I am complete in Him...
Colossians 2:9,10 For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority."
Charles Stanley – Into His Presence
"Many believers do not understand the vast riches they already possess in Jesus Christ, an infinite treasure of wisdom and knowledge and all good things. The moment you accept His as your Savior you receive everything God is, everything God does, and everything God provides. You lack nothing. God’s immeasurable, overflowing love and power are available to you by His grace for every trial, every decision, every challenge."
Matthew Henry – Concise Commentary on Colossians
"Under the law, the presence of God dwelt between the cherubim, in a cloud which covered the mercy-seat; but now it dwells in the person of our Redeemer, who partakes of our nature, and is bone of our bone and flesh of our flesh, and has more clearly declared the Father to us. It dwells in Him bodily…The fullness of the Godhead dwells in the Christ really, and not figuratively; for He is both God and man. The Jews thought themselves complete in the ceremonial law; but we are complete in Christ."
I don’t know about you, but I have a really hard time with the process involved in projects. I LONG for completion – yet I’ve learned that for most everything I need and/or want to do I have to be patient with the process of doing it. Whether it’s painting a mural – sewing a dress – putting up new curtains – installing new software – redesigning my garden - there are steps and processes involved to get me from point A to point B. How AWESOME it is to know that I am already complete "in Christ!" The process is done – once I committed my life into His hands I was (and still am) complete! What a comfort that is! I don’t have to strive to follow the letter of the law (I tried that for years – and ended up with a bleeding ulcer) – now I can rest in the finished work of Christ on the cross!
Now – sanctification is another story altogether – that IS a process – a day to day process of growing "in Christ" and allowing God to conform me into the image of Christ – but He’s already done all the work – He’s given me everything I need – and He’s promised to get me to that final finish line where I hope to hear "well done thou good and faithful servant!" Sharon
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
In Christ - I am "in Christ"
Hi, all! Sorry I missed last week – I was out sick – again – but the antibiotics have kicked in and I’m feeling better! I know tomorrow’s going to be a crazy day, so I’m sending this early -
I am in Christ Jesus...
I Corinthians 1:30 It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, Who has become for us wisdom from God--that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.
KPRZ Encouragement for Today - September 13, 2011
Sit Down and Be Quiet - Sharon Jaynes
Today’s Truth
“Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish” (John 6:11 NIV).
Friend to Friend.
“Have you ever noticed this pattern in the gospels – the disciples get in a bind and Jesus bails them out. It reminds me of the old fifties program, Father Knows Best. The kids got in trouble, the father solved the problem and then he taught us all an important life lesson at the end. Come to think of it, ‘Father Knows Best’ would be a fabulous subtitle for the gospels!
“In John 6:1-15, we find the disciples in a precarious situation. Their lawn party had turned into quite a bash. The guests far exceeded their expectations, the disciples hadn’t planned on providing dinner, and it appeared the crowd was expecting refreshments. But the disciples didn’t have the funds or the food to feed them. All they could scrounge up were five loaves of bread and two dried fish. The crowd was getting restless, the disciples were getting nervous, and Jesus was getting ready. He took the five loaves and two fish and told the crowd to sit down – He told them to rest.
“Then He lifted the food toward heaven, blessed it, and commanded the disciples to hand out the provisions to those who were seated. He didn’t feed the people who were running around worrying – but the ones who were at rest. To those He gave ‘immeasurably more than they could ask or imagine’ (see Ephesians 3:20), with twelve baskets left over.
“When we believe God, we will have rest and peace in our lives. I want you to do something for me. Right now, I want you to use your imagination. The Bible tells us in Ephesians that we are ‘in Christ’ and Christ is ‘in us.’ It also tells us that we are seated “in heavenly places” and “transferred to the kingdom of Christ.” Picture yourself sitting right beside Jesus under a spreading oak tree. Perhaps His arm is around your shoulder and your head is resting on His chest. You can feel the beating of His heart against your cheek and your head moves with the rise and fall of His breathing. With His other hand, He strokes your head and immediately knows how many hairs are on your head. His breath warms your skin as it brushes past your face. Imagine Him looking into your eyes and knowing your innermost being and meeting your gaze with a warm, affirming smile reassuring you of His love and care.
“Now tell me, as you imagine yourself in the presence of Jesus, how anxious do you feel? How rejected do you feel? How worried about tomorrow are you?
“You may be thinking, ‘Yes, Sharon. I feel at peace in that scene. But that’s not reality.’ Dear sister, that is the greater reality. No matter what you are going through today, Jesus is right there with you. So maybe you just need to sit down and be quiet for a while.
Let’s Pray
“Dear Father, I’ll admit, sometimes I am so busy running around trying to solve my problems, I miss Your provision. Help me to listen to You more closely and see Your provision more clearly. I don’t want to miss what You have for me today. Help me to sit down and be quiet – to rest in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
“Is it difficult for you to sit down and be quiet with Jesus?
“What keeps you from taking time to be still before Him?
“Today, take at least ten minutes to be still with Jesus. No multi-tasking. Don’t do this while driving the car or washing the dishes. Just you and Jesus. Give Him your full attention.”
Being “in Christ” is at the core of our TRUE identity – whether or not we feel it or believe it – if we’ve come to God on HIS terms, He has placed us “in Christ” – and that’s how He sees us! How does that work? WHY does He see us this way? I don’t know the answer to the first question – but the second one is easy – He sees us this way because HE LOVES US! We’re His kids, and HE LOVES HIS KIDS! (Sorry for the “shout out” – but sometimes we need God to get our attention, don’t we?) He LOVES you – He sees Jesus when He sees you – and everything that we’ve done in our past is gone – wiped away – “as far as the east is from the west.” And even now – when we blow it – when we sin – if we confess and repent He forgives again! Something has happened in the spiritual realm at the moment of our conversion that can’t be undone – we are permanently, securely “in Christ” – and He’s in us – forever! For me that made all the difference in the world – when I understood – and accepted – the truth of who I am “in Christ” I was able to let everyone else’s opinion fall away – and I could rest in my position “in Him.” No more striving to be what the world says is “special” – or “successful” – or “pretty” – or whatever! I’m “in Christ” – and He’s in me – and that’s all that matters! Really! That’s the greater reality. SO – if you’re having a rough day – take a look in the mirror and tell yourself this truth – “This is the face of someone Jesus loves!” Sharon Pearce
Thursday, February 16, 2012
In Christ - I am sealed with the Holy Spirit
I am sealed with the Holy Spirit...
Ephesians 1:13,14 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory..
UpWords with Max Lucado - Week of October 7, 2011
Power Moves In
“What got into Peter? Seven weeks ago he was hiding because of Jesus; today he is proclaiming the death of Jesus. Before the crucifixion, he denied Christ; now he announces Christ. From wimp to warrior in fifty days. What happened?
“What got into Peter?
“God’s Spirit did. Ten days after Jesus’ ascension into heaven, “all of them were filled with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:4). The followers experienced a gushing forth, a tremendous profusion. They were drenched in power. They all were: “sons and daughters…young men…old men…servants, both men and women” (vv. 17–18). The Holy Spirit, in His own time and according to His own way, filled the followers with supernatural strength.
“The Holy Spirit is not enthusiasm, compassion, or bravado. He might stimulate such emotions, but He Himself is a person. He determines itineraries (Acts 16:6), distributes spiritual gifts (1 Cor. 12:7–11), and selects church leaders (Acts 13:2). He teaches (John 14:26), guides (John 16:13), and comforts (John 16:7 KJV).
“’He dwells with you and will be in you’ (John 14:17 NKJV). Occasional guest? No sir. The Holy Spirit is a year-round resident in the hearts of His children. As God’s story becomes our story, His power becomes our power.
“When God’s Spirit directs us, we actually ‘keep in step with the Spirit’ (Gal. 5:25). He is the drum major; we are the marching band. He is the sergeant; we are the platoon. He directs and leads; we obey and follow. Not always that easy, is it? We tend to go our own way.
“To walk in the Spirit, respond to the promptings God gives you.
“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’ (Isa. 30:21)
“If Peter and the apostles needed His help, don’t we? They walked with Jesus for three years, heard His preaching, and saw His miracles. They saw the body of Christ buried in the grave and raised from the dead. They witnessed His upper room appearance and heard His instruction. Had they not received the best possible training? Weren’t they ready?
“Yet Jesus told them to wait on the Spirit. ‘Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised…the Holy Spirit’ (Acts 1:4–5).
“Learn to wait, to be silent, to listen for His voice. Cherish stillness; sensitize yourself to His touch. “Just think—you don’t need a thing, you’ve got it all! All God’s gifts are right in front of you as you wait expectantly for our Master Jesus to arrive on the scene” (1 Cor. 1:7–8 MSG, emphasis mine). You needn’t hurry or scurry. The Spirit-led life does not panic; it trusts.
“The same hand that pushed the rock from the tomb can shove away your doubt. The same power that stirred the still heart of Christ can stir your flagging faith. The same strength that put Satan on his heels can, and will, defeat Satan in your life. Just keep the power supply open. Who knows, you may soon hear people asking, ‘What’s gotten into you? ‘”
I’m on my way through the Bible again – and recently read about the temple dedication in 1 Kings 8:11 - “And it came to pass, when the priests came out of the holy place, that the cloud filled the house of the LORD, so that the priests could not continue ministering because of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD filled the house of the LORD.” It’s that same Spirit that comes to live in the heart of every believer! We have the power of God residing in our own heart! That same Spirit Who raised Jesus from the dead (Romans 8:11) has raised us from spiritual death into an eternal relationship with God! Whether we acknowledge Him or not, the Spirit is always with us – and if we’re smart, we’ll make the effort to listen for His divine direction. That requires discipline – and a purposing in our heart to learn to hear Him when He speaks. When we do that – consistently – we can live in that same power that overwhelmed the priests on the day of dedication. What an awesome truth! Sharon
Thursday, February 9, 2012
In Christ - I am more than a conqueror
I am more than a conqueror...
Romans 8:35-37 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: “For Your sake we are killed all day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him Who loved us.
Day 98 – 365 Daily Devotions for Women by Jewell Johnson
Mary C Crowley
Christian Entrepreneur 1915-1986
“Mary Crowley, founder of Home Interiors and Gifts, said: ‘When I realized what it cost Him to redeem me, then I fully realized my worth.’ And there were reasons why she needed her self-worth restored.
“Mary’s mother died when she was eighteen months old. She was shuffled from her father’s care to her grandparent’s home. At age fifteen Mary leaned about a personal God and committed her life to Him. Yet the road ahead was rocky. She married in her teens, then divorced and later weathered a bout with cancer. As a single parent with two children, she lost her job.
“A discouraged adult with low self-esteem, Mary knew what to do; she consulted a pastor, took night classes, and eventually turned her life around.
“’Out of disappointment came victory,’ Mary said. ‘You never gain by sitting around feeling sorry for yourself. Attitudes are more important than facts.’ She began Home Interiors and Gifts, Inc., a business to help women use their talents to succeed and develop self-esteem.
“Perhaps you, like Mary Crowley, suffer from outward struggles and inner battles. Believers are not only promised victory in the future; we are more than conquerors now. In spite of various hardships, by faith, declare your victory in Christ today.”
If you read the list of things that Paul mentions in Romans 8:35-37 it’s clear that most of us will never face those kinds of issues in our own lives. We’re not being killed for our faith – we’re not suffering or being persecuted for what we believe. Most of us aren’t naked or hungry – really hungry. There are places in the world where this is still very true for a Believer – our brothers and sisters are losing their lives to famine, persecution, and distress – and many live in countries where to be a Christian means certain death. That’s not true for those of us in the US. We may feel misunderstood – but we’re not hunted down and executed because we dared to name the name of Christ. That doesn’t mean that we don’t have our own set of modern day issues – and we can still lay claim to the promise that we are MORE than conquerors in Christ! We CAN conquer the sins that so easily beset us! We CAN conquer the battle for our heart and mind. We CAN conquer our fears and insecurities. We CAN conquer our poor self-image – and replace it with the truth of who we are “in Christ.” The question isn’t whether or not we CAN – it’s whether or not we WILL. I hope you WILL choose to live as more than a conqueror today! Sharon
Thursday, February 2, 2012
In Christ - I am set free!
I am set free...
John 8:31,32 To the Jews who had believed Him, Jesus said, "If you hold to My teaching, you are really My disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
Psalms 119:32 I run in the path of Your commands, for You have set my heart free.
Galatians 5:13 You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.
February 8, 2010
Think It Over
by Charles R. Swindoll
“A bazaar was held in a village in northern India. Everyone brought his wares to trade and sell. One old farmer brought in a whole covey of quail. He had tied a string around one leg of each bird. The other ends of all the strings were tied to a ring which fit loosely over a central stick. He had taught the quail to walk dolefully in a circle, around and around, like mules at a sugarcane mill. Nobody seemed interested in buying the birds until a devout Brahman came along. He believed in the Hindu idea of respect for all life, so his heart of compassion went out to those poor little creatures walking in their monotonous circles.
“’I want to buy them all,’ he told the merchant, who was elated. After receiving the money, he was surprised to hear the buyer say, ‘Now, I want you to set them all free.’
“’What’s that, sir?’
“’You heard me. Cut the strings from their legs and turn them loose. Set them all free!’
“With a shrug, the old farmer bent down and snipped the strings off the quail. They were freed at last. What happened? The birds simply continued marching around and around in a circle. Finally, the man had to shoo them off. But even when they landed some distance away, they resumed their predictable march. Free, unfettered, released . . . yet they kept going around in circles as if still tied.
“Until you give yourself permission to be the unique person God made you to be . . . and to do the unpredictable things grace allows you to do . . . you will be like that covey of quail, marching around in vicious circles of fear, timidity, and boredom.”
Excerpted from Day by Day with Charles Swindoll, Copyright © 2000 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. (Thomas Nelson Publishers). All rights reserved worldwide. Used by permission.
WOW! I totally relate to those birds! There have been many times in my life when I’ve wandered in the same circles – making the rut deeper and deeper – and God was there all along telling me I was (and AM!) free! It wasn’t until I got a huge “wake up call” from God that I understood that I had a CHOICE. I could CHOOSE to keep walking in circles – going nowhere – or I could CHOOSE to take a step away and start walking like I was as free as He said I was (AM!). It was scary at first – but eventually I found that walking straight ahead – following God’s path for my life – was MUCH more interesting than the rut I’d been in – and a lot more FUN! Not that it was easy – there were times when I got tired and the rut seemed SO much easier – but I’d tasted freedom too much to want to go back to that bondage. How about you? Are you ready to get out of your rut and get on the path God has laid out before you? I hope so!
Thursday, January 26, 2012
I Christ - I am near to Jesus
I am near to Jesus...
Ephesians 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.
Psalms 145:18 The LORD is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth.
Hebrews 10:22 Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.
James 4:8a Come near to God and He will come near to you.
KPRZ – Encouragement for Today – April 21, 2011
I Was Her
Lysa TerKeurst
"When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'" John 8:12 (NIV)
“I saw her coming across the arena. Deliberately. Intentionally. Her eyes fixed on the stage... on me... on what I must have represented in that moment — a woman who might understand.
“Through the crowd. Up the stairs. Across the stage. She stood next to me pressing her shoulder against mine as I was speaking to 6500 women.
“And there she was staring out at thousands, but pressing into one. Needing more than words.
“Later she explained she needed God and thought if she stood close enough to me, she just might be able to feel Him.
“I didn't have time to carefully plan what to do. I've never had this happen before. I've never seen this happen. It wasn't even on my scope of possibility. But there she was. And there I was. Two women who simply, desperately need Jesus.
“And because I am so hyper aware of my own desperation for Jesus every moment of every day, I simply wrapped my arm around her and kept on speaking.
“It was a wrinkle in time. Something that wasn't supposed to be and yet was. And I think I now know why.
“I needed to remember that ravenous longing I once had to press against somebody who knew Jesus. I was her. Looking at other people's faith wondering how to get that. That depth. That closeness. That unswerving conviction.
“I truly thought if only a person with that faith would let me close enough, I'd discover their secret. I'd learn their routines. I'd mimic their obedience. I'd follow them to the ends of the earth until I got it right. Then, then, then, I'd feel close to Jesus. I'd understand the Bible. I'd pray powerful prayers. And all would finally make sense.
“However, there is a big difference between being close to people who love Jesus and being close to Jesus Himself.
“I can certainly learn from people. ‘He who walks with the wise, grows wise.’ (Proverbs 13:20a, NIV)
“But if I want closeness with Jesus, I won't find that in following anyone but Jesus Himself. He is the One who must be pursued. There have been a thousand whispers from my heart, ‘Show me, Jesus. Show me how to follow You, be close to You, press into You, be more like You...show me. Show me today. Show me in this minute. Show me, please Jesus, show me.’
“A thousand whispers. And there will surely be thousands more that pour from my lips. For Jesus wants us to walk with Him. He says, ‘Follow me.’ Over 20 times in the Gospels, ‘Follow me. Follow me.’
“And those who dare to whisper yes and then walk in His ways, find the One for whom they are longing. ‘Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.’ (Jeremiah 29:12-13, NIV)
“Yes, there she was. And there I was. Two women who simply, desperately need Jesus.
“Dear Lord, I desperately need You. I want to know You for myself. Show me. Help me to follow You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.”
I understand what that woman was feeling – there was a time in my life when Jesus felt as far away as the moon – and I was desperate for His touch – for His love – for His forgiveness – for His mercy – for His help – for HIM. Leaning into Him was my only option – there wasn’t anyone I trusted with my hurt and shame. Sure – I went to church and Bible study – and I shared the surface details of my life and struggles – but when it came to the muck and mire I was stuck in I wouldn’t have shared that any more than I would have walked over hot coals. So there was nothing else to do but lean into Jesus – to search His word for meaning - to pray – and pray some more – to read – and read some more. Over time – YEARS – leaning into Jesus became easier – more “natural” – but let me assure you that I still have moments where I am most definitely NOT leaning into Him. The enemy has climbed up my leg and pushed me as far as he can to get my eyes off the Lover of my soul – and before I know it I’ve slipped back into old habits – old ways of thinking – out of the Spirit and into the flesh – and then I’m miserable. How I HATE giving into a bad attitude – mouthing off to someone or stomping around when things are hard and I’m in pain. My Savior waits – patiently – and taps me on the shoulder – reminds me that He’s closer than the enemy can EVER be – and I “come to my senses” once again. And I lean into Jesus – again.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
In Christ - I am strong to the end
I am strong to the end...
I Corinthians 1:8 He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Jude 1:24,25 To Him Who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy--to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.
Loving God – Daily Reflections for Intimacy with God – Mike Bickle, pg. 242 –
“Can you believe this? Jesus has the ability and intention to present you with exceeding joy before the Father. On that final day I can imagine an angel greeting me and saying, ‘So, what do you think? It’s Judgment Day. Any nerves?’ I’ll answer, ‘Nerves? Nah, I love being here!’ How about you? Do you cringe when you think of that day? Do you fear that God will rebuke you publicly, before all the saints? What is your dominant emotion when you envision that day? If it is fear or dread, what does that say about your image of God? Have you fallen for the lies of the devil and accepted a false view of a vindictive, unsmiling Savior? Or do you picture yourself running and embracing the Lord? Does your heart skp a beat with anticipation? Do you picture His goodness outweighing and outlasting His anger? Do you see the judgment as revealing the good motives of your heart, too?
“Prayer Starter – My heart is filled with unspeakable joy as I think about the moment I will stand before You in heaven. I long to see Your smile of approval and see Your arms outstretched in welcome. Because of Your gift of righteousness I am ready, and I cannot wait!”
I believe it! But – there was a time when I didn’t – I just couldn’t believe that God would look past all those things I’d done while wallowing in the gutter, and I was sure I’d carry the guilt of those sins with me to the grave. Praise God that He delivered me from that way of thinking! I truly believe that as Mike says, He INTENDS to present me to His Father without fault and with GREAT JOY! I no longer worry about what that moment will be like! I BELIEVE that He has forgiven me – and that from His perspective all those things are as though they’d never happened. If He has promised to forgive us AND forget, then why should we worry about having them thrown back in our face when we are finally before Him – our loving and compassionate Abba Father? The enemy would love to keep me wallowing in my guilt – he wants to rob us of our joy – and I’m just not willing to let him do that any more! What about you? Sharon
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