The Greatest Story - The Story Behind the Cross

We are all story tellers in one form or another. Whether you are telling a friend about your trip to the doctor’s office, your spouse about the new movie you just saw, or people on social media about the sales at Nordstrom, we are all telling a story. Your story might not be exciting, or full of action and romance, but it is your story. Story telling is a way of relaying information. At times the information might be made up for the purpose of entertainment, but more often story telling is a way to relay true accounts and facts.

Image by Ri Butov from Pixabay

We tell stories with our words, but we can also tell stories with our body language and other vocalizations. Crying tells a story of great sadness, or euphoric joy. Anger tells a story of frustration or hatred. Walking with your head raised, making eye contact tells us you are confident and most likely friendly. Sitting alone at a social even with your head down looking at your phone tells a story of relational struggle and possible low self esteem.

Story telling has been around for centuries. It is one of the oldest ways of relaying information. When God inspired the writers of the Old and New Testaments He spoke to them in a type of story form. He didn’t just give them a list of facts telling them to write them down as bullet points. He gave them people, places, events with incredible details.

The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John are rich with details on the birth, life, death and resurrection of Christ. Indeed, they do not just include the who, what and wheres of a good story, but they are also seen as true accounts of Christ’s teaching, travels, prayers, and sufferings.

Image by congerdesign from Pixabay

To be sure, these are not made up stories, but factual accounts of the life of Christ and the lives of his followers. From His birth in a stable in Bethlehem, to His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, to His agony in the Garden, to His death on a hill with a criminal on each side, to His burial, to His walk in the garden after three days, these books give us every detail we need to know the living Christ.

What makes Christ’s story the greatest story ever told? It is unique in its message, and universal in its reach. This story is the only one inspired by the true, living God, put together by 36 different men, all with the same message over a period of 1500 years.

The focus of the Old Testament is the why. The first two chapters of Genesis relate the beautiful symphony of the triune God bringing our planet, and life into existence. Unfortunately by Chapter three, we learn of the devastating fall of that glorious creation by one choice to sin. What follows is a detailed telling of the history of the nation of Israel, God’s chosen people and the system of the law, God put into place to govern those people.

We need to remember this was all laid out to point to a future event: the coming of the fulfillment of the Law, Jesus Christ. The Old Testament is full of prophecy pointing to Christ’s coming. In order to fully understand the need and provision of the New Covenant, God gave us the detailed account of the Old Covenant. As seen in Hebrews, the Law was imperfect, but Christ was perfect.

18 For, on the one hand, there is a setting aside of a former commandment because of its weakness and uselessness
19 (for the Law made nothing perfect), and on the other hand there is a bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God.
20 And inasmuch as it was not without an oath
21 (for they indeed became priests without an oath, but He with an oath through the One who said to Him,

“The Lord has sworn
And will not change His mind,
‘You are a priest forever’”);

22 so much the more also Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant.
— Hebrews 7:18-22 (NASB 1995)

Christ is the guarantee of a better covenant, the new covenant brought about in the New Testament. This covenant is laid out simply in a few simple verses from the New Testament.

16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.
— John 3:16 (NASB 1995)

The following verses are known as the Roman Road. They tell the Gospel of Christ in simplistic terms.

23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
— Romans 3:23 (NASB 1995)
23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
— Romans 6:23 (NASB 1995)
8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
— Romans 5:8 (NASB 1995)
9 that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; 10 for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.
— Romans 10:9-10 (NASB 1995)

We learn all about the system of sacrifices that were part of the Old Covenant in the Old Testament. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross did away with the need for that system. The Law given to Moses by God, was fulfilled in Christ given to us by His Father.

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

The story of the cross was centuries in the making, but the most beautiful thing about it is that it gave access to the throne of God to every single person who believes. It doesn’t matter who you are or who you have been. It doesn’t matter where you live or what sort of job you have. It doesn’t matter how low you have gone, or how great you have been. The story of the the cross is for all.

If you are struggling today with the story of your life, look to Jesus. He will make all the difference.

A Look at Isaiah 9:6 - Part 3

I know Christmas is over, but I wanted to finish my little study of Isaiah 9:6. I thought it would be especially appropriate with all the unrest and war going on in the Middle East, and the Ukraine to pause on the last name named, the Prince of Peace.

For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us;
And the government will rest on His shoulders;
And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Eternal Father, Prince of Peace..
— Isaiah 9:6 (NASB 1995)

Looking at the word prince we get these definitions from Webster’s Online Dictionary: the ruler of a principality or state; male member of a royal family, especially the son of a sovereign. We can see by a few different scriptures that God is the King of Kings. God the Father and Jesus His son, while different are one in the same. What the Father owns, the Son has. The King and the Prince are head, rule and authority over all.

Image by Victoria from Pixabay

16 On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.
— Revelation 19:16 (ESV)
9 And the Lord will be king over all the earth. On that day the Lord will be one and his name one.
— Zachariah 14:9 (ESV)
13 I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession,
14 to keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ,
15 which he will display at the proper time—he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords,
16 who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.
— 1 Timothy 6:13-16 (NASB 1995)

When we refer to Jesus as the Prince of Peace we are speaking about His authority over all things peaceful. This not only includes written treaties between nations that can’t see eye to eye, but peace within each of us in our chaotic, and fluctuating circumstances. But what does the word peace mean?

Webster’s defines peace in these ways: a state of tranquility or quiet such as: freedom from civil disturbance, or a state of security and order within a community provided for by law or custom; freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions; harmony in personal relations; a state or period of mutual concord between governments; a pact or agreement to end hostilities between those who have been at war or in a state of enmity; used as a greeting or farewell.

Image by Gordon Johnson from Pixabay

The 1960’s and 70’s often used this symbol as a greeting or farewell. It was a way of wishing one another a life of peace and serenity. During those decades, there was unrest in the world and in our country. People did not believe we should be fighting in other people’s wars and protests were plentiful especially on university campuses. The problem that arose is those protests, meant to be peaceful and serene, often became violent, the exact opposite of what the protesters wanted.

We live in a world of unrest. As long as there is sin and darkness in our world there will be war, violence and tragedy. People can work for peace, preach for peace, make laws for peace, fly banners for peace, and have calm, dignified protests for peace, but there will be no peace without Jesus.

In John 16, Jesus is talking to His disciples. He is telling them that He is going to be going away. He explains, if He doesn’t go away, the Helper will not come. The Helper Jesus is referring to is the Holy Spirit. He goes on to say this Holy Spirit will convict the world concerning sin, righteousness and judgment. Without the guiding of the Holy Spirit, we will continue to live in our sin and selfishness and we will not know peace.

33 These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”
— John 16:33 (NASB 1995)

The wonderful words that Jesus shares with us are these, “I have overcome the world.” Jesus, our Prince of Peace has overcome this dark, and violent world. He has given us all that we need to have peace.

I want to share more on this truth of our Prince of Peace, so I am going to extend this to next week when I will share with you some of my favorite verses on peace.

Thanks so much for stopping by the blog. Have a great weekend!

Faith Inspiration - There Was Jesus by Zach Williams and Dolly Parton

I grew up every Saturday night watching Hee Haw with my mom and dad. If you have never seen Hee Haw click on the link to see a trailer for a disc collection. It will give you a taste of the silly humor and country music vibe that the show put forth each week. In addition to Roy Clark and Buck Owens there were always country music stars including Dolly Parton who made regular appearances from 1970 to 1975.

Being a rock and roll girl, I wasn’t into country music all that much, and I think I watched Hee Haw with my mom and dad more as a way to have something to do on a Saturday night. I enjoyed the silly comedy skits and jokes even more than the music, but still it holds a place in my memories and therefore I do like certain country music songs.

Though this song came out in 2019 I didn’t come across it until the last year or so. Zach Williams has his own story of redemption, which you can read a snippet of on his official website. I have learned that many songs I was familiar with from listening to my Christian radio station were songs done by him. It wasn’t until recently that I took a closer look at the artist and his music.

I chose the lyric video rather than the official music video because I wanted you to see the words. Often, a song will spark our interest because of the music, but when it comes to Christian music I want to know what is being said. Some of the best theology in history came in the form of music known as hymns…The Old Rugged Cross, Up From the Grave He Arose, Silent Night, O The Deep, Deep Love of Jesus and more.

Let’s look at a few phrases from There was Jesus.

In the waiting, in the searching, in the healing and the hurting,
Like a blessing buried in the broken pieces.

Every minute, every moment, of where I’ve been and where I’m going,
Even when I didn’t know it, or couldn’t see it.

There was Jesus.
— There was Jesus - Zach Williams (& Dolly Parton)

These words ring true for all of us, and they are scripturally sound. Jesus said,

19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,
20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
— Matthew 28:19-20 (NASB 1995)

I love the connection here between the lyrics of the song and the Great Commission given by Christ to all who are called His disciples. We are called to make disciples. Disciples of ourselves? Disciples of whoever is in the political office? Disciples of the overpaid football player or the underpaid pastor? No! Disciples of Jesus. If we bear the name Christ One (Christian) we are commanded by our Lord and Savior to make disciples. We are to teach them to listen to and do what Jesus has commanded.

Many times I find myself thinking, but I am home alone all day, how can I make disciples? I can hardly talk right now due to sinus issues, how can I make disciples? Or maybe you are thinking, I am going through a divorce, how can I make disciples? I just lost my child, how can I make disciples? The answer is so simple:

Image by StockSnap from Pixabay

“In the waiting, in the searching, in the healing and the hurting…”

We can make disciples because there was Jesus, going before us to prepare the way. There was Jesus present with us in the mess. There was Jesus coming along side in the difficulties. There was Jesus following after us as we moved forward thought grief and sadness. We make disciples by being real with the people around us and by being available to do whatever He asks us to do: sending a card to a grieving widow, inviting a friend you know is struggling out for coffee, or offering to babysit for a single mom.

Image by Marcin from Pixabay

“Every minute, every moment of where I’ve been and where I’m going, even when I didn’t know it or couldn’t see it…”

We don’t always know how our God is working, or why He leads us where He does, or allows the struggles that He does, but in those things He is. He is making us His disciples through His teaching, leading, loving, talking, and revelation of His truth, so that in turn we can make disciples who will follow Him.

“There was Jesus -

On the mountains, in the valleys,

Image by Sabine from Pixabay

There was Jesus -

In the shadows of the alleys,

Image by StockSnap from Pixabay

There was Jesus -

In the fire, in the flood,

Image by David Mark from Pixabay

There was Jesus -

Always is and always was.”

Image by yueshuya from Pixabay

“And lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

The Buds of Hope

There are things weighing on me this morning. Life is heavy at times and I know I am not alone in saying, i wonder when and if it will get better. This is not the first time I have addressed the idea of hope on this blog. You can see my original post titled, Elusive Hope, here.

For some reason the idea of hope has been coming to the forefront more and more. Maybe it is the pandemic and how everyone is hoping for the day it will be over, and we will be able to return to a more normal life. It could also be the state of our world, and our country. There is so much unrest, hatred, and uncertainty. You might be personally struggling with a health issue, a job loss, the death of a loved one, a divorce, mental illness or abuse. When we really start thinking about the bad stuff we can easily get overwhelmed. Is it any wonder that so many people are on anti-anxiety meds and pain killers. How do we have hope when our desires have been crushed beneath the waves of disappointment? How do we keep the light of hope alive when the darkness is so dark?

Image by Manfred Richter from Pixabay

Image by Manfred Richter from Pixabay

Revisit Sunday, and look for the buds!

When I say revisit Sunday, I am referring to this past Sunday when we celebrated Easter. As I posted last week, the death of Christ had to happen as payment for our sins, but without the resurrection, the payment would have been meaningless. The resurrection is the event that gives us hope. Let’s look at a few scriptures.

1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
2 through whom we also have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we celebrate in hope of the glory of God.
3 And not only this, but we also celebrate in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance;
4 and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope;
5 and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
— Romans 5:1-5 (NASB)

This passage talks about the peace we have with God, through Jesus Christ. It also talks about hope. Note verse 2 says, “…and we celebrate in hope of the glory of God.” In this verse it says that our hope is in the future glory of God. What good does that do us now? Keep reading. Verse 3 says, “And not only this, but we also celebrate in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance;” As it blends into verse 4 it continues, “and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope;”. The fact that one thing leads to another is obvious in how the sentence is put together. Tribulations and troubles, bring about perseverance and perseverance brings about character, and character, brings about hope. We can conclude from those verses that hope does not happen on it’s own. It comes about when we place our faith in Jesus Christ. From there we struggle, persevere and become more godly. This is where true hope happens.

However, the passage goes on. Verse 5 confirms, “and this hope does not disappoint.” Why doesn’t it disappoint? This hope is not grounded in those things we wish for, which change just as frequently as the weather in the midwest. This hope is grounded in the love of God which is poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit.

Let’s go back to buds. As my heart was feeling somewhat heavy this morning, I noticed as I was driving back from dropping my grandson off at school, the trees were in full bud. There are not actual leaves or flowers on the trees yet, but there are definitely visible buds. It suddenly struck me, that just as the trees reliably bud again each spring, God’s love is always blooming in my heart. I may not feel that it is there. I may not feel like there is hope, but hope is not a feeling. Hope is a fact. Hope in God is just as reliably true as my hope in spring returning again; in fact, more so.

Hope is a bud. It is a kernel of life, just waiting to open and spread its beautiful fragrance for all to smell. Hope is just as present in the hospice room as it is in the birthing room. Hope is not elusive, it is certain. This hope is in the Lord.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
— I Peter 1:3 (NASB)

Thinking About Christmas - A Closer Look at Scripture: Part 3

I had a bit of a busy week last week and was unable to get this faith post written. I apologize for my lack of consistency. The holidays are always busier and even in the midst of a pandemic, that is still true. This week is going to go by in a flash and I really can’t believe Christmas is on Friday. Where does the time go?

Image by anncapictures from Pixabay

Image by anncapictures from Pixabay

This speedy passage of time can be overwhelming and it can be very hard to find the time to take a breath and truly think about or dwell on the real meaning of Christmas. It is easy to lose Jesus in the midst of buying presents, baking cookies, decorating and planning family gatherings. I know they are saying to not gather, but I think most of us are going to still have at least a small get together. My daughter’s and I are already very regularly around each other, so it will be the six of us on Christmas morning for brunch.

Let’s take a final look at Isaiah 9:6-7.

6 For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of his government and of peace
there will be no end,
on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
to establish it and to uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
from this time forth and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
— Isaiah 9:6-7 (ESV)

Today we are going to look at the final two names for this Child who is born to us; this Son who is given to us.

If you don’t remember we had been looking at how each of these names reveals the fully God, fully man characteristics of Jesus. We looked at Wonderful Counselor and Mighty God last time. If you need a refresher you can go back to that post here.

Image by 4144132 from Pixabay

Image by 4144132 from Pixabay

“…Everlasting Father…”

The word everlasting is fairly easy to define. It means, lasting forever. Webster’s Online Dictionary defines it as, “…lasting or enduring through all time.” Other words that mean the same thing include, ceaseless, eternal, dateless, deathless, immortal, timeless and imperishable.

The word father is also fairly self explanatory; it means, “…a man who has begotten a child, one who originates or institutes, or to care or look after…”

We probably can easily understand the God aspect of Jesus as everlasting, since He Himself is part of the Godhead and the triune God has no beginning or end. The Father, Son and Holy Spirit are timeless and eternal. The thing that might stump us a little bit is the human concept of fatherhood, when it comes to our Savior. Jesus never married, or had relations that would have produced a physical offspring. How, then, can we call Him father?

Jesus exemplifies the concept of fatherhood in three ways:

1 - He has begotten children through His work, death and resurrection. Those of us who believe in His person and what He did are spiritually His children. We are called the sons of God and since Jesus is God, we are His sons and daughters.

For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.
— Romans 8:14 (ESV)

2 - Jesus instituted the way of salvation. He originated our rebirth. Once we become a Christ follower we are part of the family of Christ followers.

18 So then, as through one offense the result was condemnation to all mankind, so also through one act of righteousness the result was justification of life to all mankind. 19 For as through the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous.
— Romans 5:18-19 (NASB)

3 - Jesus cares for us, just as a father cares for his child. Obviously, earthly fathers can fall far short of what a father should be. Earthly fathers can be neglectful, removed, uncaring and abusive. How good to know, our Lord Jesus is not that kind of parent. Our Everlasting Father is one that cares for our good and desires only what is best for us. He makes the tough calls to sometimes let us wander in our own selfishness for the purpose of directing us back to Him. He protects and He offers guidance, and it is only our choice that keeps us from His gentle and loving arms.

16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace, 17 comfort and strengthen your hearts in every good work and word.
— 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 (NASB)
Image by RÜŞTÜ BOZKUŞ from Pixabay

“…Prince of Peace…”

In a world divided by hatred and marred by sin, it is good to know that Jesus is the Prince of Peace. The word prince is a title given to one of royal blood. Webster’s defines the word as, “…monarch, king, ruler of a principality or state, member of a royal family - especially the son of a sovereign…” Jesus is all this and more. He is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. He is the ruler over all creation. He is the Son of God.

The word peace is defined by Webster’s as, “…a state of tranquility or quiet; a state of security; freedom from disquieting thoughts or oppressive emotions; harmony in personal relations…” Are you living in a state of tranquility? Are you hounded by oppressive thoughts and emotions? Are you experiencing harmony in your relationships?

The phrase says that Jesus is the Prince of Peace. He is the ruler of peace. He is the one who is able to bring about complete harmony, quiet and tranquility, even in the midst of the most turbulent storms of life.

These things I have spoken to you so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”
— John 16:33 (NASB)


Jesus knew we would have tribulation. He knew this life would be hard. When sin entered the world it completely changed the relationship we were supposed to have with our creator. It changed our relationship with creation itself. That is why Jesus came. To reunite us to the Almighty and right our relationship with what He created. Only Jesus can give us this peace. Only the prince of peace can calm the torrential storms of life.

Looking quickly at verse 7 of Isaiah 9, we can see that this Child; this Son’s kingdom will never end. He will rule over all, and His kingdom will be one of peace. While this kingdom is not established yet on this earth, we know a day is coming, when all will come under the headship of the Lord Jesus Christ. It will be established and it will be upheld forever, because of the zeal of the Lord. This is something God is excited about, and we can be too.

The baby child that we celebrate on Christmas day is this King. The Wonderful Counselor. The Mighty God. The Everlasting Father. The Prince of Peace.

Merry Christmas and God bless us, everyone!




Thinking About Christmas - A Closer Look at Scripture

Happy Sunday, everyone. I don’t usually post on Sundays, but my schedule has been all over the place, so I figured I would post, when I get something out there for you to read.

I was going to keep plodding through my series on Our Unseen Enemy, but then I began to feel that we needed to take a break from that, to put our minds, and focus on the beauty surrounding the birth of Christ in the Scriptures. I know that many people celebrate Christmas without any regard for the birth of Christ. In fact, there are some movements to do away with the greeting of “Merry Christmas”, because we are a nation of mixed religions and belief systems. I would hope that those who desire to do away with the Christ in Christmas would at least take a moment to think about what they are asking. It is the case, in fact, that if I must tolerate and have respect for the many religions and thoughts systems that do not honor Christ, then ought not the same be done towards those of us who still choose to believe in the Christ of Christmas? I am not going to spend any more time on that, but I am going to encourage everyone who takes the time to read my blog, to extend the kindness, goodness and gentleness of our Lord Jesus to everyone you come into contact with at this time of year. Many are suffering and dealing with tragedies and brokenness and we are to be the light of the world.

Image by congerdesign from Pixabay

Image by congerdesign from Pixabay

I came across a challenge on Instagram put out by Lauren Ash Lambert, a Faith, Fashion and Lifestyle influencer, who also does videos which are posted on Instagram. The challenge was called, Writing my Way to Christmas and is basically a list of scriptures in both the Old and New Testaments covering the prophecies and actual story of the birth of Christ. I thought it would be a great thing to do. My only problem, I haven’t gotten past the first day. I got so wrapped up in the first scripture and have just been spending time each day savoring that, that I have not gone any further. That’s when it came to me, to do a few blog posts on these beautiful Words of God.

The passage I want to look at first is Isaiah 9:6-7. Just like we do in my Mulling It Over series, I want to delve into these verses and take them apart piece by piece.

For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of his government and of peace
there will be no end,
on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
to establish it and to uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
from this time forth and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
— Isaiah 9:6-7 (ESV)

You may recognize this passage from Handel’s Messiah. Turn up your speakers if you listen to it and imagine the angles in heaven singing this on the night of His birth.

For to us…

This announcement was made to us. To every single individual on this little, blue and green gem of a planet. Why is this important? Because if this announcement was made to the angels, or to some other entities that might be out there some where, it would be meaningless. We are God’s created beings. It is us, He chose to have a relationship with and place His image upon. This three word phrase is mentioned twice. I believe something twice mentioned is worth listening to twice as close.

…a Child is born…

Image by Gerad Noble from Pixabay

Image by Gerad Noble from Pixabay

I chose to use the English Standard Version in this post, but I want to point out, in the New American Standard translation, there are several words that are capitalized. I will be showing those as capitals in the subtitles. I think it is important to look at several translations of the Bible when you are doing a more in depth study to see the different nuances of each.

The capital letter on Child causes me to believe this child is one of great importance. All of us, when referred to by our proper names, receive a capital letter at the beginning of our names. We all were taught that proper nouns, names of people, places, days of the week, months and so on, all begin with a capital letter. I am not sure why these details vary from one translation to the next, but this passage has long been looked at by theologians as a Messianic prophecy.

…a Son is given…

Once again, we see that Son is a proper noun. The belief is, both Child and Son, are referring to Jesus. Jesus, the Child of Mary; Jesus, the Son of God. He is fully God, but also fully man. The blessing in this phrase is that the Son is given. If it is the case that the Son is given, we need to ask ourselves, why was He given? Revisiting a familiar verse, will remind us of the why.

16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life.
— John 3:16 (NASB)

…and the government shall be upon His shoulder…

My NASB version gives several cross references for this phrase. What does it mean, exactly, that the government will be on His shoulder?

18 And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.
— Matthew 28:18 (NASB)

First of all, it means that Jesus was and is, the complete authority. This authority was placed upon Him by His heavenly Father. The Father did this, so His Son would have the final say.

25 For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet.
26 The last enemy that will be abolished is death.
27 For He has put all things in subjection under His feet. But when He says, “All things are put in subjection,” it is clear that this excludes the Father who put all things in subjection to Him.
28 When all things are subjected to Him, then the Son Himself will also be subjected to the One who subjected all things to Him, so that God may be all in all.
— 1 Corinthians 15:25-28 (NASB)

Second, this phrase, “…and the government shall be upon his shoulder…” reveals that he alone will have the ultimate power over his enemies, who will all be subject to Him; even the most final enemy of all, death.

Take a look at verses 27 and 28 of the 1 Corinthians passage. The Son, who was given the authority and responsibility by His heavenly Father, recognizes His place and subjects Himself, “..so that God (the Father), may be all in all.”

You have probably heard the quote, “With great power, comes great responsibility.” Truly that applies to our Savior. He took on this responsibility to save us.

There is so much in these verses, and I don’t want this post to get too long, so I am going to stop there and pick it up again in a few days. It is my hope that taking a look at these verses will remind you of the hope that you have, no matter what your current circumstances are.

Have a great day!




May the Source Be With You: An Exclamation, an Explanation and an Effect

Last week we looked at John 4:7-26. This passage of scripture tells us about the encounter a Samaritan woman has with the Lord Jesus. We learned that Jews and Samaritans had long been bitter enemies and would not talk to each other, let alone would a Jewish man approach a Samaritan woman to give him a drink. Jesus did, however, and a conversation ensued that would not only change the woman’s life, but the lives of many in her village. Let’s look at the next part of the passage.

27 At this point His disciples came, and they were amazed that He had been speaking with a woman, yet no one said, “What do You seek?” or, “Why do You speak with her?” 28 So the woman left her water pot, and went into the city and *said to the men, 29 “Come, see a man who told me all the things that I have done; this is not the Christ, is it?” 30 They went out of the city, and were coming to Him.
— John 4:27-30 (NASB)
Image by JamesDeMers from Pixabay 

Image by JamesDeMers from Pixabay

The Exclamation

We can see in the verses above, the disciples were “amazed that He had been speaking with a woman.” They did not question him however, and the woman, who was obviously so excited she left her water pot behind, went into the city and exclaimed, “Come, see a man who told me all the things that I have done; this is not the Christ, is it?”

I find it interesting that the men of the city listened to her. Once again, I think this woman, while not the most proficient at keeping a husband, seemed to have some amount of sway in the community. She asks them to confirm what she was already on the verge of believing herself: Jesus was the Messiah. She was not afraid of being laughed at, bullied or ridiculed. Her excitement seemed to overflow and she could not resist the urge to let the truth of what had happened to her and what Jesus had taught her, bubble forth, like a spring of water.

Image by Achim Böhmer from Pixabay

Image by Achim Böhmer from Pixabay

31 Meanwhile the disciples were urging Him, saying, “Rabbi, eat.” 32 But He said to them, “I have food to eat that you do not know about.” 33 So the disciples were saying to one another, “No one brought Him anything to eat, did he?” 34 Jesus *said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to accomplish His work. 35 Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months, and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look on the fields, that they are white for harvest. 36 Already he who reaps is receiving wages and is gathering fruit for life eternal; so that he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together. 37 For in this case the saying is true, ‘One sows and another reaps.’ 38 I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored and you have entered into their labor.”
— John 4:31-38 (NASB)

The Explanation

After the woman left, the disciples seemed overly concerned with Jesus’ physical need for food. Knowing their eyes were still not open at this point to His true identity he takes a few moments to teach them about His true purpose and mission, to do the will of His Father and to accomplish His work. He draws an analogy from the fields around them likening them to the harvest of souls for eternal life. While I am not Bible scholar, it seems to me, Jesus was not only teaching them about His purpose, He was going back to answer their initial question as to why He was talking to that woman. She was part of the harvest that He was going to reap. He was also drawing the parallel that physical food is not as important as doing the will of God.

Image by Free-Photos from Pixabay 

Image by Free-Photos from Pixabay

39 From that city many of the Samaritans believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified, “He told me all the things that I have done.” 40 So when the Samaritans came to Jesus, they were asking Him to stay with them; and He stayed there two days. 41 Many more believed because of His word; 42 and they were saying to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves and know that this One is indeed the Savior of the world.”
— John 4:39-42 (NASB)

The Effect

It is with excitement and awe we read about the effect of this woman’s testimony. The Word is clear, “From that city many of the Samaritans believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified, ‘He told me all the things I have done.’” Jesus stayed on two more days at their request and, “Many more believed because of His word.”

There are several things I want us to take away from this: As women we have value, we can and should be bold, and we have the source of living water.

What prompted me to go this direction on my Faith page was a devotion I read in Oswald Chamber’s My Utmost for His highest. If you regularly follow me, you know that is one of my favorite devotional books and I use it regularly. The title of September 7th’s devotion was, “Fountains of Blessing.” You can read the entire devotion by clicking on the link.

Image by Arek Socha from Pixabay 

Image by Arek Socha from Pixabay

Our value is directly tied to the fact that we are a creation of God, and His Son, Jesus, chose to give His life for our eternal well being. It doesn’t matter if you are a man, woman, adult, child, black, white, red or yellow; you have value because of who God is and who you are to Him.

Image by skeeze from Pixabay 

Image by skeeze from Pixabay

We can and should be bold in our witness for Him. That doesn’t mean we need to know special verses or have just the right words to say. All we need to do is be obedient. If He gives us the opportunity to share the gospel, we need to do it. If we merely share what Christ has done for us, or as the Samaritan woman did, share that Jesus knows everything about us, yet He still loves us. There is nothing in the Bible that says we have to be another Billy Graham to share God’s love. Believe me, in the world we are living in right now, we need to speak truth, His truth, even if it is uncomfortable.

Image by Pezibear from Pixabay 

Image by Pezibear from Pixabay

If we have the Spirit of Jesus living in us, we are a fountain of living water for everyone around us. A fountain continues to give water, at all times. It doesn’t get tired or turn itself off, because its source is coming from deep down inside. Recently, I have seen how Christ has been this source of living water in my own life. It seems everyone around me, needs something and many around me are tired, overwhelmed and negative. All of that has the tendency to suck us dry. However, when I know the source of my strength, joy and peace is coming from Him, I never do run dry. His living water keeps me from becoming a desert wasteland.

The best way to receive the living water is to know the source of that living water. If you know Jesus as your Lord and Savior you already have that source and you only need ask and He will give you refreshment over and over.

I hope you are having a great weekend and don’t forget to spend some time going to the source .

May the source be with you always!




May the Source Be With You: A Woman, a Well and some Water

I was going to start a series on the devil, but I am going to put that off for a week or two. I was doing my devotions the other day, when I came across something I thought may be more helpful for today. I know all of us are struggling with the chaos that we call “the new normal.” None of us really wants to have to deal with the ripple affects of a pandemic, but we are.

Image by David Mark from Pixabay 

Image by David Mark from Pixabay

With the advent of fall we are seeing universities and schools struggling to stay in session. My husband’s university has 60% of their classes online, or hybrid, which is an online, face to face combination of teaching. It has most of the faculty and staff feeling exhausted and overwhelmed. I know the same is true for my grandson’s elementary school as teachers and staff try to deal with technology glitches and having live stream school sessions that last from 9 in the morning to 3:30 in the afternoon. His school is hoping to go to a hybrid plan next week, where students will attend school two days and have three days off. I can’t even imagine how hard this is for everyone. We are not able to go places, see extended family and have regular meet ups with friends at coffee shops or bookstores.

In addition to that, incidents of protests, riots and violence across our country continue to take place. We are heading into an extremely volatile election and the silencing of many with contrary views to the underpinning current of anti conservative voices is leaving us feeling exhausted, anxious and hopeless.

When I read this verse and Oswald’s accompanying devotion, I realized that no matter what happens in the world around us, we are always at liberty to return to the Source

Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’”
— John 7:38 (ESV)

If we believe in Jesus, we have the source of living water. If you take the time to read the story of Jesus and the Samaritan women here in John 4:7-41, you will see this idea of living water spoken of previously by Jesus. This woman who came to the well, knew what hardship was like. She was not only a Samaritan, who the Jews did not look favorably on, she also had been in a number of relationships that went haywire. As Jesus pointed out, she had had five husbands and the man she was currently living with was not her husband.

It was not coincidence that brought her to the well at the exact same time Jesus came to quench his thirst. We can learn a lot from this passage, so let’s take a closer look.

Jesus took the initiative.

A woman from Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.”
— John 4:7 (ESV)
Pixabay - well

Under normal circumstances a woman was expected to do a man’s bidding. Not only that, but the woman would have had a vessel of some sort, something she could carry water in, making it easier for her to draw water. For Jesus to tell her to give him a drink, would not have been unusual. However, the fact that He was a Jew and she was a Samaritan, made it completely abnormal that Jesus would talk to her, let alone allow her to give him a drink.

She knew her place.

The Samaritan woman said to him, “How is it that you, a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a woman of Samaria?” (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.)
— John 4:9 (ESV)

This woman wasn’t in denial. She knew that Jews did not like Samaritans. She also knew she was a woman in a man’s world. Her response to Jesus was’t one of bitterness or snippiness. I believe she responded with genuine surprise. She restated something both she and Jesus already knew.

Jesus got right to the point.

Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.”
— John 4:10 (ESV)

Jesus didn’t argue with the woman about whether she should draw water for Him. He immediately began to tell her about what He had to offer her…living water.

She knew history.

The woman said to him, “Sir, you have nothing to draw water with, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water? 12 Are you greater than our father Jacob? He gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did his sons and his livestock.
— John 4:11-12 (ESV)
Image by Yoosaf Abdulla from Pixabay 

Image by Yoosaf Abdulla from Pixabay

Just in case you are wondering, the Samaritans were Jewish descendants from the tribes of Joseph’s sons Manasseh and Ephraim. They were all descendants of Jacob. The main source of contention between these two people groups revolved around the chosen place to worship God. They were considered mongrels by the Jews due to their being descendants of Jews who had been in captivity in Assyria. In truth, they were all Jews, in the same way today’s term Christian includes both Protestants and Catholics.

Jesus used a physical object to explain a spiritual truth.

Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”
— John 4:13-14 (ESV)

Often when Jesus was teaching he would speak in allegorical pictures. In this particular instance He is describing the relationship with God that all can have, if they just drink His truth. From personal experience, I know this to be true. I have never known anything nor anyone to satisfy like Jesus. Yes, I still walk in this flesh and it craves all sorts of things from clothes to chocolate, but those splurges almost always leave me feeling dissatisfied. Only the time spent with Him in prayer, study of the word, journaling, ranting or singing truly makes me feel full and complete.

You see, the water that Jesus offers to give us is no ordinary spring. It is a spring from an unlimited source and it bubbles eternally. There is no end to this source of living water. It is both unlimited and fulfilling. You might be wondering, how can it be both limitless and yet give complete fulfillment? What would be the point of it being unlimited, if we only had to drink from it once and have our thirst forever quenched? We will get to that in a bit.

Right response, wrong reason.

Image by sutulo from Pixabay

Image by sutulo from Pixabay

The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water, so that I will not be thirsty or have to come here to draw water.”
— John 4:15 (ESV)

The woman’s response is one of desire. She wants this living water, but not for the reason Jesus offered it to her. She wasn’t looking beyond her immediate circumstances and comfort. She wanted the water she thought He was offering, so she would never have to worry about coming to the well again. My suspicion is, she was not always looked upon with kindness in her daily journey to the well. It would have been so much less trouble if she never had to go to the well again.

Nothing is hidden from Jesus.

Jesus said to her, “Go, call your husband, and come here.” 17 The woman answered him, “I have no husband.” Jesus said to her, “You are right in saying, ‘I have no husband’; 18 for you have had five husbands, and the one you now have is not your husband. What you have said is true.”
— John 4:16-18 (ESV)
Image by Pexels from Pixabay 

Image by Pexels from Pixabay

If the Samaritan woman had been alive today, she would have been wondering if Jesus was part of the CIA or MI6. She would have immediately started looking for hidden cameras and microphones. However, those types of technology didn’t exist back then and even if they did, there was no reason to spy on a middle aged Samaritan woman who was having a string of bad relationships.

The woman was paying attention.

The woman said to him, “Sir, I perceive that you are a prophet. 20 Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you say that in Jerusalem is the place where people ought to worship.
— John 4:19-20 (ESV)

I believe this woman was rather intelligent. She knew the history of her people, the Samaritans, but she also knew the beliefs of the Jews. Perhaps she is trying to direct the conversation away from the spotlight Jesus has shone on her personal life, or she may actually be curious to know what His opinion was on the point of contention between her people and His. She seems to me, a curious and articulate individual.

A prophet and so much more.

Image by John Hain from Pixabay

Image by John Hain from Pixabay

Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father. 22 You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23 But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. 24 God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.
— John 4:21-24 (ESV)

The next few sentences Jesus articulates, open a window of knowledge to the woman. I absolutely love how Jesus, in this passage is affirming the value of women. Not only is He speaking to her, even though she is a Samaritan and He is a Jew; He is speaking to her like he would speak to a man. He is giving her an opportunity that many in that time period would not have had. He is giving her a peek into the future. He is also giving her a one on one theology lesson.

Jesus plainly states that things are not going to remain as they were. A day was coming when neither the Jews or the Samaritans would be worshipping in the temple nor on the mountain. If you know anything about Jewish history, you know that is true. In addition, Jesus instructs her that soon all true worshippers would be worshipping God in spirit and in truth. I believe he was giving her a little look into the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. (This is just my opinion. You can find a much more knowledgable opinion in Matthew Henry’s Bible Commentary, here.)

She believes in the Messiah.

The woman said to him, “I know that Messiah is coming (he who is called Christ). When he comes, he will tell us all things.”
— John 4:25 (ESV)

This woman has faith. She believes the Messiah will come and that when he does, he will explain everything.

Jesus makes a declaration.

Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am he.”
— John 4:26 (ESV)
Image by Raheel Shakeel from Pixabay

Image by Raheel Shakeel from Pixabay

I will continue with this passage next week, but what I want you to take away from this week’s portion is these ideas:

1 - Nothing happens by chance. Jesus knew he would meet this woman, in fact it was known from the foundation of the world.

2 - He knows everything about you. I know as a woman, I have always had this romantic desire that the man who loved me would study me. He would know everything about me, from the tiniest wart on my toe to the grandest dream I have ever had. My hubby is a good guy and I love him dearly, but he ain’t no Jesus. He is fallen and flawed just like the woman he married.

3 - Women and their desires and dreams are just as valuable and important to Jesus as men.

4 - Only Jesus can provide the living water. All of our efforts to satisfy, get by, pull ourselves up by our own bootstraps, and so on only lead to exhaustion, anxiety and discouragement.

I hope you will join me again next week for the rest of the story. Have a great week.