Thursday, June 13, 2013

Verdict Changed!

Israel had been going their own way for awhile.  The Philistines had captured the Ark of the Covenant and had recently returned it to the Israelites.  Interesting story there…boils, sores, and misery.  Read about it in I Samuel 5 and 6.  Seems no one wanted to keep the Ark, because it brought trouble to the Philistines no matter which town they sent it to.  The Philistines sent it back to Israel, and it was kept at Abinadab’s house.  His son Eleazar was consecrated to guard the Ark.
Fast forward to chapter 7.  Twenty years later, the people of Israel mourned and sought after the Lord.  That is when Samuel sacrificed and sought the Lord for the people. 
“And Samuel said to the whole house of Israel, ‘If you are returning to the Lord with all your hearts, then rid yourselves of the foreign gods and the Ashtoreths and commit yourselves to the LORD and serve him only, and He will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.’”
Samuel did, they did, and the Lord did.  Of course, not much later, the Israelites fell away from the Lord’s will again.  Much like you and I.
What struck me about this story, as I read it, was its application to us, His people today.  Am I truly am seeking God with my whole heart?  Am I committed to the Lord and serving Him only?  Sadly, I can think of times even today when I not only was acting in the flesh but justifying myself as well.  It’s that old pointing the finger thing that started with Adam and Eve.  Does it justify my sinful feelings and thoughts?  No.  Alas, I’m not judged by how someone else is treating me but by how I respond.  Today, the verdict is guilty
Thankfully, I’ve got someone else who served my sentence before I even committed the sin, before I was born.  His name is Jesus, the Christ, the Messiah that Jewish people looked forward to for so many years.  Because of Jesus, I now have a new verdict– not guilty.  He took my guilt and was crucified and resurrected.  He paid the price for me.  I only need look to Him and faith and believe.  I need to return and commit, repeatedly if need be.
“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.  If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.  If we claim we have not sinned, we make Him out to be a liar and His word has no place in our lives.”  1 John 1:8-10
I think I need to spend a bit of time in prayer now.  What about you?
Laura 
Thankful for the Sacrifice that Changed my Verdict

Laura Lane is a big city girl gone small town gone country.  She lives just outside Joplin, Missouri of tornado fame.  Laura met Jesus at fifteen and met her high school sweetheart husband at sixteen.  She's been married over 25 years and homeschools three of her four children.  She enjoys her Bible, reading, writing, quilting, sewing, scrapbooking, baking and making soup.  
Laura writes at Harvest Lane Cottage, encouraging others in their walk with Jesus, homemaking, homeschooling, and reading.

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5 comments:

  1. I lost a dear dear friend this week Laura, I too need to talk to God more than I do. Thank you for a thoughtful post, always love visiting you Laura.
    Lots of love
    Dorothy
    :-)xxxxxxxxxxx

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  2. dearest Mrs Laura,
    I was so surprised to see a comment from you on my blog, yet BLESSED BLESSED BLESSED!!! you have no IDEA what an encouragement that was to me! Thanks so much!!! (((hugs)))
    Katie of HisPrincessWarrior

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  3. Yes, He has indeed changed our verdict! Praise! Happy Sunday, from the Mommy Moments link up!
    Megs

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for talking back Megs! Praise God for his mercy and goodness to us.
      Have a terrific week,
      Laura

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Thank you so much for "talking back" to me!

I read all comments and appreciate them.
Please make sure I have your email if you want me to respond or pray for you.

God bless you! This life only works with Jesus. The next life is a continuation of this one—make sure you spend it with Jesus. Jesus is the only way to God the Father!

Your blog friend,
Laura Lane
5 Year Cancer Survivor