I keep going back to the idea that there has never been and will never be a point where Jesus will turn me away from Him. The text today said it doesn't matter how rude you are to him; he will wait patiently, until you surrender to the wisdom require to delve deep into the Jesus Question.
In Matthew 16:13-20 Jesus was walking in Ceasarea Phillipi with the disciples and asked them "Who do People say that I am?" then he asked them well, "who do you say that I am?" I actually think about this often. As I continue to teach Claire as best I can about Jesus (she's almost 3 now) and soaking in things like a sponge, I want to be sure that to her God is EVERYWHERE, Jesus is EVERYTHING and the HOLY SPIRIT is a bonus. I haven't really dove into the HOLY SPIRIT with her just yet. But it's coming. Two years ago I received (or maybe Claire did) a Christmas tin from my husband's Godmother Cindy and it's white with gold writing. It says Emmanuel, King of Kings, Prince of Peace and other things we call Jesus. So I literally can answer The Jesus Question everyday, oddly enough, when I go to the bathroom b/c it sits on top of my toilet. Who do I say Jesus is? Well he's my Savior. That encompasses all other titles doesn't it? He's my source of hope, He's my shoulder, He's my support, my biggest fan, MY Lord of all. I always tease myself and say i'm going to write down all the names or titles we have for Jesus and see what I can come up with, but we could be here for a very long time.
I love conversing about Jesus with people of different backgrounds. I am to admit that I'm a "liberal" Catholic, although in reality I'm probably much more rooted and conservative than the majority. I go to church every Sunday and I just feel broken when I don't. Dad can probably quote scripture better than Mom, but either way they always taught me that I have to go to God with anything and everything b/c He is always there for me. Never say never, except when it comes to the Lord, because He will NEVER let us down or hurt or harm us. His promises are true. Jesus said many times in the bible that He promised to do things and He did.
I am not all knowing. I don't have lots of scriptures memorized...I know a lot of them but can't always remember the verses specifically (technology has been a REAL blessing with searching for the right scripture). I am your typical sinful, hardworking, busy Mom, trying to get to heaven and be the best Christian I can be everyday. Of course I'm a hypocrite, we all are to a certain degree. We all mess up and make mistakes time and time again. We just have to start anew each day. I told a friend that yesterday. He said "You're a good person." I was so humbled. I was honored that he thought that of me. In fact since Lent has started I have had several people tell me that my faith has either inspired them or encouraged them to do something this Lent that is directed directly toward their faith and their relationship with the Father. Now that is exactly what life is about...spreading the word.
I wish I could get to a point in my life where I could teach confirmation again and not feel guilty for leaving my little one for a couple hours. I'm not a hovering parent, but I don't want to waste the seconds that I get to spend with her. She's my joy. She was the greatest gift and another reason I know that Jesus is the ALMIGHTY ONE, because he chose me to be her mother.
POINT TO PONDER:
Right now you have an incredible opportunity to get to know Jesus better.
It's true - it's 40 days (47 if you count Sundays) to devote fully time to God. Devote time to God whether it be by just being still and listening or having open conversations with him. He does speak and I promise you he can and will give you what you ask for (be specific) and what you need. Just difficult part is always accepting what we need because more often than not, it's not exactly what we asked for. But Jesus knows best, just as he did for Jonah, and Job and David.
VERSE TO LIVE:
"I came into the world to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice." John 18:38
QUESTION TO CONSIDER:
Have you ever really explored the Jesus Question?
Yes. As I mentioned above I do it almost daily, but perhaps I need to spend a bit more time educating myself on what each means...and understand the various dimensions that are those titles and names.
PRAYER:
Jesus, teach me to never stop seeking you. Help me to see you in every relationship, place and situation.
This is important in this journey of faith. It's not just to rediscover Jesus and our relationship with him, it's also about discovering Him in relationships, places and situations as the prayers states. I try to remind myself that every thought and action and idea is from God, because of God. Sometimes we lose site of why we're here on earth. Have you thanked God today? (It's only 7:40 on a Saturday) - I know I have.
If nothing else doing this gives me quite time to think and to remind me of Jesus. It's like taking my own advice and reminding myself.
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