We can't allow any obstacle we face to overshadow our Lord or what He wants for us. It is said that what we focus on becomes our focus. I personally have had a lot of experience testing this truth out. When our focus is on Jesus and His truths it is impossible to also be focused on any negativity. The Lord and His biblical truths are the nourishment we need to feed ourselves daily. I know when I'm craving Him and His word and desire to spend time with Him, any stronghold I'm facing will lose its tight grip. All the details of the day, all of my woes, become insignificant when I am looking upon the glory of the Lord. I know we have all faced some dire circumstances, or have been confronted with heart wrenching news at some point in … [Read more...]
From the Basin of His Grace by Max Lucado
Remember, the secret of being just like Jesus is "fixing our eyes" on Him. Try shifting your glance away from the one who hurt you and setting your eyes on the One who has saved you. Note the promise of John, " But if we live in the light, we can share fellowship with each other. Then the blood of Jesus, God's Son, cleanses us from every sin." ( 1 John 1:7) Even more, He is still cleansing us! John tells us " We are being cleansed. The cleansing is not a promise for the future but reality in the present. Let a spot of filth land on the heart of God's child, and the filth is wiped away. Jesus still cleans His disciples' feet. Jesus still washes away stains. Jesus still purifies His people. Our Savior kneels down and gazes upon the … [Read more...]
With Towel and Basin by Max Lucado
Of all the times we see the bowing knees of Jesus, none is so precious as when he kneels before his disciples and washes their feet. It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for Him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved His own who were in the world, He now showed them the full extent of His love. The evening meal was being served , and the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under His power, and that He had come from God and was returning to God; so He got up from the meal, took off His outer clothing....and began to wash His disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around Him. It … [Read more...]
The Forgiving Heart
"Someone once said that forgiveness is not for the forgiven, but for the sake of the forgiver. Forgiving those who have wronged you brings a deeper understanding of the character of God. Forgiveness is the cornerstone of relationship with Him. When you hold a grudge, you keep God at a distance. When you let it go, you are restored to Him instantly and inner peace returns. He forgets there was ever a rift between you. If you are struggling tonight, you can release your right to be angry and release the desire to pass sentence on the one who hurt you, for no one is beyond God's forgiveness. That's the wonder of His mercy. Follow His example and erase the record of wrong's. It takes courage, but it will free you to experience amazing joy." … [Read more...]