Stand tall, like the hyacinth you are!

We’ve talked about how sin has kept us colorless and bent, like the hyacinth I found under my deck. Sin needs to be addressed. Jesus is described as the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. He purposely entered our world, taking on flesh and bones, and carrying our sin with him when he was killed and placed in the dark, dank tomb.

The dark couldn’t kill the hyacinth and death couldn’t hold Jesus. He rose and now shares his death-less life with us.

Jesus tells us of God’s heart toward us in Luke 15 the prodigal son. (Did you know prodigal means extravagant, spending resources freely and recklessly? I think this parable should be known as the prodigal father!)

“All I have is yours.” This is what the perfect Father says to the not perfect son.

We are coheirs with Jesus. All that is true of Jesus is true of us by grace. (Gal 4:7)

You see, we are not just good people who do bad things, nor are we bad people who do good things. Take heart! We are beloved sinners.

Like my hyacinth, your true self has been distorted and hidden by sin.

And like my hyacinth, God seeks you, finds you, and brings you into the light so you can stand tall and beautiful.

This is the Good News!

MM 8/25/15 when turning back means moving forward

To progress spiritually, we have to repent (change directions), we have to abandon the path that the sinners tread (Ps 1) and return to God and God’s road of love. Easy and hard at the same time!

MM 8/25/15 turning back moves you forward from Debby Bellingham on Vimeo.

8/24/15 what doesn’t make me happy

The Psalmist tells the truth: sinning does not lead to happiness. It may lead to numbing of pain, satiation of appetites, denial of reality, but not happiness. Let’s choose the happiness of delighting in God’s law of love. Can I ask you to pray for Jack and me, we are currently experiencing a very trying time.

MM 8/24/15 What doesn't make me happy from Debby Bellingham on Vimeo.

sin and Intercession

Good morning, friends. Intercession is the fruit of a pure heart. The old acronym ACTS is true. Knowing the holiness and greatness of God, knowing our own sinfulness and God’s mercy toward us, letting gratitude for God’s loving kindness fill our hearts and our mouths, leads to unselfish praying for the people and the responsibilities of our lives. Amen. and Amen.
D

MM 11/12/14 sin and Intercession from Debby Bellingham on Vimeo.

sin and Praise

Good Saturday morning. We are prone to sin, we sometimes wander into it unaware. That why we need a prophylactic prayer, “Oh God of my salvation, deliver me from bloodshed” Psalm 51. Then you know what happens? Our mouths are full of praise. God is great and powerful and we are humbled and amazed. Take a minute and reflect on this great wonder. Debby

MM 11/8/14 sin and Praise from Debby Bellingham on Vimeo.