Hi everyone,

enjoying your Easter so far? I hope you are. Today, want to talk about the crucifixion, burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus. Unlike the portrayal of Easter through the use of images such as the Easter bunny, chocolate eggs and hot cross buns given by the media, Easter is actually all about the Lord Jesus Christ.

But aside from that, I believe that these images can serve as symbols used to illustrate the true meaning of Easter.

1. the hot crossed bun- Easter is the shape of a cross. Every time we look at a hot crossed bun we should remember that Jesus died on the cross for our sins and suffered greatly in order to bring us salvation.
2. the chocolate egg- an egg is symbolic of new life. When Jesus rose again from the dead He assured our eternal security. Our sins are forgiven when we accept His sacrifice and we can live in newness of life.

Lights in the sky

While watching the movie Tangled I was thinking about a scene I saw in the movie. To me it had God written all over it. The scene shows Rapunzel in a boat with Flynn Rider and she finally gets to see the lanterns. Its shows all the people of the kingdom releasing their lanterns into the air and they light up the night sky. Rapunzel at this point doesn't even know that she is the lost princess and that all of this is done on behalf of her. Her parents loved her so much that they consistently every year without fail release those 'lights' into the sky in the hope that some day they would be reunited with her.

I believe that this is representatives of what God does in this world today. He send out His light so that people can see and come to Him. But, sadly many people want to remain in darkness. Christ said that we are "the light of the world" and that we should shine our lights "so that men may see our good works and glorify" our Father is Heaven. Notice He didn't say "shine so that men can look at you and say how good you are", but He expressed that the intended purpose for shining your light is to draw men to God.

So as God sends you out into the world today, be a light and shine brightly. You never know who may notice.

Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus. - Mark 10:50

(Read Mark 10:46-52)

In this passage of Scripture we see that a blind man named Bartimaeus was sitting by the roadside begging. He heard that Jesus was passing by that way and he began to call out to Jesus. As he was shouting "Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me!" many people rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but nothing would stop him from getting his healing. Regardless of what the people were saying, he continued to shout even more "Son of David, have mercy on me." vs 48. He was persistent. Many people give up half way when they are praying for something important.. something that could change their life. It could be a new job, a breakthrough, a boyfriend, a family member or whatever else weighs heavy on your heart that you are praying and believing God for. Trust that He hears you and don't give up. If you want it that much, then it is worth pestering God for. After all, He does say in His Word, "pray without ceasing." and "ask and you will receive", and "ask and receive that your joy may be full". So many Scriptures speak about the power of prayer. It says in James 5:17-18 that Eljiah prayed that it would not rain for three and a half years and that is exactly what happened. Put your trust in the One who is faithful to answer all your prayers. He may not always give you the answer you want but He will never ignore your prayer. Trust me. Better still, trust the Word of God. "The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective."-James 5:16

Ask yourself this question. What if he kept silent? Would he still have received his healing or would Jesus have just walked by? I believe that the answer to this question is that Jesus passed by that way because He wanted to give Bartimaeus a chance to get healed but with that opportunity Jesus granted him, it also required for him to step out in faith. For all he knew, he faced possible rejection, but he took a chance and went out on a limb, risking embarrassment and being turned down. Likewise Jesus wants you to call out to Him, so have faith and do it. Have confidence when you pray and expect an answer.

Bartimaeus threw aside anything that would impede him. There's a lesson in that for us to learn. What's stopping you from coming to Jesus? Is it too much pride? Or maybe jealousy. Throw it aside (jump to your feet) and come to Jesus. Cast aside selfish living and immoral lifestyle. One man can't serve two masters (Matthew 6:24). It is either God or the devil.
I can only imagine that his life was never the same after his encounter with Jesus. Verse 52 says "Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road." Will you allow Jesus to work powerfully in your life? A miracle awaits you if you say "Yes". Fling off your coat and come to Him.

The Human Soul

The Bible teaches that when God created man, He created him spirit, soul and body.
God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed into him the breath of life. Thus, the man became a living soul. Genesis 2:7
The Bible teaches that man is utterly depraved in his natural self and is beyond saving himself. In fact, all people are born spiritually dead. A dead person can do nothing to change his conditional. Just like us. We can do nothing to change our spiritual condition. A state of complete hopelessness. This is because the first people ever to be created (Adam and Eve) sinned and fell out of God's good graces. Because Adam sinned, the whole human race also sinned and therefore are worthy of death. (Read more.)

Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned— Romans 5:12

The Bible teaches that the human soul is lost- without Christ. But when a person believes in Christ, they receive a new spirit. The Spirit of adoption. God adopts us as sons (and daughters). Put it this way: you receive a clean slate. A new record. The old one is wiped away. ALL the wrongs you've ever done. every mistake you've made. ALL GONE! Erased.

Hope for the soul
But there is Good News and hope for the soul. God sent His Son into the world to die for sin and pay the penalty we justly deserve. He died an excruciating death on the cross so that you could live. If you put your faith in Him, He will justify you and make you new again. The Bible says that "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has gone, the new has come." 2 Corinthians 5:17
Look at it another way. Say for example...You owe a debt. You fully know that you are not able to pay this debt. It's not just beyond your means. You are completely bankrupt. But wait a minute... there is another option. Another person who is willing to pay the debt that you owe with His life. He is amazingly rich and He offers to pay the lump sum of what you owe. Wouldn't you be indebted to that Person?

The Gospel message offers salvation to all who will come to Jesus in faith. One of these days, you will eventually die and you will face God. If you have trusted Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour, you will have all your sins forgiven and receive a new start. And future home will be Heaven for all eternity. But if you have neglected to receive Jesus Christ into your heart and chosen not to believe in the Son of God, your destiny- sadly- will be hell. A place of unthinkable torment. God loves you very much. More than you could ever imagine and He wants with all His heart to have a relationship with you. This can only be possible is you believe in Jesus Christ. If you believe that He died to rescue you from your sin. I know what you're thinking.. maybe she's exaggerating a bit. But no, I'm not. God created us for communion.

Jesus Christ: The Only Way
In this world of pluralism, which we live in, everybody is saying "I don't think there is just one way to get to Heaven?" or "I don't think there is just one way to have a relationship with God." This couldn't be farther from the truth. The Bible teaches that there is but ONE WAY to get to the Father and that is through Jesus Christ. Jesus said 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.' John 14:6. Notice that He said "I am the way. Not a way. My friend, if you are thinking of keeping your options open, you will find yourself sadly disappointed at the end and to your peril. And living a "good life" is not enough. God offers us His righteousness in Christ. His clean record. The price is paid but will you accept the extraordinary gift. 

Do you want to know who God is?
If you need to know who God is I will tell you. He is the Triune God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Three distinct Persons of the Godhead. This may seem like a foreign concept to you, but He is God. The minute I can completely understand Him, He cease to God. He is beyond comprehension. I am finite. He is infinite. I am weak (without Him). He is strong. He is the everlasting God. His ways never change. He is not plural. He is One. Deuteronomy 6:4 But it is first and foremost important to recognize that He loves you and in love He reaches out to you through His Son. 

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

If you have just read this post, please leave a comment. I would love to hear from you. If you have any questions or if there is anything you did not understand, don't hesitate to leave a comment or just email me. I will reply as soon as possible.
girlwisdom@hotmail.co.uk

What is sin?
Sin is transgression of God's law. Wrongdoing. An offense against God's righteous and holy law and nature.

A GIFT: FOR ME?

For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given, Isaiah 9:6

The birth of Jesus is the most significant event in world history. Do you want to know why? Because He is the greatest gift to be given to the world. He is the one and only Saviour of the whole world. Just think of it. God came to be born as a human being. God in our skin, breathing our air, walking on this earth as a Person. This Scripture reading here and many others will explain to you the significance of His birth. I don't know what you want this Christmas. If you just want to spend time with your family...whether you are doing some charity event for the homeless.. or even if you live alone. Don't forget this Christmas the reason for the season.  

10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:10-12

In the culture in which we live it is easy to become consumed with the material aspect of Christmas portrayed by the media. But giving and receiving presents has no joy and no meaning if you forget why you are doing it. The clue is in the name CHRIST-mas. Christmas is completely about Christ and receiving His loving gift of salvation. Will you accept Christ into your hearts this Christmas? Will you accept Him into Your homes this Christmas? Is He welcome round your table? Is He invited to spend Christmas with You? Can He sit round Your table and share a meal with you as you celebrate His birthday? 

God's gift to you is the gift of His Son. John 3:16 explains this point explicitly. 

 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

As a Christian, at times I have to be careful not to focus on the material, but allow God to give me a fresh understanding of what He has given us in Christ. God loves us so much and He is an extravagant Giver. In fact, He calls us to be cheerful givers. A more appropriate term would be hilarious givers. Jesus also said, that it is more blessed to give than to receive. So when you give this Christmas, it is also important to give out of a heart of grace. Another thing which deserves recognition is that God doesn't give reluctantly or out of duty or obligation and neither should we. So give without expecting to have anything in return. This Christmas, set your mind to be:- 

• always thankful for the people God has placed in your life- this will stop you from depreciating them or taking them for granted
• grateful for all the things God has given- this will combat against an ungrateful spirit or discontentment
• mindful of those who lack- there are many people in poverty today, who do not have the basic things which we daily take for granted. Like food, water, a bathroom, a warm bed, family.. You get the picture. Keep them in your prayers this Christmas. For "The prayers of a righteous person are powerful and effective."- James 5:16

And most importantly thank God for Jesus! Who was born of the virgin Mary, died for our sins and rose again and will be coming back again to claim His own. Make sure that you are in Christ.

All my love, 
Rachel, your sister in Christ. x

When is it time to go home?

Where do you live? Is it nice and welcoming? Can you stand to be apart from your home for long? Picture a child going camping. You set up the tents (a temporary dwelling place)

For the Christian, Heaven is our home which we are going to and this life is a mere tent. A temporary dwelling place. We are going on to a place beyond the sky, so we hold loosely to earthly things that we may inherit eternal life. The next life awaits us but where will you go? Are you certain of the place where you will spend your eternity. Eternity is a long time. Who can you trust? You can trust the One who purchased your salvation, my Hero and greatest Friend Jesus Christ. Lift Him up.

²³ Then Abraham approached him and said: “Will you sweep away the righteous with the wicked? ²⁴ What if there are fifty righteous people in the city? Will you really sweep it away and not spare^[e] the place for the sake of the fifty righteous people in it? ²⁵ Far be it from you to do such a thing—to kill the righteous with the wicked, treating the righteous and the wicked alike. Far be it from you! Will not the Judge of all the earth do right?”
²⁶ The Lord said, “If I find fifty righteous people in the city of Sodom, I will spare the whole place for their sake.” Genesis 18:23-26

In this passage of Scripture Abraham pleads with God on behalf of the evil city of Sodom. The destruction of that city is calling to wake up. The destruction of that city is "an example", the Bible says "of what is going to happen to the ungodly". 2 Peter 2:6

Whilst living in this world you may think "I am enjoying myself, I don't need Christ", but God is no respecter of persons and He will judge you according to the way you have lived. It's time to open up your Bible. Dust off the cobwebs. It time to get to know your Saviour and get ready for His coming. And He is coming. Jesus is coming again. How will His return find you? Awake or asleep. Comfortable or living. Compromising or committed? You choose. It's your life and you alone are responsible for it. It's time to wake up.

If you are coasting through this life, it's time to wake up!, get up sleepy head! your salvation is nearer than when you first believed. Stop fearing, start trusting, imitate Christ and allow His love to fill you and then flow through you.

"For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering." Romans 8:3

Many of you may be wondering what this passage of Scripture means. If so, allow me to enlighten you.
The 'law' is rules we must obey in order to live a righteous life in the sight of God. But there's one problem. No one on earth, not one single human being has been able to keep God's perfect law. We all stumble in some area or another. So that means we are sinners and worthy of death. God, however, made a provision. He (Jesus) decided to enter the world in order to solve this problem. He took on the form of a servant (Philippians 2:7). He was born in our flesh, He took on our very nature and lived the perfect life that we could never live and pleased the Father. And then He died an excruciating death on a Roman cross for our sake. At that moment God laid on Jesus His Son every sin every human being has ever committed and ever will commit. For every mistake we have ever made or will even make, He paid the ultimate price. Knowing that,will you turn away from and reject the One who loves you so much that He would give up His life for you? His life was poured out for you and His blood, that day at Calvary. He became a sin offering that pleased God for you. If you will only accept His free gift of salvation you will enter into an everlasting communion with the everlasting and eternal God. Jesus died to save you. Will you run to Him?

 God bless. x