Who's will was done at the cross?

Matthew 26:39, 42, 53 – Jesus prayed twice to the Father that the cup of the crucifixion would pass from him. We sometimes see his final statement, “Thy will not my will be done,” as Jesus kicking the dirt like a little kid, head down, saying, “Okay. Since I HAVE to...I'll do it.” But verse 53 shows that not to be the case. At the moment of his arrest and at any moment before or after that during his questioning and crucifixion, Jesus could have called more than twelve legions of angels to his rescue and the Father would have sent them. Jesus willingly gave his life for us. It was not human trickery or divine coercion. It was love. That is his nature because he and the Father are one, and the Father is love.

1 John 4:8

Peace On Earth

peace: to become reconciled with

At Christmas we celebrate Jesus' birth. Angels announced it to the shepherds. They said: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.” (Luke 2:14)

For many this does not seem like a peaceful time of year. Others don't feel that God is pleased with them at all. The truth is, when Christ was born into the world, God initiated reconciliation between Himself and mankind. He is pleased with us, because of Jesus. God is not waiting to whack us with a stick when we do something wrong. God always wanted you in His kingdom. Jesus did all the work. We just have to accept it.

This year make Christmas about more than just presents and shopping and travel and food. If you've never opened the door to Jesus and allowed Him to be your Lord and Savior now is the perfect time to do it. Here's a peek at what's waiting once you open the door:

“We throw open our doors to God and discover at the same moment that he has already thown open his door to us. We find ourselves standing where we always hoped we might stand – out in the wide open spaces of God's grace and glory, standing tall and shouting our praise.”

-The Message, Romans 5:2

Jesus in the Gospel of John

John's gospel shows us Jesus is...

the Word (1:1)

       the Light (1:4)

              Son of Man (1:51)

only begotten Son of God (3:16)

the bread from heaven (6:35)

the light of the world (8:12)          

the light of life (8:12)                           

I AM (8:58)

 the Shepherd (10:11)
                      the door (10:7)
                                   the resurrection and the life (11:25)     
                                                     Teacher (13:13)                      
                                         Lord (13:13)

the Way (14:6)

the Truth (14:6)

the Life (14:6)

                                                                                     
                                        the true Vine (15:1)
                                                 come forth from the Father (16:27)
                                                                     before the world was (17:5)
                                    the manifestation of God's name (17:6)
                       one with the Father (17:11)
King (18:37)



From heaven to earth

Word made flesh, dwelling with us

Jesus - Lamb of God.

-John 1:1-29

Wisdom from James

This morning God used the book of James (from the Message) to encourage me. I share to help others who may have become discouraged or tired in the race.

My dear friends, if you know people who have wandered off from God's truth, don't write them off. Go after them. Get them back and you will have rescued precious lives from destruction and prevented an epidemic of wandering away from God.

Yes, Della, there is purpose in your writing. The world is filled with books and blogs and articles about all sorts of things. God's purpose in your writing is to reach people who need to hear His truth through your voice. Keep at it.

This applies to all of us. We are unique creatures that are vital to the body. Whatever gift you have, use it for God. Sing! Work! Give! You do have gifts. It doesn't matter if you're the best or the first. It matters that you are obedient.

More encouragement:

Friends, don't complain about each other. A far greater complaint could be lodged against you, you know. The judge is standing just around the corner.

Sometimes people grate on us. It's easy to start identifying their problem (in detail!) But that is not God's way. Don't complain or criticize those who irritate. Pray for them. This will keep your flesh in check and your spirit running the show.

Don't bad mouth each other, friends. It's God's word, His Message, His Royal Rule, that takes a beating in that kind of talk. You're supposed to be honoring the Message, not writing graffiti all over it.

Bitter doctrinal squabbles about minor issues give God's children a bad name (and give God a black eye with non-Christians). Keep the faith orthodox, and have grace for each other on secondary issues. Internal arguments drive away the lost - and THEY are our mission. Some questions we should be able to answer when asked:

Who is Jesus? - THE major issue.
Why did He come?
Can I know God?
What is the Bible?
Who is the Holy Spirit?
How & why should I pray?

It only takes a spark, remember, to set off a forest fire. A careless or wrongly placed word out of your mouth can do just that.

Practice NOT saying the first thing that comes to mind - especially in heated or tense situations. Submit your words to God for approval before you allow them to fly off your tongue.

(Thanks, God! I needed that!)

Gospel of John

Just a head's up that I added info to my sidebar about how Jesus is revealed to us through the Gospel of John. I love the Bible! What an awesome gift! God revealing Himself to His creation.

Enjoy!