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A Mother's Relentless love - reflects the Father's Heart, Is Highly Regarded, Shapes the nation.
A look at The Prodigal Son - The Father's Response - and Fear of Rejection
Day 25
Today's reading is from John 11:The account of Lazarus At Mary's tears JESUS was moved with deep tenderness and compassion. Overcome with emotion, tears streamed down his face. The mourners were divided on their perspective of what they were seeing. Some of them saw how much he loved Lazarus, while others criticized his reaction, expecting a different response. Human nature hasn't changed much. How many of us witness an event and define it from our own finite understanding - we point the finger of critique instead of opening our eyes in willingness to see with compassion? For all of us, there are times we have our eyes on Jesus and His heart of compassion - yet there are other times our focus is on the issue and death. While there is nothing wrong with mourning, may our mourning never turn to moaning and complaint against God and what we think He should have done. Instead let's pray that our eyes are opened to the infinite compassion and empathy that Jesus has for those He loves and came for! Know that Jesus loves YOU deeply and is moved by the heart of those that seek Him and believe in Him. Be blessed today! All readings are summaries based on David Tensen's 40 Days of Delight.Day 19
Today's reading is from John 8:1-11. In today's reading we see the account where Jesus uttered his famous words "if you have never had a sinful desire then you may cast the first stone'. We want others to follow the law according to OUR interpretation. It's a fallen side of human nature to blame, judge and lord it over others. It is so easy to miss the heart of the law when we try so hard to perfect and adhere to the letter of the law. Jesus acted on the heart of the law - and his grace filled response caused a sinful woman to be freed from the very things that the people condemned her for. Do you 'finger point' and hold others up to your interpretation of the law - quick to condemn, placing a black hat on their head, and placing a white one on your own? Or... are you the recipient of such action? If so, be blessed today in the knowledge that there is a difference between what you've done - and who you are! Do not allow the 'finger pointing' and judgement of others define your God given destiny. May you continue to draw closer to Jesus, and walk, today and everyday, in the freedom and grace of knowing that God sees your heart and delights in you! Unfathomable - but true! Day 20 Today's reading is John 8:12-20 Jesus spent a lot of time demonstrating and speaking of who he really was, especially with the religious leaders of the day (that already had preconceived ideas of what 'Messiah' was - and would do). In today's reading we see Jesus, untouched by their judgements, speak of his identity with CONFIDENCE. Reflect on verse 15. Jesus is not limited by human standards. He doesn't judge us by outward appearance or conduct. He sees our purpose and our destiny. How easy it is for us to distort the truth about our identity and therefore put roadblocks in the path of our destiny. We judge ourselves, and others, based on outward appearance, earthly heritage, background, gender, limitations, weight, size, level of wealth, or even religious status. And they are all robbers of destiny. Today, let go of titles, names and striving for recognition! Instead, may you come to see your future, past and present in Christ. You were formed on purpose - and our Heavenly Father had YOU in his heart before the foundation of the world. He wrote of your days before they existed. Take strength and courage today to pursue, demonstrate, and speak of those things that have been given to you, and breathed over you as your God given destiny! Have confidence - God delights in you! Day 21 Today's reading is from John 8:21-30. In this passage, Jesus reiterates his relationship with Father God and his purpose to do what delights Him. David Tensen says that 'delight' not only speaks of approval but carries with it an emotion that gives motion to constant presence. And here Jesus links the two. He knows the delight of the Fathers heart and seeks to do those things that please his heart. And now, since we are in Jesus, we too have access to this door of delighting the Fathers Heart. As you fast, pray and seek your purpose and identity in Christ, may you find the keys and pathways to this door - of delighting the Fathers Heart! Day 22 Today's reading is from John 8:31-59. In this passage we see a confrontational account of Jesus and the Jewish leaders. Jesus challenges their position as true sons of God. Imagine having been born into a culture of faith only to be told you've been deceived and missed a central message of identity. However, this is exactly what we have to allow Jesus to do on a regular basis - because it's so easy for us to become slaves to sin, or even a system, a culture (even a religious culture), a church culture, instead of becoming sons of a King and a Kingdom. Even the revelation of Sonship sets us free! So today we are encouraged to allow Jesus to challenge our heart and bring a shift in our life and in our thinking. And as you do - may you see more freedom released into your lives as you embrace your identity as a child of the one true King. Day 23 Today's reading is from John 8:31-59. In this passage we see a confrontational account of Jesus and the Jewish leaders. Jesus challenges their position as true sons of God. Imagine having been born into a culture of faith only to be told you've been deceived and missed a central message of identity. However, this is exactly what we have to allow Jesus to do on a regular basis - because it's so easy for us to become slaves to sin, or even a system, a culture (even a religious culture), a church culture, instead of becoming sons of a King and a Kingdom. Even the revelation of Sonship sets us free! So today we are encouraged to allow Jesus to challenge our heart and bring a shift in our life and in our thinking. And as you do - may you see more freedom released into your lives as you embrace your identity as a child of the one true King. |
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