When my kids were small, we purchased the "Where's Waldo" books. Every inch of each page was filled with "things". Somewhere amongst the "things" was Waldo. Every page was different but the one thing that always remained the same was that somewhere on that page you could find Waldo.
We have a Father in heaven who, like Waldo, can be found on every page of our lives. Amongst the joys as well as the sorrows, whether we see Him or not, God is nestled among the "things" of life.
"If they will but seek my face…. (2 Chron 7:14) Sometimes Waldo was difficult to find but John tells us in the book of Revelation that God's face is "like the sun shining in all its brilliance." (Rev 1:16) Psalm 19:1 tells us that "the heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands." God wants to be found. He is waiting to lead you beside quiet waters, to restore your soul and guide you in paths of righteousness. We need not fear any evil for He is with us. (Psalm 23)
If they will but turn to me….
He will receive blessings from the Lord and vindication from God his Savior. Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek his face. (Psalm 24)
The Lord is our light and salvation. The Lord is our stronghold. We can gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and seek him in his temple. (Psalm 27) As we lift our eyes to the maker, we see the voice of the Lord is over the waters, the voice of the Lord is powerful and majestic. His unfailing love is priceless. "Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of his wings. They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights" (Psalm 36:7-8) When we find him, we dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. When we commit our way to him and trust in him, He makes our righteousness shine like the dawn. As we seek and knock on heaven's door, God is waiting to be found and our soul finds rest. He turns our wailing into dancing and clothes us with joy. (Psalm 30 & 31)
"From heaven the Lord looks down and sees all mankind; from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth--he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do." (Psalm 33:13-15)
"But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul." (Deut 4:29)
Precious Lord,
Help us to quiet ourselves from all the "things" on the pages of our lives - that we would find you. "In the beginning, O Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth and the heavens are the work of your hands." (Hebrews 1::10) The earth is full of your unfailing love. You who formed the mountains by your power and stilled the roaring of the seas and waves, shine your face upon us and show us the wonder of your great love! Reach down from on high and take us to your temple where we meditate on your unfailing love. Open our eyes that we may see you! Our hearts rejoice as your unfailing love rests upon us. "Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth." (Psalm 57:5) Amen
"Now the Lord is the Spirit and where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom. And we who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is Spirit." (2 Cor. 3:17-18)
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August 16, 2011
July 01, 2011
Darkness and Light
"The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. Let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light." (Romans 13:12)
There is a reason most of us do not like darkness. Things are hidden in darkness. We automatically assume that in some way, evil is present.
The Bible tells us that Jesus is the light of the world. "In Him was life, that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness but the darkness has not understood it." (John 1:4-5)
"When Jesus spoke to the people, He said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (John 8:12)
The enemy of our souls would like to keep us in darkness so that we will not know the love and glory of God. ( 2 Cor 4:4) Satan is the ruler of the kingdom of darkness but God said, "Let light shine out of darkness". Jesus came to destroy the works of satan and to expose the darkness.
"He reveals deep and hidden things; He knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him." (Daniel 2:22)
John tells us "I am writing you a new command; its truth is seen in him and you, because the darkness is passing and the true light is already shining." (1 John 2:8)
As Christians, we have come into the light. "For you were once in darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruits of light consist in all goodness, righteousness and truth) Find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness but rather expose them. Everything exposed by the light becomes visible for it is light that makes everything visible." (Eph. 5:8-14)
The Psalmist cry's out "Let the light of your face shine upon us, O Lord! Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O Lord" (Psalm 4:6b; 89:15))
We are children of the light and we are the light of the world! (Matt 5:14) God promises us that He will take hold of our hand and keep us that we may be a light to the world and when we let our light shine, all will see the glory of God. The eyes of the blind will be opened and the captives will be free from their prison of darkness. (Isaiah 42:6-7) "God is light; in him there is no darkness. If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in darkness, we lie and don't live by the truth. If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus purifies us." (1 John 1:5-7)
The kingdom of darkness is built on lies, secrets and deceit. It requires the absence of light to survive. We can "turn on the light" but bringing in the presence of Christ. His Spirit dwells with you and He is the Spirit of truth. The book of Revelation tells us about what heaven will be like. "The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it for the glory of God gives it light and the lamb is its lamp. The nations will walk by its light...On no day will its gates ever be shut for there will be no night (darkness) there. Nothing impure will ever enter it..." (Rev 21:23-27)
Almighty God,
You are the light of the world. We are blind and grope around like drunkards in the darkness. (Job 12:25) Let the light of your face shine on us and expose our secret sins, our false beliefs, the lies that the enemy would have us believe. He desires to keep us blind. You have removed the blinders! Pour your love and truth into our hearts, light our path so that we can walk. Instill your Word into our hearts. Speak to our innermost being. Examine our thoughts and motives. (Hebrews 4:12-13)"Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place. Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness...blot out all my iniquity." Create in me a pure heart, O God! (Psalm 51:6-9) You do not delight in sacrifice or burnt offerings. You desire a broken spirit and a broken and contrite heart. We are a chosen people whom you called out of darkness into the your wonderful light! (1 Peter 2:9) In heaven, there is no darkness. Bring heaven to earth where the glory of God gives it light and the lamb of God sustains it. It is there that I will have the light of life and my voice will declare your praise and glory. Amen
There is a reason most of us do not like darkness. Things are hidden in darkness. We automatically assume that in some way, evil is present.
The Bible tells us that Jesus is the light of the world. "In Him was life, that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness but the darkness has not understood it." (John 1:4-5)
"When Jesus spoke to the people, He said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (John 8:12)
The enemy of our souls would like to keep us in darkness so that we will not know the love and glory of God. ( 2 Cor 4:4) Satan is the ruler of the kingdom of darkness but God said, "Let light shine out of darkness". Jesus came to destroy the works of satan and to expose the darkness.
"He reveals deep and hidden things; He knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him." (Daniel 2:22)
John tells us "I am writing you a new command; its truth is seen in him and you, because the darkness is passing and the true light is already shining." (1 John 2:8)
As Christians, we have come into the light. "For you were once in darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruits of light consist in all goodness, righteousness and truth) Find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness but rather expose them. Everything exposed by the light becomes visible for it is light that makes everything visible." (Eph. 5:8-14)
The Psalmist cry's out "Let the light of your face shine upon us, O Lord! Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O Lord" (Psalm 4:6b; 89:15))
We are children of the light and we are the light of the world! (Matt 5:14) God promises us that He will take hold of our hand and keep us that we may be a light to the world and when we let our light shine, all will see the glory of God. The eyes of the blind will be opened and the captives will be free from their prison of darkness. (Isaiah 42:6-7) "God is light; in him there is no darkness. If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in darkness, we lie and don't live by the truth. If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus purifies us." (1 John 1:5-7)
The kingdom of darkness is built on lies, secrets and deceit. It requires the absence of light to survive. We can "turn on the light" but bringing in the presence of Christ. His Spirit dwells with you and He is the Spirit of truth. The book of Revelation tells us about what heaven will be like. "The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it for the glory of God gives it light and the lamb is its lamp. The nations will walk by its light...On no day will its gates ever be shut for there will be no night (darkness) there. Nothing impure will ever enter it..." (Rev 21:23-27)
Almighty God,
You are the light of the world. We are blind and grope around like drunkards in the darkness. (Job 12:25) Let the light of your face shine on us and expose our secret sins, our false beliefs, the lies that the enemy would have us believe. He desires to keep us blind. You have removed the blinders! Pour your love and truth into our hearts, light our path so that we can walk. Instill your Word into our hearts. Speak to our innermost being. Examine our thoughts and motives. (Hebrews 4:12-13)"Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place. Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness...blot out all my iniquity." Create in me a pure heart, O God! (Psalm 51:6-9) You do not delight in sacrifice or burnt offerings. You desire a broken spirit and a broken and contrite heart. We are a chosen people whom you called out of darkness into the your wonderful light! (1 Peter 2:9) In heaven, there is no darkness. Bring heaven to earth where the glory of God gives it light and the lamb of God sustains it. It is there that I will have the light of life and my voice will declare your praise and glory. Amen
June 15, 2011
Righteousness From God
"But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known... this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." (Romans 3:21-24)
The prophet Isaiah says that all our righteous acts are like filthy rags. Paul told the Romans that there is no one righteous, not even one.
Romans 3 above tells us that there is now "a righteousness from God, apart from the law". Apart from the law. We are not to live under law. We have been saved by God's undeserved, unmerited favor.
"When a man works, his wages are not credited to him as a gift, but as an obligation. However, to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness." (Romans 4:4-5).
We can't work for it. We do not deserve it. It is the gift of God. We receive this indescrible gift with joy and thanksgiving. Our sins are forgiven, our position is secure, our spirit is being renewed day by day.
"You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly." (Romans 5:6)
Christ died for the "ungodly", the sinners - you and I. Jesus tells us in Matthew 9 that he has not come to call the righteous, but sinners. God sent His Son to bear all the sins of humankind - past, present, and future. Jesus came for the sinners that we might become his righteousness. This righteousness comes from God for all who believe through faith in Jesus Christ.
2,000 years ago, He came to earth to reconcile us to God by payment of our sins by His death on the cross. We trust in the Lord. We believe what the Bible tells us and we walk in the truth. He is the way, the truth and the life. He is rest for weary and power for the weak. He is the perfect lamb of God and He came to cleanse us from our sins. We can not "do better". We can only receive His free gift. We are forgiven because of what He did. We are made right with God because of what He did. We are transformed moment by moment into His perfect image as He cleanses us and imputes His righteousness into our souls. It's His work, it's why He came.
The prophet Isaiah says that all our righteous acts are like filthy rags. Paul told the Romans that there is no one righteous, not even one.
Romans 3 above tells us that there is now "a righteousness from God, apart from the law". Apart from the law. We are not to live under law. We have been saved by God's undeserved, unmerited favor.
"When a man works, his wages are not credited to him as a gift, but as an obligation. However, to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness." (Romans 4:4-5).
We can't work for it. We do not deserve it. It is the gift of God. We receive this indescrible gift with joy and thanksgiving. Our sins are forgiven, our position is secure, our spirit is being renewed day by day.
"You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly." (Romans 5:6)
Christ died for the "ungodly", the sinners - you and I. Jesus tells us in Matthew 9 that he has not come to call the righteous, but sinners. God sent His Son to bear all the sins of humankind - past, present, and future. Jesus came for the sinners that we might become his righteousness. This righteousness comes from God for all who believe through faith in Jesus Christ.
2,000 years ago, He came to earth to reconcile us to God by payment of our sins by His death on the cross. We trust in the Lord. We believe what the Bible tells us and we walk in the truth. He is the way, the truth and the life. He is rest for weary and power for the weak. He is the perfect lamb of God and He came to cleanse us from our sins. We can not "do better". We can only receive His free gift. We are forgiven because of what He did. We are made right with God because of what He did. We are transformed moment by moment into His perfect image as He cleanses us and imputes His righteousness into our souls. It's His work, it's why He came.
May 19, 2011
Listen Closely
"Pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to a man's whole body." (Proverbs 4:20-22)
Listen closely to His words:
I am your Father (John 1:12,1 John 3:1-2), you are my dearly beloved child (1 John 4:9-10). I choose you before the foundation of the world (1 Peter 1:2). I know everything about you and I still love you. You are not condemned (Romans 8:1). You have come out of the darkness and now live in the glorious light! I love you deeply and desire to free you from all that still entangles you. You are my workmanship. I have given you my word, my Spirit, and my promises to transform you and guide you as you walk this journey of faith.
Pay attention to what He says. Let Him fill you with his love. Give Him your heart and mind and let him reveal the truth to your soul. You are loved. You are accepted. You can have a intimate relationship where you call him "Abba Father" (Romans 8:15)
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade..." (1 Peter 1:3-4)
Just for a minute - Put away your intellectual side. Give up your hang-ups and fears about God and call on His name. Come, Lord Jesus, pull me out of the pit into your loving presence. He reaches down to take hold of you. He keeps you safe, hiding you in the shelter of his wing. He draws you out of deep waters and bring you into a spacious place. He delights in you! Dwell in his sanctuary. He will lead you beside still waters. Meditate on His unfailing love. Eat with Him, he has prepared a table of good and satisfying food - food for your soul! Taste and see that the Lord is good! Sing and make music - He has given you song. Dance with him, you are beautiful to him. Let the joy of the Lord be your strength. Clap your hands and shout to God. How awesome is the Lord Most High!! Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things! For the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.
"the law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the Lord are sure and altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb." (Psalm 19:7-10)
Listen closely to His words:
I am your Father (John 1:12,1 John 3:1-2), you are my dearly beloved child (1 John 4:9-10). I choose you before the foundation of the world (1 Peter 1:2). I know everything about you and I still love you. You are not condemned (Romans 8:1). You have come out of the darkness and now live in the glorious light! I love you deeply and desire to free you from all that still entangles you. You are my workmanship. I have given you my word, my Spirit, and my promises to transform you and guide you as you walk this journey of faith.
Pay attention to what He says. Let Him fill you with his love. Give Him your heart and mind and let him reveal the truth to your soul. You are loved. You are accepted. You can have a intimate relationship where you call him "Abba Father" (Romans 8:15)
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade..." (1 Peter 1:3-4)
Just for a minute - Put away your intellectual side. Give up your hang-ups and fears about God and call on His name. Come, Lord Jesus, pull me out of the pit into your loving presence. He reaches down to take hold of you. He keeps you safe, hiding you in the shelter of his wing. He draws you out of deep waters and bring you into a spacious place. He delights in you! Dwell in his sanctuary. He will lead you beside still waters. Meditate on His unfailing love. Eat with Him, he has prepared a table of good and satisfying food - food for your soul! Taste and see that the Lord is good! Sing and make music - He has given you song. Dance with him, you are beautiful to him. Let the joy of the Lord be your strength. Clap your hands and shout to God. How awesome is the Lord Most High!! Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things! For the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.
"the law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the Lord are sure and altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb." (Psalm 19:7-10)
May 03, 2011
Family Love
In the two week period between April 24 and May 7, my birth family and I all celebrate our birthdays. Growing up, it was a lot of cake to eat within a two week period! Now, distance separates us and we aren’t able to get together like we used to but every year at this time, I like to reflect on these most important people in my life.
My family wasn't perfect. All families have problems and dysfunction but God created the family unit that we might love and be loved. That we might forgive and be forgiven. Our hearts yearn for connection and relationship. It is what we were created for. We were made in God's image and God is perfect love. "God is love. Whoever lives in love, lives in God and God in him." (1 John 4:16)
Even if you did'nt grow up in a family that showed their love like I did, you have a heavenly Father who loves and accepts you. You are his dearly beloved child. He yearns to love you with his everlasting, most perfect love. Nothing can separate you from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus. (Romans 8). He knows where you've been, if and how you were loved, and he meets you right where you are and asks only that you open your heart to his most amazing love.
John tells us "this is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another…We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers." (1 John 3:11,14)
We were created in love for love. The Father has lavished his love on us that we would be healed and whole - cleansed from our sins and enabled to love both him and others. "This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. (1 John 4:10)
Seek and receive God's most perfect love. " We love because he first loved us.." (1 John 4:19) Let him fill you with his fullness with which you will love your family. "God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit…" (Romans 5:5)
"In this way, love is made complete among us…. "Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God…" (1 John 4:7) Many of us are familiar with the 1 Corinthians 13 - the love chapter. In it we learn that love never fails.
God's love for you never fails. You are a part of his family. He loves you with his faithful, everlasting love. He also loves your family and has equipped you to love and receive love from them. Forgive them, delight in them. You and your family are not perfect (yet), but it is in loving and being loved that we are made complete. God delights in seeing families living in and reflecting his love. He celebrates in heaven and with God, there is never too much cake and celebration!
Father God,
Thank you for my family. Imperfect as we might be, we were created in your most perfect love to be vessels of love. Help us to receive your love. Make it complete in us so that we can love one another. Bless my loved ones as they celebrate their special day. Let the light of your face shine into their moments revealing even more of your love and life. Father, I pray today for those with broken family relationships. Restore these relationships with your perfect love. We all yearn for connection and love. In those families where this is not possible, I pray a deeper revelation of your Father heart. It is a heart that comforts, forgives, a heart full of grace and mercy . Nothing can separate us from your love - it is wide and long, high and deep. There are no strings attached to your love. You simply love us because we are yours. Thank you Father. Amen
My family wasn't perfect. All families have problems and dysfunction but God created the family unit that we might love and be loved. That we might forgive and be forgiven. Our hearts yearn for connection and relationship. It is what we were created for. We were made in God's image and God is perfect love. "God is love. Whoever lives in love, lives in God and God in him." (1 John 4:16)
Even if you did'nt grow up in a family that showed their love like I did, you have a heavenly Father who loves and accepts you. You are his dearly beloved child. He yearns to love you with his everlasting, most perfect love. Nothing can separate you from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus. (Romans 8). He knows where you've been, if and how you were loved, and he meets you right where you are and asks only that you open your heart to his most amazing love.
John tells us "this is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another…We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers." (1 John 3:11,14)
We were created in love for love. The Father has lavished his love on us that we would be healed and whole - cleansed from our sins and enabled to love both him and others. "This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. (1 John 4:10)
Seek and receive God's most perfect love. " We love because he first loved us.." (1 John 4:19) Let him fill you with his fullness with which you will love your family. "God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit…" (Romans 5:5)
"In this way, love is made complete among us…. "Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God…" (1 John 4:7) Many of us are familiar with the 1 Corinthians 13 - the love chapter. In it we learn that love never fails.
God's love for you never fails. You are a part of his family. He loves you with his faithful, everlasting love. He also loves your family and has equipped you to love and receive love from them. Forgive them, delight in them. You and your family are not perfect (yet), but it is in loving and being loved that we are made complete. God delights in seeing families living in and reflecting his love. He celebrates in heaven and with God, there is never too much cake and celebration!
Father God,
Thank you for my family. Imperfect as we might be, we were created in your most perfect love to be vessels of love. Help us to receive your love. Make it complete in us so that we can love one another. Bless my loved ones as they celebrate their special day. Let the light of your face shine into their moments revealing even more of your love and life. Father, I pray today for those with broken family relationships. Restore these relationships with your perfect love. We all yearn for connection and love. In those families where this is not possible, I pray a deeper revelation of your Father heart. It is a heart that comforts, forgives, a heart full of grace and mercy . Nothing can separate us from your love - it is wide and long, high and deep. There are no strings attached to your love. You simply love us because we are yours. Thank you Father. Amen
April 27, 2011
What Now?
"Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess for he who has promised is faithful." (Hebrews 10:19-24)
We just celebrated the most amazing event in history, Jesus resurrection from the dead. Jesus conquered death and those who believe that He lived, died, and rose again are promised eternal life. Eternity seems like a long way off for most of us so its hard to wrap our brains around it or to really care so we celebrate, then go on with our everyday life. So, does the resurrection mean anything for us right now?
The Resurrection means that Jesus still lives. He is seated at God's right hand. He is our forever priest who always lives to intercede for us. (Hebrews 7:24)
"how much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!" (Hebrews 9:14)
He is the holy, pure, spotless lamb who gave himself for our sins so that we might live and serve the living God. We can enter the Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. The veil of the curtain of the most holy of holies has been torn. We now have "free access" to God. Through Jesus, our guilty conscience is no more, our bodies have been washed with the precious blood of Jesus.
"We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life." (Romans 6:4)
What does the resurrection mean for us now? Having been freed from sin, we have access to the Father. We have "ears to hear" and "eyes to see". We have been given the priviledge of living a new life. It is an abundant, good life. The life we were originally created for. A life free from the bondages of sin and condemnation. A life with a "new master", our great high priest who intercedes for us to the Father . We are going to mess up, but Jesus' blood makes us righteous. God remembers our sins no more. We are righteous in his sight so let us boldly enter the Most Holy Place to draw near to God and to receive His love and His life. It's the life he intended for us when he created us.
"..offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness. For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace." (Romans 6:13-14)
"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. the life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me." (Galatians 2:20)
"It is for freedom tht Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." (Galatians 5:1)
We just celebrated the most amazing event in history, Jesus resurrection from the dead. Jesus conquered death and those who believe that He lived, died, and rose again are promised eternal life. Eternity seems like a long way off for most of us so its hard to wrap our brains around it or to really care so we celebrate, then go on with our everyday life. So, does the resurrection mean anything for us right now?
The Resurrection means that Jesus still lives. He is seated at God's right hand. He is our forever priest who always lives to intercede for us. (Hebrews 7:24)
"how much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!" (Hebrews 9:14)
He is the holy, pure, spotless lamb who gave himself for our sins so that we might live and serve the living God. We can enter the Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. The veil of the curtain of the most holy of holies has been torn. We now have "free access" to God. Through Jesus, our guilty conscience is no more, our bodies have been washed with the precious blood of Jesus.
"We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life." (Romans 6:4)
What does the resurrection mean for us now? Having been freed from sin, we have access to the Father. We have "ears to hear" and "eyes to see". We have been given the priviledge of living a new life. It is an abundant, good life. The life we were originally created for. A life free from the bondages of sin and condemnation. A life with a "new master", our great high priest who intercedes for us to the Father . We are going to mess up, but Jesus' blood makes us righteous. God remembers our sins no more. We are righteous in his sight so let us boldly enter the Most Holy Place to draw near to God and to receive His love and His life. It's the life he intended for us when he created us.
"..offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness. For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace." (Romans 6:13-14)
"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. the life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me." (Galatians 2:20)
"It is for freedom tht Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." (Galatians 5:1)
April 18, 2011
Covered By The Blood
"He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed." (1 Peter 2:24)
If you have chosen Jesus as your Lord and Savior, all of your sins - past, present, and future have been redeemed. The penalty has been paid. When you die and go in front of the judge, you will be declared "not guilty". "you were bought with a price" (1 Cor 6:20) He remembers your sins no more! While we were yet sinners, Christ died. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written code (the law) … he took it away, nailing it to the cross. (Col 2:14)
Just as the blood of the sacrificial lamb was sprinkled on the doorposts of the Israelites in Egypt in order that death would not destroy the firstborn of God's people, we are covered by the blood of the perfect lamb of God, Jesus Christ. God provided the lamb that would be slaughtered for our sins. He is the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29)
He was chosen before the creation of the world." He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world." (1 John 2:2) "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool." (Isaiah 1:18)
He was pierced and crushed for us. By His wounds, we are healed.
We are washed by the blood of Jesus. "Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. " (Psalm 32:1) Blessed is the one who forgives all our sins and heals and redeems our life! For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love.. (Psalm 103)
"For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. This is the one who came by water and blood--Jesus Christ. Anyone who believes in the Son of God has this testimony in his heart. And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son." (1 John 5:4-6, 5:10-11)
Father God ~~
Thank you for the most precious gift of the cross. Our sins are covered by the blood of the perfect lamb when we choose to accept the sacrifice. As far as the east is from the west, you remember our sins no more. Thank you that everything we do and say is filtered through the Cross. Your sacrifice for our sins was once and for all when you offered your Son to die on the cross. It is by His stripes that we are healed. Thank you Jesus for interceding for us. The veil is torn and we are righteous in the Father's sight because of His great love for us. You accepted the will of the Father that we might have life. May we also accept the Father's will by accepting what you did on the cross. Amen
If you have chosen Jesus as your Lord and Savior, all of your sins - past, present, and future have been redeemed. The penalty has been paid. When you die and go in front of the judge, you will be declared "not guilty". "you were bought with a price" (1 Cor 6:20) He remembers your sins no more! While we were yet sinners, Christ died. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written code (the law) … he took it away, nailing it to the cross. (Col 2:14)
Just as the blood of the sacrificial lamb was sprinkled on the doorposts of the Israelites in Egypt in order that death would not destroy the firstborn of God's people, we are covered by the blood of the perfect lamb of God, Jesus Christ. God provided the lamb that would be slaughtered for our sins. He is the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29)
He was chosen before the creation of the world." He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world." (1 John 2:2) "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool." (Isaiah 1:18)
He was pierced and crushed for us. By His wounds, we are healed.
We are washed by the blood of Jesus. "Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. " (Psalm 32:1) Blessed is the one who forgives all our sins and heals and redeems our life! For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love.. (Psalm 103)
"For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. This is the one who came by water and blood--Jesus Christ. Anyone who believes in the Son of God has this testimony in his heart. And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son." (1 John 5:4-6, 5:10-11)
Father God ~~
Thank you for the most precious gift of the cross. Our sins are covered by the blood of the perfect lamb when we choose to accept the sacrifice. As far as the east is from the west, you remember our sins no more. Thank you that everything we do and say is filtered through the Cross. Your sacrifice for our sins was once and for all when you offered your Son to die on the cross. It is by His stripes that we are healed. Thank you Jesus for interceding for us. The veil is torn and we are righteous in the Father's sight because of His great love for us. You accepted the will of the Father that we might have life. May we also accept the Father's will by accepting what you did on the cross. Amen
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