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Redemption

2 Aug

Soda Bottles

“in whom we have our redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence,” Ephesians 1:7-8 (ASV)

As a kid growing up, Saturdays held the wonderful adventure of soda-pop bottle seeking. Sodas came in stout glass bottles and when the empties were returned to the store you received 2 shiny pennies each! My brother and I would search the sides of the roads and trash cans for bottles. With a little imagination and an hour of seeking, we redeemed enough bottle deposits for 2 sodas and 2 candy bars. A perfect way to start the weekend.

In those days redemption was a whole different word to me. We weren’t a church going family, not even at Easter or Christmas. I didn’t understand about generational sin, Heaven or Hell. I did know there was a God, but I don’t remember how I knew. I spoke to the big God often and knew He was there to watch over me. I didn’t fully understand redemption until I began my Christian walk at the age of 38.

When I began to study the Bible I couldn’t get enough. I would dig and research and sit up late hours into the night. The story of Jesus and all that He did touched me to the very depths of my soul. I began to understand redemption clearly, but I could not understand why God would send His Son down to be with men, and I surely didn’t understand why He would send Him down to die for the cleansing of their sins, past, present and future – including mine. It was so hard to understand that God could love us that much, especially in our dirty and broken states. It was/is so humbling.

My God, who measured the waters in the hollow of his hand (Isaiah 40:12), who chose us before the foundations of the earth, who made a way for us to stand before Him holy and without blemish (Ephesians 1:4), who foreordained us unto adoption as his children through Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:5). Our God, loved us so much that He made of His son, Jesus, the perfect sacrifice, eliminating the need for the continual sacrifice of animals (Hebrews 10:10, 17-18). Oh my.

Jesus’ sacrifice gave us the gift of forgiveness from God the Father. Forgiveness, according to His grace, divine unmerited favor, which He made to “Abound” toward us, and yet freely given with “Wisdom and Prudence” (Ephesians 1:8). That tells me that when He first planned our lives, He knew what we would face, what we would do, how we would react, the mistakes we would make and the humility or pride we would face them with – but still He gave us His forgiveness, through grace, with wisdom so that we would learn from our choices and grow in grace, with prudence, to teach us discretion. Plus, He gave it in abundance, not just enough for a day, but enough for a lifetime. He loves us so much that He gave us an out for every poor choice, if we will only call on Him.

Now it becomes our duty, our obligation, to honor that gift and do all we can to walk upright in it. We must receive His grace to be able to give it, abounding/abundantly, to all we encounter. Freely we have received, freely we are called to give (Matthew 10:8), walking this path with forgiveness in our hearts and peace in our soul. Lord, please show us the way.

*A Journey Through Ephesians –  Chapter 1, Part 4

Written by Linda J. Humes

7-27-14

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Foreordained Us Unto Adoption

2 Aug

Adoption Symbol

“having foreordained us unto adoption as sons through Jesus Christ unto himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of the glory of his grace, which he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved:” Ephesians 1:5-6 (ASV)

Back in 1984 God blessed me with a baby boy. I had waited and prayed, waited and prayed, for many years to conceive a child. The joys and the fears, the excitement and the concerns, all came together into an amazing time of motherhood. Unfortunately, the birth was far from normal and the physical damage caused during delivery precluded me from every carrying a child again.

I longed for another child and my son begged for siblings. After 8 years we began fostering 2 little boys, ages 3 and 5, and 2 years later we were blessed in adoption. What an amazing day for our family.

When my 2 sons were adopted into our family they received all of the privileges and blessings that my birth son received. They received unconditional love, a strong Christian home, The understanding and love of Jesus, Christmas gifts, Easter gifts, Valentine’s Day cards, and several Birthday celebrations: their own, the day they came to live with us, and adoption day! With that adoption also came responsibilities: family rules, family decisions, and working around the house with the rest of us. They became “complete” members of the family, fully equal.

In Genesis it is told that Jacob/Israel was becoming sick and frail in his late years. It was Joseph’s desire that Israel would meet his sons, Manasseh and Ephraim (Gen 48:1-22). Joseph asked Israel to speak a blessing over his sons, which he did. Israel spoke an “everlasting portion” to the seed of Joseph (Gen 48:4-5). In Israel’s blessing he gave an extra portion of land for Joseph’s children (Gen 48:22) and called Manasseh and Ephraim as if they were his own children. Israel put his name upon them (Gen 48:16) and they became children of the tribes of Israel. He adopted them to himself, as if they were his own sons. They received all that Israel’s own sons received in their inheritance.

We were foreordained (predestined) to adoption to Jesus (Eph 1:5-6). Before the creation of the world, God knew that Jesus would adopt us into His Kingdom for His “pleasure.” Not just because He would be blessed, but because of the blessing we would receive when He accepted us, chose us, made us acceptable before God. He called our name and we responded by asking him to be our Lord and Savior, as He knew we would before the beginning of time. Immediately we were “Adopted” unto Jesus. Joint heirs with Jesus (Rom 8:17). What a glorious moment! What an honor!

We no longer have to worry about whether we are good enough or what will happen if we mess up tomorrow, we are adopted into the family of Christ (Rom 8:15). God has placed His Holy Spirit inside of us, the Spirit of Christ, making us “sons of God” (Gal 4:5-7). With that adoption comes the incredible blessings of belonging, and also the responsibilities of becoming Christ-like to reach those children that He has called us to.

I praise you Lord for the gift you have given me. Let me ever be mindful of the blessings and the responsibilities that come with that Holy Gift. In Jesus’ precious Name!

*A Journey Through Ephesians – Chapter 1, Part 3

Written by Linda J. Humes

7-12-14

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Holy and Without Blemish

2 Aug

Chosen - Holy and without Blemish 7-6-14

“Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blemish before him in love:”   Ephesians 1:4 (ASV)

We all have moments in our lives when we have waited in nervous anticipation as to whether we were chosen. I watched my younger brother stand along a ball field fence as, one-by-one others were chosen for a team, waiting and feeling more defeated. I remember being excited to find out whether I had been chosen for a part in a play, and being so nervous that I may not have been, that I would wait until the school hall was completely empty before I went to the posted list to check. Then there are those job interviews. Yikes! Chosen – what if we weren’t good enough. Chosen – what if no one wanted us.

If only we could grasp the understanding that God chose us, “Before the Foundations of the World” (Eph 1:4), we would have such a different view of who we are. Scripture doesn’t say God chose us after we gave our life to Him, or after we proved we could be “good enough,” or after we had been in the church several years and working multiple ministries, or after we went to Seminary or . . . NO, God chose us BEFORE the Foundations of the World. Before there was light, before there was a sun, before there was a moon or stars or animals in the field or fish in the waters . . . God CHOSE Us! That takes my breath away!

But He didn’t just choose us to be his children, or to be His servants, He chose us to be “Holy and without Blemish before Him in Love” (Eph 1:4). That’s a tough one.

When I look in the mirror I see a lot of blemishes and disappointments and failures. Pressure’s on! How can I possibly be given the ultimate gift of being chosen by God and be such a mess? It can only be because of the Love of God Himself, who allows me to be the person I have allowed myself to be, making a way for me to step out of this moment in time and become all that He has meant for me to be.

God shows us that we must be “washed by the water of the word” (Eph 5:26), cleansing our past and allowing God to cleanse us to the point of being “Holy and without Blemish” (Eph 5:27). A holy priesthood (1 Peter 2:9) cleansed daily through Prayer and the Studying and Application of His Word. Daily preparing ourselves. Daily cleansing away the mistakes of daily life.

We are a chosen people, created to bless God and His precious son (Acts 10:41). A chosen people, set apart, to do the will and works of God (Isaiah 43:20-21). We must remain cleansed to be the hands and feet of God, who will take the Gospel to the hurting and wounded, not forsaking our call, but grasping tightly to the gift God has given us (Matthew 22:14), standing faithfully and committed to what we are called to do, recognizing the precious gift and privilege bestowed upon us (Revelation 17:14).

Lord, please help me to grasp the precious gift you have given me and rise above my own self-doubts of who I am. Help me to study and cleanse myself daily, so that I will always be prepared to step up to what you have set before me, gracefully accepting the call.

*A Journey Through Ephesians –  Chapter 1, Part 2

Written by Linda J. Humes

7-6-2014

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Through The Will of God

2 Aug

Paul on Damascus Road

“Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God, to the saints that are at Ephesus, and the faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly [places] in Christ:” Ephesians 1:1-3 ASV

Wait. Stop! What? “Paul, an Apostle, of Jesus Christ, Through the Will of God!” Paul?

Let’s step back a little bit in time. There was a man named Saul, of Tarsus, a Pharisee, who “knew” the Torah and Old Testament, being “zealous toward God” (Acts 22:4), believing that these followers of Jesus, these Christians, were an eminent threat to the Jews. Saul, who killed, imprisoned and persecuted the men and women of Christ, without mercy (Acts 7:58), because of his misunderstood faith. Saul who, one day, was on a mission to capture Christians to bring them to punishment when he met Jesus on the Damascus road. Jesus called his name (Acts 22:6), filled him with the Holy Spirit (Acts 9:17), changed his entire life (Acts 9:15), and created the most persuasive disciple to the Jews, Romans and Greeks. “Paul – – – through the will of God.”

Do you remember the day that Jesus called your name? I will never forget the night I cried out “here am I Lord, please come into my heart.” That night I became one of the “Faithful in Christ Jesus” with little to give, but zealous to learn and grow. I wasn’t called to change nations like Paul was, I was called to touch the wounded and hurting that crossed my path . . . through the will of God.

When God puts His Spirit inside of us, when He puts a call in our heart, whether big or small, it is purposed, it is specific, for our time. We don’t know where the finances will come from, we don’t know if there will be others to help, we don’t even know whether we will be wise enough to make the decisions and speak the words to impact the people God has called us to minister to. But, we do know that the burning is so deep inside to complete the call of God, with the “Grace and Peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” (Eph 1:2) that we cannot stop.

We lean on Ephesians 1:3, knowing that God has blessed us with EVERY Spiritual blessing to accomplish our task. “Every Spiritual blessing in Heavenly places in Christ,” not just financial blessings, not just wisdom, not just the minimum amount of blessing needed, but with “Every Spiritual Blessing.”

Lord, please help us to run the race you have set before us in full confidence that you run beside us and have given us all we need to finish the call, not matter how large or small, or the mistakes we have made in the past . . . . through Your will.

*A Journey Through Ephesians – Chapter 1, Part 1

Written by Linda J. Humes

7-3-14

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The Love You Show

2 Aug

Corporate Prayer

“For this cause I also, having heard of the faith in the Lord Jesus which is among you, and the love which ye show toward all the saints, cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;” Ephesians 1:15-16 (ASV)

At some time in their lives most children feel unwanted and that they don’t belong in their family.  I don’t remember ever feeling like I belonged.  There weren’t hugs or kisses on the cheek or “I’m proud of you” comments.  I can often remember thinking that we kids were a chore to be dealt with, nothing more.  After my father’s death my mom remarried, and I had hoped it would change.  There were happier times in the family, when we spent time playing games and sharing stories – but I can only remember one time in my whole childhood that I received a hug and a kiss on the cheek from my mother.

When I gave my life to follow Jesus, He brought me something that I never expected – a new family.  I received hugs and encouragement and a feeling of belonging every time I stepped inside a church door.  It wasn’t an immediate transformation, but after a while I found that I was able to open up and share that same unconditional, “sister/mother” love with others.  A love without strings or expectations.  A love that came from being a member in the body of Christ.

Interestingly, it didn’t matter which church I entered, the acceptance was the same.  There was a strong feeling of family, an understanding that we all have our pains and wounds that we are working through, and a commitment of working together to try to help each other get to the place where we could heal and grow in the call that God had placed upon our lives.  There was a desired commitment to pray for others, known and unknown, to usher the healing balm from the Father’s hand into the lives others.  A delicious gift, freely given and humbly received, on a daily basis.  Through those times of prayer, mountains moved, faith grew, bodies were healed, love was shared, true compassion for others was felt, salvation went forward and people were set free – far more than anyone else – I was set free.

In Paul’s words in the scripture above, he recognizes the special circumstances and compassions that God put into the hearts of the believers (saints) that drew them toward each other in a common goal of sharing the message of the gospel and encouraging each other in love and prayer.  Through their faith they were able to bond together for a common goal of sharing a very unpopular and dangerous message and yet remained compassionate toward other’s frailties; holding each other tightly in prayer.  For the gift of that bond, that relationship, that family of Christ, Paul found strength and honored them all in thanksgiving and prayer.

I see what Paul is speaking of in this text every day.  I see it in today’s church – in the services, the Bible studies, the youth groups, men’s groups, and women’s groups.  There is a drawing together of the body of Christ that cannot be explained by any other term than “family.”  A family of imperfect, but striving and compassionate people, willing to take the time to encourage and pray for their “brothers” and “sisters”, to help them reach a newer and stronger level of faith.

Is it faith that brings us compassion, or is it compassion, birthed inside by a loving God, that gives us the foundation that faith stands firmly upon?  Is it faith that gives us confidence in prayer, or prayer that builds our strength in faith?  Is it the love of the saints that makes us want to pray and encourage others, lifting them up before the throne-room of God, or is it the time spent in the throne-room with God, in diligent and dedicated prayer, that brings us a love for people we may never meet; that breaks our heart for a people that we can only see in the Spirit, and gives us confidence for a true physical, emotional and spiritual healing for those who stand among us?  I don’t know, but I stand before my God with a heart filled with gratefulness for the gift of prayer and a heart filled with compassion for all mankind.

** A Journey Though Ephesians – Chapter 1, Part 9

Written by Linda J. Humes

9-14-14

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Intercession to Destiny

25 Nov
16 Prayer Quotes — Quotes About Prayer

“Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.” Esther 4:16 (KJV)

How often do we wish we could glimpse into the mind of God to find out why events happen, if we’re on the right track, how long we must endure a trial, and if we’ve heard his voice correctly?

Esther lost her parents at a very young age and was sent to live with her cousin Mordecai, a Godly Jewish man who sat within the gate of the King.  Did Ester question God as to why she was orphaned?  Did she feel lost and small and useless?  Did she wonder if her life would ever amount to anything?  Did she wonder if she would ever have a husband and a family of her own?

Mordecai taught her all of the Jewish customs and behaviors befitting a proper young lady.  When Esther was called to the palace for preparation and training to be Queen, she kept her humility and honored her family and their customs.  Did she have any idea that she would be crowned as Queen?  Did she have any idea that one day the future of the Jewish nation rested on her decisions, words, and actions?

Esther, her very life at stake, challenged her family and servants to fast and pray.  In her hands, and the prayers of her people, not only rested her very life, but that of every Jew.  For 3 days Esther and her people sought God for wisdom, peace, correct timing, and the correct words to speak to the King.  Esther didn’t realize that this night was critical, not only every living Jew in the kingdom, but to the very lineage of Jesus. 

On a smaller scale, I think I can understand how she must have felt.  I recently lost my job of many, many years and everything in my life immediately changed.  It took me several months to find another job, four hours away from where we lived.  Our new journey began.  As my worldly security diminished, my spiritual security increased.  Now our daily needs could not be met by my own abilities, they were being met by God.  I had to completely rely on God and His will for my family and I.

Like Esther, I have questioned God about why I am here, at this place and time.  What plan could God have for me here?  What sort of destiny could I have in a small town of non-Christian believers?  How can God ever use me here?  What can God’s will be; did I miss it?

At the hands of a young maiden who was crowned Queen, Esther saved the Jewish nation and was able to initiate a decree that destroyed all of the enemies of the Jews in the kingdom.  I don’t know what my destiny is here, but if it involves the salvation of just one soul, then all of the turmoil and change will be worth it.

Thank You God, that You use weak and imperfect vessels to touch the lives of Your children.  Thank You for using me.

Written 11/23/2011

DREAMS

11 Nov

“And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the Lord will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream.”    Numbers 12:6

I’m standing in my dining room window and I realize that my plants have all gone dry.  I have been so focused on keeping the fireplace burning and the house warm, that I hadn’t thought about the other life around me that needs attention, and water, to survive.

I wonder if I have forgotten about my own life and the desires I once held so dear.  I have found myself going through the motions of life to survive.  I am living in the memories of a lost yesterday, a wonderful time gone by, of clear direction and extravagant dreams.  I often find myself so absorbed in the memories of yesterday that I forget about the reality of today.  We were created to flourish, not simply survive.  Why do we stop dreaming about tomorrow?  Why have we allowed circumstances to dictate the end of a vision that God has placed deep in our hearts and souls?  Am I the only one?

Illness may steal our energy, but it should never steal our joy.  An unwanted job may bring tremendous stress and pressure, but it cannot steal our dream of the work God has put inside of us, it is merely a stepping stone soaked with valuable lessons and information that God is teaching us for the next part of our journey.

A loss is only a loss if we allow it to be, or it can become a beautiful valuable lesson to guide our steps forward on the path that God has placed us on.

Do we get so caught up in daily survival that we forget to reach out to the God who gave us life. Do we forget about the dreams, the people in our lives to receive from, and the people that He wants us to pour into.  Do we get so caught up in trying to figure out how we are going to fulfill a need that we forget to take it to the Father in prayer, which is all He is waiting for to send resolution?  Are we so consumed by the fear of what might happen that we don’t step into the dreams of the wonderful things that could happen?

Reach out to the Father for the next step of the path that He placed in you at birth.  Reach deep inside for the faith and trust you nurture every day through the Word.  Reach back to help another find their path, encouraging them daily.  Reach up in praise and worship for the gifts of life bestowed upon you and the dreams birthed inside.

A dream isn’t a wish your heart makes; it is a call towards a life ministry, one moment at a time.   Nurture it.  Flourish.

 

Written 11-11-2018

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The Fire Within

30 Oct

“Mount Sinai was covered with smoke, because the LORD descended on it in fire. The smoke billowed up from it like smoke from a furnace, and the whole mountain trembled violently.”   Exodus 19:18 NIV

My wood burning stove and I have a love-hate relationship.  When it is cooperating I love it; wonderful dry warmth.  However, when I don’t have the fire building components right, it becomes the subject of several hours of frustration. The Fire Triangle represents the 3 simple components that ensure continued combustion, or a nice warm fire.  The components consist of flame, oxygen and a continued source of fuel.  Ah, fuel!!  Therein lies the problem.

So, first goes in the paper, then bits of cardboard, next small branches or twigs, and then split log on top.  The perfect building blocks for a solid fire . . . except that the split logs wouldn’t burn.  At the onset of cold weather we’d had many dry months; the wood was dry and easy to start.  Then came several tropical storms, and although the wood wasn’t openly in the rain, the ends became damp and the wood absorbed the thick humidity hanging in the air.

I would start up a fire, watch it flare and roar, close the door, set the flue, and walk away.  Within a few minutes I would realize that the fire had gone completely out.  The fire had consumed all of the viable fuel, but the damp split logs were not viable.

I added more paper, cardboard and twigs, encourage the flames with the billows, would get it roaring, and then close the door.  Once again it went out.  This repeated over and over again, often for hours.  Each time the split log would get a little drier and start to smolder in spots.  After many, many starts the log would finally get dry enough to actually ignite and burn.

I started thinking about how much that sounded like the journeys of our faith?  We start out with hearts on fire and great expectations, but our components aren’t complete.  We need the daily building of the Word inside to keep the fire of the Holy Spirit burning brightly.  We need encouragers, teachers and mentors to build our foundation.  What we allow to come into our lives, our eyes, our ears, our mind, can absorb into that foundation and dampen our spirits, causing our fire to smolder or go completely out.

With my wood burning stove I have discovered that I have the best results in starting a new fire if I never to allow the embers of the previous fire to go completely cold.  Tossing a small branch in the stove and closing down the flue will allow the embers to smolder underneath the soft ashes for many hours.  When it is time for the new fire, I only need to remove the ash and set the new split log onto the embers.  The embers will dry the wood and ignite the log after a period of time.  The firefighters talk about this phenomena, it’s called a “flare up.”  Flare up is very dangerous in campfires and forest fires, but it is not dangerous in my fireplace – and it is absolutely not dangerous in my faith.

Do you feel as if you have spiritually grown cold?  Do you feel that the faith you once had has left you in the aftermath of testing and trials?  God tells us that He will never leave us or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6), and that His Spirit will consume us, fill us and guide us as we allow it (Hebrews 12:29).  He’s right there under the ash of burned away days, traveled roads and deep disappointments; a burning ember waiting to rekindle the faith we so desire.  Rebuild your foundation.  Reignite through prayer and study.  Your flame will draw many.

 

Written 10-28-18

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You Held Me

15 Feb

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil: for thou art with me;

thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”   Psalm 23:4

 

You held me Lord, when life took my strength away.

You whispered words of encouragement when I sat alone.

You taught me the way to peace, rising above my circumstances.

You gave me hope when things were dark and distant.

You sat with me and called my name as I slept and slept and slept.

In my weakness You are strong, and Your very presence strengthens me.

It has been a very long journey, but with You at my side, I fear no evil.

There are no words to sufficiently express my gratitude.

 

This poem was written during an Art Challenge when we were asked to write a poem about our last 12 month spiritual journey.  I had spent the last 12 months home bound with illness.  I hope you can relate to, and claim the words, the poem above.  God Bless You.

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Pruning Roses

12 Oct

 

I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.        John 15:1-2 (KJV)

Yesterday I was cutting back the rose hips on my beautiful rose bushes.  The remaining roses filled the air with the most magnificent scent.  I knew that if I wanted more roses to fill the bush that I needed to cut away the rose hips so that the bush could concentrate on producing new buds.  Failing to prune away the rose hips would stunt the bush.  The bush works hard to keep the roses full and fragrant.  When the petals fall away, it still is working hard to keep the dying rose hips healthy and doesn’t focus on bringing out new buds.

How often do we continue to focus on the dying parts of our lives?  We have dying relationships or old hurts and wounds that we allow to stay in our life, not purging them away or working past them.  As they continue to fill our mind and take up our time, they keep us from pursuing new relationships and dreaming new dreams.

We allow things to rise and fall in our memories that pull us into depression or anger and detract us from finding the true joy that God has planned for us.  Forgiveness is only the beginning of the process, once we forgive we must let the memories and emotions go, we must prune them away.

Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.    Colossians 3:12-14 (KJV)

God never intended for us to be caught up in the “old us” and not renew ourselves to walk in His perfect love and joy.  God knew that we would face trials and tribulations and even made note that those would help build us and make us even stronger, but we had to let them go.  Not easy, but the rewards are wonderful.

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.    James 1:2-4 (KJV)

Lord, let me stand before You, open to Your full pruning.  Cut away the old me, the pain, the hurts, the cutting words and the broken promises that has left me unable to receive all that You have for me.  Help me to flower forth with a sweet fragrance for others to enjoy.  Let that fragrance encourage others to want to be pruned and molded by Your mighty hands.  Amen.

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