To Suffer, Bleed, and Die for Man

The merciful love of our Lord and Savior never ceases to amaze me. We often talk about the suffering  of Christ and His sacrifice, but I think it is sometimes easy to overlook the significance of it. Christ suffered for us personally and specifically. Isaiah 53:5 says that "with His stripes we are healed." It brings such an immense comfort to me to know that someone- and not just anyone, but a literal God, found me worthy to suffer for. I know He truly loves us all, and I hope we can remember that always- not just when it is convenient.

Serving Others

We often talk about the importance of serving others- and we should! It's definitely important. In Matthew 25:40 Jesus says: "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." Serving others is something that Christ does often, and it is something we should do too.

But the reverse is true- Christ also allowed people to serve Him, such as when Mary anointed His feet with oil and wiped them with her hair. We need to remember to be humble and Christ-like enough to let others serve us so they may gain blessings as well. I truly believe that allowing ourselves to be served and loved is just as crucial as serving and loving others.

In Matthew 26:27, Christ talks about His blood, which was shed for many sins. I realized that this past week, I've been thinking to myself: How could God forgive me for my sins. But that isn't true- and it's almost like making a mockery of Christ's sacrifice to believe so. Jesus suffered for all of our sins so that we can return to God. No matter how many times we sin, we have the opportunity to repent.

Comfort for All

In John 11, Lazarus has died. His sisters, Mary and Martha, are distraught. I love how Jesus knows exactly how to comfort both of them in their own unique ways. I feel like Jesus does this with you and me as well- He has suffered all that we go through and He knows the perfect way to comfort us completely. I hope we will all rely more on Him in the coming days to help us with our burdens.

I love how in Matthew 15, we see an example for all three ways God answers our prayers. In the story of the Canaanite woman who plead for a miracle for her daughter, she is first ignored, then told no, then told yes. I think it's important to realize that just because we are told no or don't receive a clear answer, it doesn't mean that God doesn't love us. He just wants what is best for us, even if we can't see that. God will help us grow spiritually and in all things if we let Him.

For All Those Who Have Lost Their Way

In my New Testament class, we talked about Luke 15, where Jesus gives three different parables. My teacher explained that the three things lost in the parables represent those who are lost from the church. The sheep is someone who has wandered unintentionally from the path, the coin is someone who is neglected, and the prodigal son is the one who rebels. I love how there is a specific way to help each one of these people. It really shows me how much God cares for His children and wants what is best for them. I know that if we pray and study the scriptures we can know how to help our loved ones who have lost their way.

Temptations

In Matthew 4, Satan tries to tempt Jesus. Jesus had been fasting for forty days, and Satan tried to convince him that it was worth it to change stones into bread.

In my New Testament class, we talked about how Satan tries to offer us the easy way. He tries to get us to take instant gratification with eternal consequences. God offers eternal gratification, though we may have to wait longer and work to receive it.

This really hit a chord with me this week, as I was feeling bitter about my personal life. I realized that Satan wants me to get angry about having to wait, so it would be easier to tempt me to make the wrong choice. Satan tries to make all of us impatient, when really we need to trust in God's plan.

The Virgin Mary

You know, sometimes I think we underestimate the spiritual strength of the earthly mother of Jesus Christ. She was shunned and despised. Luke 2 talks about how there was no room in the inn for her to give birth.

Think about that: If a heavily pregnant woman was looking for shelter, wouldn't you help? And it gets worse: this is Bethlehem, where Joseph (and Mary's, as she was his cousin) family is. No one is willing to help Mary, even though they're most likely related to her. Can you imagine being refused by your own flesh and blood?

Mary was one of the strongest women to ever walk the earth. I believe that Satan was trying his hardest to weaken her, but Mary did not let her faith waver. I think we can all take a page from Mary's book, and that we should remember to stay firm in our faith, no matter what Satan throws at us.

Welcome!

Thanks for stopping by True to You! I've created this blog because I want to help others who may struggle with self esteem issues, or anything else! I want people to take pride in who they are, even if they're different from others. Feel free to offer any comments or advice to help this fledgling blog grow!

- Ashley