Out It Goes

In His love, Jesus invites us, welcomes us, and receives us just as we are. In His love, He also begins the work of transforming our lives into something much better—something that represents Him well. As we begin anew with Him some things no longer fit—things such as gossip, hatred, bitterness, unforgiveness, rage, envy, bad habits, and foul language. Jesus looks at these things that no longer have a place in our lives and says, “out it goes.” Getting rid of the old, makes room for the new—things such as righteousness, holiness, goodness, and purity have a clean heart in which to flourish. So when Jesus decides to purge something out of your life, remind yourself of the abundant blessings that will flow, then agree with Him and say “out it goes.”

Ephesians 4:30-32, “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. ³¹ Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. ³² Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."

In Such a Way

Worldly goods do not fulfill the deep yearnings of our hearts, and they were never meant to. Only the love of our Heavenly Savior can truly satisfy our longings, and meet every need of our soul. He created us in such a way as to find complete and lasting contentment only in Him. And for that I am so grateful.

Philippians 4:19, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”

Rescuing Love

God’s, is a rescuing love. His love was sent direct from Heaven, in the form of His Son. God’s love daily rescues us from the grip of sin, it eternally saves us from the power of death. His love removes our condemnation, through the sacrifice of Jesus. His love accomplished what our hard work could not. No matter how hard we tried, we could never save ourselves; a rescuer was necessary for any hope of being set free. Jesus is our Rescuer, He is our Savior sent from above. He rescues all who believe and ask.

John 3:16, “ For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Simple Equation

If you’re anything like me, mathematical word equations were not your favorite assignment in school. Problems such as: If the bus drove 57 miles, at 42 mph, with 107 people on board, making 13 stops along the way, what time would the bus arrive at its destination? Dumb-founded, staring at this problem, I would think, who cares?  If I were on the bus I would just ask the driver for an estimation. Fortunately, the equations the Lord gives us are much simpler, easier to understand, and I actually care about the answer—which He clearly spells out for us in His Word. The Bible is our cheat sheet, and answer book, all wrapped up in one.

One of my favorite equations in the Bible is: Love=Hope=Joy

You see, once we comprehend the lavish love that God has for us, our hearts become filled with hope. Once we latch onto the hope we have in the Lord, our lives explode with joy. Joy then, can’t help but overflow to everyone around.

A simple equation—the kind I like!

Psalm 119:30, “The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.”

Permission Slip

Looking at the pages of my calendar for the upcoming week there appeared to be scarcely little opportunity for quiet, rest, and dedicated time with the Lord. Just coming out of the holiday season, and the busyness that entails, and the pressing responsibilities looming on the very close horizon, I long for just a little time to reconnect with the Lord—to dig deep into His Presence for refreshment and an anchoring of my soul. Well, God in His goodness has intervened and opened my schedule, though not in a way I would have chosen. It seems I have succumbed to a bad cold, and have had to cancel and reschedule the very things that crowded my calendar. A cold is not usually considered a good thing, but if I let it, it can be used for a very good purpose—a permission slip to be excused from busyness, to sit in quiet, mandated rest with my Savior. As He goes to work healing my body, He is also at work revitalizing my soul. 

Survival Kit

Years ago, fanny packs (little bags people strap around their waist) were all the rage. Although they are no longer considered fashionable, I still choose to wear one every time I go hiking. My fanny pack is black, and roomy enough to hold supplies for any need I may encounter while on the trails. If you peeked inside at the contents, you would most likely find a small tube of sunscreen for reapplication in time times of intense sunshine, used to keep me from getting burned; you would come across a pretty, pink, and very sharp pocket knife which could be used to cut myself free from potential danger. You would also find a small bottle of pepper spray, to be used in encounters with dangerous enemies of various sorts—snakes, mountain lions, and the human kind. There is always a water bottle included to keep me refreshed along my journey, and a granola bar in case I get hungry. Lastly, a cell phone is always tucked neatly inside, in case of emergency I can call out for help.

 I realize this is a strange comparison, but, just as my fanny pack holds my makeshift survival kit, 

The Bible, The Word of God is my real survival kit, not just for the trails, but for everywhere the path of life takes me.

The Word of God shields me when it feels as if the heat is turned up, and I’m faced with daily stresses and pressures, or faced with trials and tribulations.

The Word of God is used to cut me free from the entanglements of sin, bitterness, worry, fear, hatred, anxiety, and more.

The Word of God strengthens me to fight off the enemy and the lies that satan feeds me, by teaching who God is, who I am, and what Truth is.

The Word of God refreshes my soul and invigorates me, so I can keep moving onward.

The Word of God nourishes and sustains me.

The Word of God directs me to my Savior, my Lifeline in times of emergency, and my companion for the journey.

The Word of God is my survival kit.

Welcome Here

Holy Spirit, You are welcome here.

I welcome You into my life; I invite You to...

mold and shape me,

inspire and motivate me,

increase my faith,

revive my soul,

comfort my heart,

show me joy through Your perspective,

encourage me and fill me with hope,

teach me Truth,

reveal Your wisdom,

give me knowledge of Your ways,

show me Your will,

guide me on Your path,

draw me closer to You.

Holy Spirit, fill me with all of Your goodness until the point of overflowing.

Holy Spirit I invite You to dwell in the deepest recesses of my heart make me aware of Your powerful Presence.

Holy Spirit, You are surely welcome here.