Tag: salvation

It is Well

I did something totally outside my comfort zone last night.

I attended a community prayer vigil for a family I did not know. I was to serve at this event but, I was the one who was blessed.

A local wife and mother tragically lost her husband and two daughters at the same time. I can’t even imagine the grief and pain. It hasn’t even been a week.

Our city wanted to do something and people made it happen. Hundreds gathered at a local stadium to remember those lost and to support one another.

I learned about the family and how they loved each other and their friends. I also learned how they loved God.

Young people stood and read Bible verses and prayed. They all testified to the FACT that these three were now safe in the arms of Jesus. They were sure they were going to see them again in heaven. They spoke with confidence through tears.

People acknowledged their pain, their anger, their questions. But they also acknowledged God and His authority and the surety of salvation.

My heart was full. Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine. Amazing grace, how sweet the sound.

The pain, anger and questions are still there. But Jesus is too. Thank you, young people of Huntsville, for preaching the truth and spreading the gospel.

Time for Reflection

It is Holy Week. The week before Easter Sunday.

A time to reflect more purposefully on what Jesus did for us.

Just some things to think about. He knew what was going to happen at the end of the week. How did He spend His final week?

He got His house in order. He drove out the merchants who were selling animals for sacrifices.

He persisted in living out His calling by continuing to teach in the Temple.

He spent time with His closest friends.

He served others. He washed the feet of his disciples – including the one who would betray him.

He worshiped God (His Father) and sang a hymn.

He prayed earnestly, honestly, fervently.

If you knew you had less than a week to live, would you do any of these things?

Thank you, Lord! For living and dying for me. For continuing to teach me, being with me and loving me. In spite of all of the betrayal…all my sin. Thank you, Jesus!

(Suggestion – spend some time in the Bible this week reading about the Triumphal Entry, the clearing of the Temple, the Last Supper. Picture yourself in the story. Because you are. He did all of this for your heart. For your redemption.)

What Are You Going To Do?

It was a question I did not want to hear and definitely did not want to answer.

We had some friends over for dinner last night. Mom was entertaining the five year old and the other adults were telling God stories at the table.

Tim recounted how we met and fell in love. He told the story of how we came to this church and how God has been using us. Our guest told stories too about how big and awesome our God is.

I was quiet and then said that I found this conversation convicting. I recently found out someone I know has cancer and is now home on hospice. I wrote her a note and recounted memories of times together. Everyone wants to know they made a difference and were seen.

But I made no mention of God, salvation or eternal life.

My guest asked the poignant question, “So, what are you going to do?” I didn’t know. They said I could write another card or call or stop by. Stop by? What? Like unannounced? To drop in on someone I haven’t seen in years when they are in a delicate state? That takes another level of confidence I don’t have.

So, my wise husband then suggested I ask the Holy Spirit.

Whew! That’s another truth I needed to hear.

If I say I am a Christian, I follow Christ, I believe that there is an eternal life spent in hell or heaven, why wouldn’t I want to tell others?

Because I’ve believed a lie. It’s not my ‘calling.’ It’s not my ‘gifting.’ I’ve followed the fear.

The truth is that we are all called to be the light in the world. We are to be like Jesus. Well, He definitely went around telling people about eternal life.

Again – let’s go back to what I know to be true. If God is for us, who can be against us? The Lord hasn’t given me a spirit of fear – but one of love, power and a sound mind. He will never leave me. He is always with me and promises to meet my needs. He directs my steps. He gives me the words.

Alright – I am moving forward. Help my unbelief!

So, my friend, what are YOU going to do?