Jesus is ...

Yesterday morning as I was walking around Manly in Sydney I couldn't help but notice this banner hanging outside St Matthew's Anglican Church on the Corso. It asks us to fill in the unfinished sentence, 'Jesus is ________'.  The associated website is jesus-is.org.au

There are so many ways to finish this sentence! How would you finish it? One word I would use is 'life', as that has definitely been my experience of Jesus. Since I accepted Him as my Lord and Saviour almost 18 years ago I have begun to know 'life' is such a different way, a life full of purpose, grace, forgiveness and love. I am more than happy to boast about all Jesus has done in my life.

"For my part, I am going to boast about nothing but the Cross of our Master, Jesus Christ. Because of that Cross, I have been crucified in relation to the world, set free from the stifling atmosphere of pleasing others and fitting into the little patterns that they dictate. Can't you see the central issue in all this? It is not what you and I do - submit to circumcision, reject circumcision. It is what God is doing, and he is creating something totally new, a free life!" Galatians 6:14-15 The Message

The life that Jesus gives us is not just for now, here on earth, but it is for eternity. 

In order that everyone who believes in Him [who cleaves to Him, trusts Him, and relies on Him] may not perish, but have eternal life and [actually] live forever! John 3:15 AMP

I don't know of anyone or anywhere else who/that is offering eternal life to us. Only Jesus. To me Jesus is life, here and now and forever. Thank you Jesus that you gave your life for me, so I could be in relationship with my Heavenly Father and have a totally new free life.

When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. Colossians 2:13-15 NIV

Question for today, how would you finish the sentence, 'Jesus is ___________' ?

Change your mind for the better

From that time Jesus began to preach, crying out, Repent (change your mind for the better, heartily amend your ways, with abhorrence of your past sins), for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Matthew 4:17 AMP

Over the last few weeks I have been going through my earlier blog posts and grouping them into themes. As I was re-reading them it struck me that there were a lot of posts about learning how to live for God's purposes; pressing into God in the tough times, trusting that He will get you through; understanding the grace that God has gifted to us through the sacrifice of His Son Jesus. These are areas that God has been taking me on a personal journey, teaching me and giving me more understanding.  And I know there is so much more for me to learn!

During this 'review process' the Holy Spirit prompted me to think about repentance and forgiveness. These are two areas that I have 'head knowledge' about, and some understanding. But if I am to be honest, in my daily communications with God, while I am consistent in praising God, thanking God in all circumstances and petitioning Him, I am not consistent in daily repenting and asking for forgiveness for my sins. 

Not a day goes by when I don't think, say or do something wrong. Every day I need to be acknowledging that I am a sinner and it is through Jesus sacrifice that I now have right-standing with God. 

But the tax collector, [merely] standing at a distance, would not even life up his eyes to heaven, but kept striking his breast, saying, O God, be favourable (be gracious, be merciful) to me, the especially wicked sinner that I am! I tell you, this man went down to his home justified (forgiven and made upright and in rightstanding with God), rather than the other man; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted. Luke 18:13-14 AMP

Is my lack of acknowledgement of my sin an issue of pride? Yes! Praying these scriptures daily, asking God to help me with my heart attitude, and listening for His response, is a great place to start my journey of daily repentance.

Search me [thoroughly] O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there is any wicked or hurtful way in me, and lead me to the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23,24 AMP

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right, persevering, and steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10 AMP

I know there is no condemnation in Christ Jesus, and His forgiveness is daily available for me. I know that transformation it is a life-long process. I know that God wants to help me with this process.

And now [brethen], I commit you to God [I deposit you in His charge, entrusting you to His protection and care]. And I commend you to the Word of His grace [to the commands and counsels and promises of His unmerited favour]. It is able to build you up and to give you [your rightful] inheritance among all God's set-apart ones (those consecrated, purified, and transformed of soul). Acts 20:32 AMP

However, it is my responsibility to take time to ask God to check my mind and heart attitude, repent and ask God to help me to change.

Question for today, when did you last ask God to search you thoroughly and know your heart? Perhaps today is a good day to start a daily mind and heart review with God. Remember, God is your Heavenly Father and He loves you unconditionally.

So repent, (change your mind and purpose); turn around and return [to God], that your sins may be erased (blotted out, wiped clean), that times of refreshing (of recovering from the effects of heat, of reviving with fresh air) may come from the presence of the Lord. Acts 3:19 AMP

Staying alert and in top condition

You've all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You're after one that's gold eternally. I don't know about you, but I'm running hard for the finish line. I'm giving it everything I've got. No sloppy living for me! I'm staying alert and in top condition. I'm not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 The Message

This scripture tells us that 'All good athletes train hard'. In the context of those of us choosing to life live as a Christian, what does 'train hard' mean? How do we do to 'stay alert and keep in tip top condition' ?

For me, step one in 'training hard' is setting aside time each day to be in God's presence, listening and talking with Him.

'Seek, inquire of and for the Lord and crave Him and His strength (His might and inflexibility to temptation); seek and required His face and His presence [continually] evermore.' Psalm 105:4 AMP

Seeking His presence is normally the first thing I do each day I get up. The house is quiet, except for worship music. Thankfulness is on my lips as I consider all Jesus has done for me, and all God has done, is doing in the lives of our family. I thank Him in expectancy of what He will do and claim His promises for our family.

Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are] in Christ Jesus [the Revealer and Mediator of that will]. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 AMP

Next I move into His word, hungry for what God is going to teach and encourage me with that day. Expecting that He will always give me exactly what I need, as He already knows what is going to happen in my day. He has gone before me. , God knows what I will need to have in my heart to get through the day and stay on His path.

How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through Your precepts I get understanding; therefore I had every false way. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:103-105 AMP

My steps have held closely to Your paths [to the tracks of the One Who has gone on before]; my feet have not slipped. Psalm 17:5 AMP

Once strengthened and encouraged by God's word, the petitioning begins. Petitioning for myself, our family, friends, school, church, and more. 

Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. Philippians 4:6 AMP

Even though it seems 'in the natural' that some of these requests have yet to be answered, I continue to petition, encouraged by the answers that have come. I choose to believe that God is good and He is faithful. 

Finally in this time of initial daily communication with God, I surrender my day to Him. I lay down my plans and thoughts about the day, and give complete control to Him. Sometimes though in the day I try to take control back, and that's when things really go wrong! It is much better to stay with His plan!

After 'training hard' for the day by sitting in God's presence, I have the peace and confidence to keep running the race for the gold eternally. In essence,

I have strength for all things in Christ who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency]. Philippians 4:13 AMP

Question for today, what are you doing to 'stay alert and in top condition' in your Christian walk? What steps are you taking to run hard for the finish line? Do you need to make any adjustments to your training plan? Ask God to show you how you can best run for the gold eternal. 

A pit of tumult

I waited patiently and expectantly for the Lord; and He inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up out of a horrible pit [a pit of tumult and of destruction], and out of the miry clay (froth and slime), and set my feet upon a rock, steadying my steps and establishing my goings. And He has put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many shall see and fear (revere and worship) and put their trust and confident reliance in the Lord. Psalm 40:1-3 AMP

Praise God that He has indeed steadied my steps and established my goings over the past few days. He has drawn me up from the pit of tumult my mind was descending into. He inclined to me and heard my cry.

The experience of the past week has again reminded me that I am nothing without Jesus. I cannot 'do' my life effectively  for Him, without Him. 

Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father. John 15:8 NLT

I need to be constantly in His presence, waiting patiently and expectantly. I need to be immersing myself in His word and having His truth imprinted on my heart, just as I am imprinted on His heart.

To him Who [earnestly] remembered us in our low estate and imprinted us [on His heart], for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever; ... O give thanks to the God of heaven, for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever! Psalm 136:23,26 AMP

Thank you God for your mercy and loving-kindness that endure forever. Thank you that by Your grace I am able to function effectively and live out your purpose for my life.

But by the grace (unmerited favour and blessing) of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not [found to be] for nothing (fruitless and without effect). 1 Cor 15:10a AMP

Question for today, are you waiting patiently and expectantly for the Lord to bring you out of a pit of tumult and destruction? Are there things going on in your life that you don't understand and just want to disappear? Ask God to steady you and establish your steps. Acknowledge that you are nothing without Jesus and the grace that he so willingly has made available to us. Give thanks to God for His mercy and loving-kindness, that will sustain you through this trial. Give thanks for the fruit He is developing at this time both in your character and in your sphere of influence. Give thanks that, by you choosing to set your feet upon The Rock and singing a song of praise to God,  Many shall see and fear (revere and worship) and put their trust and confident reliance in the Lord. Psalm 40:3 AMP

Carry them forever

Blessed be the Lord, because He has heard the voice of my supplications. The Lord is my Strength and my [impenetrable] Shield; my heart trust in, relies on, and confidently leans on Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song will I praise Him. The Lord is their [unyielding] Strength, and He is the Stronghold of salvation to [me] His anointed. Save Your people and bless Your heritage; nourish and shepherd them and carry them forever. Psalm 28:6-9

For the past seven days I have felt myself becoming more and more emotional and anxious about the circumstances we could possibly face with our daughter. I had started to avoid eye contact with people as I didn't want them to ask me, 'How are you?'. Those I did engage with, were gracious when I responded, 'Not good' and my eyes welled up with tears. I didn't need to say anymore. They understood.

Saturday morning, with some other Christian women, I spent time worshiping in God's presence. During one of the songs, I felt God say, it's okay, I will carry you when you can't walk. His words bought to mind the 'Footprints in the sand' poem by Mary Fishback Powers.

One night I dreamed a dream.
As I was walking along the beach with my Lord.
Across the dark sky flashed scenes from my life.
For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand,
One belonging to me and one to my Lord.

After the last scene of my life flashed before me,
I looked back at the footprints in the sand.
I noticed that at many times along the path of my life,
especially at the very lowest and saddest times,
there was only one set of footprints.

This really troubled me, so I asked the Lord about it.
"Lord, you said once I decided to follow you,
You'd walk with me all the way.
But I noticed that during the saddest and most troublesome times of my life,
there was only one set of footprints.
I don't understand why, when I needed You the most, You would leave me."

He whispered, "My precious child, I love you and will never leave you
Never, ever, during your trials and testings.
When you saw only one set of footprints,
It was then that I carried you."

Since Saturday when God reminded me that He will carry me when the going gets tough, I have continued to fight the anxiety and emotions, but I have had comfort knowing that I am not in the fight alone.

I am 'carrying' these scriptures with me to remind me that He is with me always, 'carrying' me.

He will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs in His arm, He will carry them in His bosom and will gently lead those that have their young.  Isaiah 40:11 AMP

"Listen to me, family of Jacob, everyone that';s left of the family of Israel. I've been carrying you on my back from the day you were born, And I'll keep on carrying you when you're old. I'll be there, bearing you when you're old and gray. I've done it and will keep on doing it carrying you on my back, saving you. Isaiah 46:3-4 MSG

Thank you Jesus that you are carrying me when I cannot walk. Thank you that I am not alone, you are with me. Thank you that you heard the voice of my supplications and continually give me strength. Thank you that in You I can trust. Thank you for loving me.

Question for today, is there something in your life for which you need 'carrying' through? Be encouraged, God is there with you in the midst. He promises to carry you forever.

The sheep that are My own

The sheep that are My own hear and are listening to My voice; and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never lose it or perish throughout the ages. [To all eternity they shall never by any means be destroyed.] And no one is able to snatch them out of My hand. 

John 10:27-28 AMP

Let's start with some questions today. Are you one of Jesus sheep? Are you in a place where you can hear and listen to Jesus? Does Jesus know you? Are you His follower?

The book of revelation has this to say about those who hear, listen and take heed to what the Spirit says.

He who is able to hear, let him listen to and give heed to what the Spirit says to the assemblies (churches). To him who overcomes (is victorious), I will grant to eat [of the fruit] of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God. Revelation 2:7 AMP

He who is able to hear, let him listen to and heed what the Spirit says to the assemblies (churches). He who overcomes (is victorious) shall in no way be injured by the second death. Revelation 2:11 AMP

He who is able to hear, let him listen to and heed what the Spirit says to the assemblies (churches). To him who overcomes (conquers), I will give to eat of the manna that is hidden, and I will give him a white stone with a new name engraved on the stone, which no one knows or understands except he who receives it. Revelation 2:17 AMP

If we choose to hear, listen and heed the Spirit, all of those promises are available to us, eating of the tree of life in the paradise of God; not being injured by the second death; being given the new manna and a new name.  

The gift of eternal life is made available to us through Jesus. When we are in Jesus we are overcomers, we are victorious, we are conquerors.

Little children, you are of God [you belong to Him] and have [already] defeated and overcome them [the agents of the antichrist], because He Who lives in you is greater (mightier) than he who is in the world. 1 John 4:4 AMP

But thanks be to God, Who gives us victory [making us conquerors] through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:57 AMP

Today, let's declare that we are Jesus sheep, His followers who hear, listen and heed the Spirit. We are overcomers, conquerors and victorious in Jesus name.

All nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them [the people] from one another as a shepherd separates his sheep from the goats; And He will cause the sheep to stand at His right hand, but the goats at His left. Then the King will say to those at His right hand, Come, you blessed of My Father [you, favoured of God and appointed to eternal salvation], inherit (receive as your own) the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. Matthew 25:32-34 AMP

He doesn't break promises

My aim is to raise hopes by pointing the way to life without end. This is the life God promised long ago - and he doesn't break promises. Titus 1:2 MSG

Our God is faithful. He doesn't break promises. He doesn't make promises like we do, sometimes breaking them when it gets too difficult to keep them.

When people make promises, they guarantee them by appeal to some authority above them so that if there is any question that they'll make good on the promise, the authority will back them up. When God wanted to guarantee his promises, he gave his word, a rock-solid guarantee - God can't break his word. And because his word cannot change, the promise is likewise unchangable. Hebrews 6:16-18 MSG

His promises give us hope when we are feeling life is hopeless. I know when the circumstances around me are looking unfavourable I garner much strength from re-reading the scriptures that God has spoken to me. I have them recorded in my journal, easily accessible. His promises certainly do rejuvenate me.

Remember what you said to me, your servant -

I hang on to these words for dear life!

These words hold me up in bad times;

yes, your promises rejuvenate me.

The insolent ridicule me without mercy,

but I don't budge from your revelation.

Psalm 119:49-51 MSG

Questions for today, is there something or someone in your life that/who you are waiting to see God's promise's come to pass? Are you feeling disillusioned and that the breakthrough will never come? Ask God to show you the promises He has for you and your circumstance. Then ask Him to show you how to wait with joy and a thankful heart. I have found it makes the waiting easier when you have a grateful heart.

[We pray] that you may be invigorated and strengthened with all power according to the might of His glory, [to exercise] every kind of endurance and patience (perseverance and forbearance) with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified and made us fit to share the portion which is the inheritance of the saints (God's holy people) in the Light. Colossians 1:11-12 AMP

Consider Jesus

For because He Himself [in His humanity] has suffered in being tempted (tested and tried), He is able [immediately] to run to the cry of (assist, relieve) those who are being tempted and tested and tried [and who therefore are being exposed to suffering]. So then, brethren, consecrated and set apart for God, who share in the heavenly calling, [thoughtfully and attentively] consider Jesus, the Apostle and High Priest Whom we confessed [as ours when we embraced the Christian faith]. Hebrews 2:18 - 3:1 AMP

Consider Jesus.

So, my dear Christian friends, companions in following this call to the heights, take a good hard look at Jesus. He's the centrepiece of everything we believe, faithful in everything God gave him to do. Moses was also faithful, but Jesus gets far more honour. A builder is more valuable than a building any day. Every house has a builder, the Builder behind them all is God. Moses did a good job in God's house, but it was all servant work, getting things ready for what was to come. Christ as Son in in charge of the house. Hebrews 3:1-6 MSG

Consider Jesus.

Jesus has the last word on everything and everyone, from angels to armies. He's standing right alongside God, and what he says goes. 1 Peter 3:22 MSG

Consider Jesus.

My little children, I write you these things so that you may not violate God's law and sins. But if anyone should sin, we have an Advocate (One Who will intercede for us) with the Father - [it is] Jesus Christ [the all] righteous [upright, just Who conforms to the Father's will in every purpose, thought, and action]. And He [that same Jesus Himself] is the propitiation (the atoning sacrifice) for our sins, and not for ours alone but also for [the sins of] the whole world. 1 John 2:1-2 AMP

Question for today, have you considered Jesus yet today? Have you considered all He has done for you? Why not take some time now, re-read some scriptures about Jesus and really consider who he is. Ask God to give you more revelation about His Son and His sacrifice for you.

Could it be any clearer? Our old way of life was nailed to the Cross with Christ, a decisive end to that sin-miserable life - no longer at sin's every beck and call! What we believe is this: If we get included in Christ's sin-conquering death, we also get included in his life-saving resurrection. We know that when Jesus was raised from the dead it was a signal of the end of death-as-the-end. Never again will death have the last word. When Jesus died, he took sin down with him, but alive he brings God down to us. Romans 6:6-10 MSG 

His unfolding grace

So we're not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. 2 Corinthians 4:16 MSG

Reading this scripture fills me with hope. The thought that, 'not a day goes by without his unfolding grace' is so encouraging to me. Not a day goes by that we don't in some way, shape or form experience God's favour and blessing in our lives. 

That blessing may come in the form of our character maturing as we encounter a circumstance, go through it and then come out the other side victorious. What a blessing it is to learn from our trials and hopefully be wiser than we were yesterday! When I was in the midst of a trial a wise person said to me, 'pray and ask God what He wants you to learn from this trial.' I prayed. God spoke to me. I listened and learnt. 

'Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unfathomable (inscrutable, unsearchable) are His judgements (His decisions)! And how untraceable (mysterious, undiscoverable) are His ways (His methods, His paths)! Romans 11: 33 AMP

God always has a plan. A plan for good. A plan full of unfolding favour and blessing. Just because we don't always understand the plan, it doesn't mean the plan is bad. It just means that we have to learn to trust  God that little bit more. We have to acknowledge that He is sovereign over every thing and every one.

For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. [for all things originate with Him and come from Him; all things live through Him, and all things centre in and tend to consummate and to end in Him.] To Him be glory forever! Amen (so be it). Romans 11:36 AMP

Question for today, on the outside, does it look like things are falling apart? Why not ask God to show you what he wants you to learn from this situation? Ask God to help you to trust that His unfolding grace is sufficient for you today. Give thanks to God for His amazing grace.

But He said to me, My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and show themselves most effective in [your] weakness. Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ (the Messiah) may rest (yes, may pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me! 2 Corinthians 12:9 AMP

GOD sees to it

"Don't lay a hand on that boy! Don't touch him! Now I know how fearlessly you fear God; you didn't hesitate to place your son, your dear son, on the altar for me." Abraham looked up. He saw a ram caught by its horns in the thicket. Abraham took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. Abraham named that place GOD-Yireh (GOD-Sees-To-It). That's where we get the saying, "On the mountain of GOD, he sees to it." Genesis 22:12-14 MSG

Whenever I read this passage of scripture I find myself asking, 'Would I do the same as Abraham?' 'Do I fearlessly fear God enough to place one of my children on the altar if God asked me to?'

The closest I have come to this situation is when I took Victoria to the emergency department because she kept falling over when she tried to walk. After about five hours of being assessed by various doctors, it was at the direction of the Neurologist (not God) that Victoria was laid out on the bed for the CT scanner. It was midnight. I remember so clearly that moment,  I stood beside the bed, which may as well have been an altar. All I could do was offer up this prayer to God, 'God, please give her and us the strength to get through this, whatever the outcome is.' For the entire scan I stood there praying. Victoria blissfully went to sleep. Thirty minutes later the neurologist asked me to sit down and told me, 'There is a mass in your child's brain.' 

So now, our child had been placed on the altar, not out of obedience to God, as with Abraham, but by the hand of illness. We chose to continue to trust God in this circumstance. We chose the Philippians 4:6 approach.

Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance, and in everything, but prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. Philippians 4:6 AMP

Almost four years later since that night, our daughter is still with us. Of course during these years we faltered from time to time, and the anxiety has crept in. But in our heart of hearts, we have stuck with God. 

But me, I'm not giving up. I'm sticking around to see what GOD will do. I'm waiting for God to make things right. I'm counting on God to listen to me. Micah 7:7 MSG

We are choosing daily to trust that God is sticking with us too. 

And GOD said, "Good eyes! I'm sticking with you. I'll make every word I give you come true." Jeremiah 1:12 MSG

So whilst we may not have the faith and fear of God that Abraham did, each of us are faced with circumstances that challenge our faith. 

Question for today, when those challenging circumstances arise, are you going to believe that you are in a 'GOD-Sees-To-It' place? If you are in the midst of such trials now, have you made a decision to stick with God, putting your whole trust in Him, knowing that He is going to stick with you?

The works of His hands are [absolute] truth and justice [faithful and right]; and all His decrees and precepts are sure (fixed, established, and trustworthy). Psalm 111:7 AMP

 

One who would plead

Oh, that there might be one who would plead for a man with God that he would maintain his right with Him, as a son of man pleads with or for his neighbour! Job 16:21 AMP

The good news is that there is one who pleads for us with God. His name is Jesus Christ. He is our mediator with God, our Heavenly Father.

For there [is only] one God, and [only] one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all [people, a fact that was] attested to at the right and proper time. 1 Timothy 2:5-6 AMP

I don't know about you, but I find that such a relief to know that I don't have to be perfect to have a relationship with God. Jesus is perfect and He stands in front of God on my behalf and pleads for me, Wendy Robinson. He also pleads for you!

Think how much more the blood of Christ cleans up our whole lives, inside and out. Through the Spirit, Christ offered himself as an unblemished sacrifice, freeing us from all those dead-end efforts to make ourselves respectable, so that we can live all out for God. Hebrews 9:14-15 MSG

Because of Jesus sacrifice we have the opportunity to be back in relationship with God. God wants us to be in relationship with him, and to keep growing in our understanding of who He is.

[God our Saviour] Who wishes all men to be saved and [increasingly] to perceive and recognize and discern and know precisely and correctly the [divine] Truth. 1 Timothy 2:4 AMP

When I really started to live out of the Truth that Jesus is my Saviour, I felt an amazing freedom to live the life that God purposed for me.  I was no longer bound by my mistakes and imperfections.

But the Scriptures [picture all mankind as sinners] shut up and imprisioned by sin, so that [the inheritance, blessing] which was promised through faith in Jesus Christ [the Messiah] might be given (released, delivered, and committed) to [all] those who believe [who adhere to and trust in and rely on Him]. Galatians 3:22 AMP

Today I do feel so extremely blessed. Blessed to have Jesus as my personal Saviour. Blessed to have my Heavenly Father protecting me. Blessed to have the Holy Spirit as my counsellor and friend. Blessed to be here and know that God's grace is sufficient for me every single day.

Question for today, do you know that Jesus pleads for you with God? Do you know that Jesus is the mediator that made a way for you to live fully in relationship with God? 

If you want to accept Jesus as your mediator with God, and therefore receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour, please pray the prayer below (taken from The Everyday Life Bible)

Father,

You loved the world so much that You gave Your only begotten Son to die for our sins so that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.

Your word says we are saved by grace through faith as a gift from You. There is nothing we can do to earn salvation.

I believe and confess with my mouth that Jesus Christ is Your Son, the Saviour of the world. I believe He died on the cross for me and bore all of my sins, paying the price for them.

I believe in my heart that You raised Jesus from the dead and that He is alive today.

I am a sinner and I am sorry for my sins and I ask You to forgive me. By faith I receive Jesus Christ now as my Lord and Saviour. I believe that I am saved and will spend eternity with You! Thank You, Father. I am so grateful! In Jesus' name, amen.

If you have chosen to pray this prayer, congratulations, it is a decision you will never regret.

May grace (God's unmerited favor) and spiritual peace [which means peace with God and harmony, unity and undisturbedness] be yours from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 1:2 AMP

Soul-empty

"Look at that man, bloated by self-importance - full of himself but soul-empty. But the person in right standing before God through loyal and steady believing is fully alive, really alive." Habakkuk 2:4 MSG

Have you ever had that sense of just 'existing' in this world? You are doing what has to be done, but at the end of the day, feeling personally unfulfilled? Maybe you receive some appreciation for your efforts. Or maybe you receive none, making the question of 'what am I doing with my life?' even louder in your head? Perhaps what you are feeling is 'soul-empty'?

Perhaps there has been pain and disappointment in your life and now the walls have come up and you are 'existing' in your life to protect yourself from any further hurt.  Maybe your heart is hardened to the things of God as you feel He has let you down. I don't know your situation, but I do know this, we have a loving God who wants you to live life fully.

GOD, your God, will cut away the thick calluses on your heart and your children's hearts, freeing you to love GOD, your God, with your whole heart and soul and live, really live. Deuteronomy 30:6 MSG

God, your Heavenly Father loves you and wants to see you have victory in your life.  In Jesus, we are conquerors and there is nothing that can separate us from God's love for us.

Yet amid all these things we are more than conquerors and gain a surpassing victory through Him Who loved us. For I am persuaded beyond doubt (am sure) that neither death nor life, nor angels not principalities, nor things, impending and threatening nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:37-39 AMP

We all have choices to make with our lives. If you are feeling soul-empty, there is a choice you can make to ask God to remove the calluses from your heart, and invite Jesus into your life to help you live fully. 

Then, we need to make the choice to remain loyal and steady with our believing in Jesus, despite what circumstances come our way. We can ask God to help us remain steady, and even invigorated, as the Psalmist did,

Put your hand out and steady me since I've chosen to live by your counsel. I'm homesick, GOD for your salvation; I love it when you show yourself! Invigorate my soul so I can praise you well, use your decrees to put iron in my soul. And should I wander off like a lost sheep - seek me! I'll recognise the sound of your voice. Psalm 119:173-176 MSG

Question for today, are you feeling soul-empty? Are you feeling that you are not fully alive, really alive? Ask God to show you His love for you, and let Him revive you. Listening to this worship song from Matt Redman, I need you now, may help you to come to that quiet place of surrender.  Once you have surrendered, continually declare the above scripture, believing that you will remain steady, invigorated, and always recognise God's voice in your life.