All Things Possible!

January 3, 2013

As Jesus sets His mind towards Jerusalem, knowing full well that crucifixion awaits Him there, He is not detoured from the purposes of God.  Even when the Pharisees tried to dissuade Him, saying “’Get away from here if you want to live!’”, Jesus’ life, work, and death would not be determined by Herod or the Pharisees!!  As my LASB comments, “His life was planned and directed by God Himself, and His mission would unfold in God’s time and according to God’s plan.”

My heart is comforted by those words this morning.   As today could be the day we receive a call regarding my dad's  care, we can rest knowing that if Herod, the Pharisees and satan himself could not interfere with the plan of Jesus going to Jerusalem, then, the power that controlled all details then continues to rest in the hands of the only One who still holds each moment, directs each breath, and guards each heart committed to Him.  And He not only controls our hearts… He is the one opening doors, closing doors and specifically mapping out the plan for daddy’s care.  Perhaps a specific nurse needs to be in place for daddy’s arrival and she/he has been on holidays.  Perhaps a specific room is best suited… or roommate ….  Just because God seems inactive from our perspective at times, He is making all things possible!  His plan for salvation was greater than a symbol of a man on a cross …. His plan had the power to save then and now throughout every generation.  We rest in the power of our resurrected Lord!  We wait for His best for daddy to unfold in God’s time and according to God’s plan with thankful anticipation today!

"I will call on Your name

For there's always a way

When You lead me.

And when life knocks me down

I am not counted out

For You're with me

And You're with me.

I know mountains can move

I've seen what You can do

In my weakness.

So my heart will believe

If I wait I will see

My God doing

What only He can do!!

Even when it feels like the light is fading

And I've lost my way

Still I'm holding on to the One who's making

All things possible!

Even when it feels like my heart is breaking

Hold on!  There is strength!

Knowing I belong to the One who's making

All things possible!

My God is strong and mighty!

My God is faithful!

My hope is in the Lord

For He is able!"

(All Things Possible; Mark Schultz)

Close Enough

January 2, 2013

This morning I am considering how much Jesus gives us, even when we don’t know our need or are afraid to ask. I love that God notices me!!!

The account I read this morning is of a woman who had been crippled by an evil spirit, bent double for eighteen years, and unable to stand up straight.  “When Jesus saw her, He called her over …” (Luke 13:12) That so struck me this morning.  Maybe eighteen years ago she had been asking for help.  Maybe she never assumed it was her right to ask …. Maybe she felt unworthy ….. But for some reason, she was in the synagogue, near to Jesus, near enough that He could see her, yet not seeking His personal intervention or help.  She was not pleading with Him, she was not doing the initiating .... she was not approaching Him in any way, but He still saw her, and HE called her over saying, “’Dear woman, you are healed of your sickness!’  Then He touched her, and instantly she could stand straight.” (vs.12,13)

He noticed … He called …. He healed ….. and she responded ….. “How she praised God!” (vs. 13)

There was nothing left for her to do but praise!!  None of the story was about her – all God!!!

Today Lord I rest in the fact that You notice …. and because You do, You will speak and You will act …. and I will praise!!!!!  GREAT IS THEY FAITHFULNESS!!  It is enough for me to stay close enough to hear Your voice, so that when You turn to me and say, "Dear woman" .... I will embrace all You have to offer me today.

Garden of Grace

January 1, 2013

’Sir, give it one more chance.  Leave it another year, and I’ll give it special attention and plenty of fertilizer.  If we get figs next year, fine.  If not, then you can cut it down.’” (vs. 8,9)

I wonder, as I begin the first day of a new year, if this is how Jesus sees me.  Does He, with the fresh new start, look, and say, “Give her yet one more chance.  Leave her for another year, and I’ll give close personal attention to her, everything she could possible need to produce fruit …. and let’s see what happens.”

Choosing Jesus today ...... this moment, .... and every moment.  I have a "one more chance" from the God of  second, third and fourth chances.  I have another opportunity, with all the resources of heaven, to be today who God has designed me to be.  He has turned His "special attention" to me, and is providing me with all I need for healthy growth through His Word and His unlimited resources!!  If I fail to bear fruit, it will not be the fault of the Gardener ......  Oh Lord, I surrender my heart and life to You afresh this morning.  Longing to respond to the Gardener's patient care and special attention to the details of my life and then to bear the fruit God has created me to produce - one more chance - one more year.  May today and tomorrow and this year bear His imprint on the soil of my life, that at the end of 2013 my garden will be full of the fragrance of His presence.