Tag Archives: Jesus Loves Us

That’s the Way Love Goes

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1 John 4:17-19 NKJV Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. 19 We love Him because He first loved us.

OK so I guess I was having a Pastor Jamal Bryant moment with the title choice today (Pastor Bryant is known for his very provocative sermon titles).  However, when I read these three verses, and read them together it was the first thing that popped into my mind.  Why?

Maybe it was because it’s the title of a song that somewhat redefined Janet Jackson’s entire singing career.  That song and that album turned Janet from an international singing super star, who had just rose from under the shadow of her famous brother, to a global sensation and sex symbol who had now put herself among the same plan as her brother because she had displayed a new side of herself that no had ever expected.  WHAT??  Then why would I see John’s words and think of this secular star.  

One my brain could be a little warped and these three verses are considered the Consummation of Love; that word consummation means the completion, achievement, attainment, execution or conclusion of love.  It denotes the action of making a marriage or relationship complete by having sexual intercourse. The completion of the covenant. Just as this song and album completes Janet’s quest to become a global phenomenon this section of scripture consummated Jesus’ Love Toward Us when HE died on the cross for our sins.

The crazy thing is this; each of these verses have been preached, taught, meditated on and had entire conferences centered around them.  But when you read them together.  It just makes everything Crystal Clear!!!  

Love Consummated (or perfected)

  1. Perfect Oneness-(The Two Become One): Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world.  
  2. Perfect Security: There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.
  3. Perfect Pursuit: We love Him because He first loved us.

This radically changes how you see a relationship.  Because our relationship with God was perfected the minute He had Jesus come to earth to live and give His life so that we all would be able to be loved.  Jesus made it possible for God to truly demonstrate His love for us.  The cross allowed us to become one with Jesus and be seated at the right hand of God.  Because of His sacrifice, sin which kept us apart from God was destroyed, removed as a barrier to Him.  Now He could pour out His great love toward us like never before.  We were able to literally become One with God (John 17:22 NKJV And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one).   

Next we understand the true Security of His love for us.  To be secure is the be safe, have a feeling of safety or even the constant state of being protected against any danger or threat.  Being secure, stable, firm in your place.  I just looked up the three biggest fears of mankind and they are; death, abandonment, and failure.  Man, O could cry crocodile tears right there because that is the way the devil (our enemy) comes at me damn near every day.  Death, he is always reminding me of when my father and grandfather died so why do you think you will live to much longer; showing me a ton of people dying in and around that age.  Then he attacks with abandonment, being isolated loosing relationship focusing on how everyone around me wants nothing to do with me, I’d they had their choice they would be somewhere or be with someone else.  Always pushing me towards isolation.  Let me tell you first hand for a people person that sucks… Yet, let me also tell you what God says to us (Hebrews 13:5 NKJV…For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”) Jesus died on the Crosss and was resurrected to the Father, He never abandoned us but gave us Forever Help (John 15:26 NKJV “But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me).  We are not alone….

Then lastly, that failure attack!! It is a non-stop attempt to minimize any accomplishment, overemphasize or stress any setback or unmet goal.  It literally diminished almost any success and makes the world come crashing down with any and every inevitable missed opportunity, problem, or unmet expectation.  I see this every single day as a business owner.  It becomes so hard to celebrate the small victories because of the constant thought of one dropped ball bring the whole thing crashing down.  However, when I find myself here I have to recall Jesus’ perfect love which gives me the option to cast all of these cares on Him (1 Peter 5:6-7 NKJV Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you).  A big part of God’s perfected love is that He does not force anything, this then causes us to submit ourselves to be loved.  You have to humble you to give all of this stuff in us to God.  When we won’t humble ourselves and allow Him to love us we hold on to the fear of abandonment afraid that if we give it He may decide it’s too much and leave as well not accepting the fact that He cares for you.  His care for us loves the mess out of us.  

God came after us, it was a full out Pursuit.  God chased us down.  To show us why we needed him (the Law; wages of sin); to demonstrate true love (that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us) and lastly giving us blessed assurance (John 16:33 NKJV These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”) He has paved the way for us to overcome and He has made a place with Him forever (John 14:2-3 NKJV  In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also).  When we were pursued in the manner that God pursued each of us we cannot help but be loved and then return that love (because He first loved us). 

We need this Love, but the majority of the world does not accept it and they look for it everywhere else.  

But you know what….That’s the Way Love Goes.  

Real Men Cry

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John 11:35 Jesus wept.

Luke 19:41 Now as He drew near, He saw the city and wept over it,

Picture this:

1977-The movie Roots; a young LeVar Burton played the role of Kunte Kinte, an African Slave brought here to America and forced to work, stripped of his identity, pride, and family. 

1989—In the movie Glory, a young Denzel Washington played the role of Private Silas Trip, a runaway slave who joins the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment. He, too, had been stripped of his identity, pride, and family, now only to be in an army where he sees some of the same inequalities. 

I bring up bits of these movies and iconic scenes because everyone has probably seen them at one time or another. In both scenes, in two different movies, each character is forced to take a beating for standing up for themselves and others. For daring to say/do what everyone else was scared to do. In both scenes, the men are savagely whipped in front of a crowd, and in each case, they stood firm, looking the protagonists in the eye to say with their actions, “You can’t break me.” Then you see it, that one tear falling down their face. 

Because no matter how strong-willed, the pressure of the physical pain being inflicted, the stress of emotionally being pushed beyond human capacity, and the hurt of spiritually feeling betrayed that your savior did not step in and keep you from this all dripped 💧 down their faces in that single tear.   In a book I’ve recently started reading, The Body Keeps the Score.  One sentiment which remains consistent throughout the book is that whatever does not come up out of your mouth will come out as action in your body. This tear was coming out no matter how hard they fought but that anger it showed up in many different ways.  

Why do I bring up all of that? Because Jesus wept!! That’s right!!The most powerful man ever to walk the earth also wept…Publicly so that others could see His humanity.  He wanted us to see that Men cry and He was still the most courageous man who walked this Earth!!!

We, especially black men, have been told since slavery that it is not alright to cry, or in both of the scenes above, not to show our genuine emotions. And truly, I can say it was literally beaten out of us.  Yet, today the residue of those decades of holding back emotions and actions that lashed out in violence, addiction or other destructive habits, has lasted for centuries and were heavily reinforced as recently as in the last 75 years.  It has molded generations of men unable to display how they genuinely feel, not understanding the proper healing of a good cry. 

In both of the above texts, Jesus is seen crying at moments where we can easily see why His emotions could lead Him there (a death and a triumphant celebration). But He was the savior of the world; why would He cry? There is no need for Him to emote. He is able to change any and every situation. So why would He cry? Because He was, among many things, a teacher, and one who taught by example. It is human to cry when we are overwhelmed. It is OK to share your emotions honestly; the real lesson is that it is healing to emote. 

Scientifically, crying is a natural process that helps the body release stress hormones, reduce pain, and promote relaxation by releasing endorphins and oxytocin. Emotional tears contain unique proteins and hormones that protect and heal the eyes. 

The other great lesson that Jesus demonstrated in these two situations,  was the results of releasing pain and stress. Both times that Jesus wept, either a miracle or significant feat followed. 

In John 11:35, Jesus wept. Then Lazarus was raised from the dead. When. He cried in Jerusalem, Luke 19:41 Now as He drew near, He saw the city and wept over it, Jesus then prophesied about their future, ramshacked the money tables in temple and would ultimately become a sacrifice for us all; Isaiah 53:5 But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. After weeping for Jerusalem, Jesus would then turned around and die for them. 

God wants us to accomplish some major things in this life. After we release much of this stress we carry (alone) and the pain that we feel makes us “less than man,” we’ll find ourselves in the position Jesus demonstrated, allowing the Spirit of God to use every part of US (who we truly are) for His Glory.  

Go ahead and get in a good cry 😢

A Touchless Society

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The Modern Day Leper

Mark 1:41 Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed.”

We live in a day of Touchless Technology.  This technology is used in numerous settings, including restaurants, stores, schools, and was especially vital during COVID.  It allows us to interact with devices and systems without physical contact and was implemented to reduce the spread of germs and viruses.  However, we never returned to interacting with each other.  I believe that while the effects of  COVID increased this trend of usage for safety, today it is used more for convenience, than anything else.  We seem to be looking for convenient ways not to have anything to do with other people.  Sad Right; yet I believe that many people enjoy the isolation. 

Leviticus 13:50 The priest shall examine the plague and isolate that which has the plague seven days.

Isolate: to shut, to close, to be shut up.  

The definition is interesting; shut, closed and be silenced.  Isolation is physically shutting you up and shutting up the community around you.  In isolation the enemy’s voice often becomes the loudest, and in isolation we remove our access to some essential needs.  

What needs: of the top 5 things that are documented as critical needs for a newborn, like being fed, good hygiene, and safety, is the Parental or Caregiver’s affection and interaction.  The affection and interaction include holding, cuddling, talking to, and responding to the baby’s needs; each are vital for the emotional well-being of the child.  Well just like for the baby, Affection is very important to us as children and adults; it contributes significantly to our sense of well-being, connection, and a feeling of being loved.  This need of emotional and physical intimacy through affectionate touch, hugs, kisses, and words of affirmation are key to grown people feeling secure and valued in a relationship.

Leviticus 13:45-46 “Now the leper on whom the sore is, his clothes shall be torn and his head bare; and he shall cover his mustache, and cry, ‘Unclean! Unclean!’  46 He shall be unclean. All the days he has the sore he shall be unclean. He is unclean, and he shall dwell alone; his dwelling shall be outside the camp.

So imagine this leper who is coming to Jesus; this man’s body is literally deteriorating before him.  Not only the physical pain in his body; but the emotional pain of utter neglect had to be excruciating.  A Middle Aged man in Jesus’ day would be married with a pretty large family. So you would have to think that this man had been isolated from the city, from his neighbors, from his wife and from his kids.  Yet not only isolated from them, the very ones who loved him.  But rejected by them because they did not want to catch what he had.  Ridiculed by the people of the city because they treated the lepers lower than vermin.  An even ostracized by the religious leaders as they proclaimed their leprosy was tied to their sin.  Imagine being berated physically, emotionally and spiritually for weeks, months, or even years.  We don’t exactly how long this man was with this agonizing disease but we do know it was long enough that when he went and told the people and church leaders what happened many believed because they knew his condition.  

What does this have to do with Touchless Technology?  We have unknowingly created a bunch of lepers today as we in general have disconnected physically and emotionally.  Just like the leper isolated, lonely and ill repute (the state of being held in low esteem by the public).  The impact of lack of touch and affection, can lead to feelings of isolation, loneliness, and even decreased relationship satisfaction.

Phones and other tech have replaced simple dialogue, conversation and even just being present with others.  Hugs, holding hands, cuddling, and normal physical contact is missing.  And just look at the impact below of what we miss, taken from a summary of studies:

*Emotional connection:
Physical affection like hugs and cuddles releases oxytocin, a hormone associated with bonding and feelings of closeness, which is crucial for men and women to feel connected to their partner. 

*Self-esteem boost:
Receiving affection can significantly enhance a person’s self-esteem and sense of worth. 

*Stress reduction:
Physical touch has been shown to reduce stress levels in men and women. 

*Communication tool:
Affection can be a powerful way to express love and appreciation, even without words. 

Although the technology has Changed Jesus Remains the same.  When we’re isolated and alone; Jesus is always willing  (“I am willing; be cleansed.”) to touch us!!  His touch restores and makes us whole.  

Mark 1:41 Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed.”

I’m Going Fishing

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John 21:3 Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing…..

If you’re unfamiliar with this story, I encourage you to read John 21:1-14 (which can be found at the bottom). I, however, was stopped right here two weeks ago when I read Peter’s declaration these friends and confidants. “I am going fishing… He didn’t have to say another word. So, I share these thoughts:

1. What does this scripture SAY about me, Lord?  

I’m not much different than Peter; I have the same trauma response.   

OK, Let’s paint this picture quickly of what has Peter here at this point of the text.  The Disciples have just been through a world win of emotions in a short period of time.  They had walked the streets of Jerusalem behind Jesus, the Messiah, the King who had chosen them by name to be with Him and to reign with Him in His Kingdom.  The entire city was a blessing, praising, and honoring Him as they entered Jerusalem, and they were there to witness it all.  It was finally coming to pass. They had been with Him for nearly 3 years, and they were about to see the thing they had been waiting for: Him to be Proclaimed King and them to be raised up into leadership, probably the highest positions of power they’d ever been in.  

Only to see that entire dream be crushed, ripped away, and completely destroyed in a night.  The arrest, the beating, the humiliation, and ultimately death of Him who they were following, Jesus.  What a turn of events; now they are on the run for having the same relationship that was about to put them in charge of everything.  Not to mention, their friend and mentor, their Messiah, was gone.  They are completely devastated.

Then now, in the midst of their grief, they find the grave is empty.  Confused but excited because this would Signify that Jesus has been raised from the dead (they remember what He did for Lazarus).  Or is someone playing tricks? Is this all a lie?  They are not quite sure what is true and what is hopeful imagination.  They hide in this room, where they are scared, they will be killed next.  Then appears their savior, Jesus.  He is alive; what relief, what joy, what confusion.  Oh, let us hug you, only to be told no, I’m not here for long, leaving, and putting you in charge.  Wait What???

2. What ATTITUDE in my heart do You want me to change?

It is OK to be overwhelmed, exhausted, and out of sorts.  You can be human!  We feel like we have to be Superman because we are Christians with a growing relationship with Christ.  We have to power through.  

Look at Peter, his emotions are all over the place.  There is so much to process; maybe he should see his therapist.  Face it: Peter is overwhelmed and does not have the answers.  Everything he thought to be true was just flipped on its head.   In that situation with a broken heart, an unsure future, and a new position he didn’t think he would ever be in… Peter does what we all often do when physically, spiritually, and emotionally overwhelmed.  We go back to that thing that brings us a sense of normal.  That place, that person, that poison, whatever it is, whether healthy or dangerous.  It is an Escape from the present chaos.  Often, that place we went to before we met Jesus.

3. Abba Father, what lesson do You want me to LEARN from this?

For Peter it was Fishing, what is it for you?  For me, it used to be women (familiar or random) or maybe food and never really alcohol or drugs because I watched that damage many around me growing up.  I sought the women for the affection I needed (and never really got as a kid). I sought someone to hug me, maybe rub my head, and tell me it would be OK.  But back then, it came at a cost because that affection was associated with sex, porn, or masturbation.  The other go-to was having a favorite food or meal (that reminds me of a time when life was joyful/peaceful).  Both actions proved to be damaging to me, my relationship with God, and the purpose He’d created me for.  For Peter, it took him back to the place where he had no faith (toiling all night and catching nothing).

4. How do You want me to APPLY this scripture to my life? 

When we find ourselves in the same situation as Peter, it is normal to feel it in our flesh first.  However, our response should always be to get to Jesus.  There is a song by Stephen Hurd, a gospel singer who used to be my first real church’s praise and worship leader.  The title was Lead Me To The Rock.  The song’s first verse said “When my heart is overwhelmed, my prayer is, lead me to the Rock (my solid rock).  We need to get to Jesus so we have a safe space to be truthful.  Peter was going through a difficult time, but his mindset was to retreat to what was familiar.  Fishing was what he was doing before he met Jesus; what was I doing before Jesus?  What brought me peace back then?  Why go back to satisfying my flesh when I have a Rock to settle myself on?  The above-mentioned song goes on to say, “Lead me to The Rock, that’s higher than I, oh Lord.”  Jesus will remind us that His ways are not ours, not His thoughts like ours.  His plans are trustworthy even when we cannot understand what is happening.  We need to lean on the firm foundation of Christ, the Solid Rock.  

Guess where Peter was now: in the same boat that he first met Jesus.  It was where he would first encounter Christ and find his faith. It was where Jesus knew he and the other disciples would be.  Jesus knows us, what we do, where we go, how we respond, and He always shows up for us.  People don’t always show up, but Jesus does.  Even though they were lost and unsure about what was next, Jesus showed up!!!  Share what you are feeling, where your heart is at that moment, what your emotions are feeling like, what you are afraid of, because when you do, like for Peter, you will find Jesus is waiting for you, arms wide open and with the very thing you are “fishing for!!!”

John 21:1-14. https://www.biblestudytools.com/kjv/john/21.html

Brothers In Christ (BIC) Golf Tournament 

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Thoughts from the weekend…

So, if I had to sum up the weekend I spent at Myrtle Beach for the BIC (Brothers In Christ) Golf Tournament, it would be this: To God Be the Glory. 

This Tournament is about God and golf and how, when these men prioritize God correctly, they can be used to Dive Deeper in our walk with Christ, disciple those looking for encouragement and practical steps, and draw those who are on the verge of dynamically changing their lives. 

Dive Deeper:

Matt 5:6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

For they shall be filled. When we come together as men, we are a powerful force. When we show up in numbers, the whole world takes notice. (Everyone wanted to know what was happening when these 70 men were together on one accord; they were fearful, frustrated, and then fascinated by our presence in the different courses and restaurants over the weekend). 

When we search for righteousness, the Lord is eager to remind us of what He did to provide it. He reminds us that it is free because He paid the cost and of the power when we walk in it. 

Those who come to fellowship with other like-minded individuals are always blessed. When they are opened to hearing from Christ, they will not be disappointed because He inhabits a group of men who praise and honor Him. This is when we can dive deeper into Jesus. 

Disciple Men: 

Ps 34:8 Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!

There were men at this tournament that were not committee to God. Some were curious about what total commitment looked like, and some were saved brothers who just needed some encouragement & practical steps that would help them apply the word to their everyday lives. They needed men who could walk with them during this short time to build relationships and would take some practical steps with them as they returned home. This is when these men who may work on their gold game pretty regularly can now work on their walk pretty regularly. Discuss practical steps that help produce discipline in areas of life that were missing. 

Lastly,

Drawing Men to Christ:

John 12:32-33 And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.” This He said, signifying by what death He would die.

The consistent focus on Jesus throughout the weekend helps to distinguish the gap of life without Jesus and the eternal promise of hope that only comes with a relationship with Jesus. The real area of passion I could see is the men who showed up just for the golf and to bang out away from home. This is where God is really excited because many of these men were not thinking about Jesus, yet the atmosphere of every event and group setting is to lift up the name of Jesus. When that atmosphere is set, many of these men meet Jesus face to face and have the opportunity to say yes to a God who has been drawing them for some time. 

The week excites me, and I am looking forward to attending in the future and taking a more active role in prioritizing Jesus so that He can execute these three steps in men’s lives. 

My Security is In Jesus 4

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We’re in part 4 of a word of encouragement from the Lord for those of us bold enough to admit we’re insecure. God has a Secure place for us. We learned in Part 1 that we can each declare that “I Praise God; For Choosing Me to Love ; For Bringing Me Home and For Accepting Me As I Was.”

For Bringing Me Home

Eph 1:5 having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will,

Isn’t it so powerful that God chose to bring us home to be in His family. The truth is we can be confident of a few things according to Paul’s letter to the Ephesians:

1. We’re His Child: having predestined us to adoption as sons. We have been predestined; which means to predetermine, to decide beforehand, to adopt (the action or fact of legally taking another’s child and bringing it up as one’s own); to become sons/daughters of God. God made this decision well before we were born (before anyone was borne for that matter). The term as sons in Greek speaks of the same relationship that God was pleased to establish with the Israelites; and the condition of the true disciples in Christ; and those who by receiving the Spirit of God become sons of God. Each of these demonstrates just what a special position we’ve been blessed with as sons.

2. Were His Decision: by Jesus Christ to Himself. Jesus made the decision to adopt us as sons while the Triune Godhead before the foundation of the world. However, after making the decision, Jesus Christ followed up and executed the decision on the Cross as Messiah. Truly amazing; Jesus, the Son gave His life so that we might switch places and live in the Son.

3. Were His Pleasure: according to the good pleasure of His will,. Finally, we need to comprehend this last piece. We please God!!! But it’s not what you think; we don’t please him by how good we act nor what nice deeds we do. We please God because we believe in our hearts what Jesus did on the cross and have declared with our mouths that Jesus is our Savior. Jesus pleased God so we wouldn’t have too. We bring our Daddy pleasure and they is so Sweet.

We praise God because He chose us; He loves us and He made a home for us in His family and allows us to be ourselves. Paul’s text lays out a tremendous path for us to receive God’s insatiable love for us and I hope you can appreciate it; I’m learning to more and more everyday.

My Security is In Jesus 3

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We’re in part 3 of a word of encouragement from the Lord for those of us bold enough to admit we’re insecure. God has a Secure place for us. We learned in Part 1 that we can each declare that “I Praise God; For Choosing Me to Love ; For Bringing Me Home and For Accepting Me As I Was.”

For Choosing Me to Love

Eph 1:4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love,

There is something so satisfying about being selected; someone choosing you for a special recognition or honor. The thing that makes your selection even more incredible is the selection source. Obviously, the bigger, more powerful, more recognizable and well known the organization or person is that selected you the more amazing the recognition becomes.

Back in my youthful days, I was selected by an organization called “Big Brothers/Big Sisters” of the National Capital Region as their Big Brother of the year. It was an incredible honor and one I cherish to this day. It was special, because they choose me out of a very large number of volunteers, the organization was Nationally known and it had significant resources and respect around the country.

So much so that a few months later I was chosen by the President of the United States, George W. Bush, to be on his panel of mentors for his international mentoring initiative. The President was known Worldwide, much more than the DMV area. He was much more powerful, with many more resources; an his position as President garnered respect across the Globe and that was who chose me. Wow

So now imagine what this means, we are now:

1. Known: He chose us. The He in this text is simple; the God of the Universe. No one is more well known; more powerful; more respected. There is a trending term “I Am Him,” which means that this person is as dominant figure. Well, God is the originator; he told Moses “I AM WHO I AM.” The original “I Am Him,” chose us. Each one of you reading this post, regardless of who you are, where you’re from, what you’ve done He chose us. He chose us because He knew us (Jer 1:5); and contrary to our own beliefs, God knows us and even knowing everything about us He still chose us (Ps 139).

2. Family: in Him. When I got married, I chose my Wife to become a member of my entire family. Not only did I have to trust her with my heart but also with those who were the very closest to me. My wife inevitably was making the same decision for her and her family. Here we have the Almighty God; maker of Heaven and Earth deciding that we are special enough to trust us with His heart (not knowing that He would ultimately give us His heart) and to trust us with His family (You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and ‘your neighbor as yourself). Our neighbors are God’s family and He trust us to treat them with love and respect.

3. In His Timing: before the foundation of the world. God decided to choose us well before we could ever choose him (Jer 1:5). We were not even a twinkle in our parents eyes (always thought that was a corny saying), when God made up His mind to send Jesus to take on our Sin. Because of His timing we can see that God knew everything about us and what our lives would be; so we can realize the God has always loved us. He decided long long ago that we were worthy of His love; and worth giving the one He loved the most to ensure we could experience His most precious LOVE. That is pretty special!!

4. Holy In His Presence: that we should be holy and without blame before Him. We’ve been made Holy; spotless and without Blame. In His presence, we are full of Joy (Ps 16:11), rest (Matt 11:28), peace (Phil 4:6-7) and protection (Ps 91). There are a ton of benefits from being in the Lord’s presence, here we learn that in His presence we are without blame. This is because of what Jesus did on the cross. He took on our Sin and exchanged it for His Righteousness. His Righteousness; because of Christ sacrifice on the cross; He has presented us to God faultless (Jude 1:24). Therefore, in God’s presence we are holy and without blame.

5. Loved: in love. The entire foundation of our identity and our security is found in love. In the Love of God for this world (Jn 3:16-17); God’s Love for His Son (Jn 15:9) ; Jesus’ Love for Us (1 John 4:9-10) and Our love for Ourselves (Matthew 22:39). This verse tells us that we are Chosen; as Family; in His presence and in His timing all based in love. God Loves Jesus soooo much (Jn 3:35; 5:20); He gives Him all things and all of Himself. God Loves this World, so much that He sent Jesus to die for it (Jn 3:16-17). in love, We are able to learn ourselves and love what God loves about us; Ps 139:17-18 How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them!

God fully knows you; His love for you is special and abundant. So much so, that He chose you as His love interest, He brought you into His family. He has plans for you in His timing and desires that you be in His presence….and it’s all done in LOVE.

It’s Time to Rest

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Matt 11:28 NKJV

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

I’ve read, memorized and studied this verse for many years since accepting Jesus.  Just like Jesus, every time I look at it this verse the Lord shows me something new.  Jesus had just done miraculous acts in the cities Chorazin and Bethsaida then rebuked them because they did not change their mind (repent).  He openly thanked His Father for hiding His truths from the wise and sharing with His babes.  This text I believe is one of those.

Jesus says come to me and I will give you rest…… Our loving Savior invites us to Himself.  It reminds me of the times when I just open my arms wide to my kids and they just come and dive into my chest for a big hug.  It is those moments that help me show them how much I care about them and reminds them of how safe, warm and loved they feel in Daddy’s arms.  It is a special time and I believe that this what Jesus is inviting us to do.  Then He goes even further by offering to give us rest, His rest.  He’s saying to us….You’re tired and burdened but when you come to Me I will give you the ultimate fix for your weariness and pain. 

Rest, what a great word and gift Jesus offers us.  The Greek word “Anapauo” literally means to cause or permit one to cease from any movement or labour in order to recover and collect his strength.  I know that you can connect with this word, have you ever worked, tried, strived, toiled, slogged and given everything that you could possibly give; only to have to keep going on to the next task, problem or chore.  You need to cease from any movement, to recover and collect your strength, and this is exactly what Jesus has given us.  Just know that we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses (Heb 4:15).  Jesus knows exactly how that feels, in Luke He told His disciples “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.”  The Greek for “lay” is Klino which is the same word used when Jesus finished His marvelous work on the Cross. “He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit (John 19:30).”  He worked, worked and worked but had no place to lay His head; no place to rest.  He did however rest once His work was finished.  We can rest and have a place to lay our heads because Jesus finished all of the work that needed to be done.  All of the requirements and payment for sin was paid on the Cross and there is nothing left for us to do….it has already been done!!!!

Our job now…..Rest in Jesus’ loving, warm and protective arms; after all He did all of the work for you!!

God Bless You