Tag: faith

Christ Did It All for Me

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As I near the end of this Lenten season and my journey through the Psalms, it seems appropriate to conclude with one of my favorite psalms. Psalm 103 had always held a special place in my heart as the messages contained within are so encouraging to my faith.

Psalm 103:1-5 Bless the Lord, O my soul,
    and all that is within me,
    bless his holy name!
2 Bless the Lord, O my soul,
    and forget not all his benefits,
3 who forgives all your iniquity,
    who heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit,
    who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
5 who satisfies you with good
    so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

Because Christ died on the cross and rose from the dead, I can claim the benefits of knowing and trusting in God without any reservations.

God promises the benefits of faith: healing, forgiveness, redemption, love, mercy, goodness and renewal! That is why without reservation, I can praise His name and call Him blessed. He has healed my broken heart, forgiven my sins and restored me on more than one occasion. He has treated me with love and tender mercy and renewed my life when I thought all was lost. I think this is why this psalm resonates so with me. It seems a picture of my spiritual journey and shows the hope and redemption I have found in Christ. I pray the words of this psalm speak to you today and remind you of how blessed with are to know and live in Christ.

Linda

Images of a Protecting, Saving God

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Psalm 91 is often referred to the SOS psalm. God’s love and protection is clearly stated and one can be assured that they can call upon the Lord for help.

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
    will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress,
    my God, in whom I trust.” God promises shelter and protection for those who abide in Him.

3 For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler
    and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with his pinions,
    and under his wings you will find refuge;
    his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.
5 You will not fear the terror of the night,
    nor the arrow that flies by day,
6 nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness,
    nor the destruction that wastes at noonday. The images of protection by God’s wings and our not needing to live fearfully are powerful. They are very reassuring!

7 A thousand may fall at your side,
    ten thousand at your right hand,
    but it will not come near you.
8 You will only look with your eyes
    and see the recompense of the wicked. God will protect you!

9 Because you have made the Lord your dwelling place—
    the Most High, who is my refuge—
10 no evil shall be allowed to befall you,
    no plague come near your tent. Protection comes from abiding in the Lord.

11 For he will command his angels concerning you
    to guard you in all your ways.
12 On their hands they will bear you up,
    lest you strike your foot against a stone.
13 You will tread on the lion and the adder;
    the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot. He has sent angels to guard our way.

14 “Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him;
    I will protect him, because he knows my name.
15 When he calls to me, I will answer him;
    I will be with him in trouble;
    I will rescue him and honor him.
16 With long life I will satisfy him
    and show him my salvation.” My salvation is secure in Him from now throughout eternity!

Because Christ died on the cross and rose from the dead, I can be assured of God’s protection and my eternal salvation is secure. Thank you Jesus. Hebrews 5:8-9 “Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. 9 And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him,“

Linda

Jesus Teaches US to Pray for Others by Example

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Each Sunday during Lent we have been looking at prayers offered by the Apostles for the new believers in Christ. Each time we have seen their heartfelt love for their friends and deep conviction that their faith grow and develop. Today on this 4th Sunday of Lent I want to look at Jesus’ prayer recorded in John 17. I have chosen verses 20-26 but the whole chapter is Jesus’ prayer.

John 17:20-26  “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. 21 I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.

****Jesus prayed for you and me, future believers. He prayed for unity and that world who see and hears our testimonies will also come to believe.

22 “I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. 23 I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me. 24 Father, I want these whom you have given me to be with me where I am. Then they can see all the glory you gave me because you loved me even before the world began!

****Jesus has shared part of His glory with us so that we may be unified with Him. He sent His Holy Spirit to indwell us! He wants the world to see His love. He wants us to be able to ‘see’ Him and know He is real and has always and will always love us.

25 “O righteous Father, the world doesn’t know you, but I do; and these disciples know you sent me. 26 I have revealed you to them, and I will continue to do so. Then your love for me will be in them, and I will be in them.”

*****Jesus promises to continually reveal Himself and the Father to us. His love will continue to be in us and with us.

Because Christ died on the cross and rose from the dead, we too can pray for others to deeply abide in Him and reflect His glory given to us. Who do you know today that needs the love of Christ? Who needs to see Jesus and have a spirit of unity with other believers? Pray for one another today.

Linda

God’s Grace, His Gift of Jesus

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Psalm 67 is a prayer of praise. The Psalmist is praising God for his graciousness towards them as a nation. What graciousness has God shown towards you? Grace is God’s kindness to those who do not deserve it, which is all of us. He showed His grace to everyone when He sent Jesus to provide a way for our salvation. I love Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” He gives us life, families, sunshine, rain, music, talents, etc. He gives kindnesses even to those who do not know him yet. For those of us who know Him, Matthew 7:11 “If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” Think about God’s grace when you read Psalm 67.

May God be gracious to us and bless us
    and make his face to shine upon us, Selah
2 that your way may be known on earth,
    your saving power among all nations.
3 Let the peoples praise you, O God;
    let all the peoples praise you!

4 Let the nations be glad and sing for joy,
    for you judge the peoples with equity
    and guide the nations upon earth. Selah
5 Let the peoples praise you, O God;
    let all the peoples praise you!

6 The earth has yielded its increase;
    God, our God, shall bless us.
7 God shall bless us;
    let all the ends of the earth fear him!

Because Christ died on the cross and rose from the dead, we can know the grace of God in Jesus and be recipients of His grace in our lives. Ephesians 2:8-9 “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.“

Linda

Awesome God, Filled with Character!

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Psalm 62 gives us a glimpse into the character of God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. As you read you will see the psalmist highlight what the character of God is like.

Truly my soul finds rest in God; Refuge
    my salvation comes from him. Savior
2 Truly he is my rock and my salvation; Steadfast
    he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. Unshakeable

3 How long will you assault me?
    Would all of you throw me down—
    this leaning wall, this tottering fence?
4 Surely they intend to topple me
    from my lofty place;
    they take delight in lies.
With their mouths they bless,
    but in their hearts they curse. The psalmist is plagued by those that would seek to defeat him.

5 Yes, my soul, find rest in God; Refuge, place of rest
    my hope comes from him. Giver of hope
6 Truly he is my rock and my salvation; Savior and rock
    he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. Unshakeable fortress
7 My salvation and my honor depend on God; Savior, dependable
    he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Rock and Refuge
8 Trust in him at all times, you people; Trustworthy
    pour out your hearts to him, Accessible, listens
    for God is our refuge. Refuge

9 Surely the lowborn are but a breath,
    the highborn are but a lie.
If weighed on a balance, they are nothing;
    together they are only a breath. The psalmist find life fleeting.
10 Do not trust in extortion
    or put vain hope in stolen goods;
though your riches increase,
    do not set your heart on them. The psalmist finds worldly things unreliable.

11 One thing God has spoken,
    two things I have heard:
“Power belongs to you, God, All Powerful
12     and with you, Lord, is unfailing love”; Unfailing in Love
and, “You reward everyone Rewarder
    according to what they have done.” Looks at what we do, interested in me!

I pray that you find this list encouraging. Because Christ died on the cross and rose from the dead, I can know and trust the character of God and indwelling of His Holy Spirit. Jesus made that possible! Thank you Jesus. I love the words in Romans 15:13 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Linda

All Yes! in Christ

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Psalm 42 paints a beautiful picture of how we long for God. We may move away from Him but He is always there and can be depended upon. Whether I am joyful or weeping, God is the answer and you can put your trust in Him.

As the deer longs for streams of water,
    so I long for you, O God.
2 I thirst for God, the living God.
    When can I go and stand before him?
3 Day and night I have only tears for food,
    while my enemies continually taunt me, saying,
    “Where is this God of yours?” Do you thirst for God? Do you know where to find Him?

5 Why am I discouraged?
    Why is my heart so sad?
I will put my hope in God!
    I will praise him again—
    my Savior and 6 my God! Sadness can be turned to JOY, when you turn to God.

Now I am deeply discouraged,
    but I will remember you—
even from distant Mount Hermon, the source of the Jordan,
    from the land of Mount Mizar.
7 I hear the tumult of the raging seas
    as your waves and surging tides sweep over me.
8 But each day the Lord pours his unfailing love upon me,
    and through each night I sing his songs,
    praying to God who gives me life. Each day, in my discouragement, God is there uplifting me.

11 Why am I discouraged?
    Why is my heart so sad?
I will put my hope in God!
    I will praise him again—
    my Savior and my God! Turing to God is the answer to all discouragement.

I am reminded of the New Testament verses about Christ. Just like David we can cling to God’s promises in Christ. 2 Corinthians 1:20-21“For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God. 21 Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us,“

Because Christ died on the cross and rose from the dead, all God’s promises are Yes in Him! Enjoy this song of these verses as you reread and meditate on what you have in Christ.

Linda

Practical Ways to Pray from Paul

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Each Sunday during Lent I have been blogging on a portion of scripture where we are shown how to pray for each other. Lent is a time of prayer and some of that could or should be spent praying for one another. Philippians 1:9-11 is a simple but profoundly moving prayer by Paul for the Philippian Christians.

 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.

Paul prayed for: *love to abound *more knowledge and insight (into God, scripture, the gospel message….) *power to discern what is best, right, truth…. *live in a godly manner pleasing to God *show fruit in their lives that comes from the indwelling Holy Spirit’s work within us *all this to be for His glory and our good.

Who can you think of today that needs one, two or all of these? What about yourself? As you spend time this week in prayer, focus on Paul’s requests and ask the Holy Spirit to bring to your mind who needs each of these. He will answer as you are faithful in prayer.

Linda

I Can Know This…see Psalm 40

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Because Christ died on the cross and rose from the dead, I can talk to God, accept His rescue and foundation, sing praises to Him and Have No Fear!

Psalm 40 shows us all those things we have in Christ and more.

1 I waited patiently for the Lord;
    he turned to me and heard my cry.
2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
    out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock
    and gave me a firm place to stand.
3 He put a new song in my mouth,
    a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear the Lord
    and put their trust in him.

When has God rescued you or answered your prayer? Did you turn to Him in praise? Each act of God listening and answering, rescuing and standing us upright again are cause for praise. Be the large or small it shows us yet again how God loves us and seeks our good. In spite of myself, I see God working and learn to trust in Him and revere Him!

4 Blessed is the one
    who trusts in the Lord,
who does not look to the proud,
    to those who turn aside to false gods.
5 Many, Lord my God,
    are the wonders you have done,
    the things you planned for us.
None can compare with you;
    were I to speak and tell of your deeds,
    they would be too many to declare.

David learned that the one who walks and depends upon God is blessed. Have you learned that too? We have to put aside things of this world and focus upon His goodness and the wonders He has done in our lives. Nothing in this world will compare to the things of God! Praise God!

I pray this psalm speaks to your heart and encourages you walk with Jesus.

Linda

Living A Pleasing Life, Thank You Jesus

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Psalm 37 verses 23-24 hold precious promises confirmed through Christ and His indwelling Holy Spirit.

The Lord directs the steps of the godly.
    He delights in every detail of their lives.
24 Though they stumble, they will never fall,
    for the Lord holds them by the hand.

God promises to direct our steps, delight in our lives and uphold us as He holds our hand.

Jesus is seated in heaven at the right hand of God, a place of honor and preeminence. Romans 8:34 “Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.” Jesus is looking out for us. We may slip or be overwhelmed but we can rise as our hope is in the Lord and He is always victorious. Job 42:2 “I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted.” Satan may be temporarily victorious but Christ has overcome his power. John 10:28-29 “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.” We belong to God eternally and He wins!

Besides being safe this promise tells us that God delights in a life lived in a godly way striving to glorify Him. Scripture tells us what delights God in many places, here are just a few. Psalm 1:2 “but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.” Studying, revering His Word pleases God. Psalm 147:11 “the Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.” Living in fear, reverence of the Lord and depending upon His unfailing love pleases Him. Micah 6:8 “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.  And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy  and to walk humbly with your God.” When we live acting justly, showing love and mercy towards other leaning upon Him, it pleases God. Jesus also told us in Matthew 22:37-39 “Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Loving God fully, obeying his commands and loving others pleases God.

Because Christ died on the cross and rose from the dead, we can live lives pleasing to God through the power of His indwelling Holy Spirit. Thank you Jesus!

Linda

The Waiting Game = Trust and Patience

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The promises in Psalm 37:7-9 bring great comfort.

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him;
    fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way,
    over the man who carries out evil devices! 8 Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath!
    Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil.
9 For the evildoers shall be cut off,
    but those who wait for the Lord shall inherit the land.

God promises to take care of evildoers and asks me to be still and wait patiently, trusting Him to provide.

Similar to the promise in verses 5-6 our job is to wait and let God do the work. He will act! David penned this psalm out of his own personal experiences. He waited fourteen years to be crowned king of Israel after he was anointed by Samuel the prophet. During those 14 years he was pursued and harassed by King Saul, who was literally out to kill him. David was tempted to seek revenge (see 1 Samuel 24 and 26). However, David resisted and was patient. He experienced God’s provision, care and rescue from Saul’s armies. David became king of Israel in God’s time and not his own. Waiting for God’s time is often hard, but these verses caution us that worry and fear will lead to sin. Trust in God alone to resolve your problems, then you will receive His reward.

Because Christ died on the cross and rose from the dead, we are assured that God has a plan to deal with evil. Philippians 2:9-11 gives us a glimpse of that time to come. “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
    in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
    to the glory of God the Father. There are good reminders about God’s plan in Romans 14:12 “So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.” Hebrews 4:13 “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” 1 Peter 4:4-5 “They (unbelievers) are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you. 5 But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. “

Walk with patient endurance and trust in Jesus! He will provide.

Linda