Today's Thoughts -- Which Prisoner Are You?

This is a somber day, for Christians. It is a day that we remember and grieve the death of our Lord, Jesus Christ. And always on this day, I read the account of His death.

Today, I'd like to take a closer look at the two prisoners who were crucified with Jesus. One was cast into hades that day and the other knew paradise..

Luke 23: 32-43

Two others, both criminals, were led out to be executed with Him. When they came to a place called The Skull, they nailed Him to the cross. And the criminals were also crucified--one on his right and one on his left.

Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they are doing." And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice.

The crowd watched and the leaders scoffed. "He saved others," they said. "let him save himself if he is really God's Messiah, the Chosen One." The soldiers mocked him, too, by offering him a drink of sour wine. They called out to Him, "If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself! A sign was fastened to the cross above him with these words, "This is the King of the Jews."

One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed. "So you're the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself--and us, too, while you're at it!"

But the other criminal protested, "Don't you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn't done anything wrong. Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom."

And Jesus replied, "I assure you today you will be with me in paradise."


So, which are you? The sinner who sees his sin or the one who refuses to look?

It's not easy to see ourselves as we truly are. We'd like to imagine that we always have others best interests at heart. And that even the "small" sins we engage in aren't really that bad. We want to believe that we are "good enough" and that when the day arrives when we step out of this world and into the next that God will recognize our goodness and welcome us into heaven. But there is no one who is good enough. We all need a Savior.

Be brave--look into a mirror with a clear reflection--one that reveals your heart. I wince at what I see, especially when I consider what Jesus did for me. "Thank you, Jesus."

God loves us so much that He provided a Savior so that even a sinner like me will see heaven and be part of His eternal Kingdom. And Jesus, in obedience to His Father, went to the cross and sacrificed Himself for all mankind. We need only to believe.

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for setting me free.

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God -- Tis The Season

How is the Christmas season for you this year? Is your head full of Christmas carols, gift lists, things to do? Are you singing while you drive along the highway or spending lots of time in the kitchen baking Christmas goodies?

Or are you saying "Tis the season . . . NOOOT?"

For some, this isn't a happy time. In fact, expectations often drag us down. Family time isn't what we'd expected. There's not enough money for "just the right" gift or maybe we have no money at all and there will be no gifts. Some are spending the holidays alone and are lonely. Illness can erase the joy of the season. And often when we most count on family, this is the time when conflicts arise. Christmas can be a sad, sad time.

That's not God's fault. He never intended that we have a commercial Christmas. The Christmas we know is man made. I want to clarify that I'm not a Grinch or a Scrooge. I love Christmas with all it if its beauty and wonder, including good food, gifts, caroling and family gatherings. I love it all. But if we strip away man's version of Christmas we will see the true wonder and beauty of the season. A new born babe. Christ the Son of God. God in the flesh. The Sacrificial lamb. The Savior of the world.

Christmas is the day we celebrate the birth of The One who came to save mankind. He went to the cross out of obedience to His Father. And because of Him, we who believe, look forward to an eternal heavenly reward with our Father God.

Remember the Baby Jesus and you will find joy. Remember Him, the Lord Jesus Christ. Remember those who are without Christ and tell them of God's mercy and grace. Tell them that Christmas is about more than gifts and sparkling lights.

It is a time to celebrate.

Joy to you and to all the world.




Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God -- He's Got Our Back

While reading today I came across a powerful verse. Isaiah 33:21-22 says, The Lord will be our Mighty One. He will be like a wide river of protection that no enemy can cross, that no enemy ship can sail upon. For the Lord is our judge, our lawgiver, and our king. He will care for us and save us.

As I read these verses, God's peace spilled over me. I was reminded that no matter what life throws my way the Lord will be there to stand with me.

The verse says he will be our "Mighty One". I suppose to each of us this statment brings a unique image to mind. I see a warrior who will prevail against any and all enemies. With Him there is nothing to fear.

There's more. The verse says, He will be like a wide river of protection. I love that picture. I can see myself sitting in the midst of a quiet lake where no foe can come near. It is a place of absolute peace.

Isaiah goes on to describe the Lord as the only one who can decide right from wrong—He is the judge, the lawgiver. We don't have to figure out right from wrong--He's already got it all worked out. God's Word has the answers and they are a resilient and reliable foundation.

And finally, it says He will care for us and save us. God provided a Savior who guarantees an eternal refuge for all who believe in Him. We know without a doubt that there is a place for us in heaven. What better way can a father care for His children than to offer a Savior?

With God there is no reason to fear. He offers peace. He is our foundation. And He has provided a Savior. God is generous with his gifts. We have no reason to worry. He’s got our back.

Grace & peace to you from God.

Bonnie