Redemption is a truly unique experience in its worldly sense. If you choose to take the time to clip coupons and actually use them, then, you have a sense of what redemption is in the worldly sense. Merriam-Webster defines the word redeem as: "to buy back" or "repurchase" and redemption is the act of doing so. That fits the worldly application of this word. However, have you every received something for absolutely nothing?
Last week, the LORD bought me coffee!! On my way to work last Friday I stopped by a favorite coffee shop of mine. As I waited in the drive through line, I was reflecting on the past week. Overwhelmed with the busyness of my life that had recently been topped with bouts of stress, a little depression, and/confusion, I asked God to remind me of His friendship. AND wouldn't you know, our God who is bigger and mightier than any of our circumstances, bought me coffee! As I drove up to the window to pay and receive my coffee, the employee shared that the person in front of my had paid for my coffee. Dumbfounded, I thanked the employee too, and as I drove off, the song I am a Friend of God began to play on the radio.
This is an example of redeemed and redemption in the spiritual sense. Merriam-Webster continues to define redeem as: "to free from captivity by payment of ransom" and "to release from blame, debt, and the consequences of sin." In Exodus 6:6, God says, "I will redeem you with an outstretched arm." You see, we truly do not deserve His love, forgiveness, or redemption. He out of His love for us, paid the price, to restore you and I to a proper relationship with Him. When we drive up to the window, He has prearranged our gift of salvation!
Once you drink of His cup and accept His gift of salvation, He is faithful and will continue to whisper over you through His word, prayer, worship, fellowship, and yes, even through the best cup of coffee ever!
Assignment #2: Take about 20 minutes for ALONE time with God. Open His word to John 3:16. Read, reflect, and pray over this verse (or another verse of choice). Take a card or piece of paper and write this verse on it. Now, go buy someone a cup of "coffee" and share this verse with them. When you have finished, share with your Sisters in Grace by posting on our blog.
My "cup of coffee" was with the Lord this week.He continued to speak to me and show me things I have thought about for over a year! He has placed patients in my life for the specific purpose of being a witness to them and living out my faith before them. Doors have been opened to speak about Jesus love and sacrifice for me. I have God fearing Jesus loving co-workers too! Thank you Father for redeeming me and giving me the opportunity to tell others about You! It is sometimes a challenge (satan tries to interfere) but God equips us. :) I had the blessing to share my "coffee" with 6 different people this week!
ReplyDeleteI have to blog again! Today I got the opportunity to share a cup of "coffee" with my patient. He is very ill and had been a burden on my heart regarding his salvation for a long time. He is extremely hard of hearing and whenever I attempted to bring the subject up he couldnt hear a word I said. This morning he said he was "ready to go home". I asked him about his church history. He said he grew up in a southern baptist church and that he was saved when he was nine years old. That has absolutely made my day. What wonderful words to my ears! It was a shock to me when a few minutes later he asked for his hearing aid!!! God is something else. :) I got to speak to my patient, I didnt have to yell AND he heard every word I said WITHOUT his hearing aid!
ReplyDeleteGod never ceases to amaze me! I know that He is continuing to use you in mighty ways out of your eagerness, thankfulness, and love for Him. BHBC is blessed to have you as a Sister in Grace!
DeleteThankful I am considered "anointed". No way would I be able to do it without that. At least I "think" I am going to be able to. :) Will be interesting to see what the Spirit uses my mouth to say. Looking forward to finding out myself.....
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