What my Bible teaches me

This is interesting to me.

My first post was a bit contraversial. I wrote about whether or not salvation is something that can be lost. I received many comments, ranging from agreements to disagreements, and some in between. I appreciated them all. One of the main reasons that I wanted to interact with other believers in this way was so that I might have the chance to grow and learn, and if God wills, teach. I think being able to comment and share on one another's writing is an astounding blessing.

Here is the part that is curious. The second time I posted, it was something sweet. Something the Lord led me to that was uplifting to me. Something that I hoped might lift the spirit of someone else. Unfortunately, If anyone was was moved, I didn't get to hear about it.

Please don't misunderstand. I don't want to appear to be whining. Maybe it's because I'm still new to all this, but I do find it interesting that no one had anything to say when there was nothing to argue. I'd love to hear from someone with more blogging experience. What do you think?

Psalm 91 is one of my all-time favorite psalms. I find it to be just packed full of comfort and beauty and reassurance. I read a little devotion on this psalm once that said if it is read once a day for 30 days, the life of the reader will dramatically improve. Of course, they're not "magic words", but they have brought peace to my heart every time I've read them.

The Psalm begins with: He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This conjures an image in my mind of a little child standing behind his or her father. The child is clutching at the pant leg, about the side of the knee and is peeking out from around the legs, smiling innocently. The child is filled with an awareness that all is well because "Daddy is here to protect me"...I hope you will forgive me this bit of sanctified imagination... the Psalm continues on to say: I will say of the Lord,"He is my refuge and my fortress. My God in whom I trust." Those are amazing words to me. My God is my strong, safe place. When there is no where else to go I know I can run to Him and He will receive me. I can say these words in truth because I know them to be true. I feel that to know this truth is too great a blessing to put into words. I love the imagery in verse 4: He will cover you with His feathers and under His wings you will find refuge. To me, it speaks of gentleness and love. That He would draw me up to Himself as a mother hen gathers up her chicks... there are not human words enough to express my grateful heart.

Reading this psalm humbles me and causes me to remember my sinful nature. I am reminded, also, of the Father's great love for me. On my best day I know I am completely undeserving, but the the gift is mine just the same. Praise You, Father! Thank You, Jesus!

Hello to everyone!

Today is a day of beginnings! I'm blessed and excited to be a part of this. It's my prayer that I might be a blessing to someone along the way.

I wanted to take this time to share with you the message I heard last evening. We were reading the from the 10th chapter of the book of John, near the end. Jesus was talking to some Jews who were asking Him if he was who he said he was, and they said that they wanted a straight answer. Jesus pointed out to them that they were missing the point because they (those specific people, not ALL Jews) were not His followers. Jesus said that His sheep knew His voice and followed it. Jesus went on to say that He would give eternal life to those who followed Him. He also said that no one could snatch them out of His hand or out of the hand of the Father. To me, that's the good part!

Salvation is a very simple concept, but so many of us humans like to over-analyze and misinterpret based on what we think we already know. There are Christian people who are very dear to my heart who believe that they can lose their salvation. How is that possible if no one can snatch us away from the hand of Jesus or the hand of God (being as the passage states both, for emphasis, I think)? Doesn't that idea teach that we have to do something to maintain our standing with God? If that's the case, most of us should simply give up now! In the letter to the Ephesians we learn that salvation is by grace. If it was something we could work for then many of us would become fat-headed and boast about how we deserved our salvation because of our good work. Salvation is an undeserved gift, as is grace. We don't deserve it and we never will, but when we confess and believe on Jesus Christ, it is a gift we are given. The story of the Prodigal Son paints a perfect picture of this concept. A young man took to leaning on his own understanding and proceeded to spend time living a selfish life that eventually bottomed out. When his senses returned to him, he returned humbly to his father who received him with wide open arms. If we try to humanize our great and awsome God, the creator of the heavens and the earth, then it's easy to convince ourselves that he would reject us if we made a mistake. If you are a Christian, it's because God called you and you humbly responded. Salvation is more than saying the sinner's prayer, it's an incredible gift. Maybe the thing to concider is this.... when you said the sinner's prayer, did you invite Jesus into your heart, to save you from death and sin, to accept His wonderful gift in humility, or did you just follow the directions,"Repeat after me..." Christian isn't what you do, it's who you are! Amen!

God bless you! If you have been moved by my thoughts, I'd be honored if you'd share with me. As iron sharpens iron, I pray that we might sharpen one another. Also, being as this is my first stab at the world of blogging, I'd be grateful for any suggestions. Thanks and God Bless!!

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