Reflections

I tried to quell the yearning for a greater something, a purpose bigger than the here and now and myself.

 …we remain conscious of a desire which no natural desire will satisfy.  -C. S Lewis, The Weight of Glory

I chased all manner of both good and evil earthly pursuits, but nothing fulfilled. Not even religion. It was all vain distraction.

Then I looked on all the works that my hands had done and on the labor in which I had toiled; And indeed all was vanity and grasping for the wind. There was no profit under the sun. Ecclesiastes 2:11 (NKJV)

But then, He found me.

I met mercy and forgiveness on the road to grace.

Mercy withheld judgment.

Once again you will have compassion on us. You will trample our sins under your feet and throw them into the depths of the ocean! Micah 7:19 (NLT)

Forgiveness wiped away my transgression.

“Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the Lord, “Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool. Isaiah 1:18 (NKJV)

Grace translated me from servant to friend, from slave to daughter, abandoned to adored.

For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. Romans 8:15 (KJV)

Do you want this? God created you for Himself, for Heaven. That is why everything else misses the mark, just as we do.

 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, Romans 3:23 (NKJV)

Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, often referred to as Palm Sunday, is an accurate reflection of  mankind. Not just the back then mankind, but the right now mankind. It’s like an indictment to you and me how easily our hearts are turned away from the right road, the Savior. It’s frightening how a heart can go from crown Him to crucify Him in three days.

Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life. Proverbs 4:23 (NKJV)

How often I miss the splendor of God’s glory passing by, what He is doing and calling me to, because it isn’t wrapped in the earthly trappings I expect or want. Of the people who did recognize Jesus as Messiah and greeted Him with palms and called Him King of Kings, I wonder how many had the revelation that the road led to the cross? Death before resurrection. I wonder how many walked away from Jesus then, and even now, because they didn’t look past the cost and up to see the crown, the glory, that follows obedient sacrifice and service.  

Hey heart… Do you turn aside when the road goes uphill, or against your will to the place of self death and sacrifice?  Do you hold out when you are called to be poured out and lift others up to Christ?

I fall short, but Jesus is the difference maker. Yes, my Creator is my crutch.  I like to lean on Him. He is my healer, redeemer, restorer. He is the Way maker. He wants to be yours too. Not just for a day, but for every day, in the day to day. He cares about the details.

Come as you are and let Jesus make you into what you were made to be.

LINK TO SONG: Chris Tomlin – At The Cross (Love Ran Red) (Lyrics & Chords)

A Sobering Thought:

All day long we are, in some degree,  helping each other to one or other of these destinations. (Heaven or Hell)  – C. S.  Lewis Mere Christianity

C. S. Lewis and the Bible speak of our lifestyle and of sharing the Gospel, of encouraging and strengthening our Christian brothers and sisters. We must spend time in His Light, His Word, His presence, if we are to reflect Him.

And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature Mark 16:15 (NKJV)

Then the master said to the servant, ‘Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. Luke 14:23 (NKJV)

What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. Matthew 10:27 (NIV)

Here is a highway. This is my rooftop. Hello, world! Can you hear me? Do you know my Jesus?

Because He is risen

I have hope

I know Him

I can come boldly before His throne

This world is not my home

It’s just the road to where I’m going

And I do not walk alone

I do not fear death

Because He is risen

I have been translated

From dead in my sin

To alive in Christ

From slave

To set free and daughter of the King

From bound for Hell

To Heaven is my home

He is risen indeed

But Jesus isn’t just my fire escape; He is my passion, my reward.

The proper rewards are not so much tacked on to the activity for which they are given, but are the activity itself in consummation.  -C. S.  Lewis, The Weight of Glory

Consummation- the act of consummating; completion. The circle is a symbol of never-ending continuity, eternity. The rainbow around God’s throne in Heaven is a circle. Heaven is coming full circle into the eternal destiny and reward we were made for, the fulfillment of the vow, the promise Christ made to His Church, His bride.

He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” John 7:38 (NKJV)

I am a  riverbed whose banks cannot contain the rushing water. He rains on me, He reigns in me. I overflow. He compels me.

LINK TO SONG: Rooftops – Jesus Culture (lyric video)

I’m preparing for departure. Are you ready?

But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” I Corinthians 2:9 (NKJV)

The Perfect Vacation

TICKETS ARE FREE- but they will cost you your life. You may pick them up at the Altar of Repentance.

DRESS CODE- Come as you are; clean white robes will be provided. You will be changed in the twinkling of an eye!

DIRECTIONS- Way beyond the blue, through the pearly gates, up the streets of gold, to a place prepared for you- a mansion built by The Cornerstone. Enter into the secret place of the Most High where you will bathe in the Light of the Bright and Morning Star. Be not anxious and rest in peace, sweet peace, as you lean on the Everlasting Arms.

ACTIVITIES- You will go horseback riding on a white horse. Your Guide will never leave you or forsake you. He will stick closer than a brother, for He is Faithful and True. His name is Jesus Christ. He will lead you beside the still waters of the River of Life and you will bask in the Son Shine. You will discover a table has been prepared for you and you are invited by the Master to come and dine.

THE MENU- Bread of Life

                           Living Water

You will also partake of the presence and fullness of the Lamb of God.

MOUNTAIN CLIMBING- You will find The Lily of the Valley everywhere!

He will renew your strength and you will run and not grow weary. As you approach Mount Zion, you will mount up with wings like eagles.

MUSIC- The hosts of Heaven ensemble will be assembled. The Holy Ghost choir and wind and string orchestra will be praising the Most High God.

YOU- The Redeemed of the Lord, are invited to make a joyful noise unto the Lord. As the presence of the glory of the King of Kings reigns, everlasting joy shall be upon your head. The beauty of the Lord shall be upon you and you shall be like Him. The zeal of The Lord shall
perform this.

LENGTH OF STAY- Forevermore!

Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. 1 Thessalonians 4:17 (NLT)

And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4 (NKJV)

He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.” Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus! Revelation 22-1:21

© 2017  Rachael M Colby     Tattoo It On Your Heart