Category Archives: Uncategorized

The Way is Enabled

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“Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures.” John 10:9 (NLT)

The Way is Enabled

If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a hundred times, “I don’t like passwords!” Oh, I know they’re necessary to keep our information private and secure, but still. It seems like whenever I’m right in the middle of something, a transaction, purchase, or even trying to add words of encouragement on someone’s blog post, that pop up asking for my password will block my way. Then, I find myself having to go through the steps of getting my book, finding the right one, and entering it in perfectly before I can get where I wanted to go. Anyone else relate?

Recently, I had a day full of worry where my heart raced and my thoughts spun even faster. In the midst of my anxiety I cried out to God. What a comfort to know that there was nothing else I needed to do to get my request right to Him! No password or steps to take necessary.

Think of the Old Testament Priests. They had to get the right clothes, find certain foods, and follow the rules perfectly or their way to God was blocked. Hallelujah, that Jesus, through His sacrifice, has enabled the way for us, far-from-perfect people, to go, without hesitation to God!

“So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, lies us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.”
Hebrews 4:14-16 (NLT)

Maybe passwords are difficult for me because I’m not a technological native but rather a foreigner trying to function in an unfamiliar world. I know it helps to have younger people to guide me in the right direction! It can feel that way living in our day to day world too! Finding ourselves at dead ends and feeling lost is all too familiar; but, we’re not alone in it, either.  Jesus tells us that He is the Gate to go through, the Door that will be opened, and the Way to follow.

“Now all of us can come to the Father through the same Holy Spirit because of what Christ has done for us. So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. you are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family.” Ephesians 2:18-19 (NLT)

“So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep.” John 10:7 (ESV)

“Jesus told him, ‘ I am the way the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.’ ” John 14:6 (NLT)

If you’re like me you may not remember your passwords, but here’s the good news: when written on our hearts, Jesus keeps us secure and is the only Word we’ll ever need to enable us to pass from this world into the presence of God. Now that’s worthy of another “Hallelujah!” don’t you think?

“So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.” John 1:14 (NLT)

Writing today as part of the http://www.fiveminutefriday.com community and as part of #write28days (even tho I’ve only written 4) with http://www.anitaojeda.com to the prompt “Enable”. Please know that I appreciate you stopping in and reading the things I ponder on. Your presence is a gift to me! God bless.

 

 

Observant or Serving

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“Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.” Romans 12:12 (NLT)

Observant or Serving

Look closely. Notice anything out of place in my peaceful bird feeding world? Yes! An intruder! As I watched out the window, I was amazed at how focused and in tune with all the birds’ movements he was. And all the while, they had no idea danger was near! Clearly, he had only one thing on his mind: to attack and consume one of my unsuspecting bird friends. 

You know, there’s a prowler after us, too. He’s observant.  Our words and actions are familiar to him. Patient, he waits for the opportune time to pounce and disrupt our peace. Unfortunately, we also often fail to recognize his presence. He likes it that way. It makes us easy to prey upon. 

“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith.” 1 Peter 5:8-9a (NLT)

We’re living in challenging times, exactly the kind a predator enjoys! Now more than ever, we must be extra vigilant and on the look out. Alone, we’re readily vulnerable to his temptings and can be easily consumed, satisfying the enemy’s hunger for more. We must ask God to help us control our words, monitor our minds, think before we act, and to protect those weak spots (I) we each have from being targeted. Luckily, after discovering the trespasser, the bird restaurant didn’t stay open long.  Just as I ran off this unwanted neighborhood cat from his hidden hunting place before he was able to have lunch, we can deter the stalking devil before he devours us. God has given us everything we need for the fight!

“A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all the strategies of the devil.” Ephesians 6:11(NLT)

We spend a lot of our time distracted, watching our phones, TV, other people, our bank accounts, and so much more. Let’s not forget to be alert to the one who lurks in the midst of it all. God has provided a defense so that we can stand firm and be strong in our faith, be a light in the devil’s darkness revealing his hiding places, and victoriously compel him on his way.

“Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of Spirit, which is the word of God.” Ephesians 6:13-17 (NLT)

May we remain ready for battle, always observant instead of becoming the next “serving” on the enemy’s menu!

Teaming up with http://www.fiveminutefriday.com and #write28days at http://www.anitaojeda.com writing to the prompt “Observant”. Your presence here is a blessing to me. I always pray you leave encouraged. God bless and stay well!

Waiting for the Sunrise

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“I wait for the LORD, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope. I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning.” Psalm 130:5-6 (NIV)

Waiting for the Sunrise 

Early bird? Not me! But even so, there are many winter mornings I sit in my chair with my coffee, still waiting for the sunrise. The mountains out my front window keep the sun’s rays at bay until later than most places. And so I wait. I watch. Then, about half way through my second cup, the sun rises over the ridge and I welcome the day with those first bright beams breaking through the gray, early morning and transforming ordinary things into a palette of reflected light.

“As evening approached, Joseph, a rich man from Arimathea who had become a follower of Jesus, went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. And pilate issued an order to release it to him. Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a long sheet of clean linen cloth. He placed it in his own new tomb, which had been carved out of the rock. Then he rolled a great stone across the entrance and left. Both Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting across from the tomb and watching.”
Matthew 27:57-61 (NLT)

Just a short while ago things were going so well. They thought they knew what the future would hold. But then, everything changed. And now? These followers of Jesus were sad, scared, and didn’t know what to do next. And so, with darkness closing in, there they sat… watching, waiting, and longing for the Light. Sounds very familiar to me, how about you?

Waiting. Not one of my favorite things, especially when waiting in the dark. We all know about that, don’t we? Seasons of life change just like seasons of the year, and we can find ourselves, without warning, in the midst of bleak days where all we can do is watch, wait, and long, too.

“Early on Sunday morning, as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to visit the tomb. Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it. His face shone like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. The guards shook with fear when they saw him, and they fell into a dead faint. Then the angel spoke to the women. ‘Don’t be afraid’ he said. ‘I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He has risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying.’ ” Matthew 28:1-6 (NLT)

Just a short while ago things weren’t going well. They thought they knew what the future would hold. While the Marys and the world waited in the darkness, the mountain of rock couldn’t hold Him back and The. Son. Did. Rise! And in that moment everything changed for them.

I’m sure you’ll agree that this world can plunge us into unexpected darkness. We’ve been living there for about a year now, haven’t we? Here’s the thing: when we welcome the Light into our days everything changes for us, too.  Our circumstances might not be different, but how we see them will be. The Light shows us the Way. He shows us the Truth. He offers us a life transformed, one where we ourselves become a palette of reflected Light. The wait is over! The light shines in the darkness, not just today, or tomorrow, or for only a season, but my friends, the Son Rise is for evermore.

“Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, ‘I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.’ ” John 8:12 (NLT)

Doing double duty with this post and joining http://www.fiveminutefriday.com and  http://www.anitaojeda.com for #write28days both using the prompt “Sunrise”. Lucky you! There’s double the great writing to read. Just click on over and see what the “Sunrise” brings! As always I am more than grateful for your presence here with me in my ponderings. You are a true gift! 

A Fixed Heart~Five Minute Friday

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“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.” Colossians 3:1 (NIV)

Last year, my sister had to have heart surgery.  A faulty valve was interfering with its blood flow and rhythm to the extent that it would begin to effect her health. As amazing as it still seems, robotics were used to fix my sister’s heart and remarkably, she was able to leave the hospital just a few days later! With rehab and exercise, I’m happy and thankful to say that she was completely released a few months ago and now can go on with her life knowing her heart is as it should be. Wouldn’t it be nice if there was a robotic fix to keep our spiritual hearts working as they should?

“The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is? But I, the LORD, search all hearts and examine secret motives.”
Jeremiah 17:9-10a (NLT) 

I don’t know about you, but what flows from my heart into my mind or across my lips is NOT always what I want God to find there! Sometimes the rhythm keeps time with the cadence of angry thoughts, it can pound with worry and fear, or pulse in other unhealthy ways. If we let it, this world will interfere with the effectiveness of our heart for God. David understood this heartsick feeling as he pleaded:

“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”Psalm 51:10 (NLT)

 David knew exactly where to take his broken heart. He cried out to the only One who could bring restoration: God, the Great Physician. Long before robotics, He perfected the Way to fix our faulty heart situation:

“He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By His wounds you are healed.” 1 Peter 2:24 (NLT) emphasis mine

“If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.” Romans 10:9-10 (NLT) emphasis mine

No, we aren’t able to repair our hearts on our own. (I know. I’ve tried. How about you?) Amazingly, it takes the flow of Jesus’s blood to fix OUR hearts and release us to live a new life! Of course, we still must do our part to keep our hearts beating for God. With daily exercise in things like faith, forgiveness, kindness, thanksgiving, patience, prayer and most of all, love, we can be assured that one day, our hearts will be just as they should be!

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” Matthew 5:8 (NIV)

 I’m joining the wonderful group at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com today writing to the prompt “fix”. Click on over to read other offerings or to learn more about joining in on the fun! I am humbled and grateful you’ve stopped in to read my ponderings here. You are always a blessing to me! 

 

 

 

 

 

A Fresh Look

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“For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 (NLT)

A Fresh Look

Each figure is now carefully wrapped and packed away.  There was a moment though, that I considered leaving my Nativity Scene out for the year. I love its simple beauty and the sense of peace it brings to the room (and to me). As I lingered with Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus, and the rest, I began to question if with time, the things that make the Nativity special might begin to disappear? Would passing it day in and day out blind me to its significance? Is it possible that the scene that means so much, could become commonplace, simply blending in with the other decorations around it? The decision became clear. I  put it away so that when I open the box next year, I’ll get a fresh look, piece by piece, at the familiar display of God’s love .

As often happens when lingering, I began to wonder. Has Jesus Himself become commonplace in my life, blending in with everything around me?  Because He’s near day in and day out, am I failing to recognize the magnitude of all He’s done and is doing? Is my excitement for being a Christian neatly packed away where others can’t see it, only to come out with the Christmas decorations? I’m not sure I want to answer these questions. How about You?

“I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm–neither hot nor cold–I am about to spit you out of my mouth.”
Revelation 3:15-16 (NIV)

Something we tend to have in common is how easily we can get so wrapped up in our own lives that we lose sight of our life in Christ. That’s when our “deeds” become tepid at best. Some translations of the above verse say, “–I am about to vomit you out of my mouth.” I think we can all agree that spitting and vomiting are not the reactions we want others, and especially God, to have to us! So, how do we turn up our temperatures?

“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” Romans 12:9-11 (NIV)

The simple beauty of the Nativity reminds us of God’s gift of love, but I think by taking a fresh look, we can also use it, piece by piece, to help us display that love to others. May we remember to be like:

Joseph, who was devoted,
Mary, having sincere love,
The Wisemen, honoring another above themselves,
The Shepherds, who served their masters,
The Angel, sharing spiritual fervor and zeal,
All the while, like those in the stable long ago,
keeping our attention on the One at the center of it all,
Jesus.

“Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7 (NLT)

This post was written to the prompt “Fresh” that was shared at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com Many others have joined in and you can read their offerings by clicking the link! Who knows? You might even get a fresh perspective on things! If you are reading this, I want you to know how much it means to me that you are here and I pray you leave encouraged. 

 

 

 

 

 

Beyond Tomorrow~Five Minute Friday

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“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8 (NIV)

Beyond Tomorrow

As a beginner at photography I’m learning many things; one of the most important being that the lens will only focus on what is directly in front of me, making that which lies beyond, difficult to see. The above picture is a good example. I was looking far off across the street hoping to capture the Christmas Prayer Tree amongst the branches, but as it turns out, the branches in the foreground are about all you can see.

We’re kind of like that, too aren’t we?  Our desire is often to see through today into tomorrow or even further but….ultimately, we can’t see any further than what’s right in front of us in the here and now. Even as one who likes control, I’m certain it’s a good thing we can’t. Just imagine if Mary could have seen the big picture of being baby Jesus’ mother!

“When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” Luke 2: 17-19 (NIV)

What would life have been like for Mary if in that moment she’d been able to see beyond the stable, star, and shepherds? The joys of that night and many others would have surely been blurred by the pain, heartache, and agony to come.

And what about us? We think we desire to know what waits down the road, to “look through the branches and see the tree.” But consider how our lives might have been different had we seen that each day was leading us closer to a pandemic or any of the other challenging things we all face in our lives, for that matter. Would we be able to live each day to the fullest, appreciate the present, or find joy as we waited for the future to come into view? I don’t know about you, but I think catching a glimpse of all that lies beyond today, or even this very moment, would turn me  into a portrait of worry and fear! That’s why I love how The Message shares Jesus’ words of instruction with us about this very thing:

“Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.” Matthew 6:34 (The Message) 

Mary had no idea what waited up ahead as she traveled to Jerusalem or when she made her way up the path to Golgotha, but she did know one very important thing. She knew she wasn’t facing the future alone.

“The angel went to her and said, ‘Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.’ ”
Luke 1:28 (NIV)

We my friends, have the very same assurance!

“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son and they will call him Immanuel which means ‘God with us’.”
Matthew 1:23 (NIV)

Yes, we can only see life as if through my beginner’s lens. What is far off is fuzzy, hard to make out, but we can do our best to zoom in on what is right before us. Only a small portion of the picture is visible to us now and that’s the way it is supposed to be. But someday? Someday, everything will come perfectly into focus so that we can behold the complete picture and finally see beyond tomorrow and on into eternity!

“For now, we can only see a dim and blurry picture of things, as when we stare into polished metal. I realize that everything I know is only part of the big picture. But one day, when Jesus arrives, we will see clearly, face-to-face. In that day, I will fully know just as I have been wholly known by God. 1 Corinthians 13:12 (The Message)

** Seeing beyond tomorrow takes on new meaning as our Five Minute Friday writing group is mourning the loss this week of our great encourager, Joe Siccardi who’s passing no one saw coming. Interactions with Joe always ended with his words, “Keep looking up!” That’s the lesson isn’t it? As long as we’re looking Up we don’t need to worry about what tomorrow holds because we know Who holds it! Please join me in praying for Joe’s family at this most difficult time.

To read more selections about the prompt “Beyond” click over to http://www.fiveminutefriday.com and please know that I never take for granted your being here.  It means more to me than you can know!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grief~Sit in the Light~Five Minute Friday

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“For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the LORD. So live as people of light!” Ephesians 5:8 (NIV)

Sit in The Light

Welcome to my view this morning. I know, it’s not even Thanksgiving yet and normally, I wouldn’t have a tree up this early; but this year is anything but normal! I don’t know about the weather where you are, but yesterday just felt heavy. The dark, dreary sky was there when I opened the blinds and remained until I closed them again. The day seemed to hold a hope of rain, but even that didn’t come. Dark, dreary, deferred hope…..sounds an awful like life these days.

Guess what? I just wanted to sit and wallow in my own gloom. Disappointment, grief, frustration, fear, stress, exhaustion….we are all experiencing things that have us feeling downhearted and that’s exactly where I was. So, searching for a little joy, I decided to put up a tree and this morning, here I am sitting in the light. Can you see where this might be going?

“Why am I so discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again-my Savior and my God!” Psalm 43:5 (NLT)

“For God, who said, ‘Let there be light in the darkness.’ has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ. We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.” 2 Corinthians 4:6-7 (NLT)

I needed this tree to remind me and maybe it’s reminding you, that no matter what the day is like, what happens or doesn’t, or how dark it feels, we have The Light! He is our Hope, Joy, and our Power!

“Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, ‘I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have that light that leads to life.” John 8:12 (NLT)

I pray that you and I sit and walk in The Light this week. (No tree needed) And guess what? When we do, we can then BE the light for those in darkness around us!

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 (NIV)

Joining again this week with the others at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com writing to the prompt “Grief”. There is so much grief right now, even for those like me who’s life hasn’t changed that much as a result of the pandemic. These verses encourage me, I pray they do you, too. At this time of Thanksgiving and always, I’m ever so grateful for your presence here! 

Skipping Ahead

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“The LORD is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8 (NASB)

Skipping Ahead

Have you ever been reading a book that’s so exciting or mysterious, you can’t wait to see how it ends and so, you skip ahead and read the ending before you’ve actually read the rest of story? I must admit, I’ve been guilty of fast-forwarding to the end a time or two myself; but, what I’m  really guilty of, is creating endings to my own life stories before any of the other pages have been written. For example:

Genre: Chick Lit- Scene one: A friend doesn’t respond to my text message when I think she should. So,
I quickly flip to the back of “my” book: I’ve done something to make my friend mad or hurt her feelings, and now, she doesn’t want to talk to me, maybe our friendship is over! Cue the regret!

Yep, I automatically skip over the “pages” that may tell of her busy schedule, that her phone died, or maybe she’s not feeling well.

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Genre: Travel- Scene One:  I’m about to drive alone on a several hour trip. So,
Before leaving, I fan the pages to get to “my” ending of the story:  which may include a flat tire, being lost, or getting in an accident! Cue the anxiety!

You guessed it, I fail to consider the parts I’ve missed that get me to my destination on time and in one piece after a pleasant journey.

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Genre: Health/Wellness- Scene One: As hard as I try to contain it, a cough escapes from my lips. So,
I immediately open that back cover to get to “my” conclusion of this volume: I have COVID, I could get a severe case, and what if I infect those I love! Cue the panic!

Once again, I’ve jumped over the details that tell about other causes of coughing like allergies, dust in the air, or just a plain, old tickle in the throat.

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As you can see, I am an author of endings. In the story of my life, I’m sure I know what’s going to happen before it’s ever played out and so I skip ahead. You may have already noticed this, but when I get there? It’s rarely ever a happy ending either. You, and yes, even I know, that  jumping ahead to dire conclusions only leads to unnecessary worry and precious time being wasted.

“So do not worry about tomorrow; it will have enough worries of its own. There is no need to add to the troubles each day brings.” Matthew 6:34 (GNT)

“Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?” Matthew 6:27 (NLT)

Jesus, the true Author and Perfecter of our faith, is saying to me, and maybe you too, that we need to stop borrowing trouble and creating unnecessary anguish.  Instead we are instructed:

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT)

Turn our worry into prayer! Oh, how I need these verses under normal circumstances, but especially in the uncertain times we’re facing today! As much as we’d like to, we have no way of knowing what life will bring our way. The truth is, letting our (my) imaginations run wild with plot twists leaves out the most important thing. God is in control, of every word, line, and chapter of our days.  So, the challenge for me today, and maybe I’m not alone, is to once and for all, let go of ” our pen” and  begin to fully live the story He is writing.  After all, He is the One who writes THE happy ending!

“I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, ‘Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.’ ” Revelation 21:3-4 (NLT)

Cue the everlasting peace!

 

I’m joining the folks over at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com today, writing to the prompt “Ahead” . I’ve already read a few of the offerings and I urge you to click over and read them, too! As always, I’m grateful for your presence here.  I pray the scriptures today are as much an encouragement to you as they are to me.

 

 

 

Who Do You Choose?

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“We have only one God, and he is the Father. He created everything, and we live for him. Jesus Christ is our only Lord. Everything was made by him, and by him life was given to us. 1 Corinthians 8:6 (CEV)

Who Do You Choose?

A crowd gathered, their fists raised in protest and keeping time with boisterous voices joined together in jeers and wrathful chants.  The air hung thick with anger, fear, and yes, hatred as the jostling mass grew more agitated and violent. Demanding to be heard, the protestors had no intention of stopping until they got what they wanted.

Sounds like a report straight from our daily news doesn’t it? Actually, this outraged mob gathered together in Jerusalem over 2000 years ago.

“Pilate called together the chief priests, the leaders, and the people. He told them, ‘You brought Jesus to me and said he was a troublemaker. But I have questioned him here in front of you and I have not found him guilty of anything that you say he has done. Herod didn’t find him guilty either and sent him back. This man doesn’t deserve to be put to death!

I will just have him beaten with a whip and set free.” But the whole crowd shouted, “Kill Jesus! Give us Barabbas!’ Now Barabbas was in jail because he had started a riot in the city and had murdered someone. 

Pilate wanted to set Jesus free, so he spoke again to the crowds. But they kept shouting, ‘ Nail him to a cross! Nail him to a cross!’

Pilate spoke to them a third time, ‘But what crime has he done? I have not found him guilty of anything for which he should be put to death. I will have him beaten with a whip and set free.’

The people kept on shouting as loud as they could for Jesus to be put to death. Finally, Pilate gave in. He freed the man who was in jail for rioting and murder, because he was the one the crowd wanted to be set free. Then Pilate handed Jesus over for them to do what they wanted with him.
Luke 23:13-25 (CEV)

Pilate had the power, position, and opportunity to release one man. The crowd had a choice; they could receive Jesus or Barabbas. Despite Pilate’s prompting and Jesus’s innocence, the demanding crowd voted to set Barabbas free and send Jesus to his death.

Picture that increasingly agitated group: louder and louder they yelled, pushing, shoving, and losing control. I wonder what I would have done had I been there? Would I have been swayed by the crowd mentality and like Pilate, given in to the fury fueled by hate instead of love, anger instead of peace, lies instead of the truth? Would you have been?  Who would have gotten our vote?

The world and people haven’t changed much across the centuries. We can still be influenced by the crowd, act out of hate, and react with anger.  We’re easily convinced to ignore the truth because following what’s popular seems easier. We may also be afraid of what we might lose if we speak out and of course, we don’t want to appear different from those around us.

“But if you don’t want to worship the LORD, then choose here and now! Will you worship the same idols your ancestors did? Or since you’re living on land that once belonged to the Amorites, maybe you’ll worship their gods. I won’t. My family and I are going to worship and obey the LORD!”
Joshua 24:15 (CEV) (emphasis mine)

Yes, I’d like to think I would have sided with Jesus back in Pilate’s courtyard. You too? There’s no way to ever really know, but honestly, it doesn’t matter because each one of us has the very same choice to make today. Like Pilate, we have loud, conflicting information coming at us from every direction and we must determine who we will listen to and serve. God? Self? Others? Worldly gods?  The time IS “here and now“…..  We each must decide. As for me? I choose the LORD. Who do YOU choose?

I am joining once again with the great group of writers at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com where the prompt this week is “Vote”. I am looking forward to reading all their creative work. Just click on the link to join me! As always I so appreciate you stopping in here and reading my ponderings. God bless you!

 

 

Breathing In

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It’s been a while since I’ve written….don’t ask, but today I’m back at it and doing double duty writing to the http://www.fiveminutefriday.com prompt “Breathe” and sharing “My Four Somethings” over at http://www.heathergerwing.com in the same post. Feel free to click over and see what others have to say.  I know you won’t be disappointed!

Breathing In
September Share Four Somethings

Something Loved

“For the Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.” Job 33:4 (NLT)

I’m not a fan of hot weather. There’s just something about the summer air that feels stifling. My mind, body, and soul seem to always be gasping for refreshment; but September has offered the respite I’ve been longing for. Fall has arrived here in the mountains where I live, and coming along with it are the cooler temperatures I love.  Bright blue skies, open windows, leaves dancing on crisp breezes…. I’m breathing Fall in!

Something Read

“Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous-how well I know it. Psalm 139:14 (NLT)

As I wrote last month, I’ve had an avoidance of reading and it has followed me from August into September. But I’m determined to change that and this is the book that’s going to do it! Most people who know me would NOT say that I’m an Introvert, but I am. I’m not sure why, but I’ve always done my best to try and act like an Extrovert. Just a guess, but it’s probably been an attempt to be “like everyone else”. (We all know how that goes, don’t we!)  Trying to be someone you’re not is exhausting! Anyone out there know what I’m talking about? The words on the back cover of this new book resonate so with me:

“Holly Gerth shares everything you need to know to… help you beat your struggles and maximize your strengths so you can live with clarity, courage, and confidence in a world that needs what only you can give.”

“What only you can give”…God didn’t create us to be someone else and I’m anxious to learn more from “The Powerful Purpose of Introverts”. Who knows?  Maybe I’ll finally begin (at 61) to marvel in the authentic, wonderfully complex me! I’m breathing possibility in!

Something Treasured

“And now, may it please you to bless the house of your servant, so that it may continue forever before you. For you have spoken, and when you grant a blessing to your servant, O Sovereign LORD, it is an eternal blessing!” 2 Samuel 7:29 (NLT)

Being together with those I love, anytime, anywhere is wonderful; but oh, how I treasure the times we gather here at home! The end of September found our house full of activity, noise, and pure joy as our kids and grandkids gathered to celebrate family birthdays. Even my Mother-in-love got in on the fun! Four generations together: catching up, telling stories, eating, and laughing, and playing. This house and all those in it were blessed. I’m breathing gratitude in!

Something Ahead

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

Looking ahead, it’s still not easy to do in these uncertain times. I must admit that I’ve struggled a bit this month. Even though I recognize how truly blessed I am, discouragement and defeat have tried to blindfold my mind’s eye, strangle my heart, and smother my soul. I need reviving! Can I get an “Amen”? Wouldn’t you know, that at just the right time this new study has come along. “Praying for Revival” begins next week and I’ll be joining in. A God wink for sure! I’m looking ahead and I’m breathing in HOPE!

“Let everything that breathes sing praises to the LORD!
Praise the LORD!
Psalm 150:6

What about you? What has your September brought? What are you “breathing in”? I’d love for you to share in the comments! As always, I so appreciate you being here with me and my rambling thoughts. God Bless!