Mark 10:45 A Life Ransomed

Good morning Abba, Good morning Jesus, Good morning Holy Spirit,

For even the Son of man came 

not to be ministered unto,

but to minister,

and to give His life a ransom for many.

Mark 10:45

There are so many levels of faith in God our father (Abba), in His only begotten son (Yeshua), and in the Holy Spirit (the breath of Heaven).  As a very little girl, in knew to run to God (Abba).  He was so faithful to me... He would greet me with a breeze upon my check.  He provided a mighty oak tree for me to curl up against and rest in the safety of His arms.  He gave the songs of the birds to lift my sorrow and allowed me to follow them in flight as my spirit flew with them... dodging and soaring above my head.  He gave me to the quiet shelter within my church... a place to ride my bike to (my destination)... a place that was full of peace... aglow with images of His son's passion... warmed by the heat of the day or cooled by the gentle breeze circulating within His house.  Not once did He ask anything of me.  He did not demand me to go or do anything.  He was just ever present... waiting for me to come... waiting for me to spend some time within His loving embrace.

The Holy Spirit, my breath of Heaven, my comforter... my guide... my freedom fighter.  He gives me the "unveiled" truth as I seek my Lord's will, as I repent for missed opportunities or for my human-sided words.  He prompts me with discernment, keeping me walking past that which would endanger myself or others. He communicates with my spirit, always keeping me "watchful" and ever ready for discussions, praise, and forgiveness.  He ignites the joy down deep within my soul, with feet willing to dance, and a joy bubbling forth.  He ushers me into the presence of my Lord, my Savior, my Shepherd... 

our Lord Jesus Christ... Yeshua the Son of God... our Messiah

The Son of man who came.  Wow, what would it have been like in Heaven, that day, when our Lord asked Abba for permission to come and be our ransom?  Abba knowing that the world... His creation (all of us) was once again at a perilous "cross-road" and in need of His perfected love, hope, healing, and redemption (the passion, the love, the sanctifying blood of Jesus.)

Created and designed by you,

nurtured and loved,

blessed with abundance,

and a will to choose.

Pained by forgetfulness,

pushed to the point of wrath.

Yet,  you answered with unmerited mercy...

you sent us your Son.

KMLS

Joel 2:26 Fulfillment

Good morning Abba, Good morning Jesus, Good morning Holy Spirit,

And ye shall eat in plenty,

and be satisfied, 

and praise the name of the Lord your God,

that hath dealt wondrously with you;

and My people shall never be ashamed.

Joel 2:26

Two days of joy.  Praising and singing my own little "shout out" to the Lord.  Some mornings it's as if there are so many passages just zooming around in my mind, my heart feels the joy of His word...and yet, I get so filled that I can't concentrate on just one of His amazing truths.  Maybe my focus should just be quiet and know this joy.

Sensing deep with in my spirit, there is a bubbling of fulfillment that is crowding out any doubt, that is quieting any anxiety, that is cleansing all the "stuff"  of worldly desires.  Most of us get a bit antsy when our pantries are bare and our refrigerator has a few left over bottles of condiments.  God's word promises that we will never hunger nor thirst:

Yeshua said to them,

 “I AM THE LIVING GOD,

 The Bread of Life;

 whoever comes to me shall not hunger,

 and whoever trusts in me shall never thirst.”

John 6:35

Aramaic ENT

Today's scripture blesses us with a gentle, loving, and calming sense that we do not need to feel anxious for anything.  Our "reality" can be cloaked in a deception that keeps us in a whirlwind of chaos.  There is always a new door to open, there is always an avenue leading to others who can help us in our "hour" of need.  It's sad, but there are not enough parents and churches teaching us when we are young how to "resource" as a way to "prepare" for those "hours" of need that will come in and out of our life.

 I have been young and now I am old, 

Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, 

Or his descendants begging bread.

Psalm 37:25

Today's "politically correct" profiling "screams" to us that there should not be "entitlements."  I wonder if this keeps a "pressure cooker" of fear steaming and boiling?  During the Great Depression, our relatives, neighbors, friends, and country lived under the same type of stress... yet, they still maintained that "rolling up your sleeves and be about it" attitude that pioneered thru the darkest days in America's history.  Is this what Joel was trying to encourage?

In times of lack, look to Him.  He promises to watch over, provide a way, and give to us in order to fulfill our needs.  We dust our selves off, we "seek" a way through, we praise every "itty-bitty" proof of His "wondrous" handiwork in and around us, and then we stand tall... not ashamed of our moment of need but with confidence that He will provide... some how... some way. 

Today is the day that I will see,

His hand is at work for me and mine.

Today is the day that I can sing, 

I will rejoice and be glad in it. 

Aramaic English New Testament

Isaiah 55:7-9 God's Thoughts and Ways

Good morning Abba, Good morning Jesus, Good morning Holy Spirit,

Let the wicked forsake his way And the unrighteous man his thoughts;

And let him return to the LORD, 

And He will have compassion on him, 

And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon.  

"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, 

Nor are your ways My ways," declares the LORD.  

"For as the heavens are higher than the earth.

So are My ways higher than your ways,

And My thoughts than your thoughts.

Isaiah 55:7-9

It is an amazing moment when you view a show, a performance, or a movie and your spirit just jumps into "high gear."  You want to shout, your smile can't be disturbed by anything negative, and you keep replaying the moment in which God's truth "zaps" you free from that which is in this world.

And so it happened last night...we rented the movie "God's Not Dead." It is difficult to consider how many viewers were "touched" by the works of these courageous few.  As an educator, I know that what we teach can inspire, degrade, or ignite a life-long quest for truth.  Yet, there are so many who have their own agendas, their own life struggles, and their own truths that can influence so many.  We always want to believe that we are prepared and stronger than what ever our instructors teach...that's just not true.  If our "here and now" culture continues to "rewrite" history in order to "correct" what once was truth, we will have internal battles with what man should know as truth.

"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, 

Nor are your ways My ways," declares the LORD.

Isaiah 55:8

We do not have to walk through this life alone, yet we are called to walk bravely and with confidence.  Walking with the confidence that there is a creator, a designer, who is diligent in His watch over us. We must not back down when the world seeks to diminish, mock, or condemn the passion and victory of our Lord Jesus Christ.  How do we "stand" against what the world chooses to believe?

For me, I must be reading God's word on a daily basis.  Truth is in His teachings, it is my "owner's" manual for living.  I must be in communication with our Lord Jesus... all day...in all things...with praise always flowing from my heart and mouth.  I put on the armor of God every morning and every time the enemy begins a threat of attack.  I am diligent and consistent with my choices in what I will watch (books, TV, movies, performances, etc)... in what I listen to (music, discussions, news, entertainment, and even sermons), and what I will put my name to (what I say, write, and text).  Does this seem excessive?  Does it seem like a liveable solution?  Is it even worth the agonizing change?  I am convinced that my soul, and the souls of those in my life are more valuable than anything this world has to offer.  If that is truth...then how much more am I willing to do in order to protect that which has such value?

My weeding out of the "negative" in my garden (my life's harvest) began with a head-on collision.  Even though I would be considered the "victim" on that day, I was the blessed... for God heard my cries.  I recommitted my life to His will... I had just made the first of many leaps of faith... I hungered and thirst for His direction... and I have tried to remain obedient to His plan, His ways, His prompting, and most of all His loving goodness... grace... favor... and prosperity.  Is this walk of faith easy... it was never promised to be easy... it's a walk of faith!

I never walk alone.  There are those who will pray with us and for us...24/7...365 days...year after year.  There are primary sources (Bible, biographies, blogs, movies, and every moment of the day there is always music, the radio, and gifted writers).  Wherever two or more are gathered... I am so thankful to writers, musicians, actors, producers, newscasters, and those who are taking on the fight in our media.  It truly makes your heart soar when there is God in what is available for entertainment, allowing you the freedom of choice about what enters into your home, mind, heart and soul.

Our phones, Internet, iPads, computers, and televisions are broadcasting around the world, across our Earth, and throughout the galaxy and beyond... we have the ability to "shout" for the Lord with courage and joy!

Producers like David AR White, Kirk Cameron, Michael Langdon Jr, and Cloud 10 have dedicated the works of their hands for us.  Musicians like Newsboys, Third Day, Mercy Me,and Carman continue to boldly proclaim our Lord to younger generations.  Without the best sellers Left Behind, Heaven is for Real, and 90 Minutes in Heaven, who would be "looking up" in anticipation for our Lord's return?

In letting God's "shout out" not end with me... I texted:

God's Not Dead... Will you?

Follow the continuing work: God's Not Dead Blog
 

2 Peter 3:8-9 Letting Go

Good morning Abba, Good morning Jesus, Good morning Holy Spirit,

But do not forget this one thing, dear friends:

With the Lord a day is like a thousand years,

and a thousand years are like a day.

The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise,

as some understand slowness.

Instead he is patient with you, 

not wanting anyone to perish,

but everyone to come to repentance.

2 Peter 3:8-9

 

As I walk this path, I find that these scripture passages lead me to a place of cleansing.  A deeper freedom from that which continues to rise up and cause me to falter, fall, and in need of some "help" in starting over.  It is such foolishness that I feel ashamed or filled with abandonment at these moments.  Completely shunned or an out-cast that doesn't measure up.  It's one thing to stumble around because of the choices you are making, the feelings that are controlling you, or even those misunderstandings of self-pride.  It is even more foolish to be "knocked down" or "bowled over" by someone else and their choices.  Why does my heart ache when someone else is making destructive decisions?  Why do I put on a "cloak" of shame that should be theirs to wear?  Why does living become heavy laden?  Once upon a time I was taught that these feelings and thoughts were of an enmeshment that was labeled "dysfunctional."  In a way that can be true.  Now, however, I'm seeing that it could be my level of patience and acceptance with those who are perishing from their deceptive thoughts, pain, endurance, or choices.  My immediate "button" of un-forgiveness gets pushed because somewhere a long the line they have not "cared enough" to apologize for the destruction, danger, or harm done to others.

Don't we become mighty prayer warriors for these sons and daughters of God?  Don't we ask for prayer for them, and prayer for us to be strengthened and guided?  None of us would wish another soul to perish, so why does it seem so "slow" in coming to a place of repentance with our thoughts and emotions when they are "connected" to those who are suffering?  I know that Abba knows what is best for them... and for me. Yet, I am always brought to a place of realization that sometimes when I am in a spiritual warfare, I am also in a place of "un-forgiveness" and am very "slow in my understanding," towards those that have brought the enemy to my door (heart).

It is never difficult to bring all my struggles to the cross of our Lord Jesus.  It is never difficult to receive new understanding (revelation).  It can be extremely difficult to focus on my changes while "letting go" of their "fall-out."  

Patience, understanding, and repentance for them... for me... for our Lord's will to be done....

My Lord help my repentant heart to accept and embrace your continuing forgiveness for me and them.

  Thank you for your diligent watch over us.

  Thank you for keeping your promises.

  Bless us with eternal trust in you, the Holy Spirit, and Your will for each of us. 

Amen, Amen, and Alleighlua  

Exodus 1:6-8 Wisdom

Good morning Abba, Good morning Jesus, Good morning Holy Spirit,

Now Joseph and all his brothers and all that generation died,

but the Israelites were exceedingly fruitful,

they multiplied greatly,

increased in numbers and became so numerous that the land was filled with them.

Then a new king, to whom Joseph meant nothing,

came to power in Egypt.

Exodus 1:6-8

This morning is one of those mornings in which the scripture passage caused a hesitation.  My mind reacted quickly with an "Ok, Lord, and what do you want me to do with this passage?"  My spirit felt a bit more willing with a, "Hmmm, yes Lord, I will take a closer look."

 History records Israel's birth as a nation.  It is in Egypt that between two and three million people were living, working, dieing, and apparently "multiplying" for God's plan and Egypt's well fare.  With this new King, history becomes re-written and forgotten.  Egypt enjoyed the "fruits" of Joseph's walk with God.   Yet now, Egypt will know the wrath of God because of a desire to control God's people.  A desire to be the ultimate seat of power, a desire to destroy those that could stand in opposition of the King's decisions.  I wonder why generations "refuse" to learn from the past?  Why does our free-will always lead us into relationships that will cause us to stumble?  Since our free-will is a gift from God, why do we want to walk in ways that aren't pleasing unto Him?

Anyway, this new King decides to put the Israelites back into bondage.  They will put, "every son that is born into the river."  This will ensure oppression in the women, domination over any one in opposition, and will discontinue the blood line of Israel.  Yep, even all those years ago rulers wanted to "put an end" to God's plan and His chosen (Satan does not give up...at least not until Jesus returns... then it will all be "finished" Revelation 19-20:3).  So, Lord this is what we are watching again... it's in our news, people are taking sides, the press is making its case either for or against your Israel... I know to pray, what else would you have me do?

And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse:

and He that sat upon him was called Faithful and True,

and in righteousness He doth judge and make war.

And He hath on His vesture and on his thigh,

a name written,

KING OF KINGS,

AND LORD OF LORDS.

Revelation 19:11; 16

Most of us know the story of Moses and the plagues that came upon Egypt (Exodus 2-14). His-story is replaying once more in the promised land of Israel (Deuteronomy 32:49-33).  I can't help but wonder, what do these scriptures mean for me, for my children and their children, for my family... loved ones... friends... coworkers... students... my grocery clerks... etc?  I really don't have answers to share with you.  This is one of those moments of faith, a leap that said, "Yes, Lord."  I think these passages are meant for us to read and ponder.  Why are they important to us today?  Are we meant to use them somehow?  What is it that He needs us to do?  I trust our Lord so much, that I know He has a plan... in fact we know His plan (it is found in the books of Daniel, Isaiah, and Revelation). 

Just for today I will wait on Him to reveal more about these passages.  I can say that if it comes to choosing a king to follow... 

I'm choosing my Lord Jesus...

 He is reigning from above,

  in His service is gladness,

 and His banner (our banner) is love.
 

Luke 19:10 Seek and Save

Good morning Abba, Good morning Jesus, Good morning Holy Spirit,

For the Son of man is come

to seek and to save

that which was lost.

Luke 19:10

With today's reading, I was lead to read Luke 19.  Jesus enters through Jericho and he views Zacchaeus in a tree. Zacchaeus is not liked by the town for he is a tax collector.  Yet, there was something about this man named Jesus that he knew he wanted to see who he really was.  When Jesus tells Zacchaeus to come down for he will be abiding in his house, scripture says that Zacchaeus "received Him joyfully."

There isn't much more written about this encounter, except for the need of Zacchaeus to remind Jesus that he is faithful even if the people of the town do not speak of him with kindness:

Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor;

and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation,

I restore him fourfold.

Luke 19:8

Jesus proclaims that "salvation has come" to Zacchaeus' house. Of course, every word Jesus spoke is meant for all of us.  Yet, I wonder how did Zacchaeus feel as those words were being spoken over him and his family?  When did He fully accept the eternal blessing, the covenant, that Jesus spoke that would never end?  The old testament covenant for prosperity has never changed.  Remember Cain and Abel... that was all about "cheating Lord" out of the first fruits from the works of our hands.  The "repaying and restoration" to any one that we have wronged is atonement for us acting on our own in judgement of others.  I know the freedom of making amends and providing atonement for those I wronged.  It was a humbling and cleansing step of faith.  I wonder what generation forgot to teach this as a national "social" training?

Jesus came to seek us... to save us... to reclaim His lost sheep.  Every day His diligent watch over His flock is guaranteed.  He doesn't fall asleep, He doesn't forget, He isn't ever ill-prepared or without resources for our needs and desires.  He never puts us on hold and I'm convinced that He is always setting things in order prior to the actions or choices we are about to make.  He has commanded His legion of angels to be guarding us... and when we ask Him to help... He is ever ready to intercede for us.

So why do we "fuss" so through our seasons of life?  Why do we feel that we need to be better than what He already loves about us?  Why is His-story so repulsive to so many?  Why do so many in today's America/world want to re-crucify that which was freely given in love?  If we aren't diligent in His-story, in His witness... how will our children know to pass it on?

I'm just wondering, pondering, and truly hopeful that "in unity" we can reclaim our American covenant of blessings for our children...  

1 Peter 2:25 Our Shepherd

Good morning Abba, Good morning Jesus, Good morning Holy Spirit,

For ye were as sheep going astray;

but are now returned unto the Shepherd

and Bishop of your souls.

1 Peter 2:25

The attitude of a Godly heart.  What does this look like?  How do we maintain a Godly heart?  I remember many years ago hearing the phrase: "A man after God's own heart."  My first thought was if I had ever known a man after God's own heart?  I've read about them, I could recognize them by the joy in their eyes or the quiet and confirming way in which they spoke.  Yet, as a child or a teen I was not given access to them within my home.  Awhile later, I heard the phrase: "A daughter of Zion,"  who were daughters of Zion?  I began searching the Bible for stories of these types of believers.  And as always, God had a plan.  So many speakers, so many books began to be published.  The was a wealth of models for me to discover.  Biographies of great men and women of God began flowing across my night stand.  In total astonishment, I began "seeing" those flickering moments in which God had placed such men and women through out my life.  They may have been patient neighbors, they were some of my teachers, they could have been those that were always the helping hands at church.  They were, in fact, my baby doctor and his nurse and parents of my childhood friends.  Many were those who were the consistent employees of our neighborhood businesses who greeted me my name and always seemed interested in how I was doing.  Some were strangers, who crossed my path at just the right moment and gently reminded me that I was valued.  They were those who offered an invitation to join their path, like an open door... welcoming me into their lives but unfortunately I did not feel "good enough" to follow their lead.  For one moment in time they were in my life... here and then gone... no names... just like a "hit and run," God's blessing given without any strings of attachment.  Those encounters might not have had any strings of attachment but they definitely had seeds of expectations. Expectations of God that would become "seeds" in which He would "water" and "prune" and "make ready" for His harvesting, at just the right time, in a future moment of my life.

Within that season of my life, it was as if God was revealing a "self-centered" blindness in which I had been experiencing life.  The word of God speaks of  "scales falling from the eyes of new believers," of those He was transforming.  Those "scales" hurt as they were being "scraped" from my eyes.  I had to "see" and "experience" who I was... how God could "see" within every moment, every thought and action, every single word that I have spoken.  In spite of the excruciating pain of self discovery, there was a deep internal peace of humility that cried out forgiveness for those missed opportunities, for those "non-acknowledged" moments of grace, and for those "freely made" choices that led me from His directed path.

In today's reading, Our Daily Bread, it is guiding us to consider the following scripture:

For I know that in me nothing good dwells.

Romans 7:18

In our quest of becoming a "good" person (a man/women after God's own heart), our first step is to stop pretending that we are "good" on our own.  That it is only through His amazing grace... His goodness... His son our Lord Jesus Christ... His cross and precious blood... His desire for us to know Him... His power... and His eternal hope that we will seek and accept His forgiveness with a repentant heart... that we are made whole, made new, and given goodness.  His word promises us that we can "feel good about ourselves," with confidence, because the Holy Spirit will dwell in us.  The Holy Spirit will reveal the depth of God's truth... that we are greatly loved children of God (John 3:16).

Did you know that John Newton, the writer of "Amazing Grace," suffered dementia and the loss of his memory?  He confided, 

"I do remember two things: I am a great sinner, and Jesus is a great Savior." 

Colossians 1:29 Joyous Energy

Good morning Abba, Good morning Jesus, Good morning Holy Spirit,

To this end I strenuously contend,

 with all the energy'

 Christ so powerfully works in me.

Colossians 1:29

Joy is amazing, renewing, refreshing, and difficult to hold on to... in so many ways it can be like trying to hold water in an open hand.  You know when you are experiencing joy, and you know when you have been emptied of your supply of joy.

Dictionaries will describe joy as,“the emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying.”

With the online visual dictionary, you can view so many of the terms that are related to joy.  The Bible speaks of joy when facing adversity, during trials and struggles, when an enemy is pushing in on you, and when we see our Lord's victory ever before us.

Be full of joy in the Lord always. I will say again, be full of joy. 

Let everyone see that you are gentle and kind. 

Philippians 4:4-5

Joy ushers in that calming warmth that echoes within our spirit to be "quiet and know."  Once we accept and allow His joy to fill us, there is an instant bubbling forth of joy.  Your eyes shine it... your smile proclaims it... and all things appear clearer, beautifully vivid, and so pleasing.  Joy is contagious, I have not met anyone who doesn't stop to share in a toddler's giggle.

You make known to me the path of life;

 you will fill me with joy in your presence,

 with eternal pleasures at your right hand. 

 Psalm 16:11

For today, I will sing unto the Lord:

Joyful, joyful, we adore thee,

God of glory,

Lord of love;

Hearts unfold like flowers before thee,

Opening to the sun above.

Melt the clouds of sin and sadness;

Drive the dark of doubt away;

Giver of immortal gladness,

Fill us with the light of day.

Henry Van Dyke   

Proverbs 16:3 His Will, Our Willingness

Good morning Abba, Good morning Jesus, Good morning Holy Spirit,

Commit thy works unto the Lord,

and thy thoughts shall be established.

Proverbs 16:3

As we pause to contemplate this passage of wisdom, I wonder... Why would I not want to let our Lord guide me and bless the works of my hands? With a re-sounding leap down deep in my soul, I commit unto His will.  Yet, do I bring everything to the Lord for all direction?  Do I ask for His blessing and guidance... only to end up doing my way?  What do I do about those "nagging" emotions that keep me wavering in my decisions?

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart;

and lean not unto thine own understanding.

In all thy ways acknowledge Him, 

and He shall direct thy paths.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Yes, I trust in the Lord with all of my heart, mind, spirit, and soul.  Yes, I acknowledge Him in the blessings and in the struggles.  Yep, I have learned to listen for His direction in all things (or have I?).  Oh, oops... that is the human-sided pause... lean not unto my own understanding.  Have you ever thought that you knew the whole scenario only to be humbled by your own misunderstanding of the situation?  Have you ever stood on an opinion only to find out years later how off base you were?  

I am hoping I'm not alone in this human-sided stumble.  I walk freely from "nagging" thoughts when I am in His word daily.  His words and any form of worship songs will linger and resonate within me as my day progresses... as long as I am reading His word aloud and listening to Christian songs... filling my need for His guidance with praise stabilizes my mind and my emotions.  I do check with the Lord about so many "itty-bitty" thoughts and concerns... I do check with the Lord for any financial spending, as well as proclaiming His blessing upon each penny I spend (since my head on collision it has all been about His prosperity and favor not my money).  I have learned when I need to give a "shout-out" for prayer (especially if my pride could be directing my thoughts).

Here's the "human-side" that trips me up... With so many in my life, I just am always saying too much.  Golly, that self-control over my tongue is a moment-by-moment endeavor.  I am so grateful that our Lord loves me regardless of my-self!  He is always willing to allow me to stumble, or to "muck" things up, and then He is right there to help me get back up when I've fallen on my knees in forgiveness.

Establishing my thoughts... leaning not unto my own understanding...  I am so glad I am not walking on this path by myself! 

John 3:16 God's Love

Good morning Abba, Good morning Jesus, Good morning Holy Spirit,

For God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten Son,

that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish,

but have everlasting life.

John 3:16

Can you imagine being courted with such a depth of love that mockery, betrayal, suffering, and humility would be freely endured in order to gain your acceptance?

With the various seasons of life, I have experienced so many emotions during my faith walk with the truth of the cross.  As a child I would "rock" in agony as I considered the horrifying "hatred" that Jesus was enduring.  As a teen I would feel "heart-sick" and "week-kneed" crying for forgiveness that I and my sin caused Him such pain.  As a young mother, my heart would "shatter" when I considered Mary's gracious faith.  As I viewed "The Passion," all my heart could muster were beats of thankfulness... with my spirit chanting over and over again... "Thank you Jesus, thank you Jesus, oh-my-Lord, thank you!"

 Just for today... join me with these moments of truth:

1. God is Love
2. God loved us before we were born
3. God carved His love in stone
4. God's love never quits
5. God wrote His love in red
6. God loves us even when we aren't loving Him back
7. God's love will never let us go
8. God loves us and wants us with Him forever
9. God's love changes everything
10. God's love frees us from our past
11. God's love ensures His willingness in waiting for us
12. God's love is ours now and forever

  God's love... His "thumb-print" is etched within our hearts, our minds, and upon our souls.  God's love... is an open-armed welcome into His embrace... God's love... is with us, in us, and coursing through us...