I am His Representative. Mathew 5:16

  "Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." NKJV
  "In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father." JCB

  I read this and can't help but be grateful. There's a whole lot of Your good works, Lord, that went into making this little light of mine shine. Without You having laid down Your life, everything I am or think or say would be nothing.
  My light would consume me because there would be no fuel, no sustenance. There would be no one to shape my wick, a necessary task, because as an oil lamp burns the wick needs the burnt bits cut away. A new wick also needs to be trimmed to form the flame so it doesn't shatter the protective glass.
  And I give thanks, too, that the Bible reveals how relevant it is for all generations. I have read this passage and thought of a lamp with glass and an oil reservoir. Ancient lamps didn't have glass at all! The principles are timeless, ageless and for all who live and breath.

  I've done a lot of thinking lately about the idea of "good works". I have come to realize good works are right up there beside God's creation of the universe. He declared it good, too!
  Through reflecting on this idea, it has helped me realize that even though I don't volunteer at a soup kitchen or as a missionary in some far away land, my life is the life of a missionary. My mission field is everywhere: my own kitchen, a local grocery store, work, and church. Even hiking in the woods is an opportunity to serve God by picking up garbage or working through the inner battle to not condemn the people who don't pick up after their dogs. It's a law in Ontario and a pet peeve of mine. Ha! No pun intended!

  I am blessed and ever grateful to have a job where my role is defined by service to others. Yet, to think of any paying job as not being a service to others means we don't live in and through Christ's heart for all people. It may not be a role that has contact with the general public, but there are a whole lot of people we work with who are watching. Especially if they know we are Christians!
  As believers, there's a paradox in living by the high standard of humility.
  It help to keep it real...
  "In Him, we live and move and have our being." Acts 17:28
  Always! Not just at church. Not only at specific venues. Not only when we are with others.
 
  Good works isn't being busy all the time, serving others. It's not even about being busy. Good works living is an all encompassing way of life. 
  Jesus would often go away by Himself to be with His Father. It wasn't a selfish act but one that enabled Him to live selflessly and humbly.
  I think the only time we got to follow Him in His time alone with God was in the Garden of Gethsemane, the start of the "good-est" work of all eternity.
  Good works include those quiet moments of turning to God so our reservoirs can be filled by an inpouring, indwelling eternal love.
  All of us need wick tending time. (Lord, I lift my judgement of pet owners to You.)
  Because our lamp will shine all the brighter for it.

  May you be blessed this Easter weekend.



 

 



 

I am Renewed. 2 Corinthians 4:16

  "Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day." NKJV
  "That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day." JCB

  So I know it's late but I'll not be blogging for a couple (?) days due to some morning obligations. So, it's after home church where we discussed Sunday's teaching about how Jesus came to shut down religion. In that I mean the works that are taught as being able to earn us/are necessary for our salvation. I wanted to explore a rabbit trail I ended up following about the early practices for the cleansing of sin.
  It took me to the book of Leviticus where very specific instructions were laid down for the Jewish people regarding animal sacrifices, the role of the priests, and a lot I didn't have time to get into to. Did you know there were animal sacrifices for guilt, atonement and peace, too?
  While glancing through, I discovered that part of the Priest's role was to examine people with any sort of skin condition. The parameters were very clear about when different conditions of a skin ailment meant the person was unclean. The Priest's judgement was final. There's more about that in Chapter 13 if you are interested. It is a bit gruesome but I guess leprosy is. There was the undercurrent that leprosy was considered an affliction because of sinning.
  So, many years later, a group of sinners and tax collectors sat with Jesus and His disciples. The Pharisees questioned Jesus' choice of company. His response was, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick." Mat 9:10-12
  As I read Leviticus, that thought had gone through my mind. These ailing people didn't need a priest as judge and jury, they needed a doctor!
  It was a long time before a cure for that terribly contagious disease was found. Knowing the stages, knowing when leprosy was most contagious and knowing when to place someone in isolation was probably prudent given the sanitation in those days. It's just seems such a terribly cruel way, to shut someone off of community or being able to partake in the religious practices central to Jewish life.
  I have to imagine the miracle when Jesus healed someone with leprosy. Can you imagine what it must have been like for them? To feel another human touch after however long they had been "unclean" and shunned? And a Rabbi to boot! Who went against every single law that was written in order to heal a hurting human being.
  One act. One moment. The heart of God is revealed just a little bit more. AMEN!
 
 
 
 

I am Rejoicing. Romans 5:2-4

  "Through whom we also have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope." NKJV
  "Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of underserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God's glory. We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation." JCB
 
  I am at a loss for words this morning. It happens.
  ...wait for it...wait for it...

  Nope. There seems to be a connection problem. My problem, not the Lords! Busy brain is interfering with the job at hand. So rather than struggle to write some blathering nonsense, it would be better to sign out for the day.
  Although, everything written so far seems a bit blathering anyways!
  Thank You, Lord, that part of the character you gave me contains a wonderful, delightful sense of the ridiculous and a healthy ability to laugh at myself.
  See you all tomorrow. God willing...
 
  This is humbling for sure.
  
 

Romans 5:17

  I am reigning with Him.
  "For if by the one man's offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ." NKJV
  "For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God's wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ." JCB

  Again I sit here amazed how today's affirmation ties into what my church has been teaching us in the latest series, Why Did Jesus Die? Yesterdays' teaching was about shutting down religion when religious practices are taught as being the way to earn or receive salvation and grace.
  It's got me thinking about what salvation is.
  The day I invited Jesus into my heart, mumbling through the confession part of being a sinner, was a momentous one. A re-birthday! In that moment, I was forgiven. Everything was forgiven. The slate was wiped clean from the past to eternity. I turned from my old ways, embracing the new, desperately wanting the fullness of Christ to reign in all aspects of my being.
  I had come home to the place I'd longed for all my life.
  Salvation includes being given God's indwelling Spirit to help us, guide us and teach us. Surrendering as opposed to doing becomes the path to righteousness. Can I describe surrendering as ongoing participation? It isn't simply saying, "Okay, Jesus, I have given myself to You. I'll go to church. I'll read my Bible. The rest is up to You."
  For relationships to succeed, they take involvement and commitment.
  It is a gift, this wanting to change because with meticulous planning, God chose all aspects of who I am perfectly.
  Perfection that was/is clouded through experiences and lies.
  So how does insecurity tie into this? Yes, I am frightfully insecure and full of self-doubt. Maybe it's simply because I haven't worn the life giving, awesome truths of God long enough yet for them to fit comfortably. In a way, that's a gift, too, this insecurity because it keeps me running back to Him for assurance and comfort.
  But I can also add that God frequently gives me the courage to rise above my insecurity. I make the choice to be obedient to His will and each time am blessed and humbled a thousand-fold. Maybe that's part of salvation, too; being enabled to rise above the things of this world that hold us back.

  I frequently ask God to forgive me for my sins. Most definitely not because un-confessed sin will stop me from getting into heaven. It's not because of some self-punishing, guilt trip. I confess these things for my benefit through an awareness of where sin still has a hold in my life. Forgiving someone else is for the same reason: my benefit.
  But I also wonder if I am going about it because of a lack of understanding about salvation.
  When I ask for forgiveness from God, is it like saying, "I know You sent Your Son to be slain so that I may be forgiven for all my sins, but there's this one...was it part of the deal?" Is confession like holding a corpse up to God?
  Maybe it should be more like this, "Lord, thank You for revealing where sin still has a foothold. Thank You, that through Your grace and healing, I will be able to overcome these challenges."
  Hmmm, it's a language thing.
  Either way I am confessing and being reconciled with the truth that existed before the dawn of time.
  I've already been reconciled with God through Jesus! That's a forever deal!
  Do I feel myself fit to reign beside Him? I think I need to work through the earthly understanding that those who reign do so through the abuse of power. Which is so NOT God's kingdom! Which has me wondering, if all God's children are equal and precious, what is there to reign over?
 
 
 
 
 

I am refined. Isaiah 48:10

  "Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction." NKJV
  "I have refined you, but not as silver is refined. I have refined you in the furnace of suffering." JCB

  Metal testing is a process or procedure used to check composition of an unknown metallic substance. There are destructive processes and non-destructive processes. Metal testing can also include, determining the properties of newly forged metal alloys. Wikipedia.

  I enjoy watching Forged in Fire on the History channel where weapon smiths compete against each other for a prize. Swords, knives and historical weapons are fashioned from recyclable items like antique farm implements. It's a bit of an odd thing but it fascinates me.
  One time a competitor was sent home because he had simply cut his knife out of a flat piece of steel then sharpened it on a grinding wheel. A short-cut that missed the whole idea of forging. (A wonderful metaphor for how satan works!)
  Forging takes a great deal of knowledge and care. If the fires are too hot, the metal will warp and twist. If the fires are too cool, hammering causes cracks to appear. If the hot metal is cooled in a water bath too soon, it will become brittle. Too late and the finished product ends up as sharp as butter with an edge that will roll and crumple when tested.
  It's a violent process yet one filled with finesse. The smiths know exactly where to hammer and when. They know exactly when the metal needs to go back into the furnace so it can be shaped further. It takes patience. To rush is to fail and end up with something no better than the scrap iron it started as.
  Interestingly, some of the metal being heated and hammered vanishes in the process. A finished product always weighs less than the raw material. Some of that lost weight is through the burning off of impurities. They can't be seen with the naked eye but they are there nonetheless.
  It's no wonder the Lord uses the idea of a furnace and refining to exemplify His work in our lives.

  Out of curiosity, I Googled some information about silver. Pure silver is a bi-product left behind from refining lead, copper and other metal ores. Hmmm...something to think about!

  I know the idea of a follower of Jesus suffering seems almost sinful.. "I have the Lord, I should be happy! ALL THE TIME!"
  Let's be real about this. Suffering rages all around us. Temptation, insecurities, doubt, grief, hurt...hunger, fear, loss...condemnation, prejudice, hate...struggling to move forward, to forgive...Suffering is to be human.
  Jesus got it. In the desert when He suffered through hunger and thirst and overcame the devil's temptations. He suffered our grief to the point of tears when Lazarus died because only He knew a miracle was going to take place. Maybe part of His tears were because He knew all we saw was death, not the possibilities.
  He suffered terribly in Gethsemane as He faced down what was going to happen to Him. He, being guiltless, suffered betrayal, hatred and condemnation. Then, in the ultimate act of love, He suffered to bear our sins on the Cross.
  So that we may come before our Father in Heaven to ease our sufferings and to be refined through the sure knowledge and joy that God is with us, lovingly tempering and shaping us to do His work.
 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

I am Redeemed. Galatians 3:13

  "Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, 'Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree')." NKJV
  "But Christ has rescued us from the curse pronounced by the law. When he was hung on the cross, he took upon himself the curse for our wrongdoing." JCB

  It's a page turning day today, to the last one of the list given to me a year ago February. With ambitious zeal, I'd given myself a year and a bit to work through the three hundred affirmations. If it's God's will, it might be done by the beginning of next year because there are still 76 left to go.
  And I smile because it isn't stressing me out that my self-imposed "deadline" isn't going to be met, not by a long shot.
  In its place is an eager excitement about what today's post will reveal. And tomorrow's.
  Some mornings it has been more of a dutiful slog to work through the day's scripture especially when the selected verse challenged me to face my own shortcomings and weaknesses.
  Yet, this has helped me do a lot towards solidifying my relationship with my Abba Father.
  Grace and acceptance: gifts of redemption.
  There has been a profound shift in my understanding about time, about faith and what a believer's walk should look like. To do's have become to want's. Being blessed with greater insight into my own humanity has also enriched my compassion and understanding about others.
  There's been a lot of musing behind the scenes as well. Private prayers of repentance. Private prayers filled with forgiveness towards others. Private prayers where my soul groans because words have failed me. Private prayers when my heart leaps with inexpressible joy.
  There is one reason and one reason only these things are possible: Jesus is the Redeemer.
  We've been watching a series from the Meeting House leading up to Easter. "Why did Jesus Die." It's an older one from the archives but has instilled a richer understanding of the reasons. I won't go into them because it's accessible on their website. www.themeetinghouse.com It also does a wonderful job of exploring the dynamics of redemption.
  On a final note, I am celebrating moving under the Anabaptist faith umbrella through our church vote next month. In exploring their declarations of faith and purpose, I have finally found a home that paralells a lot of my own experiences, understandings and beliefs.
 
 

Romans 5:10

  I am reconciled to God.
  "For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life." NKJV
  "For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son." JCB

  I've been thinking a bit how there is a very human tendency within me that is trying to make God smaller, more, well, human. It's backwards. Humankind is made in His image! I should have a stronger tendency to try and be more like Him!

  I've also been thinking some more on the Adam and Eve story in Genesis 3:21 where God clothed their shame in being naked with animal skins. It was the very first sacrifice of blood to cover sin.
  The sin wasn't being naked. The sin was being ashamed of the beautiful bodies God had given them; bodies He had made in His image. (Now that's given me something else to ponder on because it might be worth thinking about what was in the apple they ate.)

  Prior to that, they walked and talked with Him in the garden of Eden. Delightfully innocent. Delightfully delighting in being with God. They didn't know good. They didn't know evil. There was no scale of measure, of worth. There was simply being.
  Was the knowledge of good and evil contained in one thing and one thing only...learning of judgement? Take away judgement and the knowledge of either vanishes. I think...it's a big thought that has me reflecting on my own tendencies for judging.
  Forgive me Lord.

  What would it be like? To be free from the sins that keep us apart from Him? 
  Reconciliation.
  To walk with God Abba Father, chattering away like when I am with my grandchildren, delighting in their delight and curiosity about everything. How counting one-two-three-four-five toes over and over and over was an endless source of amusement for someone fourteen months old.

  Innocence has a way of vanishing into the mist.
  It makes me sad how quickly it goes, how quickly the world's judgements makes sure it's gone.
  Yet, it is one of the gifts of reconciliation. The restoration of innocence through forgiveness and grace. Innocence can love freely, unabashedly. Innocence doesn't regard skin colour or clothes as markers of status. Innocence is standing tall and free from the charges laid against me by the world. Innocence restored births the ability to set others free from the charges I have laid against them through judgement. Which takes me back to forgiveness and grace...
  Because I have been reconciled to God and have within that relationship the opportunity to learn how to live shame-less and judgement free.
  Thank You, Jesus, for Your sacrifice that enables a salt 'n pepper haired, middle aged woman feel, once again, the simple, awe filled, amazed, delight and joy of a child. Happy dance, here I come!