Isaiah 53:5

"But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities;  the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed."

I can hardly read this verse without singing the song that is based on these words.

Here is what I know to be true, for God's word is true:

I am healed.  I may not act like I am healed.  I may continue to walk right back into the sin that I am healed from.  But I am healed.  Because of Jesus, I am healed.  I strive to act as though I know these words to be true.  

My current sin is the sin of negativity.  I find that I have been looking on situations with a critical eye, refusing to see things as God would see them.  Refusing to see things through the Holy Spirit that I have been blessed with.   May I unplug my hears, wipe my eyes clear, and start seeing things from the positive side!

1 Peter 2:4-5

"As you come to him, the living Stone--rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him--you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ."

***Sovereignty of God Alert***

I ran across this verse as I searched for background information about 1 Peter 2:9-10.  It's CRAZY how God calls a single thing to my attention twice in just a few days.  This verse is, I believe, the verse that my friend Amy used as the basis for the middle name of her newest baby boy: Stone.  So, today is the second trip to these verses.

1. I am being constantly changed into the person God desires me to be.  I am not that person today.  The people in my life that I expect so much from...they're not the people God desires them to be either...YET.  That perfection comes in heaven.  But I know that tomorrow I will be just a little bit closer.  And so will the people in my life that are seeking God's will.

2. I am offering spiritual sacrifices that are acceptable to God.  Wow.  But how acceptable are they when they come straight from my lips or body?  The reason they are acceptable in God's sight is that Jesus makes them acceptable.  That final phrase says "through Jesus Christ."  It's an important part to notice!  Thank you to my high priest!

Matthew 11:28-30

"Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for you souls.  For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."

These are the words of Jesus.  And I need these words tonight.  I feel physically tired, mentally spent, and emotionally tested.  Each for it's own reason.  

Today has been a whirlwind of commitments leaving me in need of deep, fulfilling sleep tonight.  This week has been a heavy load of study in Exodus for BSF and for another Bible study with ladies from church.  I procrastinated the bulk of my lesson prep for tomorrow and had to buckle down tonight to finish it, leaving me in need of mental revival in the morning.  Jadie and I continue to face stressful family stresses leaving me emotionally tested and in need of wisdom for how to love without condoning and stand firm without condemning a family member.

I also pray this Scripture verse over a friend who needs this truth spoken over her life as well.

Exodus 2:11-25

God always takes care of His people, even when they sin.  He did it for Moses when he fled to Midian after killing the Egyptian.  Read about it in Exodus 2:11-25