What is the hardest thing you are facing?
Is there someone in your life that is hard to love?
I don't mean some friend from the past that you have lost touch with, or a neighbor you just don't 'click' with. I am talking about the in your face person that is part of every day of your life.
Do you feel like it is literally impossible to love even though you know you need to?
Do you ever feel guilty for your lack of love because you understand WHY you should love?
Well then, we definitely have something in common.
Our Savior too had a very difficult person in His inner circle.
Judas, the traitor. Judas, one of the intimate 12. Judas, the one Jesus loved and accepted even though He knew he was never 'with Him'.
There is no temptation which we go through that Christ has not gone through as well. The enormous difference lies not in what we face, but how we face it. Of course, Jesus is the ultimate teacher, then and now. Here is what He is teaching me through His Word.
When I read Matthew 26, (The Last Supper) recently, I was given something much more than a story of long ago. I was given a glimpse of HOW to do what I am called to do.
Please grab your Bible and carefully read Matthew 26:17-30. Get ready for a present day lesson you can apply to your life.
The time was Passover and the betrayer was present; he sat among the rest of the disciples within the intimate gathering as if he belonged there. Despite this, Jesus was able to treat all these men the same, even during this most significant moment. Only Jesus knew just how meaningful this time truly was. He was on His way to the cross. He didn't tell Judas to get lost or take a hike, (as I surely would have done), but He did say v.24 "The Son of Man indeed goes just as it is written of Him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born." Jesus sent a clear message to Judas with these words, never minimizing his sin. Yet His responses were never based on anything other than love.
Jesus didn't let Judas change His focused mindset.
Nothing and no one should change my mindset either; otherwise I am controlled by circumstances and not by the Spirit.
Eleven Followers could not detect the counterfeit because the Master did not treat him any differently. Boy is that convicting.
Judas had to know that Jesus knew he was the betrayer. Maybe even more amazing than Judas being there was that Christ's love and mercy permitted him to be.
Judas left at some point to take care of business. This didn't alter Christs' plan or cause anxiety to Him in any way; He was completely able to separate Himself from what this man was about to do. Another lesson I need desperately.
Friends, there is no possible way you and I can unconditionally love those who hurt us, deceive us, and break our hearts, UNLESS we love like Christ. This passage has helped me to answer the questions in my own life, like: 'How do I not let so and so get to me?' 'How do I not let so and so ruin my focus, my day, my interactions with others?'
As I said before, the answer is not in what we face, but how we face it. Jesus Christ loved Judas not because he was worthy of His love, but because Love is who He is. I am not worthy of His love either, however I have it. How can I, a sinner, withhold my love from someone who needs to see a vivid picture of Jesus? My love cannot be withheld based on any opinion I have of anyone. As a follower of Christ, I am to be an imitator of Christ.
Haven't I denied Christ at times and in ways I regret, and yet He never tells me He doesn't want me anymore. In fact He tells me He will never leave me nor forsake me. His Word is independent of my actions, and my commitment to love needs to be independent of anyone else's actions as well.
For today: Friends there is SO much here. Christ lived out every single word He ever said. And not only has He has never asked us to do something that He did not beautifully model, He has never asked us to do what He has not already made provision for... through the POWER of HIS SPIRIT.
How could Jesus love Judas when he rejected everything that He was and all that He stood for?
He remained focused on His Father; His eyes were on Love. Therefore the actions of another could not dim His joy or alter His eternal purpose.
Sounds like exactly what I need to do.
Matthew 26:30 And when they had sung a hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Little Ears, Big Mouth by Maria Hartman
My kids absolutely crack me up. Yesterday morning I asked my 11 yr old son Joey to do a morning devotion with his sister Grace, who is 5 yrs. old. Joey is the kind of kid who has such a sweet spirit; he loves to please and to serve and has a sensitivity to the things of God. Grace on the other hand is very different. She is my little love bug and can be so tenderhearted, but she is very melodramatic and oh so loud!
Although I usually do the morning devotions with both of them, Joey has stated on several occasions that he knows God wants him to be a pastor. So I figured this would be a good way for him to get an early start, even if it is for an audience of one. But despite the number, it's still a tough crowd. It is so rare that my daughter is ever quiet, yet I cling to the hope and remind myself that with God all things are possible.
This is what took place in our home just the other day. I was in the kitchen loading the dishwasher when I heard Joey ask her some questions about what he had shared. A minute later he comes out of the living room and says with a bit of exasperation, "Mom, she didn't pay any attention at all." Before I could respond to him, she declares, "I'm sorry Joey, it's just that I have little ears!"
I was doing my best to stifle a hearty laugh when Joey responded right back to her: "Well if you have little ears, how come you have such a big mouth?"
What can a mother say in response to that? Actually, I couldn't say a thing.
It was so funny, but it really made me think about how even in a small child, the sin nature is so quick to come up with excuses. Here she was with a 'valid' reason in her mind why she just couldn't listen............it was all because of her little ears!! How could she help it??
What she didn't realize was that her brother and I knew better. The size of her ears, (which are perfectly proportional to the rest of her), had nothing to do with her inability to pay attention. Her greatest obstacle was and is her flesh, desiring its own way and resisting obedience.
James 1:19 spells out what all of us need to be diligent to apply: Be quick to hear, slow to speak.... Oh isn't it so much easier to be quick to speak and slow to hear? That mouth of ours can go at such high rates of speed!! The problem with this is that while we are so busy talking, we are not hearing. Verse 22 of James states the following: But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
God gave us a mouth for a reason: we are to spread His truth and His love with it. But unless we can keep it closed long enough to hear what is being said and allow it to sink in deep, we will never turn into a 'doer' of the word.
I thank God daily for my precious children; they keep me young (I think), keep me laughing, and keep me learning. I've been convicted that I too, do more talking than listening at times, especially with my children. I think many of us have that problem, and that we too have 'good reasons' why we must speak instead of listen (ours just may not be as comical).
God can do what right now seems 'impossible' in teaching Grace how to be quick to hear and slow to speak; that she, after hearing and meditating on the Word, might let it change her into becoming a doer of the Word. God can and does continually teach me as well; in this instance that I too must remain on guard against being quick to speak and slow to hear.
For today: We have a choice. We can either have small ears and a big mouth, or we can have big ears and a small mouth. The flesh will always choose the first. The second will only be the result of living and walking in the Spirit.
Which pair describes you?
Mark 4:24 Then He said to them: "Take heed what you hear. With the same measure you use, it will be measured to you: and to you who hear, more will be given."
Although I usually do the morning devotions with both of them, Joey has stated on several occasions that he knows God wants him to be a pastor. So I figured this would be a good way for him to get an early start, even if it is for an audience of one. But despite the number, it's still a tough crowd. It is so rare that my daughter is ever quiet, yet I cling to the hope and remind myself that with God all things are possible.
This is what took place in our home just the other day. I was in the kitchen loading the dishwasher when I heard Joey ask her some questions about what he had shared. A minute later he comes out of the living room and says with a bit of exasperation, "Mom, she didn't pay any attention at all." Before I could respond to him, she declares, "I'm sorry Joey, it's just that I have little ears!"
I was doing my best to stifle a hearty laugh when Joey responded right back to her: "Well if you have little ears, how come you have such a big mouth?"
What can a mother say in response to that? Actually, I couldn't say a thing.
It was so funny, but it really made me think about how even in a small child, the sin nature is so quick to come up with excuses. Here she was with a 'valid' reason in her mind why she just couldn't listen............it was all because of her little ears!! How could she help it??
What she didn't realize was that her brother and I knew better. The size of her ears, (which are perfectly proportional to the rest of her), had nothing to do with her inability to pay attention. Her greatest obstacle was and is her flesh, desiring its own way and resisting obedience.
James 1:19 spells out what all of us need to be diligent to apply: Be quick to hear, slow to speak.... Oh isn't it so much easier to be quick to speak and slow to hear? That mouth of ours can go at such high rates of speed!! The problem with this is that while we are so busy talking, we are not hearing. Verse 22 of James states the following: But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
God gave us a mouth for a reason: we are to spread His truth and His love with it. But unless we can keep it closed long enough to hear what is being said and allow it to sink in deep, we will never turn into a 'doer' of the word.
I thank God daily for my precious children; they keep me young (I think), keep me laughing, and keep me learning. I've been convicted that I too, do more talking than listening at times, especially with my children. I think many of us have that problem, and that we too have 'good reasons' why we must speak instead of listen (ours just may not be as comical).
God can do what right now seems 'impossible' in teaching Grace how to be quick to hear and slow to speak; that she, after hearing and meditating on the Word, might let it change her into becoming a doer of the Word. God can and does continually teach me as well; in this instance that I too must remain on guard against being quick to speak and slow to hear.
For today: We have a choice. We can either have small ears and a big mouth, or we can have big ears and a small mouth. The flesh will always choose the first. The second will only be the result of living and walking in the Spirit.
Which pair describes you?
Mark 4:24 Then He said to them: "Take heed what you hear. With the same measure you use, it will be measured to you: and to you who hear, more will be given."
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
PERSPECTIVE by Maria Hartman
The blind boy was unable to see the royal blue ocean. Instead, he heard the fierce roar of the waves as they crashed onto the shore. His family however, marveled at the mighty sight before them.
An elderly man sat alone on his porch early one morning, wondering why the song of the birds never reached his ears anymore. Sadly, he couldn’t remember the last time he heard that sweet melody.
A woman wept quietly in her hospital bed as she realized that the stroke that brought her to this place had robbed her of all feeling. Oh her heart still felt plenty, but her brain was no longer able to register something as foundational as a simple touch.
Perspective. We all have it, and yet due to different life experiences, none is exactly alike. The boy couldn’t see the sparkling ocean nor could he comprehend the vastness that was before his family’s eyes. Did the inability of his eyes to register the picture change the fact that there was an ocean? The elderly man could no longer hear the song the birds had sung to him since he was a child. Did that mean the birds had ceased their daily song? The woman’s brain no longer sent the correct signals to her skin, telling her that someone held her hand. Did that mean that the nurse standing by her bedside wasn’t there?
Just as the above examples point out the obvious, creation points to it as well. On a dark and rainy night, is the sun shining? YES! The sun never ceases to shine. We may not be able to see it or feel it, but nevertheless, it is shining with a radiance that has no equal. Oh if we could only see that the same things apply to the truth about God. When things are going wrong, God is still in full control. When we think we are so bad that forgiveness is impossible, we are choosing to believe a lie above infallible truth. And when we simply prefer to just remain ignorant about why we are here, the truth nevertheless is crystal clear to the one who is drawn to its Source.
By the tender mercy of God, our perspective can be altered by the Spirit, instead of dominated by our senses or reasoning. But we must purpose in our minds to place the Truth of the Word into our minds and hearts daily. Negating the lies of what we feel and what the world says, we can be led by the Spirit to be more than conquerors. Love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control can be our driving force. He can, and we can through Him.
There is so much power and strength in Jesus Christ; so much potential for incredible change. Our weaknesses and stubbornness have never hindered His plans, nor will they ever. Sadly, it is His own who often hold onto hurts and bitterness and limit the power from flowing onto others. It is His own who must have the right view of who He is and of what is real, and be willing to live it outside the church. Among all the faulty perspectives we are surrounded by, the light of Jesus Christ should glow brighter and stronger than ever. But why doesn’t it?
Friends, no matter what has happened to us in the past, our perspective today can be and needs to be Christ like. Lets soak up His glory with our eyes and see people the way He sees them. Lets listen carefully to and for His voice and obey what He calls us to do immediately, with a heart that understands the enormous privilege bestowed upon us. Lets respond as never before to the Spirit who lives within, and reach past what is comfortable all the way to the one who needs Him so desperately. This is the Christian’s perspective; this is the believer’s high calling. See, hear, feel, and live what circumstances or experiences won’t be able to quench.
For Today: The harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few. Will you get up tomorrow morning, go out wherever you normally go, and look into the eyes of one of the hopeless faces God sends to you? Will you tell them that this isn’t all there is? Will you share that Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life, and that He is still seeking them? Will you allow your perspective to be so radically different from those around you, that all will be left wondering how you can live, think, and serve as you do? You never know, you may do more than just reach those who don’t know the Savior. You may bring back to the fold those who have wandered away for lack of vision of who Christ really is.
I want that so much. Do you?
An elderly man sat alone on his porch early one morning, wondering why the song of the birds never reached his ears anymore. Sadly, he couldn’t remember the last time he heard that sweet melody.
A woman wept quietly in her hospital bed as she realized that the stroke that brought her to this place had robbed her of all feeling. Oh her heart still felt plenty, but her brain was no longer able to register something as foundational as a simple touch.
Perspective. We all have it, and yet due to different life experiences, none is exactly alike. The boy couldn’t see the sparkling ocean nor could he comprehend the vastness that was before his family’s eyes. Did the inability of his eyes to register the picture change the fact that there was an ocean? The elderly man could no longer hear the song the birds had sung to him since he was a child. Did that mean the birds had ceased their daily song? The woman’s brain no longer sent the correct signals to her skin, telling her that someone held her hand. Did that mean that the nurse standing by her bedside wasn’t there?
Just as the above examples point out the obvious, creation points to it as well. On a dark and rainy night, is the sun shining? YES! The sun never ceases to shine. We may not be able to see it or feel it, but nevertheless, it is shining with a radiance that has no equal. Oh if we could only see that the same things apply to the truth about God. When things are going wrong, God is still in full control. When we think we are so bad that forgiveness is impossible, we are choosing to believe a lie above infallible truth. And when we simply prefer to just remain ignorant about why we are here, the truth nevertheless is crystal clear to the one who is drawn to its Source.
By the tender mercy of God, our perspective can be altered by the Spirit, instead of dominated by our senses or reasoning. But we must purpose in our minds to place the Truth of the Word into our minds and hearts daily. Negating the lies of what we feel and what the world says, we can be led by the Spirit to be more than conquerors. Love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control can be our driving force. He can, and we can through Him.
There is so much power and strength in Jesus Christ; so much potential for incredible change. Our weaknesses and stubbornness have never hindered His plans, nor will they ever. Sadly, it is His own who often hold onto hurts and bitterness and limit the power from flowing onto others. It is His own who must have the right view of who He is and of what is real, and be willing to live it outside the church. Among all the faulty perspectives we are surrounded by, the light of Jesus Christ should glow brighter and stronger than ever. But why doesn’t it?
Friends, no matter what has happened to us in the past, our perspective today can be and needs to be Christ like. Lets soak up His glory with our eyes and see people the way He sees them. Lets listen carefully to and for His voice and obey what He calls us to do immediately, with a heart that understands the enormous privilege bestowed upon us. Lets respond as never before to the Spirit who lives within, and reach past what is comfortable all the way to the one who needs Him so desperately. This is the Christian’s perspective; this is the believer’s high calling. See, hear, feel, and live what circumstances or experiences won’t be able to quench.
For Today: The harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few. Will you get up tomorrow morning, go out wherever you normally go, and look into the eyes of one of the hopeless faces God sends to you? Will you tell them that this isn’t all there is? Will you share that Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life, and that He is still seeking them? Will you allow your perspective to be so radically different from those around you, that all will be left wondering how you can live, think, and serve as you do? You never know, you may do more than just reach those who don’t know the Savior. You may bring back to the fold those who have wandered away for lack of vision of who Christ really is.
I want that so much. Do you?
Friday, April 17, 2009
The Traffic Cop by Maria Hartman
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:105
It has been said that the human mind thinks about 10,000 thoughts per day. Regardless of the actual number, the concept of how many thoughts flow in and through our minds should cause us to ponder what it is that we think most about. And, where do these thoughts take us.
Go with me to a scenario involving a traffic cop. He is the one who keeps traffic moving in an orderly fashion, or directs traffic an alternate way.
That is the problem with our minds. There are far too many detours off of the main road. The side streets call out to our flesh from every direction. The choices are virtually unlimited, and so easy to access.
The following could well be a typical trip for many of us if we listen to the Detour Traffic Cop. As he stands with a smile and a neatly put together uniform, he stops you on the road you're on and points you in another direction. You want to get where you need to go as quick as you can, so you turn down 'Defeat Drive'. Without paying attention to the signs themselves, you follow the next detour and make a right onto 'Things Should Be Different Road'. After driving a few miles on your way, you come to 'Nobody Cares Place', and are purposely directed down that road. Although something isn't quite right, you figure you'll reach the main road eventually, so you stay on this road until you come to a fork. Here, the two choices before you are 'Lust Lane' or 'Satisfaction St.' At this point, it doesn't matter which one you choose, you are so far from the main road you have lost your bearings.
Although this is just an analogy, it is a real issue each of us faces DAILY. Our minds MUST diligently guard against any and all side streets. God Himself may direct us in a different direction at different points in our lives, but we must pay attention to the SIGNS. God will never encourage us to deviate from the clearly defined WAY, from the TRUTH, or from the LIFE we follow.
Our loving God has given us our very own Straight and Narrow Traffic Cop. His name is the Holy Spirit. This Traffic Cop is completely unlike the other. His job is always to keep us focused ahead on the narrow path before us. He takes joy in knowing we are following Him, one step at a time, forward and onward. He tells us plainly that those side streets hold nothing for our good, but only for our harm. Of course He knows they exist and that we see them, but in love He quietly and gently calls us to stay near. When we grieve His heart and turn down one of these other roads, He in His mercy offers us an extension: 'Forgiveness Way' appears just near enough for us to accept.
For today: The mind is a highway of flowing thoughts; one directly impacting another. It is of the utmost importance that we keep our immediate thoughts pure, being diligent to avoid even a stroll down 'Bitter Lane'.
How? By pouring the Living Word into our minds, and yielding our flesh to the control of the Spirit.
I've allowed both Traffic Cops to impact my thoughts. One always points the way to what is easy and comfortable, but leads to a place I don't want to wind up. The other always calls me to deny what comes so natural to my flesh and to focus on the road before me; following closely, listening intently, and KNOWING that no thought is better than the one that reminds me that I am His.
Who is controlling the traffic in your mind?
Proverbs 3:6 In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.
It has been said that the human mind thinks about 10,000 thoughts per day. Regardless of the actual number, the concept of how many thoughts flow in and through our minds should cause us to ponder what it is that we think most about. And, where do these thoughts take us.
Go with me to a scenario involving a traffic cop. He is the one who keeps traffic moving in an orderly fashion, or directs traffic an alternate way.
That is the problem with our minds. There are far too many detours off of the main road. The side streets call out to our flesh from every direction. The choices are virtually unlimited, and so easy to access.
The following could well be a typical trip for many of us if we listen to the Detour Traffic Cop. As he stands with a smile and a neatly put together uniform, he stops you on the road you're on and points you in another direction. You want to get where you need to go as quick as you can, so you turn down 'Defeat Drive'. Without paying attention to the signs themselves, you follow the next detour and make a right onto 'Things Should Be Different Road'. After driving a few miles on your way, you come to 'Nobody Cares Place', and are purposely directed down that road. Although something isn't quite right, you figure you'll reach the main road eventually, so you stay on this road until you come to a fork. Here, the two choices before you are 'Lust Lane' or 'Satisfaction St.' At this point, it doesn't matter which one you choose, you are so far from the main road you have lost your bearings.
Although this is just an analogy, it is a real issue each of us faces DAILY. Our minds MUST diligently guard against any and all side streets. God Himself may direct us in a different direction at different points in our lives, but we must pay attention to the SIGNS. God will never encourage us to deviate from the clearly defined WAY, from the TRUTH, or from the LIFE we follow.
Our loving God has given us our very own Straight and Narrow Traffic Cop. His name is the Holy Spirit. This Traffic Cop is completely unlike the other. His job is always to keep us focused ahead on the narrow path before us. He takes joy in knowing we are following Him, one step at a time, forward and onward. He tells us plainly that those side streets hold nothing for our good, but only for our harm. Of course He knows they exist and that we see them, but in love He quietly and gently calls us to stay near. When we grieve His heart and turn down one of these other roads, He in His mercy offers us an extension: 'Forgiveness Way' appears just near enough for us to accept.
For today: The mind is a highway of flowing thoughts; one directly impacting another. It is of the utmost importance that we keep our immediate thoughts pure, being diligent to avoid even a stroll down 'Bitter Lane'.
How? By pouring the Living Word into our minds, and yielding our flesh to the control of the Spirit.
I've allowed both Traffic Cops to impact my thoughts. One always points the way to what is easy and comfortable, but leads to a place I don't want to wind up. The other always calls me to deny what comes so natural to my flesh and to focus on the road before me; following closely, listening intently, and KNOWING that no thought is better than the one that reminds me that I am His.
Who is controlling the traffic in your mind?
Proverbs 3:6 In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Praise Him! by Maria Hartman
Easter is here. The calendar tells us so, but more importantly His creation proclaims that new life is upon us. The grass is greener, the air is sweeter, and the flowers bloom before our eyes, declaring that what once appeared dead and useless is now gloriously alive! That was me too. He paid my debt and died my death, that I might live! And as creation points to Him, my new life can also point to Him as well.
What can I give Him for what He has done for me? What can I bring Him that would in some way tell Him how thankful I am for His indescribable gift? My praise. All my praise.
But how can we praise Him in a world with so much suffering? The answer is not a complex one. Our focus must be on Him and our eyes must remain at the cross, not just at Easter but every day of our lives. It is wonderful to see what He did for me, and there are more precious promises in His Word than my mind can wrap around. One of my favorites is found in Romans 8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Our difficulties or sufferings aren't being minimized; instead the rewards that accompany our faith are far more than the pain of what we experience in life. And yet despite all of what He promised me and you, and all of those reasons to praise Him, the very best reason to praise Him is this. He is to be praised for WHO HE IS. His character, His righteousness, His power, His sovereignty, His compassion, His onmipotence, His glory, His truth, His unfailing love, His tender mercies, etc. etc. etc. The list can go on and on. There is a line of a hymn that comes to mind now: 'To write the love of God above would drain the ocean dry, nor could the scroll contain the whole, though stretched from sky to sky.' There are not enough hours of the day to praise Him. Yes right now the very best reason is that He is Risen from the grave and has conquered sin and death FOREVER. But when Easter has passed, remember it is never over, nor are the reasons to praise Him.
Oh Dearest Father, Lover of our souls, how we praise You for the Gift of Your Son; Your precious Holy Son! You are our Hope in a world without hope; You are our joy though our days are filled with trials; You are the Voice of Truth in the midst of lies and compromise; and You are the One who has done the 'impossible' in paying for my sins. Father You are my reason for living, the Beauty I see when I look outside and when I look into Your Word. You are worthy. You are the gentle Lamb of God who never focused on Your own pain and suffering, but was unwilling to let go of the ones who brought You to it. I praise You that the cross and the nails and the soldiers and the workings of the evil one could not hold You in the grave. I praise You that You will forver be the Almighty Ruler, the King of Kings, and that one day, EVERY knee will bow, and EVERY tongue will confess that You are Lord. Oh that more knees and tongues will do that today, while Your grace is still available. You are RISEN, and we want all the world to know it, that they might too receive the Gift of Life.
May our hearts be completely devoted to Your praise; be honored Lord Jesus in our praise.
What can I give Him for what He has done for me? What can I bring Him that would in some way tell Him how thankful I am for His indescribable gift? My praise. All my praise.
But how can we praise Him in a world with so much suffering? The answer is not a complex one. Our focus must be on Him and our eyes must remain at the cross, not just at Easter but every day of our lives. It is wonderful to see what He did for me, and there are more precious promises in His Word than my mind can wrap around. One of my favorites is found in Romans 8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Our difficulties or sufferings aren't being minimized; instead the rewards that accompany our faith are far more than the pain of what we experience in life. And yet despite all of what He promised me and you, and all of those reasons to praise Him, the very best reason to praise Him is this. He is to be praised for WHO HE IS. His character, His righteousness, His power, His sovereignty, His compassion, His onmipotence, His glory, His truth, His unfailing love, His tender mercies, etc. etc. etc. The list can go on and on. There is a line of a hymn that comes to mind now: 'To write the love of God above would drain the ocean dry, nor could the scroll contain the whole, though stretched from sky to sky.' There are not enough hours of the day to praise Him. Yes right now the very best reason is that He is Risen from the grave and has conquered sin and death FOREVER. But when Easter has passed, remember it is never over, nor are the reasons to praise Him.
Oh Dearest Father, Lover of our souls, how we praise You for the Gift of Your Son; Your precious Holy Son! You are our Hope in a world without hope; You are our joy though our days are filled with trials; You are the Voice of Truth in the midst of lies and compromise; and You are the One who has done the 'impossible' in paying for my sins. Father You are my reason for living, the Beauty I see when I look outside and when I look into Your Word. You are worthy. You are the gentle Lamb of God who never focused on Your own pain and suffering, but was unwilling to let go of the ones who brought You to it. I praise You that the cross and the nails and the soldiers and the workings of the evil one could not hold You in the grave. I praise You that You will forver be the Almighty Ruler, the King of Kings, and that one day, EVERY knee will bow, and EVERY tongue will confess that You are Lord. Oh that more knees and tongues will do that today, while Your grace is still available. You are RISEN, and we want all the world to know it, that they might too receive the Gift of Life.
May our hearts be completely devoted to Your praise; be honored Lord Jesus in our praise.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
How Deep? by Maria Hartman
Although I never came right out and said it, there was a time when I thought I could get to heaven because I sincerely tried to do the right thing. Jesus came to earth to die for my sins and was willing to take people to heaven; so why not me? I really did try to do good and be kind most of the time, and I figured that was better than others were doing.
There was one enormous problem with my thinking however: It was human logic without a foundation. It was a lie.
Now that I have personally received the Truth that has set me free, I know I am not a good person at all; nothing 'good' dwells in me because of my sin. Yet I have more self worth today than I've ever had in all my life. Not because of anything I have done or because of anything those I love have said about me. But only because...... while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). He knew no sin, but He literally became the sin that needed to be punished. Nobody can ever or will ever love me that much.
How can this be? Does it make 'sense'? When I was lost I thought I was good; now that I'm found, I know I am bad? Basically, that's it. But truth be known, deep down inside, no matter how many times people told me I was good, (and at times I believed I was), I knew in my heart that I WASN'T. I thought bad things, had wrong motives, and generally was focused on me. But I could never figure out what was missing in my life or why I felt the way I did. I therefore just pushed all of it away...to a place where I thought I'd never have to deal with it again. After all, nobody ever told me anything different.
Thankfully, God removed all of the confusion regarding what was required of me. And as I have grown as a true believer in Christ, God has graciously taught me incredible things from His Word and by His Spirit. I don't know how or why I could have thought that I had any power to do right on my own or to earn my way to God based on my actions. Even the Holy Spotless Lamb of God, Christ Himself could not live a life 'good enough' to provide the way to heaven for sinners. I do not want that to sound irreverent; He is always more than we could want for and is always good enough. What I'm trying to say is this: the Perfect Son of God could not have given me eternal life unless He shed His blood to wash me clean of my sin. If it took this drastic of an act from God Himself, and perfection alone wasn't adequate to bring me to the Father, how could I have ever thought I could be or do anything worthy to be considered His child?
Ephesians 1:7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.
It is the blood. It is the blood, where life originates that washed away my sin. Nothing but the blood of Jesus. His dying brought me life, not His living. His Spirit drew me to Himself and through it, I saw my great need, and the One who was waiting to meet that need. I had no power to rid myself of sin. That understanding let me to action; and that was the only part I played in my salvation; I came to Him just as I was and received. I had no ability to give Him anything; His design was just that I come. Carefully read the words to the following song. Pay close attention to the last line.
HOW DEEP THE FATHER'S LOVE FOR US
How deep the Father's love for us
How vast beyond all measure
That He would give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure
How great the pain of searing loss
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the Chosen One
Bring many sons to glory
Behold the Man upon the cross
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished
I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, nor wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection
Why should I gain from His reward
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom
For Today: The sinless blood of Jesus was shed for me. In placing my faith in Him, I am covered in that blood; justified before God Himself through no righteousness of my own. All that is 'good' in me is Him. Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.
Do you think you can enter His kingdom apart from His grace, or without complete and utter trust in His sacrifice for you? Please take the time to answer that honestly.
Ephesians 2:13 is the victory I live in. I can say with full assurance that I know Who made the way. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
You'll never get near if you remain far off trying it your own way.
One last thought to ponder: God has given women something amazing; the ability to give birth. We who are privileged to carry life do so because blood is shed through our bodies monthly. And when a life is about to enter the world, blood is shed yet again. We didn't do anything to bring this about, it was the Creator's design for life. Could it be that He wanted us to know, to experience, that even physical life cannot come without the shedding of blood?
Everlasting life is offered to you today......through the blood of Jesus. You and I had nothing to do with this, it was the Creator's design for spiritual life.
Come to the cross and be washed clean. Come to unfailing Love and experience how RED covers BLACK, and by the grace of God, makes WHITE.
There was one enormous problem with my thinking however: It was human logic without a foundation. It was a lie.
Now that I have personally received the Truth that has set me free, I know I am not a good person at all; nothing 'good' dwells in me because of my sin. Yet I have more self worth today than I've ever had in all my life. Not because of anything I have done or because of anything those I love have said about me. But only because...... while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). He knew no sin, but He literally became the sin that needed to be punished. Nobody can ever or will ever love me that much.
How can this be? Does it make 'sense'? When I was lost I thought I was good; now that I'm found, I know I am bad? Basically, that's it. But truth be known, deep down inside, no matter how many times people told me I was good, (and at times I believed I was), I knew in my heart that I WASN'T. I thought bad things, had wrong motives, and generally was focused on me. But I could never figure out what was missing in my life or why I felt the way I did. I therefore just pushed all of it away...to a place where I thought I'd never have to deal with it again. After all, nobody ever told me anything different.
Thankfully, God removed all of the confusion regarding what was required of me. And as I have grown as a true believer in Christ, God has graciously taught me incredible things from His Word and by His Spirit. I don't know how or why I could have thought that I had any power to do right on my own or to earn my way to God based on my actions. Even the Holy Spotless Lamb of God, Christ Himself could not live a life 'good enough' to provide the way to heaven for sinners. I do not want that to sound irreverent; He is always more than we could want for and is always good enough. What I'm trying to say is this: the Perfect Son of God could not have given me eternal life unless He shed His blood to wash me clean of my sin. If it took this drastic of an act from God Himself, and perfection alone wasn't adequate to bring me to the Father, how could I have ever thought I could be or do anything worthy to be considered His child?
Ephesians 1:7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.
It is the blood. It is the blood, where life originates that washed away my sin. Nothing but the blood of Jesus. His dying brought me life, not His living. His Spirit drew me to Himself and through it, I saw my great need, and the One who was waiting to meet that need. I had no power to rid myself of sin. That understanding let me to action; and that was the only part I played in my salvation; I came to Him just as I was and received. I had no ability to give Him anything; His design was just that I come. Carefully read the words to the following song. Pay close attention to the last line.
HOW DEEP THE FATHER'S LOVE FOR US
How deep the Father's love for us
How vast beyond all measure
That He would give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure
How great the pain of searing loss
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the Chosen One
Bring many sons to glory
Behold the Man upon the cross
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished
I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, nor wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection
Why should I gain from His reward
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom
For Today: The sinless blood of Jesus was shed for me. In placing my faith in Him, I am covered in that blood; justified before God Himself through no righteousness of my own. All that is 'good' in me is Him. Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.
Do you think you can enter His kingdom apart from His grace, or without complete and utter trust in His sacrifice for you? Please take the time to answer that honestly.
Ephesians 2:13 is the victory I live in. I can say with full assurance that I know Who made the way. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
You'll never get near if you remain far off trying it your own way.
One last thought to ponder: God has given women something amazing; the ability to give birth. We who are privileged to carry life do so because blood is shed through our bodies monthly. And when a life is about to enter the world, blood is shed yet again. We didn't do anything to bring this about, it was the Creator's design for life. Could it be that He wanted us to know, to experience, that even physical life cannot come without the shedding of blood?
Everlasting life is offered to you today......through the blood of Jesus. You and I had nothing to do with this, it was the Creator's design for spiritual life.
Come to the cross and be washed clean. Come to unfailing Love and experience how RED covers BLACK, and by the grace of God, makes WHITE.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
