Day #33

What do the words "go in peace" mean to you? Me? I wrote that 'Jesus makes it all okay.' It was special then, today... tears stream down my face. My many sins are forgiven.

Day #32

Anyone wish you could hear other's thoughts or that yours were audible??? Yeah.... that would be a disaster.

I was enlightened to see how this passage demonstrates how Jesus is concerned with what is going on in our hearts and minds. Beth's statement that "He holds us responsible for what we say to ourselves," rung true and was sobering for me at the time I read it... and even more so today. How is your self-talk? Are you speaking to yourself the way Jesus would want you too? Me? If today is any indication, I need some help with this. I'm actually thanking God for stopping me in my tracks because, I really messed up yesterday and have been telling myself what an idiot I am. Would Jesus call me an idiot? No. Would he want me to call anyone an idiot? No.
"You know what beloved? Dirt is dirt, and we've all got it no matter where we come from. I'm not sure Christ sees one kind of dirt as dirtier than another. One thing is for sure: His blood is able to bleach any stain left by any kind of dirt." Thank you Jesus!!!

I got a lot out of this day... more than I feel like blogging about right now. I loved that Jesus wanted a kiss. He enjoys our affection.

Anyone want to share what you think loving God with all your mind means?

Day #31

Two things that made me go "hum"

• Jesus accepts the invitation to dine with the Pharisee. Jesus gave everyone a chance. It gives me hope and inspires me to know that Jesus is willing to draw near and be close, even to those he knows will probably judge and reject.
  
• Not once in all the gospel accounts do we see one Pharisee confronted for legalism and self-righteousness ever admit to it or show any indication of seeing it in themselves. It's a pretty powerful stronghold and I'm sure there are areas of my life where I'm stuck too.

Day #30

I totally agree with Beth that "one of the most effective faith-trips Satan could set for a Christian is to get him or her to doubt the goodness, rightness, or mightiness of Christ." Believing that God is who he says he is is foundational... if that crumbles... it all comes crashing down!
I'm thankful that Jesus still held John in the highest esteem (saying there was no one born of women grater than John), even after John questioned him. God has a lot of grace for our doubts.

Day #29

So, John sees Jesus on the river's edge and identifies him as the one whose sandals he's not worthy to untie. John baptizes Jesus, sees the dove descend, hears the voice of God proclaiming Jesus to be his son. It's pretty clear to John. Jesus is the Messiah! John's ministry is connected... John is baptizing people to repentance... all in preparation for Jesus to come on the scene. Then, John lands in prison. From there he sends a message to Jesus asking if he is the Messiah. I love these two portraits. You get the mountain top and the valley right next to each other. John was sensing, seeing and hearing God and it was easy to recognize God and believe him to be who He is. Take all that away, and what comes easy is doubt. It's comforting to know that Jesus doesn't condemn John for his doubt, he helps John. Jesus is gentle and tender when we bring our doubts to him. I relate with the point Beth makes about it can really lead to 'heart doubt' when we witness and hear about God doing all kinds of wonders for others, while sitting for prolonged periods with suffering and unmet needs.
Also, anyone else wish that there heart would just BELIEVE all the stuff our minds know is true???