ASSURANCE OF FORGIVENESS

"What we do see is Jesus, who "for a little while was made lower than the angels" and now is "crowned with glory and honour", because He suffered death for us. Yes, by God's grace, Jesus tasted death for everyone in all the world." HEBREWS 2:9

One of the things I love about Easter is singing the wonderful worship songs that remind us that "Jesus Paid it All", that the `Deliverer' took all our sins on the cross for us, and we have been `Set Free". This great assurance of forgiveness is often so overwhelming, that it is on these days that many people take their first step in accepting the Lord as their Saviour. For those of us who have walked with the Lord for many years, our faith may be renewed.

Why is it so important to have this assurance?

"He personally carried away our sins in his own body on the cross, so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. You have been healed by His wounds. Once you were wandering like lost sheep, but now you have turned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls." 1 Peter 2:24 (NLT)

I can only speak for myself, but the freedom and peace that comes from knowing I am forgiven, makes it easier to know that through the power of the Holy Spirit I can live the right way. When my friends say to me - `hey do this, or do that' and I know it is wrong, I can now say -`No', I am free from the bondage of that sin. I am no longer wandering alone and afraid, for my Shepherd is close by, ready to lift me into his arms, if I start to fall. (Psalm 37:23&2)

"He was beaten that we might have peace. He was whipped and we were healed. All of us have strayed away like sheep. We have left God's path to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on Him the guilt and sins of us all." Isaiah 53:5&6 (NLT)

Peace, oh what wonderful peace we can have because of Jesus' obedience, because of the pain he suffered for us. Oh how easy it is to follow our own way and do our own thing, but now we have a new way to follow - a way without guilt or shame, because Jesus took our sins upon the cross, and we now have assurance of forgiveness.

"For all have sinned and fall short of God's glorious standard. Yet now God in His gracious kindness declares us not guilty. He has done this through Christ who has freed us by taking away our sins." Romans 3:23&34 (NLT)

The part I love about this verse is that Christ has `FREED US'. We are no longer bound by the need or desire to sin. This is not saying we aren't tempted - but because of God's great kindness and Jesus' death, we have a way out. We know that by `God's grace we are saved'. Through the Holy Spirit, we can now say `no, Satan be gone', and we can have the assurance that `he will run'.

Growing up as a child, and even now I have to confess, my favourite song was one by Jenni Flack. I would sing it at all my Holiday Programs, it was often the theme of Kid's Club or Sunday School lessons; because it summed up why there was so much join and peace in my life; and why I wanted others to have this same freedom. It's called `No Fishing'.

When Jesus forgives he forgets what I've done,

And the bad things I did have now gone.

When Jesus forgives he forget what I've done,

And the bad things I did have now gone.

For He's thrown them in the deepest part

Of God's forgetful sea,

Where there's a great big sign that says

NO FISHING.

For He's thrown them in the deepest part

Of God's forgetful sea,

Where there's a great big sign that says

NO FISHING

No fishing, no fishing, no fishing.

No fishing, no fishing, no fishing

When you're sorry for your sins that's where they go.

No fishing, no fishing, no fishing, no fishing,

They're buried deep in God's forgetful sin.

Remember, the CROSS TELLS US that we have ASSURANCE OF FORGIVENESS!!

(Jenni Flack: "Jibes & Vibes" - now available at Christian bookstores and www.jennieflack.com.au)

"Jesus Paid it All" (2006) Alex Nifong, Worship Together.

"Deliver" (2010) Vicky Breeching & Sarah McIntosh, Kingsway.

"Set Free (2011) Jason Ingram, Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman & Ben Fielding, Kingsway.

The Power Of The Cross - Kristyn Getty

Each Person is of Value to God (need to read previous BLOG first).

In just having a quick skim over the verses related to Christ's death in the Bible, one thing becomes clear - Jesus didn't die just because he thought it would be a good thing to do at the time. Reading the Old Testament, we discover that his death was definetely a part of God's great plan. Then later we discover those verses that remind us that Jesus died for US. Jesus came to earth, lived and died to be OUR `Shepherd', to be OUR `Servant', to be OUR `Saviour.' As a little girl I lived in a Christian family. I had always heard the story of Christ's death. Yet, I had a lot of bitterness in my life due to the death of my mother, whom I never knew. I was teased and bullied at school, because in my day being the child of a single parent, no matter what the circumstances was just `not in'. One day I'd had enough and at 11 years old I decided life wasn't worth living. My father had re-married and I was going to have my very first birthday party with all my friends from school to `show off' my new Stepmother. I thought she was great, so I invited my whole class - knowing Mum could handle it. Unfortunately - nobody turned up!! Of course that meant there was lots of food left over, but there was also left a very sad and rejected young girl. As I cried myself to sleep that night, Mum came in and we talked. We talked about all my anger, my bitterness, my hurt - and she reminded me of a friend I had who loved me. She reminded me that no matter what others thought, I was of value to God, and that's why he sent His son Jesus to die. She reminded me that Jesus took all my sins and I now had could have a new life as a Child of God - free of bitterness and hurt. It took me a little while to grasp this reality that Jesus died for me - I was just a kid. It has taken me years for that reality to really sink in - many years of depression. I do believe, although I sometimes still find it hard to accept, this promise I received as a child that Jesus died for me because I am SPECIAL and of VALUE TO GOD has kept me alive. MY PRINCESS...... I CAME TO SERVE YOU. "Even when you don't feel valued, let me remind you, my princess that I - your King - came to serve you. I not only created you; I also sustain your life, comfort your spirit, and provide what you need. YOU ARE SO VALUABLE THAT I EVEN PAID THE ULTIMATE PRICE AT THE CROSS TO RANSOM YOU." (Sheri Rose Shepherd) "For even I, the Son of Man came here not to be served, but to give my life as a ransom for many." Matthew 20:28

THE CROSS TELLS US

"But He was wounded and crushed for OUR sins. It was OUR sorrows that weighed Him down. He was beaten that WE might have peace. He was whipped and WE were healed. ALL OF US have strayed away like sheep. We have left God's paths to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on Him the guilt and sins of US ALL". Isaiah 53:5&6 We all know WHAT happened when Jesus died. If we haven't read the Bible we most certainly would have seen `The Passion' - one persons rendition of the death of our Lord. He was `wounded and crushed', he was `beaten and whipped', he was nailed to a cross. But so often we don't take often think about `WHY' he did this. As we get closer to Easter, I have decided to take a little look at this WHY? Maybe just for my own spiritual growth, but also because someone out there in `BLOG' land might need to know. Based on 8 points summarised in a book we have been studying at our Ladies Group, by Paul E Little, "Know What You Believe", I want to look closer at the Word and how this is relevant to me, and if you are interested, can be to you. Come with me on this journey as we look at "WHAT THE CROSS TELLS US".

THE CROSS TELLS US:

PRAISE THE LORD!!

I suppose you are waiting patiently to find out about my Job Interview. There isn't a lot to tell. From the train to Scripture Union offices, I had a fall, which consequently led to a panic attack; but through the grace of God, as I walked into the interview, all the blood and fears had disappeared.

Unfortunately, although I felt the interview went quite well, I was told I lacked the confidence in my skills for the position. I guess this happens when you lose a job.

I have been a little mad with myself, because I didn't cope very well with this `rejection', even though they were positive and said I had a gentle nature and someday could be a good Chaplain. Consequently for the last week my depression was at an all time low, which as also led to a number of episodes of anxiety.

But, I was determined to leave last week behind me, and start anew. I started my week with my PRAYER, BIBLE READING AND PRAISE, along with a little exercise.

I began reading the book of Ezra, where we find the Israelities afraid and anxious as they attempt to return from exile to rebuild their temple.

"With praise and thanksgiving they sung to the Lord. `He is good;
His love to Israel endures forever.' All the people gave a great
shout of praise to the Lord, because the foundation of the Lord was
laid." Ezra 3:11

This verse reminds me of my Dad. If you read my `In the Palm of His Hands' BLOG you will read a lot about my Dad - a wonderful man of God. After the death of his wife, (my Mum) he raised three little girls, pretty much on his own. Over those years, and for most of his life, he suffered from depression.

But it's not this that I remember most about my Dad, but it was his words of PRAISE. Whether it was at Church singing with gusto those wonderful hymns, speaking words of encouragement to a congegration of seeking people or simply moving through the day with words of prayer on his lips - he would always be PRAISING THE LORD.

In her book, "The Power of Praying through the Bible", Stormie Omartin reminds us:

"When you're struggling, doubting, fearful or feel like your foundation
has crumbled, don't ever underestimate the power of Praise! Don't
just think about it. Do it. Pull out all the stops. Make praise your first
response to fearful situations in your life. God wants us to praise Him
at all times, but especially when we are afraid or discouraged. When
we do, not only will He take away our fear, but He will give us joy."

"I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak His praises.
I will boast only in the Lord; let all who are discouraged, take heart.
Come let us tell of the Lord's greatness; let us exalt His name together.
I prayed to the Lord and He answered me, freeing me from all my fears.
Those who look to Him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of
shame will darken their faces." (Psalm 34:1-5)

REMEMBER, FAITH, PRAYER, PRAISE and the WORD OF GOD will conquer your every fear.

PERFECT TRUST

Tomorrow I face a situation. Not a difficult situation, but for some reason for the last couple of days it has caused me to feel `sick' - you know the headache, stomach and muscle aches and the worst of all is these incontrollable shakes. I guess it could be the symptoms of flu, or it could just be fear.

I have a job interview!! Part of me is telling me not to stress - it doesn't matter whether I get it or not - that's in God's hands. The other part of me is feeling that same old `failure syndrome'. If I don't get it, what will people think of me - a failure again!! Part of me, still wants to be in control.

There are a number of things I do when I feel this way:

1) Pray- CLAIM GOD'S PRESENCE. That's number one of course. There is nothing more calming to the spirit than talking to the Father, telling God about my worry and leaving it with Him.

"Seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you." (Matthew 6:33)

2) Read. I go the Bible - RECOUNT GOD'S PROMISES.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lead not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6

"Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord is the one who goes before you. He will be with you; He will neither fail you nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:8

I am again reminded that I am to let God take the lead, to take over the controls.

"God will smooth out your path. He'll take away the obstacles. He'll take care of those barriers when you come to them. If you do your part - give Him the steering wheel and trust him to be in charge - He promises to make your path straight." (Charles Swindoll: "Perfect Trust", 2000, Thomas Nelson)

I remember the last time I went for a job as a Chaplain and God said `no, not now", I was comforted by the fact that I had been obedient, and this is what God had asked me to be. I walked in obedience, as best I understod it and followed his will. The failure still hurt at first, but it made it easier to except.

"God honours faith and obedience. When you trust Him completely, you will enjoy inner quietness and security. You will have a secure confidence that you are walking in His will. You will be surrounded by His peace." (Charles Swindoll: "Perfect Trust",2000, Thomas Nelson)

I AM FEELING BETTER ALREADY!!!

3. Listen to Music. PATIENCE. I know I should be listening to my Worship Songs - those great Hillsong hits - but I can't help it, I just love my Doug Horley (UK's favourite Children's Fun & Funky Worship for Kids).

Before I know it I am jumping around and dancing to those promises that God loves me, nothing is too big for His power, and my favourite at the moment, "You are Shaped for Serving God".

"If you walk like a model or walk with a waddle
You are, you are, you're God's indeed.
If you're very, very funny, or good at making money,
You are, you are God's indeed.

God had a brilliant plan when he created man
He knew just how each one would serve Him.
Wonderful indeed, gave you what you need,
To work on earth for Him.

You are shaped for serving God,
You are shaped for serving God,
You are shaped for serving God,
Holy, holy is His name.

If you laugh like a donkey
Or you're hairs a little wonkey
You are, you are, you're God's indeed.
If you're really good at caring
Or a little brave and daring
You are, you are, you are God's indeed.

If you're good at origami,
Or can make a great salami.
You are, you are, God's indeed.
If you're fast as a whippet
Or really good at cricket
You are, you are, God's indeed.

Doug Horley & Steve Whitehouse. (2005, Thankyou).

I AM READY TO FACE WHATEVER GOD HAS IN STORE FOR ME!!

Oh the shakes are still there, and the headache hasn't gone away, but I know that I am girded with the power of God, for I am ready to go forth in obedience to follow His will, and to face whatever He has in store for me. I have claimed God's presence, recounted his promises and now wait patiently on Him, trusting in His provision.

I ENCOURAGE YOU TO DO THE SAME!!