Tag: revelation

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Made New

Revelation is a beautiful gift when you can observe the God of yesterday for today and believe in His Word and Promises.

Today I read Numbers 19 and within this chapter, God gave specific instructions to Moses and Aaron for using water to cleanse the people.

The instructions entailed using the ashes of a sacrifice to purify the water. If any person became unclean, the water and ashes would be used to make the person ceremonially clean again.

“A man who is clean shall gather up the ashes of the heifer and put them in a ceremonially clean place outside the camp. They are to be kept by the Israelite community for use in the water of cleansing; it is for purification from sin.” Numbers 19:9 NIV

In addition, the commentary mentioned that the Israelites could not worship God unless they were ceremonially clean.

“But if those who are unclean do not purify themselves, they must be cut off from the community, because they have defiled the sanctuary of the Lord.”  Numbers 19:20 NIV

However, after reading this chapter and the commentary, I thought about how we, as believers, get to come to Jesus in our sin. The Israelites had to be ceremonially clean and purified before they approached and worshipped God. But we can come before Jesus with our sins, defilement, uncleanness, and impurity. We can stand before Him, broken, a sinner asking forgiveness. And God is faithful to forgive us, cleanse us, save us, redeem us, and love us all because of the ultimate sacrifice performed by His Son Jesus.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 NIV

Without Jesus,

We remain in our sin!

We have no relationship with God!

We have no right to come before Him!

We die an eternal death because of our sins!

“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding,” Ephesians 1:7-8 NIV

I am thankful to God that this revelation reminds me that I am “made new!” I can come to God insufficient and His grace is sufficient for me (2 Corinthians 12:9).

“For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:13-14 NIV

I have,

A new covenant!

A new relationship!

A new story!

A new ending!

All because Jesus became the ultimate and last sacrifice for my transgressions.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV

So, I pray for you today that you know how loved you are by our Heavenly Father. You were created to dwell with Him in a loving, nurturing relationship. Therefore, know it is never too late to start living “Made New!”

In Jesus’ name, Amen!

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Look Up

As a primary school teacher, I remember teaching a lesson on nocturnal animals. We talked about the various animals that come out at night and during the daylight. We also discussed why certain animals come out only at night. Among our diverse list of animals, the owl was considered a nocturnal animal. The owl is a bird that preys and hunts at night. Their night vision eyes, ears, and flying speed help them to see and catch prey.

But, this lesson that I taught my students for years was challenged one beautiful, sunny day.  As I was walking on the trail, talking to God, I decided to look up in the sky. While looking up, I noticed an owl sitting on a branch. I had never seen an owl before in nature that I can remember. I always thought owls were nocturnal animals that came out at night, so to see this owl perched in a tree perplexed me. 

However, as I reflected on seeing the owl, even though my focus was on hearing God, thoughts came to mind. Some ideas that came to mind as I observed the owl sitting in the tree was looking up:

  • Is necessary
  • Encourages our Creator to become relevant, needed, and desired
  • Acknowledges our source and where our help, vision, and ideas come from
  • Helps you to see the impossible become possible; what you might have never thought you’d see or do is in your grasp and sight when you look to God

Once I saw the owl, I decided to google “Day Owls” since I thought owls only came out at night. It stated that some owls come out during the day because of the season and to catch their prey. Certain birds that owls prey on come out in the early morning, which would validate me seeing this owl. However, what was interesting about this owl was he did not move. He was gazing at the forest, admiring his surroundings, and waiting patiently for prey.

As I took a moment to ask God what He wanted me to learn from this encounter, I felt a sense of conviction toward yielding to God. I could sense God saying, “Stop thinking, planning, and focusing on what you believe to be a problem.” God was telling me:

  • Know that He is in control!
  • Admire and recognize what He has given me!
  • Seize the day!
  • Wait patiently on Him! 

As Matthew 6: 25-26 (NIV) says, “don’t worry – see how God feeds the birds, and how much more valuable am I.” https://www.bible.com/bible/111/mat.6.25-26.niv

Know that God loves you and knows what you need. Look up, Seek Him, Trust Him, Believe in Him, and Have Faith in Him! If I hadn’t looked up, I would’ve never saw the owl in this tall tree, high above my head to witness God desiring to give me revelation!

Be Blessed, in Jesus Christ’s name, amen.

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Run with Perseverance

Run with Perseverance

I love to exercise.  Within my neighborhood, there is a community trail which on any given day you can find adults and children walking, running, and riding bikes.  The trail provides an atmosphere of serenity and tranquility from the hustle and bustle of life.  A peaceful view, occasional spectators, and a place to reflect are all accessible on the trail. 

One beautiful, sunny day as I was walking and talking to God on the trail, He interrupted my conversation to give me a profound revelation that I had to stop and record my thoughts.  But before I share my revelation, I need to give you some background information about how I run on the trail.  As I exercise, I do something called intermit running.  Intermit running is when you run for a certain period of time then walk for a short minute, but you run again so that your heart rate goes up and down throughout your exercise routine.  I learned that using this style of running helps with fluctuating my metabolism instead of keeping it at a steady pace.  So, to do this I set markers as I run by using trees, rocks, or bridges to gage how far I have run before I stop to walk.    

Now, on the trail there are three bridges and the first bridge is about a quarter of a mile from the trail entrance and each subsequent bridge is less than half a mile apart.  As I run on the trail, I’m not able to see each bridge just the path in front of me, so I use the trees and large rocks as markers.  While running my heart begins to beat faster and faster, the panting of my breath gets stronger, and my legs get tired.  Exhaustion and fatigue consume my body but as I set my thoughts to the marker I’m able to keep pressing forward.   

To distract myself from the feeling of fatigue, I close my eyes for a moment gazing up at the sun and blue sky.  I enjoy my surroundings by waving to the people, looking at the trees, and noticing the various animals and insects.  As I get closer to my marker, the view of the trees begin to open and I hear the sound of running water.  At last the bridge is in sight.  Even though I am tired, I pick up the pace and encourage myself “you can do it, you can reach your goal.”

So, what was my revelation?  What did God teach me that day?

I learned that the method I was using to meet my running goal did not differ from developing my spiritual maturity.  The goals I set to persevere through each milestone of running can also support my Christian walk.  When I spend intimate time with God praying for guidance and direction, I must also “wait” on God to answer those prayers.  In my waiting, I must plan, prepare and persevere.  The marker of life is establishing one goal at a time and seeking to accomplish it.  Regardless of life’s test or trials, you must persevere because through perseverance comes growth and development.  We have to continue to trust in God and remember past blessings to fuel us just as when I’m running on the trail and fatigue sets in.  Instead of anticipating the bridge, I set small milestones with the trees and rocks.  With life we need to do the same thing, focus on what God has done and the surrounding blessings to continue moving forward.

Our trials and test are not the time to give in or turn around.  We must stand firm on God’s Word, remember the desires He placed in your heart (Psalm 37:4 NIV), and continue to praise Him by reading His Word and staying in His presence. 

Paul reminds us in scripture to run with perseverance the race marked out for us (Hebrews 12: 1 NIV).  This means don’t back down or give up but keep pressing forward!

Do you know my friends if we don’t endure the test, we won’t have a testimony!  We can’t bring glory to God and have success unless we choose to succeed!  As mortal beings, we can’t escape weariness or fatigue.  We all become tired and weary, but with determination and perseverance, we can get through the pain achieving our goals and maturing. 

Along with exercising, I have come to appreciate the results that benefit my health and well-being.  My exercise regimen builds an obedient, discipline character, which is also necessary for our spiritual maturity.  The Bible tells us we must worship God in spirit and truth (John 4: 24 NIV).  Our relationship is two-fold, the unseen experience with the presence of God and a tangible experience with His Word, which are both necessary for inward results that influence outward character. 

So, as I mentioned before, I love to exercise and I love running on the trail.  But, most importantly, I love when God interrupts what I perceive as routine to give me spiritual wisdom.  And, spiritual wisdom will not only promote balance in your life but also help you persevere. 

Be blessed in the precious name of Jesus Christ~ Amen