Who Is Jesus!
When you think about Jesus, what is the first thing that comes to your mind? Was He just a wise man or really the Son of God? Did He come to do good works or was He the Savior that died for our sins? Was He really raised from the dead or is that just a myth? There have been more controversies about Jesus than any other person in the history of man. Many people who have set out to disprove Him, realized He is the Savior of this world and gave their hearts to Him. Many people will never believe! The Bible is the only book ever written over a period of 1400 years with 46 authors, that foretold the future. Isaiah 53 speaks of Jesus the Messiah who would suffer for the sins of all people. In verse 3, "He was despised and rejected, a man of sorrows, acquainted with bitterest grief." As you read this chapter, how do you think Isaiah knew about something that would happen 700 years later? This strong and courageous man was one of many who proclaimed Gods Word. The theme has been and always will be, return, repent and be saved. If you don't know Him or believe that He died for your sins, I pray you will seek out Gods word and satisfy your own mind. If you accept what He has to offer you, you will never be disappointed!
Nehemiah, The Man for the Job!
In Nehemiah 1:4 he wrote "and it came to pass, when I heard these words that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of Heaven!
Nehemiah had a great job! As cup bearer for the King of Persia, you could say "he had it made" But when he heard of the distress of the Jews he called on God with a burning desire in his heart for them. The walls in Jerusalem had been torn down, and the gates had been burned. He knew what God wanted him to do, but he had one big problem, he couldn't leave town without King Artaxerxes permission. He kept praying and because God is who He is, the king was given great favor for Nehemiah,so that when he explained what was going on, he not only agreed to his request, he even appointed him Governor, and gave him "builders permit" to rebuild the walls of the city. Nehemiah's heart was broken for the people of Israel! he could have stayed in his cushy job but he chose to seek God for the answer. Over and over in the Bible you will find how God rescued His people. Here is something else for you to hide in your heart, He still rescues people today! He loves us with an unfailing love, all He wants us to do is look to Him! He is God Almighty, El Shaddai! No matter what you are facing, you are not alone. Nehemiah faced opposition, but it didn't matter. God was in control! oh by the way, the walls were rebuilt and new gates too!
Nehemiah had a great job! As cup bearer for the King of Persia, you could say "he had it made" But when he heard of the distress of the Jews he called on God with a burning desire in his heart for them. The walls in Jerusalem had been torn down, and the gates had been burned. He knew what God wanted him to do, but he had one big problem, he couldn't leave town without King Artaxerxes permission. He kept praying and because God is who He is, the king was given great favor for Nehemiah,so that when he explained what was going on, he not only agreed to his request, he even appointed him Governor, and gave him "builders permit" to rebuild the walls of the city. Nehemiah's heart was broken for the people of Israel! he could have stayed in his cushy job but he chose to seek God for the answer. Over and over in the Bible you will find how God rescued His people. Here is something else for you to hide in your heart, He still rescues people today! He loves us with an unfailing love, all He wants us to do is look to Him! He is God Almighty, El Shaddai! No matter what you are facing, you are not alone. Nehemiah faced opposition, but it didn't matter. God was in control! oh by the way, the walls were rebuilt and new gates too!
Rain!
Zechariah 10 (Life Application Bible)
(The Lord Will Restore His People)
1 "Ask the Lord for rain in the spring,
for he makes the storm clouds.
And he will send showers of rain
so every field becomes a lush pasture".
Gods Word always amazes me! Some people think it is out of date and doesn't apply to us any more, especially the Old Testament! Yes, many things have changed because we live under grace, but why would anyone want to disregard it? It is passages like this that makes me realize how real God is and what has been done for us all the way from Genesis, until now. We can see how much He loves us and how a plan had be in place because of the fall in the garden. We also see the punishment and consequences of sin. Why would we not want to acknowledge all of it? There will be things we will never understand because His ways and thoughts are higher than ours. When we have faith to believe, we can glean from His Word the very truths this foundation was built on and why. In this scripture we are told what He will do for us, but if you notice we are to "ask", He will send the rain, and so much more. All He wants is a relationship with us! When you realize how much God loves us, every time you go outside, it will be confirmed! Just look around you, this all just didn't happen. No matter what some are teaching, God created this world! He loves us so much He gave His one and only son, Jesus, to take our punishment for all the sin we have committed or would ever commit! A perfect sacrifice, then we are covered if we believe! As we begin this week, and you are out and about, just look around you! and thank Him, because He did this just for you. He loves you so much. Have a Blessed Day!
(The Lord Will Restore His People)
1 "Ask the Lord for rain in the spring,
for he makes the storm clouds.
And he will send showers of rain
so every field becomes a lush pasture".
Gods Word always amazes me! Some people think it is out of date and doesn't apply to us any more, especially the Old Testament! Yes, many things have changed because we live under grace, but why would anyone want to disregard it? It is passages like this that makes me realize how real God is and what has been done for us all the way from Genesis, until now. We can see how much He loves us and how a plan had be in place because of the fall in the garden. We also see the punishment and consequences of sin. Why would we not want to acknowledge all of it? There will be things we will never understand because His ways and thoughts are higher than ours. When we have faith to believe, we can glean from His Word the very truths this foundation was built on and why. In this scripture we are told what He will do for us, but if you notice we are to "ask", He will send the rain, and so much more. All He wants is a relationship with us! When you realize how much God loves us, every time you go outside, it will be confirmed! Just look around you, this all just didn't happen. No matter what some are teaching, God created this world! He loves us so much He gave His one and only son, Jesus, to take our punishment for all the sin we have committed or would ever commit! A perfect sacrifice, then we are covered if we believe! As we begin this week, and you are out and about, just look around you! and thank Him, because He did this just for you. He loves you so much. Have a Blessed Day!
Who was this Proverbs 31 Woman?
Bible studies, stories and comments seem to be everywhere about the Proverbs 31 woman! I decided to do some research to see if its possible this is a “real” woman. The first thing I find is many scholars believe this woman is Bathsheba, which actually shocked me at first until I began studying about her. The story begins in 2 Samuel 11:1 when David notices a beautiful woman taking a bath. Bathsheba was completing her purification rite after her menstrual cycle. After inquiring about her, she was to be brought to him. ( Now when the king summoned for someone, you did not say no, you just went, and she did!) Later she realized she was pregnant and sent word to David. Now the beginning of a plan that eventually leads to the murder of her husband, Uriah. Here is where we must remember Bathsheba was not to blame for her husbands death, or the death of her child. God would hold David responsible for all that. After she gives birth to Solomon, we are told the Lord loved this child. Maybe this is where God restored her with His love and assurance! I believe she made a choice to raise this child in the wisdom and instruction of God! In I Kings 2:19, we are told of how Solomon honored his mother when he bowed before her and had a throne set up at his right hand for her. Now the more I read, I am beginning to see this is possible. She mourned for Uriah when he was killed, and the pain she experienced when her child died is more than I can imagine. She could have become bitter and blamed God, instead she chose to rise above all the adversities in her life. She was a noble woman because she had a heart for God! How could she have raised her son to know God, if she didn't have a strong faith and dedication? I don’t know if she was “the” woman or not, the proverbs 31 woman sounds perfect to me, she did everything from buying land to helping the poor and needy. Her husband adored her and trusted her, she was precious to him, worth more than rubies! (read about this amazing woman sometime, you will wonder as I do) Well, here is my conclusion, nobody is perfect except our Lord. What builds our character and makes us strong in the Lord is our trials, our tears, pain, in general, just life. If we learn from it, we will be strong and full of faith. Possibly, just like Bathsheba! I know one thing, she is an example to all of us!
The Guest!
Since you have been reading my posts, you know we are blessed with 2 poodles, a bird, and a cat. Well, we will be having a house guest! A little yorkie, named Sydney! So this should be fun and an adjustment for all of us. (Just to let you know the cat doesn't live inside) My daughter rescued him (she sounds like her mother, right?) about 2 months ago, he was out on the road covered in ice. Poor little guy, but now he has a good home and a family that loves him. So he is coming for a week while they are on vacation. Now mine may not be to excited at first, but they will adjust (I hope). So what does this have to do with anything? Once again I am reminded of how we are when we come to the Lord, we may not have ice all over us, but we sure are dirty! We need someone to clean us up and restore us with promises and hope. God is this way with us, we are rescued, cleaned up with the covering of the precious blood of Jesus, restored and made righteous. Then we have a family that will love us and pray for us. The best part, we aren't on vacation, we have an eternal home where we will forever be with the Lord! While we have our little guest pray for me, I will probably need it.
His Heart and our Heart!
Exactly what is the definition of "heart". My concordance defines the heart as the seat of emotions, thoughts, and intentions. Sometimes translated as the mind or soul, a central part of something. Lets see what Gods word tells us, after all, it is the ultimate source. Jeremiah 24:7, states "I will give them hearts that will recognize me as the Lord. They will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me wholeheartedly". Then we read the story of David, and how he captured the heart of God. David had many flaws, but he also had amazing faith that pleased God! He is remembered and respected as having a heart for God? Now what else does the Word say about our heart and the Heart of God? The first thing I find is how "our" hearts can be hardened, then we read how we are to guard our hearts, also there is a battle for the heart, and reigning with a new heart are just a few mentioned. So why is this important about our hearts? Because it all starts there! When we have a heart for God, we will give Him honor and praise and we trust Him to know what is best for us. We thank Him continually for sending His Son to take our place on the cross and forgive us for our sins! When we are receptive to Him, we will acknowledge Him in all our ways. Words leave me as I try to explain this, it is to high for my understanding all the things that was done for you and me. As for Gods heart, He just loves us! Do you see what He has done for us? When I read His Word I am amazed and again at a loss for words, my heart then is just filled with praise and thankfulness. He love us with an unfailing love! He will always be there for us, we can trust Him! I pray we will always have a "heart for God", He certainly has a "heart for us"!
A Quiet Place!
Do you have a special place, maybe on your patio or deck? A place where you just sit and take in all the wonders of what God has created. I am amazed and so thankful to know He did this all for me and you! He knew we would enjoy it, but more important I believe He knew we would "need" a place that we could call on him to be strengthened and renewed in our spirit. My special place is a comfortable chair on the deck next to a pond with a waterfall. This is where you will find me of a morning with a cup of coffee, and my Bible. I know that when my heart and mind is refreshed with the word of God, I will be ready for the day ahead. Being prepared just means that whatever comes my way, God is with me, He will never leave me or forsake me. Be encouraged today, and remember, in order to hear from God, we need to be listening!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)