Greetings, Dear Friends!
And to those visiting, I say welcome! I post every Wednesday and my sole purpose is to nourish your soul along the way.
Each month I give away a $10.00 Starbucks gift card to someone who posts on my blog. So share an insight or story, bless lots of people, and just maybe you'll win a jolt of java for you and a friend! It's time to announce the winner for August. Drum roll please...
Liz (don't have a last name but you comment on 8/10/09)! Congratulations! To claim your prize, just email me at: info@susielarson.com with your mailing address. A little side note: you have to claim your prize before I announce next month's winner! Be blessed.
Now on to my topic...
I've been working especially hard in the past several months. I've been stretched and strained and strengthened, all at the same time. Even here, God has been especially present.
I want to take just a few minutes to explore three things:
1.) How far Jesus went to save us
2.) How far He has removed our transgressions from us
3.) And how far we will follow Him, especially when parts of us have to die in the process
I think we all know how far Jesus went to save us. But let's pause for a moment today and ponder this priceless gift. Before we knew the depth of our offense, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Whenever I take communion, I can't help but think about Jesus at the last supper. Was He trembling on the inside at the thought of the road ahead? Was He most concerned about the pain and disillusionment His disciples would endure when they saw Him on the cross? While He walked this earth, He felt our feelings, and endured our struggles. When the time came, when He fell to the ground, a bloody mess, He could have said one word and the angels would have rescued Him, which would have changed everything for us. But He was silent. He would not allow Himself to be rescued. He didn't draw all kinds of personal boundaries because of past offenses. He took it all. All for love. He went the distance for you and me. We were on His mind. Amazing love.
Regarding our sins, the Bible says that He has removed our transgressions from us. As far as the East is form the West, so far has He removed our sins from us! Is it possible to travel so far East that when you get there, you're actually in the West? Doesn't matter. East will always be East of West. Never the two shall meet. For every redeemed person, that's how far your sin is away from you. You're in one place, your sin in another. Pause today, and consider this: you are not the sum of your flaws. You are not your track record. You are someone God loves. Fresh start. New day. Wonderful Mercies. All offered to you this day. Walk in the fullness of God today. Let's never take such a gift for granted!
In light of this great love, can I ask you a question? How far will you go for Him? Is He calling you to take a road less traveled? To revisit an old painful memory? To humble yourself and forgive? To walk away from anger and bitterness? Will you follow Him? I pray that you will.
He will never lead us astray. He's always good. He is the Redeemer, after all.
Have a blessed week.
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