May 4, 2026

Oh, The Deep, Deep Love of Jesus

March 30, 2014 by

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Oh the deep, deep love of Jesus, vast unmeasured, boundless, free
Rolling as a mighty ocean, in its fullness over me
Underneath me, all around me, is the current of Thy love
Leading onward, leading homeward to Thy glorious rest above

O the deep, deep love of Jesus, spread His praise from shore to shore
How He loveth, ever loveth, changeth never, evermore
How He watches o’er His loved ones, died to call them all His own
How for them He intercedeth, watcheth o’er them from the throne

O the deep, deep love of Jesus, ’tis a heav’n of heav’ns to me
And it lifts me up to glory, for it lifts me up to Thee, yeah
And it lifts me up to glory

~  Sing this song with me as our prayer and worship today.  ~

Lyrics: Samuel Francis / Music: Thomas Williams /
Performed and sung by Selah / and danced by Praise in Motion

*  ~  *  ~    ♥ ~ ✞ ~ ♥    ~  *  ~  * 

Such a stirring, convicting song!  These lyrics remind us of the the immensity and the magnitude of Jesus’ love.  As the song goes, “…vast, unmeasured, boundless….”  No love on this earth ever was, nor ever will be, greater!  His is a deep, deep love!

Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down His life for His friends.
John 15:13

Truly, it could only have been His pure love that compelled Him to die for us. Jesus was fully aware of the kind of sacrifice that was required to redeem mankind.  In His last moments of freedom, while praying in the Garden at Gethsemene, He agonized over what He knew was to come.  And yet, He did it. For us…with deep, deep love!

For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.
For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps
for a good man someone would dare even to die.
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that
while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Much more then, having now been justified by His blood,
we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him.
For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son,
much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.
Romans 5:6-10

And so deep is this love of Jesus for us that it requires being born-again…to have Christ living in us…to even comprehend this deep, deep love!

But, by God’s grace and through the indwelling of His Holy Spirit, we are given some insight into this love.  And to begin to know this love.  Truly, I believe, it will take us having the new minds and new bodies which are promised to those that are His when He returns to fully comprehend.  Perhaps it is just too much for us to completely understand His deep, deep love at this point.

…that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend
with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth,
and to know the love of Christ…
Ephesians 3:17-19

For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers,
nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature,
shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:38 and 39

“This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you…” (John 15:12).  These were Jesus’ words to His closest friends during the last meal He would share with them.  He knew the time was imminent and that the time was at hand when He would show His deep, deep love.  He gave clear command to them…and to us—we are to do the same.

And so, what does that mean to you (me, too) today?  How will we show this deep, deep love of Jesus to others today?  This wasn’t Jesus’ suggestion or even His plea…it was His command.  And it is how the world will know that we ARE His!

By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.
John 13:35

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Scandal of Grace

March 29, 2014 by

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjv
Grace, what have You done?
Murdered for me on that Cross
Accused in absence of wrong
My sin washed away in Your blood
Too much to make sense of it all
I know that Your love breaks my fall
The scandal of grace, You died in my place
So my soul will live

Oh to be like you
To give all I have just to know You
Jesus, there’s no one besides You
Forever the hope in my heart

Death, where is your sting?
Your power is as dead as my sin
The Cross has taught me to live
In mercy, my heart now to sing
The day and it’s trouble shall come
I know that Your strength is enough
The scandal of grace, You died in my place
So my soul will live

And it’s all because of You, Jesus
It’s all because of You, Jesus
It’s all because of Your love
And my soul will live

~  Sing this song with me as our prayer and worship today.  ~

~  Songwriters: Joel Houston, Matt Crocker  /  Performed by Hillsong United  ~

* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * 

Would you give all you had just to get to know this Savior?  The One Who died for you and me?  This thought just blows me away—that the Son of God was born to save all of God’s people.  He came so that we would have life and life abundant. Just like the song says, it’s all because of Him that we are free, and joyful and can have peace in spite of circumstances.  “Grace, what have You done?”  Let’s see, He’s walked on water, He’s healed the sick, He gave sight to the blind, He raised the dead to life, He carried all of our sins to Calvary and they were nailed to that tree, and He gave us hope for a future.

It’s getting closer to Easter.  As you can see already, sometimes the bunny gets more attention than Jesus Himself.  There are eggs and Easter baskets and marshmallow Peeps in all colors.  But what about the Cross?  It’s our job to spread this message…especially now.  It’s time for us to step out of our comfort zone and be the courageous people He has called us to be.  Ask people what their story is, and then give them yours.  All roads lead to the Savior and to everlasting life. If we don’t—then who will?

This song gets me every time.  It’s all about grace and how we will give anything and everything to be like Him and get to know Him intimately.  I can’t help but raise my hands in praise and worship when this song comes on.  Don’t you just love it?  Aren’t we so blessed to be broken beautifully and poured out so that only He can fill us?  Oh friend, how I want you to know Him.  Take a minute to really listen to the words and let them sink in. The Holy Spirit will speak to your heart, this I do know. “…Scandal of grace, You died in my place so my soul will live!”

He did die and rose again, and we will live forever in eternity.  And while on earth, we will live freely because we have been forgiven,with all sins nailed to the cross. Thank You, Lord Jesus!

Let us pray: Most Gracious Heavenly Father, thank You for being so patient with us.  Thank You for creating us, knowing that we would sin and turn against You and that we would need a Savior—Who is Your only Son.  You let Him die in our place so that we will live, not only in Heaven, but here on earth we will have abundant life. Oh Lord, we are so unworthy, yet You love us so much. You will not take second place to anything or anyone as You are a jealous God.  May we never put You beside anything either but always put You first.  You are the beginning and the end, and there are no other gods before You.  Thank You for giving us the courage to step out and share You with all who will listen, and to love on all those who are hurting.  May we always be Your hands and feet, and may we always strive to be like You.  For it’s in Your Son’s name we pray, Amen.

Filed Under: Psalms Hymns and Spiritual Songs Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

Humble, Humble Jesus

March 29, 2014 by

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We have now entered the season of Lent.  For many Christians, Lent is taken as a time of preparation for the celebration of Easter where God miraculously redeemed mankind by resurrecting His Son from the dead. It is also a time to consider what Jesus said and did; and how we should be living in light of His Words.  ✞ ♥

During this season, here on the Seeking Him devotional blog, we have chosen to focus our devotionals on Jesus’ instructions and admonition communicated in Matthew chapter 5—the Beatitudes.  Jesus said, “Blessed are…” and He went on to give instruction as to how to be “blessed.”  To be ‘blessed’ is to ‘be happy, or to be envied.’   Truly for the Christian, we ARE blessed—oh, how very blessed we are!  Those who observe our lives should clearly be able to tell that we ARE blessed—and that we KNOW it! ✞ ♥

Please consider Jesus’ instructions along with us.  We pray that our words will encourage you and spur you on to be prepare your hearts for the joyous celebration of His Resurrection!  ✞ ♥

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. 
Matthew 5:5

Humble and human, willing to bend You are
Fashioned of flesh and the fire of life, You are
Not too proud to wear our skin
To know this weary world we’re in
Humble, humble Jesus

Humble in sorrow, You gladly carried Your cross
Never refusing Your life to the weakest of us
Not too proud to bear our sin
To feel this brokenness we’re in
Humble, humble Jesus

We bow our knees
We must decrease
You must increase
We lift You high

Humble in greatness, born in the likeness of man
Name above all names, holding our world in Your hands
Not too proud to dwell with us, to live in us, to die for us
Humble, humble Jesus

We lift You high
We lift You high

 * ~ ♥ ~ ✞ ~ ♥~ *

Singer/Songwriter – Audrey Assad

 

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Meekness…Not Easy but Desired by Christ

March 28, 2014 by

SeekingHimLogo

We have now entered the season of Lent.  For many Christians, Lent is taken as a time of preparation for the celebration of Easter where God miraculously redeemed mankind by resurrecting His Son from the dead. It is also a time to consider what Jesus said and did; and how we should be living in light of His Words.  ✞ ♥

During this season, here on the Seeking Him devotional blog, we have chosen to focus our devotionals on Jesus’ instructions and admonition communicated in Matthew chapter 5—the Beatitudes.  Jesus said, “Blessed are…” and He went on to give instruction as to how to be “blessed.”  To be ‘blessed’ is to ‘be happy, or to be envied.’   Truly for the Christian, we ARE blessed—oh, how very blessed we are!  Those who observe our lives should clearly be able to tell that we ARE blessed—and that we KNOW it! ✞ ♥

Please consider Jesus’ instructions along with us.  We pray that our words will encourage you and spur you on to be prepare your hearts for the joyous celebration of His Resurrection!  ✞ ♥

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Matthew 5:5

Lately my children have been talking about some situations at school—injustices, bullies, teachers—that they feel have treated them unfairly.  We have encountered people in the world who are not as nice as we would like them to be…the secretary at the school, the cashier, the server at the restaurant.  And I feel like they are always looking at me to gauge my response and to see how I handle the not-so-cordial behavior of others.  And to be quite honest, a lot of the time, meek is not the word that initially comes to mind.

I’ve read several definitions of the word meek, “…gentle, self-control, tender, and free from pride” are a few that I have come across (like I said, most times this is not me).  So I find myself in a battle when I’m facing these situations and I have little eyes on me. And, no, this is not the first Scripture that comes to mind; but as I was reading through it, I realized that my meekness, or the lack thereof, is constantly on display.

After a disagreement with her teacher, my daughter asked what we were going to do about it.  My response was that there are times in life where you don’t do anything…you don’t fight or argue…and you give it to God and move forward.  Though she doesn’t fully understand this right now, someday she will.  When the Scripture says that ‘the meek…shall inherit the earth’ I like to think of it in the moment.   When I refrain from telling the person who upset me what my flesh wants to say, I’m inheriting the earth, not literally, but for that moment. I’m showing that, even though I could say something, I’m not going to.  I’m going to love them through the situation and move on.  I’m going to ‘Let go and let God’.

But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added to you.

Matthew 6:33

For most, meekness does not come naturally. Seek first the Kingdom of God. In situations where your flesh is battling to share your thoughts with those who have wronged you, seek Him first.  Pray…go to God…and breathe.

Meekness isn’t easy; but it is desirable by Christ, and that makes it desirable to us.

Let’s Pray:  Lord, to be honest when I think of me being meek, I don’t see it.  I don’t see it in a lot of people these days, but I know it’s possible.  I know that we can operate in self-control, in submission, and in tenderness.  Lord, help us to remember to seek You first when our meekness feels threatened, and that this is another way in which we can display Your light to others.  In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

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Sweet Pea Soup

March 28, 2014 by

Sweet Pea Soup resize

I call both of my girls “Sweet Pea.”  My Mom called me “Sweet Pea” too.   So when I was working on a recipe to use up the last of my buttermilk and stumbled on this tempting combination of peas and mint, I couldn’t help but give it a cute name:  Sweet Pea Soup!

Peas and mint are a natural springtime match-up.  This soup comes together in half an hour, and with another half hour to chill,  it will be ready to eat.  I used both frozen peas and pea pods (which are all over my Farmer’s Market, and probably yours, too.)  If you can’t find pea pods, just double the frozen peas and use a full pound.  The recipe calls for you to strain the blended soup, which gives it a more silky, smooth texture.  You can skip this step if you are in a hurry, or if you like a little thicker body to your soup.  Either way I think you’ll love it, and so will all the “Sweet Pea’s” in your life!

Sweet Pea Soup

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup pea pods, any kind
  • 1 onion (sweet Vidalia would be nice, but I just used a regular white onion), chopped
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 8 ounces frozen peas
  • 2 cups chicken stock
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 handful mint leaves (save a few pretty ones for garnish)
  • salt to taste

Directions:

  1. In a large pot, heat the pea pods and onion in the butter.  Cook over medium heat for ten minutes until the onion is getting soft.
  2. Add the frozen peas and chicken stock.  Cook on medium for ten minutes.
  3. Turn off the heat.  Pour in buttermilk and mint.  Blend with an immersion blender, or transfer to a large blender and blend in batches until smooth.  Taste and add salt to your liking.
  4. Strain the soup through a mesh sieve (or not, your choice.)  Cool in the refrigerator for half an hour.  Serve chilled, with additional mint leaves for garnish.

Explore, experiment, enjoy! — Dana

To view even more of Dana’s unique recipe, you can visit her at Frugal Girlmet!

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Love Song

March 28, 2014 by

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjv

~  Imagine Jesus singing this to you   ♥  ~

I’ve heard it said that a man would climb a mountain
Just to be with the one he loves
How many times has he broken that promise
It has never been done
I’ve never climbed the highest mountain
But I walked the hill of Calvary

Just to be with you, I would do anything
There’s no price I would not pay
Just to be with you, I will give everything
I would give My life away

I’ve heard it said that a man would swim the oceans
Just to be with the one he loves
But all of those dreams are an empty emotion
It can never be done
I’ve never swam the deepest oceans
But I walked upon the raging sea

I know that you don’t understand the fullness of My love
How I died upon the Cross for your sins
And I know that you don’t realize how much that I give you
And I promise, I would do it all again
Just to be with you, I’ve done everything
There’s no price I did not pay
Just to be with you, I gave everything
Yes, I gave my life away

The love of the Father…a love unlike anything I have ever known in my life. The mystery of a love so unconditional, so filled with grace and mercy that He would walk to Calvary and take on the sacrifice and punishment for my sins.  Me—a sinful woman saved by grace.  It is something I cannot begin to fathom or possibly understand, and yet, it is the love of God.The Scripture says in 1 John 1:5-9 KJV

This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you,
that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness,
we lie, and do not the truth:
But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another,
and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins,
and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

I want to walk in the light; don’t you? What does it mean to walk in the light and love of God?

“I must ‘walk in the light as He is in the light…’— not in the light of my own conscience, but in God’s light.  If I will walk there, with nothing held back or hidden, then this amazing truth is revealed to me: ‘. . . the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth [me] from all sin’ so that God Almighty can see nothing to rebuke in me.  On the conscious level it produces a keen, sorrowful knowledge of what sin really is.  The love of God working in me causes me to hate, with the Holy Spirit’s hatred for sin, anything that is not in keeping with God’s holiness.  To ‘walk in the light’ means that everything that is of the darkness actually drives me closer to the center of the light.”  – Oswald Chambers

Walking in the love of God and receiving that I have been cleansed of ALL sin and then choosing to walk in the light is how we drive out any darkness in our lives.  What an awesome revelation!

God’s perfect love not only casts out fear as it says in 1 John 4:18.  It also drives out sin and darkness in our lives.  Temptations will always be out there.  It is what we CHOOSE to do with it that makes the difference between walking in the light or in darkness.  I have lived my life both ways and I would not go back to living in darkness for NOTHING!!! Freedom in Jesus is sweet!

* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * 

Let me pray with you:  Heavenly Father, I thank You for the revelation that walking in Your perfect love drives out not only fear in our lives, but also sin and darkness.  Thank You for a love like I have never known that saved me from the darkest of places.  I pray that anyone reading this would come to know the unconditional love of the Father and just how very much You love them.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen!!!

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Humility

March 27, 2014 by

SeekingHimLogo

 

We have now entered the season of Lent.  For many Christians, Lent is taken as a time of preparation for the celebration of Easter where God miraculously redeemed mankind by resurrecting His Son from the dead. It is also a time to consider what Jesus said and did; and how we should be living in light of His Words.  ✞ ♥

During this season, here on the Seeking Him devotional blog, we have chosen to focus our devotionals on Jesus’ instructions and admonition communicated in Matthew chapter 5—the Beatitudes.  Jesus said, “Blessed are…” and He went on to give instruction as to how to be “blessed.”  To be ‘blessed’ is to ‘be happy, or to be envied.’   Truly for the Christian, we ARE blessed—oh, how very blessed we are!  Those who observe our lives should clearly be able to tell that we ARE blessed—and that we KNOW it! ✞ ♥

Please consider Jesus’ instructions along with us.  We pray that our words will encourage you and spur you on to be prepare your hearts for the joyous celebration of His Resurrection!  ✞ ♥

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. 
Matthew 5:5

* ~ ♥ ~ ✞ ~ ♥~ *

You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less.  That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought. 

Matthew 5:5

Humility…this is one of those words church people say alot, but sometimes don’t understand.  I can see why when there are verses like Philippians 2:3 in the Bible.

Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit,
but with humility of mind
regard one another as more important than yourselves.

Humility is definitely something I struggled with at first and I’m still learning how to live this out.  The Message Translation (in Matthew 5:5) explains it as being “content with who you are—no more, no less.”  According to Philippians 2:8, Jesus was an example of humility when He “…humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death to the cross!”

I like to think of humility as accepting myself just the way I am this very minute; and understanding that, although I may not be perfect, I am loved and adored by the Most High…and if God can love me, then I can love me.  Humility to me is looking at another person, whether they be a murderer, thief, or liar (all of which are sins), and understanding that I am no better than they are.  They sin and I sin…and a sin is a sin.  Paul makes this concept simple in Romans 3:23 and 24:

For ALL have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
and are justified FREELY by His grace
through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

When we see others who sin, our thoughts shouldn’t consist of “Oh, at least I don’t do that,” and we shouldn’t think of one sin as worse than another.  Instead we should be concerned with whether they have heard the gospel and if they know the awesome Savior, Jesus Christ.  And if they do? Great!  And so we should…

Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.
Hebrews 10:24

Don’t be so harsh with your brothers and sisters in Christ.  None of us are perfect, and although we may (or may not) strive to be perfect ambassadors for Christ, we all make mistakes.  One of my favorite verses (Proverbs 24:16) is, “For a righteous man falls seven times, and he rises again….”

A perfect example of humility is shown in Luke 7:36-50.  This passage tells the story of Jesus being anointed by a sinful woman.  This woman knew who she was.  She knew who she needed, as well.  She could have looked at herself and felt that she was unworthy or “too” immoral/sinful; but she humbled herself and approached Jesus. The Pharisees, of course, looked down on this woman and criticized Jesus for allowing her to touch Him.

Jesus is willing to accept all…all can humbly approach His throne.

Thank You, Lord for loving me.  I am so thankful that I can do nothing to make You love me more or less—I am loved!  It’s just that simple.  Help me to remember not to complicate the love You give me.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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The Day of Resurrection

March 27, 2014 by

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjv

The Day of Resurrection! Earth, tell it out abroad
The passover of gladness, the passover of God
From death to life eternal, from earth unto the sky
our Christ hath brought us over with hymns of victory

Our hearts be pure from evil that we may see aright
The Lord in rays eternal of resurrection light
And listening to His accents, may hear, so calm and plain
His own “All hail!” and, hearing, may raise the victor strain

Now let the heavens be joyful! Let earth the song begin
Let the round world keep triumph, and all that is therein
Let all things seen and unseen their notes in gladness blend
For Christ the Lord hath risen, our joy that hath no end.

~  Sing this song with me as our prayer and worship today.  ~

~     words: John of Damascus;     translated by John Mason Neale     ~     traditional melody: Ellacombe; performed by The Gloucester Cathedral Choir

* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * 

“While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel.  And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them,  “Why do you seek the living among the dead?  He is not here, but has risen. Remember how He told you, while He was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.” And they remembered His words….”

Luke 24:4-8

Jesus predicted His death and resurrection to His followers.  Before Jesus was born, He already knew that He would be dying for our sins on the Cross.  It was the only way that sin could be defeated, and we could be reconciled to God.  Someone had to love us enough to give their own blood for ours.  The day of Jesus’ death was filled with grief and sorrow.  His own mother was crying.  His followers were grieving.  Yet, Jesus had forewarned them that this would happen.

Now imagine that third day..imagine walking up to the tomb to pay your respects and mourn. Imagine those feelings. Now imagine the surprise when you see the tomb standing wide open—the stone door moved out of the way. Imagine the angels saying that Jesus has risen. What a shock for those who either had not heard Jesus’ foretelling or didn’t remember it! Jesus had risen from the dead and returned home to His Father.  He was not dead!

The day that the stone was rolled away Jesus defeated death and sin. He made the ultimate sacrifice on the Cross and the greatest miracle was performed on the third day—Jesus rose from the dead.  If we have faith and believe that Jesus died on the Cross for us, rose on the third day (the Resurrection), and accept Him into our hearts as Lord and Savior then we will live eternally with Him and God when time comes to a close.  Christ is not dead!  He is alive!  He never leaves us!

Just as the heavens and earth are joyful over Christ’s defeat of sin so should we.  We should be delighted and overjoyed with the thought that we will live in God’s glory for eternity thanks to the Resurrection of Christ. Yes, that day of His death was sad, but the third day brought great joy. We should remember this during the Easter season and celebrate with joy that we have eternal life through Christ.

* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift on the Cross. Without it we would be lost to sin. We would not be able to have a relationship with You. Please be with us as we spread the news about that third day—the Resurrection Day. In Jesus name, Amen.

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(It Will Not Be) Unredeemed

March 26, 2014 by

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The cruelest word, the coldest heart
The deepest wound, the endless dark
The lonely ache, the burning tears
The bitter nights, the wasted years

Life breaks and falls apart but we know these are

Places where grace is soon to be so amazing
They may be unfulfilled, they may be unrestored
But when anything that’s shattered is laid before the Lord
Just watch and see, it will not be unredeemed

For every choice that led to shame
And all the love that never came
For every vow that someone broke
And every life that gave up hope

We live in the shadow of the fall but the Cross says these are all

Places where grace is soon to be so amazing
It may be unfulfilled, it may be unrestored
But when anything that’s shattered is laid before the Lord
Just watch and see, it will not be unredeemed
Oh, He will wipe every tear…will not be, be unredeemed

Places where grace is soon to be so amazing
It may be unfulfilled, it may be unrestored
But you never know the miracle the Father has in store
Just watch and see, it will not be
Just watch and see, it will not be unredeemed

Performed by Selah
Written by Chad Robert Cates / Tony W. Wood/ Brian David Petak

* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * 

“We live in the shadow of the fall BUT the Cross says these are all places where grace is soon to be so amazing!” This “where grace is soon to be” is where I want to live…to stay…to abide.  You, too?

At the Cross, mankind was clearly shown the depth of God’s heart…His love for us. Almighty God has purposed from the beginning of time to bring mankind back into the relationship He designed and wanted.  It is in and through Christ’s accomplishments on the Cross that we have received much grace!

But God demonstrates His own love toward us,
in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8

…Knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold
from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers,
but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ.
1 Peter 1:18-19

That’s us (you and me)—not redeemed with perishable things but with Jesus’ blood as He gave His life on the Cross!  Jesus’ death on the Cross and all that God planned to bring to pass at the Cross is all about His grace and love! Through His broken body and His shed blood, He redeemed us unto Himself – making us forever free, justified, forgiven, alive, purchased, and redeemed!

Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us—
for it is written,“Cursed be every one who hangs on a tree”—
that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles,
that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
Galatians 3:13 and 14

He destined us in love to be His sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of His will,
to the praise of His glorious grace which he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.
In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses,
according to the riches of His grace.
Ephesians 1:5-7

We are now, and will be for all eternity, God’s children—all to His praise and glory! And we have a glorious life to live now…in spite of every situation and circumstance that tries to break us and cause us to focus on the hard, sad, evil things that do occur at times. But God—we have His promises to cling to!

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good,
for those who are called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:28

…Fear not, for I have redeemed you…I have called you by your name; you are Mine.
Even everyone who is called by My name, whom I have created for My glory, whom I have formed, whom I have made.
Isaiah 43:1, 7

The love of God—shown to us through the sacrifice of Jesus our Lord—is all we need to help us to focus on the Truth and set our minds to believe all that God has promised. In doing so, we can remain faith-filled knowing He is faithful!

[What, what would have become of me] had I not believed
that I would see the Lord’s goodness in the land of the living!
Wait and hope for and expect the Lord; be brave and of good courage
and let your heart be stout and enduring.
Yes, wait for and hope for and expect the Lord.
Psalms 27:13-14

And so, in spite of cruel words, cold hearts, deep wounds, endless dark, lonely aches, burning tears, bitter nights, and wasted years, we press on…we seek God…we choose to remain faithful to Him because “it may be unfulfilled, it may be unrestored but you never know the miracle the Father has in store; just watch and see, it will not be unredeemed!”

God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and death shall be no more,
neither shall there be anguish nor grief nor pain any more,
for the old conditions and the former order of things have passed away.
And He Who is seated on the throne said, See! I make all things new.
Revelations 21:4

Let’s pray:  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace which He lavished on us. In all wisdom and insight He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him with a view to an administration suitable to the fullness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth. In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will, to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory (Ephesians 1:3-12).   Amen and Amen!

may I encourage each of you to sing as the Psalmist did,

Let the redeemed of the Lord say so,
Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the adversary
Psalm 107:2

Filed Under: Psalms Hymns and Spiritual Songs Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Do You Eat Healthy and Exercise as a Way to Honor God?

March 26, 2014 by

glory of GodHave you ever been frustrated because you cannot seem to stay motivated long enough to consistently exercise and eat healthy? Do you feel like you have the discipline for a short time, but then fall back into old habits and quit caring because it feels useless? Here is a question for you to ponder.

How might things be if you decided to eat healthy and exercise as a way to honor God?

WHAT HAVE YOU GIVEN TO HIM?

As followers of Jesus Christ, there are things in our lives we have decided to give to Him such as finances, time, resources, marriage, children, work, etc.  Why then, as women, do we sometimes try and take on the battle of our health and fitness by our own strength, discipline, and power?

HONORING HIM vs YOUR STRENGTH

Can you relate to one of these scenarios?

  1. You know you should get up and get in at least 30 minutes of exercise, but you cannot seem to find the motivation or desire to do it.
  2. You have had a stressful day, you are tired and frustrated, and you think you have earned the right to overindulge with “comfort foods.”

How do you think you might handle the situation differently, if you paused and asked yourself, “What is the best way I could honor and bring glory to God with my body right now?”

1 Corinthians 10:31 says, “Whether you eat or drink, or whatever, you do, do all to the Glory of God.”

God wants us to worship Him with our body. Deciding not to overindulge, eat out of emotions, and taking time to care for our body through physical activity can bring Him honor.

Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through HIM who strengthens me.”

God does not want or expect us to “try” harder on our own.  He will give us strength to face the big things and the small things.  Our health is just as important to Him as it is to us.  Why not ask Him for strength that is not of our own so that we can eat healthy and exercise as a way to honor Him?

If you are ready to make a change and find the right motivation, I would love to help you make healthy living a part of your life.  You can learn how to exercise and make the right food choices, in your busy world. Email me at crystal@yourfitnessdesigner.com to schedule a time for a for a free telephone consultation.

In Good Health,

Crystal

Filed Under: At Home w/ GCH Tagged With: , , , , , , ,
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