I am a new creation. 2 Corinthians 5:17
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." NKJV
"This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!" JCB
There's something wonderful about new. A baby sleeping in her mother's arms following the rigors of birth. A never-before-opened book that smells of ink. Christmas pajamas. A freshly laundered soft and cozy sweater. The glint of a golden sun first thing in the morning. And yes, a fresh blanket of snow that reveals traces of a hidden world: the bunny that lives somewhere around here.
But cynicism has worked its way into my heart. The constant commercial bombardment of "new and improved" is rarely proven true. New this. New that. The miracle cleaner. The miracle age eradicator lotion. The latest in exercise technology. The toothpaste with the new claim that it repairs tooth enamel when a few months ago, the same company's ads for the same product proclaimed that tooth enamel couldn't be repaired. (I think the marketing department should have thought that one through a bit better.)
"New" has lost its lustre. "New" is regarded with scepticism and downright suspicion.
Hmmm, this blasé attitude about "new" isn't something specific to our modern culture. It's been around a long time.
Look at how Jesus was regarded by many when He rocked the status quo with His New Covenant of promise, grace, acceptance and love for all who would believe.
With Jesus, "new" is eternal and constant. It's the real deal.
It's those breathless moments when an often read Bible verse leaps from the pages rich with fresh understanding. It's the realization that what has happened in the past doesn't matter. It's the joy found in a worship song that touches the heart in ways it's never been touched before. It's the anticipation of what lies ahead.
It's being remade, restored.
It's knowing that each day dawns as a new beginning, a new chance to be better than I am. Thanks to the grace and loving kindness of my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Friday, 29 December 2017
Thursday, 28 December 2017
I am New Born. 1 Peter 2:2-3 by Susan L.
"As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious." NKJV
"Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment now that you have had a taste of the Lord's kindness." JCB
A child broke a basement window when a baseball went awry. Expecting to be punished for being careless, instead, dad gives a chuckle and shares he had done the same thing when he was a boy.
"Let's clean this up together," he says. "Then we'll measure the frame and head out to get a new piece of glass. You can help me put it in."
The child's heart spirals up to the heavens at the reprieve. When dad hands his beloved child a large pair of time worn work gloves to protect young fingers from the jagged glass, the light of grace and kindness blasts dread and fear back into the shadows.
God's Word is a window into His heart.
There isn't much more to say except to give thanks for this amazing gift.
"Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment now that you have had a taste of the Lord's kindness." JCB
A child broke a basement window when a baseball went awry. Expecting to be punished for being careless, instead, dad gives a chuckle and shares he had done the same thing when he was a boy.
"Let's clean this up together," he says. "Then we'll measure the frame and head out to get a new piece of glass. You can help me put it in."
The child's heart spirals up to the heavens at the reprieve. When dad hands his beloved child a large pair of time worn work gloves to protect young fingers from the jagged glass, the light of grace and kindness blasts dread and fear back into the shadows.
God's Word is a window into His heart.
There isn't much more to say except to give thanks for this amazing gift.
Wednesday, 27 December 2017
I am New. Ephesians 4:24 by Susan L.
"And that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness." NKJV
"Put on your new nature, created to be like God--truly righteous and holy." JCB
I have always loved this passage because of the idea of putting on a new man. Or woman in this case. It speaks of God's grace in action. It speaks of His gentle way. It speaks about our own place in a relationship with Jesus.
Yet...I wonder...Is the new man actually the one God predestined us to be? New to us but familiar to God?
I find the story of Lazarus partners this scripture nicely. When Jesus called Lazarus out of the tomb, when He called him back to life, Jesus asked those gathered to remove his grave cloths.
To find the new man, we must remove the grave cloths (or have others help us) that keep us from living true to the life God has blessed us with.
What are grave cloths made of? The spiritual ones that cloak our true selves?
Lies.
Shame.
Guilt.
Blame.
Generations of half truths or misconceptions disguised as truth silently, or not so silently, handed down from father to son, mother to daughter. (Lord forgive me for doing the same.)
There's cultural influences in there, too. Hmm, there's a lot of those. Simply living in a patriarchal society has had an impact on my own understanding of womanly worth. (Forgive me for perpetrating those ideas, too.)
Grave cloths are layered. Some cover our hearts. Or hands. Or minds.
I imagine Lazarus had to squint a bit in the brilliant sun once his eyes were unwrapped. Was Jesus the first person he saw clearly? Can you imagine his joy?
I often wonder how this experience changed Lazarus. Did he become kinder? More loving? More forgiving? More hopeful? More dedicated to Jesus? To God? Did he put on a new man following his rebirth from the grave?
Questions, questions and more questions!
I give thanks, Lord, that putting on the new man is an ongoing process. Teach me to wear her well so I may glorify You. In Jesus name I pray. AMEN!
"Put on your new nature, created to be like God--truly righteous and holy." JCB
I have always loved this passage because of the idea of putting on a new man. Or woman in this case. It speaks of God's grace in action. It speaks of His gentle way. It speaks about our own place in a relationship with Jesus.
Yet...I wonder...Is the new man actually the one God predestined us to be? New to us but familiar to God?
I find the story of Lazarus partners this scripture nicely. When Jesus called Lazarus out of the tomb, when He called him back to life, Jesus asked those gathered to remove his grave cloths.
To find the new man, we must remove the grave cloths (or have others help us) that keep us from living true to the life God has blessed us with.
What are grave cloths made of? The spiritual ones that cloak our true selves?
Lies.
Shame.
Guilt.
Blame.
Generations of half truths or misconceptions disguised as truth silently, or not so silently, handed down from father to son, mother to daughter. (Lord forgive me for doing the same.)
There's cultural influences in there, too. Hmm, there's a lot of those. Simply living in a patriarchal society has had an impact on my own understanding of womanly worth. (Forgive me for perpetrating those ideas, too.)
Grave cloths are layered. Some cover our hearts. Or hands. Or minds.
I imagine Lazarus had to squint a bit in the brilliant sun once his eyes were unwrapped. Was Jesus the first person he saw clearly? Can you imagine his joy?
I often wonder how this experience changed Lazarus. Did he become kinder? More loving? More forgiving? More hopeful? More dedicated to Jesus? To God? Did he put on a new man following his rebirth from the grave?
Questions, questions and more questions!
I give thanks, Lord, that putting on the new man is an ongoing process. Teach me to wear her well so I may glorify You. In Jesus name I pray. AMEN!
Tuesday, 26 December 2017
I am Never Forsaken. Hebrews 13:5 by Susan L.
"Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.'" NKJV
"Don't love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, 'I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.'" JCB
The new translation feels a bit pale against the language in the older version of this Scripture. Covetousness, envy, covers more than money alone. The Old Testament commandment is specific: 'Thou shalt not covet your neighbour's house; you shall not covet your neighbour's wife or his male servant, or his female servant or his ox or his donkey or anything that belongs to your neighbour." Exodus 20:17
Jesus came to put the law aside. In its place is the New Covenant. In Christ, the ten commandments become the ten promises. How?
Because of love.
It means we can celebrate and give thanks for how the Lord has blessed our neighbours. In doing that, it helps build appreciation for how the Lord has blessed each of us in unique and special ways.
It may not be the big house on the hill or the Humvee but our blessing may be the gift of teaching or organizing or working with children.
However, it is much easier said than done.
I've been checking out snow blower prices in the weekly flyers, watching for one to become affordable. The Farmer's Almanac has promised a snowy winter. While shovelling snow for the second time already.. I wished...I did some financial wrangling in my head...I bargained and schemed...
My neighbour fired up a new, monster snow blower. It roared and rumbled. It mercilessly fired snow twenty-five-thirty-five-feet-in-the-air.
It was far bigger than anything I'd ever want to use! In fact, I looked down my nose at how big it was. Still, I was jealous and resentful as I evil-eyed the remaining sixty-five feet of my own driveway yet to be cleared while his driveway was done in no time!
It's not very pretty is it?
Envy never is.
Once he finished, he came, unasked, and finished mine in about four passes after sharing the blower had come from his parents who no longer needed it. His generosity and thoughtfulness brought tears to my eyes. They weren't only tears of gratitude but shame for my mean thoughts.
Yesterday dawned an extra white Christmas which meant breaking out the shovel again before heading down for a celebratory feast at my parent's place. It must have snowed more up north during the afternoon because when I came home, once again, he'd blown out the driveway.
The Lord has chosen to bless my neighbour. Despite my uncharitable thoughts and feelings, my neighbour has blessed me. How can I remain envious when his boyish delight and joy in the man-sized-monster-machine makes me happy for him?
How can I be resentful when the Lord has provided above and beyond what was my heart's desire? Not only is there a snow blower to help out once and a while but it comes with a driver!
I don't presume to expect he will be able to help me every time it snows. I wouldn't ask it of him but I sure appreciate the help when it comes.
Thank You, Lord, for Your forgiving heart, Your grace, and Your provision in all things.
"Don't love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, 'I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.'" JCB
The new translation feels a bit pale against the language in the older version of this Scripture. Covetousness, envy, covers more than money alone. The Old Testament commandment is specific: 'Thou shalt not covet your neighbour's house; you shall not covet your neighbour's wife or his male servant, or his female servant or his ox or his donkey or anything that belongs to your neighbour." Exodus 20:17
Jesus came to put the law aside. In its place is the New Covenant. In Christ, the ten commandments become the ten promises. How?
Because of love.
It means we can celebrate and give thanks for how the Lord has blessed our neighbours. In doing that, it helps build appreciation for how the Lord has blessed each of us in unique and special ways.
It may not be the big house on the hill or the Humvee but our blessing may be the gift of teaching or organizing or working with children.
However, it is much easier said than done.
I've been checking out snow blower prices in the weekly flyers, watching for one to become affordable. The Farmer's Almanac has promised a snowy winter. While shovelling snow for the second time already.. I wished...I did some financial wrangling in my head...I bargained and schemed...
My neighbour fired up a new, monster snow blower. It roared and rumbled. It mercilessly fired snow twenty-five-thirty-five-feet-in-the-air.
It was far bigger than anything I'd ever want to use! In fact, I looked down my nose at how big it was. Still, I was jealous and resentful as I evil-eyed the remaining sixty-five feet of my own driveway yet to be cleared while his driveway was done in no time!
It's not very pretty is it?
Envy never is.
Once he finished, he came, unasked, and finished mine in about four passes after sharing the blower had come from his parents who no longer needed it. His generosity and thoughtfulness brought tears to my eyes. They weren't only tears of gratitude but shame for my mean thoughts.
Yesterday dawned an extra white Christmas which meant breaking out the shovel again before heading down for a celebratory feast at my parent's place. It must have snowed more up north during the afternoon because when I came home, once again, he'd blown out the driveway.
The Lord has chosen to bless my neighbour. Despite my uncharitable thoughts and feelings, my neighbour has blessed me. How can I remain envious when his boyish delight and joy in the man-sized-monster-machine makes me happy for him?
How can I be resentful when the Lord has provided above and beyond what was my heart's desire? Not only is there a snow blower to help out once and a while but it comes with a driver!
I don't presume to expect he will be able to help me every time it snows. I wouldn't ask it of him but I sure appreciate the help when it comes.
Thank You, Lord, for Your forgiving heart, Your grace, and Your provision in all things.
Sunday, 24 December 2017
I Am Near to God. Ephesians 2:13 by Susan L.
"But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ." NKJV
"But now you have been united with Christ Jesus. Once you were far away from God, but now you have been brought near to him through the blood of Christ." JCB
I think of traditional wedding vows, how they proclaim love's promise, "To have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part."
...
And I am stuck. My brain is flying off in a gazillion directions this morning. It's been a morning of type then delete so I may as well surrender.
All I can say is that the love of Jesus surpasses all things of this world and beyond.
I won't be posting tomorrow so I want to wish my readers around the world a Very Merry Christmas.
"But now you have been united with Christ Jesus. Once you were far away from God, but now you have been brought near to him through the blood of Christ." JCB
I think of traditional wedding vows, how they proclaim love's promise, "To have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part."
...
And I am stuck. My brain is flying off in a gazillion directions this morning. It's been a morning of type then delete so I may as well surrender.
All I can say is that the love of Jesus surpasses all things of this world and beyond.
I won't be posting tomorrow so I want to wish my readers around the world a Very Merry Christmas.
Saturday, 23 December 2017
I am Named. 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 your 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
The massive upsurge in genealogy research, in DNA testing, in discovering roots reveals something about human nature. We need to know our place in the grand scheme of time. We need to know how our lives fit in. We need to know how we are connected to the rest of the people on the planet.
It's a social comment about the human need to belong.
The devil will make sure we sell our souls to be included, to feel that we are part of something. We will deny our selves. We will lie to ourselves. We will cry to ourselves in the wee hours of the morning because of the emptiness in life.
We try and fill the void with things of this world.
I had DNA testing done. As an adopted child, I was curious about my roots. The company still sends me emails when a new relative is found. A someone who is linked through the foundation of our being: our DNA. It's been a while since I've checked the site, but it has given me a list of around 2000 cousins. Just knowing they are there is enough to satisfy the reasons I had the testing done in the first place...
Belonging longing.
And God says, "You are Mine."
That's not just our heart or mind or physical presence. That's not just our thoughts or actions or choices. That's not just our faith or our unique abilities. It's not any one single thing that belongs to Him. It's everything. It's the whole package. Right down to the DNA finger print He placed in our cells when He created our being at the dawn of time.
Christmas can be one of the loneliest seasons of the year when the belonging longing is felt most strongly. As families gather, isolation can be keenly felt. Even by those surrounded by others.
I invite my readers to think about the birth of Jesus, the Great Outsider, who rocked the world with His message of love and connection. I invite my readers to explore the idea that He was born so that every single person in the planet could come home to His Father.
And maybe, just maybe, you can take a chance on being part of His family by inviting His Son into your life. And maybe, just maybe, you will realize that you have never been alone.
"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
The massive upsurge in genealogy research, in DNA testing, in discovering roots reveals something about human nature. We need to know our place in the grand scheme of time. We need to know how our lives fit in. We need to know how we are connected to the rest of the people on the planet.
It's a social comment about the human need to belong.
The devil will make sure we sell our souls to be included, to feel that we are part of something. We will deny our selves. We will lie to ourselves. We will cry to ourselves in the wee hours of the morning because of the emptiness in life.
We try and fill the void with things of this world.
I had DNA testing done. As an adopted child, I was curious about my roots. The company still sends me emails when a new relative is found. A someone who is linked through the foundation of our being: our DNA. It's been a while since I've checked the site, but it has given me a list of around 2000 cousins. Just knowing they are there is enough to satisfy the reasons I had the testing done in the first place...
Belonging longing.
And God says, "You are Mine."
That's not just our heart or mind or physical presence. That's not just our thoughts or actions or choices. That's not just our faith or our unique abilities. It's not any one single thing that belongs to Him. It's everything. It's the whole package. Right down to the DNA finger print He placed in our cells when He created our being at the dawn of time.
Christmas can be one of the loneliest seasons of the year when the belonging longing is felt most strongly. As families gather, isolation can be keenly felt. Even by those surrounded by others.
I invite my readers to think about the birth of Jesus, the Great Outsider, who rocked the world with His message of love and connection. I invite my readers to explore the idea that He was born so that every single person in the planet could come home to His Father.
And maybe, just maybe, you can take a chance on being part of His family by inviting His Son into your life. And maybe, just maybe, you will realize that you have never been alone.
Thursday, 21 December 2017
Mark 11:22-23 by Susan L.
I am a mountain mover.
"So Jesus answered and said to them, 'Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, "Be removed and be cast into the sea," and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says." NKJV
"Then Jesus said to the disciples, 'Have faith in God. I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, "May you be lifted up and thrown in to the sea," and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart." JCB
So why aren't prayers answered or mountains moved?
What are the stumbling blocks?
Jesus makes it clear that doubt is the biggest reason.
Yet, when I think of Moses, he did miracles. He moved the sea.
Hold on. His miracles happened because he was obedient to God's commands and set his ego aside for God to perform His wonders through him in front of thousands of witnesses.
Years ago, as a brand new, rather obnoxious, Christian, I stood beneath a shower head that dripped constantly. I was eager to try the power of prayer on everyone, everything and anything. (The dead mouse, attempted resurrection happened around this time as well.) I prayed hard over that drip, commanding it to cease dripping. I fully expected it to stop because I'd prayed in the name of Jesus over it with all the enthusiasm of a televangelist.
It didn't stop dripping.
I had a good laugh at myself. Moses I wasn't!
I should have called a plumber.
Is faith in God's plan for our lives the foundation for answered prayers? As Jesus said in Gethsemane, "Your will, Father, not mine."
Or maybe I'm looking at this all wrong. Sometimes prayers are based on what we think we want, what we think is best. Maybe pride is another one of those stumbling blocks.
Maybe our Santa Claus culture confuses the understanding of answered prayers.
I can proclaim to the world God has answered my own prayers time and again. A few days ago, He showed me why I was afraid to be happy. He revealed how the world had twisted His truth.
Lord, my heart swells with gratitude when I think of all the things you have blessed me with in this earthly realm and in the spiritual realm as well. I also give thanks that You help me laugh at my own foolishness.
Sometimes I think we are blind to answered prayers. We, me included, don't even realize they've been answered. It's only in hindsight we fully understand that mountains have moved after all.
"So Jesus answered and said to them, 'Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, "Be removed and be cast into the sea," and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says." NKJV
"Then Jesus said to the disciples, 'Have faith in God. I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, "May you be lifted up and thrown in to the sea," and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart." JCB
So why aren't prayers answered or mountains moved?
What are the stumbling blocks?
Jesus makes it clear that doubt is the biggest reason.
Yet, when I think of Moses, he did miracles. He moved the sea.
Hold on. His miracles happened because he was obedient to God's commands and set his ego aside for God to perform His wonders through him in front of thousands of witnesses.
Years ago, as a brand new, rather obnoxious, Christian, I stood beneath a shower head that dripped constantly. I was eager to try the power of prayer on everyone, everything and anything. (The dead mouse, attempted resurrection happened around this time as well.) I prayed hard over that drip, commanding it to cease dripping. I fully expected it to stop because I'd prayed in the name of Jesus over it with all the enthusiasm of a televangelist.
It didn't stop dripping.
I had a good laugh at myself. Moses I wasn't!
I should have called a plumber.
Is faith in God's plan for our lives the foundation for answered prayers? As Jesus said in Gethsemane, "Your will, Father, not mine."
Or maybe I'm looking at this all wrong. Sometimes prayers are based on what we think we want, what we think is best. Maybe pride is another one of those stumbling blocks.
Maybe our Santa Claus culture confuses the understanding of answered prayers.
I can proclaim to the world God has answered my own prayers time and again. A few days ago, He showed me why I was afraid to be happy. He revealed how the world had twisted His truth.
Lord, my heart swells with gratitude when I think of all the things you have blessed me with in this earthly realm and in the spiritual realm as well. I also give thanks that You help me laugh at my own foolishness.
Sometimes I think we are blind to answered prayers. We, me included, don't even realize they've been answered. It's only in hindsight we fully understand that mountains have moved after all.
Wednesday, 20 December 2017
Affirmation #177 by Susan L.
I am a minister of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
"Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling us to the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to the word of reconciliation." NKJV
"And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people's sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation." JCB
And we are told the same thing over and over again through various stories in the Bible. I think of Paul and how he persecuted the Christians until the Lord brought him into Himself. And Peter, who denied the Lord three times yet became one of His most devoted followers and teachers before being put to death for his faith.
I often think of Judas when I am reminded of the great grace of God. I ponder the events that may have happened. What would have taken place had Judas not taken his own life once he realized what the Pharisees had in store for the Lord? Would the resurrected Jesus have talked with him about what happened? About his choices? Would He have forgiven him? Was Jesus sad that Judas never gave Him the opportunity to pour out His love on a lost and confused man? Yet...Jesus had given permission for Judas to do what he was going to do knowing full well what that meant.
When Judas tried to give back the silver to the Pharisees and they refused, did Judas take full responsibility for the events that unfolded? Events which led to the resurrection of Jesus in all His glory! Did this let the Pharisees absolve themselves of any responsibility for the death of Christ? Just like Pontius Pilate did?
When Christians malign Judas or the Pharisees or Pontius Pilate, does this go against the heart of God? The Greatest Story Ever Told wouldn't have happened without them.
Paul's conversion from persecutor to humble servant is point and proof that the Lord has a place in His heart for everyone.
All we have to do is let Him in.
I think the biggest part of reconciliation is knowing when to say you are sorry. I think being a minister of reconciliation is teaching others the value of saying, "I am sorry." It's putting down another common expression, "Love is never having to say you are sorry." Love is admitting when you've been wrong.
It's important to own our choices. Although, I want to add, choices are often shaped by our experiences. We can only do what we are able to with the tools we have at the time.
But that's only half of it. The other half is knowing we are forgiven which is the limitless grace of God in action. This is from a God, the wondrous Creator of heaven and earth, the Babe, the Father, the Counsellor, Emmanuel, the Bridegroom, and our Saviour, who will go to the ends of the earth to reconcile His children to life.
This has ended up being more of an Easter blog but I always find myself thinking about the resurrection of Christ as His birthday celebration approaches.
And I am in awe of all the Lord has done.
"Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling us to the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to the word of reconciliation." NKJV
"And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people's sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation." JCB
And we are told the same thing over and over again through various stories in the Bible. I think of Paul and how he persecuted the Christians until the Lord brought him into Himself. And Peter, who denied the Lord three times yet became one of His most devoted followers and teachers before being put to death for his faith.
I often think of Judas when I am reminded of the great grace of God. I ponder the events that may have happened. What would have taken place had Judas not taken his own life once he realized what the Pharisees had in store for the Lord? Would the resurrected Jesus have talked with him about what happened? About his choices? Would He have forgiven him? Was Jesus sad that Judas never gave Him the opportunity to pour out His love on a lost and confused man? Yet...Jesus had given permission for Judas to do what he was going to do knowing full well what that meant.
When Judas tried to give back the silver to the Pharisees and they refused, did Judas take full responsibility for the events that unfolded? Events which led to the resurrection of Jesus in all His glory! Did this let the Pharisees absolve themselves of any responsibility for the death of Christ? Just like Pontius Pilate did?
When Christians malign Judas or the Pharisees or Pontius Pilate, does this go against the heart of God? The Greatest Story Ever Told wouldn't have happened without them.
Paul's conversion from persecutor to humble servant is point and proof that the Lord has a place in His heart for everyone.
All we have to do is let Him in.
I think the biggest part of reconciliation is knowing when to say you are sorry. I think being a minister of reconciliation is teaching others the value of saying, "I am sorry." It's putting down another common expression, "Love is never having to say you are sorry." Love is admitting when you've been wrong.
It's important to own our choices. Although, I want to add, choices are often shaped by our experiences. We can only do what we are able to with the tools we have at the time.
But that's only half of it. The other half is knowing we are forgiven which is the limitless grace of God in action. This is from a God, the wondrous Creator of heaven and earth, the Babe, the Father, the Counsellor, Emmanuel, the Bridegroom, and our Saviour, who will go to the ends of the earth to reconcile His children to life.
This has ended up being more of an Easter blog but I always find myself thinking about the resurrection of Christ as His birthday celebration approaches.
And I am in awe of all the Lord has done.
Tuesday, 19 December 2017
I am a Minister. 2 Corinthians 3:6 by Susan L.
"Who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life." NKJV
"He (Jesus) has enabled us to be ministers of his new covenant. This is a covenant not of written laws, but of the spirit. The old written covenant ends in death; but under the new covenant, the Spirit gives life." JCB
Following yesterday's post, I continued to Triple T (Think Things Through) the concept of needing to give myself permission to be happy. The Lord revealed a fear of being happy and contented that is, was, also part of this.
During moments of good cheer and laughter that was not his own, invariably, my ex would announce an Irish expression.
"After laughter comes the tears." Or he'd put a twist on it, "With joy comes sorrow." It means the same thing. It used to make me cringe with fear about how bad it was going to get "this time".
It's also got me thinking about the power of "innocent" words, those culturally accepted colloquialisms, because this declaration proved true over and over again.
I bear him no malice for this, at least since I walked a path of forgiving him at around three-thirty this morning. I also repented of believing this lie and asked the Lord to forgive me for it as He revealed the layers where fear had wormed its way into my own behaviours, ideas and choices.
The expression has twisted the Word of the Lord because He says, "Crying may last for a night but joy comes in the morning." Psalm 30:5
But isn't that what the devil loves to do? Twist truth? Turn things like my ex's oft spoken expression into a curse? Ever the legalist, he is delighted when ungodly beliefs are cemented into the subconscious.
It's why the letter kills.
I was blessed with an eager desire to set up my little Christmas tree yesterday. Up until then, it only seemed to be a fruitless bother requiring energy I didn't have. The excuses had poured out...no one will be here...it's just me...I'll only have to put it all away. (Thank You, Lord, for helping me rise above the depression that was clouding my heart and soul.)
Once the Nativity Scene was carefully placed beneath it's plastic boughs and the shining cross was attached at the top, I mused on these emblems of faith and came to the grateful conclusion that, in Christ, I am free indeed!
"He (Jesus) has enabled us to be ministers of his new covenant. This is a covenant not of written laws, but of the spirit. The old written covenant ends in death; but under the new covenant, the Spirit gives life." JCB
Following yesterday's post, I continued to Triple T (Think Things Through) the concept of needing to give myself permission to be happy. The Lord revealed a fear of being happy and contented that is, was, also part of this.
During moments of good cheer and laughter that was not his own, invariably, my ex would announce an Irish expression.
"After laughter comes the tears." Or he'd put a twist on it, "With joy comes sorrow." It means the same thing. It used to make me cringe with fear about how bad it was going to get "this time".
It's also got me thinking about the power of "innocent" words, those culturally accepted colloquialisms, because this declaration proved true over and over again.
I bear him no malice for this, at least since I walked a path of forgiving him at around three-thirty this morning. I also repented of believing this lie and asked the Lord to forgive me for it as He revealed the layers where fear had wormed its way into my own behaviours, ideas and choices.
The expression has twisted the Word of the Lord because He says, "Crying may last for a night but joy comes in the morning." Psalm 30:5
But isn't that what the devil loves to do? Twist truth? Turn things like my ex's oft spoken expression into a curse? Ever the legalist, he is delighted when ungodly beliefs are cemented into the subconscious.
It's why the letter kills.
I was blessed with an eager desire to set up my little Christmas tree yesterday. Up until then, it only seemed to be a fruitless bother requiring energy I didn't have. The excuses had poured out...no one will be here...it's just me...I'll only have to put it all away. (Thank You, Lord, for helping me rise above the depression that was clouding my heart and soul.)
Once the Nativity Scene was carefully placed beneath it's plastic boughs and the shining cross was attached at the top, I mused on these emblems of faith and came to the grateful conclusion that, in Christ, I am free indeed!
Monday, 18 December 2017
1 Corinthians 2:16 by Susan L.
I have the mind of Christ.
"For 'who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?' But we have the mind of Christ." NKJV
"For, 'Who can know the Lord's thoughts? Who knows enough to teach Him?' But we understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ." JCB
I am going to include 1 Corinthians 2:9 because it has grabbed my attention in light of what has been happening.
"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him." JCB
I need a re-set. I need to regroup and refocus.
I need to turn my eyes to the Lord to help me get out of this bad place. Or better yet, I need to connect with Him while I am in the thick of it and hear His take about what's going on and why.
Depression is the oppression of light and laughter and simple joy. It drives me away from being connected with other people. It drives me away from being able to celebrate the wonders of the Christmas season. It squashes the desire to be part of any celebrations and makes being there an unbearably heavy chore. It impacts my ability to fall asleep even with meds. When I am awake, it's like wading through neck deep, thick and sticky mud to accomplish anything.
It makes me vulnerable to triggers. Those things that set off an unwanted avalanche of bad memories and bad experiences which in turn adds to the depression. Which makes me vulnerable to being triggered. It's an ugly cycle.
The amount of energy needed to do anything creates anxiety which adds a few extra inches to the thick and sticky mud...
Okay. I lift this to You, my Lord, because in writing an honest assessment about what's happening, it's being held up to the Light.
Perhaps part of the future Jesus has in store for me is that I'll finally get it and not wait so long next time to have a heart to heart with Him!
Imagine what the Lord might have in store for tomorrow to open the floodgates of hope. Then believe that whatever it is will be a gazillion times more wonderful than anything little ole me could ever imagine.
Give thanks for the experiences which enable me to find compassion and connection with others who struggle.
Ask the Lord where there is un-forgiveness in my heart, where the past still has a hold over me.
Let go of what needs letting go. Let in His grace, patience and kindness.
Worship Him and love Him regardless of what the future might have in store.
But most of all, rest in the assurance that He's brought me out of darker places before. Each time I've been blessed with a deeper understanding of who He is.
And a thought just came through loud and clear, "Give myself permission to be happy." Hmmm, there's some prayer work to be done around that. Why do I need to give myself permission in the first place? (Thank You, Holy Spirit for the insight.)
Lord, let me emulate You in all things.
"For 'who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?' But we have the mind of Christ." NKJV
"For, 'Who can know the Lord's thoughts? Who knows enough to teach Him?' But we understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ." JCB
I am going to include 1 Corinthians 2:9 because it has grabbed my attention in light of what has been happening.
"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him." JCB
I need a re-set. I need to regroup and refocus.
I need to turn my eyes to the Lord to help me get out of this bad place. Or better yet, I need to connect with Him while I am in the thick of it and hear His take about what's going on and why.
Depression is the oppression of light and laughter and simple joy. It drives me away from being connected with other people. It drives me away from being able to celebrate the wonders of the Christmas season. It squashes the desire to be part of any celebrations and makes being there an unbearably heavy chore. It impacts my ability to fall asleep even with meds. When I am awake, it's like wading through neck deep, thick and sticky mud to accomplish anything.
It makes me vulnerable to triggers. Those things that set off an unwanted avalanche of bad memories and bad experiences which in turn adds to the depression. Which makes me vulnerable to being triggered. It's an ugly cycle.
The amount of energy needed to do anything creates anxiety which adds a few extra inches to the thick and sticky mud...
Okay. I lift this to You, my Lord, because in writing an honest assessment about what's happening, it's being held up to the Light.
Perhaps part of the future Jesus has in store for me is that I'll finally get it and not wait so long next time to have a heart to heart with Him!
Imagine what the Lord might have in store for tomorrow to open the floodgates of hope. Then believe that whatever it is will be a gazillion times more wonderful than anything little ole me could ever imagine.
Give thanks for the experiences which enable me to find compassion and connection with others who struggle.
Ask the Lord where there is un-forgiveness in my heart, where the past still has a hold over me.
Let go of what needs letting go. Let in His grace, patience and kindness.
Worship Him and love Him regardless of what the future might have in store.
But most of all, rest in the assurance that He's brought me out of darker places before. Each time I've been blessed with a deeper understanding of who He is.
And a thought just came through loud and clear, "Give myself permission to be happy." Hmmm, there's some prayer work to be done around that. Why do I need to give myself permission in the first place? (Thank You, Holy Spirit for the insight.)
Lord, let me emulate You in all things.
Saturday, 16 December 2017
I Am Mighty In God. Luke 10:19 by Susan L.
"Behold, I (Jesus) give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you." NKJV
"Look, I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy, and you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them. Nothing will injure you." JCB
At my last psychiatrist appointment, the good doctor asked me to think about resiliency. The thinking hasn't happened yet but today's scripture seems to lead into that concept.
Resiliency is overcoming. It is bending before the wind without breaking. Resiliency is rising above and beyond the things that are determined to undermine our faith, our hopes for the future, and the utter delight being a follower of Jesus gives to life.
If only it were that easy.
It's been a rough week for me. The disappearance of Pumpkin has left me very depressed and nowhere near feeling mighty in God. Packing up his stuff like the cat bed and food server was hard. I'll keep the food for a bit, just in case he turns up. (Maybe there is some hope after all.)
Is part of resiliency being able to overcome feelings of guilt?
Is part of resiliency learning to accept the fact that I may never know what happened to him? All I can ask is that he isn't suffering; that he didn't suffer in the unseasonably, bitterly cold temperatures that rolled in this week.
The logical part of my brain knows accidents happen. It knows that he was getting harder to contain in the house after his brief foray outside a couple of months ago. It knows that it is unfortunate that the weather turned so nasty.
My heart is a whole other ball game.
Lord, help me make peace with this. Protect me against the fiery darts of the enemy that are stealing the joy of the Christmas season.
Let me, as Luke 10:20 says, "Rejoice because your names are registered in heaven." All because You came to earth and made it possible.
"Look, I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy, and you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them. Nothing will injure you." JCB
At my last psychiatrist appointment, the good doctor asked me to think about resiliency. The thinking hasn't happened yet but today's scripture seems to lead into that concept.
Resiliency is overcoming. It is bending before the wind without breaking. Resiliency is rising above and beyond the things that are determined to undermine our faith, our hopes for the future, and the utter delight being a follower of Jesus gives to life.
If only it were that easy.
It's been a rough week for me. The disappearance of Pumpkin has left me very depressed and nowhere near feeling mighty in God. Packing up his stuff like the cat bed and food server was hard. I'll keep the food for a bit, just in case he turns up. (Maybe there is some hope after all.)
Is part of resiliency being able to overcome feelings of guilt?
Is part of resiliency learning to accept the fact that I may never know what happened to him? All I can ask is that he isn't suffering; that he didn't suffer in the unseasonably, bitterly cold temperatures that rolled in this week.
The logical part of my brain knows accidents happen. It knows that he was getting harder to contain in the house after his brief foray outside a couple of months ago. It knows that it is unfortunate that the weather turned so nasty.
My heart is a whole other ball game.
Lord, help me make peace with this. Protect me against the fiery darts of the enemy that are stealing the joy of the Christmas season.
Let me, as Luke 10:20 says, "Rejoice because your names are registered in heaven." All because You came to earth and made it possible.
Wednesday, 13 December 2017
Ephesians 5:30 by Susan L.
I am a member of His body.
"For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones." NKJV
"And we are members of his body." JCB
Why the translators of the newer Bible omitted the second part of this Scripture is unknown. Greek or Hebrew isn't in my vocabulary so it isn't something I can investigate personally. Or maybe I can.
Google is an amazing tool! I found a site where various translations can be compared verse by verse. Roughly half of the thirty-eight listed include the part about being Jesus' flesh and bones. The other half doesn't.
I guess it's another one of those questions that will have to wait to be answered.
But I am grateful for the dedicated people who have taken the time to translate Scriptures into English and countless other languages. I am grateful for the men and women who create web sites like the one I just visited.
There are so many facets to being a Christian.
There's teachers and nursery workers to mold the minds of young Christians. Young has nothing to do with the number of years under our belts.
There's scholars and students and school secretaries who come together to bring forth the next generation of church leaders.
There's those whose strength lay in creating music to honour God and the musicians to bring it to the world. The technical support people make it possible to hear and download the latest in awesome worship music.
Missionaries and the Salvation Army dedicate their lives to bringing the love of God to the four corners of the earth.
Pastors and Priests dedicate their lives to serving God by tending His flocks.
Church planters place Holy houses where they are needed the most.
Then there's the folks who serve coffee on a Sunday or do up the dishes or set up tables for a Saturday fund raising rummage sale.
And the pie makers who donate their wares for the sale!
If I was to list every single career in the universe, it would be found in the people serving God.
As Sister Sledge sang back in the disco era, "We are fam-i-ly!"
No. We are far more than that. We are a body unified by Christ.
"For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones." NKJV
"And we are members of his body." JCB
Why the translators of the newer Bible omitted the second part of this Scripture is unknown. Greek or Hebrew isn't in my vocabulary so it isn't something I can investigate personally. Or maybe I can.
Google is an amazing tool! I found a site where various translations can be compared verse by verse. Roughly half of the thirty-eight listed include the part about being Jesus' flesh and bones. The other half doesn't.
I guess it's another one of those questions that will have to wait to be answered.
But I am grateful for the dedicated people who have taken the time to translate Scriptures into English and countless other languages. I am grateful for the men and women who create web sites like the one I just visited.
There are so many facets to being a Christian.
There's teachers and nursery workers to mold the minds of young Christians. Young has nothing to do with the number of years under our belts.
There's scholars and students and school secretaries who come together to bring forth the next generation of church leaders.
There's those whose strength lay in creating music to honour God and the musicians to bring it to the world. The technical support people make it possible to hear and download the latest in awesome worship music.
Missionaries and the Salvation Army dedicate their lives to bringing the love of God to the four corners of the earth.
Pastors and Priests dedicate their lives to serving God by tending His flocks.
Church planters place Holy houses where they are needed the most.
Then there's the folks who serve coffee on a Sunday or do up the dishes or set up tables for a Saturday fund raising rummage sale.
And the pie makers who donate their wares for the sale!
If I was to list every single career in the universe, it would be found in the people serving God.
As Sister Sledge sang back in the disco era, "We are fam-i-ly!"
No. We are far more than that. We are a body unified by Christ.
Tuesday, 12 December 2017
I Am Marked. Ephesians 1:13 by Susan L.
"In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; 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
My cat is still missing. Several friends have suggested putting something with Pumpkin's scent outside for him to find his way home. I did but the fact that there's a fresh layer of snow on top of it hampers the ability for scent to travel. It's been cold, too. He's a cat who curls up under a mound of blankets when the house temperature is 18 Celsius.
I guess I am mad at myself more than anything because I have no idea how or when he slipped past my guard.
It's sad all the same.
It's worthwhile giving him a couple more days before I start packing up the pet paraphernalia. That's going to be hard. It's hard looking at it though because I feel somewhat guilty about it all.
I know it's just a cat and in some countries cats are almost considered vermin but animals have a way of working their way into your heart. He was my own and looked to me for food, shelter and affection. He loved being groomed and would gratify me with a purr of contentment.
If I can be devastated by the loss of a pet, how much more does the Lord feel when one of His own lambs goes astray or missing?
If I can care for an animal, how much more care does the Lord have for us?
And that's all the writing I feel like doing today although I am comforted by the knowledge that the Lord is with me in this.
"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
My cat is still missing. Several friends have suggested putting something with Pumpkin's scent outside for him to find his way home. I did but the fact that there's a fresh layer of snow on top of it hampers the ability for scent to travel. It's been cold, too. He's a cat who curls up under a mound of blankets when the house temperature is 18 Celsius.
I guess I am mad at myself more than anything because I have no idea how or when he slipped past my guard.
It's sad all the same.
It's worthwhile giving him a couple more days before I start packing up the pet paraphernalia. That's going to be hard. It's hard looking at it though because I feel somewhat guilty about it all.
I know it's just a cat and in some countries cats are almost considered vermin but animals have a way of working their way into your heart. He was my own and looked to me for food, shelter and affection. He loved being groomed and would gratify me with a purr of contentment.
If I can be devastated by the loss of a pet, how much more does the Lord feel when one of His own lambs goes astray or missing?
If I can care for an animal, how much more care does the Lord have for us?
And that's all the writing I feel like doing today although I am comforted by the knowledge that the Lord is with me in this.
Monday, 11 December 2017
Wonder Psalms by Susan L.
I am a magnifier of God. Psalm 69:30
"I will praise the name of God with a song, And will magnify Him with thanksgiving." NKJV
"Then I will praise God's name with singing, and I will honour him with thanksgiving." JCB
The verse before this one is more appropriate for the day:
"I am suffering and in pain. Rescue me, O God, by your saving power."
The last glimpse I had of my cat, Pumpkin, was him scurrying away when I pulled into the driveway late Saturday night. The car scared him away.
He must have gotten outside at some point before I left unbeknownst to me. I haven't seen him since. There are no paw prints in the fresh snow around the side door. It's minus 10 this morning. He's never been outside except for one brief escape a couple of weeks ago.
I've searched the neighbourhood, calling for him. I've questioned the neighbours, wondering if they'd seen him. There's 1000 acres of bush across the road. There's a gazillion hiding spots in the closed-for-the-season trailer park behind me. Even if he answered my calls, he has a tiny, squeaky voice that would be next to impossible to hear unless I was right on top of it.
I'll head out again this morning to have another look.
If he doesn't turn up, this will be the last pet I'll ever own. If he does turn up, this will be the last pet I'll ever own because it's so hard when something like this happens.
Lord, if he is trapped somewhere, guide me to him. If he is lost, let him find his way home. If he is far away, let some kind soul take him in. If he is in the area, let him hear my voice. Let me hear his voice. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
"I will praise the name of God with a song, And will magnify Him with thanksgiving." NKJV
"Then I will praise God's name with singing, and I will honour him with thanksgiving." JCB
The verse before this one is more appropriate for the day:
"I am suffering and in pain. Rescue me, O God, by your saving power."
The last glimpse I had of my cat, Pumpkin, was him scurrying away when I pulled into the driveway late Saturday night. The car scared him away.
He must have gotten outside at some point before I left unbeknownst to me. I haven't seen him since. There are no paw prints in the fresh snow around the side door. It's minus 10 this morning. He's never been outside except for one brief escape a couple of weeks ago.
I've searched the neighbourhood, calling for him. I've questioned the neighbours, wondering if they'd seen him. There's 1000 acres of bush across the road. There's a gazillion hiding spots in the closed-for-the-season trailer park behind me. Even if he answered my calls, he has a tiny, squeaky voice that would be next to impossible to hear unless I was right on top of it.
I'll head out again this morning to have another look.
If he doesn't turn up, this will be the last pet I'll ever own. If he does turn up, this will be the last pet I'll ever own because it's so hard when something like this happens.
Lord, if he is trapped somewhere, guide me to him. If he is lost, let him find his way home. If he is far away, let some kind soul take him in. If he is in the area, let him hear my voice. Let me hear his voice. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Saturday, 9 December 2017
I Am Made By Him. Psalm 100:3 by Susan L.
"Know that the Lord, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture." NKJV
"Acknowledge that the Lord is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture." JCB
This little lamb had a rough night last night. The wee hours of the morning greeted me as I tossed back and forth, trying to find a comfortable position. I thought I'd taken my meds but wasn't sure if I'd forgotten. Double dosing isn't a good idea either. It's safer to miss altogether. Or maybe it was just one of those nights. It happens.
The mental hamsters kept running circles. It was a busy week. It's going to be a busy weekend followed by a busy week.
Some of it's my own doing.
It's the season for making chocolate truffles for Christmas gifts although I did cut back on the quantity.
Inspired by watching "The Great Christmas Cookie Challenge" I decided to do a bit of baking. It's something I haven't done in years. My gingerbread men and women look nothing like what's on TV! These and sugar cookie snow men look like something Salvador Dali might make.
And jam. It came first actually because the black currants harvested from my bushes in the back yard were using up valuable freezer space.
And marmalade. Because I wanted to try and make some. It has enough pucker to make your back teeth hurt but boy, is it yummy!
And grape jelly. Since all the canning stuff was already out, why not? I used Welches Grape juice so it was easy as anything. No fruit preparation involved.
I've two Christmas parties coming up where we are to bring a home-made gift. I thought I'd whip up a couple pair of mittens in the midst of all of this. I managed one pair (thankful to sit down for a bit)but they are too small. I'd forgotten what size needle was used last year and hadn't made note of it in my pattern book. Oh well. The flurry of kitchen activity has provided enough.
Toss in a couple busy days at work and whew! It's no wonder my anxiety was through the roof last night!
In light of today's Scripture, I am left thinking about the cookies and how every single one turned out differently. A cookie cutter doesn't mean uniformity. The tricky heat in my oven. An inexperienced hand trying to run a tiny bead of icing around the tiny figures. Some cookies are thick, some thinner, and some too thin and overbrowned. (It has been a long time since I baked!)
Those were tasted as part of extremely important quality control.
My intent was to make perfect cookies but it would seem the world got in the way.
"Acknowledge that the Lord is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture." JCB
This little lamb had a rough night last night. The wee hours of the morning greeted me as I tossed back and forth, trying to find a comfortable position. I thought I'd taken my meds but wasn't sure if I'd forgotten. Double dosing isn't a good idea either. It's safer to miss altogether. Or maybe it was just one of those nights. It happens.
The mental hamsters kept running circles. It was a busy week. It's going to be a busy weekend followed by a busy week.
Some of it's my own doing.
It's the season for making chocolate truffles for Christmas gifts although I did cut back on the quantity.
Inspired by watching "The Great Christmas Cookie Challenge" I decided to do a bit of baking. It's something I haven't done in years. My gingerbread men and women look nothing like what's on TV! These and sugar cookie snow men look like something Salvador Dali might make.
And jam. It came first actually because the black currants harvested from my bushes in the back yard were using up valuable freezer space.
And marmalade. Because I wanted to try and make some. It has enough pucker to make your back teeth hurt but boy, is it yummy!
And grape jelly. Since all the canning stuff was already out, why not? I used Welches Grape juice so it was easy as anything. No fruit preparation involved.
I've two Christmas parties coming up where we are to bring a home-made gift. I thought I'd whip up a couple pair of mittens in the midst of all of this. I managed one pair (thankful to sit down for a bit)but they are too small. I'd forgotten what size needle was used last year and hadn't made note of it in my pattern book. Oh well. The flurry of kitchen activity has provided enough.
Toss in a couple busy days at work and whew! It's no wonder my anxiety was through the roof last night!
In light of today's Scripture, I am left thinking about the cookies and how every single one turned out differently. A cookie cutter doesn't mean uniformity. The tricky heat in my oven. An inexperienced hand trying to run a tiny bead of icing around the tiny figures. Some cookies are thick, some thinner, and some too thin and overbrowned. (It has been a long time since I baked!) Those were tasted as part of extremely important quality control.
My intent was to make perfect cookies but it would seem the world got in the way.
Friday, 8 December 2017
I am Loyal. Psalm 86:2 by Susan L.
"Preserve my life, for I am holy; You are my God; Save Your servant who trusts in You!" NKJV
"Protect me, for I am devoted to You. Save me, for I serve you and trust you. You are my God." JCB
My mind has drawn a blank about how King David, an author of the Psalms, lived out the rest of his life. Chosen by God to be King, he eventually succumbed to the temptation of using his power for personal gain: namely the wife of one of his most faithful soldiers. He succumbed to human desires, that sinful, seductive voice, to the point of arranging the death of her husband so she would be free to be with him.
Wikipedia (yay!) has the outline of David's full story. As a result of his choices, David was denied the privilege of rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem. Then his son, Absalom tried to overthrow him so David fled until Absalom died. The fallen king returned to Jerusalem, to the throne, to finish out his reign in peace. He named Solomon as heir.
I have to wonder what happened when David went into exile.
I have to wonder what words God whispered in his ear after David's position of earthly power was stripped away.
I have to wonder if David spoke to God with a contrite and repentant heart.
Actually, he does. Regularly. It's in the Psalms.
He writes of the depression and sorrow being apart from God birthed in his breast. He writes of regret and shame and fear. He offers his heart to God over and over again, singing praises to the One he knows will fix everything.
How does this tie into loyalty?
Because God is.
"Protect me, for I am devoted to You. Save me, for I serve you and trust you. You are my God." JCB
My mind has drawn a blank about how King David, an author of the Psalms, lived out the rest of his life. Chosen by God to be King, he eventually succumbed to the temptation of using his power for personal gain: namely the wife of one of his most faithful soldiers. He succumbed to human desires, that sinful, seductive voice, to the point of arranging the death of her husband so she would be free to be with him.
Wikipedia (yay!) has the outline of David's full story. As a result of his choices, David was denied the privilege of rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem. Then his son, Absalom tried to overthrow him so David fled until Absalom died. The fallen king returned to Jerusalem, to the throne, to finish out his reign in peace. He named Solomon as heir.
I have to wonder what happened when David went into exile.
I have to wonder what words God whispered in his ear after David's position of earthly power was stripped away.
I have to wonder if David spoke to God with a contrite and repentant heart.
Actually, he does. Regularly. It's in the Psalms.
He writes of the depression and sorrow being apart from God birthed in his breast. He writes of regret and shame and fear. He offers his heart to God over and over again, singing praises to the One he knows will fix everything.
How does this tie into loyalty?
Because God is.
Wednesday, 6 December 2017
More Love by Susan L.
I am loved constantly, unconditionally. Isaiah 43:4
"Since you were precious in My sight, You have been honoured, and I have loved you; Therefore I will give men for you." NKJV
"Others were given in exchange for you. I traded their lives for yours because you are precious to me. You are honoured, and I love you." JCB
I am thankful for the person who compiled the list. It's been an amazing, challenging and fruitful journey so far in exploring these affirmations.
This is a chapter I've read many times when things were difficult. God's words to Jacob, to Israel, in Isaiah 43:2 spoke directly to my heart.
"When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown." This Scripture was the birthplace of my blog title.
Constant love is like that. Fair weather or foul, unshakeable, unfaltering love remains.
Well, that's a surprising statement! And perhaps the beginning of an answer to yesterday's prayer.
The love of God is sustaining and an inpouring fountain of strength.
It isn't just the touchy-feely, mushy stuff although Mary was encouraged to rest at her Lord's feet as He taught His message of peace and salvation. This is part of the story about Martha and Mary. One of my favorites.
So love is a place of rest and renewal.
But it also means love teaches and encourages. It guides and molds our hearts and behaviours. Love does it so kindly, with such grace, that I want to grow into a better person.
Love means it's okay to be who I am right in this moment in time.
The love of God, His glory, personified is Jesus.
Isaiah 43:13 goes on to say, "From eternity to eternity I am God. No one can snatch anyone out of my hand. No one can undo what I have done."
The love of God is forever.
"Since you were precious in My sight, You have been honoured, and I have loved you; Therefore I will give men for you." NKJV
"Others were given in exchange for you. I traded their lives for yours because you are precious to me. You are honoured, and I love you." JCB
I am thankful for the person who compiled the list. It's been an amazing, challenging and fruitful journey so far in exploring these affirmations.
This is a chapter I've read many times when things were difficult. God's words to Jacob, to Israel, in Isaiah 43:2 spoke directly to my heart.
"When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown." This Scripture was the birthplace of my blog title.
Constant love is like that. Fair weather or foul, unshakeable, unfaltering love remains.
Well, that's a surprising statement! And perhaps the beginning of an answer to yesterday's prayer.
The love of God is sustaining and an inpouring fountain of strength.
It isn't just the touchy-feely, mushy stuff although Mary was encouraged to rest at her Lord's feet as He taught His message of peace and salvation. This is part of the story about Martha and Mary. One of my favorites.
So love is a place of rest and renewal.
But it also means love teaches and encourages. It guides and molds our hearts and behaviours. Love does it so kindly, with such grace, that I want to grow into a better person.
Love means it's okay to be who I am right in this moment in time.
The love of God, His glory, personified is Jesus.
Isaiah 43:13 goes on to say, "From eternity to eternity I am God. No one can snatch anyone out of my hand. No one can undo what I have done."
The love of God is forever.
Tuesday, 5 December 2017
I am Loved. John 3:16 by Susan L.
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but would have everlasting life." NKJV
"For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life." JCB
The chapter/verse numbers for today's affirmation are a common sight.
It's quoted on private billboards at the side of the highway.
Baseball game attendees write it on poster board, hoping the camera will pick them out of the crowd. That way, the boldly written, "JOHN 3:16!" will be televised throughout the world. It usually is at least once in the broadcast. If the camera doesn't find it in the crowd, a home run ball often lands near the sign holder just to make sure it is seen!
I wonder if anyone who reads these declarations is encouraged to find out more? I wonder if a gateway to understanding God's love is opened by these bold ads. I wonder because it's a cultural assumption that everyone who sees these things would know the 3:16 refers to a location in the Bible.
It's purely curiosity yet I can accept that I'll never know the answers.
I have a lot of questions that may never be answered in this life.
Still, I'll keep on asking, seeking, knocking.
Especially when it comes to discovering what love, real love is about.
Why? Because thinking about love makes me uncomfortable. Really uncomfortable.
My experiences of love have been tainted by the world. While I want to let go and move on, those four little letters, L...O...V...E, trigger alarm bells that send me running scared.
That's sad, isn't it?
How do I understand the pure, unadulterated love of God? How do I fully embrace what it is to be loved without strings attached?
Lord, You blessed me with an imagination. Maybe by imagining a big garbage bin, You could help me toss what isn't applicable to the pure and Holy love You unlocked through the sacrifice of Your only Son.
This is my heart's desire and my prayer for today: to know Your heart deeply and intimately. I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.
"For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life." JCB
The chapter/verse numbers for today's affirmation are a common sight.
It's quoted on private billboards at the side of the highway.
Baseball game attendees write it on poster board, hoping the camera will pick them out of the crowd. That way, the boldly written, "JOHN 3:16!" will be televised throughout the world. It usually is at least once in the broadcast. If the camera doesn't find it in the crowd, a home run ball often lands near the sign holder just to make sure it is seen!
I wonder if anyone who reads these declarations is encouraged to find out more? I wonder if a gateway to understanding God's love is opened by these bold ads. I wonder because it's a cultural assumption that everyone who sees these things would know the 3:16 refers to a location in the Bible.
It's purely curiosity yet I can accept that I'll never know the answers.
I have a lot of questions that may never be answered in this life.
Still, I'll keep on asking, seeking, knocking.
Especially when it comes to discovering what love, real love is about.
Why? Because thinking about love makes me uncomfortable. Really uncomfortable.
My experiences of love have been tainted by the world. While I want to let go and move on, those four little letters, L...O...V...E, trigger alarm bells that send me running scared.
That's sad, isn't it?
How do I understand the pure, unadulterated love of God? How do I fully embrace what it is to be loved without strings attached?
Lord, You blessed me with an imagination. Maybe by imagining a big garbage bin, You could help me toss what isn't applicable to the pure and Holy love You unlocked through the sacrifice of Your only Son.
This is my heart's desire and my prayer for today: to know Your heart deeply and intimately. I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.
Monday, 4 December 2017
I am the Lord's. Isaiah 44:5 by Susan L.
"One will say, 'I am the Lord's'; Another will call himself by the name of Jacob; Another will write with his hand, 'The Lord's,' and name himself by the name of Israel." NKJV
"Some will proudly claim, 'I belong to the Lord.' Others will say, 'I am a descendant of Jacob.' Some will write the Lord's name on their hands and will take the name of Israel as their own." JCB
Following yesterday's post there was a cascade of response to my prayer about the stones that were weighing me down. I was led to delete some games from my phone that have eaten up far too many hours in the day. There are other places of separation, too. Like too much TV.
Modern idolatry can be towards things like techno gadgets, or beating the next level, or watching an entire series in a TV marathon.
Or food.
Or the cross-stitch that has to be completed NOW!
I've gone a little over the top in my passion to get it finished and have let other things slide. Or maybe that's just me being me and how I pursue the various interests that captivate creativity. It usually is in spurts that last until the next thing comes along that takes me down a different road...
Except this: my morning grounding in scriptures.
There was a long pause of reflection as I weighed the difference between delving into God's Word vs. being entertained by the ways of the world. How come I turn to the world when the world and the answers to life's great questions are at my fingertips?
Because it's easier. It's easier to plug into my phone and mindlessly swap coloured tiles. It's easier because every win gives a burst of pleasure. It's easier because I don't have to think.
It's easier because I am not challenged and encouraged to make changes in how I live or think.
Lord, forgive me.
Even though yesterday and today have been days of repentance and surrendering, I am also encouraged as the Lord revealed how spiritual sacrifices are a natural extension of faith. Gratitude may have started out being totally sacrificial (at times it still is) but has evolved into being part of my daily prayer language.
I am the Lord's.
He is mine.
In the end, that's all that matters.
"Some will proudly claim, 'I belong to the Lord.' Others will say, 'I am a descendant of Jacob.' Some will write the Lord's name on their hands and will take the name of Israel as their own." JCB
Following yesterday's post there was a cascade of response to my prayer about the stones that were weighing me down. I was led to delete some games from my phone that have eaten up far too many hours in the day. There are other places of separation, too. Like too much TV.
Modern idolatry can be towards things like techno gadgets, or beating the next level, or watching an entire series in a TV marathon.
Or food.
Or the cross-stitch that has to be completed NOW!
I've gone a little over the top in my passion to get it finished and have let other things slide. Or maybe that's just me being me and how I pursue the various interests that captivate creativity. It usually is in spurts that last until the next thing comes along that takes me down a different road...
Except this: my morning grounding in scriptures.
There was a long pause of reflection as I weighed the difference between delving into God's Word vs. being entertained by the ways of the world. How come I turn to the world when the world and the answers to life's great questions are at my fingertips?
Because it's easier. It's easier to plug into my phone and mindlessly swap coloured tiles. It's easier because every win gives a burst of pleasure. It's easier because I don't have to think.
It's easier because I am not challenged and encouraged to make changes in how I live or think.
Lord, forgive me.
Even though yesterday and today have been days of repentance and surrendering, I am also encouraged as the Lord revealed how spiritual sacrifices are a natural extension of faith. Gratitude may have started out being totally sacrificial (at times it still is) but has evolved into being part of my daily prayer language.
I am the Lord's.
He is mine.
In the end, that's all that matters.
Saturday, 2 December 2017
Affirmation #164 by Susan L.
I am a living stone in a spiritual house. 1 Peter 2:5
"You also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." NKJV
"And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What's more, you are his holy priests. Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God." JCB
What exactly are spiritual sacrifices?
This needs Google-ing.
Denton Bible Associations has blessed my search with a clear list.
It starts by making note that, under the law, there were seven types of sacrifices. Pigeons, cows, and other animals were used in blood offerings for the redemption of sins. What animal depended on the sin or how much money you had. Jesus' sacrifice on the Cross did away with this necessity. For believers, in place of the Law, are seven spiritual sacrifices that neither blood nor money can buy.
I am copying this list from the site www.dentonpbc.org as affirmed by the appropriate scriptures. The comments in brackets are my own.
1. The sacrifice of faith. (Turning away from the ways of the world and serving God.)
2. The sacrifice of righteousness. (Placing our trust in the Lord. This might include making choices that are God honouring according to our faith in Jesus.)
3. The sacrifice of a broken spirit. (The act of repentance then embracing life lived in and through God's grace. I think this may also mean the act of letting go of the old man and embracing the new as preordained by God.)
4. The sacrifice of thanksgiving. (Giving thanks when we don't feel thankful does wonders for the soul.)
5. The sacrifice of praise. (It's a wonderful way to overcome trials when we focus on the One who has all things in His sight.)
6. The sacrifice of doing good. (Our actions speak louder than words sometimes.)
7. The sacrifice of communicating good to others. (While not 100% clear, I think this has to do with helping each other bear our burdens through the love of Jesus. It also includes what Thursday's post was about: speaking life into a situation. Is sharing the Gospel considered a sacrifice?)
This is an awesome list. But what is a sacrifice anyways?
Webster's says it is giving up something you want to keep.
oh.
(Long pause.)
Lord, what stones are weighing me down and preventing me from finding the joy in a life lived fully in You? I don't want to keep anything that comes between us but I need You to show me what these things are. Guide me into the freedom of letting go, of sweet sacrifice. Let me grow into a spiritual anchor stone for others. In Jesus' name I pray. AMEN!
"You also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." NKJV
"And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What's more, you are his holy priests. Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God." JCB
What exactly are spiritual sacrifices?
This needs Google-ing.
Denton Bible Associations has blessed my search with a clear list.
It starts by making note that, under the law, there were seven types of sacrifices. Pigeons, cows, and other animals were used in blood offerings for the redemption of sins. What animal depended on the sin or how much money you had. Jesus' sacrifice on the Cross did away with this necessity. For believers, in place of the Law, are seven spiritual sacrifices that neither blood nor money can buy.
I am copying this list from the site www.dentonpbc.org as affirmed by the appropriate scriptures. The comments in brackets are my own.
1. The sacrifice of faith. (Turning away from the ways of the world and serving God.)
2. The sacrifice of righteousness. (Placing our trust in the Lord. This might include making choices that are God honouring according to our faith in Jesus.)
3. The sacrifice of a broken spirit. (The act of repentance then embracing life lived in and through God's grace. I think this may also mean the act of letting go of the old man and embracing the new as preordained by God.)
4. The sacrifice of thanksgiving. (Giving thanks when we don't feel thankful does wonders for the soul.)
5. The sacrifice of praise. (It's a wonderful way to overcome trials when we focus on the One who has all things in His sight.)
6. The sacrifice of doing good. (Our actions speak louder than words sometimes.)
7. The sacrifice of communicating good to others. (While not 100% clear, I think this has to do with helping each other bear our burdens through the love of Jesus. It also includes what Thursday's post was about: speaking life into a situation. Is sharing the Gospel considered a sacrifice?)
This is an awesome list. But what is a sacrifice anyways?
Webster's says it is giving up something you want to keep.
oh.
(Long pause.)
Lord, what stones are weighing me down and preventing me from finding the joy in a life lived fully in You? I don't want to keep anything that comes between us but I need You to show me what these things are. Guide me into the freedom of letting go, of sweet sacrifice. Let me grow into a spiritual anchor stone for others. In Jesus' name I pray. AMEN!
Friday, 1 December 2017
Isaiah 58:11 by Susan L.
I am like a watered garden.
"The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your soul in drought, and strengthen your bones; You shall be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail." NKJV
"The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring." JCB
I can't help but think of the places Christ and the Disciples travelled and lived. Only where there was ample access to water did green things grow. The rest was rocky desert and seemingly lifeless.
Dusty feet, clad only in sandals, would be caked with dirt and other effluent from the donkeys, camels and oxen sharing the road. Passing through villages would add to the grime. Sanitation was nothing like it is today.
It explains the horrified reaction the Disciples had when Jesus humbled himself to wash their feet. The Son of God thought nothing of getting His hands dirty.
I think, too, of the Lord sitting beside the well begging a drink of water from the Samaritan woman. He would have been so thirsty...
It makes Him special, this thirst, this want, because it means our Lord Jesus has an intimate knowledge of human need in all its forms.
From craving water to the emptiness of our souls when we live apart from God, Jesus experienced it all yet remained sinless.
Then there was Gethsemane. The garden, the oasis, where the Lord made peace with His Father about His approaching death and sacrifice on the Cross.
Lord, let me be a garden in the desert. In Jesus' name I pray. AMEN!
"The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your soul in drought, and strengthen your bones; You shall be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail." NKJV
"The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring." JCB
I can't help but think of the places Christ and the Disciples travelled and lived. Only where there was ample access to water did green things grow. The rest was rocky desert and seemingly lifeless.
Dusty feet, clad only in sandals, would be caked with dirt and other effluent from the donkeys, camels and oxen sharing the road. Passing through villages would add to the grime. Sanitation was nothing like it is today.
It explains the horrified reaction the Disciples had when Jesus humbled himself to wash their feet. The Son of God thought nothing of getting His hands dirty.
I think, too, of the Lord sitting beside the well begging a drink of water from the Samaritan woman. He would have been so thirsty...
It makes Him special, this thirst, this want, because it means our Lord Jesus has an intimate knowledge of human need in all its forms.
From craving water to the emptiness of our souls when we live apart from God, Jesus experienced it all yet remained sinless.
Then there was Gethsemane. The garden, the oasis, where the Lord made peace with His Father about His approaching death and sacrifice on the Cross.
Lord, let me be a garden in the desert. In Jesus' name I pray. AMEN!
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The Robes
"Coming up behind Jesus, she (the woman who had bled for 12 years) touched the fringe of His robe." Luke 9:44 And she was heal...
