Jesus is Crazy About You!

I've been going through a little bit of a tough time lately. I've been wondering where God is in all of this. Is it something I've done? I am checking my heart and repenting constantly thinking that this is what I need to do to get answers for my prayers and get back that feeling of closeness to the Lord. Even though I know that I shouldn't go by my feelings or my circumstances to determine whether or not Jesus loves and cares for me, I still do sometimes. His word confirms that He does not condemn His children, and loves us sooo much! The story in John 8 of the adulteress who was being stoned reveals Jesus' heart. He said, "he who is without sin, cast the first stone...I do not condemn you. Go and sin no more" or (practice your lifestyle of adultery). None of us is without sin. That's just the way it is. But, because I have accepted what Jesus did for me on the cross and make every effort to love Him and live for Him, then I have nothing to worry about. Last night I had weird dreams. I never have nightmares. But because of the antibiotic I'm on, I did. I got up in the night, prayed and cried to God for help, as I have been all week fighting this sickness. Nothing happened. I went back to bed, afraid and yet so sleepy. I awoke at 8:00 am to the phone ringing. I said hello in a raspy, tired voice. The jovial person on the other end said, "Hey! Jesus is crazy about you girl!" I was half asleep, but that sure woke me up! It was the Chaplain at the women's prison calling to tell me to send a fax he needs for our outreach coming up. He had no idea what that word in due season did for me. Proverbs 15:23 says,"...a word spoken in due season or at the right time, how good it is!" It truly brought me to tears. I am still basking in His love and the preciousness of God to give me that word of encouragement after such a tormenting night. That word changed my life. It broke the lie of the devil and instantly I felt God's love and presence. I continue to gain a deeper understanding of His great love for me. Sometimes we go through difficult times, and yet the Lord's love never changes. Believe it! I do now more than ever. That word changed my life. I am now resting in His love. What fellowship, what a joy divine , leaning on the everlasting arms!

Get a Life!

Everybody is looking for more life in their life. We've all heard the expression, "get a life!". What does it mean? Well, it's usually spoken to or about someone who puts all of their effort and focus on something seemingly insignificant or detrimental, (something like that). We look all around us today and see people looking for meaning in life. We see a hunger to preserve ones life in some form or fashion. Jesus said that if a person wishes to save their life, they must give it up to Him, then true life can be found.(Jn 12:25). In Luke 9:23-26 Jesus said that one must deny himself and take up his cross (death to self will) DAILY and follow Him. My son-in-law loves to sing this song that says, "everyday it's You I live for, everyday I'll follow after You, everyday I'll walk with You my Lord". This is the call of Christ. This is a must in order to be His disciple. Jesus said, (Luke 17:20-34), whoever saves his own life, will lose it. Whoever loses it for His sake, will find it. He also said to remember Lot's wife.(Genesis 19). She looked back at her old life, before following God, and was subsequently destroyed. I need Him and want Him everyday. Sometimes I get too busy and proceed to take life back (momemtarily of course!). Soon, I remember why I gave my life to Jesus! In Him is LIFE.(Jn 1:1-4). I want to be His disciple, and then I will truly experience the abundant and wonderful life Jesus came to give (Jn 10:10). My heart is set! Help me remember in the busy moments, I'm going after real LIFE, You Lord! Everyday!