Wisdom

Psalm 32:8 – I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. 

Seeking wisdom should be a part of life. Wisdom should be sought when making decisions for a lifetime partner, parenting wisdom (from newborns through school days) teens, their wedding plans, etc. Wisdom is so important for guidance. Of course, there’s an assortment of classes, counseling, and generational pass-downs of valuable experience. Wisdom is also needed during times of crisis and when under financial pressure.

Where do we find such wisdom?

James 1:5 says: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” 

So why do we allow ourselves to stress out, panic, or worry in times like this? How often do we seek wisdom from the Lord?

In the early years of my marriage, I used to stress over every minor crisis, especially when my husband was interstate with work or on a course where I couldn’t contact him. When it came to a serious dilemma, I was panic-stricken. It took sheer willpower to seek wisdom through His word and be strengthened by His truths. By seeking wisdom when a situation arose, I could take my concerns immediately to the Lord in prayer.

The next time there’s a crisis or situation that requires wisdom, pray and seek out God’s wisdom in your circumstances. Through His Word and prayer, He will guide you through.

Father, show us wisdom in all situations that arise in our day-to-day lives. Teach us to trust you, seek out insights through your word, and prompt us to pray through every crisis. Strengthen us so we may stand firm when things happen that need your wisdom to see us through.  Amen.

 © Chrissy Siggee 

Scripture Verses used are from the New International Version of the Bible

Archived in: 🦋 Christian Reads

Wait!

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him Psalm 37:7a 

When an answer to prayer is not quick in coming, we often find ourselves focusing on the prayer itself and on the answer we desire to that prayer. While we know it’s well to be positive, and we know God will answer in His time, we need to wait on Him, the one who meets all our needs—and He’s never late.

It’s while we wait that we need to keep our eyes fixed on the Lord, study His Word, and find instruction, comfort, and encouragement. We need to trust Him and know that He can and will do what He considers best for His children.

There’s one thing I have learned through waiting; it gives me the opportunity to give God the glory for an unwavering assurance that He has all things under control. Everything is in His hands and there is a time for everything.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 says: There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens. Verse 11 – He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. (NIV)

Wait in hope, perseverance, patience, and joy because His grace is sufficient for me.

Father, help us to be patient with answers to prayer. Keep our eyes fixed on You knowing all things will come to pass in Your perfect timing. Amen

© Chrissy Siggee

Scripture Verses used are from the New International Version of the Bible

Archived in: 🦋 Christian Reads

Close of Day

silence captures a moment in time—

                  an owl sounds the close of day,

a hush falls over the darkening sky

                  and the world closes its eyes to sleep.

© Chrissy Siggee

From my book:   Glimpses of His Glory

Under Copyright: https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/catalog/4537869

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Archived in: 🦋 Christian Reads

Afraid?

Isaiah 41:10 says: So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. 

Are you afraid of anything or someone? I’m afraid of answering machines. You know, when you are all ready to speak to someone over the phone and suddenly you’re listening to a recorded voice that says something like: Please leave a short message and we’ll get back to you.

Your fear may be going to the dentist, speaking in front of an audience, or even the fear of spiders. Mmm…I have to admit I don’t like spiders. Whatever your fear is, we all have experienced times in our lives when we are afraid.

Today’s Bible verse gives us some hope when it comes to fear. It tells us to “not be afraid”. We don’t have to be afraid because we have a hope that others do not have. We know that God will strengthen us and help us in each situation that we face.

Our Father knows the future and the past and has boundless amounts of wisdom to help us in even the most difficult of times. God is on our side and He is always walking with us and through any situation that we might face we can see why He tells us to not be afraid. God won’t let us down, so we have no reason to be afraid.

Simple? No not at all but when you come face to face with your fear, remember that our Father is always with us.

 Father, we thank you that you are with us even in times we have to face our fears. Help us to remember the words of promise that You are our God and that You will strengthen us and help us. Amen

© Chrissy Siggee

Scripture Verses used are from the New International Version of the Bible

Archived in: 🦋 Christian Reads

Unborn Dreams

There isn’t time to change her mind 
They told my mother lies,
Restricted by these clamps that bind 
I hear her inward cries. 

There isn’t room to shift and squirm 
Please take that thing away,
I was made to grow full-term
My hope you did betray. 

Before I formed you in the womb, 
I knew you…

There isn’t time to understand 
No time to move aside,
Save me from this glove-swathed hand
I need a place to hide. 

There’s no time to shun the tomb 
This fear has taken hold,
My heart beats strong within her womb 
I’ve never felt so cold. 

I will never leave nor forsake you, 
Don’t be afraid… 

There isn’t time to know my name
My face she will not see,
All I feel is my mother’s shame 
My life will never be. 

There isn’t even time to cry 
All I can do is pray, 
No! I do not want to die
Please just go away. 

When you walk through the valley,
Fear no evil… 

There isn’t time to hug you, Mum 
Or look upon your face,
Listen to you sing or hum 
And know your true embrace. 

I’ll never walk upon the earth 
It’s time to say goodbye,
This wasn’t meant to be my birth
Mother…it’s time for me to die. 

I have called you by name,

Take my hand…

© Chrissy Siggee

Archived in: 🦋 Christian Reads

Humility

Matthew 18:4 –  Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. (NIV)

Humility speaks to me of meekness and being humble. I often think I’m not as humble as I ought, yet humility is a requirement of our faith.

I have seen the way the Lord works in the lives of those who show humility in what they do and say and, quite often, how they demonstrate their kindness to those around them. I see the rewards of their actions and the gentleness they demonstrate in their everyday lives. In whatever they do, their actions speak the humility they possess.

I’ve also witnessed the fall of the arrogant and proud.  Too many successful leaders fall because of pride. They allow success to be their ambition rather than Christ their goal.  They begin to believe in their own ability rather than Christ’s through them.

So how do we keep a balance?

Without Christ we are nothing and because we have Christ in our lives, we have worth and purpose. There is nothing wrong with feeling good about what Christ has done for us but we need to realize he doesn’t make us great.

Be willing to live the success that God has given us through humble acknowledgment of the source.

Father, show us how humility can speak through us by our actions. Help us to live humbly and to your purpose and keep from being proud and haughty, but demonstrate the true source of our abilities. Amen.

© Chrissy Siggee  

Scripture Verses used are from the New International Version of the Bible

Archived in: 🦋 Christian Reads

Courage

Psalm 27:14 says: “Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.”

Philippians 4:12: “I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: everywhere and in all things, I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.”

Are there times in your life when you have felt overwhelmed by pain, tiredness or just with the busyness of life itself? 

There have been times in my life when I felt overwhelmed. My health issues often cause physical pain and tiredness. I also feel the pain family and dear friends go through. It’s something that’s part of me and I can’t change it. 

Father, I am weak but you are strong. Through the struggles of day-to-day busyness, pain, and weariness, I look to you for the courage to go on. Help me to do what I need to do in your strength. Amen

© Chrissy Siggee

Scripture Verses used are from the New International Version of the Bible

Archived in: 🦋 Christian Reads

Guidance

James 1:5-7 “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.”

God has promised to give us guidance but many of us have trouble finding God’s guidance. We want to be sure that we are in God’s will and we don’t want to take the wrong path.

If you are confused about the issue of guidance and God’s will for you, you need to know that satan’s intention is to confuse Christ’s followers about guidance and God’s will. Satan has been a liar and a cheat from the very beginning and he doesn’t want any of us to find God’s perfect plan for our lives.

But if you have made wrong decisions in your life you need to also know that you aren’t the only one. The Son of God can set us free. He can break through into realms of confusion and set us back on the right track again. Trust the Father to guide.

Are there great flashes from heaven to point to where you can visually see His divine will for your life? Most likely not, but it’s important that as children of God, we know how God guides. You must know how to discern God’s will.

God’s guidance is always obvious. You might have to wait for a time for it to become clear, but when it comes, it’s always clear.

1 John 1:5 says “This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.”

If God is light, then in Him there is no darkness. God’s guidance will never be vague.

The first thing you need to do to find guidance in God’s will is to already have an obedient heart. Whatever God reveals it will also be at a price; a cost to your very life and will.

If you want to know God’s will, and have God’s will revealed to you, then be prepared to obey God. God is not going to reveal His will to anyone if disobedience is in their lives because they won’t be obedient to the guidance He will give. Obey and take up your cross and follow Him – daily. You’ll not only anticipate guidance, you’ll see it – God will lead you clearly into the plan for your life.

Thank you, Father,  for your divine guidance in our lives. We are sometimes confused by what life throws at us but help us to continue to seek you through Your Word so our trust in you may be strengthened. Amen

© Chrissy Siggee

Scripture Verses used are from the New International Version of the Bible

Archived in: 🦋 Christian Reads

Forgiveness

Colossians 3:13 ESV says: Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.

Has someone hurt you so badly that every time you hear their name or see them, your throat becomes tight and tears threaten?

Forgiving someone is not always an easy thing to do, especially when the hurt comes from someone you least expected. Someone perhaps that you trusted or respected. We need to work through this kind of hurt and allow God to release His love within us. Yes, we can forgive, and the hurt can still linger. Just when we think we’re okay, small subtle things, not noticed by others, can rip us apart all over again.

As simple as it sounds, walking away if not always possible when the source cannot be avoided. It could be a family member, someone you work with or even a church elder, yet we need to consciously prayer for those who hurt us.

Do we have friends who want to step in for us, or loved ones who want to rescue us? Ask them for prayer support. Ask them to pray that you can commit to forgiveness.

Once while praying in a similar situation an image formed in my mind. Jesus was holding a heart in the palm of his hands. Hurts and fears spilled out of the heart. This was not my heart but of the one I was praying for; the one who had caused my own hurt. This person was going through a far greater pain.

Sure, we do not deserve the hurt we feel just because of your accuser’s actions. And yes, rumours and untruths can be more damaging than the instigator could ever imagine. Nonetheless, we must forgive them. Sadly, in some instances, the truth may never be revealed.

Be prayerful of those who continue to cause hurt to you. They may never know how wrong they were about you but it doesn’t matter in the eyes of the Father, we need to pray for our enemies and be confidence that forgiveness will reign in your heart and theirs too.

Father, in your love, help us to forgive others even when others will not forgive. Continue to hold the heart of those who hurt us and lead them to a closer relationship with you so they may know your grace and healing, as we will. Amen.

© Chrissy Siggee

Scripture Verses used are from the ESV Version of the Bible

Archived in: 🦋 Christian Reads

The Vine

My hope is boundless, by His love –
A Love that healed my broken dreams.
Touched by expressions of the cross
I’m confident He’s made me whole.

His grace complete, I’m full of joy –
A Joy that springs from sorrows past.
As far as east is from the west,
I count upon my Savior’s grace.

“Your faith has saved you, go in peace…”
A Peace transformed from inward strife –
Flows as a river through my soul.
I’m confident my heart’s restored.

Let me trust you, give me patience –
A Patience that will change my day.
Perseverance is my weakness,
In Christ alone, I find my strength.

Mercies flow with gentleness –
A Gentleness that soothes my heart.
There’s no other so meek and mild,
I’m confident His mercies flow.

His heart overflows with goodness –
A Goodness flowing with His tears;
From helplessness He saved my soul
What a comfort He brings to me.

Willing to trust him, I have faith –
A Faith that comes in knowing Him.
With little faith I do possess,
I’m confident it’s all I need.

My Shepherd leads, with meekness –
A Meekness that gently shows me.
He seeks the lost and holds them close
His wayward lambs are guided home.

My daily struggle, self-control –
A Self Control to get me through.
He gives me courage to endure,
I’m confident in God, my Rock.

Of righteous fruits, I ask in prayer –
A Prayer which my heart desires.
As the Vine brings forth the harvest,
My soul responds with confidence.

© Chrissy Siggee

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
From my book: Glimpses of His Glory

under copyright: https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/catalog/4537869

Archived in: 🦋 Christian Reads

Trust

Hebrews 12:1-3 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he 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 sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Sometimes life finds us in a place where we don’t want to be or in a place we don’t understand. Even lost. Yet God knows why we need to be there and for how long. Saying we trust God is not as easy as actually trusting God.

God supplies all our needs, including friendships. He places people in our lives at different times and through different circumstances. Sometimes relationships put us through hurts and pain and we find it difficult to trust again. Jesus himself had friends turn against him, but he still trusted his heavenly Father. He trusted God no matter the circumstances. Situations change again and again but we need to step out in faith and allow the Lord to close one door so He can open another.

There’s no shame in daring to hope but God’s plan is made for our benefit so His glory can be revealed. Our Lord will never leave us. He will take us and move us forward in a strength; strength we may have thought we had lost. He will supply all our needs, yes, even friends who love without judgement and pray with and for us.

Jeremiah 17:7 says: “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.”

Father, you are always with us and you know our every situation. You know exactly what we need at the very time we need it, and who is needed to guide us through.  You also know when we need to let go and step out in faith, trusting in new a tomorrow, and thank you for opportunities to know true friendships. Amen.

© Chrissy Siggee First Published 2009

Scripture Verses used are from the NIV

Archived in: 🦋 Christian Reads

My One Desire

Words of truth, words so pure,
Gentle words to warm my heart,
Deep desire is to seek His will.

His Spirit fills my deepest needs—
My soul can only dare to hope
My one desire is to seek His will.

Words of hope, words of peace—
A harmony of words to impart
Deep desires to learn His will.

His Spirit knows my every need,
My heart forever will be His own,
My one desire is to do His will.

Words of joy, words of love—
Honest words that won’t depart,
Deep desires to live in His will.

His Spirit will always lead me on,
My life I give to Him alone,
My one desire is to live His will.

Words of praise, words to sing—
Valued expressions of love,
Deep desires to know His will.

His Spirit shares my inner fears,
My mind is centred on Him only,
My one desire is to know His will.

© Chrissy Siggee

Under Copyright: https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/catalog/4537869

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Archived in: 🦋 Christian Reads

Resurrection

1 Corinthians 15:14-22 “And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men.  But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.” (NIV)

Christians worldwide celebrate the resurrection of their Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, on Easter Sunday. Christianity teaches that the author and creator of the faith are alive today. No other religion in the world makes such an amazing claim. Other religions may claim that the “spirit” of their founder lives in his religious teachings, but Christians declare that Jesus Christ lives today — bodily.

True biblical Christianity teaches that Jesus really died AND really rose from the dead – physically. Jesus rose bodily as well as spiritually from the grave. He then appeared alive to a variety of people at many different times over a period of forty days. Christianity further teaches that after these indisputable “physical” appearances, Jesus Christ “physically” left this earth and promised to return “physically” one day.

John 14:1-3 says, “Let not your heart be troubled. Ye believe in God; believe also in Me.  In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto Myself, that where I am, there ye may be also.”

Acts 1:9-12 describes what the disciples saw on the Mount of Olives: “After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. Men of Galilee,’ they said, ‘why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.’ Then they returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day’s walk from the city.” (NIV)

If there was no foundation for the Christian faith, if Jesus Christ did not die on the cross, if He didn’t rise from the dead, then the whole basis of the Christian faith would be — empty.

The Christian faith holds that Jesus was resurrected from the dead bodily, ascended into heaven bodily, lives today in glory in a body, and will someday return to this earth bodily.

1 Corinthians 15:3-8 “For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, he was seen by James; then of all the apostles. And last of all, he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.”

Father, thank you for dying on the cross for us so that we may be saved from eternal death. We praise you this Resurrection day for the faith of the Christian church and the hope of your return. Amen

© Chrissy Siggee 2011

Scripture Verses used are from the New International Version of the Bible

Archived in: 🦋 Christian Reads

My God, My God, Why Hast Thou Forsaken Me?

Both Matthew and Mark recorded these words cried out by Jesus on the cross. These same words occur interestingly enough in the opening verse of the Twenty Second Psalm. Yet neither Matthew nor Mark referred to them as a fulfilment of prophecy and after six hours of agony in body and soul on the cross, this cry escapes from our Saviours lips.

There were not many words spoken by Jesus while he was on the cross. The words He did say are recorded specifically.

His first words were “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do”—-a prayer for pardon.

His second proclamation made was a promise of peace.

“Today you shall be with me in Paradise”

His third decree was one of kindness to and for his mother.

“Woman behold thy son….Son behold thy mother.” 

When the darkness had fallen, three last announcements where uttered. They followed in rapid succession.

“I thirst”

“It is finished

“Father into thy hands I commend my spirit”

Then, there was this cry of sorrow.

“My God, my God, why Hast Thou Forsaken Me?

There is something of extraordinary power and feeling in these words of Jesus on the Cross. This is obvious from the fact that both Matthew and Mark have diligently given the words in the language our Lord used.

Eli Eli, lama Sa-bach-thani”

Nowhere else in Scripture do we find recurrence of these words except in the Twenty Second Psalm. When Jesus cried these words, he was expressing suffering that was never at any other time felt in this world and I believe, never will again.

To the historian, to the poet or to the theologian, the description and the language of these words in Psalms 22 might suggest it could have been either history or prophecy.  However, the context of Psalm 22 is not clear either way.

Matthew and Mark may not have recognised the connection.  However, Jesus, a learned scholar of the Scriptures from a very young age, would have known the Psalms well.  He said many times through out His ministry “it is written”.

To the believer, nevertheless, this cry is a revelation of the deep suffering and anguishes our Saviour bore, and a proof of His infinite love for sinners.

It challenges us, with all the saints, to be strong to understand what is:

“..the length and breadth and height and depth of the love of God”…

Ephesians 3 verses 18 & 19 KJV

If the cross is the fundamental Truth of the New Testament, this cry is the heart of this truth and its inmost expression.  This is the Holy of Holys to the reverent reader of the story of the passion.

© Chrissy Siggee

Archived in: 🦋 Christian Reads

THEY CRUCIFIED MY LORD! – The Poem

Beaten and humiliated,
they led my Lord away
to the mount of death—
He was nailed and hung
on a wooden cross—
Naked and shamed
like a common thief.

They mocked.
They cursed.
They laughed.

Bleeding head hung low,
nails ripped hands and feet
A body slashed and torn—
Blood flowed down
onto the rugged ground—
Pain and dread
etched on His face.

Shame.
Sorrow.
Shunned.

Blamed and disgraced,
all purity discredited
Guilt and sin He bore—
My beautiful Jesus,
You did this for me—
You bled and died
So I could live.

They seized His clothes.
They pierced His side.
They crucified my Lord!

© Chrissy Siggee

Archived in: 🦋 Christian Reads

They Parted His Garments

And when they had crucified him, they parted his garments, casting lots upon them, what every man should take. Mark 15:24

This stripping of Jesus was so appalling that it was referred to in all four Gospels.

Matthew observed that this occurrence was a fulfillment of Psalm 22:18 “They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture.”

Mark also fled naked from the mob in the garden.

Luke 23:34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment and cast lots.

John also refers to the Psalm, as Matthew did, but also gives the most detailed and accurate description of the whole agony of the crucifixion.

The Christ lived in purity and dignity of manhood. Almost all pictures of the crucifixion give us the view of a dignified Jesus. But one gospel records the scene — “They stripped Him,” John said. Naked He came from His mother’s womb, and naked He hangs from a tree.

Adam experienced the shame of nakedness in Eden because of his transgression. So too, the Son of God took our sinful flesh and the shame of our nakedness upon Himself.

I believe there were two elements to the crucifixion; one of the physical and the other of the mental suffering. Jesus was despised and rejected, even by His own friends. He was oppressed by sinners, held in contempt by the soldiers, cursed by men, and stripped of His garments.

His garments. His seamless robe. A garment fit for a king. His clothing wouldn’t have been a beggar’s rags.

But when I read Psalm 93:1 “The LORD reigneth, he is clothed with majesty; the LORD is clothed with strength, wherewith he hath girded himself: the world also is established, that it cannot be moved.” It puts a put a whole new perspective and horror into the story. They parted His garments and cast lots…

© Chrissy Siggee

Scripture Verses used are from the King James Version of the Bible

Archived in: 🦋 Christian Reads

THEY CRUCIFIED MY LORD – The Devotion

Mark 15:25-28: And it was the third hour, and they crucified him. And the superscription of his accusation was written over, THE KING OF THE JEWS. And with him, they crucify two thieves; the one on his right hand, and the other on his left. And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, and he was numbered with the transgressors.

We have read about the cruelty of inhuman treatment of Jesus by the soldiers, servants, and the people, who assembled to witness his beating. Much can be said again about the unwarranted punishment our Lord received prior to His crucifixion. We have also read and heard repeatedly of the death of Christ. Many of us have seen the “Passion of the Christ” movie. Without playing down the significance of the crucifixion itself in any way, let’s move on to the mysteries of His death.

The message of the cross is indeed a mystery. The message can be learned through the Scriptures, movies, and witnessing. Prophecies and teachings were recorded throughout the Old Testament; including the Psalms.

‘I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; That in everything ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.’ 1 Corinthians 1:4-10

Yet…it’s not only that we see in the death of Jesus the highest demonstration of God’s love, but also of His infinite sorrow and compassion. “But as far as the east is from the west, so shall he remove our sin”. (paraphrased) Not even an earthly father can pay the penalty of his child’s transgression, nor can any man pay the price of the sin of another.

When Paul speaks of the suffering of Jesus on the cross, he deals with facts so awe-inspiring that he calls them: “the depths of God”. (1 Corinthians 2:10) These mysteries are so deep that they are unfathomable of all human thinking – even more unfathomable as the deepest, unreachable, bottomless ocean. This act of love is beyond measure. But, by His Holy Spirit, God reveals it to even the youngest of children, the simplest-minded, and the uneducated. His love for us is infinite. Although we cannot understand these mysteries, we thank Him with absolute gratefulness and humility.

My hope, my strength, my redeemer, my God, my King, and my all…they crucified my Lord.

© Chrissy Siggee

Archived in: 🦋 Christian Reads

A Hill With A View

A blazing sun reaches its peak with the rising noonday heat—
The din from the emerging crowd ascends the hill like a surging tide.
The sound of mournful weeping mingles with the soldiers mocking feat
Cheers and jeers rise and fall while casting lots for his clothes to divide.

Embedded thorns gripped his brow to expose the bleeding flesh beneath
The blood-smeared stripes elongated the contorted flesh upon his back.
With all the cruelty of the day, his painful bones scream out for relief—
And, his wounded body echoes with memories that won’t distract.

Darkness falls.
The crowd flees.
Fear strikes.
A voice cries out.

Eloi, Eloi lama sabachthani?‘  (Matthew 27:46 NIV)

The earth shakes.
The tremor spreads.
Tombs split open.
Lives come forth.

‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’ (Matthew 27:46 NIV)

Head hangs low,
All strength is gone.
The weight of sin
On a cross of shame.

There was no other good enough to go through this place of shame,
He went to the cross, our sins to forgive and evil to defeat.
It was Christ’s blood alone that covered all my guilt and blame—
The scars I left will forever remain imprinted on his hands and feet.

No sight will you find as precious as my Saviour saw today,
for this hill with a view revealed more than a price one man paid.
But the wonder of the sacrifice made; so lost souls can be saved—
Rejoice with me my child because this too, is the day the Lord has made.

‘Father into your hands I commit my spirit‘  (Luke 23:46 NIV)

Guards terrified
at the scene.
Surely He was
the Son of God.

© Chrissy Siggee

Based on the Gospel of Matthew Chapter 27 verses 32 to 54 (NIV)

Archived in: Christian Reads

Strength

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. – Ephesians 6:10 (NIV)

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. – Ephesians 6:10 (KJV)

One verse, two translations. I like them both and couldn’t decide which to use, so I’ll use both. It’s a powerful way to bring to a close the book of Ephesians. It’s also a letter addressed to a church. If you ever get the chance to read the six chapters, it’s worth the read.

If you remember anything from reading Ephesians this is the ‘above all else’ verse. The Lord, the one above all else, the creator of our world who gently placed every star in place, delights in you. He delights in me. He is strong and mighty but also gentle and faithful. Always.

Don’t think for a moment longer that He doesn’t care about you, because He truly does. Take a moment to take that in… Read more of the Bible and seek out the strength of this truth. Find a Christian author who has written of their experiences in this truth and listen to the words of Christian music that express this truth. In His presence, you will find strength.

Father, thank You for the strength You pour out to us through Your Word, through the inspiration of others, and through Your Truth in music that is so freely available to us. Help us to be strong in Your power and might. Amen

Chrissy Siggee

Scripture Verses used are from the New International and the King James Versions of the Bible

Archived in: 🦋 Christian Reads

Nowhere

From the Archives:

To the cross You went to die for me,
For every sin, You carried them all;
The heaviness and shame You paid the fee—
Father, forgive them, You did call.

– Nowhere will I find a friend so true.

At the cross I laid my burdens down,
For all the wrongs You heard my plea;
The trauma and burden weighed You down—
You shed Your blood for all to see.

 – Nowhere will I find a friend so real.

On the cross You took my faults,
For each and every guilt and pain;
The sadness and despair came with assaults—
This bitterness of sin, full of strain.

– Nowhere will I find a friend who loved.

From the cross you paid for it all,
For my life alone I know You would give;
The man of sorrows, a death cruel and brutal—
Your life you gave so I could live.

– Nowhere will I find a friend like You.

© Chrissy Siggee

Under Copyright: https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/catalog/4537869

From my book: Glimpses of His Glory

Archived in: 🦋 Christian Reads

Why?

Why?

Why is life like the ebbing tide?

The ebb of tides is never-ending…

Devastation can come in one huge wave

Or glide you gently into the shore.

 

Why is life like the shining sun?

Its radiance never ceases to glow…

Harsh heat often sets the earth ablaze

Or softly warms us on a winter’s day.

 

Why is life like the lilies of the field?

They stand so tall in their Sunday best…

Winter winds causes them to tilt and bend

Or makes them dance in a summers breeze.

 

Why is life like a shooting star?

Sometimes you see it, sometimes not…

Leaving a trail of light across the evening sky

Or gone in an instant, to be no more.

© Chrissy Siggee

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

From my book: Glimpses of His Glory

under copyright: https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/catalog/4537869

Archived in: 🦋 Christian Reads

Reaching Out

My heart reaches out
with a passion for your love
Your love flows through me
like a river going home.

I stand in awe
at your loveliness
and lift my hands
to praise your name.

My mind reaches out
with a passion for your Word—
Your presence surrounds me
like the vastness of this land.

I stand in awe
at this establishment
and lift my gaze
to see your power.

My hand reaches out
with a passion for your touch—
Your glory lights the way
like a rainbow after the storm.

I stand in awe
of the creator’s design
and lift my head
to worship you.

My soul reaches out
with a passion for your peace—
Your presents overwhelm

like the vastness of the sea.

I stand in awe
at your creation
and lift my eyes—
Lord, I adore you.

© Chrissy Siggee

Under Copyright: https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/catalog/4537869

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Archived in: 🦋 Christian Reads

Sins of the Fathers

Today’s Thoughts

All sins, including the generational consequences often referred to as the “sins of the fathers” (Exodus 20:5), were paid for and forgiven through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross.

Did you know while the results of generational sins might persist, the spiritual guilt and curse are broken for those who turn to Christ. The cross provided us with His grace so the guilt and the cycle of generational sin is broken.

By accepting the cross, we are forgiven, and the record of sin is removed, leading to a state of “no condemnation”.

While some Christians feel the need to judge those who are already forgiven, I believe that Salvation is a gift of God’s grace received through faith, “not earned by personal works” or by human judgmental intimidation.

Just my thoughts.

– Chrissy

Archived in: Christian Reads