I had not really heard much talk about the end of the world, aka the Rapture, until this week. I guess I don't have any billboards here letting me know. I don't get too involved in all that because 1-In Matthew 24, Jesus clearly states that no one but the Father knows the day or the hour and 2-I am secure in my salvation.
So it's not the prediction that bothers me, it is the response I have been seeing to it. This post if for those of you who are not in the number 2 category.
How does one receive salvation? I say receive because you can't "get" it. It's a gift from God. It is a gift of forgiveness for EVERY sin you have committed. It is a gift of grace, undeserved favor, because we will never get it exactly right. Salvation is not a list of "don'ts" and "dos." The choices we make will be from an outpouring of love for Him after we spend time with Jesus in his Word and with other believers.
What starts as a decision culminates into a love relationship, that like any relationship takes time to develop. It takes time to fully embrace Jesus' love for us. It takes time fully give that back to him. It is a lifelong process. It is a lifetime of victories and shortcomings. No one is perfect, not one. That's why the Bible says "There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."-Romans 8:1.
But since God didn't make us robots, he gave us free will, he wants us to choose Him. How do you do that? So it's not hard. Jesus doesn't ask from us more than we can give. It's as simple as confessing "Jesus I am a sinner. I have screwed up in so many ways." repenting "I am sorry. I want a new thing in my life. " and believing "I believe that you are the only one who can save me. Thank you that you loved me so much you died for me." And that's it. I am sure you will have more to say once you realize you are talking to the Living God. But that's all. Just confess, repent, and ask, then know that He has heard you and you are saved.
Sometimes we get caught in a lie of "Well you did that once but you screwed up so much it doesn't count." or "Did you really mean it when you prayed that in a "weak" moment?" My answer is yes. In Ephesians 1 it says we are SEALED in our salvation. It means we can't lose it. It can't be taken away from us. So if you have been saved but you are living a life with shame. You can go back to the Father. He knows your name. He remembers you and He loves you. Like the father in the story of the prodigal son He's running toward you right now if you would just look up. Confess it, ask for forgiveness and know that the slate is wiped clean. Receive His love and grace.
I am not going to say anymore because I don't want to overwhelm. If you have questions, I would be happy to try and answer them or I may forward them on to a more knowledgeable source. Email me at joyf72@gmail.com
Take care and have a blessed, secure day.
joy
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Monday, May 9, 2011
Expectations can kill relationships
I read recently a simple phrase that turned me on my ear and it rings frequently in my head these days-"Expectations can kill relationships." I don't know how this hits you but it hits me square. Let me give you a few examples of where I've seen this happen.
A special birthday or holiday comes and everyone wants that day to be special for that person. So every one bends over backwards to make that happen. All of a sudden in the throws of it human flaws get thrown in and the perfection ends. And it all goes down the tubes . Right? We expect a perfect day and throw in imperfect people. It doesn't work.
Another example, a big day going to a theme park, say Disney World, everyone is excited to go. However its chaos getting out the door. Everyone is a little tired because no one goes to bed on time. Parents expect the children to be grateful for this trip and to show their gratitude be sprouting angel wings and halos. Children expect the siblings around them to be quiet, not touch them, not breathe too loud. The children expect the car ride to be shorter. Now that's a powder keg on wheels. Things can start to fall apart within 5 minutes of being in the car.
A trip is planned. Friends and family gather. Each and everyone comes with a different expectation. Some want to relax. Some want to spend time catching up and making memories. Some want to see the sites. Some just want everything to be perfect with blue skies and sunshine because how often to we get to really take a break from life? But then we throw life in there. It rains. And we stress, and we hurt and we don't know why. It's because our expectations haven't been met.
A spouse who doesn't meet our every need without our asking. Doesn't read our minds. Doesn't think of things the way we do. Messes up in little and big ways. Some people are so upset that their expectations haven't been met, they walk away from all of it thinking that another human will do a better job. They won't.
No other human can meet all of our needs. We put on our spouse to meet the needs that only God can fill. Our security comes from Him. Our joy comes from Him. Our identity is in Him. Our peace is in Him.
The only way we can deal with other people not meeting our expectations is first to recognize that this is what you are doing. Ask yourself "Am I asking too much of this flawed human?" "Have I clearly stated what I need or am I just assuming they know?" Second, remember grace. God gives us new mercies every morning. He loves us in our highest highs and our lowest lows. He knows the deepest parts of our hearts. If the Creator of the Universe cared enough to sacrifice His own Son for all my screw ups, who am I to withhold forgiveness? Who am I to deny grace? Who am I to demand my every need, want, desire, and expectation is met? Pitiful. That's what I am.
Jesus, I am humbled as I type and as I realize all the ways my expectations have hurt relationships with family and friends. I am thankful that you are Jehovah Rapha-the God who heals. Bind the wounds, Jesus. You heal our broken hearts and bind our wounds. (Psalm 147:3). Thank you for giving me to eyes to see this now give me what I need to give grace, love, and patience as I go forward. Pour it into me Father. Fill me up. Place a hedge of protection around all of those praying this with me. Give us a the sword of your Word for when the enemy tries to attack. I pray this all in your mighty and powerful Name.
Never give up,
joy
A special birthday or holiday comes and everyone wants that day to be special for that person. So every one bends over backwards to make that happen. All of a sudden in the throws of it human flaws get thrown in and the perfection ends. And it all goes down the tubes . Right? We expect a perfect day and throw in imperfect people. It doesn't work.
Another example, a big day going to a theme park, say Disney World, everyone is excited to go. However its chaos getting out the door. Everyone is a little tired because no one goes to bed on time. Parents expect the children to be grateful for this trip and to show their gratitude be sprouting angel wings and halos. Children expect the siblings around them to be quiet, not touch them, not breathe too loud. The children expect the car ride to be shorter. Now that's a powder keg on wheels. Things can start to fall apart within 5 minutes of being in the car.
A trip is planned. Friends and family gather. Each and everyone comes with a different expectation. Some want to relax. Some want to spend time catching up and making memories. Some want to see the sites. Some just want everything to be perfect with blue skies and sunshine because how often to we get to really take a break from life? But then we throw life in there. It rains. And we stress, and we hurt and we don't know why. It's because our expectations haven't been met.
A spouse who doesn't meet our every need without our asking. Doesn't read our minds. Doesn't think of things the way we do. Messes up in little and big ways. Some people are so upset that their expectations haven't been met, they walk away from all of it thinking that another human will do a better job. They won't.
No other human can meet all of our needs. We put on our spouse to meet the needs that only God can fill. Our security comes from Him. Our joy comes from Him. Our identity is in Him. Our peace is in Him.
The only way we can deal with other people not meeting our expectations is first to recognize that this is what you are doing. Ask yourself "Am I asking too much of this flawed human?" "Have I clearly stated what I need or am I just assuming they know?" Second, remember grace. God gives us new mercies every morning. He loves us in our highest highs and our lowest lows. He knows the deepest parts of our hearts. If the Creator of the Universe cared enough to sacrifice His own Son for all my screw ups, who am I to withhold forgiveness? Who am I to deny grace? Who am I to demand my every need, want, desire, and expectation is met? Pitiful. That's what I am.
Jesus, I am humbled as I type and as I realize all the ways my expectations have hurt relationships with family and friends. I am thankful that you are Jehovah Rapha-the God who heals. Bind the wounds, Jesus. You heal our broken hearts and bind our wounds. (Psalm 147:3). Thank you for giving me to eyes to see this now give me what I need to give grace, love, and patience as I go forward. Pour it into me Father. Fill me up. Place a hedge of protection around all of those praying this with me. Give us a the sword of your Word for when the enemy tries to attack. I pray this all in your mighty and powerful Name.
Never give up,
joy
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