Weather Report From Heaven: Sunny and bright, with an abundance of light and lots of singing and rejoicing.
Scripture- “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” – 2 Corinthians 5;17
Insight: – Put Jesus first in your life and see what He will do. Out of the ashes of your pain and brokenness He can create new beginnings. I have experienced this firsthand and Jesus has never let me down yet. I love the song “Raise a Hallelujah,” by Bethel Music because it’s lyrics speak to the truth I have experienced of how God works in our brokenness to bring victory out of the hands of defeat. In one stanza it says “Up from the ashes, hope will arise. Death is defeated, the King is alive!” I will never forget the day I surrendered my life to Jesus. It was as if a 1,000 lb. weight had been lifted off my back and all the heavy burdens I was carrying had been vanquished. It was like Matthew 11:28-30 came to life, and He took my burdens and gave me rest like I had never experienced. I felt different, and I liked it. I couldn’t even really describe it to people who suddenly were living in a parallel Universe to me, as the old Doug had been replaced by a new Doug that they didn’t recognize. I didn’t stop loving all of my friends, but many of them stopped loving me when they found I was a Christian. How sad is that! The world’s perception of the amazing, transformational power of Christ is so messed up.
Instead of needing drugs and alcohol or sex or power to cover over the gaping hole deep in my soul, I now only needed Jesus and it felt so good. No more hangovers! No more empty relationships. In fact, all the emptiness I had felt was immediately replaced with a contentment that wasn’t describable. People thought I was nuts! They didn’t understand the power Jesus has to change your life, and to raise you up out of the inner ashes of your life. On the surface I looked fine, and that was what was so confusing to people. You know, having a good job, lots of $ in the bank, living in Corona Del Mar California didn’t exactly suck. But they couldn’t see or feel the emptiness and brokenness on the inside. I had never received any affirmation from my earthly father, and now Jesus had filled that void. Christ is in the business of taking our brokenness and emptiness and turning it into a beautiful new relationship overwhelmed by His love and grace. That changes everything and for me, it was just in time. How about you? Do you need to admit to Jesus how much you need Him no matter how perfect your life appears on the outside? You can’t trick your own soul and Jesus is waiting to give you a new beginning, so much better than anything in your past. He can raise you up from the ashes of your life, and give you a new beginning and a deeper purpose. Can you admit your need for Him? You will be glad you did.
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