1 Corinthians 10:12 (NKJV):
"Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall."
I have had a couple days of deep meditation on why I have been feeling far from my Lord, despite all the amazing things he does in my life. The connection that I once felt seems to have faded for the moment, and I have been seeking the answer as to "Why?" I know the Lord loves me very much, and I have believed that I loved Him very much as well. But then, I started realizing that He says that those who love Him will keep His commandments. I began to think of all the times that I do not keep His commandments, and I complain that I am just not able to right now; at those times I feel weak and helpless. I feel as though I want to do good, but I keep doing the things I do not want to do. The apostle Paul from the Bible had the same thoughts and feelings toward His own spiritual life.
In Romans 7:15-20 (NIV), Paul states:
"I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do--this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it."
This particular scripture may seem like a tongue-twisting riddle, but it holds a great truth. When we accept Christ as our Lord and Savior, we are regenerated in our hearts and become a new creation in Christ. God gives us a new heart and His Spirit within us. The problem is that we end up with the Holy Spirit trapped inside of a sinful flesh, that desires to sin. This creates a constant battle between spirit and flesh, which is discussed in depth within the pages of the New Testament. Paul the apostle felt the pull of sin in his body, although he realized that it was no longer him that was doing wrong, but sin in him.
I am writing about this today because I have been having this struggle (intensified) lately. I feel as though the things I know to do, and want to do are NOT the things I do. I feel lazy, apathetic, and downright unspiritual. I realized also in the past few days that many people around me are so used to seeing me acting right spiritually that they are surprised to see me stumbling. I told my husband today that I have the same struggles as anyone else. The good he sees in me is not me, but God in me. The bad he sees in me is not me, but sin in me. I am dead to all things, but alive in Christ because He now lives in me. His Spirit reigns in my heart, but sin is still in my flesh and will lead me to destruction. Thankfully, we have the promises of God to assure us that He is going to hold onto us, and never leave us nor forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6). He will keep us in His hand.
John 10:29 (NIV):
"My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand."
However, as I press deeper into the revelation of God's Word, I realize that we can miss out on an abundance of blessings by being disobedient and allowing sin to control our actions. This is where I have stumbled. Sometimes, the ways we are disobedient to God's Word are very subtle. This was the case for me recently. I used to struggle with addictions, sex, alcohol, painkillers, shopping, etc. God freed me from all of these destructive addictions, but now my enemy is attacking me on more subtle (deeper) levels. He is attempting to build up pride, laziness, apathy, discouragement, confusion,worry and unbelief. These parts of my sinful nature are deep inside of me. But at the same time, God is completing the work He began in me because He is asking me to obey in deeper areas of my life and edify me through humility, productivity, encouragement, clarity (revelation), peace and faith. He is doing this by waking me up to my own disobedience, and allowing me to confess these sins and be forgiven. This is the process of sanctification, becoming more Christ-like.
I pray that each one of you is resting securely in the hope of salvation in Jesus Christ! I pray that if you have stumbled, that God will show you your sins and be faithful to forgive you when you have confessed them. I for His Holy Presence in your life, and for the revelation of His Word to penetrate into your hearts and lives. I pray for joy in each of your lives, and the reassurance that God is always with you. I pray for these things in Jesus name. Amen.
His humble servant,
Sarah
Friday, September 26, 2008
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
At Jesus' Feet...
I learned a very important lesson today about walking with Christ through this life. His greatest desire is to be in close fellowship with me. I have known this, but as we walk...I tend to get more and more involved in church activities, kids' activities, work activities, and less time spent with God and family. It is very easy to keep saying "yes" to every opportunity, but it is a lot harder to learn to say "no." I have known for quite some time that I am a YES woman. I love to say YES to everything that comes my way. I love to be involved with many different projects and people at once, and I love being busy (even if I do get tired).
I grew up in a family that was always on the go, and I believe I inherited the need to keep going all the time! When I became a Christian, I carried my old habits into my new life. I am a pleaser, which I am sure God loves because it results in great obedience, but I get in trouble when I try to please man and God at the same time. God is jealous for my attention, my time and my love. More than all my "service," he just wants me to sit and talk with him (pray). He wants me to know Him deeply. I realized today that as I have been so busy, I have lost some of the connection I had with God. I found myself feeling distant from God and not knowing why. I was doing children's church, sunday school, bible study, ministering to others, cooking for fellowships, taking the kids to school, swim lessons, and AWANAS. I was not spending time with God, I was just relying on what I had learned about him yesterday, or even months ago. I am not keeping my relationship fresh with Him, spending time each day just reading His Word and listening to him speak.
I felt freedom when I realized that I had a real problem. I had become so busy that I was missing out the most important thing in my life, just enjoying and being with my Savior Christ. I know He has been calling out my name, asking me to come back in a variety of ways, but I have just been too BUSY to listen to Him. This happens in marriage as well, when we get busy with kids, work, church, etc. We just keep going, but we don't spend the time talking to one another. Eventually, the relationship begins to decline and many end in divorce. If we would just stop being so busy and start focusing our attention on God, our families and our spouses, we might see a rapid decline in Christians backsliding, divorces, abuse, adultery, miscommunications in the family, children in trouble, drugs, premarital sex and violence. We live in a BUSY culture where everything is meant to be fast-paced. We need to slow down and get back to the core values of Christian living. The place to start is making sure we make time for the One that is most important, our Lord Jesus Christ. For months, I have been telling Him and myself that I would get up early to meet with him. He kept saying to me "I am here to meet with you, why don't you meet with me?" And I would hear Him say that, and just keep moving on to something else.
I believe I am not the only one with this problem. Please accept the wisdom that God gave me today for your own life and make some time to sit at Jesus' feet, read his Holy Word, and listen to His voice. Cultivate that relationship first (as I am going to) and the rest will be added unto you, as scripture says:
Matthew 6:33 (NIV):
"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
and
Luke 10:38-45 (NIV):
"As Jesus and His disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to Him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what He said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to Him and asked, 'Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!
'Martha, Martha,' the Lord answered, 'you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."
Our enemy is very cunning in convincing us that if we are not doing everything at once, we are not accomplishing anything. The enemy is quick to lie and make us feel as though we have to earn our way to salvation, or that we are not pleasing to our Lord is we are not serving in every possible capacity. I am guilty of believing this lie, but I am thankful that my Lord revealed the deception to me today, and showed me that he is very satisfied when I simply sit at His feet and grow in knowledge of Him. In fact, one thing He spoke to me about this season was for me to receive from Him, rather than give, but I went right out and started working again. This came to a head today because I was offered yet another ministry position. The Lord spoke to me while I was asking whether I should accept. I thought about everything I am already doing, and how tired I am at times, but I did not want to disappoint God by not taking it. I was rather surprised, but relieved when he showed me that turning it down was His will. In fact, I am instructed not to volunteer for anything else this season. I am to serve my family, nurture my marriage and role as a parent, and just love God....sitting at His feet. What relief I now have! I thank God for setting me straight, and I pray that He speaks to you through this blog and shows you that YOU too do not have to save the world all by yourself. Let someone else take a turn at the wheel, Jesus.
This word from the Lord was for me, but I felt that perhaps there was someone else who could benefit from the freedom I received in this wisdom. I pray that it finds you sitting at the Lord's feet, but if you are a busybody like me, I pray that God would deliver you from your compulsive need to work and please others. I pray that you will find peace in receiving knowledge, wisdom, and love from Jesus Christ, and that he would be your desire! I thank God for His mercy in my life, for without it, I would be on my way to hell. He is faithful to pull me back when I am walking away, even when I don't know it! Thank you God for saving me! I pray in Jesus name, Amen.
In His Mercy,
Sarah
I grew up in a family that was always on the go, and I believe I inherited the need to keep going all the time! When I became a Christian, I carried my old habits into my new life. I am a pleaser, which I am sure God loves because it results in great obedience, but I get in trouble when I try to please man and God at the same time. God is jealous for my attention, my time and my love. More than all my "service," he just wants me to sit and talk with him (pray). He wants me to know Him deeply. I realized today that as I have been so busy, I have lost some of the connection I had with God. I found myself feeling distant from God and not knowing why. I was doing children's church, sunday school, bible study, ministering to others, cooking for fellowships, taking the kids to school, swim lessons, and AWANAS. I was not spending time with God, I was just relying on what I had learned about him yesterday, or even months ago. I am not keeping my relationship fresh with Him, spending time each day just reading His Word and listening to him speak.
I felt freedom when I realized that I had a real problem. I had become so busy that I was missing out the most important thing in my life, just enjoying and being with my Savior Christ. I know He has been calling out my name, asking me to come back in a variety of ways, but I have just been too BUSY to listen to Him. This happens in marriage as well, when we get busy with kids, work, church, etc. We just keep going, but we don't spend the time talking to one another. Eventually, the relationship begins to decline and many end in divorce. If we would just stop being so busy and start focusing our attention on God, our families and our spouses, we might see a rapid decline in Christians backsliding, divorces, abuse, adultery, miscommunications in the family, children in trouble, drugs, premarital sex and violence. We live in a BUSY culture where everything is meant to be fast-paced. We need to slow down and get back to the core values of Christian living. The place to start is making sure we make time for the One that is most important, our Lord Jesus Christ. For months, I have been telling Him and myself that I would get up early to meet with him. He kept saying to me "I am here to meet with you, why don't you meet with me?" And I would hear Him say that, and just keep moving on to something else.
I believe I am not the only one with this problem. Please accept the wisdom that God gave me today for your own life and make some time to sit at Jesus' feet, read his Holy Word, and listen to His voice. Cultivate that relationship first (as I am going to) and the rest will be added unto you, as scripture says:
Matthew 6:33 (NIV):
"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
and
Luke 10:38-45 (NIV):
"As Jesus and His disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to Him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what He said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to Him and asked, 'Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!
'Martha, Martha,' the Lord answered, 'you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."
Our enemy is very cunning in convincing us that if we are not doing everything at once, we are not accomplishing anything. The enemy is quick to lie and make us feel as though we have to earn our way to salvation, or that we are not pleasing to our Lord is we are not serving in every possible capacity. I am guilty of believing this lie, but I am thankful that my Lord revealed the deception to me today, and showed me that he is very satisfied when I simply sit at His feet and grow in knowledge of Him. In fact, one thing He spoke to me about this season was for me to receive from Him, rather than give, but I went right out and started working again. This came to a head today because I was offered yet another ministry position. The Lord spoke to me while I was asking whether I should accept. I thought about everything I am already doing, and how tired I am at times, but I did not want to disappoint God by not taking it. I was rather surprised, but relieved when he showed me that turning it down was His will. In fact, I am instructed not to volunteer for anything else this season. I am to serve my family, nurture my marriage and role as a parent, and just love God....sitting at His feet. What relief I now have! I thank God for setting me straight, and I pray that He speaks to you through this blog and shows you that YOU too do not have to save the world all by yourself. Let someone else take a turn at the wheel, Jesus.
This word from the Lord was for me, but I felt that perhaps there was someone else who could benefit from the freedom I received in this wisdom. I pray that it finds you sitting at the Lord's feet, but if you are a busybody like me, I pray that God would deliver you from your compulsive need to work and please others. I pray that you will find peace in receiving knowledge, wisdom, and love from Jesus Christ, and that he would be your desire! I thank God for His mercy in my life, for without it, I would be on my way to hell. He is faithful to pull me back when I am walking away, even when I don't know it! Thank you God for saving me! I pray in Jesus name, Amen.
In His Mercy,
Sarah
Monday, September 22, 2008
Expecting the Lord to Speak...
Today, I wanted to share with you a wonderful aspect of the spirit-filled Christian life. Hearing from God. I know I have spoken of this before, but I have never delved into the expectation of hearing from the Lord. You see, once you have heard the Lord speak and begin to know His voice, one begins to expect to hear Him speak again. There are times when the Lord may not answer a question or prayer right away, and those times can seem dark and dismal. Once you have experienced walking closely with the Lord, anything but being next to Him seems miserable.
As I have briefly mentioned in prior posts, I am beginning a new season of walking with God. To be quite honest, it is already unlike any other season I have been through. The Lord is asking new things of me and expecting more from me. He is asking me to trust Him with every step and to believe that He will lead me, even if it is one step at a time. The two scriptures that he has been pressing on my heart lately are:
Psalm 119:105 (NIV)
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path."
and
Deuteronomy 5:32 (NIV)
"So be careful to do what the LORD your God has commanded you; do not turn aside to the right or to the left."
These two scriptures have been turning over and over in my heart and mind. The Lord had given me a picture in my mind when this season began of me in a dark tunnel. To the right and left are pitch-black darkness, but there is One who is leading me through the tunnel step my step, with only enough light for one step at a time. I shared this thought with my pastor. It has been confirmed in many ways that this is exactly where I am at in my walk with the Lord. I am going deeper into this dark tunnel, but I have my Lord to guide me step by step. Last night, I was feeling a little nervous, as I have been, about this new place the Lord has brought me. I will be quite honest in the fact that going one day at a time, step by step, is stretching my faith and my trust in the Lord.
Yesterday, I cried out to God and asked Him to help me. I asked Him to speak to me and assure me that everything was going to be alright, and that he had it all under control. Attending a pentecostal church means that we believe in the operation of the gifts of the Spirit, as the Spirit allows and moves on the hearts of His people, and we hear from the Lord in prophecy, gifts of tongues, interpretation, words of wisdom, etc. Last night, we were worshipping and our worship leader began to speak in tongues. It never ceases to amaze me when I hear someone speaking in tongues, including myself. She gave the interpretation immediately following. You want to know what the Lord said?
(I am paraphrasing) - Trust in Me for all your needs, do not look to the right or the left, I am the lamp unto your feet and the light unto your path.
There was more to it, but this went deeply into my heart as I knew the Lord was speaking directly to ME. He was reassuring me through His Spirit that what he spoke to me was true, and that he was right with me. He was confirming the direction he had given me, and that He will take care of all my needs. And I believe Him.
I sobbed during service knowing that my Lord loves me so very deeply, and he cares about me in the most intimate, personal way anyone ever could. He knows my needs more than I do, and he is walking me through this life. I began to cry out to the Lord in prayer for all those who do not know Him. They do not know the God that will walk faithfully by their side all the days of their lives, who will supply all their needs, comforting them, loving them beyond measure, and fulfilling deep desires of the heart. They have not been to the fountain of life and drunk living water. But praise the Lord, he is not letting them go! He is still working on their hearts, bringing them to that place!
At the end of the night, a dear sister in the Lord gave me a hug and encouraged me. She said "He is not letting go of you." He says in His Word:
Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV):
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrifed because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."
If you have never heard the Lord speak to your heart, begin to EXPECT Him to speak, and he will break down any barriers that are keeping you from hearing His voice. He loves you, and like me, He will not let go of you. The devil and his angels have convinced people that God does not speak to His people anymore through tongues, interpretation, prophecy, or even a still small voice. People believe that the only way we hear the Lord is through reading His Word, and I challenge anyone who believes this to find the scripture to prove their beliefs. These gifts have never ceased, although they will someday when the Lord returns to bring us home with Him. Then we will see perfectly, face to face, our Lord. We will no longer need the gifts to hear our Lord because we will be in His presence for eternity.
For now, expect Him to speak and watch how the Lord will answer you.
Psalm 86:7 (NIV)
"In the day of trouble, I will call to you, for you will answer me."
Lord,
Today I thank you for your voice in my life. I thank you for using me to speak to others your truth and wisdom for living. I thank you that you will answer when I call to you in my day of trouble. I thank you for your patience in my life, and the way you always deal with me gently and with a full measure of compassion and grace. I pray right now, Lord, that you would open the ears of those who will listen to your voice. I pray that you would speak to their hearts through your Word, tongues, interpretation, prophecy, evangelism, wisdom, knowledge and truth. Your Word tells me that Your thoughts of me outnumber the grains of sand (Psalm 139:18). Thank you for your great love, and your Presence in my life each and every day. Help me to rejoice in your salvation today, and the salvation of those whom you will save. Touch the hearts and lives of those who are reading this, and bless them richly in the name of Jesus. I pray in His precious name, and thank you for His costly sacrifice. Amen.
His Disciple,
Sarah
As I have briefly mentioned in prior posts, I am beginning a new season of walking with God. To be quite honest, it is already unlike any other season I have been through. The Lord is asking new things of me and expecting more from me. He is asking me to trust Him with every step and to believe that He will lead me, even if it is one step at a time. The two scriptures that he has been pressing on my heart lately are:
Psalm 119:105 (NIV)
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path."
and
Deuteronomy 5:32 (NIV)
"So be careful to do what the LORD your God has commanded you; do not turn aside to the right or to the left."
These two scriptures have been turning over and over in my heart and mind. The Lord had given me a picture in my mind when this season began of me in a dark tunnel. To the right and left are pitch-black darkness, but there is One who is leading me through the tunnel step my step, with only enough light for one step at a time. I shared this thought with my pastor. It has been confirmed in many ways that this is exactly where I am at in my walk with the Lord. I am going deeper into this dark tunnel, but I have my Lord to guide me step by step. Last night, I was feeling a little nervous, as I have been, about this new place the Lord has brought me. I will be quite honest in the fact that going one day at a time, step by step, is stretching my faith and my trust in the Lord.
Yesterday, I cried out to God and asked Him to help me. I asked Him to speak to me and assure me that everything was going to be alright, and that he had it all under control. Attending a pentecostal church means that we believe in the operation of the gifts of the Spirit, as the Spirit allows and moves on the hearts of His people, and we hear from the Lord in prophecy, gifts of tongues, interpretation, words of wisdom, etc. Last night, we were worshipping and our worship leader began to speak in tongues. It never ceases to amaze me when I hear someone speaking in tongues, including myself. She gave the interpretation immediately following. You want to know what the Lord said?
(I am paraphrasing) - Trust in Me for all your needs, do not look to the right or the left, I am the lamp unto your feet and the light unto your path.
There was more to it, but this went deeply into my heart as I knew the Lord was speaking directly to ME. He was reassuring me through His Spirit that what he spoke to me was true, and that he was right with me. He was confirming the direction he had given me, and that He will take care of all my needs. And I believe Him.
I sobbed during service knowing that my Lord loves me so very deeply, and he cares about me in the most intimate, personal way anyone ever could. He knows my needs more than I do, and he is walking me through this life. I began to cry out to the Lord in prayer for all those who do not know Him. They do not know the God that will walk faithfully by their side all the days of their lives, who will supply all their needs, comforting them, loving them beyond measure, and fulfilling deep desires of the heart. They have not been to the fountain of life and drunk living water. But praise the Lord, he is not letting them go! He is still working on their hearts, bringing them to that place!
At the end of the night, a dear sister in the Lord gave me a hug and encouraged me. She said "He is not letting go of you." He says in His Word:
Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV):
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrifed because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."
If you have never heard the Lord speak to your heart, begin to EXPECT Him to speak, and he will break down any barriers that are keeping you from hearing His voice. He loves you, and like me, He will not let go of you. The devil and his angels have convinced people that God does not speak to His people anymore through tongues, interpretation, prophecy, or even a still small voice. People believe that the only way we hear the Lord is through reading His Word, and I challenge anyone who believes this to find the scripture to prove their beliefs. These gifts have never ceased, although they will someday when the Lord returns to bring us home with Him. Then we will see perfectly, face to face, our Lord. We will no longer need the gifts to hear our Lord because we will be in His presence for eternity.
For now, expect Him to speak and watch how the Lord will answer you.
Psalm 86:7 (NIV)
"In the day of trouble, I will call to you, for you will answer me."
Lord,
Today I thank you for your voice in my life. I thank you for using me to speak to others your truth and wisdom for living. I thank you that you will answer when I call to you in my day of trouble. I thank you for your patience in my life, and the way you always deal with me gently and with a full measure of compassion and grace. I pray right now, Lord, that you would open the ears of those who will listen to your voice. I pray that you would speak to their hearts through your Word, tongues, interpretation, prophecy, evangelism, wisdom, knowledge and truth. Your Word tells me that Your thoughts of me outnumber the grains of sand (Psalm 139:18). Thank you for your great love, and your Presence in my life each and every day. Help me to rejoice in your salvation today, and the salvation of those whom you will save. Touch the hearts and lives of those who are reading this, and bless them richly in the name of Jesus. I pray in His precious name, and thank you for His costly sacrifice. Amen.
His Disciple,
Sarah
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Prisoners of War / Missing in Action
Last night, we attended the 61st Annual Air Force Ball, which celebrates the birthday of the Air Force. It was delightful with traditions and ceremonies, and the food was delicious. It was amazing to see all my girl-friends dressed up in formal gowns, and all their handsome husbands in mess dress uniforms. It was a night right out of a fairy tale. It was my first ball ever, so perhaps it was more magical to me than some other ladies there. Maybe it gets to be "old hat" after awhile, but I am still a newbie. I pulled out my tiara from my wedding day, and went all out with the royalty look. I am going to post pictures soon (when my friend sends them to me...our camera's battery was dead), but I had my hair swept back in an updo with my tiara. Jeff was sharp in his mess dress (tuxedo) uniform, and I was very proud to be on his arm!
One of the most touching moments of the night was the POW/MIA ceremony, in which a table is set for one and men in uniform from every branch march in place around table. There are all sorts of symbolic items on the table from a upside down wine glass (because he can't toast) and a lemon slice (for the bitterness of the situation). I thought about all the men/women who never made it home from combat, and the grief and suffering of their families knowing that they might be suffering or dead. But mostly, it reminded me of HOPE. The MC talked about the great hope that families have that their loved ones will come home. But, I had another thought...
First of all, those men or women who cannot return home will be reunited with their loved ones (trusting they know Jesus as Lord and Savior) in heaven someday. No matter how many years they have been separated, or even if they died while in combat, their loved ones can look forward to a reunion that will never end, if they trust Jesus. You see, there is a spiritual battlefield out there, and a war is currently raging (not over terrorism) but for the souls of God's people. There is a terrible, deceitful, cunning and absolutely ruthless enemy whose goal is to capture and steal the souls of unsuspecting people. He is very good at his military strategy and he often succeeds at taking people POW/MIA. Sometimes, those people die without ever knowing the love, mercy, forgiveness and compassion of a God who really wanted to save them!
I run into people who think God is against them, that He is ruthless and does not care about the lives of people. Scripture reveals a much different God who is fully involved in every minute of our lives, and loves us very much. He sacrificed His own Son so that we would have a way to escape the enemy, and a hell that was never meant for people. You see, Satan knows that he is going to be overtaken by Jesus someday for good, and he is scared. So...his plan is to take as many as he can with him to HELL which was created for him and the angels that revolted against God in heaven. It was not created for humans, but many will end up there. Jesus came to save us from the fiery depths of hell. Does that sound like a God that is full of hate, rage, anger and wrath? He does have righteous wrath, but his decision to pour out his wrath (at the end of time) is only because people have refused to accept the sacrifice He gave for their own salvation. They have chosen their own ticket to hell. God is perfect, in His justice, and He cannot let that which has been corrupted enter His holy presence. So, therefore, through the blood of Jesus being poured over us (spiritually), we are made whole and clean and able to be in God's presence for eternity.
But let me tell you, as the night ended....I was weeping in prayer. I was weeping for a person I knew was not seeing the Light of Jesus, and she was suffering (inwardly and outwardly) from what the enemy has accomplished in her life. He has taken her POW, but the hope is that she is not yet MIA. He can use those of us who know Him to help others. You see, God is preparing a place right now in heaven for those of us who love and follow Him. The other place has already been prepared for those who do not. Like the POW/MIA ceremony, our God's love is displayed in numerous acts of symbolism, such as Jesus' blood being poured out on the cross for our sins. He was pierced in his side, and blood and water ran out of his body. The scripture tells us of what Jesus went through to save us from our sin, and eventually a hell that is inescapable for all eternity:
Psalm 22:14-18 (NIV):
"I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart has turned to wax; it has melted away within me. My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; you lay me in the dust of death. Dogs have surrounded me; a band of evil men has encircled me, they have pierced my hands and feet. I can count all my bones; people stare and gloat over me. They divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing."
I can already hear those of you saying, how is this about Jesus when it was written in Psalms (in the Old Testament?) It was a psalm of David, but was written by the Holy Spirit's inspiration. As we can see, these things were again recorded in the New Testament when the gospels tell of the crucifixion of Christ. David did not know that Jesus was going to be crucified this way, in such stunning exact detail. David was prophetically speaking in Psalm 22 of the Messiah and Christ to come, whose blood would be poured out for the world's sin. Just to compare, take a look at Luke 19:23-24 (NIV):
"When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom. 'Let's not tear it,' they said to one another. 'Let's decide by lot who will get it.' This happened that the scripture might be fulfilled which said, 'They divided my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing.' So this is what the soldiers did."
Then in Luke 19:34-37 (NIV):
"Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus' side with a spear, bringing forth a sudden flow of blood and water. The man who saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies that you may also believe. These things happened so that scripture would be fulfilled: 'Not one of his bones will be broken' and as another scripture says 'They will look on the one they have pierced."
Isaiah 53:5 (NIV):
"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."
To make a long story short, scripture prophesied the crucifixion of Christ, then those scriptures were fulfilled that we might believe in Jesus as our Savior, and he took the punishment for our wrongdoing (sin). He did all this so that there might not be any POW/MIA people who were overcome by the power of the enemy, and therefore, are condemned to hell for all eternity. He came to give us power over the enemy, and forgiveness for all of our sins. He came to give us eternal life, and let us be in His holy presence forever. All we have to do is pray a simple prayer, confessing Jesus was the Son of God (Savior and Lord), and that God raised Him from the dead, and we will be saved.
Romans 10:9-11 (NKJV):
"That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture says 'Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame."
I am writing this blog because I, like God, wish for all to come to repentance and that none should perish. I know that God has given me a new life, and that I am going on to be with Him for eternity, but it is not enough unless I preach the good news to others, so they might join me. God has changed every part of my life, and he has given me peace and joy beyond measure. I could not have this life by my own doing...I tried and failed. I simply follow the Lord's commands, and it continues to be full of wonderful experiences day after day. Even in hard times, I still feel peace and joy, knowing that my many sins are forgiven and that I am going to spend an eternity in heaven with my Lord. For God said:
2 Peter 3:9 (NASB)
"The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance."
I pray today, with thanks to God for the wonderful things he has done, that each of you would come to know the love of God through his own Son Jesus. I pray that God would open your hearts and your minds to receive the Word as truth, and that in turn, you would give your life to Him and allow him to save you. I pray that His peace and His Holy Spirit would fall upon you, and that you would understand the vastness of His love for you. I ask God to bless the hearing of His holy Word, and transform lives because of it. It is in Jesus precious name I pray, Amen.
In His glorious salvation,
Sarah
One of the most touching moments of the night was the POW/MIA ceremony, in which a table is set for one and men in uniform from every branch march in place around table. There are all sorts of symbolic items on the table from a upside down wine glass (because he can't toast) and a lemon slice (for the bitterness of the situation). I thought about all the men/women who never made it home from combat, and the grief and suffering of their families knowing that they might be suffering or dead. But mostly, it reminded me of HOPE. The MC talked about the great hope that families have that their loved ones will come home. But, I had another thought...
First of all, those men or women who cannot return home will be reunited with their loved ones (trusting they know Jesus as Lord and Savior) in heaven someday. No matter how many years they have been separated, or even if they died while in combat, their loved ones can look forward to a reunion that will never end, if they trust Jesus. You see, there is a spiritual battlefield out there, and a war is currently raging (not over terrorism) but for the souls of God's people. There is a terrible, deceitful, cunning and absolutely ruthless enemy whose goal is to capture and steal the souls of unsuspecting people. He is very good at his military strategy and he often succeeds at taking people POW/MIA. Sometimes, those people die without ever knowing the love, mercy, forgiveness and compassion of a God who really wanted to save them!
I run into people who think God is against them, that He is ruthless and does not care about the lives of people. Scripture reveals a much different God who is fully involved in every minute of our lives, and loves us very much. He sacrificed His own Son so that we would have a way to escape the enemy, and a hell that was never meant for people. You see, Satan knows that he is going to be overtaken by Jesus someday for good, and he is scared. So...his plan is to take as many as he can with him to HELL which was created for him and the angels that revolted against God in heaven. It was not created for humans, but many will end up there. Jesus came to save us from the fiery depths of hell. Does that sound like a God that is full of hate, rage, anger and wrath? He does have righteous wrath, but his decision to pour out his wrath (at the end of time) is only because people have refused to accept the sacrifice He gave for their own salvation. They have chosen their own ticket to hell. God is perfect, in His justice, and He cannot let that which has been corrupted enter His holy presence. So, therefore, through the blood of Jesus being poured over us (spiritually), we are made whole and clean and able to be in God's presence for eternity.
But let me tell you, as the night ended....I was weeping in prayer. I was weeping for a person I knew was not seeing the Light of Jesus, and she was suffering (inwardly and outwardly) from what the enemy has accomplished in her life. He has taken her POW, but the hope is that she is not yet MIA. He can use those of us who know Him to help others. You see, God is preparing a place right now in heaven for those of us who love and follow Him. The other place has already been prepared for those who do not. Like the POW/MIA ceremony, our God's love is displayed in numerous acts of symbolism, such as Jesus' blood being poured out on the cross for our sins. He was pierced in his side, and blood and water ran out of his body. The scripture tells us of what Jesus went through to save us from our sin, and eventually a hell that is inescapable for all eternity:
Psalm 22:14-18 (NIV):
"I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart has turned to wax; it has melted away within me. My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; you lay me in the dust of death. Dogs have surrounded me; a band of evil men has encircled me, they have pierced my hands and feet. I can count all my bones; people stare and gloat over me. They divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing."
I can already hear those of you saying, how is this about Jesus when it was written in Psalms (in the Old Testament?) It was a psalm of David, but was written by the Holy Spirit's inspiration. As we can see, these things were again recorded in the New Testament when the gospels tell of the crucifixion of Christ. David did not know that Jesus was going to be crucified this way, in such stunning exact detail. David was prophetically speaking in Psalm 22 of the Messiah and Christ to come, whose blood would be poured out for the world's sin. Just to compare, take a look at Luke 19:23-24 (NIV):
"When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom. 'Let's not tear it,' they said to one another. 'Let's decide by lot who will get it.' This happened that the scripture might be fulfilled which said, 'They divided my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing.' So this is what the soldiers did."
Then in Luke 19:34-37 (NIV):
"Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus' side with a spear, bringing forth a sudden flow of blood and water. The man who saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies that you may also believe. These things happened so that scripture would be fulfilled: 'Not one of his bones will be broken' and as another scripture says 'They will look on the one they have pierced."
Isaiah 53:5 (NIV):
"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."
To make a long story short, scripture prophesied the crucifixion of Christ, then those scriptures were fulfilled that we might believe in Jesus as our Savior, and he took the punishment for our wrongdoing (sin). He did all this so that there might not be any POW/MIA people who were overcome by the power of the enemy, and therefore, are condemned to hell for all eternity. He came to give us power over the enemy, and forgiveness for all of our sins. He came to give us eternal life, and let us be in His holy presence forever. All we have to do is pray a simple prayer, confessing Jesus was the Son of God (Savior and Lord), and that God raised Him from the dead, and we will be saved.
Romans 10:9-11 (NKJV):
"That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture says 'Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame."
I am writing this blog because I, like God, wish for all to come to repentance and that none should perish. I know that God has given me a new life, and that I am going on to be with Him for eternity, but it is not enough unless I preach the good news to others, so they might join me. God has changed every part of my life, and he has given me peace and joy beyond measure. I could not have this life by my own doing...I tried and failed. I simply follow the Lord's commands, and it continues to be full of wonderful experiences day after day. Even in hard times, I still feel peace and joy, knowing that my many sins are forgiven and that I am going to spend an eternity in heaven with my Lord. For God said:
2 Peter 3:9 (NASB)
"The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance."
I pray today, with thanks to God for the wonderful things he has done, that each of you would come to know the love of God through his own Son Jesus. I pray that God would open your hearts and your minds to receive the Word as truth, and that in turn, you would give your life to Him and allow him to save you. I pray that His peace and His Holy Spirit would fall upon you, and that you would understand the vastness of His love for you. I ask God to bless the hearing of His holy Word, and transform lives because of it. It is in Jesus precious name I pray, Amen.
In His glorious salvation,
Sarah
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
