The Way of Peace through Jesus’ Birth and Life
The way of peace begins by exploring the foretelling and recording of Jesus’ birth this week. We are told from the lips of Zachariah,” The Lord will redeem his people through a horn of salvation” (Luke 1:69) To give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet in the way of peace” (Luke 1:79). 

But what does the way of peace mean for us today?

Peace is so fleeting!

We have it one moment and it’s gone the next. So, maybe it’s time to explore the various definitions of biblical ways of peace to determine where to start… and STAY in our peace:
Peace Definitions
1. A state of national tranquility, exemption from the rage and havoc of war. 
2. Peace between individuals, harmony.
3. Security, Safety, Prosperity
4. Of the Messiah’s peace–the way that leads to peace (salvation)
5. Of Christianity, the tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from and content with its earthly lot.
6. The blessed state of the devout and upright men after death.

Since tranquility between nations is something we have not seen throughout the centuries, we can place world peace before the Father in prayer. Simply because it is out of our control. 

However, the remaining five definitions of peace are promises from our loving Father. We can hold tightly to them because they are available to us through His Son and His Word. 

The Angel, Zechariah, as well as his son John, speak of salvation in our chapters of Luke this week. We’ll explore the Angel’s announcement and Simeon’s joy in coming posts.

Today though, we’ll think about our definitions above to get a clearer picture of the Lord’s tranquility. We will also take a look at parts of Zechariah’s Prophecy below. Filled with the Holy Spirit, he exhorts the coming of our Lord, and the plans for his own son, with awe.

⁶⁷And his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied, saying,

⁶⁸ “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
    for he has visited and redeemed his people
⁶⁹ and has raised up a horn of salvation for us
    in the house of his servant David,
⁷⁰ as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from of old,
⁷¹ that we should be saved from our enemies
    and from the hand of all who hate us;
⁷² to show the mercy promised to our fathers
    and to remember his holy covenant,
⁷³ the oath that he swore to our father Abraham, to grant us
⁷⁴     that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies,
might serve him without fear,
⁷⁵     in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.
⁷⁶ And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High;
    for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways,
⁷⁷ to give knowledge of salvation to his people
    in the forgiveness of their sins,
⁷⁸ because of the tender mercy of our God,
    whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high
⁷⁹ to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
    to guide our feet into the way of peace.
Luke 1:67-79

The glorious prophecy of Zechariah foretells of redemption!

 In addition, we know the way of peace comes through the “horn of salvation”. The phrase illustrates the strength of God to save his people. In fact, salvation is announced from the previously mentioned individuals, indicating a repeated theme throughout the book of Luke.

Our definition of peace reminds us of the Messiah’s peace of salvation. This means we have an assurance for our souls from the hand of our fiercest enemy (vs71). Even though he is doing everything he can to remove our peace. He will not win.

More importantly, because of his continual attacks, we need the mercy of God to proclaim the gospel boldly. Like many of our brothers and sisters throughout the world today, we too can serve him without fear (vs. 74). A fearless faith looking like the disciples and the early church martyrs. In addition, we see the recounting of Jesus’ birth throughout history. This too, is given as evidence of the oath sworn to Abraham in Zechariah’s prophesy. God has covered his descendants through the ages as they served Jesus with courage.

Descendants and disciples who unquestionably brought the light of the Messiah to the dying, pulling them out of the darkness. In effect, blessing them with the knowledge of salvation and forgiveness of sin. A joyous hope the people then and now cannot live without during troubling times. His way of guiding our feet into the way peace is so much better than we ever hoped!

In addition, the way of Jesus is bold in its gentleness. A way leading us to defy the constant barrage of criticism and attacks from the enemy. Placing our trust in him, allows a supernatural harmony to flow among us and our fiercest critics. We know we can’t do that on our own. Gently, he reminds us to take every thought captive to Jesus (2 Cor. 10:5) and use soft words turn away wrath (Proverbs 15:1).

Lastly, attempts to displace our peace fall on his precious covering in the shadows of death. A place we’ve all been too familiar with this year. May we cast aside the shadow for Jesus’ promising light and set our hearts on God. For in him, we find our eternal peace.

Making red plaid log ornaments are fun for a cold winter day activity. I especially like the relaxing part of creating ornaments. Although the holiday season can bring a multitude of to do lists, and along with that some stress, I like to keep it simple.

Therefore, creating these log ornaments is not just another to do list activity, it is a peaceful time to teach little ones the joy of creating. I think the reason I enjoy it so much is, like our Creator, we derive joy creating things. A sense of accomplishment and worth are inherent in our desire to build.

Furthermore, just as the Lord took pleasure in the work of His Voice, we too, take pleasure in the work of our hands. The Psalmist puts it so succinctly in Psalms 104 26-31:

O Lord, how manifold are your works!
    In wisdom have you made them all;
    the earth is full of your creatures.
²⁵ Here is the sea, great and wide,
    which teems with creatures innumerable,
    living things both small and great.
²⁶ There go the ships,
    and Leviathan, which you formed to play in it.

²⁷ These all look to you,
    to give them their food in due season.
²⁸ When you give it to them, they gather it up;
    when you open your hand, they are filled with good things.
²⁹ When you hide your face, they are dismayed;
    when you take away their breath, they die and return to their dust.
³⁰ When you send forth your Spirit, they are created,
    and you renew the face of the ground.

³¹ May the glory of the Lord endure forever;
    may the Lord rejoice in his works,

It reminds us so much of all the good things we want to give our own children! Especially at the holidays. What better gift to give them than sweet memories of preparing for the advent of our Savior’s birth?

These red plaid log ornaments may be just the thing to kickstart our creative juices this season. Since we’re always looking for ways to share the story of Christ with our little ones, a building project is a good idea. Creating things reminds them of the great Creator and opens the door for talking to them about where we come from. Not only where we come from but how God takes such care to make us whole. Mind, body, and soul. Just as we put parts together in our project to make it whole.

Check out the Bold Faith Blog for more encouragement.

A trip to Hobby Lobby may or may not be needed depending on your crafting supplies. But, while your out look for the following:

• A spool of Red Plaid Ribbon
• A bundle of mini Burch logs
• A bundle of Snow covered Sticks
• 1 Package of Red Bells
• 1 Package of Garland Ties
• 1 Bag Pine Cones
• 1 Sprig Berries
• Hot Glue Gun with Glue Sticks

Instructions for Assembling Red Plaid Log Ornaments

• Assemble 2-3 Birch Logs and glue together with hot glue into a bundle.
• Place the ribbon over the logs, it’s ok to overlap.
• Twist the garland to look like a wreath and glue to ribbon on the log..
• Apply the pine cones, then the bell.

Instructions for Assembling Red Plaid Stick Ornaments

• Assemble the sticks in a bundle of 6 or seven
• Place the red plaid ribbon over the sticks and glue with a hot glue gun.
• Twist the garland tie to look like a wreath and glue onto the sticks.
• Glue the red bell and pine cones in place.
• Insert the a small berry sprig on each side of the ribbon

You’re all done! Enjoy your peaceful advent time with your little ones and share the joy of creating!

A harvest vegetable soup is a common second day meal after utilizing a savory pot roast on preparation day. After all, a good vegetable soup is in everyone’s arsenal of yummy go to soups!

I particularly like the spices in this soup. A few extra harvest root vegetables added to the traditional ones, make this soup unique. Although, many of you love your tomato based vegetable soups, I’d like to challenge us to try something a little different. After all, root vegetables have so much to offer in the form of fiber, rich minerals, and vitamin content, it’s a good idea to consider them in our balanced meal plan.

Furthermore, here is a place to read about Beet Benefits and Sweet Potato Benefits while enjoying a cup of vegetable soup on a cool fall or winter day!

Or, while the harvest vegetable soup is warming your belly, you can indulge in God’s word to warm your soul. Paul tells us in Corinthians, the same God who supplies the seed to sew our wonderful vegetables and for the wheat to make bread for food, is the Same God we rely on to build righteousness. This is on display in the mild gentleness of our speech. And as witnessed by the steadfastness in our adherence to the truth of God’s Word.

He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness.

2 Corinthians 9:10

Moreover, we can rely on God to always supply the right words, at the right time. tTherefore, multiplying the tiny seeds we sew.

I like to keep it simple. Food is simple and so is love. Let’s be lights in sharing God’s love. You can find more encouragement about sowing a harvest of righteousness on the Bold Faith page of this site.

Setting our hearts on our Father and Creator opens our eyes to the same encouragement He gives Daniel. For we, like he who loves God, also cry out to our Lord in our distress. We see Daniel as an example of faith under fire in this passage set his heart on God. He sees the destruction and devastation coming upon the people he loves, yet he is strengthened.

Although our circumstances may be different, we too see havoc upon us. Powerless, we begin seeking ways to build up our courage. As we undergo illness, distress, loss, and heartache in our own lives and in the lives of those we love, we cry out to the Lord.

Therefore, we have hope as we read this passage because God always sends comfort and reassurance when we cry out to Him. Daniel’s vision of what will happen to his people in the latter days is devastating. The truth of the conflict in the vision causes him to lose his appetite and mourn for three weeks.

When we receive devastating news or undergo a health crisis, we too can be in the same distress. Weak and wondering, Daniel see’s the messenger of God coming to reassure him in his time of need. Terrified, he falls to his knees. He displays an example of where our posture before the Lord will be when we face Him in our darkest hour.

Moreover, emotional pain and heartache from physical loss can take our breath away and remove our words. However, when we come trembling before God with the devastation of it, He sees our misery. The doubt, fear, and debility are laid before Him. Unseen, our spirit cries out. Exhausted and exposed to our own vulnerability, we fully submit our warring emotions to Him.

As a result, we slowly feel a warmth in the pit of our soul spread like a soothing balm to calm our tumultuous emotions. God hears our cries and sees our surrender to Him. Jesus picks up the pieces laid before Him and methodically puts them in order as the Comforter envelopes us with new courage.

When we set our hearts on God, Jesus touches our brokenness and places us upright in His love. We can then turn to the powerful message of God to reassure us further. In His Word, we hear his voice and understand His intentions. Please be encouraged today by what the angel of the Lord shares with Daniel:

Then he said to me, “Fear not, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand and humbled yourself before your God, your words have been heard, and I have come because of your words (Daniel 10:12).

We are not alone.

Our prayers are heard and acted upon as the hand of the Lord reaches out to our inmost being to give us strength. Sometimes it is an illness or loss that brings us to that place of humility. A place that opens our mind to our own vulnerability and mortality. A battle ensues as we begin to fear loss.  A possible loss of health, income, or way of life.

We don’t have to be afraid, the Holy Spirit, our Comforter and Protector is present during the battle with us. The temporary things are stripped away to expose the eternal things of true value. Empathy of friends, care of loved ones, as well as the consuming spiritual support of God’s Word.

We are loved! Just as Jesus reassures his disciples, he will not leave them as orphans, He comes to us too. He lives in us, and because our hearts are devoted to him, his commands are a joy to follow. There is freedom for our souls when we see His way and His Word as sweeter than honey.

Jesus says to His disciples, “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him “(John 14:18-21).

Daniel’s situation is a physical manifestation of what happens to us spiritually in our walk with the Lord. A picture of what is happening in the spiritual realm that we cannot see, although we feel in our hearts and know in our minds. It’s as real as the anger, discontent, and selfish greed of the world around us.

Although, the angel was detained in a spiritual battle, he reassures Daniel his words are heard.

Paul tells us in Ephesians our battle is not against flesh and blood but against powers and spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places (Ephesians 6:12, ESV).

It is reassuring to know that we are not alone in our battle against the darkness. There are messengers of God battling with us and for us. We battle through our dark and lonely places by knowing and reading God’s inspired word. It is there that we meet God on the page and are heard and feel the comfort of the Holy Spirit.  

And he said, “O man greatly loved, fear not, peace be with you; be strong and of good courage.” And as he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, “Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.” 

Let the glorious words of “greatly loved” sink in a few minutes. Yes, the angel is talking to Daniel to reassure him, but God’s word assures us of the same promise. God’s love has been poured into us through the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5). May our hearts be encouraged as we set them on God! We are knit together in love to reach all the richness of full assurance, understanding and knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ Jesus ( Col 2:2).

No amount of preparation can prepare us for a devastating diagnose, except this! Courage is facing our fear in the oncoming battle and moving forward anyway. That invisible hand reaching out to hold us upright is the hand of our Lord. I pray he touches you today through the power of his word and renews your courage to face the days ahead with poise and resilience. May God be with you and keep you always.

This 3 day reading plan can be viewed and shared on the YouVersion app

As He Spoke to Me, I was Strengthened

Letters to Those We Love

When was the last time you wrote a letter to someone you love?

For many of us, it’s seems like ages ago. Although, social media and texting make messaging one another easy and quick, it oftentimes lacks the personal touch of a letter.

Yet, how often do we fail to relay the depth of our empathy in a text. Perhaps, more importantly, our remorse for a harsh word. In fact, how clear are we to declare how much we care to those we cherish?

Under those circumstances, maybe it’s time to get out the stationary and pen a letter to someone we love.  Who is on our heart? What will we say to the special person in our lives?  Perhaps, we’ll start with our usual term of endearment, “Dear” … meaning darling, cherished one, precious.

Wow, it’s already sounding more personable and real. Much like the letter of Jude begins in our first day of bible study.

Jude 1:1 says, “Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James,
 To those who are called, beloved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ.

We learn in our first day of study how ancient letters address recipients. The sender introduces himself by name and states he is a servant to Jesus Christ. However he mentions his brother James but neglects to mention his other siblings. One of whom is Jesus, as well as the others listed in Mathew 13:53-55.

The humility shown in these few words is a wonderful example of how we can address people in our current volatile climate. Although, he is a brother to the Messiah and James a pillar of the church, he doesn’t boast of his credentials. Instead, he calls himself a servant (in many translations-slave). He then clearly states who he is writing to. 

“Those who are called”.

Since the beauty of bible study is looking deeper into what the text says, Jackie directs us in our study to clarify the people called. 

*We read in scripture people are called according to God’s purpose (Rom. 8:28-30).

*Christians are called into fellowship with His son (1 Cor. 1:4-9)

* We are also called through the gospel (2 Thess. 2: 13-14)
*As well as, called to a holy calling (2 Timothy 1:8-9).  (Perry, 2019, p. 22)

Beloved By God

Furthermore, the letter’s introduction states the recipients are “beloved in God”.

A word meaning dearest, darling, precious, and cherished. Words so much needed to hear and words we need to hear. God poured out his love for us by sending His only son to suffer and die for our sin (John 3:16).

When we fully place our trust in Him, we walk away from our intention to sin. Submitting our lives to him, we are in safe keeping with Jesus Christ.

Moreover, the recipients of the letter are being “kept’ in his grace. No broken promises or contracts for Jude’s listener’s as they face the false teachers and violent culture around them.

Therefore, Jude reassures his listeners in his first sentence: Since they commit to following Jesus, they are not disregarded, cast aside, or broken in spirt.

They are kept FOR Jesus Christ.

Jesus says in Mathew 10:28 “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”

Furthermore, Jesus also makes it as clear to us as he did His disciples, in this world we will have trouble. But his words to them can also be an assurance to us,  “Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me.  I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:32-33).

So, dear sister in Christ, who God the Father cherishes, from Mysty, who loves Jesus, please let scripture lift you up today.

God’s Holy words are a whisper on the pages of scripture to draw us closer to Him. We have the privilege to treasure and share them with those we love.

I pray you write a heartfelt letter to someone special and tell them how deeply you love and appreciate them. How glorious, we are in safe keeping with Jesus Christ!

References:

Perry, Jackie Hill, 2019. Jude, Contending for the Faith in Today’s Culture. Liefway Press, Nashville, TN 37234.

Sweet potato and steak wraps are one of those easy to prepare meals that keep you full for hours! I like ideas that make my work week a little less hectic. I’m guessing maybe you do too. Hopefully, these tasty wraps will help you out too.

Therefore, I’m a big fan of cooking the bulk of my meals on one day, then portioning them throughout the week in various ways. I call the one day of cooking my preparation day. The Israelites observed a preparation day when getting ready for their Sabbath rest.

Although, we New Testament believers honor the Lord’s Day instead, we too need that rest day! A day to just rest in Jesus and thank Him for all he does for us.

Jesus says, “Come to me all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Mathew 11:28-29

So, while these Sweet Potato & Steak wraps feed my belly well, I need something a little deeper to feed my soul. God’s word meets that need. I pray He meets you on the page as well and fills your soul as well!

Delicious Tortilla recipes to use for your wraps throughout the week can be found HereTortillas 3 Ways:

So, enjoy this iron and protein rich wrap and learn more about the benefits of Beef!

And he said, “Oman greatly loved, fear not, peace be with you; be strong and of good courage.” And as he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, “Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.”

Daniel 10:19

How blessed are we that our Father and Creator opens our eyes to the same encouragement He gives Daniel? For we, like he who loves God, also cry out to our Lord in our distress. We see Daniel as an example of faith under fire in this passage. He sees the destruction and devastation coming upon the people he loves, yet he is strengthened.

Although our circumstances may be different, we too see havoc upon us. Powerless, we begin seeking ways to build up our courage. As we undergo illness, distress, loss, and heartache in our own lives and in the lives of those we love, we cry out to the Lord.

Therefore, we have hope as we read this passage because God always sends comfort and reassurance when we cry out to Him. Daniel’s vision of what will happen to his people in the latter days is devastating. The truth of the conflict in the vision causes him to lose his appetite and mourn for three weeks.

The Comforter envelopes us with new courage.

When we receive devastating news or undergo a health crisis, we too can be in the same distress. Weak and wondering, Daniel see’s the messenger of God coming to reassure him in his time of need. Terrified, he falls to his knees. He displays an example of where our posture before the Lord will be when we face Him in our darkest hour.

Moreover, emotional pain and heartache from physical loss can take our breath away and remove our words. However, when we come trembling before God with the devastation of it, He sees our misery. The doubt, fear, and debility are laid before Him. Unseen, our spirit cries out. Exhausted and exposed to our own vulnerability, we fully submit our warring emotions to Him.

God hears our cries

As a result, we slowly feel a warmth in the pit of our soul spread like a soothing balm to calm our tumultuous emotions. God hears our cries and sees our surrender to Him. Jesus picks up the pieces laid before Him and methodically puts them in order as the Comforter envelopes us with new courage.

For further encouragement check out the devotion page on this site!

“We give thanks to you, O God; we give thanks, for your name is near.
We recount your wondrous deeds.”
Psalm 75:1

We have so much to be thankful for! How many countries have fully loaded produce sections with everything we need for our harvest feasts? None like our country. In light of that reality, I love having a special day dedicated to giving credit where credit is due!

Credit to our mighty God, who provides everything we need in addition to more, for helping other countries. Although, “In God we trust”, may be our nation’s motto, it’s not just a motto. Scripture is clear:

“For what great nation is there that has a god so near to it as the Lord our God is to us, whenever we call upon Him?
Deuteronomy 4:7

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage!
Psalm 33:12

With all these blessings and our God ever present to hear our call to Him, we can express our thanks every day. I am especially thankful to Him for friends, family and patients I’ve met over the years. It is a privilege and joy to revamp favorite recipes to help them stay on a healthier eating plan. Moreover,  without losing the flavors they love!

With that in mind, I’d like to introduce to you an enchilada dish removed of all it’s highly processed cheese and cream! Although it does have some cheese, it’s not the 2 cups you find in most enchilada recipes.

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You might ask, “Why is cheese a problem?”

Cheese is one of those preservative  and salt laden items that cause the blood to be more acidic. The more acidic our blood, the more inflammation we have in our joints, our blood vessels, and our gastrointestinal tract. Not good. Since, that means more pain, artery clogging, and mental fogginess.

Moreover, using your own fresh tortillas bring added flavor and nutrients to this dish! Recipes for making your own tortilla shells are HERE.

Also, I’m also using leftover butternut squash soup to use as my “sauce” on these enchiladas, that recipe can be found HERE

So, I hope you enjoy this belly filling chicken enchilada remake with butternut squash and jalapeños! It’s loaded with antioxidants, fiber, protein, and best of all…flavor!

A gluten free pumpkin roll is always on my Thanksgiving dessert list each year.  My celiac and gluten sensitive friends like their fall treats too! So, with hosting responsibilities on my mind, I’d like to give you and I another way to please our guests.

The best part is…they won’t even recognize the slight change in ingredients.

As our fall holiday plans begin to take shape and we check off our list of things to do, the blessings mount, don’t they? You and I may have managed to lose a little weight, or we are maintaining our current weight!

Whoop Hoo! What if we just want to sustain a healthier eating pattern?

Whatever the plans and dreams in our hearts we have an opportunity this Holiday to give glory to God in thanks and praise.

He restores joy and long months of distance by giving us time together for a holiday. The prolonged separation helps us see how much we miss and need each other.

May the Lord draw us closer spiritually as we gather and cherish this special day.

I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.

Psalms 9:1

The big plus for a gluten free pumpkin roll is decreasing exposure to wheat sensitive guts that stimulate the immune system to attack itself. We will both benefit from a little diligence in decreasing inflammation, right?

Since our immune systems can be under constant attack eating a few ultra -processed foods. Food sensitivities play a role in making us feel bad. Staying on track is important to both of us. That’s why you’ll find me giggling like a schoolgirl when I get to brainstorm ideas with my clients.

They love creating their own meal plans to enjoy!

Now when it comes to baking, I am not the best gluten free baker. However, I care about the people in my life who are susceptible to the damaging effects of wheat.

So, even though developing this recipe took several tries, it was worth it!

The one I made for a friend’s dinner and went over pretty well. Therefore, I hope it is a pumpkin roll you can use too!

Gluten Free Pumpkin Roll Recipe

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful

Colossians 3:14-16 ESV – And above all these put on love, which – Bible Gateway

I hope you enjoy this gluten free pumpkin roll for your gluten sensitive friends! God wants you and I thriving spiritually and physically. He also gave us the power to do that! The blessing of His Son for our redemption and the provision of all good things in the garden to heal our bodies. We can be truly thankful.

I am here for you if you have any questions about the recipe or if you want to talk to a health coach about making some changes in your lifestyle, exercise, attitude, or nutrition. You can contact me here at Book an Appointment for a 30-minute free consultation.

Sometimes I just need a picture…

Do you ever see scripture paint a picture of a concept you can’t fully understand?

Or perhaps, you’re like me, and not ready to accept the message pointing to an area of continual struggle.

If you do, we can explore together how the bible prepares a word canvas we can all accept and navigate. Although it takes time and thought, we’ll find the investment is well worth the effort. As a matter of fact, a picture of others bowing before God is helpful in opening my eyes to areas of pride in my own life.

In our Tuesday study group we are delving into this a little deeper. The Proverbs 31 team has provided “The Answers to Your Deepest Longings” A bible study giving us an overview of the principles leading to salvation through Jesus Christ.

How Our Eyes Are Opened

In week seven of our study we see a man on murderous path. No one following The Way is safe from his wrath. The sad part is, he thinks he’s serving God to the best of his ability. A man, educated and driven to violence for a cause (stopping Christianity) that is futile. This man we learn about is Saul of Tarsus. My cultural study bible describes Tarsus as a highly developed, philosophical place valuing education and higher thinking.

Paul describes himself as ” a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up in this city (Jerusalem), educated at the feet of Gamaliel  according to the strict manner of the law of our fathers, being zealous for God as all of you are this day” Acts 22:3  (Full Passage)

Paul is a student of the scriptures, just like us! Yet, at that time he lacks a full understanding of God’s plan. In Acts chapter 9, Paul is on his way to Damascus to persecute believers. We read of the bright light that temporarily blinds him and brings him to his knees. The voice from heaven is Jesus, asking:

“Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” (Acts 9:4,5)

Walk Humbly

Furthermore, Saul, like us many times, has no recourse but to fall humbly before Jesus. It’s not surprising the proud require force to find that place of humility. However, it only takes one deep humbling to convince him, and sadly some of us too, to willingly come to a place of submission.

Possibly, like many of the Pharisees, Paul lost sight of God’s mercy woven through the law. His situation reminds me of  Isaiah falling before the holiness of God in Isaiah chapter 1 as the prophet sees his vision. He cries out “Woe to me, I am ruined, for I am a man of unclean lips and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.” (Isaiah 6:1-7)

Psalm 25:9

He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way.

Psalm 69:32

When the humble see it they will be glad; you who seek God, let your hearts revive.

Moreover, in the presence of holiness, we can only bow and repent. For it is then, that we see ourselves as we truly are: Full of sin and selfishness with the light of scripture shinning on our faulty ways. But we don’t have to stay there.

We have hope! Awareness of our status is good news because we cannot correct what we do not see!

When the Holy Spirit leads us to this place of humility, we are open to change.

Just as the seraphim fly to Isaiah and purge him of unclean lips, Jesus covers us in His righteousness when we come to faith. The picture of scripture could not be more clear. When we read God’s inspired Word and come to the place of repentance, our hearts melt before him in humble adoration. Eagerly, we confess all to Him. He sees and forgives as our hearts are renewed! (Romans 10:8-10).

 It’s a beautiful picture of God’s restorative power over sin in our hearts. I pray we understand this concept with gladness and joy as we continue our studies!

The Results of This New Canvas

We arise, like Paul to a place of wonder and reflection. A new insight and purpose take hold of our being. In Christ’s marvelous light we overcome spiritual death and live to please Him. Furthermore, we yearn for more of Jesus in His Word.

Love grows and spills over to those around us. We have a new desire to be kinder, more understanding and softer in our approach to others. The strokes of God’s pen are ingrained on our hearts forever and our area of struggle just got smaller in light of His mercy.

That picture of scripture, my friends, is a masterpiece.