Hey everyone! I know it's been a while since I've blogged. The weeks here in Columbus fly by and I have been going out of town on the weekends. I spent the last weekend in June with my precious parents in Los Angeles, CA. It was SO fun! I was able to meet with my second fieldwork rotation supervisor and look for places to live. The Lord has been so good to provide for me richly in each of those areas.
After getting back from LA, the highlight of my week was treating my first ever inmate. Let me just tell you I was scared half to death and my blood pressure I am sure sky rocketed. It was a short week though and I soon I was on my way to Santa Rosa Beach, FL.
I spent the 4th of July weekend babysitting for The Morris family (which was highlighted in my last post) and their extended family. I left the weekend with one word on my heart: REFRESHED. I was able to be with children which I love and miss. In Birmingham, I was always babysitting and this is something I have missed while being in Columbus. I had some free time and with it I went on long walks, spent some awesome time with Jesus, and OF COURSE enjoyed the glorious sunshine.
On Sunday night this family did the sweetest thing. All of the kids and parents gathered around for a church service at the beach house. Five of the children lead the service, tears came to my eyes seeing the little children of the world experiencing Christ. During the talk, one of the kids made the comment "Jesus wants us to know that we are no better than criminals." WOW. I think I was instantly hit upside the head by a 2X4. WHAT TRUTH?!?! I am NO better than a criminal and of course my mind went instantly to the inmate I had treated just a few days before. His sin has been justified according to human law. MY SIN however hurts the heart of my Father God just as much as what he did that placed him in jail. All sins no matter how we choose to rate them on this earth break the heart of God. My sins (yes that is plural, and if we were counting the s's wouldn't ever end) break the heart of God. One day God himself will hold me accountable for my sins. Justice will be served. The only Justice in this situation is for God to condemn me to eternity in Hell.
But PRAISE THE LORD, that God sent His only son to die for me. I know I don't have children; however, I cannot fathom if I only had one child myself allowing him to die so that someone else could have a better life. In my mortal, sinful nature I would never allow this and am WAY TO selfish. Thank you Lord for not being selfish, but rather gracious! While reading the Word this weekend I was reminded of the Lord's kindness to me, well actually, TO EVERYONE!!!!
"Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and all that is within me,
bless His holy name!
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and forget not all His benefits,
who FORGIVES all your iniquity,
who HEALS all your diseases,
who REDEEMS your life from the pit,
who CROWNS you with steadfast love and mercy,
who SATISFIES you with good
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's."
Psalm 103:1-5
WOW.... isn't He great! Through His perfect son, Jesus Christ and his death of the cross. My horrifying, disgusting, breaking the heart of God SIN IS JUSTIFIED. The chains and bondage of my sin are broken and I am set free. Free to live an abundant life through Jesus Christ in me! I have been redeemed from what I deserve (Hell) and will spend Eternity in paradise (HEAVEN). Hallelujah! Praise you God for your Amazing Grace!
That was just an excerpt of what all the Lord is teaching me. But it applies to each and every reader. In and of yourself, YOU CAN DO NO GOOD, but through Christ Jesus in you, the Lord's wondrous works can be manifested in your actions. Have you realized the magnitude and consequence of your sin? Have you realized what you deserve? If so, the better question is have you believed in the Cross of Jesus Christ? Are you a part of God's big story? Have you allowed His Grace to redeem your life and set you free?
If your answers are Yes! Praise Jesus! If they are no, may the Lord lead you to His kingdom. May His Spirit lead you to repentance and acceptance of His Grace. I pray that all who read this I have the opportunity of spending eternity with in Heaven praising God himself.
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