being told from The Beginning.
Yesterday, we read the first promise of a Redeemer who would vanquish the curse on man. Genesis 3:15. This is the first chapter in the history of our redemption. Our Redeemer. We need Someone to rescue us. The real question is not about "doing" but all about "being." "The central and operative question in life is not 'What would Jesus do if He were here.' Rather, it is 'What is Jesus doing?' since He is right here, and everywhere else right now." Scotty Ward Smith. Since the beginning, He has been here. Since the beginning, He is redeeming us and restoring us to a new heaven and earth. We all deal with our sinful nature. "And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it." Genesis 4:7. Cain didn't want to handle the jealousy, deep anger against what God was doing. So, he murders his brother. And God asks, "Where is Abel your brother"? Cain's response is so telling---"I do not know." Genesis 4:9. Oh! Oh! Do we deal with the realities of life here and what is stirring in our hearts? Do I? How does Cain think, or how do we think, that we can cover over our transgressions? Anytime we fail and do not do well, have no fear; you need not despair. Your God is knocking on your door and redeeming you from the weight of this world. There is so much hope in our sin. A fresh new slate every breath we take. Being redeemed. COME BOLDLY PRAYER:
May we come boldly before Your Throne of Grace to receive mercy. May we come as a sinner like Abel in humility and believing obedience. When we hear Your Voice, may we swing wide open the door of our hearts this day and embrace our redemption.
PHOTO: Sunrise on New Year's Eve 2013 in a quaint town filled with hard workers, needy hearts---Westcliffe, Colorado. Snapped the shot from the back seat of my car as I pondered clean slates in dealing with adult children. I am free like I've never been before. No condemnation for regrets of the past.
God knew what Cain had done, however He gave Cain a chance to confess. Cain chose to lie. How often would our lives be better if we confessed sin immediately instead of rationalizing it, sweeping it under the carpet, etc?
ReplyDeleteI am so thankful for second chances and do overs and forgiveness and mercy. It makes me able to get up the next day and dust off and start over. A new year, a clean slate. But really each day, each moment, we have that kind of access that offers restoration. I love that song Bev posted that had the line "every breath feels like a second chance" So very true. Now let us live this victory over sin out. Blessed day, Pearls.
ReplyDeleteMe too! THANK YOU BEV, for changing your color template! I can see SO much better this way! Glad I have a Chronological Bible already! I'm taking the same road you all are on and I couldn't be happier! Love you all.
ReplyDeletep.s. I love the photo you took with NO filter! Wow!
DeleteI love the color template as well. I had a difficult time reading the dark screen last year. I am so happy God gave Adam and Eve a chance to rebuild their lives. They had consequences to pay, but lived long and fruitful lives. So often, I forget of God's mercy to me. He is willing to give me a second and third, fourth, fifth, etc chance until I understand what He is so patiently showing me. I need to remember that the next time I lose my patience with people in my little world and show grace and mercy in all situations
ReplyDeleteAbove all, practice peacemaking..