Tag: unloved

Grave Clothes

Published on by amylinneaLeave a comment

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

Loving God’s Way

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear Him. Psalm 103:13

Sigh, I admit, this is hard.

Way hard.

Loving God’s way means loving the unlovable.

Not caring about the reaction.

But loving anyway.

Because that’s what God does.

He loves you, doesn’t He?

And let’s admit, you’re not always perfectly loveable either.

Everyone deserves to be loved.

No matter how they act towards you.

I’m not excusing behavior, just pointing out the underlying layer of love that must exist.

We do things out of love.

We cook dinner.

May I say that again as it truly is an act of love? 🙂

We drive people.

We plan outings, birthdays, and holidays.

There are hundreds of things parents do for children that remain un-thanked.

But we do it out of love.

We make our spouse coffee.

We think of them as we plan meals.

There are hundreds of things spouses do for their spouse that remain un-thanked.

We diligently work at our job.

We pour our hearts into our very lives, while pouring out onto others in our path.

Sometimes we are loved back.

Those moments are precious.

But sometimes we are ignored or even shunned.

But we still love.

Why?

Because that’s what God asks of us.

If we are to be His hands and feet…

If we are to exhibit His character…

If we are to bring others to Himself, we must remain in love.

We must love others who not only love us back, but also those who do not.

While I never excuse behavior, I simply always love.

How?

With God’s love surging through my veins.

Only with His love, am I able to reach beyond my human limitations and love God’s way.

Photos by Debby Hudson, Tyler Nix, Photo by Jez Timms, & Fadi Xd on Unsplash

Rejection

Published on by amylinneaLeave a comment

The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent. Exodus 14:14

Satan wants us to reject ourselves.

He wants us to act as if we are reject-able.

Unloved.

When we act accordingly, we fulfill that prophecy.

Ultimately rejected.

Not because of us, but because of how we act.

As parents, we must look past rejection and continue to love.

As spouses, we must continue to love, seeking to validate the other person fully.

Completely and fully loved.

Secure.

As members of our great nation, we simply must defer, bringing life to others.

Unless of course you find yourself in a riot and then for God’s sake, defend yourself to the bitter end.

Jesus spoke words that were unusual.

Controversial.

Reject-able in His time.

But he didn’t become that.

His words didn’t make Him reject-able.

So why would you?

Why would you allow yourself to become reject-able?

Because you succumb to the temptation of self.

Of unloving.

Stop.

Recognize Satan’s goal.

His goal of you ultimately rejecting yourself.

And say no.

God will never ask you to reject yourself.

He is on your side, fighting for you.

Pulling for you to be full of His life instead.

In John 10:10 Jesus says, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”

Rejection comes in as a thief to steal, kill, and destroy you.

Jesus will bring you life.

Abundant life.

Allow Him to free you, letting His peace, which passes all understanding, guard your heart and mind.

Photo by Jesse Dodds on Unsplash