jesus – God's Word Girl

Goin’ Down to the River

Discipleship 1:8

Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38 NLT

I can see the picture in my head. I’m 7-8 years old, wearing a blue dress, hair put up in a messy bun. My cheeks are so puffed out with air that I look like a squirrel collecting nuts for the winter. I’m holding my nose, prepared to be dunked by my pastor in a pool.

And that water is a picture of baptism, which now saves you, not by removing dirt from your body, but as a response to God from a clean conscience. It is effective because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 3:21 NLT

I loved Jesus and that day I was making a public confession and open display of the change in my heart and my intent to follow Him. My conscience before God was clean. I believed and I had chosen.

I have had one message for Jews and Greeks alike—the necessity of repenting from sin and turning to God, and of having faith in our Lord Jesus. Acts 20:21 NLT

God overlooked people’s ignorance about these things in earlier times, but now he commands everyone everywhere to repent of their sins and turn to him. Acts 17:30 NLT

I had repented of my sins and turned to Jesus so baptism was naturally the next step. See, water baptism is not necessary for salvation but is an outward expression of salvation. Water baptism is a command, but keeping this command does not produce justification.

Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned. Mark 16:16 NLT

Notice that Jesus did not say that those who aren’t baptized will be damned. Baptism isn’t essential for salvation but the first part of this verse does stress the importance of it.

On a side note, all of these scriptures prove that it is redundant to sprinkle/baptize infants. It might seem like a nice church/family tradition, but that’s all it is: tradition. Infants do not repent nor act in faith. Since baptism is an act that expresses one’s faith, the act means nothing where faith is not present. What about those who believe a baby’s eternal salvation depends upon this practice?

At one time I lived without understanding the law. But when I learned the command not to covet, for instance, the power of sin came to life, … Romans 7:9 NLT

The sin nature does exist, but God is not imputing sin unto people until they knowingly violate His law. Babies don’t know; accordingly, infants need not be “baptized” to be saved and to be received into heaven.

Now someone may argue, “Some people have faith; others have good deeds.” But I say, “How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds.”You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror.” James 2:18-19 NLT

Actually, no matter the age of the person, if there is not faith, baptism means nothing. Faith alone saves, but saving faith is never alone. Where there is faith, it expresses and exposes itself. Each individual, when they have come of age, must make the choice for or against Christ themselves and act on it. So if you have repented of your sins and turned to Jesus …

And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord. Acts 22:16 NKJV

If you believe, then like I had so very long ago, I hope you will join me and testify and be baptized in water.

For further reading:

“He is the one all the prophets testified about, saying that everyone who believes in him will have their sins forgiven through his name.” Even as Peter was saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who were listening to the message. The Jewish believers who came with Peter were amazed that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles, too.For they heard them speaking in other tongues and praising God. Then Peter asked,“Can anyone object to their being baptized, now that they have received the Holy Spirit just as we did?”So he gave orders for them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Afterward Cornelius asked him to stay with them for several days. Acts 10:43-48 NLT

For your pleasure:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=maT4phfTXR4&list=RDmaT4phfTXR4&start_radio=1

When Good is Not Good Enough

Discipleship 1:3

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During my teenage and early 20 something years, I babysat a boy that I practically got to watch grow up. Though I don’t know where the family was spiritually, they did make reference to God often and were pleasant. I frequently took an Uncle Arthur’s Bedtime Stories book to share with Ricky. He asked for them when I came and listened intently to the stories as was proved by his comments and his questions. I did my earnest best to gently share the love of God and his need for Him whenever and wherever I could.

He shocked me, though, when once he told me about an aunt that was a nun; there was no need for his personal salvation as her position gave him an automatic “in” to heaven. I couldn’t have been more floored. In fact, I repeated what he stated, which he confirmed, and asked if he believed it to be true, which he did. Until he made that comment, I didn’t realize that theology, if you wish to call it that, existed. Yeah, I’d battled falling into the performance trap based on my own merit, but never considered that my salvation hinged on someone else’s merit. It opened up a whole realm to me as to why people may take pride in having family members in “religious” service, no matter their faith, and why they may be so lack in nurturing their own spiritual well being. That’s problematic. I put that skewed notion right up there with the fellow student who told my girls that she was a Christian because she was homeschooled. ?! Uh, I don’t think so.

Today’s discipleship lesson is very closely related to something I recently posted entitled Approved and goes into greater detail about my battle with trying to earn God’s favor by my performance. When I was “good”, my relationship with God was “good”. When I fell short of expectations contrived by me or written in the Word, I often put myself into a corner and had a time of avoidance with Father because I felt like I disappointed Him. Wow. That hurt to write but there it is.

Generally speaking, if we ask anyone what one must do in order to be saved and go to heaven, they would most likely say, “Be a good person.” Then they may even go on to list what is considered good based on their own belief system. But in order to have a relationship with God and eventually make our home with Him in heaven, we’d have to have a righteousness that equals His. That, my friends, is impossible and that is what is so amazing about grace.

But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference;for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, … Romans 3:21-23 NKJV

What does this mean? Man couldn’t nor can we even now keep the Law given through Moses. Our best attempts will never be good enough to earn salvation. The best attempts of those we may attach our salvation to will never be good enough. Only Jesus’ sinless life could put us in right standing with the Father. He bridged the gap. Grace, charis, undeserved favor was extended to us. And how do we obtain it?

“… through faith in Jesus Christ… “

“… and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith;… Philippians 3:9 NKJV

For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. 2 Corinthians 5:21 NKJV

If we could earn our salvation be keeping the Law, by being “good”, then Christ died in vain. We cheapen His sacrifice by doing all we can do instead of leaning on what Jesus has done.

I do not treat the grace of God as meaningless. For if keeping the law could make us right with God, then there was no need for Christ to die. Galatians 2:21 NLT

Maybe it’s humanity’s weakness to lean on what we can do to maintain a good relationship with God. I link that to the original sin: pride. Do any of us really want to be dependent on someone else? I personally know of people who have caused physical injury to themselves because they did not want to ask for help. I myself have often pushed the ticket as to what I am capable of because I didn’t want to ask for help. We are never ever going to be good enough. No one person we may depend upon will ever be good enough. As the tax collector in Discipleship 1:2, we must humble ourselves before the LORD so that we may be forgiven and justified. Salvation comes through faith in Christ alone, period. Salvation is a gift waiting for us to open!

But—When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. Titus 3:4-5 NLT

To get the most out of this study, I suggest meditating on the scripture verses presented until the next post and taking the time to look them up in different versions. If you desire to go deeper, study key words in their original meanings.

At any rate, I hope you are blessed by this and that you will continue to join me. Until next time, blessings!

The Grace in Waiting

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Therefore the Lord will wait, that He may be gracious to you;
And therefore He will be exalted, that He may have mercy on you.
For the Lord is a God of justice;
Blessed are all those who wait for Him. Isaiah 30:18 NKJV

Delays are not denials. Men would pluck their mercies green, thwarting the love and wisdom growing there, when the Lord would have them ripe … “Do not grieve Him by doubting His love. Lift up your head and begin to praise Him even now for the deliverance which is on the way to you, and you will be abundantly rewarded for the delay which has tried your faith….” ~ Adam Slowman “Expectation Corner” reprinted in Streams in the Desert by Mrs. Cowman.

“God is a wise husbandman,…He knows when we are spiritually ready to receive the blessing to our profit and His glory. Waiting in the sunshine of His love is what will ripen the soul for blessing. Waiting under the cloud of trial, that breaks in showers of blessings, is as needful. Be assured that if God waits longer than you could wish, it is only to make the blessing doubly precious….” ~Andrew Murray reprinted in Streams in the Desert.

Wait in the sunshine of His love.

But to you who fear My name
The Sun of Righteousness shall arise
With healing in His wings;… Malachi 4:2a NKJV

Believe in the Lord your God, and you shall be established; believe His prophets, and you shall prosper. 2 Chronicles 20:20b NKJV

Hear the Word of the LORD. BELIEVE. Be firmly persuaded. Believe solidly. Be established in the LORD and you will be established. Amen! — is another way of saying “it” — the thing, the word — is solidly, firmly, surely, verified and established.

Allow me to reiterate with Slowman: Delays are not denials.

In John 11 we find a man named Lazarus who was sick. His sisters sent word to Jesus saying, “Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick.” v. 3

Jesus’ response? “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” v. 4

Let’s look at this:

Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So, when He heard that he was sick, He stayed two more days in the place where He was. v .5, 6

Therefore the Lord will wait, that He may be gracious to you;…

Be gracious is to be inclined to have compassion or bestow favor on someone. It is an attitude marked by compassion, generosity, kindness and a consideration that will refrain from further wounding the bruised and suffering.

When the days of Lazarus being dead are tallied up, he had already passed when Jesus got the message that he was sick. Jesus already knew that. He did not delay His going so Lazarus would die. He did not delay to punish or ignore the sisters. Then the age old question, Why?

“And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, that you may believe.” v. 15

His delay was going to produce a greater miracle.

As soon as Martha heard Jesus was coming she went to meet Him. She declared that if Jesus had been present Lazarus would not have died. True. Then she made a profound statement:

“But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You.” v. 22

Do we have that kind of faith in the midst of our losses?

Even after their exchange, the one in which Martha stated that Jesus is the Son of God, she slightly wavered when He commanded the stone to be rolled away. Mind you, Lazarus had been dead FOUR days. The commentary I read said many resources say that the Jews in that day held the belief that the spirit of the deceased hung around for up to three days looking for re-entry, but four days? That exceeded all reason of explanation. Not only that, there is decomposition to consider.

Martha, the sister of him who was dead, said to Him, “Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead four days.” v. 39

Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?” v. 40

Has Jesus said that to you concerning your situation? Do you believe? Are trial and time making you weary? I get it. The things I’m sharing here with you today, they are born of my own wrestlings, of entries in my own journal, and ruminations. I can relate to Martha’s slight hesitation, but I know that if I can hold on like she did, I will receive the greater miracle. And so will you. Beloved, Delays are not denials. There is grace in the waiting, and if we ask, He will reveal it to us.

Apparently she established her belief because they took the stone away. The next part of verse 41 is essential for victory:

And Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me.”

That is reminiscent of this:

Now when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushes against (against their enemies);…and they were defeated. 2 Chronicles 20:22 NKJV (parenthesis mine)

These are the instructions in the great Book:

I will bless the Lord at all times;
His praise shall continually be in my mouth. Psalm 34:1

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,
And into His courts with praise.
Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. Psalm 100:4

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Philippians 4:4

“But I can’t,” you say, “I am broken, crushed.”

You would have to read about David to appreciate all that he’d been through and it finally came to this: in I Samuel 30 we find that David’s ragtag army had returned to their city, plundered. Their refuge, burned. Their wives and children taken captive. The men who once stood with David were now talking of stoning God’s anointed.

Now David was greatly distressed,… v. 6a

Most likely an understatement, …

…But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God. v. 6b

This was his choice of action before the verse was finished. And how do we strengthen ourselves? The joy of the LORD is our strength! (Nehemiah 8:10) We must refuse to allow our trials to swallow us whole and:

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. James 1:2-4 NKJV

May we, like Martha, declare Jesus the Christ, the Son of God, and trust in His love, that He will perform the greater miracle for the glory of God, in His time. And may we, like Jesus, offer thanksgiving first. praise, Praise, PRAISE!

By the way, Lazarus was raised from the dead (v. 44) and, Then many of the Jews who had come to Mary, and had seen the things Jesus did, believed in Him. v. 45

Join me in believing in Him . . . no matter how long the wait. Our commandment during the wait?

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NKJV

New Life

My friend was heartbroken. The contractors who were building her retaining wall had to remove a bush. It was at least thirty years old, grown from a start from her grandmother’s plant. The men handled it with as much care as they could but drought was against them. When they lifted it from the hole they dug, the earth was so dry that it fell off the roots; not good. They replanted it in another spot, but it looked hopeless. My friend was sure that this lovely bush, one that she could never raise again, was gone. That was last year.

A couple of days ago she was walking about her yard and what did her eyes behold? Green shoots growing out of what looked dead and a few red flowers, sparse though they were, on the bush. “New life,” she said. I could hear the smile in her voice.

When Jesus submitted to the Father’s will and took the cross, it looked like all was lost. The hopes and dreams that the disciples hung on Him were nailed to the cross and perished with Him. Can you imagine their shock? Their horror? Their unbelief? The earth was pulled out from beneath their feet. The breath was sucked out of their lungs.

Then miracle of miracles, Jesus did exactly what He said He would. He rose from the grave and appeared to them.

New life.

That is what the Resurrection season is to those who believe. It is reflecting upon that beautiful root of David, being plucked from an unforgiving earth and planted in a tomb. The unyielding ground is watered with tears as we mourn. It was we who caused the shame and pain of the magnificent Rose of Sharon, the unassuming Lily of the Valley. Sometimes it feels like we sit in the dark, waiting in silence, wondering what just happened and what will be. Like the disciples of old, we cradle our broken hearts as we ponder.

“We must have been mistaken, LORD. We were so sure …”

Then, as winter gives way to spring, the sun shines; His warmth penetrates the ice castles we have built. “He is risen! He is alive!” the glad choir of songbirds sing.

Hope is renewed. Courage takes root. Indeed, we are growing. We are being made whole. We will see His complete will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. The enemy has shrunk and turned and run in terror. God will have His way no matter what it looks like.

I hope that, like me, you are enjoying this Resurrection season and that you are filled with awe and gratitude. God is good.

Coincidentally, my friend says her grandmother called that bush a flame bush. I hope that if you have received the Savior, (and if you haven’t yet), you will follow one of Jesus’ final requests:

And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. Luke 24:49 KJV

And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Acts 2:1-4 KJV

As if the life, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus wasn’t enough, He gives us the promise of His Father: the Holy Spirit in us— the means by which we obtain the power to live out our new life in Christ and make disciples. I hope you will join me in receiving this extended precious gift from God above.

Happy Resurrection Sunday!

The Word, the Name, the Seal

“Then the king Ahasuerus said unto Esther the queen and to Mordecai the Jew, Behold, I have given Esther the house of Haman, and him they have hanged upon the gallows, because he laid his hand upon the Jews.

“Write ye also for the Jews, as it liketh you, in the king’s name, and seal it with the king’s ring: for the writing which is written in the king’s name, and sealed with the king’s ring, may no man reverse.” Esther 8:7-8 KJV

I have really enjoyed re-reading Esther and took a lot of time to study and meditate and glean as much as I could from it. Perhaps my writing about her encouraged you to revisit the story and mine out revelation for yourself. If so, I’d love for you to share your findings.

Anyway, I like what King Ahasuerus said to Esther and Mordecai: What is written in the king’s name and sealed with the king’s ring can not be revoked. Have you a Bible verse, multiple verses, or passages that have been dropped into your spirit? Look again at the power of King Ahasuerus, a mortal man, during his reign. He is no comparison to the King of Kings, but a reflection of the power and authority bought for us through Christ. Think again on the promises that He has given to you; hold them fast to your heart and they will hold fast to you. When weariness and the temptation to quit come knocking, answer with the Word spoken from your lips. Why? Because God is not a man that He should lie, and …

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 KJV

“So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11 KJV

Thinking of petitioning God, made me think of this verse, and that we do not need to fear approaching His throne as Queen Esther did King Ahasuerus in her day:

“Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:14-16 KJV

We have something much better than what King Ahasuerus offered Esther and Mordecai and that was pretty cool. I don’t know about you but I think it’d be great to have a king offer me up to half his kingdom, give me his name, and give me his ring. But wait: He did. In many of the passages pertaining to communion, Jesus says it represents a “new covenant”, sealed with His blood. Only Jesus didn’t stop with half of His kingdom like King Ahasuerus did, no, His sacrifice provides all.

Did you also realize the believer is sealed?

“In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise.” Ephesians 1:13 KJV

“And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.” Ephesians 4:30 KJV

Join me today and proclaim:

How wonderful You are, O LORD, for giving us Your Word, Your name, and Your seal. Thank You!

What’s in a Name?

For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 NKJV

We were sitting at the supper table looking at a brochure from Benezette, Pa, a.k.a., Elk Country. There were the typical rules, such as, keep your distance from elk, don’t feed elk, and one that mystified Bob: Don’t name elk.

“Who would name the elk?” he asked.

“I don’t know, maybe people who visit regularly. It seems silly to me, too,” I said.

It wasn’t long after our discussion that I got to thinking about that brief conversation. Name the elk…

“And out of the ground the Lord God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof.

“And Adam gave names to all cattle, and to the fowl of the air, and to every beast of the field; …” Genesis 2:19,20 KJV …..

What a job! Then …

“…God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” Genesis 1:28 NKJV

Then came the governing of the earth and ruling over the creatures. Giving something a name shows ownership of it. We name countries, states, cities, towns, streets; pets, cars, businesses; songs, books, poems, jewelry, perfume …. The list of what we humans name is endless. So then, were visitors not to feed the elk so as not to breed familiarity which could end up inadvertently harming a human? Hmm…

Many parents put a lot of time and consideration into naming their children. I do wonder about some people’s names…. Then I’ve met people whose name I can’t remember to save my life — I just figure their parents got the name wrong. Seriously, think about it. Ever met somebody who’s Susan and Claire seems so much more fitting? I prayed about what to name our children then Bob and I compromised. I liked Bethany, he liked Beth — period — turns out she prefers it, too. He’s the one who came up with Laura which suits her just fine and pleased my grandmother to no end. She had an Aunt Laura that she was very fond of — I didn’t know that beforehand. Rachel sailed through the naming process.

My dad comes from a family of 13 children. He says he didn’t care what he was called as long as he wasn’t called late to dinner.

My mom came after 3 sons: Junior, Joe, John, so she got “J-Barb.”

We have an older friend who named his donkey after his sister. I bet she was flattered.

Rachel’s hackles used to get raised when Mom would accidentally call her after their dog.

I grew up with an unflattering maiden name and hoped marriage would be an improvement. It wasn’t. I basically went from lame to stupid. Our saving grace is that our families are so large, and the names so prevalent, that we don’t get made fun of . . . much.

Now let me wax serious.

Sticks and stones may break my bones but words shall never hurt me, goes the childhood rhyme.

Tell that to our grown friend whose mother wouldn’t name her; the delivery nurse did.

Try to comfort the young girls who were called “fat” by classmates for no apparent reason.

Explain to the adult man why his dad sandwiched cursing him by God’s name in his full given name during his tender years.

Stupid, ugly, sick, poor, failure, pig, waste, worthless — the list goes on, with the walking wounded trying to come out from beneath the weight of derogatory words. Words do hurt. Words can kill. But they can also give life. I want to inject some life today. (Proverbs 18:2 says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.”)

People may call us all sorts of names, some flattering, some cruel. The important thing is that we know what God calls us.

“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by your name;
You are Mine.” Isaiah 43:1

Mine.

If we so choose, we belong to Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. He calls us His. We can be called by no one higher.

I’m going to go farther by bringing in one of my favorite passages from Dick Mills The Spirit-Filled Believer’s Daily Devotional book.

The Lord called your name,
Green Olive Tree, Lovely and of Good Fruit… Jeremiah 11:16 NKJV

This Mills translates: “He states you are: 1) good looking, 2) thriving, and 3) in great shape!

Doesn’t that bring a measure of comfort to the aging — which is all of us!

Listen, I don’t know your upbringing, I don’t know your past, nor do I know your current situation, but I can almost guarantee everyone present here today has a hurt to hurdle that has to do with words. So my greatest hope is that as you read this today, you know that the Creator of all calls you by name, and not the names of those who have hurt you. You are:

His child and heir. “The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.” Roman 8:16-17 NKJV

Chosen. “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;” 1 Peter 2:9 NKJV

Redeemed. “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”),” Galatians 3:13 NKJV

Overcomer. “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.” 1 John 5:4 NKJV

Loved. “The Lord has appeared of old to me, saying:
“Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love;
Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.” Jeremiah 31:3 NKJV

Back to our original question: What’s in a name? Everything when the name is Jesus.

“Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth,and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11 NKJV

So then, if Jesus is in us …

“You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4 NKJV …

…all that matters is what God calls us and what He’s spoken over us.

Dear LORD,

So many of us today are running around with names and words resounding in our ears that are contrary to what You have called us, to what You have said about us. Break bonds off, set us free to be who You have called us to be.

We thank You for being our Savior, Deliverer, Redeemer, Counselor, Father, Friend. There is none like You. We praise You today for doing a work in us. We thank You for being in us, empowering us to overcome. Help our ears and our hearts to hear and receive the names and words that You have for us today. We bless You and Your holy name. Thank You. Amen.

Before

I want to share a few familiar passages of scripture with you today in the hope that you, too, will see something you never saw before. Here we go.

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness. And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day. Genesis 1:1-5 KJV

Now let’s jump to Genesis 1:14-19 KJV:

And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years: And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so. And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also. And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth, And to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good. And the evening and the morning were the fourth day.

Creation. One of the first things we learn about in Sunday School. It’s so wonderful yet elementary at the same time, isn’t it? Are you scratching your head, wondering why I’ve returned to this simplistic foundation? All these years, all the times I have read and/or listened to the Creation account, I never saw it.

Day One: “Light!”

Day Four: sun, moon, stars.

God created light before He created the sources of light. Isn’t that amazing?

Now, let’s look at another familiar passage.

But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5 KJV

We are healed. Not will be healed, are healed; Old Testament, not New Testament — before the cross.

Don’t you see, Beloved, before there was need, He met it.

Maybe, unlike me, you had these revelations before (see what I did there? 🙂 ) I presented them. Then take what I have brought to you today as a gentle reminder. But if like me, this is the first you really thought about how awesome it is that God provided before we ever had need, then join me in meditating on it, thanking God for it, and sharing it today. It’s a word worth passing on.

LORD, I have brothers and sisters today who are submersed with all kinds of need. Perhaps they can’t sleep soundly and have gone so far as to become ill from worry. May we take Your word to heart today that You have supplied all of our need before there ever was need, no matter what it is: physical, financial, relational, spiritual, emotional — You have provided for everything. May we take our rest and find our peace in this word. May we, in faith, praise You in advance for what You have already provided. Though we may not see the answer yet, we will reap the harvest in due time if we do not grow weary in doing good. Let us also recall that the joy of the LORD is our strength. Add to that, when we feel we may be weakening, let us draw encouragement from fellow believers. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

A Lesson in Flowers

Photo by Luku00e1u0161 Dlutko on Pexels.com

Beth came in from dumping out the scrap bucket and handed me a little bunch of white flowers that put me in mind of stars.

“I’ve never seen these in our yard before. They’re so pretty, and since Dad said he might mow tonight, I wanted to pick them before they were cut down.”

I don’t know how many flowers do this, a lot I imagine, but these ones open during the day and are closed at night. Beth was relieved to see them open the next day as she feared that picking them had ruined them. That was last week.

The girls and I went for a walk near where the in-laws live. Again, Beth couldn’t resist picking a pretty little Buttercup and giving it to me. Then along the way, Laura did the same. By the time we reached our car the flowers were wilted.

“You may as well toss them,” Beth said, “they look about dead.”

“They’ll perk up in some water,” I said, putting them on the dash where I’d see them and remember to tend to them when we got home.

They were standing straight and tall in their glass of water the following morning.

Lessons learned from these flowers:

Open up to Jesus, Light of the world, and shut out the darkness that opposes Him. Close yourself to mainstream media, social media, doctor’s reports that are contrary to God’s word concerning you, the well meaning advice of those dearest to you that don’t line up to the Word, and especially the toxic chatter that may be taking place in your mind. Take a break. Be still. Make the time to listen to what God is saying. Malachi 4:2 says, “But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings…” We know Jesus is the Son of God, but isn’t it interesting to find here that He is referred to as the Sun of righteousness? Open up and get your daily dose of the Sun today!
In John 4:7-15 Jesus has an in depth discussion at a well with a Samaritan woman about water. Not just any water, but “the gift of God”. The water He offers He calls “living water” and says whoever drinks it “will never thirst”. “But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life,” says Jesus. Now that’s water worth drinking!

I know this seems simple for God’s Word Girl, perhaps even a little trite, but I like to look at things around me and learn simple life lessons from them; or, be reminded of things I’ve learned. I’ve had many an epiphany going through life with this type of outlook and you will, too.

Are you feeling frazzled? Frustrated? Fatigued? Then join me in taking a lesson from the flowers: Let’s open ourselves up to the gift of God, the Son, and take and drink from the water He offers.

Oh, the Humanity!

O love, how deep, how broad, how high,
how passing thought and fantasy,
that God, the Son of God, should take
our mortal form for mortals’ sake!

~from the hymn: O Love, How Deep, How Broad, How High attributed to Thomas a Kempis

This verse coupled with these scriptures from the Message Bible brought tears to my eyes:

Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of Himself … When the time came He set aside the privileges of deity and … became human! … He stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn’t claim special privileges … He lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death …

… Keep on doing what you’ve done, … redouble your efforts. Be energetic in your life of salvation, reverent and sensitive before God. That energy is God’s energy, an energy deep within you, God Himself willing and working at what will give Him the most pleasure.
Philippians 2:5-8: 12-13 The Message Bible (I capitalized the “God” pronouns)

Think of it, Jesus sacrificially laid down His deity to become the thing He came to save … humanity. What god in their right mind would do such a thing but the God? King of Kings, LORD of Lords, Master and Creator of all, ultimately, Lover — Lover of the crown of His creation — mankind.

That He would stoop from the heights of Heaven to walk with us here in: hunger, fatigue, sickness, disease, weakness, rejection, aging, anxiety, depression, the incessant barrage of the enemy against our bodies and our souls in attempt to break our spirits is beyond comprehension, but this, Jesus did. Such humility! In Philippians 2:5 in the Message version we are told to think of ourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of Himself; He had equal status with God but didn’t think so much of Himself that He clung to the advantages of that status no matter what.

He came to us and He also brought Heaven down.

He showed us by example how to live in our “human condition” without caving to the temptations of our enemy. He then demonstrated how to: remain pure, how to live in this world without becoming part of the world; how to heal the sick; how to cast out demons; how to raise the dead; how to defeat the enemy in death; and how to love without measure, even at the expense of ourselves, our own lives; and how to live again. He is Risen! He has ascended to His Father, our Father, where we are seated with Him in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6).

Our end will be glorious, too. Yes, getting from Point A to Point B is crushing at times; true discipleship is not for the faint of heart. What are we to to do while we travel here? As Paul wrote, Keep on keeping on. I add part of the LORD’s prayer: Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. No matter how it appears we need to keep looking for God’s will here. There is no sickness, disease, heartache, mental illness, or lack of any kind in Heaven, so look for the Cure to meet us here …

… because part of our prayer is to look for His kingdom here, I also add this admonition from Paul in Philippians 4:4 to: Rejoice in the LORD always; and again I say REJOICE! …

… why rejoice? Because it is finished (John 19:30). Whatever it is we are suffering here, It is finished. Whatever we commit to Jesus at the foot of the cross, to be covered with His precious Blood, It is finished. And whether we see and receive our answers to prayer while we are here, I trust that anything asked according to His will will be done.

Regardless, our focus is this: Jesus became one of us. He totally gets us. From birth to death, He was despised, rejected, a Man of sorrows, acquainted with our grief; because of us He was stricken, smitten, afflicted, wounded, bruised, and beaten. He purchased with His precious Blood our peace, healing, deliverance, wholeness, forgiveness, prosperity, and an eternal home with Him in Heaven. Join me today in bowing before Him, thanking Him for His humility, for becoming one of us. Let us take it a step further and ask if there is a particular matter in which we might humble ourselves before Him this day. It’s the least we can do.

Some of the Saddest Words Ever

²⁶For the king himself knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely; for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him, for this thing was not done in a corner.

²⁷King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest.”

²⁸Then Agrippa said unto Paul, “Thou almost persuadest me to be a Christian.” Acts 26:26-28 KJV

Almost persuaded.

Several years ago we were at one of our “go-to” campgrounds. It was quiet, the campground nearly empty, when the host dropped by for an extended visit at our picnic table. How our conversation got to where it did is a mystery to me, but the point is, we ended up witnessing to him about Jesus. I felt compelled to reinforce how much God loves him. And yes, life doesn’t make sense, and bad things happen, and we make bad choices that sometimes lead to bad consequences, but that doesn’t change the truth that God is a good, loving God and yearns to have relationship with us.

Jim was “on the line”. I could tell by his tender expression and quiet contemplative engagement with us that Holy Spirit was moving upon him. I could also feel his hesitancy. I sensed about him that once he’s committed to something he’s committed, which is good and proper, especially where relationships are concerned. In Luke 14:28 we are told to “consider the cost”, maybe that’s what Jim was internally doing. Not wanting to push, and feeling a window instead of a full-fledged door of entry, I asked him to consider what we discussed, he said he would; I offered prayer, which he welcomed; I gave him a ministry magazine that I had with me that he received.

We still go to that campground, but we have never returned to those weighty, spiritual conversations and I have yet to know whether he has made a decision for Jesus. I wish I had that assurance, for I know God was reaching out to him that day.

Are you one of those who are almost persuaded to be a Christian? I hope not. If Holy Spirit has moved upon you I hope that you will be wholly persuaded and open the door and let Him in. If you wish to consider the cost, do so; that is a good, wise choice. I ensure you that true discipleship is costly, it is also worth the price. If you are willing to embark on a relationship with Jesus, please say this prayer with me:

God, thank You for sending Jesus, Your only begotten Son. I believe that He suffered and died for my sins, that He received all the punishment I deserve. I also believe that he is risen from the grave and is seated at Your right hand, and is preparing a place for me with You in eternity.

I’m sorry for the way I’ve lived, for the things I’ve done that have hurt You and others. Please forgive me and come into my life. Lead me, strengthen me to the live the life that You have purposed for me. I know I won’t do life perfect, but from here on out, I want to do it with You.

Thank You, I love You. Amen.

Perhaps today’s post made you think of someone that is almost persuaded. Join me in a prayer for them today:

Dear LORD, You have called us to be salt and light and we are doing that. There are dear souls that You have brought into our lives to point them to You. We pray that we drop seed, water seed, shine on seed, and gather seed as You direct. Oh, my God, cause us to do no harm but only good to all of our fellow man, but especially to those who would walk this pilgrim path with us. May “you almost persuade me” not be heard in our ears, but rather a “Yes” for You.

Thank Your for Your goodness and Your faithfulness to us all. Amen.