I Don’t Wanna Just be Saved. I Wanna be Redeemed!
Okay. Now that you’ve been educated on how it all worked, let’s get on with this week’s message.
Over the course of the last couple of months or so, I’ve seen a handful of social media posts about people finding books filled with trading stamps while going through their parents’ or grandparents’ tucked-away treasures. And a couple of weeks ago, while one of my daughters and I were on the hunt for a couple of things at some antique malls, I found not one…not two…but three booths with books of S&H stamps. And one booth with a cigar box stuffed full of them.
But for what, I ask! They are of no actual value now. They aren’t good for absolutely anything other than a walk down memory lane.
Since that day, I’ve been thinking a lot about those wasted stamps and how mindful we must be to not end up like them. Because even though somewhere, someone took great care to save those stamps, they got nothing for their efforts. Only if they redeemed them would these people have benefitted from their true value and worth.
The same is true when it comes to us as God’s children.
When the people asked Peter on the Day of Pentecost, “...what must we do to be saved?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit’” (Acts 2:38 NIV).
That act of being saved is what we do when we realize the need for Christ and understand that the only way to be part of God’s family is to obey the scriptures and be saved through Jesus so that our sins are forgiven and removed…erased…forgotten.
But it’s not enough to just be saved. It’s not enough to sing, “Now I belong to Jesus. Jesus belongs to me….”. You see, Jesus didn’t save any of us to sit around the house or even in a pew (or comfy chair) like a book full of stamps. Waiting for whatever. Nor is it his desire or intention for anyone who has been saved to merely sing about him, read the Bible, and say a few ‘amens’. No, the gift of salvation from God through Jesus is meant to redeem us. To transform us from who we were before, to who he created us to be. That’s right. Salvation’s goal is to redeem us to bring us to our full potential. Like turning stamps into end tables…only better. WAYYYYYYYYYYYY better.
Think about it. Jesus’ last words were words spoken to not just the saved, but to those whose were ready to put their salvation to work. To those whose lives had been redeemed. He said, ‘go’, ‘baptize’, ‘obey’, ‘teach’. In other words, don’t just take this most precious gift and tuck it away. He was telling the apostles (and us) to bring our heart, soul, and mind to God and redeem them for all he created us to do and be.
Fanny Crosby, a woman who wrote many of the hymns we know and love, said it like this…
I think of my blessed Redeemer; I think of Him all the day long. I sing, for I cannot be silent;
His love is the theme of my song. Redeemed, redeemed, redeemed by the blood of the Lamb!
Redeemed, redeemed–His child and forever, I am.
Love,
Momma D
Who am I?
I’m Darla Noble—Author, Speaker, and Ghostwriter with over thirty years of experience. I am known for being a great storyteller, but not merely for the sake of telling a story. The stories I tell are a) true and b) they always have a takeaway, i.e., a life lesson meant to help you be a better version of yourself.
I’m Darla Noble—wife, mom, nanna, and a little ‘oldish’ lady who loves Jesus, her family, playing in the dirt, walking…walking…and more walking, riding bikes, eating popcorn, roast beef, Mexican food, reading, and watching old sitcoms.
What do I write?
Inspirational nonfiction—Christian devotionals, books that spark the creativity in every mom and nanna’s heart, and one that breathes new life into the art of being a good neighbor and reminds you of why it matters.
Historical nonfiction—WWII and family memoirs.
Character Education & Family Fun—Books that use science and scripture to teach positive character, scavenger hunts of all kinds that are both educational and FUN, and write-in journals for tweens and teens.
What do I say and who do I say it to?
*WWII hands-on display and presentation based on “All My Love, George…Letters from a WWII Hero”. The presentation consists of brief reading from the book, an interactive time of Q&A, and time for participants to view and examine a variety of WWII memorabilia including George’s original letters and medals.
*Keepsake In The Making Classes, using the book, “Please Pass the Memories” as inspiration, the class consists of exploring and brainstorming fun, creative, and interesting ways we can use your family’s keepsakes, recipes, photos, stories, and even traditions (YIKES) to bring past, present, and future generations of your family together. Everyone needs and wants to have a sense of who and where they come from, and the Keepsake In The Making Class is the perfect way to do just that!
*Women’s ministry events/conferences/retreats. I offer several programs that are easily adaptable to fit your needs and timeframe. Workshops for each one are optional. Programs offered include: “Jesus and Zinnias Make Me Smile”, “Deuteronomy 6 Parenting”, “Please Pass the Memories:, “Love, Momma D; Getting to the Heart of Parenting From the Heart”, and “Sippin’ Tea With Jesus”. NOTE: I am also happy to speak on a topic/subject matter of your choosing.
*The Nanna Subscription—an easy, but oh, so fun mini-class which equips Nanna, Gma, Granny, Mama, Mimi, or whatever name your grandkids have for you, with EVERYTHING you need to engage and connect with your grandkids on a regular basis. No matter how young or old they are, no matter how many miles separate you, no matter how many grandkids you have, no matter…anything!
*Brighten the Corner Where You Are” is my newest book as well as the focus of an event I offer to individuals, community chambers of commerce, neighborhood organizations, HOAs (Home Owner Association), church groups, and anyone else interested in reviving the art of being a genuine friend and neighbor. Participants will discover (or rediscover) the value of kindness among neighbors, and of having a small circle of people you can count on and who can count on you…no matter what.
*Fun with science and a few illusions, “The Sneaky Banana Lesson (plus 26 more)” is a character education program for ages 5 to 15. This event is engaging, interactive, and overflows with life lessons young people relate to and that will make them want to be a little better and stand a little taller.
*If you don’t think it’s possible to have fun teaching math, science, verbal skills, ordering, rational thinking, and grammar, social skills, and team building, think again! “The Medium-Sized Book of Scavenger Hunts” event gets kids up and about, inside and out, talking and listening, and learning on the sly. This event is fun for classrooms, parties, family events, social gathers, team building, and lots more. Or if you want to make every day extra-special, check out my newest book, "Every Day is Today...." -a book full of special days and ideas on how to celebrate them.
Fees for events vary. For more information, questions, or to book an event, CONTACT ME at dnoblewrites@yahoo.com, on Linkedin (Darla Noble), or on Facebook (Darla Noble).
Where can you find me?
My books are available worldwide via Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or directly from me when you email me at dnoblewrites@yahoo.com. You can also request any title from your favorite brick and mortar bookstore.