Tomorrow Gram will be 98 years old! A while ago, I had toyed with sending invitations for her birthday and had written one invitation with a header that said... "98 is Great!"
After I had written it, I wondered to myself whether Gram would say 98 is great. Sure, it rhymed, but as I view Gram in the day-to-day routines, I think 98 may not be so great. The header seemed ridiculous and glib to me once I saw it in black and white.
For Gram, 98 means never being able to cook your own meals. It means struggling with a walker, and having to use a wheelchair on the "off" days. It also means that someone else chooses your clothes, dresses you and does your hair. Reading is tedious with trifocals and a magnifying glass. You only get outside by being transported in your wheelchair in and out of the house and car to a doctor's appointment. It means not being able to pick up the phone to call a friend because you can't remember the number or hear what they're saying. It also means that your nearest, dearest, lifelong friends and family have already passed away. At 98, there are aches and pains all over your body that you usually just can't put into words, and each day brings a risk of falling because your balance isn't as good as it used to be. Gram spends a lot of time awake in her chair, staring at her lap, or out the window, watching the birds come to the bird feeder.
Often, during the day, as I view her sitting quietly, I ask Gram if she's comfortable, and if there's anything I can do for her. This (almost) 98 year old woman usually smiles at me and tells me she was just meditating on scripture as she sits in her chair. She is content. Sometimes she whistles or breaks out into a hymn with her tiny, frail voice. Gram doesn't complain. She silently talks to her heavenly Father as life bustles around her. He is her best friend.
As I opened our Daily Light devotional tonight for October 15, I read these words to her:
The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; the God of my rock; in HIM will I trust: He is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my Saviour. The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in in Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise Him...
...As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the LORD is round about His people from henceforth even for ever. Because Thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of Thy wings will I rejoice.
For Thy namesake, lead me and guide me.
Tonight, as every night before bed, I kissed Gram's forehead and prayed with her, thanking God for the life He gave to Gram, so she could give it back to Him in service and love. Gram also prayed, and thanked the Lord for His grace and His bountiful blessings every day.
Maybe, just maybe, 98 is great.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
The Plan of Salvation
I have dedicated this blog site to the impact that my Gram has made in my life, and I hope it will be a blessing to anyone who reads it. I do know that Gram has dedicated her life to serving, loving and sharing Christ with others. I would be remiss if I did not give the source of Gram’s joy and the message of her life. As I wrote in my first post, Gram said, “That’s why we’re here”!
While I do want to share the meaningful life and impact Gram has had on me, personally, she would want all of the praise and all of the glory to focus on the One who has made her life of service possible. It is only through grace that Gram, or anyone else, is able to live a life of love and devotion to others. And, it is only through Christ that we are able to have an abundant life that overflows into the lives of others with bountiful blessings in return..
What would Gram most want others to know about her? That she belongs to the family of God. That she is a sinner, saved by grace. If you were here in her living room as I am, she would want to introduce you to the love of her life – Jesus Christ.
In the Bible, Romans 1:16 says, “For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth.”
Salvation is a word we use to describe our acceptance and belief in God’s gift of eternal life. The free gift of salvation is only received by us through the death of God’s only son, Jesus, who left heaven to come to earth as a human to save all humanity from the consequences of our sin.
The Bible teaches that God loves you! “For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” John 3:16
AND…God wants you to know Him personally! “Now this is eternal life, that men may know Him, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom He has sent”. John 17:3
BUT…We are all separated from God and His love because God is pure and we are all sinners. “As it is written, there is none righteous, no not one.” Romans 3:10 “But your iniquities have separated you from God; and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear” Isaiah 59:2 “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” Romans 3:23, 24
Because we are sinners, we are all destined to die an earthly death, but our souls live on eternally. The one who rejects Christ’s gift in this life goes on to eternal death and separation forever from God in hell. “For the wages of sin is death…” The one who accepts the free gift of salvation goes on to live eternally in heaven with God and other believers “…but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23
How do we receive the gift of God through Christ? It’s called faith. We must have faith that Christ was sent to the earth by God the Father. We must believe that Christ walked the earth as a man, but was also without sin, because He was also God in the flesh. Jesus, as the perfect, sinless sacrifice, paid the ultimate price for our sin. We must believe that there is a penalty for sin, and it is death and eternal separation from God, because God cannot have any fellowship with sinners apart from a sacrifice.
That’s not the end of the story!!! Jesus Christ was crucified and died on the cross for the sins of all the world (including our own), past, present and future! He did not remain dead – he rose from the grave on the third day, and ascended into Heaven when all was accomplished according to the scriptures, and He is alive and with God! This was God’s plan because He loves us and wants to enjoy a relationship with us, which was made possible by the sacrifice of His son.
JESUS is the only way to restore a relationship and communication between you and God. “For there is one God and one mediator between God and men (and women) – the man CHRIST JESUS: Who gave himself a ransom for ALL…” I Timothy 2:5,6
Salvation is a gift. We cannot earn the gift, and we cannot do enough good works to be rewarded by the gift. We simply have to receive it. “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become the children of God” John 1:12. “For by grace (undeserved favor) ye are saved through faith; and not of yourselves (there’s nothing you could possibly do) – it is the GIFT of God. Not of works, lest anyone should boast” Ephesians 2:8,9.
The way to eternal life, and abundant blessings here on earth is through Christ! “And this is eternal life, that they might know Thee (God), the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou (God) has sent.” John 17:3.
Salvation involves:
Acknowledging our need – admitting we have sinned and desiring to turn away from that sin.
Believing Jesus Christ died for us and accepting His cleansing and forgiveness of our sins.
Choosing to invite Christ into your life as the one in control of your life. You will be amazed at the peace and joy you will have in giving Him control – no more trying to be good enough. We are made perfect in Christ. We will still sin, because we are sinners by nature, but we have grace day after day, moment after moment, by confessing our sins to Christ and knowing that He always forgives us.
Many people begin with a prayer that opens the door to a beautiful relationship with our Creator and Savior. You don’t have to try to impress God, just tell God what’s on your heart….you might want to pray something like this:
Dear Lord,
I know I have done wrong. I have tried to do things my own way for too long. I want to know you personally, and I am willing, with your help, to turn from my life of sin. I believe Jesus Christ died for me. Please come into my life and I thank you for already forgiving my sins and offering your perfect gift of salvation. I now receive your gift, and receive you as my Lord and Savior.
The moment you truly believe and have faith in what the Holy Bible tells us about God and salvation, Christ comes into your life, you become a child of God, your sins are forgiven, you have eternal life, and you begin a great adventure of knowing God personally! You can never lose your salvation – you become filled with the Holy Spirit of God, and He seals us unto the day of redemption!
If you have received God’s free gift of salvation today, all of heaven is cheering for you right now! Welcome to the Family of God!
“For I know the thoughts I think toward you, says the Lord. Thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you an expected end (hope and a future). Then shall you call upon me, and pray unto me, and I will hear you. And you shall seek me, and find me, when you shall search for me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:11-13
I will continue to write about lessons learned from my Gram, but this is the most important post of them all! “That’s why we’re here”!
While I do want to share the meaningful life and impact Gram has had on me, personally, she would want all of the praise and all of the glory to focus on the One who has made her life of service possible. It is only through grace that Gram, or anyone else, is able to live a life of love and devotion to others. And, it is only through Christ that we are able to have an abundant life that overflows into the lives of others with bountiful blessings in return..
What would Gram most want others to know about her? That she belongs to the family of God. That she is a sinner, saved by grace. If you were here in her living room as I am, she would want to introduce you to the love of her life – Jesus Christ.
In the Bible, Romans 1:16 says, “For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth.”
Salvation is a word we use to describe our acceptance and belief in God’s gift of eternal life. The free gift of salvation is only received by us through the death of God’s only son, Jesus, who left heaven to come to earth as a human to save all humanity from the consequences of our sin.
The Bible teaches that God loves you! “For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” John 3:16
AND…God wants you to know Him personally! “Now this is eternal life, that men may know Him, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom He has sent”. John 17:3
BUT…We are all separated from God and His love because God is pure and we are all sinners. “As it is written, there is none righteous, no not one.” Romans 3:10 “But your iniquities have separated you from God; and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear” Isaiah 59:2 “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” Romans 3:23, 24
Because we are sinners, we are all destined to die an earthly death, but our souls live on eternally. The one who rejects Christ’s gift in this life goes on to eternal death and separation forever from God in hell. “For the wages of sin is death…” The one who accepts the free gift of salvation goes on to live eternally in heaven with God and other believers “…but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23
How do we receive the gift of God through Christ? It’s called faith. We must have faith that Christ was sent to the earth by God the Father. We must believe that Christ walked the earth as a man, but was also without sin, because He was also God in the flesh. Jesus, as the perfect, sinless sacrifice, paid the ultimate price for our sin. We must believe that there is a penalty for sin, and it is death and eternal separation from God, because God cannot have any fellowship with sinners apart from a sacrifice.
That’s not the end of the story!!! Jesus Christ was crucified and died on the cross for the sins of all the world (including our own), past, present and future! He did not remain dead – he rose from the grave on the third day, and ascended into Heaven when all was accomplished according to the scriptures, and He is alive and with God! This was God’s plan because He loves us and wants to enjoy a relationship with us, which was made possible by the sacrifice of His son.
JESUS is the only way to restore a relationship and communication between you and God. “For there is one God and one mediator between God and men (and women) – the man CHRIST JESUS: Who gave himself a ransom for ALL…” I Timothy 2:5,6
Salvation is a gift. We cannot earn the gift, and we cannot do enough good works to be rewarded by the gift. We simply have to receive it. “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become the children of God” John 1:12. “For by grace (undeserved favor) ye are saved through faith; and not of yourselves (there’s nothing you could possibly do) – it is the GIFT of God. Not of works, lest anyone should boast” Ephesians 2:8,9.
The way to eternal life, and abundant blessings here on earth is through Christ! “And this is eternal life, that they might know Thee (God), the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou (God) has sent.” John 17:3.
Salvation involves:
Acknowledging our need – admitting we have sinned and desiring to turn away from that sin.
Believing Jesus Christ died for us and accepting His cleansing and forgiveness of our sins.
Choosing to invite Christ into your life as the one in control of your life. You will be amazed at the peace and joy you will have in giving Him control – no more trying to be good enough. We are made perfect in Christ. We will still sin, because we are sinners by nature, but we have grace day after day, moment after moment, by confessing our sins to Christ and knowing that He always forgives us.
Many people begin with a prayer that opens the door to a beautiful relationship with our Creator and Savior. You don’t have to try to impress God, just tell God what’s on your heart….you might want to pray something like this:
Dear Lord,
I know I have done wrong. I have tried to do things my own way for too long. I want to know you personally, and I am willing, with your help, to turn from my life of sin. I believe Jesus Christ died for me. Please come into my life and I thank you for already forgiving my sins and offering your perfect gift of salvation. I now receive your gift, and receive you as my Lord and Savior.
The moment you truly believe and have faith in what the Holy Bible tells us about God and salvation, Christ comes into your life, you become a child of God, your sins are forgiven, you have eternal life, and you begin a great adventure of knowing God personally! You can never lose your salvation – you become filled with the Holy Spirit of God, and He seals us unto the day of redemption!
If you have received God’s free gift of salvation today, all of heaven is cheering for you right now! Welcome to the Family of God!
“For I know the thoughts I think toward you, says the Lord. Thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you an expected end (hope and a future). Then shall you call upon me, and pray unto me, and I will hear you. And you shall seek me, and find me, when you shall search for me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:11-13
I will continue to write about lessons learned from my Gram, but this is the most important post of them all! “That’s why we’re here”!
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Freely
The house is quiet here tonight. My youngest two kids went to spend the night at my oldest daughter's apartment. Generally, after supper, I spend some time reading a few chapters to my Gram from various nonfiction books. We just finished Hope Rising by Kim Meeder (highly recommended!)
Gram decided that she was a little weary, so she didn't want to begin another book tonight, so we read the love chapter from the Bible. 1 Corinthians 13. After I finished reading, we sat quietly together and enjoyed the lack of commotion that generally swirls around us at this hour of the night.
In the silence, my heart began to flood with gratitude and love for this little woman who has been a four foot nine inch warrior for Christ. I thanked her for showing me and countless other people the love of Christ. Gram simply smiled and said, "Freely you have received, freely give"(Matt 10:8b). I began to openly weep as I told her of the times I knew Christ loved me because of the way Gram loved me. I was decidedly unlovable in the worst of my rebellion. I never lashed out at Grampy or Gram in my depravation, but I became very distant and broke off our relationship so I could be away from their watchful eyes to do my own things. Things that would have broken their hearts.
There were many times I would come back to visit them, making small talk about anything and nothing, with an unrepentant heart. They continued to show their love by telling me I was in their daily prayers. I believed them. As I was growing up, we daily got on our knees in the living room after breakfast to pray and lift up our loved ones, enemies, presidents and also offered special prayer for those who were hurting or rejecting the Lord. Every single day.
So tonight, I just wanted to thank my little Gram for being a vessel for Christ all these years. Gram told me that Christ is joyful when we receive His love, and His joy is multiplied when we take that love and pass it on to others. I am still amazed and learning that I can bring joy to my Savior! Joy to MY Savior! Imagine!
After I was able to tell Gram all that was on my heart, we prayed and I kissed her forehead as I always do before saying good-night. I thanked the Lord for His blessings and for His loving hand on my life. Where would I be if it weren't for the steadfastness of other Christians who simply and consistently walked the walk of faith - unashamed of the Gospel, and always ready to show His love to others.
Is there someone in your life who has consistently pointed you toward Christ by their testimony, witness, love? Someday, it will be too late to thank them. Don't let your opportunity pass! You may weep, as I wept tonight, but as I wrote to another great woman of influence in my life tonight, "Aren't tears of joy and appreciation so much different than tears of regret and sadness!"
Tell them, thank them, emulate them, and one day you will hear your Lord say, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant...enter thou into the joy of thy Lord" (Matt 25:21)
THANK YOU - Ray Boltz
I dreamed I went to heaven And you were there with me;
We walked upon the streets of gold Beside the crystal sea.
We heard the angels singing Then someone called your name.
We turned and saw a young man running And he was smiling as he came.
And he said, "Friend you may not know me now." And then he said, "But wait,
You used to teach my Sunday School When I was only eight.
And every week you would say a prayer Before the class would start.
And one day when you said that prayer, I asked Jesus in my heart."
Thank you for giving to the Lord. I am a life that was changed.
Thank you for giving to the Lord. I am so glad you gave.
Then another man stood before you And said, "Remember the time
A missionary came to your church And his pictures made you cry.
You didn't have much money, But you gave it anyway.
Jesus took the gift you gave And that's why I'm here today."
Thank you for giving to the Lord. I am a life that was changed.
Thank you for giving to the Lord. I am so glad you gave.
One by one they came Far as the eye could see.
Each life somehow touched By your generosity.
Little things that you had done, Sacrifices made,
Unnoticed on the earth, In heaven, now proclaimed.
And I know that up in heaven You're not supposed to cry
But I am almost sure There were tears in your eyes.
As Jesus took your hand And you stood before the Lord.
He said, "My child, look around you. Great is your reward."
Thank you for giving to the Lord. I am a life that was changed.
Thank you for giving to the Lord. I am so glad you gave.
Never put off for tomorrow what you could do today
Gram decided that she was a little weary, so she didn't want to begin another book tonight, so we read the love chapter from the Bible. 1 Corinthians 13. After I finished reading, we sat quietly together and enjoyed the lack of commotion that generally swirls around us at this hour of the night.
In the silence, my heart began to flood with gratitude and love for this little woman who has been a four foot nine inch warrior for Christ. I thanked her for showing me and countless other people the love of Christ. Gram simply smiled and said, "Freely you have received, freely give"(Matt 10:8b). I began to openly weep as I told her of the times I knew Christ loved me because of the way Gram loved me. I was decidedly unlovable in the worst of my rebellion. I never lashed out at Grampy or Gram in my depravation, but I became very distant and broke off our relationship so I could be away from their watchful eyes to do my own things. Things that would have broken their hearts.
There were many times I would come back to visit them, making small talk about anything and nothing, with an unrepentant heart. They continued to show their love by telling me I was in their daily prayers. I believed them. As I was growing up, we daily got on our knees in the living room after breakfast to pray and lift up our loved ones, enemies, presidents and also offered special prayer for those who were hurting or rejecting the Lord. Every single day.
So tonight, I just wanted to thank my little Gram for being a vessel for Christ all these years. Gram told me that Christ is joyful when we receive His love, and His joy is multiplied when we take that love and pass it on to others. I am still amazed and learning that I can bring joy to my Savior! Joy to MY Savior! Imagine!
After I was able to tell Gram all that was on my heart, we prayed and I kissed her forehead as I always do before saying good-night. I thanked the Lord for His blessings and for His loving hand on my life. Where would I be if it weren't for the steadfastness of other Christians who simply and consistently walked the walk of faith - unashamed of the Gospel, and always ready to show His love to others.
Is there someone in your life who has consistently pointed you toward Christ by their testimony, witness, love? Someday, it will be too late to thank them. Don't let your opportunity pass! You may weep, as I wept tonight, but as I wrote to another great woman of influence in my life tonight, "Aren't tears of joy and appreciation so much different than tears of regret and sadness!"
Tell them, thank them, emulate them, and one day you will hear your Lord say, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant...enter thou into the joy of thy Lord" (Matt 25:21)
THANK YOU - Ray Boltz
I dreamed I went to heaven And you were there with me;
We walked upon the streets of gold Beside the crystal sea.
We heard the angels singing Then someone called your name.
We turned and saw a young man running And he was smiling as he came.
And he said, "Friend you may not know me now." And then he said, "But wait,
You used to teach my Sunday School When I was only eight.
And every week you would say a prayer Before the class would start.
And one day when you said that prayer, I asked Jesus in my heart."
Thank you for giving to the Lord. I am a life that was changed.
Thank you for giving to the Lord. I am so glad you gave.
Then another man stood before you And said, "Remember the time
A missionary came to your church And his pictures made you cry.
You didn't have much money, But you gave it anyway.
Jesus took the gift you gave And that's why I'm here today."
Thank you for giving to the Lord. I am a life that was changed.
Thank you for giving to the Lord. I am so glad you gave.
One by one they came Far as the eye could see.
Each life somehow touched By your generosity.
Little things that you had done, Sacrifices made,
Unnoticed on the earth, In heaven, now proclaimed.
And I know that up in heaven You're not supposed to cry
But I am almost sure There were tears in your eyes.
As Jesus took your hand And you stood before the Lord.
He said, "My child, look around you. Great is your reward."
Thank you for giving to the Lord. I am a life that was changed.
Thank you for giving to the Lord. I am so glad you gave.
Never put off for tomorrow what you could do today
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)