Living Beyond the Cross

Isaiah 53:2-5
For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

Greetings my beloved!

I hope you are having a wonderful week! I love this time of year, as we wait to celebrate Resurrection Sunday! There is nothing more beautiful than the resurrection of my Lord. He loves us so much that He died for us - he suffered death that we may live. He carried the wounds from the cross that we may receive the forgiveness of sins, and the healing power of His blood. But does that mean we should sin for His forgiveness? Of course not, we should strive to live our lives holy, acceptable, and blameless.

Do you think today is any different than the day in which the crowd yelled, "Crucify Him?" He is still despised and rejected of men. The very man that He created rejects Him even today. Do you think it breaks His heart every time the world speaks out against His name? Do you think it hurts Him when people who call themselves Christians, His very own, speaks out against His Word? It makes me so sad to know that I at one time was like that, calling myself a Christian, but not living it out. Christianity is not just a mere religion; it is a relationship with the most high God. Seek God on a deeper level, for Him to reveal Himself to you.
The Love that God has for you should trump all of the cares of this world. Suddenly, nothing else matters than the beautiful pure love of God. Can you feel it? Allow Him to transform you today, so that you can grow deeper with Him. It is only though your transformation that God can reveal His pleasing and perfect will for your life. Christ died for us, the least we can do is offer ourselves as a living sacrifice for Him.

Romans 12:1-2
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Let us live our lives to the higher calling through Christ Jesus, by fulfilling our calling that He has predestined in us. Let us sacrifice our own earthly desires that we can step into our true purpose, and what better time to do this than now! Let us shed off our fleshly desires, our fleshly way of thinking, and step into the spiritual realm to reveal our purpose.

Ephesians 1:11-12
In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. 

Romans 8:5-11
Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God. You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.

It is no longer about us; it is about that resurrection power that dwells in us! Isn't that exciting! So, this resurrection Sunday, let us not think merely about the death and resurrection of our savior, which is indeed a beautiful thing, but let us go beyond the cross, to see what it means for us. Are you ready to step into God's will for your life? 
 
Blessings!

Christina

The Betrayer, the Accuser, and the Denier...

Mark 11:4-11

They went and found a colt outside in the street, tied at a doorway. As they untied it, some people standing there asked, “What are you doing, untying that colt?” They answered as Jesus had told them to, and the people let them go. When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted, “Hosanna!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!”Jesus entered Jerusalem and went into the temple courts. He looked around at everything, but since it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve.

Mark 14:17-21

When evening came, Jesus arrived with the Twelve. While they were reclining at the table eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me—one who is eating with me.” They were saddened, and one by one they said to him, “Surely you don’t mean me?” “It is one of the Twelve,” he replied, “one who dips bread into the bowl with me. The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.”

Luke 22:34

Jesus answered, “I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me.”

Greetings my beloved!

I hope you are having a fabulous week! The week is almost over, and it puts us that much closer for us to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord in Savior. As Passover approaches, followed by Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday, I can't help but think of the Father's love. Yes, the Father loved us so much that He gave us His only son. And what do we give in return? I love the story of Palm Sunday - can you just imagine the energy in the city as people heard that Jesus was coming to town. They had heard about all of the marvelous things he had done, and couldn't wait to see Him. The joy and excitement carried over, as they shouted, “Hosanna,” welcoming Jesus into the town. Can you recall when you first met Jesus? Did you have so much joy and excitement that you couldn't wait to learn more about Him? How do you think the disciples felt when they first met Jesus? They dropped everything to follow Him. So, you can imagine how they felt when Jesus said one of them would betray Him. How do you think Jesus felt that the same people that welcomed Him will be the very ones that order Him to death to fulfill the prophecy? How do you think He felt knowing that one of His closest of friends would betray Him, and yet another deny His very existence. Let's see what the scriptures say:

Mark 14:43-46

Just as he was speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, appeared. With him was a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, the teachers of the law, and the elders. Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard.” Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Rabbi!” and kissed him. The men seized Jesus and arrested him.

Mark 14:66-72

While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came by. When she saw Peter warming himself, she looked closely at him. “You also were with that Nazarene, Jesus,” she said. But he denied it. “I don’t know or understand what you’re talking about,” he said, and went out into the entryway. When the servant girl saw him there, she said again to those standing around, “This fellow is one of them.” Again he denied it. After a little while, those standing near said to Peter, “Surely you are one of them, for you are a Galilean.” He began to call down curses, and he swore to them, “I don’t know this man you’re talking about.” Immediately the rooster crowed the second time. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows twice you will disown me three times.” And he broke down and wept.

Mark 15:6-15

Now it was the custom at the festival to release a prisoner whom the people requested. A man called Barabbas was in prison with the insurrectionists who had committed murder in the uprising. The crowd came up and asked Pilate to do for them what he usually did. “Do you want me to release to you the king of the Jews?” asked Pilate, knowing it was out of self-interest that the chief priests had handed Jesus over to him. But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have Pilate release Barabbas instead. “What shall I do, then, with the one you call the king of the Jews?” Pilate asked them. “Crucify him!” they shouted. “Why? What crime has he committed?” asked Pilate. But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify him!” Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. He had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.

Do you still feel the same excitement for the Lord, as you did when you first met Him, or have you fell in a comfort level? Spend a moment to seek inwardly. Have you been the betrayer, the denier, or the accuser? Have you allowed sin to enter into your life, and even after confessing that sin, continue in it? Do you ever wonder if you really meant it when you sought forgiveness? Doesn't the Lord deserve so much more - more than Sunday Morning Christians? Let's look for transformation in our lives - transformation should go beyond our salvation experience. We should continually be transformed to the renewing of our minds: Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Why do we, as Christians, turn so quickly to the world's way of thinking? Or how come we get so upset when the world doesn't think the way we do? Is it perhaps that we haven't allowed God to transform our minds? Let's live beyond our worldly way of thinking. If we keep falling to the way of sin, is it because we haven't allowed God to transform our mind? Repentance only comes from God, so maybe just maybe; the only way to live out true repentance is through God. How do we do that? We do that by allowing God to transform us from the inside out. The beauty of our salvation does not end the day you accept Christ into your life - that is just the beginning. Seek God out to receive a new transformation today. That way, we no longer have to fall prey to the betrayer, denier, or accuser - we can be the victorious over-comers that the Bible talks about.

Blessings!
-Christina

Making Time for God

Psalm 63:1-5

You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water. I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you.

Greetings, my beloved,

Sorry it has taken me so long to write to you, but it has been a busy week. I can finally sit down, take a breath of fresh air before this Sunday. Even in the midst of chaotic weeks, it is so wonderful to enter into the Lord's presence. It can be difficult to find that peaceful quiet time with the Lord, but it is so rewarding when you do. I know when you have a million things to do, you often sacrifice that quiet time with the Lord. I know this, because I have done this before.

The past few Sunday's at church, the sermon has been on living the blessed life, and the obedience through tithing of our money. It is so important to give God what is His already, as the pastor said it is better to live on 90% with God than 100% on your own. But what about your time, should you tithe your time to God? After all, once you turn your life over to Him, you are no longer your own. Romans 12:1, "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship."

One question I have been asking a lot lately is, "Have you heard the voice of God lately?" Or even, "When was the last time you experienced God on a new level?" Think about it. Have we allowed the craziness of our life drown out the voice of God? Christianity is all about our relationship with God.

Matthew 7:21-23 tells us:

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’"

The thing is, the very ones that the Lord is calling evildoers, are ones that have called themselves Christians. They even did everything in the name of the Lord, prophesied, drive out demons, and performed miracles - probably more than even we do. However, God said, "I never knew you." Oh how sad it would be to get to judgment day thinking I have walked the Christian walk, only to find out the Lord will call you an evildoer, and turn you away, simply because He didn't know you. How does God know you? He will know you through a relationship with Him. So, take the time to meet with Him. Don't just do all of the talking asking for things, but do some listening. Think about your friendships, do you like the friends that never listen to you, but spend all of their time talking to you? Or, what about the ones that are too busy to meet with you. It doesn't make a very good friendship. It's all about prioritizing your time. You have time to watch your favorite TV show, or tend to your family, but do you have time for your one on one time with the Lord? I'm not talking about just going to church. I'm talking about fully devoted to God, that you are willing to sacrifice time with others, to meet with your creator, your Lord, your King of Kings, your healer, your provider, your Jesus.

So, take this time to enter into His presence. This Psalm is so beautiful. I love that feeling when you see God in the sanctuary. When I am leading the people into the Lord's presence through worship, this is where I want to take them, into His presence, where they can see His power and glory. How wonderful is that!

Blessings,

Christina

God's Grace

1Timothy 1:14-17

The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
 
Greetings my beloved,
This is the scripture my son led our devotion time in yesterday morning. I was so blessed by his insight at such a young age; it just goes to show you that age should not be a hindrance. Working in the children’s ministry has taught me never to underestimate children. They are oftentimes smarter than you realize. With that said, I was impressed that my son willingly brought a scripture to our devotion time, and further was able to explain what it meant to him. With this being a season of purification for me, I found it to be fitting share.

This scripture, like our salvation, begins with grace. Isn't grace a beautiful thing? It goes hand in hand with repentance; you can't have repentance without grace. Isn't it great that God gave us grace, we do not deserve it, yet He lavishes us in it? Why is that, because of His Love for us. He sees our faith and our love for Christ Jesus, and He accepts us - it is that simple. We believe, and He grants us grace. The thing is that God loves us so much; He sacrificed His only son, that we may be covered by His grace in order to obtained everlasting life. Isn't that beautiful?

So, my friends, in this season of purification, as you are seeking deep within to find the long lost sin in your life, don't feel the condemnation. The enemy is so sly, he thinks he can get to us by condemning us, but remember, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1). There is no condemnation because God is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins, but we first have to confess. Have you recognized the sin in your life? My family and I recently watched the movie, "The Nun's Story" with Audrey Hepburn. I love a good classic movie! Anyways, this film takes you into the inner sanctum of a nun's life. They were each handed a notebook to record every act they have committed against the holy law. They had to write in their book, "I accuse myself of..." and write out the sins they had committed throughout the day. I'm not saying we have to go to that extreme, but it does show you how they recognized the sin in your life. How, by having continual communion with God. Have you silenced out the chaos of your life long enough to hear the still quiet voice of God? My son came to us tonight, saying he had a vision of his video games, laptop, Legos, and other toys - all the things he treasured coming after him to strangle and kill him. It was a wakeup call to him. What is he going to do about it? He plans to fast tomorrow to seek God what he should do. It's not about the black and white, all or nothing mentality. This is about tackling self-control. Can you think of a time in which you allowed the busyness of your day crowd out the still quiet voice of God? Take a moment, and listen... Listen to the still, quiet babbling brook of God's voice, or the mighty rushing waters - can you hear it?

Love you all!

-Christina