A Heart For Jesus

  “But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God. I trust in the steadfast love of God forever and ever.”  Psalm‬ ‭52‬:‭8‬ ‭ESV‬‬ ‭‭  Hmm, am I like a green olive tree? What exactly does that mean? I recently learned some interesting facts about olive trees. Their root system is incredibly robust, capable of regenerating from its roots even after being destroyed by fire, frost, or disease. They have a long lifespan and are known for their resilience. As a generous tree, they produce olives, olive oils, and their wood can be used for construction. It’s their resilience that truly strikes me. I’m not sure I possess the same level of resilience as an olive tree. Resiliency is defined as “the ability to adapt, cope, and recover from difficulties, stress, and trauma.” Proverbs 24:16(ESV) states, “For the righteous falls seven times and rises again, but the wicked stumble in times of calamity.” It’s not always easy to get back up after being knocked down for various reas...

  The theme of forgiveness has been on my mind lately so if I may I will share some thoughts  But please know I have not perfected this in any way, it is truly a struggle for me to forgive not only others for the hurt and rejection I have felt but to forgive myself for the hurts I’ve caused in the choices I’ve made, but Paul encourages me by reminding me in Philippians 3:13-14(ESV), “Brothers, (and sisters:))I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” I admire the life of Joseph. Here was a young man, rejected by his brothers, stripped of his clothing and thrown into a dry well, only to be brought out and sold to Midianite traders who in turn sold him to Potiphar in Egypt. Then    Portiphar’s wife accused him of making unwanted advances upon her and he was thrown into prison, he was innocent, ...

  “I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see.” ‭‭Revelation‬ ‭3‬:‭18‬ ‭ESV   This verse was part of a letter written to the Church at Laodicea, the people had become lukewarm, perhaps complacent, maybe even a bit proud or self-righteous. Blinded by their successes and prosperity they had forgotten God; that their many blessings had come from Him.  Reminds me of the parable of the rich fool found in Luke 12:16-20(ESV), “And he told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man produced plentifully, and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’ And he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; rela...

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭4‬ ‭ESV‬‬ I’ve often thought this verse applies to those who’ve lost a loved one. After all, the Bible says in Psalm 34:18, “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit” (ESV). It’s a source of comfort to know He’s near during such losses. But I wonder if it holds a deeper meaning? Could it be that we find comfort in mourning our own weaknesses, sin, or even bad habits? In Luke 18:9-14, Jesus compares a Pharisee and a tax collector. The Pharisee is proud and puffed up as he approaches God, while the tax collector can’t even raise his eyes to heaven. He’s humble, recognizing his sinfulness and seeking God’s mercy. Then there’s Paul in Romans 7:15, 18-19: “For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry...