Effective Word

"The rain and snow come down from the heavens

and stay on the ground to water the earth.

They cause the grain to grow,

producing seed for the farmer

and bread for the hungry.

It is the same with my word.

I send it out,

and it always produces fruit.

It will accomplish all I want it to,

and it will prosper wherever I send it."

Isaiah 55:10-11 NLT

I think I must explain it effectively, speak fluidly and persuasively, use proven techniques and remember key points.  I am afraid to share the story of Jesus because I think I must have all the answers, be able to quote scripture and know how to reason with intellectuals.  I shrink away from engaging others with the Good News of Jesus Christ because I feel ill-equipped or am afraid of looking foolish.

But so many all around me are lost and cannot find their way to the one path that leads to life (Matthew 7:13-14).  I know the Way and can introduce them to the Gate that provides entrance into the everlasting Kingdom of God (John 14:6, John 10:9).  If I were to let God do what He does best with His Own Word, I might become bold in proclaiming His truths.  If I were to realize that God's Word never fails to produce good fruit, how would that change my outlook?

Messenger. All he had to do was deliver a message, making sure it got to the intended recipient.  Once he handed off the note, his job was done. It was not the courier's responsibility to make sure the addressee understood the content of the letter, or that he did what was being asked of him.  His only concern was that he get the note to the right person.

While I may not be a courier, I am a messenger of sorts.  God sent the most wonderful love letter to mankind through the life, death, and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ (Romans 5:8).  My job is to tell the story, to shine the light, to point to Him.  And the best part of all is that I don't need to be an expert in theology or human psychology, figuring out how to deliver the Gospel in a way appropriate for each individual person, so that each will respond favorably.  Instead, I can rely on the indwelling Spirit of God to give me the words to say, the angle to take, the message that will most touch every image bearer (Luke 12:12).  It is up to Him to draw people to Jesus, and my role is that of the willing messenger delivering the words meant specifically for each one (John 6:44).

My role as a follower of Jesus Christ is that of a willing messenger who delivers His powerful Word in His perfect time.

Faithful.  "Every word of God proves true" (Proverbs 30:5).  Every word printed on the pages of my Bible are accurate and sound, shown to be factual and correct.  Therefore, I can trust scripture implicitly, without a bit of worry that I'm believing fallacy or being hoodwinked into placing my faith in something that is untrustworthy.  I can stake my life on the message found within Holy Scripture.

This means I cannot improve on the Word of God.  Instead of thinking I need to come up with a snappy catchphrase or a more relevant message, I can stay true to God's message found in the Bible.  After all, Timothy reminds me that all scripture is quite useful for many godly purposes.  It "is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives.  It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.  God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16-17 NLT).  Therefore, there is no greater preparation for sharing the Good News of Jesus than to study His Word, and there is no more powerful tool than scripture to convict the guilty conscience and drive sinners to the foot of the cross to find grace and mercy.  God's own Word always brings about the outcome He intends.  

My role as a follower of Jesus Christ is that of a willing messenger who stays true to His faithful Word that never fails to produce fruit.

Humility.  I get to know others and think I need to come up with a plan for how to lead others to salvation.  I analyze their lives and try to discern where their greatest need is.  I watch how the lost live and desperately try to rescue them from their troubles.  All along, however, I forget to consult the One who holds the blueprint for each life.

It is important that I stay completely dependent upon the Spirit of God to lead me at just the right time, in just the right way, with just the right message.  If I try to go out on my own, running ahead for fear that I may miss my opportunity, the words I say will fall flat or hit concrete, failing to penetrate the heart.  This is because God has not yet prepared the way, softened the heart, opened the ears.  Only He knows what it will take for each of us, and only He knows what it is He wants to accomplish in every life.  Therefore, it is vital that I stay humble and not assume I know the best way to approach anyone.

My role as a follower of Jesus Christ is that of a willing messenger who stays true to His faithful Word and maintains a humble heart wholly dependent upon Him (Psalm 51:10).

God's Word is powerful.  When I get the idea that I must be a Bible scholar who is proficient in giving moving speeches and answering every possible question, I am placing my faith in my own intellect.  Instead, I must realize the inherent power found in every Word that comes from God's own mouth.  When I do, I will walk forward in faith, letting Him give me the appropriate words for every situation, staying true to His message and sensitive to His lead, and acting according to His plan, not mine.  When I live in such a way, I will discover for myself the effectiveness of God's own Word!

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can trust God to speak through me instead of trying to come up with a snappy word of my own.

When do I shy away from sharing the Gospel instead of letting God use me for His purposes?

How am I starving myself of the sustenance that is found in God's Word?  

    

Wasted

"Why do you spend money for what is not bread,

And your wages for what does not satisfy?

Listen carefully to Me,

and eat what is good,

And let your soul delight itself in abundance."

Isaiah 55:2 NKJV

There is so much upon which I can depend for strength, especially here in the "land of opportunity."  I can buy into countless beliefs, philosophies or theories, all claiming to bring good things into my life.  But only One can deliver the best, what was meant for me: communion with the Maker of my soul!  Frankly, everything else is a waste.

Physical.  Success.  Reputation.  Image.  Fame.  Wealth.  Comfort.  Security.  These are some of the things in which I can invest, spending my time, money and energy in order to acquire or preserve.  These physical ventures seem so valuable, like they will make my life better, more meaningful, deeper.  Yet I discover they fade away like the grass of the field, here today and gone tomorrow.  Why did I give so much of myself to these empty pursuits?

Jesus warned against laying up earthly treasures because they just don't last.  Instead, He urges us to devote our time, energy and money into heavenly investments that will endure (Matthew 6:19-21).  Anything done in tandem with Jesus, while connected to Him as my only source, in obedience to His Lordship over me, will result in fruit that lasts into eternity (John 15:5, Psalm 23:3).  This fruit may not be tangible nor will it necessarily be recognized by the world as valuable, but it is nonetheless more precious than all the success, fame, wealth or comfort that can be acquired through all my diligent dedication.  After all, what good is any of it if I lose my soul (Matthew 16:26)?

Every physical pursuit apart from Jesus Christ I can spend my life chasing is a waste of the one life I've been given to live.

Futile.  I'm told the secret to happiness is having a job I love.  Others say it is connecting deeply with others.  Some believe it is setting a goal and striving hard to reach it.  The sense of accomplishment when succeeded will bring great joy and fulfillment, or so I'm told.  Still, my heart is empty and I yearn for more.

The one thing that can truly bring satisfaction is knowing God and being known by Him.  To live in such a state of intimacy fulfills the purpose for my being.  I am here for God, and when I live in relationship with Him through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, I find meaning and contentment.  Everything else after which I run is an exercise in futility.  I will simply never find satisfaction apart from the One who made me.

Everything the world encourages me to strive for will be exposed for what it is; a futile attempt to find purpose in a life that was created for one purpose only, and that is to showcase the goodness of God (Isaiah 43:7, Psalm 100:3).

Inferior.  I can find my worth in what I do, who I am, the titles I possess or degrees I have attained.  I can think of myself as important because of my family heritage, my experiences that are filled with prestigious accomplishments and success, or my popularity among influential people.  I can also find security knowing that I am needed, that my job is vital and I am appreciated.  There is much in which to find my value.

No matter how good I feel about myself, my sense of self-worth will crumble at one point or another as long as it's based on anything else besides God's love for me manifested through His Son.  All other foundations upon which I build my own sense of worth is inferior to the one found in Jesus Christ.  When I have the privilege of getting to know Him, I discover that nothing else truly matters (Philippians 3:8). I also discover that His love for me is not contingent upon my performance.  I do not have to jump through hoops or meet a certain standard in order to experience the love of God that is in Christ Jesus.  Instead, I find this security as a benefit of being called a child of God when I turn away from my own destructive ways and embrace Jesus as my lifeline (1 John 3:1).  Nothing can make God stop loving me through His Son (Romans 8:38-39).  And this love gives me the truest sense of just how valuable I am to Him.

I discover a superior sense of self-worth through faith in Christ.

It can be hard to live in this broken world with all of its various belief systems touting wonderful benefits for which my heart longs.  Yet only One can deliver on it's promises.  Only in giving my life to Jesus will I find the best God has planned for me.  Even so, I tend to invest in the physical that will not last, waste my life on futile efforts, and find value in the inferior.  All of it is a complete misuse of the one life I've been given.  Only in Christ will I find a sound investment, a worthwhile use of my resources, and a secure sense of my worth.  And when I discover Him for who He truly is, I will stop wasting my life!

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can stop wasting time, effort and energy on things that won't last.

How am I focused on the physical instead of the spiritual?

How can I divert my attention away from all that will let me down?

    

Free Nourishment

"Come, all you who are thirsty,

come to the waters;

and you who have no money,

come, buy and eat!

Come, buy wine and milk

without money and without cost.

Why spend money on what is not bread,

and your labor on what does not satisfy?

Listen, listen to me,

and eat what is good,

and you will delight in the richest of fare.

Give ear and come to me;

listen, that you may live.

I will make an everlasting covenant with you,

my faithful love promised to David."

Isaiah 55:1-3

All are in need but not everyone realizes it.  Each has a deficit but numerous think they're fine as is.  Every one is broken but countless believe they're intact (Romans 3:23).

For those who are hungry and thirsty, that know they have need of nourishment, Jesus has what is necessary (John 4:14, 6:35).

Come.  I was there watching, taking it all in but I never went forward to receive what was being offered.  I knew the attributes, had heard it described several times, but didn't take them up on their deal.  It was fun to watch the salesperson cook the food and use the kitchen gadgets but I never did buy their wares.  Therefore, I only had knowledge of the benefits of the tools but never actually experienced them for myself.

It's like this with Jesus.  I can know all of the benefits of following him, having memorized passages of scripture that proclaim of the Good News and the fruit that follows, reading about the experiences of others and understanding the concepts behind salvation.  But in order to taste God's goodness for myself, I must come to Him, turning away from my old way of living and fully embracing His (Psalm 34:8, Mark 1:15).  Mere knowledge does nothing for me and cannot save me.  For that I must come to Jesus (Acts 4:12).

When I see my desperate need for a Savior, I must come to Jesus in order to receive the free nourishment He is offering.

Open-handed.  It's always more difficult to receive than to give.  While it's nice to be given a gift, it always makes me feel a bit uncomfortable.  I feel guilty if I have nothing to give in return and there is always this sense that I owe the giver, that I must reciprocate in some way.  

It's natural to bring this same attitude to Jesus.  He is offering me exoneration from my earned death sentence, eternal life with Him, and peace with God from this day forward (John 3:16, Romans 5:1, 6:23) .  In Him I have the hope of heaven.  But what must I do to earn such riches?  What must I give in return?  There is nothing I can add to what Jesus has already done.  Salvation is a free gift offered to those who know of their need, who realize their inability to save themselves, who see the enormous chasm that exists between God's holiness and man's corruption (Luke 5:32).  I cannot earn such a gift, nor do I deserve it.

When I see my desperate need for a Savior, I must let go of any pretension that I can pay God back for salvation or that such a gift is warranted.

Tune-in.  It is my experience that children often hear what they want to hear.  If I tell them "No candy," they may hear "Maybe you can have some candy later."  If I say, "Clean your room," they think I meant, "If you feel up to it, put a few toys away."  If I proclaim, "We are leaving at 9:00 sharp,"  they interpret that to mean a nine o'clock departure is a goal to shoot for.

If I want my children to understand the true intent of my message, I realized early on I needed to make sure they were paying attention and that they received it in the same way I meant it.  In other words, I had to make sure we were on the same page.  It's human nature to reinterpret meaning to match up to one's own desires and outlook.  This means I must be careful when interpreting the Gospel.  I must receive it in the way it was meant.  It's important that I be willing to hear the truth and not filter it through my own understanding.  For this, I must incline my ear to the Lord and let go of any preconceived notions of what He may mean.  I must hear His true intention.

When I see my desperate need for a Savior, I must tune-in to what He truly meant to say, not in what I want to hear or in misleading tradition.

I've always heard it said that nothing in life is free.  This kind of skepticism may lead me to doubt the free sustenance that can be found through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.  If I want to receive all He has to offer, though, I must come to Him, open-handed and with the humble realization of my great poverty, making sure to tune-in so I clearly hear His intended meaning.  When I do, I will experience the free nourishment that He is so willing to give, and that will change everything.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can see myself as I really am, and fully accept the gift of salvation through Jesus that I so desperately need.

When do I try to earn salvation, or feel it's God's duty to save me?

How do I doubt my worth, feeling uncomfortable with the thought of Jesus giving His life to save mine?

The Lord's Good Plan

"He was oppressed and treated harshly,

yet he never said a word.

He was led like a lamb to the slaughter.

And as a sheep is silent before the shearers,

he did not open his mouth.

Unjustly condemned,

he was led away.

No one cared that he died without descendants,

that his life was cut short in midstream.

But he was struck down for the rebellion of my people.

He had done no wrong and had never deceived anyone.

But he was buried like a criminal;

he was put in a rich man's grave.

But it was the LORD's good plan to crush him

and cause him grief.

Yet when his life is made an offering for sin,

he will have many descendants.

He will enjoy a long life,

and the LORD's good plan will prosper in his hands."

Isaiah 53:7-10 NLT

There are at least a hundred cases in the United States of innocent people who have been wrongly convicted of murder and sentenced to death row.  It's heartbreaking to see how their lives have been stolen from them and it's equally as infuriating to think that the justice system failed them so outrageously.  With all the checks and balances in place, this kind of injustice should never occur in a free country, yet it does more often than can be imagined.

Such wrongful death suits are nothing new, however.  Over two thousand years ago a similar case involving a humble Jewish teacher occurred in Roman-occupied Israel.  By all accounts this man spent his time helping others, giving them a new lease on life and showing them wonders never before seen.  He turned the religious system on its head, shaking up the status quo and calling out the hypocrisy found deep within the hearts of its leaders.  With all the good this carpenter's son from Galilee accomplished, he stepped on the wrong toes and thus was sentenced to death, death on a cross.

As infuriating as it is to see that an innocent man gave His life in such a brutal way, it amazes me to realize it was all a part of the Lord's good plan.

Offering.  The once perfect world is now tainted, corrupted and broken by the sin that came through Adam's disobedience (Romans 5:12).  Because of the wickedness of man, relationship with God is impossible.  His holiness cannot abide with such immorality as is found in His image bearers.  Thus He instituted the offering as a way to find forgiveness (Exodus 29:10-14).  So His people continuously laid their animal sacrifices on the altar as a way to find pardon for their transgressions (Leviticus 17:11).  But it was a temporary clemency at best, and only lasted until the next offense was committed, perhaps on the way home from the temple (Hebrews 10:1-3).  

Then came the permanent and eternal solution to this problem of sin.  Jesus Christ agreed to enter into the realm of men, becoming one Himself and presenting His own life as an offering for the transgressions committed by all for all time (Hebrews 7:27, 1 Peter 2:24).  His one perfect sacrifice proved to be enough to satisfy the justice of His Father, and His blood secured the forgiveness for all who repent and believe (Hebrews 10:10-12, 9:22).  Now I can be made right with God through faith in Jesus Christ and His sin offering given on the cross (2 Corinthians 5:21).  I can now find forgiveness from God for as many times as needed (1 John 1:9)!

The brutal, unjust death of an innocent Man on the cross of Calvary was all a part of the Lord's good plan to deliver permanent forgiveness to those who turn away from sin and trust in Jesus.

Gateway.  The town I grew up in was dubbed "The Gateway to Mt Rainier" since visitors to the scenic national park must travel through the small village before heading up into the hills to enjoy the recreation found there.   While this designation may have had a small influence on the local economy, the description made more of a sentimental impact on the hearts of those who took pride in the looming mountain's visual impact on the surrounding area.  The presence of the snow-covered peak made quite an impression and appeared on many logos and signs as the town's defining landmark.

Similarly, Jesus described Himself as a gateway of sorts, but not to a scenic park.  Instead, He is the only way through which one can enter into eternal life.  He is the door that leads to an everlasting kingdom with wonders untold (John 10:9-10).  By turning away from my desire to control my life my way and instead placing it all in His hands, I can discover what it is to have peace with God and hope for tomorrow.  No longer do I fear death, failure, or the future, for my destiny is secure.  By faith I have entered into the family of God and look forward to a place in His heavenly home (John 14:2-3).

The unspeakable death of an innocent Man transformed Him into a gateway through which all who repent and believe can find an eternal, satisfying life.

Victory.  The air itself is oppressive in this world, filled with particles that send the respiratory system into revolt.  Pain and suffering mark it's boundaries and all taste the agony of living in this broken world.  At the end of it all, each man must face death, and the inevitable looms as a dark and unwelcome phantom, striking dread in the hearts of mankind.  I live in a world marked by fear and oppression.

When Jesus gave His life on the cross, He proclaimed victory over sin and death.  While the world remains in a broken state, there is now a way to live in it without becoming tainted by it.  Through repentance and faith in Jesus, I can find peace despite the fact that there is so much to fear.  I can be freed from the shackles that bind me to my flesh that always leads me to destruction and instead walk in liberty as I find the new way of living in tandem with His indwelling Spirit (Galatians 5:16-26).  And as I do, I find victory over sin and the end of my life no longer is thought of with great dread (1 Corinthians 15:57, Romans 8:37).  Instead, I look forward to the reward that lies beyond as I stand firm on the promises of God.

The horrible death of an innocent Man delivered by faith victory for me over sin and death.

It seemed wrong, unjust and harsh: This Man, wrongly accused and condemned to death on a cursed cross.  Yet if I look a little closer, I discover it was all a part of God's good plan.  And as such, the sacrifice of Jesus became a sin offering that was permanent and eternal, delivering forgiveness to all who repent and believe, and served as a gateway to an everlasting, satisfying life, showing itself as the mark of victory over sin and death.  In these ways, the worst-ever scenario was revealed as the Lord's good plan.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can trust God enough to put my life in His hands.

When do I trust more in my own effort instead of in what Jesus has already done?

How do I doubt my complete forgiveness found in Christ?

     

Spiritual Eyes

"Who has believed our message?

To whom has the LORD revealed his powerful arm?

My servant grew up in the LORD's presence

like a tender green shoot,

like a root in dry ground.

There was nothing beautiful or majestic

about his appearance,

nothing to attract us to him.

He was despised and rejected--

a man of sorrows,

acquainted with deepest grief.

We turned our back on him

and looked the other way.

He was despised, and we did not care."

Isaiah 53:1-3 NLT

He didn't seem to amount to much, the son of a blue-collar working stiff from the wrong side of the tracks.  He had the kind of face only a mother could love and dressed in the most ordinary way.  Nothing about Him stood out, turned heads, or caught the eye.  He was not the kind you'd think of as a mover and shaker, a revolutionary, a Savior.

In order to see Jesus' true worth and power, to understand His purpose and mission, He must be seen with spiritual eyes, not in the way the world sees Him.  When I do, my whole perspective will change.

Beauty.  I was desperately lost.  I had foolishly led my pre-teen daughter, mother and dog out into the woods a few hours before sunset that crisp, autumn day with the intention of giving them a feel for the property my husband and I were considering as the perfect place to build a home.  As we followed a deer trail on the ten-acre parcel, I soon became disoriented and couldn't tell from which direction we came.  When we stumbled out into a unfamiliar clearing  and saw 200 acres of pasture open up beyond a barbed wire fence, I knew we were hopelessly lost.  Where on earth are we?  After stopping to pray for help, we decided to make our way toward a distant farmhouse.  When we finally knocked on the door as the sun began to set and darkness crept over the land, the stranger who responded was the most beautiful person I had ever seen.  Was she a supermodel-type with flawless skin and impeccable taste in clothing?  No.  She was just an elderly farmer's wife, but she had the information we needed to save us from our desperate state;  she knew where to find our vehicle.  With her guidance, we were soon back to our car and safely on our way back home.

Similarly, when I realize how desperate is my spiritual state, how far short from God's perfect standard are my efforts to live a good life, I know I need help (Romans 3:23).  Even worse, when I comprehend how incapable I am from saving myself from the punishment my aforementioned sins deserve and discover that the sentence for a criminal like me is eternal separation from the goodness of God and condemnation for all of eternity, I suddenly know my need for a Savior (Romans 6:23, Psalm 103:10).  As Jesus Christ emerges as the only One who can save me from the penalty my sins have earned, He suddenly is transformed from an ugly, ordinary man of no remarkable accomplishments to the most beautiful man I've ever seen (John 3:16-18).  To those who are being saved He is the Wonderful Savior who is worthy to be praised (Revelation 5:12, 1 Peter 2:9)!

When I look at Jesus through the spiritual eyes of one who is being saved, I find Him to be breathtakingly beautiful.

Power.  One of my favorite parts of being an Army wife was when our family was able to watch the demonstrations of military operations.  We would stand out on the edge of a drop zone, sheltered from the blazing-hot North Carolina sun by a stand of long-leaf pine and see amazing sights.  Cargo jets would fly low, dropping large equipment like tanks onto the field in front of us.  C-141s then filed by, depositing hundreds of paratroopers in the air, filling the sky with olive-colored parachutes.  Suddenly the most exciting part that sent a thrill down my spine came without warning; the fighter jets roared past, approaching from behind in a surprise mock attack that drew the attention of the crowd to the sky directly above us.  Those engines generated enough power to propel the jets faster than the speed of sound and caused all to instinctively cover their ears.  They were definitely the highlight of the show.

The power of Jesus is so much more awesome than those F-16s.  In fact, He has the power to transform lives from the mundane to the purposeful, to set free those held captive by their own sin, and to rescue mankind destined for eternal damnation (Isaiah 61:1-3).  Only Jesus broke the bond that sin holds over each and every human, and only Jesus triumphed over death (1 Corinthians 15:57).  Through repentance and faith in Jesus, I no longer face an eternity of suffering and the fear of death is gone.  Through Jesus, I've been given the power of hope (1 Peter 1:3-4).

When I look at Jesus through the spiritual eyes of one who is being saved, I discover His mighty power.

Majesty.  The mountain is breathtakingly beautiful in its majesty.  It rules over the entire Puget Sound area and is a familiar landmark for anyone visiting the Seattle area.  The snowy peaks of Mt Rainier are magnificent in their splendor and all who see it are amazed at the sight of her stately reign as she looms 14,409 feet above sea level.

As awesome as that splendorous peak is, nothing can compare to the majesty of the King of all kings.  His name is above all names.  In fact Jesus Christ is the only name by which man can be saved (Philippians 2:9, Acts 4:12).  He holds all things in creation together and is Himself the cornerstone of the church that is made up of those who trust in Him (Colossians 1:17, Ephesians 2:20).  Without Him, there is no life at all (John 1:3-4).  This is the true majesty of Jesus.  

When I look at Jesus through the spiritual eyes of one who is being saved, I revere Him as One who sits at the right hand of His Father in all majesty (Colossians 3:1).

Jesus is often dismissed as one who made no real impact in the world, disregarded as a no-account teacher from Galilee who never amounted to much.  According to popular opinion, He perhaps taught some good lessons and set a great example of how to live, but he can easily be dismissed as one who is worthless in the scheme of things.  When I look at Jesus through spiritual eyes, however, I find a beauty beyond compare, a power that cannot be fathomed, and a majesty that is both breathtaking and impossible to ignore.  Those who have eyes, let them see Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world!

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can drop the pretenses and look at Jesus from a new perspective.

When do I dismiss Jesus as just another teacher?

How do I disregard His power to change my circumstances for the better?    

God's Wonderful Grace

"So just as sin ruled over all people

and brought them to death,

now God's wonderful grace rules instead,

giving us right standing with God

and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."

Romans 4:21 NLT

What is it that burdens you?  Guilt over past failures and reckless living?  Bondage to harmful habits?  Imperfections that plague you?  Frustration over your inability to do the right thing?  Physical infirmities?  Selfishness?  Addictions to drugs, alcohol, food, work, exercise or anything else?  Lust?  Do you feel you can never be free, that your particular brand of sin or the horrible consequences of living in a broken world is what defines you?  A diabetic, a divorcee, an adulterer, a liar, a failure, an addict, a sinner?

Let me introduce you to grace: God's wonderful grace that sets you free from such heavy loads (Matthew 11:28-30).  How can you be a recipient of such a gift?  By turning away from all these futile ways of living that leave us empty and turning toward the Savior, the One who took our sin upon Himself, dying on the cross in order to satisfy the justice of a righteous and holy God (Romans 3:21-28).  As He gave His life, the penalty for our sin was paid and those who believe are made right with God.  No longer does our sin condemn us (Romans 8:1-4, John 3:18).  We live as those who are free.  And when Jesus sets one free, he is free indeed (John 8:34-36)!

Don't wait another day.  Find the liberty that is found in God's wonderful grace.  In the quiet of your heart submit your life to Him through repentance and faith in Jesus and discover how to approach the One who loves you perfectly as a flawless child, and receive all the grace and mercy you could ever need (Hebrews 4:16)!

In Christ you are a new creation, and in His grace you are free of the old you (2 Corinthians 5:17).  It's time to begin your life anew; your life in the wonderful grace of God!  

Beautiful Feet

"How beautiful on the mountains

are the feet of the messenger who brings good news,

the good news of peace and salvation,

the news that the God of Israel reigns!

The watchmen shout and sing with joy,

for before their very eyes 

they see the LORD returning to Jerusalem."

Isaiah 52:7-8 NLT

All is broken, twisted, ruined because of sin.  Judgment is my inheritance, condemnation my rightful fate (Romans 3:23, 6:23).  Nothing is as God first created it to be.  I need some good news in the midst of all this mess.  

Behold!  A messenger is coming!  Now is the time to pay attention.

Comfort.  It's true, I get what's coming to me.  Whichever path I choose will determine my destination (Matthew 7:13-14).  There is no magic pill that will protect me from experiencing the consequences of my actions (Galatians 6:7-8).  Still, when everything is falling apart because of my stubborn insistence on living my way, God still cares.  He's still there.  He still offers help in spite of my wayward heart (Isaiah 52:9).

How can I receive such help from a holy God?  Since I am sinful to the core, is it even proper for me to approach the throne of grace for assistance from the One with unlimited resources?  Can I even receive His consolation? Feel His caring touch?  Experience peace with him?  Yes!  I am astounded to discover that I can enter into relationship with the living God who will never cease to amaze me.  How?  By turning away from my own selfish ways and taking on Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior (Acts 20:21)!  Through Jesus I find the lovingkindness of God freely pouring into my life (Hebrews 4:16).

The good news of Jesus Christ is that I can receive the comfort of God.

Redemption.  I'm held captive by my sinful flesh.  I'm a slave to the desires of my selfish heart (Romans 6:16).  I can't help but sin for I have no other choice.  As a result, I reap all the results of such a lifestyle.  Hostility rules my heart and I find myself often getting into heated arguments with others over the silliest of things.  Anger erupts on a regular basis and I find my family is in a constant state of divisiveness, as if we can never find common ground.  I am drawn to the substance of my choice as a tool to drown my sorrows, numb my feelings, ease the pain of my life and the only things that seems to bring me any joy is the latest party, the rowdier the better.  I find myself sinking deeper and deeper into such captivity and I feel I have no power to break the bonds that hold me (Galatians 5:19-21).

Who will set me free from such destruction?  How will I ever feel at peace?  Is there hope for me?  Thank God for sending Jesus Christ to break the bonds that bind me and set the captives free (Isaiah 61:1-3, Romans 7:24-25)!  In dying on the cross He took the penalty for my sins, making a way for me to be right with God.  He paid the price to set me free from slavery to sin and now I can dedicate myself to living His way(Romans 6:18).

The good news of Jesus Christ is that I can be redeemed.

Freedom.  Living in tandem with the world corrupts my thinking, taints my heart, and leads me to destruction (Romans 12:2).  I am held back from truly living the life I'm meant to live, from experiencing the joy and peace that is mine, from being who I was created to be.  What is wrong with me, anyway?  Who is this monster that rises up inside of me and does all that is abhorrent to God?  It is sin.  And it seems to be an invincible force.

How will I ever live a pure life, unrestricted from the sin that weighs me down?  Will I ever discover who I'm meant to be, the real me apart from the fear and doubt, the insecurity and pride?  Through faith in Jesus Christ I can find freedom from what burdens me and holds me back.  In Him I have the opportunity to move from slavery into sonship, from shackles to freedom, from rejection to acceptance as a well-loved child.  In Christ I can find freedom from the sin that taints me; the kind of liberty that is real, permanent and authentic (John 8:34-36).  The kind of freedom that ushers me into the family of God forever (1 John 3:1).

The good news of Jesus Christ is that I can find freedom from the sin that corrupts me (Isaiah 52:11).

I am discouraged as I look around me at my life, the world, even my own heart.  Is there anything good, any news to offer hope?  Then I see a messenger coming, an ordinary-looking man without flowery speech or flashy delivery, but I know deep down that his message is important.  When I pay attention and listen with my whole being, I realize he is telling me what I need to know.  He is giving me the Good News of Jesus Christ that offers the comfort of God, redemption from slavery to sin, and freedom that liberates me in every way.  This is the kind of news I need, the message that will endure.  And I am so thankful for the beautiful feet who took the time to deliver such good news to me.   Why keep it to myself?

As I begin this day it is my prayer that God will develop in me a desire to share such good news with others. 

How have I only partially received such news?

When do I expect to have it both ways, sticking to my way of living and wanting the blessings that only come through obedience?       

     

Power of Blessing

"Look to Abraham your father

and to Sarah who bore you;

for he was but one when I called him,

that I might bless him and multiply him."

Isaiah 51:2 ESV

It started with one man.  The one became many and grew into a nation.  How?  Was there something special about Abraham?  No.  He was a man like any other man.  God set him apart, though, by choosing him to be the father of many, and it was through God's sovereign plan that he was blessed for the Lord's holy purposes (Genesis 12:1-3).  This blessing of God literally changed the whole world (Genesis 22:17-18)!

Jesus came through the line of David that can be traced back to this one man, Abraham (Matthew 1).  And it is Jesus who delivered the blessing of life eternal and abundant to all nations (John 3:16, 10:10).  So when I do as Abraham did and trust God with my life through faith in Jesus Christ, this blessing that flowed down from this ancient man transforms my life.  

 Little Becomes Big.  I live in the land of large; hefty portions, grandiose dreams, great expectations, full calendars, lots of stuff.  Americans seem to subscribe to the belief that the more there is, the better.  Therefore, I tend to think if I am going to put the effort into something, anything, it must be big if it is to have an impact or be worth my time.

Consequently, I take this mindset into God's kingdom and assume that whatever I do for God must be big if it is to make a difference.  Far-reaching ministries, growing numbers, complicated programs; whatever I do, it must have spectacular results! Or so I think.  In reality, its the quality of fruit about which my Father is concerned, and only that which is produced as a result of working in tandem with Jesus will last (John 15:1-5, 16).  Therefore, a little faith placed in a mighty God will change the world, even if I can't detect the impact my faith has (Luke 17:6).

My little becomes big when it is done by faith in Jesus.

Lowly Becomes Great.  I live in a world that strives for greatness.  Whatever I do I've learned that it won't amount to a hill of beans unless I reach the top, succeed in accomplishing my goals or progress further today than I was yesterday.  What good is writing a book unless it is a bestseller?  Why would I work long hours expect for to climb up higher on the corporate ladder?  I do my best so that I can be promoted, get a raise, receive the accolades of my peers in my chosen industry, right?  The world teaches me to strive for prominence, renown, even fame.  

Consequently, I take this mindset into God's kingdom and become ambitious, finding myself striving for more, not settling for the small jobs but always working my way toward that top position.  I assume my goal should be to move up, while God structured the Body of Christ to work differently, with each of us doing our very best in honor of Him no matter what the job (1 Corinthians 12:12-26).  And so it is my attitude while doing what God has called for me to do at this very moment that matters to Him.  And when I humble myself for the glory of God and clean the toilets with gusto, wipe the runny noses with compassion, listen to the forgotten generation with patience and understanding, I am great in His eyes (Luke 9:48, Matthew 23:11-12)!

My lowly service becomes great when done in honor of Jesus.

Broken Becomes Whole.  I live in a place that breaks even the strongest, that destroys the will to live, that toys with my emotions as I experience letdown after letdown.  I work hard only to experience failure, to endure hardship, to find failure.  I love wholeheartedly only to experience loss, to endure heartache, to find betrayal.  I do what is right only to experience disappointment, to endure letdown, to find ruin.  And so I learn to put up a wall of protection.  I adapt by expecting the worst and hoping for the best.  I get comfortable with the brokenness of my soul.

Consequently, I take this mindset into God's kingdom and get used to the broken nature of this world.  The thing is, Jesus' mission is all about turning the ashes of my life into astounding beauty, weaving the shreds that are left into a breathtaking tapestry, reassembling the remains into a gorgeous masterpiece (Isaiah 61:3).  He is here to restore, to make new, to build up which is quite the opposite of what I've learned to expect in this physical realm that moves toward chaos and is marching steadily toward decay.  Jesus goes against the second law of thermodynamics and creates something out of nothing, improves that which seems hopeless, builds up what has been torn down.  In His hands, the broken becomes whole (Matthew 15:30-31).

My brokenness becomes whole when entrusted in the hands of Jesus.

It all started with one man, chosen by God and blessed through his obedience.  As a result, I now stand as a beneficiary of God's great promise made thousands of years ago to a childless man and his wife.  Through Abraham came Jesus, the One sent from above to change the world.  And by turning away from my old, sinful ways and to Him by faith, I discover a new economy at work.  I find that my little becomes big, even lowly service is seen as great, and all that is broken is restored to wholeness.  In these ways and more, I am experiencing the power of God's blessing!

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can trust God enough to receive His blessing that comes through Jesus.

When do I block this blessing by living as if Jesus didn't exist?

How am I striving for greatness instead of seeking to obey God?