Are You Cheating?

Forneys- Missionaries to Indonesia

Missionaries are my heroes! As a child, missionary stories challenged me and motivated me to want to live the crucified life. When I have a woe is me day...where life seems rough, I remember my Christian brothers and sisters in Christ who have sacrificed all to take the message of the gospel to unreached places. My small afflictions are NOTHING compared to what they face!

One of my favorite on-line missionaries to follow are the Forney's. They fascinate me! Dave is a missionary pilot married to Joy and they have 5 children! Their stories of snakes and jungle flights fascinate me! And my heart most unites with Joy's when she jokingly says on Facebook - "dreaming of a Starbucks coffee today" - or - "sure missing Diet Coke"....She reminds me - I'm such a baby! I'm spoiled and I'm numb to it because it's so normal to have so much in the states.

Missionary newsletters challenge me - they challenge my loyalty to God. How far am I willing to follow him? I think "Oh Lord, I will die for you!" but maybe God is simply asking me to walk across the street and meet my neighbor! Why is that so hard?

It's hard because I'm selfish to the core. I don't like to feel uncomfortable. My flesh wants the easy life but my spirit longs to glorify God. So I must put to death the desires of my flesh to remain loyal to God.

This 3 minute video below, first played over on GoodMorningGirls.org . I share the story of a classmate  from the Moody Bible Institute who was a missionary in Lebanon.  She was shot and killed. For years, I kept the news clipping hanging at my desk to remind me to live a sold out life for Jesus.

James 4:1-12

Warning Against Worldliness

4:1 What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? 2 You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. 3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.

4 You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. 5 Or do you suppose it is to no purpose that the Scripture says, “He yearns jealously over the spirit that he has made to dwell in us”? 6 But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.

11 Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. 12 There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?

Are you cheating on God with a friendship to this world?

James says "You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God."(v4)

Maybe God is not calling us to Indonesia or Lebanon - but he is calling us to forsake our love of this temporary world. Release it's grip, pursue God daily, take a risk and live life to the hilt - all for Jesus!

Walk with the King!

This post is linked to Titus 2sdays, We Are That Family, A Holy Experience and Raising Homemakers.

Today We Remember...

Pause for a moment...Be silent.

Today we remember. (Taken from Matthew 27)

We remember...

the betrayal for 30 pieces of silver

the flogging

the crown of thorns

the purple robe

the sign "Hail, King of the Jews!"

the strike on Jesus' face

the crowd shouting "Crucify Him!"

the long walk to Golgotha carrying the cross

the nails in his hands

the nails in his feet

DARKNESS

the words "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?"

the temple curtain torn in two from top to bottom

the earth trembling

the guards exclaiming "Surely he was the Son of God!"

On the cross, Jesus said "It is Finished." (John 19:30) FINISHED - PAID IN FULL. All the bad things you have ever done are paid for in full by the blood of the lamb who gave his life for you on the cross. Do you wonder if you are lovable? Do you wonder if he really can forgive you of your sins? Does your guilt lie to you?

Psalm 103:10-12 answer these very questions: "He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us."

This song above has a line I just love. It says "in the arms of your mercy I find rest." It's in Christ's mercy that I have found rest in this difficult world. The blog Women Living Well would not exist if it were not for the truth of Good Friday and Easter Sunday.  I have found rest in Jesus Christ my Savior.

Have you found this rest? If you have placed your faith in Christ and believe that he indeed lived, died and rose again and have repented of your sins - your sins have been cast as far as the east is from the west. But, If you have not done this, I John 5:12 says you do not have eternal life. If you have never accepted the free gift that God has offered you of eternal life which only comes through faith in his Son Jesus - I bid you - do it today! And if you have questions about your salvation please ask your local pastor, friend or send me an email.

Happy Good Friday. Have a fabulous weekend with your family and Happy Easter!

Walk with the King!
 

Happy Birthday Jesus!

Philippians 2:9-11

"Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

Have you bowed your knee? If you haven't or refuse to...one day you will...but then it will be too late.

Are you 100% sure you are going to heaven?

The Bible says in I John 5:12 "He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life."

If you repent and turn away from your sin and place all your faith in Jesus' blood shed on the cross and believe that he rose from the dead - proving that indeed he is God - you will be saved.


Bow your knee to God now - do not resist...because if you do resist... one day in eternity you will bow - but it will be too late.

Dear sisters in Christ, who are already friends with Jesus (if you wonder if you are a friend of Jesus let me define it for you - Jesus says in John 15:14 "You are my friends if you do what I command"), Let me spur you on to live your faith out radically, so all will see that you walk with the King! Don't be afraid to say the name "Jesus" to those who do not know him. There is great power in his name and he is so worthy...watch this video below...remember what baby Jesus has done for you on the cross. And together - let's push each other to obey his word.

Happy Birthday Jesus! Thanks for being the best friend a girl could ever dream of - I can't believe I have the honor of walking with you - the King of Kings - every single day of my life! I can't wait to see you face to face! I love you!

Girl - You NEED A Bubble Bath

"Go take a bubble bath."
"You should go to bed early tonight and get some extra rest."
"Let me get you a warm cup of coffee, a book and you sit down and take a break."


No one ever says these things to you do they? And so - I'm guessing you rarely do this. You rarely surrender to your weariness. I know this because you are just like me. I mistakenly believe that I can go and go and go like the Energizer bunny without consequence.


Electricity has created an artificial day during our nights. And so rather than resting like the rest of nature does - we try to defy nature and keep going as if it is morning time. We live in a world that runs 24/7. Computers, televisions, cell phones, ipods, restaurants, grocery stores and more are at our access 24/7. We live in a hyperactive culture and then we wonder why some of our children are so well...hyperactive?!

We must slow down and create slow moments because it is in our slow moments that we can see clearly.


Let me say that again because this must sink in if we are going to embrace the peace Jesus wants to give us. It is in our slow moments that we can see clearly.


When we are on the go go go - we can't see the person who is hurting and needs a hug. We can't see our husband who needs our tender affection. We don't have time to just linger on the bedside of our children to listen. We don't write encouraging notes to a friend who is hurting. We can't enjoy a sunrise, a surprise game of hide-n-seek, a spontaneously song of praise and we certainly can not hear God clearly.

I know we carry a long to-do list and heavy burdens at Christmas time. But consider Jesus for a moment - the burdens of the entire world were upon his shoulders. He knew of every single hurting man, woman and child. The needs he knew of were beyond what we can comprehend - and yet he did not help everyone. He did not rush in a flurry of speed to accomplish as much as he could before each sunset. He took time to stop and talk to individuals. He took time to wake early in the morning and get alone with God. He took time to rest when he was weary like the time he slept during the raging storm on the boat.

And so it is time for us to hush not rush.


Here's this week's challenge: Take out your calendar and SCHEDULE a night where you will take a warm refreshing bubble bath. Bring your Bible. Read the story of the birth of Jesus in Matthew 1, 2 and Luke 1,2.

Here's why: A bubble bath is something COMPLETELY free that only you can give yourself. It is something we do alone and a place where we can stop the rush, hush, reflect and see clearly. I know there is a temptation at the end of a weary day to turn on the television and have a snack. This is a common stress reliever - but it doesn't get us alone with God and it doesn't give us the peace that our souls long for. Television is empty. God's word is full.

An awesome bubble bath takes planning so here's what you need:
1. Privacy - all children asleep and the husband aware that you don't want to be interrupted

2. Hot water and loads of Bubbles - preferably ones that smell yummy!

3. Some soft classical music

4. A hand towel rolled up as a pillow

5. A cold drink to set beside the tub

6. Your Bible and if you are afraid you'll get it wet - exchange it for a good Christian book or simply quietness - reflecting on your day and talking with God in prayer.

Optional: a lit candle


Now sit back, RELAX, be alone with just you and God - 25 minutes and VOILA - you emerge a new woman.


Do not wait until the house is clean, the laundry is folded, and your presents are all wrapped. It will never be all done! Give yourself permission in the midst of your busyness to have a moment of peace - Peace on Earth.

If you are participating in this challenge leave a comment below with how it's going - if you are a blogger copy this button into your blog post, write about how it's going and link up below!

Walk with the King!

I am linking up to: Motivation Monday, Hip Homeschool Hop, Finer Things Friday, Raising Homemakers, Making My H0me Sing Monday , Holiday Haven and Works For Me Wednesday. Please check out these blogs for more great homemaking ideas.

I'm 35 Today!

I woke to a new beginning. The age 34 is behind me and today I'm 35! A lot happened in my life last year - I began my first year of homeschooling and LOVED it! We moved to a new home. The blog grew with the Rachael Ray appearance. The Good Morning Girls groups began on-line and grew to over 600 ladies this past summer! My husband began a new business. We lost two loved ones to death. We made many wonderful memories as a family and have grown spiritually. I grew as a wife, mom and friend. It was one of the busiest years of my life. It was a good year filled with many blessings but we also had our fair share of struggles and sadness.


As I reflect, my heart is filled with thankfulness to God. I sat this morning quietly with the sunrise - alone with Jesus. I looked at the communion cup that I keep by my computer. It's a reminder to me of why I honor my husband, why I read God's word daily to my children, why I do this thing called "blogging". It is my whole reason for living. Jesus is everything to me.


The last time we took communion at church, I was at a discouraging point with blogging. I felt "exhausted". As I held this cup in my hand there in the pew, I sensed God's presence. And these thoughts went through my mind - "Jesus is Worthy of all my sacrifice. He is worthy of my complete surrender. He is worthy!" And so when communion ended, I slipped this cup into my purse. And now it sits by my computer reminding me of the blood Jesus shed on the cross that takes away my sins and THAT is what I am MOST grateful for on my 35th birthday.

I don't know what the age of 35 holds for me. I don't know what's going to happen next on my journey. But I know who holds the future and I know "My Redeemer Lives". I am not alone. And that gives me great hope for the future.

If you do not listen to anything else I say on this blog, this is the one thing I so desperately want for my birthday from you, my dear reader. For you too to experience Jesus in your daily life. He is alive, he speaks through his word. He hears our prayers and answers them. He is worthy of our complete surrender to him. He is worthy of us rising early to meet with him. He is worthy of our sacrifice to serve our family and friends. Don't let your life slip by too busy to sit down alone with him. One day we will look sweet Jesus in the eyes. We will see his nail scarred hands and feet. Will we have regrets? What we do today in our homes matters. Live it for him alone!


This is my life verse and my prayer for you. Galatians 6:9 "Do not grow weary in doing good, for in due season you will reap a harvest IF you do not give up."


Persevere sweet sisters. You are not alone - we are in this together! I love you!


Walk with the King!

Today We Remember...

Pause for a moment...Be silent.

Today we remember. (Taken from Matthew 27)

We remember...

the betrayal for 30 pieces of silver

the flogging

the crown of thorns

the purple robe

the sign "Hail, King of the Jews!"

the strike on Jesus' face

the crowd shouting "Crucify Him!"

the long walk to Golgotha carrying the cross

the nails in his hands

the nails in his feet

DARKNESS

the words "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?"

the temple curtain torn in two from top to bottom

the earth trembling

the guards exclaiming "Surely he was the Son of God!"

On the cross, Jesus said "It is Finished." (John 19:30) FINISHED - PAID IN FULL. All the bad things you have ever done are paid for in full by the blood of the lamb who gave his life for you on the cross. Do you wonder if you are lovable? Do you wonder if he really can forgive you of your sins? Does your guilt lie to you?

Psalm 103:10-12 answer these very questions: "He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us."

This song above has a line I just love. It says "in the arms of your mercy I find rest." It's in Christ's mercy that I have found rest in this difficult world. The blog Women Living Well would not exist if it were not for the truth of Good Friday and the rest I have found in him.

Have you found this rest? If you have placed your faith in Christ and believe that he indeed lived, died and rose again and have repented of your sins - your sins have been cast as far as the east is from the west. But, If you have not done this, I John 5:12 says you do not have eternal life. If you have never accepted the free gift that God has offered you of eternal life which only comes through faith in his Son Jesus - I bid you - do it today! And if you have questions about your salvation please ask your local pastor, friend or send me an email.

Happy Good Friday. Have a fabulous weekend with your family! And Happy Easter!

Walk with the King!

I Am the Donkey

I am taking a break this week from our Proverbs 31 series to focus on the message of Easter. Next week I will return to this series.

Word Filled Wednesday:
I Corinthians 3:5-7 "What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe - as the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So, neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who makes things grow."

As I reflected this past Sunday on John 12:13, Palm Sunday and those who cheered "Hosanna! Hosanna!" as Jesus rode upon a donkey - I remembered something I once heard Elizabeth Elliot say. She said "as the people cheered for Jesus, the donkey did not pause and accept the praise as his own. It was the rider who was being praised - NOT the donkey."

In the same way, as I carry Jesus to the world via my blog, facebook, twitter, and youtube, I am reminded that all praise I receive belongs to Jesus. Apart from him I can do nothing. And apart from his word, I literally have nothing worthy to blog about.

I am the donkey carrying Jesus to the world and I pray that at the end of the day it is Jesus in me you see. I Corinthians 3:7 sums up my feelings "So, neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who makes things grow."

I am nothing - just simply a planter - God is everything and as the missionary David Livingston once said "People talk of the sacrifice I have made in spending so much of my life in Africa... I never made a sacrifice. We ought not to talk of 'sacrifice' when we remember the great sacrifice which He made who left His Father's Throne on high to give Himself for us."

No sacrifice is too great for Jesus. It is not a sacrifice to submit to my husband - it is my honor. It is not a sacrifice to care for my children - it is my honor. It is not a sacrifice to care for my home - it is my honor. And it is not a sacrifice to daily be a donkey carrying God's truth to my blog readers - it is my honor.

I pray today that in your sphere of influence, you would find it an honor to carry Jesus to everyone who crosses your path inside and outside your home. My pastor said Sunday in his sermon: "If the message doesn't get out via us, it doesn't get out!" We must share the love of Jesus with the world!

Love God, love your husband, love your children and take Jesus to the world - shine like lights in the darkness! It is an honor!

Walk with the King!

I am participating in Seven Clown Circus Wordful Wednesday. and 5 Minutes for Mom Wordless Wednesday.

What is Ministry?

I received this poem in an email yesterday right when I was sitting down to write my next blog post. The words rang with such truth that I thought - "this must be tomorrow's post". As you read this poem - apply this first to your ministry as a wife and mother and second to those inside and outside your church.

WHAT IS MINISTRY?

Ministry is....

Giving when you feel like keeping...

Praying for others when you need prayed for...

Feeding others when your own soul is still hungry...

Living truth before people when you cannot see results...

Hurting for others when your own hurts cannot be spoken...

Keeping your word when it is not convenient...

Being faithful when your own flesh wants to run away.

-Author Unknown


As a young girl my mom had me memorize Luke 9:23: "Jesus said "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." As a follower of Christ, we must learn to deny ourselves and follow in the footsteps of our Savior - sacrificing all for him who is worthy. I pray today that you would be willing to minister to your loved ones even when life is not rosy and finding the strength is not easy.


Walk with the King!

Mailbag Question: Where To Start Reading In The Bible?

Here's an email I received in my mailbag:

"I have never even read the Bible before! I start but I can't understand it or it's so blah. Do you have any recommendations about where I should begin at? ...I really want to understand the word of God. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I just don't know where to begin." - Heather

Heather - thank you for the excellent question. The Bible can be a challenge to read because it does not read like an ordinary book from cover to cover. It was written over thousands of years, by nearly 40 authors and in several languages. To put it in simple terms, the Old Testament gives us a foundation for who God is, his character and the foreshadowing of Christ's coming. The New Testament is about Jesus' life, crucifixion, resurrection, the spread of the gospel and instructions for Christian living.

So where do you start? Let me go book by book in order of where they fall in the Bible and explain it - I will give you my recommendations as I go. Hold on to your seat - cause here we go on a ride through the entire Bible!

The Book of Genesis tells us how God created the world, how mankind fell into sin, and the impact of the fall. This book is necessary for a complete understanding of God's word.

Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy are filled with the Jewish law - which can be difficult to read...so you may want to save those books for later in your journey. But don't miss them because all of God's word is meant to be read!

Joshua through Job gives a lot of Jewish history. When I studied these books I kept a "Character of God" journal - where I wrote down all the things I learned about my God. I learned so much about how my God works in the lives of real people. These are not hard to read but they are not the place to start. Once you have a good foundation - head over to these books.


Then there's Psalms - which I LOVE - as history and poetry collide, again the character of God shines brightly. This is what I am reading in my quiet time currently.

Next comes Proverbs. It's a favorite of mine. It is filled with God's wisdom for relationships - marriage, parenting, friends and neighbors. This is a great book to commit to memory.

Ecclesiastes is a wisdom book and Song of Solomon is a great book about having a loving marriage...if you want to read some hot stuff - read here lol!!!

Isaiah through Malachi are prophetic books and again a very difficult read...don't avoid them - but save them for later.

Then there's the gospels - This is where you start!!! If you want to know more about Jesus, his life and teachings you MUST start in the gospels - the book of John is the most common book people refer beginners to - and I agree. All four gospels - Matthew, Mark, Luke and John are wonderful - but they overlap each other - so you may not want to read all four in a row. Start in the book of John!

In Acts - we see Jesus ascend into heaven and the beginning of the Christian church as we know it today. This is the sequel to the gospels so I recommend you read this after you read a gospel.

Then there's the book of Romans - this book clearly defines salvation and grace - I love this book. So after reading the Gospel of John, then Acts, read Romans. If you read these three books -you will have a very strong foundation for what you believe!

From there we delve into the epistles - they are all helpful for how to apply the principles of God to practical life - but some are easier to understand than others.

My favorites are Ephesians, Philippians, James and I John. I recommend you read these next after reading John, Acts and Romans.

Then finally we come to Revelation - a book of prophecy about the end times. This is a hard book to understand but certainly a fascinating one. Read it when you feel comfortable with some of the other readings above.

So, turn off those cell phones, ipods, and televisions and open God's word - the Bible. The only place on this planet that you will find a word from God and what he wants you to do with your life is on those pages. Pray and ask God to help you to understand his word and then dig in and enjoy!

And for my seasoned Christian Bible readers - please chime in - what are your favorite passages and what would you recommend for those who are new to Bible reading? There is no right or wrong answer to this question so it's okay if you have a different suggestion.


The key is - Walk with the King!

When Will Jesus Come Back?

As I read Luke 21 Jesus says "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, famines, and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven...At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in the cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."

Then Jesus tells the parable of the fig tree in verse 21 "Look at the fig tree and all the trees. When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near."

Are your trees blossoming in your yard? These are pictures of mine yesterday. After reading an article on "Come Have a Peace" and then turning to this Luke passage, I find myself looking at my trees and plants that are beginning to sprout differently. Summer is near.

When I watch the news and see the wars and rumors of wars, people starving, famines, earthquakes, hurricanes and tsunamis - I can't help but to pause and think - Jesus' return is near. When will Jesus come back? No one knows the day or hour - but Jesus says we should be watching for the signs of the times - because his return is near.

Someday there will be no tomorrow. This earth that environmentalist are trying to save will be destroyed by God in the end. (Revelation chapters 6;8;16;21-22 show God's wrath poured out and the earth being destroyed and then the creation of the new heaven and earth - a fascinating read)

It's not very popular to talk about Jesus' return - although it's very popular to talk about saving the planet! Do you discuss the return of Jesus with your neighbors or non-christian relatives much? Are you concerned more about saving their souls than this planet? It wasn't popular for Jesus to say in Luke's day either. But it is truth!!! And we should sense the urgency!

Do you see your trees budding? Let it not only be a reminder that summer is near but also that Jesus' return is near. Don't wait - make your life count today for Jesus! Serve him until the day he returns - he is worthy!!


Walk with the King!

http://www.womenlivingwell.org/

How to Handle Betrayal

The kids are counting down days until Easter! Each morning my son reminds me of how many days we have left! Just 3 more days! They are really looking forward to church and dinner with their grandparents and cousins!

I wonder what it felt like for Jesus on Thursday morning when he woke up, knowing that tonight he'd be arrested? Could he really go about his day as if nothing HUGE was about to happen?

The Jewish passover began at sundown Thursday evening. So that meant he had a long day of waiting for the sun to set...could you imagine if tonight you knew one of your closest friends would betray you and you'd be arrested?

At sunset, Jesus and his disciples went to the upper room to share their passover meal. Before this dinner - Judas had already betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. Matthew 26:14 tells us this was Judas' own idea - he was not propositioned by the religious leaders, he went to them! And now Jesus sits in the upper room and the first thing he says is "one of you will betray me tonight... Woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born." Can you imagine the pit in Judas' stomach? What was he thinking? How could he sit there without saying a word?

After dinner, Jesus goes into the Garden of Gethsemane to pray and there Judas arrives with the soldiers following him and he greets Jesus "Greetings Rabbi (Teacher)! and he kissed him." Jesus replied "FRIEND, do what you came for."

Did we just hear Jesus correctly - did he call Judas, his betrayer, his friend? Trust me, if a "so-called" friend had just turned me in for something I was innocent of - "friend" is not the term I'd use to describe them.

Jesus treated his betrayer as if he was faithful.

Max Lucado says of Judas "Jesus could see something we can't... Jesus knew Judas had been seduced by a powerful foe. He was aware of the wiles of Satan's whispers. He knew how hard it was for Judas to do what was right. He didn't justify what Judas did. He didn't minimize the deed. Nor did he release Judas from his choice. But he did look eye to eye with his betrayer and try to understand. As long as you hate your enemy, a jail door is closed and a prisoner is taken. But when you try to understand and release your foe from your hatred, then the prisoner is released and that prisoner is you."

Has a close friend or relative betrayed you? How have you responded? Jesus treated his betrayer as if he was faithful. The word "Christian" means a follower of Christ. If you are a Christian - follow Christ's example. Try to understand that there is a powerful foe that is having victory in your betrayer's life.

In the end, Judas was overcome with guilt. He tried to return the money to the chief priests but they would not accept it. "So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hung himself." (Matt. 27:5)

Your betrayer is in his own prison of misery. Release your foe from your hatred - and be free. Jesus went to the cross so you could live free!

Walk with the King!

http://www.womenlivingwell.org/

The Blood of Jesus

So what do you think of when you think of blood? I know that if my kids have an "ouchie" but there's no blood - they are fine and I tell them to run along and play. Vice versa - if they come to me and there's blood all over their face and I can't see where it's coming from - I panic! I do not like the sight of blood! To be honest - I have a real aversion to it. I can hardly handle the commercials for CSI!

When we think about the cross - we must think about the blood of Jesus. There is no escaping the gory details of the crucifixion. They beat him - and he bled, they put a crown of thorns on his head and he bled, they pounded nails into his hands and feet and he bled, and they pierced his side and he bled. Mixed with his blood was spit - the soldiers who beat him - spit on him. Their filth from their heart mixed with his precious blood and he carried that filth - to the cross. His blood was shed for our filth.

Over 400 times the word "blood" is used in the Bible because it is significant. Life is in the blood. In the Old Testament, God required a perfect lamb to be slaughtered and the blood of that lamb would atone for the sins of the people. Blood is required by God to pay for our sin and Jesus stepped down out of heaven and sacrificed his precious blood so that God's wrath would be satisfied.

I Peter 2:24 says "He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed."

Your sins have been covered by the blood of Jesus - Jesus bore our sins so that we might live for righteousness - now go today and live for righteousness. Do what is right in your marriage, in your parenting, in your spending, in your homemaking - serve Jesus!

John Piper says "The people that make a durable difference in the world are not the people who have mastered many things, but who have been mastered by one great thing."

Why did Jesus do it? Why the blood? Look at the face in your mirror - He loves you so.

Walk with the King!

http://www.womenlivingwell.org/