June Foster's Blog, page 7

Jesus’ Triumphant Journey into Jerusalem

The week before Easter we celebrate Palm Sunday. In Luke 19 we learn that as Jesus returned to Jerusalem on a lowly donkey, people lined the road waving palm branches and throwing their cloaks in front of the colt upon which he rode.

“Long live the King.” I can almost hear their cry. The shouts of the crowd were joyful as they praised God. Why? They were convinced Jesus fulfilled the prophecy in Zechariah 9:9 – “See your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a colt.”

But there was a problem. The people were thanking God for giving them a king, a national leader who would restore their nation and free them from Rome’s control. They were blind to his real mission, to bring God’s forgiveness and salvation for all mankind.

When the people shouted all the more, the Pharisees told Jesus to keep His followers quiet, and He said that if they remained silent, the stones would cry out. Not because Jesus was setting up a powerful political kingdom, but a spiritual one which is still available to all mankind today.

So this Palm Sunday, let’s cry out and praise His holy name because He marched into Jerusalem two thousand years ago, not as a human who’d rescue the Jewish people, but God whom we can worship today and for all eternity.  

The Years the Locust Ate

I stopped in my tracks. The truth washed over me. I am approaching the end of my life. What’s more, as I think about my life, I see one in which I was saved by Christ. Thank God. But I see more. The journey has been rocky, many times filled with chaos and confusion. Did I really represent my Lord well in all things? By no means. How many times did I stumble, missing an opportunity to love someone else for Christ? And how many irretrievable hours of precious fellowship did I lose with loved ones because I live thousands of miles away? The questions abound, and I don’t like the answers. I can never get back the years. The realization hits harder than a cement block.

So, is life really this bleak? Yes, without hope, it is. But—here’s the good news. There is hope. God knows we aren’t perfect so He provides grace. In fact, His grace is sufficient because when I’m weak then I’m strong.

But what about the lost days, the ones I can never salvage? Joel 2:25 says “I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten. The New Living Translation says, “I will give you back what you lost to the swarming locusts.”

But how can that happen? I don’t have many more years on this earth.

I firmly believe this life is only a prelude to the primary, most important life God has for us.

But to float around heaven and play a harp doesn’t sound like much fun. I don’t believe that will be the case. I believe we will live on a new earth and have all the time we need to fellowship with our loved ones and accomplish the things we never did on earth.

There are some who say I don’t believe what you’re saying, but I choose to trust the Bible and God’s promises. I’ve stumbled through this life, but I know the next will be glorious, and I’ll live in perfection because my Savior is perfect.

“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away.” Revelation 21: 1

Dear Lord, thank You for the life that is to come, for the glorious hope only You can offer. Amen.

The Holy Spirit

Who is the Holy Spirit? As Christians, we learn that the Holy Spirit is the third member of the Trinity. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. But what is the significance of this person?

The Holy Spirit is mentioned innumerable places in the Bible. I looked in my concordance and found many. 1 Thessalonians 1:6 says the Holy Spirit gives us joy. “In spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.”

1 Corinthians 3: 16 says that the Holy Spirit lives in us. “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you?”

1 Corinthians 2: 12 states that we can’t understand God’s truths unless the Holy Spirit dwells in us. “We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us.”

These words were written over 2000 years ago and yet the Holy Spirit still makes God known to mankind. The Holy Spirit continues to play a vital role in our lives. I haven’t heard from Confucius, Buddha, or the goddess of Athens today. But I am blessed daily by the soft whispered voice of the Holy Spirit.

“The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and make you remember all that I have told you.” John 14:26

Dear Lord, thank You that you didn’t leave us as orphans but sent Your Holy Spirit to us. Allow me to daily hear the Spirit’s gentle and quiet voice.

Visiting the Throne Room

Peace. It’s something I’d like to wear as a garment all day long, every day. But let me be realistic. That doesn’t happen. Especially with my dramatic, melancholy personality. Some days I feel my blood pressure rising, panic on the edge of my nerves, and worry digging a hole in my stomach.

So frequently during the day, I have to visit the throne room and take a few minutes with my Savior to get reoriented. Here’s what I do.

I close my eyes and picture Jesus sitting on the throne in Heaven. Sometimes I even throw my arms around Him like a child would embrace her father. I remain in the throne room as long as I need—until I feel His never-ending peace wrapping around my soul again. And I return to the throne room as many times as necessary—even if it’s a hundred times a day.

“And he said, ‘My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.'” Exodus 33:14

“You make known to me the path of life, in your presence there is fullness of joy, at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11

Dear Lord, thank You that Jesus tore from top to bottom the veil that separated man from You, and we have access to You at all times. Amen.

God and Authors

Authors are all individuals. We don’t all have the same “voice” or plot ideas. Some of us are well known, others are barely getting started. That doesn’t matter. Really. The important thing is to listen to the Lord about what He’s saying to you individually.

I want to explore this idea of being unique in God’s sight a bit further. God loves each one of us on a personal basis. If I was the only creature in earth, He would love me and die for me.

No one escapes the Father’s notice or His care. He wants all people to come into his Kingdom. He desires to have fellowship with everyone. And He’s patient, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. II Peter 3:9. That’s how much he loves each of us.

His heart grieves for those who are far away. In case, there are some who’ve never given their lives to Him, He longs for your friendship. His concern is for you alone. He wants to hear those words, “Father I have sinned against you and all Heaven.” The words of the prodigal son. Luke 15: 11-24.

So, if you are an award-winning, multi-published author, or working on the first chapter of your very first book, remember God knows you, loves you, and is by your side, directing your every step. I speak from experience.

What’s On Your Mind?

Sometimes I struggle with keeping my thoughts on things that please God. Too often it’s God, why didn’t I get that contract when that other author got one, if I hurry up with this prayer, I’ll have more time to get on with my agenda, and since I’m a Christian, I’ve got more insight than that other person. Those are only a small sampling of what my mind is capable of.

Philippians 4: 8 offers guidance on this very subject. “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Eight words that describe the characteristics of thoughts that please God.

Okay, I have to admit these kinds of thoughts don’t come naturally to me, but I decided to define each to help solidify them in my mind. I chose the definition that came closest to referring to our minds.

True – real, concordant with the facts

Noble – aristocratic or gentle

Right – fair or just

Pure – genuine

Lovely – beautiful, agreeable

Admirable – held in great respect

Excellent – superior, wonderful

Praiseworthy – deserving congratulations

If I measure my thoughts against this list, it’s not too hard to weed out the ungodly ones. I pray this helps you, too.

Clap Your Hands and Shout for Joy

Living in Alabama has its advantages. I love the people and the southern culture only found in this part of the country. Where people eat grits and say ya’ll. The place where the kids still say yes, ma’am and no, sir. Many who love the Lord dwell in the Alabama cities, towns, and countryside. The prices of goods and services including gas are generally below the national average. Only thing I have to complain about is the high levels of allergens.

Another amazing fact about Alabama is its college football teams. Here, you are either an Alabama Crimson Tide or an Auburn Tigers fan. I got rooked into supporting the Roll Tide guys—but don’t hold it against me.

Though I haven’t always been a fan of football, living in Alabama one cannot be neutral. So, when Alabama battered Georgia to win the SEC championship, I found myself glued to the TV. Each time Alabama grabbed the ball and headed toward the goal posts, I jumped off the couch, clapping my hands and yelling at the top of my lungs. The players must’ve heard me through the TV. They scored every time.

Today when I read Psalms 47:1, I couldn’t help but think of the SEC game. “Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy.” If I could shout and clap during a football game, why can’t I show the same exuberance toward the Lord?

I’ve clapped my hands in church before, but only when singing some of the livelier tunes. I can’t remember a time when I’ve shouted for joy. Seems like I held in my emotions.

Most Christians don’t show such exuberance in church these days, but would it be improper for us to cheer on the Lord sometimes? Just saying.

Forgiveness

Forgiveness is a popular subject among Christians and in devotionals. It’s easy to talk about but not so simple to do. But for the Christian to forgive is vital. In fact, God may not forgive us of our wrongdoings, if we can’t forgive others.

“If you forgive others the wrongs they have done to you, your Father in heaven will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive the wrongs you have done.” Matthew 6:14-15

Wow. That’s a pretty powerful statement. But God’s word is truth, so we better take it to heart.

“But, God, you don’t understand,” I’m tempted to say sometimes. “That person told a lie which cost me my job. He hates me and has no compassion on me. Besides he’s not a Christian.”

Does that change God’s mind? I don’t think so.

“Well, God. What about my alcoholic wife who left me to raise our three children? Am I supposed to forgive her? She doesn’t deserve it.”

Forgiveness is way harder than we think, but ponder this. On the cross, Jesus said, “Forgive them for they don’t know what they’re doing.” The Roman army pierced Jesus’ hands and feet with nails, yet he didn’t hold it against them. 

All of us are like sheep and have gone astray. None of us is without sin, but did God forgive you when you sought salvation? Forgiveness is like God’s grace—letting go of someone’s wrongdoing against you. The Bible commands us to be more like Jesus.

Do we deserve forgiveness? The question has an obvious answer. No. So if God can forgive us, can’t we forgive another?

“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3:13

Dear Lord, in Your strength I can forgive that one who hurt me so deeply. Amen.

God’s Love Is the Best Valentine You Can Receive

“God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16.” If you’ve been a Christian for a while, you’ve heard this verse. But have you really pondered what it means? In what way does God love us?

Our parents love us because we’re family. We love our siblings in the same way.

Our spouses love us, too. They love us with a deep romantic bond. During the wedding vows, we promise to love, despite life’s circumstances.

But what does it mean that God so loved us? The Bible says He gave His Son to us. God allowed His Son to drink the cup of wrath which was meant for mankind—for imperfect humans. Jesus took the penalty that mankind deserved and allowed Himself to be crucified on a Roman cross. I’m not sure I would have had the courage, yet God loves us enough to do it. Because He died, we have the opportunity to live with Him for all eternity.

If you haven’t already, thank Jesus for making the ultimate sacrifice, the best act of love anyone could ask for. Happy Valentine

Questions

Do you sometimes think about your relationship with God? Is He real? Is the Christian faith valid, or is it merely wishful thinking? I confess those thoughts have entered my mind. And then the Lord offers me compelling truth to settle the matter.

The other day, I listened to the guest speaker on the YouVersion app. He spoke about 1John 4:7 where Paul explains about love. “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.” So, if you have true, God-like love in your heart for others, you naturally love God as well.

The young man was a Christian born in Palestine who experienced the Palestinian conflict with Israel. He spoke about how everyone hated everyone else with the exception of close friends and family. He began to realize he didn’t hate the Jews but loved them and saw them as God did—as those whom God created. Though the Palestinians fought against the Jewish people, he didn’t hate them. He spoke about his Christian faith and how a relationship with God made all the difference.

I began to think. This man wasn’t from the US where I live. He lives on the other side of the world in a totally different culture than mine. Yet he believes in the same Jesus I do. What was it about Christ followers? They don’t all originate from the same country or culture. Christ followers don’t speak the same language or lead similar lives. How could this Palestinian know the same God as me all the way across the world and in a different society? The Christian faith isn’t merely for southerners or country folk in the US. God came to bring salvation for all mankind over the whole world. This man’s story rang true in my heart.

Maybe the point of this post is obvious to you, but somehow, this Palestinian’s story built up my faith, helping me to know God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.” Titus 2:11