Sweet songs of His Love!

Have you ever been so overjoyed that you just feel like singing?! As I walked with the Lord today, or rather, as He carried me, He laid this song upon my heart and I just LOVE the lyrics! It's so beautiful and powerful!! He made the wretch that I am, His precious treasure.

How deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure

That He should give His only Son

To make a wretch His treasure

How great the pain of searing loss,

The Father turns His face away

As wounds which mar the chosen One,

Bring many sons to glory

Behold the Man upon a cross,

My sin upon His shoulders

Ashamed I hear my mocking voice,

Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that left Him there

Until it was accomplished

His dying breath has brought me life

I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything

No gifts, no power, no wisdom

But I will boast in Jesus Christ

His death and resurrection

Why should I gain from His reward?

I cannot give an answer

But this I know with all my heart

His wounds have paid my ransom

Recently, we remembered the tragic event that occurred on 9-11. So many lives were lost on that day, 10 years ago, and it will forever be engraved on our hearts...some etched deeper than others; but all Americans will always remember 9-11. 

I ask you Friend, should the death of Christ be any less significant for believers? Christ chose to take the tragic death that belonged to ALL people upon Himself, as a man...flesh and bones...no less human than you or I. He endured all the pain and suffering that should have been ours. How many of us live with this perspective and apply it to our daily lives? Why is it so easy to live like it never happened? If we awoke each day with the realization of what He went through on our behalf, boasting of Him would come naturally. When you're in love, don't you want the world to know?! Wouldn't you boast about the one who captured your heart and desire to do anything for that someone?! "Yet, I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation." Habakkuk 3:18

(pause music at the bottom before enjoying this song)

Jesus saved you and you are forever indebted, my Friend. Rejoice! For there is no better place to be than in service of the Greatest Master! He loves you beyond all measure! Boast in and of Jesus Christ!! Remember that day...the day of His death, and all that was accomplished when it was finished! 

Find Joy in Him, Beloved!   

He is able!

He is able, more than able

To accomplish what concerns me today

He is able, more than able 

To handle anything that comes my way

He is able, more than able

To do much more than I could ever dream

He is able, more than able

To make me what He wants me to be

Whatever burden troubles your heart, the Lord is able to carry all that you feel unable to bare. Just lay it at His feet and trust! "Cast your burden on the Lord, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved." Psalm 55:22

Find Joy in Him, Beloved! 

Slavery!

What comes to mind when you think of the word "slave"? It is typically a derogatory or demeaning term, correct? You wouldn't want to be "owned by" or "in service" to anyone, would you? Well, believe it or not, you already are, Friend.

We find a few men in the Bible that took pleasure in referring to themselves as slaves...Paul, Peter, James, John, and Jude. They introduced themselves as "doulos" of Jesus Christ. They knew that being a slave meant they gave themselves up in service to God's will, and were dedicated to advancing His cause among men. 1 Corinthians 6:20 says "For you were bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's." They belonged to God and loved to make that fact known! These men were completely devoted and knew the benefits of being bond-servants of Jesus.

Earthly freedom is a myth. Slavery is unavoidable. In Matthew 6:24 we read "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon." Freedom is not an option for human beings. We are either slaves of the Lord or slaves to sin. "But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness." Romans 6:17-18. Whom or what do you serve, Friend?! Even if you are a believer, the choice is yours to make daily. Why should you, like these apostles, find joy in being slaves of Christ? Because Jesus is the best of Masters. He loves you and wants to be your friend! "He is gentle and lowly in heart, you will find rest for your souls; His yoke is easy and His burden is light." (Matthew 11:29-10) He will provide for you and protect you. When you belong to Jesus, He belongs to you!

My question is, why serve sin when the Lord is waiting with open arms to grant you the gift of salvation and offer you freedom in and through Himself. Jesus Christ died for YOU!! He endured not only death, but "death on a cross"(Phil.2:7-8); meaning a slave's death. Crucifixion was a humiliating death reserved for slaves & criminals. "For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." 2 Corinthians 5:21. Wouldn't you want to live out the remainder of your life in complete devotion to someone that endured a brutal death on your behalf?! All you have to do is choose Him; believe that He is, and always will be, all that you will ever need. Adore Him. Know Him. And live forever, free from the burden of sin!!! That is definitely something to rejoice over!!! "I AM A SLAVE OF JESUS CHRIST"...and proud of it!!

Find joy in Him, Beloved!