Thursday, April 30, 2015

The Words to Eternal Life

     What do we do with Jesus? Many did not know the answer to that question when He walked the earth. Many do not know the answer to that question today. He was and still is mocked. He was and still is tested. Many tried to deny the Words He spoke. Many still do. What do you do with Jesus?

     Many have chosen to turn away. Some disciples were leaving and turning away from Jesus and He asked:

“You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve. Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that You are the Holy One of God.” John 6:67-69

     Jesus reveals Himself to us. Here are His Words and His questions for us. Will you answer as Martha did?

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” “Yes, Lord,” she replied. “I believe that You are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.” John 11:25-27

     What will we do with Jesus?

Lord,
You have the Words to eternal life. You are the resurrection and the life and we will live forever. You are the Messiah, the One that was to come into the world.
Amen


Wednesday, April 29, 2015

The Word Became Flesh

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God.  John 1:1

     Jesus was there from the beginning. Through Him all things were made. And one day, in days past, when the fullness of time had come, Jesus stepped out of eternity and into space and time. He did it for you and me. He walked among us, the One with no sin.

The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.  John 1:14

     The Law of Moses gave us the perfect law. None of us can live it. None of us can obey it. None of us. Not one. But the perfect came. The One and Only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth. He is the Word come to life in the flesh. The Word among us. The Word of life for each one of us. All He asks is for us to believe.

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

Father,
The most beautiful Words ever spoken. The most beautiful gift ever given. Your Son, Jesus.
Amen

/o:p>



Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Sharp and Active

     For the Word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword; it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

     If you are looking for an answer look to the Word of God. The Word has the answers to life. When we look into the Word it becomes a mirror to us and as we grow in faith that image should become more and more Christ-like.

     The Word is a sword. It can penetrate deep in our hearts changing our attitudes and thoughts. It cuts away old wounds and binds them back up with pure healing. Allow God’s Word to work in you today. Let it heal your wounds. Let it change your thoughts. Jesus is the word

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has appointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.  Isaiah 61:1

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-His good, pleasing and perfect will.  Romans 12:2

Jesus,
You have the Words of eternal life. You renew our minds and transform us through the Word. Let the sword of the Spirit protect us and heal us today.
Amen


Monday, April 27, 2015

God-Breathed

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

     Studying, memorizing, meditating on and reading through the Bible will lead you to Christ. The Bible will deepen your relationship with God, show who He is and what He wants for your life. It brings purpose and power and protection and peace.

     Read through the verses above again. ALL Scripture is God-breathed. The deeper you go in the Scripture the more you will see the miraculous. Every number, every name, every jot and tittle of the Word means something. It all ties together and it all points to Jesus.

     Again, looking at the verses above, the Word, teaches, rebukes, corrects and trains us.  I could use all of the above every single day and who better than to train and correct and teach us than our loving Father, His Son Jesus and the Holy Spirit?

     Finally, looking at the verses one more time. The Word does what? It THOROUGHLY equips us for EVERY good work. The Word will fill us with what we need. Dive in a little deeper. Join a Bible-based church. Learn as much as you can from Genesis to Revelation.  It is complete. It gives us the beginning and the end. It shows us Christ.

Jesus,
You are the Word come to life in the flesh. We thank you for the God-breathed inspired Bible that teaches and corrects. Keep us disciplined to read and study the Word every day.

Amen

Friday, April 24, 2015

Love, Power and a Sound Mind

     Are you filled with dread about work, family or a physical ailment? Afraid of what is next in your future? Worried over your job or over-stressed with too much to do? Well…square your shoulders. Take a deep breath. Take another one. And fill yourself with the Holy Spirit. Did God give us a spirit of fear when we were saved?

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7

     You are the temple of the Holy Spirit. He lives within you and will come to your aid throughout the day. Is God’s Spirit one of fear? No, fear and worry are weapons of Satan. Don’t let his deception win today. You have power and love and a sound mind. Believe it! I’m not sure my husband will believe the “sound mind” part for me, but I am counting on it today. I need His focus and power and most of all His love.

Jesus,
Thank you for giving us the gift of Your Spirit. Fear does not come from You. We pray against it today. Let Your power and love give us the sound mind to complete all we need to do today and tomorrow and every day to come.
Amen


Thursday, April 23, 2015

He Is There

     Jesus wants to be a part of your day. He is waiting to hear your voice. He longs for an intimate relationship with you. Begin by sayng, “Good morning” to Jesus and thank Him for the breath of life. Ask Him for opportunities to speak of Him. Ask Him for the right words to speak in a difficult situation.

…do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.  Matthew 10:19b-20

     Put worry aside. The Holy Spirit within you is God at work, giving you peace, joy, and the ability to shine with Jesus. He is listening. He is available. He does not sleep. Read through this beautiful Psalm and rest through your day.

I lift up my eyes to the mountains-where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip-He who watches over you will not slumber. Indeed, He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you-the Lord is your shade at your right hand, the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm-He will watch over your life. The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. Psalm 121

Lord,
Watch over us. You promise to be with us wherever we go. We rely on that. We thank You for Your continual presence. Thank You for the breath of life today.
In Jesus name,
Amen


Wednesday, April 22, 2015

God Bless You!

     We routinely say, “God bless you!” when someone sneezes. A blessing from God is nothing to sneeze at! It is a sacred and beautiful Biblical tradition to give someone a blessing. A Jewish father would bestow a blessing onto his children. The Bible shares blessing after blessing for us. Let the blessing of the Lord flow over you as you begin your day.

He will bless those who fear the Lord-small and great alike. May the Lord cause you to flourish, both you and your children. May you be blessed by the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 115:13-15

And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things, at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace. Numbers 6;24-26


     Jesus will give you what you need today. Let His blessing go before you, surround you and follow you wherever you go.

Jesus,
Bless each person reading this right now. Lavish Your incredible love upon them and watch over them. Ease their burdens and fill them with Your Holy Spirit.  We receive the blessing of the Lord.

Amen 

Tuesday, April 21, 2015

It's All About Love

     God created us to be in relationship. God created us to be in relationship with Him first and take that relationship to love others. Jesus summed up all of the commandments into two:

“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the law?”  Jesus replied, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments”  Matthew 22:36-40

     Love. Not an easy concept to live by every single day. Jesus loves us all, the shy and weak, the disabled and the poor, the wise and the rich, the annoying and the mean-spirited, the pride-filled and the humble. It is only with love, with HIS love, that we can be changed, transformed and humbled into loving one another.

It is only with HIS love that we see beyond the façade.
It is only with HIS eyes that we see beneath the pride to the wound.
It is only with HIS ears that we listen to the pain behind the abuse.
It is only through HIS touch that we can melt the coldest heart.
It is only with HIS Word that others can find Jesus.

     Unconditional love is impossible for us. We are fallen human beings, but the love of Christ knocks down hearts of stone and melts them into love.

I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh.  Exekiel 11:19

Lord,
Remove the stones from our hearts to see, hear, and love others as You do. Put Your Spirit in us and lead us out in a dark world to share Your abundant light.
In Jesus name

Amen 

Monday, April 20, 2015

An Anchor of Hope

     The day dawned gloomy, damp and cool. The news did not brighten the day; a young boy’s death, a fire and a car accident. It becomes a habit and a pattern of society to look at the tragic before the triumphant. The headlines take center stage.

     Choosing to look beyond the tragic headlines, even in our own lives, takes discipline and experience. The tragedies in my life can be taken out and looked at in minute detail. I can picture what I was wearing, the sights and smells, and the reactions of those around me. My mom died almost 30 years ago. Just a month or two ago, I was riding in someone’s vehicle and a scent brought me right back to the hospital where she died.

     God has used the tragedies and pain of experience in my past, and most likely yours too, for His good. I trust Him now even when things are looking desperate or hopeless. He has walked me through so much. To Him a day is like a thousand years and a thousand years like a day. (Psalm 90:4 and 1 Peter 3:8)

     I stop to pray for families in turmoil, or those left after an accident or friends going through a difficult time. The prayers often have a similar ring, even with different circumstances.

     “Lord Jesus, let them feel Your presence in a real way. Let them get to know You, if they do not. Show them who You are. Surround them with Your Holy Spirit.”

     Jesus will be there in the middle of the mire, in the deepest pit, through the sights and smells of the pain, in each and every minute detail. He will be there and remain until the very end of the age, into eternity.

He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.  Psalm 40:2

     The earth is coming alive through these gloomy days.  The trees and tulips are sprouting their buds, the grass is turning green and God is in control. Hope remains alive. Hang on to hope in the midst of the tragic. Jesus is right there.

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain. Hebrews 6;19

Jesus,
You reamin the steadfast anchor of our souls. Keep hope alive for anyone suffering today. Grab their hand and hold them close as you help them out of the pit. You use every bit of suffering to bring about the abundant life. That’s what the cross did for us. We hold on to You.

Amen

Friday, April 17, 2015

Everlasting Love

     There is nothing quite like the blissful ache of loving a child. The over-powering love that takes you through chaotic sleepless nights, questioning the cry. Is she hungry? Is she tired? Is she hurt? Is she sick? Trips to the doctor, tender moments of the first laugh or first step or first step onto the school bus. That first step that opens up a world away from you.

     The years move with ever-increasing swiftness, but the blissful ache remains. Are they happy? Are they texting while they are driving? Will they be safe when they go out? The love remains like a magnet. The mind consistently reacts to their joy, their laughter, their pain, their hopes and dreams. There is no earthly comparison other than the love between husband and wife.

     Our baby girl is getting married in one month. My emotions are a roller coaster; however, most of the emotions stay at the top where the view is bright and clear. There is pride and hope and overwhelming joy and just a twinge of what? Maybe a tough realization that there is a letting go. The letting go, however, comes with an answered prayer, the fulfilled dream of raising a remarkable human being. My husband and I have realized it twice. The Lord has blessed us richly. The blissful ache of the deepest love. It’s what Jesus feels for you, His child. It is an everlasting love.

The Lord appeared to us in the past saying, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” Jeremiah 31:3

But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear Him, and His righteousness with their children’s children. Psalm 103:17

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him.  1 John 3:`

Father,
Teach us how to lavish Your love onto our children. The love we feel is beyond measure and yet there is no comparision to the way You love us. Teach us how to accept Your love and pass it on generation to generation.
In Jesus name,

Amen

Thursday, April 16, 2015

All Things

     Many of you know I am legally blind. When our oldest daughter was about 8 years old, she called from her friend’s house to see if her dad could pick her up. It was just around the block, but it was getting dark and she was scared. I told her he wasn’t home and she would need to walk. I knew I would not be able bring her home because of the darkness.

     I told her I would have the light on and be there waiting. When she walked in the door, she said, “I wasn’t even scared. I sang, ‘He’s Got the Whole World In His Hands’ the whole way home.” Isn’t that a good reminder to all of us? He is in charge of all things. I have noticed the term, “all things” over and over again in the Bible. Here are a few verses for you.

Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made.  John 1:3

Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under His power and that He had come from God and was returning to God.  John 13:3

He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all-how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?  Romans 8:32

For in Him all things were created; things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.  Colossians 1:16-17

     All things are His. The whole world is in His hands and so are you. Relax and be at peace in the darkness. His light is in you and surrounds you.

Father,
Thank You for Jesus. You have given Him authority over us. He was there at the beginning and He is the Word come to life. Give us Your peace.
In Jesus name,
Amen


Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Ambassadors of Christ

For which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly as I should. Ephesians 6:20

     Paul was called to preach to the Gentiles (non-Jews) and bring the Gospel of grace. He was and we are ambassadors of Christ. An ambassador represents his or her home in a foreign land. Our ultimate home is in heaven and now? Our home is in Jesus Christ. How can we faithfully be His ambassadors?

     We can get to know Him intimately. The Bible promises us that the Holy Spirit will teach us all things. (John 14;26) The Spirit of Christ teaches us from the Bible and through prayer. And we learn how to bring the glory and the light of Christ wherever we go. What a calling! What a blessing! What a miracle! To think, a fallen human being like me or like you can be Christ’s ambassadors to others.

     One day soon we will be clothed with our eternal bodies. We will still be ourselves. Jesus was recognized even in His glorified body. We will move between the new heaven and the new earth and maybe even through the universe. Jesus was in two places at once. He moved through a wall. He was no longer encumbered with space and time. And the new city of Jerusalem will be our temple of worship. Read about it in Revelation 21. One of the most astounding facts about it (other than the precious stones and jewels and the gates made of one large pearl!) is the fact that it is a cube 1500 miles high, wide, deep and long! Imagine that!

     All of that and more is waiting for us. Our names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. (Revelation 3 and 13) He sees us there already. Represent Him boldly. He has give you everything.

Jesus,
Let Your Spirit teach us. We want to represent You faithfully wherever we go. Lead us today. Guide our words and our actions to bring light to others.

Amen

Tuesday, April 14, 2015

Trust Him

     I have seen the glimmer of hope in the eyes of those who have endured great suffering. I have watched Christians move small step by small step through sickness, through the death of a loved one, through a divorce, through a difficult life transition, trusting and praising God. How?

     How do we get to the point of trusting God with absolutely everything? When do we give up the control and follow Him? The complete surrender comes suddenly for some, gradually for others and never for some, even for those who love Jesus.

     It’s easy to express our praise through the days of ease and comfort isn’t it? We can thank Him for the easy blessings of everyday life, but when something unexpected happens or we watch a friend or loved one suffer, it is difficult to trust.

     We live in a fallen world. We can’t deny it, but God is in charge. He planned ahead of time for our redemption through the suffering of Jesus. He has a plan for us and He will walk us through our lives with hope. Psalms 42 and 43 are written by King David at a low point in his life, when he feared death from many enemies. Maybe you can relate. Are you feeling attacked and surrounded by enemies of your own? So was he.

These sentiments are written several times in these two Psalms. The first part of the verses go like this:

Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Psalm 42:5a, 11a and Psalm 43:5a.

    Listen to the second part of the verses:

Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.  Psalm 42:5b, 11b and Psalm 43:5b

     I will praise Him. I will hope in Him. My Savior and my God.

     I want that kind of trust and hope. Hang on to the hope of our Savior. Let Him take control. Where does He want you to go? What does He ask you to do? His way will bless you with hope, comfort and peace. Trust Him. Here is a blessing for you today:

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.  Romans 15:13

Amen!


Monday, April 13, 2015

The Hope Of Glory

     The creation is stirring around us brightening the mood. Warm sunshine, birds coming alive with their early morning song, buds ready to burst and flowers peeking from the ground. The rain softens the ground and refreshes the deadness of winter. There is anticipation in the air as we wait for that first sign of summer.

     Rain must fall. Skies must darken. Lightning and thunder need to strike and roll. After the storm there is hope. The rainbow lights the sky. Something awakens within us. Suffering brings doubt and sadness, but it also brings strength and compassion. Somehow our loving Father uses the storms to bring hope to others. Our pain draws us deeper; deeper into the large questions in life; deeper in our faith; deeper in our trust.

Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character, and character hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.  Romans 5:3-5

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.  Isaiah 43:2

     Jesus will walk us through this life. Count on Him. Keep hope alive. There will be flood waters rushing by us, and flames burning around us, but heaven calls, the hope of glory. Hang on to hope. We persevere. We find times of refreshment. We hold on for dear life. We hang on to each other. And we hang on to Jesus. He will never let us go.

…which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.  Colossians 1:27b

Jesus,
You know what we go through. Give those suffering right now Your comfort and peace. Help us to persevere and develop character and bring hope. You are the hope of glory, now and forever.
Amen


Friday, April 10, 2015

What Does Jesus Say?

     This week we have looked at our response to Jesus in what we say, what we believe, what we do and what we take with us to heaven. What does Jesus say to us today and every day until we take on our eternal bodies and live forever in the new heaven and the new earth?

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

“By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.”  John 13:35

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy seven times.” Matthew 18:21-22

…”and surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”  Matthew 28:20b

He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon”  Amen Come, Lord Jesus  Revelations 22:20

I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.  Revelations 22:13

     Remember to our Lord a day is like a thousand years and a thousand years is like a day. We are in the third day since His time on earth. And the prophet Hosea told us:

After two days He will revive us; on the third day He will restore us, that we may live in His presence.  Hosea 6:2

     When Jesus says He is coming soon, the word can be translated quickly or suddenly. No one knows the date or the hour, but the prophetic signs are being fulfilled in our lifetime. Listen to the Words of Christ. Make disciples, love one another, forgive, come to Him with your burdens and watch expectantly for His coming! We live in an incredible age. He chose us to live at a time such as this. He chose you!

Jesus,
Allow us to live as you would have us live. Give us purpose and wisdom and strength and honor. Give us the desires of Your heart as we wake up each morning willing to serve.
Amen


Thursday, April 9, 2015

What Do We Take With Us?

     What do we take with us into heaven? A good question ro ask ourselves as we live out our lives. As usual, the Bible has some answers for us. Did you know each one of us will meet with Jesus face to face? I can’t imagine, can you?

     There is a verse in Revelation 22 that tells us, He will wipe every tear from their eyes. After that: There will be no more crying or pain.  I envision Jesus walking with us through the times we spoke harsh words, the times we did not speak up for Christ, the worries that wasted our time, the unforgiveness in our hearts and our unwilling obedience. And right there, at that moment, when we face our sins, He will wipe every single tear from our eyes and tell us how much He loves us. That He was willing to die for us. He forgave it all and He took the punishment. Our worship and honor will never end and we will understand the magnitude of everything He did and what it cost.

     And next? He will go through the times we obeyed, the kind word spoken when it was difficult, the sacrifices we made for our kids, for our friends, for people we didn’t even know, the times we listened to the Holy Spirit beyond our worries and our suffering and just worshiped our God; everything we did in the name of Christ. His love will arrive with us.

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.  2 Corinthians 5:10

“If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames.”  1 Corinthians 12:15

     Our greatest desire should be to hear these words from Jesus:
“Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things. I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!”  Matthew 25:21

     This puts everything into perspective doesn’t it? I want to hear those Words from our Lord Jesus. Persevere, stand up, take the time, wash the feet, be kind and generous, give love when it seems impossible. With Christ all things are possible. The rewards in heaven come in the form of crowns. The love shared in Christ will be made into imperishable crowns of jewels that we will throw at His feet. I can only imagine.

Jesus,
Change our hearts to be more like Yours. We need You so much. Guide us today and everyday to be Your servants. It’s all about You.
Amen 

Wednesday, April 8, 2015

What Do We Do?

     Did you know God had plans for you before you were even born? James, the half-brother of Jesus wrote that our faith without works is a dead faith. (James 2)

     This does NOT mean we work for our salvation. That is a free gift of God through Jesus. All we need to do is believe! When we receive the Holy Spirit, we have the strength and the power and the love to represent Jesus on earth in a great variety of ways. These verses that Paul wrote to the church in Ephesus explain this beautifully.

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.  Ephesians 2:8-10

     We are saved through our faith in order to do works. Many believe we need to perform those good works in order to be saved. Jesus works through us. It becomes His work in us, nothing of ourselves. Listen for His voice. Watch for the gifts He has given you to use. How do we know we are using our gifts? Jesus said others would recognize His disciples by their fruit. We may do different works, in different ways, with different styles and personalities, in different areas, in different settings around different people. But this fruit should be common in all of us.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.  Galatians 5:22-23

     Yes, we are saved by faith, given works to do with the power of Christ as we share His love with the fruit of the Spirit. It is an astounding picture of how Christ feels about His creation. He does not want to lose even one. (2 Peter 3:9)

Jesus,
Teach us how to represent You as we rest in the power of the Holy Spirit within us. Do Your work through us as we live out these short lives on earth, waiting for our true home in heaven. We want to bring those we love with us.

Amen

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

What Do You Believe?

     Mary and Martha, sisters and close friends of Jesus wondered where He was. They had sent word for Him when their brother, Lazarus, became ill. Now he was dead and where was the one they believed to be the Messiah? He was too late.

     When they saw Him coming, Martha ran to Him.                       

“Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here my brother would not have died.”  John 11:21

     When our loved ones are sick and we don’t understand, we may ask, “Where are you Lord?” When others are healed and our loved one is not, we wonder “Why?” We find out Jesus waited on purpose. He would raise Lazarus from the dead, a sign of His resurrection to come. But before that He asks Martha,

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life.The one who believes in Me will live, even though they die, and whoever lives by believing in Me will never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25-26

     And Martha looks into His eyes, knowing her brother has died, and says to Him,

“Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that You are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”  John 11:27

     And, even though Jesus knew He would raise Lazarus, He saw the deep grief of Mary and Martha and the other friends gathered,

Jesus wept.  John 11:35

     Jesus feels your pain and sees your tears. When you seek His comfort, He will be there. Can you believe He is the true Son of God, that He is the resurrection and the life, even when death comes near? He knows the number of our days. Place them with the One with the answers to eternal life. Believe.

Jesus,
Comfort those who mourn. Bless those with hurting hearts today. Weep with them through Your Holy Spirit. Your timing is perfect even when we wait and wonder why.


Amen

Monday, April 6, 2015

What Do You Say?

     Do you believe the news of the empty tomb? More than 500 eye witnesses saw Jesus in the 40 days after His resurrection. One of the disciples, Thomas, doubted the news. He asked to see the wounds of the Messiah. What do you need to see in order to believe?

     Most everyone knows that Jesus is a historical figure. Even non-believers wrote of Him. Most believe He was a good man, a teacher, a rabbi, a prophet. But Messiah? The Christ? The risen Lord? Jesus spoke of Himself as the One true God, the Son of God, the Christ. If He was just a man and not God, we would have to call Him a liar or a lunatic. C.S. Lewis said just that. We need to say, lunatic, liar or LORD!

     Jesus chose to allow Thomas to see Him and touch His wounds. I believe we will see them, too, In heaven, as we worship the One who gives eternal life.

Then He said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see My hands. Reach out your hand and put it into My side. Stop doubting and believe.” Thomas said to Him, “My Lord and my God!” Then Jesus told Him, “Because you have seen Me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” John 20-27-29

     What do you say about Jesus? Jesus asked His disciples:

“But what about you? He asked. “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “ You are the Messiah.”

     And Jesus asks us, “Who do you say that I am?” He is the Christ. Blessed are you who believe.

Jesus,
You are the Christ, the risen Lord, the Messiah, soon to return to take us home. You are preparing a place just for us. We believe. We are Yours.

Amen

Friday, April 3, 2015

Easter's Light

     The three hours of darkness that fell as Jesus suffered on the cross would become pure light to the world at His resurrection.

“Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him.  Mark 16:6

     He is risen!! This should be our praise every single day. Remember His resurrection this Sunday as we celebrate the victory over death. He is risen! He is risen indeed!

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.  1 Peter 2:9

Father,
We thank You for the empty tomb on Easter morning. Jesus rose from death and lives with You in heaven. We await His coming while living in His glorious light. Let us shine with it wherever we go.
In Jesus name,

Amen 

Thursday, April 2, 2015

Accept The Gift!

     It is the most extravagant gift ever offered. Why would anyone refuse this gift of eternal life in heaven with our loving Father? What do we give in return? Nothing. All we need to do is receive the gift and believe. Accepting the gift of salvation and giving our lives to Christ may sound scary and complicated. Don’t you believe it! It is life-transforming, life-giving, life-saving love. This kind of love changes everything.

     If you haven’t read Scripture, or heard the Gospel of grace, here are a couple of verses for you.

If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.  John 3:16

     When you believe in your heart and confess with your mouth that you have accepted Christ as Savior, you are marked forever with His seal.

And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit. Ephesians 1;13

     Jesus spoke the most incredible words from the cross, just as He was about to die.

When He had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, He bowed His head and gave up His Spirit.  John 19:30

     Once and for all sin was vanquished. And He rose again. Death is overcome. Put death behind you. You are moving ahead to eternal life. Accept the gift. It is yours and you are lavished with love.
   
Jesus,
Your life-saving gift is available to everyone. Open hearts and minds to Your Word. We accept Your gift of life. And help those of us who love You to be brave and bold in our witness.

Amen

Wednesday, April 1, 2015

The Anguish and the Glory

     Jesus understands fear and pain. He left the glories of heaven to walk as one of us. When you are scared or lost, agonized with worry, or helpless with grief, Jesus will walk with you and lift your burden. Listen to His heartfelt prayer to His Father in the Garden of Gethsemane.

“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me, yet not My will, but Yours be done.” An angel from heaven appeared to Him and strengthened Him. And being in anguish, He prayed more earnestly, and His sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.  Luke 22:42-44

     This prayer may echo in the heart of all of us at one time or another. We cry out to God to take away our pain, to heal our loved one, to remove the impossible from our lives. We pray earnestly and in suffering, just as Jesus did. Notice His Words, “…yet not My will but Yours be done.” 

     Sometimes, just as Jesus knew, we know we have to go through the suffering, feel the grief, walk through the hurt. He knew where He was going and why. Jesus paid a high cost to save us. Remember His anguish and His suffering this week as we get ready to celebrate Easter. Our earthly pain and suffering will be redeemed one day. All of it and in the meantime, God can use it for His glory. We don’t understand in full, but Jesus does.

Lord,
We walk with You through this Holy Week, trying to comprehend how You did all of this for us. There are no words deep enough to thank You. We honor You and praise You today.
Amen