Psalm 118 — Thanksgiving Opens the Gate

More than the personal transformational power of gratitude, thanksgiving opens the gate, ushering us into the Presence of God. This truth became even more real to me this past week.

Psalm 118 sits between the shortest and longest chapters in the Bible, assuming a central location between the book’s beginning and ending. By accident? Not at all! This psalm contains not only a central position but a central theme relevant for us all. Within these verses, the psalmist encourages us to maintain a heart of praise and thanksgiving toward God.

Did such an attitude come easily? As we read this small psalm, we discover some of the difficulty the writer faced. If he was anything like most of us, to maintain a thankful heart posture took concentrated effort.

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
his love endures forever.”
Psalm 118:1

The Message translation states it simply, “Thank God because he’s good, because his love never quits.” We all need these affirming words when life clouds our vision, and our perception of God dims. The psalmist reminds us, God’s love never quits. He is always good and always loving.

Love Never Quits

My love quits. It falters and wanes. It has limits — often much too narrow limits. But not God!

“And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love …”
1 John 4:16

God doesn’t just love, He is love. There is no love apart from God. His love satisfies our soul and sustains us. It never wearies; it builds and releases us to reach our full potential.

A few weeks ago, one of my grandchildren asked, “Grandma, will you ever stop loving me?” Oh, how wonderful to reassure my little one that the love we share would never grow cold. Just like my grandchild, we all need that assurance.

Though people may fail us, God never will. His love never quits.

Strength and Defense

We don’t read very far to realize the psalmist struggled with real fear in the face of real enemies. None of us are promised a tranquil road through life. But just as God’s love and goodness lifted Him through every trial, He will do the same for us.

“When hard pressed, I cried to the LORD;
he brought me into a spacious place.
The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid …”
Psalm 118:5-6

Do you feel hard pressed? In distress? Troubled or hurting? Even there, God promises to open a way for us. He will never abandon us. He stays close. In His shelter, all fear flees.

“The LORD is my strength and my defense;
he has become my salvation.”
Psalm 118:14

As I look back over my life, time and again God became my strength in weakness and my defense in trouble. He lifted me out of the pits of depression and addiction. He rescued me from destruction mindsets and patterns. He protected me from harm. None of it instantly; all of it eventually.

With the psalmist we sing,

“…The LORD’s right hand has done mighty things!”
Psalm 118:15

When we feel like there is no way through, thanksgiving for who He is and all He has done opens the gate.

Opens the Gate

A gate stands before us. Thanksgiving opens the gate to the Presence of God.

Open for me the gates of the righteous;
    I will enter and give thanks to the Lord.
This is the gate of the Lord
    through which the righteous may enter.

I will give you thanks, for you answered me;
    you have become my salvation.

Psalm 118:19-21

Nothing ushers us into His Presence more than a heart overflowing with thankfulness. A friend’s recent experience illustrates this so beautifully.

God has been doing some incredible things in his life since he recommitted himself to the Lord. But his heart grieves over divisions in his family. As he began to thank God for his family, the whole atmosphere around him began to shift. As an overwhelming sense of God’s Presence descended, he wept uncontrollably with joy. Several hours later, the tangible Presence of God continued to arrest him, filling him with a strong sense of God victoriously working through every member of his family.

Thanksgiving opens the gate, setting us free, planting us in spacious, heavenly places while we walk in the confines of earthly bodies.

Give Thanks

Is this a rare and unusual experience? Not for those who develop the habit of giving thanks to God. Like the psalmist, they have learned the open passageway — thanksgiving opens the gate to God’s Presence.

May the Holy Spirit stir within us, awakening us to this living truth. May our hearts ebb and flow with the rhythms of praise.

“You are my God, and I will praise you;
you are my God, and I will exalt you.
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
his love endures forever.
Psalm 118:28-29

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God Walks With Us All the Way!

I am reminded again that God never quits. He stays with us all the way. The good work He began in each of us He will finish. My thoughts are rooted in Deuteronomy 8. Moses reminded Israel, and us, of the faithfulness of God.

“Remember how the LORD your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands.” Deuteronomy 8:2

The words “all the way” seemed to bounce off the page of my Bible. My journey with God has transitioned through more than forty years. I, too, can say, “He has led me all the way, through the good times and the not so good.”

Any and every success of my Christian walk results from His faithfulness, not from anything special on my part.

In the Wilderness

For some, the wilderness sections of our journey came darker and dryer than for others. But no matter where we start, He promises to go with us.

All the way from broken to whole,
from tormented to delivered,
bound to free,
a nobody to the King’s palace
as His own sons and daughters!

The verse calls us to remember. Though memory grows distant, there is value in remembering the tattered sin-stained cloth He tore us from.

Paul minced no words with the Christians in Ephesus,

Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else.”
Ephesians 2:1-3

No one dare claim ground for immunity. We all were cloaked in sin, “just like everyone else.”

To The Cross

And because of this, Jesus went “all the way” to the cross. He didn’t have to, you know. He could have opted out. But, He made that difficult decision because of His love for us. He wrestled over it, asking God for another way.

We read these famous words,

“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”
Luke 22:42

Even knowing ahead of time the tremendous price of saying “Yes!” to the Father, He loved us too much to say, “No.” Because Jesus surrendered going “all the way” to the cross, we now access the unlimited and unmerited blessings of God.

To an Inheritance

But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus.”
Ephesians 2:4-7

God led Israel “all the way” into the promised land — a land of brooks, streams, deep springs, valleys, hills, wheat, barley, vines, fig trees, pomegranates, olive oil and honey (Deuteronomy 8:7-9). Their inheritance lacked nothing they would ever desire.

So, too, He leads us. This life is only the beginning. He brings rich blessings here and now, but the best waits on the other side. Then He will reveal the full measure of the “incredible wealth of his grace and kindness.”

Oh friends! Just as He has faithfully led us in the past, He will lead us into all He has promised.

Into His Promise

How can we be sure?

Every good and perfect gift comes from God, James 1:17 tells us. God, in His perfection, gave the perfect gift of salvation through His Son, Jesus.

“God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.” Ephesians 2:8-9

The gift has already been given. We only need to receive it. The Father went “all the way,” offering us the best He had, His own Son — the ultimate sacrifice of grace to us all. Then He gave us the Holy Spirit as a deposit of greater things to come (2 Corinthians 1:22).

All the Way

The hard part stands finished. God waits for us to receive His gift of love. He did it all for us. Will we reach out with thankful hearts to accept it?

Whether we still walk in our wilderness, or it is a faint memory. The Father waits for our response.

“Father, thank You for going all the way through the wilderness with me — humbling, uncloaking, and revealing the condition of my heart. Thank You for not giving up or abandoning me. I receive Your gift of salvation, made available through Jesus on the cross. Thank You for reminding me the price Jesus paid for my sin. I believe He was raised again to new life and that He offers that life to me. I accept Your gift. Lead me into the inheritance and promise You have for me. Thank You, Lord Jesus, for going all the way.

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God’s Names: God’s Nature: Why Study God’s Names

God’s names reveal God’s nature. When God reveals a new name in the Bible, He uncovers previously hidden attributes of His character. The more we know His Name, the more we know our God.

We understand names carry great significance. Businesses invest time and money in deliberation, strategically choosing and designing catchy names, brands, and logos. Parents mull over baby names for hours, carefully deciding on the perfect name their child will carry.

Recently, a young companion illustrated to me the importance of a name. She chattered non-stop as we headed toward the barnyard. Upon arrival, she proudly held fuzzy balls of purring fluff for me to see. Each meowed and purred at her attention.

“I call this one Calli, because she is a calico kitten.”

Good choice, I thought.

“Here comes Greg,” she said, as a dusty grey kitten squirmed into her lap.

“And this one?” I asked as I held up another.

“Oh! I named him Tucker, because of his tortoise shell markings.”

Pretty smart, for one so small, I thought again.

I studied the litter of kittens more carefully. Their names revealed characteristics I previously ignored. As she continued to point out details of each one, I held another soft bundle of fur, gazing closely into its bright green eyes as whiskers twitched and wet paws stretched.

At that moment, I realized again the importance of studying and valuing the things that matter to us. There in the barnyard, I remembered God’s many names and the significance of them. Over time, I have grown to know Him more clearly, love Him more deeply, and appreciate Him more fully by studying His names.

Written below you will find a few benefits from studying the names of God. God’s names really do reveal His nature.

Security and Identity

“So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. ” Genesis 1:27

In the first chapter of the Bible, God introduces Himself as Elohim — Creator God who spoke all things into existence. All except for mankind! Humanity He created in His own image, forming every detail personally with His hands. Then in the ultimate expression of love and intimacy, He bent low, placing His mouth upon clay-formed lips and breathed.

How amazing! God intimately filled mankind with the essence of Himself. I wonder if at the core of our insecurity and at the root of lost identity, we might find a lack of knowledge of the nature of God’s commitment to us and His loving care.

Elohim, the first name we discover, presents God as one who will not rest until He brings confusion into order, darkness into light, and dust into life! In Him we may trust and in the power of His Name we rest. We discover true security and core identity only in the knowledge of His Name.

Salvation

When Peter speaks before the Sanhedrin, he draws from the Psalmist’s words, “Then I called on the name of the LORD: O LORD, save me!” Peter boldly declared,

“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”
Acts 4:12

What Name bears such significance? What Name, unlike any other name, rescues and saves? There is only One! Only one of God’s names reveals such excellence — the Name of Jesus!

The beautiful Name of the Lord Jesus Christ — each portion carrying deep significance — should be the first Name we learn. Lord represents the Father; Jesus identifies the Son; Christ (the Anointed One) signifies the Holy Spirit. In His Name we find salvation and the fullness of the Trinity.

Confidence in Prayer

“Because he loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, and I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”
Psalm 91:14-16

Whether in desperate situations or the monotony of everyday life, as we acknowledge and declare His Name in prayer, God releases power and authority through our humble words. He hears. He moves and responds. By proclaiming His Name over situations, circumstances shift. Confessing the greatness, the goodness, and the glory of His Name releases His Spirit into unseen realms, transforming the seen ones.

At times uttering His Name takes on a warrior tone, another Name spoken in hushed reverence, still another sung with joy. What assurance comes as we pray, not to a deaf and distant god, but to our Lord — our Healer, Provider, Shepherd, and Peace.

Puts All Things Into Perspective

“I love the LORD, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live. The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came over me; I was overcome by distress and sorrow. Then I called on the name of the LORD: ‘LORD, save me!'”
Psalm 116:1-4

Just as the small moon, at times, blocks the sun’s light from reaching earth, present reality, at times, eclipses the larger truth of who God is and the greatness of His Name. The more we study God’s names and His attributes, the clearer we see the fleeting nature of this present life and difficulty.

Limits constrain everything earthly. But nothing constrains God! He defines Himself in limitless terms: omniscient, omnipotent, omnipresent, eternal, without beginning or end.

Deeper Awe and Worship

“Praise the LORD. Praise the LORD, you his servants; praise the name of the LORD. Let the name of the LORD be praised, both now and forevermore. From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the LORD is to be praised.”
Psalm 113:1-3

For some people, finding a reason to praise God may initially appear difficult. Yet as we practice the adoration of His Name, worship bursts forth. God remains forever worthy of exultation. He commands worship, not because He is a self-seeking egotist, but rather because worship strengthens us! As we pour out unrestrained worship to Him, we become complete and fully satisfied.

For me, the abandonment of worship flows easily. When asked why, I give no other reason than He is worthy!

Every morning when I awake, I ask, “Today, is He worthy?”

Every morning, I come to no other conclusion but, “Yes! Yes! Today, and every day, He is worthy! Today, and every day, my God is worthy of ALL praise.”

Strength under Trial

“We have escaped like a bird from the fowler’s snare; the snare has been broken, and we have escaped. Our help is in the name of the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.”
Psalm 124:7-8

Allow these words to comfort, strengthen, and seep over you.

“The name of the LORD is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.”
Proverbs 18:10

When everything feels like it is closing in, when there seems no way out or around a difficulty, “our help is in the name of the LORD.” God’s Name is always enough. In sickness, the whisper of that Name brings healing. In defeat, the mention of His Name secures victory. Where depression and anxiety paralyze thoughts and actions, the uttering of His Name enables release.

Power in Spiritual Battle

“The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.”
Psalm 9:9,10

To “know” God’s names means to know both intellectually and experientially. It means to personally “know.” As a child, I knew I could run to my earthly father in times of trouble. Why? Because he was strong enough, loving enough, and wise enough to deal with any struggle I faced.

How much more my Heavenly Father!

“The people that know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.”
Daniel 11:32

When we “know” His Name, He gives us authority to release the characteristics and qualities of His Name into situations we are contending for.

David came against Goliath, “in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel” (1 Samuel 17:45). As we face our own battles “in the name of the LORD Almighty,” He fills us with courage, boldness, audacity, tenacity, and anything else we might need to overcome.

Increased Faith

“Who among you fears the LORD and obeys the word of his servant? Let the one who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the LORD and rely on their God.”
Isaiah 50:10

We face our personal faults, fractures, and failures daily. However, the more we gaze into His magnificence and perfection, the more we will realize success and living life well depends not on us, but on God. Every mighty man or woman of God comes to the same conclusion. Though weak, they become strong in Him. Though fearful, they grow bold in Him.

One only needs to turn to Hebrews 11 to read the exploits of faith-filled ones, those who knew God well. The more we know God through His names, the more we too become “fully persuaded that God (has) power to do what he (has) promised” (Romans 4:21) and faith builds, rising to dominate our words and actions.

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The more time my little companion spent with her kittens, the more she knew them, not just by color, but by their character. She knew which ones would play inquisitively and which ones would withdraw to solitary corners and watch.

The more we spend time with our God, studying His names, the more we will know Him and His ways. God’s names reveal His nature, attributes, and character.

The intentional study of God’s names results in eternal dividends.

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Unmasking The Myths; Is This Prayer? Childlike Faith

(Unedited segment of Chapter 3 Unmasking the Myths: Is This Prayer? to be published 2020. Unmasking the Myths is the first of three books on prayer containing over 70 interviews from people around the globe. Their stories and experiences give insight to the power and effectiveness of prayer.)

“All along, prayer has been the Holy Spirit
planting love in me for Jesus.” 

– Meg

As young as seven years old, Kevin wondered if God was real. Even though he went to church and took communion, Kevin felt there was a huge distance between God and himself. As a young boy, whenever he had trouble falling asleep, he would reflect on God. Yet, he felt confused.

By the time he turned 16 the confusion had turned to fear. Though he assumed he was a Christian, he honestly didn’t know what that meant. Only three years later, he was heading in the wrong direction fast.

“Back home from my first year of university, I was working for the town. However, Because of a severe spinal injury from playing hockey, I couldn’t do anything without being loaded up on prescription pain killers. When I came to the end of that summer, I had no money left. I was drinking daily and spending every penny at the local bar. I was on a destructive path.

Here I was a 19-year-old guy who couldn’t even stand up straight or sit down. I was depressed. I didn’t want to go back to university the way I was. Everything was on a bad track, although I maybe wasn’t aware of it at the time. My family had been set free from alcoholism. However, I was on my own journey of recovery after being raised in a dysfunctional home.

I met Merodee and beyond a question fell in love with her at first sight. She and her sister were crossing the street right in front of my oncoming vehicle. I slammed on the brakes to avoid hitting them. We held eye contact as she passed by.

Shortly after that, I invited her to a football game. Merodee brought some Christian music with her and without saying anything she took my music out of the cassette player and put her in. We listened to her music all the way to the football game and back again. Since she left those tapes in my car, that’s all I listened to for the next couple of days. I was so enamored by Merodee that her music absolutely captivated me.

A little while later, I drove out to an old country church and parked outside the locked gate. I sat there, a nervous wreck, feeling very emotional.

All of sudden, the palpable presence of God entered my car.

I started to talk to God and He started to answer me. I knew at that moment, without anyone ever telling me, what to do to be in a relationship with Him. Confessing my sins, I asked Him into my life. It was such an incredibly emotional experience I couldn’t even drive. I probably sat there for half an hour, unable to leave.

I didn’t understand anything, except I knew it was God and that He wanted to have a relationship with me. When I cried out, He was immediately there, closer than anything I had ever felt. I don’t know if I had any other impression except knowing that what I needed was God.

That was the beginning of prayer for me when I felt the presence of God for the first time. Looking back, I can close my eyes and still see everything and feel the same feeling, though not with the same emotion. Before that, I didn’t even know if I believed in God. Yet He revealed himself to me in an unforgettable way.

I’m a little naïve to what the Lord delivered me from. I can’t imagine where that track would have led if I hadn’t encountered God in that particular season.

Afterward, I phoned Merodee and told her what had happened. She yelled into the phone, ‘You’re saved!’

‘What does that mean?’ I asked. I didn’t even know.”

*****

Yoge began her relationship with Jesus while living in her home country of India.

“When I was young, my grandmother was experiencing many problems. Someone welcomed her to church and told her about Jesus. They said, ‘If you pray there, everything will be all right.’

As a result, my grandmother was the first one in our family to accept Jesus and become a secret worshiper of God. When I was about four years old, she started taking me to church too, but I didn’t realize what was going on. Maybe God chose me then, but it took many years for me to come to Him.

In India, our work also determines our religion and cast. My private math tutor belonged to our cast. He was the one who helped me realize who Jesus was. If he wouldn’t have been from our cast, I wouldn’t have listened to him when he said, ‘You need to know that you aren’t worshiping a real God, but worshiping idols instead. You shouldn’t do that.’

I thought, ‘I know you. Why are you saying that our god is not a god?’ I asked, ‘What happened to you? What made you convert to Christianity?’

He said, ‘No, it’s true! We are all idol worshipers.’

‘Okay, let it be an idol.’ I said, ‘We’re living a sophisticated life, doing what we want to do. Compared to other people, our standard of living is very good. What is there to blame this god for?’

He said, ‘It isn’t the idol that is giving this to you; it is your living Father who is providing for you.’ 

‘How can you prove it?’

He continued, ‘What if you have a kitty and think your pet is a god? One day the pet dies. You cry because you aren’t ready to believe that your pet is dead. You say to the dead kitty, ‘I feel hungry and don’t know what to do.’ You’re asking something dead to give you food. Will that dead pet give you food or your mother who is listening to you cry? Who will give you food?’

‘Obviously my mother,’ I said, ‘the dead pet can’t give me food.’

‘Yes!’ he said, ‘The Living God is the One who provides all these things you’re asking for. Still, you believe that your dead kitty is giving you food. It is not the dead kitty but your living mother who feeds you. In the same way, when you are worshiping and praying to an idol, your living Father God in heaven listens to you and provides you with all the good things that you ask for. It is the living God not dead idols that give you all these things. Your Father in heaven is watching you, knowing what His daughter needs, but sees that she doesn’t know who to ask.’

While he was talking to me, he was weeping bitterly. He spoke a simple word, but it was completely anointed. His weeping touched me deeply as I carefully listened to his words. God gave me the understanding that I had been praying to an idol, while He, my living Father, was beside me providing whatever I asked for.

As I walked home, those thoughts rewound in my mind. I closed my eyes and started crying as I realized what I was doing when I worshiped our god. I knew that what I was doing wasn’t good and asked forgiveness from my living Father in heaven. ‘I’m not going to worship idols anymore.’ I said, ‘I am going to live my entire life for You.’

I started going to church every Sunday, but soon my dad discovered that I was worshiping Jesus. One day when I came home from church, he was ready to throw a brick at me to kill me. Because we were religious leaders in our cast, he said, ‘I will definitely kill you. I won’t allow you to live as a Christian.’ He also threatened to pour kerosene on me and burn me. The second time, he did pour it on my head, but my grandmother came and saved me.

Before going to church each Sunday,
I was mentally prepared for the beating
I would get when I returned home.

From the day I became a worshiper of Jesus Christ, I was crazy about God. I literally felt like He was sitting right beside me, talking to me. People wondered what happened and told me to limit my worship and devotion to God, but I never wanted to.

I couldn’t believe that all this time I had worshiped lifeless idols. When I came to God, I knew, beyond a doubt, that He was alive, sitting with me and talking to me. I felt Him moving all around me. Whatever I asked for in prayer happened. How do you deny that? No one can deny it!

That’s how my journey with Jesus Christ began.”

*****

For Shelly prayer was a natural overflow of the relationship she entered into with God. She tells her story,

“I had made so many bad decisions that eventually landed me into an abusive relationship with someone who completely isolated me. I had never felt so much hatred. Feeling devastated, I didn’t know there could be so much darkness. I would wake up thinking I was in a nightmare, but it was real. To him, it was a big game; he was grossly unfaithful. It was like I was trying to get out of my own skin and away from the pain, but I couldn’t get free.

In desperation, I made an appointment to go through the steps of freedom through a ministry called Freedom in Christ. It was during those sessions that I received Jesus Christ as my Savior and began a personal relationship with Him.

After two sessions lasting nine hours (spending most of that time on forgiveness), I forgave him and everyone else in my life. It was like everything dropped off me. In its place, I could feel God’s love being poured inside me.

As God’s incredible love overwhelmed me, I instinctively knew that a relationship with Jesus Christ was where I wanted and needed to be forever. Looking back, I remembered experiencing that same kind of love when I was four years old.

I walked away totally changed—no longer consumed by hatred but overwhelmed by God’s love. I had all kinds of grace for this man, tried to help him and prayed for him. But I got out.”

*****

As a child, Rachel moved to Canada where she became a Christian.

“I was born in China and lived there for eight years before coming to Canada. We didn’t hear about the name of Jesus or Christianity in China. There were posters about evolution everywhere. I was afraid that one day I would turn into a monkey in a cage instead of a human being.

In China, school is very competitive, but you are supposed to be friends with everyone in your classroom. One week before we left China, I was involved in an argument with a classmate over an origami crane I had made. She found my crane and turned into a frog. When I discovered my crane had disappeared, I became angry. Normally, I wouldn’t start a quarrel, but this time I did.

In China, if a dispute arose, a class monitor would come to the class to help settle the problem. The girl told the monitor that I lost my crane out of irresponsibility, so when she found it she made it into a frog. She kept crying and won the sympathy of the class monitor. I ended up having to permanently leave school because of the argument.

‘Okay, I will leave,’ I thought, ‘but where will I go.’

Actually, God used this incident to prepare me to move away. Right after the dispute, I discovered that my Dad and I were soon leaving to live in Canada. My grandmother, the first Christian in our family, had been praying for us to receive Christ.

God, by His sovereign will works through people in unusual ways. We had a friend from China who enrolled at Trinity Western University because a consultant who did not know Jesus specifically told her to go to this Christian University. It was there that her favorite memories developed and that she first learned about Jesus. Even though we don’t always understand how God moves, whether through arguments, class monitors or unbelieving consultants, God is working in our lives.

As a child, I would believe whatever my dad told me. When I was little, he told me that Buddha held the earth. We didn’t know about Jesus then, but when we came to Canada, dad became a Christian. Dad told me about Jesus and why He had to die for our sins. Until then, I thought Jesus was a rebel. When God started to speak to me through my dad, I considered becoming a Christian. I didn’t ask Jesus into my heart yet though.

My first impression of Jesus was that He was like Santa. You could ask Him for something and He would give it to you. Later, I found out that He is bigger than that. He is God and works the big picture. He desires for us all to come to Him so He can give us His grace.

I started to change when I was nine years old and Jesus became personal. I began to pray, but at first, my prayers were self-centered. Then I realized my parents also had needs. I started to pray for people to be healed and began to understand Jesus’ love for others.”

No matter what age, stage or circumstance of life, the prayer of committing one’s life to the Lordship of Jesus Christ is the most powerful, miracle-working prayer anyone could pray.”

*****

Unmasking the Myth

The myth that declares that any god will do has kept many people from committing their lives to Jesus Christ and finding the love Shelly spoke about. 

“We can always have a non-god to go to instead of God.”
– Karin

Only Jesus can create the profound change Charlotte, Kevin and millions of others have experienced. Jesus desires for everyone to come to know the one and only true God.

“Now this is eternal life; that they know you,
the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.”
John 17:3

This same intimate relationship with God that these people have spoken about, is available right now to any who will sincerely come to Him.

“He longs for everyone to embrace his life
and return to the full knowledge of the truth.”
1 Timothy 2: 4 TPT

God is waiting for everyone to embrace Him and the life He offers. God loves us and has an incredible plan for our future, regardless of our past (Ps 139:16). He desires for us to have a fulfilling exciting life right now and forever—a life connected with Him (Jn 10:10).

Kate asked,

“Does any other god communicate back to you? What other god responds to you like the Lord God? Does any other god give you life? Can another god forgive your sins?

Jesus Christ is life. He gives us an unbelievable life now. Eternal life! Life is found in Jesus Christ alone. In Him is everything I need to exist—love, joy, peace and so much more. I don’t want to look anywhere else or to anything else. Time is too precious to waste pursuing other so-called gods.

God is a life-giving Spirit. When You know that your spirit is made alive by God’s Spirit, that’s it! You don’t need anything else.

The ultimate, Almighty God, is available. He is the One and only living true God. Until you meet Jesus, you don’t know what you are missing.

To communicate with Almighty God is incredible.
Knowing that He wants to have
fellowship with us is very humbling.
It is the ultimate relationship to have.”

Only one thing keeps us from experiencing this vital relationship with Him. God is holy and perfect. Only those who are without sin can come into His presence and enjoy His wonderful plan and experience His presence. Every one of us has sinned and comes far short of God’s perfect standard (Rom 3:23).

God provided the solution for restored intimacy with us through Jesus Christ, his perfect Son. Jesus died on the cross to take our punishment and pay the price for our sins (Rom 5:8). It didn’t end there! On the third day, Jesus rose from the grave as the giver of life for all (Rom 6:23).

The Bible says that by repenting and confessing the Lordship of Jesus, we can then live in a relationship with God. It sounds too simple for such a complicated problem. (Rom 10:9-10) However, God said that by personally accepting His provision and committing our lives to Him, He makes everything new.

The root of every prayer journey
is a relationship with Jesus.”

– Jan

Like a baby begins to walk by taking small steps, we begin the fascinating journey of faith through a seemingly small prayer spoken from sincere hearts. If you want to take that life-changing step today, He is only a prayer away.

*****

“Dear God, I confess that I have sinned against You and others. I choose today to believe that Jesus died on the cross for the forgiveness of my sins. I turn from the way I have been living to follow You. Please forgive me and come into my life. I trust in You and desire for You to be my Lord and Savior from this day forward, in Jesus Name (Rom 10:13, Jn 20:31). Thank You Lord, for all you have done for me. Thank You for Your love and the gift of your saving grace.”

*****

“Only one prayer causes jubilation in heaven and mourning in hell. That one prayer is asking God to come into our lives.”
– Meg

Communion – The Cross and Resurrection – “In Remembrance of Me”

Communion - The Cross and the Resurrection

In a small room with a cracker in one hand and a small glass of grape juice in the other, I silently reflected on their meaning. “Do this in remembrance of me,” Jesus said. Many times, I have received communion and held these tangible elements representing His death.

Communion

Communion

I waited for personal revelation of the implications of the cross: of Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection.

God still speaks. I “hear” Him mostly when reading the Bible, at times through dreams or visions, and often with thoughts I know are not my own. Of course, everything is weighed against the truth of Scripture.

Tabernacle

In a vision, suddenly Jesus (the Son of God not the glorified Christ) took me by the hand. Together we quickly and purposefully rushed past multitudes standing by their tents. It seemed like perhaps the encampment of God’s people in the wilderness.

We approached what I knew to be the Old Testament tabernacle but without curtains to contain or divide it. There were no busy priest performing sacrifices or tending to the required rituals and requirements.

Past the Brazen Altar and the Laver He took me. Past the Golden Lampstand and the Table of Shewbread we went. There was no need to stop! Now as a New Testament believer, I knew Jesus had fulfilled every requirement of the Law. Together we skirted the Altar of Incense and entered the Holy Place.

“Do not think that I have come to
abolish the Law or the Prophets;
I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.”
Matthew 5:17

A thick cloud of glory filled the area, circling and swirling. Jesus’ pace did not slow. A millisecond of panic gripped me as He let go of my hand. I was engulfed by the cloud.

Glory of God

I was lost, without body or identity; nothing of me existed in the Presence of Holy God. I an instant I was completely inhabited by God. I was “in” Him, in His glory. His Presence “consumed” me.

Joy

As I looked back toward Jesus, He was the embodiment of unconfined, unrestrained joy. In that moment, I realized this is part of why He died.

“…For the joy set before him he endured the cross,
scorning its shame…”
Hebrews 12:2

“For the joy set before Him!” Jesus’ greatest joy is to bring all who believe in Him to the Father with shameless audacity!

I have given them the glory that you gave me,
that they may be one as we are one —
 
I in them and you in me
so that they may be brought to complete unity.
Then the world will know that you sent me
and have loved them even as you have loved me.

John 17:22-24

The “oneness” humanity once had in the garden completely restored! Access no longer denied with Father, Son and Holy Spirit! A unity that goes beyond humanity and reaches beyond comprehension! Communion, a common union!

Bridegroom Bride

I stepped out of the glory toward Jesus, The Bridegroom, as I glanced downward. I stood in shock and amazement! My garments radiated gold and even my skin was dusted with it.

Just as the Son’s joy is to bring us to the Father, the Father’s joy is to prepare us for the Son – a bride worthy of the bridegroom.

In Love

Jesus’ enthusiasm and love surpasses our understanding or even our confusion! He is ecstatic!

… even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
That he might sanctify and cleanse it
with the washing of water by the word,
 That he might present it to himself a glorious church,
not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing;
but that it should be holy and without blemish.”
Ephesians 5:25-27

Jesus is not coming back for a weak unprepared bride, but one adorned and ready! It has nothing to do with us; it has everything to do with the finished work of the cross.

In my right hand was an abnormally large golden sword.  It was fully my height and heavier than I could lift on my own, let alone wield! It is the sword of mercy and grace.

“Let us then approach
God’s throne of grace with confidence,
so that we may receive mercy and find grace
to help us in our time of need.”
Hebrews 4:16

Jesus arose from the grave with all authority and power! What is rightfully His, He lavishly gives to His bride! Here in Him alone, we receive mercy! Here, we find grace! Every need is met!

Bible

Available

My needs, in comparison to many others, are small indeed. Yet, in all honestly, I struggle with personal “heavy” things of life. Joy is not always spontaneous or overflowing, nor is victory obvious! I am contending, prayerfully war, for what Christ has attained.

Today I need the reminder of communion, the emblems of His death and resurrection. Drawing on the exuberant joy that originates and emanates from Him, I wait. Grasping tightly the sword I cannot wield on my own and did not merit by my efforts I take a stand, until like another warrior it is froze to my hand. I rest undone yet completely united in Him through His death and resurrection.

“For if we have been united with him in a death like his,
we will certainly also be united with him
in a resurrection like his.”
Romans 6:5

Jesus has each of us by the hand, leading us to places we cannot, could not and would not go on our own. We live in Him; He lives in us!

“This is how we know that we live in him
and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit.”
I John 4:13

As we celebrate the Easter season, and each time we participate in communion, may we remember we have received mercy and found grace.

**********

Commitment

If this resonates with you, but you don’t know Jesus personally, today is an excellent opportunity to enter into a relationship with Him. Jesus did all the work! Do you know for sure that you will go to heaven when you die? You can.

“I write these things to you who believe
in the name of the Son of God
so that you may know that you have eternal life.”
I John 5:13

There is a problem! God is holy. Only those without sin can come to Him; everyone sins.

The solution to man’s greatest problem of sin is in Jesus Christ. God sent His Son Jesus to pay for our sin and make us holy before God.

Jesus death on the cross was payment for your sins and mine. If you believe Jesus Christ, the sinless Son of God, paid for your sins and has been raised to life, so that we too may have life, pray this simple prayer with me:

“Lord Jesus,
I believe that you died on the cross for my sins.
Please forgive me, come into my life,
and give my your life.
I want to do my best to live for you
from this day forward.
Thank You Jesus for what you have done,
be Lord of my life.
Amen.

Welcome into the family of God! If you don’t already have a bible, find one and begin reading in the book of John. It is helpful to join a local church where you will be encouraged and supported in your new walk of faith. An exciting chapter of your life has just begun. Congratulations!

“…if you confess with your mouth
that Jesus is Lord
and believe in your heart
that God raised him from the dead,
you will be saved.”
Romans 10:9-10

A Daughter’s Redemption! Dawn Enters a New Day

A Daughter's Redemption - Dawn of a New Day!

Most of us have heard stories of redemption where someone is saved from something.  The something could be a person, a destination or place, or a situation of their own or other people’s making.  My name is Dawn; the story of my life is one of a daughter’s redemption.

I have been saved many times from situations, beliefs or ideas, and behaviours of my own and others.  Sometimes my salvation has been quick or even instant.  At other times, I have come to a slow awareness of salvation available before I could walk into it.

The Most Important Salvation

The most important salvation of my life was both instant and a slow realization: salvation from my own worst self, fears, sin, and ignorance of Jesus Christ.

“For the Son of Man came to seek
and save those who are lost.”
Luke 19:10

As a young girl, my little sister, Rhonda, and I lived with my addicted dad.  He was one of the few single fathers in the 70’s. I already had experienced much fear, pain, and loss.

Fear, pain, and loss!

When my parent’s marriage disintegrated, my mother was separated from Rhonda and I.  My father loved us deeply; he also loved the drugs he used to pacify his wounded heart and mind.

In the midst of

stints of foster care,
multiple moves and school placements
(6 schools by grade 4)
parties, strangers, threats of violence in our home,
weapons, secrets, jail visits
and lack of adult supervision and structure.

Jesus introduced Himself to me.

I was 8 years old and beginning to have an awareness of and feel frustration with my home life.  My entire little-girl heart LOVED my father deeply — flaws, secrets, instability, and all. I was beginning to see direct effects of his poor decision-making on Rhonda and me.

I was also beginning to be angry towards him. Questions filled my 8-year-old heart and mind:

Why can’t we see our mom?
Where is mom?
Has she forgotten us?
Why do we have to keep secrets about guns
drugs and drinking?
Why do we move all the time?
Will we have to go to another foster home?
Why are police always at our house?
Why can’t we be like my friend’s families?”

In the midst of the darkness, danger, and fear in my home and heart, the strangest, most unexpected thing occurred!

A School Bus

A school bus started coming to our home to pick Rhonda and I up for Sunday School!  Not only that, but the same bus came and picked us up on Wednesdays for Pioneer Girls, a fun group for girls at church.  Twice a week, the yellow bus brought us to a Holy Spirit-filled church where we learned about Jesus for the first time.

School bus, church and Pioneer Girls

During one of these groups, my teacher took me aside and shared how Jesus knows and loves ME.  She asked if I’d like to know Jesus and invite Him into my heart to be with me always.  I did not have to think long! I did not know much about Jesus. What I had heard so far sounded wonderful!

I chose to believe that God and Jesus were real and that they could and would help me. And He sure did help me!  The change was instantaneous!

 “Then you will call on me
and come and pray to me,
and I will listen to you.”
Jeremiah 29:12

I was no longer alone as a small girl in a big world.  I began to talk to Him and believed He heard my prayers.  My father was not a believer. He made it very clear he would never set foot in church. Either he knew we needed it, or he was glad for the structured activity it gave us, so he let us attend.

The Unexpected

Sometimes, the help Jesus offers is painful to receive, centering around earthly change and loss.  This is also my story. Within a few months of being introduced to Jesus, our lives would be forever changed.

We moved that spring to a large house outside Calgary, Alberta. The indoor pool, 4 bedrooms and 100 acres of land were welcome.

As a little girl, I had no way of knowing my dad had become deeply involved in a drug ring. The property was owned by someone in that circle. We were allowed to live there with expectations of my dad.

We finished the school year at a new school and experienced another month in foster care, before returning home to dad and country life.

Our grandparents came to take us to Regina for the summer vacation.  We were excited! We loved time with grandma and grandpa!  Here there was Sunday school, lots of yummy food, love, attention, and care.

Within 2 weeks of kissing and hugging our dad goodbye, we received the worst news any child can hear — our dad was no longer alive. He shot and killed himself!

“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted;
he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.”
Psalm 34:18

Grief, loss, tears and sadness became our companions that summer. Adults decided the best care for us. Two little girls, aged nine and seven, were required to begin a new chapter in life.

Without Dad

Early in this experience of loss, I came to a realization: life was not easy nor always good with my dad. We LOVED our dad and wanted him back with us, but I also had to admit we were heading down a dangerous road in life. I began to see how Jesus was intervening to save Rhonda and me.

God was not responsible for or caused my dad to take his own life.  God’s will is never death or sin.  I am assured that God was grieving for the loss of his son, our dad, alongside Rhonda and I grieving for our father.

Grief, Sorrow and Pain - A Father Gone!

After my heart healed a little, I was able to look back at life before and after losing my father. I began to learn that God sometimes allows deep pain and loss because He knows it can lead to equally deep trust and life. Can and will we surrender and trust Him to allow His tender healing of the hurts?

Life began again in July, 1980 for me.  It is not the end of my story, but it was the end of that chapter of my story.  I thank Jesus, Father God, and Holy Spirit for walking through that season with me.

I’m also thankful to the Pioneer Girls leader, loving praying grandparents, and for the prayers and actions of others who gently circled us. When we meet Jesus, face to face, He will introduce us to the many people who influenced our young lives.

Redemption

And today? These many years later, how has life unfolded? Twists and turns! Lumps and bumps! Jesus continues to surprise!

The latest is a call to the woods of Tracy, New Brunswick. Here my husband and I have committed a year of our lives to volunteer. We are learning a program model for a Christ-Centered residential addiction program for men called “Village of Hope”. Some days we feel we fall short of the call, but we press forward knowing He has led us here for this time and His purpose. There’s no other place I’d rather be!

Village of Hope New Brunswick

Jesus continually called my name, even after a long season of running away and denying hearing His voice. I am blessed on earth to be called “mother” “grandmother” “wife” and “friend”. The core of my identity though is knowing my name as “Daughter”.

“And, “I will be a Father to you,
and you will be my sons and daughters,
says the Lord Almighty.”
2 Corinthians 6:18

I spent many years not knowing the experience of being addressed as someone’s daughter. Now my Heavenly Daddy gave me the mind and heart-jolting revelation, “You are MY daughter”. The sweet reward of redemption!

My response is to live as a child of the King – by spreading seeds of His joy, His peace, His love and light.  To do so allows me to thrive.

**********

Note:

Thrive Dawn does! Dawn loves and cares for others passionately and genuinely. It is fitting that Dawn is the first to share her testimony, as representative of her First Nations Indigenous heritage.

Dawn’s redemption continues to influence numerous lives nationally. She effectively “mothers” multitudes, inspiring them to break free from generational and personal places of pain and addiction.

The Dawn of a New Day! Philip & Dawn

I am proud to call Dawn a friend, a sister, and partner in the work of Christ. She is a humble “daughter” of her Father God in the fullest extent of the word.

More Good Reading:

Rebuild the Walls! Fight for Your Families, Your Sons And Your Daughters!

The Ends of the Earth! No Small Task – Salvation to all Nations

Evangelism

The reach of the gospel of Jesus Christ is too small! Our prayers for the nations are too small! The Lord is worthy of the worship of every nation, tribe and tongue.

“It is too small a thing for you to be my servant
to restore the tribes of Jacob

and bring back those of Israel I have kept.
I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, 
that my salvation may reach to the 
ends of the earth.”
Isaiah 49:6

“It is too small a thing” for only God’s chosen people to obey and worship the Lord. He is too big, too awesome, too amazing for that! When we grasp how worthy our Saviour Jesus Christ is, we also begin to recognize how worthy He is of ALL worship and adoration.

The Need

We need a Saviour because of the sin nature that is within us all. God has set a plumb line of holiness; it is a standard unreachable by humanity.

  • Man has sinned and under the penalty of death (Rom. 3:23; 6:23).
  • Man’s sin exposed him to divine punishment (Rom. 1:18Isa. 53:6Jer. 17:9Psa. 14:3Rom. 1:18-325:108:7Col. 1:21).

Crucifixion

The Solution

God has a solution for our problem. Although, we all stand guilty before a holy God, Jesus Christ paid the penalty for both our sins and our sin nature (Rom. 5:68). Jesus took the punishment for our sins upon Himself on the cross.  (Gal. 3:13Rom. 3:25-265:8).

Christ, who was sinless, suffered and died for sinful men (2 Cor. 5:21). The resurrection of Jesus Christ proves that God accepted this payment on our behalf.  (Rom. 1:4)

Resurrection

The Hope

My hope is not because I am not a sinner,
but because I am a sinner for whom Christ died.
My trust is not that I am holy,
but that, being unholy, Christ died for me.
My rest is, here, not in what I am, or shall be, or feel, or know,
but in what Christ is and must be,
–in what Christ did, and is still doing as He stands before yonder throne of glory.”
C. H. Spurgeon

I am impressed again by the reality that these truths. The fullness of the salvation that I know, though personal, is too wonderful to be kept to myself.

God longs for “...everyone to be saved and to understand the truth”. His goal is for salvation to reach to the ends of the earth.

One Worthy

Unless we believe for all people on earth to know this truth, we are thinking, praying, and believing too small.

“After this I saw a vast crowd, too great to count,
from every nation and tribe and people and language,
standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb.
They were clothed in white robes and held palm branches in their hands.
And they were shouting with a great roar,
Salvation comes from our God
who sits on the throne and from the Lamb!”
Revelation 7: 9-10

The greatness of God commands worship beyond our comprehension.

Heaven and Earth

“And all the angels were standing around the throne and
around the elders and the four living creatures;
and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying,
“Amen, blessing and glory and wisdom and
thanksgiving and honor and power and might,
be to our God forever and ever Amen.”
Revelation 7:11-12

Not Small!

May we pray big until all come into relationship with Jesus Christ. For me at least, I don’t think big enough! I’m not praying big enough!

Only when all the nations of the world resound together is glorious praise will worship and adoration be worthy of our God.

__________

Further Reading:

Are We Willing To Put Everything On The Line? What Would it Look Like if We Did?

__________

Procrastination – Putting Off for Tomorrow What Should be Done Today!

Procrastination - Don't Delay

My father would often tell me, “MaryAnn! Don’t put off for tomorrow what you can do today!” Maybe I heard these words often because I, like others, sometimes leaned toward procrastination.

He knew, what I also now realize, today is the only moment I have. Today’s opportunities will vanish in the evening’s sunset. My earthly father was echoing the voice of our Heavenly father. Though the former is no longer with us, the later continues to speak the wisdom of today’s fleeting nature.

Sunset - Procrastination

I have a lengthy “To Do” list. Many of the items listed are trivial. As a matter of fact, the most important “To Dos” don’t even appear on this random list.

Today – Working Diligently

When I was in the full-time workforce, whether my supervisor was present or absent, I cultivated an attitude of continually giving my best. It is a practise that has benefited me now that schedules are self-appointed, and goals are self-established.

Take a lesson from the ants, you lazybones.
    Learn from their ways and become wise!
Though they have no prince
    or governor or ruler to make them work,
they labor hard all summer,
    gathering food for the winter.

Ant Proverbs 6:6

 But you, lazybones, how long will you sleep?
    When will you wake up?
 A little extra sleep, a little more slumber,
    a little folding of the hands to rest—
 then poverty will pounce on you like a bandit;
    scarcity will attack you like an armed robber.”
Proverbs 6: 6-11

Procrastination is much more pleasing to my ear than “lazybones!” Today is good day to work diligently at whatever God puts in front of me. The season may be fast approaching when I will not be able to do the things I now am capable of.

Ants can carry 20 to 100 times their own body weight. That is a lot of lifting! May my work ethic set a similar example to others.

Today – Keep Your Promise

“When you make a promise to God, don’t delay in following through,
for God takes no pleasure in fools.
Keep all the promises you make to him.”
Ecclesiastes 5:4

I know of some people who have “bartered” with God in a season of desperation. “Lord if you will _________, I will ___________.” When things are going smoothly again, promises fade into distant memory.

However, most people won’t fit into this category. What are some of the other promises that we make to God? One of mine is within the marriage covenant. “Before God and these witnesses, I MaryAnn promise to … from this day forward …”

Covenant Promise

There have been times in our marriage when I seriously wanted to escape that promise. More than once, I’ve pulled out our wedding vows and recommitted myself to the best of my ability fulfill my promise.  Sounds foolish maybe, but it gave me the strength and grit to see it through.

Today is a day to keep my promise to God and others. If I wait until I feel like, that day may never come. It is in the doing that the feeling lines up.

Today – Obey God’s Commands

“I will hurry, without delay, to obey your commands.” Psalms 119:60

Whatever knowledge I have of God’s command, I am responsible for walking in. Before I understood, God’s desire, I was not responsible to fulfill it.

As children grow their responsibility level increases. At first all their needs are met. As they learn to feed themselves, they do. When they become school age, applying themselves to learn is a reasonable expectation. As they reach adulthood, there are increased levels of responsibility and expectations to apply.

The same is true in the spiritual. God calls us to love one another, forgive each other, encourage each other, serve one another, honour one another, and be devoted to one another, to name a few.

One Another

“But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today“,
so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.”
Hebrews 3:13

In a community of support we spur each other on to follow God’s commands. Today is a good day to obey!

Today – Hear and Respond!

“God again set a certain day, calling it “Today.”
This he did when a long time later he spoke through David,
as in the passage already quoted:
“Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.”
Hebrews 4:7

The most critical “To Do” is responding to His invitation to enter a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. If you have never done this, “Today” is a perfect day! Every tomorrow after today will be impacted by this one choice.

Many people have already made the decision to become a Christian, by accepting Jesus Christ as their Saviour and Lord. Others delay, thinking there will be another day! The tragedy is, there may not be. After this life is eternity. Life does not end when your body dies. Your spirit lives forever.

No Procrastination - Heaven Awaits

What we do with this decision about Jesus will determine where and how we spend that eternity. Will that eternity be in the Presence of The One who is Life, or will it be in the place of doom designed for Satan and his emissaries?

Today is the day to hear and respond to God’s wonderful gift of salvation.

No Procrastination!

Today is an open door before us. Let’s step into it with vigor checking a few things of that “To Do” list. Let us focus on the things that matter the most, setting procrastination aside!

__________

Not done yet? Want to read more?

Normal? What Does It Mean To Be Normal Christian?

__________

Isaiah 45 – “Turn to Me” Today is the Day of Salvation

I have read the bible many times; each time revealing how far my life is from its teachings. However, this one thing I know, God relentlessly pursues and captivates me, drawing me inexplicably to call upon the Name of the Lord and be saved.

Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Romans 10:13 

A thousand voices resound just as many variations of this theme, “Call on the Lord and be saved.” Countless people continue at risk reputation, security and even their lives to declare this truth.

“There is salvation in no one else!
God has given no other name under heaven
by which we must be saved.”
Acts 4:12

The simplicity is profound.

Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other.”
Isaiah 45:22

“Look to Me”

I remember the farming days, before GPS, wanting to drive a straight line through a vast field. Fixing my gaze on a point at the far end of the field, I would direct the farm equipment for it. However, every time I turned and looked in another direction I would be to taken slightly off course. Refocus! Reset my track!

Straight

There are many places one can look to attempt to satisfy the deepest longings and cravings of the human heart. I have tried more than my share of alternatives!

Truly, there is only One direction to find salvation. The thought of this singular path is upsetting to many, but reality none the less.

God’s invitation still stands, “Let all the world look to me for salvation! For I am God; there is no other.” NLT

Trusting

“Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.”
Psalm 20:7

Where is your point of trust? For many it is in position, power or wealth. All give a false sense of security. All are temporary at best.

A mission’s trip to Cambodia challenged my thinking.  Decades ago, Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge thrust this beautiful nation into destruction! In a matter of days, the “Pearl of the East” lay in ruins: credentials and degrees meant nothing, thriving businesses nullified, family structure decimated, religious freedom denied, as money blew in drifts down empty streets. The world stood at a distance in disbelief.

Cambodia

Where then does one put their trust?

The Invitation

Turn to me.”

These words continue

to invite and welcome
like a winding path through unknown territory
to wonder
at what beauty and rest ahead.

God’s path is neither winding nor uncertain! His path is straight, narrow and sure!

Straight Path

Today is a perfect day to turn and trust in no other than Christ Jesus.

“For he says,
“In the time of my favor I heard you,
and in the day of salvation I helped you.”
I tell you,
now is the time of God’s favor,
now is the day of salvation.”
2 Corinthians 6:2

Salvation

For many the stumbling block is responding to the pure simplicity of the invitation. A heartfelt prayer is the springboard of this incredible journey.

I borrow the words from a children’s book, “Olivia & Me” to help you get started:

“I believe Jesus died on the cross for my sins.
Please forgive me.
Come into my life and give me your life.
I want to do my best to live for you,
in Jesus’ Name,
Amen.”

The Journey Begins