Redemption is defined as the restoration of, as from captivity, by paying a ransom. to deliver from sin and its consequences by means of a sacrifice offered for the sinner.
"Of God are ye in Christ Jesus, who has made unto us wisdom from God, both righteousness and sanctification, and REDEMPTION 1Cor. 1:30
Our redemption is through Christ alone. I've know this for years. I believe it with my whole heart and yet when I define it, suddenly it becomes sweeter than ever before.
I am redeem by His sacrifice offered for me....OFFERED not taken...OFFERED not stolen...OFFERED not forced. He offered, He loves us enough to willingly and purposefully choose to be The sacrifice that would deliver sinners.
This thought brings me to tears. What could possible make us worth of such an offer? I don't know about you, but I can't come up with one thing that makes me worthy of this.
But you know what, I don't have to come up with one reason. He gives us the reason in His word. "For God so LOVED the world that He gave His only son, and whoever be lives in Him will not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16"
He redeems because He loves.
I can't think of one thing I would not willingly give away in order to deliver one of my children from captivity and I am very human. I love my children to the best of my ability and would give up anything for their safety. If I knew they were in harms way and I had the power to redeem I would redeem as quickly as possible. One of my favorite passages of scripture is about his very thought...
Jesus is teaching about asking and receiving in Matthew 7:7-12
"What man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?
Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know
how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good thing to them that ask him?"verse 9-11
If I, being sinful, am capable of this kind of love how much more is my Holy Father? My love for my children gives me a small glimpse of the Father's love for His children and helps me understand alittle better why he redeems.
What an amazing God!
Abiding in His redemption I find peace can't describe.
Have a good day sweet friend!
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Able to be Holy
"And above all, believe most confidently that Jesus Christ Himself delights in maintaining the new nature within you and imparting to it His own strength and wisdom for its work......Let it fill you with a quiet and assured confidence that you are indeed able to do what the Father expects of you as His child, under the covenant of His grace, because you have Christ strengthening you."~Andrew Murray
I love learning new things. I love that aaaah moment of understanding something that I previously did not understand. I love it even more when that new understanding draws me close to Christ. That happened to me this morning in my devotion time. I learned what grafting was....wait don't stop reading this is good, keep going.
Grafting is a gardening term where the gardner makes a slit in the stem of one plant and inserts a sprout from another plant. If it is done correctly and tended to carefully the sprout grows using the life of the original plants life but new fruit are produced. This in my mind is a beautiful picture of me in Christ!
Andrew Murray paints this beautiful picture in today's reading. He says if you could speak with the grafted tree this is the response it would give to as it was bearing new fruit "In me, that is, in my roots, the sap I collect from the soil is in its nature corrupt and ready to show itself in bearing evil fruit. But just when the sap rises into sunshine to ripen into fruit, the wise gardener has clothed me with new life, through which my sap is purified and all my powers are renewed to the bringing forth of good fruit. I have only to abide in that which I have received. He cares for the immediate repression and removal of every bud which the old nature still would put forth"
The process of being santified-being made holy- isn't instant. It is a process where I grow less and Christ grows more. I yield myself to Him so that I will be more like him. Old roots bearing new fruit! Holy fruits that please my Father, and what child doesn't like to make daddy smile?
Without abiding holiness is NOT attainable. Holiness flow from Christ to me if I choose to abide in His presence. I can't reach this on my own no matter how badly I desire or how hard I try. It is His very nature and unless He is living in me I can't be made holy. And get this HE WANTS TO MAKE ME HOLY! He wants to cover me, supply me with all I need, care for my every fruit! He loves me! And He love you.
This abiding is pretty sweet! Thank you sweet Heavenly Father for allowing and wanting me to abide in You.
I love learning new things. I love that aaaah moment of understanding something that I previously did not understand. I love it even more when that new understanding draws me close to Christ. That happened to me this morning in my devotion time. I learned what grafting was....wait don't stop reading this is good, keep going.
Grafting is a gardening term where the gardner makes a slit in the stem of one plant and inserts a sprout from another plant. If it is done correctly and tended to carefully the sprout grows using the life of the original plants life but new fruit are produced. This in my mind is a beautiful picture of me in Christ!
Andrew Murray paints this beautiful picture in today's reading. He says if you could speak with the grafted tree this is the response it would give to as it was bearing new fruit "In me, that is, in my roots, the sap I collect from the soil is in its nature corrupt and ready to show itself in bearing evil fruit. But just when the sap rises into sunshine to ripen into fruit, the wise gardener has clothed me with new life, through which my sap is purified and all my powers are renewed to the bringing forth of good fruit. I have only to abide in that which I have received. He cares for the immediate repression and removal of every bud which the old nature still would put forth"
The process of being santified-being made holy- isn't instant. It is a process where I grow less and Christ grows more. I yield myself to Him so that I will be more like him. Old roots bearing new fruit! Holy fruits that please my Father, and what child doesn't like to make daddy smile?
Without abiding holiness is NOT attainable. Holiness flow from Christ to me if I choose to abide in His presence. I can't reach this on my own no matter how badly I desire or how hard I try. It is His very nature and unless He is living in me I can't be made holy. And get this HE WANTS TO MAKE ME HOLY! He wants to cover me, supply me with all I need, care for my every fruit! He loves me! And He love you.
This abiding is pretty sweet! Thank you sweet Heavenly Father for allowing and wanting me to abide in You.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Good Stuff
"For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" Jeremiah 29:11
This verse comes at a time when God's people where having a tough time. They may have felt forgotten or forsaken. It sure seemed like the bad guys were in charge and winning. But because God is loving, kind, gentle, and faithful He send word through a prophet.
Just when they felt forgotten God reminds them He is in control and has a plan. And not just any old plan but a good plan, a plan that gives hope and a future!
And several hundred years later these same words reach down deep in my heart and give me a peace that I can't begin to explain. Life is still life, bad things still happen, but I can rest in the truth that God has a good plan.
God loves us much more than we can warp our brains around. We, in our finite selves, can't begin to full understand our infinite God. I am so very thankful that I don't have to fully understand in order to be His.
He takes me as I am and loves me too much to leave me that way. And along the journey He says to me "I have good plans for you, rest in Me and know that I am working things for your good."
Such an undeserved gift! That's what grace is.
Sweet dreams my sweet friends
Goodnight
This verse comes at a time when God's people where having a tough time. They may have felt forgotten or forsaken. It sure seemed like the bad guys were in charge and winning. But because God is loving, kind, gentle, and faithful He send word through a prophet.
Just when they felt forgotten God reminds them He is in control and has a plan. And not just any old plan but a good plan, a plan that gives hope and a future!
And several hundred years later these same words reach down deep in my heart and give me a peace that I can't begin to explain. Life is still life, bad things still happen, but I can rest in the truth that God has a good plan.
God loves us much more than we can warp our brains around. We, in our finite selves, can't begin to full understand our infinite God. I am so very thankful that I don't have to fully understand in order to be His.
He takes me as I am and loves me too much to leave me that way. And along the journey He says to me "I have good plans for you, rest in Me and know that I am working things for your good."
Such an undeserved gift! That's what grace is.
Sweet dreams my sweet friends
Goodnight
Friday, December 16, 2011
Abiding Test
At church late rehearsal on Wednesday Tim started hurting very badly all of a sudden! A family friend,who is a doctor, checked him out and sent us to the ER for what he believed was kidney stones. He was right.
I really struggle with fear where financing is concerned. I tend to freak out when I know we are about to incur a large bill.
Well a trip to the ER equals LARGE BILL!!!!
As we were driving there, Tim was in a GREAT deal of pain and wasn't talking therefore satan had a nice quiet place to create fear in my heart and mind. He tried quickly to slip in and create a stronghold of fear. He hit hard but God is so faithful!
God already knew what was going to happen on December 13th and began over a month ago giving me "abiding" lessons. Instantly God's faithful words that had taken roots sprang to mind. "Abide in me" God is the giver of all that I need to live. He know exactly what I need and will supply each of those needs. There is no fear when you realize that your Father has everything under control
I remember the safety I always felt with my earthly father. Even if things were scary if daddy was there then I knew we were ok. I see this same comfort in my children with Tim. Our youngest daughter is VERY fearful when storms come unless she can snuggle up to her daddy. This is the picture that came to mind as satan began his fear tactics. Sweetly and gently God whispered to my heart "snuggle up close I am here there is no need to fear. Abide in Me." Instantly the fears were gone. I knew that I knew that God was near. He wasn't shaken or surprised by this event that had taken place.
I am so thankful that He begins and complete good works in me. He invest in my heart and mind so that when life gets alittle scary I can snuggle up to Him and know that this storm will pass and that my anchor holds.
Praise Him from whom all blessings flow!!!!
I really struggle with fear where financing is concerned. I tend to freak out when I know we are about to incur a large bill.
Well a trip to the ER equals LARGE BILL!!!!
As we were driving there, Tim was in a GREAT deal of pain and wasn't talking therefore satan had a nice quiet place to create fear in my heart and mind. He tried quickly to slip in and create a stronghold of fear. He hit hard but God is so faithful!
God already knew what was going to happen on December 13th and began over a month ago giving me "abiding" lessons. Instantly God's faithful words that had taken roots sprang to mind. "Abide in me" God is the giver of all that I need to live. He know exactly what I need and will supply each of those needs. There is no fear when you realize that your Father has everything under control
I remember the safety I always felt with my earthly father. Even if things were scary if daddy was there then I knew we were ok. I see this same comfort in my children with Tim. Our youngest daughter is VERY fearful when storms come unless she can snuggle up to her daddy. This is the picture that came to mind as satan began his fear tactics. Sweetly and gently God whispered to my heart "snuggle up close I am here there is no need to fear. Abide in Me." Instantly the fears were gone. I knew that I knew that God was near. He wasn't shaken or surprised by this event that had taken place.
I am so thankful that He begins and complete good works in me. He invest in my heart and mind so that when life gets alittle scary I can snuggle up to Him and know that this storm will pass and that my anchor holds.
Praise Him from whom all blessings flow!!!!
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Abiding Journey Continued
"Yield yourself to the Holy Spirit to reveal to you the wonderful grace that permits you to draw nigh to God, clothed in divine righteousness. Take time to realize that the King's own robe has indeed been put on, and that in it you need not fear entering His presence. It is the token that you are the man whom the King delights to honour."- Andrew Murray
Because of the precious gift of grace thru the sacrifice of Christ alone I can come without far before God throne. He delights in me and calls me His own! What peace this stirs in my heart! I need not fear that my failures will separate me from His love because all has been forgiven and now he call me righteous.
Thank you sweet Savior for the sacrifice you made so that I might be clothed in Your righteousness and enter into the Holy presence of YOU.
Abiding still.......
Because of the precious gift of grace thru the sacrifice of Christ alone I can come without far before God throne. He delights in me and calls me His own! What peace this stirs in my heart! I need not fear that my failures will separate me from His love because all has been forgiven and now he call me righteous.
Thank you sweet Savior for the sacrifice you made so that I might be clothed in Your righteousness and enter into the Holy presence of YOU.
Abiding still.......
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Abiding Truths
"All that you can wish to know is perfectly clear to Him. As Man, as Mediator, He has access to the counsels of Deity, to the secrets of Providence, in your interest, and on your behalf. If you will but trust Him fully, and abide in Hime entirely, you can be confident of having unerring guidance."-Andrew Murray
"Cultivate the habit of rejoicing in the assurance that the divine wisdom is guiding you, even where you do not yet see the way"-Andrew Murray
WOW!!!!
It is really hard for me to rejoice when I don't see my way. How very comforting to know The Way sees and knows my way and if I choose to abide in Him I can rejoice!
I've decided when we redecorate (although since we've never really decorated our room I geuss it's just called decorating )our bedroom just above the window I want the the words "Abide & Rejoice" This will be the first words I see as I start each new day. This will serve as my reminder that rejoicing is found in my abiding alone. How very safe a secure is this little brach connected to The Vine!
The calm and assurance that washes of me at this thought is beyond words.
I hope you have an abiding day of rejoicing sweet friends.
"Cultivate the habit of rejoicing in the assurance that the divine wisdom is guiding you, even where you do not yet see the way"-Andrew Murray
WOW!!!!
It is really hard for me to rejoice when I don't see my way. How very comforting to know The Way sees and knows my way and if I choose to abide in Him I can rejoice!
I've decided when we redecorate (although since we've never really decorated our room I geuss it's just called decorating )our bedroom just above the window I want the the words "Abide & Rejoice" This will be the first words I see as I start each new day. This will serve as my reminder that rejoicing is found in my abiding alone. How very safe a secure is this little brach connected to The Vine!
The calm and assurance that washes of me at this thought is beyond words.
I hope you have an abiding day of rejoicing sweet friends.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Dinner for 6
I LOVE good deals! I am learning how to use coupon effectively. I can't even begin to tell you how it thrills my soul to get FREE items. It is really FUN!! It takes time and I suggest that you start small so you do not become overwhelmed. Our family is having sausage quiche, and strawberry salad for right around $7.00! There will probably be enough leftovers for breakfast tomorrow!!
doing a little happy dance :-D
doing a little happy dance :-D
Abide In Christ
I am currently reading Abide In Christ by Andres Murray
This is a very challenging book! It is written in,what I assume is,old English and can be a little tough reading. This just isn't the way we talk anymore. That being said I LOVE this book and highly encourage you to read it. It is based on the scripture found in John 15:1-12.
"I am the true vine, and My Father is the vineyard keeper. Every branch in Me that does not produce fruit He removes, and He prunes every branch that produces fruit so that it will produce more fruit. you are already clean because of the word have spoken to you. Remain in me and i in you. just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing with Me. If anyone does not remain in Me, he is thrown aside like a branch and he withers. They gather them, throw them into the fire, and they are burned. If you remain in me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you want and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you produce much fruit and prove to be My disciples. As the Father as loved me, I have also loved you. Remain in My love. If you keep My command,you will remain in My love, just as i have kept My Father's commands and remain in His love. I have spoke these things to you so that My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete. This is My command; Love one another as I have loved you."
I fell in love with this passage about 12 years ago when Tim and I bought our first house. There was a grave vine in the back yard and had a visual of this passage. I was, and still am, amazed at how the branch did nothing to secure its spot other than relinquishing control to the vine. The vine does all the work to supply the branch with exactly what it needs to bear fruit!
I had NO idea all the lessons that were in this passage butI am excited about learning to abide!
This is a very challenging book! It is written in,what I assume is,old English and can be a little tough reading. This just isn't the way we talk anymore. That being said I LOVE this book and highly encourage you to read it. It is based on the scripture found in John 15:1-12.
"I am the true vine, and My Father is the vineyard keeper. Every branch in Me that does not produce fruit He removes, and He prunes every branch that produces fruit so that it will produce more fruit. you are already clean because of the word have spoken to you. Remain in me and i in you. just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing with Me. If anyone does not remain in Me, he is thrown aside like a branch and he withers. They gather them, throw them into the fire, and they are burned. If you remain in me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you want and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you produce much fruit and prove to be My disciples. As the Father as loved me, I have also loved you. Remain in My love. If you keep My command,you will remain in My love, just as i have kept My Father's commands and remain in His love. I have spoke these things to you so that My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete. This is My command; Love one another as I have loved you."
I fell in love with this passage about 12 years ago when Tim and I bought our first house. There was a grave vine in the back yard and had a visual of this passage. I was, and still am, amazed at how the branch did nothing to secure its spot other than relinquishing control to the vine. The vine does all the work to supply the branch with exactly what it needs to bear fruit!
I had NO idea all the lessons that were in this passage butI am excited about learning to abide!
Third time is a charm
let's try this again!
I am attempting this blog thing again! Maybe, just maybe I'll be able to do it this time. It seems like tons of fun. Plus this way you aren't forced to read my post on face book :-D. It'll be your choice if you come here and read what is on my heart. I like that. So, thanks for stopping by and happy reading.
I am attempting this blog thing again! Maybe, just maybe I'll be able to do it this time. It seems like tons of fun. Plus this way you aren't forced to read my post on face book :-D. It'll be your choice if you come here and read what is on my heart. I like that. So, thanks for stopping by and happy reading.
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