We are all fearfully and wonderfully made. Crafted by the very hands that created the universe. Christ made us, a free moral agent, died for our salvation, and is not willing that any perish into damnation but all come to repentance and have eternal life.
So. We've all heard the saying... "the same water that hardens eggs softens potatoes, it's all in what you're made of that will determine how you respond when you hit hot water or the temperature starts rising."
So my thoughts this morning are this-- coming into this study, I realize--
My wounds have changed me. There's no doubt. My heart isn't as sensitive, I've guarded myself from pain, and I view people with shaded eyes, trying to figure out their motive.
Jesus, our Heavenly Father, is so gracious and merciful that he can RESTORE the broken hearted and set at liberty those that are bruised. "A bruised reed shall he. It break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench." God gave me this and I wanted to share...
Isaiah 42:3-10
3 A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth.
4 He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law.
5 Thus saith God the Lord, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein:
6 I the Lord have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles;
7 To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house.
8 I am the Lord: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.
9 Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them.
10 Sing unto the Lord a new song, and his praise from the end of the earth, ye that go down to the sea, and all that is therein; the isles, and the inhabitants thereof.
God brought me to salvation at a young age, and without a doubt has kept me from experiencing many pains and heartaches in life... He ignited a fire in me, as the prophet said, it's like a fire, shut up in my bones. I remember the fiery passion I had when I first came to know the Lord-- and you know what? Although I've become bruised in my spirit, like a bruised reed, the Lord is not going to just break me off and cast me aside. Nor will he quench the smoldering embers of my heart. Instead, he's gently caressing the wounds of my heart and blowing his sweet breath over the embers coaxing a flame back to life.
He is the one that gives breath and life to all the inhabitants of the earth, whether we think they are "good" or "bad", Christ died for them as well... He came to open blind eyes, set free those who are bound. The old things are behind us, and God has planned something new.
He's given us each a new song.
One of praise and not if mourning.
One of victory, not of defeat.
Our Father wants to restore the sensitivity of our hearts, and the innocence of our minds. He can remove the filters of hurt and pain, and replace it with a holy boldness, meekness and long suffering. He can restore our hearts, so that we produce all fruits of the spirit in our lives. It can become our nature, so long as we lay down who we are and who we will to be in the flesh, and take on the mind and nature of Christ.
He has called us each by name. He has redeemed us. We are HIS. What do we have to fear?
Kingdom minded, Christ Centered.
Rooted and grounded in the Word.
His Word. The very bread of life.
Zephaniah 3:17 KJV "The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing."
Zephaniah 3:17 AMP "The Lord your God is in your midst, A Warrior who saves. He will rejoice over you with joy; He will be quiet in His love [making no mention of your past sins], He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy."
He has sung His song over us, rejoicing.
Now, as new creatures, we return the honor.
❤️pw
(reflections during Finding Freedom Bible Study with Sonja Baker)
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