Redeemed - Paid in Full (Another Tea and Tuesdays Edition)

 

As I chose my tea for the day – I needed something different, so I am trying a cinnamon tea that is rich in darkness and flavor.  This tea is flavored so it needs no sugar.  It is a good companion on this day as I reflect on the weekend.  I had a great time relaxing and doing fun things.  I hope you had a great weekend as well, filled with all the things you enjoy doing.  I am blessed with life, family and good friends – I am blessed!

I am focusing on the word “redeem” today.  When I think of the word “redeem” I think of those green S&H stamps we used to collect when I was a child.  We could collect these stamps into a book and use the books to buy things, depending on how many stamps and books we had accumulated.  It was great fun and we were able to get many things using those S&H stamps.

The word “redeem” means to pay off or buy back; to recover by payment.  For those of us who are Christians we believe Jesus Christ “redeemed” our lives by His sacrifice on the cross so many years ago.  This is the foundation of our faith.  When you think of redeemed, think of something being paid off, so no debt collectors have to call about a balance.  The payment was made in full!

Christ’s death was a completed work.  His sacrifice left nothing behind.  When He died He did it so that there would be no debt left unpaid – no stone unturned – no balance left hanging.  But do we live as if we have been “redeemed”??  Are there things about us which may still require a touch of Jesus’ redeeming power on them?  Yes, this is very true!  When there is sin in our lives often there are consequences as well.  Even if there is no consequence, there may be pain left behind from the event.  These things must be dealt with in order for our healing to be complete – for the “redeeming” work to take full effect on our lives, setting us free!

I have questions for you today.  I want you to spend some time meditating on these questions and the answers as they relate to your life.  Don’t spend a lot of time saying, “Oh, my friend ____ should be reading this right now – she has a problem with this”.  Well, you could send her the link and allow her to read the blog herself (the more the merrier) but I would rather you apply these questions to you first.  Allow them to wash over you and bring you to a place where God can speak to you concerning the answers to these questions.  Let God redeem you in every way.

·         Is there something in your heart right now which might block you from God?  Unforgiveness?  Hatred?  Selfish motives? Envy or Jealousy?  Bitterness?  Resentment?

·         Do you “feel” free?  As you consider this question, think about what is going on inside of you as you read and hear the word “free”.  Look up the word to get the full meaning – then see if the definition, as you understand it – applies to your heart, your mind and your soul.

·         How do you feel about you?  Is there love in your heart when you consider who you are, or something else?  What is that “something else”?  Can’t put a name to it right now?  Don’t worry – that is for a later time.

Final thoughts about “Redeem”:

ü  The concept of “Redeeming” as I have explained is an ongoing process.  Jesus’ work on the Cross saved us from an eternal punishment, but He is also here to help you mature through the pains of your past or the pain caused by the sin which had you bound.  He is not just concerned about the day you accepted Him, but every day afterward.  Let the maturing and healing begin!

ü  God is with you all the way.  No work you do for God (or because of God) is wasted.  He “redeems” it all, using every bit of it to bless you!

ü  It’s hard to look inward and see the truth about yourself.  No one really volunteers for this duty, but it is often necessary as we seek to grow up with God’s grace on our side.

ü  Don’t be discouraged by the things you may see.  It’s important to see them but also know you may only be taking a glimpse now.  The longer look is coming, but God is preparing you so that you can be ready.

ü  God is with you all the way!!!

Let me hear from you.  Email me Psalm139Designed@gmail.com.  You can also respond to this blog!

Have a great week – I am praying for you!