The Hebrew translation of sunrise ( zrikha) includes shining, glowing, luminosity. Merriam-Websters’ Definition of sunrise: dawn, daybreak, morning.
A new day is dawning. A new light is coming, Morning is breaking. Jesus is the Light, He is the Bright Morning Star, He is new beginnings. Step into the Light.
Yesterday was an interesting day, it may have deflated some people and caused celebration in others. I felt the importance of remembering that with each new day comes a sunrise. We can count on the rising sun and the sunset at the end of our day. It is a God given nature phenomenon from the beginning of time.
We can count on a sunrise and sunset. Even more important, we can count on God’s word to be true. Meditate on these scriptures on sunrises.Stop the busy day and it’s continuous distractions. Our family watches how we handle life circumstance. It’s awesome to share with friends, family and our kids the awesome creations of God. Take the time to get up early in the morning and view His majestic sky.
Psalm 19:6 MSG That’s how God’s Word vaults across the skies from sunrise to sunset, Melting ice, scorching deserts, warming hearts to faith.
Psalm 59:16 TPT But as for me, your strength shall be my song of joy. At each and every sunrise, my lyrics of your love will fill the air! For you have been my glory-fortress, a stronghold in my day of distress.
Psalm 90:14 TPT Let the sunrise of your love end our dark night. Break through our clouded dawn again! Only you can satisfy our hearts, filling us with songs of joy to the end of our days.
Psalm 112:1-10 MSG Hallelujah! Blessed man, blessed woman, who fear GOD, Who cherish and relish his commandments, Their children robust on the earth, And the homes of the upright-how blessed! Their houses brim with wealth And a generosity that never runs dry. Sunrise breaks through the darkness for good people- God’s grace and mercy and justice! The good person is generous and lends lavishly; No shuffling or stumbling around for this one, But a sterling and solid and lasting reputation. Unfazed by rumor and gossip, Heart ready, trusting in GOD, Spirit firm, unperturbed, Ever blessed, relaxed among enemies, They lavish gifts on the poor- A generosity that goes on, and on, and on. An honored life! A beautiful life! Someone wicked takes one look and rages, Blusters away but ends up speechless. There’s nothing to the dreams of the wicked. Nothing.
Sunrise breaks through the darkness for good people – God’s grace and mercy and justice! Awesome visuals in these promises. I don’t know the future and I have to trust the One True God that started sunrises and night times. Hold onto His promises. Hope in the storms of life. He knows the plans.
Could it really be as simple as knocking on the door? I used to think being perfect was a prerequisite to being a follower of Jesus. I could never measure up to the standard. But I am learning to seek His truth for myself. No barriers, no false teaching from others. It starts with a knock on the best door.
I love this conversation from Jesus to His best friends, the disciples as He shared this parable.
Luke 11:5-13 NLT. Then, teaching them more about prayer, he used this story: “Suppose you went to a friend’s house at midnight, wanting to borrow three loaves of bread. You say to him, [6] ‘A friend of mine has just arrived for a visit, and I have nothing for him to eat.’ [7] And suppose he calls out from his bedroom, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is locked for the night, and my family and I are all in bed. I can’t help you.’ [8] But I tell you this-though he won’t do it for friendship’s sake, if you keep knocking long enough, he will get up and give you whatever you need because of your shameless persistence. [9] “And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. [10] For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. [11] “You fathers-if your children ask for a fish, do you give them a snake instead? [12] Or if they ask for an egg, do you give them a scorpion? Of course not! [13] So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him.”
Initially it may seem as though Jesus words to the disciples were a rebuke. He shares our need for persistent relationship building in seeking Him for the answers.
Please reread the scripture, Luke 11, consider the text again it is metaphorical. People can understand it’s parable message in different ways.
He shares with the disciples His provision however, whoever knocks on the door needing help must ask for His protection. His love is free. His promises can be received only when we actively pursue Him. His gift of love, mercy and forgiveness are available for taking.
Jesus does not force His relationship on any human. He wants to pour blessings on His children. We have to push aside any worldly idol that we may think can fill the God shaped hole in every human heart. No material or human thing can fill this hole. Only Jesus!
Leeland sings “Waymaker”, such powerful lyrics. Trust the Waymaker!! I have been singing this song in the way to school, our kids can hear the words reminding us to hold onto Jesus! We can be an example in action of our faith in God! Words and worship aloud can connect to the angels in heaven. We all can make a joyful sound to the King.
Gerbil, get off the wheel!! Photo credit by Tatbrha Yrpiomopja (Pexels.com)
Boy, our feelings can feel so intense overwhelming and so permanent, can’t they? Yet feelings are fleeting. They pop into our minds and take on a life of their own, if they are condemning they are from the devil. Feelings could actually be lies from the Father of lies, Satan. Lies related to past traumas lie related to expectations of others, and lies related to judgments of others, are not helpful. They are meant to destroy us and tarnish our minds from God’s truth.
Ephesians 6:10-11 AMP In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [draw your strength from Him and be empowered through your union with Him] and in the power of His [boundless] might. [11] Put on the full armor of God [for His precepts are like the splendid armor of a heavily-armed soldier], so that you may be able to [successfully] stand up against all the schemes and the strategies and the deceits of the devil.
The truth is that God has a plan for your life. God wants you to choose His Promises over feelings. The enemy wants you to be stuck in feelings. The truth is that God has never left you. Perhaps in your past choices, shame or trauma led to your steps away from your relationship with Him.
Have you ever thought of it that way? Who stepped away? There may have been a time we felt God would never forgive us for the things we’ve done or the things we’ve said. Go to Jesus, He is a forgiving, grace-giving, merciful God. He wants to be in our lives sharing His wisdom. But if we step away from the umbrella protection of his wisdom, we can’t really be surprised that we don’t hear His voice?
God is a God of love, a God of peace, God is a teacher through conviction, not condemnation. He is a God of hope and returning to His Presence is amazing. God is a God of wisdom. Jesus speaks to us through the Holy Spirit.
He is for us not against us. We must reach out to Him and say, “Jesus, I need You! I want You to direct my life. I am ready for a New Life with You!”
There are ways for us to drop the fake feelings and instead hold onto God’s promises. I love imagery to explain my point, please bear with me!
Consider a gerbil in a wheel running so fast, faster and faster, trying to figure out how to get somewhere. Your feelings are etched as words on that gerbil wheel: anxiety, depression, regret, fear, bitterness, holding grudges, unworthiness. We are the gerbil seeming to lose our energy and our mind. We could never get to peace and joy fast enough unless we make changes in our life. Mindless running into an unknown future can set up traps for others and the world’s culture.
However, if we look and fix our eyes on the image of Jesus before us and picture His compassionate face and extended hand we will feel purpose and strength will increase. Let Him fill empty spaces and be your fuel to reach the goal. Perhaps we could start the steps to forgiving ourselves, and accepting His love.
Jeremiah 33:2-3 MSG “This is GOD’s Message, the God who made earth, made it livable and lasting, known everywhere as God: ‘Call to me and I will answer you. I’ll tell you marvelous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your own.’
Greater Still by Brandon Lake
Brandon Lake, one of my favorite music artists, expresses beautifully “Greater Still” the love of our Savior Jesus. Be blessed as the lyrics fill your mind with hope and love over feelings.
Our belief and trust in God over feelings could transform us and then our belief in His promises will overwhelm the negative mindset.
So don’t be a gerbil on the wheel, hop off that stupid circular device. And seek the Son of God. He is the light, Jesus! Let Him fuel the Journey!
Stillness seems impossible in our hard-charged, hustle-bustle world, however, it is necessary for our sanity. We must prioritize stillness with our Creator God. He is our Lighthouse in the stormy seas, lighting our path to peace and rest. It is time well spent to revive and refresh us as we walk this earth.
Psalm 62:5-8 TPT I am standing in absolute stillness, silent before the one I love, waiting as long as it takes for him to rescue me. Only God is my Savior, and he will not fail me. [6] For he alone is my safe place. His wrap-around presence always protects me as my champion defender. There’s no risk of failure with God! So why would I let worry paralyze me, even when troubles multiply around me? [7] God’s glory is all around me! His wrap-around presence is all I need, for the Lord is my Savior, my hero, and my life-giving strength. [8] Join me, everyone! Trust only in God every moment! Tell him all your troubles and pour out your heart longings to him. Believe me when I tell you he will help you! Pause in his presence
Words to heal, words to provide hope, words to encourage, words to bring Light into our daily life.
The Passion translation of the Bible is full of words for you. It’s a modern translation, feels so personal, and revives me. I hope it revives you.
Darkness must flee in the midst of the illuminating Light of our Savior.
A fellow Sister in Christ at Mom’sprayer meeting shared this song, “ Why” by Elevation worship at the Loft. The high school choir sang this amazing song at the close of the concert. There was not a dry eye in the auditorium from family and teacher. Bask in its message for all.
Why by Elevation worship
Why do you matter to Jesus? Because you are precious, He created you in His image, He knows you, He believes in your specific gifts, and He wants you to believe in Him. There is no sin so great that can separate you from His love.
Jesus is better than silver, gold, and anything in this world. Listen to the words of this song, Why, and feel the awe-inspiring, Presence of God. Call out to Him! He loves you.
Evil will not win! I know days can be exhausting and weariness can sap your strength. I know trials can feel overwhelming and peace seems unattainable. I know you may feel alone and unseen.
I have been in your position and may be there again today: sad, lonely, lost and overwhelmed, without hope and in conflict. I learned to rebuke thoughts that bring darkness. Shake those thoughts meant to bind you from your mind, feelings are deceptive. Faith in the unseen God are truth. The choice is to stay deceived or reach to new freedom and truth.
Hebrews 12:1-2,5-6 TPT As for us, we have all of these great witnesses who encircle us like clouds. So we must let go of every wound that has pierced us and the sin we so easily fall into. Then we will be able to run life’s marathon race with passion and determination, for the path has been already marked out before us. [2] We look away from the natural realm and we fasten our gaze onto Jesus who birthed faith within us and who leads us forward into faith’s perfection. His example is this: Because his heart was focused on the joy of knowing that you would be his, he endured the agony of the cross and conquered its humiliation, and now sits exalted at the right hand of the throne of God!
[5] And have you forgotten his encouraging words spoken to you as his children? He said, “My child, don’t underestimate the value of the discipline and training of the Lord God, or get depressed when he has to correct you. [6] For the Lord’s training of your life is the evidence of his faithful love. And when he draws you to himself, it proves you are his delightful child.”
I have learned and learn daily to take my burdens to the Cross of Christ. I literally see myself labeling the heavy rocks and boulders with these words. I see myself dragging these heavy burdens to Jesus!
I ask for His strength to get me to His feet, I may cry out aloud, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus! Because I don’t know what else to say. His word says, He understands our groaning through the Holy Spirit. That is not a human concept but everything is possible for God. In the supernatural, holding His hand, listening for His voice, I can find hope again.
Psalm 36, the Passion version, described well the struggle of rebellion of sin and also the mercy seat love of God. His love is extravagant but we need to open our hearts to this amazing gift.
Psalm 36:1-12 TPT A poetic song, by King David, the servant of the Lord The rebellion of sin speaks as an oracle of God, speaking deeply to the conscience of wicked men. Yet they are still eager to sin, for the fear of God is not before their eyes. [2] See how they flatter themselves, unable to detect and detest their sins. They are crooked and conceited, convinced they can get away with anything. [3] Their wicked words are nothing but lies. Wisdom is far from them. Goodness is both forgotten and forsaken. [4] They lie awake at night to hatch their evil plots, always planning their schemes of darkness, and never once do they consider the evil of their ways. [5] But you, O Lord, your mercy-seat love is limitless, reaching higher than the highest heavens. Your great faithfulness is infinite, stretching over the whole earth. [6] Your righteousness is unmovable, just like the mighty mountains. Your judgments are as full of wisdom as the oceans are full of water. Your tender care and kindness leave no one forgotten, not a man nor even a mouse. [7] O God, how extravagant is your cherishing love! All mankind can find a hiding place under the shadow of your wings. [8] All may drink of the anointing from the abundance of your house. All may drink their fill from the delightful springs of Eden. [9] To know you is to experience a flowing fountain, drinking in your life, springing up to satisfy. In the light of your holiness we receive the light of revelation. [10] Lord, keep pouring out your unfailing love on those who are near you. Release more of your blessings to those who are loyal to you. [11] Don’t let these proud boasters trample me down; don’t let them push me around by the sheer strength of their wickedness. [12] There they lie in the dirt, these evil ones, thrown down to the ground, never to arise again!
Lord, keep pouring out Your wisdom, Your Peace and Your Love! Change me from the inside out. Release more of your truth and blessings to those loyal to you. Draw those who feel lost and alone to Your mercy seat of love and grace. In the light of your holiness we receive the light of revelation. Jesus, Holy Spirit we need You, Amen!
Fishermen have a difficult job, they are at the mercy of nature, chaotic weather patterns, and abundant supply of fish. Fishermen have to trust the wisdom of generations of fishermen and luck. However, when the nets remain empty, they are sunk.
As it is in life, there are times when we don’t know where to plant our steps or drop our nets. We may feel the world is chaos, but the Lord is drawing His people to seek Him. Jesus calls us to listen to His wisdom.
At times, He may instruct us to step back from groups of friends, maybe even family, that are not aligned with His ways. Maybe we need to shake the dust off some of the choices of our past.Or He may encourage our boldness to share our life stories of joy, hardship, and His deliverance.
It is hard for me to live in conflict with anyone. But just as the fisherman, Simon Peter, and Andrew were called by Jesus as the first disciples to drop their nets and become fishers of men, we are also called to do the same, to seek Jesus and follow Him.
Matthew 4:18-22 AMP 18 As Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, He noticed two brothers, Simon who was called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. 19 And He said to them, “[b]Follow Me [as My disciples, accepting Me as your Master and Teacher and walking the same path of life that I walk], and I will make you fishers of men.” 20 Immediately they left their nets and followed Him [becoming His disciples, believing and trusting in Him and following His example]. 21 And going on [further] from there He noticed two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and his brother John, in the boat with their father [c]Zebedee, mending their nets; and He called them [to follow Him as His disciples]. 22 Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed Him [becoming His disciples, believing and trusting in Him and following His example].
It may cause distress, and emotional upheaval but I am learning to follow Jesus instead of other things. You may get crazy looks, or have people say, ” No thanks, I don’t want to hear your thoughts.” Jesus still wants us to make fishers of men, to make disciples in the nations, across the street, or even the world. He will use your life story.
The statement “shake the dust off our feet” means being okay with walking away from people who may not be open to the Word of God, Jesus. We must stand firm in Jesus Christ alone, not be afraid to claim His truth ( He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life ), and share with others our personal testimony of His work in our lives.
We are not superior to any human, we must seek the Lord for His words to others before a word leaves our lips. We must forgive others who are not ready to hear the gospel but pray for them. We must seek Jesus forgiveness for our past poor choicesand start over with an evolving testimony to share.
Some people may think we are religious nuts or will not listen to our call by the Holy Spirit to share what we have learned from our walk with Jesus. It can hurt our hearts and make us second guess the call Jesus has on our lives.
But stand firm, there are certain people you are called to intersect and share your story. I have been fearful at times to step out in boldness, however, I am amazed when I have spoken as He prompts, I am humbled and in awe of how Jesus fills my words with His truth.
We are not all-knowing, we are not the Savior, Jesus is. Just as He prepared the first disciples, He will prepare us. We must give people space after we share His transforming work in our life. Sometimes we must give grace, tighten our sandles and walk on.
We must Let go and Let God be the source for their transformation. You may be just a seed sower and they will need more time. Emotionally letting go of family or friends who don’t know Jesus or who have stepped away from His umbrella of protection feels sad and without hope.
However, Jesus can work with your loved ones when you step out of the way. Shaking the dust off your feet can bring more clarity as Jesus speaks through the next person He has directed across their path. Shaking the dust off the poor choices of the past can also bring new life in a new relationship with Jesus.
Sean Curran has a meaningful message of patience in his song, ” Shake the Dust off.” His lyrics remind us to ” Shake off the dust and let fear fall.. let praise arise” and ” Arise, O generation, revivals’ on the run”.
We can trust our God, He will not be silenced, His truth never changes, and soon the whole world will know, there is no King but Jesus.
Be a fisher of men for Jesus! Consider throwing out the net if you know Jesus as Savior, or seek to be caught by Jesus, grab the net if you want to know Him.
2 Thessalonians 3:16
Now may the Lord of peace Himself grant you His peace at all times and in every way [that peace and spiritual well-being that comes to those who walk with Him, regardless of life’s circumstances. The Lord be with you all.
Reach out for Him Photo by Wesley Souza (Pexels.com)
I’m not sure if you’ve noticed it lately but my blog post has a similar theme. I want you to understand how much Jesus loves you! I have a passion deep in my heart to let you know how much Jesus loves you!
He gives us free will to reach out to him, so call out to him today, say Jesus I’m a sinner I want a relationship with you. Jesus, please forgive me for the choices in my past. Jesus, I want you in my life.
He will not force Himself on you. He wants you to choose. He knew you from the moment of your conception. He created you in His Image. He wants a relationship with you!! Yes, You!!!
But we must choose that relationship.! Choose that relationship today before time goes by before the day ends! Because you can’t get away from His unconditional love. Accept His Love today!
The song. “I Can’t get away”, by Melissa Helser, feat. Naomi Raine is just so cool, so deep, so amazing, it just feels like it reaches down into my soul. I hope it affects you in the same way.
I can’t get away!!!
Matthew 7:7-8 NLT [7] “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. [8] For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.
Jesus wants to be your protective shade. Let Him. The time is now!!
Psalm 121:5 NLT [5] The LORD himself watches over you! The LORD stands beside you as your protective shade.
I don’t know anyone who’s known by hundreds maybe even thousands of names other than our Lord: Faithful Father, Lamb of God, Creator, Jesus, Holy Spirit, Wonderful Counselor, Prince of Peace, King of Kings, Lord of Lords. The list is endless.
Something to meditate on: this is the same person; Jesus, Father, Holy Spirit, and Creator God who wants to know you.
I heard the song by Sean Curran “1000 names”, it’s so powerful to hear and take. Because it reminds me that within those thousand names, I can find the right name I may need for today, tomorrow, or my future.
If I’m in a happy content place, I might find the name King of Kings or Lord of Lords to be cool! If I’m in a time of confusion, Wonderful Counselor may be the correct name to impact my mind and life. If I’m needing relief through conflict, Prince of Peace may mean something to me. If you are struggling with mental or physical health, He is the Healer ( Jehovah Rapha)!
We need to share His infinite Names with those we love; friends, family, children, teens, young adults, and even strangers. It may be the beginning of their walk with the unchanging God of the universe.
I hope you enjoy the song as much as I did. The same God who has multiple names wants to know yours. Even though he has various names, there is only one King Jesus!
1000 Names Sean Curran
Amazing to think, God is immutable but His Names are multiple in the description of His reach.He will finish what He starts!He will not give up on You!Sing to Him who is worthy of praise.
Do you feel dehydrated? The summer through fall heat can surely parch us physically. However, the emotions and spiritual needs of our body need the help of our Creator God. The world culture and political climate alone can feel overwhelmingly toxic and heated with conflict. Are you seeking the only place for Peace, Jesus? He wants to guide our path with Living Water to replenish our lives.
Jeremiah 17:7-8 NLT [7] “But blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence. [8] They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit.
The story of the Samaritan woman stands the test of time. She went to the well to draw water in the height of midday, the sun was intense, the heat of the desert was exhausting. She went to draw water at hottest time.
Why would the Samaritan woman choose to avoid people In her town? Jews and Samaritans did not talk, it was forbidden. She did not feel worthy of their communication. She felt judged by all since she had more than one husband, she was known as an adulterer. Women judged and some men took advantage of her poverty.
Jesus knew who the Samaritan woman was, He planned to meet her at the well and share His unconditional love, she would have her testimony of grace, mercy and unconditional love. Jesus loved her and spoke truth into her life. He accepted she was a sinner. But He wanted to provide a new life. He even let her know “ you have had many husbands.” He gave her a chance to repent and receive His Living Water.
The story has not changed. Even today, humans can seek Jesus. He is not available for one people but for all. If our sins were revealed, not one of us could stand before Jesus.
Read the Samaritan story for yourself. It is a story of God’s grace and mercy on display. It is amazing.
John 4:1-15,23-24,26 NLT [1] Jesus knew the Pharisees had heard that he was baptizing and making more disciples than John [2] (though Jesus himself didn’t baptize them-his disciples did). [3] So he left Judea and returned to Galilee. [4] He had to go through Samaria on the way. [5] Eventually he came to the Samaritan village of Sychar, near the field that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. [6] Jacob’s well was there; and Jesus, tired from the long walk, sat wearily beside the well about noontime. [7] Soon a Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, “Please give me a drink.” [8] He was alone at the time because his disciples had gone into the village to buy some food. [9] The woman was surprised, for Jews refuse to have anything to do with Samaritans. She said to Jesus, “You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman. Why are you asking me for a drink?” [10] Jesus replied, “If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.” [11] “But sir, you don’t have a rope or a bucket,” she said, “and this well is very deep. Where would you get this living water? [12] And besides, do you think you’re greater than our ancestor Jacob, who gave us this well? How can you offer better water than he and his sons and his animals enjoyed?” [13] Jesus replied, “Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. [14] But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.” [15] “Please, sir,” the woman said, “give me this water! Then I’ll never be thirsty again, and I won’t have to come here to get water.” [23] But the time is coming-indeed it’s here now-when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way. [24] For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.” [26] Then Jesus told her, “I AM the Messiah!”
Today, could be the day you accept the free gift of Jesus your Savior. He wants to restore broken places, bring refreshment in Living Water, and guide you to a new life with Him. Get ready for a new beginning.
Be filled with the Holy Spirit! Refreshment is just a step away. He will restore and guide. Be like a well watered garden, be fruitful.
Isaiah 58:11 NLT [11] The LORD will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring.
The Lord will give Living water, you will thirst no more. Say aloud: Jesus, I am a sinner, I need You Lord. I believe You are my Savior, I want You to change my life from the inside out. Please forgive my sins. Make me whole in You alone.
John 3:3-21 NLT [3] Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.” [4] “What do you mean?” exclaimed Nicodemus. “How can an old man go back into his mother’s womb and be born again?” [5] Jesus replied, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. [6] Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life. [7] So don’t be surprised when I say, ‘You must be born again.’ [8] The wind blows wherever it wants. Just as you can hear the wind but can’t tell where it comes from or where it is going, so you can’t explain how people are born of the Spirit.” [9] “How are these things possible?” Nicodemus asked. [10] Jesus replied, “You are a respected Jewish teacher, and yet you don’t understand these things? [11] I assure you, we tell you what we know and have seen, and yet you won’t believe our testimony. [12] But if you don’t believe me when I tell you about earthly things, how can you possibly believe if I tell you about heavenly things? [13] No one has ever gone to heaven and returned. But the Son of Man has come down from heaven. [14] And as Moses lifted up the bronze snake on a pole in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, [15] so that everyone who believes in him will have eternal life. [16] “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. [17] God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. [18] “There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God’s one and only Son. [19] And the judgment is based on this fact: God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. [20] All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. [21] But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants.”
If you have made this declaration aloud, I rejoice with you.
Praise You Lord for the new journey, it takes the first step, hold onto Jesus, turn your life over to Him daily. He will restore you.
I love you Jesus, You are the Living Water. There is no better place for refreshment.
Paul writes the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life! The law can tell us the will of God but only the Spirit can give us the power to live it. Therefore, live by the Spirit of God and you fulfill the will of God for your life. Jonathon Chan The Book of Mysteries.
I never thought of my testimony as a letter of recommendation for Christ Jesus. My walk with Jesus took multiple decades. I understood the need for wisdom and peace beyond my human mind. I was raised in a religion with doctrine of law and regimented steps of route sayings, responses after the priest, and even songs dedicated to expound on the religion. However, I felt hollow inside, as if something was missing.
2 Corinthians 3:1-6 MSG [1-3] Does it sound like we’re patting ourselves on the back, insisting on our credentials, asserting our authority? Well, we’re not. Neither do we need letters of endorsement, either to you or from you. You yourselves are all the endorsement we need. Your very lives are a letter that anyone can read by just looking at you. Christ himself wrote it-not with ink, but with God’s living Spirit; not chiseled into stone, but carved into human lives-and we publish it. [4-6] We couldn’t be more sure of ourselves in this-that you, written by Christ himself for God, are our letter of recommendation. We wouldn’t think of writing this kind of letter about ourselves. Only God can write such a letter. His letter authorizes us to help carry out this new plan of action. The plan wasn’t written out with ink on paper, with pages and pages of legal footnotes, killing your spirit. It’s written with Spirit on spirit, his life on our lives!
My near death experience on a rafting trip in Colorado, brought a determination to seek the One true God and His plans for my life. Where I felt insecure or punished by life challenges I found a new perspective.
God uses everything in our lives to draw us to Himself and Jesus’ loving arms. He awaits our reliance on Him for all things. We must not be afraid, walk to Him.
He is peace, hope, wisdom, counselor, and a voice of life. I was asked by my child when I accepted Jesus and allowed Him to direct my life. I replied, “32! My child it took a while.” She replied, “what took you so long, Mom?” I said, “ I am stubborn and a control freak, but I am so glad I took the steps.”
I avoided the deep connection with Jesus. I was goal driven and relied on myself alone. I was wrong.
Psalm 139:7-12 MSG [7-12] Is there anyplace I can go to avoid your Spirit? to be out of your sight? If I climb to the sky, you’re there! If I go underground, you’re there! If I flew on morning’s wings to the far western horizon, You’d find me in a minute- you’re already there waiting! Then I said to myself, “Oh, he even sees me in the dark! At night I’m immersed in the light!” It’s a fact: darkness isn’t dark to you; night and day, darkness and light, they’re all the same to you.
Don’t wait until you feel near perfect, it is not possible, and that’s what the enemy bets on for your life on earth. Satan speaks lies, “you will never measure up, you will never be forgiven for the past.” These are lies!
Matthew 11:28 tells us Jesus extends His hand, saying, “Come to me all who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest”, He is patient, seek truth from the One who knows all things.
No limits – photo by Mary Mesikapp
Psalm 139:1-6 MSG [1-6] GOD, investigate my life; get all the facts firsthand. I’m an open book to you; even from a distance, you know what I’m thinking. You know when I leave and when I get back; I’m never out of your sight. You know everything I’m going to say before I start the first sentence. I look behind me and you’re there, then up ahead and you’re there, too- your reassuring presence, coming and going. This is too much, too wonderful- I can’t take it all in!
Let Jesus guide your steps! His Holy Spirit will not fail you.His love is unconditional. His gift is free just take it and live a life of freedom with Jesus. Your letter of recommendation is from His Holy Spirit to your spirit, His life reflected in you, amazing!
Titus 3:4-7 NLT [4] But- When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, [5] he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. [6] He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. [7] Because of his grace he made us right in his sight and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.
Inspiring Light Through the Cracks 