Before Covid, to help my own healing, I would walk into the nursing home and on occasion, the infusion room with the guitar and simply start to sing and recite scripture. There was nothing amazing about any of it, except the Lord would show up and His Spirit would revive us all.
This is for you, in need of comfort through the pain: (Cover The Joy of the Lord is my Strength by Twila Paris).
Music Therapy cover: The Joy of the Lord by Twila Paris
There is someone crying out to the Lord for mercy today.
Someone is hurting physically, feeling alone, and not sure about what to do next.
Someone has been harmed by others and is left in pain, isolated, and presently feels abandoned.
Are you far from home and feel displaced?
I share music therapy today with you in hopes the vibration of strings lifts your heart and mind to praise God and draw near to Him, as He then promises to be near to you (James 4:8).
Jesus came to reconcile us to the Father and has “put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, a guarantee” when we open our hearts to Him (2 Corinthian 1:22).
In this world of perfect sound and production, we don’t have the opportunity to experience the simplicity of six strings and a moment of therapy with raw vocals with the sole purpose to comfort and refresh.
May you experience the “joy of the Lord” as your strength today.
– Toni
If you have received comfort from the Lord today, let me or someone know. If today is the day you opened your heart to receive the love of Jesus and accept His free gift of salvation that He gave on the cross, tell your whole world. Tell everyone, the angels in heaven are celebrating today your new-birth-day!
The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing” Zephaniah 3:17.
God cannot lie. The Bible is the only truth to stand on. (For all eternity, to be exact.)
If you have a Bible on your shelf or can open an app on your device, it’s time to hear God’s voice instead of man’s highest wisdom.
I sound so dramatic, don’t I? And I’m a nobody. I have no large platform. “Oh, Toni’s always telling us to read our Bibles. Isn’t that just like her?”
NO! I’m not just talking flowery, or “religious” words! I’m talking about truth with a capital T and life, hope, and the only Love out there:
“For God so loved, “me,” . . .
Stop a minute and speak this aloud.
“He gave His only Son,. . . “
But God isn’t only Love, He’s just! He’s holy. Jesus came. He died on the cross, as the “Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world,” John 1:29.
His blood was shed to wash our lies, our impatience, our envy, our pride, our anger, our hate . . . all our sin away.
It’s time to believe in Him, the Rock of our salvation, and stop building our “houses” of our souls on fear and unstable foundations that continue to change, crumble, and fall.
It’s time to humble ourselves and agree with God, “whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” John 3:16.
The endless lies and “new” definitions about Jesus, family, humankind, marriage, babies, freedoms, justice . . . the Bible speaks on all of this in Genesis, Revelation, the Book of John, the Book of Proverbs, in all of the 66 Books of the Bible. Open The Book and hear it for yourself, not “hearsay!”
I spent my whole summer meeting up with children and bringing them the story of Noah in Genesis 6-8.
Can you believe, for 120 years Noah worshiped God, built an ark for a huge rain that no one believed would come, and told the people, “Come through this door and you will be saved from the destruction!”
No one listened. Everyone laughed and mocked, except his immediate family.
Noah wasn’t talking about the “end of the world,” he was talking about a saved life in a new earth. Noah was inviting people for safety, security, provision, protection, covering—
Year after year, month after month, day after day. Noah loved and obeyed the Lord.
The worldwide flood did come. We can go to the zoo and thank Noah he obeyed God and remained faithful to build the ark with the help of God’s Spirit and instruction. (Genesis 6-8).
As in the days of Noah, Satan is working overtime. Are there lies? Is there violence, stealing, and hatred in our world? What does the Bible have to say about Satan:
“. . . He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies” John 8:44.
What did Jesus have to say?
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” John 10:10.
Jesus told us He is life. We can read it ourselves when we spend time individually, intentionally, and whole-heartedly with Him.
As Noah, we are to “build each other up,” (not be tearing each other apart,) and talk of the wonderful works of God.
Today, I talk about God’s greatest work. His gift of Jesus. He is the “Door,” to deliverance from evil, salvation, and life. He is the Good Shepherd. He is our only hope:
“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.
And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.
My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand.
I and My Father are one” John 10:27-30.
Do you feel the Lord tug on your heart? Is your soul thirsty for Living Water? Do you feel the need to turn around to the Lord of love?
We are at the last hour. There was a day when God said, “Noah, get on the ark.” And only days later, God shut them in. The time is short.
Do it today. Make today the first day of the rest of your “eternal life,” and pray to Jesus,
“Dear Lord, You have touched my heart. I need a Savior. I need to turn back to you. You alone can help me. Take my anger, my critical spirit, my hurts, my pains, my brokenness. Heal me, Jesus.
Take my life and come in to make me new. I need “new.” Fill me with Your Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name,
Amen.”
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Please tell someone if you have asked the Lord in your life. Pick up a Bible and make it yours. If you don’t have a Bible, ask the church if they have one for you.
Look up John 3:16,17 and yellow it in!
For God so loves . . . you!
Take a moment to let the sound of kids sing God’s Greatest Gift Song: John 3:16 & 17 to fill your heart with the joy of the Lord as you rejoice in His great love:
Original by Toni John 3:16 & 17 with Irelyn & Graham
“Stay safe!” Multiple urgent warnings, minute upon minute reporting, and hour upon hour projections come our way when satellite images prove a storm is near.
Plans are made to prepare.
Well, there’s a storm on the horizon. Haven’t you heard?
Are you in search of proof? A visual image?
The Bible recorded a “test” for Jesus when the religious leaders asked Him for a “sign from heaven.”
Jesus answered, “When evening comes, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,’ and in the morning, ‘Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times.
Jesus, not so “mild and meek,” continued,
A wicked and adulterous generation looks for a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah.”
Jesus then left them and went away (Matthew 16:2-4).
The sign of Jonah? (Does this indicate the Bible account is actual and not a fairy tale. This is the only sign we get, according to Jesus.)
I see five pictures in this “sign of Jonah,”
Five Pictures:
Jonah disobeys God and runs in the opposite direction. (We all have disobeyed God and run in the opposite direction, Romans 3:23).
Jonah’s rescue: A great storm and realization. “Throw me overboard,” cried Jonah. (When we “see” our waywardness brought a storm.)
God’s grace and salvation is given through a very large fish who swallows Jonah. (“The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is . . . )
Three days of revelation for Jonah to bring about repentance. God gave life to Jonah, undeserved, unearned favor. (“. . . the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord, Romans 6:23.)
Regurgitated resurrection life in Jonah and a call to obey God for hope and peace!
We see 1. A storm. 2. A gracious whale. 3. Hot revelations and repentance. 4. A resurrected life.
This is all we get, minus the gracious whale. Instead, when we believe, we’re received and accepted by a gracious Lord Jesus.
He’s the only safe place for you and me and all the people of the world, today. Jesus, He’s the Rock we can stand on. He never changes.
To be saved, or un-saved, this is the “safe” question:
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.
The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.
But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.
The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash” Matthew 7:24-27, NIV.
There’s a storm coming. Make wise plans. God’s report is 100% accurate!
Today I share an old pizza note as comfort and hope to any who chooses to “bite into” its goodness:
And, resting on His goodness, I lose my doubt and fears, (His Eye Is on the Sparrow, (Songwriters: Gene Bartlett / Charles Gabriel / C.D. Martin).
God sees. God knows.
We. Need. To know. The “One Who” can do all things, especially—to love me. Unconditionally. Right now!
Immediately.
When I think of the trials humans across the world face today, especially the children, . . . we need to remember “Love.”
Oh, how we forget and wander off from this love of God. We forget, “God doesn’t see the same way people see. People look at the outside of a person, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).
God looks at my heart. But, my heart “ain’t pretty” on the inside, if I’m honest. God knows the thoughts I have and the words I think before I speak them! Psalm 139 tells me about this.
But God. Yes, He sees. He knows I need Him.
He knows we all need Him.
I’ve received His love for salvation. Many years ago, I received Jesus in my life, but I still live in this body of flesh. In this world, life is broken and the sharp edges of “flesh” HURT!
Jesus Himself told us we would face “tribulation,” but to be of “good cheer” because He has “overcome the world.” (John 16:33.)
God’s Word is a “present help in times of trouble” to those who believe, initially for salvation, and step by step through the thorns of life.
God’s Word, is breathed and inspired by “Love” Himself, (because God is love, 1 John 4:8). He never changes. He loves through the ages!
Do I trust in Christ?
My path may be cluttered with lots of directions, opinions, ideas, hurts, and rough edges. Everybody’s path is.
We must know Him more:
“Let not your heart be troubled,” His tender word I hear, And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears; Though by the path He leadeth, but one step I may see; His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me
Why should I feel discouraged, Why should the shadows come, Why should my heart be lonely, And long for heaven, heaven, and home,
When, when Jesus is my portion, My constant Friend is He; Oh, oh-oh, his eye is on the sparrow.
And I know, I know He watches over me.
This is how I can have inner joy. When I see His face and grace over me in each present moment:
“You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand” Psalm 16:11.
God brings my song back! He’s with me, loves me, and won’t give up on me, no matter what: I sing because I’m happy. I sing because I’m free (free free free)
For His eye, his eye is on the sparrow, And I know, I know He watches over me.
When Jesus is my portion. My constant Friend is He: His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise, When songs give place to sighing when hope within me dies, I draw the closer to Him, from care He sets me free; His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me; His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me. (Songwriters: Gene Bartlett / Charles Gabriel / C.D. Martin.)
Do I believe this? Am I His?
Has He sealed me with His Holy Spirit?
Yes, I believe!
Talk to God and let Him in, too.
But now, this is what the Lord says— he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; . . .
Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west Isaiah 43:1-5.
Yes, I believe. His eye is on this sparrow.
I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I’m free, For His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
“You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me, no god was formed, nor will there be one after me. I, even I, am the Lord, and apart from me, there is no savior.
“Let not your heart be troubled,” His tender word I hear, And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears; Though by the path He leadeth, but one step I may see; His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.”
This is how I “know” Love. By drawing near to Him and believing His eye is on me. On you. On all the children who cry out to Him.
Let the children who believe in Jesus sing:
I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I’m free, For His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me!
“Listen to this message that the Lord has spoken,” the prophet Amos recorded for whosoever has ears to hear and eyes to see, “against you, O people of Israel—against the entire family I rescued from Egypt:
“Can two people walk together without agreeing on the direction? Does a lion ever roar in a thicket without first finding a victim? Does a young lion growl in its den without first catching its prey? Does a bird ever get caught in a trap that has no bait? Does a trap spring shut when there’s nothing to catch? When the ram’s horn blows a warning, shouldn’t the people be alarmed? Does disaster come to a city unless the Lord has planned it?” Amos 3:3-6.
“That’s it,” many people shout in this present time, I refuse to believe in a God who is evil!”
Yet, Amos the prophet continues, Indeed, the Sovereign Lord never does anything until he reveals his plans to his servants the prophets. Amos 3:7.
The lion has roared— so who isn’t frightened? The Sovereign Lord has spoken— so who can refuse to proclaim his message? Announce this to the leaders of Philistia and to the great ones of Egypt: “Take your seats now on the hills around Samaria, and witness the chaos and oppression in Israel.
My people have forgotten how to do right,” says the Lord. “Their fortresses are filled with wealth taken by theft and violence. Therefore,” says the Sovereign Lord, “an enemy is coming! Amos 3:8-11.
Paul the apostle recorded in Romans 9:7-16 the common belief that God’s not fair. Are we curious to hear the Scriptures on this point?
Being descendants of Abraham doesn’t make them truly Abraham’s children. For the Scriptures say, “Isaac is the son through whom your descendants will be counted,” though Abraham had other children, too.
This means that Abraham’s physical descendants are not necessarily children of God. Only the children of the promise are considered to be Abraham’s children.For God had promised, “I will return about this time next year, and Sarah will have a son.”
This son was our ancestor Isaac. When he married Rebekah, she gave birth to twins. But before they were born, before they had done anything good or bad, she received a message from God. (This message shows that God chooses people according to his own purposes;
he calls people, but not according to their good or bad works.) She was told, “Your older son will serve your younger son.” In the words of the Scriptures, “I loved Jacob, but I rejected Esau.”
Are we saying, then, that God was unfair? Of course not! For God said to Moses,“I will show mercy to anyone I choose, and I will show compassion to anyone I choose.”So it is God who decides to show mercy. We can neither choose it nor work for it.
In our human cry for fairness, we are tempted to believe God is unfair. But Paul continues in Romans 9:18-23.
So you see, God chooses to show mercy to some, and he chooses to harden the hearts of others so they refuse to listen.
Well then, you might say, “Why does God blame people for not responding? Haven’t they simply done what he makes them do?”No, don’t say that. Who are you, a mere human being, to argue with God? Should the thing that was created say to the one who created it, “Why have you made me like this?”
When a potter makes jars out of clay, doesn’t he have a right to use the same lump of clay to make one jar for decoration and another to throw garbage into?
In the same way, even though God has the right to show his anger and his power, he is very patient with those on whom his anger falls, who are destined for destruction. He does this to make the riches of his glory shine even brighter on those to whom he shows mercy, who were prepared in advance for glory.
“God, give us hunger for the Word of God,” a daily prayer on our lips. For such a time as this, we must thirst for the Living Waters of God’s Word, continually praying for wisdom and understanding in His ways:
Concerning the Gentiles, God says in the prophecy of Hosea,“Those who were not my people, I will now call my people. And I will love those whom I did not love before.”
And,“Then, at the place where they were told,‘You are not my people,’there they will be called ‘children of the living God.’”
And concerning Israel, Isaiah the prophet cried out,“Though the people of Israel are as numerous as the sand of the seashore, only a remnant will be saved. Romans 9: 25-27.
The LORD is a gracious God, compassionate, slow to anger the Bible proclaims. We must turn from the words of man and hear the testimonies of God:
For the Lord will carry out his sentence upon the earth quickly and with finality.”
And Isaiah said the same thing in another place:“If the Lord of Heaven’s Armies had not spared a few of our children, we would have been wiped out like Sodom, destroyed like Gomorrah.”
What does all this mean? Even though the Gentiles were not trying to follow God’s standards, they were made right with God. And it was by faith that this took place.
But the people of Israel, who tried so hard to get right with God by keeping the law, never succeeded.
Why not? Because they were trying to get right with God by keeping the law instead of by trusting in him.
They stumbled over the great rock in their path. Romans 9:28-32.
Jesus is the rock of stumbling: “He is the stone that makes people stumble, the rock that makes them fall.” They stumble because they do not obey God’s word, and so they meet the fate that was planned for them. 1 Peter 2:8.
We have choice. Will we choose Jesus?
Amos 4, consider. This is the Word of the Lord, NLT. Is it time to turn and trust in the Lord?
Listen to me, you fat cows living in Samaria, you women who oppress the poor and crush the needy, and who are always calling to your husbands, “Bring us another drink!” The Sovereign Lord has sworn this by his holiness: “The time will come when you will be led away with hooks in your noses. Amos 4:1,2. (This is how they treated their enemies).
Every last one of you will be dragged away like a fish on a hook! You will be led out through the ruins of the wall; you will be thrown from your fortresses,[b]” says the Lord.
“Go ahead and offer sacrifices to the idols at Bethel. Keep on disobeying at Gilgal. Offer sacrifices each morning, and bring your tithes every three days. Present your bread made with yeast as an offering of thanksgiving. Then give your extra voluntary offerings so you can brag about it everywhere! This is the kind of thing you Israelites love to do,” says the Sovereign Lord.
“I brought hunger to every city and famine to every town. But still you would not return to me,” says the Lord.
“I kept the rain from falling when your crops needed it the most. I sent rain on one town but withheld it from another. Rain fell on one field, while another field withered away. People staggered from town to town looking for water, but there was never enough. But still you would not return to me,” says the Lord.
“I struck your farms and vineyards with blight and mildew. Locusts devoured all your fig and olive trees. But still you would not return to me,” says the Lord.
“I sent plagues on you like the plagues I sent on Egypt long ago. I killed your young men in war and led all your horses away. The stench of death filled the air! But still you would not return to me,” says the Lord.
“I destroyed some of your cities, as I destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah. Those of you who survived were like charred sticks pulled from a fire. But still you would not return to me,” says the Lord.
“Therefore, I will bring upon you all the disasters I have announced. Prepare to meet your God in judgment, you people of Israel!”
For the Lord is the one who shaped the mountains, stirs up the winds, and reveals his thoughts to mankind. He turns the light of dawn into darkness and treads on the heights of the earth. The Lord God of Heaven’s Armies is his name!
Can we hear the word “return?” Do we choose today in humility to return, to “repent” for the kingdom of heaven,
is.
at.
hand.
God is gracious to receive those who chose to believe in the Son He graciously gave to pay our debt in full on the cross at Calvary.
“Today, today . . . ” the Good Shepherd calls His sheep. Do we turn to Him? The choice is ours.
To safeguard good health we must wash our thoughts with God’s Word, outside and in. We must exercise ourselves in its truth.
Otherwise, we’re swirling in confusion by every newscast. We’re shaken up. We don’t recognize when people try to trick us with lies that sound like the truth.
Are we sheep cast down, confused, in harm’s way?
Yes, we are. The Bible tells us so:
We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:6.
The bad news is not the end. This trial of uncertainty can “make us lie down,” be still and hear the Shepherd’s voice:
“Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep.
The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.
When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice” John 10:1-5.
The gatekeeper, the Father God “who art in heaven”, opens the gate for him, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son . . . “
Who is Jesus? All sheep easily forget:
“Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them.
I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture.
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full John 10:7-10.
Can we hear Him? Have we acknowledged that the LORD laid all my failure, pride, and sin on Him at the cross?
The washing of the heart is the beginning of health. We need a one-time wash of our sin for salvation. We also need a daily wash of His Word to stay safe through this messy world.
“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.
I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.
The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father” John 10:14-18.
This voice is Jesus, the Good Shepherd. We must choose to hear His Good News every day:
The works I do in my Father’s name testify about me, but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.
I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one” John 10:25-30.
Have we decided to hear Him? It’s time. He fills us with a new song of assurance and safety, forever. Now this is Good News:
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.
We stay safe and healthy when we remain close to Him. We can clearly hear His voice above the noise of this world.
This is nothing new, yet deep sadness comes when Christians, who are forced in this culture to tolerate so much, witness closed doors to groups who want to share the Good News to those who will hear.
True believers, believers in the God of the Bible, aren’t offended by this news, we’re heart-broken.
God’s greatest gift to the entirety of mankind is His gift to choose.
How sad, that people are afraid of a different opinion than the god of the culture. What if the God of the Bible is the true and living God?
Should we only be tolerant of the god of the intellect and modern world and not check out the Word of the Ancient of Days? We study hard for many tests in life, should we not consider reading God’s Testimonies for understanding instead of “hear-say” about them?
Who’s close-minded? Do we want to be found deceived in the end?
Shouldn’t people be exposed to both views? God allows choice, should we not as well?
When I was young, I went my stubborn way, making god into what I believed he should be. A distant God. While I went on to discover me.
But the “me” I was discovering had a story much like Humpty Dumpty who had a great fall. Broken in pieces, hurting, unable to put myself together on my own, I felt desperate and afraid with no where to turn.
But God was watching over me. And now my true search for God began.
Friends in high school, who I believe were part of Young Life, (also part of the Key club at our school), gave me a Bible.
It didn’t mean much to me then, but God knew, there would be a perfect time when I needed to know God.
At that time, my life depended on it.
I opened the Bible given to me years before and found the name of Jesus mentioned everywhere. Curiosity and deep hunger had me reading the Bible like a new best-seller, (which it is by the way, only, not new).
My heart was finally open to receive Jesus as God, Lord and Savior of my life.
He created everything with His Word. He’s provided His-story. He’s patient and kind. God is love. He doesn’t insist on His own way.
He’s the giver of life, breath, love. He’s Creator God.
And, He gives choice to each man to believe. He allows, He lets . . . man to choose Him or reject.
Why be afraid to let other voices be heard?
What if the Word of God is what it says it is, the truth: Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth John 17:17.
This news report of no surprise to God. It’s written:
“He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him” John 1:10,11.
Younglife and many Christian organizations want the overwhelmed, restless, and guilt-ridden world to know the Good News, the God of the Bible.
Yes, God is love, but He is also Holy. God is just.
We’ve all sinned. Meaning, we’re all separated from God. The mystery is revealed in the pages.
That’s why He sent Jesus. His perfect blood shed on the cross is the atoning sacrifice. The “at one” with God sacrifice.
Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God John 1:12,13.
I received Jesus. I’m not perfect, but He made me new then, believing on Him for salvation, and each day He graciously accepts me, because I’m washed, cleansed, believing Him as my Savior and Lord.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new 2 Corinthians 5:17.
Why be afraid to have Young Life on the campus? When the God of the Bible is the most liberating and freeing God ever:
Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation2 Corinthians 5:18,19.
God was in Christ reconciling the lost and broken world to Himself. God alone can put us back together again.
To keep people from choice, is a huge crime to Jesus. Do people want to be found guilty for causing others to stumble:
Jesus said to his disciples: “Things that cause people to stumble are bound to come, but woe to anyone through whom they come. It would be better for them to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around their neck than to cause one of these little ones to stumble. So watch yourselvesJohn 17:1-3.
Do we want to be a people closed to invite Groups that believe in the God of the Bible because it might speak against a cultural idea?
I wasn’t open when I received my Bible to hear its Word, but God knew there would be a day.
And He patiently allowed me to go my merry way, until I was open to hear. I’m thankful for the boldness that came from kids from a Young Life group. In the end, the Lord used them to be a part of putting my broken pieces together.
I’m thankful for Young Life. And I’m broken-hearted that there might be a broken soul that now is unable to be touched by the Good News that Young Life brings.
Are you still in question who Younglife actually is and what their message actually is:
Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him 2 Corinthians 5:20-21.
Young Life will continue. Young Life remains. Believers in Christ pray and we watch God move, whether the world will open their doors or not. God touches hearts that seek after Him.
“There will be a cost for this service,” notifies a computerized voice.
“Who can I call to help me clean the messy house . . . of my heart? Who will listen to me?”
Pizza Note #5, reminds us, “Don’t Panic!”
Jesus knows the condition of the house of our heart. Psalm 139 helps us understand that.
God is full aware of the tangles in our minds. He’s the de-tangler.
He understands the losses of our soul. He heals the brokenhearted and binds up our wounds Psalm 147:3.
God doesn’t want us to run away in shame and regret, but instead, He desires we turn, be still, and call on Him.
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble Psalm 46:1.
Pick up the phone of prayer and call Jesus. His number is Jeremiah 33:3, “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”
“This is what the Lord says, he who made the earth, the Lord who formed it and established it—the Lord is his name Jeremiah 33:2.
There was a man with leprosy who called on Jesus, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.”
He knew the Lord was able to make him clean, but was He willing?
Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” He said. “Be clean!” And immediately the leprosy left him Luke 5:12,13.
Jesus is able, and He’s willing to clean our mess as well.
We must accept our need for a Savior,
believe on Him,
and call Him to help us in time of need.
No more excuses.
Do we want a heart-house where Christ is center?
Call Jesus. He answers. He transforms us by renewing our minds through the power of His Spirit to those who believe.
The best part about calling Jesus is, He cleans our mess and forgets, forever!
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, Romans 8:1.
An empty glove can’t move. But with a hand in it, the glove is fluid to move in marvelous ways.
What’s natural in human nature, “Love your neighbor and hate your enemy” (Matthew 5:43), is evident all around.
But “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you?” this is hard stuff in Matthew 5:44.
What if Jesus could sit with us this morning and have our ear and our whole heart for a bit: “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
that you may be children of your Father in heaven.
He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous Matthew 43-45.
Is there evidence of God in Christ Jesus in us? Are we “children of our Father in heaven,” (Matthew 5:45).
Do we love those who love us? Naturally, yes. This is easy. The Bible tells us that even tax collectors do that.
But God calls us to impossible standards: “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect” Matthew 5:48.
There’s no way, nada. Especially if we’ve been deeply hurt, there is often no willingness.
We can’t naturally love our enemy. We’re much like the glove with no hand.
Jesus said multiple times, “With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible” Matthew 19:26.
“If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believes” Mark 9:23.
“With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.” Mark 10:27.
Who’s ready to believe big with me? Unity is what Jesus desires. Oneness of the Body of Christ, and salvation to the lost souls of the world.
Time is short. Jesus is coming back again.
“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message,
that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you.
May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.
I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—
I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
“Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the worldJohn 17:21-24.
I want to believe God to work miracles of unity that “the world will know” that God sent His Son, and see that God loves everyone. His desire is that all should know Him and receive Salvation and grace in His name.
I want to believe in a revival of love and forgiveness one person at a time.
This is big, but not too hard for God.
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace Ephesians 1:7
If I don’t have a heart willing to forgive, God sees and He understands the struggle. He’s been hurt more than any human being through all of time, as He laid His life down at the cross.
Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” Luke 23:34.
How can we get to such a place?
“Christ in us is our hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27).
He rose from the dead. Jesus is alive.
Christ in me. . . my only hope to love in a “perfect” way.
The Potter adds the water of the Spirit and repairs dried-up clay to create a vessel fit for the Master’s use.
What’s impossible in ourselves, is possible in Him.
Let’s go to God for our “impossibles.” His hand in our empty gloves = possibility of amazing grace and His love spread in all dark places.
“So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
“Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead?Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion?
If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” Luke 11:9-13.
“We pray dear Lord, ‘let there be peace and love on this earth, and let it begin with me. You are our only hope. Christ in us, our hope of glory.’ In Jesus Name, Amen.”
Today I take time to look at creation, to be open to hear a Word that was spoken.
Not by men and their gathered thoughts, but by God sprinkled throughout His 66 Books.
Faith is the key, I must confess. We need faith to receive what the Bible does tell. But it takes faith in the wisdom of man to believe every word the public arena does sell.
We hear the world’s message loud and clear, but for the children’s sake, should we stop, and at least, take some time to hear?
What does the Bible say? Do we know? Will we be as a Berean back in ancient days? It is told they had open minds, to listen eagerly, and to search for answers day . . . after. . . day. (1)
Let’s open the Book and view the wonder of God’s love on display:
Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. John 1:3.
This living Book, The Bible was written for you and me, and for ever it will be. (2)
God understands the difficulty to trust and believe. He gives His Word and waits as we receive:
“But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell . . . ; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform . . . Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.” Job 12:7-10.
Oh, would it not be amazing to stop and ask our animal friends.
God is gentle, kind, patient, and true. His glorious creation is His daily gift to human-kind, the whole earth through.
You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created all things, and they exist because you created what you pleased, Revelation 4:11, this is the Master Artist’s creation.
Psalm 95:4-5,In his hand are the depths of the earth; the heights of the mountains are his also. 5 The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land.
God’s Word is Living. Ask Him. He gives grace to understand!
The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Psalm 19:1. How vast is His expanse. How grand is His Hand. He deserves praise each day for the warmth of the sun.
God loves. He speaks each day through His creation.
How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures, Psalm 104:24.
Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth, John 17:17.
Is the Word not powerful and glorious? Ask God to reveal Himself and give you understanding!
For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse, Romans 1:20.
These are seven Scriptures that gently speak of God the Creator of everything. Are we curious and hungry for more? The Bible has answers for more, and plenty!
Take time to follow God in His Word. He will give you peace. He is the LORD.
(1) And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul’s message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth, Acts 17:11.
(2) Your word, LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens, Psalm 119:89.
A look out the window or a walk out the door and a word about creation can be simple as a breath. But what’s simple might not be easy, especially when it comes to talk about the Lord.
There are so many words that have evolved through time. Opinions, books, nature shows, and more, but there is a Word of power, life, and truth,
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth, (1) . . .
This Word is said to be living and able to transform death to life.
And today, for those who have faith, as we walk out the door, with young or with older, as we experience troubles and pressures on every side,
we can overcome darkness by speaking of the Light.
We can reveal or remind that in the beginning the earth was a formless mess. Empty and dark, told in the second verse of God’s Holy Book. God didn’t leave us alone in despair, in the same verse it continues,
and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. (2)
Good news was present in the dark, formless story. And the Spirit of God moves over our empty, dark hearts as well.
God is here. God was there. God’s Spirit is moving over the waters of our being, this moment, as well.
And God said, “Let there be light, and there was light.”(3)
God moves first. God’s Word of power changes things.
God saw that the light was good. (4)
Safety, peace, warmth, pleasure, and glory are given by God through His Word. “Let there be light.”
We agree with God when we say true Light is good.
And he separated the light from the darkness.(5)
God’s Word proclaims.
We need to know that we’re all separated from God. Each of us has a dark, empty, and cold heart.
We’re all selfish, insecure, and impatient, naturally.
The kids understand, they know, they see, how easy it is to want to hide, and fear, and want their own way. Adults might want to look the other way.
But we can share our story of beginnings, when our darkness of heart was touched by the Light.
No one can debate the story we have inside.
In the beginning, when we received God’s Word. Power was given. A new creation was born. God the giver of Light came to shine in our empty, formless life.
Jesus the Man took hold of my sin and the guilt all died, with Him. He breathed His last, on the cross. After three long nights, He rose again.
It’s time to share the stories to this generation today.
Many books could be written throughout the history of man, if each new creation in God told how he was touched by the Light, and it was no longer night.
God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day. (6)
Is your heart burning within you? Has darkness the guilt of night seen it’s final hour?
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world.Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12.
God has given His Son for you and me.
He who believes and receives Jesus today, becomes a new creation. Today can be — your very first day.
While it is day, join me in reminding others of the true Light?
“Dear world, STOP. Look. Listen and hear the Father God, Creator of all natural beauty we see and enjoy,
the One Who is holy and just, truth, and all righteousness,
the One Who knows everyone by name.
The One Whose nature is unconditional Love.
STOP and look at the cross. Not the one around your neck, but the one that Jesus’ died.
Listen to Almighty God’s Voice:
‘My children, turn at once from running toward the lying thief that I sent my Son Jesus to rescue you from. Turn from believing lies that you can do it all on your own without Me.
I sent My Son. He is the the promised One.
His blood was shed, to cover each and all of your shame.
Admit your sins. Believe on Him. And Celebrate a new-born life, abundant and free.
And go and tell others. Be a witness for Me.'”
Oh, that the world would listen to the Father at this time.
This is what’s on my mind.
Jesus found me when I was lost.
He gave His life . . . for my sin.
He offers hope and His Spirit that we might each day walk in the power of His resurrection. He didn’t hold back, so neither will I.
Take time to ask yourself this question, “What is my direction?”
Stop. Look. Listen, these are words Jesus prayed. Will you turn and trust in Him today? “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. “Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them,” John 17:20-25.
It’s hard to stop. It’s a challenge to look. But God’s glory is revealed and our broken hearts are healed when we finally listen. He is the very definition of commitment!
It’s time to run with Jesus, and never again be deceived by the thief. This Passion Week, will you choose to believe? If so, make sure you let someone know. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity—Jesus
“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him,” John 3:17.
Choose Jesus? His passion is outstanding. In heaven is great celebration.
God holds the Umbrella that I come out of the rain.
Why the struggle? Why the delay?
God holds the Umbrella. He cares about me.
Did I forget? Or did I simply leave?
Do I find contentment in lies that bring strife? Am I choosing to destroy my very own life?
Can I make the choice to step out of the comforts of despair?
Or do I keep my head down on the puddles, believing lies of being victim. Staying, pitifully there.
He bids me with thunder and lightning to fear and to look. In the Light, through the flash,
I see the hand of His Son.
It’s reached out towards me.
Then I see His face.
His eyes, . . .
are grace.
He calls my name. I hear the words,”Come.”
Directly in my heart, I feel Him look.
Burning.
Revelation comes, Truth is alive.
He waits.
Immediately, there’s strength that wasn’t there. Hope to lay down the shame. To cast off the pain.
God is offering me to come out of the rain.
Again, He calls my name.
Do I receive Him and take hold of His hand?
Why is it so hard? Why would I choose to stay out in the cold? To reject the dance. To stay wet in distress?
In an instant I choose.
I lift my eyes to meet His.
In an instant my garments are made new. Gloriously cleansed. I take hold of His hands. With all of my being, I know at last, I have found Love. He loved me first.
He desires me.
The rain is still falling, but I don’t even care. Because Love has captured all of my being. Love has called me. He has lifted me up.
I turn to kiss His cheek. He smiles.
He is pleased.
Everything new, everything possible, we dance, and we dance under the grand Umbrella. The canopy of protection, with a symphony of grace. As it rains, Love and I look face to face.
With a long-lost song that returns in my heart, I will sing as I dance, and make day of the night.
The world is a whirlwind of motion and time. The needs are great. Energy is given.
Babies held. Toddlers taught. Children learn what’s right what’s not. Schools full. Businesses open. Roads busy. Food prepared, and food being eaten. Time ticks on.
Are our thoughts all our own?
The pond in the park by the big oak tree sings. The still waters speak to halt my reasoning. My heart is calmed, my pace is slowed, my vision is expanded, and my mind’s thoughts echo:
“Maybe I’m confused. It’s not all about me. Maybe what I think is actually hurting me.
And somehow in the park, when the ducks go by “quacking,” I come to the conclusion: I’m not the center.
The stress, the strife, the fast pace of life, halts as the sun’s reflection sparkles the water. The smells of fresh air, and birds chirping everywhere. All my senses come to life. There’s something special about this moment, this moment in time.
In an instant my vision is expanded to include, not just me, and my world. My woes and and my goals, but to think about God. The Creator of all.
That’s what I need. I need more of Him.
I need God. Bottom line. Period.
As I needed the still waters of this pond, to bring vision to my broken heart. I need God to bring alive what’s died. I can’t look back I must move on.
And suddenly I’m saddened. “I’ve been lied to. Been made to believe that with my own reasoning and actions, I can achieve. That the course is simply A then to B. Then each step of the way, it’s all mine. It’s up to me.”
Oh, the lies I believed. The whirl of the world and it’s hum of pride: “Yes, there’s a God. He’s “love” and all that. But look at this world. Can you really believe He’s in control? Be reasonable. Use your mind. You must wear your own hat!”
And the sun hit the water and the breeze sang a song, and the duck went by slowly with his “quack, quack, quack.” And my heart stopped singing it’s sad, mourning song.
I looked up, and blocked the intense light of the afternoon sun just by lifting my tiny, wrinkly thumb. I decided right there, in that very moment of time, that the “thumb” of pride and unbelief was going to be set aside.
I was going to use my “reason” and remember my need. I need God. Right now, today. Front and center, no longer me, but He.
If God says He sent His Son to set me free, from myself and the rest of the ugliness, (as I learned as a child, and then unlearned by the world), then that will be my vision. “For God so loved the world that He gave …” who was I to change God – to be what my mind says.
“Jesus, can You see me? Today, I accept Your love. Somehow, as the ducks “quacked” in the still waters of this pond, my vision was changed.”
“You became my vision, and I remembered Your blood. It has washed me clean. But I forgot. I was taught by this world that I didn’t need washed.”
“Wash me again, and again. O God, I’m so sorry. Will You forgive me?”
So I went home and read Psalm 139 aloud, to be reminded again, that in fact, He is the center of all I see: “O Lord, you have searched me [thoroughly] and have known me.
You know when I sit down and when I rise up [my entire life, everything I do]; You understand my thought from afar. You scrutinize my path and my lying down, And You are intimately acquainted with all my ways. Even before there is a word on my tongue [still unspoken], Behold, O Lord, You know it all. You have enclosed me behind and before, And [You have] placed Your hand upon me. Such [infinite] knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is too high [above me], I cannot reach it.
Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?
If I ascend to heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in Sheol (the nether world, the place of the dead), behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the dawn, If I dwell in the remotest part of the sea, Even there Your hand will lead me, And Your right hand will take hold of me. If I say, “Surely the darkness will cover me, And the night will be the only light around me,”
Even the darkness is not dark to You and conceals nothing from You, But the night shines as bright as the day; Darkness and light are alike to You.
For You formed my innermost parts; You knit me [together] in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks and praise to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well.
My frame was not hidden from You, When I was being formed in secret, And intricately and skillfully formed [as if embroidered with many colors] in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; And in Your book were all written The days that were appointed for me, When as yet there was not one of them [even taking shape].
How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them!
If I could count them, they would outnumber the sand. When I awake, I am still with You …
Search me [thoroughly], O God, and know my heart; Test me and know my anxious thoughts;
And see if there is any wicked or hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way.” Psalm 139, Amplified.
“Yes, Lord, You see me. Help me grow in You, each day, please.”
“Lord, now indeed I find, Thy pow’r, and Thine alone, Can change the leper’s spots And melt the heart of stone. Jesus paid it all, All to Him I owe; Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow.” Elvina Hall, 1800’s hymn. “Lord, …” means, master, or, captain of my ship. “Lord, now …,” means, this moment, the one I take orders from, or the one I choose to obey. “Lord, now indeed I find, …” brings me to a place where I’m searching for what You have to say, NOW. “I hear the Savior say, ‘Thy strength indeed is small; child of weakness watch and pray, find in Me, thine all in all.” “Even before he, (God), made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through JesusChrist. This is what he wanted to do, … and it gave him great pleasure.” (1) The Bible is said to be true. Ask God to show you if these words are trustworthy. Ask God, Himself. He will answer you.
“But, I’m full of fault, Lord! Now what do I do? I fail, everyday. I am far from being holy. Sin has left a crimson stain, tell me again, the Gospel Story.” “Long ago, even before he made the world, God chose us to be his very own, …”(2) – don’t you remember, “His unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into His … family.” (3) His desire is to bring us back home.
The Father sent His only Son, Jesus Christ to die for us. He paid the debt we couldn’t pay, He laid down His life in sacrifice. So “we stand before him covered in his love.” (4) We are perfect, we are washed, we have hope of heaven. We have peace in this life. “For nothing good have I Whereby Thy grace to claim; I’ll wash my garments white in the blood of Calv’ry’s Lamb. Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe; Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow.” “He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son, …” (5), this is the Good News found in Ephesians 1. “He forgave our sins.He has showered his kindness on us, … along with all wisdom and understanding …” God now reveals to us, all that regards Christ – all that’s mysterious!
God reveals, He will fulfill His own good plan. “And this is the plan: At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ – everything in heaven and on earth.” (6) He was, He is, He is coming again.
The Gospel Story is that He saves you. He saves me. We can’t save ourselves – we all desperately need help. But we are surrounded by voices, we are deceived by lies. But God reminds and instructs each one of us: Look up. “I will guide you with My eyes.”(7) ” … when you believed in Christ, he identified you as his own by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom he promised long ago.The Spirit is God’s guarantee that he will give us the inheritance he promised, …”(8) He has purchased us with His blood on the cross, this is how Jesus proves that He – loves – us. “Lord, now indeed I find Thy pow’r, and Thine alone, Can change the leper’s spots, and melt the heart of stone. Jesus paid it all. All to Him I owe. Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow.” We’ve been bought with a price. He knows our weakness. He knows our strife. Yes, in receiving Christ, we become His Bride. “I am my lover’s, and my lover is mine. He browses among the lilies. (8) He is the rose of Sharon, the lily of the valleys” (9) I am my Beloved’s and He is mine.
For now, for tomorrow, for all of time. “And when before the throne, I stand in Him complete, I’ll lay my trophies down, All down at Jesus’ feet. Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe; Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow.”
He washed it white as snow. My past – I let it go. In the present, I choose to go: “And now complete in Him, My robe, His righteousness, Close sheltered ‘neath His side, – I am – divinely – blest. Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe; Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow.”
