Salvation – Page 4 – Deep Thoughts & Little Happenings

March 25, 2021March 25, 2021

How to Be Part of a Controlled Burn

Today’s Scripture Passage:

James 3:1-12

Key Verse:

Let no unwholesome word come out of your mouth, but if there is any good word for edification according to the need of the moment, say that, so that it will give grace to those who hear. Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Ephesians 4:29-30 (NASB)

Two weeks ago, we were at Deep Cut Trailhead in the Manassas Battlefield National Park (MNBP). It was a beautiful day, but we hadn’t even gotten to the low-lying sections when we found ourselves squishing and sinking with every step. We decided to turn around and come back another day.

One week later, we returned to find something entirely different. The trail was no longer surrounded by fields covered with golden windblown grasses. The gold was now a blackened scar lining each side of the trail and stretching out in all directions. The change was startling.

This was no haphazard burning.

The burns smoothly outlined both sides of the trail.

We were witnessing the aftermath of a controlled burn!

This week we were on another MBNP trail when we saw a Park Ranger and stopped to chat. He asked if we’d been to Deep Cut since the burn.

Turns out he was one of the rangers who watched from afar. He was still excited about seeing professionals from all over the state use their knowledge and equipment the day of the burn. He was also eager to share his experience.

Did you know the MBNP does a controlled burn twice a year? They do! He explained the benefits. He talked about all the time and effort required to plan and execute such a precise burn. He shared the months of planning and coordination required between the park and the one who would eventually oversee and be held responsible for the results of the burn.

He told us those assisting with the burn must be qualified fire fighters. They must also be unwavering in their commitment to follow instructions throughout the entire process.

I was barely walking away before I was hit with the spiritual parallel.

There is a big difference between burning a field and a controlled burn.

The timing and conditions must be exact. Those doing the planning must know the importance of both. They must also know how to keep track of them. Delays and cancellations of a burn are sometimes necessary. Burns are not done unless all conditions are right. Burns are not done if the timing is not exact.

To burn at the wrong time or under the wrong conditions can bring destruction instead of benefits!

It is much better to cancel a burn than to burn at the wrong time or under the wrong conditions!

So, what’s the parallel? The Bible (God’s written word) tells us…

Our God is a consuming fire; He uses fire to refine our faith and test our works. God lives in all those who have been saved by faith in Jesus and are sealed with His Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit baptizes us by fire at the time of our salvation. This is the fire God uses to test and refine our faith.

The Bible is also very clear about the fire in our tongues. Yes! What James wrote about the tongue was written to those who were already Jesus-followers.

So, who’s the expert on a controlled burn? Holy Spirit!

Holy Spirit uses our tongue (words) when we are completely committed to following His instructions. Using the right words at the right time and in the exact right conditions will bring benefit to those who hear them.

Even the right words at the wrong time or in the wrong conditions can do damage and grieve Holy Spirit.

Read today’s verses again…

Let no unwholesome word come out of your mouth, but if there is any good word for edification according to the need of the moment, say that, so that it will give grace to those who hear. Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

I do not believe it’s an accident these verses were written to us in back-to-back order.

Our words are supposed to give grace to those who hear them.

BUT

We grieve Holy Spirit whenever our words do not give grace to the hearer.

I think words that grieve Holy Spirit must be the careless words Jesus was talking about in Matthew 12:36. Look at what He said, “But I tell you that for every careless word that people speak, they will give an account of it on the day of judgment.”

I don’t know about you, but I’m all too often guilty of using careless words!

And since my words originate in my thoughts, I can only assume when my words grieve Holy Spirit, my thoughts grieve Holy Spirit too!

“May the words of my mouth
and the thoughts of my heart
be acceptable in your presence,
Adonai, my Rock and Redeemer.” Psalm 19:15 (CJB)

For the curious…

There is already new growth at Deep Cut (we went to look). That’s Right! The controlled burn removed what was not healthy and made room for new growth. How’s that for exciting?!

Jesus Journaling:

1 Take some time to remember the most encouraging words others have spoken to you. What was it about those conversations that influenced you to make wise choices that were pleasing to the LORD?

2 Spend some time thinking about your conversations during this past week. How many of your words were spoken (or written) carelessly? Ask Jesus to make you sensitive to His timing and conditions in every conversation.

3 Talk to Jesus about learning a new way of thinking, so your words will give grace to the hearers and won’t grieve Holy Spirit.

Digging Deeper:

Matthew 3:11, Acts 2:3, 1st Corinthians 3:12-14, Hebrews 12:28-29, & 1st Peter 1:6-8

If you have not yet met Jesus, you can meet Him today. He created you. He loves you. He wants you to be a part of His family. I encourage you to step into the life He created you to live. You will still have the troubles of this world, but you will no longer be facing them alone. I’m praying for you! https://peacewithgod.net/mobile/?utm_source=Microsoft&utm_medium=CPC&utm_term=HowToGoToHeaven&utm_campaign=USPWGMobileSearchMic

March 18, 2021March 18, 2021

Receiving the Renewable Energy of Trusting Jesus

Key Verse:

But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 (NLT)

Photo taken by George Coulson at Manassas National Battlefield Park, November 24, 2020.

I sat on the porch and marveled at all the colors the LORD was using to paint the morning skies. I listened as songbirds sang a chorus of praises and marveled at the grace of the larger birds soaring overhead.

Those large birds are birds of prey and have captured my attention a lot lately. I’ve pointed them out to George and together we’ve watched and marveled over their ability to stay aloft without ever moving their wings. They appear to just rest on the air, pivoting and tilting, rising and swooping down only to rise again, slowly moving closer and further away until they are only a dot on the horizon.

Those birds are part of the path the LORD’s been leading me to follow for a while now. It started with The Joy Challenge last Thanksgiving and continued with an in-depth look into Matthew 11:28-30 as we welcomed in this New Year.

Through it all, the LORD was opening me up to a place of new understanding. Revealing more of the relationship between joy and trust, and obedience and rest. I began asking questions.

How is it possible to live a life of wholehearted obedience and still be rested.

How is it possible to live in full tilt faithfulness to Jesus without becoming weary in my walk or work?

His answer came yesterday morning. I was reading what King David wrote in Psalm 23:3 when the connection finally came like a spark of electricity running straight to my heart.

I was seeing the same paradox Isaiah wrote about in today’s key verse, and I realized something new and wonderful. Read what Isaiah wrote…

But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint.

Now look at what David wrote about the LORD…

He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.

My strength is renewed as the LORD leads me along right paths!

Renewed strength comes while I live my life trusting Jesus.

Trusting is following wherever He leads.

Trusting is doing what it is right in His sight!

It is in the trusting enough to follow that you and I are refreshed and our strength is renewed!

The LORD’s strength is like renewable energy!

I quickly looked up renewable energy.

Renewable Energy is energy from a source that is not depleted when used, such as wind or solar power. (Oxford Dictionaries – Cortana)

This led me to look up what Jesus said in Acts 1:8 about the power we receive from Holy Spirit. Read what He said, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Holy Spirit is the source of our power and His power will never be depleted. No matter how much Holy Spirit power we use, there is an endless source of Holy Spirit power at our disposal.

Holy Spirit power is the original renewable energy!

I finished by reading what Paul wrote in Galatians 5:25. “Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.”

I know, none of this is new information, and yet…

I’m beginning to realize just how much more there is to experience as a Jesus-follower.

I feel like the child who knows she’s supposed to catch the ball in her glove but can’t seem to make her body obey what her brain tells it to do. That’s why opportunities to practice what we know is such a big part of learning.

I definitely need a lot more practice when it comes to living a life of joy, trust, obedience, and renewed strength in Jesus. I don’t want to settle for knowing about it. I want to experience it – ALL of it! Don’t you?!

Jesus Journaling:

1 Be on the lookout for any of those big birds soaring high overhead. Notice how they allow the air to determine their direction. Talk to Jesus about the areas of your life where you are weary. Ask Him if it’s possible you’re so weary because you’re fighting the direction He’s taking you. Ask Him to help you find a place of renewed strength.

2 Is there something you have a desire to do but are struggling to begin? Talk to Jesus about your struggle. Maybe it’s because you’re not sure it’s a desire He’s given you, or you’re not sure how to start, or maybe it’s something else entirely. Whatever your reason, be honest with Him. Expect Him to hear you and respond!

3 Write down one thing you’re going to do as an act of trust and obedience and begin practicing it. Stick close to Holy Spirit and allow Him to lead you AND renew your energy as you trust and follow.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, a Division of Tyndale House Ministries, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

March 11, 2021March 12, 2021

Let Your Shiny Thing Go!

Today’s Scripture Passage:

Philippians 3:7-16

Key Verse:

Yes, 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. Philippians 3:8-9a (NLT)

Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls is a great story of perseverance and love. It’s about a boy named Billy and his two redbone hunting hounds. Billy works and saves to buy two pups, so he will have his own coon hounds. Billy goes to his grandpa for help when it comes time to train his pups; he needs a fresh coon pelt for giving them the scent.

Grandpa tells Billy to drill a hole in a hollow log and put something shiny inside. The size was very specific and important; the hole needed to be barely big enough for a coon to slip his paw inside. Apparently, racoons cannot resist anything shiny.

The trap worked. Why? The trapped coon refused to release the shiny object, and he couldn’t pull free while clutching his shiny prize. All he had to do was let it go!

The principle of letting go to live free doesn’t only apply to freeing oneself from a hollow log trap.

It’s also a great principle for living in the freedom of truth. Why?

Have you ever struggled to forget a hurt?

Or refused to value a person with a differing point of view?

Have your feelings ever controlled your choices?

Has a past sin haunted you, filled you with shame, or consumed your future with fear?

Do you find yourself thinking “if only _______ hadn’t happened” or “if only I could have or do __________”, I would be happy?

Whatever our shiny thing is, we don’t let go because we consider it both valuable and harmless. We hold on tight because we see it through the eyes of our own understanding.

That’s what Jesus was talking about in John 8:32 when He said, “the truth will set you free.”

Jesus isn’t trying to rob our joy. Just the opposite! Look at what He said in the last part of John 10:10, “My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.”

Jesus wants all of His followers to have rich and satisfying lives!

Don’t confuse what Jesus gives with the riches of this world. A rich and satisfying life is so much more than money, power, or control over our circumstances.

A rich and satisfying life doesn’t mean having no more troubles. Jesus told us in John 16:33 we will have troubles in this world. But Jesus also said to take heart because He has overcome the world.

King Solomon knew the importance of letting go. That’s what he was talking about in Proverbs 3:5, when he wrote, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on our own understanding.”

We can’t trust our understanding AND trust the LORD at the same time.

We must choose!

We each have a question to answer…

Am I going to trust the LORD, or am I going to trust my own understanding?

Choosing to trust the LORD makes it possible to “let go” of our own understanding and live by faith. That’s where we learn more of Him and His faithfulness to us!

The more we know Jesus, the more we delight in Him. The more we delight in Jesus, the more our desires align with His. How do I know this?

In Psalm 37:4, David writes, “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires.” Read it again, “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires.” One more time, “He will give you your heart’s desires.” That’s right!

He will give us our desires! Woot! Woot! What we desire will NOT be shiny things that trap us but truth that sets us free!

In case you’re wondering, the coon never let go, Billy’s pa killed the coon, Billy used the coon’s pelt to train his pups, and both pups became great hunting hounds.

Jesus Journaling:

1 What shiny things trap you? What are your reasons for holding onto them, and why do those reasons make it harder for you to let them go? Ask Jesus to show you the truth behind why He wants you to let them go, and what He wants you to have instead.

2 Do you feel like freedom in Christ is for others but beyond your grasp? Talk to Jesus about it, read His word (the Bible), and expect Him to show you how to fully experience the rich and satisfying life He wants you to have.

3 Is there a step of faith you’ve been hesitating to take? If so, what is causing your hesitation? Talk to Jesus about what has you trapped and unable to take that first step of faith.

Warning…There is someone who wants to trap you. He’s the enemy of every Jesus-follower. Be careful! Don’t allow yourself to blame your enemy for your desires (those shiny things that hold you captive). James 1:14 clearly tells us they are “our own desires.” Our enemy uses our desires against us. He sets his traps with our desires. Jesus calls our enemy a thief whose “purpose is to steal and kill and destroy.” That’s right! Our enemy wants us to hold on tight to our shiny things; he wants us miserable and stuck in the trap of our own desires and understanding.

FYI: There is one truth we must never compromise…Jesus is the only way for us to be saved (John 14:6 & Act 4:12).

March 4, 2021March 4, 2021

Will You Help a Friend in Need?

Today’s Scripture Passage:

Matthew 7:1-5

Key Verse:

Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye. Matthew 7:5 (NLT)

It’s easy to read today’s passage of Scripture and zoom in on the get the log out of your own eye. But look at the end of verse 5 again, “then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye.”

Jesus did NOT say get the log out of your own eye then leave your friend struggling with the speck in her eye.

We’ve all experienced the irritation of having something in our eye. Our eye waters and becomes painful and distracting. We’re battling a tiny speck we can’t see but know is there. We need help and finally give up and ask someone else to take a look.

The same is true of our spiritual eyes. Sometimes, we just can’t see what’s is causing all the trouble. We know something is there. We feel the irritation and painful effects, but it’s as impossible to see as a speck in our physical eye.

That’s when God’s grace provides a friend to help us. This is a friend who loves us at all times…yes, even when we’re not at our best and struggling with a “speck” of sin. This is a friend who is humble and gentle at heart, loves us enough to draw near, look closely, and do the delicate work of hurting us to help us.

God’s grace comes to us in many ways, but I think fellow believers are some of the most wonderful and miraculous gifts of God’s grace in our lives. Why? It takes a true friend to remove a speck with love and without condemnation; a friend with a genuine desire to help us when we are in pain and our eyes are full of tears.

I’m thankful to have more than one friend willing to speak truth to me. Truth spoken from a place of genuine love. Admittedly, it hurts! And I can struggle with feeling offended or a need to defend myself. It doesn’t matter that I know I had a speck or needed help. It doesn’t even matter that I asked for help. The pain of seeing my “speck” of sin always sends me scurrying away for some serious Jesus time.

It usually starts with a good old-fashioned vent and cry session. After I calm down, Jesus helps me move from godly sorrow to repenting and confessing. That’s when His forgiveness and cleansing come. Oh what joy!

Oh! One other thing I’ve noticed is the clarity of hind sight. Once a speck is removed, I can see how Holy Spirit uses my relationships, circumstances, and God’s word to prepare me to accept the truth of my sin and my need for help.

I’ve learned, no matter how painful the process, the removal of a “speck” of sin brings blessing. The longer a speck is in the eye, the more damage is done and the higher the risk of long-term consequences.

So, next time a friend comes to you, shares a pain, and asks if you see a speck in their eye, don’t talk yourself out of sharing the truth of what you see. Remember you’re the one they’ve come to for help. They trust you to speak truth in love.

Jesus didn’t tell us not to help our friend. He said to be sure our own eyes are free of debris before we help.

Jesus Journaling:

1 When you’re struggling with a speck you can’t see yourself, do you ask someone for help? If yes, who and why did you choose that person? If no, why not?

2 What are some early signs of a speck you’ve come to recognize in your own life?

3 What causes you to doubt yourself when it comes to helping a friend with a speck?

Digging Deeper:

Proverbs 17:17, 2 Corinthians 7:10, Ephesians 4:14-16, 1 John 1:9

February 25, 2021February 25, 2021

We’re Ambassadors Living in A Foreign Land

Today’s Scripture Passage:

2 Corinthians 5:11-6:2

Key Verse:

But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. Philippians 3:20a (NLT)

I too often concern myself with what is of no consequence in the Kingdom of Heaven. I forget an important truth…

Those who belong to Jesus are citizens of Heaven!

Citizens of Heaven are Ambassadors on earth and in the cities where they live.

Ambassador
– an accredited diplomat sent by a country as its official representative to a foreign country.
– a person who acts as a representative or promoter of a specified activity.
Oxford Dictionaries · Bing Translator

I (and you) must remember we’re not meant to live as dual-citizens.

We’re only representatives living in this foreign land.

Who are we here to represent?

Jesus Christ!

What are we here to promote?

Reconciliation!

We are Ministers of Reconciliation for Jesus.

We are Ambassadors for Jesus Christ living in this world and surrounded by people who are dying in their sins apart from Him.

I learned something else about ambassadors during my Bible time yesterday. Isn’t the LORD amazing?!

I discovered ambassadors are also the king’s messengers to other citizens of their home country who are also living in a foreign land. I included those verses from Jeremiah in the Digger Deeper section below, but the message was sent to encourage God’s people.

It was God’s reminder to trust Him, believe His promises to them, to help them understand He put them there for a purpose, and to know He would fulfill His plan for them. His message also admonished them to work for the peace and prosperity of the city where He sent them, and to pray for it (the foreign city) because their welfare was linked to the welfare of the place they were living.

God’s word is very clear, those who are in Christ Jesus are new creatures. We’re no longer citizens of this world but of His Kingdom. While here, we’re to seek His Kingdom, do what is right, and trust Him for all our needs. We’re to encourage one another to live and work and love well. We’re to work for the good of the place He sent us to live. We’re to pray for it, and we’re to pray for one another. May we be found faithful ambassadors!

LORD, we’re so thankful to be citizens of Your Kingdom. Thank You for the privilege of being your representatives here. Help us to grow in our relationship with You, so we will represent You well. Give us compassion and courage, and teach us to love those around us as You love them. We want to love as citizens of Heavens and not citizens of this world!

Digging Deeper:

Jeremiah 29:3-14, Matthew 6:32-33, John 17:14-16, Ephesians 6:18, Hebrews 10:25, 1 Peter 2:10-12 & Revelation 1:5

Fun Facts:

I just learned the difference between a citizen and a denizen. They both reside in a particular country but denizens are foreigners. I guess that makes us denizens!

Denizen
– an inhabitant or occupant of a particular place.
– a foreigner allowed certain rights in the adopted country.
Oxford Dictionaries · Bing Translator

February 18, 2021February 17, 2021

Surrendered and Spirit Strong

Today’s Scripture Passage:

Galatians 5:22-25

Key Verse:

A person without self-control
is like a city with broken-down walls. Proverbs 25:28 (NLT)

The ability to control another is only a mirage.

mirage noun
something that appears real or possible but is not in fact so.
Oxford Dictionaries · Bing Translator

I have learned but must be reminded…

I cannot control anything but myself!

You cannot control anything but yourself!

control
the power to influence or direct people’s behavior or the course of events.
Oxford Dictionaries · Bing Translator

I have learned but must be reminded…

I cannot control myself without help!

You cannot control yourself without help!

Will power is not enough!

Imagine you’re driving in a downpour of rain. You grip the steering wheel with white knuckled hands against heavy winds forcing you toward the center line. Sooner or later exhaustion takes over and you’re jerked into oncoming traffic. This is the struggle of will power.

That’s why Jesus gives ALL of His followers a Helper!

Our Helper’s name is Holy Spirit.

Holy Spirit teaches, counsels, and reminds us of what we’ve already learned from Jesus about belonging to Him and being His follower.

Holy Spirit is our Helper whenever we do not understand, are unsure of, or forget the way of Jesus.

Holy Spirit helps us control our thoughts, our words, and our actions.

Many will seek to manipulate, deceive, and bully us into doing their will, but…

No matter how limited our choices, the choice is still ours to make.

Even when every choice leads in a way we don’t want to go, the choice is still ours to make.

We’re always free to choose what’s right.

To believe anything else is to be deceived.

Today’s verse reminds us a city without walls is vulnerable to attack from the enemy, and a life lived without self-control makes us vulnerable to attack from our enemy. Our enemy prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour. Our enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy. He’s the enemy of every Jesus-follower. Our accuser who wants us to live in the shame and condemnation of our old identity. Our enemy who wants us to forget our identity is in Jesus!

His name is Satan; and long ago, he refused to surrender his will to the Lordship of Jesus. Now, he wants us to do the same. He wants us separated from Jesus and vulnerable. He wants us to be distracted, discouraged, and defeated. He cannot rob us of our eternity, but he will do everything possible to turn our eyes from Jesus.

I have learned but must be reminded…

Self-control comes from Holy Spirit.

Self-control is only one of Holy Spirit’s nine characteristics; they’re called the fruit of the Spirit.

fruit
what is produced
can be taken from; seized, plucked, to take for oneself
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of The Bible – Greek Dictionary

Like fruit on a tree, Holy Spirit produces love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Holy Spirit’s fruit is ours to seize, pluck, take for ourselves.

I have learned but must be reminded…

The only thing I can control is myself, and self-control comes from my Helper, Holy Spirit.

Seizing Spirit self-control gives me (and you) strength to surrender to the way of love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, gentleness, while living faithful to Jesus and His way.

I have learned but must be reminded…

I am Spirit strong when I am surrendered to the way of Jesus.

LORD, we’re so thankful to be citizens of Your Kingdom. We’re thank You for the privilege of being your representative in the foreign land we live in now. Help us to grow in our relationship with You, so we will represent You well. Give us compassion and courage and teach us to love those around us as You love them. We want to love as citizens of Heavens and not citizens of this world!

Digging Deeper:

John 10:10, John 14:16-17 & 26, Romans 8:1-2, 1 Corinthians 2;15-16, Ephesians 6:10-18, 1 Peter 2:10 & 1 Peter 5:8,

January 28, 2021January 28, 2021

Embracing Your Relationship: Bought to Belong

Today’s Scripture Passage:

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 (NLT)

Jesus said, “Take my yoke upon you.”

What? Wearing a yoke doesn’t sound like rest! Nor does it sound refreshing. Jesus said He would give us rest, and now He’s telling us to take His yoke and put it on?

I’ve spent weeks researching yokes. I found plenty of information about yokes, but I still felt like I was missing something. I needed to understand why Jesus used the words “My yoke.”

I got a WOW of an answer.

The people listening to Jesus that day would’ve understood what I didn’t. You see, I always pictured Jesus in the yoke with me (or you) every time I read those word. But Jesus wasn’t inviting us to yoke with Him!

I’ve learned there are three clear steps of progression in the relationship between a farmer and his ox.

Please don’t be offended, but to see the spiritual parallel, we need to picture Jesus as the farmer and ourselves as the ox.

1) the relationship begins when the farmer buys the ox.

2) the relationship develops as trust is built.

3) the relationship matures as yokes are introduced.

Today we’ll focus on how the relationship begins.

You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price.
1 Corinthians 6:19b-20a (NLT)

Jesus paid for us with His blood!

We all sin and we all owe a debt for our sin. Death is the price and Jesus paid that price in full. He died in our place! (You can learn more about this by using the link in green at the bottom of the post.)

So, what’s the relationship between us and Jesus?

We belong to Him!

But belonging is only the beginning. Next week we’ll look at step two in the relationship–Building Trust!

Between Now and Then…

1 Take time this week to consider the high price Jesus paid for you.

2 Tell Jesus how you feel about belonging to Him. Does it fill you with fear, resentment, gratitude, something else?

3 Do something special to celebrate your relationship with Jesus.

Digging Deeper:

John 3: 3-17, Romans 3:23, 2 Corinthians 5:17, 2 Peter 2:2-3

January 21, 2021January 20, 2021

The Promise in The Invitation

Today’s Scripture Passage:

This series of posts has been progressive. Why am I using the same Scripture Passage each week. I’m aspiring to do more than know the words of these verses. I want to grow in my understanding of what these words mean and how they apply to me.

I have decided I will no longer settle for receiving only a portion of what my Father has for me. How about you?

Quick recap…

Week 1: Jesus said, “Let Me Teach You.”

Week 2: Jesus said, “Come To Me.”

Week 3: Jesus was speaking to “All Who are Weary and Carry Heavy Burdens.”

This Week: Jesus’ Promise.

Look what Jesus says…“Come to Me, and

I will give you rest.“

Jesus promised to give us REST.

REST
to refresh
Strong’s Concordance and Greek Dictionary of the New Testament

Jesus promised, when we come to Him, we will be REFRESHED.

Did you notice the prefix re in the word refresh?

re- prefix
again : anew
Merriam Webster Online Dictionary

fresh adjective
having its original qualities unimpaired
Merriam Webster Online Dictionary

This is about Jesus making us fresh again!

This is about Jesus renewing our abilities!

Why?

So we can do all the good works we were created to do in Christ Jesus!

So we will not grow weary and give up!

Next week we’re going to take our first step into the process of receiving the rest Jesus has for us.

Between Now and Then…

1 Take time this week to think about all the areas of your life where you want and/or need rest; places you need Jesus to make you fresh again.

2 Talk to Jesus about those places and your need for Him to refresh you.

3 Ask Jesus to prepare your heart and mind for the process of receiving the rest only He can give.

Digging Deeper:

2 Corinthians 5:17-19, Galatians 6:9, & Ephesians 2:10 & 3:14-20

January 14, 2021January 14, 2021

Weary? Want to Drop It All and Run?

Today’s Scripture Passage:

Last week we looked at Jesus’ invitation, but who was He talking to when He said “Come to Me”?

“ALL of you who are weary.”

weary adjective
1: exhausted in strength, endurance, vigor, or freshness
Miriam Webster online dictionary

Does weary describe you?

If so, Jesus is speaking to you!

“ALL of you who carry heavy burdens.”

carry verb
1: to support and take from one place to another
Miriam Webter online thesaurus

What are you carrying?

burden noun
1a: something that is carried : LOAD
b: DUTY,
RESPONSIBILITY
Miriam Webster online dictionary

Are your burdens heavy?

If so, Jesus is speaking to you!

Next week we’re going to look at Jesus’ promise to all who accept His invitation to come to Him.

Between Now and Then…

1 Take time to make a list of the things you are currently carrying. These should include physical, emotional, and spiritual burdens.

2 Take Jesus up on His invitation. Go to Him. Take your list of burdens with you. Ask Him to show you which things on your list are ones He has given you to carry and which ones He did not.

3 Listen and be alert for His answer.

Digging Deeper:

Psalm 34:1-3 & 1 Peter 5:7

January 7, 2021

It’s an Invitation; Not a Command!

Today’s Scripture Passage:

Yes, this is the same Scripture passage we used last week. We’re going to camp here for a while. Why? There’s a lot of meat to chew in these three verses, so let’s slow down, take little bites, and chew each one well before swallowing.

Last week we looked at, “Let me teach you,” and I’ve spent this week asking why I needed Him to point this out to me. He knows I read His word every day.

I’m glad He answered, but I didn’t like the answer. Turns out I’ve allowed myself to develop a bad habit.

Yes, I read my Bible, but somewhere along the way I let reading His word become more about gaining Bible knowledge than being with Jesus.

I let myself forget reading God’s word is only the starting point for spending my day with Him.

Learning from Jesus is not about me reading my Bible. It’s about spending my days allowing Him to show me how to apply and practice what He tells me in His word.

Living the life He’s given me means being with Him and learning from Him. Being aware of Him throughout the entirety of my day, and imitating Him.

I think that’s why Jesus started His invitation with these words, “Come to Me.”

Jesus wants to be our Teacher, but we must come to Him first. It’s about more than Him imparting knowledge. It’s about us wanting to learn from Him. It’s about Him sharing His thoughts and ways with us and us spending our days practicing what He shares.

No one has ever learned to walk because their parents handed them a how-to manual or gave them a lecture on how to walk. In fact, that’s outright silliness!

So why would we think learning to walk with Jesus is only about reading our Bible and listening to others tell us what they learned from Jesus?

We learn to walk by watching others walk. We learn to walk by practicing what we see others doing when they walk. Mastery doesn’t come to us overnight, but with continual practice. We gradually move from being toddlers to walkers.

If we want to learn to live and walk like Jesus, we must spend our days with Jesus. We must practice being aware of Him and His ways and imitating Him. Only then, will we learn to live and walk like Jesus!

We practice our way to mastery.

Practice requires perseverance and patience.

BE AWARE!

Sometimes things happen and the pain creates unintentional compensation and even more pain. For example, my knee was injured several years ago. I went to the doctor and was told it would heal on it’s own. A year later it was not better; it was actually unbearably painful by that time.

Why am I telling you this? I spent months in physical therapy where I was taught how to walk…again! I had compensated for the pain in my right knee until the entire right side of my body was out of alignment. Can anyone say ouch?!

I had practiced walking incorrectly for over a year and my body had to be retrained. This has taught me something important. Even long time Jesus-followers can find themselves needing to learn how to walk…again. A hurt, a loss, anxiety, and disappointment can be a pain which leads to a compensation which leads to us being out of alignment in our walk with our Savior.

Let’s stop there. I’ll see you next week. We’re going to take a closer look at the people Jesus is talking to in these verses. Until then…

1-Take time to notice how aware you are of Jesus throughout the entirety of your day.

2-Honestly assess your walk with Jesus. Are you already a Jesus-follower? If not, He’s calling you to Come to Him. Are you are a Jesus-follower? If so, He’s calling you to Come to Him.

3-Ask Him to show you clearly what it is He wants you to see of Him and begin practicing. Don’t stop when you fall. He’s got you by the hand. Just keep practicing!

Digging Deeper:

Psalm 37:24, Ephesians 5:1