A Stunning Bride

On Saturday November 8th, I attended the wedding of a friend of mine. The flowers were beautiful, the church was decorated so lovely, candles in the windows, everything a lovely wedding has. Then as the time approached for the bride to enter, everyone stood and I watched the grooms face (I love to do that at weddings). When the bride entered she was stunning!!!! Her groom had the biggest smile on his face, because he knew, "thats my bride and she is glorious"!

I try to imagine how it will be when Jesus comes to get his "bride". If you are his, you are the bride! Revelation 19:6-8 says "(6)then I heard soemthing like the voice of a vast multitude, like the sound of cascading waters, and like the rumbling of lud thunder, saying: Hallelujah because our Lord god, the Almighty, has begun to reign! (7)Let us be glad, rejoice, and give Him glory, because the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has prepared herself. (8)She was permitted to wear fine linen, bright and pure. For the fine linen represents the righteous acts of the saints".

First this tells me, the praise that will be offered to Jesus is incredible! No quiet scene on that day!
Second, the word says "the bride has prepared herself". Now, I remember on my wedding day that I took great care to make sure everything was perfect. I wanted my hubby to see me and be so proud that I was his! I have to ask myself, am I taking great care to assure I am prepared to be Jesus' bride? Am I obeying, following, confessing, thinking like Him? Am I doing all I should to "prepare" for that day? Hmmmmmm.........
I pray that on that day, Jesus looks and thinks "look at my stunning bride"!!!

In Revelation 19:9 the Word says "blessed are those invited to the marriage feast of the Lamb"!
WOW!!! Can you imagine what a wonderful party this will be? Are we preparing to be a stunning bride? Are we watching and wanting our groom to appear? Are we excited? Do we tell Him everyday how much we love Him and how lovely He is?

Oh that the Father would mold us into a stunning bride for His Son!!

Sabbath Rest

Well, that was it. Jesus was dead. All the hope that His followers had was gone. I can imagine that this was a very sorrowful day for the people who loved Jesus. There are some things we know from scripture. They went with Joseph when he laid Him in the tomb, they knew the Roman soldiers had placed a huge stone in front of the opening, and they went to prepare the spices to annoint Him. They could not annoint the body of Jesus until after the Sabbath. In Luke 23:56(b) the word says, "On the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment".  I often wonder about the spices they prepared to annoint His body. Was it the same kind of spice that was presented to Him at His birth? Was the aroma of such service to His Son pleasing to the Father? I reflect on this Sabbath day at the sacrifice of Jesus. I am sorrowful for my sin. I am thankful He died.......WILLINGLY! 

Join me this seventh day of Holy Week in praising Jesus for being WILLING! 

Day 6 It Is Finished

Luke 22:63-71 and Luke 23. A lot has happened in the last several hours. Jesus has been arrested, shuffled from one leader to another, mocked, beat, spit on, deserted by His friends. Finally, as was Jewish custom during Passover, one prisoner is set free. Barabbas, a known murderer, was set free. Less than a week later, all those who shouted "Hosanna to the King" were now shouting "Crucify Him, Crucify Him". Pilate ordered Him flogged and crucified. A Roman flogging consisted of no less than 50 lashes with a cat of nine tails whip. The whip was made of leather and had a ball on the end that was wrapped and dangling with pieces of glass, bone, anything they put there. It was designed to literally RIP skin from bone. A crucifixion was the most degrading death someone could face. During crucifixion a person was nailed with spikes through the hands and feet. THAT is what Jesus did for us. 

Carrying His own cross, beaten beyond recognition, He went to the hill. As He hung there on the cross, He didn't stop loving. Reflect on that for a moment; Jesus, suffering unimaginable pain, comforts the thief, offers him forgiveness, and promises him paradise. What a Savior!!! Then in a moment that would change history, time, and destiny forever, Jesus said "It Is Finished". No more sacrifices needed, debt paid, sin covered, the way directly to the Father open, all in those three words...........IT IS FINISHED! The debt I could not pay, has been paid. Every lash, every thorn, every nail, that was MY sin that did that, all He endured, I deserved. Why did He do this....because He loves me. Join me this sixth day of Holy Week in praising Jesus for being THE Lamb, for dying for our sin, for loving us!

Thank You for paying my price sweet Jesus! I'm still amazed at Your mercy and gift of grace. I love you.

"Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe

Sin had left a crimson stain

He washed it white as snow"

Day 5 His Prayer

Over 2000 years ago today, our Savior had the last supper with His disciples. He knew His time was drawing near, the time when He would become our punishment, the time when He would be separated from His Father, the time of His death. Jesus then does something that still amazes me and thrills my soul. He prays. Not just for God to be glorified and for His disciples; He prayed for ME! All believers. Reflect on that for a moment.....Jesus prayed for all believers BEFORE the crucifixion. Oh how He loves us! God has uses several passages of scripture to speak to my heart. In Luke 22:7 the word says "then came the day of Unleavened Bread, on which the Passover Lamb had to be sacrificed". Yes the day had come for the Lamb to be sacrificed. The final Lamb, the perfect Lamb, the payment for Sin. Also in Luke 22:39(a), the word tells us "And He came out and went, as was His custom..". If prayer, being alone with the Father, was important enough for Jesus, shouldn't it be just as important for us that follow Him? Then in John 17:20-26 some of the most beautiful words are written down for us to read. I would encourage you to read the whole chapter of John 17, but today, I am reflecting on the prayer for me.
"I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that may become perfectly opne, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. Father, I desire thatthat they also, whom you have given me , may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me. I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them".

Join me this fifth day of Holy Week in praising Jesus for praying for us.

How humbled I am sweet Jesus that You would pray for me. I love you and can't wait to see You face to face, kiss You, hug You, laugh with You, talk with You, be with You always.

Day 4 Anybody Can Sin

Day 4 

Jesus made the "church people" nervous. He spoke about humility and love; not being recognized. Oh they wanted Him gone! (Luke 22: 1-2) In Luke 22;3 the word tells us "Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was of the number of the twelve. He went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers how he might betray Him to them". Satan entered. How many times does Satan whisper lies in our ears that cause us to stumble. If you think he cant do it to you, just look; he did it to one of the 12 chosen. Think about that for a moment; one who had been with Jesus since the beginning, saw the miracles, sat at His feet as He taught; is seeking a way to betray Him. Verse 6 goes on to tell us that "he (Judas) consented and sought an opportunity to betray Him to them in the absence of a crowd". Trying to find an opportunity away from the crowd; probably pretty hard considering there was always a crowd following Jesus. Another thing that gave me cause for reflection was why in the "absence of a crowd"? Maybe to hide what he was about to do from everyone. How often am I guilty of the same thing; hiding sin so that the "crowd" will not know. Even though the crowd may not be seeing, God is always watching and always knows. Nothing we do is hidden from Him. Theres always consequences for sin and we can read later in scripture that the guilt for what Judas dis became to much for him and he hanged himself. What drove the priests and scribes to want Jesus dead? What drove Judas to betray? SIN. What was Jesus' response....."Father forgive them". That is so very powerful. That in our sin, He asks the Father to forgive. Join me the fourth day of Holy Week in praising Jesus for forgiveness and for freedom from sin!!

How unworthy I am Father of Your forgiveness. How grateful I am for it. You spared nothing, payed the cost, and cover me with Your love. Thank You for the precious blood of Jesus. Thank You that You have washed me in it. Thank You that I stand before You justified, because of You!! How wonderful You are. Words can never describe the depth of my gratitude. Thank You that You hear my heart!

Day 3 A Look Ahead

Day 3

 I would encourage you to go and read Luke 21:8-19. Jesus speaks of the coming events; before His return. The passage that spoke directly to my heart was verses 13-15 and 17-18. Jesus has instgructed that His believers will be persecuted and they will be turned over to leaders and possibly prison. 13-15 tells us "This will be your opportunity to bear witness. Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer, for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict". WOW!! Just to think that trusting Him is all I have to do when faced with anything. He will give me the words! I dont have to think about it and worry over it, He will help me. It amazes me that we can look back to scripture when Jesus began His ministry and these same words are echoed.....DO NOT WORRY! Then in verses 17 and 18 He tells us we will be hated for His name sake but we will not perish. To know that nothing is going to happen to me until He says so is great comfort. Notice He was telling His disciples these things. He knew they were going to face terrible things after He returned to the Father. He knew they would feel hopeless in 4 days, He knew they would feel scared in less than 2 months, and what does He do....encourages them! Isn't He so very sweet....to warn and comfort them and even still today these words, His words, warn and comfort us! What a great God!! He knew their road would not be easy; He knows our road will not be easy, but, He will be there! What a Comforter is Our God! Imagine for a moment-Jesus about to endure horrible agony, separation from the Father, death....and He is comforting them! Join me this third day of Holy Week in praising Jesus for always being with us!

Holy Father thank You for reminders that You are always with me. Thank You that I do not have to worry over anything, You will provide. You are the sweetest Saviour, most loving Father, and Wonderful Teacher. Thank You for teaching me, for hearing me, for carrying me, for protecting me. You truly are Jehovah Jireh, the Lord who provides! I stand amazed in Your presence, I stand silenced by Your glory. Worthy is the Lamb!!!!

Day 2 He Withdrew

Day 2 

The scripture tells us in John 12: 36(b)-37 that after all these things Jesus withdrew and hid Himself from them and even though they had seen all the miracles, they still did not believe Him. They didn't believe when He spoke of His death and resurrection (John12:31-36). The word doesn/t tell us what Jesus did as He was away from the crowd. I imagine(and that's me, not the word, and I am in no way adding to it) that He prayed asking how could he make these hard-headed people understand? Now the scripture does go on to tell us that many, even some authorities, believed, but they did not confess Him for fear of being an outcast; rejected. Verse 43 specifically says "they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God". How sad is that? Here they had Jesus with them, in the flesh, and would rather have man's glory than God's! How often are we guilty of that...not speaking truth to avoid hurting someones feelings, not calling sin what it is because everybody can live their life the way they choose, and not standing for Jesus and living a holy life because our friends may ridicule us or reject us. Join me on this second day of Holy Week in standing boldly for Jesus......no matter the cost. He did that for us, doesn't he deserve our loyalty and obedience? Wouldn't you rather have praises and glory from God rather than from man??

Holy Father help me to be bold for you, no matter what. Give me courage when I need it. No one deserves my loyalty more than You. Better is one day in Your courts than a thousand elsewhere. I long to hear well done My good and faithful servant from you. Teach me Your ways and give me Your words so that You are glorified. I love You so much, You are what matters.

Day 1: Still He Came

I have purposed to write a blog entry for the 7 days leading to the resurrection. Let me start by saying that while this week marks a wonderful time of reflection and celebration for the believer, it also marks the beginning of the most horrible week in our Savior's earthly life. Not just the pain of the cross that was coming, but deeper than that; the seperation from the Father. They had never been separated. In Genesis we find the first mention of God the Father and God the Son. Remember that; never separated since BEFORE the foundation of the earth! The thought of being separated must have been pure agony for Jesus!

Day 1: The Triumphal Entry

Reflect with me for a moment on the Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem. Have you ever been to a ballgame of some kind where their was a huge crowd of people cheering for their team? Gets pretty loud doesn't it!?! John 12:12-13 tells us that there was loud shouting welcoming Jesus into Jerusalem. Oh how the people praised and loved Him! "Hosanna to the King" shouted the crowd! Jesus knew that the praises would soon stop. He knew they would cry out for His death. But.....STILL He came! That has gripped me in a way that drives me to my knees in thanksgiving to know that He knew what was coming and the wicked hearts of mankind and STILL He came! The scripture goes on to tell us in John 12:27-28(a), "Now is My soul troubled. Snd what shall I say? 'Father save me from this hour? But for this purpose I have come to this hour. Father, glorify Your name." The amazing truth that makes me speechless and is hard to understand is that He would have done all of it even if I was the only one who needed salvation! Join me on this Palm Sunday in shouting Hosanna to the King of Kings!! What a wonderful God we serve and worship, that He spared nothing, NOTHING, for us; but gave His only Son!! 

Father in heaven, Lord of all the universe may I never forget what you gave for me. I could not come to You so You gave the sacrifice and came to me! Thank you for hearing my cry, reaching low to get me, and for Your salvation. Thank you for giving Your Son for my sin! 

What Choice Do We Have?

Choices are a funny thing. We make choices every day, some good, some bad. No matter what, there are always consequences for the choices we make. I have been reading in Genesis, specifically the story of Isaac and Rebekah, and God has taught me a huge lesson. When Abraham's servant went to seek a wife for Isaac, he prayed for the Lord to show him the woman, and he prayed specific details in how to know the woman God had chosen for Isaac. Of course, true to being a Faithful God, He answered. Upon finding Rebekah, the servant explains how he knew Rebekah was the woman God had chosen. The response of Rebekah's father and brother? "This is from the Lord; we have no choice in the matter". How profound! I have asked my Father for direction so many times and when He gives that direction, shouldn't my response be the same as Rebekah's father and brother? Now the story doesn't end there. Her mother and brother were not ready to let her go; they wanted to keep her a few more days. When they didn't get the response they wanted, they asked Rebekah's opinion. Thankfully, Rebekah responded with "I will go"! Now yes, in this story, she was responding to a marriage invitation; to a man. The lesson God has taught me is I should respond to Him the same way! So many times I ask the opinion of others or am selfish and want to stay with family a little longer. This is the wrong mindset to have. I belong to God; the Creator of the universe, the Almighty, the I AM, the God who told Abraham to go and He would take care of the rest, the Provider who gave manna for each day, the Savior who died for me! Jesus said "follow Me" not "what is your opinion?". 

My husband and I are seeking God on several things right now. I pray that He will give us strength and courage to say "this is from the Lord; we have no choice in the matter". When you really get honest with Him; would you really want anything else other than what He has planned for you? 

God of heaven, Wonderful Counselor, please give me and my love the courage to follow you. Give us the desire for Your will only and not our own. Help us to hear You clearly, see You more, love You more deeply, and be obedient to Your leading. You alone keep us and hold us. You alone are our Provision. Speak Holy Father; your servants are listening.  

A Lesson in Snow!

Well, it finally snowed today! Not much, but it did snow. Here in NC we rarely see any snow, so even a little bit shuts down the town all day and night! Today's snow was the prettiest I have ever seen. God has spoken to me all day through His beautiful creation..........SNOW!

First thing, I stood and just looked at it and thanked Him for the snow. He is the wonderful Creator God! 

Second, He reminded me, as I looked at the snow and how bright and white it was that "though your sins are as scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they will be like wool." Isaiah 1:18. 

I never really noticed how very white snow is. Sure I have seen it many times but today I saw it with different eyes; eyes that try to see God in everything. The snow just gleamed......

Third, He reminded me, as I looked at the snow and how it was melting, and melting fast, that my sins are gone! "As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us." Psalm 103:12.

East to West is a long way and the fact that my sins have been removed, even farther than that!! 

Fourth, He reminded me, as I looked at the snow, that the Perfect Lamb was pure, undefiled, sinless; white as snow. The Perfect Lamb shed all His scarlet blood for me. How humbling the thought. How grateful I am. How perfect He is. How alive He is. How sweet He is. Sweet, sweet, Jesus...what a beautiful name.....what a wonderful Saviour!

What a Savior, what a Comforter, what a Defender, what a Daddy, what an amazing GOD! He teaches me so much and has done so much for me, I can never say thank you enough.

What can wash away my sin, nothing but the blood of Jesus.

What can make me whole again, nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Oh precious is the flow, that makes me white as snow,

No other fount I know, nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Refined Like Silver

I have been reflecting on family and friends today. I was blessed to have a great conversation with a very good friend who said "God always has a reason, even though it may hurt". How very true!!! I think about growing up and having growing pains. They hurt. When we go through dark valleys. They hurt. When God refines us. It hurts. But............................. through growing pains came growth, through valleys come mountain tops, and through refining comes perfection. Have you ever thought about when a refiner boils down silver. It goes through the fire and then all the "dross" or impurities come to the top and the refiner removes them. Its just like that with the Father. He refines us and purifies us, removes all the impurities, and then He looks down and sees the image of His Son. Thats what a loving God does. Can you think of anyone you would rather be like than Jesus? I cant. 

Will it always be easy........no. 

Will it cost...........yes. 

Is His will always easy to understand............no. 

Is it still perfect................YES!!  

In Malachi 3:3, the Word says, bring offering "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and they will bring offering in righteousness to the Lord". Isnt that beautiful.The holy God of all creation, the one who spoke and it existed, the one who breathed into dust and created man, sits and refines us to make us perfect! I always want to remember that even though I may go through fire, I will be refined and then my offering will be in righteousness before my loving, deserving, Righteous Father. I dont want to focus on the fire, I want to focus on who is refining me.

 

Righteous Father even though it hurts and is not always easy to understand, purify me. Help me to remember it is for Your glory. I want my offering to you to be in righteousness. You are Holy, You are Holy, You are Holy! I love you Father. I desire only Your will for my life. More of You Father and less of me.

"New" Smell

Have you ever thought about what "new" smells like? There are some things that come to mind for me. I like the new car smell, the new purse smell. Those are things that just smell nice. Then I think about the new baby smell. This is my favorite. I dont know if you have ever experienced seeing a baby come into the world. I have. Aside from my own, I had the privilege of seeing on of my prayer children, Cameron, come into the world and my second cousin, Maddox, make his debut. I am so very thankful to Toni and Allison for allowing me to be a part of this beautiful process. When you watch a baby being born, you think, wow how can they smell so "new" after birth? But you know what........they do! They smell so sweet....even at only a few minutes old.

I have been reflecting with the new year, what new smells like. When we become a new creation in Christ we change. There are times in my own Christian walk that I know the aroma that I send up to my Father is not pleasing to His nostrils. I want to serve and worship my Father in a way that is a pleasing aroma in His nostrils. In order to do this there are things that MUST happen.

1. Ask Him to search and show any wicked way

2. Confess sin

3. Repent of sin

4. Pure motivation in service and worship

The Word says in Revelation 21:5  And He who sits on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new." And He said, "Write, for these words ar faithful and true." 

Yes this passage is talking about our new home in paradise with the Father. The message is still the same, He makes all things new. New life through His blood, new mind, new purpose. And one day new earth and new home. 

So I ask myself, with all the new that God gave me, is my service and worship pleasing in His nostrils? Do I give off a pleasing smell or a foul stinch? May I always stand aware, listen to Him and give off a pleasing aroma. May I smell "NEW"!

Father, Most High God, for all the new you have given me I can never thank you enough. Help me to serve and worship You in a way that brings You honor and is pleasing in Your nostrils. Any offering I give You is so small compared to what You did for me on Golgatha. You are amazing and awesome God and nothing or no one compares to You!