Do We Need A Reminder?

"At the Cross, at the Cross where I first saw the light, and the burden of my sins rolled away, it was there by faith I received my sight, and now I am happy all the day"  I still love this old hymn. These words have been sung by many over the years. I am certain they have impacted lives for generations.  Like this picture of Christ on the Cross, it serves as a constant reminder of God's love for me and for all His creation. The Cross has changed my life.

My life before Christ was one desperate attempt after another to be validated, accepted, approved of and  loved.  I filled my life with things to make me happy. Time and again I would think one more goal achieved, more overtime, a bigger paycheck, a new relationship that would be the answer for my ever broken and desperate heart. There is nothing more pitiful than the leanness of a soul, never satisfied, never content. I am thankful that God had a better plan for my life than I could ever imagine. Through people who chose to love me in spite of  my selfishness and arrogance, I witnessed the love of Jesus. Guilty of sin...forgiven by Him.


"As the clarion shout of victory still echoed in the air, Jesus irrevocably handed His life to His Father as he uttered His last words in a ringing declaration of faith: "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." The He bowed His head and deliberately refused to take the next breath. He just refused to push up. The One Who is the Lord of life, the Resurrection and the life, the Creator of  life, the Source of all life, gave His life for you and me!"

Beloved, you and I were on His mind when He was on the Cross! I have another favorite song that is played a lot right now in our generation. It is done by Casting Crowns...Glorious Day. The words are so moving and make you want to shout them. The chorus is "living he loved me, dying He saved me, buried He carried my sins far away, rising He justified freely forever, one day He's coming O Glorious Day!!" 

 One day He is coming, and this time it isn't for salvation, He's already paid that price. Apostle John writes in His gospel account. "These are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name." John 20:31
One great way to refresh your love and commitment to Jesus is to read John's gospel account and reflect.

"The Pharisees couldn't stand Him
but found they couldn't stop Him.
Satan tried to tempt Him
but found he couldn't trip Him.
Pilot examined Him on trial
but found he couldn't fault Him.
The Romans crucified Him
but found they couldn't take His life.
Death couldn't handle Him
and the grave couldn't hold Him."
Just give me Jesus, He makes sin forgivable!!

Jesus loves you today")

Simply His,
Alta


Quotes taken from Anne Graham Lotz~Just Give Me Jesus

 




 

Believing God

Greetings, from the snowy mid-west porch of Sharpsville Indiana. I am longing for my front porch right now. Winter is not favorable for front porch settin' at least not for long. Plus today it was 4 degrees. Burrrrr!

So much is happening this year so far. 2011 is only 21 days in and I am moved by what God is putting in my heart for this season of my life. I love to look at life as seasons. Because, as you know, they come and they go. But each one brings with it wonderful feelings of change. Some my not like change, but you know, "if you always do what you always done you always get what you always got." So let the changin' begin, cause I'm not doin' the same thing over and over hopin' for something different to take place without it startin' in my heart!!  It seems I have alittle southern girl comin' outa me today. Sometimes you just got to have a bit of fun!

 Well, back to seasons...winter is not my favorite time of year, though I love the snow, for a short while is best. This one seems to be dragging on...and on. But, what it does do for me, it causes my heart to cozy up to my Savior and listen to what He has on His mind. With that, I will also hear what is not pleasing Him. Oh, not because He wants to, but, because He has to. You see, I want Him to have my whole heart, and I pray that way most often. Therefore, He reminds me of what I have ask Him for. So, I purpose to align myself once again to His Word and obey and trust and trust and obey. It makes my heart glad and He restores to me the joy of His salvation. Psalm 51:12

One of the things I am so excited about doing this season is I have asked a few girls to meet with me over coffee and we are going to read and discuss Believing God. It is a wonderful study by Beth Moore. I have actually done the workbook and video's twice and seems I still can't get enough. So, this time I am reading the book.

Faith is an amazing gift God gives to us, and we can ask for more. The Disciples ask for Jesus to increase their faith. Sometimes we just need fresh faith. Unbelief can be a sneaky determent to our faith and we need to get it under our feet quick. God told an unbelieving people once that they would not enter into His rest because of their unbelief. Hebrews 3~ I certainly want to inter into His rest and not be found in unbelief,
not with so great a God as we serve and not only serve but that we can know...yes, fully know Him. It is my desire and determined purpose...to know Him and to believe Him. God says this to the nation of Israel in Isaiah43:10 "You are my witnesses," declares the LORD, "and my servants whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe Me, and understand that I AM HE."  He has chose us as well to know and believe Him.

I have a heart for faith and for prayer.  I am so sure God is going to do great and mighty things this season that will not compare to seasons before because I 'm believing God! As I pray for a fresh anointing of faith, I will also pray for you to have as much of God as you want...you really can have as much of Him as you want.
  "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you." James 4:8a

Bee blessed to bee a blessing! God loves you so much Beloved! You are destined for glory...only believe!!

Simply His,
Alta