EXPLODE THE BOX!

It's a beautiful, warm day here, so grab a cup of your favorite brew and sit on my veranda a spell while I share my thoughts with you. Years ago at a conference I attended, the speaker said, "If you try to put God in a box, he'll explode the box!" I haven't found a better way to describe the greatness of God. He is beyond understanding. And yet, he has made Himself known through his one and only Son, Jesus, the Christ (Messiah).

Seven hundred and forty years before Messiah was born, Isaiah gave this prophesy. "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." Immanuel means, God is with us (Mt. 1:23). God humbled Himself and became a man.

In John 1:1, it says, "ln the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God," which echoes the phrase in Genesis 1:1. The Greek for Word is Logos. In The New Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, in John 1:1, Word signifies Divine Expression (i.e. Christ). He came in the flesh to live among us. He came to show us the love of God. He came to have a relationship with us, and to endure the same temptations we do, yet without sin.

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Yes, He was innocent.

He is called the Lamb of God—a picture of the Jewish sacrificial lamb as described in the Old Testament. Sin cannot be atoned for except through the shedding of blood.

Jesus was reviled, beaten, spat upon, and after suffering 39 lashes, his flesh torn, Christ could not even be recognized as a man! He suffered humiliation when the soldiers stripped Him of His clothing, and then cast lots for them, which was also prophesied. A crown of thorns they placed upon His head. They pierced His hands and his feet when they nailed Him to a rugged, splintery cross, where He shed his blood, suffered and died….

Why? Because of his love, mercy, grace and forgiveness, which he showered on us so that we could be saved from our sins. "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast," (Eph. 2:8, 9, ESV). Each and every one of us deserves to die for our sins, but Jesus took our place. Don't let his sacrifice for your sins go to waste.

Right now. Right where you are, you, too, can receive him as your Savior and Lord. If that is your heart's desire, pray this simple prayer: Lord Jesus, I ask that you forgive my sins. Help me live for you and bring glory to your name. Teach me your ways and help me grow as a Christian. I ask this in Jesus name. Amen.

Dear friend, if you prayed this prayer, you are now a child of God, what the bible calls "born again." Jesus loves you like crazy! Find a Godly church where you can grow in your new-found faith, and read his Word. Start with the book of John, then read the book of Romans. I can't wait to meet you in heaven!

Lord, I ask that you minister to my brothers and sisters. Fill them with your Holy Spirit that they would shine for you. Especially during these troubling days when evil is running rampant. Help us remember that you are still on your throne, and that one day soon, you will come again. In Jesus name, amen.

Blessings ~ Danie Marie     (If you feel led, feel free to share my blog: daniemariesmusings.blogspot.com, and I'd love it if you'd leave a comment).