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!!

Be Careful of `False Prophets'.

Lynn Austin has written a wonderful series of books about the three Kings in the Bible. Having read in 2 Kings 21 about Hezekiah's son Manasseh's rule, I wasn't sure I wanted to read Book 4.



"Manasseh was 12 years old when he became King...... He did what was

evil in the Lord's sight, imitating the detestable practices of the pagan

nations....." 2 Kings 2:1&2.



Hezekiah and been a wonderful King who had faithfully served the Lord. I couldn't understand how his son could be so evil and forget the ways of his father.


In her book, Lynn introduces us to another character Zerah, a supposed medium. As a young man, Manasseh wanted to know about his future. He was easily led astray by Zerah, who was able to twist the Word of the Lord in the Torah. He was able to bring out what we might call today `new age' thinking, and Manasseh was lead to believe that the Priests of the true God were wrong, and that this new way of worshiping was the right way.



"He practiced sorcery and divination, and he consulted with mediums

and psychics." 2 Kings 21:6



The more Mannasseh listened to these mediums and psychics, the more evil he became and the angrier God became with him.


In her `note to the reader', Lynn reminds us that this `so called, New Age movement is centuries old.' These pagan beliefs are rooted in the four lies used by Satan in the Garden of Eden and are not only condemned by God in ancient times, but they still are.

What scares me most though, is how easy it is someone to become lured into practicing these acts. How easy it is for someone to twist scripture and use it out of context. I ask you to be aware, seek God's guidance continually, and don't fall into Satin's trap.

"As believers, we must cling to and protect the purity of our faith entrusted to us while proclaiming the fact that all other religious pratices are false".

"I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'
John 14:16.

UNDERSTAND WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A SERVANT OF THE KING

As believers some of us are called into ministries that will thrust us into worldwide recognitions. Others of us will be behind the scenes.

I always loved serving together with my husband Mark. We made a good team. I was a Leader, and he worked behind the scenes doing all those things that made my leadership position easier. I loved to TEACH, he loved to HELP. But his work was just as important, him not more important than mine. We were both called to SERVE, using the gifts God has blessed us with.

Every place we go in and everything we do is part of God's great plan. People will come to know the Lord through whatever `ministry' and service he has placed us in.

Many of us, as servants, struggle with pride, the need for recognition and honour. King Hezekiah did. I guess it would be easy too if you were a King in charge of a whole country too. Yet even Jesus' disciples struggled with pride - simple men like you and me. It is encouraging to know that that the disciples needed to learn to serve, but many of us are still in the learning process.

"I tell you the truth, whatever you did for the one of the least
of these brothers, you did it for me." Matthew 25:40

Sometimes, like the disciples, we feel tired and unappreciated. We may not want to change our plans, we like it our way. But we need to follow in the steps of Jesus - our servant.

One thing we can be sure of is that when Jesus calls us to serve, we need to be obedient. Sometimes what God asks us to do may seem too hard. It helps to have Jesus' example.

"My food is to do the will of Him who sent me and to finish His work."
John 4:34

Sometimes we may not feel qualified enough and we will make excuses, just like Moses, Gideon and Jeremiah.

Moses: "What if they do not believe me? O Lord I have never been eloquent. I am slow of speech and tongue."

Sound familiar!

Gideon: "But Lord, how can I save Israel. My clan is the weakest and I am the least in my family"

Ever felt this way!

Jeremiah: "Ah, Sovereign Lord, I do not know how to speak, I am a child."

We are all children!

Jesus did not call us to part-time service. We can't just be Sunday Christians. Every morning when you wake up, pray that God will send people to you who need your help. If we are sensitive to the God's leading, through the Holy Spirit, we will never miss an opportunity to serve.

We are to have a servant's heart so that others may see His love in us. He may be calling you to a new vision, or wants you to persevere in the `ministry' you are in. Whatever it is - remember, BE OBEDIENT - Jesus was. DON'T MAKE EXCUSES - Jesus didn't. Be a FULL TIME SERVANT - Jesus was.