My Brother and High Priest

This is an amazing thought.

My Lord Jesus became like me in EVERY respect, so He could empathize with my temptations and weaknesses.

Whether I am tempted to give up or give in, I have the assurance my Jesus was there before I was.

Hebrews 2:17-18

Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

Propitiation is a big word that means a sacrifice that satisfies what God's character requires.

God is holy. God requires holiness from His children.
God is love. God requires agape love from His children.
God is truth. God requires honesty and integrity from His children.
God is just. God requires His children to be just.

This is impossible....apart from the atoning blood of Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:21 says, " For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."

Jesus took our sin and gave us His righteousness.

The burden of sin is gone. Praise be to God. I have a High Priest who intercedes on my behalf. I have a Brother who calls me friend.

The Thanksgiving Tree

So, you may say it is a little early to start thinking about Thanksgiving. I say, "Having children in the house, every day is an opportunity to talk about thanksgiving." Contentment and selflessness are always subjects being discussed at the Ponderosa. These things do not come naturally. These character qualities take hard work to instill; many times I'm looking in the mirror as I exhort my children in these areas. Every year around this time, I imagine spending all my "spare" time doing beautiful fall crafts with my children, helping them to focus on the themes of harvest, plenty and thanksgiving. Every year, I fall short. So this year, we are starting a bit early. I encourage each of you moms out there to plan ahead and come up with a creative way to inspire your children to tackle the heart of Thanksgiving. We are making a Thanksgiving Tree that we will add leaves to each day with the many things we have to be thankful for. As my children add their individual leaves I will post them here. I would love for you to write or leave a comment about what you have chosen to do this season to celebrate the gift of gratefulness.

"Mrs. Cartwright"- my wonderful hubby

"Little Joe"- The Bible

"Marie"- my sister

"Inger"- God