Monday, April 18, 2011

The Blood

 “There is power, power, wonder working power in the precious blood of the Lamb.” Nothing made by man, has, or will, ever compare to the saving power of Jesus’ blood. From (Hebrews 9:22) According to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no remission.” Jesus became the Lamb, His blood making atonement for man’s sins. Jesus said, “No one comes to the father except through Me.” Faith in Jesus, and by His shed blood, man can come to a Loving God. “God cared enough to send His only begotten son, that who so ever believeth in Him should not perish but have ever lasting life.”“
    The last two nights we watched,”The Greatest Story Ever Told.” It is a more civil movie, about the life of Jesus than, “The Passion of Christ.” In reality, I don’t believe even the scenes from that movie really identifies what our Lord and Savior endured. Jesus endured the cross, shed His blood knowing that He was paying a price that man could not pay himself. At that moment I don’t believe any man really understood what was happening, but on the third day he arose. Soon after His Resurrection he departed this world to go to the Father. Upon leaving, He left them with the promise, “ In My Father’s house are many mansions, if it were not so I would have told you. I am going to prepared a place for you that where I am you will be also be.” He also told them of a Comforter He would send, “One who would lead them into all truth.” They waited in Jerusalem, and on the day of Pentecost they received the Holy Spirit; the Gentile Age begins.
     Two thousands years have not diminished the power of Jesus blood to save man from his sin, however many fail to recognize the importance of what Jesus did. David said, (Psalms 1:1), “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth  in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.” I praise Jesus that he has paid the price for me to a better life; “what can make me whole again, nothing but the blood of Jesus.”
     Well, Easter is a special time for the Christian as we once again remember the events leading up to His greatest triumph. Sadness and loss on Friday, and then the Resurrection and joy, of Easter morning. “Up from the grave He arose, a mighty triumph over the soul. He arose a victor from the dark domain to remain for every on His throne to reign. He arose, He arose, Hallelujah Christ arose.” . Our God is an eternal God, and He is also a God of second chances. He loves us more than we will ever know. Jesus said, “Greater love has no man than to lay down His life for a friend.”  I know my Redeemers lives, I feel His blessed Spirit moving in me. Jesus, thank you for the precious blood you shed for me. I did not deserve it, but thank you for your precious gift.

Saturday, April 2, 2011

Strength

 Where does the strength come from to endure when our strength is gone? ( Isaiah 40:31), But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint.” Last night I had the pleasant opportunity to enjoy an active evening with Max and Samuel my Grandsons. I was still savoring the memories of past days when my cousin Wade and I would romp enjoying the energy of youth the freedom of expression having acres to run and enjoy. I attended Wade’s funeral Thursday, he died unexpectedly of a heart attack.
    Strength to do the things we enjoy in life is a blessing. Rollicking with the Grandsons, and a 65 pound Lab, takes all you got at my age. I laugh almost continuously, Darlene worries I’m playing to rough. Strength to enjoy, what many have no opportunity to enjoy, often requires more than we have to give. I went to bed at 10:00 grateful that it was bath time for the boys. How often in the journey of life have you been hard pressed to perform, maybe just to hang in there, until you had nothing left to give. Where does the strength come from for us to endure life situations that often knock us down. My help comes from the Lord. How many times have you realized, “without Me you can do nothing.” As I write this morning my eyes are drawn to the pamphlet, from the funeral home, on the deceased. The front page is the often written “Footsteps.” I quote a section from it;  it clarifies my story. A man who’s life flashes before him in a dream. Footprints, along a sandy beach. Two sets, then only one. He asks the Lord,”Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you, you’d walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most troubled times in my life there is only one set of footprints. Why when I needed You the most you would leave me. The Lord replied, “My son, My precious child, I love you and would never leave you. During your times of trials and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I CARRIED YOU.”
    Many times in my life it has been two outs in the bottom of the ninth. I’m unable to lift the bat. A pitch  hitter is needed and Jesus answers the call. A home run is hit, the situation is changed, victory instead of defeat. That’s the Lord I serve: His average is 100%, He never fails. Just one more thing: “ Pick you this day who you will serve.  Jesus loves us and He gave His life for us.” Praise His name! Thank you Jesus!

Your Friend,
Bill