Broken Glass
Part of my childhood meant playing ball beside the church I attended. It was a wonderful place to grow. The building itself was tall and imposing. Built two years after the Civil War, it has such a treasured history. The windows of the church were amazing. Towering over ten feet, they pieced together with stain glass and each one was dedicated to a former member who has served God so faithfully through the church.
One Sunday afternoon, a softball was hit into one of these beautiful stained glass windows (I promise I did not do it). The kids were frightened and nervous. You just know that the punishment was going to terrible.
But the church was so forgiving. Many were hurt, but they loved us boys and were quick to forgive. Even though there was quick forgiveness, someone had to pick up the broken glass.
When we sin, God forgives. Jesus died on a cross for all of your sins. When you submit to Him as Lord, repent of your sins, and trust Him as Savior; there is immediate and complete forgiveness. You do not have to wait for God to show His love.
You know that sin has consequences. When you break a window, you still have to pick up the broken glass. We have to work through the hurt and brokenness of our lives. Know that the same God who offers forgiveness also provides healing.
In Jeremiah 33, God spoke to the Israelite nation who had been hurt spiritually, because they had rejected God, and physically, through the attack of an opposing army. He speaks…
"Thus says the LORD who made the earth, the LORD who formed it to establish it, the LORD is His name. Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know. … Behold, I will bring to it (you) health and healing, and I will heal them (you); and I will reveal to them (you) an abundance of peace and truth" (Jeremiah 33:2-4, 6).
God not only is able to cleanse you from unrighteousness but to bring health and healing. He alone can pick up the broken glass and He alone can be your guide to peace and truth.
How can you have this healing, peace, and truth? Ironically, it is through the same path in which you find forgiveness. It is through a deep personal relationship with Him as Lord. Call out to God. Have the attitude of the Psalmist who said "O LORD, be gracious to me; heal my soul, for I have sinned against You" (Psalms 41:4). And know that God "heals the brokenhearted, and binds up their wounds" (Psalms 147:3).
It is Easter Week. Take special focus on the death burial and resurrection of Jesus. Contemplate how the gosple helps you pick up the broken glass.
Your Servant,
Bro. Matt
One Sunday afternoon, a softball was hit into one of these beautiful stained glass windows (I promise I did not do it). The kids were frightened and nervous. You just know that the punishment was going to terrible.
But the church was so forgiving. Many were hurt, but they loved us boys and were quick to forgive. Even though there was quick forgiveness, someone had to pick up the broken glass.
When we sin, God forgives. Jesus died on a cross for all of your sins. When you submit to Him as Lord, repent of your sins, and trust Him as Savior; there is immediate and complete forgiveness. You do not have to wait for God to show His love.
You know that sin has consequences. When you break a window, you still have to pick up the broken glass. We have to work through the hurt and brokenness of our lives. Know that the same God who offers forgiveness also provides healing.
In Jeremiah 33, God spoke to the Israelite nation who had been hurt spiritually, because they had rejected God, and physically, through the attack of an opposing army. He speaks…
"Thus says the LORD who made the earth, the LORD who formed it to establish it, the LORD is His name. Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know. … Behold, I will bring to it (you) health and healing, and I will heal them (you); and I will reveal to them (you) an abundance of peace and truth" (Jeremiah 33:2-4, 6).
God not only is able to cleanse you from unrighteousness but to bring health and healing. He alone can pick up the broken glass and He alone can be your guide to peace and truth.
How can you have this healing, peace, and truth? Ironically, it is through the same path in which you find forgiveness. It is through a deep personal relationship with Him as Lord. Call out to God. Have the attitude of the Psalmist who said "O LORD, be gracious to me; heal my soul, for I have sinned against You" (Psalms 41:4). And know that God "heals the brokenhearted, and binds up their wounds" (Psalms 147:3).
It is Easter Week. Take special focus on the death burial and resurrection of Jesus. Contemplate how the gosple helps you pick up the broken glass.
Your Servant,
Bro. Matt