The Dusty Roads of Modern Life

It was before Passover, and Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and to return to the Father. He had always loved his followers in this world, and he loved them to the very end.

Even before the evening meal started, the devil had made Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, decide to betray Jesus.

Jesus knew he had come from God and would go back to God. He also knew that the Father had given him complete power. So during the meal Jesus got up, removed his outer garment, and wrapped a towel around his waist. He put some water into a large bowl. Then he began washing his disciples' feet and drying them with the towel he was wearing.

But when he came to Simon Peter, this disciple asked, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”

Jesus answered, “You don't really know what I am doing, but later you will understand.”

“You will never wash my feet!” Peter replied.

“If I don't wash you,” Jesus told him, “you don't really belong to me.”

John 13:1-8 CEV

Jesus knew who He was, where He came from, and where He was going. He knew he held all the power in His hands. Even so, He knelt down and washed the disciples’ feet. Imagine a human ruler doing that.

Jesus was not like any other person who ever lived. Mary gave birth to Him, but the Holy Spirit placed that life within her. Everyone could see Jesus differed from His brothers and sisters. Even after walking with Him for three years, the disciples still didn’t understand why He washed their feet.

But Jesus understood. He knew what the dirt of this world could do to a heart. He knew where the stains hid. And He knows how to wash them away.

Even today, Jesus washes the parts of you that are not clean. Human nature wants to hide the dirt. Jesus wants to wash it off. And if you don’t let Him wash you, then you don’t really belong to Him.

The dusty roads of Israel made foot-washing a necessity while Jesus walked this earth. The Dusty Roads of Modern Life make His cleansing just as necessary today. Each step you take needs His grace. Every stain needs His touch. Every day needs His mercy.

Prayer:

“Lord Jesus, cleanse me from the filth of this world. Show me every step You want me to take today, tomorrow, and every day as long as I live here on earth. And Lord, give me the humility to let You wash the dirt off my life so everyone will know I belong to You. Praise Your Holy Name now and forever. Amen.”

ARE YOU ONE OF JESUS DISCIPLES

 

“I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him. Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

“I tell you, whoever publicly acknowledges me before others, the Son of Man will also acknowledge before the angels of God. But whoever disowns me before others will be disowned before the angels of God.

Luke 12:4-9

During the hours before the crucifixion, Peter said he did not know Jesus. Earlier, Jesus predicted it and told him after Peter denied Jesus three times, the rooster would crow! Immediately after the third denial, the bird welcomed the coming morning, and Peter went out and bitterly cried. 

Even today, when you acknowledge Jesus as your Lord and Savior, the temptation not to say His Name is close at hand. That night, in the Garden of Gethsemane, Peter drew his sword and cut off the ear of a servant of the high priest’s. But later, when a girl asked Peter if he was one of the disciples, his courage fled away.

I knew an old man named Charlie Lanker, who asked everyone he met if they knew Jesus. One story about Charlie says that one day he saw a “telephone man” on a pole. Charlie yelled up to the man and asked, “Do you know Jesus?” The man on the pole yelled back and told Charlie he did! 

Peter spent the rest of his life telling everyone he met about Jesus, including the fact that he knew Jesus. Charlie did the same thing, and you can do that too.   

“Lord Jesus, guide me today to someone who needs to hear Your name and grant me the courage to speak Your name boldly, regardless of the consequences. Praise Your Holy Name now and forever. Amen!”

 

Make Your Choice Now!

 

 

 

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

The word “choice” is big in today’s world. Many times, it refers to ending the life of an unborn child. Interestingly enough, beginning your life eternally with Jesus is also a choice. You have the choice to see his face, and to be obedient to Him or to turn to your own wicked ways!

You can choose to walk with Him, or you can choose to walk away from Him. Those are your two options. God will encourage you to choose Jesus, but this wicked world will work like the devil to draw you in the opposite direction.

In a sense, the Holy Spirit speaks to your heart every day and expresses his desire that you take steps to Jesus. The enemy of God speaks to your heart as well and wants you to walk away from Jesus. The choice is yours and you will go one way or the other!

There are many today who believe that these days are the Last Days before the return of Jesus! If that is true, there is no time for you to be slow in your response to his loving call. If you have never given your heart to Jesus, do it now and don’t wait because there may not be time to wait, even for an hour!

Lord Jesus. Search my heart today and see if there is any part of it that is not given over to you. If there is any part of my heart that I have kept for my pleasure, I give it to you now and forever. I praise your holy name always! Amen!

Come Lord Jesus

 

 

 

The day of the Lord’s return will surprise us like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a loud noise, and the heat will melt the whole universe. Then the earth and everything on it will be seen for what they are.

Everything will be destroyed. So you should serve and honor God by the way you live. You should look forward to the day when God judges everyone, and you should try to make it come soon. On that day the heavens will be destroyed by fire, and everything else will melt in the heat. But God has promised us a new heaven and a new earth, where justice will rule. We are really looking forward to this!

2 Peter 3:10-13

Jesus said that only God knows when the second coming of Jesus will be. Maybe that is not such a mystery as we have tried to make it. Jesus will return when everything that God wants accomplished is done! 

If Jonah had gone straight to Nineveh instead of taking a detour in the belly of a Great Fish, the time-line might have been different. Jonah’s sin did not change the purpose of God, but the timing changed a bit.

In these verses from 2 Peter 3, the Holy Spirit clearly says that we can hasten the return of the Lord. Our role is to be obedient to Him every moment of every day. Then when everything on earth is done, He will come. 

Even as there is a final shot fired in a war, there will be a final act of obedience that God will use. To repeat the Words of Jesus “It is finished” and then the End will come!

Perhaps that moment will be determined by today’s “Jonah” and whether he goes to Nineveh or spends time in the Great Fish first!

“Lord Jesus, thank You for letting me bask in Your Love so fully expressed on the Cross. Let me know what I can do today to hasten Your return! Praise Your Name Now and Forever. Amen!”

 

FOREVER WITH JESUS!

 

 

In the future, the mountain with the Lord temple will be the highest of all. It will reach above the hills, and every nation will rush to it. People of many nations will come and say, "Let's go up to the mountain of the Lord God of Jacob and worship in his temple."

The Lord will teach us his law from Jerusalem, and we will obey Him. He will settle arguments between distant and powerful nations. They will pound their swords and their spears into rakes and shovels; they will never again make war or attack one another. Everyone will find rest beneath their own fig trees or grape vines, and they will live in peace. This is a solemn promise of the Lord all powerful. 

Micah 4:1-4 CEV 

The Lord himself promises of time of "Peace on Earth." War will come to an end. It will be a season of peace like never before if you want to be a part of what God is doing in the world, let Him put His Peace in your heart! Let the love of God and the peace that passes understanding rule in your life. 

Then you will look at everyone and see them with the eyes of God. The Creator loves every object of his creation. Every human being formed and fashioned in the image of God has a longing place in the heart of the maker of us all. 

Don't fear or panic that the "End of All Things" may be coming soon!  For those who follow Christ it will be the beginning of "Forever with Jesus," and it may be just around the corner!

"Lord Jesus, You are the greatest Peacemaker of all time. Spread Your Love and Peace in the hearts of all those who open the door when they hear You knock. May You, Jesus be praised now and forever? Amen." 

Money Food and Faith

 

 

 When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do.

Philip answered him, “It would take more than half a year’s wages to buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!”

John 6:5-7 NIV

When Jesus told Philip He wanted to give the people something to eat, the disciple immediately responded that they didn’t have enough money to do it. The question was not one of finances, but FAITH!

Also, when Jesus tells you what He wants you to do for Him, never question the fiscal resources. Jesus always wants you to accomplish things for Him that are far beyond your ability or even training. All Jesus wants is for you to give Him the little that you have and trust Him to use it and provide the power and provision to make it happen.

Despite our talents and abilities coming from God, we are tempted to be proud and seek praise from others when we use them.

But when we stand in awe and see Jesus feed 5000 people with two loaves of bread and two small fish, we can rightly claim no credit for the deed.

I cannot do what Jesus wants done in this world today, but I can give Him what I have and watch Him feed the world with His Love!

“Lord Jesus, You are the same today as You were here 2000 years ago. Let me watch You today as You touch the hearts of men and women of every nation! Praise Your Name now and forever. Amen!”

 

Listen for the Lord - From 8 years ago!

 

Click here to listen to blog  

 

Then the glorious Lord All-Powerful ordered me to say to the nations that had raided and robbed Zion: Zion is as precious to the Lord as are his eyes. Whatever you do to Zion, you do to him. And so, he will put you in the power of your slaves, and they will raid and rob you. Then you will know that I am a prophet of the Lord All-Powerful.  City of Zion, sing and celebrate! The Lord has promised to come and live with you.  When he does, many nations will turn to him and become his people. At that time you will know that I am a prophet of the Lord All-Powerful.  Then Judah will be his part of the holy land, and Jerusalem will again be his chosen city.  Everyone, be silent! The Lord is present and moving about in his holy place. 

Zechariah 2:8-13 

When I was a small child I remember how comforting it was to go to sleep while hearing my mother and father moving about in the house. The noises they made and the conversations I heard filled my heart with peace. Every sound they made let me know that I was being watched over by my parents who loved me dearly!

Today, as a grown man, when my spirit is quiet I can hear the Lord moving about in the world which He made. I can see Him when I look at the heavens or the face of a new born baby who was made in His image. If you have never heard or seen the Lord moving about in the world around you, it is time that you got quiet and listened!  Just a little while ago I stopped and listened as a thunderstorm passed over our house.  Only God can rattle the windows and comfort my soul at the same time.

So as you move through this day listen for the sound of God "moving about in His holy place."  It will comfort your soul in these  very troubled times!

"Lord Jesus I can be at peace when I hear and see that You are near.  And may You be praised forever.  Amen."

 This post was written and posted about 8 years ago in 2016. Given what is happening today in 2024 I thought it appropriate to share it again!

Listen for the Lord!

Click here to listen to blog  

 

Then the glorious Lord All-Powerful ordered me to say to the nations that had raided and robbed Zion: Zion is as precious to the Lord as are his eyes. Whatever you do to Zion, you do to him. And so, he will put you in the power of your slaves, and they will raid and rob you. Then you will know that I am a prophet of the Lord All-Powerful.  City of Zion, sing and celebrate! The Lord has promised to come and live with you.  When he does, many nations will turn to him and become his people. At that time you will know that I am a prophet of the Lord All-Powerful.  Then Judah will be his part of the holy land, and Jerusalem will again be his chosen city.  Everyone, be silent! The Lord is present and moving about in his holy place. 

Zechariah 2:8-13 

When I was a small child I remember how comforting it was to go to sleep while hearing my mother and father moving about in the house. The noises they made and the conversations I heard filled my heart with peace. Every sound they made let me know that I was being watched over by my parents who loved me dearly!

Today, as a grown man, when my spirit is quiet I can hear the Lord moving about in the world which He made. I can see Him when I look at the heavens or the face of a new born baby who was made in His image. If you have never heard or seen the Lord moving about in the world around you, it is time that you got quiet and listened!  Just a little while ago I stopped and listened as a thunderstorm passed over our house.  Only God can rattle the windows and comfort my soul at the same time.

So as you move through this day listen for the sound of God "moving about in His holy place."  It will comfort your soul in these  very troubled times!

"Lord Jesus I can be at peace when I hear and see that You are near.  And may You be praised forever.  Amen."

 This post was written and posted about 8 years ago in 2016. Given what is happening today in 2024 I thought it appropriate to share it again!

Seeing Jesus on Your Road

 

That same day two of Jesus’ disciples were going to the village of Emmaus, which was about eleven kilometers from Jerusalem. 14 As they were talking and thinking about what had happened, 15 Jesus came near and started walking along beside them. 16 But they did not know who he was.

17 Jesus asked them, “What were you talking about as you walked along?”

The two of them stood there looking sad and gloomy. 18 Then the one named Cleopas asked Jesus, “Are you the only person from Jerusalem who didn’t know what was happening there these last few days?”

19 “What do you mean?” Jesus asked.

They answered:

Those things that happened to Jesus from Nazareth. By what he did and said he showed that he was a powerful prophet, who pleased God and all the people. 20 Then the chief priests and our leaders had him arrested and sentenced to die on a cross. 21 We had hoped that he would be the one to set Israel free! But it has already been three days since all this happened.

22 Some women in our group surprised us. They had gone to the tomb early in the morning, 23 but did not find the body of Jesus. They came back, saying they had seen a vision of angels who told them that he is alive. 24 Some men from our group went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said. But they didn’t see Jesus either.

25 Then Jesus asked the two disciples, “Why can’t you understand? How can you be so slow to believe all that the prophets said? 26 Didn’t you know that the Messiah would have to suffer before he was given his glory?” 27 Jesus then explained everything written about himself in the Scriptures, beginning with the Law of Moses and the Books of the Prophets.[c]

28 When the two of them came near the village where they were going, Jesus seemed to be going farther. 29 They begged him, “Stay with us! It’s already late, and the sun is going down.” So Jesus went into the house to stay with them.

30 After Jesus sat down to eat, he took some bread. He blessed it and broke it. Then he gave it to them. 31 At once they knew who he was, but he disappeared.

Luke 24:13-31

These two disciples knew Jesus but did not recognise Him when He walked up to them on the road to Emmaus. Sometimes even Jesus’ followers cannot see the Lord when he shows up during their day.

Jesus said that He will be with His followers, even to the end of the world. Pray that He will open your eyes so you can see Him working around you.

Instead of trying to figure out what you can do for Jesus, ask Jesus what He is doing and how you can join with Him in His work.

“Lord Jesus, show me today what You are doing in the world around me. And show me how to join with You. We praise Your Name now and forever. Amen.”

Your Will Be Done

 

There was an official in Capernaum whose son was sick. And when the man heard that Jesus had come from Judea, he went and begged him to keep his son from dying.

Jesus told the official, “You won’t have faith unless you see miracles and wonders!”

The man replied, “Lord, please come before my son dies!”

Jesus then said, “Your son will live. Go on home to him.” The man believed Jesus and started back home.

Some of the official’s servants met him along the road and told him, “Your son is better!” He asked them when the boy got better, and they answered, “The fever left him yesterday at one o’clock.”

The boy’s father realized that at one o’clock the day before, Jesus had told him, “Your son will live!” So the man and everyone in his family put their faith in Jesus.

John 4:46b-53

It was not a co-incidence that the boy got well at the same time Jesus declared it to be so. But it was the next day before the man got the eyewitness news from his servants. 

Even today, we may have to wait a long time before witnessing the answers to our prayers! As your faith in Jesus deepens, you will come to say “Your will be done” after every prayer. When you submit your heart to the Will of God, you are asking for Him to do what is best, even if it is painful for you at the moment.

Remember, Jesus sees and knows everything. He sits in the Captain’s chair while we sit in the back of the plane and can only see out of a side window. 

“Lord Jesus, take my life and use it to accomplish Your will today and always. We praise Your Holy Name now and forever. Amen.” 

Building for the Holy Spirit

 

 

 

 

You Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens with everyone else who belongs to the family of God. You are like a building with the apostles and prophets as the foundation and with Christ as the most important stone. Christ is the one who holds the building together and makes it grow into a holy temple for the Lord. And you are part of that building Christ has built as a place for God’s own Spirit to live.

Ephesians 2:19-22

When one follower of Jesus Christ meets another one for the first time, it is the smallest church meeting you can have.  And If they seize the opportunity to encourage one another, it is the smallest revival on earth.  

Worshiping is not the primary purpose of  church. The church is a housing unit for the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit within you can guide your thoughts and actions to fulfill God’s work on earth.

The church is a gathering of Jesus’ followers, providing a dwelling for the Holy Spirit. The Bible says, “The gates of Hell will not prevail against it.”

Remember, when you become a Christ follower, you are part of the building where the Holy Spirit lives. Don’t forget, being part of the Holy Spirit’s dwelling place is a glorious privilege for Jesus’ followers.

“Lord, Jesus, touch my eyes and heal my blindness so I can see what You created me to be today! Praise Your Holy Name, now and forever! Amen.”

 

TRUST JESUS AND BE STRONG AND BRAVE!

 

Teach me to follow, Lord, and lead me on the right path because of my enemies. Don’t let them do to me what they want.

People tell lies about me and make violent threats, but I know I will live to see how kind you are. Trust the Lord! Be brave and strong and trust the Lord.

Psalm 27:11-14

As a follower of the Lord, you will have enemies. That has always been part of the deal. Satan himself is the chief enemy of those who follow Jesus. So when you find yourself accused of things that are false and you are the target of violent threats, it may indeed be evidence that you are walking in the steps of Jesus!

When you finally decide to become obedient to something you believe Jesus wants you to do, prepare yourself for the attack. It will come, and you must get ready with the Word of God in your heart and mind, so you can resist and not give in to discouragement.

These verses from Psalm 27 tell us we must “Trust the Lord and be brave and strong.” When you trust Jesus, it is only then you can be BRAVE AND STRONG! 

Never lose heart because Satan directs his attacks towards you. If you are being obedient to God, they will come.

Be concerned if you claim to be walking with Jesus and the Devil doesn’t care!

“Lord, Jesus, give me the courage to obey Your Word today and every day as long as I live here on earth. Praise Your Holy Name, now and forever! Amen.”

EAGER TO LISTEN TO JESUS

 

 

 

 

 

Each day, Jesus kept on teaching in the temple. So the chief priests, the teachers of the Law of Moses, and some other important people tried to have him killed. But they could not find a way to do it, because everyone else was eager to listen to him.

Luke 19:47-48

Are you one of those who wants to have Jesus killed or are you “eager to listen” to Him? When Jesus walked the earth, the chief priests, teachers of the law and other “important people” were not the ones who most wanted to hear what He had to say.

Jesus talked about how to love your enemies and how to forgive them. He watched with His disciples a woman who put everything she had to live on in the offering box at the temple. It was only two small coins, but Jesus said it was more than all the other contributions. Jesus also said that those who follow Him should first take up their cross! And He told them that suffering would come with discipleship.

Choose to be EAGER TO LISTEN to Jesus! Don’t seek to become a Chief Priest, a teacher of the law, or an important person. Let the Words of Jesus sink deep into your heart.

“Jesus make me eager to listen to You. Let Your Word lead me today on the path You have chosen for my life. Praise Your Holy Name now and forever! Amen.”

Assisted Living

 

 

 

You have now come to Mount Zion and to the heavenly Jerusalem. This is the city of the living God, where thousands and thousands of angels have come to celebrate. Here you will find all of God’s dearest children, whose names are written in heaven. And you will find God himself, who judges everyone. Here also are the spirits of those good people who have been made perfect. And Jesus is here!

Hebrews 12:22-24a CEV

More than a decade ago, I spent three weeks in Ethiopia. The opportunity came up quickly and less than a month later; I flew to Addis Abbaba to help a dear friend with a book project. He wrote a book about the rapid spread of Christianity among Muslims.

Yes, there will be many people in Heaven who began their lives here on earth as part of the Muslim religion. You will meet many, if not all, of them when you get to Heaven!

You will also meet followers of Jesus you read about in the Bible. And the angels, don’t forget about them. But when you get to Heaven, you will not meet Jesus for the first time. The way to get to Heaven is to meet and have faith in Jesus while you are still on this earth.

The Bible says in Colossians 1:27, “Christ lives in you, and he is your hope of sharing in God’s glory.”

When you put your faith in Jesus, He comes into your life. Living by faith in Jesus is the best example of “Assisted Living.” When Christ is in you, you have the power to be victorious in every circumstance, every day! You may be old and you may be frail, but with Jesus in your heart, you are certain that Heaven will be your home forever.

“Lord Jesus, the closer I get to the Day of Your return, the more I need to trust you, every minute of every day! Praise Your Holy Name now and forever, Amen!”

Lord Please Come After Me

"I am your servant,
but I have wandered away
    like a lost sheep.
Please come after me,
because I have not forgotten
    your teachings."

Psalm 119:176

When a poor man wanders away from those who know him and even love him, it is easy for him to become part of the “homeless” population of a big city. Often, no one will even look for him.

But if that same man is named in the will of a “rich” person who dies, everything changes. The person in charge of the estate will search far and wide to find the heir. 

Did you know God named you in His will?

I Timothy 2:4a says, “God wants everyone to be saved.”

When Jesus died on the Cross He made “God's Will” available to every man, woman and child on earth! 

Sometimes, even after you walk daily with Jesus, you may wander. Psalm 119:176 is a prayer suitable for every servant of the Lord to utter to God:

“I am your servant,
but I have wandered away
    like a lost sheep.
Please come after me,
because I have not forgotten
    your teachings.”

“Lord, I say it again. Please come after me and bring me back to You today. Praise Your Holy Name, now and forever. Amen.”

 

 

COUNT DOWN TO ETERNITY

  

 

“God is the one who began this good work in you, and I am certain that he won’t stop before it is complete on the day that Christ Jesus returns.”

Philippians 1:6 CEV

    There is a big difference in you working for God and God working through you. When you “work for God” you may or may not be trying to accomplish something according to His Will. But when God works through you, every breath you take, every step on your walk, every move of your hand, and every word you utter has the Power and Will of God behind it!

    Even you will be amazed when you recognize the mighty work of God happening right in front of your eyes.

    When will that miraculous fellowship with God stop here on earth? Not until the Day that Jesus returns! Then His work through you will be complete. It will be done. Perhaps Jesus will once again say, as He did on the Cross, “it is finished.”

    If today is the Day of the Return of Jesus, He will still work through me and through you until the moment we hear the Trumpet and see the sky roll up. It will be the most amazing moment in all of history!

    The “Count Down to Eternity” may only have a day, an hour, or even a minute left until Jesus returns. But God still wants to use you, your heart, your hands, and your words to bring another lost sinner to Him!

    “lord Jesus, may I never stop being available to You, now and forever! Amen.”  

 

MESSAGE OF THE HEAVENS!

 

 

The heavens keep telling the wonders of God, and the skies declare what he has done. Each day informs the following day; each night announces to the next. They don't speak a word, and there is never the sound of a voice. Yet their message reaches all the earth, and it travels around the world.

Psalm 14:1-4

A mother and her baby begin to communicate very early without words and without a sound. The most intimate relationships on earth do not require speech! When you look up at a starlit night and see the work of God displayed beautifully across the sky, He is declaring a Message for all to see. What is the Message of the Heavens?

When you watch a master-carpenter build a house out of pieces of wood and nails, the sawing and banging begin to gradually take the shape of a house. And then they blossom into the beautiful flower of a house suitable to be called "Home" by anyone. 

Looking up into the Heavens is a tour of places that the Master of all carpenters built. And He decided to let us look up every night and see His work. 

You don't have to read the Bible to know that God is real and that His creation is Glorious! God's Message of the Heavens is: "I AM alive and I AM here!" The message of the Bible is: "JESUS is the Way and the Only Way to the FATHER."

So, you cannot hide from the Reality of God. You see His Glory in the Stars and in everything He created all around you. Let His Glory lead you to seek Him and know Him today!

"Lord God, You are the Creator of everything there is. You designed and built every star and every galaxy that fills our nightime sky with wonder. And then You sent Jesus to pay our debt and to be the Savior of everyone who turns to Him. Praise Your Holy and Righteous Name, now and forever. Amen."  

 

 

Hot Coals of Heaven!

 

The Scriptures (also) say,

“If your enemies are hungry, give them something to eat.

And if they are thirsty, give them something to drink.

This will be the same as piling burning coals on their heads.”

Don’t let evil defeat you, but defeat evil with good.

Romans 12:20-21

When someone proves himself or herself to be your enemy, your humanity will want to strike a blow and defeat or even destroy the one who plots you harm. But the love of God through the person of Jesus Christ calls you to care for their needs!

And when your response is love instead of hate, the Power of God Almighty flows through your veins and pours out on the head of your enemy. The Hot Coals of Heaven ignite the fire of the Holy Spirit to consume the Evil and plant seeds of Righteousness!

And then love's new life can sprout in the heart of one who was your enemy.

“Lord Jesus, give me the Grace to love even those who hate me. May Your Eternal Power flow into the hearts of all who open themselves to be filled with Your Spirit. Praise Your Holy Name now and forever. Amen.”

LOVE OF YOUR LIFE

 

 

God our Savior showed us how good and kind he is. He saved us because of his mercy, and not because of any good things we have done. God washed us by the power of the Holy Spirit. He gave us new birth and a fresh beginning. God sent Jesus Christ our Savior to give us his Spirit. Jesus treated us much better than we deserve. He made us acceptable to God and gave us the hope of eternal life.

Titus 3:4-7 CEV

Imagine the mother of a convicted killer describing her son as someone with a “good heart.” Because of who she is, she can see her son as having a “good” heart, even though he has done many evil deeds.

Because of who Jesus is and what He has done, God can see you with the Holy Spirit in your heart. The Bible says that you have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God. It even says that your “righteousness” is like filthy rags.

But because of Jesus and His perfect sacrifice, you can spend Eternity with Him. 

What you must do to be saved is simple. Turn away from the world and all its lusts and the false pride that comes from embracing it, and let your heart run after Jesus in every moment of each day! Jesus wants to be the LOVE OF YOUR LIFE! 

The greatest love story ever told on this earth is only a shadow of the story of Jesus and you! Even if you are now old, you can turn your heart to Jesus and stand at the door of the next season of life when Jesus comes and takes you to be with Him forever! And if you are still young, you can enter a relationship with Jesus that will bring blessings now and forever into your life. Either way, you will never regret it!

“Lord Jesus, touch my heart today with Your love, and give me an earthly taste of Eternal Bliss with You! Praise Your Name now and forever. Amen.”

  

   

"A Beautiful Thing!"

 

 

While he (Jesus) was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head.

Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, “Why this waste of perfume? It could have been sold for more than a year’s wages and the money given to the poor.” And they rebuked her harshly.

“Leave her alone,” said Jesus. “Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me. She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial.  

Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.”

Mark 14:3-9 NIV

Did you know that today on Amazon you can buy an Alabaster Jar containing Pure Nard Oil? The woman mentioned in Mark 14 and her expensive perfume are still remembered today, even as Jesus said they would be.

In today's dollars the perfume would probably be worth more than $20,000!

The critics said the woman wasted the expensive perfume by pouring it on the head of Jesus. But Jesus saw it differently. Jesus said she did "A Beautiful Thing."

And so I would ask you this: Have you ever "wasted" something of value to honor and bless Jesus? Have you done something for Jesus that He might consider to be "A Beautiful Thing?"

I know a doctor who began his career as a medical missionary and brought the Gospel of Jesus Christ to a third world country along with his healing arts! There were some who said he was wasting his life as a doctor. He could have made enough money in the U.S. to support a number of missionaries around the world. Was it a waste or rather "A Beautiful Thing" he did for Jesus?

When a mother chooses to give up a career so she can love, teach and train her children in the ways of the Lord, is she wasting her life for Jesus? I think Jesus would call her decision and life "A Beautiful Thing!"

Wasting your life for Jesus is a step beyond obedience! It is the spiritual equivalent of going "above and beyond the call to duty!" Wasting your life for Jesus is almost never practical. 

Look today for something you can do for Jesus that He will say is "A Beautiful Thing!"

"Lord Jesus, give me the heart to desire to waste my life for You! May You look at me and see "A Beautiful Thing!" Praise Your Holy Name now and forever. Amen."