Posts Tagged ‘Good Friday’

The Greatest – I LOVE YOU

Friday, March 25th, 2016

Here on earth, the only place I’ve ever known….the words “I love you” contain a significant meaning. Not everyone uses them, some never hear them and other’s sling them around like confetti. For me, I’ve been lavished with love and I’ve heard those 3 special words a million times over and yet no “I love you” means nearly as much as the one given to me through the sacrifice of my King, Jesus Christ.

In my fear, Jesus’ death reminds me that this world is not my home and I have nothing to be afraid of today or ever. I will live in heaven with Him because of what He did for me on the cross.

In my filthiness, Jesus’ death assures me that I am clean, redeemed, forgiven and loved. Nothing I’ve ever done or could do can take away what His blood spilled for my sin accomplished.

In my shame, Jesus’ death empowers me to get back up from whatever dirty blackness I try to hide behind and live victoriously in HIS GOODNESS AND FORGIVENESS.

In my weakness, Jesus’ death gives me strength to look my enemy in the eye because I’m not alone, I don’t have to fight any giants and HE IS BIGGER THAN ANY OBSTACLE I can dream up.

In my brokenness, Jesus’ death puts me back together whole. Not only whole but even better than I ever was because His power is unlike any other.

In my selfishness, Jesus’ death reminds me that I don’t have to envy or feel jealous of anyone or anything that this world has to offer. My life is overflowing with love, mercy, grace, blessings and more because He sees to it and knows exactly what I need and deserve. Every single day.

In my wickedness, Jesus’ death opens my heart to see goodness that doesn’t come naturally to me and boosts my spirit to be one that is blameless and pure. Even when my flesh cries out to be horrible and unkind, Jesus gives me perspective to be more like Him.

The greatest I LOVE YOU ever spoken was painstakingly breathed out when Jesus Christ, the Son of God….beaten, humiliated and rejected by His very people died on the Cross for you & for me.

jesus I love you

It’s Friday….but Sunday’s coming. Do you know HIM?

Friday, November 23rd, 2012

As I sit here, sipping my candy coffee this morning….I'm thinking about all that God has done for me.  His guidance, His mercy & WOW, His forgiveness.  All of which I sometimes take for granted.  What a God, right?  I'm so pathetic!  He never stops blessing IN SPITE OF MY FOOLISHNESS!

Thank you, Lord.  I am not worthy.

Two of my kids are working today, the youngest is where many of her peers are….bed!  I cringe thinking about the Friday crazy going on outside my comfy warm house.  I can't think of anything I need or want bad enough to go out and face bad manners, aggressive bargain shoppers and grumpy tired store employees.  I mean it.  What is the pull to all of this?

I've been searching my own heart a little regarding just what it is that pushes us to seek such craziness for "stuff".

Am I allowing STUFF to be my purpose?  The reason I ask (myself) is because it is so easy to love stuff.  I don't want stuff to consume me to the point of ditching out on my family.  I know Black Friday shopping can be fun….but really?  Is it that much fun fighting all the crowds and unkindnesses that go along with it for some discounted prices?  I don't think so.  I never want stuff to take the place of my real responsibilities….my home & family.

Is the deal THAT GREAT?  Some may argue this with me and I don't care…there aren't any deals so wonderful that I'd miss sleep or put myself or loved ones on the road at wacky hours to score.  I love sleep and I love shopping but I'm not going to jeapordize either for the other.  Besides, I'm not sure if everyone knows this or not but the great prices are only for a limited time and on a VERY LIMITED amount of merchandise.  Why would I stand in line for hours for an item that won't even be there when I finally reach it?  No thanks.  Hello, online shopping!!

What do I REALLY need?  When I think about what I really need it never involves more stuff or a great deal on something.  Same goes for my family.  Neither of us NEEDS more stuff.  Oh, we like stuff and we'll probably buy more stuff between now and Christmas but we don't need any of it.  We really need more Jesus.  We need to utilize our time better so that we spend it wisely WITH HIM.  Each of us have pretty much everything we want (well, I'd love to replace my 14 year old car) and I can't fathom being hungry or going without REAL NEEDS because God has made sure I don't have to.  So, shopping til I drop is not what I need.

I don't want you to get the idea that I'm trash-talking you if you're a big Black Friday shopper because I'm not.  It's just not my thing and I've given you my reasons.  I'm happy to stay home.  I know there are deals but what about the retail employees?  I find it pretty sad that they have to work and endure the crowds who will trample a grandma for a wii gaming system or a tv.

I can only think of one Friday that deserves this much attention.

Can you?