Power in the Blood

The bloodstream is a flowing river to all the human body cells for nourishment and removal of residues.  The life of every living creature is in the blood.  When we are born the first thing the hospital does it take our blood to identify our type and check our well-being.  Through our blood we are related to our ancestors and receive certain traits.  A blood test must be taken to  receive a marriage license.  Blood represents a sign of fertility in women or it can be a sign or sickness.  The absence of blood can result in death.  Blood can save lives through transfusions.  Blood residue can help forensic investigators link suspects to crime scenes.  Blood can be taken to identify people.  In the Old Testament it was used to atone for sins.

The sole function of blood in the human body is to keep it healthy and alive, just as the blood of Jesus Christ brings life to all.  For the life of the flesh is in the blood; It is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life. (Lev. 17:11)  Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness (Heb. 9:22) In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins (Col. 1:14) And the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin (I John 1: 7)

Another function of blood in the human body is to cleanse our systems just as the blood of Christ cleanses our spirits and souls.  The Holy Spirit points out sin to us allowing us to repent and confess our sin so that we can be cleansed of it.  Jesus offered up His blood so that you and I could become clean, holy vessels.  The blood of Jesus spilled on the earth for our salvation. (I John 5: 7,8) Just as life leaves when the blood flows out of our natural body, so are those who do not know the Lord Jesus.  They are dead and have no life in them.  (John 6: 53-59)

Under the old testament the shedding of animal blood was required to atone for their sins.  Today, Jesus’ death and shed blood paid the price for sin once and for all. (Heb. 10:6-9)

Blood gives health and strength should the human body become sick.  The blood alters to adjust and begin  healing.  The blood cells act as defenders and travel to the infection to attack the invaders.  The blood of Jesus does the same for the body of Christ.  When Satan invades our lives, the Holy Spirit stands ready to come to our aid.  And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb (Rev. 12:11)

The Israelites were saved from the Angel of Death by putting blood around their door posts.  God was with them and their households were protected. (Exo. 12:23) Rahab is another example of the Lord saving an entire family.  By faith, Rahab put out a scarlet cord which symbolized the blood of Christ. (Josh 2:18)  Blood feeds nutrients to all parts of the human body.  Likewise, God feeds us through the blood of Jesus Christ who is the Word. (John 1:14) For there are three that testify: the Spirit, the water, and the blood. (I John 5: 7,8)

Our faith in what the blood of Jesus does for us will bring us the victory.  There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (Rom 8:11)

“Dying to Self”
When you are purposely set aside, rejected, forgotten and hurt with the insult of oversight – but your spirit sings because you are being counted worthy to suffer for Christ, that is “Dying to Self.” When your advice is disregarded, your opinions ridiculed, and all manner of evil is spoken against you, and you refuse to let anger rise in your heart, or even defend yourself, but take it all with patient, loving silence, that is “dying to self.” When you do not allow any disorder, irregularity, or arrogance to come against your peace, when you are face to face with filth, waste, stupidity or spiritual pride, and endure it as Jesus endured it, that is “dying to self.” When you are content with the location you live, the climate, the society, the solitude of the “backside of the desert,” and are willing to have your plans changed or interrupted by the will of God at any moment, that is “dying to self.”  When you never care to have others know of your good works, and never refer to yourself in conversation, or even care to have anyone commend you, when you truly love to be unknown, that is “dying to self.”  When you see your brother prosper and have his needs met, and can honestly rejoice with him in the Spirit, and feel no envy, nor  question God as to why your own needs are not being met, that is “dying to self.”  When you can receive correction and reproof, finding no rebellion or resentment rising in your heart, that is “dying to self.”

Father God, we know that our sinful nature is not conquered in a day and that we shall continue to sin.  We are grateful that one who is in Christ has the blessing of being forgiven every day and is continually cleansed in the blood of Jesus by your  grace,  Father, which provided the only sacrifice that could take away our sins. Thank you for this precious privilege of being in Christ who gives us access to to the Holy of Holies through His blood which redeems us from sin and fear of death.

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.  God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. (Rom 3:23-25)

Carla Henson

Tuscola, Texas

The Hope That Anchors

Can you feel the buzz? It’s in the air! Everywhere you go people are fluttering around with happy chatter as they go through their endless list of preparations for the happiest time of the year. I have to admit, I do love Christmas time and I do possibly go overboard when it comes to decorating or, as I like to refer to it, “getting in the spirit.” One of my favorite “getting in the spirit” times is to grab some coffee and perch in front of the Christmas tree and just stare at all those twinkling lights and intricate ornaments that I have so many sweet memories attached to. I love to reminisce about childhood Christmases,  memories of Christmas with grandparents, and fond memories of my daddy.  He was an incredible man of faith who not only talked the talk, but walked the walk! One of my greatest regrets is that my children never had the opportunity to meet him and receive his love and strong Christian influence. But, my precious mother, who overflows with love and has a huge heart of a servant, has always been a strong witness to them along with others, including my brother, who just so happened to start a little website called Word For Today that now reaches thousands of people worldwide.  Thank you for that ministry and opportunity, Randy…you’ve done an outstanding job!

One of my favorite ornaments is a wooden anchor that a precious friend gave to me.  It reads Hebrews 6:19-20: “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.  It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus who went before us, has entered on our behalf.  He has become a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek."  As I gaze upon the beauty of the tree, I can’t help but fix my eyes upon Jesus, our high priest, who provides hope and strength to press on.  It is His work on the cross that has atoned for our sins and provided access to God.  He is living today in the presence of God, where He intercedes in prayer for our well-being.  This is the hope that will anchor your life.

I love Matthew 27:50-51, “Jesus tore down the curtain that veiled it by offering the sacrifice of Himself that satisfied God’s penalty for His people’s sins."  The power of the greatest gift ever given is incomprehensible.  By becoming our righteousness, Jesus has been able to make peace between sinful people and a holy God.  “Therefore He is able to save completely those who come to God through Him, because He always lives to intercede for them” (Hebrews 7:25).

When we know God and have a relationship with Him, His good and pure laws or commands are put inside us by His spirit, so that  His desires begin to be ours.  Are you experiencing the greatest satisfaction and peace that a human being can experience?

Heavenly Father – thank you for Christmas and the special joys of the season.  Help us to anchor our trust in Jesus Christ so that we might experience the amazing joy of daily drawing near to you, Father.  Praise to our Priest and King forever, Jesus Christ!
In His glorious name we pray. AMEN.

Carla Henson
Tuscola, Texas

‘O Holy Night’

There are many songs that have been written to celebrate the coming of Jesus into our world.  During this season of the year, the birth of Jesus is upon the hearts of many.  As Christians, we should take advantage of this holiday.  For those of us who wear the name of Christ and want to share the gospel with our world, we should be excited for a holiday that is called CHRISTmas.  Every time the word is spoken, there is a reference to our ‘Christ’.

Many of the songs of this season contain some wonderful truths about Jesus’ coming.  Hark! The Herald Angels Sing reminds its singers that Jesus was pleased to dwell with men.  He was God become flesh—our Immanuel.  Because of His incarnation, God and man have been reconciled.  Finally, he was born that men may no more die, to give us a second birth, and to raise the sons of earth.  So, with the angels we sing, ‘Glory to the newborn King!’

Joy To The World reminds us that Jesus came to redeem mankind and the world from the curse that began in the garden of Eden.  The world has been groaning ‘as in the pains of childbirth’ awaiting the coming of the Redeemer.  We sing ‘No more let sins and sorrows grow, Nor thorns infest the ground; He comes to make His blessings flow Far as the curse is found’.  This song reminds us that mankind and nature join in singing about the joy that Jesus has brought to our world.

Finally, O Holy Night is a call to worship and honor Jesus who entered our world to deal with sin.  He knows our need.  He is no stranger to our weaknesses.  The song urges us to ‘fall on our knees’.  It urges us to ‘bend lowly before Him’.

There have been days in our history that are unforgettable.  We celebrate July 4th every year.  December 7th is a day of infamy, according to President Roosevelt.  September 11th is a day Americans will never forget.  THE NIGHT WHEN JESUS WAS BORN CHANGED OUR WORLD.  Truly, it was a ‘holy’ night, because of the entrance of the Holy One into our world.

Prayer:  Father, thank you for sending Your Son into our world.  As we enjoy the Christmas season, help us as Christians use this season as a door of opportunity to help others recognize Christ for who He really is—the Savior of the world.  

Terry Brown

Abilene, Texas

Grownup Nativity Scenes

I was thumbing through a 2012 calendar the other day and something caught my eye.  Have you ever thought about how the birthdays of great people are depicted?  Every one of them, without exception, is depicted as an adult.  When we remember their birthdays, we think about a “grown person” and what they did as a grown person. 

This time of year you see a lot of nativity scenes.  I think the visuals stir us and make us more aware of the birth of Jesus.  I think it’s not reaching too far to suggest that when you say “Jesus” to virtually anybody this time of year, a “baby” is the first thing that comes to their mind.  It’s quickly followed by livery stable, shepherds, caroling angels and wise men bearing gifts.  And….? 

The birth of the Christ is often disconnected from the larger story, of which the birth is but the beginning.  His birth was accompanied by declarations and announcements that foretold the purpose of his coming.  His birth may be more aptly described as an “entry."  He was both divine and human and he was sent into our world for a purpose.  That’s what the prophets foretold centuries earlier.  And, that’s what the angel Gabriel said.  His small body was wrapped in swaddling clothes.  More importantly, his life was wrapped with a declaration for human beings.  His entry said something fantastic about human beings.  It also said something horrific about us.

Have you noticed how the gospel of John presents Christ’s birth?  He says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  All things came into being by Him.  And, apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being.  In Him was life and the life was the light of men . . . . And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:1-3, 14).   John’s version doesn’t create the feelings of innocence and warmth that modern nativity scenes tend to create for us.  John takes us outside the familiar imagery of  nativity scenes.  Point?  There’s a lot more going on here than caroling angels, lowing cattle, and awestruck shepherds.  This baby would later say, “I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of Him who sent me” (John 6:38). 

Every nativity scene should come accessorized with binoculars and a sign that reads,  “Please use these to look at who this child grows up to be.   

As we move about our respective towns over the next few days, may we look beyond the simple figurines and stage props of the various nativity scenes to the larger story that comes with the packaging of the birth story.  Yes, the Son of God entered our world.  The more pressing question is why?  To answer that question we have to pick up the binoculars and look down the road to see the man and his ministry.  In fact, that’s the most important part of the story.  For it is in his adult years that he paves the way through his teaching, suffering, sacrifice, resurrection and ascension into heaven for the blessings of hope, peace, and eternal life for any who would call upon His name in faith and obedience.  May such reflection bring the kind of awareness and awakening that God intended through Jesus' birth (entry!).     

Randy Daugherty
Stephenville, Texas

THE BIBLE: SIMPLE STORY, PROFOUND MESSAGE, HAPPY ENDING

Jesus replied, “You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God” Matthew 22.29.

Is it sometimes hard for you to read your Bible?  If so, you aren’t alone.  Even though it contains God’s message to His people, some folks find it…well…a real “snoozer,” much like trying to stay awake at the opera when you know nothing about the story.

Some people think the Bible is a disjointed tome of mostly unrelated stories.  Not so.  The Bible is one story.  One simple, beautiful, profound story repeated over and over again until, hopefully, we finally get it.  This is the story in a nutshell:  

God is omni (all) powerful, knowing, present, and just.  He created human beings to be in a loving parent-child relationship with him.  Throughout the story, however, his children repeatedly disobey, become prideful, mock him, call him weak, and forget him altogether for centuries at a time!  He lets them suffer the consequences of their rebellion, but he never abandons them.  As the story unfolds so does God’s plan.  He makes the ultimate sacrifice – hinted at throughout the ages – so his children can be with him forever, whether they deserve to or not.

     

That’s the story.  It’s told in prose, in poetry, in drama and in song.  It’s explained in metaphors, analogies, and parables.  It’s alluded to in prophecies, and repeated in letters, sermons, and testimonies.  The story is revealed through the lives and voices of heroes, heroines, and villains.  It is sorrowful and humorous, frightening and elating.  It has sex and violence, war and peace, victory and defeat.  It is set in history, stretches across cultures, and spans millenniums.

We don’t have to memorize it.  We just need to read it thoroughly enough to appreciate it, understand it, and share it.  After all, it is about us.  

According to the story, Christ won all our battles and defeated all our demons when he died on the cross.  We can slap God in the face with this gift like a rebellious child bent on destruction, or we can claim His victory as ours and live a redeemed life to His glory.  Our part in The Story is up to us.  How are you writing yours?        

Father, open our hearts to enjoy and understand your word, the only story worth reading.  Amen.

Sandra Milholland

Abilene, Texas

Just Ask

What in your life provides satisfaction, joy, and true meaning?  There is a void within us that must be filled, and whether we realize it or not we search desperately to fill it.   We bury ourselves in our work or our families, in sports, in politics, in humanitarian efforts, or causes.  We pursue religion and works thinking it is the answer.  We seek recognition, wealth, or power attempting to satisfy the desire inside of us.  Most of our pursuits are not bad and result in many good things, yet we are not satisfied.  There is something missing.  We want something full, and rich, and satisfying.  In our youth we search asking “what will I do with my life”, in our middle age we doubt asking “what am I doing with my life” and in our late years we look back and wonder “what did I do with my life”.   No matter where you are, if you have not found what you need to fill the void, allow yourself the freedom to hear a pure, simple promise. 

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” Matthew 7:7-8

 “I am the door, and the person who enters through me will be saved and will be able to come in and go out and find pasture.  A thief comes to steal and kill and destroy, but I came to give life—life in all its fullness.” John 10:9-10

Jesus is that “something” we all seek.  He is the passageway to life; and not just any life, but life in all its fullness.  His offer is rich and full and satisfying.  He says I am the door that when opened and walked through provides all that you could ever want or imagine. 

Take notice of a few things.  The promise is bed-rock solid and there for us, but we must understand Jesus is the only way.   There is only one door to life.   We must ask to find this door and we must seek the door.   This is our choice and it is a daily choice.  Notice and be warned that there is a thief who will come to steal our hearts and minds away.  The thief, Satan will do all in his power to divert us.  We are easy prey to wealth, troubles, and the day to day worries of this life.   To be warned is to be armed. The battle is worth it.  Take heart from the promise of God that if we seek Him we will find Him.  If we seek Him first everything else we worry about will be taken care of.  He promises us that.  We must fight our stubborn and fearful hearts.  Accept that the Lord is good and that life will be found in Him and Him alone. 

Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. Fear the LORD, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing.  The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.  Psalm 34:8-11

Father open my eyes to see You and Your salvation.  Guide me in paths of righteousness.  Deliver me from evil.  Thank you for Your promises.  Amen

Scotty Elston
Shallowater, Texas

Prayer: It's Right in Front of Us

Series: Jesus, You Make Me Nervous

One of those days Jesus went out to a mountain to pray, and spent the night praying to God (Luke 6:12).

How many nights have you spent praying to God? If you’ve spent even one, I salute you. I can count on one hand the nights I’ve spent in prayer by taking one finger and one thumb…to form a great big zero!

I’ve never spent an entire night praying, but the number of nights I’ve lain awake fretting are too numerous to count. Dark hours of anxious fear, heart heavy with sadness and worry…I’ll bet you have, too.

How was Jesus able to pray all night long? He had religious leaders dogging him. They hated him and wanted him dead. Multitudes of the curious and needy pressed him daily for signs and begged for favors. A large group of disciples followed him everywhere, hanging on his every word, but they rarely understood him. In their spiritual shortsightedness he was larger than life, and consequently smaller than the Heavenly King he really was.

At the end of “one of those days” in Jesus’ life he did what came naturally. He prayed. Luke 22:44 says of Jesus, “And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.” The Greek word for anguish tells us that Jesus knows what it’s like to be in dire straits, crushed between a rock and a hard place. He suffered every distress we can think of and some we can’t even imagine.

Like watching a bad movie, we lie awake at night playing and replaying our grievances, anxieties and worst fears.

Loving Heavenly Father, through Jesus who knows, forgive us for neglecting your precious gift of prayer, and thank you for the peaceful rest that’s ours because of your active presence in our lives. Amen.

Sandra Milholland
Abilene, Texas