"Who Will You Be?"

I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me.

I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it. So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God's law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. What a wretched man I am! Romans 7:15-24

Have you ever looked in the mirror and saw somebody you didn't know?

Coming across the above passage made me think about days I've had like that. Where yesterday I was somebody I didn't know. Where yesterday I did things that were not like me…

We do many things we are ashamed of. But why do we do them? It might feel thrilling when considering doing something wrong, and it often feels good while you do it. But afterwards you might feel tainted and dirty. You might feel terrible and ask yourself, why did I just do that? Even though you probably knew that it was wrong, you still did it. And over and over we keep doing them….

I know that none of us are perfect, and that no matter how "good" we try to be, we will still fall. (But don't use that as an excuse for when you do sin!) There shouldn't be any excuse for us to do the same thing over and over when we know it's wrong.

Let's branch off for a second, and look at things that are considered "wrong". Most of us know about the Ten Commandments, so we know those are important to keep. We know that there are certain things in the Bible that God detests. For example,

The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21

Of course there are other things that are considered wrong. Humans have moral compasses, and while we don't always heed by them, we usually can tell when something we are about to do or say is wrong. If we don't feel right about it either before, during, or after at any time, then it was probably the wrong thing for us to do or say.

But don't despair, for there is always hope.

Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:7-8

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man, in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit. Romans 8:1-4

But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. Psalm 5:11

Turn, O LORD, and deliver me; save me because of your unfailing love. Psalm 6:4

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1

Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord! Romans 7:25

God loves us. No matter how many times we fall.

"How am I supposed to show love to somebody over and over and over who constantly rejects me?" ~Caleb Holt, Fireproof

It's amazing that God doesn't ask this question of us. For when we fall, we are in a way rejecting God, even if we don't mean to be. When we fall, it could mean we aren't as tuned into God as we should be. It could mean our passion to follow him is not as strong as we'd like it to be. Now, don't get me wrong; I know that reality says otherwise. Temptations are everywhere after all... But, in the end, just remember, it is YOU who makes the final decision.

"God wants true brokenness, not just a formulized ritual of confession when we're caught in sin." Jerry White, The Joseph Road. If we truly want to live a Godly life, we have to want it; we have to mean it. It must be real, otherwise you will always see someone else staring back at you from the mirror…

Just like Caleb Holt from the movie Fireproof. In the attempt to get his marriage back on track, he used a 40 day dare called The Love Dare. But for the first half of the dare, it seemed he and his wife's future wasn't going to get any better. But the reason for that was simple. Caleb first had to have his heart in the right place. He was simply going through the motions at first, relying solely on the dare to fix his marriage. There was no substance behind his actions. No passion. But once he realized that, he became changed. And in the end we see his changed nature rubs off on his wife, and the relationship is saved.

We're not going to change overnight. Caleb and his wife sure took a lot longer than one night. So don't pray to God and then expect things to be fine and dandy from then on out. It's a tough journey when we choose to follow God. How can we live holy for him when we are constantly tempted by so many worldly things around us? It's a difficult question to be sure. All we can do is simply try our best. God loves us no matter what don't forget. We just have to remember that it won't always be wonderful. But in those moments when we fall, look to find what is beautiful. God will guide you back to your feet if you let him.

Alright, let's recap now. We know about things that are wrong. We know that we do things we don't want to do, and we don't do enough of the things we want to do. We know that God has given us hope no matter what we do—he can set us free. We know that he loves us no matter what as well. And if we want to truly love him in return for all that he has done for us, then we have to make it real. I can't tell you why we do the things we do (or don't do). But in the end, when we stand before God, what will matter is if you can say to him, "Yes Lord, I've screwed up plenty over my lifetime, but ultimately I gave it my absolute best to try to stay on track. I learned from my mistakes and grew much because of them. I love you and thank you for choosing to love and stick by me no matter how many times I didn't love you in return. While I am ashamed of many things I have done, I am proud of the realness inside of me."

But by faith we eagerly await through the Spirit the righteousness for which we hope. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.

You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth? That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you. "A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough." I am confident in the Lord that you will take no other view. The one who is throwing you into confusion will pay the penalty, whoever he may be. Brothers, if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been abolished. As for those agitators, I wish they would go the whole way and emasculate themselves!

You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself."If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law. Galatians 5:5-18

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. Galatians 5:22-25

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does. James 1:22-25

Who will you be when you look in the mirror?*

Striving,

Whitney

"A Beautiful Love Story" 4-18-08

I love the way Singer/Rapper Toby Mac describes God's love:

"This ain't no ordinary, its extrordinary love!"

God's love is indeed extrordinary. To think that He gave up His life on the cross for our sins, when we were so undeserving...This is the Greatest Love Story of all.

Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. John 15:3

But this incredible love does not stop there. The story continues. God still loves us, and no matter what we continue to do today in sin, His love is still waiting to envelope us. Such grace and mercy....such love. In other words, He loved us then, and He loves us now. What a beautiful love story.*

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. 3 John 1:4

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.1 John 4:7

But I am like an olive tree
flourishing in the house of God;
I trust in God's unfailing love
for ever and ever. Psalms 52:8

Cloaked in His Love,
Whitney

Broken to Beautiful Roses - 3/16/08

Hello Everyone,

I would like to do something a little different here, and share with you a poem I wrote several months back.

In June of 2007, I joined a group from my Church excited about going to Mexico. Our mission was to build two small, one room houses for two families there. After I arrived home I was given the words for the following poem you are about to read.

Broken Roses

I walk down the dusty streets
And what do mine eyes see
But a once bright rose lying there
Exposed as all could be.

I pick up in wonder
At how such a thing came to be
There in such a desolate place
It seemed so strange to me.

Then comes along a stranger,
"Hello there," He greets.
"May I ask what it is with your rose?
It looks as though it were beat."

"Yes indeed it is badly broken,
But I just found it here," I say.
"I was wonderin' how it had come to be
Lying here this way."

Staring at it for a moment
He then begins to say,
"It's here to signify a life;
Like yours, if you may.

You've always thought you had it all
Until some time ago,
Your life turned all upside down
Ending up like this here rose.

Look all around you and see
These people have nothing and yet,
They are happy and thankful;
Some things you have yet to get.

To you their lives seem broken,
But they have seen the Light,
They do not rely on themselves--
Rather on Mine, their Father's Love and Might.

So by finding this forsaken rose,
I have given you a choice:
Either to feel as a broken rose can feel,
Or you can heed the words of my voice.

There are many who become a broken rose,
Feeling helpless and alone,
Their eyes are wet with tears,
And their hearts heavy as stone.

If only they knew of the Love and Hope
That only the Father can give,
No longer a broken rose are they
For now on, they can live."

So saying He looked me in the eye,
Then turned and went on His way.
He was right, I was a broken rose,
It bein' revealed to me that day.

I fell down onto my knees
There in the midst of that barren street,
With tears in my eyes
I prayed to Got to restore my faith so weak.

Too long I took my life for granted
Thinking my life was better than theirs.
By they had joy, hope and peace,
Trusting in God to answer their prayers.

My people had not, including myself,
And I finally saw it that day--
From then on I was resolved to be
A happy, wholesome, and thankful Rose in every God-given way.

*******

While this is only inspired, the people did look to be a "broken rose" of sorts. In reality, they had more than I could ever hope for. We think we are better off in the way we live, but our lives are actually void of not physical things, but spiritual and emotional ones. These people were content, not worrying as we who take everything for granted do. These people trusted in the Lord, while we who consider ourselves "good little Christians", hardly ever do. So they are not the broken roses; instead, all the rest of us are. We are lost in our blindness, in our wants, desires, sins, in everything but the Lord. We do not trust, nor have we faith; we are never satisfied, yet they are content with the simplest things. The family we had built a house for were so ecstatic over this simply made structure, it was hard for any of us to believe. But it did cause joy to fill our hearts...

Later I meditated on our reason for going. We left to build two houses, and to minister to the people there, but instead came home the ones having been ministered to....

So that is how I came to be inspired to write this poem. Below are some verses I wish to share relating to my themes discussed above.

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life. And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:25-34

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30

Do you feel like a "broken rose"? Go to God now, He will heal and restore you.*

"From then on I was resolved to be
A happy, wholesome, and thankful Rose in every God-given way."

Let's go from Broken Roses to Beautiful Roses!

Whitney

We Will Be Changed - 3/15/08

Hello everyone. Today's passage comes from 1 Corinthians 15:

Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: "Death has been swallowed up in victory. (1 Corinthians 15:51-54)

This is what we have to look forward to, guys. If you have accepted the gift of grace and mercy offered in Jesus Christ, this is your future. No more struggling with the flesh, no more disappointing God and those around us, and no more sin, for we will be changed. My mind cannot even comprehend this it is so amazing! Even Paul cannot fathom this concept, though he knows it to be true - "Listen, I tell you a mystery..." How this will work we do not know - that's how mysteries are. But we can trust in our God and have faith.

"Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?" The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. (1 Corinthians 15:55-58)

I could end here, but I feel I should mention something else, as well. Along with that one, glorious moment of change - "in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet" - there is another kind of change that we as Christians have been blessed with - continual growth.

But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. (2 Corinthians 3:16-18 ESV)

As we behold the glory of the Lord with unveiled face, there is a certain power that comes with this. It transforms us. As we seek to see His face - to "behold the glory of the Lord" - we are changed. We should never be the same people tomorrow as we are today. Do you see how this all ties together? Throughout this life, as we seek Him (through reading His Word, through prayer, through worship, through witnessing, through keeping Him the center of our lives), we are being transformed into His image. Notice the active tense here - this is an ongoing process. And then, at Christ's return, we will be changed as death is swallowed up in victory.

So I encourage us all to "Always give ourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because we know that our labor in the Lord is not in vain." Let us remain steadfast in Christ and seek to always experience this change, this forward motion, as we await that glorious day when the battle will finally be over; when in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet, we will be all changed for good.

Blessings,
Andrew

Christ Died For Us - 3/8/08

Hello everyone,

Today I thought it would be nice to revisit a topic which is at the core of Christianity. It truly forms the foundation of our faith. I am sure we've gone over it before here with Our Daily Bread, but regardless, it's important to revisit things like this often so that we never lose sight of what really, truly matters.

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 NKJV

There you have it! God demonstrates His love toward us in that while we were still disconnected, depraved sinners, Christ died for us.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. John 3:16-17 NKJV

God does not desire us to perish in our evil ways (for without Him, our ways are evil), but rather He desires us to put our faith in Him and live. In fact, He desires this so much that He gave His own life to accomplish this. Jesus Christ, God in the flesh, descended to earth in complete humility, turned the world upside down with His teachings, and then died for the sins of all mankind. We did nothing to deserve such a selfless act of love, and we can never repay Him for His grace and mercy - but we can devote our lives to Him, and remember never to forget.

For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulders. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. Isaiah 9:6-7 NKJV

Blessings,
Andrew

Gentleness; 2/21/08

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23 ESV)

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV)

The reason I quote this verse twice here (once in the NIV, once in the KJV) is because I feel that they both show a different side of this particular fruit: meekness (humility), and gentleness. This is sort of a humble gentleness I suppose one could say. Have you ever had a friend go astray? Perhaps they were beginning to get involved in things they should not, perhaps they were falling away from the Lord, or perhaps you were just concerned for their well-being. Isn't it so very hard to reach these people? On one hand, you value their friendship and fear the worst; but on the other, you know that if you kept silent, you would not be a true, loving friend. So what's the key here? Gentleness and meekness. Our Lord Jesus Christ paints a perfect picture of this:

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30 ESV)

Isn't this amazing? What can I really say to this? I sit here, trying to come up with something to say, and it just speaks for itself so clearly. When we come to Jesus, He puts his arm around us, helps us up, and carries us along as only a true friend would. He gently tells us when we are in the wrong and holds His arms open to receive us once again. One example of this is when Peter denies Jesus thrice on the night He was taken.

Peter answered him, "Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away." Jesus said to him, "Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times..."

And Peter remembered the saying of Jesus, "Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times." And he went out and wept bitterly. (Matthew 26:33-34; 75 ESV)

I can just see the gentleness in Jesus' eyes after that third rooster crows and they look one another in the eyes; spoken with a single look, everything is laid out. Perhaps there was disappointment, or maybe there was even some pain; I do not know. But I do know that when Peter looks into Jesus' eyes, he sees gentleness, forgiveness, and welcomeness. This is my story as well. I came to Jesus having disappointed Him, having caused Him pain, undeserving of anything more than to be punished for my evil ways; but rather than condemnation, I looked into His eyes and I saw gentleness. I saw love. He told me, "Yes Andrew, you've sinned. You've disappointed me, you've caused me pain. But it doesn't have to be this way - come, take my hand, and let us start over again - please." And from that moment on, my life has been changed.

So when we see those we care for turning onto the path of darkness, how are we to treat them? With love, care, and gentleness, warning them of the impending doom that lies ahead, genuinely concerned for their future. But we must always remember to pray for this gentleness at all times. When we must correct those we care for, do they see this gentle, humble spirit within us? And when they return, do they feel welcome as we hold our arms open to take them in? Let us pray together that yes, they do; for this gentleness comes from God alone.

A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit. (Proverbs 15:4 ESV)

Blessings,
Andrew

Faithfulness; 2/20/08

Today we shall focus on Faithfulness.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23)

When a person gets married, both make a pledge to remain faithful to each other until they die. Now compare this happy couple to Christ and ourselves. Christ is our bridegroom, (Matthew 9:14-16) and when we give our lives to Him, we are in a sense, 'marrying' Him (thus we are His bride). When we pledge our lives to Him, telling Him we will follow Him all the days of our lives, this vow shows our faithfulness to Him.

I will betroth you in faithfulness, and you will acknowledge the LORD. (Hosea 2:20)

As a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you. (Isaiah 62:5b)

One of Jesus's followers asked to go and "bury his father" before he was to go and follow Christ. Jesus replied, "Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead". (Matthew 8:21-22 or Luke 9:58-60) Therefore, is Jesus number one in our lives? How are we to remain faithful to Him if we don't even have Him first in our lives?

Think for a moment on how many times you may have stumbled down the straight and narrow road, and God grabbed you by the hand to steady you? How many times when you repented, He took you joyfully back into His arms? If this awesome God decided to do that for us so many different times when we are so undeserving as it is, don't you see how much never-ending faithfulness He has in us?

He sends from heaven and saves me, rebuking those who hotly pursue me; Selah. God sends His love and His faithfulness. (Psalms 57:3>

For great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD. (Psalms 117:2)

Think of it this way. How many people do you know who would take you back and help you out with a loving and caring attitude, every time you needed help?

Now in Hebrews we learn that Faith is "the evidence of things unseen". Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.(Hebrews 11:1) Faith a lot of the time can be thought of as closely linked with Trust. For example, we can't physically see God, even though there is evidence He's all around us. If we saw Him with our own eyes, why would we need faith? (Have you ever seen the wind? We've seen the effects of the wind, but never the wind itself.) When you put faith in someone, you trust them to do something. You may not physically see them do it. So because of God's promise (the Bible contains 66 love letters (books) to us; check them out,) we know that we can put our trust, or have "faith" in Him to do His will, to cloak us in His love, to pick us up when we fall down.

We live by faith, not by sight. (2 Corinthians 5:7)

Therefore, as God is faithful to us, so must we reflect Him. This as a fruit is an important one - if we are not faithful in our relationship with Jesus, that would be like the bride being unfaithful to her new husband. So don't be tempted by things that may give you short-term pleasure, but will leave you dry and unsatisfied. Instead put your faith in Jesus ,and He will give you LIFE.

Thankful for His faithful promise,
Whitney

Patience; 2-17-08

What a beautiful day!

Today's topic is patience.

God is very patient with us. We are constantly stumbling along this road of life; and yet as a father is patient with his child when trying to teach him something, so is He with us. When we endure trials, He is teaching us patience, and how to grow. When we sin, we must repent to the Lord. Every time we sin, Jesus is patient with us, no matter how many times we mess up, we know that we can go to Him at any time. He will never turn us away, knowing that we are but children, who are still learning.

The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9)

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. (Romans 12:12)

If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. (2 Corinthians 1:6)

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. (Ephesians 4:2)

So why does Paul include "patience" as a Fruit of the Spirit? In 1 Timothy 1:16 we see how Jesus dealt with the people. So therefore, being made in His image, should we not reflect His actions in today's world?

But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on Him and receive eternal life. (1 Timothy 1:16)

As Christ is patient with us, so should we be with those around us.

Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage——with great patience and careful instruction. (1 Timothy 1:16)

We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised. (Hebrews 6:12)

He is waiting patiently for you. Go to Him.
-Whitney

"Oh Joy!" 2/15/08

Jesus talks about being Joyous when teaching to the people in his parables:

Now the tax collectors and "sinners" were all gathering around to hear him. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them." Then Jesus told them this parable:

"Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.' I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent. (Luke 15:1-7)

This parable is about a shepherd who loses one sheep (only one) out of 100. He then goes to all efforts to find that lost sheep, when he could have just left it, and attended to the 99. Once he finds that sheep, Joy then fills his heart at being reunited with that lost sheep.

In relating this to us and our lives, we can see that Jesus is our shepherd and we are the sheep. When one of us sins and is lost in that sin and darkness, what does Jesus do? He immediately stretches out His arms to bring us back! He would never abandon us! So if you feel lost in the darkness, know that Jesus is looking for you, calling your name, and saying how much He loves you. It doesn’t matter how lost you are. Jesus still loves you. And so when you come back into His embrace, He is filled with Joy, just like the shepherd in the parable, rejoicing over finding you have come back to Him.

"Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Does she not light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.' In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." (Luke 15:8-10)

God weeps when we go astray. But great is His Joy when we repent! Jesus said even the angels rejoiced in Heaven! And do you notice how it says "over one sinner who repents?" Will you be that one today?

Note also in the parable of the prodigal son, how overjoyed the father was to see his son again. The brother grumbled however, until his father explained how his brother had been lost, and dead, but now he was found, and alive. (Luke 15:11-32)

The father (like any other parent) would have been sad his son left home. He may have been angry at his son, but would have realized how precious his son was to him, and how his joy at his return overcame his anger and disappointment. Have you ever been away for a long period of time? If so, have you ever noticed how overjoyed your family or friends are when you return? Thus is it with God. So don't continue to run in the dark. Don't feel if you return you will be rejected. God will be overjoyed you came back! Jesus said that He did not come into the world to condemn it, but to save those who were lost. (John 3:17)

To conclude, take this fruit, this Joy, and add it to your life. May you be filled with Joy at knowing how much God Loves you enough to come and take you back under His wing. Isn’t that just amazing? Even though we don’t deserve it, He still forgives us. He is overjoyed, and so will you be also.

So run to Him, and His Joy will light your path back to Him.*

Filled with Joy,
Whitney

Give Thanks - 2/7/08

Psalm 136:1-3

1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever.
2 Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever.
3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords: His love endures forever.

What an awesome God we have. Here He has come down to the earth to pay for our sins, dying for us when we did not deserve it. He allows us to come before Him, to confess our sins and to ask for His forgiveness. He could turn aside in shame, angry that we disobey Him. Instead, His arms are open wide, ready for us when we realize we need to turn back to Him. What mercy and grace! How wonderful our God is to love us unconditionally, and what do we do? We tend to go on with our lives as we normally would. We forget to give thanks.

Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, "Jesus, Master, have pity on us!" When he saw them, he said, "Go, show yourselves to the priests." And as they went, they were cleansed.

One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him——and he was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, "Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" Then he said to him, "Rise and go; your faith has made you well." (Luke 17: 11-19)

Say for example you helped out a person every time they got in trouble. Wouldn't you wish to be thanked by that person? Wouldn't you be hurt if they didn't thank you? Jesus said in Luke 17:17 of the 10 lepers He healed, "Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" So let us never forget to thank Him who created us, who saved us in more ways than one.

There is a song titled "Give Thanks". It goes,

"Gives thanks with a grateful heart, give thanks unto the Holy One, give thanks, because He's given, Jesus Christ His Son. And now let the weak say "I am strong", Let the poor say "I am rich", Because of what the Lord has done for us. Give thanks, give thanks, give thanks."

So let us remember to give thanks to our God with a grateful heart!*

Thanking Him,
Whitney