Category: #ransom

Becoming Perfect

On By Inspirations By KatherynIn #ransom, ego, forgiveness, Heaven, judging, patience, Saved from hell, things, worshipLeave a comment

changes-in-worship-cover-mediumThe scripture for today, October 15 (10/15), is Deuteronomy 10:15 as found in the Old Testament of the Bible:

“Yet the Lord set his affection on your forefathers [Abraham, Isaac, Jacob] and loved them, and he chose you, their descendants [Jews], above all the nations, as it is today.”

Mankind has spent millenniums trying to figure out how to be perfect so we can deserve heaven.

God gave us that opportunity the first several thousand years of mankind. Some people of the world he left alone to figure out on their own how to be perfect. They created many kinds of religions and philosophies. But to the Jews, he sent the Law of Moses containing over 600 intricate laws which, if kept perfectly, would make them perfect. They were also to be a kingdom of priests for the rest of the world.  In all cases, no one could be perfect.

Then, when mankind was willing to admit we cannot be perfect, the Word of God materialized and came to us to live that perfect life that is impossible for us to live. Now, all you have to do is follow Jesus and be IN Jesus (Galatians 3:27) for the forgiveness of your sins, and God will consider you perfect too.

God sets his affections on you. Do you run from him? Do you harbor resentments toward him? Are you too busy or having too much fun or too tired to give him a second thought?   Is your “worship” centered around entertaining and inspiring yourself? He will not force you, but he runs after you begging you to come to him for safety. Oh, how affectionate he feels toward you.

.

00- Worship Changes KC COVER-thumbnailWORSHIP CHANGES SINCE THE FIRST CENTURY gives dates, names, and places of the changes and the martyrdoms of those who objected.  In some cases, familiar hymns written by these martyrs before their torturous deaths are included.  This is a must-have for students of church history.  Or give a copy to a friend you have some influence with who worships the “new” ways made possible to them through the blood of martyrs.  To BUY NOW, click a book cover or paste this:  https://bit.ly/Worship-Change

https://inspirationsbykatheryn.wordpress.com/1107-2/my-book-worship-changes-since-the-first-century/

How many times?

On By Inspirations By KatherynIn #ransom, blessings, Inspirational, love, patience, praise, prayer, problems, Thanksgiving, worshipLeave a comment

I praise and adore you, Lord God of the unfathomable  universe. You are my 000-COVER-KINDLE-MediumKing, my Maker, my betrothed. All glory and majesty belong to you. This is your world and no one ese’s. You are willing to fight Satan and get him away from me because he is too strong for me.  I give in to him so often, especially with my attitudes and use of my time. But you run after me and snatch me away from him again and again and again. You never tire of returning me from unknown and unsuspected danger to the safety of your everlasting arms.  I do not comprehend such love. All I can do is praise and worship you every day from the depths of my heart and the heights of my spirit.

Thank you, Jesus, for loving me so much. You have been so good to me ~ far beyond what I deserve. I have salvation from Satan and peace of soul.  I have freedom from sin and fulness of life. When I think of so many people without you, without hope, without understanding, all wondering what this hard life is all about, my heart aches. How much more does your heart ache for them? Thank you for my time on earth when I can work along side you to seek and save the lost just as you did me those days long ago.

.

000-COVER-KINDLE-ThumbnailLAZARUS THE SAMARITAN covers 45 years of Zarus’ life.  Each chapter he lives one of Jesus’ parables.  When he marries a Jewish girl, no one comes to the wedding, so her father sends to the highways and byways for wedding guests.  His son grows up to be the prodigal son. His daughter’s wedding maids are the ten virgins whose lamps flicker at midnight.  He becomes rich, but while in a far country, his servants turn on him. He is the Good Samaritan and at the end he is the beggar who dies and is carried away by the angels.  To BUY NOW, click a book cover or paste this:  https://bit.ly/LazarusTheSamaritan

 

https://inspirationsbykatheryn.wordpress.com/books-more-biblical-historical-novels/more-biblical-historical-novels/

Love Letters

On By Inspirations By KatherynIn #friendships, #ransom, Inspirational, joy, love, patience, praise, prayerLeave a comment

Love Letters of Jesus & his Bride, Eccelsia-THUMBNAILYou delighted so when you made me.  Ah, yes. You gave eyes for my body to see the beautiful earth you made for me, and eyes for my heart to see the beauty sometimes hidden deep in other people’s hearts.  You gave ears for my body to hear the songs of the birds, the brooks, the rustling leaves, and eyes for my soul to hear the songs sometimes hidden deep in other people’s souls. You gave a mind for my body so I can reason through the many happenings of life, and a mind for my spirit to reason through the many temptations of life sometimes hidden deep in other people’s spirits.  You made my body and the earth I live on as a parable to help me understand your world. You thought of everything. How I love and praise you for it.

Oh, glorious King Jesus. You reign over all who have been reborn with clean souls.  You search the hiding places of those who have escaped your protection thus far. You are so good to us.  Though you had to die to pay our ransom to Sin, Satan and Death, you never resented us for it or threw it up to us. Your love is strong and unrelenting. Your love is unstoppable and unbeatable. How can I thank you enough? I will spend eternity trying.

.

Love Letters of Jesus & his Bride, Eccelsia-THUMBNAILLOVE LETTERS OF JESUS TO HIS ECCLESIA.  With over 500 footnotes, the Song of Solomon on his wedding day is paraphrased with updated terms of couples in love and how each reflects on the love of Christ for his church and the sometimes wanderings of his beloved church who he gently brings back to him.  Great as a class book or personal reflections.  To BUY NOW, click a book cover or paste this:  https://bit.ly/LoveLettersOfJesus

https://inspirationsbykatheryn.wordpress.com/love-letters-of-jesus-his-bride-ecclesia-2/

God’s Spirit

On By Inspirations By KatherynIn #ransom, ego, eternity, faith, Heaven, judging, knowledge, truthLeave a comment

The scripture for today, October 1 (10/1), is Romans 10:1f as found in the New Testament of the Bible:

0-HS-592 VersesExamined-COVER-Thumbnail“Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for ______ is that they may be saved. For I can testify about them that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge.”

Oh, my! Being “religious” isn’t enough? There are lots of religions out there. Feeling “spiritual” isn’t enough? There are lots of differing religions that induce a “spiritual” feeling. Confidence of going to heaven isn’t enough? There are lots of differing religions that create their own ways to be admitted to heaven. Dedication to prayer isn’t enough? There are lots of differing religions that require much prayer.

Sincere church leaders today may want you to rely on feelings and inducements and confidence and dedication, but they can be sincerely wrong. If you base your salvation on feelings and inducements and confidence and dedication only, you definitely have zeal, but your zeal is not based on knowledge. But isn’t “knowledge” legalism?

God gave you his Word ~ the Bible ~ for a reason. He wanted you to reason. Hebrews 11:1 says faith is accepting the evidence ~ not wishful thinking. Romans 10:17 says faith comes from hearing/reading the Word of God for yourself ~ not someone’s sermon or a friend or a book. Start now to search the scriptures daily for yourself. And, do not be afraid to approach your religious leaders and try teaching the teachers. Then their zeal , as well as yours, can be based on knowledge and take you to glory.

.

0-HS-592 VersesExamined-COVER-ThumbnailTHE HOLY SPIRIT:  592 VERSES EXAMINED gives every explanation of the Holy Spirit God wants you to know.  Anything more or less is not what he wants.  If we want God’s Spirit in our lives, what happens?  It’s all there.  All verses were divided by category and subcategory until they were all easily understood.  To BUY NOW, click a book cover or paste this:   https://bit.ly/592HolySpirit

 

https://inspirationsbykatheryn.wordpress.com/1107-2/my-book-the-holy-spirit-in-365-scriptures/

 

 

 

Dread, Daring, and Dominion

On By Inspirations By KatherynIn #ransom, Death of Jesus Christ, Life of Christ, love, sacrifice, Saved from hell, victoryLeave a comment

0-BK 7-ShadowOfDeath-Cover-new-MediumThe scripture for today, September 30 (9/30), is Luke 9:30f as found in the New Testament of the Bible:

“Two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem.”

Hebrews 5:7 says something very startling to most people. “During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death.”

Jesus did not look forward to going to the cross, even though many thousands of others had died that way. Why was it different for him? Because he had to take on all our sins as though he had committed them himself ~ every lie we ever told, every gain from cheating, every insult, every slander campaign against another, every adultery, every murder ~ everything. He had to take the blame for ALL our sins! How could he bear it?

Not only that, but he had to experience both physical and spiritual death. Spiritual death means being separated from, being forsaken by God. What a terror to experience ~ even for a moment.

And so, a few weeks before his crucifixion, as he prayed on the mountain, Moses and Elijah appeared to him, and they spoke about his death. They surely gave courage to Jesus’ human side to do what had to be done to save you and me who deserve hell.

The crowning glory of this conversation with Moses and Elijah is that the Father himself ~ the Will of God ~ reassured him by announcing, “This is my son! Whom I have chosen! Listen to HIM!”

Jesus was to nail the Old Law of Moses to the cross (Colossians 2:14). He had promised people, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law and the Prophets: I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them” (Matthew 5:17).

On the cross, he said, “It is fulfilled.”  Indeed, by the time Jesus returned to heaven, he had lived the Old Law introduced by Moses perfectly ~ something no man had ever been able to do. And by the time he returned to heaven, he had fulfilled every prophecy about his birth, life, and death, the first such full-time prophet being Elijah.

Oh, the things Jesus went through for us. We fall at his bloody, pierced feet and worship.

.

0-BK 7-ShadowOfDeath-Cover-new-ThumbnailSHADOW OF DEATH is biblical historical novel #7 in the THEY MET JESUS series.  This book has a child’s version; the chapters on the crucifixion have been toned down, but do explain what children hear about but do not understand. In the adult version, each chapter ends with Life Application discussion questions. The adult version has Think & Do at the end of each chapter.  Come along, now, and witness those days of dread, daring, and dominion.  To BUY NOW, click a book cover or paste this:   http://bit.ly/Death-Resurrection

https://inspirationsbykatheryn.wordpress.com/historical-novel-about-jesus/book-7-shadow-of-death-adults-childs-versions/

You dote on me

On By Inspirations By KatherynIn #ransom, blessings, Death of Jesus Christ, faith, Inspirational, joy, love, praise, prayer, Saved from hell, Thanksgiving, worshipLeave a comment

Silver Cover-KINDLE-thumbnailI revere you, my God. You created such a beautiful garden to be the cradle for mankind when you first made us.  Everywhere around me, when I see darkness, I remember that is the soil you use to bring me flowers to fill my senses.  When I cower from thunder and lightning, I remember out of those you bring me showers of blessings and rainbows and bubbling brooks. When I grow tired, I remember how you use it to slow me down to rest in your everlasting arms. You dote on me, guide me, and never stop thinking of me. You are everywhere I go. You are in the air I breathe, the warmth I feel, the sense that perhaps you are touching me. You are gloriously everywhere because you are greater than all things. And I worship you.

Father, I know I need to get out more to find seekers. I second guess people and decide I would be wasting my time going to see them.  Help me leave that up to you and just keep trying.

Ah, my God, how can I thank you for sending a part of yourself ~ your Words ~ to enter a human body, be our perfect example, then allow yourself to be tortured and killed in my place.  You laid down on the altar of the world and sacrificed yourself for all of us who who you made and who reject you each time we sin. I cannot grasp it all. There are worlds unseen with spiritual battles going on I am not aware of.  But, what I do know, is that you did everything necessary to save me from that ghastly trinity ~ Sin, Satan, and Death. And now my soul rests in you.  I bow before you in sacred gratitude.

.

Silver Cover-KINDLE-thumbnail375 SILVER-WINGED PRAYERS is book three in the TOUCHING GOD SERIES.  The others are GOLDEN THOUGHTS and PEARLS OF WISDOM. Beautiful gift set with original art on the cover. Or use it for your own personal devotional time.  To BUY NOW, click a book cover or paste this:  https://bit.ly/SilverPrayers

https://inspirationsbykatheryn.wordpress.com/365-silver-winged-prayers-your-spirit-to-gods/

I do not know how

On By Inspirations By KatherynIn #ransom, church, Heaven, Inspirational, prayerLeave a comment

Love Letters of Jesus & his Bride, Eccelsia-THUMBNAILJehovah, you are my life, the light that shines from afar and which grows stronger the closer it comes to me.  You continue to shine on me day after day, year after year. You are the only light. Without you, there is only darkness and loss, even, of hope.  Without you there is no reality and all is without form and void.  Oh, what a terrible thing it would be to exist in such a void, made possibly only by Satan. But with you is brightness of life with the brilliance of your glory shining down on me, the illumination of your mercy, the vividness of your love.

Ah, my God, you did so much to save me. It took you centuries to accomplish everything. You sent a part of yourself, your Word, your Son to finalize everything. Your Word gave up heaven to become my substitute. In the world’s state of rebellion, that part of you gave in to Satan and died so my ransom could be paid. You loved me first. How can I thank you? I do not know how. I will spend my life trying.

Love Letters of Jesus & his Bride, Eccelsia-THUMBNAIL

LOVE LETTERS OF JESUS & HIS BRIDE, ECCLESIA.  This is the Song of Solomon paraphrased into modern applications and the glories of the church. Hundreds of cross references guide the way to a fuller understanding of our groom and what is yet to come.  Watermark of a bride on every page. Good for wedding gifts and anniversaries as well as Bible class study.  To BUY NOW, click a book cover or paste this:  https://bit.ly/32rrvZM

https://inspirationsbykatheryn.wordpress.com/love-letters-of-jesus-his-bride-ecclesia-2/

Some day it will happen.

On By Inspirations By KatherynIn #ransom, death, eternity, faith, forgiveness, Heaven, Inspirational, patience, praise, prayer, Thanksgiving, worshipLeave a comment

Supper-Front Cover-MediumAh, my Lord, I know you long to be gracious to mankind and that you wait patiently on high for the world to acknowledge you. What do you do while you’re waiting? You turn your attention back to your children. Oh, how I wish I could help you convince the rest of the world that you are not their enemy. Does your throne radiate just a little more when you see another child returning to you? Do the angels around you flutter their wings just a little more? Do the stars sing a sweeter song? Does your smile reflect the soft light of the moon?  As you wait, I bow down before your throne and worship you.

One of these days, Lord, I am going to close my eyes and soar on eagle wings to you. My heart will be swelled with anticipation as I draw nearer to you.  Your love, a ray of light, will form a highway to the heavens to draw my soul ever closer and closer to you.  I will soar upward. You will send my angel to guide me near the last of my journey until at last I reach the gate of heaven. Oh, glorious day, day of rapture and euphoria, when I see you at last as you open up your arms to me. Thank you for that hope. Someday it will happen. Someday.

.

Supper-Front Cover-ThumbnailTHE LORD’S SUPPER: 52 READINGS WITH PRAYERS.  Buy a book for your church library, or keep it on the shelf of the communion table.  Give one to new Christians. Or buy one for yourself to meditate with as you participate in the weekly Lord’s Supper.  To BUY NOW, click a book cover or paste this:  https://bit.ly/2Vhacqn

https://inspirationsbykatheryn.wordpress.com/the-lords-supper-52-readings-with-prayers

Blood streaming through the veins of my soul

On By Inspirations By KatherynIn #ransom, blessings, Death of Jesus Christ, discouragement, eternity, forgiveness, Holy Spirit, love, patience, prayer, sacrifice, Saved from hell, worshipLeave a comment

0-BK 7-ShadowOfDeath-Cover-new-ThumbnailI lift up my heart to you, my God. I ache so much for the lost. But my puny efforts are nothing compared to you. You did so much more than I ever dreamed of doing and for longer than a thousand lifetimes. You paid the death ransom, then overcame Death itself.  You put up with our sins while you did everything necessary to destroy our greatest enemy ~ Satan. Satan must be destroyed and you have given mankind the privilege of working with you to that end. So, amidst my paltry efforts I praise you, my majestic King. You are so incredible. Beyond finding out.

Father, sometimes when I talk to people about your love for them and ask them to return to you, I think I come across as controlling. That is not what I want to do. Help me know when to back off and let them think. Help me be patient and calm and respect the free will that you gave them.

My Lord, thank you for not getting so angry you would give up on me.  You are a high and great mountain that cannot be moved. You are the deepest ocean that cannot be emptied.  As the river of life, you offer to give me your blood so it will stream through the veins of my soul and give me life without impurities of sin. What more could anyone ask than that? You offered to me your blood and your Spirit. The sacrifice was too great, but you made it anyway.

.

0-BK 7-ShadowOfDeath-Cover-new-ThumbnailSHADOW OF DEATH takes the reader through the trials and beatings and lashings.  Nearly lifeless already, the soldiers  carry him up that dreadful hill so he can live long enough for them to kill. Two chapters cover the agony and ecstasy of the cross of torture saved only for traitors.  Then the funeral.  Two old men, some women, and his mother.  Washing his lifeless body with tears, surrounding him with spices only the rich can afford, wrapping him in the flimsy shreds of broken hearts. Then going home to agonize over what could have been and never will be.  To BUY NOW, click a book cover or paste this:  http://bit.ly/Death-Resurrection

https://inspirationsbykatheryn.wordpress.com/historical-novel-about-jesus/book-7-shadow-of-death-adults-childs-versions/

Today, it is hard to thank you.

On By Inspirations By KatherynIn #ransom, discouragement, faith, healing, love, patience, Saved from hell, teaching, weakness, worshipLeave a comment

0-Bk3-HeartsAfire-COVER-Kindle.medium-newYou, Almighty God, are all powerful. You hold the world in your hands.  You lead mankind forward and people follow you kicking and screaming because Satan convinces so many that you hate us and do not want us to have fun. You do not let Satan’s accusations discourage you and stop you. You are more powerful than him. You never forsake us. For thousands of years you have worked out your master Plan to permanently disarm Satan. Even now you limit what he can do to us. You send your angels to stand between Satan and us in battles in other realms, other worlds, we are not even aware of.  You are the Lord of all the lords Satan controls. You are King over all the kings Satan manipulates. Your divine majesty resonates around your throne, encircles the world, and comes to rest in my soul.

Lord, it is hard to thank you for things today. Yes, I have a decent place to live, nice things, my health, the weather is still warm. But what is it all for if I cannot help save the lost and help them stay saved? Sometimes I can hardly stand it thinking about friends and even strangers who are bored with you or resent you or even hate you and do not realize what Satan has in mind for them. How can I see them self-destruct like that?  Today I am struggling. I need to thank you for…what shall I thank you for? The sun is shining, the corn is harvested, a bird is singing to me outside my window. Over there is a butterfly and in that direction is a squirrel scavenging for things to store over the coming winter.  Songs. I thank you for songs. I shall now sing you a song and will feel better. Yes, thank you for songs. And that butterfly.

.

0-Bk3-HeartsAfire-COVER-Kindle.thumbnail-newHEARTS AFIRE is biblical historical novel three in the THEY MET JESUS series.  They’ve been dreaming and praying for the God-King to come for thousands of years.  He’s not quite what they expected, but at least he’s here.  Now, perhaps the impossible can become possible. With hearts afire, they dare to hope.  To BUY NOW, click a book cover or paste this:  

.

https://inspirationsbykatheryn.wordpress.com/historical-novel-about-jesus/book-3-hearts-afire-adults-childs-versions/