Blood, Sweat, and Tears (Love was the Reason)

My Savior, My God, in human form.

I'm drowning.

Consumed by Your love.

Overwhelmed by Your grace

Captivated by the mystery of Your mercy.

Enraptured by the purpose of Your divine plan.

What is the purpose of Your plan?

My Savior, My God, in human form.

You became humanity.

You lived and You died.

You loved and You lost.

Anger and Anguish, Joy and Sorrow.

Blood, Sweat, and Tears.

What was the purpose of Your humanity?

I'm drowning in the tears You cried for me.

You wept in Your grief.

You grieved because I wept.

God, I'm grieved because You wept.

I'm unworthy of Your tears.

Father, why do You care?

Why did You love me when I caused You pain?

I'm drowning in the sweat You poured for me.

Overwhelming stress filled Your soul.

Stress caused by my overwhelming sin.

Heavy burdens and stress I couldn't carry.

Stress so severe it turned Your sweat drops to blood.

Father, why would You carry a load that wasn't Yours to bear?

Why did You carry me when my sins weighed You down?

I'm drowning in the blood You shed for me.

They whipped You, because You came to heal my wounds.

They cursed You, because You came to set me free.

They mocked You, because You came to redeem my life.

They ripped Your flesh, but I broke Your heart.

Father, why would You die for the selfish sinner?

Why would You come to suffer for sins You didn't commit?

My Savior, My God, in human form.

The agony You felt, was caused by the hand humanity dealt.

You gave us free will, in freedom we turned from Your will.

We followed the path You warned us against.

We stumbled and fell by our own foolish choice.

But You picked us up without hesitation.

You desired our love and You paid the greatest price.

The Perfect Son, forsaken by God, but never forsaking us.

Incapable of perfection, I couldn't pay the price.

Unworthy of redemption, but you paid no mind.

You saw past my misconceptions,

Past my shameful indiscretions.

What did You see in me that was worth saving?

The answer: You saw nothing good, just an empty vessel.

Denied by Your children, rejected by the ones You came to save.

You entered humanity, even knowing the price.

You gave us hope and the chance for a new beginning.

You lived a perfect life to show us the perfect example.

You gave us the freedom to choose, the freedom to love.

We choose to love You. We choose follow Your will.

Father, what was the purpose of Your blood, sweat, and tears?

Love was the reason.

Love was the reason you came.

Love was the reason you died.

God, You are Love, and Love is the reason I died and now live again.

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Scripture References

          - John 11:35 "Jesus Wept"

          - Luke 22:44 "And being in agony He prayed more earnestly: and His sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground." 

          - Revelation 1:5 "...Unto Him that loved us and washed us from ours sins in His own blood."

          - Romans 3:10 "As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one."

          - Romans 7:18 "For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) dwelleth no good thing..."

          - 1 John 4:8-10 "...God is love. In this was manifest the love of God toward us, because that God sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins."

Beautiful in Time

          God has been speaking to me a lot through Proverbs and Ecclesiastes lately. One thing that has really stood out to me in my studies of the book of Ecclesiastes is the phrase "all is vanity... like grasping for wind" or as other translations say "everything is meaningless... like chasing the wind." Chasing the wind is a meaningless task, but sometimes there are moments in our life where it feels like that's all we're doing - running in circles, never really accomplishing anything, just grasping for something that's going to slip through our hands. Sometimes when we get caught up in these struggles and stresses of life, when we get down in a spiritual valley - we often wonder if everything really is meaningless. Solomon was the wisest man who ever lived, and even he struggled with this. I've experienced this myself, especially being in college where I'm trying to figure out what I'm going to do with my life. Am I ever going to accomplish anything, or is all of this time and money going to waste? I know God has me here for a reason, and I know He's preparing me for the future He has planned for me. But in the meantime, am I helping to build God's kingdom or am I just chasing after the wind?

          So what does the phrase "all is vanity" even mean? The Strong's Hebrew definition of vanity is "a breath or a gentle breeze." When I read this I was reminded of James 4:14 which says, "You don't know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are like a vapor that appears for a little while and vanishes away." Solomon was wise because he made many foolish mistakes. He chased after the wind by buying big houses, planting vineyards, having and lot of wives and concubines, etc. But once he recognized the brevity of life, he realized that those things are meaningless. All is vanity, all is fleeting - like chasing the wind. Ephesians 5:15-17 says, "See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is."

          Jeremiah 29:11 assures us that God has a hope filled plan and future for our lives, so we need to make the most of the time that He has given us. We need to invest our time in things of value, in things of worth, in things that will last - the things of God. These are the things that will help us to understand and fulfill God's plan for our lives. One of my favorite sayings of all time is "Carpe Diem" - Seize the Day. That's exactly what God is telling us in this scripture in Ephesians. He is saying, "Redeem the time" - seize it, take hold of it. Live life to the fullest, and make the most of every opportunity. Each of us was created by God for a distinct purpose. We are here for a reason, and each day that we are on this earth brings us one step closer to understanding why. We can't waste that time on the meaningless, passing things of this world. We need to seek God, seek His kingdom, seek His plan for our lives, and follow wherever He leads. Isaiah tells us that God's ways are higher than ours, and Ephesians 3:20 tells us that God is able to do exceeding abundantly above all we could ask or think. He has a plan and a purpose for all things. 

Ecclesiastes 3:1-15 

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.

A time to be born, and a time to die.

A time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which has been planted.

A time to kill, and a time to heal.

A time to break down, and a time to build up.

A time to weep, and a time to laugh.

A time to mourn, and a time to dance.

A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together.

A time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing.

A time to get, and a time to lose.

A time to keep, and a time to cast away.

A time to rend, and a time to sew.

A time to keep silence, and a time to speak.

A time to love, and a time to hate.

A time of war, and a time of peace.

What profit hath he that worketh in that wherein he laboreth?

I have seen the travail which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it.

He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the word in their heart, 

so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from beginning to end.

I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life.

And also that every man should eat, drink, and enjoy the good of all his labor, it is the gift of God.

I know that whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: Nothing can be put to it, 

nor anything taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him.

That which hath been is now, and that which is to be hath already been, 

and God requireth that which is past."

          This passage assures us that even in the moments of chaos, even when we feel like we're chasing the wind, like everything is meaningless - God is at work, and He makes everything beautiful in time. He requires that which is past, meaning even the hardest and darkest parts of our lives were necessary in order to bring us where we are today. There is a plan and a purpose for all things, all aspects of our lives, so we need to stop chasing the wind and start redeeming the time that God has given us. We need to make the most of every day, and use every opportunity He blesses us with to bring honor and glory to Him. 

*Things to Remember

1. There is a purpose for all things. (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

          God is at work in every aspect of our lives, and He is working all things together for our good.

2. God makes everything beautiful in His time (Ecclesiastes 3:11)

          God takes our brokenness and forms it into somethings beautiful which will understand in time.

3. He requires that which has passed. (Ecclesiastes 3:15)

          God uses even the lowest points of our life for a divine and necessary purpose.

Created & Formed

     Isaiah 43 is one of my favorite passages of scripture. I refer back to it often for encouragement in times of struggle. It is basically a love note from our Savior - a reminder of His redeeming love, His grace, His faithfulness, and His ever-presence in our lives. It exemplifies how great our God truly is. Please read it if you haven't already, I promise you will not regret it. Here are some of the highlights...

"...Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee." 

(v. 1-2)

"For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Savior..." (v. 3)

"Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honorable, and I have loved thee..." (v. 4)

"Fear not for I am with thee..." (v. 5)

"I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea I have made him." (v. 7)

"Ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, and my servants whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. I, even I, am the Lord; and beside me there is no savior." 

(v. 10-11)

"Yea, before the day was I am he; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand..." (v. 13)

"...I give waters in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people, my chosen." (v. 20)

"This people have I formed for myself; they shall show forth my praise." (v. 21)

"I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins." 

(v. 25)

     These verses are basically God telling us, "I love you, I chose you, and I'm here for you." We're reminded that we are loved and chosen by God. We're reminded that He is always present, and always working in our lives, always interceding on our behalf. But no matter how many times I read the same scripture, God always reveals something new and different to me each time. This week, I couldn't seem to get past the first verse. "But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel..." These are usually the parts of scripture that I just skip right over and don't ever take a second glance. But I noticed something different this time. I usually just assumed that "O Israel" was referring to the children of Israel, God's chosen people. But what if that was not the case? Israel is also a biblical name, a name given to Jacob after he wrestled with the angel and was not overpowered. This verse is telling us that God created Jacob, and formed Israel. So what's the difference? Why is there a need to separate the two?
     I heard a story on the radio once, and it has stuck with me years later. If I remember correctly, the discussion was about unusual child names and the meanings behind them - or something along those lines. Well, one man called in and said that his son was named Israel. The father, who was named Jacob, said that all throughout the pregnancy they had been planning to also name their son Jacob. However, the man said that God reminded him of the fact that he changed the biblical Jacob's name to Israel, and that name change represented a change that happened within Jacob. He decided to name his son Israel, because God had made a change in his life, and he wanted his son to be the better version of himself.
     There was a difference. Jacob was created, Israel was formed. To "create" something means to bring it into existence. Just as God breathed life into Adam's nostrils, bringing him into existence. To "form" something means to arrange it, shape it, and mold it into something different. Like a piece of clay in the potter's hands, broken apart and formed into something useful and something of beauty. The day we are born is the day God brings us into existence. Genesis tells us that He created us in His own image. But the day we are born again, God makes us a new creation. He takes the broken parts of us and He forms, molds, and shapes us into something beautiful. This is a process that begins the day we accept Christ, and continues until the day He calls us home.
     The name Jacob means "supplanter" - one who wrongfully takes the place of another. Jacob was causing trouble and discord in his family before he even came into this world, literally. He stole his brother's birthright, and deceived his own father. Just like Jacob, we are born into sin. We were the ones in the wrong, but Jesus Christ stepped in and took our place. He bore the weight of our sins, making us new creatures. He changed our name to Israel, which means "perseveres with God." With God on our side, nothing is impossible. He takes our brokenness and makes something beautiful out of it. We are forgiven, We are redeemed, and no matter the circumstance - we will persevere! Because of God's sacrifice, we have the glorious hope of a promised land - a land without sin, a land without tears, a land without death.
     Here's something else to think about... Adam was God's son. He was created by God, and breathed into existence by God. His name means "man" or "earth" and that is exactly what His name represents - the fall of man, this sinful world that we are born into. Jesus Christ is also the son of God, His only begotten son. The word begotten means born. Jesus was not simply created and breathed into existence - He was knit together in His mother's womb. He was formed. And His name means "God with us" - He is our salvation from the sins of this world. He is our deliverance, our redeemer. It is through Him that we receive the hope of eternal life. It is through Him that we are able to be made new and receive new names. So with that said, who is your namesake? Are you an heir of Adam, or an heir of Christ? Is your name Jacob, or Israel? Have you been born again, or just born? Have you received a new name? Have you been created and formed, or just created? Today is the day of salvation. You can be made new today. When you accept Christ as your Savior He will give you a new name, and He will begin forming you into the person that He created you to be.

Death is Necessary

     The power of God's Word is amazing. It absolutely amazes me. I love it when He shows me something I've never seen before. I love it when He shows me a new perspective on something I've seen a million times before. I love it when scripture speaks to my heart, and inspires my soul. I love it when I come across something I need to hear, at exactly the time I need to hear it. I love it. There is power in the Word of God. It absolutely leaves me speechless. It leaves me in awe. The Creator of the universe, speaking directly to me, through words penned down by men thousands of years ago - words that were inspired by the Holy Spirit of God,  How awesome is that?!

     

Take this passage that I came across today for example:

"But Christ being come a high priest of good things to come, by a GREATER AND MORE PERFECT tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; neither by the blood of goats and calves, BUT BY HIS OWN BLOOD he entered in ONCE into the holy place, HAVING OBTAINED ETERNAL REDEMPTION for us. For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling the unclean SANCTIFIETH to the PURIFYING of the flesh: HOW MUCH MORE shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit OFFERED HIMSELF WITHOUT SPOT to God, purge your conscience FROM DEAD WORKS to serve THE LIVING GOD?" ~ Hebrews 9:11-14

 There is so much power packed into just a few short verses. It goes on to say,

"And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that BY MEANS OF DEATH, for the REDEMPTION OF THE TRANSGRESSIONS that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the PROMISE OF ETERNAL INHERITANCE. For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth."(15-17)

      Okay. First of all, I want to take a look at the word "testament" - how many times have I used this word and never even really understood what it meant?? I've been in church my whole life, I took a Bible History class in high school, and I took Old Testament and New Testament courses in college. Yet it wasn't until I read this scripture today that I really grasped the meaning of it. I never even considered that the testament of the Bible has the same meaning as a Last Will and Testament. It is basically a covenant, a promise, declaring who inherits all of your belongings when you die. Well, what good is a will if you never die? It's just a sheet of paper, an empty promise. SO IS THE WORD OF GOD. God's Word is a promise to His children, and He could only fulfill this promise by sending His son to this earth to live a perfect life and die for the pardoning of our sins. Could ten thousand angels have come and took Jesus off the cross, and carried Him away to Heaven? Absolutely. But His death was necessary in order for us to be forgiven of our sins. His death was necessary in order for us to inherit eternal life. His death was necessary in order for us receive the free gift of salvation. His death was necessary in order for us to have direct access to His presence. He became the mediator. He purchased our redemption. His death fulfilled the promise, and enforced His will - making us His inheritors. His death ensures our eternal life.
     But, just as a testament without death is meaningless - so is our testimony. If you have never died to your self, then you have never truly accepted the inheritance that Christ promised to you. You must first lay down your life. Spiritually, you must die to the sins of this world. Lay those sins down, pick up the cross of Jesus Christ and follow Him. Forgiveness is waiting for you. Redemption is waiting for you. But more than that, hope is waiting for you. Hope is waiting for you, because God didn't let death become the end of His story. He arose from the grave three days later, giving us the hope of a future, and assuring us that He alone has power over the grave.
     Have you taken the necessary steps in order to assure that your testimony is strengthened and enforced? Christ already made the way. He became the sacrifice, and paid the price that we could not pay ourselves. Have you accepted His offer? The promise of eternal life, that never-ending inheritance, can be yours. All you have to do is pray. Admit that you are a sinner. Confess your sins to Him. Profess that you believe in His death and resurrection. It's that simple. Christ already signed the Last Will and Testament. He signed it with His blood. All that's waiting is your signature. Will you make the choice to die to your sins? Christ will make you a new creation. He will give you a new life greater than anything you could ever imagine.

"Life is a maybe. Death is for sure. Sin is the cause. Christ is the cure."

"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."

~ Galatians 2:20 ~

Transitions

     Well, it's official. I am no longer a teenager. This is the first birthday that I actually felt older as soon as the clock struck 12:00. I can't say that it is a happy birthday though, for many reasons. One of the most prominent being that my friend Trey Lida would have been 23 years old today, and instead of celebrating with him, I am turning the age that he was when God called him home. That has been a hard concept to deal with. It really makes me wonder, what am I doing with my life?? Do I have dreams of what I want to do, and visions of what I want my life to look like? Sure. Do I think God has a plan for my life? Of course! But what am I doing TODAY to better the kingdom of God? What am I doing TODAY to make a difference in the life of someone else tomorrow? If God called me home a little over 4 months from now like he did with Trey, would I be ready? If he called me home a year from now like he did with Ariane Patterson, would I be pleased with the life I had lived? Because right now, I honestly feel like I'm just wasting the time that God has so graciously given to me.

     One thing that has been on my mind a lot these last few weeks has been the idea of transitions. Last year at the Verge we did a series on Transitions. When I looked up my notes from the series in my journal, these are some of the scribbling's I found... 

"We are always in transition, always in the middle, always in between two things"

"Who we used to be, who we are now, who we want to be"

"Physical birth, spiritual birth, physical death, eternal life"

"You must die so Christ can live, and you must live so Christ can be made known"

"Transitioning your view of God from who you want Him to be, to who He really is"

"We don't go through transitions to come out the same, God doesn't have you here so you can leave the exact same as you were when you came in"

     Talk about a God moment! Reading those notes from over 4 months ago, God began to speak to me all over again. We go through little transitions all the time in our daily life. But today is a big transition for me. I am no longer a teenager. I can't blend in with the crowd anymore. I can't follow along blindly anymore. I've been hiding from a calling. For years, God has been calling me to LEAD. He's been preparing me for it, but I keep hiding behind the leadership skills of others. When God called Trey home, I felt the calling stronger than ever. But when some of the other leaders grew up and moved on with their lives, I could no longer hide behind them. So I just hid, all alone. Now there is no one to hide behind, and I'm reminded of Adam & Eve, hiding from the presence of the Lord. Nothing is impossible WITH God, but hiding FROM God... now that's impossible! His Holy Spirit dwells WITHIN us. No matter where we run, He's still there. His presence never leaves. The sound of our own voice can't drown out the still small voice of the Holy Spirit, nor can the sounds of the enemy. I can make a choice to turn the other way, and I can blend in with another crowd. But in God's eyes, I would stick out like a sore thumb. His calling would not change. His voice would not change. His presence would not leave. I refuse to go through this period of transition unchanged. I refuse to live a life without purpose. I refuse to live a life unfulfilled. So I'm coming out of hiding. 

This is the vision God has given to me, four clear & distinct purposes...

1) Start a youth worship service

2) Start a young leaders bible study

3) Be a mentor & counselor

4) Write 

There it is. Written out, plain as day. I can't deny it anymore. So I ask that you please hold me accountable. Don't let me lose sight of this vision. As much as I dislike the thought, I am now an adult. There is no denying it. I can't keep planning for my life, and never living it. This is it. This is all I've got. I can't let it pass me by. I've got to make the most of the time God has given me. I pray that I can make the most of whatever time I have left. I pray that I can live a life that makes my Savior proud, and fulfill the plans He has for me.

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."

~ Matthew 6:33 ~

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

~ Jeremiah 29:11 ~

"Let no man despise thy youth, but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity."

~ 1 Timothy 4:12 ~

Healing is a Process

"Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy loving-kindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest. Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee. Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness. O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall show forth thy praise. For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise."

~ Psalm 51:1-17 ~

     Last week was Human Trafficking Awareness Week at my school. We had multiple events throughout the week to get people informed, make them aware, and show them how they can make a difference. The week culminated with a Needtobreathe concert on Saturday night. Half of all the proceeds from the concert benefited Project Rescue - an organization that helps victims of sexual slavery. The whole week was truly an eye-opening experience. But Project Rescue was by far what made the biggest impact on me. I was just awestruck by how amazing this organization is, and how devoted they are to serving Jesus Christ and helping these woman come out of bondage. Throughout the week God began to break my heart for the women around the world who are in the bondage of sexual slavery. The motto of Project Rescue is "Hope Starts Here" and for them, hope comes in the form of a three step process. First of all, hope comes through the rescue of women who have become victims of sexual slavery. The Project Rescue representatives told us that this rescue often comes in the form of unexpected miraculous events. It can also come in the form of negotiations or raids. The second step towards hope is through the restoration of these young women. They are restored physically through medical exams, mentally through education and vocational training, emotionally through counseling, and spiritually through prayer, bible study, and worship. Finally, hope also comes through prevention. Prevention involves awareness, education, and outreach. I think that Project Rescue's mission is a beautiful and powerful process that is definitely changing lives. The more I thought about it, the more I was reminded of God's "Hope Starts Here" process. You see, we've all been in bondage at one time or another in our lives. Most of us have not been bound by any physical form of slavery, but we've all been bound emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. I was deep in a dark pit of loneliness and doubt when God found me. I was on the verge of depression when He lifted me up. I was bound by the chains of false religion, but He opened my eyes and set me free. Just like with Project Rescue, the hope that God offers comes in three steps. First is the rescue process. Rescue can happen through a raid - God's rushes into your darkness and pulls you out. It can happen through a miracle - God does something completely unexpected and unexplainable to show you that He is God. And finally - God's most common form of rescue is through negotiation, through prayer. He speaks softly to your heart, convinces you of His love, and you in turn surrender your life to Him. The next step of hope comes in the form of redemption - eternal salvation. 1 Corinthians 6:20 and 7:23 tell us that we are bought with a price. God redeemed us; He saved us from sin and the power of Satan when he sent His Son to die. The blood of Jesus Christ purchased our freedom. The third and final step of hope is the process of restoration. This is the one that takes awhile. If we're being honest, the restoration process is never really done. Restoration is the healing process, the spiritual journey, the search for meaning, the period of growth, the daily transformation. Healing is a process. Spiritual cleansing is a process. The renewing of your mind is a process.

Love Casts out Fear: 1 John 4:8 tells us, "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear." What are you afraid of? When you truly understand the love of God, you will have nothing to fear. God is love. He is perfect, and He has the to ability to cast out our fears. We've got to surrender them to Him though. We've got to show Him our love, and then watch as He takes away our fears. This verse goes on to say, "He that feareth is not made perfect in love." Healing is a process. We are perfection in progress. We are made in the image of God. He is our creator, therefore we must trust Him to restore us. We must fear Him with reverence, not with apprehension - that is the only way we will be made perfect in His love. 

Follow Where He Leads: Have you ever noticed in scripture that whenever Jesus heals someone it's usually after they've been following Him. Luke 9:11 says, "And the people, when they knew it, followed him: and he received them, and spake unto them of the kingdom  of God, and healed them that had need of healing." When the woman with the issue of blood came to Jesus, she came from behind (Matthew 9:20). So many times we think we have the answers, we think we can solve our own problems - so we jump in front of God. Spiritual healing can only take place when get behind Him, and follow wherever He leads. 

Reach Out in Faith: What did the woman do after she got behind Jesus and followed Him? She reached out and touched Him. "For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole" (Matthew 9:21). It wasn't the physical touch that released Jesus' power. He was walking through a crowd of people, there is no doubt that others were bumping up against him, but none of them were healed of any sickness. It was the faith that accompanied her touch that brought healing. We may not be able to physically touch Jesus right now, but we can reach out to Him. The Holy Spirit is now what links us to Him, and we can touch the hem of His garment through prayer. When we reach out in faith, believing in the power of His touch, then we too will be made whole. 

Continue in Prayer: Paul tells us in Colossians 4 and Ephesians 6 to continue in prayer, to pray without ceasing. This is something that God has personally been convicting me about lately. You can't pray about something one time and expect God to answer. You have to continue in prayer. Show Him that you're serious about it, show Him your devotion. So many times when God answers our prayer, we stop praying. God knows that, so why would He answer a prayer if answering it means that our communication with Him stops? He desires our friendship and communication. We need to stay in constant communication with Him throughout the day. We need to take our requests to Him on a daily basis, not just in our moment of need. And we can't just use Him as a crutch or someone to complain to or get things from either - we need to take time and thank Him as well. He is worthy of our thanksgiving. 

Study to Show Yourself Approved: Spiritual healing doesn't just come from asking for it in prayer either, you need to study His Word to show yourself approved. 2 Timothy 2:15 says, "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." God's Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psalm 119:105). Everything we need to know about hope, healing, spiritual cleansing, and the renewing of minds is in God's Word. It is His instruction manual to us, our daily inspiration and encouragement. Hide His Word in your heart that you may not sin against Him (Psalm 119:11). Let God's Word speak to you and offer your heart the healing that it so needs and desires. 

Give With a Humble Heart: When I think of humility and having a servants heart, I think of the three Mary's in the Bible. Mary, the mother of Jesus, was obedient to God's calling on her life. She accepted His plan without hesitation, saying, "Be it unto me according to thy word." Mary, sister of Martha and Lazarus, took the time to sit at the feet of Jesus and listen to His Word (Luke 10). She poured out her expensive oil on his feet, and washed his feet with her hair. Martha served the supper, but Lazarus and Mary sat and ate with Jesus. Which is more important? Which offers more healing? In John 12, Judas seemed to be concerned about the poor when Mary started pouring out her expensive oil, but was his motivation genuine? Our service needs to be an act of worship. Our service needs to be done with a humble heart. We are talking about spiritual cleansing, healing, and renewal. Martha was so busy serving Jesus that she lost sight of Jesus Himself. Her service wasn't done as an act of worship, but as an act of duty, and she probably walked away from that dinner feeling more physically drained than spiritual renewed. Judas wasn't focused on Jesus or the poor, but only on himself and money. He neither worshiped nor served Jesus, but only concealed his pride in the form of concern for the poor. Pride is one of the biggest roadblocks of spiritual healing, and so often it is hidden under the disguise of service, worship, or concern for others. Mary poured out what was most valuable to her as an act of worship, she humbled herself to the lowest form to show her love for Christ. In the same way, Mary Magdalene (often believed to be the sinner who washed Jesus' feet in Luke 7) washed His feet with her tears. She didn't have much to give, but she gave all she had, and she held nothing back. She showed no shame, paid no attention to those who judged her, and focused only only Jesus. She showed Him how much she appreciated His forgiveness, and she she showed him her love - and she did it through humble, sincere, and passionate service. She was made whole. Transformed. Cleansed. Renewed. Healed. 

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."

~ Romans 12:1-2 ~

Asking Tough Questions, Getting Tough Answers

My Beloved Daughter and Friend,

Our relationship is not where it needs to be because you are in need of spiritual healing. Your heart is defiled and in need of cleansing, and your mind is in need of renewal. You accepted me six years ago, and since then you've been learning about me... but you have yet to really try and get to know me, you have yet to fully trust and follow me without hesitation, and you have yet to truly show me that you love me with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength. I know you better than you know yourself, and I've shown that to you. I know your deepest desires, and I've tried to fulfill them, but you won't give me control. I've guided your steps and I've spoken to your heart, but I hardly ever hear back from you. Your silence breaks my heart sometimes. I've loved you, more than you will ever understand, and I've demonstrated my love to you in every way possible. I've provided your needs and answered your prayers - even the prayers that you never actually prayed. I even laid down my life for you, just to show you that I love you and desire your friendship. What are you still searching for? Haven't you learned yet that with me you are never alone? I am love, and only my love will satisfy you. I'm waiting patiently for you, and I have great things in store. I've chosen you for a purpose, and I'm not giving up on you.

Always and Forever,

Your Heavenly Father and Best Friend

***

"A false balance is abomination to the Lord: but a just weight is his delight. When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the humble is wisdom. The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the deceit of the unfaithful shall destroy them." 

~ Proverbs 11:1-3 ~

Finishing Well

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith."

~ 2 Timothy 4:7 ~

          Last week I read a quote from Beth Moore that really  got me thinking. The question she posed was, "Will you finish your race in the wilderness or in the Promised Land?" She was, of course, referring to Moses, who was unable to enter the Promised Land because he disobeyed God. Moses fought a good fight. He ran the race well. From being protected on the Nile as a baby, to the burning bush, to leading the people out of Egypt, to the parting of the Red Sea, to receiving the commandments of God on Mt. Sinai - Moses was used by God to do extraordinary things. But in Numbers 20 God told him to speak, and instead he smote. One act of disobedience. He didn't believe God, didn't take Him for His promises, and as a result his life ended while he was still in the wilderness. Moses's disobedience did not keep God from providing water to His thirsty children, but it did keep Moses from being able to lead them into the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 34:4). When I was thinking about all of this, I couldn't help but compare Moses to Paul in the New Testament. Paul not only ran the race well, but he also finished well. How many of us will be able to look back on our lives and say, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." The odds are that most of have lost the faith at times. We don't always take God for his promises, we don't always trust what he tells us to do, and sometimes we disobey him because we think that our ways are better. God may continue providing your needs, just as he did for Moses and the children of Israel, but the question is - how will your disobedience affect you in the end? I don't know about you, but just seeing God's plan from a distance is not good enough for me. I want to be able to enter into the Promised Land. I want to be able to live the life God has planned for me, and I don't want my selfish disobedience to get in  the way of that. I want to fight a good fight and not only run the race well, but finish it well too. I want to take God for His promises and trust Him in all things. God used Moses, even in His disobedience, to show us what not to do. He used Paul to show us what to do. What kind of example do you want to be? Moses and Paul were both great men of God who made a lasting impact on the Kingdom of God. They both ran the race well, but only one finished well.
          Now, in looking at this from a different perspective, I looked at the lives of Cassie Bernall and Rachel Joy Scott. Maybe these names sound familiar to you, maybe you've never heard of them. Both of these young women's lives were cut too short, and although I never met them, they both have made a lasting impact on my life and I look forward to talking with them when we meet in Heaven. They are both considered modern  day martyrs because they were killed for their faith in Jesus Christ at Columbine High School just over 13 years ago. Unlike Paul and Moses, both of these girls finished the race well. However, they both took very different paths to get there. I can't explain their stories to you in all of it's depth, so I highly recommend that your read their stories for yourself (She Said Yes by Misty Bernall, Rachel's Tears by Beth Nimmo and Darrell Scott). Cassie did not always run the race well, she went through that rebellious teenage stage, and during that time her life was filled with bitterness, darkness, and anger. But God transformed her, and in the end of her life her faith in God was so strong that, even when confronted by her killers, she did not deny it. Like Paul, Rachel on the other hand, both ran and finished the race well. Of course she had her moments of struggle as well, we all do. But she sought God in all things, she trusted His word, and in the end He led her to the Promised Land - just as He promised.
          Maybe you haven't ran your race well up until this point. That's okay. Paul was a Christian killer before God saved him (Acts 9), and Cassie was involved in all kinds of evil before she surrendered her life to Christ. Just because you didn't start the race well, doesn't mean you can't finish well. Today is a new day, a new beginning. As long as there is air in your lungs, there is still time to make a change. Tomorrow is not promised though, so if you want to finish the race well then you need to start today!

Life and Death

"I lived my life,

I died my death.

But I never lived

And I never died,

The life and death

That mattered most.

For I never

Lived in His death,

Or died to my life."

     This is a poem that was truly InspiredByGod, because I could not have come up with it on my own if I had tried. I was working on my homework, which involved writing a haiku, and I was thinking about springtime. I was thinking about winter dying out, and new life blossoming. Suddenly the phrase, "Death has died, New life is born" came to me. As I pondered that phrase, this poem came to me word for word. The Bible talks multiple times about dying to our sins and being made alive in Christ. But for someone who doesn't know Christ, they have never experienced that and don't know what it is like to die to yourself and live for Christ. They don't know what it is like when death has died and new life is born.  So this poem is, in a way, the final confession of someone who has lived and died without Christ. How will you reflect on life when all is said and done? Please, don't let this poem be your final confession. Christ died to give you new life, and when He arose from the grave, death died and eternal life became His free gift to you. Will you accept His gift of love today? Tomorrow is never promised. Today is the day of salvation.

Transparency

I want to be transparent.

I want to be real.

I'm tired of the fake smiles, masks, and charades.

Church isn't a game to be played,

And being a Christian isn't a role to be performed.

This life wasn't meant to be a stage for us to shine,

We're just running the lights and pointing them to You.

Lord, I don't want to be seen,

But invisibility is not what I'm searching for.

I have a purpose that can't be achieved if I never let them see.

I want to meet You somewhere in the middle.

Let me be transparent,

Let me be real.

Peel back the layers, and uncover my disguise.

Give me strength to let the scars show.

Help me to not be a ashamed of these broken pieces.

You brought me together and made beauty from the ashes,

You created something new and I want them to see.

I want them to want what You've given freely to me.

Let my life be an advertisement promoting Your name.

Father, when the world looks at me,

I pray they see a mirror reflection of You.

Some Thoughts

What is inspiration without motivation?

What is a vision if it never becomes a reality?

What is a purpose if it is not fulfilled?

What is a life if it is not lived?

***

You were inspired, so do something with it.

You were shown a vision, so bring it to fruition.

You were created for a purpose, so live it out.

You were given a new life, so make it worth the price that was paid.