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Posted in government, Grace, Jesus, Knowing God, Love, Salvation, The Father, The Righteous on January 25, 2011| Leave a Comment »

The LORD is in his holy temple; the LORD is on his heavenly throne.  He observes everyone on earth; his eyes examine them. Psalm 11:4 (NIV)

Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.  Hebrews 4:16

If I wanted to call the President of the United States, I would probably get no further than the operator at the White House.  If I showed up unannounced I would probably get arrested.  The President does not know me and I do not know anyone who has access to the President.  I am of no importance to the President.  The same goes for any celebrity, government official, king, prince, etc.  You have to know someone to reach a person of significance like the President of the United States.  But that is not how it is with God.

I have access to the Father at all times.  He is seated on His heavenly throne observing everyone on earth.  Jesus who is our High Priest died for our sins and we have been given His righteousness.  All those that belong to Jesus have access to the throne of grace.  We have direct access to the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.  I may not be able to call the President but I can call God at any time.  We are told to boldly approach the throne.

Think about it.  The one who created heaven and earth; who sets the seasons and time; the one that is the Alpha and Omega, is accessible 24 hours a day seven days a week.  No appointment needed, no operator to contact.  Our relationship with the Father has been restored by our relationship with Jesus.

Not only do we have access to the throne but God already knows everything about us.  He knows our history, our worse days and our best.  He even knows the number of hairs on our head.  He knows our rising up and lying down.  He has hemmed us in and out.  He even knitted us together in our mother’s womb.  So when we call on Him, He answers.  He is always there and will never leave nor forsake us.

The President may not know me and I may not be welcomed at the White House; but the Father, He knows me and welcomes me anytime to boldly approach His throne of grace.  What a mighty God we serve.

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Marriage of the Lamb

Posted in God's Glory, Jesus, The Body, The Righteous on January 23, 2011| Leave a Comment »

7“Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready.”

8It was given to her to clothe herself in fine linen, bright and clean; for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.

9Then he said to me, “Write, ‘Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb ‘” And he said to me, “These are true words of God.” Revelation 19: 7-9

There are those that argue marriage is just a piece of paper having no real significance.  Marriage is actually a picture of Jesus Christ (the bridegroom) and the Church (the bride).  The church is actually those of us who have accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior.  We know that Jesus will return for His bride and as Revelation states there will be a wedding feast.

As I think about the marriage supper of the Lamb I think of my own wedding.  Before I got married I had my father’s last name.  On my wedding day, I dressed in a beautiful white gown and wore a veil.  As I walked down the aisle I knew my life was forever going to change.  The groom and I exchanged vows and we were announced as husband and wife.  I turned to the crowd and I no longer had my father’s name but took  my husband’s name.  I was a new person, a wife and had a new name; I and my husband were now one.

The same thing happens to us when we join Jesus Christ.  The day will come when He will come for His bride and there will be a great wedding feast.  The bride and groom will finally meet.  On that day we will take His name.  We will be presented as belonging to Jesus.  He will be ours and we will be His forever more.  Nothing separating us, not even death.  I look forward to that day.  Don’t you?  Aren’t you glad your name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life?  “Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.”

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To Be Watchful…

Posted in Jesus, Salvation, The Holy Spirit on January 6, 2011| 2 Comments »

He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority; but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.” Acts 1:7-8

It is a New Year and usually there are groups claiming that this is the year Jesus will return and rapture the church.  They warn people to watch and pray because Jesus can return any day.

In 2000, I was very involved with the end time theories and actually did believe then we were living in the last days and thought there would only be a few years left of the world.  In 2000 I didn’t imagine us being in 2011.  I was so consumed by the end times teaching that I found it difficult to really focus on anything else and found myself in angry debates, attacking anyone who disagreed with me.

Because I was so fixated on the rapture and the day Jesus would return I found it very difficult to hear from God and His plan for my life.  Eventually, I came upon this scripture and realized that it was not for me to know the day and hour of Jesus’ return, but I was responsible for being a witness for Jesus.  So I prayed for God’s will in my life and for the past ten years God has continued to guide me and direct my steps.

I would now argue that watching and praying involves hearing from God and doing what He says.  Every Christian has been given the mandate to take the gospel to the world.  It does not mean everyone has to become a missionary but we should be witnesses for Jesus wherever we are; including our schools, jobs, homes, families, etc.

When the disciples received Jesus’ last instruction before His ascension they believed they would see Jesus return in their lifetime.  They spent their days and lives spreading the gospel and doing the things they saw Jesus doing.  After the Holy Spirit came and empowered them they were able to go out and preach the gospel, heal the sick, raise the dead, plant churches and make more disciples.  The Kingdom of God spread as anticipated the Lord’s return.

This is our same mandate.  As we wait for Jesus’ return, we are to be doing the same things Jesus did.  We have been given charge to spread the Kingdom while we are here on earth.  It really is not about looking out for ourselves and making sure we will be raptured when Jesus comes; all believers have that promise.  Instead we are to be witnesses for those that do not know Jesus.  The Kingdom of God is not about mere talk but of power.  Jesus told the disciples that the Holy Spirit would come and empower them and the Holy Spirit is present now to empower us to preach the gospel and make disciples in the entire world.

We do not know the exact day Jesus will return but when He does my prayer is that He will find us doing the work He left us to do; that we will be able to testify that we took the gospel to the ends of the world.  Let us have the same compassion Jesus had for the people, and in these last days be true witness of Jesus and His love for the world.  Let us remember it is God’s desire that none should perish but all should come to the knowledge of Jesus Christ.

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Power of the Cross

Posted in Crucified, government, Jesus, Love, Salvation, Sin, The Righteous on January 5, 2011| Leave a Comment »

For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18

On January 4, 2011, the Mount Soledad Veterans Memorial in San Diego was declared unconstitutional by a federal appeals court because of the 43 foot cross on top of the memorial.  The court ruled that the cross violated the constitutional ban on government sponsored religion.  This court case has been brewing since the 1980s.  More and more courts are finding public places that display the cross, bible or ten commandments as government sponsored religion.  I find this interesting because I thought the constitution protected religious freedom.

There has been a cross at Mount Soledad since 1913.  The cross was replaced in the 1920s and in 1954.  So this cross has been a symbol at Mount Soledad for almost 100 years, but today it was declared unconstitutional (“California Memorial Cross Found Unconstitutional” by Steve Gorman Reuters, January 4, 2011). 

Many are offended by the cross.  It is a Christian symbol and to us Christians it is a symbol and reminder that Jesus Christ died on the cross so that we might live.  Those who do not know Jesus see the cross as foolishness.  According to the courts, our government should not endorse nor display the cross anywhere on public property.  We know the cross represents the power of God.

We will probably see more and more cases being brought to the federal courts and even the Supreme Court regarding the use of religious symbols on public property.  It may seem as we are losing our religious freedoms but remember that the cross represents the power of God.

The court did not rule if the cross at Mount Soledad has to be removed, but even if it does come down the power of the cross is not diminished.  Nothing can nullify what happened on the cross.  It is because of the cross that we have been reconciled to God.  It is a symbol and reminder of God’s love for the world when He sent His only begotten Son Jesus to die for our sins.  Let’s pray that one day everyone will understand the true power behind the cross.

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Merry Christmas

Posted in Jesus, Love on December 25, 2010| Leave a Comment »

10But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people;

11for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.   Luke 2:10-11

I hope you had a very Merry Christmas.  I had a wonderful Christmas with family and friends.  As I reflect on the meaning of Christmas, I am always amazed at how people try to be their best during this season.  Even though Christmas has become very commercial, and Jesus is not discussed as much it is still my favorite holiday.

There are those that argue Jesus was not born on December 25th, that we are foolish to celebrate the holiday.  It is during this time of year people give the most of their time and money.  Retailers love this time of year because usually they do almost 50% of their business in the last quarter in holiday sales.  I love it because it really does bring people together.

I am so thankful to God for my family and friends.  I remember some Christmas’ when I was single that I either was alone or was at work.  I remember one particular Christmas that I spent all alone and I was miserable.  So I treasure these days now because I am no longer alone and find such joy in giving gifts.

What is your favorite thing about Christmas?  Jesus may not have been born on December 25th but it is important that we acknowledge and celebrate Jesus.  It is a time to celebrate friends and family.  So make sure you tell your loved ones how important they are.  Jesus was a gift given to us by God, and it is the gift that keeps on giving.

Merry Christmas!

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God is Looking For You!

Posted in Grace, Jesus, Knowing God, Love, Salvation, The Father on November 9, 2010| Leave a Comment »

20“So he got up and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.  Luke 15:20

Often times our view of God is that He is just sitting on His throne watching the world go by, not really involved unless we engage Him.  Jesus showed us the Father when He was here on earth.  Jesus did not show us an aloof God but a Father that loves His children.  In Luke 15 Jesus tells of three parables dealing with the lost sheep, lost coin and the prodigal son.  In all three parables the person is looking for what has been lost and rejoices when they have found the thing they are looking for.

God is like the Father in the parable of the prodigal son.  When the son left with all his money, his father did not disown him but waited for him to return.  He probably looked out the door and window many times hoping his son would return.    When the son began to make his way back, the father saw him off in the distance and began to run toward his son.  God is the same way.  He is always looking for us and seeking after us to return to Him.

Unfortunately, we think God doesn’t care and many times washes his hands of us when we have sinned again and again or when we have wondered far from Him.  God loves us because He created us.  He created us in His image and breathed life into each one of us.  When we became separated from God, He sent Jesus to bridge the gap and to atone for our sins.  Through Jesus we have redemption and our relationship with God the Father has been restored.

See God is looking for you and wanting you to come home.  He doesn’t care where you have been or what you have done, just come home.  Even if you lost your way, He will find you – just call and He will come running.  As you approach God’s throne of grace, He will come embracing and kissing you just like Jesus tells us in the parable.

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Unmet Expectations

Posted in Healing, Jesus, Prayer on October 26, 2010| 2 Comments »

Summoning two of his disciples, John sent them to the Lord, saying, “Are You the Expected One, or do we look for someone else?”

When the men came to Him, they said, “John the Baptist has sent us to You, to ask, ‘Are You the Expected One, or do we look for someone else?'”

At that very time He cured many people of diseases and afflictions and evil spirits; and He gave sight to many who were blind.

And He answered and said to them, “Go and report to John what you have seen and heard: the BLIND RECEIVE SIGHT, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, the POOR HAVE THE GOSPEL PREACHED TO THEM.  Luke 7: 19-22

John the Baptist had been arrested by Herod and thrown into prison.  John did what was right and stood up to Herod for his sin.  In return John was arrested and later beheaded.  Jesus never came to rescue John the Baptist.  Why didn’t Jesus come to John’s aid?  John wanted to know and even sent two of his disciples to ask if Jesus really was “The One.”

Many times are expectations are not met by God.  Many times we find ourselves in situations beyond our control and we hope and pray God will deliver us from those situations.  There are times we pray for healing and it does not come.  There are times we pray for God to spare a loved one’s life but they still die.  Is God listening?  Does God care?  Do we have enough faith?  These are questions people ask when God does not meet their expectations.  Often times God does not give us the answer we are looking for.

In John’s case Jesus responded to John’s inquiry that the gospel was being preached, the sick were being healed and the dead were being raised.  Jesus didn’t go to save John but sent him the answer.  Jesus was doing what the Father had sent Him to do.  He was spreading the Kingdom of Heaven here on earth.  Jesus knew John’s plight but the issue Jesus was concerned about was not a temporary one but an eternal one.  Yes Jesus was the expected One and He was doing exactly what God intended Him to do – saving the world.

There are things that happen in life that we don’t always understand.  Sometimes we do not get the answer from God that we seek.  But we should take courage in knowing that He is the one and that the gospel is preached.  I don’t know why Jesus did not rescue John or why John died the way he did.  John paved the way for Jesus and he was able to see Jesus, baptize Him, and know that the Gospel was being preached.

When things do not go the way we expect let us remember that God is still God.  He will never forsake us especially in our time of need.  God is the eternal answer to our temporary situations.  Let us continue to rely on God even when we do not understand everything about God.  We have to continually put our faith in God, even when are expectations are not met.

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Grace

Posted in Grace, Jesus, Love, The Father on October 18, 2010| Leave a Comment »

And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.

John testified about Him and cried out, saying, “This was He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me has a higher rank than I, for He existed before me.'”

For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace.

For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ.  John 1: 14-17

Grace has many definitions.  One way grace is defined is God’s unmerited favor and love of God that is freely given.  We find this in the above scriptures.  Jesus was given as a gift to man from God the Father.  Jesus came full of grace and truth.  God so loved us that He gave us His only begotten Son Jesus Christ; through Jesus we have received God’s unmerited favor and love.

Before Jesus we had the law.  The law was given to us by Moses.  It was impossible to earn God’s favor and love by observing the law.  Jesus fulfilled the law but Jesus did not come to teach us to exist only by the law.  Jesus came to give us grace so that we may experience the love of the Father.  It is also this grace that enables us to live according to God’s word and purpose for our lives.  God never intended for us to live apart from Him and His word; that is why we have Jesus – God’s gift of Grace.

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Gentle Answer Turns Away Wrath

Posted in Jesus, The Righteous on September 9, 2010| Leave a Comment »

But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed AND DO NOT FEAR THEIR INTIMIDATION, AND DO NOT BE TROUBLED, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame.  1 Peter 3:14-16

By now you have heard the news of a pastor and his small church in Florida that is planning on burning the Quran to protest radical Islam on the anniversary of 9/11.  The President of the USA, the state department, religious leaders, the military and other governments are asking that this pastor cancel the event for fear of what the Muslim extremists will do.  The fear is extremists will use the images of the Quran being burned to fuel terrorists attacks against our soldiers and against the US.

Is fear a justification for asking this pastor and church to back down?  No.  The argument may be true but in the heart of many of us we do not want to be ruled by fear and intimidation of terrorists.  There are those who are thinking if this pastor backs down then the terrorists win.  Maybe the pastor and his church think the same thing, but let’s examine the scriptures.

Peter sums it up the best.  We should not fear Muslim extremists or their tactics to terrorize us.  We are in Christ and if Christ be for us who can be against us?  Peter exhorts us to be ready with an answer about our faith.  We should always be ready and willing to talk about our faith and why we believe in the Holy Bible and that Jesus is the way and the truth and the life.  There is no need for us to attack others in their faith or even burn their books.  We should always respond with gentleness and reverence, even when our enemies respond with hatred and violence.  It is in that power of our response that we will put our enemies to shame and glorify Jesus.

The Quran should not be burned by Christians – what does that do to our testimony?  What message are we sending?  Does it actually give glory and honor to our Savior Jesus Christ?  Does it make others want to hear and learn more about Jesus?  Right now the whole world is watching what these Christians will do.  We as believers represent Christ on earth.  So the world is asking “What will Jesus Do?”

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God’s Desire

Posted in Jesus, Knowing God, Salvation on September 3, 2010| Leave a Comment »

 This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.  For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time.  1 Timothy 2:3-6

We love justice.  We want people to get what they deserve.  When we see bad things happen to good people we want vengeance.  Mercy trumps judgment.  Mercy is what we do not deserve and God is merciful.  His mercies are new every morning.  God shows mercy to all, He is no respecter of persons.

It is God’s desire that all men to be saved.  That is why He shows mercy over judgment.  Too often we are quick to label God as a judge and punisher of the wicked, but He does desire that all come to salvation and that is why we have Jesus.

Jesus did not commission us to be judge and jury over the lost, but to be a catalyst of God’s love and mercy toward mankind.  Jesus died for all and not just some.  His death made it possible for anyone to come to God and be reconciled to Him.  We have a responsibility to show the love and mercy of God to everyone not just some.  We must remember that when we were still sinners Jesus died for the ungodly – all of us.  Witnessing is the believers’ mandate.  We are all called to preach the good news of the gospel.

Our prayer should be that our heart is in tune with God’s heart.  We should also desire that all men come to know the truth of Jesus and be saved.

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