But God

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 NIV

In verse 7 of Romans 5, the apostle was talking about how very rarely will one die for a righteous person, and certainly not for an unrighteous one. And then verse 8 begins with one of the most powerful statements in the Bible - But God! Us grammar geeks say that if you make a statement, then add the word 'but', it negates anything you said prior to that 'but', even if it was good. Let that sink in a moment here. The verse starts with 'but God'. If we apply our grammar logic, God negates anything that came before him. He negates sin. He negates death. He negates hate. But God.

I read an article yesterday about a Catholic college professor who stated he believes Jesus was gender fluid, then went on to nullify what Jesus did for us on that cross by spewing such twisted logic that I cannot and will not repeat it here. My heart broke reading it. Why? Because people will believe it and be led so far astray they won't find their way back. Jesus willingly went to that cross for the most heinous, ugly death imaginable - for US - for all of us. Did we do anything to deserve this kind of sacrifice? Nope. I know I didn't.

....but God - that's the true wonder and miracle of the cross, and nothing anyone can say ever will negate what God did for us.

Your Debt is Paid

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 NIV

I read an article today about an incident that took place in our city a few days ago. Police were called to a serious incident, a car chase ensued ending with the suspect crashing the vehicle. This person later died of their injuries. This is pretty much all the information that is being released to the public at this time pending the investigation, but people talk and assume things that may not be true. Some of the comments from readers were downright cruel, saying they got what they deserved without even knowing who this person was or what they were doing when they attempted to run away from the police.

What they fail to realize is that this same fate could happen to any of us 'but for the grace of God'. Human law may categorize crimes; God does not. Sin is sin and we are all guilty. I'm guilty. God's gift of his perfect Son to take our sin and conquer death by rising again and his Spirit living within us gives us the wisdom we need to make good choices. This person made a bad choice and there are consequences to every choice - good or bad. I can only pray he had been saved because at this time it's too late for him.

But if you're reading this today, it's not too late for you. That gift of eternal life is yours if you will just accept that Jesus is Lord, that he died for your sins, rose again and lives forever to bring you to eternity with him. Don't let your eternal soul pay for sin when Jesus has already done so - your debt is paid! Hallelujah, Jesus is Risen!

Lead by Serving

just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:28 NIV

The preceding verses talk about first being a servant if one wants to be great. Jesus, as he always did, modeled the behavior and attitudes he wanted to see in others. This verse tells us that he knew he didn't come to rule over people but to serve them by presenting himself as a sacrifice.

We all struggle in relationships, thinking we need the upper hand because our fight or flight response demands that we be I  control. But in order to properly lead others we must first be willing to be a servant, offering ourselves as a sacrifice to their needs. It may take some time but soon others will see in us desirable qualities and want to mirror them.

To Save or Not

They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna! ” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the king of Israel!” John 12:13 NIV

Today is Palm Sunday, the day Jesus rode into Jerusalem a week before his crucifixion. The word they shouted, Hosanna, means to save. The people knew who he was, or thought they did. They were looking for someone to deliver them from the rule of the Romans, not a savior.

So can you imagine what Jesus must have been thinking as he rode into town? He knew all of this. He knew what they were really looking for. He knew, and understood, that they needed so much more than physical deliverance. He knew he was to be the sacrificial lamb. Yet there he sat, on that donkey, riding into town. He was assured in his station that he was about to deliver them and generations to come from death.

We often think we know what we want or need. We think we know what others want or need. We must realize that we have no clue. Only God knows what we really want or need and his plan is far bigger than petty business on this earth. Putting that into perspective helps us see what others need through God's eternal eyes.

Rest I Must

In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord , make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8 NIV

Most Saturday mornings I'm up early, forgoing sleep to get to an 8am aerobics class. Today I slept in. My physical body needed to rest and as important as exercise is, sleep is equally if not more important. Our bodies need rest. Our minds need to relax and reset.

This is also true for our spiritual self. Our spirit needs rest because we must be rested in order to face the wiles of the devil. In letting our spirits sleep safely in God, we know we can withstand anything.

Make sure to rest yourself and your spirit daily. 

Travel Light and Rest

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1

I switched jobs last year. I'd always thought it was a good move. I'd prayed about it. I like the work. But I've struggled all this time trying to figure out how to really use my talents and get 'into the job'. The job itself is not difficult and I like working to help build better communities for people. I just hadn't found my niche. Well ain't God something? Just when I rested and prayed He answered. This week I was involved in meetings that will take our work to the next level, using the skills and knowledge I've honed in the last 20 years. It will allow me to think creatively about how best to help my community and I'm excited about that.

And you know how God did that? Not only through the work itself but through a coworker who brought me a devotional about shaking off the dust and moving on if you find your ideas and such not welcome. Read Mark 6:11. You see, one of the reasons I've struggled is because at my last job, although I liked it very much and was somewhat of a visionary and forward thinker, not everyone saw things the way I did. Not everyone liked my ideas and it made it difficult for me to really use my talents. Know what Jesus said about that? In sending out the disciples, he said if they don't like your ideas, leave and shake the dust off as you leave. Basically - bye! Don't look back and move on to where you will be welcomed. And that's where I am. I need to leave behind what was and look to the future. God's got a great future planned for me and I know I can help make a difference. He's put me in such a place at just such a time as this. I need to trust and keep moving forward.

And in my obedience to him I can rest in the knowledge that he will safely guide me. I can travel light and then rest a bit. No need to carry my baggage with me. God will supply my needs just like he did with the disciples. Get there. Get to work. Get it done. Travel light and rest.

Rules to Live By

Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments. Deuteronomy 7:9 NIV

I had an annual checkup today. All is good. I'm healthy and doing what's needed to keep myself that way. It's important I follow my doctors orders as he is here to help me. If I decide to go off the rails and let my body go to ruin, I'm the one that will be paying in the end. My doctor can only help me so long as I do what I need to do. We are each responsible for our own health and wellness and happiness.

So it is with God's love and guidance. He will help us as long as we keep his commandments. It sounds harsh but how can you help someone who won't help themselves? God's rules are to protect us and guide us to a deeper faith with him. In him we are safe.

Let God's grace fill your heart and learn to trust him.