The Footprint

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Pulling my injured foot from a salt bath, I noticed a perfect image of my footprint resting on the bottom of the black metal pot. Not trusting what I was seeing, I reached down to stir the water. To my surprise, the faint impression of my foot would fade in and out, disappearing and reappearing with the water’s movement and the light’s reflection.

Still marveling at the molecular interaction, the Lord interjected, “I crafted your DNA and set your genetic code to form your individual blueprint. You are My created masterpiece. I know the unique pattern of your footprint, every ridge on your fingerprint, and the curves of your face. You have been set apart for My purposes.”

“I marvel at Your love, while humbled that You created me to be unique. What purpose do you have for me, Lord?” I asked.

“You are made in My image.” the Lord answered. “Specifically crafted to reflect your Maker for the world to witness. Those beautiful feet of yours were made to carry My peace and good tidings to others. But there will be a day when I will receive unto Myself your last breath, ushering you into My presence where I have a mansion prepared for you. I was joyful in My creation of you, but I also delight in bringing you home to Me.”

“May I be found faithful in the purposes You have for me, Lord. Enable my feet to always carry Your message of love and peace while reflecting Your image to the world.”

John 1:1-5, 4:13,14:2-3; Psalm 139:14; Galatians 1:15-16; Romans 10:15; Genesis 2:7; Hebrews 1:1-4; Romans 11:36; Ecclesiastes 3:2; 2 Corinthians 5:8; Psalm 116:15

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Refined

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I am questioning my abilities as this trial keeps unfolding, Lord. It feels as though I am missing the mark at every turn, falling short of my expectations, becoming a judge in my own court of self-condemnation.

“What do you see?” asked Jesus, sitting on His throne. The question ushered my mind into overdrive, quickly identifying certain failures, some real and some perceived, each one looking back at me with contempt.

My thoughts were interrupted when Jesus declared, “I delivered Myself unto death, freeing you from all condemnation. You belong to Me. Yes, maybe your offences are many, but My grace is greater and abounds. Through Me, the only true Judge, you have been justified to live abundantly. Do you really want to reject My free gift of Grace and put yourself back under bondage?”

“No, Lord. I do not.” I said with a sigh, stepping down from my imaginary judge’s bench.

“Place all your transgressions in this container at my feet.” said Jesus as He was reaching down to open the lid on the box. I noticed it was stained with His blood and written across the top was the word Refined.

Placing my guilt-laden sins inside the chest, the Lord said, “This container belongs to Me and the contents are Mine. Do not attempt to take back what now belongs to Me. Sin will deceitfully hold you captive, forcing you to yield to its ways, causing spiritual death. But I have freed you from its power and made you alive unto God. When there is a new offence, place it in My hands, making room in your heart for what is pure. Walk in the newness of life to which you have been called.”

“Thank you for Your great compassion, Lord. For it is You who has blotted out my transgressions, washing away all my iniquity and cleansing me from my sin. Cause me to always call upon You out of a pure heart, Lord, enabling me to see You.”

Comforted by Romans 4:25, 5:4-20, 6:4-23, 7:6-23, 8:1 & 15; Galatians 4:3; John 3:17; 1 John 1:7; Matthew 5:8; Psalm 51:1-2; Psalm 75:7; 1 Corinthians 6:20

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The Exchange

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Listening to a worship song, my spirit was struck by the lyric “the Lord redeems the broken.” That word redeem is an old word, not something you hear much in conversations today. If you want to redeem a coupon, you must present the ticket to the entity that holds the power or gift, at which time they release that power or gift to you. Redemption packs a powerful punch in its expansive meaning and intent, but nothing happens without the exchange.

Merriam-Webster defines redeem as buying something back; freeing a captive by paying the ransom; overcoming something detrimental; release from blame or debt; freed from the consequences of sin; to reform, repair, or restore; freed from a lien by payment; removal of an obligation; to make good or exchange for something of value; to make right an error; and to make worthwhile. Redemption by its very definition demands a two-way transaction.

Amazingly, the Lord Jesus Christ offers all those benefits to people who confess Him as the Son of God and believe in their heart that God raised Him from the dead. Jesus made Himself the ransom, reuniting individuals to God. Jesus’ gift redeems us from death and the power of the grave; from the hand of the enemy; and from all iniquity, allowing us to receive adoption as sons and daughters into the family of the Most-High God.

Our position in heaven is sure through our belief in Jesus Christ, but it matters how we run this race called life. We are expected to be committed to growing in Divine Grace, a continual process of sanctification which comes by our belief in the Word of God, our obedience to it, and through the power of the Holy Spirit.

God does not want us to lag behind in any gift and it is His will for us to learn how to conduct ourselves in a pure and honorable way. Those who claim the name of Christ are told to depart from sin and even though we have the right to do anything, not everything is beneficial. We are warned to seriously fight for the faith because there are ungodly people who will creep into our lives and turn the grace of God into lustful behavior, leading us to deny the Savior.

What if there were unredeemed spiritual coupons of sorts? Tokens labeled with titles like unforgiveness, bitterness, hatred, pride, lust, lying, covetousness, or a desire to cause injury to another. How willing would we be to take our pride coupon to the Redeemer God in exchange for something good, worthwhile, and valuable?

One’s standing in Christ is secure, but a complete redemption does not take place without a full exchange.

What unredeemed coupon might you be holding in your hand?

Challenged by Jude 1:3; 2 Timothy 2:19-21; 1 Thessalonians 4:3; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Peter 1:2;  John 17:17-19; 1 Corinthians 1:7; 1 Corinthians 6:12; Galatians 4:5; Psalm 49:15; Titus 2:14; Psalm 78:35; Job 6:23; Colossians 3:5-9

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Measured Time

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I feel trapped between yesterday and tomorrow, trying to make sense of today. On one hand, life is painfully slow but on the other it is barreling toward an ending that appears to be inevitable, casting me into an eerie time warp.

“Time lies within My hand.” declared the Lord. Moving toward the windows overlooking the forest, He continued, “In the beginning, I laid the foundations of the earth and created the heavens. I have always been in existence, but human interpretation of time is measured by the cycles of My sun, moon, and stars. Your duration and destiny falls within My plan.”

“Every day brings such a struggle. It all seems unproductive; just going through the motions, with no beneficial outcome in sight.” I said with a hint of hopelessness in my voice.

Jesus took my hand in His. Waiting for our eyes to meet, He said, “Nothing is wasted, My dear. There is a time to every purpose and your present suffering cannot be compared with the glory that will be revealed in you. I formed your spirit and prepare a place for you in My Kingdom. Humble yourself under My hand and love wisely for your set time to rejoice will come.”

“You sit enthroned forever and my soul praises You, Lord Jesus. I rejoice in Your Righteousness and trust in Your faithfulness to complete what You have started in me.”

Comforted by Genesis 1; Psalm 102:13, 25; Zechariah 12:1; Matthew 25:34; 1 Peter 5:6; Romans 8:18; Ephesians 5:16; Ecclesiastes 3:1; Proverbs 31:25

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