Genesis 5: 32 After Noah was 500 years old, he became the father of Shem, Ham, and Japheth
Genesis 7:6, 7 Noah was six hundred years old when the floodwaters came on the earth. And Noah and his sons and his wife and his sons’ wives entered the ark to escape the waters of the flood
Genesis 15;4,5 Then the word of the Lord came to him: “This man will not be your heir, but a son who is your own flesh and blood will be your heir.” He took him outside and said, “Look up at the sky and count the stars–if indeed you can count them.” Then He said to him, “So shall your offspring be.”
Genesis 17:2-6, 15-17,21 “. . .Then I will make my covenant between me and you and will greatly increase your numbers.” Abram fell facedown, and God said to him, “As for me, this is my covenant with you: You will be the father of many nations. No longer will you be called Abram; your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations. I will make you very fruitful; I will make nations of you. . . . God also said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, you are no longer to call her Sarai; her name will be Sarah. I will bless her and will surely give you a son by her. I will bless her so that she will be the mother of nations; kings of peoples will come from her. Abraham fell facedown; he laughed and said to himself, “Will a son be born to a man a hundred years old? Will Sarah bear a child at the age of ninety?”. . . “But my covenant I will establish with Isaac, whom Sarah will bear to you by this time next year.”
Genesis 21:5 Abraham was a 100 years old when his son Isaac was born to him.
Genesis 39:1, 19-21 Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt. Potiphar, an Egyptian who was one of Pharaoh’s officials, the captain of the guard, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had taken him there. . . . When his master heard the story his wife told him, saying, “This is how your slave treated me,” he burned with anger. Joseph’s master took him and put him in prison, the place where the king’s prisoners, were confined But while Joseph was in the prison, the Lord was with him; He showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden.
Genesis 41: 1, 15,16 When two full years had passed, Pharaoh had a dream . . . Pharaoh said to Joseph, :I had a dream, and no one can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.” “I cannot do it, ” Joseph replied to Pharaoh, “but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.”
Exodus 12:40-41 Now the length of time the Israelite people lived in Egypt was 430 years. At the end of the 430 years, to the very day, all the Lord’s divisions left Egypt.
Job
1 Samuel 16:13 So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David.
Noah was 500 years old when God commanded he build a huge boat as He, God, was going to destroy the world through a huge and long term flood, and rid it of all the filth and decency that mankind was committing. By destroying the people, He could almost start new. So Noah and his sons worked at building this huge boat because Noah believed God’s words, and he followed what he was told to do. It took a hundred years for the boat (ark) to be fully finished (no power tools except brute strength!) and he and his sons worked at making the boat precisely to God’s specifications. While others laughed and jeered, teasing and ridiculing him, Noah continued building, being persistent and believing in what God had promised. Noah continued to urge all the laughing folks to reconsider, but it was only he and his family who were saved. All, including animals except those he brought aboard as a matched set, and the few which were to be sacrificed at the end of the voyage were left alive. Noah persevered and believed.
Perseverance is shown in the Scriptures by many of the men we read about. Abraham was mostly waiting once he was told to leave his family and go to a new land. His crops, animals and people grew–so much that he and Lot had to separate to be able to support the animals. Abraham knew God and loved Him, and God found Abraham obedient and with a good heart. Finally, God told him he and Sarai, his wife would become parents. Since both were old, 90 and 100, they both laughed at this idea. But God delivered, the first of God’s chosen family, Isaac, and the Israelites were born to Abraham. Abraham waited, he followed God’s commands, and was rewarded becoming the father of many nations–his name is known throughout many of the world’s religions. He persevered and believed.
Isaac was the son born to Abraham and Sarah. He had fraternal twin sons, Jacob and Esau, and one swindled the other out of the eldest birthright. He then married two women, and also had children with each of their maids, totaling twelve sons, and at least one daughter. In his older years, Jacob favored his second to youngest son, Joseph, above the others, causing dissension within the family. Some of the brothers sold Joseph into slavery and he was carried to Egypt. He was enslaved for thirteen years, and for about two years or more was imprisoned for something he did not do. When released, his interpretation from God regarding Pharaoh’s dream, elevated him to a position of prominence. Joseph was able to make provisions to supply food when a famine would be happening. God had shown him in a vision and He had shown him how to be able to supply food for many. He persevered and believed
Moses was placed in the palace and raised as someone close to Pharaoh. As a child, his “nurse” being his biological mother, educated him regarding the Hebrews. He had observed the Egyptians enslaving and mistreating the Jews often, and believed it was wrong. When as a young man, he witnessed physical abuse being dealt to a Hebrew by an Egyptians, he killed the Egyptian and buried the evidence. However, the next day, he witnessed a fight between two Hebrew men, yet when he interfered, trying to let them know he was a supporter, one accused him of carrying out murder the previous day, so he fled. God placed him in the desert where he learned about the desert, became a shepherd and herder, married and had children. God finally came and commanded him to return to Egypt and rescue the Hebrews. Once he was on board, he and his brother, Aaron did return to Egypt, persevering in their quest to take the people to go out to have a time of celebration and praise to their God. When they were finally ordered to leave by Pharaoh, they then had to spend many years in the desert until they finally came to the Promised Land. It was forty years of putting up with whining, finding fault, and disobedience and disbelief of God that Moses persevered wandering in the desert. But he persevered and believed.
When David was a young shepherd, he had already encountered dangers while caring for his father’s herds, and had faced down and defeated the danger. While his brothers and King Saul were facing the scary, “big and mighty” Philistines, David came on the scene, and he became angry at the disrespect the enemy had for the Lord God. He killed Goliath, the mighty and huge Philistine with a stone to the temple. Within a short time, God had Samuel anoint David to be the king when Saul was removed from the thrown. David lived in the wilderness, caves and such for about 14 years until King Saul was killed in a battle. But he persevered and believed.
Lord, when I am doubting, remind me to persevere. You have me in the palm of your Hand. Thank You for all You do for me and ‘mybellaviews.’
Proverbs 25:28 Whoever has no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down, without walls.
Matthew 6:13 And do not lead us into temptation, but protect us from the evil one.
Romans 6:11-14 In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness. for sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law but under grace
Romans 12:1-2 , 12 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God . . . rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer.
1 Corinthians 3:16 Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.
1 Corinthians 6:12 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.
1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what your are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of the escape, that you may be able to bear it.
Galatians 5:1, 16-17 Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. . . . I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish
Titus 2:11-12 for the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age.
2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
James 1:12-15 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown brings forth death.
James 4:7 Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
1 Peter 5:8-10 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.
I was addicted to cigarettes for years. When I started smoking I was 15, and somehow my two friends and I thought it was cool and elegant, and oh, so grown up. We would take our allowances into town and sneak into a store and buy a pack or cigarettes. Then we would sneak close to home to a field and because of recent work that had been going on, there were three large cement tubes, about 10 feet long, and with an inner circumference of 4 ft, so plenty of area to sit inside, chat and smoke cigarettes, believing we were classy young adults.
I was the one who was the heaviest smoker—I liked the psychological thoughts of coolness, I liked the fact it was easier for me to talk with strangers and people I did not know so well, having something to do with my hands, and somehow calming me down for easier conversations. My two friends were not as impressed; one did continue smoking but having five or less cigarettes a day. The other did not like it and passed without trying more than a total of 4-5 cigarettes in her lifetime.
For 15 years, I smoked steadily, then because of a vow stopped. At the time, there was no nicotine gum, or patches that could help with the intense feelings of withdrawal from nicotine. During that time, my brain was foggy. In fact, I drove a standard shift vehicle, and the morning I faced without a cigarette, I got my son ready for day care, put him in his car seat, jumped in the driver’s seat, turned the key. . . I had no idea how to shift the car as my habit was to jump in, light a cigarette, then turn the key and go. For several moments, long enough for my son to ask why we were not going, I was unsure what to do. That was scary. I was a registered nurse in an ICU and it was critical my brain be able to move quickly to identify patient needs, possible complications that might be trying to rear their issues. I got the car in reverse, then my hands did their automatic shifting. I remember chuckling at the absurdity, but there was an inner area that was nervous and a little scared.
I counted hours when the worst of the cravings would strike. Yay! It’s been 20 hours…yippee, I have made it 22.5 hours and now going to bed, so one day down! Thank You!. Each day, I would realize the number of hours I had not given into smoking, and I would mentally reward myself, all the while praying I could continue to gain hours and not fail.
During this time, my mother, my son and I drove to Vermont, and she commented on the fact I had not smoked. I told her it had been 294.5 hours since my last cigarette. . .working into the 13th day. She was pleased, and asked what I was doing. I responded suffering, but also pretending to “smoke” by raising fingers as though I had a cigarette, then would make the motions as though smoking, taking in a large breath, holding it, then slowly letting it out. Also, when able I would brush my teeth. Deep breaths helped, but I was never feeling relaxed, and wondered if I would truly be able to get beyond this and not have this intense craving. But I continued counting hours and days, and then after almost eight weeks, I was no longer touched by yearnings, and most often found the smell of someone else smoking gross. For ten years I did not have a cigarette.
When I began again, it was a stressful situation full of anger, anxiety, nervousness, and a friend came to our home for the first time for a party for one of our sons, my husband was drunk at 3 PM, and I was mortified and embarrassed and angry. As she and her husband entered, I asked for a cigarette—and the non-smoking period then was done.
Why was I smoking and finding it so hard to quit? Yes, I found it relaxing, easier to chat with others, but I knew it was not good for me. It was one of the major health risks, it was expensive, my clothing and hair smelled all the time. What WAS I doing? For being fairly intelligent, I was certainly proving I could act a fool.
The sin is mine, the continuation of disobeying and falling into the abyss of smoking when I had worked hard to quit, and now was held captive by own addiction and weakness. I already knew my body was supposed to be a temple to honor Him. I was not doing that; and could not seem to rid myself of this sin AGAIN. I was like a moth which had gotten entangled in the spider web–unable to free myself, and therefore feeling more and more a failure, a sinner, and deeply in a prison with chains.
I smoked again for another few years, then again decided to throw them down and “honor my body as His temple.” Now, though, nicotine patches were available, so the withdrawal was much simpler. I applied a patch each day and although I occasionally wanted the “actions” of smoking, there was no physical craving, no brain fog, no increased anxiety, and fear.
Thankfully, that was the last of that addiction besting me. I do not think anything could make me smoke again; at least I think I have more ammunition to fight the desires with God’s word, the power of the Holy Spirit, my recognition that my body is His temple.
In the years since, I have turned from “innocent” things that could cause addiction. For several years, I watched Law and Order: SVU. But it was violent, and the crimes disgusted me. I turned it off permanently. Since then, I have done so with many shows that something in it was against what I felt God was permitting me to watch. If it made me uncomfortable. Gone. Goodbye.
Because realize I have an addictive personality, I avoid anything that I fear I could want a lot and could become a problem. I also trust in the Holy Spirit to tell me clearly to stay away from something that could become a problem for me.
Lord, thank You for Your help in helping me overcome the addiction of smoking and showing me some shows I was watching were not what You wanted for my mind and brain to see and think on. You have been so wonderful guiding me and ‘mybellaviews.’
Psalm 16:11 You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with your joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on his own understanding.
Proverbs 16:9 A man’s heart devised his way, but the Lord directed his steps.
Proverbs 19:21 Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.
Proverbs 20:24 The Lord directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way?
Jeremiah 10:23 Lord, I know that people’s lives are not their own; it is not for them to direct their steps
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you; plans to prosper and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Matthew 16:24 Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”
Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
So often we allow others’ opinions and comments to dictate some of the choices we make. Too often I have done this. And, for me, it has led oftentimes to a tougher time than if I had followed what I was being nudged to do. (And I will admit, I sometimes want to hear a louder, more direct voice or signal, rather than a nudge.)
We do have to verify with God when we are being urged to take a certain path. If it’s from God, we get a sense of peace and an excitement to see what the next step of His plan is. Is there some fear? trepidation? Maybe. Probably, especially if it is new to you to be seeking His will, and what pops into your mind seems SO over the top. But He will continue to lead and direct you to follow HIS direction to the point you can NO longer say, ‘maybe this was a fluke, coincidence….’ But there are enough directional signs given and you have to admit He is guiding. Do you follow?
Some choose not to. Admittedly, I have used my brain—full of its anxieties, uncertainties, and stubbornness and insisted that I knew best. And lost some peace of mind, certainly had struggles, and wonder just how different things would have been IF I had had the confidence to go forth in the direction I was quietly being invited to go. But as with most humans, certainly I THINK I am in charge, and I know what is best…..Such hindsight.
I will never know what would have happened if I had taken the other path He was directing me to take The poet, Robert Frost also wondered about this in his poem (The Road Not Taken) . I believe that is normal for us…what would have happened if I made the other choice? Where would life have taken me then? Which might have brought me the greater reward?
For those who don’t know the joy of following and having a relationship with God, their decisions are weighed as to which might bring immediate gratification. And most often as humans we look at the financial rewards before we see the rewards that are God-given.
What opportunities have I missed that would have blessed me; or that He would have used me to be a blessing to others? And as I have grown closer to Him, I know the satisfaction of helping and serving in some way for others. I wonder how my life would have been different had I followed thew nudging to do different? How handy to be George Bailey and see how your life and the decisions you made brought pleasure/love/ or positive outcomes to others. Or like Ebenzer Scrooge you can see how your actions have negatively impacted others. . .
Oh Lord, I have made so many wrong turns not being willing to wait for your timing, or wanting what seemed best, cool, appealing for the moment and I have chosen to DIVE in, and not being a strong swimmer, have had trouble floating or treading water. I do not want to be so impetuous and arrogant. I want to wait until I can see the plan You have for me. However, don’t let me be overly cautious because of my past mistakes that I don’t move at all. Your path and in Your timing for me, that’s my desire. Let me be like Elisha sticking close to Elijah on Elijah’s last day so I don’t miss You in my haste.
Oh my Lord, don’t let me remain deaf or blind or stubborn when it comes to doing Your will for my life. You have abundantly blessed me and mybellaviews.’
The Road Not Taken Robert Frost
Two roads diverged in a yellow woods,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim
Because it was grassy and wanted wear,
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same. . .
Genesis 1:26-28 Then God said, ‘Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the wild animals of the earth and over every creeping thing that comes upon the earth. So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.
Deuteronomy 10:17 For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes.
Psalm 118:5 When hard pressed, I cried to the Lord; He brought me into a spacious place.
Psalm 119:45 I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts.
Proverbs 22:2 rich and poor have this in common: The LORD is Maker of them all.
John 8:36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be freed indeed.
Romans 8:21 …that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.
Galatians 3:28-29 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs accord to the promise.
Galatians 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.
Galatians 5:13-14 For you, brethren, have been called to liberty, only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in lone word, even in this” “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
1 Peter 2:16 Live as free people , but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves
Many of the initial settlers who traveled across the ocean came for religious freedom, political liberty and economic opportunities. The Church in Rome had become very ritualized and full of rules, much like the Hebrew churches led by the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Sanhedrin. These men, all sinners, fairly easily slid down into the mire of sin, corruption, greed, selfishness, arrogance and entitlement. They were after all, the CHOSEN by God, in the lineage of Aaron to lead the people in ALL of God’s ways. So also followed the church leaders who were supposed to be preaching all of Jesus’ tenets, teaching love, giving, sharing, and the eternal life from the death and resurrection of Jesus. God carefully laid out His laws, and what the priests were to do, and how the people would offer their sacrifices and gifts to God to honor Him, and to seek forgiveness for their sins. Yet, after a time, theses men also began to exploit the people, and showed their position as higher, more righteous, and entitled to extras–because the served God. But they did not all do so with good and pure hearts.
But although God created all the world and creatures, He also created us with freewill–which means temptation for things that are NOT supposed to be for us, yet we may try, then seek, then want all the time. This could include many things: money or goods, clothing, a pretty object, so one steals, it could be one thinks more highly of him/herself than another then begins to brag and feel justified to take, get, or charge others more. It could be one yearns for something forbidden–certain meats and foods for them, idol worship that nearby tribes and peoples were ‘worshiping’. There could be anger and jealousy when someone has more than you, and you want and may not steal, but may try to hurt or damage the property of someone else. Obviously, the list can be much more inclusive.
Although God created us to be strong in body, alert and able to figure and think through various issues, that freewill is a slippery slope. So as Europe was having a religious upheaval, made worse by the pope and English King, many decided they wanted a new land, a place where they could worship God as they saw fit. Just over a hundred people climbed aboard the Mayflower and sailed to Massachusetts, landing there in December, 1620. More settlers came–some were prisoners, sent from England to the New Land, some wanted religious freedoms, and held somewhat different views, so they built communities a bit further west than the original English who landed in Plymouth. But they believed in God and wanted to worship Him as they saw fit and read in His Word.
Within a few years, from the early 1600’s through 1770’s, there grew to be 13 colonies. Each had its own government, yet all were controlled by the British King. Therefore, they fell into paying taxes to England, they got no benefit from England, and there were British soldiers; many living in the homes of the settlers–eating their food, taking up the beds of the families, so these families who were already poor now had to help British soldiers with their room and board.
As more British came to settle in the New Land, the King realized they were losing tax money–just as the church of Rome had realized when King Henry VIII declared a new church. This started religious unrest on top of the stress of taxes and political desires for freedom, since the royalty had the final say over the people. So now it is time to find new ways to tax these colonies settling in the New Land. As the years went on more and more taxes were demanded. Many delegates from the thirteen colonies met in Philadelphia in 1774 and discussed the rules and desires of what they wanted to begin governing their new country. Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence, and 56 men signed it, and it was voted for approval and therefore independence from England July 4, 1776; 248 years ago. Some of these men were purported to not be followers of God, not even believers. Yet each signed his name although this declaration declared God had given rights to all–‘all men are equal and gave them the rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.’ These were the tenets of Independence from Britain; these colonies wanted to rule and govern themselves6. The colonies now became states unto themselves.
One of the final straws came about in Boston when several settlers, wearing disguises boarded three British ships and tossed several chests full of tea into the Atlantic Ocean. (I never understood the benefit of that since many of these people drank and enjoyed tea…however, it was thrown overboard and destroyed.) All this unrest was the beginning of the Revolutionary War–the settlers in the colonies against the British Army. England was not happy, and Britain attacked. The war continued for eight and a half years.
God had a plan for America and its new leaders.
God is happiness and freedom to those who believe, who seek Him and try to follow Him. He has already given the freedom of choice, but when one chooses to follow Him, He blesses you from the freedom of guilt from your past sins once you confess and seek Him. God blessed our country. There are many beautiful countries in this world, but we live in one that was founded on freedom, democracy and many Christian beliefs. These settlers needed one another to prosper and thrive–so the communities would help one another. New settlers needed homes and barns–so there were barn raisings where the community came together with women cooking and supplying food, and the men cutting and having the logs fit into each other, raising one side at a time. But it was working together. Women supported one another when a neighbor was giving birth or was ill; they would assist with meals, with child care, with laundry and being available until health was resumed. This was a country that believed in God’s rules of loving one another, giving and helping others. They attended church and the only book most had if they had any was God’s Word. This was read most evenings as the family sat together after dinner and before bed. It was important that they learn God’s commands and know them and revere God, follow His commands and words in this new country; and celebrate independence respecting God for all He had done for these new settlers.
Happy Independence Day, 248 years! May our country recognize how gracious and blessed we are and HONOR YOU.
Thank You, Lord for my being raised in this wonderful country, independent of tyranny that many other countries suffer. You have blessed me and ‘mybellaviews.’
Matthew 4:23-24 Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed, and he healed them.
Matthew 8:11 I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
Matthew 28:19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Mark 16:15 He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.
Luke 9:60 Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”
John 3:17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.
Acts 26:17-18 I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.
Have you ever wondered what you could do–accomplish, finish successfully–in three years’ time? Do you remember what you did accomplish, or perhaps fought your way through, over a three-year period? I have a couple of three-year periods which were difficult; but I have a lot more years that were relatively stress free, happy, comfortable, and with a direction that seemed positive. My self-esteem was professionally in a good place, my marriage was good for the most part, and my children were grown, successful in their careers and with wonderful and supportive mates. During those times of stress, by the time they were about to end, (even though I was not aware that the end was close), I was tired and not willing to brag about believing in a positive outcome. I was able to brag afterwards, but not while still dealing with the complications. But He did bring me through to a positive outcome.
How about you? Remember any rough patches wondering when they were going to end and how they would turn out? Troubling times seem to drag by and feel longer because you are burdened, more stressed, and often times not able to see a positive outcome. Stress is weight, and we all know carrying excess weight—whether it be groceries, luggage, tools or whatever, it increases the physical strain and you feel that extra. It is the same with emotional weight—heavy and burdensome.
What would you do if you knew you only had three years? The knowledge of what Jesus accomplished in that time is amazing. Yes, of course, this was all the will of God, and God the Son accomplished it all for our freedom, for our release from bondage. And when He returned to heaven, He sent the Holy Spirit—accessible to all of us if we believe.
Jesus had about 28 years of being an older brother, the eldest son. When it was time for His ministry to begin, His siblings should have had a good idea of the person and man he was. Yet, they doubted and scorned Him. Yet, Jesus knew He had only about three years to do all His Father’s will—to teach, to heal, to pray, to seek followers, to perform miracles, to encourage men and women to follow this new way that would lead them to God and away from the old rules and current admonishments. His job was to offer the people freedom from the tyranny set out by their own religious leaders. He could predict the demise of the Roman Empire, but as He was a peaceful and loving leader, not a military leader, His ways were different than what many of the Jews expected. God’s way was so different yet would lead them to true and everlasting freedom. But under the circumstances they were living with, many were depressed, despondent and without hope.
Jesus offered hope, He offered miracles, healing, peace and love, kindness, and gentleness. His teaching, not always understood, but still drew people in. They wanted to hear and try to understand more of what He said. Even without fully understanding, they felt hope and love. Yes, many of His miracles involved providing food the many. Food is always a draw. But they yearned for more when He taught. He touched hearts, which is all God wanted when He walked in the Garden with the original humans—a loving, heartfelt relationship.
During the centuries from Moses getting the Laws directly from God, several religious leaders had decided to multiply the burdens, and the riches that God had ordained for the priests and Levites. Their conceit and self-righteousness and sense of entitlement grew and were hurting the people.
Jesus had a new, an easier yoke to carry; He had a new covenant to offer—one of love, peace, not hurting your neighbor, sharing burdens, sharing and giving to others if they were lacking. He offered grace and freedom of sins if only they would love, ask forgiveness of sins, show kindness and seek Him in all their ways.
His message was clear: love others, be kind, honest, and give to those who are in need, watch your thoughts and stop judging and speaking ill of others. Love, that is the most important aspect of Jesus’ s message. He came to earth to show all men how to love and serve others, to show all how to live with a heart for God, and to show that many of the Hebrew laws mandated by men, not God, were ridiculous, and showed that even those who demanded the laws be followed (the Pharisees and other high religious Hebrew leaders) were not really God- fearing men.
He rose from death, was seen by a multitude of people, and several of His followers watched Him ascend to heaven in a cloud. He was returning to His Father and going to prepare a place for any who repented of sins and believed in Him. He was offering eternal life; your body would pass and return to dust, but your soul would live forever with God in heaven. Your relationship would be eternal with God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Wow! What an amazing and miraculously successful three years Jesus had! I am so glad I have You to walk my life journey with. I don’t believe I could do it without You. Thank You for all You have done for me and ‘mybellaviews.’
Hi, I'm Kathy. Welcome to my website!