Did you ever wonder to yourself, as you looked at an empty chair, “what would I do or say if Jesus were sitting there?”I have imagined that quite often. And, having said that, it brings to mind a story of an elderly lady, who passed away in a nursing home; and she was always talking to an “empty chair.” When people would ask “who are you speaking to” she would reply; “Jesus is sitting there.”This was something the workers were accustomed to, and so they just thought she was delusional. Until, one day, when the covering nurse walked into her room and found she passed away during the night…what puzzled the nurse was the way she was found. She was sitting in the chair as if “someone” was holding her, all curled up with a smile on her face! That story always brings tears to my eyes. Tears of joy for that elderly lady, and her unwavering faith, and her devotion to Jesus Christ our/her Savior.
During the “noise” of the world do you still feel Him and hear His voice? We can go to a beautiful relaxing lake, such as this picture in my post today; and yet we may still have the “noise” of the world tumulutously raging within us. You know how you quiet the world? You read His word. You push out the “garbage” by bringing in the “treasure” – Amen.
You know what happens when you read His word? The Spirit of God begins to renew every part of us; including our minds as we take the time to review and read His Word.
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:2 KJV
I know I cannot start my day off without His Word…I cannot function without reading the bible, and praying each morning. I cannot go to sleep without a “Word” from our Father, and so I read the bible before turning in to sleep.
I find it amazing that if I fall asleep without reading the bible, I usually have vividly wild dreams, unsettling ones. When I read His Word, I fall asleep peacefully and have a restful night, Amen. My Spirit, my heart and soul are replenished and renewed with the Word. My thirst is slaked and my appetite is satiated, the Word, His voice is so powerful and so soothing at once.
The next time you see that empty chair near you…Think. Are we ready for what we may say to God when we see him? Are we prepared to see Jesus right now? We never know when he will return, no one knows but the Father. Not even the Son knows! So, are we ready?
What would you say to Jesus right now if he was sitting in the “empty chair” near you? Does your heart and soul belong to Him? We know God created our souls, and he owns our very souls. But, do you have the heart for His Word and for Him? Do you believe and recognize Him as our Savior?
I am not perfect, none of us are – there is only one who is. Our flesh can lead us into many situations we may not feel happy about in retrospect. But, God forgives us, thanks to the blood of Jesus Christ!
So although I am not perfect, I try to do all according to His ways, each day…and if I fall short, I pray for forgiveness and try again!
But in the meantime “I look at the empty chair differently” than I have in prior years!
“…Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel…” Philippians 1:27 KJV
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Thank you for such a wonderful application. I am sitting at my kitchen table now, across from an empty chair. What a powerful word picture to think of Jesus sitting across from me, residing in me. I will carry this picture with me today and remember that He is right here. Sometimes, when I am driving to work in the morning, I reach my hand out to the empty seat next to me and ask Jesus to hold my hand. I can envision him walking into work with me, squeezing my hand throughout the day. He will not loosen His grip on us.
The words of your heart that you share are powerful. Thank you for the lessons. We do have the minds of Christ, but to get the thoughts of Christ (and not my own), I have found that I have to focus on Him, His Word, His Truth. My thoughts and the noise of the world want to crowd out the Truth, so it is a daily discipline to think on those things that are noble, pure….
Hope you have a blessed day. Thank you for sharing.
Joni
Hello Joni-
That was beautiful thinking of “Jesus holding your hand” while you are driving to work. So vivid and awe inspiring! Thank you for sharing, my heart is smiling with your touching words and monumental images you brought forward. Your heart is kind, compassionate and most important filled with the Lord. Thank you for stopping by…as always, you are a treasure. Peace & Blessings~
My Dear Friend
” Your message today was very encouraging”
Loved this part – where gone on to say:
You know what happens when you read His word? The Spirit of God begins to renew every part of us; including our minds as we take the time to review and read His Word.
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:2 KJV
“Pray others will be encouraged by today message”
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This remind me of my favorite scripture found in the book of Isaiah….
Isaiah 26:3-4
3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
4 Trust ye in the LORD for ever:
For in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:
Also in Philippians …..
Philippians 4:4-9
4 Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.
5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication
With thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding,
Shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true,
whatsoever things are honest, Whatsoever things are just,
whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely,
Whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue,
and if there be any praise, Think on these things.
9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received,
And heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
Thank you for sharing God’s Word!
Love In Christ
Dee Mills
Hello Dee,
Thanks for your words and the beautiful scriptures you shared…The peace and wisdom of the Lord comes rushing forth as we delve into His word. He is the truth, the way and the purpose for everything in our lives. Praise the Lord, and God Bless you my sister in Christ for your unbridled dedication and love for God…Blesssing and Peace~