Holy Week Thoughts

Here we are in March of 2016...how did the time move so quickly. We are in the days leading up to the remembrance and celebration of the death and resurrection of Christ. Wednesday is the quiet day in our Scriptures. A day of reflection and anticipation for me. As I have pondered and meditated the meaning of these sacred days, I have once again entered into an awe-filled state. It amazes me that this human race that is so sinful, is so desperately loved by the One who created us. The traumatic events in Brussels yesterday is just another reminder of how lost many in our world are. My heart breaks for those who have lost loved ones in these tragic times. May God heal their broken hearts.

My heart also breaks for those who are on the other side of this situation. They are lost, yet believe they are enlightened. What they are dying for, they embrace and believe in strongly enough that they are willing to give their lives for the cause. Even so, Jesus died for them. Jesus came to this earth a babe, nestled in the womb of a virgin teenage girl, was born, grew, taught, trained disciples, shared His message; healed the sick, lame, blind, deaf and dumb. He didn't stop there, oh no. He then surrendered His rights, His comfort, and His freedom - all for His love of humanity. His grace-filled, boundless, limitless love drove Him to cry out in agony - pain of the sins of the world were placed on Him as He was nailed to that cross so many years ago on Calvary.

As He bore the burdens of us all, He had an important word of hope to all - "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do," (Luke 23:34 NKJV). Jesus' story didn't finish on the cross or in the grave because He arose defeating death. Today, He is alive and is interceding on our behalf. He loves us so much and has made a way that all people - no matter your background, culture, gender, age, social standing - to have a personal relationship with Him. God the Father is waiting for each of us to accept His Son as their Savior. Jesus was the perfect sacrifice - He died once for all. He loves you. He will forgive every sin when we repent of it. He has paid the price to restore you to the relationship He created you for. Are you ready to accept His gift of grace and celebrate this Easter as a new creation?

Praying for you,
Natalie

Jesus is Calling

How ironic that the King of kings and Lord of lords would come to us  and be slain to give us eternal life (John 3:16)! Jesus was born in a humble and lowly stable (Luke 2:7) and lived a life without a house or place to lay His head (Matthew 8:20). He walked the dusty trails of this earth seeking out those who would be obedient to His call to follow Him. Simply follow Him in obedience.

That call has not changed in the years since His death, resurrection, and ascension. The Lord we serve is alive and desires for you to give up your life and follow Him in obedience (Luke 9:23). He may ask something difficult  of you, He may give you simple directions whatever it is, Jesus is calling. Are you listening and answering in obedience?

This week I have been drawn to the Lord in awe and wonder at the thought of all He must have endured and I find myself wondering how He could love humanity so much when we fall short in so many ways. However, this is the reality of the One and Only true Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He loves us so much that He spread His arms open wide and accepted a pain, cruel, tortuous death to save sinners from an eternity of torment and suffering. He loves you so much that if He had died just for you, He still would have done it.

Let's not forget the beauty of Jesus' death. The truth is that death could not hold Him and the grave could not keep Him. He rose, defeating death and the grave so that all who come after Him, believing in Him will be granted eternal life in His presence. I am simply a sinner, saved by grace. I don't deserve it, but am so thankful for His saving grace. If you are reading this and don't know Jesus, just ask Him in your life. Pray and ask Him to forgive your sins, believe that He is the One true God, and give your life to Him. Allow Jesus to direct your steps. He alone is worthy, He alone can give you beauty for ashes. He alone has the victory over sin and death. He is a gentleman and will wait for you. All you need to do is take one small step toward Him and He will move heaven and earth to get to you. He loves you dear one, with a love that is overflowing and unending. Won't you trust in Him?

Lenten Fasting

"Is this not the fast that I have chosen:

To loose the bonds of wickedness,

To undo the heavy burdens,

To let the oppressed go free,

And that you break every yoke?

Is it not to share your bread with the hungry,

And that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out;

When you see the naked, that you cover him,

And not hide yourself from your own flesh?

Then your light shall break forth like the morning,

Your healing shall spring forth speedily,

And your righteousness shall go before you;

The glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.

Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer;

You shall cry, and He will say, 'He I am'." Isaiah 58:6-9 NKJV

 

 

My pastor has recently been promoting the idea of 40 days of prayer and fasting over the Lenten Season this year. He has been sharing the importance of fasting in our Christian walk with the Lord. As I have been praying and studying this again, chapter 58 of Isaiah has once more drawn me closer to the Lord's will and way of fasting and prayer.

 

I want to encourage each one who reads this post to prayerfully read all of chapter 58 and see what God is saying to you. As I have read and prayed and studied this passage of Scripture many things have been revealed to me but I would like to bring out a few important things that this passage shows us. If you have read all of chapter 58, you will notice that the beginning of this chapter gives us some warnings about fasting. Fasting is not a way to manipulate God to get something from Him. Fasting is what we do to draw closer to God and seek His will and way. It is not a spiritual discipline we do just because it is expected of us, but our hearts must be pure and our motives sincere.

 

When we fast with a pure heart and pure motives, He sees us and hears us and is delighted. Then He will answer prayer. Before you decide on what to do for Lent, pray and seek God's will for you. Does He want you to fast one meal a week, one day of meals a week, one item of food, or something else? There are those - for medical reasons - who cannot fast and I want to tell you that God knows and understands that. Maybe, He will direct you to give up a TV show, or coffee, or something else that is taking your focus away from Him. I urge you to seek Him and His direction for you in this. As you pray ask God to reveal anything in your life that is keeping Him from answering your prayers. Pray for courage and strength. Pray for forgiveness for any unconfessed sin in your life and accept His forgiveness.

 

When you are fasting, remember the second part. Prayer. It is no good to fast without praying. That is a diet. We are looking to grow deeper in the knowledge, wisdom and power of our Lord and Savior. We are storming the gates of heaven to break the bonds of sin and Satan in our lives and in this world. Prayer and fasting will overcome anything that is holding you down and captive. Pray in faith knowing that God is able to do "exceedingly, abundantly above all we can ask or think," (Ephesians 3:20 NKJV).

 

May He bless you in this season of Lent and draw you nearer to Him. I am praying for you dear one, and thanking God in advance for all He will do in your life. Praise His name. Natalie



Spring Forth

Easter is coming. This is a time of preparation and reflection. Our beloved Savior, Jesus Christ, gave His all for each of us: that is why we celebrate. It has nothing to do with Easter bunnies or egg hunts. What does it mean to you?

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again

to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ

from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and

that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,

who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation

ready to be revealed in the last time." (1 Peter 1:3-5 NKJV)

What great hope we have, thanks be to Jesus and the work done on the cross those many years ago. This world is filled with things. There are homes, cars, tvs, cell phones, computers, e-readers, video games, movies, purses, shoes, golf clubs, food, and I could list every moment for every day for the next year and not even scratch the surface of what is available. The only problem is that no matter what phone, computer, purse, or car you get, there will be a new and better one available tomorrrow. The insatiable lust of the flesh tells us it will never be enough, big enough or good enough. We want more, More, MORE.

The promise that comes with this Scripture fills my soul and grants me peace to be content with the wonderful "things" I am blessed with (for the most part). Our true treasures are not on this earth, nor are they seen, but they are stored in heaven with the Author and Finisher of our faith, Jesus Christ. Our inheritance is incorruptible and undefiled and will not fade away... Praise You Jesus!

This life is not all we have. This is a training ground for better things coming. This is a time to prepare ourselves to meet our Savior "face-to-face". My question is this: Are you ready? Is your heart focused on things of this world, or on the Savior of this world? Are you ready to meet Him and answer His questions? Have you given Him all of yourself, your possessions, your everything?

If you take time to read the Scriptures this Easter season, I urge you to read the accounts in the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, from the Last supper through the Resurrection. Read it prayerfully, asking God to reveal the truth to your heart, softening it so you may hear His voice, then for the courage to obey Him. It can be scary because none of us know what He will call us to. However, we have the promise that He will never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). What more do we need?

Praying you will find hope and rest in Jesus Christ beginning today.

Natalie