99 To Go

  I am a partaker of the promise in Christ. Ephesians 3:6  "That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel." NKJV
  "And this is God's plan: Both Gentiles and Jews who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God's children. Both are part of the same body, and both enjoy the promise of blessings, because they belong to Christ Jesus." JCB

  A couple of weeks ago at church, the image of the Kabbalah, the Jewish Tree of Life was shown. It's not the first time this image was recently brought to my attention. It was part of an archaeology program I've been watching on TV.
  I became interested in it because, as a Christian, it lays down the foundation of God's promises to us. The entire Old Testament lays the foundation for the New Covenant in Christ.
   It also ties into yesterday's final thought. "To everyone who is victorious I will give fruit from the tree of life in the paradise of God." Rev 2:7
  It is an illustration of life's journey with interconnected pathways linking each of the ten blessings. Looking at this image through a Christian perspective, I see the Cross of Christ clearly within the connecting pathways at the top centre.

  A picture paints a thousand words.
  A picture that represents the unity between Jew and Gentile brought about through the sacrifice of Jesus.

  I don't know what else to say except to give thanks for whoever created this depiction of the Tree of Life. I can also give thanks that it has been around a very long time.
 




 

A Partaker of Grace. Phillipians 1:7

  "Just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace." NKJV
  "So it is right that I should feel as I do about all of you, for you have a special place in my heart. You share with me the special favour of God, both in my imprisonment and in defending and confirming the truth of the Good News." JCB

  There's a part in the book, The Shack, that has stuck with me over the years. God is talking about a person and He declares, "I especially love him."  There was some confusion about this seeming hierarchy of His love so He clarifies, "I love all My children especially."
 
  I think there is a human tendency to be awfully hard on ourselves. I don't know if it's because of how we are rewarded for being first and "punished" for being last. (Although today's trend in the education system of rewarding mediocrity so no one feels left out is a disturbing practice because how are today's children going to learn resiliency?) Do school grades, work performance bonuses, getting our drivers licences or what's in our bank account feed into the skewed idea of what being loveable looks like? Do these things shape our understanding of what is acceptable and what is not?

  I came across a little poem by Anne McCaffrey,

Who wills,

Can.

Who tries,

Does.

Who loves,

lives.

 

  Sorry, Anne, the second last line doesn't quite fit. I feel it should have been,

 

 "Who fails, lives."

 

  Hmm, now I have to rethink what failure is! All because my own "success scale" has a way of sneaking up on me. And, I confess, I can be awfully hard on myself. Forgive me for that, my Lord. :)

  Just think what it takes to learn how to walk! Yes, there will be bumps! Yes, there will be bruises!

 

  Is it really failure when our mistakes draw us nearer to God for comfort? Is it failure when we reach out to Jesus to help us be better people than we are? Is it failure when we can be aware of our flaws yet set them aside through the healing balm of God's truth? Is it failure when we are drawn into a closer relationship with Him because of His limitless grace; His ability to forgive us when we ask that's taught again and again in His awesome and amazing Book?

 

  "To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God." Rev 2:7

  

 

 

  



Hebrews 6:4

  I am a partaker of the Holy Spirit.
  "For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit." NKJV
  "For it is impossible to bring back to repentance those who were once enlightened--those who have experienced the good things of heaven and shared in the Holy Spirit." JCB

  Paul is talking about believers who reject Jesus by equating this act to nailing Him to the cross once again and holding Him up to public shame (v.6). He makes it very clear that this is a final choice, that there is no coming back...
  I find this difficult to believe.
  Debate has raged around the question about losing our salvation. I don't feel well enough equipped to challenge this idea except by knowing what I know from personal experience.
  In Christ all things are possible!
  Thank God!
  Time and again I've heard stories of people who went to church, who attended Sunday school as children (myself included). They, I, went through a considerable time in the wilderness adrift from faith before they, I, came back to the Lord.
  Or maybe this isn't what Paul is talking about.
  Maybe Paul is speaking about adults making the conscious choice not to believe despite what their senses, their souls, their experiences tell them is true. Maybe Paul is speaking about those who deny the existence of God despite having intimate experiences of His love.
  Even so, I struggle in believing God would turn His back on them forever.

  Maybe that's the difference: I never stopped believing that there was something bigger, something better than the world. For many a dark and lonely year I held on to a vague hope that there was and waited. Did I call this God? I didn't know what to call it. 
  Playing hymns on the organ would fill my heart with a longing for the Something that seemed to be just around the corner. Singing along with love songs playing on the radio became pleas to an unknown Listener...Once in a while, I would catch a glimmer of what was waiting for me.
 
  That's all I want to remember about those years, the moments when the Light penetrated the darkness.
  And when I finally decided to call the wonderful, waited for Something exactly what it was: Jesus.
 
 

Affirmation #198

  I am a partaker of Christ. Hebrews 3:14
  "For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end." NKJV
  "For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ." JCB

  So, here we are. Even though I thought about taking a break from the list only yesterday, this morning found me looking forward to exploring the day's affirmation. It's a sense of anticipation that has grown a lot since the beginning. In fact, I was downright excited to see what today will reveal!
  Besides, I will be taking a short break from writing for a couple of weeks to walk the beach and catch some sunshine starting next Friday. There probably won't be a post on Thursday because it's community lunch day at work which means an early start.
  Hmmm...There was a time when the list was a chore, a dutiful obligation. Homework. Especially in the beginning. It took a lot to get me to miss even a single day because I felt the burden of commitment or rather, I was burdened by the commitment!
  It was the same when I obediently but reluctantly joined the worship team.
  These commitments now bring a great deal of joy into my life. Why is that?

  At work on Thursday we were given the opportunity to do the 30 Circle Challenge. It's a piece of paper printed with thirty circles. The object is to draw or write something in each one. I decided to focus on the good things in my life, the things that bring me the greatest joy. From butterflies to birthday cake, from writing to walking barefoot, from curiosity to forest calm there is a unity, a common thread that connects all these things: faith.
  It was an answer to a prayer because I've been thinking a lot about the changes since I became a Christian. Somewhere along the line, the enthusiasm and excitement those first years held has faded. Or maybe it hasn't.
  The 30 Circles prove that faith is as much a part of my life as it was in the beginning. It's simply matured. It's been refined and polished and grown. Faith has overcome what might have destroyed me during the dark and terrible days and weeks and years on the Black River.
  Because Jesus was at my side.
  He still is.
  And will always be because I share with Him the greatest gift of all, His Father's love.
 

 

I am Pardoned. Jeremiah 33:8

  "I will cleanse them from all their iniquity by which they have sinned against Me, and I will pardon all their iniquities by which they have sinned and by which they have transgressed against Me." NKJV
  "I will cleanse them of their sins against me and forgive all their sins of rebellion." JCB

  I am feeling a bit bogged down by all the revelations this journey has opened my mind and heart to. It feels like it's time to take a break from the list and allow the lessons to percolate deep into my thoughts and behaviours. It's important to take some time so these affirmations, these truths of God, can become part of the fabric of my being. There's an element of practice to it as well.
  Already there have been many instances when a response or a thought has surprised me because it is so different to how I have responded or thought up until now. These are wonderful moments because the new ways are a thousand fold better than the old! New ways, God's ways, of thinking bring nothing but good things! Far more than I ever thought possible.
  It's not like there's fireworks or anything. Most of the changes have been subtle although the fact I find myself more comfortable in the presence of men is pretty big. Ginormous! It's a huge relief, too.
  With it comes an outpouring of immeasurable gratitude.
  Freedom is a wonderful thing.
  
  When this exercise began early last year, an allotted amount of time was given to complete the list. Already the "deadline" is a moot point because there are roughly a hundred more affirmations to go. Which is more than okay. I am pardoned!
  I still want to complete the list. Not only has it helped me learn where all the books in the Bible are but the list has been a compass guiding me, pointing ultimately to the heart of God: Jesus.
 

I Am an Overcomer. 1 John 5:4-5

  "For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world--your faith. Who is he who overcomes the world. but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God." NKJV
  "For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God." JCB

  And what a weapon we bear! Not of steel or iron or stone. Gunpowder has no place.
  There is no arena, no ring, no forum that can contain us.
 
  Faith is love believing that there is something far better ahead than anything we ever thought possible.
  Grace is love granting patience and understanding when we fall short or when others stumble.
  Repentance is seeking Love, seeking Jesus, to soothe us, to grow us, to make us better people when we have done wrong.
  Forgiveness is an outpouring of love regardless of the hurt, the wrongs done to us or by us.
  Gratitude is love appreciated.
  Sacrifice is love setting aside our own agendas.

  Then there is the ability to stand tall and secure in our faith, to petition the Lord, to draw a line in the sand against the principalities and powers seeking to destroy us by wielding the only sword we'll ever need: the Spirit of love.

  Prayer. To offer praises and gratitude. To express delight and wonder about the awesome gifts of God:   His Son, God's creations, this world, this community, this life, this heartbeat that thumps away in my chest.
  Prayer. To raise our voices in unity of song and worship that sends the enemy of our souls scurrying away.
  Prayer. An acknowledgement of the Lord's eternal investment in our lives even if all we share with Him is Saturday's grocery list.
  Prayer unlocks our hearts, our minds and our souls so we can hear what God has to say.
  Prayer. Intimate and honest moments of connectedness with the One who saves us from ourselves.
  Every single one of our prayers is victory proclaimed. And heaven's trumpets resound with a joyful noise!
  Because Jesus will never leave us nor forsake us but will fortify us and strengthen us and grow us through the insurmountable and unconquerable power of His love.
 
  Lord, thank You for helping me understand what love is. Thank You for helping me let go of the brokenness that tainted my thoughts about love. Thank You for clarity. Thank You that my ability to share Your love unabashedly and unconditionally will do nothing but grow. But most of all, thank You, Jesus, for Your sacrifice that made all this possible.
 

I am One with Him. John 17:23-24

  "I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me. Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world." NKJV
  "I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me. Father, I want these whom you have given me to be with me where I am. Then they can see all the glory you gave me because you loved me even before the world began!" JCB

  It's there. The love offering of Jesus Christ to humankind. It's twofold. He was given to us by God. We were given to Him by God before the world began.
  Christ's prayer to His Father wanting us to be with Him, wanting us to experience the full glory and majesty of God's love...This simple prayer has reached in and touched the stony places in my heart where fear and hurt and heartbreak have left their scars.
  I've grown more aware of these hard and distant places as the last few affirmations have ended with tantalizing hints about the depth, the breadth, the scope of God's amazing love. To the moon and back doesn't even come close.
  Every part of my being hungers for the freedom to embrace God's love. I hunger to live with utter abandon in the surety and security of this same unwavering, eternal love.
   Lord, hear my prayer. Show me how to let go, where to let go. Tap the stone in my heart so life giving waters will flow. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen!
 

 

 

 
 

Affirmation #194 by Susan

  I am on the winning side. Colossians 2:15
  "Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it (the cross)." NKJV
  "In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross." JCB

  To get a better understanding of this passage and the affirmation, I'm going to include verse 13 and 14.
  "You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. He cancelled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross." JCB

  I played softball a long time ago over the course of a few summers. For some reason my team always ended up at the bottom of the league. It took the fun out of it, losing all the time. Oh, we'd win the odd game but most of the time the team was taken to the cleaners.
  The athletic ability was there. I remember one hot Saturday afternoon successfully driving half a dozen balls far into the outfield. Only...every single one of them was a foul ball, outside the baseline, and therefore didn't count. The right fielder got tired of playing fetch and, in the end, the pitcher won by striking me out.  (smile)
  It's funny what we remember.
  The athletic ability was there...perhaps, with some extra coaching these skills might have been honed. Perhaps, with some guidance foul balls would have become fair. Perhaps, had I practiced hitting a bit more...
  Mastering any skill takes practice. It takes study. It takes taking what is learned and applying it. It takes diligence and dedication. It takes having an awesome coach or teacher or peer or mentor who is able to draw out and expand innate abilities.
  To be on the winning side means making mistakes and learning from them.

  To be a woman of faith, on the greatest team in the universe, means I trust that the Lord will correct me when I am wrong, forgiving me in the process. He will encourage me to practice forgiving others until it becomes automatic. I trust He will guide me when I don't know where to go. I trust He will weep with me in sorrow or laugh with me in joy.
   I trust the knowledge that He died for me, for us, so we may come to know Him better.
  Victory isn't a destination, it's living life to the fullest through Jesus Christ.

  I think I've finally, after all these years, hit a home run. Amen!

Home Sweet Home

  I am of God's household. Ephesians 2:19
  "Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God." NKJV
  "So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God's holy people. You are members of God's family." JCB

  As a Canadian, my citizenship by right of birth in this wonderful country enables me to access a whole range of services. Everything from free health care to having good roads to travel on. I can travel anywhere in this country that shares the largest unprotected border in the world with the USA. There's the right to speak freely, to worship freely. I can criticize our government or the weather without fear of retaliation. Education, up to the age of 16, is mandatory regardless of gender. There are further opportunities to pursue post-secondary education. I am protected by police. (Yes, speeding tickets are protection!) Fire or ambulance services are a 911 call away. I can own property or a car. I can work at the job of my choice.
  I do want to add that some of these freedoms aren't actually free. Canadians are some of the highest taxed people in the world. Freedom, it seems, can come with a price of admission. Our health care system is overburdened. Higher education is expensive. So is housing in some areas making it difficult to get ahead.
  Nevertheless, having been blessed with these things my whole life, I tend to take them for granted. So, thank You, Lord, for this marvelous, if somewhat imperfect, land!
  I want to hold up an even greater gratitude for belonging to Your country, the one that exists above and beyond any borders set down by man.
  In Your world is strength to overcome adversity. In Your country is safety, comfort and rest. In Your province is peace. In Your realm is provision. In Your home is grace and patience. In Your shelter is a Confidant and confidence. In Your dwelling is found a Councillor and a Guide who is available 24/7. Under Your roof is encouragement to become better than I am. In Your family is community, belonging and acceptance.
  I know there are many more good things ahead in a yet undiscovered land. Praise God because once I was lost...
  He found me and pulled me out of the shadows.

  At Your hearth, I have found love.
 
 

Ephesians 1:11

  I have obtained an inheritance.
  "In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will." NKJV
  "Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan." JCB

  How many of us while away a few moments by musing on everything we would do if a previously unknown, exceedingly wealthy relative leaves us a fortune in their will? I've often thought about such things myself. Daydreaming of house renovations as kitchen and bathroom fall under an imaginary sledgehammer. A new car. A big trip. Then there's sharing this wealth with my children. I'd love to be able to buy a better building for the Krasman Centre. Hmm, never thought about buying a building for my church...I'd like that, too! The flights of fancy just keep on going until every single imaginary penny is spent ten times over.
  I've never done this with the inheritance I've received from God, though, and it's the real deal!
 
  What does God's inheritance include?
  First of all, He gave us His Son. Knowing Jesus means knowing the heart of God. So there's knowledge. Yet, knowledge is nothing without wisdom. That's part of it, too. We are given wisdom  through the leading and insights of the Holy Spirit. He's the second part of our divine inheritance.
  The next part of God's "will" grants us forgiveness for our sins. It's meant to be shared freely with others. Call it a tax free gift.
  Grace is interwoven through the act of forgiving and being forgiven. Grace comes when we fall short; when we wander from living according to our inheritance. Grace is why we are heirs in the first place!
  Then there's the peace that surpasses all understanding. I don't often experience this amazing gift because my very human nature gets in the way. But, when I do, it's awesome!

  This could go on for a while because the three hundred affirmations I've been investigating are statements of inheritance from the unending, incalculable, eternal estate of God.
  And I've been corrected because I stated that grace is why we are heirs in the first place but that's not totally accurate. Yes, it's part of it, but the reason we are heirs is because of four little letters:

LOVE



 
 

Romans 9:23

  I am an object of mercy.
  "And that He might make known the riches of His glory on the vessels of mercy, which He had prepared beforehand for glory." NKJV
  "He does this to make the riches of his glory shine brighter on those to whom he shows mercy, who were prepared in advance for glory." JCB

  A vessel of mercy is more than an object of mercy don't you think?

  Years ago, while attending college in downtown Toronto, a group of us were meandering up Yonge Street after classes like we often did. A frantic man was harassing passersby, crying out for help. Most gave him a wide berth because he appeared to be unstable. Our group included.
  Until I heard him quietly say, with an incredibly deep sorrow and air of defeat in his voice, "Won't somebody please help me?"
  Because I was in a group, because his poignant plea touched my heart, I turned back and cautiously asked him what he needed.
  "I only want to know where the bus station is! I've been standing here for hours and no one has stopped! No one!" he said and wiped his face with his sleeve. "I came from a small town up north to visit the big city yesterday. It's been a nightmare!"
  He shared about having unwittingly gone into some rather questionable bars, that he had been up all night, not knowing where it would be safe to stay, not really knowing where he was. (This was before cell phones and Google.) I wondered if someone hadn't cruelly slipped something into his drink when he wasn't looking.
  Tears filled his eyes, "I don't want money. I have money. All I want to do is go home and never, ever come back!"
  The bus station was only a couple of blocks from where we stood so our group escorted him there. He couldn't thank us enough as tears of relief flowed down his cheeks.
  My friends gave me heck once he'd left for taking such a risk in talking to him. All I could say was it had been the right thing to do. I was, after all, protected by safety in numbers.

  I haven't thought about that in years.
  A few months ago, a woman took the time to guide me out of unfamiliar downtown Hamilton when I felt lost and overwhelmed. It was the day I placed my Uncle into hospice care. This stranger waited for me at a red light, taking a moment out of her busy life to be kind.
  Lord, let me be a vessel of mercy filled to overflowing. Let me show others the same mercy You have shown me. In Jesus' name I pray. AMEN!

 
 
 
 
 
 
  

I Am Obedient. Isaiah 1:19

  "If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land." NKJV
  "I you will only obey me, you will have plenty to eat." JCB

  I think the New King James version says it best: "if you are willing." Sometimes the heart is willing but the flesh rebels. I believe God honours our hearts. I believe He honours when we try to be obedient to His commands.
  What stands in the way of obedience though? We are fiercely independent. That begins to exert itself the moment we start learning to tie our own shoes! How many parents have had to delay departure because their toddler insists on doing things for themselves?
  Or maybe it's even before that. The quest for independence begins the moment we understand what "No!" means.
  I have to think of the number of times someone told me what to do based on their own desires or needs. It was a huge issue in my marriage especially. It became an even bigger issue when I didn't "do as I was told." It makes me very quick to become defensive because the obedience thing was more about the other person having complete control, about having things done their way. It was about keeping me in a position of servitude through fear.
  That fear pops up very quickly when I feel threatened by what I perceive to be an attempt to take control. Yes, I'll be the first to admit that perceptions aren't always right. Yes, I'll also admit this fear has made me rather hard to deal with at times. (More times than I care to share!)
  Hmmm, that's a big revelation. I hadn't realized how much fear I still carry when it comes to developing relationships or friendships. I am afraid the old habits will take over and I'll lose myself again. Not that I was truly lost, God had His hand on me the whole time.

  In Christ, obedience isn't about power. It isn't about squashing our natures or our minds. It isn't about being in charge at a cost of individuality.
  In Christ, our uniqueness is celebrated!
  In Christ, there is choice.
  In Christ, there is grace. He is more than happy to let us flounder around for a while until we realize His way is the better way.
   In Christ, there is patience. He gives us the time and space to learn to trust Him. He has all the time in the world.

  Am I obedient? Sometimes.
  What has happened when I choose to be obedient to His commands? Despite the times it has been a rather reluctant obedience, I have ended up blessed, feasting on the "good of the land." More importantly, it has given me an opportunity to share that feast by being a blessing for others.
  Lord, show me how to be a blessing for others in all that I do. In Jesus' name I pray. AMEN!
 
 
 

Affirmation #189

  I have not been given a spirit of fear. 2 Timothy 1:7
 "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." NKJV
 "For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love and self-discipline." JCB

  Who is the one making sure fear remains in our lives then?
   It's the tempter, the dark whisperer, the one with a quiver full of fiery darts who gleefully sets out to confuse us by twisting God's Truth. He strives to keep us apart from the Lover of our souls by driving a wedge between our Saviour and us.
  His weapons are shame, blame, judgement, contempt, cruelty...
  Where he lays waste, God builds up. Where he condemns, God calls to life. Where he belittles, God welcomes us as little children.

  Where he is hate, God is perfect love. No strings attached.
 
  Lord, You know where fear still has a hold of me. You know my worries, my self-doubt. You know my regrets and sorrows. You know my struggles with depression and PTSD, how they shape my choices and behaviours. Which is basically saying You know where fear shapes my choices and behaviours.
  Forgive me for being afraid. I'm tired of it. I am tired of the everyday fight to do everyday things. Let my heart be filled with courage. Let me be bold and brave. Let me turn away from the things which are holding me back from the surety and confidence living in and through Your love will bring. In Jesus' name I pray.
  Thank You, Lord, for Your Son, the Bringer of Life.

 
 
 

I Am No Longer a Slave to Sin. Romans 6:6

   "Knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin." NKJV
  "We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin." JCB

  Paul goes on to say in verse 6:18. "Now you are free from your slavery to sin, and you have become slaves to righteous living."
  It's all in our heads.
  At least, that's where it starts.
  By focusing on what is good and right and holy, the tongue, the heart and the body fall into line. 
  The best part is we're not in this alone. A wooden puppet named Pinocchio had Jiminy Cricket, the personification of his conscience, who tried to keep him on the right path. We also have a Guide to help us stay focused, to bring us back when we stray. The Holy Spirit is much, much more than Disney's tuxedoed, singing insect...

  He is the indwelling essence of God sent to help us overcome all obstacles.
  If we let Him.
  If we let Him teach us about grace.
  If we let Him show us how to forgive.
  If we let Him show us where we need to ask for forgiveness.
  If we let Him show us what peace really means.
  And love.
  And freedom.

  If we believe.

 

 

I Am Not Condemned. Romans 8:1

  "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit." NKJV
  "So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus." JCB

  "I have discovered this principle of life," Paul says in Romans 7:21, "That when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong."
  This is far more than affirming, it's validating. It's knowing I am in good company with some of my own struggles. It's knowing I am not alone in having good intentions backfire...
 
  I did another quick Google search regarding the oft quoted expression, "The road to hell is paved with good intentions." Once again, an idea in the Bible has been skewed because Scriptures say, time and again, the road to hell is paved with sin not good intentions. Thanks, daily-bible-study-tips.com.
  So here's an interesting question: Are our intentions unintentionally shaped by sin? I think that's what Paul is getting at.
  Which begs another question: If our intentions are good, is it sin when we unintentionally end up doing harm? Or is it because of sin that harm has a way of happening regardless of our wanting to do good?
  Now there's a mouthful to chew on!

  For many, including yours truly, wanting to fix, to help, is a way of showing how much we care about someone. While I appreciate others' good intentions when they want to "help" by giving unasked for advice, it's not their fault when I end up feeling condemned or inadequate because that's my own issue. (Lord, I lift my hurts to You.)
  Hmmm, if my understanding of love is broken, it can only result in a broken behaviour or choice.
  Yet, because I belong to Jesus, his Grace has a way of making things all work out in the end. He does not condemn us for caring for each other because kindness is love in action regardless of how it is received. I have no control over that, only He does.

  Setting out with the intention to cause harm isn't even on the table this morning. I just want to mention that God has a place in His heart for everyone. Especially the hurting. He doesn't condemn you for that. It's why He gave us Jesus.
 

 

1 Peter 2:9 by Susan L.

  I am part of a new race.
  "But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." NKJV
  "But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God's very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light." JCB

  Chosen. Royal. Holy. Belonging. Special. God's possession. Called. Teacher. Minister. Freed from darkness. Wrapped in light.
  But, it's not just any light, it's marvelous and wonderful and awe inspiring. It's the light of peace and grace. It's the beacon of hope and limitless possibilities.
  This is amazing. In one small verse, the ideas behind all three hundred affirmations are pretty much covered.


 
  There was a very long pause as I tested my heart against God's truth. Reading this, hearing this, has me realize I am a long way from believing. I want to believe...I want to live with God's truth wrapped securely around my soul.
  So what's stopping me?
 
  Some days the old man has a chokehold on me and I am left gasping for air.
  Today, yesterday, the day before that, are those kind of days.
  Shame, guilt and frustration wrack my soul, shredding joy in its wake...

  Thank You, Lord, for blessing me with a generous helping of determination because I raise my sword and shield and proclaim for the world to hear, "Enough!! You have no place here!"
  I am God's child. Nothing will ever change that.
  Ever.
  AMEN!
 
 
 
 
 

I Have New Life. Romans 6:4 by Susan L.

  "Therefore we were with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." NKJV
  "For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives." JCB

  What an appropriate scripture for today!
 
  I pray this year will bless all of us with a richer understanding of Jesus, our heavenly Father and the Holy Spirit.
  I pray that nothing will come between us and our joy in the Lord.
  I pray blessings on all children of God.
  I pray that those who don't know Him will see His face and come to know His heart and His love.
  I pray for the courage it takes to be different, to stand tall in our faith.
  But most of all, I pray that each new day will dawn rich with possibilities.
  In Jesus' name, Amen!