Who Is Jesus?

I’ve been working on this post for a couple of days, it has been a bit of a struggle. I pulled out “bible lingo to sound spiritual because I want to sound like I know the answer. Then, I removed it because it sound religious and puffed up. Or, I sounded like I’m working hard to convince you that Jesus is more than a historic figure or just another god. I erased it all and started over with this post and decided to share my bible reading experience one morning. Just a regular weekday morning, when I open up my bible with my cup of coffee and enjoy my reading and devotionals. 

When I was finished with my “assigned” reading from my yearly plan, I picked up my devotional books and Gods Promises books, I love ending my reading time with these.

This passage in the gospel of Mark 8: 27-29 shocked me. Jesus wanted to know what people were saying about him and he wanted to know what his disciples were thinking and saying about him. Like in those ancient days, many people are still saying something about Jesus. Good, bad and wrong things.  

 It’s an important question, Who is Jesus to you? You might be surprised at the answers people come up with. Of course I know the answer to that question, Jesus is God, the resurrected savior who rescued my soul, changed my life many years ago and has remained a part of my everyday existence. He is my Savior, Deliverer and Lord. Right here is when another thought was provoked. Is Jesus the Lord of all of my life? It should be evident by what people say about me. And of course then I wondered, who do people say that I am? Is my character shaped by His Word? Does his Holy Spirit traffic through my different relationships and the “different hats” I wear in my life? Do I live my life around who Jesus is? Are His plans my priority? Is His Will my goal? 

Do people see Jesus beyond my nationality? American,  Mexican-American Or am I just a Strong Latina woman? 😀 Do they see that yes I’m Mrs.Greene with Jesus helping me build my house ? In my parenting, did my little children see Jesus in my life, not just hear the “Christianese” but see the evidence of his presence in me? Have my adult kids been able to follow a good example of "Jesus first"? What kind of friend have I been? The best kind is the one who points you to Jesus and walks with you on His narrow path.

I’ve had a wonderful relationship with my sisters, they knew I was born again, one led me to Jesus 40 years ago and then 15 years ago I led my 2 older sisters to salvation and today they rest in his peace. They’ve seen my shortcomings, but I believe they’ve also seen my continuing conversion through the years. 

I have lived my life intentionally conscious of Jesus. When I was 18, I stepped out of religion and accepted Jesus and I wanted the whole world to know who Jesus is. Jesus is the one true Messiah. He came to save the lost, like me, He loves us so much he was willing to give everything to purchase our redemption. 

I love when Jesus knocks at the door of my heart. He knocks often and we sup together, but sometimes, moments with God are electrifying. His word comes alive, more than just comforting words on a page. I'm convicted and challenged, I'm affected by His word and I "check myself." The moment sticks to the walls of my mind and I tell everyone that listens, about these landmarks that Jesus gives .

As you’re about your business, who do you say Jesus is? 

 

The Visitor

                                              A Visitor at the door                                          

Invite Him In

She was tired. Another restless, painful night. Her arm ached, and her head was foggy from lack of sleep. Dad had had another taunting night with dementia. Was it really time to get up? 

There was a knock at the door. She sighed, really? She didn't even have her morning cup of coffee yet, it was way too early for someone to be knocking, her heart accelerated a bit. Who could it be? As she  peek thru the window, she stopped in her tracks! “Oh my gosh, oh no...oh yes...”

She put her hand to her hair and swollen face and suddenly scurried about trying to pick up around her. The visitor was a little more persistent when he knocked again...She couldn’t keep him waiting any longer, what if he left. Oh no! She had to open.

She nervously opened the door, slowly...wider...wider...

“You came...please, please come in. I’m sorry for the mess. Or no, that’s why you came right? Wow! Did you hear me last night? Man! I always thought I had great lighting in here. But with you here, my! it's really bright with your light.” He walked in with such familiarity, she smiled, so content, so at peace, in awe that he was there again.

“So this is it... my place, I know you've been here before but let me show you the changes I've made around here. "You know that everyday I have messes to clean up but  it shouldn’t be too ba...” her words trailed off as she suddenly noticed a grotesque pile in the corner. Someone had thrown up right in her main room. Wait? What? She alone lived here. She bent her head in shame as she recognized the regurgitated words from yesterday that had entered so sweetly, like a chocolate morsel. Her friend had shared someone else’s dark secret. Now she remembered her initial hesitation to accept that tidbit of gossip. It made her stomach turn just as she swallowed it . She had decided again right then and there that she wouldn’t accept anymore more of those morsels. What kind of friend brought that into a friendship anyway? She cast aside the whole affair and forgot about it. Now here it was again, his bright light shining on it. She quickly looked over at him. "You know, I had already cleaned that up yester..." again, her words trailed off  “Why is it so hard? Tears came pouring out. Please forgive me, I’m sorry I partook of this, please help me” And he did, just like that, his very presence sanctified her. Restored! and with renewed zeal she was anxious for him to go through her whole place, she didn't want any room left untouched, even the secret room.

He Held Her Close

He'd come into this room before, he was the only one she felt comfortable to invite. A tiny space with just enough room for one, yet he fit right in, comfortably sitting with her. Suddenly she was an open book; her journal right in front of him, she blushed, embarrassed at her musings, yet he didn't need to read it, he already knew. Those painful insecurities laid open, raw before his eyes. Even at her age now, the vanities of life still taunted; still distracted her, catching her eye, turning her head to look at other girls, who were "perfectly beautiful". The longing for reconciliation of broken relationships, why did rejection hurt so much? And like a pesky fly, pride buzzed around telling her that He didn't care and besides she didn't need Him anyway. What would he say? They had sat on the loneliness that always slithered in and she felt it pinch her. As they sat in her secret place, her visitor purposely stopped and studied the yearning that pulsed on the table with the unfulfilled dreams, he put his scarred hand on the discontent that was splattered across those hopes. She looked up at him holding her breath, sure that he'd be disgusted with this room. Suddenly, with fervor he pulled her into his arms and she wept again. Tears of relief flowed as her heart cherished the moment, wishing the moment would never end.

Behold I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. Rev. 3:20

One Decision

                                                              The Power of a Decision


32 years ago one young girl decided to "try Jesus" and her decision which affected her life also produced a domino effect in several other lives.

That young girl was my sister Patty struggling with her place in the world and her peace in life.  She came to her decision, which grabbed my attention and everyone around her.  Her choice put her on a whole new path.  Gone were the desires for drugs and alchohol.  Gone was the insecurity of beauty.  Her countenance glowed, her speech was different.  This new path made me curious and concerned enough to look into it.

I not only looked into it,  I investigated it, zealous to keep her out of such a radical life changing decision. Then, 6 months later, after much debate and soul searching, I made the same decision.  My goodie-two shoes self experienced a radical conversion from the inside out. Life choices were all filtered on this path, I knew this is where I wanted to stay and I had a need to stay, I decided that I would stay on the Narrow Path for the rest of my life, however long that would be. I was young and single with my whole future ahead of me. 

While I was pacing myself on this narrow path, making decisions that would affect my future. I was deciding on relationships, school  and work. Everything I did was through the lens of how it would affect my relationship with Christ. Radical for sure. Meanwhile, my dear sister decided to look back at her old life; like Lots wife. This ancient story is a shocking but true story of one seemingly innocent choice. Before long Patty was lured back into her old life onto that wide path.  she spent the next twenty years making life decisions, that were costly and painful. Broken relationships, betrayal and heartbreak on that wide path of destruction. Friends that easily turned their back on her and a job that consumed her. It was a lonely life. 

Thankfully, in her time of crisis she knew where to go for help. After another costly choice, she was tired, but she did cried out to Jesus. God helped her and brought peace, hope and vision and she rested as order returned to her life.

 I wish I could tell you that everything was wonderful and perfect after that, it wasn't. Her health was not good, she had several complications and too soon she went on into eternity. MY solace is that while she can't come to me, I hope for the day I see her face in heaven. 

I don't know why life happens the way it does all the time. Thank God that her last great choice was to repent and open the door of her heart to Jesus on this side of heaven and they supped together and they've probably had many times together in heaven, in the place Jesus  prepared for her. 

Consider the decisions you make in life, they carry weight to them.  Let Jesus help you and you will be making good choices in life.