Tag: christ

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Worthy of It All

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“O Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you; I will praise your name, for you have done wonderful things, plans formed of old, faithful and sure.” —Isaiah 25:1

“And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!” – Revelation 5:13

I can’t believe it!  Here we are at the last of the 30 words of reverence to God; the last of the 30 days!  I always have mixed emotions when I get to an end of a series.  For one, I’ve poured time, research, and prayer into each post.  On the other hand, when I write for this blog I feel so close to the Holy Spirit.  He guides my words and directs my thoughts. Sometimes I revisit a post weeks or months later and wonder how it came together!  Surely those words came from some other-worldly source.

Deep Reverence

I started working on the 30 Days of Reverence because I was missing just that – a deeper reverence for the God who loves and sustains us.  And so, I set forth to remind myself of all His glory and magnificence.  I hope along the way it has been a help to you as well.  

Over these past days, each attribute has revealed a different facet of who God is. And now, they all lead us here, the last word on Jen Wilkin’s list, which if you remember was the framework for the 30 characteristics of God.  From Attentive to Provider and Comforter to Righteous we’ve seen that God is settled deep inside our lives and the world around us.  The last word almost seems unnecessary when reviewing the entire list – Worthy.  Scripture beautifully captures this truth.

“For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.” – Romans 11:36

Truer and more encompassing words have not been spoken about our God.  All that is good and pure and lovely are from God the Creator.  His love for us has abounded for centuries upon centuries.

“Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!”– Psalm 107:1

While our worship and honoring of God can never fully equal His gifts endowed to us we can certainly try. 

Honoring The LORD

My BSGs recently completed Priscilla Shirer’s study on the Sabbath titled, Breathe.  I’ve had the opportunity to also study the 4th Commandment in other forms.  While we as recipients of the new Covenant can be at rest in our hearts and minds as followers of Christ, that doesn’t fully fulfill the idea of the Sabbath.  

During my studies, I’ve learned that we should yearn for a Sabbath day in which we spend the entire day resting from our work and honoring God.  A time to show the love of the Lord by helping others less fortunate or in difficult seasons to rest.  It is a time, set aside as holy, to remind myself that the world doesn’t spin on its axis by my power.  That God is Sovereign over all.  And that, my friends, is more than enough reason to declare Him worthy of all our praise.

If you’ve missed any of the 30 Days of Reverence, click here for the complete series — and share with a friend!

As a wrap up, I want to leave you with a quick look at each of our 30 Days and the two introductory scriptures from each.  Feel free to print it out and post it somewhere to remind you that you aren’t alone.  That you are loved and well-cared for each day and through your trials.  And that the world doesn’t rest on your shoulders.  God’s are quite big enough.  

Attentive

“Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.” – Isaiah 65:24

“For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer – 1 Peter 3:12

Compassionate

“This is what the Lord Almighty said: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another.’”  Zechariah 7:9

And when Jesus drew near and saw the city, he wept over it, saying, “Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace! Luke 19:41-42

Creator

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” – Psalm 19:1

“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.” – Romans 1:20

Deliverer

“And Moses built an altar and named it ‘The LORD is my Banner.’” Exodus 17:15

“But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere.” 2 Corinthians 2:14

Eternal

“Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.” – Psalm 90:2

“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” – Revelation 1:8

Faithful

“Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The Lord is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does.” Psalm 145:13

“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23

Generous

“You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.” – Psalm 145:16

“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” – 2 Corinthians 9:8

Glorious

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” – Psalm 19:1

“You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.” – Revelation 4:11

Good

“Oh, how abundant is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you and worked for those who take refuge in you, in the sight of the children of mankind!” Psalm 31:19

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.”  James 1:17

Holy

“There is none holy like the LORD: for there is none besides you; there is no rock like our God.” 1 Samuel 2:2

“For it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’”  1 Peter 1:16

Immutable

“For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob are not consumed.” Malachi 3:6

“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.” Hebrews 13:8

Incomprehensible

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” – Isaiah 55:8-9

“Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!” – Romans 11:33

Infinite

“Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit.”  Psalms 147:5

“And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” Colossians 1:17 

Just

“Many seek an audience with a ruler, but it is from the Lord that one gets justice.” – Proverbs 29:26

“Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.” – Romans 12:19

Loving

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.” Psalm 23:1-2

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” John 10:11

Merciful

“But in your great mercy, you did not destroy them completely or abandon them forever. What a gracious and merciful God you are!” Nehemiah 9:31

“He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.”  Titus 3:5

Omnipotent

“He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed.”  Psalms 107:29

“He replied, ‘You of little faith, why are you so afraid?’ Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.”  Matthew 8:26

Omnipresent

“But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain You, how much less this house which I have built!” 1 Kings 8:27

“For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.” Matthew 18:20

Omniscient

“Would not God find this out?  For He knows the secrets of the heart.”  Psalm 44:21

“But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.”  Matthew 10:30

Patient

“The Lord is slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness, forgiving iniquity and transgression;”  Numbers 14:18

“The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9

Provider

“Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide.” Genesis 22:1-19

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:19

Refuge

“My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior.”  2 Samuel 22:3

“My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.”  John 17:15

Righteous

“The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land. In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which he will be called: The Lord Our Righteous Savior.” Jeremiah 23:5-6

“God made him who had no sin to be sinfor us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”  2 Corinthians 5:21

Self-Existent

“God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” ” Exodus 3:14 

“Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.””  John 8:58

Self-Sufficient

“When the sun had set and darkness had fallen, a smoking firepot with a blazing torch appeared and passed between the pieces. On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram.”  Genesis 15:17-18

“For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself.” John 5:26

Sovereign

“He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding;” Daniel 2:21

“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” Romans 13:1

Transcendent

“God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?” – Numbers 23:19

“The God who made the world and all things in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands; “ — Acts 17:24

Truthful

“Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.” – Proverbs 30:5

“For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ. And so through him the ‘Amen’ is spoken by us to the glory of God.” – 2 Corinthians 1:20

Wise

“For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” – Proverbs 2:6

“Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!”— Romans 11:33

Worthy

O Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you; I will praise your name, for you have done wonderful things, plans formed of old, faithful and sure. Isaiah 25:1

“And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!” – Revelation 5:13

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A Wisdom That Surprises

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“For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” – Proverbs 2:6

“Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!”— Romans 11:33

Think back to the last difficult situation you were faced with.  Or even the one approaching.  The uncomfortable conversation with a boss or employee.  The painful discussion you needed to have with your family member.  The awkward topic you decided to broach with your friend.  How much sleep did you lose over it?  How much worrying did you do?

How much prayer time did you devote to it?  And if you said to God, “I trust you to give me the right words and soften the other person’s heart,” did you then go back to worrying about it?

Or how about this: You prayed, you trusted and you saw God do something amazing.  Something you never expected.  A third option from the terrible two you had only seen available.

Asking for Wisdom

I’m working on this concept constantly these days.  Before going into situations that make me uncomfortable or ones where I might make a fool of myself (of which there seems to be many!) I’ve started praying for the Holy Spirit to give me wisdom.  And to help me to know when to keep my mouth shut.  

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” — James 1:5

James was spot on when he wrote this Holy inspired advice.  If you don’t know, ask God, who gives us wisdom.  He gives us that wisdom from His ever-flowing fount of His own wisdom.  A wisdom unmatched by any human being ever to have lived.  He gave Solomon his renowned wisdom simply because he asked for it.

“And all Israel heard of the judgment that the king had rendered, and they stood in awe of the king, because they perceived that the wisdom of God was in him to do justice.” — 1 Kings 3:28

King Solomon’s subjects stood in amazement at his ability to resolve difficult situations.  His notable decision between two women claiming the same child revealed truth through an unexpected solution.  He decreed the baby would be cut in half and each piece given to each woman.  The real mother gave up her right to the child so the son would live.  She pleaded for his life.  Which told everyone to whom the child truly belonged.

Jesus’ Third Way

I’ve read that this type of resolution is called the “third way.”  I warn you if you look up that term you’ll find some wacky political ideas and unfortunate progressive Christian theories.  But hidden amongst those is Jesus’ “third way.”

What I mean by that is on at least four occasions Jesus was given an either/or question and he answered with a better, third option.  For example, in John 8, when the Pharisees presented the woman accused of adultery to Jesus, He was tasked with deciding to stone her or let her go.  It was a trap designed to reveal Jesus’ rejection of Moses’ law.  Instead, Jesus exposed their hypocrisy.  

“And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.”

It all ends with the men leaving in shame and Jesus forgiving the woman’s sin.  He tells her, “Neither do I condemn you.  Go and sin no more.”  

Jesus reveals His “third way” wisdom when asked about taxes to Caeser, the healing on the Sabbath, the man born blind and more.  His wisdom is shown in all its glory.  Options, which after hearing about them, seem so simple. Yet how often does God’s wisdom surprise us?

Weak vs Powerful Wisdom

We often quote Proverbs 3:7 – Do not be wise in your own eyes – yet we fall back on our own weak wisdom almost daily.  We forget to go to the fount and drink deeply.  We miss the opportunity to see God at work in miraculous ways.

“For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.” — 1 Corinthians 1:25

Throughout the Bible and even in our own lives, we witness weak, apparently ineffectual people being used to further God’s kingdom.  David, the tiny son, chosen to lead a nation.  Peter, the brash and excitable fisherman, who God calls as His rock on which to build the church.  You and me – average people with average skills and influence who regularly make bad decisions – tasked to spread the Gospel.

How can this system ever be successful?  Because God is the engine.  His wisdom is the power source that lights up our conversations and opens hearts and minds.

That’s the Apostle Paul’s encouragement to the people of the Colossian church when he writes:

“…that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” — Colossians 2:2-3

Because of God’s wisdom, power and authority the Word of God comes alive and knits us together.  His wisdom resolves conflict, distress and pain in our relationships.  How can we not plug into that daily?

Trusting in Jesus is our third way wisdom.  In our churches, Bible studies, home groups, communities etc, putting our allegiance to Jesus first.  Loving each other despite our other differences and watching God work miraculously in each of us.

He Knows Better

Friends, my dad would constantly get stuck fretting over situations because he felt the need and burden to come up with the answers all by himself.  I once tried convincing him to go to marriage counseling.  He replied, “I know what the problem is already and your mom won’t go.”  To which I replied, “You only know the solutions your limited thinking can come up with.  Someone outside the situation with wisdom and experience will probably give you a better solution.”  

But like so many of us, he just couldn’t get past being wise in his own eyes.  And his married life continued to be a source of pain until the day he died.  We do the same when we come up with our plan then maybe ask God to make sure it works.  To pray that God fixes our difficult person the way we want them fixed.

Let’s make a commitment to trust that God is so much wiser than us.  To pray for wisdom be given to us from His great fount.  And sit back and watch His miracles and mysteries unfold.

“Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.” — Revelation 7:12

Did you miss a 30 Days of Reverence post? Click here to see all of the ways we can revere our God and Savior!

Want more of God’s wisdom? Check out my series, 31 Days of God’s Wisdom today!

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The Shepherd of Truth

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“Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.” – Proverbs 30:5

“For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ. And so through him the ‘Amen’ is spoken by us to the glory of God.” – 2 Corinthians 1:20

As a child, I often felt like I was standing on shifting sand.  Almost daily my mom would find ways to keep me guessing and questioning myself.  I would look outside to decide what to wear to school (long before weather apps), only for my mom to tell me I was completely wrong. If I dressed for heat, she’d insist I needed a jacket. If I wore a jacket, she’d say I’d be too warm.

Sometimes she was right—but often it felt like a game that left me off balance, unsure of what was true.  My mother-in-law once asked me why I got into arguments about trivial things with my mom.  My response to her was it didn’t matter the topic, if I said the sky was blue my mom would say it was pink.  

That constant contradiction shaped me more than I realized. Without a foundation of truth in my early relationships, I struggled to trust there was a truth.   As an adult my husband would tease me about being a “woulda, coulda, shoulda” person.  The truth and trust never seemed to be within my grasp.

While there certainly are areas where black and white aren’t our only choices, as a Christian we can look to God’s Word for that firm foundation of truth we so desperately need in our lives.  Without it we get tossed about on our little life rafts by waves of messages and opinions that come at us from all sides.

“I, the Lord, speak the truth; I declare what is right.” – Isaiah 45:19

An alarming number of Americans want to pretend we don’t need this stability in our lives.  The Truth has become My Truth.  Truth becomes relative to the situation or need or feeling.  For example, it’s “wrong” to kill an 8 year-old child but “ok “to kill an eight-month old baby in the womb.  Simply because “my truth” means “my comfort.”  

According to a Gallup Poll done in 2022, only 20% of Americans now say the Bible is the literal word of God.  Meanwhile, a new high of 29% say the Bible is a collection of “fables, legends, history and moral precepts recorded by man. 

I would venture to say that in the 80% that don’t believe the Bible to be the literal Word of God there are quite a few professed Christians counted among them.  I know, I’ve met some of them.  The truth of God’s Word is manipulated and conformed to affirm whatever sin plays out in the person’s life.  The lie becomes a useful pattern to feed our flesh over and over.

But God being the Creator, Sustainer and Perfecter of all that we know is the God of truth.  His truth is the foundation from which we can draw on daily.  His truth is what brings us into righteousness.  When faced with difficult choices, difficult people, tragic circumstances or devasting news, His Word anchors us and directs our steps.  

The acceptance and knowledge of God’s truthfulness strengthens the suffering and persecuted saints worldwide.  It’s what has given me courage to stand for what is eternally right and to turn from what is evil in the eyes of the Lord.  It’s not Kris’ truth I seek, but God’s.  His truth may make me uncomfortable and cause me consternation.  But I want to stand on something that has weightiness, not something gauzy and flimsy.  A truth that has been the truth since the beginning of time.

“Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The Lord is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does.” – Psalms 145:13

God’s truthfulness means we have a glorious future awaiting us no matter what we face here in this place.  We can live without fear or dread of the “someday.”  When Pastor and author Tim Keller and his wife faced his terminal cancer diagnosis he had to decide if he really believed God was truthful in His Word.

“If Jesus Christ was actually raised from the dead, then you know what? Everything is going to be all right. Whatever you’re worried about right now—whatever you’re afraid of—everything is actually going to be okay. . . . If Jesus Christ was raised from the dead, then the whole world is going to be, in a sense, resurrected. . . . 

Kathy and I cried a lot together last night. Sometimes the reality of the shortness of what we have left just overwhelms us. . . . [But] if Jesus Christ was raised from the dead—and he was—you’re going to be okay.” Tim Keller 

Friends, I realize it’s hard living in this time of “my truth.”  It comes at us from our friends, family, the media and our enemies.  At times it comes from the church.  We need to step back just like Pastor Keller and ask ourselves if we truly believe the Word of God.  Then we need to go back to Him for the Truth.  And share it courageously with anyone who will listen.

Our God is faithful and true.  At times the promises He has made seem so far off and unbelievable.  But Scripture—especially the words of the prophets—reveals both present truth and what is still to come.

It’s an undisputed truth that Jesus was a real person.  He died for our sins.  He said He came as God.  He warned us of falling for lies and false teaching and having our heads turned from the Truth. 

Let us be among His sheep who stay close to our truthful Shepherd.  The One in whom we can trust all things.

I want to leave you today with this quote by Dr. Jeff Myers, President of Summit.org and the author of the book Truth Changes Everything: How People of Faith Can Transform the World in Times of Crisis.  His comment is on a survey done in 2022.

“The number of Americans who say there is no absolute truth is alarmingly high. But among young adults, we have now officially passed the tipping point. The majority of youth now say that each person determines their own version of truth. The loss of truth has grave consequences for community, justice, a sense of purpose, and mental health. I’m not aware of any civilization that has abandoned reality to this extent and survived. The good news is that Americans still hold out hope that each person can make a difference. If there ever was a time to stand for truth, it is now.”

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Who Is Like You, O Lord?

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“God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?” – Numbers 23:19

“The God who made the world and all things in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands; “ — Acts 17:24

I recently heard Pastor Alistair Begg relate a conversation he had with a fellow pastor at a church conference.  As they walked toward their meeting room, the fellow pastor said, “Let’s head to the sanctuary.”  Pastor Begg replied, “There is no sanctuary.”  It left his friend confused because clearly there was a sanctuary – one like all churches have where we meet and worship God.

He went on to say that when the temple curtain was torn at Jesus’ crucifixion, God no longer dwelt there. Instead, He is found everywhere. He is no longer encountered only in one earthly place, closed off to all but a select few.

A Boxed God

Yet we humans love our little boxes and borders.  Church is where we “do God.”  Work is where we “make money.”  We love to define God in our human terms, making Him more like us.  Frequently untrustworthy, unloving or unforgiving.  We box Him up and retrieve Him only when needed.

But friends, God is so much bigger than our little boxes.  He is far grander than us humans.  He is transcendent.

“But who is able to build a house for Him, for the heavens and the highest heavens cannot contain Him? So who am I, that I should build a house for Him, except to burn incense before Him?” — 2 Chronicles 2:6

We’ve spent many weeks looking at the character of God—all the reasons He should be revered and worshipped. He is merciful, patient, loving, forgiving, infinite, omnipotent, and so much more. Yet He longs to grow us into people who are more like Him. That’s a bit mind-blowing!

“For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts”. – Isaiah 55:9

Even among my Christ-loving friends, I hear echoes of a god who “can’t.”  We forget to pray because we think we know best, or because we assume God couldn’t possibly understand our problem.  We place Him in our little box and open it only when absolutely necessary.

My dad, even as an 86-year-old man, lived with the “terrible twos” mindset: “I can do it myself!” It was one of the main reasons he remained so resistant to giving his life to Christ.  If my dad couldn’t do it or think of a solution then no one else could.  No doctor, no counselor, no mechanic, no one.  Least of all the human-like God he imagined.

A Higher God

“In practice men do not by any means always “love the highest when they see it,” and truth is not always a welcome visitor.” J.B. Phillips, Your God Is Too Small

We say we believe in the infinite and almighty God, yet when faced with a problem, we first tinker away at it ourselves.  And maybe after failing a time or two we begrudgingly turn to God.  And even then we come to Him with our list of suggestions!

I count myself among those who think too small of God at times.  I imagine Him more like a fallible human at times rather than the prefect, transcedent God that He is.

I’ve heard many a Christian woman comment that they struggle with the idea of God the Father because of their own imperfect human fathers.  They won’t cry “Abba” because they don’t trust Him and can’t understand His perfect love for them.  We make God more human instead of asking Him to make us more like Christ.

‘Who is like You, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like You, glorious in holiness, awesome in praises, doing wonders?” – Exodus 15:11

Friends, there is no one like our God — no one.  And we can know Him only as much as He chooses to reveal Himself to us.  We glean from His Word and through His creation the pearls He has laid out for us. 

I have found that unbelievers who seem to hate God have dragged Him down to their own level of humanness.  They have stripped Him of His glory and holiness in order to sustain their own false ideas.

But when we see the God of the Bible—and I mean really see and study Him—we encounter an otherworldly, awe-inspiring God who entered our time to accomplish a great rescue of love.  So let us stop shrinking God down to our size. Let us meet Him as He truly is—holy, infinite, glorious, and far beyond all we can contain. And let that vision of Him lead us not to fear, but to worship.

 Our God by Chris Tomlin

Water You turned into wine
Opened the eyes of the blind
There’s no one like You
None like You

Into the darkness, You shine
Out of the ashes, we rise
There’s no one like You
None like You!

Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God, You are higher than any other
Our God is healer, awesome in power
Our God, our God




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The Consistent Mercy of God

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“But in your great mercy, you did not destroy them completely or abandon them forever. What a gracious and merciful God you are!” Nehemiah 9:31

“He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.”  Titus 3:5

A few years ago, I was asked to disciple a young woman who was new to our church.  I realized early on that as a result of her not knowing the Bible she also didn’t really know or trust God.  Wanting to give her what she needed, I asked which parts of the Bible interested her most. She answered, “I want to know more about the God of the Old Testament.”  Her reasoning?  She couldn’t wrap her mind around the idea that the merciful God she gravitated towards in the New Testament was the same as the wrathful one in the Old.

Now, some of you may think the same.  That olde God who destroyed whole cities and their entire populations certainly isn’t the same as the new God of mercy and love, correct?  

If you’re thinking that way, I encourage you to read the book of Isaiah.  Yes, you’ll find God’s anger and wrath in those scriptures.  You’ll also find his long suffering and mercy towards His people.

“Turn to the Lord and pray to him,
    now that he is near.
Let the wicked leave their way of life
    and change their way of thinking.
Let them turn to the Lord, our God;
    he is merciful and quick to forgive.
“My thoughts,” says the Lord, “are not like yours,
    and my ways are different from yours.
As high as the heavens are above the earth,
    so high are my ways and thoughts above yours.” Isaiah 55: 6-9

After years of turning their backs to God, He still holds out his hand to His people imploring them to come.  To receive His mercy and love and rest.  In fact, the Old Testament is rife with God warning His people and then giving them another chance.  Of being disrespected and still promising green pastures for those who believe and trust in Him.  Throughout the Psalms we read of God’s unexplainable mercy to those who aren’t deserving of it.

“The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works.”  Psalm 145:9

I mentioned in the last post about God’s love that the Old Testament is a love story.  A story between a God and His people.  He woos them, protects them, and shows endless amounts of mercy.  And when He’s finally had enough, He allows their actions to have serious consequences, mostly by the hands of pagan nations.  Yet in the Old Testament we also see God’s promise of the final mercy.  Isaiah chapters 7, 9 and especially 53 all prophesy of this hope and mercy to come—the Messiah.

Mercy Fulfilled in Christ

But the God of the New Testament shows no wrath, correct?  In this case might I suggest you watch the Passion of the Christ?  To whom does God show no mercy and why?  Jesus.  Our sins need to be taken to account in order to stand in front of a perfect God come Judgment Day. In the Old Testament he required frequent deaths of animals to partially cleanse the people of their sins.  In the New, He puts His Son through a terrible death so that we may obtain His ultimate mercy.

Understanding this truth became deeply personal when I was out walking one day. I began visualizing what Jesus went through before and during the Cross.  I wanted to feel as though I was there in person watching and agonizing with the disciples.  They didn’t know at the time why God required this to happen.  They were constantly confused when Jesus spoke of His impending death.  But we know why.

So I imagined the excruciating pain He experienced for me and broke down in tears.  Not just in the fact He was in pain. No, more so that He was in pain FOR ME to receive less than I deserve from God.

Got Questions has an interesting take on the concept of God’s mercy:

“Mercy is such an exceptionally complex concept that several Hebrew and Greek words are used to express the dimensions of its meaning. Synonyms like compassion, lovingkindness, favor, and steadfast love often appear in Bible translations to illustrate the idea of mercy. A brief biblical definition of mercy is “the gift of God’s undeserved kindness and compassion.”

You find all these synonyms in Jesus’ sacrifice.  They are spread throughout the Old Testament as well.  The Israelites were rescued out of Egypt and immediately started complaining.  And God gave them food and water.  They complained they didn’t have a king like other nations and He gave them King David.  They complained, we complain, they sinned, we sin.  And God gave us Jesus.  The most merciful act anyone could hardly imagine; To save us from eternal hell.

There’s a very poignant song performed by Steve McWirther called Come Jesus Come.  The chorus goes like this:

Come Jesus Come we’ve been waiting so long
For the day You return to heal every hurt and right every wrong
We need you right now come and turn this around
Deep down I know this world isn’t home
Come Jesus come

It’s a beautiful plea to God.  I recognized one day that although I was personally ready for the day of Jesus’ return a few of my loved ones are not.  It made me think of God’s mercy.  He is right now allowing His Word, in both the New and Old Testament to be shared; for the truth of His mercy to be received before He comes in judgment of all humanity.  Our merciful God is gathering all His people before the final days.  His mercy is not a past story or a future hope alone—it is an open invitation right now.

“Through the Lord’s mercies, we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23

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The Shepherd’s Pursuing Love

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“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.” Psalm 23:1-2

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” John 10:11

In the last week of my BSG’s study on the Book of Ruth, Pastor Alistair Begg asked, “When have you, like Ruth, wondered, ‘Why?’ about God’s providence and generosity?” It was interesting that most of our group answered with the negative in mind—“Why did this terrible thing happen?” But Pastor Begg was actually pointing to Ruth’s honest confusion in response to unexpected kindness. In Ruth 2,

“I (Boaz the farmer) have told the men not to lay a hand on you. And whenever you are thirsty, go and get a drink from the water jars the men have filled.”

At this, she (Ruth) bowed down with her face to the ground.  She asked him, “Why have I found such favor in your eyes that you notice me—a foreigner?”

She wasn’t questioning punishment; she was marveling at kindness in light of her position.

Chosen With Love

My own “why” answer to the study question was along the same lines—a question I often thank God for in my life: “Why did You choose me when I didn’t even know You? Why have You blessed me so richly and changed me for the better?”

In past posts, we’ve talked about the importance of remembering. For me, it has been essential to my sanctification. When I look back on my life “before Christ,” I remember the ways I sought comfort apart from God, especially in sexual immorality. To that I added anger, unforgiveness, pride, and selfishness. And I still at times, now that I am “in Christ,” ask: why?

“In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” 1 John 4:10-11

And this is His answer: He loved me while I was still a sinner (Romans 5:8). Just as He loved you, dear friend—not after you cleaned up your act, but before. Before you were even born. It’s hard to grasp that kind of love, isn’t it? Maybe that’s why so much of the world rejects it. It can’t possibly be true—and yet it is.

Our Loving Shepherd

As I considered today’s post, I thought about simply including all of Psalm 23—the familiar “The Lord is my Shepherd” psalm. I’ve always found it interesting that it’s so often associated with death, when it speaks so richly about life and love; the good life held in the arms of our loving Shepherd.

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
    forever." Psalm 23:6

What a comfort to know this love. A God who loved us before we were born and who follows us all the days of our lives!  A Shepherd who protects and provides for His sheep—and His sheep know His voice. This God is Jehovah-Raah: the Lord is my Shepherd.

No matter how long we’ve walked with Christ, we can look back and see moments we’re grateful He loved us—even then. Some are blessed to have known that love early; others, like me, recognized it later. Either way, His timing is perfect. As I’ve slowly grasped what His love means, chains have broken, wounds have healed, and my love for Him has grown year by year.

In a post from a while back, we talked about God the Creator. On the sixth day, He crowned His creation by making humanity in His image and declared it not only good, but very good. And with that began a love story—a love that never leaves us or forsakes us. When we turn our backs, He still calls, “Come back to Me, your Shepherd.”

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.” John 10:26-33

How beautiful is this picture of God’s love for us—to be held secure for all eternity. Today, let us rest in the love of God: the One who defines love, who is Love; the God who loved you then, loves you now, and will love you forevermore.

Dear Heavenly Father,

I come before You with a humble heart, recognizing that Your love is the foundation of all existence. Your love is beyond measure, beyond comprehension, and it surpasses all human understanding. I am in awe of Your boundless love that extends to every corner of creation.

Lord, I pray that Your love may envelop me completely. Fill every fiber of my being with Your unconditional and transformative love. Let it penetrate every thought, every word, and every action. Help me to experience the depth of Your love in every aspect of my life.

I surrender myself to Your love, knowing that it is the greatest force in the universe. Thank You, dear Lord, for the immeasurable gift of Your love. May it be my constant source of strength, joy, and peace. I offer this prayer in the name of Jesus, who embodied Your love fully. Amen.

Author Unknown, Bibleversesnow.com

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High Fives

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With one more day left in this year of 2025 I noticed this past post had a few looks today. I went back and read it myself. It made me realize that my only resolution for the coming year is to live a life where an unbeliever would have cause to ask me how or why…and my answer would be Jesus.

We should all live our lives as believers in every situation; sharing the Gospel to all we encounter. Let’s help bring a few more home this coming year.

“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 15:5-6

The other night, just before we were about to go to bed, I looked over our Christmas shopping list to see who my husband still needed to check off. It caused me to ask him where a gift certificate was that had come in the mail the day before. It is an “old school” paper certificate for $100 to a local attraction. Thus began an all out search for this thin piece of paper.

At the same time, I know it sounds odd, I was also searching for a brand new bra that disappeared about a week ago. Since I don’t go around tossing my bra off outside my house I just knew it had to be inside somewhere! So, here we were at 9:00pm going through trash cans, drawers, paperwork, sheets, towels, etc searching for a piece of paper and a bra. 

At one point my husband was ready to give up. He was going to call the shop the next day and ask for a duplicate gift certificate. He told me to just buy a new bra. But I’m not a quitter so we kept searching. At last, I looked in one last place for the gift certificate — the office recycling bin. And there it was stuck to an empty Christmas card envelope! Moments later my husband was digging around in the clothes hamper and he pulled out my bra displaying it like the Lion King Mufasa holding up the baby lion Simba. How I didn’t see it the other 10 times I looked in there I have no idea.

As we fell into bed laughing about our search I said, “We are practically like a Bible story — you know, the ones about the lost coins and the lost sheep! We didn’t give up and we finally found our precious things.”

As so often happens when I’m in the midst of writing, my everyday experiences lead me to ponder on the glory of God. In this instance, how He also never gives up. He goes into our trash heap of sins and pulls us from the depths. He seeks us out under the dust and brushes us off. He cleans us up and makes us righteous before Him through our faith in Jesus.

"And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.’ In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” Luke 15:9-10

Christ not only welcomes us home but He runs to meet us like the father to the prodigal son. Through His bountiful mercy (not dishing out the punishment we deserve) and grace (giving us the love and justification we don’t deserve) He celebrates our entrance to His Holy Kingdom. 

Think on the last time you lost something and finally found it. You may have performed a little, silly dance or shouted out in glee. Now imagine when you accepted Christ as your Savior how God must have danced in joy because He is a God of great celebration. While we can’t change someone’s mind about God, He can. He asks us to join with Him in the search effort. Imagine each time you share the message of your salvation with an unbeliever how God must be saying, “YES! LET’S DO THIS! Let’s bring another home!” 

Give all honor, praise, and glory to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen

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Deeply Rooted

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“The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.” Matthew 13:20-21

Before we move on to another topic in our sanctification journey, I felt the need to look back at our first steps on the path.  These last few weeks we’ve discussed the importance of seeking knowledge in two ways – through group learning and individual study.  But let me clarify, all the knowledge in the world won’t lead you to Christ.  Just ask Richard Dawkins and Stephen Hawking.  The list of brilliant, atheist scientists and well-educated humanists show us that knowledge of the world, and maybe even some version of God, is not the enlightenment that brings us to our knees in thanksgiving to Jesus.

Throughout this series I’m writing to believers who have said they accept Christ as their Savior.  However, as a believer myself I also know the difference between drinking mother’s milk and eating meat.  And, how each step along my journey is designed for one purpose: to make me righteous and holy before God.  In other words, to simply bring me into a beautiful relationship with our Creator.

The scripture I started with today is our transitional on-ramp from knowledge of God to what the Bible calls “trials and tribulations.”  You see, in the parable of the Sower (Matt 13:1-13) the second (and really the first as well) person described is the one who says they accept Christ yet does not hunger and thirst for Him.  

Foundational Root System

He or she lacks the foundational roots to withstand being pulled out by the obvious and also subtle evils of the world.  They don’t know or understand God’s covenantal promises.  They don’t grasp the true nature of why Jesus came to die and rise again.  And many disdain learning of the beautiful character of God from Genesis 1 to Revelation 22.

Without this firm foundation we become, as it’s said in Matthew 8:26-27, “a foolish man who built their house on sand.”  They listen to the world tell them the Bible has numerous errors and can’t be trusted.  They hear strange interpretations or misuse of God’s Word and are sucked into mistrust.  And friend, that mistrust grows along with worries, fears and lack of peace.

I heard a Christian teacher once say, “It’s one thing to be an unhappy unbeliever but it’s a whole other shame to see a miserable Christian.”

You can see in the Sower verse the end result of lack of hungering for the Word of God.  When trouble or persecution comes, they quickly fall away  And let me tell you a truth we must accept about life – trouble comes for us all.

It Comes For Us All

"Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.  But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed." 1 Peter 4

Believe me, I don’t think it was a coincidence that my mother passed away when she did.  It was all in God’s timing.  And He had prepared me for that moment.  I’d been a Christian for about 20 years but I was still drinking mother’s milk until about 5 years ago.  My roots were at the surface, ready to be plucked at any time.

I’d been angry with God (and my parents) a number of times during those 20 years.  In other areas of my life, I watched as my daughters experienced various social and medical pains, we experienced financial loss, and had our share marital struggles.  Through it all I seemed to have had just enough faith to keep me on Jesus’ path.  

I’m thankful that a dear friend asked me at the end of 2018 to start leading another Bible study group.  I had backed away from leading a year prior and was struggling to get my footing in a secure relationship with God.  So, at the beginning of 2019 our small, sweet Bible Study Girls began.  Within a few short months during a study, we were asked to evaluate our faith growth.  Each of us were amazed to see how far we had progressed!

You all know what happened next, since it happened to every single person on the planet.  Covid19.  So much fear and disruption descended on us for the next couple years.  A great trial that preceded the greatest trial humankind will eventually face.  

The scripture in 1 Corinthians 10:13 was prophetic when Paul tells us, “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man.”  Because we know the sinful temptations, we all faced during that time were beyond counting.  For many, that trial overshadow other, everyday trials of cancer, marriage problems, addictions, lost adult children, and more.  It created new problems such as divided friendships, political outrage, boiling over anger from fear, and despair over church failures.  

My relationship with my parents deteriorated even farther as they sunk deeper into their fears.  They pulled away from society and life in general.  And my mother’s mental concerns grew.  Through this all I was learning to hold fast in trusting the Lord.  The Holy Spirit led me to a new prayer tactic.  I stopped praying for my relationship with my parents and instead I began praying for their salvation.  I prayed to love others better, as Jesus commanded.  

Stronger Roots

Let me ask you this, my friends: Did you come out the other side of COVID stronger in faith?  I hope you did.  If you didn’t, you may need to go back to step one in our journey – knowing God and His ways

Through seeking God’s word and direction, I learned in my trials to show love and forgiveness to my parents by continuing to offer help while being rejected over and over.  I learned how to love and be compassionate towards those who had fears which I didn’t understand.

My beautiful friends in Christ, you may be going through a terrible trial right now—I would love to pray for you if you want to share.  Lean into the Great Gardener.  Dig deep and plant your roots firmly in Him.  He will tend to your needs as you grow stronger and stronger.  

Next week we will take one more look at our sanctification through trials.

This week’s question: What’s something you learned about God during one of your trials?

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Ready, Set, Roll

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His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.  For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:3-8

When my oldest daughter was little, she announced the desire to roller blade.  So, we bought the skates, helmet, wrist and knee pads to embark on this new adventure.  After the first outing, which saw numerous falls, she then announced she was a complete failure and wanted to quit.  The skill building process is not one which children seem to embrace readily.  They’re easily frustrated, disappointed and prone to toss it all in the trash.  

My daughter thought that she could strap on those skates and glide her way around the neighborhood with ease – enjoying the freedom of movement and wind in her hair – without having to actually learn how to skate.

As adults we usually understand this process.  We come to realize the time and effort needed to learn a topic, skill, language, job, etc.  Yet there are still times when many of us think a lesson or two should do.  I’m reminded of this fallacy each time I take to the golf course.  As an occasional golfer, when I whiff a shot and get frustrated or even mad, I must remind myself how little I play and how rare I practice.  

What does this have to do with being sanctified in Christ?  For the past year I have been a discipleship coach with an online ministry.  The students sign up for a course, answer questions about Jesus and the Bible, and ask me their questions on Christian doctrine or scripture.  When asked why they are taking the course, all say they want a closer relationship with God and Jesus.  They say they want to grow their faith.  But my friends, here’s the truth.  Only one has completed the course.  Many don’t even start it.  I don’t take it personally.  The stats are the same throughout the program.

They have to opportunity to strap on the skates, to attain their goal of freedom in Christ yet they don’t want to learn how to do it.  So, I have to ask you, do you want to learn how to grow in your faith, in your relationship with Jesus?  Do you really?  It’s not a passive activity.  Sanctification doesn’t just descend upon you and poof you’re fully changed.  The Holy Spirit prompts us, presents opportunities for growth, and when we step forward, He changes us.  

Let’s go back to the scripture at the top of the page.  There’s a word repeated throughout which leads us to not only being an effective and productive member of Christ’s kingdom but also how to grow closer to God.  Do you see it?

Knowledge.

That, however, is not the way of life you learned when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus.  You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:20-24

When you accept Jesus as your LORD and Savior, God isn’t expecting you to strap on your skates and head off onto the nearest beach boardwalk skating and dancing gracefully to the tune of Boogie Nights.  No, He says, “Follow Me.”  Learn from Me, watch Me, imitate Me.  Change with Me, while the Holy Spirit holds your hand.

How do we do this?  Today let’s talk about knowing God and I mean really knowing God – as much as He allows. Knowing Jesus’ words and understanding as much as the Holy Spirit wants to reveals to us.  Our faith is built on the truths of God so we can stand firm on the battlefield.  So that when we slip and fall, we can know we are still loved and forgiven.  We accomplish this with His help both congregationally and individually. Today we will roll into the topic of congregational learning, why and how to seek it plus, tips on preparing yourself for the best experience.

When Jesus called the disciples, He didn’t just hang out with them.  He taught them.  The entire book of Matthew is Jesus teaching these disciples what the Kingdom of God is actually about and how the citizens of the kingdom act, think and love.  It wasn’t by osmosis.  It was by sitting at the feet of a teacher and putting what was learned into practice – an internship program of sorts.  

In modern times we call that going to church.

Friend, if you’re one of those folks that thinks they don’t need to go to church because it’s “just a building” or you were hurt by another believer in a church, and you are learning to skate all by yourself, then you don’t know the full Word of God.  Scripture after scripture tells us, even admonishes us, to gather to hear the Word and to worship Him.

God’s Holy Word calls us to commune with other believers in our process of sanctification.  Jesus didn’t just call one person, He called 12.  And then hundreds sat at His feet.

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Acts 2:42

The Sermon on the Mount might be considered the first large church meeting.  People gathering to hear the teaching of Jesus about the Kingdom of God.  He gave insight to the Law they’d never heard before.  They were blessed, convicted, and fed.

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.  For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries. Hebrews 10:25-27

Did you catch all the reasons to go to church? To show love to each other; to do good works with each other; to encourage one another; and don’t miss this one – to gain knowledge to help us not to go on sinning.

When you trust in Jesus you are made a member of the body of Christ – not just an independent body part.  You need the body and the body needs you to learn to roll with God. Choosing a church or group should reflect your thirst for learning God’s Word and desire to worship Him.  

This week, if you aren’t in a church, start looking and visiting.  Before you go try and look up the church online.  Search for their “what do we believe” page. If they don’t have a page like that, I recommend you skip that church.  Be prepared to visit a number of churches.  If you want some tips on what to look for in a church, ask in the comments below!

Meeting together is not a choice in God’s view.  It is not only a place to be uplifted by other believers but also to gain knowledge and wisdom about Him.  Without this, we are prone to believe so many of the devil’s lies about God.  It’s a commitment to life-long learning so we can step out and skate into the truth and freedom from sin.

Your church should be a place of spiritual growth.  A teaching environment, not a personal counseling session intended to make you feel good for a bit.  Sermons should leave you thinking, contemplating on your obedience to God’s will, not how it’s ok to disobey God.  They should bring you new insight into scripture, not creating new scripture.  The teaching must be God focused, not you focused.  

Here’s some tips on being in the right mind before you walk into church or even Bible study this week:

  1. Pray and be in joyful anticipation that you will learn something new about God today. Romans 10:17, Psalms 119:16
  2. Think with eagerness on how you get to worship God today. Hebrews 13:15
  3. Be watchful, excited and intentional about how you can be a cheerful, welcoming, or comforting person to someone else in the congregation (especially looking for people you don’t recognize). Hebrews 3:13, 1 John 4:12
  4. Take what you have learned and teach someone else. 1 Peter 3:15

Friends, this coming Sunday so many of you get to hear God’s Word taught without fear of persecution like so many of the early Christians experienced.  Some Christians, as in Syria and Egypt, face this still today.  When you plan out your weekend be sure that God is first on your list of skill building opportunities you want to do.  He is waiting to see you roll in, ready to praise, pray, learn and love.

This week’s question: What do you (honestly) think is the most important decision in choosing a church?

Next week’s post: Your individual search for knowledge and wisdom

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Day 30 In Christ Alone

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“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. Psalm 62:1

Earlier this year I trained to be a discipleship coach for an online ministry.  Anyone who searches the internet using certain, key words may encounter the link which offers a free course called Knowing Jesus.  People from all over the world work through the free  course seeking to grow closer to God through the truth of Christ, the Holy Spirit and the Bible.

I recently had a student who said Jesus was a very obedient servant of God.  While that is true, I told her that limited view of Jesus doesn’t ensure we understand the full holiness and deity of Christ.  I explained to her Jesus was fully man and fully God, a sometimes confusing concept.  I asked if that information was new to her, a self-professed, occasionally attending church Christian.  She replied,  “Yes.”  

That one word actually made me sad.  Sad over how the “church,” meaning we, the body of believers have sometimes failed to make clear the place that Jesus sits in heaven.  How we have failed to loudly celebrate that only Christ can be the one to cleanse us of our sins so we can, with His cloak of purity laden over our shoulders, come before the Father.  And the way churches, fellow believers allow our friends and neighbors to remain in the dark about the love the Trinity has shown all humanity  —  when God humbled Himself to walk among us and give us the message of eternal life.

You see, without seeing Jesus in His rightful Holy position we also can’t look to Him for all hope and strength and peace.  Because no average man can give us that.  No, it takes a King of Kings, a Lord of Lords, a solid cornerstone.  Christ alone.

Jesus, the man, was tender, strong, felt pain, and was ever obedient to His Father.  At the same time, Jesus, the Word in flesh, was sinless, wise, merciful, a healer, a life-giver, prescient, could calm storms, and fill nets and endless food baskets.  But most of all Jesus the Holy One was the required sacrifice for our forgiveness of sins.  

He gave His all for us  He suffered much for us.  He loved tremendously for us.

When this same student mentioned she’s too tired on Sundays to regularly attend church, I told her I too used to think church was just another thing on my to-do list.  But when I realized the amazing gift that He gave us in Christ I was compelled to worship Him in gratitude and submission.  Instead of obligation, church became a soul-filler.  When I lift my hands up to Him in love, He reaches back to me through the Holy Spirit and grabs hold of me.  I know that nothing else in this world can ever pluck me from His hands.  He will never let me go.  He brings us home in victory.

If you don’t have this relationship with Christ, call on Him today.  Give Him your all.  And the Lord of All will give all eternity to you.

I hope you’ve enjoyed the past 30 days of Worship as much as I have!  If you missed any posts, I’ve compiled the entire series here.  Please share with your friends today to support this ministry and help be a light out into the darkness.

To listen to today’s song, click here: In Christ Alone