasure trove of experience as well. I may not agree with you. I may not endorse your lifestyle choices. In my opinion, I don’t have to.
I know that there are many out there who would say that I am trying to be politically correct. There you would be wrong. If you ask me my opinion on any number of subjects I would be more than happy to oblige you and describe how I feel about them and I would give you my reasons behind it. But to have my opinion and my beliefs foisted upon you? I hope not. I do life this way for a very simple reason.
In the bible it says, “Judge not, lest ye be judged.” However familiar that might be to me, The Message nails it down hard: ”Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults— unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging. It’s easy to see a smudge on your neighbor’s face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own. Do you have the nerve to say, ‘Let me wash your face for you,’ when your own face is distorted by contempt? It’s this whole traveling road-show mentality all over again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your part. Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face, and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor.” Are you getting it now? I want to be judged by the measure of mercy that is given to me, not the measure I see bandied about the social media-verse.
It is said that respect is earned. I would challenge that. Respect is something you have when you realize that you are no better than anyone else, rich or poor, tall or short, gay or straight. Respect is what drives you to use language that builds up and affirms, educates and forgives. Respect is a gift given to the recipient even when they are less than respectful to you because you value your example more than you value your opinion.
The bible is a wealth of information. It has an answer to almost every question and life choice we could make. Not everyone reads it or knows how to interpret its contents, so I would boil it down to one verse when dealing with strong opinions and volatile subjects: Leviticus 19:18 ”Don’t seek revenge or carry a grudge against any of your people. “Love your neighbor as yourself. I am God.” (Emphasis mine.) Yeah… Not the words from Leviticus you expected, right? Live your life, be the light that you are called to be. Live quietly in the strength of a Christ who is risen from the dead, undefeated even after the most insidious injustice ever recorded. He was, after all, convicted for political and religious reasons by some of the most devout leaders of his day.
It isn’t our job to convict. God has got that handled. It is our job to love and to be honest. My honesty says that I have sinned and failed and disappointed my Lord many times over. My sins are no less grievous than any other person. I am responsible to live by my convictions, I am convicted to walk my example… I fail often. I get a chance to do better next time. Don’t we all?
