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Happy Resurrection Sunday!!

3/31/2013

And he saith unto them, "Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him." Mark 16:6

May the meaning of God's love for us truly 'sink in' today. He gave His son so that we might have eternal life. We live because "HE LIVES!" Have a wonderful day in the Lord!

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What Really Killed Jesus?

3/30/2013

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What Really Killed Jesus? ©1994 Judy Weltin

What really killed Jesus?
What broke His heart in two?
What made Him cry in the garden?
Was it just something He had to do?

Was it blood sweat tears, in Gethsemane?
Was it the cup.... laid at His feet?
Was it the loneliness and hurt?
While His disciples were asleep?

Was it shame, as they stripped Him naked?
Was it the road... He had to tread?
Was it the stripes... upon His back?
Or the crown of thorns... upon His head?

Was it the scourging of His body?
Was it the huge iron nails... thrust in His hands?
Was it the spikes through His feet that killed Him...?
Or... Was it the weight of His love for man??

It was more than a crucifixion, for His Love abounded there.
The cries of all mankind... made Him listen, made Him care.
The sin that had them bound... the torment He knew they bore.
Made His compassion and His faithfulness apparent all the more.

Jesus saw beyond His pain... and the misery of that day.
He reached out in love... His blood washed our sins away.
He saw children that were naked... hungry and crying...
He saw aborted babies, in anguish as they lay dying.

He saw alcoholic fathers, and mothers using crack.
Babies born addicted... became a common fact.
Teens who longed for love, rebelling in their need.
Families broke apart by selfishness and greed.

He saw the deep depression, He saw the suicide.
He saw the incest victim, who sat alone and cried.
He saw the violence... this world resulted to.
He saw the heavy challenge, then He died for me and you.

His tears broke through the walls, that stood ahead in time.
He saw every single need of yours... and every one of mine.
He saw how Satan, would destroy the human race.
Then with outstretched hands, He showed His mercy and grace.

This God, made man who walked... the dusty roads of earth.
He knew the plan of God, He knew the reason for His birth.
And although he was a King... and didn't have to give.
He reached out in loving kindness, just so we might live.

It's true we all have suffered, each in his own way.
But, nothing could compare to the heartache of that day.
Jesus came, and He gave everything for you and me.
In hope we would accept Him, and live eternally.

And, everyday since Calvary, He sits at His father's side.
He prays for all the brokenness, all the tears that we have cried.
He lends His Holy Spirit, to comfort you and me.
Such love was truly given... in this Holy Trinity.

I know what really killed Him... killed Jesus on that day.
A love so pure and kind, there was no other way.
He saw me and He loved me, He saw and loved you too!
The chains of sin were broken, when He died for me and you!
-©1994 Judy Weltin

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Are You Bound by... Elephant Rope??

3/26/2013

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Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.
James 5:11

I think you would agree that elephants are very large, majestic and powerful creatures.  Still, have you ever noticed that an elephant, at a carnival, fair or circus is held only by a small rope that is tied to the front or back leg?

When the elephants are young and smaller, a trainer will use the same size rope to tie them, and at this point the rope is enough to hold them.  So they will grow up thinking it will always prevent them from running off.

And it is true, as a baby, the rope did hold the little elephant. Now, if we look at an adult elephant that can weigh between 3 and 6 tons, we can be assured that this animal has the power to break that rope and free themselves from their bondage at any time! However, because they believe, as they did when they were a child, they stay right where they are tied.

So, what keeps you bound?  Are you tethered by sin, going through life bearing guilt, condemnation or fear? Are you bound by a narrow perspective of God's limitless love and mercy for you. Have you failed to see that through the Holy Spirit, our God's compassion and favor is endless and eternal.

When you lapse into sin and Satan seems to come in like a flood, does it create bondage that keeps you from walking freely in God's grace? Does guilt and shame fill your heart with fear and then, does helplessness overwhelm your soul?

Do you believe the devil's lies that say, "You're done, you keep doing the same sin over and over. God will never forgive you again, because He knows you will just do it again! You might as well give up, you don't know how to live for God!"

Satan loves to keep you bound and in the dark, away from the vastness of God's great love and mercy, that He truly has for you. When we transgress and disobey, God is always ready to forgive and restore us, if we just confess those sins and NEVER GIVE UP!

Look at Job, his staying power, and how we know God brought it all together for him in the end. God loved Job and He cared for him right down to the last detail, because he never gave up, he never quit!

God doesn't delight in our sin and our troubles, still He feels our pain and our frustrations. And, He always responds with goodness, a tender heart and ready to forgive. God is quick to help and redeem us, even though He has the power to condemn. I believe His heart is softened, compassionate and most loving, even with those who have failed Him a sundry of times.

We must break away from "elephant ropes" and the belief that we can't do something, simply because we failed at it before. Failure is a part of learning; so be patient and never give up, for with God's love and understanding, all things are possible and we do have the power to walk in the Holy Spirit and have victory!

So, keep focused on God, be filled with His joy and His endless love for you!

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Its Sunday... Rest and Be Blessed!

3/24/2013

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For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:23

Praise the Lord, He has given you this day!!! Have a wonderful day in Jesus Christ the Lord!!!

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Are You A Cracked Pot...??

3/23/2013

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For as the body is one and hath many members and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:12

A water bearer in India had two large pots, each hung on each end of a pole which he carried across his neck.  One of the pots had a crack in it, and while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water at the end of the long walk from the stream to the master’s house, the cracked pot arrived only half full.

For a full two years this went on daily, with the bearer delivering only one and a half pots full of water in his master's house. Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments. But, the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfections and miserable that it was only able to accomplish half of what it had been made to do. After two years of what it perceived to be a bitter failure, it spoke to the water bearer one day by the stream.

"I am ashamed of myself, and I want to apologize to you." "Why?" asked the bearer? "What are you ashamed of?" "I have been able, for these past two years, to deliver only half of my load, because of this crack in my side, causes water to leak out all the way back to your master's house. Because of my flaws, you have to do all of this work and you don't get the full value from your efforts." said the noticeably cracked pot.

The water bearer felt sorry for the old cracked pot, and in his compassion he said, "As we return to the master's house, I want you to notice the beautiful flowers along the path." Indeed, as they went up the hill, the old cracked pot took notice of the sun warming the beautiful wild flowers on the side of the path and this did cheer the old cracked pot somewhat. But, at the end of the trail, it still
felt bad because it had leaked out half its load and so again the pot apologized to the bearer for its failure.

The bearer said to the pot, "Did you notice that there were flowers only on your side of the path, but not on the other pot's side? That's because I have always known about your flaw and I took advantage of it. I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back from the stream, you've watered them. For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate my master's table. Without you being just the way you are, he would not have this beauty to grace his home."

We are all part of the family of God and each of us is unique and beautiful in our Master's eyes! We each have a gift or talent that is needed to fulfill the work of God. You must never underestimate yourself by comparing yourself with others. It is our differences that make the family of God, unique and wonderful!

God's various gifts are handed out to each of us; but they all originate in God's Spirit. As are God's various ministries, expressions of power in action and talents. Each of us is given something to do that expresses who God is. The variety should be looked at as wonderful, and we should never compare our gift to anyone else's gift. It is God alone, who decides who gets what and when they will get it.

In verses 12-13 we can see how easily this kind of thing works, by just looking at our bodies. Our bodies have many parts, limbs, organs, cells, blood vessels - but no matter how many parts there are, there is still just one body!

It is the same thing with the body of Christ Jesus. By means of His one Spirit, we all said goodbye to our pitiful and partial lives, where we use to call our own shots.   When we accepted Christ Jesus, we entered into a larger and more integrated life, in which He has the final say in everything!

We affirmed this when we were baptized and each of us in now a part of His resurrected body. We are refreshed and sustained at one fountain, which is His Spirit, where we all come to drink. We are no longer Jew or Greek, a slave or free, we are all now a part of the Family of God!

Christ is like a single body, with many, many parts and each of us holds a significant value in the eyes of God. He alone knows why one gives wise counsel and another clear understanding.  He knows why one is a preacher, one a teacher, why one has faith and another healing.  Whatever, God has given to you and I, is of His choosing, we need just use it willingly and freely!

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How Much Does Prayer Weigh?

3/22/2013

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For with God nothing shall be impossible.
Luke 1:37

Louise, a poorly dressed woman, with a look of defeat on her face, walked into a grocery store. She approached the owner of the store in a most humble manner and asked if he would let her charge a few groceries.

She softly explained that her husband was very ill and unable to work. They had seven children and they needed food.

John, the grocer, scoffed at her and requested that she leave his store. Knowing her families need, she said, "Please, sir! I will bring you the money just as soon as I can." However, John told her he could not give her credit, as she did not have a charge account at his store.

Standing beside the counter was a customer who overheard the conversation between the two. The customer walked forward and told the grocer that he would stand good for whatever she needed for her family.

The grocer said in a very reluctant voice, "Do you have a grocery list?" Louise replied, "Yes sir." "Okay" he said, "Put your grocery list on the scales and whatever your grocery list weighs, I will give you that amount in groceries."

Louise hesitated a moment with a bowed head. Then she reached into her purse and took out a piece of paper and scribbled something on it. She then laid the piece of paper on the scale carefully, with her head still bowed.

The eyes of the grocer and the customer showed amazement when the scale went down and stayed down. The grocer, staring at the scales, turned slowly to the customer and said begrudgingly, "I can't believe it!" The customer smiled and the grocer started putting the groceries on the other side of the scales.

The scale did not balance so he continued to put more and more groceries on them until the scales would hold no more. The grocer stood there in disgust.

Finally, he grabbed the piece of paper from the scales and looked at it with greater amazement. It was not a grocery list at all! It was instead a prayer which said, "Dear Lord, you know my needs, so I am leaving this in your hands."

The grocer gave her the groceries that he had gathered and stood in stunned silence. Louise thanked him and left the store. The customer handed a fifty-dollar bill to the grocer and said, "It was worth every penny of it!"

In yesterday's blog, I talked about being "sold out" to Jesus, and I asked the question, "Are we Crucified with Christ?" or "Are we Custom fitting Christ?"

It is only when we are crucified and dead to self, that we are truly "sold out," and we are allowing Jesus Christ to live fully in and through us!

I have had several people tell me that they just couldn't commit, to becoming a Christian because they didn't want to change their lifestyle. I must say, I have more respect for these people, than those who claim to be Christian, and yet their lifestyle reflects anything but Christ.

Christianity does implore sacrifice, and that sacrifice began when Jesus died on the cross for our sins. Salvation may be free to us, but it was not cheap, God's son Jesus, was condemned at the age of 33 to the death penalty.

At the time crucifixion was the "worst" death and only the worst criminals were condemned to be crucified. Jesus was to be nailed to the cross by His hand and feet. Each nail was 6 to 8 inches long and was driven into his wrists, not into His palms as is commonly portrayed. There's a tendon in the wrist that extends to the shoulder. The Roman guards knew that when the nails were being hammered into the wrist that the tendon would tear and break, forcing Jesus to use His back muscles to support himself so that He could breath.

Both of His feet were nailed together, thus He was forced to support himself on a single nail that impaled His feet to the cross. Jesus could not support himself with His legs because of the pain, so He was forced to alternate between arching His back, then using His legs, just to continue to breathe. Imagine, for a moment, the struggle, the pain, the suffering and the courage it took for Jesus to endure this reality for over 3 hours. Yes, over 3 hours! Can you imagine this kind of suffering?

A few minutes before He died, Jesus stopped bleeding. He was simply pouring out water from His wounds. From common images, we see wounds to His hands and feet and even the spear wound to His side... but do we realize His wounds were actually made in His body. A hammer driving large nails through the wrist, the feet overlapped and even a large nail hammered through the arches, then a Roman guard piercing His side with a spear.

But before the nails, before the spear, Jesus was whipped and beaten. The whipping was so severe that it tore the flesh from His body. The beating so horrific that His face was torn and His beard ripped from His face. The crown of thorns cut deeply into His scalp. Most men would not have endured this torture.

All this and then Jesus had to carry His own cross for almost (about 1.25 miles) while the crowd spat in His face and threw stones at Him. The cross that He carried was approximately 35 pounds only for the upper part where His hands were nailed.

Jesus endured all of this, so that we could have "free access to God," and He did it out of His LOVE, so that ALL of our sins could be "washed away" by His blood.

Knowing what Jesus endured, how can we desire to be anything less, then what He is in us? How does a dirty movie, a sleazy television show or a filthy picture hold more weight? What about foul language, immodest dress, or gossip?

We are all capable of these things and much more... but why? Yes, we all have a sin nature, but we also have the Spirit of God living within us!

Have you ever heard someone say, "Give them your hand and they'll take your arm!" I think this has happened in Christianity, and everyday we go a bit further down the road of destruction. I will say that I am just as guilty as the next person, however, I can see the damage being done and I know it's time to seek God!

The next question is: Will we "stand for truth" (God's Truth) or will we "fall for lies?" (Satan's Lies)

Oh... and just so you know... the above story was true. Louise Redden was the woman and John Longhouse was the grocer. And it was sometime later, that John, the grocer, discovered the scales were broken; therefore only God knows how much a prayer weighs.

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Judy A. Weltin
Author

My heart cries out for those who are hurting and those who are lost and do not know the Lord Jesus Christ as their Personal Savior. I want to show you the "Love of Jesus" & give you some skills to "Rise Above" any and all misery you may face on a daily basis.

The "Church in General" has and is... failing this world! We have grown complacent, with a mediocre attitude in our relationship with Christ Jesus!

When Jesus rose from the grave and after He ascended into heaven, He gave us the most powerful support & assistance we need to help us "rise above" our daily problems by giving us His Holy Spirit!

He also gave us "His Holy Word..." which is a blueprint or map of how to live in this world that is so full of pain and sin. Thru Christ Jesus, "His Holy Spirit" and "His Holy Word," we have the power, ability and the authority to change this world and its problems.

We as a church have to "wake up, repent and go back to our first love of Jesus" in order to "Be the church, Jesus Christ intended us to be!" I am so ready for REVIVAL, not just for myself but, in the church also! I want so much more of God and what He has for me and YOU!!!
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Feel free to contact me by using the contact page or emailing me at:
[email protected]
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May God Bless you as you read my blog! May the words help and inspire you to live your life fully in Jesus Christ!

Isaiah 55:6

Welcome to my blog! My prayer is we will all benefit by hearing what God is doing and find JOY in everyday life! Blessings....

Happy Resurrection Sunday!!

What Really Killed Jesus?

What Really Killed Jesus? ©1994 Judy Weltin

Are You Bound by... Elephant Rope??

Its Sunday... Rest and Be Blessed!

Are You A Cracked Pot...??

How Much Does Prayer Weigh?

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