Zombie

Early in my Christian walk, I saw a grateful dead t-shirt. I remember thinking that to be a clever name for Christians for indeed we are dead to the sin of our past and grateful for Jesus' saving grace that freed us. I later learned that the t-shirt was not a declaration of God's Mercy. Sad, I thought, that they missed the point.
Here we are 40 some years later and Gardenfire tells us that we are Zombies...dead to sin but alive in Christ. Yeah!!! Someone gets my warped sense of humor.

But, the disconcerting truth is that sometimes we walk around as Hollywood zombies...all scary and possessed-looking with no inner light nor proof of a better existence shining within us. Wake up!!! We are not possessed...we are saved!!!! From death into life eternal...GOOD NEWS!!
Yes, we are dead to sin but not dead to life. Let us live so others will wonder...others will ask and seek what has changed us. Walk like Jesus and conquer in love for His name's sake.
Be dead in sin...but very alive in Christ!

Debt Free

Jesus paid it all
All to Him I owe
Sin had left a crimson stain
He washed it white as snow.
So are the words of an old hymn that we use to sing in church when I was a girl. I know what it means to be in debt...to get calls all hours of the day for payment...to have utilities shut off and young children needing heat and food. I know what it's like to need assistance for the most basic of needs...to feel overwhelmed with no way out. I understand compounded debt from foolish decisions while looking for a chance to catch your breath and keep your head above the waters. Years of restrain, behavioral change, and help from Holy Spirit have landed me in a good spot...FREE from Debt!
But freedom from sin was not acquired by my work, salary, or by any method or talent I have. My eternal debt was paid by death...the death of the Son of God, Jesus. First, let me say how deeply grateful I am to the God Who loves me that much. Secondly, I owe nothing...no interest...no collateral...no promissory note...no first born child...I owe nothing. His death payment was a gift freely given. All I had to do was accept. I understand being FREE from ETERNAL DEBT!
Jesus paid it all
All to Him I owe
He washed me white as snow!!!
Please live your life debt free...accept Jesus' gift ...then live as if all to Him you owe.

Matters

I can only sit so long before I have to take charge of whatever bugs me. It may be as mundane as dusting or washing windows or decluttering my
mess.
Sometimes I find myself telling things that were not to be spoken. This always puts me in an uncomfortable situation...but I can't help taking things into my own hands. I am learning that I am a bit of a control freak!
Yet, God who has every right to be in control, will not take that right. He lets me blunder through until I realize that I messed up again and call out to Him for help. He is a wonderful father...corrects me and sends me on my way with His blessings.
Gardenfire reminds of one time when God took control even though we didn't ask Him to nor even sought Him for help. And that one time changed all our lives forever. When Jesus suffered the cruel death of the cross for our sins, He took matters into His own hands...literally! Those gentle hands of love and sacrifice became the hands of healing and salvation!!! Those divine hands reached out and bled that we might live. Those hands matter...He took us into His hands for we are the "matter". Can you wrap yourself around this image...the creator gave His life for His creation.
Next time you extend your hand or touch someone or help someone...think of Jesus' hands stretched and nailed for you. Jesus took matters into His own hands because we are the "matter" that matters to Him.