Dirt

Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. John 8:8

Many years ago when we were building the extension of our home, during the foundation process we did something to remember all who had toiled with us in preparation to our new living room.

Many had come to assist my husband in pouring cement to what would be the place where we would gather for many years.  Friends and family would come and gather, fireplace lit and laughter filling the room.  A place where God’s grace would echo.

The foundation that held this room together was purposely inscribe with the laborers of the day.  If you are reading this, you know who you are.  Bless you!

My mom and my father-in-law were there that day.  Today they are in glory with the Lord.  I love the fact that their names are still written in the concrete foundation; beneath the living room floor where I gather daily.  

Those who gave of their time have made our living room what it is today.

It was a simple gesture but a warming sentiment in my heart.

Today that memory came to my mind when I read Jeremiah 17.

The Lord was speaking through Jeremiah about those who sinned and turned away from the Lord. 

“Those who turn away from you will be written in the dust because they have forsaken the Lord, the spring of living water.” (v. 13)

We always have an option to turn to the Lord.  Let’s not wait until the Lord has to get our attention because we refuse to obey.

In the Book of John, we see a women caught in adultery. Her accusers bring her to Jesus.  

They expected Jesus to condemn her. What they encountered was grace for the sinner. 

The Bible says that Jesus stooped down and began to write in the dirt.  The Scriptures doesn’t elaborate on what was written. 

After reading Jeremiah today, I wonder if the accuser’s names were being written down, one by one. 

Names in the dirt that will be blown away with the winds of the day. Never to be remembered.

Jesus came was to minister grace and mercy; the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring us to God. 

(1 Peter 3:18).

When the self-righteous accuse –they find God himself speaking directly to them.

Are we listening?

No one is good, except God. (Romans 3:10)

The Lord is always giving us opportunities to experience and also to exercise his mercy and grace; to be imitators of Christ. 

Let's do as he does.

As we receive his mercy and grace, our lives become alive in Christ.  It causes us to be victorious over death!

“The one who is victorious will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out the name of that person from the book of life, but will acknowledge that name before my Father and his angels.” (Revelation 3:5)

”Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.” (John 8:10-11)

Mercy and grace extended to us that we in turn would do the same.

God bless you!~Liz

Black Friday

A day to give thanks!

Black Friday.  

A day when the red line becomes black. 

It’s an irresistible encounter.  

I must have it!

Just take a step back and stop.  Look around.  The crowds are everywhere. 

We’ve known the day is coming. The streets and sidewalks are full and some are ready to succumb to the advertisement.

Black Friday is known for the day the retailer turns deficit into a profit.

What if I could do this on a personal level?

Black Friday. 

It’s a giveaway day. 

Do you see it? A purple robe.  A hand-made crown.

Rush in. 

It will cost you nothing!  It will cost him his life.

See him?

He will take our insufficiency, all that we don't have and pay for it all.

Yes, it’s been told.  Yes, it has come to pass.

The King of Heaven will pay for the sins of men.

Black Friday.

Follow the crowds.  It leads to the sign that reads, “King of the Jews”.

It’s a madhouse.

The weight of the world on his shoulders.  He falls to the ground.

The crowds are everywhere.

Strike him on the face.

Strip him of his clothing.  The one-piece garment has worth.

Come and see as lots are cast.

Many are close but have not entered in.

I’ll watch from afar.

Today is the day where the debt can be turned around.

Then the words are heard in all creation, “It is finished”. (John 19:30)

Yes, the signs all pointed to this day.

This is the day of thanksgiving! 

He who had no sin died for the one ravished in depravity.

He pushed through the crowds.

He carried the cross.

He paid for our sins.

It’s not a temporary event.

It’s an eternal, life-giving changing experience!

He who had no sin offers this gift.

And wherever we are all we have to do is receive.

A heart of repentance he will not turn away.

Will you receive the gift of eternal life? 

Jesus, the Savior of the World!

A Black Friday Event!

“Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. (Isaiah 1:18)

Near & Far

"Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful." (Joshua 1:8)

Missionaries have great opportunities to share the Gospel.  We often read of those ‘called by God’ that travel to remote places to speak and demonstrate the Good News.

I think at times we feel that we need to travel far so that those that ‘have not heard” can hear the message, this great life-saving discovery. Yes, “for God so loved the world that he died”; died for all sinners far and near.

So, here I am shopping.  Just walking the isles of the store.  I wasn’t in a rush so I browsed every isle, looked at every rack and then finally made it to the front of the store.

I took my two items and placed them on the counter.  The cashier takes my money, returns the change and slides the plastic bag with my stuff close to me.

My eyes dash to the bottom of the bag and I took a double glance.  

Without any hesitation I asked the cashier, “is that right?”  “Does that say John 3:16?” 

She did not have an inkling at what I was talking about.  

On the bottom of my plastic bag, the words “John 3:16” were imprinted on it.

I quickly asked her, “Is this a Christian company?”  

She shrugged her shoulders; clueless, no idea.  

So what does Liz do?  

I unfolded the Treasure; the Good News; the Gospel!

Smiling, I told her, “John 3:16 is Scripture”. 

Another shrug.

“Never heard it?”  She replies, “no.”

What?  This is not the other side of the world.  This is my backyard.

Hmm, ok Missionary Liz has about 15 seconds before the next customer comes to the register. 

“John 3:16 –for God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life.” 

Eyes fixed on me.  It was foreign to her.

“It’s in the Bible, read it. 

Smile

Have a great day!”

See, there was no time to further discuss or talk about Jesus after all the next customer is looking at me.  Actually she too is listening, hallelujah!

My hope is that my conversation will reverberate in her mind and soul.  

I wonder if she will ask her manager, “did you know our bags have the words “John 3:16” on them? 

Do you know what that means?” 

I believe I left an imprint; the fragrance of Christ was sprinkled on her heart.

Lord, cause her heart to search. Let her heart be pricked by your Spirit.

The store is Forever 21.  I don’t know much about the store.

This I do know, if they are willing to stamp every bag and honor the Lord, then I will take every opportunity and speak of His Great Grace!

What a great experience!  I was so excited!

Are you ready?  

We never know when we will have to speak of this great treasure in jars of clay. We get the opportunity to speak of this all-surpassing power that is from God and not us. (2 Corinthians 4:7)

Oh, yes –the Savior of the World!

God bless you!~Liz

Bird on a Wire

Genesis 4:7 (NIV)

If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.”

1 Corinthians 15:56-57 (NIV)

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

It has always been a fascinating view --birds, sometimes by the hundreds sitting on electrical lines.  The captivating  display is that they don't die.  They don't get electrocuted.  They sit there as without a care in the world.

Yes, there is a scientific reason.  These birds that perch on an electrical line do not complete a circuit. In order for electricity to run "full circle"  the bird would have to touch the other power line.  These birds seem to avoid death while basking in the sun.

Death in the Scriptures is described as the payment for all who have sinned.

Well, I prefer to sit on an electrical line and bask in the sun!

Truth is we do have a choice, an option not to die. 

This "full circle" has been intercepted so that the connection that leads to death is not completed.

Oh, we all physically come to an end but our soul lives on.

When Jesus went to the Cross and died, he did it to break the cycle that would bring death.  He rose on the third day from the grave to conquer it!  Indeed he has!

The choice is ours.  We have sinned.  We are going to die.  Jesus, steps in and cuts the shock, the sting of death and proposes the Gift of Life. 

Pretty much, Liz is sitting on this line and soon she will die and forever be separated for the Lord.  But a way of escape has been made available to her.  Jesus indeed will complete the circuit and die. His death will bring me life. (John 3:16)

If the bird chooses to move from his position and his wing touched the other line; indeed this bird will fall and be no more. The circuit will be completed and he will die.  I'm not sure if they are that smart but they have found a way to enjoy their little lives and live while relaxing in the sunshine! 

I have chosen to move from my sinful, rebellious way and reposition myself in the Grace & Mercy of God.  I'm not that smart. Actually,  I was blinded by sin.  But God in his great Love has drawn me and loved me to life.

Every choice, every action, everyday we can select death or life.  Eternal life has been secured for me but the enemy of my soul continues to lure me to actions that will kill the joy that God has purchased for me.  I choose The Life, The Truth & The Way!

Two lines.  Two options.

Stay planted on the One line. 

Death has been conquered and the Redeemed Life is ours!

God bless you!~Liz

Check-up!

Psalm 19:8 (NIV)

The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes

So the changes are coming!  Seasons are the change.

Yesterday I made a trip to the gas station.

Because of the cool air that is transitioning into our days, my vehicle tire was a little low.

I put gas in my car and inched over to the air pump.  There was a line!  I waited a few moments and then told my husband, "let's go run some errands and return."

The TPMS ((Tire Pressure Monitoring System) on my dash warned me that the weather change had affected the tire pressure.  My car was no longer running at its best. The tire was deficient; the pressure was low and my travels whether I knew or not were being affected.

The Tire Pressure Monitoring System, what a great tool!

"Let's do a pulse check".  That saying does not necessarily mean to check our heart, though a beating heart is really a great thing! 

We use this language to re-evaluate, to examine; to do a "check-over" to make sure all is going well physically, spiritually and mentally.   Are there any lights flashing indicating an unbalance somewhere?

We don't have lights that inform us that there is something wrong. What we do have is the Holy Spirit of God that speaks and gently warns us that our attention is required; something is not right; pay attention, we need an adjustment!

I ran my errands and returned about 90 minutes later.
Lo and behold, there is still a line!

So, I got on the long stretch of vehicles and waited.  I looked behind me and even the Police Officer was in line.The season's change had affected everyone.

There is a system that has been made available to us.  This is the PRAYing system.

Feel a disturbance, not sure what is going on inside you?  There is heaviness in your soul.  Your thinking is off. Your joy is diminishing.  You're pointing fingers and blaming everyone for your heart's condition?

GET ON LINE!  Sit at the Master's feet.
Amazingly it seems we are always 1st online.
No waiting.  He inclines his ear to the righteous.

Hear I am Lord.  Changes have arrived and I need a check-up!
Sadness and suffering has gripped us? Are we stagnate?

I'm online Lord.

He brings joy to my heart!

God bless you!~Liz

The Arrival

One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and set out. As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. “Where is your faith?” he asked his disciples.In fear and amazement they asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.” Luke 8:22-25

Why all this trouble on the lake?

I said this earlier in the week, "If Jesus said, "let us go over to the other side of the lake", well we will indeed make it to the other side of the lake.

If you continue reading the story we see that Jesus and the disciples finally arrive on the other side.

My comfort and strength is in knowing that Jesus leads and I follow. 

So, what happened once they arrived?

"When Jesus stepped ashore, he was met by a demon-possessed man from the town." (v. 27)

The disciples were still shaking; their tremulous flesh responding to their boat ride. 

Now here comes the welcoming committee in Gerasenes. 

The darkness that could not stop them in the water is now trying to disrupt the Kingdom of God and his people one more time.

“Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.” (v.25)

As we read we discover along with the disciples that the One that silences the wind and calms the storm will deliver this man who was under the authority of darkness.

Every demon in him knew who Jesus was.

When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell at his feet, shouting at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, don’t torture me!” 

This possessed man who for a long time had not worn clothes or lived in a house was about to encounter his Liberator! He was possessed by a legion of demons. 

I love the visual I get.  

Every knee will bow! 

This army of demons had to bow before the Presence of Jesus! 

The Devil and his malignant army tried to bring disruption on the boat.  

The men were in danger. Jesus never denied that danger was at hand.  

What Jesus did was command the storm to come under submission.  

The One in authority spoke and it was done. (Matthew 28:18)

The storm is a decoy, a distraction, a snare, a trick to keep us from arriving.

It's more than the storm.

We have something to accomplish once we arrive.

Therefore I remember and reassure myself today.  

If Jesus, says we are going over to the other side, rest assure "oh my soul" we are going to arrive! 

God bless you!~Liz

Did you see those colors?

Ecclesiastes 3:1
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:Seasons are built

into time; seasons of change.

Could it be that they are changing already? You know those green leaves.

As I drove to work this morning there was a hue of color shadowing the mountains in my view.

Change is not something we are always ready for.

But ready or not here it comes.

Life is not a stagnate experience.

Life has joys, sorrow, death and all kinds of revolutions that we embrace and sometimes we just miss.

New jobs, no job, richness and poverty at times. Babies are born. Did you see it coming? Did it surprise you?

Today life is changing for us.

Do you perceive it? If not, dig a little deeper because it's here.

We don't always see it at a distance because perhaps we are not ready; not looking for it.

Those quiet prayers we uttered to the Lord, He is still working things out for us in all His Sovereignty.

Lord quiet my soul so I may see your hand. Open my ears so I may hear you speak.

Adjustments are part of life. Embrace the Perfect Hand of God.

Leaves change. Life too!

God bless you!~Liz