Writing On Eagles Wings

Saturday, my granddaughter (not pictured) competed in a horse show. It was her first, and she was very excited. There were 5 events in which she participated, all of which she had practiced for months to be able to do her very best on this day.

Since this was her first equestrian show, we didn’t really expect her to be a contender for a ribbon, but regardless, she gave her all and did a great job. When the results came in, we were all (including her!) amazed and thrilled to see her take home 4 blue ribbons!!!

This reminded me of a very special event that is going to happen for Christians one day. Everyone who has trusted Jesus Christ as their Saviour will stand before Him as He judges our service to Him. Jesus will judge our works to determine what rewards we will receive from Him. Will we get a “blue ribbon” or will we merely receive a participation certificate?

1 Corinthians 3:9-15 states. “For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building. According to the grace of God, which is given unto me, as a wise master builder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.”

This refers to the future event when we stand before Jesus at His judgement seat. It is not a time of judging whether or not we are saved, but rather the time when the work of those who are saved are determined to be godly… the gold, silver, and precious jewels, or carnal/worldly … the hay, wood and stubble. As our works pass through the fire of God, only the gold, silver, and precious jewels will remain and thus determine what “ribbon” we will receive.  Our rewards will not be ribbons, however… they will be crowns. Now, we don’t know exactly which crowns we will receive, but like my granddaughter, who put in the necessary work to get the prize, we must put in the work to earn a crown from Jesus. The Bible speaks of 5 different kinds of crowns that can be received due to our work for God.

1. Crown of Righteousness

“Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” – 2 Timothy 4:8

This is a crown for everyone who is waiting anxiously for Jesus to return! The signs of the time indicate that Jesus’ appearing will be sooner than later, but not everyone is looking for the Lord to come back. Only those who know Him as Saviour are eagerly awaiting His appearing! Those of us who are looking up are righteous in God’s eyes through the salvation that Jesus purchased for us on the cross of Calvary. Our righteous status comes only through faith in Christ and His work on the cross. The Bible states….

“And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.”  – Philippians 3:9

A crown of righteousness is a crown for every “righteous” person saved by the grace of God through faith and is ready and waiting for Jesus Christ coming.

Has there been a time in your life when you asked Jesus to forgive your sins and become your Saviour? Are you ready and waiting for His return? If so, they you will have a crown of righteousness!

2. Incorruptible crown

“And every man that strives for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.” – 1 Corinthians 9:25

The incorruptible crown is a crown for people who will have victory over the world and the flesh. This crown requires self-control.

“I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beats the air. But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” – 1 Cor 9:26-27

By demonstrating godly self-control, avoiding the temptations of the flesh, choosing to reject worldly ways for godly ones, we will receive an incorruptible crown. We need the strength of Christ to do this, and He readily provides that strength. We CAN exercise godly control when we depend on Jesus and His strength.

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” – Philippians 4:13

Have you tried to live a godly life, but find it so hard to do? Have you relied on the strength of Jesus for help? If so, you may receive the incorruptible crown!

3. Crown of Life

The crown of life is a crown for people who have patiently endured trials, testing and persecution yet maintain their faith. Going through hard personal trials, rejection from friends and family, losing loved ones, etc., yet remaining faithful to God AND trusting Him, is not easy. The temptations to join the world and reject God are relentless, but when we stand firm on our faith, holding fast to that which we know to be true, continuing to be separate from the world, and live for Christ, a crown of life awaits us.

“Blessed is the man that endures temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.” – James 1:12

Have you remained true to Christ and refused to follow the world? A crown of life will be your reward!

The crown of life is also for the people who bravely confront persecution for Jesus Christ even to the point of death. It is hard to believe that Christians around the world today are imprisoned or even killed for their faith in Christ, but it happens every day, and it will continue to escalate as we move closer to the return of Christ.

“Fear none of those things which thou shall suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” – Rev 2:10

Those who remain faithful despite facing the most horrific trials, from imprisonment to death,

4. Crown of Rejoicing

“For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? For ye are our glory and joy.”  – 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20

The crown of rejoicing is awarded to those who bring others to Christ. It’s often called the Soul-Winner’s Crown, and it’s the reward given to those who reach out beyond themselves and lead others to Jesus. It is a crown for every Christian who has had a part in another person’s salvation… whether it was a seed you planted, one you watered, once you cultivated, or one where you actually harvested!

Think of the person who led you to the Lord. It wasn’t just that one person, but rather a network of individuals that God used to draw you to Him. Each one will receive a crown of rejoicing one day!

How about you? Have you experienced a part in the salvation of another person? Maybe you were a Sunday school teacher sharing the gospel with your little ones. Maybe you helped in Vacation Bible School? Maybe you sat with your own child and explained how much God loved them and prayed with them as they asked Jesus to save them. Maybe you gave money to missions or the church to help further the cause of Christ. There are so many ways to share in leading others to Christ. The crown of rejoicing will be yours one day!

5. Crown of Glory

The last crown is a very specific crown. It is called the crown of glory, and it is a crown for the man of God who has a group of individuals for whom he is spiritually responsible. In today’s world, this would be a pastor of a church. He is often referred to as a shepherd and the church is his flock. Here is what the Bible tells us about this crown and pastors.

“Feed the flock of God, which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind. Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fades not away.” – 1 Pet 5:2-4

“Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.” – I Timothy 5:17

“Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.” – Hebrews 13:17

God’s Word holds pastors to a higher standard than others who work in the ministry, and thus, they receive a special crown for their service to God as His overseer of his “flock” – the local church.

Receiving our Crowns

It was so exciting to see my granddaughter receive her ribbons. I can only imagine how much more exciting it will be when we receive our own crowns from the Lord! But then, what will we do with them?

Casting our Crowns

What will we do with our crowns? The general thought is that we will cast them at Jesus’ feet, although the Bible doesn’t actually say this. What it does say in Revelation 4:10 is this: “The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.”

Why would we do that? Because it is Jesus Christ alone who deserves to wear these crowns! All of our achievements are due to His work on the cross and in our lives. It stands to reason if all of heaven is worshiping Jesus and the elders are giving their crowns to Him, we would do the very same thing!

Crown him with many crowns, the Lamb upon his throne.
Hark! how the heavenly anthem drowns all music but its own.
Awake, my soul, and sing of Him who died for thee,
Qnd hail him as thy matchless king through all eternity.
(from “Crown Him with Many Crowns” by Matthew Bridges)

“For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” – Philippians 2:13

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What crowns are you aspiring to receive from our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ?

 

Easter is over. Yesterday, churches around the world were filled with worshipers who remembered the sufferings and agony of Jesus’ crucifixion and then the jubilation and rejoicing over His resurrection. Voices were joined in song as the words of “Christ the Lord is Risen Today!” “Up from the Grave” and  “He Lives” echoed in the churches around the world. Songs that praise the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Son of God! What joy filled everyone’s heart and soul!

Pastoral messages were heard that stirred the hearts of believers as we worshiped and praised the name of Jesus together. What a glorious day Easter Sunday was! But now it is Monday. It is the day after Easter. And we need to ask ourselves, what now?

Let’s take a look at what the Bible records what happened on the first few days following the resurrection.

Mark 16:14 tells us that the disciples had gathered together for a meal.

“Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.”

Luke 24 records two friends walking and talking about the events that had happened in Jerusalem with Jesus.

“And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs. And they talked together of all these things which had happened.”

John 21 tells the story of how Peter and 6 other disciples went out on the Sea of Galilee to go fishing.

“There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples. Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing.”

Why do you think that after the most incredible event in human history had just happened, AND after the disciples had even seen Jesus, that things went back to normal for them?

The power of the resurrection was not realized yet by Jesus’ followers.

In fact, the Bible tells us of no one who really believed it had happened even though Jesus told His disciples that He was going to die and then return to life 3 days after His death.

Mark 9:31-32 records, “For he taught his disciples, and said unto them, The Son of man is delivered into the hands of men, and they shall kill him; and after that he is killed, he shall rise the third day. But they understood not that saying, and were afraid to ask him.”

Matthew 17:22-23 tells us, “And while they abode in Galilee, Jesus said unto them, The Son of man shall be betrayed into the hands of men: And they shall kill him, and the third day he shall be raised again. And they were exceeding sorry.”

Let’s take a look at some of these individuals.

1. The Pharisees didn’t believe. They believe the disciples would steal the body of Jesus away.
   1. “Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first.” – Matthew 27:64

2. Pilate didn’t believe. He agreed to allow guards to be posted.
   1. “Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can.” – Matthew 27:65

3. Mary Magdalene, Salome, and Mary didn’t believe. They were coming to the tomb to anoint the body of Jesus.
   1. “And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him.” – Mark 16:1

4. Peter didn’t believe. He went into the tomb to see if the body was there.
   1. “And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in. Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie, And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself.” – John 20:5-7

5. John didn’t believe. He also went to the tomb to see if the body of Jesus was still there.
   1. “Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed.” – John 20:8

6. Thomas didn’t believe. He wanted to see Jesus in the flesh.
   1. “The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.” – John 20:25

But then they SAW Jesus!! Their immense sorrow became unspeakable joy, and they began a ministry that changed the world! Nothing could stop them from sharing the gospel message: Jesus Christ was crucified for the sins of the world; He was buried, and then He rose again on the 3rd day just as He said He would!

Paul reminded the Christians in Corinth of what Jesus did for us:

“For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:” – 1 Corinthians 15:3,4

Yesterday, churches all across the globe celebrated the resurrection of Jesus. There were even people in church yesterday that never go to church except on Easter and Christmas. The hearts of the people rejoiced, but will those same hearts that celebrated yesterday continue to burn for Jesus today? Tomorrow? Or in the days to come? They most certainly will… if they’ve truly “seen” Jesus and trusted Him as the Saviour of their souls.

Have you?

One day the grave could conceal Him no longer,
One day the stone rolled away from the door;
Then He arose, over death He had conquered;
Now is ascended, my Lord evermore.

Living, He loved me; dying, He saved me;
Buried, He carried my sins far away;
Rising, He justified freely forever:
One day He’s coming—O glorious day!

(from “One Day” by John Chapman and Charles Marsh)

“Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.” – Psalm 51:12

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Today is Monday. What now?

 

Well, it’s been 3 months since Mochi came to live with us. She is still skittish, but slowly she is adapting to her new home and her new family. I hear her purring every now and then, and she doesn’t run away when I walk by. Now she actually glances upward as if to say she is not going to budge one bit as if I were intruding on her domain!

Learning to trust is not coming easy to Mochi, but she is beginning to understand that we are not going to abandon her, hurt her, or abuse her. We love her despite her inability to reciprocate that love at this time. We love her unconditionally, and one day, we hope she’ll be able to trust us completely. If not, we will still love her.

There are many of us who have trouble trusting others, and that sometimes impairs our ability to trust the Lord. When our past experiences have resulted in disappointments, betrayals, and rejection, our brains seem to feed us all sorts of excuses as to why we shouldn’t trust.

The reality is that trusting involves vulnerability. We become vulnerable to the actions of others, and that fear of opening ourselves up to potential rejection, hurt, whatever bad things happened in the past, keeps us too afraid to trust. Mochi doesn’t trust because she doesn’t want to be hurt again. So I must prove to her that I am trustworthy. I do that with soft words, gentle petting, and of course, meeting her physical needs of shelter and food.

When it comes to God, it’s important to realize that there is no need to fear trusting Him.  The truth is we can be vulnerable with God without fear of abandonment, rejection, or betrayal. Choosing to trust Him is a huge step of many of us. It takes faith… sometimes faith that we don’t even know we have… to accept God at His Word. However, one must remember that God has proved Himself over and over in the Bible.

Jeremiah 31:3 reminds us that God loves us more than we could ever imagine. “The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.” This love doesn’t depend on what we do with God; He loves us unconditionally forever! When God says He loves us with an everlasting love, we can believe that without any reservation because God never lies as Titus 1:2 records, “In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began…” He is faithful to His Word. He has shown it again and again in the pages of Scripture.

The most important Biblical truth of God’s unending love for us is manifested in His Son, Jesus, whom He sent to be our Saviour. God sacrificed “His only begotten Son” (John 3:16) to provide a way for us to have an eternal relationship with Him! 1 John 4:14 states, “And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.”

There are so many other proofs of God’s trustworthiness in the Bible. His track record is spotless! His promises are true! He is so worthy of our trust!

Hard to understand? Yes, it is, but if you are searching for the “One” who will never leave you nor forsake you, never abandon or reject you, and promises to love you forever… you are searching for Jesus.

I can trust Jesus, I can trust Jesus
He never once has failed to meet my needs
He is my strong tow’r, the strength in my weakest hour
I can trust Jesus; He takes care of me

(from “I Can Trust Jesus” by Gerald Crabb)

“Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:” – Isaiah 55:6

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Jesus is waiting for you with open arms.

 

 

 

In 1965, the movie, “The Greatest Story Ever Told” was released. Movie-goers thronged by the thousands to see this epic film. Like most stories of Jesus, this film chronicled the life of Jesus beginning with His unusual birth, and then moving to His 3-year ministry filled with its supernatural healings and strong teachings, and finally culminating with the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ. “The End”.

But is that really the end of the story? Most definitely not!

Many people think of the story of Jesus as beginning with Christmas and ending with Easter, but nothing could be farther from the truth! In fact, if all of human history was a theatrical production, in my version, we would only be in Act Two! The best is still yet to come!

Here is my breakdown of “The Greatest Story Ever Told”… the unabridged version!

• Prelude – The Old Testament
  • The Old Testament sets the scene for us and reveals the problem.
  • It starts with God’s perfect creation, and then sin is introduced into the world.
    • “But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.” – Isaiah 59:2
    • “For the wages of sin is death…” – Romans 6:23a
  • The problem now requires a solution, and of course, that solution is redemption.
    • “He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name.” – Psalm 111:9

• Act One – The Life and Ministry of Jesus
  • The New Testament begins the life of Christ.
  • Virgin birth
    • “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” – Isaiah 7:14
  • His 3-year ministry
    • “And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.” – Matthew 9:35
  • Crucifixion & Resurrection
    • “And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.” – 1 John 4:14
    • “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” – John 3:16

• Act Two – The Institution of the Church
  • The Great Commission
    • “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:” – Matthew 28:19
    • “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” – Mark 16:15
  • The creation of the Church occurs in this section of the story.
  • We are actually principle players in this act as this part of the story is still unfolding in our lives.

• Intermission: The Rapture
  • An intermission is a break between key points of a story.
  • In a play, this is the time when people leave the theater and take a break.
  • The Biblical comparison of this event to a theatrical intermission are clear: Christians (those who have trusted Christ as their personal Saviour) will now be leaving the theater for a short time.
    • “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17

• Act Three – The Tribulation 7-year Period
  • In this particular part of the story, God is executing judgment on the world for its sin and rejection of Christ.
    • “For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.” – Matthew 24:21

• Act Four – The Second Coming of Jesus
  • Here we finally arrive at the exciting climax of our story.
  • The battle intensifies between God and Satan until finally Jesus sets foot on earth again and establishes what is known as the “Millennial Kingdom”. This is the time when Jesus physically establishes His rule on earth from Jerusalem, binding Satan for 1000 years.
  • After the 1000 years, Satan is released and tries one last time to overthrow Jesus.
    • “And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison,” – Revelation 20:7
  • Jesus defeats Satan once and for all. This is the final and complete solution to the initial problem.
    • “And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.” – Revelation 20:10

• Finale – Eternity Future
  • Now we come to the last chapter of the written story. The problem is completely solved. In our “story”, Satan has been defeated. Sin no longer has any influence on God’s creation.
  • Those who have rejected Jesus will spend their “eternity future” in hell, forever separated from God.
    • “And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.” – Matthew 25:46
    • “And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” _ Revelation 20:15
  • Those who have trusted Christ as Saviour will begin their “eternity future” in heaven with the Lord.
    • “In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” – John 14:2-3
    • “And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.” – Revelation 21:3

So, is the story over now? Not even close! In fact, it should be renamed as “The Never-Ending Story” because our eternity with God will truly never end!

But like most movies that leave out some very important parts if they have been adapted from a book, my short synopsis is also just that. A brief summary of the most amazing story ever written! It is the story of God’s love, and to fully understand it, you must read the book!  There is so much more depth and clarity in the Bible! I could never even begin to share its treasures in my little blog. My deepest heartfelt recommendation for you is to read the Bible! I promise it will change your life!

I love to tell the story of unseen things above,
Of Jesus and His glory, of Jesus and His love;
I love to tell the story, because I know ’tis true,
It satisfies my longings as nothing else would do.

I love to tell the story, ’Twill be my theme in glory,
To tell the old, old story of Jesus and His love.

(from “I Love to Tell the Story” by Arabella K. Hankey)

“For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” – Romans 15:4

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If you don’t know Christ as your Saviour, I’d love to introduce you to Him. Just send me a comment, and I will joyfully share with you how you can be saved from your sins and know without a doubt that your “eternity future” will be with God in heaven!

It’s been about 3 months since I adopted Mochi, my rescue cat. She remains very much against being cuddled or held, and if I try, I am rewarded with a few scratches as she fights valiantly to escape my hold. I try to calm her, telling her softly that I love her, but she turns a deaf ear to my soothing words as she fights to be released. No matter how much I try to coax her to come to me, she remains distant, coming to me only when she needs something… namely food!

Sometimes it seems as though my relationship with God is similar to the one I have with Mochi. No matter how much God wants me to draw near, I resist and fight to go my own way until I need something from Him. If I have a need, I then  take the time to bring my requests to His attention… just like Mochi does with me!

Similar to me reaching out to Mochi by using words to affirm my love for her, God reaches out to me through His Word. When I listen, I hear Him, and His Word brings me comfort and security in Him and our relationship through His Son, Jesus Christ.

Here is what God’s Word says to me:

1. “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” – Revelation 3:20
2. “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28
3. “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you…” -James 4:8
4. “The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart…” – Psalm 34:18
5. “…and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” – Matthew 28:20
6. “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” – Isaiah 41:10
7. “And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” – John 10:28

That last verse reminds me that no one can take me away from God… not even me!

I am His and He is mine!

Jesus, my Lord will love me forever,

From Him no pow’r of evil can sever,

He gave His life to ransom my soul;

Now I belong to Him;

Now I belong to Jesus,

Jesus belongs to me,

Not for the years of time alone,

But for eternity.

(from “Now I Belong to Jesus” by Billy Speer)

“Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.” – Psalm 100:3

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If God seems distant, ask yourself, “Who moved?”

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! As I put on my green clothes in honor of the holiday (and to keep from getting the traditonal pinch!), it occurs to me that some folks may not be familiar with who St. Patrick was and why there is a day celebrating him.

The story begins with a 16-year-old English boy who basically was kidnapped from his father’s farm by Irish raiders. He was taken to Ireland to live and work as a slave. It was during this time in Ireland that Patrick found comfort in religion.

6 years later, Patrick escaped and fled to Germany where he eventually became a priest. He chose to spend the rest of his life as a missionary in Ireland spreading Christianity to the paganists in that land and supporting the sparse number of Christians already living in Ireland.

Patrick is known for using a shamrock to teach the Irish about the holy Trinity. Since the shamrock was considered a sacred plant in Ireland, it was the perfect symbol of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit – three-in-one! The shamrock’s three leaves were all connected together by one stem… three-in-one.

“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”- Mark 16:15

Here are a few facts about St. Patrick.

1) He truly was not responsible for removing the snakes from Ireland. There were never snakes on the Emerald Isle, however, there was the “snake of paganism” there, and Patrick was a huge influence in spreading the gospel throughout Ireland.

2) Leprechauns are found in the Celtic beliefs, and they are associated with fairies. They are known for playing tricks on people to protect their riches… their pots of gold.

3) The first St. Patrick’s Day parade was held in New York City on March 17, 1762.

4) Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland, although he was never canonized by the Catholic church. The title of “Saint” was simply used and handed down through generations when referring to Patrick.

5) Patrick created the Celtic cross… a sun superimposed on a cross, knowing that the sun was a powerful Irish symbol and would be familiar to the people as he shared the gospel.

6) Since the Catholics did not advocate drinking during Lent, drinking beer or ale was not established as part of the celebration until the 1960s.

7) Patrick was not Irish; he was English.

 

 

“Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth.” –  I Corinthians 13:4-8

The word “charity” is another word for “love”. This chapter in 1 Corinthians refers to a godly love – the kind of love that we should all have for one another. The word of this in the Greek is “agape” love. This is the type of love we should aspire for in our lives. Now, I thought this chapter was all about how I should love other people, but it is much more than that.

1 Corinthians 13 is a chapter that actually describes God and His love, which is “agape” love.  Let’s take a few minutes and see what God’s Word tells us about His .love for us

1. “Charity suffereth long.”
   1. Remember that charity means….? Yes, that is right. Charity means “love”. “Suffereth long” refers to having patience. It means putting up with something for a long time.
   2. Our God is patient with us. The Bible tells us that God is not willing that any should perish. That means He waits patiently for us to come to Christ.
      1. “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” – 2 Peter 2:

2. “Charity is kind.”
   1. God is kind.
      1. “How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.” – Psalm 36:7
   2. God demonstrates His kindness to His children through His compassion and mercy on a daily basis. He withholds punishment choosing to teach and guide us through His Word instead of pouring out His wrath upon us.

3. “Charity envieth not.”
   1. God is not jealous when it comes to what we have in this life. it is not that God is jealous or envious because someone has something He wants or needs.
   2. The only thing that God is jealous of is our worship of false gods. He wants us to ONLY worship Him because He is the ONLY true God.
      1. “For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God:” – Exodus 34:14

4. “Charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up.”
   1. My God is not proud or boastful.
      1. “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” – Philippians 2:5-8
   2. Of anyone that ever lived, Jesus is the only one who has the right to be “puffed up” because He is God, but He isn’t. He was a humble servant to His Father God, obeying everything God wanted of Him including going to the cross.

5. “Charity doth not behave itself unseemly.”
   1. My God does not act unrighteously.
      1. “For the righteous LORD loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright.” – Psalm 11:7
   2. Everything God does is right. When things happen in our lives that we think is unfair on God’s part, we just remember that He never does anything that is not for our best…never!

6. “Charity seeketh not her own.”
   1. God does not seek self-gratification.
      1. “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.” – 2 Corinthians 2:8-9
   2. The word “GRACE” explains it for us… God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. He died that we might have life. His act unselfish love bought our freedom from sin.

7. “Charity is not easily provoked.”
   1. My God is not easily angered
      1. “The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.” – Psalm 103:8
   2. The patience of God is well-documented in Scripture, but we must remember that it doesn’t say God is never provoked. It says that He is not easily But that patience God shows I because of His great love for us.

8. ”Charity thinketh no evil.”
   1. My God does not think evil
      1. “For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee.” – Psalm 5:4
   2. God is love according to I John 4:16, and this love was manisfested at the cross, where God sacrificed His own Son to save us from our sins.

9. “Charity rejoiceth not in iniquity.”
   1. My God does not rejoice in sin
      1. “But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.” – Isaiah 59:2
   2. God hates sin… it was sin that separated Him from His beloved Son for the first time in all eternity when Jesus took our sins upon His body on the cross… yet God forgives our sins when we confess to Him and seek His forgiveness.

• “Charity rejoiceth in the truth.”
  1. God’s Word is truth.
     1. “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” – John 17:17
  2. God also gave us His Spirit to guide us into all truth. Jesus Himself stated that He alone was the way, the truth and the life. God’s love rejoices in the truth of His Word.

11. “Charity beareth all things.”
    1. My God bears all things.
       1. “Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.” – 1 Peter 2:24
    2. Jesus bore the humiliation, rejection, and betrayal for us. He had the power to destroy all those who hated Him, but He reached out in love to save them all.

12. “Charity believeth all things.”
    1. God believes in the redemption of His children.
       1. “And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.” – 1 John 4:14
    2. John 3:16 reminds us of the love of God and His belief that we are worthy of salvation.

13. “Charity hopeth all things.”
    1. God love provides us with hope for eternal life.
       1. “For thou art my hope, O Lord GOD: thou art my trust from my youth.” – Psalm 71:5
    2. Because of His love, we have the hope of Jesus’ return and eternity in heaven with God.

14. “Charity endureth all things.”
    1. God’s love endures forever
       1. “The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.” – Jeremiah 31:3
    2. God’s love compelled Him to provide a way for us to have access to His love.
       1. “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8

15. “Charity never faileth.”
    1. God never fails – He will never remove His love from us!
       1. “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 8:38-39

The love of God is greater far than tongue or pen can ever tell;
It goes beyond the highest star, and reaches to the lowest hell.
The wand’ring child is reconciled by God’s beloved Son.
The aching soul again made whole, and priceless pardon won.

O love of God, how rich and pure! How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure— the saints’ and angels’ song.

(from “The Love of God” by Frederick Lehman)

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

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February is the month of love. When you think about those you love, remember the One who loves you with an everlasting love!

 

 

 

 

 

Finally after nearly 20 years, I decided to adopt a cat. Not just any cat. I wanted an adult cat that needed a home, so after looking online, I decided to go to the local shelter to see a rescue cat they had available… to see “if she would be a good fit for me,” they said. They brought her in; I was smitten, and just like that, I was the owner of a 5-year-old female tuxedo cat!

My dream was to have a cat like the ones I’d had before. One who would cuddle with me, sit on my lap, and let me love on her whenever I wanted to hold her. Needless to say, this was not the case with Mochi. I didn’t know her history, but 5 years is a long time to be moved from one shelter to another, one foster home to another, never knowing if this might be her forever home, so I expected a period of adjustment. I did not expect this to last for weeks, but Mochi made it clear that being held, cuddled, or even petted was off limits! So I read countless articles online about caring for cats and gaining their trust. I tried everything suggested – giving treats, using catnip, etc. Nothing worked. What cat doesn’t like catnip toys, right? Not Mochi. One sniff, and she ignored every toy. I refused to quit. Time, patience, and love. I was convinced that would be the key to her heart.

A few weeks have passed, and while Mochi doesn’t appear to be afraid of me, she definitely does not crave my attention. I am, however, learning to interact with her on her terms. She does allow me to pet her now, and even once, she rubbed up against my leg! I was elated!! Then that very same night, she nipped at me when I went to pet her. Frustrating? At times, but it doesn’t matter. I love her dearly, and I will not give up on her. However, I will not force my affections upon her either. I will feed her, clean out her litter box, give her treats, and give her the space she needs, all the while, waiting for the day when she will accept me into her life. That will come when she realizes that I love her and will not abandon her regardless of what has happened in her past or what she does now in our home.

As I watched her sleeping on the end of the sofa, my heart was sad for her and what she may have endured in her five years of life. Then it occurred to me that there are many parallels between my relationship with Mochi and my relationship with God.

Mochi and I both…

…have a past that haunts us at times.

…have been abandoned by those we did trust in our lives.

…have emotional scars that need to be overcome to allow love into our lives.

…have been resistant to accept love from those who desire to give it.

…have attitudes that definitely make us unlovable at times.

…demand our own ways at times.

…want to feel safe, wanted, and loved.

The parallels between what needed to be done in order to be accepted by Mochi, I have to do what God did for me to bring me to where I would accept Him.

1. I have to love her unconditionally as God loved me when I was unlovable.
   1. “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8

2. I have to keep my promise to never leave her as God has promised to never leave me nor forsake me.
   1. “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” – Matthew 28:20

3. I have to forgive her when she does wrong as God forgives me when I sin.
   1. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9

4. I have to help her feel safe, believing my love for her will not change.
   1. “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 8:38-39

5. I have to guide and teach her to do what is right as God teaches me through His Word.
   1. “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” – John 14:26

6. I have to listen to her when she communicates with me just as God listens to me when I pray.
   1. “The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.” – Psalm 34:17

7. I have to protect her as God watches over and protects me.
   1. “The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my Saviour; thou savest me from violence.” – 2 Samuel 22:3

8. I have to provide a home for her as God is preparing a place for me in heaven.
   1. “In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” – John 14:2

In time, I am confident Mochi will be able to accept my love for her, just as I have accepted God’s love for me. Understanding that He loved me enough to die on a cross for me is overwhelming, and I am so grateful for His gift of salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ. My life has never been better, and I cannot imagine living without Him! One day, I will look upon my Saviour’s face and thank Him for His unspeakable love!

There is a name I love to hear,
I love to sing its worth;
it sounds like music in my ear,
the sweetest name on earth.

It tells me of a Savior’s love,
who died to set me free;
it tells me of his precious blood,
the sinner’s perfect plea.

O how I love Jesus,
O how I love Jesus,
O how I love Jesus,
because he first loved me!

(from “Oh, How I Love Jesus!” by Frederick Whitfield & Anon)

“Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable.” – Psalm 145:3

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One day, my Mochi will understand how much I love her, just as one day, when in His presence, I will fully understand the depth, breadth, and height of God’s love for me!

 

Today during my quiet time with God, I was struck by His great love for me. This is not a new concept for me. It is written in His Word again and again, but today I was reflecting on a message I heard during our week of revival at my church, and the thought of who God is, who I am, and why He loves me inundated my thoughts.

God is not Someone I can fully comprehend. I know what I have read in the Bible. Words like “holy” and “eternal” describe Him, but in my humanity, I cannot really grasp the characteristics of God.

• “And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.” – Isaiah 6:3
• “Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.”- Psalm 90:2

Not to mention, the fact that there is only one God, yet three-in-One.

• “For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.” – 1 John 5:7)

To help me understand Him better, God chose to come to earth in the embodiment of Jesus Christ. As the Son of God, He was a man, yet He was God. He came to do what mankind could never do… atone for their sins.

• “Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:” – Philippians 4:6-7
• “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” – 1 John 4:10

However, when I sat quietly and pondered, my thoughts focused on one question, “Why?”

Why go through all of this knowing what would happen? The exponential growth of sin in the world, the rejection of God Himself by His own creation, the horrific payment for sin that would have to be made for any reconciliation with Him… Why?

Why did God choose to save mankind knowing that one day that would result in His Son going to the cross?

• God could have destroyed the world totally when Adam and Eve sinned, and He could easily have started all over, destroying Lucifer and the rebellious angels and not having to deal with the sins of mankind.
• God could have placed angels with flaming swords around the tree of the knowledge of good and evil preventing Adam and Eve’s disobedience and the introduction of sin into the world.
• God could have mandated that we would have to find our own way to salvation through works or deeds, which of course, we would never be able to do or even want to, and then let us die in our sins and go into a Christless eternity without Him.

But God didn’t do any of that. Instead, He made a plan to save all of us from our sins. He would send His beloved Son, Jesus Christ, to the cross.

• “And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.” – 1 John 4:14

But, why?

Why did Jesus choose to go to the cross? Why not decide on a different path for redemption? Why would He want to save a sinner like me, knowing how I would fail Him again and again… even after accepting His free gift of salvation? Why is God faithful and just to forgive me over and over? (1 John 1:9) When I reflect on who I am, I truly am amazed that God would even care about me. After all, I am not a great teacher of the gospel; I am not a missionary; I am not prominent in the Church. I am just a plain ordinary person, unworthy, sinful, and often resistant to His leading. Yet Jesus chose to sacrifice Himself as the answer to the sin problem of the world. Not only did He provide salvation for us, but we don’t really have to do anything for it except to ask for His forgiveness and trust Him as Saviour. I don’t have to perform certain tasks or give a certain amount of money to the church. I don’t have to pray a certain amount of times each day or even attend church so many days a week. I don’t have to do anything but trust Him as my Saviour and ask Him to forgive me. Why?

• “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” – Romans 10:13

Why does God’s Holy Spirit dwell within me? I know what the Bible says about the responsibilities of the Spirit of God, but me? I take Him into situations that He would not voluntarily go. I expose Him to sins that hurt, disgust, and disappoint Him. I often don’t listen to Him when He speaks to me through His Word. Why does He persist in correcting, convicting, teaching, and guiding me? He doesn’t need me at all, nor will He ever need me, yet He is with me 24/7, and will be for all eternity. Why?

• “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” – 1 Corinthians 3:16

The answers to all my “whys” are found in one place – The Bible.

God did all of this for one reason only. He loves me. Over and over again in the Scriptures, God reiterates how much He loves me and all of humanity. It is this love that stayed Him from utterly destroying every living thing on this planet. It is this love that compelled Jesus to walk the road to Calvary. It is this love that brought the Holy Spirit into our lives fulfilling God’s promise that He would never leave us. The reason is love.

• “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” – John 3:16

This is the God I serve…or at least try to serve to the best of my ability. This is the God I love because He first loved me. This is the God who created me knowing that I would fail Him time and time again – that I would seek His forgiveness over and over – that I would choose sin over Him. This is the God who loves me with an everlasting love.

• “The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.” – Jeremiah 31:3

This is the God who desires a relationship with me despite all that I am and all that I am not. This is the God who sacrificed Himself for my sins.

• “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8

This is the God who invites me into His throne room any time I want to go there.

• “Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,”- Hebrews 10:19

This is the God who listens for my prayers and then answers them in a way that is best for me and those for whom I intercede.

• “For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers…” – 1 Peter 3:12

This is the God who knew me before I was even conceived… I began as a thought in the mind of God, and then He formed me in my mother’s womb. He wanted me to exist.

• “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee…” – Jeremiah 1:5

This is the God who blesses me every single day. He has a plan for my life and continues to work in me, making me more like His Son Jesus.

• “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” – Jeremiah 29:11

This is the God who is preparing a place for me in heaven to life with Him forever because He loves me.

• “In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.”- John 14:2

This is THE God. This is MY God. This is the only true and living God. Not only does He love me, but He knows me by name.

• “But if any man love God, the same is known of him.” – 1 Corinthians 8:3
• “But thou, O LORD, knowest me: thou hast seen me, and tried mine heart toward thee…” – Jeremiah 12:3

I am so blessed.

I stand amazed in the presence
Of Jesus the Nazarene,
And wonder how He could love me,
A sinner, condemned, unclean.
 
O how marvelous! O how wonderful!
And my song shall ever be:
O how marvelous! O how wonderful!
Is my Savior’s love for me!

(from “I Stand Amazed in the Presence” by Charles H. Gabriel)

“And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.” – 1 John 4:16

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Jesus loves me, and He also loves YOU!

Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year, and my pastor, Tim Campbell, shared several messages this Christmas season focusing on key persons we often think of during this time. Here is a message about the travels of Mary and Joseph that he shared in church and on his social media page. I have blended the two together (adding a few verses as I don’t his references written down), and I hope it is a blessing for you.

“Mary and Joseph were making the last few miles of their 93-mile trip, more or less, heading to Bethlehem from Nazareth for the census mandated by Caesar Augustus, the emperor of the Roman Empire. Luke 2:4 says, “And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)” Depending upon how much Mary could handle, Joseph had led the donkey along, bearing Mary and the Son of God. As I write this, it is cool and raining in Bethlehem. Sometimes it snows in the shepherd’s hills. No, that was not an easy trip – it was forced upon them by the Roman government. Carrying a baby? No excuse. About to deliver? That did not matter to Rome – the tax and census must be accomplished. “And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.” (Luke 2:1)

Cold, rainy, eating meager fare along the way – Joseph with Mary and the Son of God endured. That was a real hardship. These were real people. Jesus was a real living person in His mother’s womb. He was already the Son of God, even before He was born. At conception, Christ was made flesh for the purpose of living for us, dying for our sins, and rising again for our justification (John 1:14).

Looking toward the heavens, what they could not see was God’s eye upon their journey. He had planned it all, and the angels of heaven were surrounding the young cold family on their way, assuring they would arrive at their appointed destination safely. God knew there would be no room in the inn, and He knew where their journey would end at a sheep cote where Jesus would be born. Nothing could stop the plan of God because He loved us so much. John 3:16 states, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

As I write this, it is about 7:15 pm in Bethlehem. Darkness is settling on the shepherd’s hills. Not long after this time of day, the Blessed Hope would be born, and the Light of the World would be laid in a manger. “And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:12). The shepherds were called by the angels, and the star continued its shining to lead the wise men on their way.

That night, the dying world began to live again because the Word was Made Flesh. The day I trusted Christ as my Savior, I began to live, really live because He Really Lives!”

Joy to the world, the Lord is come
Let Earth receive her King
Let every heart prepare Him room
And Heaven and nature sing
And Heaven and nature sing
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing!

(from “Joy to the World” by Isaac Watts)

“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.”- Matthew 1:21
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Jesus came for YOU!