Sorrow and inspiration

My heart was full of sorrow as I heard the news.

There’s something so sad when a person chooses to walk away from the Lord Jesus, even more difficult than grief of a loved one who was strong in the Lord.

For there is blessed hope of meeting again for the soul safe in the salvation of Christ Jesus.

But when someone who has heard the truth of the Gospel throws off those things meant for their protection, their good, their security in Jesus Christ, it rends the heart of those who love them.

My first response, after the sorrow is wonder.

Did they miss the scriptures which warn us of the dangers of rejecting God?

1 Thessalonians 4:7-8 NKJV — For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness.
Therefore he who rejects this does not reject man, but God, who has also given us His Holy Spirit.

Don’t they understand that their actions are planting seeds into their future?

Galatians 6:7 KJV — Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

Have they missed the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus to save them from sin?

Acts 4:10-12 NKJV — “let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’ Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

Why choose a life of wickedness, for there is only righteousness for us through Jesus?

1 Corinthians 1:30 KJV — But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

At the end of all my questions, the facts remain that they’ve heard the truth and turned aside.

Whatever their reason for choosing to walk outside of God’s Word and in rejection of Him, their choices hurt those who love them.

Personally, I have watched many people choose this, and can’t understand why.

It never gets easier to experience.

Yet, my heart is encouraged by those who walk through extraordinarily difficult things with perseverance and joy.

Those individuals who have suffered and yet continue to praise the Lord.

Those who walk through persecution, loss, abuse, abandonment, and all kinds of trials yet their faith continues to grow.

They are those who refuse to see themselves as victims, refuse to fall into selfishness, refuse to abandon the Lord Jesus and His salvation.

Instead, they are humble, patient in affliction, full of forgiveness and love, always seeking opportunity to serve those around them, sharing the Gospel through word and deed.

While my heart continues to seek the Lord on behalf of those who have rejected the truth, I’m comforted by those faithful to the Lord Jesus.

Most of all, I’m inspired by the Lord Jesus and His faithfulness.

He died that those who believe should have everlasting life.

2 Corinthians 5:15 KJV — And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

God is full of Mercy

True repentance comes out of one’s clear understanding that God is holy and I am a sinner.

Luke 18:13 KJV — And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.

This parable, told by Jesus, is an example of each person who has recognized their sin and called upon the Lord’s mercy.

Throughout scripture we see that God is merciful.

Exodus 34:6 KJV — And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,

Deuteronomy 4:31 KJV — (For the LORD thy God is a merciful God;) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he sware unto them.

Nehemiah 9:31 KJV — Nevertheless for thy great mercies’ sake thou didst not utterly consume them, nor forsake them; for thou art a gracious and merciful God.

Yet, we must not take God’s merciful nature for granted and purposely transgress His commandments expecting to call upon His mercy after the choosing to walk in sin.

Mercy is not a license to live as we think best.

Rebellion brings harsh consequences as both the country of Israel and Judah learned.

Yet, throughout the rebellion of those nations God had prophets warning the people of their coming discipline, offering mercy for those who would repent and turn away from wickedness.

He is the same God today that He was then.

For those who have yet to repent, He’s calling.

For those who have seen the error of their ways and stood before Him with humility and true repentance we have tasted of His mercy.

May we always cherish the incredible nature of God and bring glory to His name through our daily walks with Him.

Psalm 116:5 KJV — Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your mercy. Thank You for Your continuing work to reach those who have yet to know You. Lord Jesus, thank You for Your love and compassion, how longsuffering You are, for Your understand our poor state and want to redeem us from our own sin. Lord Jesus, thank You that You are God alone. There is none like You and there never will be. Thank You for Your mercy and grace. Thank You for salvation. Thank You for the hope of eternity with You. Thank You! I love You, Jesus! Amen.

What did it cost God to extend grace?

His only Son.

1 John 4:9 KJV — In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.

God is a good judge.

He looked at our sins and pronounced us guilty.

Nehemiah 9:33 NKJV — However You are just in all that has befallen us; For You have dealt faithfully, But we have done wickedly.

The punishment He warned us about in the Garden of Eden, we chose.

Genesis 2:16-17NKJV — And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, “Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”

He didn’t leave us to our condemnation.

From the time we first sinned, God had a plan to extend grace.

Genesis 3:15bNKJV — “…He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel.”

He’d send His son to die in our place.

And those who believe on Jesus Christ will be saved.

John 3:18 KJV — He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

For those who have accepted salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of God, it is cherished and extremely valuable.

May we never forget what Christ paid to extend the incredible gift nor allow this life to cheapen the truth of it’s worth.

God paid the highest price to extend us grace and forgive our sins that we might not be condemned.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your sacrifice. Thank You for Your faithfulness to do whatever was required to extend us grace. Lord Jesus, may we never become callous to Your incredible gift nor cheapen the value by intentionally ignoring You and Your Word. Lord, please help us to be purposeful, mindful of the gift, grateful for Your sacrifice, and humbled by what our sins cost You. Lord, You suffered and died, then rose again, defeating sin and death forever! Thank You! What an awesome God You are! What a wonderful gift we have through Your sacrifice! Lord Jesus, let the whole World look on Him whom they have pierced and recognize the truth. Lord Jesus, You are worthy of praise, honor, and glory! Amen.

Arguing

Like this picture, my perspective was a little skewed.

My husband had said, “Why do you do that? Why do you contradict everything I say?”

I nearly laughed when I responded with, “I don’t.”

He raised his eyebrows at me and smiled.

I apologized.

Although, I really didn’t feel I always contradicted my husband I did feels prick about it when I was praying.

If it’s important to my husband it should be important to me.

So, I asked the Lord to help me see when I was arguing with him.

Turns out, I do contradict him, often.

It’s not malicious nor was I really aware of it.

But there’s so many little moments when I was not careful with my words.

Yesterday we were Zooming a friend and I realized my “quick to listen and slow to speak” was backwards.

I’d been quick to speak and slow to listen.

Uhg.

Thankfully, both God and my husband are very patient and forgiving.

Today, I’m asking the Lord to continue to help me with this area.

First, that I see myself clearly and then that I am careful with my words.

Because words that build up are not words of contradiction.

Yes, there are times and places to stand for the truth when a lie is being pronounced as truth.

But between my husband and myself, there’s no reason for me to speak as I have.

I know if we have a conflict or misunderstanding the way to handle it is not before others, not with words that infer he is completely wrong, but instead with honesty, compassion, and love.

My contradicting him was simply a blindness to my own carelessness.

Frankly, I’d be embarrassed if it weren’t for my husband’s loving attitude.

Which in turn makes me want to deal with this poor behavior even more.

It’s wonderful how God has brought to light an area which was askew and is teaching me how to correct it.

Just another example of God’s love, His goodness, and His grace.

1 Peter 2:24 NKJV — who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed.

I’m so thankful to God!

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for showing me my error. Lord, please continue to teach me to guard my words, to be quick to listen and slow to speak. Lord, please continue to heal my perspective, that I might not sin against You or anyone else. Lord, my heart is glad You have broken through an area I was stubbornly refusing to see. Please let the words of David stand for me as well.

Psalm 69:5-6 NKJV — O God, You know my foolishness; And my sins are not hidden from You. Let not those who wait for You, O Lord GOD of hosts, be ashamed because of me; Let not those who seek You be confounded because of me, O God of Israel.

Lord, please do not allow my sins to hinder my family’s relationship with You. Instead, please use my errors to help my family avoid these things in their own life. Lord, I thank You for Your mercy and grace. I thank You for Your truth and patience. May Your name be glorified today. Amen.

A little leaven…

God’s Word is clear, we are to avoid sin.

For when we choose to sin, or ignore our sin, we are deceiving ourselves.

“It’s just a little white lie…”

“It won’t hurt anyone else…”

“Just once won’t matter…”

These false words lead to destruction.

No one can hide sin from God and it never is contained.

The example of leaven in dough is how sin works into every part of our lives.

Galatians 5:9 NKJV — A little leaven leavens the whole lump.

Thus, we must beware of those things which God says are sin.

1 John 2:16 NKJV — For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.

We must be on guard against such, being diligent to seek first the kingdom of God.

Knowing that it is easy for a little sin to corrupt our whole perspective.

1 Corinthians 5:7-8 KJV — Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

Only through the Lord Jesus can we be made clean from our sins.

Romans 5:8 NKJV — But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

God knows we need help to be able to learn how to walk in this truth, thus He gave us His Word and His Holy Spirit.

It is through God’s Word and the Holy Spirit we are able to discern between right and wrong, truth and lie, good and evil.

John 16:7-11NKJV — “Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: of sin, because they do not believe in Me; of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more; of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.

John 16:13 NKJV — “However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.

Hebrews 4:12 NKJV — For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

For sin destroys, but God has provided an escape from sin.

God’s love is compassionate and His Word is our guide.

And we can choose to put off those things of the world and put on Christ Jesus.

1 John 2:17 NKJV — And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for truth. Lord, please continue to show me sin, that I might turn away from it. Lord, help me to listen when the still small voice speaks. Lord, I want to obey You in all areas of my life. I want to honor You with every part of myself. For You paid such a high price for me. Please, help me to beware of sin. Lord, thank You for Your faithfulness, Your mercy, Your grace, Your patience, and Your salvation. Truly, You are amazing!

…in weakness.

9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. II Corinthians 12:9 NKJV

Paul’s circumstance is unclear, other than that he had what he called “a thorn in the flesh”.

7 And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure.
II Corinthians 12:7 NKJV

He clearly attributes this problem as being from Satan and used to buffet him, but he adds in that it was used for his benefit.

Understandably, he prays.

8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me.
II Corinthians 12:8 NKJV

After pleading three times, the Lord’s answer:

…“My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9a

God didn’t remove the thorn, at least Paul doesn’t tell us it went away.

Rather, God showed Paul (and us) that He can and will use anything in our lives.

Because we are weak, broken, sinful creatures who desperately need God to heal us, restore us, and redeem us.

No two life stories are identical, but God’s grace, truth, goodness, love, strength, and salvage are able to redeem, restore, and renew any.

No matter the weakness one is experiencing, we do not have to bear it alone, nor does God want us to.

He wants us to lean on Him and trust Him throughout.

When we do, our lives are transformed.

We can go from pleading with God to remove the “thorn” to praising Him for how He has used it.

10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
II Corinthians 12:10 NKJV

It is not easy, but it is good.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for the example of Paul, who was honest about his “thorn in the flesh” and how You spoke so clearly and have given us this wonderful encouragement. Lord, we rarely can see how You are working through the pain in the midst of it, but I thank You that You are. I thank You for how You have used the difficult and painful circumstances of my life. Thank You that You give us so much to lean on. Thank You for Your grace and Your strength which is perfected in our weakness. Thank You for Your faithfulness and love. Lord, thank You that You understand suffering far better than we do. I love You, Jesus. Amen.

March 28

Today’s prayer:

Philippians 1:21For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for teaching us so many things and giving us Your truth. Lord, please continue to open our minds to learning more about You each and every day. Help us to walk in Your ways, always. Please train our hearts to be humble, loving, compassionate, quick to forgive, quick to listen, and full of mercy and grace. Lord, thank You for salvation! Through the washing of Your Word, please purify our hearts and minds. Let us not look on evil, but instead focus on You. Lord, please shut off lies, deception, and trickery. Help us to put away anything which would hinder our walk with You. Thank You for Your faithfulness and amazing love. I love You, Jesus. Amen.

March 21

Today’s prayer:

Psalm 86:5 NKJV — For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, And abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You.

Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You for Your abundant forgiveness, mercy, and grace. Lord, how often we fail to realize the incredible measure of Your love and how far You have gone to extend forgiveness to us. Please help us to call upon You in every circumstance. To follow You with a whole heart. Lord, teach us how to forgive and how to love as You do. Lord Jesus, Your truth, Your faithfulness, Your compassion is what I want to have for others. Please guide me with Your love, Your understanding, Your will. Thank You for all You have done, are doing, and will do. Thank You. Amen.

Grace like rain…

Matthew 5:43-45 NKJV — “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’. But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.”

God gives us direction in His Word for life and how to live.

Here He instructs us on how to love and give grace.

It’s like the rain, it should fall on everyone.

God makes it clear, we are to remember His grace for us and to extend it to others.

Psalm 145:9 KJV — The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.

Of course, like all things God calls us to do, it comes with wisdom and discernment.

Matthew 7:6 NKJV — “Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces.

Therefore, while walking in God’s grace and mercy, we treasure it for what it is, not trampling or shredding the priceless gift of God: salvation through Jesus Christ.

We also have the privilege to extend the same grace we enjoy to those around us, not exposing others or ourselves to evil and passing it off as good, but instead calling out evil and loving the sinner whose life is being strangled by that same evil.

Because true love, as exampled in Christ Jesus, reaches out to the sinner.

Romans 5:8 KJV — But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Talk about amazing, costly grace!

Jesus paid a high price to extend it to us.

For those of us who enjoy this grace, may we be quick to share it.

God’s grace showered upon us is truly a wonderful blessing.

John 1:17 KJV — For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You so much for Your awesome gift of grace and mercy. How small is my understanding of what a costly gift it is, but I humbly thank You for it. Lord Jesus, please help me to remain humble before You and to remember that mankind does not see the heart, only You can. It is against the pride ridden nature of my sinful heart to want to extend grace to others, but You call me to love the same as You do. Please, Lord, help me to walk in this and continue to teach my heart Your ways. Lord, thank You for Your faithfulness and love. Thank You for this new day in which to learn more about loving as You do. I love You, Jesus. Amen.

Great is His faithfulness

2 Samuel 22:31 KJV — As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him.

No matter the obstacle, nor those details of life which seem so enormous to our perspective, God is able, faithful, and true.

Psalm 4:5 KJV — Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD.

Therefore our hearts have a choice, to trust or to fear, to obey or to rebell.

God promises to save the soul of those who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, to grant grace and mercy to all those who follow Him.

Psalm 18:2 KJV — The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.

Thus, there is nothing to fear and no lasting suffering for those who trust in Him, but instead eternity with Christ Jesus.

Psalm 119:2 NKJV — Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, Who seek Him with the whole heart!

What could possibly be better than a soul secure in Jesus?

And we can seek the Lord in all things and find direction and truth in His Word.

1 Corinthians 1:9 NKJV — God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Scripture is where our hearts are taught and our trust is grown.

Great is God’s faithfulness.

Deuteronomy 7:9 KJV — Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;

Let us praise God together for His incredible faithfulness!

If you are unfamiliar with this hymn it’s worth looking up.

1. “Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
   There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
   Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
   As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.
   • Refrain:
     Great is Thy faithfulness!
     Great is Thy faithfulness!
     Morning by morning new mercies I see:
     All I have needed Thy hand hath provided—
     Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!
2. Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
   Sun, moon, and stars in their courses above
   Join with all nature in manifold witness
   To Thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love.
3. Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
   Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide,
   Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow—
   Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!” By Thomas O. Chisholm copied from: https://library.timelesstruths.org/music/Great_Is_Thy_Faithfulness/

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your faithfulness! For myself and my family, I humbly thank You. Your grace, Your mercy, Your provision, and Your truth have done so much. You have made a way in the desert. You have brought joy from sadness. You have restored that which was broken. You are sustaining us daily. Thank You! I can not say enough about all Your blessings, all Your wonderous works. You are so faithful and I can not praise You enough. Thank You. I love You, Jesus. Amen.