Jesus was a prisoner. It is strange to put the name of Jesus with the title of prisoner, but it is true. He was a prisoner wrongfully imprisoned, sentenced and executed.
A prison sentence imposed on criminals has far reaching influence. The criminal has created victims and has victimized his/her loved ones for as long as the memory of his/her actions are remembered. For this reason, a prisoner who repents and turns around to walk in a new direction is not always received with trust and open arms. Unfortunately loved ones who stand by and encourage the new life path are also shunned, at the least ignored. Few really listen and sympathize over the trials of a prisoner turned good. Few want to see the convict succeed. It seems that most would rather hide away from any knowledge of their struggles. They brought it on themselves didn't they?
Jesus was different. Before He became a prisoner, He asked that His followers would treat them with kindness and understanding. (Matthew 25:43) The truth is that if Jesus could become a prisoner without reason, surely each of us could become one with good reason!
Maybe our prejudice for prisoners stems not only from fear of getting too close, but also a false pride believing we are not one of them. Or are we? Am I?
Righteous Judge, You are holy! You are perfect! You are good. I have no place with You except for the place Your Son, Jesus, made for me! I am a sinner. I deserve a death sentence for the sins I have committed against You and against people. Thank You for becoming a prisoner for me, Thank You for dying in my place. Thank You for letting me live free! Lord, help me put aside my fear and pride so that I might follow You in embracing the prisoner and their families. Help me to be humble before You and become a prisoner of Christ!
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Four Days
It has been four days since my last post. Yes, busier than usual days. house cleaning, concert, family dinner, final Significant Woman study, and every day activities filled my schedule. The blog was not a priority.
We have four days to prepare for Resurrection Sunday! I am preparing my heart to understand the love of God deeper than before. I am preparing my heart to share the love of God , His forgiveness and His soon coming to those who need to know Him.
I want to celebrate the events of the four last days of Jesus' life here on earth with greater understanding and deeper worship. From Celebrating the Passover with His disciples, to His trial, death and glorious resurrection Jesus, poured out His love, His blood, His life for all people!
Four days. What does God want me to do, what will He reveal to me in these next four days?
Father, You are so patient and perfect. You precisely planned every minute of those four last days of Jesus' earthly life so that they would be full of meaning and purpose for all people. I fail to see the importance of those precious minutes most of the time. I allow the world and the cares of my heart to crowd out the most important and most wonderful events that were meant for me. Thank You. Thank You for humbling Yourself in those four days, so that I might be lifted out of my sin and be united with You for eternity. Open my eyes, open my ears, open my heart so that I might see YOU in these next four days before I celebrate Resurrection Sunday! I want a new revelation of You, my Lord!
We have four days to prepare for Resurrection Sunday! I am preparing my heart to understand the love of God deeper than before. I am preparing my heart to share the love of God , His forgiveness and His soon coming to those who need to know Him.
I want to celebrate the events of the four last days of Jesus' life here on earth with greater understanding and deeper worship. From Celebrating the Passover with His disciples, to His trial, death and glorious resurrection Jesus, poured out His love, His blood, His life for all people!
Four days. What does God want me to do, what will He reveal to me in these next four days?
Father, You are so patient and perfect. You precisely planned every minute of those four last days of Jesus' earthly life so that they would be full of meaning and purpose for all people. I fail to see the importance of those precious minutes most of the time. I allow the world and the cares of my heart to crowd out the most important and most wonderful events that were meant for me. Thank You. Thank You for humbling Yourself in those four days, so that I might be lifted out of my sin and be united with You for eternity. Open my eyes, open my ears, open my heart so that I might see YOU in these next four days before I celebrate Resurrection Sunday! I want a new revelation of You, my Lord!
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Asking Forgiveness
A week or so ago, I wrote an email to a friend. I had mixed motives in writing the email, and was not completely honest with her. Since then I have been convicted by the Holy Spirit to ask for forgiveness.
I've been slow in asking for forgiveness because my heart had not changed and I needed to deal with my bad attitude before sending off another email with mixed motives. This morning was my day to humble myself, seek forgiveness, be honest even if it meant being vulnerable, and clear my conscience before God!
What a relief! I have not heard back from my friend and she may not accept my apology. She may either say there was nothing to apologize for, but I know that if the Holy Spirit leads me in that direction, He knows their true heart. She may allow herself to express anger towards me that was held back because of the veiled messages I sent. In either case I am free from the sin because I have God's forgiveness and have obeyed Him in doing the right thing to clear the mess I made with my words.
Father, You are so gracious and kind to wipe away my sin! You are my peace, You are my Lord! You are holy and I am to be holy! You are wise in all You do! I need You to guide me, teach me, reprimand me and forgive me! Thank You for being all I need and for helping me through the really tough times like asking forgiveness. I want to be transparent. i want others to see my flaws and most importantly to see You working in me! Keep me under Your wing and never let me stray far from Your side!
I've been slow in asking for forgiveness because my heart had not changed and I needed to deal with my bad attitude before sending off another email with mixed motives. This morning was my day to humble myself, seek forgiveness, be honest even if it meant being vulnerable, and clear my conscience before God!
What a relief! I have not heard back from my friend and she may not accept my apology. She may either say there was nothing to apologize for, but I know that if the Holy Spirit leads me in that direction, He knows their true heart. She may allow herself to express anger towards me that was held back because of the veiled messages I sent. In either case I am free from the sin because I have God's forgiveness and have obeyed Him in doing the right thing to clear the mess I made with my words.
Father, You are so gracious and kind to wipe away my sin! You are my peace, You are my Lord! You are holy and I am to be holy! You are wise in all You do! I need You to guide me, teach me, reprimand me and forgive me! Thank You for being all I need and for helping me through the really tough times like asking forgiveness. I want to be transparent. i want others to see my flaws and most importantly to see You working in me! Keep me under Your wing and never let me stray far from Your side!
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Learning a New Game
My Grandman, Scott, is experimenting with potty training. He sits on his potty and wears pull-ups. He has not yet even begun to really "Play the game" so I am giving him the rules over and over again.
The other day I bought my Grandman a set of plastic golf clubs. He has no idea how to "Play the game," so I just keep repeating the rules and showing him how to hit the ball. He still likes to throw more than putt!
I am preparing to learn a new game as well! I expect that by the end of this year Patrick and I will be empty-nesters. We hope to finally have a place without the kids, grandkids and other relatives sharing our space. Don't get me wrong. It has been difficult, but certainly not all bad. We have had the rich blessing of pouring into our granddaughter's lives on a daily basis. We have been used of God to help my daughter stay focused toward this end. God has taught and prepared all of us to do so much more than we thought we could! We know that others have seen God through our lives! We pray it has changed them and drawn them to Him!
The changes that are soon to come will influence many. I believe God is calling me to prepare myself for this new "game" . He wants me to labor toward the end of this part of the plan and be ready to bring forth a new life! It can be hard to learn a new game. It may take some time to get it down pat. Like my Grandman learning golf or potty training, I need to listen to the new rules, and practice every day what He calls me to do.
Father, You are the one who has set a plan for my life. You are the designer of who I am and You know the best way for me to work through learning this new game. I confess it is a bit scary to change. I get comfortable where I am and who I am with. I don't want to let go of things that are so very close to my heart. I want to hold on. I can only thank You for taking the time to teach me to wait on You, Teach me to wait so that I might run and not be weary, walk and not faint! Teach me to not be weary in well doing. Lift me up on wings of eagles!
The other day I bought my Grandman a set of plastic golf clubs. He has no idea how to "Play the game," so I just keep repeating the rules and showing him how to hit the ball. He still likes to throw more than putt!
I am preparing to learn a new game as well! I expect that by the end of this year Patrick and I will be empty-nesters. We hope to finally have a place without the kids, grandkids and other relatives sharing our space. Don't get me wrong. It has been difficult, but certainly not all bad. We have had the rich blessing of pouring into our granddaughter's lives on a daily basis. We have been used of God to help my daughter stay focused toward this end. God has taught and prepared all of us to do so much more than we thought we could! We know that others have seen God through our lives! We pray it has changed them and drawn them to Him!
The changes that are soon to come will influence many. I believe God is calling me to prepare myself for this new "game" . He wants me to labor toward the end of this part of the plan and be ready to bring forth a new life! It can be hard to learn a new game. It may take some time to get it down pat. Like my Grandman learning golf or potty training, I need to listen to the new rules, and practice every day what He calls me to do.
Father, You are the one who has set a plan for my life. You are the designer of who I am and You know the best way for me to work through learning this new game. I confess it is a bit scary to change. I get comfortable where I am and who I am with. I don't want to let go of things that are so very close to my heart. I want to hold on. I can only thank You for taking the time to teach me to wait on You, Teach me to wait so that I might run and not be weary, walk and not faint! Teach me to not be weary in well doing. Lift me up on wings of eagles!
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Someone Else's Name
My granddaughter, Paige, looks so much like her Mom that my husband and I often call her by her Mom's name, Erin. It happened again yesterday while driving Paige to a program. We apologized when we realized our mistake. Paige chuckled a little and said, "That's okay, then I don't have to hear Paige, Paige Paige, Paige all the time!"
This little incident made me think about how nice it is for someone else's name to be called after I have been called on to do a long list of helps for others, "Carolynn? Grommers? Mom? Could you?"
There is Someone who never seems to tire of hearing His name called. In fact He has a list of names you can call Him! He is ready to help, ready to listen. His name is bigger than any other name! He is able and faithful! He is good!
O, God, Your name is above all names! You are worthy of every name that exalts and glorifies! I bow to You in humility, knowing I need You every day! Thank You for revealing Your name to us so that we can call on You for help! Teach us to honor Your name in all ways and at all times!
This little incident made me think about how nice it is for someone else's name to be called after I have been called on to do a long list of helps for others, "Carolynn? Grommers? Mom? Could you?"
There is Someone who never seems to tire of hearing His name called. In fact He has a list of names you can call Him! He is ready to help, ready to listen. His name is bigger than any other name! He is able and faithful! He is good!
O, God, Your name is above all names! You are worthy of every name that exalts and glorifies! I bow to You in humility, knowing I need You every day! Thank You for revealing Your name to us so that we can call on You for help! Teach us to honor Your name in all ways and at all times!
Friday, March 19, 2010
How Big a Love
How big is God's heart? I do not think we can limit His big hearted love, do you?
I guess some may question His love because of the things they have seen in the world, but does our sin and its consequences limit His love? The answer is decidedly "No!"
When The Father gave His only Son to die in our place He proved His great love. He proved that his love was bigger than all evil, bigger than the greatest of human loves! God not only gave His son to prove his love, He also gives Himself fully and without reserve to those who seek him. He promises to let us find Him, know him, live with Him. He promises to give us his wisdom, his understanding, his life and his eternal home! He says He withholds no good thing from those who walk uprightly!
Big hearted? God is more! He is more than we can ever comprehend! He gives to all, He does not need to limit the number of souls He loves. He loves all because He is love! He can do nothing that is not love. Amazing! Wonderful! Worthy!
Love (Agape), You are my God! You are the only One who deserves my all. I am so small compared to You! I cannot drink in Your love without bursting with joy and the need to express to others the You I know! Thank You for revealing Your love to me through Your Son, Jesus. Thank You for opening Your Big hearted love to the world! Teach me how to share Your love with those You love that are near me! Fill me with boldness to tell of Your great love!
I guess some may question His love because of the things they have seen in the world, but does our sin and its consequences limit His love? The answer is decidedly "No!"
When The Father gave His only Son to die in our place He proved His great love. He proved that his love was bigger than all evil, bigger than the greatest of human loves! God not only gave His son to prove his love, He also gives Himself fully and without reserve to those who seek him. He promises to let us find Him, know him, live with Him. He promises to give us his wisdom, his understanding, his life and his eternal home! He says He withholds no good thing from those who walk uprightly!
Big hearted? God is more! He is more than we can ever comprehend! He gives to all, He does not need to limit the number of souls He loves. He loves all because He is love! He can do nothing that is not love. Amazing! Wonderful! Worthy!
Love (Agape), You are my God! You are the only One who deserves my all. I am so small compared to You! I cannot drink in Your love without bursting with joy and the need to express to others the You I know! Thank You for revealing Your love to me through Your Son, Jesus. Thank You for opening Your Big hearted love to the world! Teach me how to share Your love with those You love that are near me! Fill me with boldness to tell of Your great love!
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Pinch My Anger
Last night my granddaughter, Paige was explaining her difficulties with another girl at school. She told us "She pinched my anger!"
I can think of many times when others have pinched my anger. How about you? does your anger sleep quietly until someone comes and pinches it? What about your love? Does it hibernate until your heart is pinched with others needs for affection, hope, or food? Sometimes our love will actually pinch our anger! When we see injustice or abuse shouldn't our anger be pinched?
Today, being St. Patrick's Day, I thought it was appropriate to pinch your thoughts. What do you need to wake up to do? What is pinching you so that you want change? I have some habits I am fighting because they are pinching me! I am taking them one at a time. For me the pinch is waking up my anger toward myself. I have not been loving myself and until I do, how can I love others?
God of St. Patrick, I see that You are wise in all You do. You give us emotions and then prick them or send someone to prick them so that we might change and live our lives with greater significance. I admit that sometimes when I am pinched I fight back and try to hurt someone. I am so sorry for being that way. It does no good for me or for them and it hurts You! Thank You for leading St. Patrick out into the world where He brought Your love. Help me to follow in Your footsteps like he did!
I can think of many times when others have pinched my anger. How about you? does your anger sleep quietly until someone comes and pinches it? What about your love? Does it hibernate until your heart is pinched with others needs for affection, hope, or food? Sometimes our love will actually pinch our anger! When we see injustice or abuse shouldn't our anger be pinched?
Today, being St. Patrick's Day, I thought it was appropriate to pinch your thoughts. What do you need to wake up to do? What is pinching you so that you want change? I have some habits I am fighting because they are pinching me! I am taking them one at a time. For me the pinch is waking up my anger toward myself. I have not been loving myself and until I do, how can I love others?
God of St. Patrick, I see that You are wise in all You do. You give us emotions and then prick them or send someone to prick them so that we might change and live our lives with greater significance. I admit that sometimes when I am pinched I fight back and try to hurt someone. I am so sorry for being that way. It does no good for me or for them and it hurts You! Thank You for leading St. Patrick out into the world where He brought Your love. Help me to follow in Your footsteps like he did!
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