Doesn't Make Sense

You, by nature, were a branch cut from a wild olive tree. So if God was willing to do something contrary to nature by grafting you into his cultivated tree, he will be far more eager to graft the original branch back into the tree where they belong. ~Romans 11:24

As I was reading the word this morning during my devotional time, this verse not only stood out but it really spoke to me. A little backstory to this is that the Apostle Paul is telling the Romans how we as Gentiles have the blessing to be a part of God’s special tree upon accepting Jesus Christ as our Savior and through Him we find salvation. However, we must not brag about being grafted in to replace the branches that were broken off (the Jews, God’s chosen people who have rejected Jesus as the Messiah) because we are merely branches, not the root.

Ok, so we understand the concept of the tree, right? There are two trees; His cultivated tree (Chosen people) and a wild olive tree (Gentiles). As Gentiles; non-Jews, we have been grafted (inserted) into God’s tree while some of the original branches have been cut off, due to their lack of faith. What a privileged you and I have been granted! However, what is mind blowing- well, not really because God is God and He is Omnipotent and He does as He pleases, but what is so amazing about our God is what this text says..

“…So if God was willing (His choice) to do something contrary to nature (against the norm)…” Wow! This means that there is no telling how He will do things in our lives. We are not to place God inside of a box because He cannot operate in a “fixed” environment. We are not to expect Him to intervene or resolve something our way. Maybe God wants to glorify Himself in your situation differently than before. Expect the unexpected, He will act, respond, put together, take apart, or bless you on His terms, not yours. It may be exactly the way that you’ve envisioned it and AMEN! However, chances are there will be some slight changes, be open to the possibilities of your blessing coming in an unconventional manner. If you are open, you will give Him the freedom to move and operate how He pleases. There are no rules or guidelines that the Lord of Lords and Creator of all things should follow. Who are we to demand or expect God to do things a certain way? Exactly, we are no one to question His doings. Sometimes things will simply not make sense; does it mean God doesn’t know what He’s doing? Of course not, He is all knowing.

Going back to this verse, isn’t it crazy to think that there are two trees and God grabs one branch from one tree and grafts it, or inserts it into another tree? The question is: Will it belong? Will it stick together? Will it grow? Well, you and I are here. By His grace and love we are here and if you’ve confessed Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you are in the family. It didn’t look, seem or feel right, and from an agricultural/landscaping point of view, it still doesn’t make sense yet that’s what God decided to do. And aren’t we happy He did, because of it; we too have been granted the gift of salvation and eternal life.

Sometimes it takes something that doesn’t make sense to fulfill the purpose. Today I encourage you to let God work in your life the way He wants to. Surrender your all (especially your mind and intellect, they always try to reason and make sense out of things) and allow Him total access to do as He pleases, to remove and place as He wishes. You may not get it but don’t hinder His work or your progress. It doesn't have to make sense to you, as long as it makes sense to Him. He’s a craftsman. Let Him create a new thing in you today!

Be Encouraged, Be Blessed!
Landy Perez-Feliciano ♥

His words

This month we’ve been talking a lot about Jesus and the world tends to remember Him a little bit more than the rest of the year (except for Christmas). And as we take this Holy Week to remember the sacrifice that Jesus Christ did on the cross for our sins, let us never forget that He not only died but resurrected on the third day. Jesus is ALIVE! That is why we do not only celebrate Him on this memorable week but we celebrate Jesus every single day because He lives!

Last week, I started a series in our young adults small group on the last Seven Words Jesus said on the cross before His death. And I would like to share a brief thought with you so when you listen to them on Good Friday, you can have a clear perspective of these words and how you can apply them to your life. These words are powerful and they are at our disposal, two thousand years later!

1. Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing. (Luke 23:24)

Choosing to forgive doesn’t say “I’m weak.” It says “I’m stronger than what you did to me.” We have to learn how to let it go. Whatever happened in the past let it go. Let Go and Let God. Do yourself a favor and forgive so you can be free to continue living your life the way God intended you to live it. HAPPY!

There is a promise of forgiveness for you and to others! If Jesus forgave, we can forgive.

2. Jesus said to the thief who was also crucified, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43)

No matter what situation we may find ourselves in, there is always an opportunity in the midst of our trials. There is purpose in pain. The Bible says that for those who love God ALL things work out for good. Sometimes bad things happen but then we will see God turn it around for His glory. We are not only called to forgive but also to present the Opportunity to others to go to heaven as we were one day presented that same opportunity. Jesus died for all of humanity.

There is a promise of heaven. If Jesus extended the opportunity to a thief, who was a sinner; we too, can extend the opportunity not only to our friends and family but also to strangers and enemies.

3. When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, ‘Dear woman, here is your son,’ and to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.’ (John 19:26)

There is a promise of family. If your family has abandoned or rejected you, Jesus will accept you with open arms. In our Father’s house there are many rooms available and there is one reserved for those who are willing to come to His house.
 
4. Matthew 27:46 records Jesus’ loud cry on the cross, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?"--which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

These words from Jesus tell us that whatever we’re going through, God is aware of your pain. And if He chose to, He could have changed the outcome. Therefore, direct your questions to God, but know that you can trust His goodness and righteousness. We see only a day at a time. God sees the whole picture. He will do what is good and right in your life.

5. ’I am thirsty.’" (John 19:28)

To confess need, weakness or injury opens up our heart for God to heal. Resentment and anger says, "I’ll get even," or "God doesn’t care." But a hopeful and trusting person confesses his need and weakness to God.

6. "It is finished." (John 19:30)

If you belong to Jesus, you will have the resources and resolve to deal with the trials in your life. Tough times are temporary; God’s people are eternal. Most people give into circumstances or temptations, not because they lack resources, but because they lack resolve; they gave up too soon. We can finish and finish well.

7. “Jesus called out with a loud voice, ’Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.’ When he had said this, he breathed his last." (Luke 23:46)

We have not lost if we know in Whose hands we are held. Whether stripped of our possessions, reputation, physical or mental health, we need not be anxious, because our lives are not like dry leaves, blown and tossed by the wind. We are lovingly and eternally held in our Father’s hands.

These final words of Jesus offer eternal confidence and eternal relationship. There is the promise of forgiveness, the promise of Heaven, the promise of family, the promise of God’s watchfulness, the promise of resources and resolve, and the promise of God’s sovereign care.

Earlier today, I sent out text messages to a few people asking a simple question and here are a some responses.

Question: What does Jesus mean to you?

• Powerful and Merciful Savior which knows no boundaries. –Maribel Gomez

• Freedom. He doesn’t judge us like everyone else does and He’s someone I can completely trust my heart to Him without worry of Him betraying me. –Tatiana Maldonado

• Jesus is my safe haven. The person I know I can go to regardless of what I have done or what I think. He is my definition of what true love is. He is the lover of my heart and healer of my soul. –Wendy Ureña

• Jesus is NEEDED. There is no life, grace or way-without Him; only through Him. -Kenia Y. Perez-Ayala

• Jesus is my hero! The perfect role model, the savior of the world, defier of death, and the person I want to most please. He is my everything! I am so glad that I met Him and serve Him. –Rosa Dorado

• Jesus is who I live for. He is my anchor when I’m in my most troubling days and the person I look up to whenever I have to make a moral decision. I ask myself, what would Jesus do? But most of all, He is my redeemer and He LIVES! –Daniel Ospina

• Jesus means LIFE to me. If it weren’t for Him believing in me more than I could believe in myself I wouldn’t be who I am today. I'm not where I would like to be but I am here! –Sasha Castillo

• Jesus means EVERYTHING to me. From His love all the way to His grace and mercy. He means so much to me that He allows me to take advantage of His amazing love and forgiveness. How…? He’s the only one that can truly give me a 2^nd chance, a 3^rd chance, a 4^th chance and so on and on and on… He forgives me beyond any end. He loves me beyond measures and this is why He’s everything to me. –Johanna Diaz

Remember Jesus loves you and has a wonderful plan for you. Allow Him to do an extraordinary work in your life!

Be Encouraged, Be Blessed!

Landy Perez-Feliciano ♥