A family chooses forgiveness to mend their broken relationships. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D8ZDJYGB
The Author of Tomorrow!
Hebrews 12:1-2“… let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Some authors write historical fiction/non-fiction, focusing on the PAST.
Others I know write about events and characters in the PRESENT.
But, Jesus?
The Bible says He is the “Author and Finisher” of our faith, meaning He has the central role in initiating and completing the work of faith within each Christian.
As time passes, and events unfold in our world, we can rejoice that a we know Jesus. He’s the author of tomorrow!
Is My Truth Really The Truth?
John 14:6- “Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
The term, “My Truth” has been popular for a number of years. The concept being that there may not be an ultimate truth, so people are entitled to adopt their own “truths”—those which are real to them.
To illustrate, a person may believe that the color we all recognize as red is yellow. As long as it is not harmful to others, this alternate truth would be acceptable.
There is a problem with even this simple illustration, though, isn’t there? Right away, I see the difficulty of defending this alternate truth of a “red light runner.”
What does the Bible say about truth?
Throughout the entire book, we are told repeatedly that Jesus is “The Way, the TRUTH, and the Life” and that no one can come to the Father (God) except through Him (Jesus).
The Bible and its teachings are all referred to as “truths.”
That knowledge gives me, as a Christian, peace and comfort. It is encouraging to know I am following the One who is TRUTH, rather than a false “truth of my own.”
The Blind Man
John 9: 6.7- “After saying this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man’s eyes. Go,” he told him, “wash in the Pool of Siloam” (this word means “Sent”). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing.”
A couple of years ago, I was diagnosed with Macular Degeneration. My father also had it, so I knew first hand that this could lead to blindness.
On the way home from my doctor’s office, I thought ahead to what this might mean for my future. Not being able to see colors, sunrises/sunsets, my children’s faces, read/write books, and so on.
Later, during Bible reading, I came across the passage about the blind man that Jesus heals. As I pray daily for healing for my own disease, I imagine Jesus applying cooling mud to my eyes and restoring my sight to what it once was.
Will my eyes be healed or does God have a different plan for me? That I don’t know.
What I do know is that the blind man’s faith healed him. So, each day I pray for increased faith, too.
If you have a physical or mental ailment and are in need of healing, read the many stories of miracles in the scriptures. I pray that your faith will be increased and you, too, experience Jesus’s healing touch.
Worthless or Priceless?
Psalm 51: 16,17- “You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart.”
I collect a pottery called Roseville. As part of the global world of antiques, it is sought after—especially when it is in perfect condition.
However, if chipped or broken, it is nearly worthless on the resale market.
That’s the way it is with most antiques, however. Perfection is key.
What about human beings?
The Bible tells us that no one is perfect.
But it also says that we are priceless to our God.
In fact, He wants us to come to Him with broken and contrite hearts, asking His forgiveness for our sins.
Then, because of His great love for us, He sees us as whole and perfect—because we are “covered” in the blood of His perfect son, JESUS!
Why Did Jesus Come?
John 18:37- ““So you are a king?” Pilate said. Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. I was born and came into the world for this reason: to testify to the truth. Whoever accepts the truth listens to my voice.”
When asked why Jesus came to earth, most Christians would answer something like this:
To bring salvation to the world.
To offer forgiveness for our sins.
To give believers the gift of eternal life.
To fulfill the prophecies.
To bind up the brokenhearted and set the captives free!
EACH OF THOSE IS TRUE.
However, there is something more fundamental.
JESUS CAME TO TESTIFY TO THE TRUTH.
So, just what is “truth”? How can we know the truth?
I have recently begun a Bible Study by Focus on the Family, called THE TRUTH PROJECT.
Since I began watching the DVD’s, I have been so excited to know Jesus on a deeper level than ever.
If you ARE a Christian, I pray that this blog post will encourage you to make a commitment to learning more about our Lord. THE TRUTH PROJECT IS AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.
And, if you are not currently a believer, consider purchasing THE TRUTH PROJECT and its accompanying workbook so you can jot down Bible verses and truths you discover along the way.
The Truth Project is available on Amazon.
It is 13 one-hour DVD’s that look deeply into our moral compass as revealed in scripture, explaining both the relevance and importance of living the Christian Worldview in our daily lives.
Happy Easter! He is Risen!!
I Shook My Head
Romans 6:23-“For the wages of sin is death. But the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Last week, we received a flyer—an invitation to attend Easter services at a local church.
Curious, I read the accompanying literature. It said they would be commemorating the DEATH of Jesus.
That was it. Not one Bible verse in the tri-folded pamphlet.
Nothing about Jesus rising again on the third day. Nothing about salvation, the forgiveness of sins, nothing about the promise of eternal life through faith in Him.
I shook my head. Who would want to put their faith in someone who died? Death without resurrection????
But, the Jesus I know conquered sin and death on the cross. He alone offers forgiveness of sins and life everlasting.
And, HE IS ALIVE!!!!
A Cord of Three Strands
Ecclesiastes 4:12- “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
In elementary school, I had two best friends. We did everything together. We defended and protected one another. We were a living example of a cord of three strands.
I have two sisters. We have always been close. When my parents passed away, we were able to support and comfort one another. Another example of a cord of three strands.
I am married to a good Christian man. We take care of, encourage, comfort, and uphold one another. Together, we are a cord of two strands. However, because we share a common faith, God forms the third cord in our relationship.
When hard times come, when sorrow invades our lives, when physical ailments might otherwise tear us apart, the strong bond of three strands preserves us because…
A CORD OF THREE STRANDS IS NOT EASILY BROKEN.
Why He Came
John 3: 16-17. ““For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”
Why, when I sat down to write this blog with a Christmas message, did my mind keep replaying images from Passion of The Christ?
It didn’t make sense until I reviewed the Christmas story and came across the gifts that were brought to baby Jesus.
One of them was myrrh, an embalming spice. It was a strange gift to bring a child, unless you consider who the child was—God in the flesh who came to earth with one purpose—to die on the cross for the sins of mankind.
This may have been the first clue to Mary and Joseph about the purpose their son would have on earth, but they already knew he would be special. From the message to Mary before her pregnancy to the starry host (angels) announcing the birth months later, and countless interactions they had with Him throughout his life here on earth, everything fit into God’s plan of salvation.
So, while we celebrate His birth at Christmas, we also have reason to also celebrate His death and resurrection.
For that is why He came.
Are You Adopted?
Ephesians 1:5- “He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.”
My husband is Greek. I am mostly German. Our “bestie” couple friends are Italian and belong to an Italian club.
They asked us if we wanted to join and we reminded them that we are not Italian.
They said it didn’t matter. We’d be “adopted in.”
We had a great time at the Italian picnic as newbie Italians. On the way home, I thought about the Bible reference regarding our “adoption as sons of God.”
So, just what does it mean to be adopted into God’s family?
It’s simple. When we come to faith in Christ, we are adopted into His family and given all the rights that heirs of God possess.
God doesn’t adopt people because they are worthy. He adopts them on the basis of His grace.
Christians are forever part of God’s family.
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