Loving people does not always come easy. Our expectations of others can cloud receiving love from people.
Our thoughts start in the mind. It doesn’t mean those thoughts are true and as a result, we can have people around us that love us, but we can feel unable to receive the love.
Past experiences of betrayal, abandonment, disappointment, codependency, depression and even struggles with addiction, can bring obstacles to the simplicity of love.
Whether it’s our actions or the actions of others, Jesus came as a baby because of love for us. He loved first.
“We love each other because he loved us first.” 1 John 4:19 NLT
God sent His Son as a bridge between humanity and Himself. What an amazing love, God could’ve turned His back on His people because of their sin. But that’s not the God who created us.
“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:16-17 NLT
Oh what a love, Jesus laid down His life so that we could be saved, and Jesus gave us the grace that we don’t deserve.
“Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.” Lamentations 3:23 NLT
Christmas is a time to reflect on the love of Jesus! It’s a time for family and friend gatherings.
Sometimes our relationships are so complicated. It’s hard to forgive others.
We are to forgive others, but it doesn’t mean we forget the pain and hurt by others.
We must talk to Jesus and lay those experiences at the foot of the cross. Giving all of our hurt to Him. Only He can change another person’s heart.
Go to Jesus in Prayer:
Father God, I thank you that you’ve created me uniquely. I thank you Lord, that You know the challenges in my life and in my relationships I give those concerns to You now. I repent for the words or actions that I may have done to another and I asked forgiveness from you. Transform my mind to be like yours, give me the ability to forgive others. Give me strength for every circumstance. Please give me wisdom.I trust in You alone.
We are called as women to impact the lives of others, whether we are women who give birth, serve others who are in need, spend time listening to others who need hope, open our home to mentor or foster children, or become moms of adoption.
Infertility is a part of my story, yet so is adoption as a mom of three and a child of God baptized in water and by the Holy Spirit.
Today at church, my amazing pastors ( women and men) shared their life stories. Their willingness to be transparent about their struggles and Gods’ goodness brings hope to all sinners, myself included who are saved by the grace and mercy of Jesus.
The story of Deborah in the book of Judges 4 is amazing because it shares the power of God and a woman willing to walk in the calling of God despite social constructs.
Deborah was a judge, prophet, and warrior bold to answer Gods call for her life, however, this scripture was brought to mind today at church. Powerful message as Deborah was also a mother to Isreal. ( we are spiritual mothers to whoever the Holy Spirit intersects with our lives). ❤️
Judges 5:6-9 MSG In the time of Shamgar son of Anath, and in the time of Jael, Public roads were abandoned, travelers went by backroads. Warriors became fat and sloppy, no fight left in them. Then you, Deborah, rose up; you got up, a mother in Israel. God chose new leaders, who then fought at the gates. And not a shield or spear to be seen among the forty companies of Israel. [9] Lift your hearts high, O Israel, with abandon, volunteering yourselves with the people—bless God!
I never heard this part of Deborah’s’ story, she was listed as a mother in Israel. This story is for all of us, mom’s especially, daughters of King Jesus, who volunteer for God with abandon. May the Holy Spirit bring favor to you.
Happy Mother’s Day to moms of all types: single, married, step moms, foster, adopted, grandmoms, great grandmoms, spiritual mentor moms, dads who serve as single parents too. God sees you! The best way to feel the fullness of His unconditional love, grace, forgiveness, mercy and blessing is to get to know Jesus!
Those who have regrets in miscarriages or abortions, God sees you too. Call out to Jesus! Find a Holy Spirit led church that directs you in the Word of God. The Bible is our instruction for life.
Father God- I thank you, Lord that you are the God that sees each one of us: we are uniquely created in the image of Jesus. I ask you Lord Jesus to direct whoever is praying this prayer to a deeper relationship by the Holy Spirit. All power all might all glory comes from you Heavenly Father. Thank you Lord for the story of Deborah. It’s a great reminder of how much you love mothers and how you equip those you call into service, in Jesus name, amen.
As I reflect on the importance of understanding holy week, I considered specifically, Jesus taking on all of our sins in the world; your sins, my sins. Jesus was willing to die for us. What kind of pain and love intertwined! His own disciples didn’t support him in the garden, they slept. Jesus cried out to God!
Matthew 26:36-42 NIrV Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane. He said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” [37] He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him. He began to be sad and troubled. [38] Then he said to them, “My soul is very sad. I feel close to death. Stay here. Keep watch with me.” [39] He went a little farther. Then he fell with his face to the ground. He prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, take this cup of suffering away from me. But let what you want be done, not what I want.” [40] Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. [41] “Watch and pray. Then you won’t fall into sin when you are tempted. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” [42] Jesus went away a second time. He prayed, “My Father, is it possible for this cup to be taken away? But if I must drink it, may what you want be done.”
Jesus was scorned, and beaten, He took on all punishment by His own people. Our human minds can not fathom this level of pressure, with every lash of a whip, with the crown of thorns placed on His head, with the mocking crowd as He walked to His death on the cross. Mocked by the Roman guards, in and out of consciousness, He hung by His hands and feet. He forgave all who persecuted him, Jesus even said “Father forgive them, they know not what they do!”
Matthew 27:44-53 NIrV – Jesus Dies 45 From noon until three o’clock, the whole land was covered with darkness. 46 About three o’clock, Jesus cried out in a loud voice. He said, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” This means “My God, my God, why have you deserted me?” (Psalm 22:1) 47 Some of those standing there heard Jesus cry out. They said, “He’s calling for Elijah.” 48 Right away one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar and put it on a stick. He offered it to Jesus to drink. 49 The rest said, “Leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to save him.” 50 After Jesus cried out again in a loud voice, he died. 51 At that moment the temple curtain was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook. The rocks split. 52 Tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. 53 They came out of the tombs. After Jesus was raised from the dead, they went into the holy city. There they appeared to many people.
He is the bridge between humanity and our Father God. Without Jesus willingness to take on our sins and die for each of us, we would forever be dead. He gives us hope and eternal life, undeserved yet freely given when we accept His free gift.
God provided a way out from our sins from death because of our sins to new eternal life, a new birth, because of Jesus death.
Would any of us sacrifice our own child in this way? Would any of us be willing to lay down our lives for everyone in this world?
I will say it again, Jesus is the bridge between God and humanity! Believe He is the Savior of the World, He died for you! Repent from past sins, choose Him to guide your future.
There is no greater love than Jesus who died for you and me! He wants to know you, you have the option to choose Him, He awaits!
Jeremy Riddle, has become one of my favorite humble yet powerful worship artists, his song “Known and Make Known”, is so well written. This song fits the message of Easter! Choose who you will follow, choose Jesus!
Jesus was raised from the dead, a woman, Mary Magdalene, was the first person to see Him. What awe, what amazing supernatural vision of Savior Jesus! Then the disciples were amazed to see the resurrected Jesus and they believed He is the Messiah!
Matthew 28:1-7 NLT Early on Sunday morning, as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to visit the tomb. [2] Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it. [3] His face shone like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. [4] The guards shook with fear when they saw him, and they fell into a dead faint. [5] Then the angel spoke to the women. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. [6] He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying. [7] And now, go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there. Remember what I have told you.”
We are called to share the Great Commission, tell others about Jesus, He is risen! This is the truth that will never be denied!
Matthew 28:18-20 NLT Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. [19] Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. [20] Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Jesus is the Rock on which we all must stand, just as the earth quaked at His death, He is the foundation of all things, the mountains will not be shaken!
Psalm 46:1-5 NRSV God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. [2] Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; [3] though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult. [4] There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. [5] God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved; God will help it when the morning dawns.
Inspiring Light Through the Cracks 