Look What Happened to Jesus!

 

"Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals." Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing in the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders.” Revelation 5:1-6

I recently had a very cool revelation. The deeper I go into the idea of trials, suffering and difficulties being a part of God's will, to shape, mold, strengthen and form us, the more I see scriptures that confirm it. And so, of course I want to share these new revelations with you! I know, I know… I have written on this subject many times so thank you for hanging in there with me!

There are many Christians who truly and honestly believe that God would never allow pain, difficulties and suffering on His children but, that instead, He only wants good, nice and easy things to happen to us, like a good earthly father does, right? I mean, that totally makes earthly sense and seems very logical and understandable. Why would we want hardships, difficulties, pain and suffering for our children?? That just seems SO wrong! And we parents strive, sometimes we desperately go out of our way, to protect our children from experiencing anything difficult or painful. That seems more like the RIGHT and best thing to do!! Right?? So, why wouldn't God want the same things for us?? God is totally able to prevent his children from experiencing "bad" things, harm and difficulties, as well as very able to lavish all "good" things on us. But then we come to a place of asking ourselves, so "why" doesn't He? Why is there so much pain, suffering and hardship in this world? (Here is a good blog for when kids suffer: Beauty from Ashes) And we may have personally asked God “Why am I having so much pain, suffering and trauma in my life?” These are all good questions! I will not pretend that I know all the answers but, in my journey to know Him, He has given me a couple of glimpses here and there that may be helpful.

 In a previous blog I talked about how our definition of “good” and “bad” can be very different from God's, (To Him Who Overcomes) and the things we think are bad for us are actually GOOD for us. The results are very helpful in humbling and strengthening us and in teaching us compassion, grace and mercy. And using our difficult experiences to help others go through the same things with wisdom, understanding, compassion and grace. Then God has shown me that His “eternal” perspective is what He sees things through and not our “temporal” perspective. There are SO many reasons why God allows these things to happen, these are just a few.

 Ok, moving on to this blogs topic, so… what happened to Jesus!? Not too long ago I was listening to the gospels again and hearing about all that Jesus went through here on Earth. The rejection and disdain from the leaders and most of the people and especially the horrific whipping and beating Jesus endured even before he was hung on the cross... and then of course the cross itself was, I would imagine, beyond horrifying!!

(“He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.” Isaiah 53:3)

But, as I was listening, a thought came to me. If what we experience here on Earth is designed to shape, mold and refine us into who we need to be for God's Kingdom, then... What happened to Jesus?! Was there more to his pain and suffering than our redemption? (Please note, I am certainly not making light of this priceless gift) And then it hit me!! Oh, my goodness, yes!!

I don’t know about you, but I have always pictured Jesus, before the Earth was formed, in heaven with the Angels, God and the Holy Spirit doing whatever they did... you know, “God stuff”. And then he came to Earth, did this amazing thing for us, dying on the cross and restoring our relationship with God. And then, I always pictured him going right back to heaven being the same Jesus he was before he left. He’s “God” for goodness sakes, what can be better than that!? Of course that’s what happened… right?! (Please tell me I am not the only one who thought this!) But when this new thought came to mind, that idea and understanding suddenly changed! As I was pondering this new thought, this scripture in Revelation came to mind:

 “Then I saw in the right hand of him who sat on the throne a scroll with writing on both sides and sealed with seven seals. And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, "Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?" But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth could open the scroll or even look inside it. I wept and wept because no one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or look inside. Then one of the elders said to me, "Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals." Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing in the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders.” Revelation 5:1-6

John was weeping and weeping because no one was found to be worthy…! But then he saw “a Lamb, looking as if it has been slain…” If Jesus had not gone through all of that pain, suffering and crucifixion, He would NOT have been worthy to break the seal and open the scroll!! What He went through did SO much more than redeem man and restore our relationship with God. What He went through shaped and molded him into who He needed to be for God and for us for all of Eternity! He did NOT go back to heaven the same way as he was before he came down! All that He went through was designed by God for something so much greater! So, was His suffering “good” or “bad”? I mean, even Jesus, just like us, in his flesh prayed that God would change his plan… that maybe he wouldn’t have to suffer so much, asking in essence, “is there a plan B? Do I REALLY have to do this!? Isn’t there anther way!?” (“Abba, Father, he said, "everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will." Mark 14:36) But in the end, He knew that what God had ordained for him was necessary to accomplish His perfect will, and so he surrendered, saying “not my will, but Yours be done”. Isn’t Jesus our example of how we should live on this earth? He accepted God’s plan for him and surrendered his will, no matter what he had to endure.

 If God allowed Jesus to go through all of that, so that He can be transformed into something so much more wonderful, powerful, beautiful and valuable, why would he spare us?? If hardships and difficulties are what make us BETTER, stronger, more compassionate people, would that be considered bad parenting? I feel like I lack the words to describe what happens to us when we surrender and are challenged and refined through hardships but all I know is that the end result isn’t “bad” but truly transforming… in a very GOOD way!!

 “During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek.” Heb 5:7-10

If you really think about it, who wants to read about Frodo’s safe and comfy life in the Shire?? His pesky neighbors and meals of cheese and crackers and wine? What really inspires us are his adventures, his struggles, close calls with death, and his victories, right!? If you aren’t familiar with the Lord of the Rings, name any book that you enjoy, maybe Harry Potter, is it safe and easy? Or is it full of death defying adventures that they push through and are victorious and transformed by their hardships?

So, in my limited perspective and understanding, I can see that what Jesus went through resulted in making Him the Son of Man, the Son of God, our High Priest, the Lion of Judah, the King of Kings, Lord of Lords, The Lamb that was slain, and our Redeemer... and I am sure so MUCH more that I can’t even fathom right now! Would we tell God right now that what He did to Jesus was wrong? That Jesus’ suffering was cruel, mean and unnecessary? Is God a bad Father because He put Jesus through all of that? Again, our “good/bad” versus His, and our temporal versus His eternal. Whose is better?

And as I was thinking about writing this blog this scripture came to mind:

“He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again. He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. "Get behind me, Satan!" he said. "You do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men." Mark 8:31-33

 Did you catch that?? Peter was like; “No man, you aren’t going to die, I won’t let that happen to you!! You are going to conquer the Romans and redeem Israel and then sit on the throne as king! And we are going to fight for you and be with you in your [earthly] kingdom!” (Totally MY paraphrasing) In Peter’s mind Jesus’ dying was a very BAD thing! (Having in mind the things of “men”) But Jesus KNEW he had to die to accomplish all that needed to happen (God’s plan) so He rebuked Peter and said; "You do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men." Whoa!! I am sure Peter was like “What the heck!?” So, when we talk about life being easy, cushy and no bad things happening to us or our children, do we really have in mind the things of man or of God? Hmmmm…?? Definitely something to ponder!!

Another good question is, when things are “easy”, how does that benefit us?? I have often heard it said, “As it is in the natural/physical, so it is in the spiritual”. If we are flabby and out of shape physically, then we can also be flabby and out of shape spiritually! (I talk about things being “easy” in this blog: The Easy Button). Is spiritual “flab” something God wants for us?? Is it really what WE want?? But if it is not exercised, or challenged, our faith and trust in Him will be super flabby too! Right? And, how is our faith tested and strengthened if not by hardships and difficulties so that we can see God work in miraculous ways?

 So, even Jesus was transformed through His suffering, in ways I had never thought of or considered before! Hopefully these thoughts and questions will encourage you to see difficulties and trials in a different way. Instead of blaming Satan or resenting God, maybe look at the difficulties as weights, designed to strengthen you spiritually. Where are you spiritually weak? What muscles need to be worked on? And instead of resisting, see the hardships in life as “opportunities” to strengthen these muscles. (Another good blog on this topic is: Forged in Fire)

“I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.” Ephesians 1:18-23

But I think my FAVORITE part of trials and tribulations (yes, I said favorite, lol!) are that I get so much closer to God!! Difficulties bring me to my knees and remind me that I can’t do everything on my own and that I have zero “control” over anything! (Like being on a roller coaster with a steering wheel!) So, when I am struggling, I run to him and press into him more than I ever do when things are good. He is my refuge and my Strong tower, my Helper, Comforter and Counselor. And I love how God responds to me when I run to him and look to Him for help, strength and courage! He reveals himself to me in wonderful, miraculous and revelatory ways!! I have learned so much more about who He is through my difficulties and hard times than at any other time! And that is truly what I want more than anything… To KNOW HIM! If it takes trials and suffering to really know God, then I say, bring it on! God always gives me a choice. How will I respond to trials? Will I resist and rebuke? Will I run away from Him in angry resentment? Or will I press into Him even more and learn where my muscles are weak, and allow Him to refine my heart and reveal more of himself to me? How will you choose to respond?

Anyway, I just thought that was a really cool insight into Jesus and what His suffering did for Him and wanted to share it. It makes me wonder how our Earthy suffering will translate for us in eternity! I know it will be amazing! So, one last question. Do we have in mind the things of men or of God?

Thank you, Father, for this new insight and understanding into Jesus and His transformation process through his suffering here on Earth! Help me to continue to have a heart that wants to surrender to your leading and circumstances so that I can be refined and, even more importantly, I will get to KNOW you better!

Here are some more scriptures that talk about Jesus and the result of His suffering and surrender:

“It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. He is " 'the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone. ' Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." Act 4:4-12

“The God of our fathers raised Jesus from the dead--whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might give repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel.” Acts 5:30-31

“Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death-- even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:6-11

“In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.” Daniel 7:13-14

“They preached the good news in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. "We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God," they said.” Act 14:21-22

“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:17-18

“It is written: " 'As surely as I live,' says the Lord, 'every knee will bow before me; every tongue will confess to God.' " So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.” Romans 14:11-12

The End Game.... Is God enough?

 

I have come to an interesting stage in my life. I turned 61 last September and I have often reminisced and thought about my life and the different stages that I, and really almost everyone, goes through. It seems to me that there are a series of life stages that we all tend to go through, more or less. Of course, this is “generally” speaking and I do realize that there are many who do not follow these stages exactly, but please bear with me.

Of course, everyone is “born” and we have the baby, toddler stages. Then we have our preschool, elementary, middle and high school years, all of which are our primary developmental stages. Then we transition into discovering who we are as a person in those years of teenage invincibility, hormones and pushing boundaries. Truly miraculous that any of us survive! Then after high school graduation, we head off to college and/or are on the quest of trying to find our mate, the one we want to spend the rest of our

lives with. And along those same time lines we are discovering our passions and our careers, diving into love, life and adulthood. Then if we do find our soulmate, we get married, find a home and start having children. And because all of our friends are on the same page, we go to LOTS of weddings and baby showers for our friends and house warming parties (again, this is very "general" and I understand that many, like me, do not go through or experience all of these stages. But hang in there, I do have a point to this, lol!). Then, moving

along in life, you have the seasons of your own children growing up, dealing with teenagers, sports activities, them having issues with love, drugs, sex, pregnancies... or whatever life is handing out to them. Then maybe our marriages start falling apart, and we become disillusioned with our spouse, our life, our careers, and even God. And then maybe we start coping with these difficulties in life with all manner of substances; food, alcohol, sex, drugs, work, working out, shopping, kids and even church and ministry can be something we turn to to medicate our pain and disappointment. Then comes the season of divorce, retirement, parents’ illnesses and death, our own physical

decline and illnesses. Now we are attending retirement parties, funerals for our friends, parents and family members, and maybe even our own spouse or children. And then finally, we come to our own ending, when we die.

I am in the stage of life where friends are divorcing, dying or retiring and/or discovering health problems as well as watching my own kids in the mid-life stages and my grandkids going through all the early stages of life. And with all that goes on, cyclically speaking, don't
we find ourselves wondering "WHY?" What on earth is the point of all of this? Over and over again, the cycle continues, year after year, decade after decade. We are born, live life and then we die… generation after generation. Can I just insert here a “WTF mate”?? What is the point of all of this??

Is God Enough?

I decided to get into another Bible study at the beginning of this year, 2022, so I did a little search and found a book by an author I really like, Cynthia Heald, called "Becoming a Woman Whose God is Enough". That title smacked me right in the face!! And my heart said "YES!" That is truly what I want! I want to become a woman whose GOD IS ENOUGH! So, I did a little more searching and found that this study also had video teaching to go along with it. I was so excited that I decided to watch the first video before I even purchased the book. As I was watching the video, I was reminded yet again of God's heart for ME. Sometimes I get so caught up in my own life cycles and chores that I forget this incredibly impactful truth! God is all about ME and He is passionate about His relationship with ME!

I recently had a conversation with a guest regarding the difference between the Old and
New Testament. The Old basically showed the Israelites that, no matter how hard they tried, they could not keep or fulfill the law, and the New Testament showed God's solution for that, sending Jesus to be the final sacrificial Lamb, fulfilling the law completely and paying the price for all of our sins, once and for all, so that our relationship to God can be restored. He accomplished for us what WE couldn't possibly do for ourselves. Ever. (Yes, this is super simplified!! But says what I need at this point for this blog)

As I pondered these subjects together, our life's journey and the Israelites' Old Testament journey and attempt to fulfill the law without God, and then the subject of "Is God Enough?” I thought to myself, maybe our life's journey, is like our own personal "Old
Testament"?! Starting off with such joy and anticipation of what life could bring to us, thinking that “we” could actually accomplish our own happiness, but then walking away with such disappointment in ourselves, our spouse, our children, of life in general and even in our god (small “g” because we tend make everything or everyone else a “god”, looking to those things to give us what only God can). Maybe this life's journey is all about discovering the Truth for ourselves, once we’ve tried everything else, and nothing seems to work, we start to see what is really of value and what is meaningless. Discovering what is important and what is NOT important in life! This makes me think of the book of Ecclesiastes by Solomon.

"Meaningless! Meaningless! says the Teacher. "Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless." What does man gain from all his labor at which he toils under the sun? Ecclesiastes 1:2-3

Could our own life’s journey (or Old Testament equivalent) be designed by God for us to discover that we can't possibly be fulfilled in any other way than through God and His plan for our life? If our soulmate, new house, children, careers, money, possessions, or even church and ministry can't fulfill us, what are we left with?? We start off in life thinking we will be fulfilled and happy when we have all of these wonderful things in life, living the "American Dream", only to find out that nothing really "satisfies"! Wondering to ourselves on a regular basis, what is the point to all of this??

If anyone could have found happiness in the "things" of life it would have been Solomon! He had ALL the money/wealth, things, women, power and even wisdom given to him by God, but he walked away with a greater understanding of how everything but God was meaningless! He spends the whole book of Ecclesiastes documenting all that he did and had in life and this was his conclusion: "Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man." Ecc 12:13 Basically, there is NOTHING in life more important than God and our relationship to HIM. If we look to anything else to fulfill us, we will walk away empty, disappointed, disillusioned and unfulfilled. (Side note: I find it amusing that, even though Solomon wrote all of this out for us thousands of years ago, we still have to discover it for ourselves, DOH! lol!)

So, can we find happiness in life? Absolutely! I certainly don’t want to paint such a miserable and depressing picture that we don’t want to go on living anymore! But I have come believe, at this point in my journey, that we MUST NOT get things out of order. God first and then life has meaning and flavor. If we try to put our life, wants and desires first, it will end up flat and unfulfilling. One of my life verses is “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33. Again, the key is to Seek HIM FIRST!

I like what Oswald said in his January 18th devotional:

“How many of us are expecting Jesus Christ to quench our thirst when we should be satisfying Him!  … That means lives of pure, uncompromising, and unrestrained devotion to the Lord Jesus… Beware of anything that competes with your loyalty to Jesus Christ.

Maybe we will find fulfillment in serving and loving God and others first instead of ourselves?? The world looks to serve themselves but Jesus always taught, and was our primary example, that to be the greatest of all, you must be the servant of all! “Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all." Mark 9:35 But… that doesn’t sell very well, does it, lol! We all want to be served, to be first, to be right, to have the biggest, the best and… well, I think you get the picture. But, how is that working out for us?

Here are a couple more really good Oswald statements:

January 20^th:

“Jealously guard your relationship with God. Jesus prayed "that they may be one just as We are one" --- with nothing in between (Joh_17:22). Keep your whole life continually open to Jesus Christ. Don't pretend to be open with Him. Are you drawing your life from any source other than God Himself? If you are depending on something else as your source of freshness and strength, you will not realize when His power is gone.”

Wow!! Have we missed completely that God is no longer in our lives because we are depending on everything else to meet our needs?? That is something to think about!

And another favorite Oswaldism is, “Are you looking for God’s blessings, or for GOD who has the blessings?” Another amazing mind tweak!! Am I looking for His blessing or for HIM!!??

Is God Enough??

Is God really enough?? That is a GOOD question!! But, what does that mean anyway? I think initially we would all answer this question confidently by saying, “Well… Of COURSE He is enough!!” Duhhh!! But what does that mean to me, or to you?? How does that look or translate in my life?? Is it going to church regularly, doing good things, staying faithful in my marriage, not driving drunk?? Again, a very good but very difficult question to answer! Of course, I don’t claim to have all the answers and I am not even going to pretend I do. These questions are mostly for us to think about and to ponder. Everyone’s journeys are different and God’s plans are different for everyone. I have NO idea what YOUR journey is looking like now or what God has in store for your future. But maybe I can simplify this just a little??

In my journey to know God I have come to understand that God is SO much simpler than we think He is. I can pretty confidently boil it down to the “heart” of the matter, which is simply, where is my heart? Where is your heart? Do we have a heart for God like David? “After removing Saul, he made David their king. He testified concerning him: 'I have found David son of Jesse a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.” Acts 13:22. Or do we “say” we want to know God but really only want Him to give us His blessings… to “give us the desires of our hearts”? “Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart” Psalm 37:4. If we look closely at that scripture, isn’t it actually saying, if we “delight ourselves in the Lord” then wouldn’t HE be the desire of our heart?? If so, then God would be SO thrilled to give me the desires of my heart, which would be MORE OF HIM!! But God knows my heart better than I do!! He KNOWS when I am just giving him “lip service” and when I am sincere. I often say to people that I believe God will answer the prayers of our hearts rather than the prayers of our lips!

Am I as passionate about my relationship with God as He is with me?? I honestly don’t think “religion” is the answer! It’s not about going to church, being a good person or following the letter of the law but, how much do you want to KNOW and LOVE GOD? How important is He to you?

There are a lot of “good things” out there but ultimately, He is the BEST. Another favorite Oswaldism goes something like this; “The enemy of our faith is not sin, but the good that’s not the best”! It is all those silly shiny “good” things that distract us from what is “best” which is being with Him. You know, all those things we “do” for God that are, sincerely good things to do, but instead of drawing us closer to God, they distract us from our relationship with Him. Mary and Martha are good examples; Mary sat at the feet of Jesus while Martha was completely stressed out trying to prepare a meal and serve Jesus, and she was sincerely trying to do a good thing, right?! But Jesus said that Mary had chosen what was best and He wouldn’t take it away from her! “Martha, Martha, the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." Luke 10:41-42 It has taken me a very long time but God is transforming me from a Martha to a Mary. I have been a “doer” for so long that it felt wrong to just SIT there and spend time at the feet of my Lord. But now I am enjoying the benefits of sitting at His feet and feeling such FREEDOM from stress that I am craving HIM more and experiencing more peace and less guilt about just sitting, lol! This is of course more metaphorical than actual; the expression is being acted out more in my heart than in the physical.

The End Game

So, what is the “End Game”? I said earlier that what God wants from us is very simple, and that all He really wants is our hearts but, while it may be a simple request, I can tell you with certainty that it most definitely isn’t easy!! Our fleshly desires and the distractions of the world pull us in so many different directions! But, if our hearts sincerely desire HIM, and we hunger and thirst after Him, like David the man after God’s own heart wrote “… As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God.” Psalm 42:1. Then God will be there to help us all along the way! I really do believe that HE wants to be our one and only, our one heart’s desire, our soulmate! Jesus even said that eternal life was that we may KNOW Him! Jesus prayed for us in John 17; “Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” John 17:3. Maybe the End Game is getting to know God and falling in LOVE with Him, making HIM our one and only!?

Jesus teaches parables in the gospels about finding a priceless pearl and treasures in a field and selling everything to get it… What if that treasure was God himself!?

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.” Matthew 13:44

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.” Matthew 13:45-46

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Luke 12:34

I honestly believe He wants to be our treasure, something of such value to us that we sell all that we have, and forsake all that this world has to offer, to get it!!! Do you see Him as that valuable to you?

I mentioned earlier one of my life verses, these are the other four:

“Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment.” Matthew 22:37-38

“Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.” John 15:4

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6

All of these verses help me to remember where my heart and focus needs to be. I NEED these verses to constantly remember that I need to press into my Lord, my treasure, every moment, and not let all the shiny “good” things, or the difficult trials of life, derail me from my heart’s desire.

January 27^th Oswald:

"I say to you, do not worry about your life…" Our Lord says to be careful only about one thing --- our relationship to Him. But our common-sense shouts loudly and says, "That is absurd, I must consider how I am going to live, and I must consider what I am going to eat and drink." Jesus says you must not. Beware of allowing yourself to think that He says this while not understanding your circumstances. Jesus Christ knows our circumstances better than we do, and He says we must not think about these things to the point where they become the primary concern of our life. Whenever there are competing concerns in your life, be sure you always put your relationship to God first…”

Tom and I believe that all of our circumstances are specifically designed by God to show us our hearts and His, and to help us see our need for HIM. To realize that we can’t do this life without Him and that we are created for a much bigger, much better purpose than this life! This is just the beginning; this is nothing compared to “eternity” (Again…“Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” John 17:3). And if we can just get a glimpse of God’s LOVE for us and His eternal perspective, then things will start to come into focus for us. Things will start to make a little more sense… and our purpose, the point of everything, will become a little clearer each and every day.

The End Game? I believe it is to KNOW God and fall in LOVE with Him more and more each day. To be as passionate about our relationship with him as He is with us. For Him to be our treasure that we sell everything we have to buy. And then I truly believe that God WILL be enough!

“… I found the one my heart loves. I held him and would not let him go…” Song of Songs 3:4