Tag: Jesus

Pushing Boundaries

#Jesus, #inspiration, rescue, safety“Look at all the new houses,” I said to my husband. “Our city is growing so quickly it’s pushing its boundaries to the limit.”

Our conversation quickly moved in a direction other than the rapid expansion of our city. In our lives, we push boundaries on a regular basis.

I need to constantly push the boundaries of my comfort zone. New experiences can be intimidating. The more I force myself to stretch and try new things, the less uncomfortable they become. This type of expanding my boundaries is healthy.

There are other types of boundary pushing that are not so good. They fall into what is referred to as a grey area. Little white lies would fit into this category. They may seem harmless but I am pushing the boundaries of my conscience. Before long the grey area becomes commonplace and I no longer have a problem with it.

Gradually I push even further and one day realize I’ve moved from harmless to unacceptable. My thoughts and actions have become mired as if in quicksand. How do I get to a safe, healthy place again?

When I call out to Jesus, he reaches his hand to rescue me. He pulls me from the muck and mire and gives me a firm place to stand. By keeping my eyes on him rather than the distractions of the world I will ensure my boundaries are safe.

He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. (Psalm 40:2 NIV)

Hidden Treasure

#Jesus, #inspiration, life,My daughter was given a lovely candle in a glass jar. This wasn’t an ordinary candle but one with a secret inside.

A foil pouch was buried somewhere deep within the wax. There was hidden treasure that took patience to uncover. The candle itself had a pleasing aroma and was more than just the medium to hold the surprise. It was part of the gift.

When the candle burned down enough to see the foil pouch, the excitement mounted. It was still firmly embedded so still not quite ready to retrieve. Oh, the anticipation!

Eventually, the pouch was removed and opened.  A beautiful ring was inside.  It had been worth the wait.hidden, talents

When I was reflecting on this I thought of the hidden treasure inside each of us. There have been times I knew there must be more to life than what I’ve experienced. Like the new candle, I examine my life and wonder what else it might hold.

Buried deep inside are passions, abilities and many others gifts I wasn’t fully aware of. The hidden treasure only started to show itself when I allowed the love of Jesus to soften my heart. When I put my trust in Jesus the gifts he’s given me are free to emerge.

What Jesus has done in my life is wonderful but it can’t hold a candle to the treasure I’ve found in my relationship with him.

We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves. (2 Corinthians 4:7 NLT)

Christmas Village

#Jesus, love, peaceA Dickens Christmas Village is set up on my hearth. The lights in the church, shops and house shine onto the little village scene. In one area Charles Dickens reads from A Christmas Carol to a crowd gathered around. Nearby are a group of Christmas Carolers. Some children are playing in the snow.

Gazing at the cheerful little village brings back precious memories of receiving the various pieces throughout the years. My adult children enjoyed moving some of the people to unusual locations in the village to see if I’d notice. Grandchildren loved to gaze at it but knew not to touch the porcelain pieces.#Jesus, love, Christmas

This village brings me peace and joy. It also reminds me of love shared with my family, who are the primary members of my personal village.
Christmas is about peace, joy and love. There is no better way to honour Jesus than by sharing the love that he so generously gives to me. That is what I plan to do with those I come in contact with.

I want to express my appreciation for each of you who read my posts. May you feel the blessings of love and peace not only this Christmas but throughout the coming year.

This is how God showed his love among us; He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. ( 1 John 4:9 NIV)

City on a Hill

#Jesus, #inspiration, light, kindnessLate one night I was driving home on a long, dark road. The lack of traffic meant there were no other headlights to brighten the road. I felt alone in the darkness.

Most of the towns I passed were in low-lying areas and their lights couldn’t be seen until I was almost upon them.

In the distance, I saw a glimmer of light that brightened as I drew nearer. The city I live in is built on a hill and its warm, welcoming glow could be seen from afar.welcoming, kindness

In the bible, Jesus tells us we should be the light of the world. This is important all the time but maybe even more so in the long, dark days of winter. I wondered how I could be a warm, inviting light for others.
It may be something simple like a friendly smile or word of encouragement. Maybe I could give my time to someone who needs a helping hand. Or, I could take a plate of Christmas cookies to someone who doesn’t bake.

When I stop to think about it, there are lots of ways to shine light into the lives of those around me. By showing kindness I am letting people know I care about them. In this way, the light of Jesus shines through so others will know they are not alone in the dark.

“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden.” Matthew 5:14 NIV

Redeeming Points

#God, #Jesus, #inspirationDo you collect any type of loyalty points? I have a few cards that reward me for my commitment. The one I’ve had the longest is an Air Miles card. Over the years I’ve accumulated quite a number of points.

This type of loyalty now has an expiry date. Unused points will start disappearing as of December 31st this year, so I need to redeem them soon. We’ve gone to their website a few times, trying to decide what merchandise we’d like to exchange them for. I don’t like to feel rushed to make a decision but we are approaching a use it or lose it deadline.

Recently I spent several hours going through an online catalogue of merchandise and deciding what to spend our points on. Should I choose some spa visits or more practical items like a new heavy duty blender? There are enough points to get several things but I need to plan carefully to maximize my rewards.

As I chose the items I would redeem my points for I thought of another type of redemption. This one is available at any time. The offer has no expiry date.

God has redeemed me and forgiven my sins thanks to the sacrifice made by Jesus. I didn’t have to spend years collecting points to qualify for this reward. In fact, nothing I could do would be enough to earn this kind of compensation. Instead, it was freely given. All I needed to do was to come to God in repentance and invite him into my life. The benefits are far greater than a fancy small appliance. I am able to have a close personal relationship with God and the assurance of eternity with him. Now that’s the kind of loyalty that has my full commitment.

I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you.” Isaiah 44:22 NIV

Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them. Luke 1:68 NIV

Lineups

#Jesus, #God, #inspirationI overheard a conversation about a new grocery store that had just opened in my area. “Did you go to the grand opening?” one asked. “No, I don’t like the crowds and lineups,” the other replied.

They carried on to say that there had been giveaways for the first 500 people through the door. This hadn’t been enough to get them to the store.

Although I’m sure the giveaways would have enticed many, the reward would need to be substantial before I’d be willing to spend my time waiting in line. Even if I hadn’t other commitments that day I wouldn’t have joined the throng of shoppers.

There have been times I’ve lined up for something of little significance. In contrast, the greatest reward I’ve ever received was available to all who requested it. It wasn’t on one day only or limited to the first 500 who arrived. No lineups were required.

Jesus accepts all who sincerely desire a personal relationship with him. I came asking forgiveness for my sins. He took away my guilt and shame. My doubts and sorrow were replaced with peace and joy.

The light and love of Jesus shines into my life and has secured my place in the kingdom of God. The day I invited Jesus into my life was the grand opening of my new life with him. No line ups required.

God is faithful and reliable. If we confess our sins, he forgives them and cleanses us from everything we’ve done wrong. (1 John 1:9 GWT)

Need to Recharge?

#jesus, #inspiration, power, strength“My phone is almost dead I need to recharge it,” I said to my husband; “I’m so glad it gives me warning instead of just shutting down.”

As I went to plug it in, I noticed another function I’d never paid attention to. When the battery is reaching the end of its usage a notification pops up asking if I’d like to put it on low battery mode. This function enables it to conserve the remaining power so it will last longer.

When I mentioned this to my husband, he said, “Is there a lesson here for us?” I must admit, the lesson was lost on me until he explained his train of thought. Then I understood the significance.

I have frequently expressed a desire to have such features built into me! There are times I’d appreciate a notification reminding me to conserve my remaining energy so I won’t crash. Instead, I tend to keep going until I have nothing left to give.

Although I may realize my strength is waning, I ignore the signs and don’t heed the warning. Something showing me how close to burning out I am would be handy.

What I often fail to remember is my power is never sufficient. And what’s more, it was never meant to be.

My strength comes from Jesus. As long as I stay plugged into him he will give me the strength I need to get through each day.

“ For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13 NLT)

Tacky Tourists

#Jesus, #Christ, #inspiration, My husband and I recently visited a National Park. Some of the trails we walked on were only wide enough for two people. That meant if we encountered someone coming the opposite way we would walk single file. We soon learned that not everyone had the same opinion. When the ones approaching us didn’t move over we were forced off the path and into the underbrush.

I was amazed to see a number of people stop in the middle of a trail and line up others in their party to take pictures. It wasn’t the photo opportunities that surprised me as much as the lack of concern for others wanting to get by. They would block the way with no consideration for anyone else.

My frustration was starting to rise when I felt a nudge in my conscience. How many times have I blocked someone from getting to Jesus? It may not have been my intention to get in the way, but when I become focused on my own needs and desires that is exactly what happens. Either they are forced to step into the weeds, stand and wait or turn the other direction.

If I am the centre of attention Christ is relegated to the background. No one should have to go around me to get to him. My role is to be the window through which Jesus can be seen, not the obstacle that makes them want to turn in the opposite direction.

Most situations have a lesson to teach. My experience in the park was a reminder not to get in the way. I need to step aside and let Jesus be the guide.

Don’t be concerned for your own good but for the good of others. (1Corinthians 10:24 NLT)

Mountain Reflections

#Jesus, #inspiration, reclaimedA few days in the mountains were just the break my husband and I needed. It was evening when we arrived which made the view in the morning all the more spectacular.

The sun was shining and the temperature mild as we headed outside to explore. We stopped at one directional sign and decided this wasn’t the path we wanted to take. The next sign showed a small lake only one kilometer away. Enthusiastically I said, “Let’s take this one!”

What we discovered was a hidden jewel. The water was crystal clear and smooth as glass. The jagged peaks on the Rocky Mountains were reflected back to us in the water. Golden yellow leaves of a tree in its autumn splendor were also shown in this mirror image. The beauty and peacefulness of the scene before me reached to my very soul.

Quarry Lake had once been the site of a coal mine. The land had been reclaimed and was now a spot for swimming, fishing and picnicking. Once an eyesore, this was now an area of much value to local residents and visitors alike.

As I sat on a bench enjoying the reflection on the lake, another kind of reflection was forming in my mind. My life had also been reclaimed. The day I asked Jesus into my heart the process began. I confessed the dark, ugly stains of unforgiveness and selfishness and they have been washed clean by the sacrificial love of Christ.

He’s not finished with me yet. I am a work in progress. The refining will not be complete until my life is a true reflection of Jesus.

Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, “I will confess my rebellion to the LORD.” And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone. (Psalm 32:5 NLT)

But now you have been united with Christ Jesus. Once you were far away from God, but now you have been brought near to him through the blood of Christ. (Ephesians 2:13 NLT)

How Bad Do You Want It?

#God, #Jesus, #inspirationThere are a few ponds I walk past on a regular basis. Many ducks make their homes in these bodies of water.

One morning I was out earlier than usual and observed several of the ducks were still sleeping. They looked so peaceful with their heads tucked down as they rested on the water.

One nearby was not sleeping, but busy diving for food. It was fascinating to watch the legs and tail flip out of the water. The duck looked as though it was standing on its head.

The thought occurred to me that this busy duck wanted food more than the others did at that point in time. It was willing to do the work needed to have what it wanted.

Relating this to my life I thought of the times I’ve let opportunities pass me by because I wasn’t willing to do the work required. Perhaps I was tired and decided to rest. Maybe it was just something I didn’t want badly enough to put effort into.

Today I consider the goals God has placed in my heart. In the past I thought I could achieve them on my own. The results were not what I’d hoped for. I grew weary and don’t have the strength to accomplish what the Lord desired of me. Now I know that was never his plan. Jesus wants more for me than anything I’ve dreamed of. He is the one who will strengthen me to reach the goal.

Brothers and sisters, I can’t consider myself a winner yet. This is what I do: I don’t look back, I lengthen my stride, and run straight toward the goal to win the prize that God’s heavenly call offers in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:13-14 GWT)

I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:143 GWT)

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