What’s on my chalkboard

I am so grateful for the opportunity to see another year.  It only takes a few seconds of watching or listening to current news to find out how truly fortunate we are to still be alive.  I’m also grateful for the opportunity a new year brings.  A fresh start.  So many things happened in 2012 around the world and even in my own heart.  So happy for the progress I’ve made.  Challenged by, and sometimes ashamed of, the areas that are still under major construction.  Yet, my hope remains.  Not in my ability to make myself over, but in God’s ability to transform as I give it all to Him.  The words on my chalkboard seemed to pierce my heart as I heard them being sung earlier.  “Let my manner of living be a witness that You’re alive.”  The “You’re” is Jesus.  “My manner” is what I say, think, do and everything in between.

He is indeed alive and well!

And I want my life to reflect that.

Be wise, my child, and make my heart glad.  Then I will be able to answer my critics. (Proverbs 27:11 NLT)

May our good conduct be the best answer to all who find fault with the gospel.

Picture this.

And you will have to picture it because there are no pictures in this post.

I am overwhelmed.

Woke up this morning praising God.

Why?

I see my Father.

See Him coming.

See Him running for ALL His children to come.

Let EVERYONE come.

Deaf ears are opening!

Blind eyes are seeing!

They got up

They get up.

Legs are moving!

Lungs breathe clearly!

Hearts are strengthened!

Sound minds returning!

EVERY disease……EVERY disease is running, fleeing!

NO DISEASE KNOWN TO MAN WILL BE ABLE TO STAND!

Jesus, You’re beautiful

This is ringing in my soul today.

So, I sing……..

You are bringing forth a song from my heart
It’s the song of an un-offended bride
When I cannot feel Your presence
And when the darkness closes in on every side

And that song is…….Jesus, You’re beautiful

And I know that Your eyes are like flames of fire
I know that Your head is white as wool
And I know that Your voice, it sounds like waters
Jesus, You’re beautiful!

When You feel a thousand miles away
And I cannot hear Your voice speaking
I just say, my Jesus You’re beautiful

There is none
Like you are………

Jesus, You’re beautiful!

No matter the state we find ourselves, there is one thing that remains unchanged…..Jesus is beautiful.  Sometimes it is hard to hold onto this in the middle of a “dark night”.  Our carnal hearts are prone to offense (displeasure, feeling outraged, irritated, etc.) when we are “hurt” by people or life circumstances.

Many people were offended  by Jesus’ words and actions during his lifetime, of which he did not apologize for.  The very nature of “the Gospel” offends.  Some heard the words of truth and rejoiced.  While others heard that same truth, yet became resentful and outraged.

Jesus is raising up a bride that will not walk in offense towards Him.  A bride that will not be more influenced by momentary happenings, but by deep relationship with Him.  They will not look for things outside of themselves to blame for their hurts, but they will examine their own hearts.  Jesus said in Matthew 11:6…

“And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.”

David had a few words to say about his perspective on offense in Psalm 119:165.

“Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.”

Take a moment to reflect on the ways you’ve responded to Jesus and His words.