Lent Day 27: Withholding nothing

Giving 100% of self is one of the hardest things we do. Whether we are protecting ourselves because of insecurity, past hurts, or other "reasons," we don't allow ourselves to be fully vulnerable.

Jesus gave everything for us. I'm thinking today about what giving everything back to him and to others would be like, and how it would feel. Are we willing to expose our "self" to draw near to God? Do we trust his protection by serving him without reservations?

Jesus said: As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. 

This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. John 15:9-14 NKJV

Are you holding anything back? Am I? After reading Philippians this morning, I can only wonder at the God who held back nothing for himself, but lived and died among us. With us. On our behalf. Amazing.

Read more:

"The Lord your God is indeed God in heaven above and on earth below. Joshua 2:11 NEV

*Because the poor are despoiled, because the needy groan, I will now rise up," says the Lord; "I will place them in the safety for which they long." Psalm 12:5 NEV

*Jesus said, "When the Advocate comes, he will prove the world wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment." John 16:8 NEV

*Jesus Christ, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness, and being found in human form. Philippians 2:6-7

*In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace. Ephesians 1:7 ESV

Moravian Prayer: Dearest Lord Jesus, we offer, in stunned humility, our gratitude and praise for your complete act of sacrifice. You gave yourself even for sinners like us. Truly, you are the Son of God.

God of love, send your Spirit upon us and renew our hearts, minds, and souls. Help us to rid our lives of the sins which keep distancing us from your will. Restore us to practice your word and be good and faithful servants. Amen.

31 Days in December #2: Art history

Found this pastel box, and am wondering "What have you painted? Who's held you and dreamed their world through your colors?"

Is anything more lovely than when it creates beauty? Or anyone more attractive than a person who lives with integrity and wholeheartedness? 

These Rembrandt soft pastels that have stroked their sweet color onto paper

Read more:

*All shall give as they are able, according to the blessing of the Lord your God that he has given you. Deuteronomy 16:17 ESV

*In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:1-2, 14 ESV

*Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. Hebrews 13:16 ESV

Moravian Prayer: Giver of all that we are, continue to show us how much we have to offer to this world and to each other. In our giving, may your love be known. Amen.