I am His Representative. Mathew 5:16

  "Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." NKJV
  "In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father." JCB

  I read this and can't help but be grateful. There's a whole lot of Your good works, Lord, that went into making this little light of mine shine. Without You having laid down Your life, everything I am or think or say would be nothing.
  My light would consume me because there would be no fuel, no sustenance. There would be no one to shape my wick, a necessary task, because as an oil lamp burns the wick needs the burnt bits cut away. A new wick also needs to be trimmed to form the flame so it doesn't shatter the protective glass.
  And I give thanks, too, that the Bible reveals how relevant it is for all generations. I have read this passage and thought of a lamp with glass and an oil reservoir. Ancient lamps didn't have glass at all! The principles are timeless, ageless and for all who live and breath.

  I've done a lot of thinking lately about the idea of "good works". I have come to realize good works are right up there beside God's creation of the universe. He declared it good, too!
  Through reflecting on this idea, it has helped me realize that even though I don't volunteer at a soup kitchen or as a missionary in some far away land, my life is the life of a missionary. My mission field is everywhere: my own kitchen, a local grocery store, work, and church. Even hiking in the woods is an opportunity to serve God by picking up garbage or working through the inner battle to not condemn the people who don't pick up after their dogs. It's a law in Ontario and a pet peeve of mine. Ha! No pun intended!

  I am blessed and ever grateful to have a job where my role is defined by service to others. Yet, to think of any paying job as not being a service to others means we don't live in and through Christ's heart for all people. It may not be a role that has contact with the general public, but there are a whole lot of people we work with who are watching. Especially if they know we are Christians!
  As believers, there's a paradox in living by the high standard of humility.
  It help to keep it real...
  "In Him, we live and move and have our being." Acts 17:28
  Always! Not just at church. Not only at specific venues. Not only when we are with others.
 
  Good works isn't being busy all the time, serving others. It's not even about being busy. Good works living is an all encompassing way of life. 
  Jesus would often go away by Himself to be with His Father. It wasn't a selfish act but one that enabled Him to live selflessly and humbly.
  I think the only time we got to follow Him in His time alone with God was in the Garden of Gethsemane, the start of the "good-est" work of all eternity.
  Good works include those quiet moments of turning to God so our reservoirs can be filled by an inpouring, indwelling eternal love.
  All of us need wick tending time. (Lord, I lift my judgement of pet owners to You.)
  Because our lamp will shine all the brighter for it.

  May you be blessed this Easter weekend.



 

 



 

I am Renewed. 2 Corinthians 4:16

  "Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day." NKJV
  "That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day." JCB

  So I know it's late but I'll not be blogging for a couple (?) days due to some morning obligations. So, it's after home church where we discussed Sunday's teaching about how Jesus came to shut down religion. In that I mean the works that are taught as being able to earn us/are necessary for our salvation. I wanted to explore a rabbit trail I ended up following about the early practices for the cleansing of sin.
  It took me to the book of Leviticus where very specific instructions were laid down for the Jewish people regarding animal sacrifices, the role of the priests, and a lot I didn't have time to get into to. Did you know there were animal sacrifices for guilt, atonement and peace, too?
  While glancing through, I discovered that part of the Priest's role was to examine people with any sort of skin condition. The parameters were very clear about when different conditions of a skin ailment meant the person was unclean. The Priest's judgement was final. There's more about that in Chapter 13 if you are interested. It is a bit gruesome but I guess leprosy is. There was the undercurrent that leprosy was considered an affliction because of sinning.
  So, many years later, a group of sinners and tax collectors sat with Jesus and His disciples. The Pharisees questioned Jesus' choice of company. His response was, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick." Mat 9:10-12
  As I read Leviticus, that thought had gone through my mind. These ailing people didn't need a priest as judge and jury, they needed a doctor!
  It was a long time before a cure for that terribly contagious disease was found. Knowing the stages, knowing when leprosy was most contagious and knowing when to place someone in isolation was probably prudent given the sanitation in those days. It's just seems such a terribly cruel way, to shut someone off of community or being able to partake in the religious practices central to Jewish life.
  I have to imagine the miracle when Jesus healed someone with leprosy. Can you imagine what it must have been like for them? To feel another human touch after however long they had been "unclean" and shunned? And a Rabbi to boot! Who went against every single law that was written in order to heal a hurting human being.
  One act. One moment. The heart of God is revealed just a little bit more. AMEN!
 
 
 
 

I am Rejoicing. Romans 5:2-4

  "Through whom we also have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope." NKJV
  "Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of underserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God's glory. We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation." JCB
 
  I am at a loss for words this morning. It happens.
  ...wait for it...wait for it...

  Nope. There seems to be a connection problem. My problem, not the Lords! Busy brain is interfering with the job at hand. So rather than struggle to write some blathering nonsense, it would be better to sign out for the day.
  Although, everything written so far seems a bit blathering anyways!
  Thank You, Lord, that part of the character you gave me contains a wonderful, delightful sense of the ridiculous and a healthy ability to laugh at myself.
  See you all tomorrow. God willing...
 
  This is humbling for sure.
  
 

Romans 5:17

  I am reigning with Him.
  "For if by the one man's offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ." NKJV
  "For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God's wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ." JCB

  Again I sit here amazed how today's affirmation ties into what my church has been teaching us in the latest series, Why Did Jesus Die? Yesterdays' teaching was about shutting down religion when religious practices are taught as being the way to earn or receive salvation and grace.
  It's got me thinking about what salvation is.
  The day I invited Jesus into my heart, mumbling through the confession part of being a sinner, was a momentous one. A re-birthday! In that moment, I was forgiven. Everything was forgiven. The slate was wiped clean from the past to eternity. I turned from my old ways, embracing the new, desperately wanting the fullness of Christ to reign in all aspects of my being.
  I had come home to the place I'd longed for all my life.
  Salvation includes being given God's indwelling Spirit to help us, guide us and teach us. Surrendering as opposed to doing becomes the path to righteousness. Can I describe surrendering as ongoing participation? It isn't simply saying, "Okay, Jesus, I have given myself to You. I'll go to church. I'll read my Bible. The rest is up to You."
  For relationships to succeed, they take involvement and commitment.
  It is a gift, this wanting to change because with meticulous planning, God chose all aspects of who I am perfectly.
  Perfection that was/is clouded through experiences and lies.
  So how does insecurity tie into this? Yes, I am frightfully insecure and full of self-doubt. Maybe it's simply because I haven't worn the life giving, awesome truths of God long enough yet for them to fit comfortably. In a way, that's a gift, too, this insecurity because it keeps me running back to Him for assurance and comfort.
  But I can also add that God frequently gives me the courage to rise above my insecurity. I make the choice to be obedient to His will and each time am blessed and humbled a thousand-fold. Maybe that's part of salvation, too; being enabled to rise above the things of this world that hold us back.

  I frequently ask God to forgive me for my sins. Most definitely not because un-confessed sin will stop me from getting into heaven. It's not because of some self-punishing, guilt trip. I confess these things for my benefit through an awareness of where sin still has a hold in my life. Forgiving someone else is for the same reason: my benefit.
  But I also wonder if I am going about it because of a lack of understanding about salvation.
  When I ask for forgiveness from God, is it like saying, "I know You sent Your Son to be slain so that I may be forgiven for all my sins, but there's this one...was it part of the deal?" Is confession like holding a corpse up to God?
  Maybe it should be more like this, "Lord, thank You for revealing where sin still has a foothold. Thank You, that through Your grace and healing, I will be able to overcome these challenges."
  Hmmm, it's a language thing.
  Either way I am confessing and being reconciled with the truth that existed before the dawn of time.
  I've already been reconciled with God through Jesus! That's a forever deal!
  Do I feel myself fit to reign beside Him? I think I need to work through the earthly understanding that those who reign do so through the abuse of power. Which is so NOT God's kingdom! Which has me wondering, if all God's children are equal and precious, what is there to reign over?
 
 
 
 
 

I am refined. Isaiah 48:10

  "Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction." NKJV
  "I have refined you, but not as silver is refined. I have refined you in the furnace of suffering." JCB

  Metal testing is a process or procedure used to check composition of an unknown metallic substance. There are destructive processes and non-destructive processes. Metal testing can also include, determining the properties of newly forged metal alloys. Wikipedia.

  I enjoy watching Forged in Fire on the History channel where weapon smiths compete against each other for a prize. Swords, knives and historical weapons are fashioned from recyclable items like antique farm implements. It's a bit of an odd thing but it fascinates me.
  One time a competitor was sent home because he had simply cut his knife out of a flat piece of steel then sharpened it on a grinding wheel. A short-cut that missed the whole idea of forging. (A wonderful metaphor for how satan works!)
  Forging takes a great deal of knowledge and care. If the fires are too hot, the metal will warp and twist. If the fires are too cool, hammering causes cracks to appear. If the hot metal is cooled in a water bath too soon, it will become brittle. Too late and the finished product ends up as sharp as butter with an edge that will roll and crumple when tested.
  It's a violent process yet one filled with finesse. The smiths know exactly where to hammer and when. They know exactly when the metal needs to go back into the furnace so it can be shaped further. It takes patience. To rush is to fail and end up with something no better than the scrap iron it started as.
  Interestingly, some of the metal being heated and hammered vanishes in the process. A finished product always weighs less than the raw material. Some of that lost weight is through the burning off of impurities. They can't be seen with the naked eye but they are there nonetheless.
  It's no wonder the Lord uses the idea of a furnace and refining to exemplify His work in our lives.

  Out of curiosity, I Googled some information about silver. Pure silver is a bi-product left behind from refining lead, copper and other metal ores. Hmmm...something to think about!

  I know the idea of a follower of Jesus suffering seems almost sinful.. "I have the Lord, I should be happy! ALL THE TIME!"
  Let's be real about this. Suffering rages all around us. Temptation, insecurities, doubt, grief, hurt...hunger, fear, loss...condemnation, prejudice, hate...struggling to move forward, to forgive...Suffering is to be human.
  Jesus got it. In the desert when He suffered through hunger and thirst and overcame the devil's temptations. He suffered our grief to the point of tears when Lazarus died because only He knew a miracle was going to take place. Maybe part of His tears were because He knew all we saw was death, not the possibilities.
  He suffered terribly in Gethsemane as He faced down what was going to happen to Him. He, being guiltless, suffered betrayal, hatred and condemnation. Then, in the ultimate act of love, He suffered to bear our sins on the Cross.
  So that we may come before our Father in Heaven to ease our sufferings and to be refined through the sure knowledge and joy that God is with us, lovingly tempering and shaping us to do His work.
 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

I am Redeemed. Galatians 3:13

  "Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, 'Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree')." NKJV
  "But Christ has rescued us from the curse pronounced by the law. When he was hung on the cross, he took upon himself the curse for our wrongdoing." JCB

  It's a page turning day today, to the last one of the list given to me a year ago February. With ambitious zeal, I'd given myself a year and a bit to work through the three hundred affirmations. If it's God's will, it might be done by the beginning of next year because there are still 76 left to go.
  And I smile because it isn't stressing me out that my self-imposed "deadline" isn't going to be met, not by a long shot.
  In its place is an eager excitement about what today's post will reveal. And tomorrow's.
  Some mornings it has been more of a dutiful slog to work through the day's scripture especially when the selected verse challenged me to face my own shortcomings and weaknesses.
  Yet, this has helped me do a lot towards solidifying my relationship with my Abba Father.
  Grace and acceptance: gifts of redemption.
  There has been a profound shift in my understanding about time, about faith and what a believer's walk should look like. To do's have become to want's. Being blessed with greater insight into my own humanity has also enriched my compassion and understanding about others.
  There's been a lot of musing behind the scenes as well. Private prayers of repentance. Private prayers filled with forgiveness towards others. Private prayers where my soul groans because words have failed me. Private prayers when my heart leaps with inexpressible joy.
  There is one reason and one reason only these things are possible: Jesus is the Redeemer.
  We've been watching a series from the Meeting House leading up to Easter. "Why did Jesus Die." It's an older one from the archives but has instilled a richer understanding of the reasons. I won't go into them because it's accessible on their website. www.themeetinghouse.com It also does a wonderful job of exploring the dynamics of redemption.
  On a final note, I am celebrating moving under the Anabaptist faith umbrella through our church vote next month. In exploring their declarations of faith and purpose, I have finally found a home that paralells a lot of my own experiences, understandings and beliefs.
 
 

Romans 5:10

  I am reconciled to God.
  "For if when 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." NKJV
  "For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son." JCB

  I've been thinking a bit how there is a very human tendency within me that is trying to make God smaller, more, well, human. It's backwards. Humankind is made in His image! I should have a stronger tendency to try and be more like Him!

  I've also been thinking some more on the Adam and Eve story in Genesis 3:21 where God clothed their shame in being naked with animal skins. It was the very first sacrifice of blood to cover sin.
  The sin wasn't being naked. The sin was being ashamed of the beautiful bodies God had given them; bodies He had made in His image. (Now that's given me something else to ponder on because it might be worth thinking about what was in the apple they ate.)

  Prior to that, they walked and talked with Him in the garden of Eden. Delightfully innocent. Delightfully delighting in being with God. They didn't know good. They didn't know evil. There was no scale of measure, of worth. There was simply being.
  Was the knowledge of good and evil contained in one thing and one thing only...learning of judgement? Take away judgement and the knowledge of either vanishes. I think...it's a big thought that has me reflecting on my own tendencies for judging.
  Forgive me Lord.

  What would it be like? To be free from the sins that keep us apart from Him? 
  Reconciliation.
  To walk with God Abba Father, chattering away like when I am with my grandchildren, delighting in their delight and curiosity about everything. How counting one-two-three-four-five toes over and over and over was an endless source of amusement for someone fourteen months old.

  Innocence has a way of vanishing into the mist.
  It makes me sad how quickly it goes, how quickly the world's judgements makes sure it's gone.
  Yet, it is one of the gifts of reconciliation. The restoration of innocence through forgiveness and grace. Innocence can love freely, unabashedly. Innocence doesn't regard skin colour or clothes as markers of status. Innocence is standing tall and free from the charges laid against me by the world. Innocence restored births the ability to set others free from the charges I have laid against them through judgement. Which takes me back to forgiveness and grace...
  Because I have been reconciled to God and have within that relationship the opportunity to learn how to live shame-less and judgement free.
  Thank You, Jesus, for Your sacrifice that enables a salt 'n pepper haired, middle aged woman feel, once again, the simple, awe filled, amazed, delight and joy of a child. Happy dance, here I come!
 

Affirmation #225

  I have received an unshakeable kingdom. Hebrews 12:28
  "Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear." NKJV
  "Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe." JCB

  Reverence: a profound adoring awed respect. It's an old word not heard much any more. It's definitely not one that has crossed my path in a long time yet reverence is part of my own faith. It's kneeling or standing silently before God, humbled and filled, worshipping Him through the language of my soul because, sometimes, words aren't enough. Sometimes there is no place for making a joyful noise. Sometimes there is no place for prayer. Sometimes there is only being present with Him, in the now of an eternal moment.
  Reverence is about coming to the foot of the Cross with grateful humility and an awareness of our own insignificant significance. What I mean by that is being aware of human frailty and our wayward natures. It's knowing God will forgive us because He has a place in His Kingdom, His heart, for every single soul that lived, lives, or will live. In that we are significant to Him, to His plan.
  We are His Kingdom's treasury.
  It's up to us to make the choice to reside there or not.

  My own understanding of a Kingdom is limited by trying to define it through what I know about kingdoms. Castles and moats, ramparts, borders, knights in shining armor, handsome princes, maidens fair, and dragons make up most of the fairy tale and historic kingdoms I am most familiar with. Then there is the happily ever after...yup, a fairy tale for sure! At least while we dwell on earth where there be real dragons.
  Yet, in earthly sorrows and poverty of spirit, there is found the priceless jewels of joy and comfort and assurance.
 
  So, can I wrap my head around God's Kingdom? No. Nor do I have to but I am filled with grateful, awe stuck wonder and amazement because His love, His Kingdom, stretches far beyond the moon and back. Even though I struggle to love Him back or to live through His incalculable love, He is changing me because I want, more than anything, to be changed, to slay the dragons.
 
  God's Kingdom is built on Christ, the Cornerstone carved by love. It's unlike any cornerstone the world has ever seen. Christ who is our solid, grounding foundation and the highest pinnacle of hope at the same time. Who will help us persevere until the dragons breathe their last. Whose death opened the gateway to life in His Father's Kingdom. A life that, even though it is in the here and now, extends beyond our mortal bodies and mortal understanding.
  Reverence...
  Words cannot begin to describe...

I Have Received Mercy. 1 Peter 2:10

  For he called you out of darkness into his wonderful light...(2:9)
 "Who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy." NKJV
  "Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God's people. Once you received no mercy; now you have received God's mercy." JCB

  Mercy : compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm.

  I've spent a long while thinking about the times when mercy has been the farthest thing from my heart; when the thirst for vengeance and retribution has clouded my soul with darkness and bitterness. Yet, I can also reflect and give thanks because when I lifted these things to the Light, the Light wasn't long in helping me let go of these toxic feelings by letting love and compassion in.
  Repentance, forgiveness and grace: mercy in action.
  The biggest stumbling block has been finding the ability to forgive myself for the choices I made, the harsh words I spoke in the heat of the moment. A big part of this has been finding forgiveness for believing the lies that buried the truth of who Christ is and how He sees me.
  The devil is good at reinforcing his lies. It's what is called a self-fulfilling prophecy. If we think we are unworthy, the devil is more than happy to show us just how unworthy we are. If we believe  negative things about someone else, the devil will gladly show us just how right we are because we go looking for things to prove or justify that "truth".

  We don't even need to say it out loud.

  This is a tough one when I think of the number of times in a day my mind thinks an uncharitable thought about someone else.
  "Boy, she's gotten fat!"
  "I wish he'd stop complaining so much!"
  "Man, that guy's an idiot for driving so close to my car!"
  "Why can't they shut their yappy dog up!"

  This could be a long list.
  Forgive me, Lord, for allowing judgement and negativity into my thoughts.
  I have a question though. Does pity come from a place of judgement? Of superiority?
 
  Lord, I want to do better.
  Why?
  Because You have shown me "better" in action every time I look at You. Because You showed me mercy and love even when I lived apart from You. Because You keep on showing me, teaching me, these wonderful things. Because You opened Your merciful arms, welcoming me home just as I was, dressed in rags and covered by the stains of the world. (Luke 15:11-32)
 
 
 

I am Rare. Proverbs 20:15

  "There is gold and a multitude of rubies. But the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel." NKJV
  "Wise words are more valuable than much gold and many rubies." JCB

  I am having a difficult time relating this affirmation with the chosen verse. There have been a couple of typos in the list that haven't posed a problem to sort out but this doesn't seem to be the case today. Hmmm...
  Then Proverbs 20:24 says, "The Lord directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way?"
  Why do I? Because I love a puzzle. I love doing picture puzzles that are tackled with a methodical system. Find the corner pieces and as many of the edges as possible while turning every piece face up. Put them together establishing the puzzle's boundary. Search through the pile for a common colour that belongs to a specific area of the image. Pull out as many that match as possible. Put them together. Repeat. Celebrate that the final edge piece was discovered. Look at the remaining individual pieces and compare them to the photo on the box to find out where they go. Sometimes it takes a methodical try it here, turn it around, try it there before it slips into the place it belongs. Eventually, the puzzle is complete. Yay! It is just as satisfying breaking it up and returning it to the box for another day, another go.
  Gluing them to a board is not for me.
  There's few things more frustrating for me than a puzzle with a missing piece. Where did it go?

  There's few things more enjoyable than seeking the pieces needed out of a mishmash of fractured completeness.

  Hmmm...It's pretty much the way I go at everything. It's why I am passionate about creating anything because artistic expression, creative writing, and composing music are about making something out of nothing piece by piece.
  Knowledge. Finding the pieces. Putting them together. Hoping that knowledge will be the birthplace of wisdom and understanding, trusting in the Holy Spirit to make that happen. Trusting that the Holy Spirit will help me recognize a piece that doesn't belong to the puzzle I am working on. (Oh, that's where the missing piece from the last puzzle went! How did it end up in this box? How I love answers to a mystery!)
  Yet, there's another part of me that is more than willing to embrace the understanding that some answers won't come this side of heaven. I will have to wait. Ha ha! Who am I kidding? (Smile.) I want to know now!
  Or maybe it's possible to be content to journey along, finding pieces, when I have no idea what the finished picture will be.
  God is outside the box after all.
 
 
 
 
 

Ransomed with Him. Isaiah 35:10

  "And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with singing, with everlasting joy on their heads. They shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away." NKJV
  "Those who have been ransomed by the Lord will return. They will enter Jerusalem singing, crowned with everlasting joy. Sorrow and mourning will disappear, and they will be filled with joy and gladness." JCB

  A hostage no more.
  A hostage to what? Of whom?
 
  I read through a few of my posts yesterday reflecting on everything that has taken place over the last little while. I write about having a relationship with the Lord frequently. Then I wondered, how is it possible to have a relationship with an invisible Being? Doesn't a relationship require the interaction of two people?
  God may be invisible but He is tangible.

  Imagine a tree by a lake. It's a big tree that reaches to the sky. Its leaves are lush and green because it's early summer. They whisper praises in the breeze. A mosquito buzzes by with that annoying, high pitched whine. An ear slap fails to eradicate it so it buzzes by again.
  By standing at the foot of the tree, there are lumps of ancient tree roots pressed against running shoe soles. Water and microscopic nutrients are being carried up the roots of the tree. Oxygen is being pumped out by the tree's leaves. The waste of photosynthesis sustains life.
  The lake caresses the shore with a quiet, thrush-hush sound. A fish jumps, splashing noisily down. Beneath the water there are tadpoles and tiny, one celled creatures going about the business of living.
  Off in the distance a bird sings.
  A squirrel voices her displeasure at the trespasser by the foot of the tree.
  An airplane flies overhead, skinny white clouds pointing to its presence long before any engine sounds reaches the ground.
  The wind, the blue sky, the stars that are hidden by the sun, the planets, the galaxies, the cosmos stretch beyond the beyond...a pebble clatters in the small waves.
  Life. Breaths going in and out. A heart thumping.
  An infusion of awe and wonder fills the soul. And an inexpressible joy.

  This is one way I connect with Him, through the appreciation of all the good things He created. It's humbling at the same time to think of the times long past and the times yet to come that led to the very moment I stood under the tree by the lake in a fanciful burst of imagination.
  God is present. Always. In all things. He is present in our connection with His Spirit, and His community. He is present in those day to day moments we decide to slow down and be fully present in the moment.
  His moment with us is eternity.
  Time will hold us hostage.
  Christ paid the ransom with His blood.

  Relationships begins the moment we decide to sit down and pay attention to the heart of another.
 
 

Raised Up With Christ. Ephesians 2:6

  "To the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved." NKJV
  "For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus." JCB

  A word keeps rolling around my head this morning: confidence. Which I suppose is the sum total of what this entire affirmation journey is supposed to help instill in my heart along with, and more importantly, a better understanding of God and Jesus.
  The biggest gift of a growing confidence is the ability to acknowledge my weaknesses and, for the moment, to be okay with them. Yet, at the same time, I am able to lift those weaknesses up to God for help in eradicating them from my life, trusting that God will do just that. Although, I have to think about what is regarded as weaknesses may not be, well, being weak.
  I also need to be watchful that confidence doesn't come wrapped in pride or self-preservation. It's good to remind myself that my "self" belongs to God, the designer of my soul.
  This is a particularly vulnerable time. There's been a shift in my heart and soul lately. A good shift because it feels like I have finally come home to where I belong. God raised me from the dead and continues to wipe away the traces of the grave.
  So I flinch at criticism, implied or otherwise. I admit to realizing that sometimes I interpret a chance comment as a criticism. Or maybe it is a criticism and I blame myself for assuming it might be because I admit to flinching at criticism. What a conundrum!
  Lord, can you shed some light on this? Can you enable me to discern what is truth?
  Maybe I flinch because my own inner critic can be awfully harsh (she was well trained). Although that toxic voice is slowly falling to the wayside by being replaced with laughter at my own foibles and the sure knowledge that the former things of this life will pass away.
   Maybe it's because it triggers the memories of abuse, subjugation, and being controlled. Maybe it's because to be criticised is to be silenced, to be judged. Maybe it's because it feels like all the work the Lord has done in me will never be enough. And I doubt everything, even God's hand and direction in my life! 
  That's the worst part, feeling apart from God.
  Maybe it's because the sensitive, wanting to please child who was quelled by "The Look" is still alive and well inside me. 
  Not to worry. There's hope.
  There's been a couple of things come across my path lately. (Thank You, Lord for these gifts!)Richard Rohr's book I mentioned yesterday was one. Before that, I'd read an article by  www.mathewschuler.co "Why Creative People Sometimes Make No Sense" (Nov 3, 2013). His articulate and thoughtful post gave me some rich insight into my own creative mind and a wonderful dollop of grace. It's worth a read.
  Which takes us back to confidence where confidence isn't pride but is raised up and sustained by reaching for the heart of God about everything.
 

I am Qualified. Colossians 1:12

  "Giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light." NKJV
  "Always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light." JCB

Definition of qualified. 1 a : fitted (as by training or experience) for a given purpose : competent. b : having complied with the specific requirements or precedent conditions (as for an office or employment) : eligible. 2 : limited or modified in some way. qualified approval. Merriam-Webster Dictionary.

  (I just discovered it's possible to copy and paste things into the blog! That's way better than expecting my morning foggy brain to remember what was read a few seconds ago!)

  A woman at church was led to lend me a book by Richard Rohr, "The Naked Now". With nervousness and a whole lot of doubt she handed it to me on Sunday. I am thankful she rose above her fears and didn't disregard the Quiet Whisper urging her to pass it on.
  I've only read a few chapters and am fascinated (as well as being stretched) by what is being taught. Richard's writing has challenged me to think about how I think about things. Today's definition is a great opportunity to practice these ideas; to look at the duality, the seemly opposite meanings of "Qualified". To think about how one and two apply. To uncover how duality can become unity.
  I've shared this before but it's such a profound idea, I keep needing to revisit it, to pull it apart: The Mandarin word for crisis is written with two figures: one means danger, the other opportunity. It's still a crisis but by recognizing within danger lay opportunity, it changes our mindset about whatever trials come our way. It opens our eyes to the blessings in the difficulties. By doing this, a crisis becomes neither good nor bad in and of itself. It becomes a rich experience.
  So how does this idea apply to being qualified?
  Having modified us through the gift of the Holy Spirit (2), we are then fitted for a given purpose (1). A purpose that is waaaay outside the box of traditional thinking because it is beyond anything we could imagine or expect.
  The woman at church, in passing me the book, fulfilled her purpose in that very moment. Despite her fears, God had prepared her beforehand through her own journey with Jesus to enable her to follow His lead on this.
  Which means every single event in her, and our, life leads to a point in time where the sum total of  experience come to fruition.

  I think my brain is about to explode.
  As the clock ticks, each second is a point of completion...Each tick is a starting point as well.
  It's a wow moment. It's a great "Alpha and Omega" realization about the nature of God which, with my finite human understanding, I will never, ever be able to put down on paper.
  It's no wonder we are encouraged to be in Christ, through whom all things are possible. That way the ticking clock becomes our beating hearts.
  Lord, forgive me for trying to define who You are and limiting my understanding with this very tiny brain. I am in awe of the vastness of Your Being. I am deeply grateful that You have qualified me into Your presence through the sacrifice of Jesus.
  Thank You that it's possible for me to embrace these ideas and to find within my heart further forgiveness and grace where it needs to be applied because, in the end, great good has come out of great evil. AMEN!
  And a blanket of peace wraps itself around my soul because God has shown me what redemption really means.
 

I am Purposeful. Psalm 138:8

  "The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever; Do not forsake the works of Your hands." NKJV
  "The Lord will work out his plans for my life--for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever. Don't abandon me, for you made me." JCB

  I am purposeful...I am filled with purpose. It is uniquely my own, unlike anyone else's. God will hone and polish and stretch and heal everything that is relevant to my life; to my walk with Jesus. His polish is grace. His polishing cloth is mercy.

  On Friday at worship rehearsal, I spoke to our team leader about my willingness to acquire a special microphone for the flute that clips right onto the mouthpiece. Using the mike on a stand meant there was very little room for movement.
  So here's me up on stage playing on a Sunday, rigid as a board, with the flute held in the microphone's sweet spot that had taken us a while to figure out. I couldn't express my pleasure with a smile either because flute blowing and a smile simply doesn't work!
  Inside, my soul was delighting in making music for the Lord but it had no way of expressing itself outside of the notes being played. Toe tapping somehow falls short even though that was the start of breaking all the classical training I've had where any extra movement is basically forbidden. The beat came from the boss, the conductor! Toe tapping, while being part of an orchestra, earned an evil eye from the one holding the baton.
  I haven't a clue about how sound systems work or the requirements of the one we use each Sunday so she looked into it for me. Turns out we already had a wireless, headpiece mike that had an excellent rating for the flute.
  I got to use it yesterday.
  Untethered from a frozen position, free to move so my tri-focal glasses didn't interfere with reading the music, and to simply be moved by the music we played...Oh, what joy! There was no strain across my shoulders from playing statue, no distracting, twitching muscle fatigue, yup, like I said, joy!!
  Thank You, Lord, for giving me the courage to say something, for teaching me that sometimes all I need to do is ask. Most of all, Thank You that You had already met my needs before I even knew what they were!
  Thank You that my purpose for the precious moments on stage is only a fraction of each day's, each second's reason for being.
  That reason is You. Amen!
 

 
 

I am Purchased. Revelation 5:9

  "You are worthy to take the scroll, and to open its seals; For You were slain, and have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation." NKJV
  "You are worthy to take the scroll and break open its seals. For you (Jesus) were slaughtered, and your blood ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.' JCB

  Blood is an amazing thing. Through veins and arteries, and a whole bunch of other things I forget from grade 9 biology, it carries the requirements of life to every organ and every muscle from the top of our head right down to our baby toes. It contains warriors to fight infection. It has a security squad that races in to stop us bleeding to death when we cut a finger.
  I've often wondered how it happens that oxygen from my lungs is dissolved and transported throughout my body. Is it something that can be seen with the help of a microscope? Are their little blue bubbles of air? Or water floating merrily along the rivers of life? I wonder how the eggs I had for dinner are distributed. Although the results of food being spread around is a bit more obvious especially after Christmas goodies make my waistline grow. :D

  I am in awe of how the blood that Christ shed continues to serve as the lifeblood of Christians in all faiths, languages, peoples and nations. It's simply too big to fathom how my sister in China, my brother in Chile have been connected together through Christ's sacrifice.
  Head tops and baby toes, we are the body of Christ.
  There is mystery and wonder how a small chapel in New Zealand can be teaching the same lesson a huge church in Calgary is.

  Connection that work without the help of satellites or cell phones. Connection that happen without emails or snail mail. All because of the blood that was shed.

  All because God loves us that much.

I am Provided For. Mathew 6:33

  "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." NKJV
  "Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need." JCB

  It may only be language but I like the older translation because it is an exhortation to seek the kingdom and to seek God's righteousness as opposed to the newer one that tells us to live righteously. That one feels like it's something we have to do as a believer on our own, under our own steam.
  Bear with me for a moment...
  The NKJV translation is a testimony to God's grace, His patience and just how important having a relationship with Him is (that's the seeking part, the choice part, we play in all this). Through relationship, He helps us become better than we are so we can fulfill His command to live righteously. Through a relationship with Him we can't help but want to live His way. A way we could ever hope to accomplish on our own.
  "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled." Mathew 5:6
  I found this definition of righteousness from the wonderful site www.gotquestions.org.
  'The Bible's standard of human righteousness is God's own perfection in every attribute, every attitude, every behaviour and every word.'
  It's humbling to realize how often I fall short. What can I say? I am a work in progress! And my heart swells with gratitude and joy because God is so forgiving when I ask.
 
  Our church is doing a series, Why Did Jesus Die. In our small group, something came up that ties into today's affirmation. It starts at the beginning.
  Adam and Eve ate the apple, bringing humanity into the knowledge of what good and evil are. They were ashamed of their nakedness so they sewed fig leaves together to hide it.
  Before they had a chance to eat from the Tree of Life (Whew!) and before God cast them out of Eden, He did something amazing.
  God made tunics of skin, and clothed them.
  Genesis 3:21 is a short verse but it contains the record of an incredibly loving act.
  God killed His good creations and through their blood, their sacrifice, covered Adam and Eve with clothes to hide their shame. The clothes they'd made on their own weren't sufficient. Never minding that leaves rot quickly and aren't particularly durable.
  It's a profound reminder that nothing we do will ever, ever earn us God's covering of grace, our redemption, our righteousness. They are gifts.
  He hasn't changed since then.
 
  This has created a mountain of curiosities and imagination wanderings. Were Adam and Eve horrified at the sight of death? Did they feel blessed because of the lengths God went to in covering their shame? What did God feel as the animal's life blood spilled on the ground, the very first sacrifice?
  With Easter coming, I've been reflecting on this story because it is a foreshadowing of Jesus, the Lamb of God who died to cover our sins.
 
 

I am Protected. Psalm 91:14

  "Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high because he has known My name." NKJV
  "The Lord says, "I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name." JCB

  Psalm 91 in the New King James Version is entitled, "Safety of Abiding in the Presence of God." I have a notation beside it reminding me that it was my Granny Smith's favorite Psalm. She's long gone but I have a memory of her that has stayed with me all these years.
  We were living in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia so I would have been around seven years old. Much to my delight, she had come from Ontario for a visit. She stayed in the guest room in the basement that held two twin beds and the antique dresser that now graces my own second bedroom.
  I had gone looking for her, happy she was visiting and found her there.
  Her face has faded in the depths of time. What she was wearing is gone also. Perhaps a house dress, never pants. She may have been wearing sensible shoes or maybe I am getting her mixed up with my other Grandmother who wore Sensible Shoes. The details aren't really important anyways.
  She was quietly kneeling beside the bed with her Bible open before her, resting on the bedspread, as she read her morning's verse. The sun was streaming in through the window wrapping everything in an early morning golden glow. Unbeknownst to her, I stood there silently watching her for a few moments before tip-toeing away, not wanting to disturb the moment.
  This vignette of a devout woman, glowing in the sunshine and humbly kneeling before God, had a profound effect on me. One that would last a lifetime.
  It has shaped my attitude towards this Holy Book, the inspired Word of God. I mentioned the notation because it's rare for me to write in my Bible. Many teachers encourage us to make notes, to write our thoughts beside the Scriptures but it's something I have never felt right doing.
  I never threw out a Bible either even when I was living apart from God. The little silver New Testament given out in grade school by the Gideons has a permanent place in my bedside table. I don't think they can give them out in schools any more but every hotel I've been in has had a Bible placed there by this blessed organization.
  It was like a talisman for me, the Bible, a lucky charm that would keep me safe although I rarely opened it. Just knowing it was there was enough. It's safe to say that God knew I would one day need His Word, to open the pages of a Book He made sure remained with me no matter how far I had strayed from Him.
  Psalm 91 is now one of my own favorites, often read when the trials of life seem like they are going to overwhelm me. It enables me to rest in the assurance that I am always and forever going to be kept safe in the arms of Jesus.
  As for Granny Smith? I can't wait to tell her all about it.

I am Prosperous. Psalm 1:3

  "He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper." NKJV
  "They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do." JCB

  A friend has asked me to consider taking my heartfelt request for any of my readers to believe in Jesus Christ a step further. I have created a great injustice in perpetrating the idea that to believe is sufficient for salvation. Today's affirmation is a perfect opportunity to explore what salvation means.
  This is also part of my own journey, too, to solidify what I believe and what I understand the Christian life to be. It's part of my church's journey of discovery as our members have been asked to explore the Be in Christ Anabaptist faith, their beliefs and practices. As a non-denominational church, we are voting on becoming members of that church this month.

  To be saved is to know what sin is. Sin is anything that keeps us apart from God.
  "Believe and be baptised" or as Paul puts it in Romans 6:1, "Well, then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace? Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it? Or have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death? For we (our old man) died and were buried by Christ in 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
 
  I've had people say they don't want to get involved with "church" because they'd have to give up too much. Life in Christ is giving things up but not how a worldly view imagines. Once we are willing or wanting to give up the wages of sin like hatred, malice, bitterness, jealousy, vengeance, shame, and guilt as well as condemnation and judgement it's like opening the window on a the first glorious spring day of the year. The sweet fragrances of new life and healing pours in. Our lives can be guided by the sweetest fragrance of all: love. (I admit to falling far short of understanding the height, the depth, and the breadth of Christ's love for us yet the upcoming Easter celebration is a perfect opportunity to think about His work on the Cross. Without it, there would be no salvation!)
 We have to invite Him into our lives. God does not force Himself on anyone.
 Love is the motivation behind wanting changes in our lives and hearts. Humans have a habit of not obeying rules! It's why Jesus came: to do away with the rules and replace it with intimacy, communion and community. Jesus came so we can get up close and personal with our heavenly Father and Jesus without the need for a mediator or go-between. Which was something the Jewish people asked for in Moses' day because they were afraid of God. So He gave them Moses to lead them and the Ten Commandments to guide them, setting the stage for the coming of the Messiah: Jesus. Oops, no, the act of reconciling us to Him through the sacrifice of His Son on the Cross began with Adam and Eve.
  Nope. Wrong again. God's plan began before Adam and Eve! Wow.

  "Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his (God's) perfect love. We love each other because he loved us first." 1 John 4:18-19
  God understands how hard changing can be. It's why He has poured out His Spirit on all who would believe. It's by His Spirit we are led into prosperity (and this same Spirit leading wise counsel who challenged me to think!)
  Our prosperity is not determined by how much money we have in the bank although wealth on its own isn't sinful. (Something to ponder on at a later date.) Prosperity can be found in acts of kindness and generosity. It's the wealth of wisdom and a hunger to learn more. It's the infinite reward of allowing ourselves to be grown and changed through the guidance of the Holy Spirit which is one of the greatest rewards of faith.
  He, the Spirit, has led me to repentance, an essential part of the Christian walk. Which means saying I am truly sorry for the things I have done. In doing this, I find the willingness to try and forgive. Sometimes it's really hard. It helps to keep in mind how can I, who once was cruel, bear malice to those who were cruel to me? It's a process that I am willing to submit to because through all the tough years on the Black River following my acceptance of Christ, my faith has grown stronger. It's through the act of intimate dialogue (aka prayer and supplication), the lies that shaped my understanding of faith and identity have been slowly pared away.
  It's like being planted by a river! Only this time the waters are clear and cool and fresh.
  I'm not going to talk about taking part in Communion today except to say that this act of partaking of the bread and wine, representing the blood and body of Christ, is one of the most intimate ways I connect with my Lord and Saviour. It is a key part of being a Christian regardless of religion.
  Becoming a believer in Christ doesn't mean life will become a bed of roses. It does mean we will have Strength to support us when we are weak, Open Arms to hold us when we weep, and best of all, Someone to laugh with when we go ahead and be human!
  So I give thanks (another important part of being a follower of Jesus) because there are infinite reasons to be thankful. I worship Him publicly because He called me to that purpose (long before I was ready mind you!) He encourages me to be obedient to His desires and commands for my life. (Not always so good at doing that but I try.) 
  I also humbly admit that a day's post falls far short of revealing all the wonder and amazement a life as a believer in Jesus contains. For that, God gave us the Bible. AMEN!

Affirmation #214

  I am prepared beforehand for glory. Romans 9:23
  "And that He might make known the riches of His glory on the vessels of mercy, which He had prepared beforehand for glory." NKJV
 
  This Scripture needs some context so I am going to add the previous section before this one.
  "When a potter makes jars out of clay, doesn't he have a right to use the same lump of clay to make one jar for decoration and another to throw garbage into? In the same way, even though God has the right to show his anger and his power, he is very patient with those on whom his anger falls, who are destined for destruction. He does this to make the riches of his glory shine even brighter on those to  whom he shows mercy, who were prepared in advance for glory." Romans 9:21-23 JCB

  I have read this passage many times in seeking to uncover the person God made me to be. How I read Scriptures has been altered a lot through my church's teachings so this is being viewed with fresh understanding and inspiration. In reading this passage, in every passage of the Good Book, I now ask myself, "How does this point to the love of God, and ultimately, Jesus?"
  How does God's anger towards His wayward children manifest itself as love? Parents can get angry at their children. Does this mean they love them less? Yet God, in His infinite love, is patient as we rebel against authority, as we thrash around doing things our way.
 
  There's a whack of difference between destiny and being predestined according to God's plan for our lives. Destiny unravels through our own choices and the consequences of those choices. The wonderful thing is by making different choices, the future changes.
  Which has me thinking...

  If God has predestined all of us to be His children prepared in advance for glory yet our choices destine us for destruction...It must make Him incredibly sad because this Master Potter has made all His vessels for decoration and honour and glory.

  I guess there is only one choice that really matters: whether or not to believe Jesus is our Redeemer.

 

I am Predestined. Ephesians 1:11

  "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

  It's rather awe inspiring to think that God has His finger on every heartbeat of every single individual who has lived, is living and will live. To think that He knows our ways and has allowed for them in His divine plan for our lives is extremely reassuring.

  Hold on a moment, there's a flock of something noisily flying over head that doesn't sound like Canada Geese...

  And I've been incredibly blessed! A flock of Trumpeter Swans just flew over. What a beautiful sight with their white feathers gleaming in the morning sunshine against a clear blue sky! In all the years I've lived here, I've never seen them migrating through this area before. Normally they travel much further west.
  See? The Lord knows I delight in His creations! He knows I can now add this to my life list. It's an ongoing record of natural wonders I record in a nature book: a birthday gift from many years ago.
  Thank You, Lord, for blessing me this morning!

  Predestined. What makes us uniquely us was set down before the dawn of time.
  Predestined. That includes our strengths and weaknesses.
  Predestined. To know that no matter what the situation, no matter what befalls us, God will use it for His glory and our redemption.
  There is something incredibly reassuring in knowing everything will work out in the end.
  Amen!
 
 

Luke 9:1

  I have power over the devil.
  "Then He called His twelve disciples and gave the power and authority of all demons and to cure diseases." NKJV
  "One day Jesus called together his twelve disciples and gave them power and authority to cast out all demons and to heal all diseases."

  I am a bit distracted today. It's been a busy week, good busy, but busy nonetheless. With my home's main floor still in chaos from the flood, it makes it difficult to settle into a Bible study exercise. Plans about what I'd like to accomplish this weekend keep interrupting my train of thought.
  There's also been a great deal of reflection on how the Lord has been with me through all of this. His provision, His care, His love have revealed themselves in miniscule ways and some big ways, too.
  A natural disaster has left me feeling incredibly blessed.
  
  There are countless books and sermons and treatises written on the subject of spiritual warfare. Wise and inspired people of all faiths have explored this topic with a depth I feel a short blog post is inadequate to provide.
  I am okay with that.
  Or maybe not. There's an inner battle going on that this is a cop out, a way of skipping class...and I smile.
  "Get thee behind me, satan. I have work to do."