Ponderings: salvation

Showing posts with label salvation. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 12, 2025

Where Is Our Hope?

We are living in times of unprecedented stress. Our families, society, and world are in a constant state of upheaval despite our best efforts to restore control and stability. Many of us feel betrayed by our government, abandoned by our loved ones, and fearful of all the circumstances we cannot control. The stress of it all is debilitating and the burdens have become unbearable. Why is all this happening? Has God finally turned his back on us? These questions are as old as time.

Most of us have felt abandoned by God at one time or another. We have tried—and failed—to control situations we were never meant to control. Even though we might be saved, many of us find it hard to fully surrender every aspect of our lives to God and to give him control of the heartbreaking circumstances in which we find ourselves. We have become slaves to sin, believing that “if it’s to be, it’s up to me.” How arrogant of us to think that we know better than the One who created us and sent his one and only Son to die on a cross for our sin! How might our pride and failure to surrender ourselves, problems, and loved ones keep God from accomplishing his will in our lives?

The apostle Paul wrote, “We are experiencing all kinds of trouble, but we aren’t crushed. We are confused, but we aren’t depressed. We are harassed, but we aren’t abandoned. We are knocked down, but we aren’t knocked out” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9, CEB). As a Christ-follower, he knew that his hope could be found in Jesus Christ, the power of God, and the truth of God’s Word. He knew that God can turn our trials into testimonies so that others may come to know him. He goes on to write, “We always carry Jesus’ death around in our bodies so that Jesus’ life can also be seen in our bodies. We who are alive are always being handed over to death for Jesus’ sake so that Jesus’ life can also be seen in our bodies that are dying…So we aren’t depressed. But even if our bodies are breaking down on the outside, the person that we are on the inside is being renewed every day. Our temporary minor problems are producing an eternal stockpile of glory for us that is beyond all comparison. We don’t focus on the things that can be seen but on the things that can’t be seen. The things that can be seen don’t last, but the things that can’t be seen are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:10-11, 16-18).

“It is for freedom that Christ set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery” (Galatians 5:1, NIV). God only wants his best for us, yet we live as if we know better than God. True freedom comes from being fully surrendered to God.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands” (Isaiah 55:8-12, NIV).

Jesus is our ONLY hope! Will you trust him enough to surrender your life to Jesus, who died for your sins, and begin your life of victory through a personal relationship with him? He is waiting. He has promised never to leave or forsake you, but you must take the first step by inviting and placing your trust in Him.

Monday, December 30, 2024

What If Things Don’t Change?

As we sit on the cusp of a New Year, most, if not all, of us are longing for positive change. Whether we long for a change in stressful circumstances, our health, finances, or social status, we pin our hopes on the possibility that things will improve as we say goodbye to the woes of days gone by and step into what we hope will be a bright new future.

To be real, what if things don’t change? What if the inauguration of a new president doesn’t bring about economic prosperity or social justice? What if wars don’t cease and gun violence and natural disasters continue to plague our society? What if life gets more difficult and we find our circumstances even harder to handle?

The only real hope we have is if we allow Jesus to change us by receiving his salvation for our sins and surrender every aspect of our lives to his control. Jesus knows, far better than we do, what is best for us, so don’t be afraid to surrender your heart and your life to him. He is faithful and true, loving and kind, and has promised to work all things together for good to those who love him and are called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28).

A personal relationship with Jesus opens the way to intimate fellowship with God—our loving Heavenly Father—and the grace, power, and wisdom of the Holy Spirit which we so desperately need in order to face the challenges and difficulties of living in a fallen world. God’s Word, the Bible, provides the truth and instruction we need to understand how to live in relationship with God and others.

Jesus loves you so much that he suffered a brutal death on the cross to save and redeem you (John 3:16). You don’t have to do anything to earn his salvation except to ask that he forgive your sins and live in your heart, “because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For ‘everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved’” (‭‭Romans‬ ‭10‬:‭9‬-‭10‬, ‭13‬ ‭ESV‬‬).

Jesus is faithful and his mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). I don’t know about you, but I need God’s mercy every single day!

Jesus himself is our peace (Ephesians 2:14) and he promises to keep in perfect peace those whose minds are stayed on him because we trust in him (Isaiah 26:3).

If you have never received Jesus as your Savior, or if you have fallen out of fellowship with him because of sin and circumstances, I pray you will start the New Year with REAL HOPE by placing your faith in him and surrendering every area of your life to him. Trust me, you need him. I need him. Life is hard. In fact, Jesus himself said, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (Luke 16:33, ESV).

Monday, September 4, 2023

Trust God No Matter What

This (2023) has been a year of unprecedented hardship and heartache for so many. Just as we emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic, global warming and gun violence blindsided us and took the top spot in the news. Mental health issues, addiction, chronic illness, financial hardship, unprecedented natural disasters, war, human trafficking, and immigration have all escalated as well, making ever more certain the reality that we live in a fallen world that is careening toward death and destruction. But there is hope!

Those of us who know God, know that we can TRUST GOD NO MATTER WHAT. We know that He remains in control, sovereign over all, and that this world is not all there is. We have the hope of heaven and the assurance in His Word that in heaven, “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4, ESV). Praise God! What a lifeline He has given us in the midst of a stormy sea! His is the Unshakeable Kingdom. His is the peace that surpasses all understanding, promised to those whose mind is fixed on Him. “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you” (Isaiah 26:3, ESV). Although circumstances may be unbearable at times, we can have joy knowing that God the Father cares for us, that Jesus still saves, and that the Holy Spirit lives and moves within each of us who have called on the name of Jesus for salvation.

Many people, including me, believe that we are living in the last days, but no one truly knows how long “the last days” will last or when Christ will return for His Church. Even Jesus doesn’t know the day or hour of His return. In Matthew 24, Jesus said, “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only…Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect” (vs. 36, 44).

Are you ready? Have you received Jesus as Savior and surrendered your life to His Lordship? Are you reading His Word and living in the light of His promises? Are you actively engaged in worship and fellowship with a Bible-teaching church? If not, I pray you will invite Jesus into your life today by acknowledging your sin (we are all sinners, by the way), seeking His forgiveness purchased for you on the cross, and receiving His salvation. It will be the best decision you ever make. Then look for a Bible-believing church where you can be taught and built up in your newfound faith and enjoy the fellowship of likeminded believers. As one separated from my own family, I wouldn’t take one dime for my church family! I know that when things get tough they will be there to pray for and encourage me.

But what about those who don’t know God? How can we who believe reach the ones who have no hope? We need to live out our faith with authenticity, love others as Jesus did, pray for them without ceasing, give and serve to meet their needs, and be obedient to God’s Word, not only as it pertains to us but also as it pertains to them. God’s Word has much to say about the lost and how we are to treat our fellow humans. Sadly, we sometimes fail to exhibit the winsome character attributes of Christ by choosing what the world values rather than what Christ values and teaches, and in so doing lose the opportunity to reach and impact those who are lost. How tragic for them and shameful for us!

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed. Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn! But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace…You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. (2 Peter 3:9-14,17-18, ESV).

As believers and Christ-followers let us resolve to TRUST GOD NO MATTER WHAT. May our faith in a good, gracious, loving Heavenly Father be the light that draws the lost to Jesus and brings hope to others in these troublesome times.

Friday, October 8, 2021

Still I Wonder

As I settle into my sixties and a season of "early retirement," I find myself wondering how long this season will last or whether God will call me back into the work force one last time. After resigning from my previous job earlier this year to take care of family matters and assist with a kitchen renovation project, I began spending many hours in prayer and studying scripture to try and ascertain what God's plans for my future might look like. I still don't have a clue. I only know that if I am called back into the work force I want it to be in a position that He has uniquely qualified me to fill. For now, though, I am content to be on call for whatever might arise in the course of each day, whether that be transporting a friend to an appointment or taking care of more mundane tasks around the house.

The past few months have been delightful. I am immensely grateful for a closer walk with God and the flexibility to travel, spend time with family, and just "be there" for my husband and kids. Being a homemaker has always been my favorite job, and retirement is something I look forward to, when the stress of being ruled by clocks and calendars becomes a thing of the past.

The prospect of returning to past jobs has no allure for me; I'm not the same person I was when I worked in those particular positions. Still, I can't help but feel that I am supposed to be doing more. I trust that in His perfect timing, God will issue His call in an unmistakable way. Time is short. More people need to hear the Good News of salvation and experience God's love. It is my hope that somehow He will position me in a place where I can be of service to others and a vessel of His love and light to those struggling to find their way in this dark world.

Saturday, September 25, 2021

So Much to Ponder

People are pondering many things these days -- why COVID is still with us, why there is so much hatred, and why there is so much violence in our land and around the world. Recently, the Kroger store in my hometown of Collierville, TN, was the scene of a horrific mass shooting that resulted in the death of a dearly-loved member of the community and serious injuries to more than a dozen others. The shooter took his own life as he concluded his vicious assault. No one knows why. We are all still numb with shock, utter disbelief, and unbearable sorrow. Even though I no longer live there my heart is broken. I shopped in that store for fourteen years prior to moving out-of-state, and my son worked there during high school.

Many of us follow the news these days -- perhaps a little too closely -- and wonder what could possibly happen next? Sadly, something will come along to eclipse recent events and shake us to our core again. I find it all a little overwhelming, don't you? Overwhelming, but not surprising. After all, the Bible tells us there will be days like this. In 2 Timothy 3:1-4 (NIV), we read:

But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God --

The stories and images just this week have nearly overwhelmed my heart -- senseless gun violence, border agents herding immigrants and refugees like cattle, battles over a vaccine designed to help us recover from this pandemic, and devastating wildfires started by a suspected 30-year-old arsonist. Where is the justice? Where is the humanity and compassion that we need these days just to survive and be part of the solution rather than the problem?

Lately I have had to deliberately turn the channel and listen to something else besides the news because the news is mostly bad. Mostly. It has been said that if we didn't have bad news, we'd have no news at all. We look for truth in media only to find none. Therein lies the problem. We are looking to the wrong source for the truth and good news we so desperately long to hear. Perhaps it is time to turn off the TV, put down the newspaper, silence the podcasts, and reach for our Bible. Most people own or have access to God's word, but how often do we actually read it?

In John 16:33 (ESV), Jesus gave his followers a warning and a promise which applied to those who followed him then and apply to us who follow him now:

"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."

This is not the only passage that deals with the troubles common to man, or the problems we face; there are many others. A quick look in the concordance at the back of your copy of the Bible will reference such things as money, sin, adultery, drunkenness, idolatry, injustice, slavery, murder, poverty, and depravity -- things we read or hear about virtually everyday through print and TV news, social media, and in conversation with those around us.

The Bible is also filled with God's promises of hope, peace, justice, forgiveness, redemption, supply, healing, restoration, and joy. But the most exciting promise for me is that Jesus will return to our wretched world to take his followers to live eternally with him in heaven, and heaven will far surpass anything we could dream of! In Revelation 21:3-4 (ESV), we read:

Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.

Those of us who have confessed our sins, professed belief in Jesus, and received his free gift of salvation -- his death on the Cross in our place for our sin -- have the blessed assurance that we are forgiven, that he has indeed overcome the world, and that he will return to take us home to heaven one day. Do you know Jesus as Savior? If not, I pray you will open your heart to him and receive his salvation. He loves you and wants more than anything for you to know the joy and peace a personal relationship with him will bring.

Life on earth is not going to get any better, at least not according to my Bible. But through a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ, we can be assured that he will be with us in every trial we face (Isaiah 43:2), his provision will meet our every need (Philippians 4:19), and he will return some day to take us to the home he has prepared for us in heaven (John 14:1-4). Oh, the wonder! Just ponder it.

Sunday, December 27, 2020

A Prayer for More of God

Lord, as we close the book on all the sorrow and sadness of 2020 and anticipate with hope a better year ahead, give us more in 2021. Not more stuff. Not more happiness. Not more money or jobs or security. Give us more of you.

Without you we are nothing but hopeless, miserable creatures struggling to get through the challenges and heartaches of living in a fallen world.

With you all things -- even impossible things -- are possible. Because of you we have hope. You are Immanuel, God with us, not just during Advent and Christmas but throughout the year, in good times and in bad.

You are our Provider, Protector, Peace, Healer, Savior, Redeemer, Strong Tower, Deliverer...the God who works all things together for good for those who love you and are called according to your purpose (Romans 8:28).

You forgive us when we sin, weep with us when we are sorrowful, and rejoice with us when we are happy. You get us, because you created us.

The greatest thing we can pray for in the coming year is to know you more. In knowing you more we will love you more, and in loving you more we will love others more.

Lord, open the eyes of our hearts to see others as you do and more importantly, to see ourselves as you do -- holy, pure, and beloved because the blood of Jesus has made us so.

Lord, give us more in 2021. Not less heartache, not less stress, not less illness, but more faith in the One who will never leave us or forsake us, no matter what may come. Lord, give us more of you.

In Jesus' name and for your glory, amen.

Thursday, April 16, 2020

New Normal -- Same God

I'm not one to cry easily, except at happy endings or when I am angry about something. However, I have had a couple of moments recently when tears just came out of nowhere -- no particular stress trigger or depression, just intense momentary sadness. As I prayed this morning for God to reveal why, I realized that like so many of you, I am GRIEVING. As blessed as I am -- as we all are -- we are each grieving, on some level, the loss of our lives and the reality that our "normal" is forever changed.

Some of us have lost jobs, loved ones, and the sense of identity that comes from being employed or in the company of those whose presence we can no longer enjoy due to social distancing and stay-at-home orders. ALL of us have lost the freedom to come and go and do as we please without fear of becoming infected or infecting others.

We have seen the best and worst of humanity during this crisis and learned hard, hard lessons. Many of us have risen to serve, some making the ultimate sacrifice to care for those who have been sickened by the virus. Some of us have sunk into despair because of loss and loneliness. All of us have been changed in some way.

Despite all the changes we have seen and the reality that life will never again look like it did on January 1, 2020, we can still enjoy LIFE and walk in FREEDOM because of what happened on Easter -- not this Easter, but on that first Easter when Christ, who IS our FREEDOM and our LIFE, forever conquered death through His Resurrection.

For those who know Christ:
He is our Life. -- John 1:4
He gives us Freedom. -- Galatians 5:1
He himself is our peace. -- Ephesians 2:14
He is our hope. -- Colossians 1:27

If you don't know Christ -- if you have not asked Him to save you from your sins and entered into a personal relationship with Him -- I pray this will be the day you ask Him to be your Savior and Lord and begin walking in the freedom, hope, and peace that can be yours as a child of God. The Bible tells us:

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him" (John 3:16-17, ESV).

Life will never be the same again, but "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever" (Hebrews 13:8).

This world -- this broken, sickened, saddened, decaying world -- is not our home. Jesus himself says, "Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also" (John 14:1-3, ESV).

"Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe every tear away from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away." And he who was seated on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new" (Revelation 21:3-5, ESV).

Praying for you,
Dee Dee

Thursday, April 9, 2020

Finding the Good in Life When the News Isn't

As I wrap up my fourth week of working remotely, knowing that there are possibly several more weeks of isolation ahead of us all, I pause today to give thanks for the unexpected blessings of the pandemic that has affected so many of us. Not only has COVID-19 adversely affected most of the world, but it has also caused many of us to reassess the things we value and to focus on the simple joys that we overlooked before this plague descended upon us.

Among the simple joys for which I'm thankful:

The technology and ability to work remotely and continue my ministry to the church.
The joy of riding out this season of social distancing in our new home, where we have a little more room to distance ourselves from each other and a lovely, usable yard to work in and enjoy when the walls begin to close in.
The view outside my sliding glass door, which affords me the opportunity to enjoy bird watching and seeing the beauty of spring while in lockdown.
Additional time with family and my cat, who loves to bird watch too.
The new ways I am learning to connect with others in our church and community....ZOOM!

Even bigger reasons to give thanks:

My salvation through Jesus Christ, and my relationship with God the Father through Him.
The guidance and wisdom of the Holy Spirit.
The promises of God's Word to encourage and strengthen us when our faith is weak.
God's provision of our daily needs, especially when the economy is in such turmoil.
The knowledge that God is still in control, ever-present, all-knowing, with grace sufficient for every circumstance.

But what if COVID-19 resulted in the illness or death of a family member, or the loss of my job, or the loss of things I count as blessings? Would I still be thankful? Would I still believe in the goodness of God? Or would I succumb to despair and lose all hope?

As Christ followers we are not exempt from trouble, heartache, sickness, and death. In John 16:33 (ESV), Jesus said, "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."

In Philippians 4:11-13, the apostle Paul writes: "Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me." Is there anyone out there who doesn't feel brought low by the coronavirus pandemic? In our struggles, are we allowing God to teach us the secret of being content in any and every circumstance?

Despite all that is happening around us, those of us who follow Christ have hope because we know whose we are, that God sees us where we are, and that Christ through His death and resurrection has already won the victory!

Friend, if everything you are facing right now seems too much to bear I encourage you to pray, seek God's face, turn to His Word for the answers to your questions, and trust in Jesus for salvation if you have never done so. Rest in these assurances from 1 Peter 5:6-11 (ESV):

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.