THE LAMB OF GOD

Spring has arrived and uplifting words abound…. Painting, planting, pleasant….but most of all praying, praising, and worship and adoration and rejoicing!  Spring brings wonderful words – emotions – and enjoyment.  This coming Sunday, we celebrate Palm Sunday…. Jesus triumphant entry into Jerusalem.

John 1:29 (NLT) The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!

Have you ever thought about all that is involved in that phrase, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world?  It is all about sacrifices.

The sacrificial lamb was an important part in Israel’s religious practices. The offering of lambs figured in the worship at the temple and was practiced daily.  When God gave his children the law at Mount Sinai that law included instructions for the Day of Atonement; on that day the high priest was to kill a lamb for the nation and then take its blood within the veil into the Holy of Holies, where it was sprinkled upon the mercy seat.

So, when John the Baptist identified Jesus as the “Lamb of God”, he was pointing to Jesus as the innocent substitute who would die in place of all of us who have sinned.  Jesus came, and John role identified him as one lamb for this world.

Palm Sunday is not about Jesus presenting himself as King to the people of Jerusalem only to be surprised several days later by their rejection of him. Palm Sunday is the prelude to the day of the crucifixion.
At Calvary Jesus died as God's Lamb. Palm Sunday was the day on which that Lamb was led into Jerusalem. Palm Sunday was the day on which Jesus offered himself as our substitute in a triumphant march into Jerusalem!

Psalm 24:7-10 (NLT)  Open up, ancient gates! Open up, ancient doors, and let the King of glory enter. ⁸ Who is the King of glory? The LORD, strong and mighty; the LORD, invincible in battle. ⁹ Open up, ancient gates! Open up, ancient doors, and let the King of glory enter. ¹⁰ Who is the King of glory? The LORD of Heaven’s Armies— he is the King of glory. Interlude

Joyfully,
Yvonne

Spring Forward!

 

Spring is a lot like New Year’s for me…. A chance to evaluate where I am in my Christian journey… an opportunity for new growth!   I can choose to spring into fresh spiritual growth!

Here are some ways to renew our faith-walk:

One – Hang out with people who boost your faith.  Stay around those who trust the sovereignty of God and share their faith with you. Those who trust God in lots of circumstances and share what God is doing in their lives.   The flip side? Don’t hang out with complainers, worriers, negative Nellies!  Plus, you be that kind of person for others. You can influence the spiritual growth of your friends through your attitude, your behavior, and your conversation. Those are the ABCs of your influence: attitude, behavior, conversation.

Proverbs 13:20 (NLT)
²⁰ Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.

TWO – IMMERSE YOURSELF IN SCRIPTURE. We see God more clearly when we consistently and daily throw ourselves into God’s Word.  My suggestion – try reading a new translation during the Spring season.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NCV)  All Scripture is given by God and is useful for teaching, for showing people what is wrong in their lives, for correcting faults, and for teaching how to live right. ¹⁷ Using the Scriptures, the person who serves God will be capable, having all that is needed to do every good work.

The steady, on-going intake of Scripture transforms our actions, our thinking, our trust.

THREE - KEEP A JOURNAL

Maybe start a “Spring Thoughts” Journal; record what God is teaching you.  Faithfully maintain a journal of thanksgiving. Giving thanks transforms our faith and our walk.

When we maintain the habit to remember; to be mindful; to think; to keep in mind ….the things of God it is a stepping stone to a life that is becoming more and more like Jesus.

 John 14:26 (NLT)
²⁶ But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.

FOUR - STRETCH

Put yourself into a new ministry project.  Read a book that stretches your understanding. Stay in spiritual shape.  Continue learning.

Psalm 119:33-35 (MSG)  GOD, teach me lessons for living so I can stay the course. ³⁴ Give me insight so I can do what you tell me— my whole life one long, obedient response. ³⁵ Guide me down the road of your commandments; I love traveling this freeway!

FIVE - KEEP ON

Pursue the spiritual disciplines continually.  George Goodman wrote: "It is not a present experience that ensures fruit unto maturity, but a patient continuance."

2 Timothy 3:14a (NLT) But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught.

One more week until Spring is officially starting!  How will you refresh your journey?

Joyfully,

Yvonne

SIN'S POWER PUNY

As a follower of Jesus Christ I live in union with Him and His Death...THEREFORE, I have a totally new relationship to sin. SIN HAS NO POWER OVER ME!

Galatians 2:20 (NLT)
²⁰ My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.