THANK YOU, JESUS

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Original art by Paul T. Boecher©

I cannot imagine life without him.  He has filled me with confidence when I had none.

He has bound my innermost wounds and caused their healing.

He makes each moment of life important even when those times are filled with worry.

He provides for all my physical, emotional and spiritual needs.

He has shown love unimaginable – compassion undeserved – redemption for all.

He is always available, always near even in the dark of night.

He won’t forsake, even though I often forsake him.

He took my place, suffering the cruelty I merited, going willingly because of his undying love.

He lives now in my heart and every breath I take.

How can I thank you. Jesus?

KATHY BOECHER©

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HE IS NOT HERE. HE IS RISEN!

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Original art by Paul T. Boecher©

He died that I could live. He suffered pain and loss.
He gave all He could give, upon that rugged cross.
But on that awesome day, so many years ago,
He for my sins did pay, so freedom I would know.
The story didn’t end there. He came to life once more.
To show me that I too will live within His heavenly door.

Kathy Boecher©

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BELIEVING THE IMPOSSIBLE

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There are days when I wonder what on earth I’m still doing here. I spend hours trying to figure out some new technology when I could have completed three loads of laundry. I wake up early only to spend that “alone” time thinking about all the things I should be doing rather than doing them. The morning speeds into afternoon and before I know it, I’m ready to go to bed and start the whole process all over again.

I should be retired. I’m aging with great resistance. I don’t want to grow up! I’m not ready to die. I know I have a few good years left in me, but as you get older you want to get everything in before you kick the bucket.

I want to share some of the life lessons I’ve acquired over time. I keep on working, because I don’t want the alternative of sitting around and bemoaning my lot in life. I have the feeling that the minute I stop, so will my life. There seems to be a pattern here – Me, me, me!

We all have doubts. God knows that too and has provided an answer for us. He tells us to lay our burdens, our fears, our anxious moments on his shoulders. He says not to worry about tomorrow, because everything in creation is in His hands. and He will take care of all of it. He also provides a way for us to spend our eternal life in paradise when the time comes.

That being said, it isn’t always easy to follow His advice. We want to be in control. We think we’re smarter than God. The only way to let go is to have faith. Trust that God will never let you down. He loves all of us. He made each and every one of us. He knew us before we ever came to be. He has chosen a direction for our lives. It IS easy.

HAVE FAITH!

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QUIET CITY STREETS

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Original art by Paul T. Boecher©

The once quiet, peaceful city took on the ugliness of a terrorist attack,

Smoke filled the air, clothing torn from bodies, blood flowing, buildings crushed like a house of cards and a little child’s cry in the distance.

We are the infidels – they are the enemy.

Bow your heads  for the victims of this latest incident.

There will be more.

Ask God to watch over the quiet peace of your inner world – the one free from worry.

Ask Him to keep us safe from this insidious threat.

Ask Him for peace.

Ask Him for forgiveness.

Ask Him for His eternal love.

Ask Him to come quickly,

for He is our only hope.

 

 

 

 

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ANGER AND RAGE AND HATE, OH MY!

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He tells it like it is and even though he’s not the average politician, he’s followed by those who have held their anger with the government within.  They yearn for new leadership without the ties to an overly corrupt body of administrators.  Still he has been involved in some questionable ventures and comes off as the neighborhood bully.

She screams for assistance for the poor and needy, yet her lies have jaded her over the past administration.  She continues to be investigated by the FBI and still  is allowed to run for president of the United States. Her husband’s administration was filled with lies and scandal.  Are we in for more of the same?

Our streets are filled with young people who haven’t had the benefit of learning how to respect authority , but they’re given more opportunities than the average guy.  They don’t respect parents, teachers, law enforcement, fellow men – nobody, because they have never been taught.  Now the protectors of the people have become the criminals.

Our classrooms are becoming unmanageable, because teachers’ hands are tied.  They’re not allowed to discipline, because these youngsters’ feelings will be hurt. When parents are confronted about bad behavior, they defend the child and say it was the teacher’s fault. Instead of turning to their family for encouragement, they’re being swept up by gangs or recruited by terrorists.

Terrorists roam in every part of the world.  Their insidious desire to be of value to anyone turns them into walking time bombs – hoping to go to heaven for the sake of their god.  They have invaded our neighborhoods, our schools, our workplace and our communities.  Terror is alive and well everywhere..

Churches fall away from the truth of God’s inspired Word – the Bible – and turn to “feel good” churches that refuse to mention the word sin. The devil loves to get into our churches and do his dirty work.

We are becoming a nation of political correctness and tolerance for just about any kind of behavior.  In an effort to be kind, we are giving up our own rights.

I am a sinner.  I know that I was born a sinner.  I will continue to sin against God until  I take my last breath.  I may look like any other nice, old lady, but I get angry.  I struggle over the state of our world.  I hate it when I hear about abortion and the possibility of ending life of those who prefer to die.  My temper flares when I see others being taken advantage of.  I get out of control when I see or hear about children being abused in any way. I long for the day of judgment, but I still fear the result, because I am a sinner.

A while back there was new guy in town who captivated his audience.  He was the current rock star – yet truly politically correct – willing to do anything for his fellow man.  The people adored him, yet only a few days after they honored him with a parade, they were shouting insults at him, spitting on him, throwing rocks at him.

When we get wrapped up in our own problems – when the world seems like it’s got to end right now – when anger and rage and hate fill every corner of our existence – when we feel like there’s no hope – an innocent, willing servant  comes to us.  His mission was to buy us back – to save and forgive us from all shame and guilt – to wash us clean so that God would finally accept us as His children.

This is our only hope in times like this.  God loves us in spite of our anger, hate and rage and He has everything under control.  Even the yucky stuff!

For further comfort read Psalm 91.

 

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I AM

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Original mural painted on wall of our Christian elementary and Middle School in Golden Valley, MN by Paul T. Boecher©

Jesus told us, through His writer John, who he was.  He was sent to earth to fulfill a promise made to man in the Garden of Eden.  He would crush the serpent and the serpent would in turn bruise Him.  He would also provide for our earthly and spiritual needs. He suffered great humiliation as He walked the earth as a man, but He never lost sight of His mission.  He came to save the world from the guilt of sin.

By His wounds we are healed.

He also tells us this, “Before Abraham was born, I am.”  He is, He was and He always will be.  Jesus existed at the beginning of time as part of the trinity of God.

“I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me shall not hunger.” John 6:35

“I am the light of the world; he who fallows Me shall not walk in the darkness, but shall have the light of life.” John 8:12    

“I am the gate; if anyone enters through Me, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.” John 10:9                        

 “I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for His sheep.” John 10:11

“I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me shall live even if he dies.” John 11:25

“I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me.” John 14:6                          

“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.” John 15:1                             

 

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MY LORD, MY KING

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Original art by Paul T. Boecher©

 

You are my Lord and King. Without you I am lost.

My praise to you I bring, for paying the great cost.

You died upon the cross to save a wretch like me.

You suffered pain and loss upon that dreadful tree,

You gave your life for me, and others who believe.

You died to set me free. Your truth I’ll never leave.

Help me to mirror you; to walk within your light;

To share all that you do – your power and your might.

You’ve given me your Word – a manual for my life.

With it I now have heard the answers for my strife.

Prepare my heart for you. Let me your servant be.

May everything I do reflect your love for me.

KATHY BOECHER©

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TRIUMPHAL ENTRY

  
He knew it would be there waiting for Him when He sent the disciples to  find it – the foal of a donkey, never ridden by any human body.  Imagine that donkey’s reaction when they placed the blankets on his back.  Imagine his consternation when Jesus sat upon Him, but there was no  rage, no anger, no resistance – Jesus had complete charge over the animal and nothing would stop Him.

Why this humble beast of burden?  Why not a majestic white stallion for this King of Kings?  He was worthy of only the best, but the donkey was more than a beast of burden. When kings entered a city during time of war it was customary to enter on a horse.  When it was a time of peace, they would appear on  a lowly donkey.  Here was the Prince of Peace – the One for who they laid palm branches and their cloaks and shouted, “Hosanna!”

The Pharasees in the crowd told Jesus to put a stop to this at once, but Jesus told them if He asked the people to stop, the rocks would sing out in praise to Him.  There was nothing that could be done to stop it.

He knew from the beginning what the plan was for His life.  He knew the outcome would cause pain and suffering.  He realized that He would be the sin bearer for the entire world.  He later would anguish in prayer as He sweat droplets of blood fell on his face.   He knew He had to die to bring this about, but nothing would stop Jesus.

He entered Jerusalem as a triumphal King – he suffered and died – He rose from death on the third day and He will come again to judge the world, because nothing can stop Jesus! HOSANNA!

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Happy Anniversary to me!

Two years ago I started this whole logging experience.  It really has been a blessing for me because it’s gotten me into my Bible and allowed me to share God’s love for me and all sinners like me.  Sometimes I think about quitting, because it is so time consuming, but then someone pushes me forward.  It is an uphill battle especially on days when I feel it’s fruitless, but then I remember that I’m not changing hearts.  Only God can do that.  So with Him at the helm, I guess you’ll have to put up with me for a little longer.  Thanks to all of you!

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THE TOMB

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According to Jewish custom, burial of the dead had to take place on the same day of death.  His body had been turned over to Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus.  The women followed and watched as Jesus was carried to the freshly carved tombed and witnessed the burial.

It was a tomb fit for a wealthy man, yet He had no home to call His own.  He was tended to by His wealthy followers – members of the Sanhedrin.  His body was washed and anointed with oil and, as was the custom, His matted hair would be trimmed and washed.  The tightly woven Linen cloth covered His torn, smitten, lifeless body as He was placed upon His final resting place – cloth reserved for only the rich.  75 pounds of nard was placed within the cloths which covered Him.  It was a burial worthy of the Prince of Peace.

The tomb was cut out of rock – hewn right from the stone walls which surrounded it.  A stone was placed over the entrance and sealed with a Roman seal to protect it from entrance.  It was also done to end this Jesus mania that had spread over the countryside, but there was no stopping this movement.  It wasn’t man instigated.  It was the fulfillment of God’s promise to humanity.  Jesus had given His life for the sins of the world.

“And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.” Isaiah 53:9

On the third day, the burial cloths were all that remained.  Jesus was alive again!

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HIDDEN

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Original Art by Paul T. Boecher©

As hard as we may try, we cannot hide from God’s eyes.  He knows our every sin, our every need, our every desire.  He knows the outer shell that He created when our parents joined together.  He knew every intricacy within, because He drew up the design.  He knew that we would stumble and fall and He provided an answer to support us during those times.  He knew that no sacrifice on our part would ever wash away our transgression, so He became flesh and took our place.  We may try, but our true colors are always open to God, but when we believe in His everlasting love and promise, we are guaranteed a wide open place in heaven, where we will be the perfect creatures He intended us to be.

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REDEMPTION

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Original art by Paul T. Boecher©

 

Through the cobwebs of existence – through the darkness of our strife –

Through the dankness of our sinfulness and wickedness of life

Through the deepest, darkest pits of hell and the helplessness we feel –

Comes a single beam of light from heaven our sinful hearts to heal.

The light grows stronger as we move to get a closer glance,

But as we reach to touch it, we’re enveloped in a trance.

It’s just within our reach we think, but no matter how we try,

We can’t escape the darkness that consumes us from all sides.

Just when we think that all is lost and relinquish every hope,

The light erases darkness and through it we can cope.

This little light from Bethlehem became a brilliant Star

That came to earth to save the world from sin’s most deadly scar.

He came in darkness of the night, but His brilliance cannot hide.

We are redeemed by His great might.  Hes always at our side.

KATHY BOECHER©

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THE CURSE OF THE CROSS

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Many years ago, a group of our church members were putting the finishing touches on our newly built sanctuary.  My husband had the honor of constructing the cross which would be placed at the front.  It was made of railroad ties and special handcrafted iron spikes where the hands and feet would be.  He worked on the cross for many hours, creating a piece that represented the horrible death of our Savior, Jesus, Christ.

When it came time to transport the large cross, it was placed in tw0 pieces on a school bus and once there would be assembled and raised to it’s resting place with pulleys and manpower.  It was not an easy task raising that rugged cross. With an extra prayer and God’s immediate answer, the cross was pushed into place.  It still stands as a reminder of the power and love of God.

Roman crucifixion was considered to be the most painful, disgraceful and horrific forms of torture.  The hands and feet were bound and nailed to the cross. The pain was excruciating.  There was strain on the wrists,, shoulders and arms.  The rib cage was in such a position that it would be difficult to take a full breath. 

Because of dehydration and difficulty breathing, there would be extreme cramping of the legs.  The length of time required to die could range from hours to a number of days, depending on the condition of the victim before he was placed on the cross.  Our Lord suffered extreme beating prior to His time on the cross. 

The final cause of death would be lack of oxygen going to the brain, shock and unconsciousness or asphyxiation.  This type of punishment was reserved for the worse criminals and would also serve as a reminder of the authority of the Roman Empire.

Jesus died to take our place, so that the curse of the law would be taken away.  He died so we could live eternally.  Praise be to God for giving us the victory over death.

 

 

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TAKE HIS HAND

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Original art by Paul T. Boecher©

When the way is cluttered with the fog of uncertainty, take his hand.

His hands are open to the world.  He reaches out to heal.
He touches and His will is done.  He knows just how we feel.
He took on human flesh to be the perfect sacrifice –
The pure and spotless Lamb of God would pay the needed price.
We walk with Him in confidence.  We know He’s ©always there
To wipe away our sadness and tend to every care.
So reach out to the Savior, the sinless. Son of God.
Prepare your hearts to meet Him as on this earth we trod.
And when our final hour has come and new life takes its place,
We know He’ll be there waiting to meet us face to face.

KATHY BOECHER©

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WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

Original art by Paul Boecher© – acrylic on Masonite board  
   

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THE CENTURION

  
I was simply following orders.  I’d done this many times before, but this was different.  Now an innocent man, stood before an angry mob who demanded His death.

As I raised the lash for the last time, He was nothing but a mass of torn flesh.  Each slap across His writhing body was accepted willingly.  Any other person would be near death by this time, but He endured more than His share of punishment.

One of my fellow soldiers wove a crown of thorns to press into the man’s head.  Another covered His bloodied shoulders with a cloth made of purple.  They mocked Him as the King of the Jews.  Later they would cast lots over His garments.

I was the one who pierced His hands and feet.  It was the way Rome carried out corporal punishment.  It turned me inside out, but it was my job.  As each hammer  blow crushed through muscle and tendon, He looked at me with eyes that would continue to haunt me for the rest of my life.

That glance was one filled with utter pain, yet it also held an appearance of mercy.  It was as if He knew this wasn’t my choice.  Without speaking a word, I knew He wasn’t blaming me – He was forgiving me.

I watched as He suffered on the cross. I heard the words He spoke – words that made no sense at the time.  The crowd dwindled to only a few when He took His last breath. The sky filled with a darkness uncommon for that time of the day and the earth shook.  I saw two men carry His body away to be buried as a small group followed.  

My mind was cluttered with feelings I had never before experienced.  I didn’t know this man and still felt a connection to Him.  His eyes – so filled with compassion for me as He suffered.  

I carried out my orders.  The man was dead and I would never be the same again.  

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BARABBAS

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It was another time, another place, but much like our world today.  Rome had invaded Judaea and Jerusalem had become nearly unrecognizable.  Some of the change was good.  There were new roads, grand buildings, protection from a mighty army.  Being the temple city of Jerusalem, it also became a huge center for trade, export and prosperity that had never been seen before.  On the other hand, it meant domination once more for the Jews.

They could continue to worship the way they had, but had to be obedient to the Roman Empire.  Political tensions were rising.  Some of the people were satisfied with their new found wealth and success while others were sick of being held captive by this ever growing empire.  It meant paying heavy taxes, the influx of new religions, following rules that were new to them.  Many of the citizens lived in poverty while others basked in wealth.

Usually when there’s political unrest, it isn’t uncommon for one faction of the population to rebel.  Barabbas was one of those involved in the insurrection during the time of Jesus.  He was more than just a political activist however.  His crimes included murder and he was imprisoned because of it.  There’s no way of knowing what his reaction to this event was, but we can speculate that he was relieved to have his life spared.

It was the custom to release a prisoner during Passover and Barabbas was the one the people cried out for.  A convicted murderer would be released and replaced by the sinless Son of God and Savior of the world.

Jesus’ blood would be demanded by the people.  They may not have known it, but they were in fact offering the final sacrifice to God – the Lamb without blemish that would make full atonement for the sins of all people.

 

 

 

 

 

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HE TAKES MY HAND

 

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Original art by Paul T. Boecher©

His hands are open to the world.  He reaches out to heal.
He touches and His will is done.  He knows just how we feel.
He took on human flesh to be the perfect sacrifice –
The pure and spotless Lamb of God would pay the needed price.
We walk with Him in confidence.  We know He’s always there
To wipe away our sadness and tend to every care.
So reach out to the Savior, the sinless. Son of God.
Prepare your hearts to meet Him as on this earth we trod.
And when our final hour has come and new life takes its place,
We know He’ll be there waiting to meet us face to face.

KATHY BOECHER©

 

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WHAT TIME IS IT.

There’s something about losing an hour that completely throws me off. You’d think I’d be happy for the extra few minutes of sunshine and delighted that it will stay dark until 7 AM, but for me, daily savings time is just another way of confusing this old mind of mine. I went to bed at 8:30 last night, which was really 7:30. I rose at 3:30 this AM which is really 2:30. I really tried to go back to sleep, but my mind just kept swimming with ideas and things that I needed to get done. I tossed and turned and finally gave in at 5 AM. I am now wide awake and I know I’ll be ready for a nap at 9 AM.
What happens to that hour that we lose every spring? How can you just wipe sixty minutes out of your life? Is it because it happens when we’re sleeping that we don’t notice it, or is it just meant to throw us into a state of confusion?
It seems to me that when God created time, He didn’t want people messing with it. He wants us to use every second wisely. Losing that hour might be traumatic for some of us – bothersome for others – and a downright waste of time.
OK enough complaining. I have things to do. Times a wasting!

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THE SCOURGE

 

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39 lashes was the limit.  More than that would have probably caused death.  The object of lashing was to inflict severe pain and humiliation.  It was part of the ritual of crucifixion – a means to cause the criminal harm and set him up for the mockery from an angry crowd that would follow him to the cross outside the city.  In Jesus’ case, He was beaten to a bloody mass of flesh – well beyond 39 lashes.

The Roman scourge was a short whip consisting of several sindividual leather thongs, filled with small iron balls and shards of glass or bone.  The iron balls would cause deep bruising and the glass and bone would cut the skin and underlying tissue.  As the beating continued, the flesh weakened and the scourge cut through muscle tissue and resulted in extreme pain and blood loss.

Jesus endured the beatings.  It was Pilate’s way of dealing with this man and the crowd of angry Jews.  It was also God’s fulfillment of the prophesy of old.

Isaiah 53:4-5 Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.

Scourging could lead to considerable blood loss as well as a drop in blood pressure, pre-shock condition and possible organ failure. After the beating, the condemned would be thrown to the ground where the body would endure even more pain and contamination.  The open wounds would become infected and infested with flies and other insects.  To add to this, there was the dreadful walk to Calvary where He would be transfixed to the cross and exposed to even more pain.

He did this willingly, like a lamb led to the slaughter – an innocent, unblemished lamb of God who came to take away the sin of the world.  By His wounds we are healed.

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