Hard to Live Out! Page 58

Here is something I learned recently:  It’s easy to write and/or talk about our belief system, what our faith provides for us, what God’s forgiveness means to us, what God’s grace can do for us and who we believe we are in Christ…. But, in this fallen world, it isn’t that easy to live it out. 

I would hope that with the many years of learning about my faith and growing in God’s word that I would have mastered a few things and perhaps I have; however, in recent weeks I’ve discovered that one mistake can make you question many things regarding your parenting, your ability to see truth, your ability to be a light in this dark world, your ability to wait patiently, your ability to walk in faith, your ability to speak up, rise up, to trust, endure, persevere, to forgive-others and/or yourself.

Here is where I am coming from:  With parental love I watched as my child was disregarded, harassed and slighted for over a year!  Her inner-strength was impressive but I could barely take it.  I cried out for God’s help.  I stood silently and waited till I could not wait any longer and suddenly salt water flowed from my mouth till it my words were red, like blood.  Sitting in the after-math I longed for a guard for my mouth but it was too late.  To be honest, what I said needed to be said but my method was wrong.  This mistake didn’t seem rectifiable.  With passion for my child, I thought I was standing on righteousness (and in my heart I truly was)…. but self-righteousness never pays off and the pride of that can easily grind on your heart till it’s raw with anger.  Pain is the one thing you surely get when your fleshly heart is hurt and your anger exposed.

A close friend graciously said to me “One moment does not define you”.  That was what my soul needed to hear but it seems there are times when one single moment can make you doubt everything.  Believe me when I say THAT is a scary moment.  Just as quickly as that salt water flowed from my mouth God moved into action, as He ALWAYS does, and began working in my life through circumstances.  Literally, within one day His words were piercing my heart with purpose and truth.  Here is the 1^st gracious scripture He comforted me with:

“Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many,
 are forgiven-for she loved much.
  But he who is forgiven little, loves little.”
 Luke 7:47

The next lesson God taught me is this:  Secrets Manifest!  I was blown away at His on-point explanation to me.  I was unaware that the bitterness I was holding secret was going to manifest into such a mess.  What a life-lesson! It’s worth repeating; secrets manifest!  Who knew!

Scripture tells us not to let bitterness take root- for good reason (Hebrews 12:15).  But, bitterness is slow growing and finds it’s roots in the repetitiveness we allow to remain in our lives.  I had chosen to stand in the briars of bitterness and loitered there waiting for fair play to turn up, but it never did!  To be honest, I had exposed myself for too long to the root cause of my anger and I have to take responsibility for that.  (“Anyone who knows what he should do and does not do it-sins”. James 4:17)

As a mature believer I needed a wake up call and God took care of business.  He shook the ground where I stood and made me face down my bitterness and it was ugly.  Once that salty bitterness spewed out of my mouth He then said, “Repent and move on!” Repentance is one thing…. repercussions are another! I was forced out into the unknown bringing my child along with me.  This is a perfect example of how disregarding God’s Word can affect those we love the most.  Because I justified my feelings and allowed bitterness to fester the very one I was trying to stand up for was now adrift with me…but graciously God did not leave me to my own demise.  He provided scripture to mend my heart and friends to soothe my soul.  He has opened doors that offer freedom away from the familiar bitter root that I planted, nourished and paid for with my money, time and energy.   Though I felt the pain of its extraction I cherish the fact that my God cared enough to be right there when I looked up again!  As far as my child goes-she is happy and looking forward to what the future holds.  God has truly blessed her with a huge heart and tons of courage and for that I am eternally grateful!

Yes, the circumstances of my words and actions stand before me…but My God does as well!  It’s hard to say, but I’m grateful for this life lesson and the priceless wisdom it immediately ushered into my life.    If we can take those moments that seem devastating and learn from them then we’ve grown a great deal in God’s eyes.  With this hard-earned wisdom tucked into our hearts and minds we will find the courage to rise again and move on.  Indeed, scripture states that we should do so!

Scripture also says “The old is gone -the new is here!”   I can’t imagine a better phrase that graces us with restoration.  Many magnificent events have been birthed from this statement. Indeed, God’s kingdom is filled with believers who have been gifted with the understanding of these poetic and profound words.  I’m one of them!

RvH

In honor of my daughter, Ava, who's heart is as big as the sky

 and your inner beauty simply captivating. 

 I'm blessed that God has shown me the best of myself 

reflected in your soul!  God is truly Merciful!

RELEVANT SCRIPTURES:

“See to it that no one misses the grace of God
 and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.”
Hebrews 12:15

“Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?

James 3: 11

“Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.”
Psalm 141:3

“But I tell you that men will have to give account on the Day of Judgment for every careless word they have spoken.  For by your words you will be acquitted and by your words you will be condemned.”

Matthew 12: 36-37

“The righteous falls seven times and rises again.”
 Proverbs 24:16

“Yet I am writing you a new command: its truth is seen in him and you, because the darkness is passing and the true light is already shining.”

1 John 2:8

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come;
 the old has gone, the new is here.”
II Corinthians 5:17




Song Recommendation:
Not Backing Down
By:  Blanca

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJVfmfqHWOI

Song Recommedation:
How can it Be?
By:  Lauren Daigle

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wt5X91ciE6Y

Thy Will Be Done Page 57

Recently, in deep reflection I searched my mind seeking an understanding regarding a couple of thoughts related to Jesus’ death.  I realized that many of us don’t have to face a death-sentence from our own government; however, some of us do have to face down other issues that threaten our own lives or others around us.   I’ve walked through the valley of the shadow of death as I witnessed folks around me lose family members.  I’ve mourned with several close family friends who lost a child.  Personally, I’ve lost my grandparents, my mother-in-law, several very special aunts and uncles, my sweet cousin and even my precious nephew.

Christianity philosophically opens the door and ushers in a sharp perspective, or poignant, line-of-thought regarding life after death.  Christ flat-out said that he was sent to earth by his Father- who is God himself!  That is flabbergasting.  If you’ve ever pondered why he would say such things have you considered that, perhaps, it’s true!!!  AND, if it is true…. What does life-after-this-life look like?  Where is it that God resides?  Certainly the answers to these two questions are otherworldly.

We do know that death takes us off this planet!  With modern medicine and the Internet we’ve been given a glimpse of the “other side” through the testimony of many people who have experienced death and returned to tell their tale.  What I’d like to share with you is the personal revelation and actual example Jesus set when facing his inevitable death.  If you are unfamiliar with what scripture says regarding how the man, Jesus, faced his upcoming crucifixion here are some details:

Scripture says he sweated blood.  Through medical research we now know that this ailment, known as Hematohidrosis, is brought about by extreme physical or emotional stress.  Luke, a physician stated “and being in anguish he (Jesus) prayed more earnestly and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.” (Luke 22:44)

Scripture tells us that Jesus was fully God and fully man. (John 17: 1-5) This man knew that he was about to be tried and crucified.  The man, Jesus, at the exact time that his anxiety was causing him to sweat blood, prayed and sought godly council and actually asked that this cup (or situation) be removed from him:

“He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed,
“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me;
yet not my will, but yours be done.”

Luke 22: 41-42

The point that I am getting to is the human example Jesus set for all us as he faced down his looming death.  He had extreme anxiety, like we all do when facing life-threatening dilemmas…. but he prayed, as we all should, when in great need.  Then, humbly, he accepted the situation in front of him in the form of a confessed surrender “yet not my will, but yours be done”. 

Now, we’re on to something!  The Bible is full of stories of people who rose above their plight to inspire us with their examples.  Now, let’s add Christ’s name to that list for another reason than the obvious- for he truly gave us an example of how to face down the fear of death.  With such a huge obstacle in front of us the answer seems too tentative really, but Jesus simply and powerfully used PRAYER and SURRENDER!  Yes, he prayed with great urgency and earnestly wanted to “pray away” the issues in front of him.  So high was his human stress-levels that he sweated blood.  He knew the excruciating death that awaited him; but the answer to his prayer was no! 

Many of us receive that same answer and we’re at a loss!  When this happens our spiritual strength is strained, our emotional life is drained and our literal heart feels the intense pain.  The point of this writing is that our example is Christ.  With death approaching he surrendered himself to the will of God. With no other options, he prayed.  Under great duress and with earnestness, he prayed.  With no other recourse he prayed and stayed the course.   He walked from the Garden of Gethsemane through the Valley of the Shadow of death to Golgotha where he was crucified. (see John 19:16-18).  Certainly, like all of us, he didn’t want to but he knew he had to.  He didn’t feel the courage but its absence didn’t change his path; he was forced to walk there anyway. Christians are called to be “Christ-like” and our death is no different.  We can pray that death doesn’t take us but we must eventually face it.  Compassionately, I say-there is no changing it! Like Jesus, may our final prayer be “Thy will be done”.

RvH

Song Recommendation:

Thy Will

By:  Hillary Scott

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAmh3yvmzXs

 Song Recommendation:

Trust in You

By:  Lauren Daigle

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_aVFVveJNs&list=PLWvahZRxLnLMSWeULnub0CCeQzvxGM8hB 

Scripture says: 

“Do not let your hearts be troubled.  Trust in God; trust also in me.  In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it weren’t so, I would have told you.  I am going there to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.  You know the way to the place where I am going.”

John 14: 1-4

“Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”

Jesus answered:

“I am the way, and the truth and the life.
 No one comes to the Father except through me.”

John 14: 5-6

An Intriguing Opportunity Page 56

 Jesus was sentenced to death.  We all know that death is the end-goal of corporal punishment.  Jesus’ death sentence was excruciating and final.  He was tortured and pronounced dead!  Executed!  Don’t take my word for it or even the Holy Bible’s; history books say it happened!  Here is my point in the form of a question:  Why is it that death is such a large part of Jesus’ story?  The answer lies within the unexplainable! Scripture and historical writers tell us that Jesus came back to life three days after his death and appeared to many people.   This story put the leaders and military men involved with the responsibility and details of this important execution into a frenzy- as they tried to sort out and contain the situation.  People are still in a frenzy about Jesus’ life and death, even today! 

All these years later we clearly see that this unbelievable story in history did several things:  it fulfilled ancient Jewish prophesy, it opened up the revelation that death is not final, and it pointed the way to something other-worldly-a power that can conquer death-and asked the world to believe in the unexplainable.  As a side-note, I always enjoy tying our universe and scripture together because to believe in the unfathomable planets, stars and galaxies out beyond our vision and our skies provides a great opening or floodgate really, that begs for a belief in an all-powerful creator-or in the least- in an indescribable creation.  Interestingly, one of Jesus’ teachings was this:  “Blessed are those who believe in what they can’t see.” If you believe in our universe and all the planets you’ve studied as a child- then you, indeed, believe in things you cannot see- so the ability to believe in the intangible is something you ARE capable of doing and there is validity in doing so.  Now, the question in regards to life after death is the next step!

Why did the story of Jesus death include an unbelievable account of him coming back to life again? And, why was it pivotal that Jesus over-throw death?   I think we all get so hung up on a human coming back to life that we forget we have a destiny with death (though hopefully of natural causes not an execution).  Once we decide to look at our death sentence and compare it with Jesus’ - we actually may find “some correlation and some hope” and THAT is exactly the purpose of ancient writings that predicted Jesus’ life and the very reason he came to earth to begin with; to give humanity HOPE.

Jesus said:
“Fear not, for I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33

The world he is referencing is full of decay.  Life is birthed, immediately begins to age and sooner or later death comes when this unpreventable and decisive decay has completed it’s job.  We all have a destiny with death; that one great appointment that we simply can’t elude.  With that truth standing ever-present it seems like a divine plan to have a belief system that gives us a way to outwit death. What an intriguing line of thought and hypothesis of hope - but even beyond that-what an amazing validation of scripture, being that all of this was written about in ancient texts that have with-stood the test of time and intense scrutiny. 

It excites me that there is a belief system that gives us a way to over-come death. Jesus was the human example that it can be done.   Here is a crucial question:  Do you see the gift in that? This ONE hope allows us to open ourselves up to the possibility of “something beyond this life”.  It gives us the opportunity to seek the truth of what could be.  Jesus’ birth, life, teachings and death sets itself up to provide quite a few pieces of information that fits perfectly in to the puzzle-of-life that the Holy Bible references and that is unfinished for each of us-till death takes us off the earthly plane and into the unknown.   What then???

Jesus taught us that there is an eternal plan for each of us and he flat-out said that his teachings were and are the gateway to God.  If we take other puzzle pieces, such as the indisputable Intelligent Design of our universe and piece that together with divine writings that states in Genesis that "God created the heavens and the earth" and that also prophesied that there would be a savior that would conquer death….we have ourselves an intriguing opportunity to ponder the fate of humanity…but more importantly, the fate of our own personal life and inevitable death! 

Bear with me as I write out an amazing summary from Jesus' very own words about his purpose on earth detailed in John 12: 44-50

"When a man believes in me, he does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me.  When he looks at me, he sees the one who sent me.  I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.  As for the person who hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge him.  For I did not come to judge the world, but to save it.  There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; that very word which I spoke will condemn him at the last day.  For I did not speak of my own accord, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and how to say it.  I know that his command leads to eternal life.  So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say." 

May you find the feasible faith to believe it or, perhaps, enough need in your life to ponder it! God, himself, will give you the hope to perceive it!  I will pray that you receive it, in Jesus name!

Amen and Amen.

Jesus taught this:

*“I am the way the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father except through me.”
John 14:6

Jesus’ statements and His follow-up question:

“I am the resurrection and the life.  He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.  Do you believe this?”
John 11: 25-26

Scripture says:
“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”
 Jeremiah 29:13

“Godliness with contentment is great gain;
for we brought nothing into this world
 and we can take nothing out.”
 1^st Timothy 6: 6-7

Song Recommendation:

Worth

By:  Anthony Brown

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iX59fjowutw