Category: <span>thoughts by Sue Braid</span>

The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let the one who hears say, ‘Come!’ Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.”
Revelation 22:17

My new friend texted and asked, “Would you like to come over for brunch on Sunday?” The invitation was the preface to a choice. Would we accept or decline?

When an invitation is polite, it softens the words and leaves the invitation open. Without politeness the words may sound like a strident command. For instance, “Please come over” has a much gentler tone than, “Come over here!”

Is it possible that many commands of Jesus are also invitations?  I’m beginning to think so.

In John 15:4a Jesus says, “Remain in me, as I also remain in you.” It’s an invitation to come be an integral part of a family, to take up space because a space has been made for you. You are invited to settle down securely and be at home with Jesus and, therefore, with the Father and the Holy Spirit.

It’s also an invitation to be part of a life-giving system. In John 15:4 Jesus goes on to say, “No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.” This is an invitation to spiritual vitality and effectiveness.

The invitation in Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest,” is coupled with the command, “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me” (Matthew 11:29). What? A yoke? Who needs that? Yet it’s the yoke that symbolizes the connection. It is the reminder that we are in this with God rather than striving alone, carrying burdens that are too heavy for us.

What is Jesus inviting you to today? Will you drink from His thirst-quenching supply? Live with him? Bear fruit and experiencing rest?

Lord Jesus Christ, I am thirsty, hungry, and tired of trying to do life on my own. Will you please help me accept your invitations and follow the directives I find in them?

By Sue Braid

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How does it End for the Believer?

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 12:2-3

Tell me how it ends,” I beg when my sister recommends a movie. I crave a satisfying conclusion even for fictional characters. In real life I long for a happy ending, too.

Do you ever wonder why Jesus chose the unhappy losses and limits of being truly human? He experienced what it was like to be hungry, tired and dirty. He felt his own brothers’ dismissal. He was hated by many, some of whom conspired to have him arrested on false charges. Because of people’s hatred and fear, Jesus endured public humiliation along with verbal and emotional abuse, physical beatings and torture, and ultimately the shame and agony of being nailed to a cross. He took not only the physical cruelty, but also the crushing spiritual weight of our sins in His own body as he hung dying on the cross.

Voluntarily, he chose no intervention strategy, no delay tactic, no vanishing act. He chose to do only what the Father wanted. Why?

The writer of the Hebrews passage explains — it was “for the joy set before Him.” Here’s the thing. Jesus knew what to expect. It would all end with everlasting joy when He returned to the indescribable beauty of His heavenly home to be with God the Father forever.

How does it end for the believer? A joy that we can’t imagine awaits. God will be right there ? everlasting, dependable, and true. Life will be free of pain and tears. A rested immortal body. Restored relationships. Now that’s a happy ending!

Lord Jesus, I long for the perfect ending, but I’m so often distracted from the joy you have for me. Then I lose heart. May I humbly ask You to help me turn my attention to the joy ahead which you have prepared and planned for me. Amen.

By Sue Braid
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devotional

Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs.” Proverbs 10:12

When I was twelve, I had a horrendous fight with both of my brothers. I was shocked at the anger and hate I identified in myself. A verse in 1 John 3:15 smothered me with guilt and shame: “Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.”

But the fighting continued in my closest relationships. At times my anger felt overpowering and I was conscious of being hateful. However, I rationalized that feelings of hatred could not be the cause of the dissension — that I had a right to sort things out. I grappled to be understood. I doubted that Solomon’s words, “love covers all wrongs,” really meant what they said.

The New Testament affirms the wisdom of Solomon: “Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins1 Peter 4:8.

Over 50 years have passed since that fight with my brothers, and we have a great relationship now. But these words by contemporary author Mike Mason still ring true:

In order to surrender, and so to put an end to fighting, one must see that it is within one’s power to consciously and prayerfully move toward love. The storms of life, we all know, are fraught with subtlety and complexity. But perhaps, in the end, the peace we seek lies in something very simple, the pure action of our will. The question is not What should I do? but Will I do it?”

That question provided an “ah-ha” moment for me. Whether I liked it or not, it was a matter of obedience to choose love and peace in the face of conflict.

Lord Jesus, thank You for revealing to me that You will renovate my life as I obey You. Amen.

By Sue Braid

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#Devotional HOW TO GET A GRIP

For our heart is glad in Him, because we trust in his holy name.”
Psalm 33:21

Have you ever tried to define trust? Or tried to trust when it seems like you can’t?

My natural tendencies are often the opposite of trust. In my prayers I try to persuade God to do something I desperately want, or to give me something I think I can’t do without. I have a specific result in mind, thinking it will make my life better.

Yet the times I have most anxiously tried to goad God are the very times when I needed to trust Him the most. When the result I want does not happen, I have at times wandered in a land of mistrust, remaining anxious and engulfed in discontent.

What if we changed our expectation of what we think “should” happen? What if we began to define trust in God as letting go of the outcome and releasing our grip?

At first our waiting may feel more frightening. However, for myself, I’ve noticed a freedom in not holding on so tightly. Peace and gladness in God Himself enter my heart and mind after the release. I can be glad because of who God is. In Psalm 33:20 the writer states God’s characteristics: “Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and our shield.”

Dear Lord, please help me to let go of my demands for a preconceived outcome. Help me to let go of my efforts to control. I turn my attention to Who You are. I want to trust You. I can’t do that without Your help, but I believe You will help me because You long for me to rest in Your wisdom and protection. Amen.

By Sue Braid

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