I was reviewing a blog I wrote last year pertaining to the Christmas Story as revealed in John Chapter 10. I’ve had time to ponder my own writings and I’ve come across what I believe to be another truth hidden in clear view.
You may recall the “Porter” opening the door to the Shepherd in John 10:3 as a reference to the work of the Holy Spirit proclaimed by the angel Gabriel in Luke 1:34-35.
“Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee named Nazareth, to a girl never having been married and a virgin, engaged to be married to a man whose name was Joseph, a descendant of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, ‘Hail, O favored one, the Lord is with you! Blessed-favored of God are you before all other women!’ But when she saw him, she was greatly troubled and disturbed and confused at what he said, and kept revolving in her mind what such a greeting might mean. And the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found grace - free, spontaneous, absolute favor and loving kindness - with God! And listen! You will become pregnant and will give birth to a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus. He will be great (eminent) and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will five to Him the throne of His forefather David, and He will reign over the house of Jacob throughout the ages, and of His reign there will be no end. And Mary said to the angel, ‘How can this be, since I have no [intimacy with any man as a] husband?’ Then the angel said to her, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you (as a shining cloud); and so the holy (pure sinless) Thing which shall be born of you, will be called the Son of God...’” - Luke 1:26-35
It occurs to me that just as Mary was totally incapable of conceiving without the miraculous power of God, we too stand before God totally incapable of attaining, or if you will, conceiving, a spiritual and personal relationship with the Almighty except for the ministry of the Porter, the Holy Spirit, Who comes upon us in our need, opens our heart’s door, making way for the miraculous new birth of salvation!
Salvation, true and complete conversion, freedom from the slavery of sin, is simply not in our DNA without the infusion of a miraculous new birth. Of this the Bible is clear.
“But when the proper time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born subject to [the regulations of] the Law, to purchase the freedom of (to ransom, to redeem, to atone for) those who were subject to the Law, that we might be adopted and have sonship conferred upon us - be recognized as [God’s] sons. And because you [really] are (His) sons, God has sent the (Holy) Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, Abba (Father)! Father! Therefore, you are no longer a slave (bond servant) but a son, and if a son, then [it follows that you are] an heir by the aid of God through Christ.” - Galatians 4:4-7
And so as we celebrate the birth of our Savior let us not forget the incomprehensible work of God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit as it brings to life the Christmas story of new birth personally to us!
May you hear the call, the message of God. May the Holy Spirit open your hearts door. May you clearly and unmistakably see Christ’s birth, life, death and resurrection as God’s personal gift to YOU and may you experience His miraculous new birth in your life forever!
Merry Christmas!
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Monday, December 5, 2011
Der Christmas Mirror (A true story...)
The holidays were approaching and so also my seasonal recitation of anguish. This holiday season – all the more! Chris had completely emptied herself in commitment and effort. An extraordinary wife, mother, and fellow bread-winner, she deserved something special – something extra-ordinary. What would it be and how could I surprise her with it?
As with each holiday celebration our home would be filled with family and friends. I dreamed of one day owning a professional ping-pong table. I could see in my minds eye the family enjoying holiday tournaments. Chris, on the other hand, dreamed of a
beautiful living-room fire-place with its towering pillars and grand sunken mirror. This year, on Christmas morning, I would see to it that she got her wish!
I began construction in October. My anguish grew as December 25 seemed to approach more rapidly than in previous years.
It was two weeks until Christmas day and I needed only to have Bob deliver and install the mirror. He’d measured, weeks before, the four foot by six foot pocket into which the mirror was to be installed. My anxiety increased as each day passed. Would Chris once again be forced to lovingly thank me for my “good intentions?” NOT THIS YEAR! I HAD to finish the project!
Finally, December 23, the white panel truck backed into our driveway. Bob’s crew carefully untied the package from its resting place in the truck.
“Veer do you vant us to poot her?” the tall blond Swede asked.
I proudly pointed to the empty pocket above the fireplace. It was obvious to me the young man was confused by my response.
“You vant us to poot her up deer? Vee don’t do any-ting like dat sir.” The Swede was emphatic.
“Look,” I began to fume, “I’ve waited over three weeks for this! Bob promised he would have it here for Christmas! He promised it would be delivered and installed and that’s just what you are going to do!” Secretly, my outburst caused me to swell with pride. I was fighting for my honor, for my wife, for my MIRROR!
We argued back and forth for over thirty-minutes. I was not going to lose this battle. I positioned myself in front of the exit. They new they were trapped. With nail gun in hand in preparation for the installation and framing I demanded, “You are going to install that mirror and you are going to do it NOW!”
Their puzzled expression and then uproarious laughter caught me by surprise.
“Mirror? Yimminy mee-ster; veer delivering der ping-pong table yer vife ordered!” Chris had once again beaten me to the punch!
The mirror arrived later that afternoon. Bob was kind enough to install it. Its reflection above our fireplace was everything Chris had dreamed it would be. Each holiday season now brings with it the warmth of our fire, a reflective chuckle, and fond memories of two people’s love expressed in “Der Ping-pong Table and Der Christmas Mirror.”
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Hidden In Plain View
In this fast-paced world of breaking-news and ever changing technology new and exciting discoveries abound! Energy, medicine, travel, communications, every element of our daily life is influenced by change. Change is happening so fast that there is no time to establish a tradition! Even our breakfast cereals claim to be, “NEW AND IMPROVED!”
Change is a good thing, a desirable thing, a necessary thing. New technology allows us to delve deep into what was thought yesterday to be unknowable.
There is, however, an uneasiness associated with the speed by which change is occurring. Today’s assertions become tomorrow’s cause for corrections. This pattern seems to repeat itself time and time again until we are left wondering if it is possible to really KNOW anything.
Consider, for instance, how new DNA technology has impacted people’s lives. Information once hidden in clear view is now revealed through DNA. And as wonderful as it may be to now have this technology, it cannot erase the fact that critical life decisions were incorrectly determined because the ability to clearly see the true evidence had not yet been established.
Such reality gives us, “cause to pause”.
What other truths might be right in front of us that we are missing? How might they otherwise impact our lives if we only had the ability to clearly see them?
The Bible speaks of very important truths; truths concerning not only life as we know it, but life more abundant. Now, right away some might be saying to themselves,
“I know where he’s going with this one, the Bible thing...”.
Some might be thinking,
“What if his premise is off? What if the Bible is just a book of collected stories carefully crafted and manipulated by individual groups to support their own need to know the unknowable or, at best, to usurp authority over weaker more gullible members of society?”
In this tech-KNOW-logical world, where wonders are revealed on a daily basis and minds are stretched beyond the capacity to fully understand the revelations being witnessed, it is hard to imagine that much of humanity remains so closed minded to the possibility that the Bible just might be more relevant than previously thought. It’s been sitting there on the coffee table or on the bookshelf for a long time. What if Truth has been hidden in clear view?
Okay, okay I must acknowledge that some have chosen to stop reading this little blog. They have heard it all before. However, you are still with me so I will continue...
The Bible gives us some very straight-forward language.
“For I KNOW the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace, and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome. THEN you will call upon Me, and you will come and pray to Me, and I will hear and heed you. THEN you will seek Me, inquire for and require Me [as a vital necessity] and find Me; when you search for Me with all your heart, I WILL BE FOUND BY YOU, says the Lord, and I will release you from captivity and gather you from all the nations and all the places to which I have driven you, says the Lord, and I will bring you again to the place from which I caused you to be carried away captive.” - Jeremiah 29:11-14
So, just how did the Lord God Jehovah plan for our welfare? Is there a truth we may have overlooked?
“In the beginning [before all time] was the Word [Christ ] and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself. He was present originally with God. All things were made and came into existence through Him; and withoutHim was not even one thing made that has come into being. In Him was Life and the Life was the Light of men. And the Light shines in the darkness, for the darkness has never overpowered it - put it out, or has not absorbed it, has not appropriated it, and is unreceptive to it.” - John 1:1-5
“There It was! The true Light [was then] coming into the world - the genuine, perfect, steadfast Light - that illuminated every person. He came into the world, and thought the world was made through Him, the world DID NOT RECOGNIZE HIM - did not KNOW Him. He came to that which belonged to Him - to His own [domaine, creation, things, world] - and they who were His own did not receive Him and did not welcome Him.” - John 1:9-11
“BUT, to as many as DID RECEIVE AND WELCOME HIM, He gave the authority [power, privilege, right] to become the children of God, that is, to those who believe in - adhere to, trust in and rely on - His name.” - John 1:12
Verse fourteen sums up the previous verses by simply saying,
“And the Word (spoken of in verse one) [Christ] became flesh (human, incarnate) and tabernacled - fixed His tent of flesh, lived awhile - among us; and we [actually] say His glory - His honor, His majesty; such glory as an only begotten son receives from his Father, full of grace (favor, loving kindness) and TRUTH.” - John 1:14
There is “cause to pause"....
Do you KNOW this Truth, this Word of God? This Jesus? By “know” I do not mean to ask if you have acknowledged Him as having actually walked this earth. I do not mean to ask if you know the Bible story of His birth, His death and His resurrection. I do not mean to ask if you recognize Him as God, for the Bible tells us,
“You believe that God is one; you do well. So do the demons believe, and shudder!” - James 2:19
I mean, do you personally know Him?
“But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” - Romans 5:8
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” - John 3:16
“Behold I stand at the door [the heart’s door] and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door [THEIR heart’s door], I will come in to him or her and eat with him or her, and he or she with Me.” - Revelation 3:20
“For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” - Romans 10:13
Oh, there are many, many opinions about spiritual things. Indeed, mankind has sought to ease their fear of the unknown by ritual and creed. But the Bible tells us,
“There is a way that seems right to man and appears straight before him, but at the end are the ways of death.” - Proverbs 14:12
On the other hand, following Jesus resurrection a confused and doubting Thomas asked,
“...Lord, we do not KNOW where you are going, so how can we KNOW the way? Jesus said to him, I AM THE WAY, AND THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE; no one comes to the Father except by (through) Me. If you had KNOWN Me - had learned to RECOGNIZE ME - you would also have KNOWN My Father. From now on you KNOW Him and have seen Him. Philip said to Him, Lord, show us the Father - cause us to see the Father, that is all we ask; then we shall be satisfied. Jesus replied, Have I been with all of you so long a time (hidden in plain view) and you do not recognize and KNOW Me yet, Philip? Any one who has seen Me has seen the Father. How can you say then, show us the Father.” - John 14:5-9
“He who believes in the Son of God - who adheres to and trusts in and relies on Him, possesses this divine attestation - has the testimony within himself. He who does not believe God (in this way) has made Him out to be and represented Him as a liar, because he has not believed - put his faith in and adhered to and relied on the testimony - the evidence that God has borne regarding His Son. And this sis that testimony - that evidence: God gave us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who possesses the Son has that life; he who does not possess the Son of God does not have that life. I write this to you who believe in (adhere to, trust in and rely on) the name of the Son of God - that is, in the peculiar services and blessings conferred by Him on men - so that you may KNOW (WITH SETTLED AND ABSOLUTE KNOWLEDGE) that you [already] have life, yes, eternal life." - 1 John 5:10-13
Have you opened your heart’s door to Him? Why not humbly pray and ask Him to come into your heart to dwell with you forever? He stands at the door and knocks; hidden in plain view even today!
God bless!
Change is a good thing, a desirable thing, a necessary thing. New technology allows us to delve deep into what was thought yesterday to be unknowable.
There is, however, an uneasiness associated with the speed by which change is occurring. Today’s assertions become tomorrow’s cause for corrections. This pattern seems to repeat itself time and time again until we are left wondering if it is possible to really KNOW anything.
Consider, for instance, how new DNA technology has impacted people’s lives. Information once hidden in clear view is now revealed through DNA. And as wonderful as it may be to now have this technology, it cannot erase the fact that critical life decisions were incorrectly determined because the ability to clearly see the true evidence had not yet been established.
Such reality gives us, “cause to pause”.
What other truths might be right in front of us that we are missing? How might they otherwise impact our lives if we only had the ability to clearly see them?
The Bible speaks of very important truths; truths concerning not only life as we know it, but life more abundant. Now, right away some might be saying to themselves,
“I know where he’s going with this one, the Bible thing...”.
Some might be thinking,
“What if his premise is off? What if the Bible is just a book of collected stories carefully crafted and manipulated by individual groups to support their own need to know the unknowable or, at best, to usurp authority over weaker more gullible members of society?”
In this tech-KNOW-logical world, where wonders are revealed on a daily basis and minds are stretched beyond the capacity to fully understand the revelations being witnessed, it is hard to imagine that much of humanity remains so closed minded to the possibility that the Bible just might be more relevant than previously thought. It’s been sitting there on the coffee table or on the bookshelf for a long time. What if Truth has been hidden in clear view?
Okay, okay I must acknowledge that some have chosen to stop reading this little blog. They have heard it all before. However, you are still with me so I will continue...
The Bible gives us some very straight-forward language.
“For I KNOW the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace, and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome. THEN you will call upon Me, and you will come and pray to Me, and I will hear and heed you. THEN you will seek Me, inquire for and require Me [as a vital necessity] and find Me; when you search for Me with all your heart, I WILL BE FOUND BY YOU, says the Lord, and I will release you from captivity and gather you from all the nations and all the places to which I have driven you, says the Lord, and I will bring you again to the place from which I caused you to be carried away captive.” - Jeremiah 29:11-14
So, just how did the Lord God Jehovah plan for our welfare? Is there a truth we may have overlooked?
“In the beginning [before all time] was the Word [Christ ] and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself. He was present originally with God. All things were made and came into existence through Him; and withoutHim was not even one thing made that has come into being. In Him was Life and the Life was the Light of men. And the Light shines in the darkness, for the darkness has never overpowered it - put it out, or has not absorbed it, has not appropriated it, and is unreceptive to it.” - John 1:1-5
“There It was! The true Light [was then] coming into the world - the genuine, perfect, steadfast Light - that illuminated every person. He came into the world, and thought the world was made through Him, the world DID NOT RECOGNIZE HIM - did not KNOW Him. He came to that which belonged to Him - to His own [domaine, creation, things, world] - and they who were His own did not receive Him and did not welcome Him.” - John 1:9-11
“BUT, to as many as DID RECEIVE AND WELCOME HIM, He gave the authority [power, privilege, right] to become the children of God, that is, to those who believe in - adhere to, trust in and rely on - His name.” - John 1:12
Verse fourteen sums up the previous verses by simply saying,
“And the Word (spoken of in verse one) [Christ] became flesh (human, incarnate) and tabernacled - fixed His tent of flesh, lived awhile - among us; and we [actually] say His glory - His honor, His majesty; such glory as an only begotten son receives from his Father, full of grace (favor, loving kindness) and TRUTH.” - John 1:14
There is “cause to pause"....
Do you KNOW this Truth, this Word of God? This Jesus? By “know” I do not mean to ask if you have acknowledged Him as having actually walked this earth. I do not mean to ask if you know the Bible story of His birth, His death and His resurrection. I do not mean to ask if you recognize Him as God, for the Bible tells us,
“You believe that God is one; you do well. So do the demons believe, and shudder!” - James 2:19
I mean, do you personally know Him?
“But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” - Romans 5:8
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” - John 3:16
“Behold I stand at the door [the heart’s door] and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door [THEIR heart’s door], I will come in to him or her and eat with him or her, and he or she with Me.” - Revelation 3:20
“For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” - Romans 10:13
Oh, there are many, many opinions about spiritual things. Indeed, mankind has sought to ease their fear of the unknown by ritual and creed. But the Bible tells us,
“There is a way that seems right to man and appears straight before him, but at the end are the ways of death.” - Proverbs 14:12
On the other hand, following Jesus resurrection a confused and doubting Thomas asked,
“...Lord, we do not KNOW where you are going, so how can we KNOW the way? Jesus said to him, I AM THE WAY, AND THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE; no one comes to the Father except by (through) Me. If you had KNOWN Me - had learned to RECOGNIZE ME - you would also have KNOWN My Father. From now on you KNOW Him and have seen Him. Philip said to Him, Lord, show us the Father - cause us to see the Father, that is all we ask; then we shall be satisfied. Jesus replied, Have I been with all of you so long a time (hidden in plain view) and you do not recognize and KNOW Me yet, Philip? Any one who has seen Me has seen the Father. How can you say then, show us the Father.” - John 14:5-9
“He who believes in the Son of God - who adheres to and trusts in and relies on Him, possesses this divine attestation - has the testimony within himself. He who does not believe God (in this way) has made Him out to be and represented Him as a liar, because he has not believed - put his faith in and adhered to and relied on the testimony - the evidence that God has borne regarding His Son. And this sis that testimony - that evidence: God gave us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who possesses the Son has that life; he who does not possess the Son of God does not have that life. I write this to you who believe in (adhere to, trust in and rely on) the name of the Son of God - that is, in the peculiar services and blessings conferred by Him on men - so that you may KNOW (WITH SETTLED AND ABSOLUTE KNOWLEDGE) that you [already] have life, yes, eternal life." - 1 John 5:10-13
Have you opened your heart’s door to Him? Why not humbly pray and ask Him to come into your heart to dwell with you forever? He stands at the door and knocks; hidden in plain view even today!
God bless!
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Being Picked Last
Have you experienced the ignoble distinction of being picked last?
Oh, it is a horrible feeling.
You were the albatross, the default, the booby-prize. Not quite talented enough, fast enough, tall enough, smart enough, good-looking enough or popular enough to be desired by the rest of the team. You simply did not fit in; you were too different.
“The Ugly Duckling” was never your favorite book and you’ve surmised, “The Little Train That Could (?)” was probably kicked in the caboose all the way up the hill and chased all the way into the ensuing valley. Your Cracker Jacks prize was always broken and when someone told a joke - you were usually the punchline.
Rejection can begin early in life. It is often a result of cultural, physical or lifestyle differences [determined by the masses to be] too peculiar to be normal. However inconsequential the rejection of an individual may appear to a casual observer, it is an indignity that can emotionally scar it’s recipient for life.
Does God’s Word, the Bible, give us any encouragement? Unfortunately, at first glance the Bible appears only to confirm our worst fear:
“... ALL have sinned AND ARE FALLING SHORT of the honor and glory which God bestows and receives ...” - Romans 3:23
FALLING SHORT. Well, that’s just great! Isn’t that what we’ve been feeling? And so we desperately scramble for another verse. Perhaps the Old Testament can give us hope:
“For we have all become as one who is unclean [ceremonially, as a leper], and all our righteousness - OUR BEST DEEDS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS and justice - are as filthy rags or a polluted garment. We all fade as a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away [far from God’s favor, hurrying us to destruction].” - Isaiah 64:6
WELL, THANK YOU VERY MUCH! I’ll just assume my position at the back of the line. Why not? I’m used to it; LAST PLACE! Home sweet home.
Ah, but there is One who understands rejection...
Who among us can begin to imagine the rejection experienced by Jesus? We will never comprehend the numerous levels of rejection He willingly accepted. Certainly His rejection was social, physical, emotional and spiritual but it was so much more! Our feeble minds will never begin to grasp the rejection He experienced that encompassed the whole of heaven and earth, of time and space, of all creation past and all creation yet to become; His was total and complete rejection.
Sadly, His rejection has not yet ended. His rejection occurs even today. Faced with the Biblical account of Jesus’ death burial and resurrection, there are those even today who would offer a polite, “no thank you” to His gift of love. And yet, according to the Bible, it’s through His gift of love that we personally experience the redemption and acceptance we so desperately desire.
Read again that verse of condemnation. Notice that it was never intended to leave us in a condition of "having fallen short” of God’s glory:
“... ALL have sinned AND ARE FALLING SHORT of the honor and glory which God bestows and receives. ALL are justified and made upright and in right standing with God, freely and gratuitously by His grace (His unmerited favor and mercy), through the redemption which is [provided] in Christ Jesus. Whom God put forward [before the eyes of all] as a mercy seat and propitiation by His blood - the cleansing and life-giving sacrifice of atonement and reconciliation- [to be received] through faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in His divine forbearance He passed over and ignored former sins without punishment. It was to demonstrate and prove at the present time (in the now season) that He Himself is righteous and that He justifies and accepts as righteous him who has [true] faith in Jesus.” - Romans 3:23-26
As the late Paul Harvey might say, “and now you know the rest of the story...”
Chosen last? I’ve got great news:
“Even as [in His love] He chose us - ACTUALLY PICKED US OUT for Himself as His own - in Christ before the foundation of the world; that we should be holy (consecrated and set apart for Him) and blameless in His sight, even above reproach, before Him in love.” - Ephesians 1:4
Amazing! According to the Bible, when you experience that saving grace, you can be confident that you were chosen, not last, but before the foundation of the world! And why?
“So that we who first hoped in Christ - who first put our confidence in Him - [have been destined and appointed] to live for the praise of His glory.” - Ephesians 1:12
So take heart friend. You have been chosen by the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Today is yet another day to give thanks by living for the praise of His glory!
By the way, since you have been chosen, it’s time to get into the game!
God bless!
Oh, it is a horrible feeling.
You were the albatross, the default, the booby-prize. Not quite talented enough, fast enough, tall enough, smart enough, good-looking enough or popular enough to be desired by the rest of the team. You simply did not fit in; you were too different.
“The Ugly Duckling” was never your favorite book and you’ve surmised, “The Little Train That Could (?)” was probably kicked in the caboose all the way up the hill and chased all the way into the ensuing valley. Your Cracker Jacks prize was always broken and when someone told a joke - you were usually the punchline.
Rejection can begin early in life. It is often a result of cultural, physical or lifestyle differences [determined by the masses to be] too peculiar to be normal. However inconsequential the rejection of an individual may appear to a casual observer, it is an indignity that can emotionally scar it’s recipient for life.
Does God’s Word, the Bible, give us any encouragement? Unfortunately, at first glance the Bible appears only to confirm our worst fear:
“... ALL have sinned AND ARE FALLING SHORT of the honor and glory which God bestows and receives ...” - Romans 3:23
FALLING SHORT. Well, that’s just great! Isn’t that what we’ve been feeling? And so we desperately scramble for another verse. Perhaps the Old Testament can give us hope:
“For we have all become as one who is unclean [ceremonially, as a leper], and all our righteousness - OUR BEST DEEDS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS and justice - are as filthy rags or a polluted garment. We all fade as a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away [far from God’s favor, hurrying us to destruction].” - Isaiah 64:6
WELL, THANK YOU VERY MUCH! I’ll just assume my position at the back of the line. Why not? I’m used to it; LAST PLACE! Home sweet home.
Ah, but there is One who understands rejection...
Who among us can begin to imagine the rejection experienced by Jesus? We will never comprehend the numerous levels of rejection He willingly accepted. Certainly His rejection was social, physical, emotional and spiritual but it was so much more! Our feeble minds will never begin to grasp the rejection He experienced that encompassed the whole of heaven and earth, of time and space, of all creation past and all creation yet to become; His was total and complete rejection.
Sadly, His rejection has not yet ended. His rejection occurs even today. Faced with the Biblical account of Jesus’ death burial and resurrection, there are those even today who would offer a polite, “no thank you” to His gift of love. And yet, according to the Bible, it’s through His gift of love that we personally experience the redemption and acceptance we so desperately desire.
Read again that verse of condemnation. Notice that it was never intended to leave us in a condition of "having fallen short” of God’s glory:
“... ALL have sinned AND ARE FALLING SHORT of the honor and glory which God bestows and receives. ALL are justified and made upright and in right standing with God, freely and gratuitously by His grace (His unmerited favor and mercy), through the redemption which is [provided] in Christ Jesus. Whom God put forward [before the eyes of all] as a mercy seat and propitiation by His blood - the cleansing and life-giving sacrifice of atonement and reconciliation- [to be received] through faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in His divine forbearance He passed over and ignored former sins without punishment. It was to demonstrate and prove at the present time (in the now season) that He Himself is righteous and that He justifies and accepts as righteous him who has [true] faith in Jesus.” - Romans 3:23-26
As the late Paul Harvey might say, “and now you know the rest of the story...”
Chosen last? I’ve got great news:
“Even as [in His love] He chose us - ACTUALLY PICKED US OUT for Himself as His own - in Christ before the foundation of the world; that we should be holy (consecrated and set apart for Him) and blameless in His sight, even above reproach, before Him in love.” - Ephesians 1:4
Amazing! According to the Bible, when you experience that saving grace, you can be confident that you were chosen, not last, but before the foundation of the world! And why?
“So that we who first hoped in Christ - who first put our confidence in Him - [have been destined and appointed] to live for the praise of His glory.” - Ephesians 1:12
So take heart friend. You have been chosen by the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Today is yet another day to give thanks by living for the praise of His glory!
By the way, since you have been chosen, it’s time to get into the game!
God bless!
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Do The Signs Show He Is Coming Soon?
Mathematics, calculations,astrological signs, comets, NASA, feasts, dates, earthquakes, wars, famine, disease, signs, wonders, political unrest, ungodly rulers, prophesy, Mayan Calendar, 2012, interpretations, trumpets, judgement, fire, alignments, Israel, Daniel, Ezekiel, Revelation, certainty, uncertainty, miscalculations, best intentions; oops...
Yet another date will come and, most likely pass, without the return of Jesus. I say “most likely” because, make no mistake, I believe He is coming - He is coming according to the Father’s plan, His schedule, and without obligation to my expectations.
The topic of Christ’s return seems to separate Christendom into two camps, the, “Look Up” camp and the, “Occupy” camp.
The, “Look Up” camp would have us to believe that the precise date of Christ’s return is unmistakably obvious to those who have an ear to hear and an eye to see the signs of the times. While I cannot dispute their calculations (until the day following a prediction), I must dispute the notion that their insight separates believers from those who have yet to commit their lives to Christ. The Bible never speaks to the notion that salvation will be based upon those who know the date. It does refer to those who are, “ready”.
Then we have the, “Occupy” camp. This group of believers would admit that they do not know when Christ will return. They are, however, committed to the fact that His return is certain and that there are responsibilities to be fulfilled while awaiting His return.
The “Look Up” camp would site Noah’s heartfelt warnings to a lost humanity. “Judgement is coming!” Whether or not Noah was able to give them the precise date and time for the rains to begin I do not know. It did, after all, take some one-hundred years to complete construction of the ark. Noah’s unmistakable plea for people to heed the warning is indisputable. Every stoke of Noah’s hammer, every thrust of his saw against gopher wood, every drop of sweat, every blister and sliver was evidence to a surrounding population that judgement was coming, that judgement was sure and that safety would only be secured by God’s provision.
Noah was, “occupying”. Noah was busy doing what God had unmistakably told him to do. He was engaged in and faithful to the will of God. The chiding of the crowds would not deter Noah. He was, “occupying” until God’s time would be fulfilled. He was hard at work. Noah was focused upon the task at hand and he was committed to every element, every measure and every responsibility entrusted by God to his care.
We are closer today to Christ’s return than we were yesterday. Obvious, no? So, if we have truly accepted Him as personal Lord and Savior, if we truly believe He is coming according to the Bible, how much sweat have we invested during these days prior to His return? How much love have we shown to those who have yet to know Him personally? How much service have we rendered to those in need? How many times have we introduced Him to those who know us best? What are the tools He has given us so that we can be engaged in and be faithful to His will? Have those tools been stored away, or are they worn from continued faithful use?
It is yet another day!
“This is the day the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it! - Psalm 118:24
There is yet time to grow spiritually, to be thankful, to praise, to serve, to love, to give, to share, to nurture, to testify, to know Christ personally, to serve Christ more faithfully.
“THIS IS the day the Lord hath made, thank God we have another chance!” - author’s interpretation
God bless!
Yet another date will come and, most likely pass, without the return of Jesus. I say “most likely” because, make no mistake, I believe He is coming - He is coming according to the Father’s plan, His schedule, and without obligation to my expectations.
The topic of Christ’s return seems to separate Christendom into two camps, the, “Look Up” camp and the, “Occupy” camp.
The, “Look Up” camp would have us to believe that the precise date of Christ’s return is unmistakably obvious to those who have an ear to hear and an eye to see the signs of the times. While I cannot dispute their calculations (until the day following a prediction), I must dispute the notion that their insight separates believers from those who have yet to commit their lives to Christ. The Bible never speaks to the notion that salvation will be based upon those who know the date. It does refer to those who are, “ready”.
Then we have the, “Occupy” camp. This group of believers would admit that they do not know when Christ will return. They are, however, committed to the fact that His return is certain and that there are responsibilities to be fulfilled while awaiting His return.
The “Look Up” camp would site Noah’s heartfelt warnings to a lost humanity. “Judgement is coming!” Whether or not Noah was able to give them the precise date and time for the rains to begin I do not know. It did, after all, take some one-hundred years to complete construction of the ark. Noah’s unmistakable plea for people to heed the warning is indisputable. Every stoke of Noah’s hammer, every thrust of his saw against gopher wood, every drop of sweat, every blister and sliver was evidence to a surrounding population that judgement was coming, that judgement was sure and that safety would only be secured by God’s provision.
Noah was, “occupying”. Noah was busy doing what God had unmistakably told him to do. He was engaged in and faithful to the will of God. The chiding of the crowds would not deter Noah. He was, “occupying” until God’s time would be fulfilled. He was hard at work. Noah was focused upon the task at hand and he was committed to every element, every measure and every responsibility entrusted by God to his care.
We are closer today to Christ’s return than we were yesterday. Obvious, no? So, if we have truly accepted Him as personal Lord and Savior, if we truly believe He is coming according to the Bible, how much sweat have we invested during these days prior to His return? How much love have we shown to those who have yet to know Him personally? How much service have we rendered to those in need? How many times have we introduced Him to those who know us best? What are the tools He has given us so that we can be engaged in and be faithful to His will? Have those tools been stored away, or are they worn from continued faithful use?
It is yet another day!
“This is the day the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it! - Psalm 118:24
There is yet time to grow spiritually, to be thankful, to praise, to serve, to love, to give, to share, to nurture, to testify, to know Christ personally, to serve Christ more faithfully.
“THIS IS the day the Lord hath made, thank God we have another chance!” - author’s interpretation
God bless!
Friday, August 5, 2011
Psalm 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God ...”
So, what does this verse really mean?
I’d never really given it much thought. I always thought it was obvious; there are times in life when we are to be still and “wait upon the Lord”. We are to turn over to God whatever concerns we are currently facing and stop doubting Him. We are not to be anxious but on the contrary we are to be “quiet” like the dawn of the early morning - before anyone is even aware. Perhaps an even more direct interpretation is appropriate, SHUT UP and know that I am God ... PERIOD!
Allow me to digress for a moment. Do you have a favorite song? I mean a song that touches the core of your being and speaks to your heart every time you hear it? What song is it? Think about that specific song for just a moment. What in your life, makes that song transcend others? What memories come to mind? How is it that when you are driving in your car, sitting in a coffee shop or restaurant, shopping or engaged in any other endeavor, and ever-so-faintly in the background the introduction to that song begins, and your heart immediately, in spite of all the distractions, leaps for joy? How have you so personally identified with that song? What is the application you have made with it’s message, to your life? Why is it so personal? Think about it for just a moment. When you have, read on....
Psalm 46:10 was, most likely, featured on Israel’s “Top 100 Greatest Hits!” It is, in fact, a song. It has three distinct verses and a refrain so beautifully interwoven with the song’s message that it no doubt stirred the hearts of all who heard. The song goes something like this:
1st Verse
GOD is our refuge and strength [mighty and impenetrable to temptation] a very PRESENT and WELL PROVED help in trouble.
Not a bad way to start a song, is it?
As a result of this proven fact, we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains be shaken into the midst of the seas; though it’s waters roar and foam and though the remaining mountains tremble at it’s swelling and tumult...
Selah, (pause, and think calmly of that!)
2nd Verse
There is a [mighty river] and the individual streams that spring from it refresh and make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the Most High!
GOD is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved! GOD will [already be] helping her right early [at the dawn of the morning; before anyone is even aware]. Although the nations rage [as nations do and forever will] and kingdoms tottered and were moved [as they always will]; GOD uttered His voice and by the power of His voice, the earth melted [all the calamity quieted and became still].
THIS SAME GOD, THE LORD OF ALL THE HOSTS OF THE HEAVENS, IS WITH US! The God of Jacob is [even now] our refuge [our fortress and our high tower].
Selah, (pause, and think calmly of that!)
3rd Verse
COME! COME behold the works of the Lord, Who has wrought desolation and wonders in the earth [by making] wars to cease to the end of the earth; [it is God] Who breaks the bows into pieces and snaps the spear in two; [it is God] Who burns the chariots in the fire!
... Now comes that verse we’ve been looking at, and here is the translation:
LET BE, AND BE STILL, in order to KNOW - recognize and understand - that I AM GOD! [Regardless of the present outlook] I WILL BE EXALTED AMONG THE NATIONS! I WILL BE EXALTED IN THE EARTH!
And so we reach the close...
THIS SAME GOD, THE LORD OF ALL THE HOSTS OF THE HEAVENS, IS WITH US! The God of Jacob is [even now] our refuge [our fortress and our high tower].
Selah, (pause, and think calmly of that!)
What a mighty song! What a powerful hope!
So, today, right now, think about THIS specific song for just a moment. What in your life today, makes this song transcend others? What memories of days gone by come to mind? Is it a song who’s message will speak to you when you are driving in your car, sitting in a coffee shop or restaurant, shopping or engaged in any other endeavor? Can your heart immediately, in spite of all the distractions that surround us, the wars, the financial upheavals, uncertainties of life, leap for joy? Have you, have WE, personally identified with the God of THIS song?
There is a powerful call to action within this song, "COME!" That call is still in affect today as we see expressed in the New Testament:
Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." - John 14:6
All that the Father gives me will COME to me, and whoever COMES to me I will never cast out. - John 6:37
How can we accept this promise?
I and the Father are one. - John 10:30
Awaiting and looking for the [fulfillment, the realization of our] blessed hope, even the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Christ Jesus, the Messiah, the Anointed One; Who gave Himself on our behalf that He might redeem us (purchase our freedom from all iniquity and purify for Himself a people - to be particularly His Own - [people who are] eager and enthusiastic about [living a life that is good and filled with beneficial deeds]. - Titus 2:13
Being still, amid the torrents of life, in order to know and recognize that God is still in control and forever will be, brings a peace that passes all understanding;
Selah, (pause, and think calmly of that!)
God bless!
I’d never really given it much thought. I always thought it was obvious; there are times in life when we are to be still and “wait upon the Lord”. We are to turn over to God whatever concerns we are currently facing and stop doubting Him. We are not to be anxious but on the contrary we are to be “quiet” like the dawn of the early morning - before anyone is even aware. Perhaps an even more direct interpretation is appropriate, SHUT UP and know that I am God ... PERIOD!
Allow me to digress for a moment. Do you have a favorite song? I mean a song that touches the core of your being and speaks to your heart every time you hear it? What song is it? Think about that specific song for just a moment. What in your life, makes that song transcend others? What memories come to mind? How is it that when you are driving in your car, sitting in a coffee shop or restaurant, shopping or engaged in any other endeavor, and ever-so-faintly in the background the introduction to that song begins, and your heart immediately, in spite of all the distractions, leaps for joy? How have you so personally identified with that song? What is the application you have made with it’s message, to your life? Why is it so personal? Think about it for just a moment. When you have, read on....
Psalm 46:10 was, most likely, featured on Israel’s “Top 100 Greatest Hits!” It is, in fact, a song. It has three distinct verses and a refrain so beautifully interwoven with the song’s message that it no doubt stirred the hearts of all who heard. The song goes something like this:
1st Verse
GOD is our refuge and strength [mighty and impenetrable to temptation] a very PRESENT and WELL PROVED help in trouble.
Not a bad way to start a song, is it?
As a result of this proven fact, we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains be shaken into the midst of the seas; though it’s waters roar and foam and though the remaining mountains tremble at it’s swelling and tumult...
Selah, (pause, and think calmly of that!)
2nd Verse
There is a [mighty river] and the individual streams that spring from it refresh and make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the Most High!
GOD is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved! GOD will [already be] helping her right early [at the dawn of the morning; before anyone is even aware]. Although the nations rage [as nations do and forever will] and kingdoms tottered and were moved [as they always will]; GOD uttered His voice and by the power of His voice, the earth melted [all the calamity quieted and became still].
THIS SAME GOD, THE LORD OF ALL THE HOSTS OF THE HEAVENS, IS WITH US! The God of Jacob is [even now] our refuge [our fortress and our high tower].
Selah, (pause, and think calmly of that!)
3rd Verse
COME! COME behold the works of the Lord, Who has wrought desolation and wonders in the earth [by making] wars to cease to the end of the earth; [it is God] Who breaks the bows into pieces and snaps the spear in two; [it is God] Who burns the chariots in the fire!
... Now comes that verse we’ve been looking at, and here is the translation:
LET BE, AND BE STILL, in order to KNOW - recognize and understand - that I AM GOD! [Regardless of the present outlook] I WILL BE EXALTED AMONG THE NATIONS! I WILL BE EXALTED IN THE EARTH!
And so we reach the close...
THIS SAME GOD, THE LORD OF ALL THE HOSTS OF THE HEAVENS, IS WITH US! The God of Jacob is [even now] our refuge [our fortress and our high tower].
Selah, (pause, and think calmly of that!)
What a mighty song! What a powerful hope!
So, today, right now, think about THIS specific song for just a moment. What in your life today, makes this song transcend others? What memories of days gone by come to mind? Is it a song who’s message will speak to you when you are driving in your car, sitting in a coffee shop or restaurant, shopping or engaged in any other endeavor? Can your heart immediately, in spite of all the distractions that surround us, the wars, the financial upheavals, uncertainties of life, leap for joy? Have you, have WE, personally identified with the God of THIS song?
There is a powerful call to action within this song, "COME!" That call is still in affect today as we see expressed in the New Testament:
Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." - John 14:6
All that the Father gives me will COME to me, and whoever COMES to me I will never cast out. - John 6:37
How can we accept this promise?
I and the Father are one. - John 10:30
Awaiting and looking for the [fulfillment, the realization of our] blessed hope, even the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Christ Jesus, the Messiah, the Anointed One; Who gave Himself on our behalf that He might redeem us (purchase our freedom from all iniquity and purify for Himself a people - to be particularly His Own - [people who are] eager and enthusiastic about [living a life that is good and filled with beneficial deeds]. - Titus 2:13
Being still, amid the torrents of life, in order to know and recognize that God is still in control and forever will be, brings a peace that passes all understanding;
Selah, (pause, and think calmly of that!)
God bless!
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
An Accident?
Have you ever wondered whether or not you popped onto the scene by accident? Perhaps God blinked - BINGO; there you were! Perhaps through no fault of your own you arrived unexpectedly. Oops! Now what?
Did your arrival force God to do some fancy footwork? Has He had time to fit you into His original plan; does He care to? Is He even aware that you exist? Are you destined to remain a wandering generality or is it possible for you to become a meaningful specific?
Thousands of such questions go through the minds of countless individuals. They secretly haunt and they often taunt. Left unanswered they rob individuals of purpose and personal fulfillment. Taking matters into their own hands, individuals often recoil into a self-imposed and lonely vacuum - thereby correcting “the accident” by seemingly not existing at all....
Perhaps you were “given up” for adoption, maybe you were unplanned, possibly born out of wedlock. Perhaps your biological parents were separated before you were born or maybe you don’t even know who they are. On the other side of the coin, perhaps you were born into a family that, for all intent and purpose, appears to be the solid bedrock of your community. You have no logical reason for feeling detached. Nevertheless, you do. Your loneliness and unanswered questions are very real to you.
I’ve got some good news! No, I didn’t say I have the answer. I said I have some good news - and it might be just enough to give you new hope.
You may not fully comprehend it yet but you were created in the heart and mind of God long before you were ever fashioned through the biological instrument of man. I want to say this once again because I know you are having difficulty believing it. You were created in the heart and mind of God LONG BEFORE you were ever fashioned through the biological instrument of man.
I know, I know; you’ve heard it before. Well meaning people have tried to encourage you. You’re not sure if they really believe it themselves or if they are simply attempting to modify your life so that they can be more comfortable in theirs. But, you’ve concluded that it is better to keep your feelings hidden rather than to cause those you love to be frustrated by your emotions. Right? You’ve reasoned that expressing your needs just serves to create more of a problem than it’s worth....
The specific circumstance surrounding your birth may not appear Divine but consider for a moment the circumstances surrounding God’s original creation of mankind. Consider, from Adam’s point of view, the circumstances surrounding his creation.
Did God begin His creation of Adam by stretching forth His hand and gathering just a bit of the sparkle from one of His newly created stars? Did He gently blend in the purity of a drop of dew, the warmth of the sun and calm of a cool breeze to bring Adam into existence? God certainly could have. Each was in existence - and we are told in the Bible that God had already proclaimed that each was good.
Listen carefully. There is an important message here. It is written specifically to those who might question their existence. It is for you! Imagine that. The very first story of the Bible is a story for YOU! Sounds like it might be important enough to take a second look at, wouldn’t you say?
God did not use the sparkle of a star, the purity of a drop of dew, the warmth of the sun the calm of a cool breeze or the beauty of all creation to bring Adam into existence. Almighty God chose to gather a hand full of plain old dirt to fashion Adam into His own image. Now, how do you think Adam felt about that? Not much to brag about was it?
So, maybe Adam deserves a little empathy here. Doesn’t he have cause to question his importance? I mean, after all, consider the Divine order of creation. He was made of dirt, and created LAST! Why didn’t God create Adam first, and allow him to observe creation from a vantage point in heaven? Did Adam have reason to feel that he too was perhaps just an afterthought?
Consider also that although Adam’s place of residence was a garden paradise, created by the very hand of God, his first recorded emotion was loneliness.
Can you identify a little bit with Adam?
Isn’t it amazing? Adam had no mother or father to turn to. He was totally dependent upon God and God’s Divine purpose. And although Adam walked in the very presence of Almighty God, he still felt a sense of loneliness. God didn’t label Adam as ungrateful. God lovingly filled the void in Adam’s life by creating Eve. You see, He’d planned for Adam’s need all along. God has a funny way of doing those kind of things; planning ahead and filling voids....
You know, it’s not unusual for God to express His love through circumstances we might consider to be inferior. Wasn’t it a humble manger that became the birthplace for the King of Kings? Wasn’t it a vile cross from which the cries of final victory were shouted? Wasn’t it a tomb (on temporary loan of course), from which death was defeated and life eternal was made possible for all who would believe?
Let me get to the point. God does not hold us accountable for how we got here. Our arrival was known to Him from eternity past. He lovingly made provision to fill the spiritual, emotional, physical and social needs of our lives and to give us purpose. Most important, He still desires fellowship with us - on a continual, forever basis. And since the physical circumstances of our birth may haunt and taunt us, His provision for us includes a new birth - through His son, Jesus.
You are not the end result of a moment of weakness, a painful memory or hurtful circumstance. You are quite the opposite. You are the physical expression of His love. You are an individual; a person of great potential for fellowship with Him to enjoy His plan for your life and to share His love with others. Through His birth, you are a meaningful specific. You are living proof that when yielded to His love and creative power, life has new meaning and purpose.
So, when those times of insecurity creep into your heart (and because we are human they certainly will), remember that there are no accidents with God. He is never caught off guard or by surprise, and He values you so much that He gave Himself so that He might enjoy fellowship with you forever!
God bless!
Did your arrival force God to do some fancy footwork? Has He had time to fit you into His original plan; does He care to? Is He even aware that you exist? Are you destined to remain a wandering generality or is it possible for you to become a meaningful specific?
Thousands of such questions go through the minds of countless individuals. They secretly haunt and they often taunt. Left unanswered they rob individuals of purpose and personal fulfillment. Taking matters into their own hands, individuals often recoil into a self-imposed and lonely vacuum - thereby correcting “the accident” by seemingly not existing at all....
Perhaps you were “given up” for adoption, maybe you were unplanned, possibly born out of wedlock. Perhaps your biological parents were separated before you were born or maybe you don’t even know who they are. On the other side of the coin, perhaps you were born into a family that, for all intent and purpose, appears to be the solid bedrock of your community. You have no logical reason for feeling detached. Nevertheless, you do. Your loneliness and unanswered questions are very real to you.
I’ve got some good news! No, I didn’t say I have the answer. I said I have some good news - and it might be just enough to give you new hope.
You may not fully comprehend it yet but you were created in the heart and mind of God long before you were ever fashioned through the biological instrument of man. I want to say this once again because I know you are having difficulty believing it. You were created in the heart and mind of God LONG BEFORE you were ever fashioned through the biological instrument of man.
I know, I know; you’ve heard it before. Well meaning people have tried to encourage you. You’re not sure if they really believe it themselves or if they are simply attempting to modify your life so that they can be more comfortable in theirs. But, you’ve concluded that it is better to keep your feelings hidden rather than to cause those you love to be frustrated by your emotions. Right? You’ve reasoned that expressing your needs just serves to create more of a problem than it’s worth....
The specific circumstance surrounding your birth may not appear Divine but consider for a moment the circumstances surrounding God’s original creation of mankind. Consider, from Adam’s point of view, the circumstances surrounding his creation.
Did God begin His creation of Adam by stretching forth His hand and gathering just a bit of the sparkle from one of His newly created stars? Did He gently blend in the purity of a drop of dew, the warmth of the sun and calm of a cool breeze to bring Adam into existence? God certainly could have. Each was in existence - and we are told in the Bible that God had already proclaimed that each was good.
Listen carefully. There is an important message here. It is written specifically to those who might question their existence. It is for you! Imagine that. The very first story of the Bible is a story for YOU! Sounds like it might be important enough to take a second look at, wouldn’t you say?
God did not use the sparkle of a star, the purity of a drop of dew, the warmth of the sun the calm of a cool breeze or the beauty of all creation to bring Adam into existence. Almighty God chose to gather a hand full of plain old dirt to fashion Adam into His own image. Now, how do you think Adam felt about that? Not much to brag about was it?
So, maybe Adam deserves a little empathy here. Doesn’t he have cause to question his importance? I mean, after all, consider the Divine order of creation. He was made of dirt, and created LAST! Why didn’t God create Adam first, and allow him to observe creation from a vantage point in heaven? Did Adam have reason to feel that he too was perhaps just an afterthought?
Consider also that although Adam’s place of residence was a garden paradise, created by the very hand of God, his first recorded emotion was loneliness.
Can you identify a little bit with Adam?
Isn’t it amazing? Adam had no mother or father to turn to. He was totally dependent upon God and God’s Divine purpose. And although Adam walked in the very presence of Almighty God, he still felt a sense of loneliness. God didn’t label Adam as ungrateful. God lovingly filled the void in Adam’s life by creating Eve. You see, He’d planned for Adam’s need all along. God has a funny way of doing those kind of things; planning ahead and filling voids....
You know, it’s not unusual for God to express His love through circumstances we might consider to be inferior. Wasn’t it a humble manger that became the birthplace for the King of Kings? Wasn’t it a vile cross from which the cries of final victory were shouted? Wasn’t it a tomb (on temporary loan of course), from which death was defeated and life eternal was made possible for all who would believe?
Let me get to the point. God does not hold us accountable for how we got here. Our arrival was known to Him from eternity past. He lovingly made provision to fill the spiritual, emotional, physical and social needs of our lives and to give us purpose. Most important, He still desires fellowship with us - on a continual, forever basis. And since the physical circumstances of our birth may haunt and taunt us, His provision for us includes a new birth - through His son, Jesus.
You are not the end result of a moment of weakness, a painful memory or hurtful circumstance. You are quite the opposite. You are the physical expression of His love. You are an individual; a person of great potential for fellowship with Him to enjoy His plan for your life and to share His love with others. Through His birth, you are a meaningful specific. You are living proof that when yielded to His love and creative power, life has new meaning and purpose.
So, when those times of insecurity creep into your heart (and because we are human they certainly will), remember that there are no accidents with God. He is never caught off guard or by surprise, and He values you so much that He gave Himself so that He might enjoy fellowship with you forever!
God bless!
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