Reflection: The Passion Of The Christ

I was excited to watch this film. Not just because of all the news about it. But because I would somehow witness what my Savior did for me.

One of the main things that struck me about Jesus was His look of love toward Judas, toward Peter, toward Mary Magdalene, toward Simon of Cyrene, toward those who struck Him, toward everyone. And that look of love directed toward me as well. Every inch of Him. There is nothing in Him that hates. There is nothing in Him that complains. There is nothing in Him that seeks revenge. he is not angry at those who sinned against Him. He is not angry at me even if I contributed to the stripes on His back with every sin that I have committed and with every sin that I will still commit.

What love is this? It is crazy love, illogical. And yet illogical seems to be heaven's specialty. That is why God tells me to walk by faith and not by sight, to trust in Him with all my heart and not rely on my own understanding. That is why He forgives me every time I repent. Unconditional. It is so easy for me because it cost Him so much.

It is strong love. It is the love that endures to the end. No shortcuts. Just the long, rough way. In the midst of His suffering. In the pool of His blood.

It is selfless love. Jesus does not even think of Himself even as I cry for Him. No, He is determined to do the will of His father. And in doing so, He saves me from myself.

A wretch I am. My sins crucified Him. But the love of my sweet Jesus is not conquered by my darkness. Those very lashes, those very wounds, have become my saving grace. Where sins abounds, grace abounds even more. And now there is only His beauty for my ashes.

Jesus' love leaves me speechless. What do I say to this man who took upon Himself the death sentence that was due me? I grapple for words. "Thank you" seems so inadequate. "Sorry" does not seem enough. But more than anything, I know He wants me. He wants my love. He thirst for my love.

And so I respond with grateful heart. And a grateful life. And as He rises from dead, I rise with Him. All things are new. I am free.

Jesus, seeing You portrayed on the big screen has somehow renewed my love for You. It was as if I could touch You. I can't wait for the day when I will see You for real, in person, face to face. Until that day, I commit myself to You. You are the reason I live. I will live for You all the days of my life. Let this be my way of thanking You for all that you've done for me. And yes, I love You.

xoxo,

Sheena <3

Who Do You Run To In Times Of Trouble?

Sometimes when people come to me for advice I try my best to listen to their situation and give them my honest opinion about what I think they should do or what I would do in their position. Being that I have friends from different cultural backgrounds and religious beliefs I try my best to be as open minded and respectful of where they may be operating from. But sometimes I tend to leave the conversation wanting to tell them the first thing I do when I have a problem whether big or small.

When I’m annoyed, when I’m pissed to high heaven, when I feel like no one really understands, when no one is listening (no I mean when they really aren’t), when I feel like I’m sad and nothing could lift my spirits, when I’m so hurt and I don’t want people to see me cry when I’m alone in my bed at night, when I’m disappointed, when I’m so confused and nothing seems to be going the way I thought it would….I pray…….

I pray to Almighty God and tell Him all my garbage and release all the weight I’ve been carrying around with me. It’s too darn hard having to worry about every single thing. When I’m stressed out I’m running all kinds or scenarios in my head trying to come up with a solution and then I come up empty. My head feels big and I feel like I’m out of control. I even have re-occurring dreams that usually demonstrate that I’m trying to take hold of a difficult situation and I JUST cant do it…I lose control. These are the feelings I’d get in the past and I’ve gotten much better as I gotten closer to God.

God and I… we’re like milk and cookies, the sun taking comfort in the sky, sand and the water, words on the pages of a book, a key to a lock! I’m going to stop there because I’m sure you get the point lol I don’t go anywhere without Him, I know he’s listening to me, we’ve had this love affair for quite some time and the bond we have is getting stronger and stronger as each day passes. Sometimes I get a little ahead of myself and think I could handle my issues on my own but then when the burden gets to heavy I drop that load of drama at his feet lol He knows just what to do with it. He has control over everything to do with me and the world around me. It makes me sleep better at night and I know things are being taken care of. I have faith….Faith in God is what gets me through the good times and the bad times.

So you see sometimes my first instinct is to tell someone to pray about their woes, their situation, or their sickness that seems to be too much to handle. I tell them what I do....I feel like when you pray God is already on the job even before you finish talking to him. It doesn’t even have to be something long and elaborate. You just have to believe that he’ll will come through for you and speak to him like you would your best friend. He wants people to run to him like a child who looks for comfort from a parent after falling down and getting hurt. So that’s what I do….But I realize that many people can’t fathom believing in someone that they can’t see. God doesn’t seem real to them or people are afraid of religion. Religion is really a topic people tend to stay away from.

So I wanted to ask everyone…

Do you find that talking about religion and your beliefs is taboo?

Why do you feel like it may be a topic that people don’t want to discuss?

Do you feel like there is power in prayer and that God will answer, or the idea of believing in God is ridiculous?

When you have a problem who do you turn to first? When you feel like you’re heart is heavy and you feel like no one would understand who can you possibly tell? Who do you turn to?

xoxo,
Sheena <3

have time to read this one ^_^

My Child

You may not know me, but I know everything about you. (Ps 139:1)

I know when you sit down and when you rise up. (Ps 139:2)

I am familiar with all your ways. (Ps 139:3)

Even the very hairs on your head are numbered. (Mt 10:29-31)

For you were made in my image. (Ge 1:27)

In me you live and move and have your being. (Ac 17:28)

For you are my offspring. (Ac 17:28)

I knew you even before you were conceived. (Jer 1:4-5)

I chose you when I planned creation. (Eph 1:11-12)

You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book. (Ps 139:15-16)

I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live. (Ac 17:26)

You are fearfully and wonderfully made. (Ps 139:14)

I knit you together in your mother's womb. (Ps 139:13)

And brought you forth on the day you were born. (Ps 71:6)

I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me. (Jo 8:41-44)

I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love. (1Jo 4:16)

And it is my desire to lavish my love on you. (1Jo 3:1)

Simply because you are my child and I am your Father. (1Jo 3:1)

I offer you more than your earthly father ever could. (Mt 7:11)

For I am the perfect father. (Mt 5:48)

Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand. (Jas 1:17)

For I am your provider and I meet all your needs. (Mt 6:31-33)

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope. (Jer 29:11)

Because I love you with an everlasting love. (Jer 31:3)

My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore. (Ps 139:17-18)

And I rejoice over you with singing. (Zep 3:17)

I will never stop doing good to you. (Jer 32:40)

For you are my treasured possession. (Ex 19:5)

I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul. (Jer 32:41)

And I want to show you great and marvelous things. (Jer 33:3)

If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me. (Dt 4:29)

Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart. (Ps 37:4)

For it is I who gave you those desires. (Php 2:13)

I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine. (Eph 3:20)

For I am your greatest encourager. (2Th 2:16-17)

I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles. (2Co 1:3-4)

When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you. (Ps 34:18)

As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart. (Isa 40:11)

One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes. (Rev 21:3-4)

And I'll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth. (Rev 21:3-4)

I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus. (Jo 17:23)

For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed. (Jo 17:26)

He is the exact representation of my being. (Heb 1:3)

He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you. (Ro 8:31)

And to tell you that I am not counting your sins. (2Co 5:18-19)

Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled. (2Co 5:18-19)

His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you. (1Jo 4:10)

I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love. (Ro 8:31-32)

If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me. (1Jo 2:23)

And nothing will ever separate you from my love again. (Ro 8:38-39)

Come home and I'll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen. (Lk 15:7)

I have always been Father, and will always be Father. (Eph 3:14-15)

My question is…Will you be my child? (Jo 1:12-13)

I am waiting for you. (Lk 15:11-32)

Love,

Your Dad.

Almighty God

You Are Not Alone

A teenage girl about 17 had gone to visit some friends one evening and time passed quickly as each shared their various experiences of the past year. She ended up staying longer than planned, and had to walk home alone. She wasn't afraid because it was a small town and she livedonly a few blocks away. As she walked along under the tall elm trees, Diane asked God to keep her safe from harm and danger. When she reached the alley, which was a short cut to her house, she decided to take it. However, halfway down the alley she noticed a man standing at the end as though he were waiting for her. She became uneasy and began to pray, asking for God's protection. Instantly a comforting feeling of quietness and security wrapped round her, she felt as though someone was walking with her. When she reached the end of the alley, she walked right past the man and arrived home safely. The following day, she read in the newspaper that a young girl had been raped in the same alley just twenty minutes after she had been there. Feeling overwhelmed by this tragedy and the fact that it could have been her, she began to weep. Thanking the Lord for her safety and to help this young woman, she decided to go to the police station. She felt she could recognize the man, so she told them her story. The police asked her if she would be willing to look at a lineup to see if she could identify him. She agreed and immediately pointed out the man she had seen in the alley the night before. When the man was told he had been identified, he immediately broke down and confessed. The officer thanked Diane for her bravery and asked if there was anything they could do for her. She asked if they would ask the man one question. Diane was curious as to why he had not attacked her. When the policeman asked him, he answered, "Because she wasn't alone. She had two tall men walking on either side of her."

Amazingly, whether you believe or not, you're never alone.

+_+


xoxo,
Sheena <3