Jesus

"But he was pierced for our transgressions,

he was crushed for our iniquities;

the punishment that brought us peace was upon him,

and by his wounds we are healed.

We all, like sheep, have gone astray,

each of us has turned to his own way;

and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all."

Isaiah 53:5-6

Easter is approaching fast and many of our minds are turning to thoughts of Easter bunnies, Easter bonnets, Easter dresses, Easter Eggs or the delicious Easter buffet.  All of these things have the power to distract from the Truth that is central to the holiday.  

What is the Truth?  I need a Savior to mend my broken relationship with my Father.  I need a Savior to deliver me from the punishment my sins deserve.  I need a Savior to save me from myself.

"God made him who had no sin to be a sin offering for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."  (2 Corinthians 5:21)  

Jesus Christ is my Savior, and He is who I celebrate this Easter.

In All Things

Eggs are a symbol of new life.  As such, it seems appropriate to include them in my celebration of the new life I now enjoy through faith in Jesus Christ.  

Dying eggs, hiding them for a neighborhood Easter egg hunt or giving them as gifts to my loved ones all are appropriate ways of celebrating Jesus' death and resurrection.  An egg is a perfect window of opportunity to teach the gospel to others. 

In the same way that a baby chick can burst forth from an egg, beginning it's new life, God can break me out of my old life of sin and into a new life of righteousness when I appoint Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior.  This is done through faith, not by anything I do.  Salvation is a free gift offered by a loving God.  

I don't have to do away with secular traditions as long as I bring my faith into them.  Meaning can be given to any custom in order to use it as a vehicle to point to Christ.   

Through All Things

Life came through Jesus, both the physical and the spiritual.  John 1:3 says that, "Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made."  I would never have been born from my mother's womb if it wasn't for Jesus.  

Likewise, I would not have been born again into a new spiritual life if it wasn't for the sacrifice Jesus made in dying on the cross.  Through His death, I have been offered life.

As I prepare for Easter, I can continually turn my thoughts toward the One through whom all things are given life.  

For all Things  

I like to think this world exists for my sake.  My pride encourages me to think that God made me  so that I can live to please myself, worship myself and focus on myself.  After all, He wants me to be happy, to fulfill my desires and to take care of myself, doesn't He?

Colossians 1:16 reminds me that, "all things were created by him and for him."  I am here for Jesus' sake, not for my own.  As Pastor Rick Warren begins the message of his book The Purpose Drive Life, "It's not about you."

This means that He wants everything I do to point to Him, to fulfill His desires and to rely on Him for my physical, emotional and spiritual needs.  

Easter is the perfect time to do all things for my Savior instead of for myself.

There are many things to distract me from the central truth of Easter.  But I don't have to let these diversions turn me away from the unspeakable sacrifice Jesus made for me.  I can make Him a part of all things, I can constantly remember all things come through Him, and I can do everything for Him.  

Then I will truly be celebrating Easter!

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can keep my eyes on Jesus.

What distracts me from Jesus, especially at Easter time?

How can I dedicate this Easter solely to my Savior?

Who is in Control?

"Humble yourselves, therefore,

under God's mighty hand,

that he may lift you up in due time.

Cast all your anxiety on him

because he cares for you."

1 Peter 5:6-7

"I can't do it anymore." These words slipped from my friend's mouth amidst the streaming tears as she poured out her heartache.  She was giving her all to her family, but they were showing nothing but contempt and ingratitude.  Defeat was written all over her face.

As we spoke, poring over scripture and submitting ourselves to God, an amazing transformation took place.  Hopelessness turned to faith.  Despair became optimism.  Defeat was transformed into triumph.  The Holy Spirit was at work.

This kind of progression can be studied in the book of Psalms where David began by crying out to God in despair and ended by praising Him in a spirit of great hope and worshipfulness.  Only God's Spirit can create this dramatic transformation in a person's soul.  

Control

I can make it work, I just need to try harder.  I don't know if you've ever said this to yourself, but I have many times.  Whether it be in trying to control my temper, accomplishing tasks throughout the day, or in strengthening my marriage, the fact remains that I am not the one in control.  

Pastor and writer Dick Rasanen shares this desire to be in command as a prayer.  "Dear God, I find it so easy to try to be the one in charge.  I find it so painful to realize that I am not the one in control.  Help me know when saying "I just work here" that it is a confession and not just a way of evading responsibility."

Isaiah 40 is a good place to start in reminding myself where I stand in the scheme of things.  "All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field.  The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the LORD blows on them.  Surely the people are grass.  The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever." (v 6-8)  

I am small and fragile in comparison to the mighty, everlasting God who created me!  How can I hope to control anything?

God's message through the prophet Isaiah continues with, "Who has understood the mind of the LORD, or instructed him as his counselor?  Whom did the LORD consult to enlighten him, and who taught him the right way?  Who was it that taught him knowledge or showed him the path of understanding?" (v 13-14)  Not only am I feeble and frail, but I have no comprehension of the workings of things.  

As if that's not enough, God then reminds me of his power as compared to my weakness. "Do you not know?  Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.  He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.  He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak." (v 28-29)  God will never say, "I can't do it anymore."

God is better equipped to remain in control than am I.  

Humble

Even though it is painfully clear that I am ill-equipped and completely unable to direct my own paths, there is a little something called "pride" that drives me to try anyway.  

My pride says I have something to do with my own destiny, whether negative or positive.  My pride pushes my own desires, hurts, and problems to the forefront and all else to the background.  My pride won't let me forget myself.

Humility, however, helps me to realize the truth that God directs my footsteps. Humility elevates others' desires, hurts and problems to the same level of importance as my own.  Humility allows me to forget myself and my desire to defend my reputation, thinking only of God and His Name.

The crazy thing about humility is that if I feel in a rut, if it seems I'm in a pit so deep that I can't climb out, if I think that I can't get any lower, the answer is to lower myself to a position that recognizes that I am nothing without my Creator.  I must admit that all I have, all I am, all I own is a gift from God.  

When I have bowed before the Lord as low as I can get, with my face in the dirt, He does something amazing.  As James wrote in Chapter 4 verse 10 of his letter to God's people scattered throughout the region, "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up." 

It runs counter to my understanding to lower myself in order to be lifted up, but the key lies in Who is doing the elevating.

Yield

I encounter the familiar red triangular sign quite often when driving around my town.  My first instinct when pulling up beside it is to think how I can dart out into traffic without having to wait.  In reality, this sign means, "it is (my) responsibility to slow down, look to the right and left and yield to oncoming traffic." *

As a driver, I am under the authority of the law of the land.  If the sign says "Yield", then I must let the other cars go first or I am at risk of earning a ticket from a law enforcement official.  

In the same way, I must surrender to and submit to God as the ultimate authority in my life.  Since He says to yield to Him, I must let Him go first, allowing Him to lead the way in my life. 

As David said in Psalm 25:8-9, "Good and upright is the LORD; therefore he instructs sinners in his ways.  He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way."  Submitting myself to God means yielding to his authority and power in every part of my life and letting Him have His way.  

God has all the answers if I would only yield to His power.

My friend was right, she can't do it anymore.  She never could, and neither can I.  Instead, I can recognize that God is the One who is in control of all things.  I can humble myself before Him, giving me the ability to yield to His Spirit as Lord of my life.

Now I can do it, because it is God who is working it out through me!

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I will recognize God's dominion over all things.

When do I fall into a pit as I focus only on the mess that is all around me instead of on the great power of God?

In what areas do I rely on my own feeble strength instead of submitting to God's undying strength?

* http://www.scdmvonline.com/DMVNew/forms/Signs.pdf

Blessed to be a Blessing

"I will make you into a great nation

and I will bless you;

I will make your name great,

and you will be a blessing."

Genesis 12:2

Peter Parker's Uncle Ben said, "With great power comes great responsibility."  As Spider-man's influence grew, this wisdom became a guiding principle upon which he based his life.  

Similarly, we are kin to the man who was blessed to be a blessing.  Abraham received this promise of blessing not for his own benefit.  No!  It was for the profit of many who would receive salvation through faith in his ancestor, Jesus Christ. 

As the Apostle Paul taught in Galatians 3:14, "Through Christ Jesus, God has blessed the Gentiles with the same blessing he promised to Abraham, so that we who are believers might receive the promised Holy Spirit through faith." (NLT)

We certainly are a blessed people!  Like Abraham, however, the blessing is not just for my benefit.  I have a great responsibility to be a blessing to others.

Give Generously

I have a friend who is demonstrates generous giving in her daily life.  If someone compliments her on a scarf or on any possession in her home, she immediately gives that item away.  Her thought is that God has blessed her with an over-abundance and she desires to spread the wealth to others.  

There are two things that happen when I give liberally like my friend.  The needs of others are met and they are in turn compelled to give thanks to God.  (2 Corinthians 9:12)  But it is more than just giving things away.  It is a spirit or attitude of generosity that pleases God, for He "loves a cheerful giver." (v 7)

I am blessed with 24 hours in a day.  I can easily use up most of that time in selfish pursuits, or I can give more time in helping others, sharing the Gospel, or loving my neighbor.

I am blessed with a roof over my head.  I can easily use that to benefit myself and my family, or I can share it with others by using it as a base for ministry.  Bible studies, sharing meals and taking care of children are some of the ways I could share my home with those around me.  

I am blessed with an abundance of income.  It is easy to lament the state of my finances, but in comparison to the rest of the world, every American is considered to be rich.  We have more than we need and often spend that surplus on unneeded luxury items.  I can easily use my abundance to pursue my own comfort and pleasure, or I could sacrifice some of those extras in order to benefit someone who is suffering for lack of clean water or adequate food.  

Giving generously is a way I can pass the blessing on to others.

Praise Perpetually

Most of the time I think of praising God as a part of the worship time at church on Sundays or for when I recognize a good thing in my life.  But because of the great hope we have through faith in Jesus, we are called to, "continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise--the fruit of lips that confess his name." (Hebrews 13:15)

Praising God perpetually means I could continually hold the goodness of God before me, remembering and acknowledging His hand in every part of my life.  

When the traffic backs up and I am late, I can remember that He is in control and He will get me where I need to go in His time.  Praise God that I run by His clock, not my own.  

When everything seems to be going wrong and I am overwhelmed with life, I can remember His goodness and mercy in granting me another day to live and another breath to take. Praise God that His plan prevails, not my own.

When I feel tired and worthless, I can remember that He is tireless and worthy and His strength will get me through.  Praise God that when I am weak, then I am strong.

Praising God means keeping Him at the forefront of my mind and remembering to lift His name on high in all situations, even when I don't feel like it.   After all, who wants to be around a grump?

Holding an attitude of perpetual praise will change my outlook as I keep my focus on the Lord, benefiting all who come in contact with me.  

Serve Sacrificially

I am constantly bombarded with opportunities to serve.  There are Sunday School classes to teach, nurseries to supervise, snacks to prepare, bulletins to distribute, bathrooms to clean, floors to vacuum, sound equipment to operate. . . the list goes on.  

I can easily give my time, talents and money in ways that I think are beneficial and even sacrificial.  But if I don't bring God into the decision making process, if I simply do what I think I should do, I am missing the point. . . and wearing myself out.

Everything I do should be done out of obedience to the calling of God on my life.  

King Saul had a problem with following directions.  God gave him specific instructions to completely destroy the Amelekites and to leave no human or animal living.  Saul, however, did things His way.  He captured the King Agag alive as well as many sheep and cattle, the best of which he planned to offer as sacrifice to God.  The Lord told him through Samuel that, "To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams." (1 Samuel 15:22)

I can do many things that seem noble and righteous in my own eyes.  There was nothing wrong in general with taking plunder as Saul did.  What was wrong was that He didn't follow God's calling on his life.  God told him to do specific things, and he ignored those instructions.

What has God placed on my heart to do that I have ignored?  Reaching out to my neighbor?  Starting a Bible study?  Sharing the Gospel with a co-worker?  Sending notes of encouragement?  Whatever it is, if I don't do that one thing,  I am living in a state of disobedience to God just as much as Saul was.   And no amount of selfless service can make up for that.

One of my purposes is to serve, as Jesus said in Mark 10:45.  "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."  But that service must be out of obedience to God.  Even Jesus said He, ". . .can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does."  (John 5:19)

I am called to serve in a way that takes time and effort, but only where I see God already working around me, not out of a sense of obligation.  If I simply do what seems good to me, my service is no different than the work done by any other civic organization.  But if I do what God is calling me to do, compelled by His love, He will supernaturally work through me.

Serving sacrificially out of obedience to God will result in His power spilling over into many other lives.

 Just as Abraham received a blessing so that many would be blessed through him, we too are blessed in order to bless others.  By giving generously, praising perpetually and serving sacrificially out of obedience to God, others will benefit. . . and God will be pleased! 

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I will keep God at the forefront of my mind throughout my day.

How do I hoard my time or money for myself or my family?

Am I doing too much out of obligation and not out of obedience?

Walk by Night

"Then he said to his disciples,

"Let us go back to Judea."

"But Rabbi," they said,

"A short while ago the Jews tried to stone you,

and yet you are going back there?"

Jesus answered,

"Are there not twelve hours of daylight?

A man who walks by day will not stumble,

for he sees by his world's light.

It is when he walks by night that he stumbles,

for he has no light."

John 11:7-10

"Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase."

Martin Luther King, Jr., preacher and leader of the American Civil Rights Movement from 1955 until his assassination in 1968, knew a little something about faith.  His nonviolent methods produced dramatic progress toward the goal of racial equality in America even though he was met with violent resistance every step of the way.  The above quote illustrates how Dr King's faith in the God who held the master plan for his life gave him the courage to continue in his mission even though common sense would tell him to stop.

Likewise, Joseph spent 13 years suffering at the hand of one oppressor or another from the time his brothers sold him into slavery until he was surprisingly placed in a position of second in command of the entire country of Egypt.   

The natural response to years of suppression would be hopelessness, anger and bitterness.  Joseph, however, was able to say to his brothers when they stood before him years later, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." (Genesis 50:20)  Only faith in God could produce that kind of forgiveness.

Faith asks us to do that which seems impossible in the light of our own understanding.

Love

Most people think of affection between two people who are irresistibly drawn to each other as love.  But love is more complicated than that.  As my pastor says, "Love is a decision, not a feeling."

I can act on my feelings of irritation toward the cashier with the nasty attitude, or I can choose to kindly ask her about her day.  I am easily able to lash out in frustration at my family when they get under my skin, or I can instead decide to extend the love that Jesus demonstrated to me when He died for me, a rebel to His cause.  The temptation is strong to write a friend off who consistently treats me like dirt, or I can take the way out God has provided and instead treat them like my best friend.  

Jesus told a parable that gives us a clear picture of how God calls us to love.  A man had been brutally beaten and left to die along the side of a road.  Several people walked by, but none stopped to help.  Even the church people who should know better took a wide berth around the poor man, more worried about their own holiness than this man's welfare.  His lifeblood was seeping out onto the dry, sun-baked road as he faded in and out of consciousness.  Won't somebody help me? he thought.

Finally, a man despised by many in the region took pity upon the wounded man and took him to the nearest inn, nursing him back to health.  This outcast went out of his way to make sure his patient was going to survive, going so far as to leave money to help.  Surprisingly, this good Samaritan had shown love to those who had never treated him kindly.  

Love means reassuring an hysterical friend for the umpteenth time when I have a million other things that I'd rather be doing .  Love means taking a chance and offering a kind word to those who have never been kind to me.  Love sometimes means hugging a prickly porcupine. 

Only a faith in God would enable me to love those who may not love me back.

Forgive

I've heard it said that forgiveness is letting go of the desire to seek justice and instead placing that responsibility in God's hands.  If someone wrongs me, I want to make sure that person knows how much they hurt me.  In the process, I grow angry and bitter.  

When I let go of that longing for retribution and instead let God handle the situation, I am free from that heavy burden.  This is not natural.  Forgiveness doesn't make sense to my human way of thinking.  Letting go of hurts is difficult.

But God is the God of the impossible.  

The most striking example of forgiveness in all of human history took place 2000 years ago on a hill called Golgotha in Jerusalem.  It was there that Jesus chose to give His life as a ransom for many, buying my freedom from the punishment God requires for my own sins. 

In this way I receive forgiveness for all of my wrongdoings, all my prideful attitudes, all my rebellious ways.  God, in His great mercy, made a way through the shedding of blood by His perfect Son for me to experience forgiveness.  I don't deserve this forgiveness.  I can't earn this forgiveness.  I don't understand this forgiveness.

Since I am forgiven in such a permanent, perplexing and powerful way, how can I do any less than to show forgiveness for a harsh word, a cruel act, or a rude gesture?  I can't.  I must rise to the occasion, and forgive as I have been forgiven.  

Faith in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior means I accept the gift of forgiveness, and freely pass it on to those around me.    

Extending Grace

I am pretty good at judging others.  I have to confess that it comes naturally for me to point out the wrongdoings of those round me.  This kind of attitude makes it difficult for me to look beyond my comfort zone and hang out with those who are steeped in sin.  

Jesus is a friend of sinners.  When He was here on earth He was often found hanging out with tax collectors and prostitutes, those who were despised by the Jewish society and shunned by church people.  But Jesus ate with them.  He listened to them.  He befriended them.

Jesus told a parable about a man with two sons.  The first son at first said he wouldn't work in the fields, then he later changed his mind and went.  The second son said he would go, but he did not.  Everyone listening agreed that the first son did as his father wanted.  Then He went on to say, "I tell you the truth, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you." (Matthew 21:31)  

You see, it's all about my heart.  If I am willing to look at my sinful state and realize my need for a Savior, then I can accept His free gift of salvation offered through the grace of God.  Once I do, I must extend that grace to others.  If I refuse, I am turning my back on the very ones who need it most.

Only faith would enable me not to judge others based on their lifestyle, actions or outward appearance, but instead offering them the same grace I was given.

It takes faith to take that first step into the darkness, unsure as to whether my foot will find solid ground.  In the words of Oswald Chambers, "Faith is not intelligent understanding, faith is deliberate commitment to a Person where I see no way."  

 When I trust God to work through me, going against my better judgment, I will be able to love the unlovable, forgive the unforgiving, and extend grace to those who are living an ungracious life.  How can I do any less in light of what Jesus did for me?

As I begin this day, it is my prayer that I will empty myself of me and allow your love, mercy and grace to overflow to all those around me.

How do I depend on my own sense of right and wrong instead of leaving it in God's hands?

When am I hard on people who are hard on me?

Know Him. . . and Make Him Known

"You see, we don't go around preaching about ourselves.

We preach that Jesus Christ is Lord,

and we ourselves are your servants for Jesus' sake.

For God, who said, "Let there be light in the darkness,"

has made this light shine in our hearts 

so we could know the glory of God 

that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ."

2 Corinthians 4:5-6

Mother Teresa, a woman who gave her life to the poor and unwanted in the slums of Calcutta, India is known to have said the following:

"I follow Christ: Jesus is my God, Jesus is my Spouse, Jesus is my Life, Jesus is my only Love, Jesus is my All in All, Jesus is my Everything."  All she did was for the sake of Jesus and out of her love for Him.  

If I held that same passion and all-consuming love, how would my life change?

Motives

I have always been curious as to what drives people to do the things they do, whether they be serial killers or missionaries.  One thing every person has in common is motivation.  Our motivation differs, but we each do things for a reason, whether it be good or bad, noble or low, selfless or selfish.  All action is as a result of some belief, emotion, or reaction. 

If Jesus were my only motivation for choosing which activities, work and amusement I take part in each day, what would remain from my current schedule?  Would I still be so adamant about daily exercise?  Would checking my Facebook be a priority?  How important would maintaining a clean house fall in the scheme of things?  

In the light of Jesus, would I still decide to work overtime in order to earn a little extra money, or would I spend time with my children?  If Jesus were my everything, would I stick to my schedule or would I welcome the interruption of someone stopping by to chat?   If Jesus was the only fuel that fired my engine, would I still place so much emphasis on success?

I don't have the answers, but I know where to find them.  God's Word has much to say about what drives me as a follower of Christ.  In Philippians 3:8-9a I find Paul saying that, "everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.  For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him."  (NLT)

If my love for Jesus drove me, He would be the only thing in my vision.  Jesus would be the glasses I look through, tainting the landscape with His love.  I would no longer be concerned about my safety, my comfort, my welfare or my accomplishments.  Instead, I would only be concerned with whoever He places in my path and how I can point her to Jesus.  My primary motive would be to love those around me as a tiny example of how Jesus loves me.  My attitude would be one of humility as I desire to make Jesus known.

Action driven by a love for Jesus brings glory to Him.

Mind

My brain is filled with many things; annoying jingles, mindless trivia, scheduling details, things to do, problems to solve. . . oh yes, and the occasional thought about God and His Word.

God has made Himself known to me through faith in Jesus Christ.  It is possible to grow closer to my Creator and to fill my mind with His Word.  Because of this, I have the option to worship Him in all I do.

My mind could be filled with other things besides the trivial, seemingly-important things of this world.  As Thomas R. Kelly said, "Walk and talk and work and laugh with your friends, but behind the scenes, keep up the life of simple prayer and inward worship."  

How would my life change is my mind were to be preoccupied with thoughts of Jesus, thanks to Jesus and adoration of Jesus?  As it says in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, "Always be joyful.  Never stop praying.  Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus." (NLT)

If my mind were absorbed in Jesus, all other things would take their rightful place as insignificant.  

Jesus has a way of putting things in perspective; transforming my mind to His point-of-view.

Light

When God created the world, the first thing He created was light.  It shone into the darkness, illuminating what was once formless and empty.  After light was created, there was possibility. There was day.  There was hope.  

Jesus also claimed to be the Light.  He said, "I am the light of the world.  If you follow me, you won't have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life." (John 18:12 NLT)  Jesus truly gives me hope because if I follow Him, I will inherit eternal life.  

Now the One who first created light and sent His Son, who is Himself Light, has placed this light within me.  The light of Jesus shines within my heart, illuminating things that should not be there, and piercing through the darkness that is all around me.  Because of this great light, I have the hope of heaven, but also the joy of knowing a bit about the glory of God.

Moses wanted to see God's glory, but God said he'd only be able to tolerate seeing the backside of his goodness for no one could look upon the face of God and live.  But we have the opportunity to experience the glory of God in the face of Jesus.  His light lives within us waiting to shine out upon all with whom we come in contact.  

As John the Baptist said, "He must become greater, I must become less." (John 3:30) John's mission was to direct attention to the coming Messiah.  My mission is similar; to point to the risen Savior, Jesus Christ my Lord.    

The light of Jesus that is within me shines out to the world around me, as long as I am not in the way.  

Mother Teresa is a great inspiration.  The secret of her amazing life is found in her motives, her mind and the Light that was within her.  The same can be with me, if I will only give Jesus His rightful place as Lord of my life.

As I begin this day, it is my prayer that I will consciously make Jesus Lord.

What other things, people or activities are lord in some areas of my life?

How can Jesus be my Everything today?

Pass it On

"We love each other

because he loved us first."

1 John 4:19 NLT 

"Remember, the Lord forgave you,

so you must forgive others."

Colossians 3:13 NLT

Worship songs are meant to draw us into praise, adoration and reverence for God and His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.  Many times, the lyrics will hit me in a deep and meaningful way, drawing tears to my eyes as I am faced with the Truth.  One such time happened yesterday as we sang these lyrics by Jordan Kauflin.

I once was lost in darkest night, Yet thought I knew the way,

The sin that promised joy and life, Had led me to the grave,

I had no hope that You would own, A rebel to Your will,

And if You had not love me first, I would refuse You still

But as I ran my hell-bound race, Indifferent to the cost,

You looked upon my helpless state, And led me to the cross,

And I beheld God's love displayed, You suffered in my place,

You bore the wrath reserved for me, Now all I know is grace.

Hallelujah!  All I have is Christ.   Hallelujah!  Jesus is my life.

Now, Lord, I would be Yours alone, And live so all might see

The strength to follow Your commands, Could never come from me

Oh Father, Us my ransomed life, In any way You choose

And let my song forever be, My only boast is You!

Hallelujah!  All I have is Christ.  Hallelujah!  Jesus is my life.*

I truly have no hope apart from Jesus Christ.  No hope for a future.  No hope to love.  No hope to live.  All I have is in Jesus. . . apart from Him, I can do nothing!

Love

One of the basic tenets of Evolution is that life came from muck.  Order was created from chaos.  Something came from nothing.

Science, however, has shown us that there is a tendency for any system to move toward randomness or disorder.  It is impossible for anything to become more organized as time goes on.  Everything has to come from something ordered and then become more chaotic. . .it can't be generated from nothing and travel toward organization.  There must be source.

Likewise, I can't love someone else in my own power. I need a source for that love.  I don't have it in me, especially if that other person is flawed in anyway, making themselves unlovable to me.  Anyone who has lived in a family knows this to be true.  Our loved ones are not always easy to love.  As a matter of fact, I am not always easy to love!

Jesus said to those who did not accept Him that, "I do not accept praise from men, but I know you.  I know that you do not have the love of God in your hearts."  (John 5:41-42) Without His love, I have no hope of recognizing Jesus as my Savior, and without Jesus as my Savior, I have no hope of loving anyone else.  

The Apostle John taught that, "If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he in God." (1 John 4:15) With the God of love residing within me, I now have the source of love readily available to pass on to others.   With the God of love residing within me, I am able to follow His command to love my neighbor as myself. (Mark 12:31)  Love comes from God, it cannot be generated from within myself where no love naturally exists. Something cannot come from nothing.    

If I want to love those around me with the love that God has lavished upon me, I must intentionally pass it on to them, sharing the wealth of love He has generously given to me.

Forgiveness

Remember the Hatfields and the McCoys?  They were two families who lived in the West Virginia-Kentucky area during the 1800s and milked a feud for over 30 years.  The dispute began with bad feelings over sides chosen during the Civil War resulting in a murder, and continued throughout the years by generations to come.  Neither family could find it within themselves to forgive the other.

My dad tells stories of similar grudges held against his own family members that lasted for years.  The funny thing was that after several years had passed, the anger and bitterness remained, but the cause of the dispute had long been forgotten!

I, too, am naturally merciless.  It is human nature to hold onto hurts, pain and offenses committed against me.  It is natural for me to want to seek revenge instead of letting it go.  I find it quite easy to hold a grudge.   As English poet Alexander Pope said, "To err is human; to forgive, divine."

My only hope of forgiving others, of letting go of the pain and resulting bitterness, is through Jesus.  He forgave me, so I must pass that forgiveness on to others.

It's like the parable Jesus told of the unforgiving servant who had been forgiven a huge debt by his master, then turned around and refused to forget about a small sum of money someone else owed to him.  The master called him wicked and threw him in jail to be tortured until he could pay back all he owed.  Jesus then went on to say, "This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart."  (Matthew 18:35)

I am now able to forgive because of the forgiveness God has shown me.  In fact, I am commanded to live in forgiveness with others, freely forgiving as God forgives me.  

As Jordan Kauflin wrote to God in All I have is Christ, "The strength to follow Your commands could never come from me."  I am unable to do as God has called me to do under my own steam.  Instead, I can only love because He loved me first, and I am able to forgive because He forgives me.

And because my heart overflows with His love and forgiveness, I want to pass it on. . . 

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can love as God has loved me. . .freely and lavishly!

How am I stingy when it comes to forgiveness?

Where am I holding a grudge against someone?  How is this similar to not forgiving a debt?

* 2008 Sovereign Grace Praise (BMI)