Tag: saved

Grave Clothes

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Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.” John 11:44

What grave clothes are you still wearing?

What temptations or selfish acts do you still participate with?

What lies still tie your hands?

When we place our faith and trust in Jesus as our Savior, asking Him to forgive our sins, He does.

He cleans us, wiping our slate clean.

But too often that’s all we do with our salvation. We trust Jesus for eternity, but continue wallowing in our filth on earth.

Do you realize it’s possible to be saved, yet sinful? Sanctified, yet selfish? Free, yet bound?

God sent Jesus to restore His relationship with us for now and eternity. Did you catch that? Our saving relationship with Jesus is also for now.

We all understand the later part. Upon our death, we will rise to heaven to spend forever with Jesus. Eternally praising Him. Sounds heavenly, right?

But God has bigger plans than just you. He wants you to show others His goodness right now.

He wants you to show others His forgiveness right now. His mercy, love, and peace right now.

And that’s next to impossible if you are walking around in your grave clothes.

What do I mean by that?

You’re saved, yet you still cling to the bitterness and unforgiveness that has clung to you for so long.

You’re saved, yet you still bow to the lies in your head, deeming you unloved or unworthy.

You’re saved, yet you still allow anger to rule, justifying your actions due to this or that.

You’re saved, yet you continue to live for number one: your self.

You are on the throne of your heart, not God.

The devil knows you are saved. Nothing he can do about your eternity. But he can keep you stuck. Sad. Decaying your beautiful soul as you live in your stinky grave clothes. Literally imprisioned.

A.W. Tozer once said, “Why do we claim on one hand that our sins are gone and on the other act just as though they are not?”

God gives us free will. The choice to choose Him or not.

Delighted you’ve chosen to God. Seriously, it’s wonderful!!

But have you chosen Him with your whole self? Have you given Him your plans? Your time? Your todays and tomorrows?

Do your thoughts match what He says about you?

Do your actions match what He says to do?

Do your words mirror God’s words of life?

Stand up and get dressed. Declare Jesus is Victor over all! Let’s leave those stinky grave clothes in the dust. It’s time for a new wardrobe!

Photos by Deep Doshi, Alex Sheldon, Hanna Morris, & Samuel McGarrigle on Unsplash

Poor Little Me

Published on by amylinneaLeave a comment

The poor man cried, and the Lord heard him and saved him out of all his troubles. Psalm 34:6

We are poor.

Yep.

Without God, we are covered in sin and poor in spirit.

Within ourselves, we lack everything.

Yes, God creates us with wisdom, strength, and certain talents, but without God’s power, our talents are human.

Flawed.

Subject to our emotional whims.

As ourselves, we cry out to God and He hears us.

Not only does He hear us, but the Bible reminds us He saves us from trouble!

Astounding!

Why does God care to hear us?

Because He created us and longs to have a relationship with us.

But He gave us the choice.

When we choose to recognize how poor we are without Him, He answers us, rescuing completely.

Apart from God, we are poor.

Desparate.

Naked and alone.

But with God, we are royalty, covered in His redemption and love.

And with God, we are rescued.

Saved.

Acknowledge your need for your Savior, and He will immediately rush in, rescuing you from harm.

You might still have struggles or even extreme hardship in life, but with God by your side, you will not only survive the storms, but you will thrive.

Cry out to God.

He will hear you and save your little ‘ole self.

Photos by Susie Ho, bill wegener, & Aaron Burden on Unsplash

The Witness of God

Published on by amylinnea1 Comment

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. Acts 1:8

Are you living in the authority of one whom God has saved?

Are you remembering God’s promises, pointing your very existence to Him?

Are you seeking God’s face for the souls of your family?

Are you asking God to show you how you should serve Him today?

Our eternal salvation is for later.

When we’re standing at the judgement seat of God.

But Jesus saved us for today.

He saved us to be His witness.

He chose us to spread His good news.

He uses us to be His hands and feet to those we meet.

Yes, God died to save us from our sins.

For eternal life praising His name.

But He also saved us from ourselves for today.

Today and tomorrow.

For the world.

The world needs to see your salvation and what that looks like.

Reasons why they should follow you to God.

You are a witness of Almighty God.

Walk in His power.

Stand in His faithfulness.

And show the world just how amazing He is today.

Photos by Silvestri Matteo on Unsplash

Your Grave

Published on by amylinneaLeave a comment

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36

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Have you walked out of your grave?

Seriously.

With our God’s saving power pulsing through your veins, you are free.

Free.

You are no longer bound by the death of this world.

Death from words has no power over you.

Deathly situations will no longer paralyze you.

Death from fear of the unknown no longer consumes you.

The absence or death of joy, filling yourself instead with insecurity, can no longer claim you.

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So,

Have you walked out of your grave?

You’ll know because you’ll feel the freedom God so desperately wants to give you.

When God saves your soul, first and foremost, you are headed to heaven.

When you die, you no longer worry where you will forever remain.

However, there is a second part.

God longs for you to be saved from this world here on earth as well.

Saved from the death all around you.

Saved from deathly words swallowing you up.

Saved from deadly situations paralyzing you.

Saved from fear of the unknown consuming you.

Saved from joyless living, aligning yourself with insecurity and unloving thoughts.

Jesus wants to redeem your life on earth, too.

He wants you to walk around completely loved, completely valued, and completely prized.

Why?

Because you are His.

His beloved.

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He has saved you from not only eternity away from Him, but He has also saved you in this world.

You are victorious.

You are free.

Together with God, you are victorious over anything this world throws at you.

Have you walked out of your grave?

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Photos by Rubén Bagüés, Jonathan Farber, Scott Rodgerson, Alexander Andrews, & Matthew T Rader on Unsplash