Presenting The Gospel

     Today is the day to read the simple and profound Gospel truth. It is straightforward. It is what Jesus has done for you and for me. It is a gift. You don’t need to jump through hoops, go through a daily ritual, follow impossible rules pray at certain times of the day or go to church every week. God doesn’t go by rules. He meets us right where we are. He offers his heart. He gave everything for us. The apostle Paul writes the words of the Gospel for us. He was a religious leader, a Jew above Jews, a master of the law until one day his life was changed on the road to Damascus, when Jesus showed him the truth.

For what I received, I passed on to you as of first importance, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas and then to the twelve. After that he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. 1 Corinthians 15:3-6

     The Gospel, pure and simple. Christ came to earth, born of a virgin, fully God and fully man, and willingly went to the cross to pay the price for each one of us. The perfect, sinless man, bearing the sins of the world. He was buried and three days later rose again. Hundreds witnessed him after the resurrection, a promise of life eternal, when each of his believers, will have bodies like his, able to eat and drink and walk and talk! What do we do with this Gospel?

     Join me tomorrow.

Jesus,

We thank you for moving from the glories of heaven to be earth-bound as one of us. Thank you for taking our sins upon yourself and for rising from the dead. You overcame death for us! It is almost too much to take in. Help our unbelief.

Amen

Is Jesus Real?

     Thanks for joining me this week. For those of you with logical, rational minds (like my husband) it might help to know that more evidence exists that Jesus walked the earth than almost any other person in history. The Bible has been 100 percent accurate in its prophetic words, in historical accuracy, in archaeological proof and in advanced scientific knowledge. An example would be a verse that describes the earth as a circle (Isaiah 40:22) written in the 8^th century BC) hundreds of years before anyone else mentioned the earth as a sphere. (I recommend these two books for the left-brained among us., “The Case for Christ” by Lee Strobel and “Surprised by Faith” by Don Bierle)

     The claims of Jesus himself cannot be reduced to his “being a good man or teacher” as many argue. C.S. Lewis says in “Mere Christianity,” that our choices are to deem Jesus as a lunatic, as a liar or as Lord. God is a holy and righteous God. As fallen humans, there is no way to connect with him. The plan to redeem humanity came in God’s Son, Jesus Christ.

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23

     He was the perfect sacrifice for sin, being the only one to live a sinless life. He shed his holy and precious blood and died the most agonizing, horrific death that has ever been suffered. Why? To bridge the gap between us and our Father in heaven. He felt every disease, every sin, every mistake, every torture, every terror, every trauma, every tragedy, every one of them as he died. And he overcame them all. His sacrifice was for you and for me, for everyone. Here are some words for our first day this week spoken by Jesus.

“I have told you these things so that, in me, you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

      Tired of maneuvering the world on your own? Weary of asking and not finding answers? Tired of guilt and shame, worry  and fear, addiction or hopelessness? Jesus may be opening your heart to his truth.

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

Rest and peace, within our very souls. Intrigued? I hope so.

Jesus,

I pray for each person reading your word this week. Speak to their hearts and minds with your Holy Spirit and speak with your truth and your light.

Amen

The Words of Eternal Life

     The words of Jesus hold the key to eternity. He tells us to come to Him. He gives rest. He brings peace. He offers hope. He gives us forever.

Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. John 6:68

And, here are those words of eternal life, straight from our Lord’s mouth.

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Me will live even though they die.” John 11:25

     The words of eternal life are made for everyone. Believing in Jesus as Lord is a gift waiting to be taken. Just believe and we will live.

Jesus,

You do have the words of eternal life. You offer us forever, because of Your sacrifice. There are no words powerful enough to thank you, but we do from the bottom of our hearts.

Amen

Keep In Step

     Is Jesus working on something in your life? He continually transforms our lives and the transformation takes a long time. It may be years before we notice a difference. Do you look back and see how He has changed an attitude, improved a relationship, cleaned up your language, altered your thoughts, moved you from a bad relationship, healed you from addiction or abuse or adultery?

     The power of the risen Lord alters our lives in mighty ways. And the Holy Spirit will guard our mouths, teach us what to say and when to say it and convict us when we are moving down a destructive path. Listen for the nudging of the Spirit. What is He saying to you?

The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. Romans 8:6

Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Galatians 5:25

     Keep in step with the Spirit and find peace.

Jesus,

Fill us with Your Holy Spirit. Keep moving us in the right direction with Your power and Your Word. Give us time to spend with You away from the world.

Amen

A Way Out

     As we talked about our actions yesterday in the midst of moral decline and unrest, we wonder. How do we stay out of the storm? How do we stay away from the temptations that stare each one of us in the face every single day? It is tough to stay immune with 24/7 news cycles and social media. How do we stay attached to Jesus and keep our thoughts and actions tuned to His?

     Jesus promises us a way out. He faced the same temptations we did, most of which come under three categories listed in the Bible.

For everything in the world-the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life-comes not from the Father, but from the world. 1 John 2:16

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful. He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13

     The Bible doesn’t say “if” we are tempted, but “when” we are tempted. If you find yourself heading down a wrong road with the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes or the pride of life, ask Jesus to remove it from your life and find a way out. He will provide it.

Lord,

Keep us on Your path. Continue to bless us with the way out of temptation. The world swirls around us in ways that seem impossible to comprehend. Hold Your people to a higher standard that honors You.

In Jesus name,

Amen

     Civility and respect are tough to find these days. The changes in our culture, in our speech and in our actions are appalling and hard to fathom. Even family members have stopped speaking because of our recent election. The mean-spirited dialogue on both sides is disturbing and stomach-churning.

     Jesus asks us to continue loving others, to watch our tongues and to be kind to each other. No easy task these days, is it? Here are a couple of Scriptures to remind us of what the Bible says.

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32

Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. Ephesians 5:4

     Let’s remain respectful, with kindness and love, even when it seems impossible. The Holy Spirit will give us the power to do just that.

Lord,

It is a difficult time, as we witness the chaos, confusion and crisis surrounding us. Show us Your ways, which are higher than ours and give us Your thoughts which rise above our own.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Bought With A Price

     Know some people who need Jesus? Praying for family to find Jesus? Asking the Holy Spirit to give you opportunities to share Jesus? As I get older, I find my prayers filled with names. It has become my greatest desire for hearts to be opened to His saving grace.

     Jesus was bold in His truth about heaven and hell. God is just and holy and righteous and no one will have an excuse. Everyone (and we don’t understand how) will have an opportunity to accept Christ. Jesus is not slow in coming back. He does not want to lose even one person.

The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9

     Prayer is a powerful tool. God will open up the heavens to move into someone’s heart. Let’s make this year a year of salvation. Let’s pray for many to come to a saving knowledge of the free gift of eternity. Jesus paid a high price for each one of us.

You were bought with a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies. 1 Corinthians 6:20

Jesus,

You paid the ultimate price to save us. Give us the will to live for You, to share Your amazing grace and to pray continually for others to be saved. Give us boldness to share the great gift of eternity.

Amen

     How is the condition of your heart? Is it troubled, angry, resentful, bitter, joy-filled, hopeful or passionate? True treasures lie within our hearts. If Jesus and His Word are the greatest treasures in our life, the condition of our hearts will reflect His life, filled with inner peace, joy, hope and love. Count on it.

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Luke 12:34

Pay attention and turn your ear to the sayings of the wise. Apply your heart to what I teach. Proverbs 22:17

Lord,

Check the condition of our hearts. Remind us to pay attention and to turn our ears to You. You treasure the things of the heart. You understand what we need. Turn our attention to what You teach, and our hearts will be filled with true riches.

Amen

True Riches

     We have God's Word. The more we study, the more it becomes alive. And it is active, sharper than a two-edged sword. (Hebrews 4:12)   It gives us everything we need to live a faith-filled life Every word is Spirit-breathed and useful. (2 Timothy 3:16)  It is a most precious treasure.

And the words of the Lord are flawless, like silver purified in a crucible, like gold refined seven times. Psalm 12:6

The law from Your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of silver and gold. Psalm 119:72

     God’s Word is flawless. Every Word is completely true and God-breathed. The fulfilled prophecies of old have been 100% accurate, with many more prophecies to be fulfilled before the second coming of Christ. Can you imagine how our lives would change if we believed the Word has the greatest treasures hidden in it for our lives? What if we spend more time in it? What if we take the time to study and grow? Imagine the difference it would make to our lives and to the people around us. Dig into the treasures, the eternal, the hope, the peace and the joy that our God offers.

Jesus,

You are the Word come to life. (John 1) Remind us to put down our phones, to sit still and study, to seek You in the Bible. The truth will set us free! Your truth is filled with great treasures, more precious than silver and gold.

Amen

True Riches

     Heavenly wisdom comes as we keep our focus on the unseen, on things above. Our circumstances can overwhelm and confuse. God is so much higher and so much wiser. He knows the end from the beginning. Focus your eyes, your mind and your heart on Jesus. He’s got this.

Since then, you have been seated with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things. Colossians 3:1-2

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary and what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:18

Jesus,

Keep us focused on the eternal, on the unseen, on things above where our true home and treasures lie. We become consumed with details, with busyness, with overwhelming obstacles. With You, we can have all things.

Amen

True Riches

     Be encouraged as you read the Scriptures below. The full riches of heaven are found in Jesus Christ. You believe in Him. And there the exciting journey begins. As He guides our lives, we grow in true understanding of what is good and true, what is valuable and worthy of our time.

My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Colossians 2:2-3

     In Jesus are hidden the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I would like to grow in His wisdom. How about you? The Creator of the universe gives us understanding? How is it possible? With God, all things are possible.

Lord,

Keep growing us in Your kind of wisdom, in the mysteries of Your heavenly power. It is difficult to grasp the enormity of what You offer to us through Your Word. Your wisdom is beyond anything of earthly value. Keep us hunting for the hidden treasures of Jesus.

Amen

True Riches

     The riches of God are not tangible. Most of the treasures of heaven are not visible. The Bible tells us to keep our attention focused above, on the unseen, counting up our treasures for heaven. This week we will talk about the true riches of God and how to find them. Where do we look? What are they? What pleases God? How will we know when we find our true treasures?

     The rewards of heaven are heart-based. God looks at our motives. As we humbly serve God and love in His name, our treasures in heaven will grow. The love of Christ given freely will bring true blessings to our lives right now, to our future days on earth and will follow us into the new heaven and the new earth.

But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6;20-21

     Give God your day today and ask Him to flow through you as you go to work, as you talk to your family, as you greet strangers, and rely on His complete love to shine through you. And that pile of treasures? It’s worth more than silver and gold.

Lord,

Give us eyes to see true treasures, the things in life that are measured in the heart. Guide our hearts to be wide open, to change lives, to seek kindness, to love mercy, to love the unlovable, to be different in a cold and calculating world. Only with Your help, can we do it.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Seek Peace

The Bible tells us to, “seek peace and pursue it.” The peace of God is an inner peace. We long for world peace, for peace in our divided country, for war to cease. But Jesus tells us conflict will continue to grow as the end draws ever closer. We may pray for that type of peace, but pursuing God’s peace is a work of the soul.

Knowing and trusting God, leaving our cares with Him, letting go of anxiety and turmoil is no easy task for us humans. But with the help of our God, sitting still and knowing He is God (Psalm 46), and believing He can handle whatever life throws our way, brings us inner peace.

They must turn from evil and do good. They must seek peace and pursue it. 1 Peter 3:11

As we seek the peace of the Lord, Jesus promises us:

Peace I leave with you. My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

Jesus,

Give us the inner peace that passes all understanding. (Philippians 4) as we trust You with everything. We pursue Your peace today as we seek You. We claim Your promises for us.

Amen

Just For You

Pick a verse today and proclaim it out loud! The Word of God carries with it the power of our God. It is His Word and it lives and breathes. It teaches and confronts. It guides and nourishes. It is to be trusted. What’s on your mind? Look up a verse to speak out loud back to God. This is what You told me Father! This is Your promise to me today!

Here are my verses. This is a prayer and I have changed the ‘you” to “me” and the “we” to “my.”  Put in your own name and personalize some Scripture just for you!

I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen (me) with power through His Spirit in (my) inner being, so that Christ may dwell in (my) heart through faith. And I pray that (I), being rooted and established, in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people to grasp how wide and long, and high and deep is the love of Christ. Ephesians 3:16-18

Let the Word of God dwell in you richly today as He speaks His words to you.

Amen

He Provides

My aunt and uncle read the 91^st Psalm every single morning during their son’s time in Vietnam. This beatutiful Psalm reminds us of God’s refuge, His strength, His protection. The worst that can happen to us is the death of our bodies. Our soul is alive with Christ and one day, our bodies will be eternal. What hope this provides!

He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge. His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night nor the arrow that flies by day. Psalm 91:4-5

Take time to read through all of Psalm 91 and feel protected and loved. God is our refuge and our strength. He will cover you with His feathers.

Lord,

What a beautiful picture you provide for us of Your comforting and protective presence. We count on You today and give You our fears.

In Jesus name,

Amen

He Provides

         When we are weak, He is strong. When we are guilty, He offers mercy. When we fear, He protects. When we doubt, He provides faith. When we weep, He comforts. When we are lost, He shows the way. When we pray, He listens. When we worry, He gives peace. When we mourn, He finds joy.

       Wherever you are, whatever you need, whenever you ask, whoever you are, He will provide.

His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness. 2 Peter 1:3

He gives us everything we need. He meets us wherever we are. Count on Jesus today.

Dear Father,

You provide what we need, when we need it. We trust You in the darkest of days and in the glorious days of joy. How can anyone survive without You? Our greatest hope is for others to rely on You, to accept Jesus as Lord and to live a faith-filled life in Your mighty power.

In Jesus powerful name,

Amen

Walking In The Spirit

     It may seem that God is nowhere near. We believe we deserve to be happy. We leap in with both feet when something feels good or right. And God reminds us, not to follow our flesh but to follow the Holy Spirit. The Spirit will guide us into righteousness, into peace, into hope. The temporary “happiness” depends on circumstances that we believe we deserve. Following the Holy Spirit will please God.

For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose. Philippians 2:13

     This verse gives me a sense of relief. It is God, through the Holy Spirit who works in us and allows us to act on what pleases Him. I wonder what would happen, if before we jump in recklessly, we waited and watched for what would please our God.

Father,

We want to please You more than ourselves. Teach us Your ways. Show us which direction to go and where to step next.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Get Up and Pray!

     We underestimate the power of prayer. Prayer moves God. He honors us when we fall on our knees in worship and in relationship. How amazing to think we are invited into the very throne room of the Most High because of Jesus. He is the intercessor. He paved the way. And the Holy Spirit interprets our prayers to go right into God’s heart. God knows what is best. He answers our prayers according to His will.

     Let’s not be complacent about our prayer life. Spending quiet time in God’s Word, and in His presence is essential. The Holy Spirit will envelop us with power and light. Today God tells us to stop sleeping and get up and pray!!! And He reminds us not to be afraid.

“Why are you sleeping?” He asked them. “Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.” Luke 22:46

But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” He said, “Don’t be afraid.” Matthew 17:7

Father,

Give us the motivation and the passion to pray. Send Your Holy Spirit into our minds and hearts and wake us up to sit with You every single day. Give us power and insight into the way you want us to go and give us the heart to be obedient to Your Word.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Teach Them

     Teaching our children and grandchildren about Jesus should be our greatest priority.  The ground will remain secure with Jesus as their foundation. God commands us to teach them.

Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Deuteronomy 11:19

     Our children will return to God’s Word and His ways, even if they walk away for a time. Listen to this promise from God’s Word.

Direct your children onto the right path and when they are older, they will not leave it. Proverbs 22:6

Direct them. Teach them. Talk about Jesus when you get up, when you go through your day and before you go to bed. Let Him become a part of daily life, in everything you do.

Lord,

We long to make You number one, to think about You, to pray to You, to read and teach Your Word. As we get up each day turn our thoughts and hearts to You. Let us teach our children about You.

Amen

Get Up!

     The numbers were overwhelming. The enemies of Gideon’s tribe far outnumbered them many, times over. When God found Gideon he was hiding. It’s tempting to pull the covers over our heads and stay put when our circumstances overwhelm us. God chose Gideon and God chooses you!

     Gideon was from the weakest tribe and considered himself one of its weakest members. But God called him a mighty warrior. With God’s help, the few hundred men led by Gideon conquered their enemies. And God will conquer yours.

During the night, the Lord said to Gideon, “Get up, go down against the camp, because I am going to give it into your hands.” Judges 7:9

     Sometimes we just have to get up and allow God to work. Let’s face the day today with new confidence. We are in God’s army! With Him as our leader we can conquer the demons surrounding us, we can overcome obstacles, we can make a difference. Now, get up mighty warrior!

Lord,

Thank You for leading us even when we are overwhelmed. You walk a step ahead of us. Remove our fear as you say to us, “Get up!” We are listening and we believe Your Word.

In Jesus name,

Amen