Tuesday 31 October 2017

Romans 8:11 by Susan L.

  I am indwelt by His Spirit.

  "But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you." NKJV
  "The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you." JCB

  Rebirth. Renewal. Restoration. Redemption.

  Hope.

  Faith.

  A joy that surpasses all worldly understanding.

  I needed this reminder today that He, who is the Author and Finisher of my life, knows me far better than I know myself.
  I needed this reminder today that He loves me far better than any human understanding of love can even come close to.
  He loves me so much, He moved in.
  I needed this reminder that I am not alone. Ever.
  Maybe it's time to let go of trying to fix the anxiety. (Not "fixing it" creates its own anxiety!) Maybe it's time to let go of worldly cures and rest in the assurance that in this exact moment in space and time, things are as they should be.
 
 

Monday 30 October 2017

Affirmation #142 by Susan L.

  I am indwelt by Christ Jesus. John 14:20
  Jesus says, "At that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you." NKJV
  "When I am raised to life again, you will know that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you." JCB

  After installing the closet doors for my bedroom, I pulled out a jean jacket that hasn't been worn for a long time. It's the season for jackets. It's been in my wardrobe for a long time: a man's jacket dressed up with a bit of crazy quilting on the back and sleeves.
  As I put it on, I remembered why I have kept it.
  This is a story I've shared before but it's one of those unforgettable events that keep coming to mind.

  It was the summer of the coyotes. Over a decade ago. The summer I was on my own while my ex was overseas.
  One afternoon, the cows were kicking up a terrible fuss. I went flying up the road to the barnyard to see what was the matter. The cows were attacking a lamb that was bleeding profusely. The only reason I can think they would do this is because it smelled like the coyote who boldly circled hoping to get close enough to snatch it back.
  I chased coyote and cows away and lifted the lamb up. It was too badly injured to save. Sitting on the ground, I wrapped it in the above mentioned jean jacket and held it while it died. 
  There had been far too much death that fateful summer including a pet goat that had disappeared a few days earlier.
  As the little lamb breathed its last, and tears filled my eyes, I remember saying, "I can't do this any more. I am done. Finished."
 
 I've shared before about the significance of this jacket being covered with the blood of a lamb and even though it washed out, the Lord has used it to remind me that I am covered by the Blood of the Lamb.
  Over the last few days, since I pulled the jacket out of the closet, I've realized something else.
  God was listening.
  He heard my despair.
  He heard my need.
  Even though I'd turned my back on faith and church, He hadn't turned His back on me.
  He honoured my long forgotten commitment to Jesus spoken at a forgettable Anglican First Communion Ceremony. (Lord, once again I forgive the priest who did so poorly at sharing Your love.)
  He used this prayer, to a God I vainly hoped was there and listening, to set in motion everything that would set me free and make me run directly into His arms once and for all.
  Forever.
 
 
 
 

Saturday 28 October 2017

I am Indestructable, John 6:51 by Susan L.

  Jesus says, "I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world." NKJV
  "I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live forever; and this bread, which I will offer so the world may live, is my flesh." JCB

  It's a bit of a challenge to figure out how this affirmation is derived from this particular scripture so I don't even know where to begin...
  I don't know how eternal life can be connected with indestructability.
  Or maybe I'm looking at this the wrong way...
  My soul is eternal. It will not die. It will be in heaven with my Lord and Saviour when this earthly, annoying, betraying body is needed no longer. I think I get a new body when I die, too. (Something else to look forward to!)

  Our spirits can be broken. Our bodies and minds, too. Yet, no matter what the world throws our way, our souls, the fabric of our God ordained identity, remains true.
  The world may distort that truth but, as a follower of Jesus, God's truth will reveal itself every time.
  If I let Him show me.
  If I believe.
 

Friday 27 October 2017

I am Included, Ephesisans 1:13 by Susan L.

  "In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvations; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise." NKJV
  "And now you Gentiles have also heard the truth, the Good News that God saves you. And when you believed in Christ, he identified you as his own by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom he promised long ago." JCB

 Out of curiosity, I counted the number of affirmations on the list that are referenced in the book of Ephesians. There are thirty-four out of three hundred. Ten percent. It's made me realize there is much more to this small Book than I'd thought.
  Out of necessity, I've only focused on the Armor of God (Eph. 6:10-18) in any great depth. My walk as a Christian began on the battlefield. The armor was one of the first faith based paintings the Lord inspired me to do.
  I think it's time to really dig into the rest of it because, if my assumptions are correct, the armor is built of love, not metal. The armor isn't made to keep me apart, it's meant to illustrate confidence in Christ and His teachings.
  I can fight the powers that would oppress my soul. That much I know. There have been many victories with Christ guiding my sword: my prayers of repentance and forgiveness.

  There was a long, long pause.

  Lord, You know I am struggling with an upsurge of anxiety. It's bad this time around. It makes it hard to think, to pray, to leave the house. Be with me, in Jesus' name I pray. AMEN!

 
 
 
 

Wednesday 25 October 2017

Dwelling Place by Susan L.

  I am in Christ Jesus. 1 Corinthians 1:30
  "But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God--and righteousness and sanctification and redemption--" NKJV
  "God has united you with Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made him to be wisdom itself. Christ made us right with God; he made us pure and holy, and he freed us from sin." JCB

  My Uncle was laid to rest yesterday. There was no formal ceremony, just four of us to lovingly close the cover on Harry's book of life. He now rests beside his wife, mother and father.
  When I was there to place my aunt to rest, it was a barren cemetery; a wide open field surrounded by wide open fields. In the twelve years since her passing, the trees have grown a lot and there's been many new trees planted. It makes a difference. The cemetery doesn't look so forlorn.
  I am thankful to have this done before the snow flies. I am thankful that yesterday morning continued to be unseasonably warm, that the rain, cold and wind held off until we had done what needed to be done. I am thankful the long drive there and back gave me an opportunity to see the fall colours and rejoice in their beauty.
  I am thankful I spent Monday night at my folk's place, breaking up the travels.
 
  I don't feel much like writing this morning or exploring this affirmation. My heart is in the basement workshop where two bedside tables wait to be completed. It feels good to make something, to keep my hands busy especially since I've been struggling with my old foe, anxiety. It's gotten bad lately.
  I think I had a breakthrough about it last night, an "Aha!" moment right before I fell asleep. The anxiety disappeared when I changed my eating habits for the better. Cutting sugar out of my diet was the top priority.
  With all the chaos of the last several months, sugar crept back in.
  Thank You, Lord, for this wise insight into a possible contributing factor. Give me strength to tackle the sugar addiction again. In Jesus' name I pray. AMEN!
 
 
 

Monday 23 October 2017

Ephesians 5:1 by Susan L.

  Today's affirmation is: I am an imitator of God.

  "Therefore be imitators of God as dear children." NKJV
  "Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children." JCB

  I think back to my own children and how much of their learning and growth was based around imitating the adult role models in their lives. My two year old uttered a mild profanity after I bumped the car hard into the curb. The timing was perfect and we all found it extremely funny but, boy, did I ever have a hard time getting him to stop saying that particular word. Especially since we'd all laughed in the first place!
  I confess he learned it from his parents.
  Then there is an image from a documentary film that still haunts me to this day even though it's been thirty years since I saw it. The film was about the troubles between Catholics and Protestants in Northern Ireland when things were at their worst in the 1970's. One side or the other was having a parade. It doesn't matter which. A cute as a button, rosy cheeked, little girl of about four years old was standing on the sidelines shaking her fist. She was screaming hate filled words at the parade participants who were not of her faith.
  She learned it from her parents.
  God forgive us. Forgive me.
 
  Now I'm stuck. I haven't a clue about what to write next.

  My heart is crying out against all the world's lessons that still have a foothold. My soul is crying out for something better, to live better than I have. I want grace, compassion, kindness, joy and hope to be an intrinsic part of me. I want those blessings to overflow. Lord, I want to imitate Your amazing love with every fibre of my being. In Jesus' name I pray. AMEN!
 
 
 
 
 

 

Saturday 21 October 2017

I am the Image...by Susan L.

The rest of the affirmation goes on to say, "and glory of God." 1 Corinthians 11:7

  "For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but woman is the glory of man." NKJV
  "A man should not wear anything on his head when worshiping, for man is made in God's image and reflects God's glory." JCB

  This has thrown a cog in the works and has stirred up a whole whack of questions. Chapter 11 is entitled "Instructions for Public Worship."
  Just before the quoted scripture, Paul goes as far as to say that a woman with her hair cut or head shaved is a shameful thing and that her head should be covered when praying or prophesying.
  I am struggling with this because it flies in the face of everything I am coming to know about the love of my heavenly Father. How can having a shaved head make one iota of difference? Why does Paul use shame to direct behaviours when, as children of God, we are to be set free of shame? Jesus died to make it so!
  Questions, questions and more questions!
  On the reverse of this, it is apparently disgraceful for a man to have long hair yet most portrayals of Jesus have long hair. What a rebel! Uh, yup.
  Yet, according to Paul, long hair on woman is supposed to be her pride and joy. What happened to humility and not being vain?
  While writing affirmation #114 about being glorified with Jesus, I came to realize that glory is the unadulterated, outpouring love of God. Does He love me less because I have short hair? It's even buzzed really short on one side.
  What a rebel! Yup.
  Lord, Paul's words have me terribly confused. Genesis makes it very clear that both man and woman are made in Your image yet these words have torn the idea of being representative of Your glory to shreds. 
  Guide me into truth and understanding. Let everything I do and say be all to Your glory and Yours alone. In Jesus' name I pray. AMEN!
 
 

Wednesday 18 October 2017

Affirmation #136 by Susan L.

  I am the image of God. Genesis 1:27

  "So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." NKJV
  "So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them." JCB

  In Exodus 3:14, God tells Moses who He is.
  "I AM WHO I AM. And He said, "Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, 'I AM has sent me to you."
  I've pondered over this particular verse many times as I try to understand God's nature. Because I live in a physically divided state, being a woman apart from man, it's stretched my imagination to think of God as being both male and female.
  I've heard previous teachings that speak of the Mother Heart of God but I think it's deeper than His heart. There is no division of gender in any aspect of His being. He is the "I AM." It's humans that assign gender specific traits to His character.
  (Now there's something to Triple T! Why are traits limited by being gender specific?)
  Sunday's teaching was on this very subject so I am going to quote the notes, "Jesus came to show us that the God of power and judgement (thought of as male) is also the God who lays down his life to serve, sustain, embrace and nurture (thought of as female)."
  Jesus first miracle of turning water into wine has leapt into my mind. Was wedding preparation the domain of women back then like it is now? His mother was the one who pointed out the insufficient liquor supply. If so, Jesus providing wine was a very womanly act of service!
   I have to give thanks that I am a creator (small c) who is willing to set aside cultural and social gender limitations in much that I do.
  If God is the I AM, I am the "i am", God's child made in His image.
 
 

Tuesday 17 October 2017

I am Humble, Philippians 2:24 by Susan L.

  I don't know if it was an intentional mistake but the quoted scripture doesn't match the affirmation this morning. ;)  In reading though Philippians, I found this verse...
  "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each man esteem others better than himself." Phil 2:3 NKJV
  "Don't be selfish; don't try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves." JCB

  Humility is the offspring of gratitude.
  Gratitude, giving thanks, honours the Source of our being and doing, our skills and talents, our abilities and growth.
  Gratitude honours the gift of others whose presence is woven in and around our lives and experiences.
  Gratitude is acknowledging the worth in all our experiences, even the unpleasant ones.
  Hmmmm, that last one isn't so easy.
  Sacrificial gratitude is giving thanks when it is nearly impossible to do so. When every fibre of our being rebels and wants to stay angry or bitter or wants revenge, "Thank You," places those pride based emotions at the foot of the Cross.
  Gratitude is the gateway to forgiveness.
  To forgive is to embrace love.
  Love is humility.

 
 
  
 
 

 

Monday 16 October 2017

I am Honoured, 2 Timothy 2:20-21

  "But only in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honour and some for dishonour. Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honour, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work." NKJV
  "In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use. If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honourable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work." JCB

  I think of the classic book, "Les Miserables". It's also a movie and a theatrical production. The main character was an ex-convict, a thief. He sought a night's shelter with the only person who would let him in the house: a priest. The priest's housekeeper was concerned at letting such a disreputable person in. The thief did what he knew best, what the housekeeper knew he would do. He stole the silver flatware but, in fleeing the scene, got caught by the police with his bag full of loot. The police returned him to the priest to confirm the stolen items were his.
  The priest reacted by affirming they had belonged to him but, he added, he had given them to the thief. He chastised the thief in front of the police because he had forgotten to take the silver candlestick holders. Motioning to the astounded housekeeper to get them, he had a moment to quietly speak with the humbled thief and admonished him to use the silver to turn his life around.
  He did.
  God used the silver Judas took and used it to write the greatest redemption story ever. One that was set down for all mankind.
  My only concern about today's affirmation is the implied necessity of being "pure" before I can be used by God. There's much more behind this excerpt from the Bible. Other writings affirm we have a helper in the form of the Holy Spirit. Other writings affirm we are already cleansed of sin before God. Other writings encourage us to be better than we are because none of us, no matter what we do, ever has to go it alone.
  I want to add another verse from 2 Timothy that points clearly to the indwelling of Jesus in our hearts and minds. It is what makes it possible for us to be pure, to be ready to be used by God for good works.
  "If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself." 2 Tim 2:13
  I am honoured to be the recipient of such amazing love.
  Lord, show me how to live in and through Your love. In Jesus' name I pray.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Saturday 14 October 2017

I am Holy, Ephesians 1:4 by Susan L.

  "Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love." NKJV
  "Even before he made the world, God loved us, and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes." JCB

  This is a wonderful response to yesterday's post along with H's affirmation that I am not alone in my response to unwanted callers. Today's affirmation brushes away my regrets about the recent, un-Christ like behaviours.
  God doesn't see them because Christ's final sacrifice makes my sins disappear.

  Even so, mistakes lead to growth and they fill my heart with the earnest desire to be a better person. Although, sometimes it takes a while before the same mistake no longer repeats itself.

  What would it be like to live a sinless life?
  It wouldn't be good, at least for now, because then I couldn't learn about grace or the love God has for His wayward children.
  And that, in the end, is all that really matters.
 
 

Friday 13 October 2017

I am His Handiwork, Ephesians 2:10 by Susan L.

  "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared before hand that we should walk in them." NKJV
  "For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago."

  The phone rang at ten to seven this morning. That's early for me. Horrible thoughts raced through my head as I leapt out of sleep and out of bed to answer.
  "Did something happen to a family member? Who else would be calling this early?"
  The family is fine.
  It was a phone scam regarding my credit card. They called to tell me someone had just spent a considerable amount of money using my account.
  I confess my morality slipped. After a few choice words about the unseemly hour of the call, and reeling from the rush of adrenaline, I asked to call them back.
  A quick call to the actual credit card company verified my suspicions. It was a scam. Again. An audacious one that would call early in order to catch someone half asleep and off guard.
  Never give out your credit card or personal info to ANYONE who calls you!!!!
  The duct cleaning company has started calling again. I swore at them, too, out of utter frustration in trying to end these calls.
  I don't know if other countries in the world are so plagued by telemarketers or fraud artists like we are in Canada. Some people I know get a dozen a week. I went and checked out my phone company's privacy policy. If the number is listed, they can't stop anyone from calling the number. The next step is to have my number unlisted even though it will add to the bill.
  And I am left sitting here dealing with an extra dose of anxiety this morning because it feels like a mugger just tried to steal my purse.
  Lord, I feel I've let You down because of my lack of love towards these callers. I feel I've let You down in my language choices. I feel I've let You down because I am thoroughly p'd off about the phone thing, and at the people behind the scams. I feel I've let You down because grace has left the building along with patience, forgiveness and compassion. I feel I've let You down because I've let someone's actions shape my behaviour.
  Forgive me and thank You for giving me enough alertness this morning that I didn't fall for the scam.

  (My phone is now unlisted as well as having spam callers blocked which I didn't know the phone company could do. All for the princely sum of a couple of bucks. It'll be the best two dollars I've ever spent!)
 
 

Wednesday 11 October 2017

I am His, Isaiah 43:1 by Susan L.

  "But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; You are Mine." NKJV
  "But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says, "Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine." JCB

  Verse two in the JCB goes on to say:
  "When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown."
  Thank You, Lord, for being with me on the Black River.

  I picked up a counted cross stitch kit yesterday at the dollar store. I've never done cross stitch but the picture captured my attention. It's of a lovely young woman with flowers in her hair called, "Innocence".
  Thankfully there's clear instructions but I figured if I can follow a hockey player pattern for a knitted sweater, the principles are the same. Only the medium has changed.
  I loved the fact that the edges of the fabric had to be wrapped in thread to prevent them from unravelling. Maybe that's what community is about, wrapping each other in friendship, companionship and love so we don't unravel.
  While it takes concentration because of the unfamiliarity, there's a meditative, prayerful element to it that ties in to what's been going on lately. As each colour, dark or light, is sewn into its place, the full picture will begin to take shape. For now, there's a whole lot of background just waiting its turn to be adorned by small, cross shaped stitches.
 
  As the prayer by Thomas Merton goes, "My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end...Therefore I will trust in You always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death, I will not fear, for You are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone. Amen." (Thanks, H, for sending it to me.)
  I am God's child after all.
 
 
 

 

Tuesday 10 October 2017

Affirmation #130 by Susan L.

  I am hidden with Christ in God. Colossians 3:3
  "For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God." NKJV
  "Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God." Col 3:2-3 JCB

  This doesn't feel affirming. It feels more like a conviction.

  Lord, how am I supposed to meditate on heaven when this earthly mind and body betrays me? Especially when I don't know what sends me careening down the Black River rapids! How do I get off the boat? How do I lose the anger and frustration being swept away stirs in my heart?
  And I am angry. Very. Very. Angry.
  And tired.
  And feeling terribly lonely.
  I was living a miracle, a taste of peace for several months with zero anxiety. It was wonderful.
  How come it ended?

  What would Jesus say about all this, seeing as my life is hidden with Him?
  I keep hearing the words, "Ask for help. That's what community is for."
  So why can't I?
  Why is it so hard for me to accept help even when it is offered without being asked for?
 
  I don't want to be an inconvenience or to be a bother to any one.
  Now there's a core belief that has deep roots.
  It's no wonder I am feeling lonely if this is how I think. It slams the door on being blessed or giving others the chance to do the blessing. It slams the door on community and friendships.
  Thank You, Lord, for helping me see the truth.
  Help me learn to trust others, that their motivation is of love. Help me let go of my fierce independent streak or at least learn to tame it. In Jesus' name I pray.
 
 
 
 
 

 

Monday 9 October 2017

I am Helped by Him, Isaiah 44:2 by Susan L.

  "Thus says the Lord who made you and formed you from the womb, who will help you; 'Fear not, O Jacob My servant; And you, Jeshurun, whom I have chosen.'" NKJV
  "The Lord who made you and helps you says: Do not be afraid, O Jacob, my servant, O dear Israel, my chosen one." JCB

  So it hasn't been a good weekend. I had to battle down a panic attack yesterday morning at church. I walked into the performance hall where we hold the service. Worship music was playing loudly through the speakers. There were busy people busy setting up the equipment.
  Unwanted and unbidden, up came the overwhelming, screaming heebie-jeebies.
  I couldn't breathe.
  I could feel my brain slipping sideways. It's like reality becomes a post card, a flat image utterly disconnected from the actual textures of life. Everything starts to grow distant and surreal.
  I went ahead and set up my flute then tooted a few warm up notes but had to get out of the room. It was like a dream. I walked into the common area, taking some deep breaths which never works for me when it comes to battling the inner forces but I took them anyways. 
  Someone asked me if I was okay.
  Tears pricked at my eyes. "No. I'm not."
  Leaving wasn't an option. We were doing a performance piece in honour of Thanksgiving and I wanted to play, to be a small part in creating something beautiful. There joy in making music!
  I took one of my just-in-case-of-emergency pills. It calmed me enough to get through the service although tears of exhaustion bubbled up as I packed up my flute as quickly as possible and fled when it was over.
  Lord, You are my help. Thank You for sending someone to pray for me in the midst of all of this.
  Protect me from the unrelenting sadness as I face the reality that the Black River still flows and there's absolutely nothing I can do about it. Help me let go of the anger, the resentment; of the feelings of powerlessness.
  Because You know the truth of who I am in Christ.
 
 
 
 
 

Saturday 7 October 2017

I am an Heir of God, Titus 3:7 by Susan L.

  "Having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life." NKJV
  "Because of his grace he made us right in his sight and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life." JCB

  The scriptures before today's affirmation bear quoting.
  "Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other. But--
  When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Saviour." Titus 3:3-6 JCB
  Because of his grace he made us right in his sight...
  There is nothing I can do. There is nothing I can pay. There is nothing I can say that could earn such a gift.
  It's mine because I am His child.
  So are you.

Thursday 5 October 2017

I am Healthy, Deuteronomy 7:15 by Susan L.

"And the Lord will take away from you all sickness, and will afflict you with none of the terrible diseases of Egypt which you have known, but will lay them on all those who hate you." NKJV
 "And the Lord will protect you from all sickness. He will not let you suffer from the terrible diseases you knew in Egypt, but he will inflict them on all your enemies!" JCB

  I find Old Testament verses at odds with those of the New; at odds with Jesus' message of love.
  Bear with me as I think this through.

  So God's chosen people knew diseases in Egypt but I think this is more than physical ailments. I think it also includes spiritual sicknesses such as despair and hopelessness. Several centuries of slavery would make anyone despair of ever being free.
  So God sent Moses.
  Then the Israelite's path to freedom was paved by plagues visited upon the Egyptians.
  Signs and miracles. Violence and death. Vengeance and revenge upon their captors. The Israelites weren't touched or harmed in any way. The blood of a lamb spared them.
  Maybe this isn't about the Israelites. Maybe this is about the rest of the world. They would witness God's hand caring for His chosen people. They would see them victorious in battle after battle despite overwhelming odds. They would see them blessed with the finest lands, the healthiest flocks. The world would wonder, would want to be a member of God's chosen people.
  In the movie, "The Prince of Egypt", as the Israelites leave Egypt, they portray Egyptian guards dropping their spears and joining in the Exodus. Perhaps it's artistic licence or maybe it really happened. I'd like to think it did.
  It wasn't all happily ever after for them. Forty years they wandered, being tested, being humbled, being refined and purified because through these people, God's Son would come.
  He came so our sickness, our sins, can be forgiven and we can be made well and whole. He came so we can have a personal, intimate relationship with our Father without having to do a thing except believe in His Son who died. The final Lamb sacrifice required to solidify the New Covenant of God for all peoples.
 
 
 
 
 

Wednesday 4 October 2017

I am Healed, 1 Peter 2:24 by Susan L.

  "Who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness--by whose stripes you were healed." NKJV
  "He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed." JCB

  It was a successful day yesterday. A dump run followed by donating various items to Habitat for Humanity's Re-Store and The Clothesline, a local charity second hand store. It felt good to get the garbage bags filled with worn clothing and items not fit for re-sale out of the kitchen. It felt good to get the boxes filled with extra tools and household items out of the kitchen, too. It's more or less the last of my uncle's belongings put in a place where they can bless someone who needs them.
  I then stopped at a framing place to have the watercolour painting hanging above the bed re-framed because the matts had discoloured over the years. It's one of the few things I've kept from my uncle's house because I've always liked the painting.
Image may contain: indoor  Some of the donations were things of my own. Years ago I'd made a mirror from an old window that still had all the original brass hardware. It's been hung in various places throughout the house but part of the purging that's been going on has been to get rid of reminders of the past. It was a reminder just like the gouges on my bedroom furniture had been a reminder.
  The furniture, now painted, looks brand new.
  It had been damaged by carelessness and utter disregard. The ravages of time had added additional scratches and nicks. It took wood filler and careful sanding to heal it. Pine is a soft wood that marks easily.
  This is a redemption story isn't it? A Jesus story.
  It has me thinking of when He came back. He bore the marks of the nails in His hands and the spear wound in His side proving to the disciples it was He. There's no mention in scriptures of any evidence of the scourging He received or the wounds from the crown of thorns. The marks of sin on innocent flesh were wiped away.

  The ole gray matter is spinning.
  I am hovering around some sort of conclusion but don't know where to begin.
  What I can do is give thanks for the healing that has taken place in my life. I can give double thanks for my Saviour who made it possible.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Tuesday 3 October 2017

I am the Head, Deuteronomy 28:13 by Susan L.

  "And the Lord will make you the head and not the tail; you shall be above only, and not be beneath, if you heed the commandments of the Lord your God, Which I command you today, and are careful to observe them." NKJV
  "If you listen to these commands of the Lord your God that I am giving you today, and if you carefully obey them, the Lord will make you the head and not the tail, and you will always be on top and never at the bottom." JCB

  Jesus commands, "Love one another as I have loved you." John 15:12
  His Great Commandment encompasses all the laws given to God's chosen people.
  I've said it before and I'll say it again, Jesus turned the ten commandments given to the Israelites into the ten promises meant for all God's children. Love takes religious obedience out of the picture because allowing love to shape our behaviours and choices means we rise above the darkness in this ole world. No rules necessary. This isn't simply about doing no harm, it's about bringing life and light and hope in all that we do, to everyone we have contact with in our daily lives.
  I'm not very good at it.

  There was a long pause after that last sentence.

  Perhaps that was a bit harsh. (Smile.) I'm not always good at it. Emotions, environment and experiences tend to interfere with my ability to love others as Jesus loves me. I don't think I'm alone here.
  How do I change tail mentality into head mentality? How do I lose the idea that loving others means I have to be a doormat? How do I embrace a love that doesn't come with conditions? How do I think outside the box?
  I can't. At least, on my own.
  Lord, I lift this up to You. I am feeling rather sad about it all, that I could be better than I am. But then, I have to give thanks because I've come a long way already. Help me go further into love living than I ever thought possible. In Jesus' name I pray. AMEN!
 
 
 
 

Monday 2 October 2017

I am Guiltless, Romans 8:1 by Susan L.

  "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit." NKJV
  "So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus." JCB

  I heard a story a long while ago about a man who embarked on a forty day fast. Day thirty-seven rolled around. He dove into a family sized bag of potato chips and ate the entire thing all by himself.
  What do you think he did?
  When I first heard this, I assumed he had to start all over again because he had failed to attain his objective of fasting for forty days but I was wrong. He repented of falling to temptation then continued to fast for three more days.
  Guilt leaves no room for grace.
  Guilt is a sledgehammer with shame as its handle. It beats joy down to nothing. It hammers spikes of inadequacy deep into our souls. It pummels the gift of our worth as children of God to dust. It drives in fence posts of isolation. It builds a fence between the posts of fear guarded by razor wire regret. It's an ugly thing, an ungodly thing.
  Grace leaves no room for guilt.
  Grace is love expressed towards others and ourselves. Grace is patience, kindness and forgiveness. If guilt is a sledgehammer, grace is a feather from God's wings.
 
 
 
 

Pattern

"For it was I, the Lord your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt. Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it with good things.&qu...