His Love

"See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!" (1 John 3:1, NIV)

Note: This post was originally written the day after arriving in Sweden (November 29th), but I decided to wait and post it today. I'm praying that each of you and your families experience God's love in abundance this Christmas.

I am in Sweden this month, celebrating the holidays with loved ones and as I sit here writing, I am thinking about the capacity of God’s love for us all. I think about the political climate in the States and around the world, the social conditions, children being abandoned, families fragmented, and what appears as a growing climate of hatred and resentment toward others. Many will celebrate Christmas this year as they have done so in the past, decorating homes with trees, lights, and ornaments. Stores will offer competitive prices in order to entice consumers to make purchases. There will be the endless line of buyers waiting for the doors to open for the sale of the year and the words, Merry Christmas will be superseded by the words: “I saw that first!” Some will go into debt in order to create the aura of good times. Some will become so despondent that the thought, life isn’t worth living will consume them; and some will end their life. Some will grapple with the dilemma of the next meal as they stand in line waiting for some charitable act of kindness. In Sweden I am told, there are no homeless people; a concept which is foreign to me as an American! In America, we discard so many things, food, clothes, and human lives. In Sweden, clothes, appliances, furniture and food are donated in each locality; seemingly nothing is discarded. How wonderful it would be if all of America took on that attitude of giving! The disciple John who watched as Jesus hung from the cross (John 19:25-28, NIV), dying a slow and painful death understood the depth and quality of God’s unchanging love. Years before that moment occurred, Christ was born in the tiny town of Bethlehem (Matthew 1:18-25, NIV). I seriously doubt that many realized that this baby, born into the family of a carpenter and a virgin would fulfill the promise of God to save all humanity. This promise is revealed in God’s love for humanity. There are varying opinions on the nature, quality and characteristics of God’s love. Some think that God’s love should satisfy my every wish and whim; much like the concept of Santa Claus. They think: "if I am good, then God will reward me". When that does not happen, the attitude is to turn away from God because He didn’t do what I deserved. Some think that God’s love is measured, parceled out in minute amounts at unexpected times, and for unexplained reasons. When God isn’t dispensing His love, He is issuing punishments to those who displease Him. This causes an attitude of intimidating fearful uncertainty that I am not loved by God. For varying reasons, there are some who believe that God does not exist; that the universe is just the result of a series of random occurrences. But this opinion fails to adequately address the origins of life, and why we have never been able to find life on any other planet. I choose to believe not only in the existence of God, but in the salvation He promised through his son, Jesus Christ. Why? The biblical record (Matthew 2:1-2, Luke 2:1-20, NIV) sufficiently documents not only the foretelling of the birth of Christ, it records the event as well; Christ was born in Bethlehem as witnessed by the shepherds and the wise men (from distant lands) who witnessed the star proclaiming his birth and followed it to his exact location. History documents the birth of Christ; it also confirms the men who governed the Roman cities and occupied territories during his life on earth. But even that isn’t enough. My spirit bears witness with the accuracy of God’s written word (Acts 1:1-2, 1 Corinthians 1:5-7, NIV), agreeing that Jesus Christ is Savior and God. I am reminded of countless times when I didn’t feel loved or I myself didn’t love. I cannot make that accusation against God. Even when I did not know or acknowledge Him, God loved me (Romans 5:8, NIV). So as another Christmas appears on our horizon, let us all remember the price that was paid by Jesus that we would be reconciled to God. Let’s remember that we were bought with a price that no one else could or would pay but God! That fact alone tells me of His love! MTJ

A Note of Thanks: I would just like to say that I appreciate each of you who visit My Thought-filled Journey. Taking time out of your schedule to read a post on this blog is encouraging to me. Many of those who visit, will from time to time leave a comment. Whether a comment is left is not important. What is important, is that you came. I do hope you find encouragement and inspiration in these words. Please know I will pray with you regarding any circumstance you may be facing. Feel free to write me to say "Hello", request prayer, or share what God is doing in your life. I have not said it enough, but thank you for the light of Christ in your life which illuminates the way for us all.

Note: This post is linked to Spiritual Sundays (hosted by Charlotte).

December Grace

Aurora Over Iowa, Copyright Stan Richards (NightSkyEvents.com)

December is the last month in the year. In many ways it symbolizes finality, and yet for the Christian, it is the beginning. In December, we honor the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. For unto us a child is born is one of the most memorable statements in this life. Many see December as the month which ushers in winter. In northern climates, winters mean snow, ice, less sunlight and cold, cold days. For some, December is their birth month; a day of celebration. For others, it can mean a time of great loneliness, depression and futility. While many celebrate December, others will mourn the loss of someone close. Some will choose to end life rather than celebrate it. For me, December is always special. It is special because I was born in this month, so I have always welcomed it. As a child, it was special not just because of my birthday, but because of Christmas, snowy days in Chicago, playing with my brothers, and huge meals prepared by my grandmother. My grandmother loved to cook. Cooking for her was an honorable endeavor; she relished in the traditions of cooking for our family. I can look back now and see that she did this by grace. For me, cooking was and still is an effort. I am (as Paul would say), “Under the law” when it comes to cooking. My grandmother cooked under grace. It was a grace that gave her the freedom to cook with her whole heart. I realize that it is far better to live by grace than the law. The law does not impute life. It is tedious, and exhausting. At some point, we become tired of the law, but grace never tires us. Paul writes, “Whatever you do, do as unto the Lord.” I realize that what Paul is saying to me is that my attitude in whatever I do should be to please God with my life. This has often come into conflict with my need to please and gratify myself. Yet God still calls to me to walk in the grace given to me. Grace is such a marvelous gift that we often overlook its significance. I was talking with someone recently about forgiveness. In my feeble attempt to explain it, I asked, “When is a person forgiven by God? Is it when I ask for forgiveness? Is it when Christ died on the cross? Is it when God sacrificed animals in the garden to cover the nakedness of Adam and Eve? Or was it before creation itself when in the infinite knowledge of God He knew we needed redemption?” For me, all these are true. But I realize that God is not a sequential being like me; He is infinite! I need to follow a set of protocols, but God has no protocols that direct Him. So, I am left with grace as my answer. To bask in God’s grace is beyond words. I cannot describe or explain it in a way that makes sense to someone who has never experienced the grace of God. To that person, grace is simply a word we banter about. To me, it is what holds me firm in my belief of redemption, salvation and eternity. Grace is what leads me into prayer. Grace confirms for me that the Invisible God lives! Grace reveals to me that Christ rose from the dead and paid the penalty for sin in this world. Grace leads me to embrace the gift of life and inspires me to be better than I was; I want to please God because I want to hear the words, “Well done.” Each day as we draw nearer to the celebration of the birth of Christ, it is my hope that we recognize and appreciate the grace which has been given to us. Special Note: I would just like to say that I appreciate each of you who visit My Thought-filled Journey. The individual comments have been both insightful and encouraging. I had no idea when I began this journey where it would take me or when it will end, but I find myself inspired by the many thoughts others express here and on their personal blogs. Please know you are in my prayers. I have not said it enough, but thank you for the light of Chist in your life which illuminates the way for us all. by MTJ

Note: This post is linked to Spiritual Sundays (hosted by Charlotte).

What Do Your Eyes See?

Note:I have been on an extended break, waiting until I once again had something worthwhile to say. I visited Paris in the Spring, and thoroughly enjoyed it (to my surprise). During the summer, I worked tirelessly and accepted a new position with excitement and anticipation. This fall, I lost my home to forecloseure and although I didn't want it to happen, I have peace regarding this outcome. The memories will remain forever etched in my mind (unless I succumb to Alzheimer's, ha ha). Over the years, I've lost loved ones, I've lost friends, losing a thing is not as bad. As the season ebbs from fall to winter, I feel a sense of anticipation and excitement. I think it's easy to fall victim to feeling forsaken and alone, but God faithfully reminds me that He extends grace in such an unbelievable measure to His children. All I can say is that God is really quite awesome. I hope you are blessed by this poem I've written in praise to God.

A boy looks upward towards a clear blue sky. He sees a few white fluffy clouds but,     something convinces him that God is there. His words are the words of a child, but...     they are bolstered by conviction. He doesn’t know how, but he believes he can. There is no hesitation in his voice. “I will never leave my children” What causes a boy to make such a bold promise? How can he see so far ahead on the journey of his life? Would he forget those words over the years? At the time he didn’t know the promise of God…     “I will never leave you nor forsake you." He didn’t know God…He couldn’t even see God’s promise,     yet, he knew God would hear him. It was something innate that gave him that assurance.     But God saw him…     God heard him…     God smiled on him.     God extended grace to him. Any male can father a child,     but God honors a man...     when his children call him, “Daddy”. It’s the only name they know him by. They’ve grown up before his eyes...     with families of their own…     yet they still call him, “Daddy”. Over the years, he has seen many things,     but what he sees now,     even with the poorest of vision…     is God’s grace. He sees how God’s lavishes His love upon all life. His eyes have seen joy and pain… Good times and sad times…     victory and defeat…     inspiration and discouragement…     he has seen many things over the years…     yet what he sees woven through all of it is grace. He sees God’s grace. What do you see when you look at your life? You’re not that innocent little child anymore…     What caused you to look to the heavens that first time?     Though He is invisible,     do you recognize His presence?     What do your eyes see today?     Do you see grace? Poem by MTJ

Note: This post is linked to Spiritual Sundays (hosted by Charlotte).

You Bless Me Like Rain

Rain on Me, (image courtesy of cindrellaforever.blogspot.com)

You bless me like rain,     drenching my life with Your love. Drops of blessings all different and unique,     watering every facet of my life. No need for shelter from your blessings. No, I flee my hiding place and I run to You. My spiritual roots are saturated with Your love. David said, "My cup overflows" (Psalm 23:5, NIV),     and he's right! When storms come, You send a rainbow! When lightning strikes, You are my rod! When strong winds blow, You are my shelter! So rain on me Lord, as You see fit to do. When Jesus washed the disciples feet,     it was Peter who declared, "not just my feet..." (John 13:9) You bless me with life eternal, but that wasn't enough. You bless me with joy everlasting, but that wasn't enough. You bless me with peace beyond all understanding,     but that wasn't enough. So rain on me Lord, with a love supreme. You bless me like rain,     showering Your love upon me! I don't understand why You do this,     but I realize You love me so much. It's no wonder that John wrote: "See what great love the Father     has lavished on us...!" (1 John 3:1, NIV) I look at this love from every possible perspective,     and yet I am humbled by such examples of     concern, care, and consideration for me. You watch over my life with the utmost concern! You nurture me with unbridled care! You light my path with loving consideration. So rain on me Lord, as You see fit to do. When Jesus washed the disciples feet,     it was Peter who declared, "not my feet only" You bless me with life eternal, but that wasn't enough. You bless me with joy everlasting, but that wasn't enough. You bless me with peace beyond all understanding,     but that wasn't enough. So rain on me Lord,     with a love supreme. Poem by MTJ

Note: This post is linked to Spiritual Sundays (hosted by Charlotte).

Life!

Life in Christ, (image courtesy of Mudpreacher.org)

What is life? Is it fulfilling to you? Is it joy unspeakable? Is it something you do? Does it define your purpose? Does it set you free? Do you have enough? Are you all you can be? How do you see life? Is it really God’s gift? Is it God’s measured love? That is able to lift? Lift me from sin… Lift me from shame… Lift me from heartache… Lift me from pain. Life may not lift me…     from all of my shame. I may have some heartaches… I may endure pain. But life is worth it all. It’s the gift that God gives. He makes me brand new…     so I'm able to live. Life is gratitude. Life is worth living. Life is the peace of God. Life is the joy in giving. Life gives thanks…     to God up above. Life is the joy…     for His immeasurable love! Poem by MTJ

Note: This post is linked to Spiritual Sundays (hosted by Charlotte).

I'm So Lost!

The Lost Sheep

Lost: There are one hundred sheep. So call me…     one of many. All the sounds I make,     But do you hear any? I would stray here, then stray over there,     all you do is watch. Do you even care? Finally, one day,     I just wandered away! To answer the question Why? Well, I just couldn’t say. I couldn’t say why…     that would mean telling the truth. You say, give it a try. I say, What’s the use? So now I’m lost! Lost as could be. I’m so lost and alone,     no one can see me. How is it I ended,     up in this place? A sheep on his own…     afraid and disgraced.

The Lost Sheep Found

Found: I number my sheep. I watch them each day. Their trust is in me, I lead the right way. If one gets lost,     he won’t remain gone. I’ll look til I find him,     and bring him back home. I’ll leave the ninety,     and nine of my sheep I’ll look everywhere…     I won’t even sleep I’ll look far and wide. I’ll look high and low. I’ll find my lost sheep Yes, that’s what I know. And when I find him,     I’ll tell all my friends. Come see who is found,     and home once again. Celebrate with me,     this sheep who was lost. His value to me,     is worth any cost. Poem by MTJ

Note: This post is linked to Spiritual Sundays (hosted by Charlotte).

Lord Jesus,

I was that lost sheep. Alone, afraid, and yet unwilling to call out to you for help. Pride and arrogance have ruined many lives; it ruined mine too. Today, I can look back and see how You intervened in my life; rescuing me from a path of self-destruction. Thank You Jesus for saving me, helping me to see my purpose is in You. Sharing the joy of salvation so that others have the opportunity to acknowledge their sin and be saved from a path of destruction. May each of us who call You Lord, truly reflect Your life. Jesus, you are our light and glory. I offer intercessory prayer for those sick and afflicted; they need Your healing touch Lord. I pray for those who have a family crisis; bring peace, reconciliation, and renewal in their midst. I pray for those who seek employment, and those who struggle in their business. There are families who are on the verge of losing their home, and there are those without food or shelter. There are so many needs Jesus, but You are The Good Shepherd. Even now, You sit on the right hand of The Father, making intercession for us. Thank you Jesus, for all You've done, what You're doing, and what you're preparing on our behalf. Amen.