Category: Jesus

Start afresh

Ruth Kirk

Here is a video recording of today’s prayer: Start afresh

Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22-3; NIV). 

Father God,
Please help us all
To start afresh each day,

To take our cross,
And bear it well,
And follow Jesus’ way.

Father God,
Please help us all
To lift our hearts in prayer,

To love you, praise,
And serve you,
Till we meet you in the air.

First, the Christians who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; NLT).

References

Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23; NLT).

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me” (John 14:6; NLT). 

Let us lift up our hearts and our hands to God in heaven (Lamentations 3:41; NIV). 

Pray continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17; NIV). 

‘You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’ (Luke 10:27; NLT). 

Praise the Lord; praise God our savior! For each day he carries us in his arms (Psalm 68:19; NLT). 

Serve only the LORD your God and fear him alone. Obey his commands, listen to his voice, and cling to him (Deuteronomy 13:4; NLT). 

Jesus

Ruth Kirk

Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him (Colossians 3:17; NIV).

Jesus,
May your holy name
Be always on our lips,
And in our thoughts.

Jesus,
May your precious name
Be in our prayers,
And on our hearts engraved.

Jesus,
At your sacred name,
May every knee in heaven and earth
Bow down –

Because yours is
The only name
By which we are forgiven, cleansed,
And saved.

Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says, “The stone that you builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.” There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved (Acts 4:11-12; NLT).

References

You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it (John 14:13-14; NLT). 

Give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 5:20; NLT). 

God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:9-11; NLT). 

He is the one all the prophets testified about, saying that everyone who believes in him will have their sins forgiven through his name (Acts 10:43; NLT). 

You were cleansed; you were made holy; you were made right with God by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 6:11; NLT).

You love me

Ruth Kirk

O LORD, you have examined my heart and know everything about me (Psalm 139:1; NLT). 

He loves us with unfailing love; the LORD’s faithfulness endures forever. Praise the LORD! (Psalm 117:2; NLT).

You know all about me,
Yet you love me –

It’s very hard to grasp, Lord,
But you do.

You know all about me,
Yet you’re always by my side –

It’s very hard to grasp, Lord,
But it’s true.

“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the LORD, who has compassion on you (Isaiah 54:10; NIV).

References 

I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb (Jeremiah 1:5; NLT). 

You, God, know my folly; my guilt is not hidden from you (Psalm 69:5; NIV). 

Before a word is on my tongue you, LORD, know it completely (Psalm 139:2; NIV). 

You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar (Psalm 139:2; NIV). 

In his unfailing love, my God will stand with me (Psalm 59:10; NLT). 

Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me (Psalm 23:4; NLT). 

With the LORD there is unfailing love. His redemption overflows (Psalm 130:7; NLT). 

Be sure of this: I am with you always (Matthew 28:20; NLT).

A reading: Ephesians 3:16-19; NIV.

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Redemptive suffering: a personal perspective

Ruth Kirk

You have been given the privilege of serving Christ, not only by believing in him, but also by suffering for him (Philippians 1:29; GNT).  

Introduction
In common with many other people, I have experienced physical, mental and spiritual suffering over the course of my life. I also live with chronic illness every day.

My response to suffering has changed considerably over the years. Thus, I slowly moved from very negative attitudes, such as fear, self-pity and depression, through resignation, to a more comfortable acceptance.

Then, after being diagnosed with breast cancer six years ago, I discovered and adopted the practice of giving thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18). At the time, I didn’t realise what a key step this would be in the process of developing a more positive attitude to suffering.

More recently, just a few weeks ago, I stumbled on the idea of using my symptoms as cues which would remind me to intercede for others. This practice has already begun to give a new purpose and value to the suffering which is a daily feature of my life.

Soon afterwards, I discovered the term redemptive suffering, and realised, to my surprise and pleasure, that I am not alone on this path.

Redemptive suffering
My current, very limited, understanding of redemptive suffering is that it means:

  1. Willingly accepting and embracing uncomfortable symptoms.
  2. Giving thanks for them.
  3. Offering them as a sacrifice on behalf of others who are suffering.
  4. Praying for other people who are suffering.

It will be interesting to see how this definition changes in the light of further personal experience and insight.

Christ’s life and death are the perfect example of redemptive suffering in operation. Even as he hung on the cross, Jesus was praying for his executioners: “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34; NLT). 

The privilege of suffering for Christ
St. Paul grasped that if we are to share Christ’s glory, we must also share his suffering (Romans 8:17). This led him to the astonishing realisation that we, too, can offer our suffering on behalf of others, just as Jesus did. As he states: “You have been given the privilege of serving Christ, not only by believing in him, but also by suffering for him” (Philippians 1:29; GNT).

With self-awareness, willing acceptance and frequent practice, every adverse symptom, sensation, emotion and experience can become a sacrificial offering to God. Our suffering then functions as a series of cues, or reminders, to intercede for others.

Our prayers can be for people we know personally, those we hear or read about, and for everyone experiencing physical and mental illness, pain, privation, danger and death all around the world.

Conclusion
I believe that we can grow more like Christ, and become more deeply united with him, by welcoming the suffering God sends, and using it for the good of others. Redemptive suffering is, indeed, a privilege. Furthermore, my experience is that it can bring a sense of purpose, joy and fulfilment even though my life is very limited by suffering.

I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them (1 Timothy 2:1; NLT).

References

Pray continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17; NIV). 

Remember those in prison, as if you were there yourself. Remember also those being mistreated, as if you felt their pain in your own bodies (Hebrews 13:3; NLT).

Since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude he had, and be ready to suffer, too (1 Peter 4:1; NLT).

Though the Lord gave you adversity for food and suffering for drink, he will still be with you to teach you (Isaiah 30:20; NLT).

The Lord – who is the Spirit – makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image (2 Corinthians 3:18; NLT). 

Everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him (Philippians 3:8-9; NLT). 

Jesus’ name

Ruth Kirk

You were cleansed; you were made holy; you were made right with God by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 6:11; NLT).

His name will be the hope of all the world (Matthew 12:21; NLT).

Just whisper Jesus’ name,
For he will hear:
He always walks with us
Through every fear.

Just whisper Jesus’ name,
For he will heed:
He longs to help
In every time of need.

Just whisper Jesus’ name,
For he is near:
His love for us
Is faithful and sincere.

Just whisper Jesus’ name:
Ask him to dwell
Within your heart –
Then all things shall be well*.

To all who have received him – those who believe in his name – he has given the right to become God’s children (John 1:12; NET). 

References

Be sure of this: I am with you always (Matthew 28:20; NLT).

Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me (Psalm 23:4; NLT).

Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says, ‘The stone that you builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.’ There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved (Acts 4:11-12; NLT).

God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:9-11; NIV).

  • “Julian of Norwich’s famous quote “All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well” is a message of hope and reassurance that transcends the superficial understanding of “things turning out all right in the end.” It is rooted in her intense spiritual experiences and her understanding of God’s love, which neither explains nor dismisses suffering. Instead, it suggests that through love, death, and suffering, we come to know God in whom all things will be well” (Source, including full references: Perplexity).

Your flesh and blood

Ruth Kirk

Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you” (John 6:53; ESV).

Your flesh and blood
Are where our life begins.

Along the way,
We grasp your sacrifice.

Lord Jesus,
Help us overcome our sins,

Until your soul
Becomes our paradise.

Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise” Luke 23:43; NLT).

References 

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me” (John 14:6; NLT). 

Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit (1 Peter 3:18; NLT).

Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners (1 Timothy 1:15; NIV).  

Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires (Romans 6:12; NLT).

My offering

Ruth Kirk

When Christ came into the world, he said to God, “You did not want animal sacrifices or sin offerings. But you have given me a body to offer” (Hebrews 10:5; NLT). 

Offer your sacrifice to God (Matthew 5:24; NLT).

I offer you my sickness, Lord,
Of body, heart and mind.

Accept this willing sacrifice, Lord God,
For humankind.

I pray for those who suffer, Lord,
With all my strength and soul

As Jesus did, and ask you
To have mercy: make them whole.

He wounds, but His hands make whole (Job 5:18; NKJV). 

References 

I am glad when I suffer for you in my body, for I am participating in the sufferings of Christ (Colossians 1:24; NLT).

To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps (1 Peter 2:21; NIV).

Since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude he had, and be ready to suffer, too (1 Peter 4:1; NLT).

You have had the privilege granted you on behalf of Christ – not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer on His behalf (Philippians 1:29; WNT).

If we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering (Romans 8:17; NLT). 

If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it (Luke 9:24; NLT). 

Use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God (Romans 6:13; NLT). 

May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do (2 Thessalonians 1:11; NLT).

Bear one another’s burdens and so fulfil the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2; RSV).

Give us faith

Ruth Kirk

Three things will last forever – faith, hope, and love – and the greatest of these is love (1 Corinthians 13:13; NLT). 

Father,
Give us faith in Jesus.
Give us hope, Lord, too.

Give us love
For everyone
In all we say and do.

Please give us joy
As we say, “Yes”,
To everything you send.

May we give thanks,  Lord,
Come what may,
Until our lives here end.

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; NIV).

References 

By grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God (Ephesians 2:8; NIV).

May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else (1 Thessalonians 3:12; NIV).

Then Mary said: “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. Let it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38; CPDV).

I create the light and make the darkness. I send good times and bad times. I, the LORD, am the one who does these things (Isaiah 45:7; NLT).

Should we accept only good things from the hand of God, and never anything bad? (Job 2:10; NLT).

I want your will to be done, not mine (Luke 22:42; NLT).

Paradox

Ruth Kirk

Today I saw that we live in God, just as fish live in water. However, we may not always recognise His constant presence within us, around us, and in all things. The following Bible verses, from several different translations, encapsulate this particularly clearly for me:

– There is… one God and Father, who is over all and in all and living through all (Ephesians 4:5-6; NLT).
– There is one … God and Father of all, who is over everything, through everything, and in everything (Ephesians 4:5-6; GWT).
– In him we live and move and have our being (Acts 17:28; NIV).
– Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them (1 John 4:16; NIV).
– I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! (Psalm 139:7; NLT).
– Nothing can ever separate us from God’s love (Romans 8:38; NLT).

Unfortunately, it is possible to go to church, read the Bible, and even pray, without ever realising the astonishing truth that we are living in God, and He in us. As Jesus said: “They may indeed look, and yet not perceive; they may indeed listen, and yet not understand” (Mark 4:12; CSB).

In the light of Jesus’ words, here is today’s blog, which is called, “Paradox”:

In the morning I earnestly seek for God (Isaiah 26:9; NLT). 

We seek you, Lord,
Whilst living in your hand,

And search for you,
Whilst gazing on your face.

We long to hear your voice, Lord,
Whilst you speak,

And fast, in darkness,
Till we see, and taste.

Taste and see that the LORD is good (Psalm 34:8; NET).

References 

Verse 1:
The life of every living thing is in his hand, and the breath of every human being (Job 12:10; NLT).

Verse 2:
I gaze on you in the sanctuary (Psalm 63:2; CSB).
My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, LORD, I will seek (Psalm 27:8; NIV).
O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you (Psalm 63:1; NLT).

Verse 3:
Let me hear your voice (Song of Songs 2:14; NLT).
God speaks again and again, though people do not recognize it (Job 33:14; NLT).

Verse 4:
You humble yourselves by going through the motions of penance, bowing your heads like reeds bending in the wind. You dress in burlap and cover yourselves with ashes. Is this what you call fasting? Do you really think this will please the LORD? No, this is the kind of fasting I want: Free those who are wrongly imprisoned; lighten the burden of those who work for you. Let the oppressed go free, and remove the chains that bind people (Isaiah 58:5-6; NLT).

Who among you fears the LORD and obeys his servant? If you are walking in darkness, without a ray of light, trust in the LORD and rely on your God (Isaiah 50:10; NLT).

Then when you call, the LORD will answer. ‘Yes, I am here,’ he will quickly reply.
“Remove the heavy yoke of oppression. Stop pointing your finger and spreading vicious rumors! Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon” (Isaiah 58:9-10; NLT).

Easter Monday

Ruth Kirk

All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it (1 Corinthians 12:27; NLT).

Jesus,
May our bodies
Be your shrine.

Our thoughts
Grow more like yours,
Our actions, too;

Our hearts
Become like yours, Lord,
We implore;

Our spirits,
One with yours
For evermore.

The person who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with him (1 Corinthians 6:17; NLT).

References 

Verse 1:
Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us (Colossians 3:11; NLT).
We are the temple of the living God (2 Corinthians 6:16; NLT).

Verse 2:
Think the same way that Christ Jesus thought (Philippians 2:5; CEV).
We have the mind of Christ [to be guided by His thoughts and purposes] (1 Corinthians 2:16; AMP).
Do everything with love (1 Corinthians 16:14; NLT).
Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children (Ephesians 5:1; NLT).

Verse 3:
Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God (Ephesians 5:2; NLT).

Verse 4:
I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death (Philippians 3:10; NLT).
Everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him (Philippians 3:8-9; NLT).
The Lord – who is the Spirit – makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image (2 Corinthians 3:18; NLT).
This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ (Ephesians 4:13; NLT).