Because I believe Christ died on the cross and rose from the dead, I am reconciled to God.  To be reconciled means to be brought into a right relationship with someone that you had been in opposition to or opposed to for some reason.  The reason we were in opposition to God is because of our sin.  God is pure and holy and cannot have a relationship with anything that is unholy or sinful.  In Romans 5:10-11 Paul puts it this way, “ For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.  More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.”   Through Jesus’ death on the cross he made it possible for us to be reconciled to God through faith in Him.  He returned us to a place of favor in God’s sight.  What a wonderful Savior we have in Jesus!

Does your life reflect the reconciliation made possible by Jesus? Do you cherish the relationship you have with God?  Do you seek to know Him through His Word and talk with Him each day in prayer?  It is an amazing fact that the God of the universe desires to have a relationship with you.  Thank you Jesus for making this possible.

Eternally grateful for Jesus’ work of reconciliation,

Linda

Because I believe Christ died on the cross and rose from the dead, I am indwelt by the Holy Spirit.  That is a very powerful fact that permeates the life of every believer.  Paul was speaking to the Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 3:16,  who were arguing with one another.  He says, “ Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you?”   Because we have God’s Holy Spirit inside of us, guiding and directing our hearts, we are to be loving and united in faith and purpose.   Romans 5:1-5 explains this in more detail.  “ Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.  Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.  We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.  And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.  Paul makes it clear that we are made right with God through Jesus and that He loved us so much He gave us His Spirit to indwell us.   His Holy Spirit works from within- guiding, encouraging and giving us the power to live for Him each day.

Prayer:  Thank you Jesus for your work on the cross and your victory over death that makes it possible through faith for me to have your Spirit dwelling in my heart.   Without Your Holy Spirit I would  be powerless to live for You.  Thank you Jesus. Amen.

Eternally grateful that I am filled with His Spirit,

Linda

To begin our Lenten focus on who I am because of Christ, I choose a perspective that is essential for all believers to know and internalize in their daily walk with Jesus.

Because I believe Christ died on the cross and rose from the dead,  I am a child of God.  The Bible is filled with references to God’s children, those who believe in Him.  Let’s look at  John 1:12-13  to see why. “ But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.  They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.”   John specifically tells us that belief in Jesus gives us the right or privilege to become a child of God.  It is a birth that comes from God.  Why is this important?  Just like in any household, being a child there gives one privileges or benefits that come from being your father’s child.  You might have a room of your own, a pool to use, food to eat, a car to drive and receive the love of your parents and siblings.  God’s family is like that too.  We have His Spirit to indwell us, coming mansions in heaven, use of all God’s kingdom to speak of His love, provision of clothes, food and things we need in life, brothers and sisters in faith to share with and most importantly His love forever. What a great family!  

As you begin your Lenten journey, think about being a child of God.  Thank Jesus for providing the way for you to come into His family and enjoy the wonderful privileges that you have because of His sacrifice. Thank you Jesus.

Eternally grateful that I am His child.

Linda

For Lent to begin on Valentine’s Day is ironic.  The day for expressing romantic love is the beginning of a season of reflection and prayer for God’s greatest expression of Love towards us in sacrificing His only son to save us from sin’s penalty.  John 3:16-17 puts it succinctly,  “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.  For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”  God’s love for us is so much more than any romantic love we can even imagine.  His love is complete, full, holy, pure, for our good and eternal.  What a great love we have in Christ.

As we center our thinking on Christ these next 40 days.  I found this quote by Pope Francis and thought it was so insightful as to how Lent should affect our thoughts and behaviors.  He presents a thoughtful approach to fasting and I personally feel it is much more difficult than giving up chocolate or alcohol.  Will you choose an area or two of focus for yourself for these next 40 days?

In my Lenten blogs, I will be focusing on what I am now because Christ imputed His righteousness to me.  I pray you will find this Lenten focus helpful and that it will lead you into a deeper love for  your Savior. and greater connection with His sacrifice for you.

If you feel uplifted by reading my daily blog thoughts- sent it on to others.  Encouraging one another in faith glorifies God and His work in us.

Yours for 40 days,

Linda

Lent begins on Wednesday.  If we were in New Orleans we would be celebrating during the Mardi Gras season awaiting tomorrow better known as ‘Fat Tuesday’.  This is the biggest and last day of the festival.  Why celebrate?  Beginning in Medieval times people would celebrate by eating rich foods and drinking before the season of Lent that brought penance and fasting.   Today I hear people say, “This is my last_____ for 6 weeks”.  This could be chocolate, french fries, alcohol or anything else one feels would be a sacrifice to eliminate from their diet for the 6 weeks leading up to Easter.  All of the ‘sacrifice’ points to the ultimate sacrifice that Christ made by dying on the cross for our sins.

What about you?  Be sure to catch Wednesday’s blog as I’ve included a list from Pope Francis on things you might consider giving up.  I was intrigued and I think you will be too.

As for myself, I tried ‘giving’ something up for several years and did not find it focused me enough on Christ or helped me identify with His suffering.  So I tried adding something on.  I found that a greater more focusing action.  For example, one could commit to a certain amount of time in prayer, bible study, attending daily church services, working with support groups feeding the homeless, etc.  The sacrifice of time and intent connected me more to Christ and His suffering.  Each person has to find their own connection to Christ during this time of ‘fasting’.

Suggestion– follow my blog each day and meditate on the scripture and idea presented about Christ.  I will be focusing on who I am now because of what Christ did for me on the cross.  I pray it will give added meaning to your Lenten Season.

Looking forward to my 6 weeks with anticipation as I know my faithful Savior waits will teach me each day more about himself,

Linda

One of my favorite post-resurrection appearances is the encounter of the two on the Road to Emmaus.  Overcome with grief over Jesus’ death and disbelief over what the women said about seeing Him alive,  these two followers of Christ were walking along the Emmaus Road discussing all these things.  Jesus joined them on their journey without disclosing his identity.  As they walked they marveled at his ignorance over all the events that had just occurred in Jerusalem and their hope that Jesus was the one the prophets had proclaimed.

Happy Easter to you this Resurrection Sunday morning!  Scripture tells us that the women went to the tomb to anoint Jesus’ body and encountered 2 angels.  The angels said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead?  He is not here; he has risen!  Remember how he told you, while was still with you in Galilee.  The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.” Then they remembered his words.” Luke 24:5b-8    The women then went to tell the disciples and encountered Jesus himself in the garden.  Jesus said to her, “Mary” She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” John 20:16  Then they ran to tell the disciples filled with great joy!

I pray that you will encounter the Risen Lord Jesus this Resurrection Sunday and experience great JOY in worshiping Him!   Here is a description of our future because of what Jesus did for us at the cross and through His resurrection. Praise you Jesus!

¹⁰ I am overwhelmed with joy in the Lord my God!
    For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation
    and draped me in a robe of righteousness.
I am like a bridegroom dressed for his wedding
    or a bride with her jewels.
¹¹ The Sovereign Lord will show his justice to the nations of the world.
    Everyone will praise him!
His righteousness will be like a garden in early spring,
    with plants springing up everywhere.  Isaiah 61:10-11

Have a Blessed Easter!

Linda

Jesus was buried in a borrowed tomb of his friend Joseph of Arimathea.  Scripture gives us some hints as to what Jesus was doing between the time of his burial and resurrection.  There is a lot of debate by scholars on the subject, but it is agreed that Jesus  was in Hades preaching and teaching.  Ephesians 4:8-10 speaks of Jesus descending and leading captives as he ascended into heaven.  1 Peter 3:18-20 speaks of Jesus preaching to spirits in prison.

Why is scripture basically silent on this period of time?  Probably because it is of little importance to us as believers.  The gospel essence is the death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior.  His power over death is so miraculous and life giving that our focus needs to be on our redemption and His victory.  We also know that Jesus was always about His Father’s business.  “Jesus said to them, “My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I , too, am working.”  John 5:17 God always has a purpose and a plan, and Jesus was always doing the Father’s work.  So on this silent day we can ask ourselves, Am I doing what God wants me to do?  Am I using the time God has given me to pray, study, witness and do good things for others?  Quietly think about God today as you prepare for Resurrection Sunday.   Know for sure the truth of Isaiah’s ancient words:    How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!”   Isaiah 52:7

Prayer:  Father God, as I await the celebration on Easter Sunday of Jesus’ triumph over death and sin, cause me to ponder His sacrifice anew and have a better grasp on the freedom Jesus provided.  I desire to do your will in my life. Guide me today to those who need a kind word or an encouragement of faith.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Blessings as we await His resurrection,

Linda

 

After His arrest Thursday night, Jesus endured 4 trials.  He went before the religious leaders, the Sanhedrin, then Pilate who sent him to Herod, the Jewish head of state, then back to Pilate.  The Jews wanted Jesus killed but they did not have the authority to execute Him.  They demanded that Pilate, the Roman authority in Palestine, crucify Him.  Pilate had Jesus flogged and beaten even though Pilate knew Jesus to be innocent.  He had hoped this cruel treatment would pacify the Jews.  However, the crowds pressed him and requested the release of the criminal Barabbas instead of Jesus since it was the custom to release one convicted person as a token of goodwill at the Jewish Passover.  The crowds demanded that Jesus be crucified and Pilate agreed to appease the angry and vocal Jewish crowds.   Jesus was then made to carry His own cross to the place of execution, Golgotha.  Along the way Jesus stumbled and Simon of Cyrene was conscripted to carry the cross.  Jesus was then nailed to a cross and hung to die.  His clothes were stripped from Him and as He hung naked on the cross, soldiers gambled for his clothing at the foot of the cross.

I can not imagine the pain, anguish, humiliation and shame Jesus endured on my behalf. As He took all the sins of the world, yours and mine, upon His pure and innocent body, the sin took him to a place he had never been before.  The sin separated him from God, His holy Father.  He did this so that His sacrifice could atone for our sins.  1 Peter 2:24 explains what Jesus accomplished for me.

²⁴ He personally carried our sins
    in his body on the cross
so that we can be dead to sin
    and live for what is right.
By his wounds
    you are healed.  (NLT)

I never realized how sweet Jesus’ final words from the cross were until recently.  “‘It is finished.’ With that, he lowered his head and gave up his spirit.”  John 19:30   He declared with His final breath that the work of redemption was complete,  and He had accomplished what the Father had sent Him to do- pay the penalty for the sins of all who would believe for all eternity with His blood.  Having accomplished His work, He gave up His spirit.  His life was not taken from Him but He gave it up voluntarily at the time of His choosing.  Only God can choose the time of His death.  When we speak of someone dying, we say the person has life take from them.  We don’t get to chose the hour or minute of our last breath but Jesus chose when and where He was to die for you and me.  I am staggered by His love and commitment to me that He would endure such punishment and isolation from God on my behalf.  As you ponder the cross today, think of all Jesus gave up and all He did on your behalf.

Prayer:  Father, the enormity of Jesus’ sacrifice and your love in sending Him to die for my sin is incomprehensible.  ‘Your ways and not my ways’ Isaiah reminds us.  I am so thankful for your plan of redemption  and stand humbly before you because of Jesus, my Savior.  Praising you in Jesus name, Amen.                (Isaiah 55:8)

Thankful for Jesus,

Linda

 

As Jesus’ time on earth draws to a close, His Thursday was filled with love, encouragement, heartbreak and pain.  As Jesus celebrated the Passover supper with His disciples in the Upper Room,  Judas was dismissed as he had already decided in his heart to betray Jesus.  Then Jesus spent precious hours teaching, reassuring and praying for His disciples.  Later they went to the garden of Gethsemane where Jesus prayed and gained strength from the Father.  The soldiers came into the garden to arrest Jesus and he was betrayed by Judas. They led him away to be tried in numerous trials both civil and religious.  He was beaten, flogged, insulted and denied by Peter.

During all this time, Jesus was focused on doing the will of the Father and completing His mission on earth- redemption of mankind.  I am touched when I consider His prayer in the Upper Room as recorded in John 17: 20-23.

^20-23 I’m praying not only for them
But also for those who will believe in me
Because of them and their witness about me.
The goal is for all of them to become one heart and mind—
Just as you, Father, are in me and I in you,
So they might be one heart and mind with us.
Then the world might believe that you, in fact, sent me.
The same glory you gave me, I gave them,
So they’ll be as unified and together as we are—
I in them and you in me.
Then they’ll be mature in this oneness,
And give the godless world evidence
That you’ve sent me and loved them
In the same way you’ve loved me.  (MSG)

I was amazed that Jesus took time to pray for His mission, His disciples and All future believers that night in the Upper Room.  He wanted for all future believers to be unified in faith so we can tell others that Jesus is real and was sent by the Father.  He says that the unity of our faith and oneness with Christ will give evidence to the unbelieving world that God loves us and truly sent His Son to redeem us.  The unity was so important to our Lord and Savior that He interceded for us.  Jesus wants us to be one in Spirit, united, telling others about Him.

What difference does that make that Jesus spend time on the last night before his crucifixion praying for you,?  When you are with other believers do you strive for the unity Christ desired or are you seeking to divide and cause unrest in matters of faith with your brothers and sisters in Christ?  Are you about the sharing of your faith with others by showing kindness, love and belief in Jesus?  Today, think of Jesus and what He desires for all believers.  Strive to walk in unity.  He promises it will show the world that we believe in Him and God’s love.

Prayer:  Father, I am humbled and amazed that Jesus prayed for me on his last night on earth.  He loved me so much and wanted me to be one in faith and unified in spirit with all believers.  Help me to live today with an abiding faith in You so that the people I meet will know that I love You and that You love me. Empower me to show your love to others so that you may be glorified in all I say and do. Amen.

Marveling at Jesus and His great love for me,

Linda