When I read the first verses from today’s Psalm, I could relate to a time in my life when I felt so troubled and in such dismay:

Reflection: Are you actually having to deal with a person or a situation that is affecting your peace of mind? Are you struggling to surrender this to God? Have you actually forgiven that person?

Let’s pray:  Heavenly Father, thank you for your Holy Spirit and your Word that strengthens us as we face so many difficult situations in our lives. May we be able to “fix our thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable” (Phil. 4:8). May we “ get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. (Col. 3:8). Please Lord, that “evil will not conquer us, but that we conquer evil by doing good.” (Ro. 12:21)  “Now may the God of peace make us holy in every way, and may our whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. ²⁴ God will make this happen, for he who calls us is faithful.” (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24) - Emphasis mine-. In Jesus name we pray. Amen!

Blessings,

Mari

If we are honest, there is not a single day that we can say “I’m good enough”. We may be born again Christians and sin no longer has reign over our souls, but we still fight with the flesh daily and have to surrender our motives, our desires, our whims  and fancies over to the grace of God. Paul who called himself “ chief of sinners” expressed this spiritual battle: “For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members.” Romans‬ ‭7:22-23‬ 

God doesn’t want sin to have any dominion or hold on us. He longs for us to be free of its crippling grasp. The Bible devotes much to the topic of sin and righteousness to make us aware of its toxic effects. He doesn’t want us to cover up and hide our sin but He wants to expose and uproot it. If we ignore sin or try to hide it, it will just fester under the surface and spread like a metastatic cancer until it is destroying us from deep within. The reason it is so destructive is because it hinders our relationship with God and hinders us from being able to glorify Him. 

We may be sinners but the wonderful news of the gospel is that we have forgiveness and atonement for our sin through the shed blood of Christ. Because we know that God will forgive us, we can stop trying to put forward a false image of being “ a good person” and we can ask God to shine the spotlight into the deepest, darkest recesses of our being to expose any unrecognized or unrelinquished sin. Even if we fool other people or fool ourselves, God knows our true motives and agendas. “O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me.”  Psalm‬ ‭139:1-5‬ 

How uplifting it is to meet with God in prayer and confess sin so that He can cleanse our hearts, restoring sweet, unhindered fellowship with Him.  What peace and rest we can experience when we let God cleanse us. If we are struggling with a particular area of sin we can ask God to give us victory. As we surrender to the process of being made more and more into the image of Christ we will be renewed, strengthened, and refreshed. 

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm‬ ‭51:10‬ ‭

Rahab is a beautiful example of God’s grace to all who believe. No matter who we are or what we’ve done, through the blood of Jesus, it’s never too late to start over. Our Creator is the God of fresh starts. And when we come to Him in faith, He will give us a glorious future, wiping our old our slates of sin clean! 

Rahab - “A Fresh Start Through Faith” (Joshua 2)

When Rahab came back from the kitchen, she saw that the inn was brimming with patrons. It was a busy night, and between the full moon and the new wine, the crowd was getting rambunctious. But that was to be expected from the clientele that came to Rahab’s. For hers was a house of ill repute, and the men that frequented the inn weren’t exactly looking for a quiet evening.

Rahab went table to table, making the rounds. And it was when she was refilling the empty glass of a wealthy garment trader, that she saw the two strangers slip through the door, seemingly unnoticed. Even from across the room she could feel their nervousness as they hid in the shadows. Casually Rahab approached the men, trying not to arouse suspicion. And as she got nearer she recognized the manner of their clothing, and immediately knew the men were from Israel.

Rahab had heard the stories about these people called Israel, and their mighty God. The God who had delivered His people out of Egypt and who went before them, conquering lands and destroying kings. And right then and there, Rahab had a choice to make. For surely these men were spies, which meant war was coming to the city. Would she put her faith in Jericho’s army, or in the God that had brought these two men to her doorstep? With a slight nod of her head, Rahab motioned for the men to follow her upstairs. 

As they reached the roof, Rahab pulled away a few stalks of flax, making room for the men to hide underneath. And before covering them up she said, “I’ve heard of the great miracles performed by your God, and the mighty kingdoms He brought low. I can only guess that Jericho is next. Who can stand against the Lord your God? For He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath. So when you return to your people, remember me before your Lord. And promise me you’ll spare my family when you take the city.” 

Somewhat shocked yet pleased by the faith of this pagan woman the men answered “It will be our lives for yours if we don’t deal with you kindly and faithfully.” And with that Rehab left to return to her duties at hand. And no sooner had she returned downstairs, when messengers of the king bolted through the door. The Israeli spies had been spotted and seen entering the inn. Coming up to Rahab, the messengers demanded answers. 

She should have been frightened. Lying to the king meant certain death. But for a reason she didn’t yet understand, Rahab wasn’t afraid. She answered the men saying, “Yes I saw who you’re looking for. They left through the gate shortly before dark. Leave now and you’re sure to catch them!” Then as quickly as they entered, the king’s messenger left in pursuit of the Jewish strangers. 

Running back upstairs, Rahab got the men and lowered a scarlet rope over the city wall for the two to escape. They instructed her to keep the rope tied in the window so when they returned, no harm would come to her or her family. As she watched them run off in the distance, Rahab said a silent prayer to a God she didn’t know, but in whom she had place her faith. And from that moment on, Rahab’s life was changed forever.

A short time later, Israel attacked and defeated Jericho. But because of that scarlet rope tied in faith, the city laid in ruin, but Rahab and her family were spared. But that wasn’t the end of God’s rewards. Because of her faith, even though Rahab had a stained past, God gave her a glorious new future, including a new people, a new husband, and a new life. For Rahab eventually married Salmon, one of the spies who she had hidden at her inn. Salmon was a prince of the house of Judah. And their marriage turned the once harlot into a respected member of one the most prominent families of Israel, and a direct ancestor of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

The hero’s of Exodus are often remembered as Moses and Aaron. But not to be forgotten is Miriam. A girl born into slavery, who never gave up, or ever lost hope. Miriam’s courage and strength carried her throughout her life as she grew to be a faithful prophet of God; leading her people out of bondage.

Miriam - “Never Give Up Hope”

The itching was terrible and Miriam was doing everything she could not to scratch. For if she did, the lesions on her arm would burst open and become infected. And the pain already was unbearable. She wrapped her blanket tighter, and looked out into the distance. 

A few miles away, Miriam could see the flicker of firelight and hear the muffled voices of men talking and children laughing. It was almost dusk, and the people of the camp were beginning to gather to their tents for the evening meal. She sat down next to the small fire she had managed to light, and a tear rolled down her cheek. 

“Why did I have to open my big mouth?,” Miriam cried. “I knew it was wrong to gossip about the wife of Moses, but I just couldn’t stand the thought of her walking around like she was somebody important! Who does she think she is anyway?” But as she looked again at her home in the distance, in her heart Miriam knew she had done wrong. And now she was facing the consequences. 

Struck by God with leprosy, the once esteemed prophetess of Israel was now reduced to an outsider. For as was the practice, being unclean, Miriam was forced to leave the camp. Seven long days she was to face the humiliation, pain, and separation alone by herself. With a heavy sigh Miriam murmured, “The camp will probably move on without me in the morning. Moses likes to get an early start.” And with a lump in her throat added, “I hope I can keep up. I’ll just have to do the best I can.”

Trying not to give in to despair, she laid down near the opening of her tent and gazed up at the nighttime sky twinkling with stars. And as Miriam drifted asleep; her thoughts floated back to a time when hope was all she had. That hope she desperately clung to as she placed her baby brother’s basket in the water of the Nile. That hope which had whispered to her heart that someday she would be reunited with that same lost brother. And that hope she had in the Lord which gave her the courage to help lead His people to the promised land. 

The soft, warm nuzzle Miriam felt against her cheek roused her from her sleep. As her eyes opened to the morning sun, she saw a young lamb staring back at her. Startled, Miriam went to stand. As she did the little sheep turned and ran. And to her delight, Miriam watched as he ran all the way back to the Israel camp. The camp that was still there! The one that hadn’t left her behind! The people who shut her out, but who didn’t walk away! Miriam’s hope was rekindled, and her heart humbled, as with each passing day, she could see the camp faithfully in the distance. 

When the time finally came for Miriam to go back to her people, again she relied on hope. For she couldn’t help but wonder how she would be received. Would Israel be forgiving? Would her brothers be happy to see her? Her hope was realized when a large group of the people came to welcome her back. They walked beside her the whole way dancing and singing songs of celebration. And when she entered the camp, Miriam was brought in again. 

Miriam’s story shows us that no matter the circumstances, there is always hope. And like Miriam, when we put our hope in Jesus, no matter how dark the night, the dawn of Christ will always rise. “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11) 

Matthew 14

When Herod the Great died, each of his sons became a ruler, also called a “tetrarch”, over 1/4 of his kingdom. His son, Herod Antipas, governed over the areas of Galilee and Perea. Herod had a half brother named Philip. While in Rome visiting Philip, Herod met Herodias, the wife of Philip, and the two fell madly in love. And that forbidden love led Herod to make a decision that resulted in the murder of a beloved man of God, John the Baptist. a decision Herod deeply regretted.

John the Baptist had a ministry near the Jordan river. There he preached the coming of the promised Messiah, and baptized people in the name of the Lord. When John learned of the union between Herod and Herodias, who had since divorced their respective spouses to marry each other, he preached against the marriage. Such a union was forbidden in Jewish law. Herodias was furious over John’s public disapproval, and had Herod throw John in prison. In her hatred, Herodias wanted John dead, but Herod, being afraid of a rebellion by the Jews, refused. And so Herodias tricked Herod into murdering John and presenting his head to her on a platter. Caught up in desire and running on passion, caused Herod to make a decision that would haunt him the rest of his life.

Even the best of us fall victim to making mistakes in the passion of a moment that can lead to a lifetime of consequences. I think of Moses who in a fit of anger sinned against God and lost his chance to enter the promised land. (Deut. 32:51-52) Or David who in the heat of desire slept with another man’s wife, resulting in murder and the death of David’s son. (2 Sam. 12:13-18) And Samson who in a moment of frustration told the secret to his God given strength, causing him to be captured, blinded, and killed. (Judges 13-16)

We all make decisions in the heat of the moment that end up as mistakes. We all fall short and need forgiveness daily. Fortunately, God’s grace comes in an abundant supply. The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to anger, and filled with unfailing love. He does not accuse, nor remain angry forever. He does not deal harshly with us, but instead is faithful to forgive our never-ending sins. (Psalm 103:8, 1 John 1:9) And although God may let us reap the consequences from the decisions we make, His unfailing love for us is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. A love in full display through His Son Jesus Christ who, regardless of the mistakes we’ve made, stands ready to welcome us with open arms and not a pointed finger.

Reading For Today:  John 8

 I love many of the quotes from Toby Mac on fb. This one especially resonated with my heart as I reflected on the story of the accused adulterer in John 8.   “To love a person is to see all of their worth and to remind them of it when they have forgotten.”

In this well known story, Jesus is teaching in the temple courts and he is put in a tricky situation. “The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?”” (v3-5)

Well, the first thing interesting is that only the woman was brought before Jesus and not the man. The 2nd interesting thing is that Jesus initially didn’t say anything at all. He wrote on the ground with his finger. The Bible doesn’t tell us what he wrote but I imagine that it could have been thought provoking. Perhaps it caused those present to check their behaviors and self reflect. Perhaps, even, he was just making a point of not immediately engaging with them to deescalate the  charged emotions of the crowd. But, what is important to know and reflect upon, is what he did say. It was a penetrating statement that took focus off of the woman’s circumstances and put focus on the individual circumstances of every single person present that day. 

“When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”” (v7)

One by one, her accusers walked away. When only the woman was left Jesus let her know that she was forgiven and did not have to be forever defined by her transgressions. She could start anew. ““...neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”” (v11)

People don’t throw physical stones today. But, we throw stones nonetheless. We can be quick to pass judgement and hurl accusations at one another. We gossip, backbite and condemn. Perhaps we do so out loud or perhaps we do so within our own minds. But, what if, instead of seeing the sinful behaviors, we looked instead at the value and worthiness of the person that God could redeem and transform. What if we offered grace, just as God offered to us. What if we remembered that we are guilty of sin and only redeemed by God’s mercy and salvation? What if we prayed for that person and rebuked, if needed, in brotherly and sisterly love. What if we extended support and help to those who just need some compassion and opportunity to turn their lives around.? 

I know that I need to remember, when I am annoyed and finding fault with those around me that I need to extend compassion and grace instead of hurling stones of condemnation. I need to remember that only God can change another and I should pray and support instead of criticize or judge. I need to see people through the eyes of Jesus and hate the sin but love the person. I need to remember that I am no different myself from the accused woman for “ all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). How grateful I am that Christ extended the same precious blessing to me as he looked upon the sin that enslaved me....”

“...neither do I condemn you.  Go now and leave your life of sin.” Thank you Jesus for your mercy, extended to me!

Today's Passage: Luke 23

Did you know that nearly every religion in this world is centered on the idea that forgiveness must be earned; that we must do something, or behave a certain way in order to be forgiven? The only exception is Christianity.

The crux of the Christian message is that sin must be punished, and there’s no way people can earn their own forgiveness. Therefore, Jesus had to come to earth, live the perfect life that we could not live and die the death we deserved to die so that He could pay the penalty for our sins, and we could gain the forgiveness we so desperately need and could never be good enough to earn.