PAULA WISEMAN

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Something to think about as you start a new week

Monday Meditations are quick posts designed to get you thinking about God. They provide a fresh perspective as you jump into your routine.

 

Always Through

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Fire ad WaterThe Lord says:

"Fear not, for I have redeemed you;     

I have called you by your name;     

You are Mine. 

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;     

And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.     

When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,     

Nor shall the flame scorch you. 

For I am the Lord your God,     

The Holy One of Israel, your Savior."

Isaiah 43:1-3   Some of my favorite verses.

Always through. 

Successful Slave

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ball and chainGenesis 39:2 says, "The Lord was with Joseph, so he became a successful man."
 
Successful? 
Joseph was a slave. 
Not my definition of success.
 
But v.5 says "[T]he Lord blessed the Egyptian's house on account of Joseph."
 
The question is…
Whose slave was Joseph?
 
Potiphar's?
 
Or Jehovah's?
 

Real or Imaginary Jesus

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Stained glass JesusImaginary Jesus by Matt Mikalatos is a totally off-the-wall book, but it has a deep, thought-provoking premise. What if I'm not following the Jesus of Scripture? What if I've created a Jesus based on culture or tradition or personal experience? What if my Jesus exists to meet my personal emotional needs rather than me existing to serve His eternal glory? 
 
Why would we create an imaginary Jesus? The real Jesus, with all His awesome, holy power is sometimes unpredictable, hard to understand, and completely untamed. That makes us more than a little uncomfortable.The disciples were the same way, though. How many times did Jesus perform some amazing miracle that left them bewildered and afraid, rather than strengthened and encouraged? 
 
The main character in the book, Matt, created his imaginary Jesus, when the real one didn't live up to his expectations, when His answers were difficult to accept. 
 
As I've come through this Easter season, here are some of the questions on my heart- 
  • Who is Jesus to me? Is He the real Jesus?
  • Do I limit Him because my own imagination/ faith won't stretch far enough?
  • What do I miss out on when I settle for my own ideas about Jesus?

Who is Jesus? Who is Jesus to you?

Easter

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He was wounded because I sinned.
He was bruised because I rebelled.
The chastisement that earned my peace with God was upon Him.
By His stripes I am made whole.
 
I am like a sheep that gets off track at every opportunity.
But rather than punish me…
God let Jesus Christ take that sentence.
 
Easter is a difficult season.
It requires that I face the awful price my sin required.
 
But then Sunday comes.
And I see the face of God who volunteered to pay it.
 
Amen. Hallelujah!

 

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Fear or Power

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Power switchFor God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7
 
Not fear – but a sound mind. Right thinking. Not worrying. Not conjuring up worst-case scenarios
 
Not fear – love. Others come first.
 
Not fear – power. Ability. Means. Resources.
 
Fear paralyzes. Power acts.
 
God gives power.
 

Anniversary

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Wedding picture"Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, who sent you this day to meet me!" 1 Samuel 25:32

Nineteen years ago today, God began a work.

For 25 years (plus or minus) He had prepared us for each other. (Jon was plus, I was minus.)

In those few moments, we sealed an eternal covenant.

Today we mark the first nineteen years.

I do. I will.

Love you.

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