The Family of Christ

 

Those who are kind, benefit themselves, but the cruel bring ruin to themselves. Proverbs 11:17

     This verse promises us a benefit, a blessing from being kind. God’s blessings do come from giving to others. As we move out in loving kindness to others, let’s take care of the family of Christ.

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those that belong to the family of believers. Galatians 6:10

     As a family of God’s people, we mourn together, we comfort one another, we encourage, we rejoice with one another, we are kind and forgiving and we pray for each other. The Holy Spirit within us will guide us into prayer. God puts special emphasis on His own people

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Ephesians 6:18

     As we pray, pray also for those who do not know Jesus. They are waiting to hear the good news and God is waiting for them.

    Father,

We thank You for challenging us this week. Alert us to prayer needs as we dress in our spiritual clothes and rely on You, to grow us in the ways of Jesus.

Amen

Spiritual Clothes

 

     Kind, forgiving, loving hearts were the goal yesterday. Today, God gives us Spiritual clothes to wear. As we get dressed each morning, let’s remind ourselves of the heaven-sent clothes available to us as well.

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12

     The verses this week have a common theme. Because of God’s love and forgiveness, we can live our lives in contrast to the world. Our Spiritual clothes will show as the fruit of the Spirit as we give to others and share God’s love.

Bear with each other and forgive one another. If anyone has a grievance against someone, forgive as the Lord forgives you. And over all these virtues, put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Colossians 3:13-14

     I love that! Put on love. I pray you feel the great love of God in your life. Only when we accept His complete love and forgiveness in the name of Jesus, can we live in hope and love. Heaven awaits!

Father,

Our spiritual clothes often need mending. Give us reminders each and every day to clothe ourselves with Your complete love.

In Jesus name,

Amen

 

Kind Tenderhearted Forgiving

 

     God’s loving kindness has formed us with an everlasting love. Through that love, we grow in His Spiritual fruit.  Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control do not come easily. As humans, we fail every day, but God never gives up on us, giving us His words to memorize and to follow.

     In the book of Ephesians, God reminds us of the actions and thoughts we should avoid.

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Ephesians 4:31

     The following verse contrasts the verse we just read. How should we act?

Be kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as in Christ, God has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32

     Kind, tenderhearted and forgiving. As I think of my grandkids, it’s pretty easy to follow these instructions. They have my heart, as do our daughters and sons-in-law and my husband, as well as my friends. Is there anyone you need to forgive? A challenging person in your life? I’m willing to try a little more kindness and forgiveness in my attitudes toward others. You, too?

Father,

Give us the opportunities to grow in our fruit, even when it is difficult. Help us to be examples in the crazy world around us, showing kindness and forgiveness. Guide us into the Scriptures we need.

In Jesus name,

Amen    

 

Healthy Spiritual Fruit

 

     As we follow the example of Jesus, and walk humbly with God, our actions, our thoughts, our lives, will begin to transition. When we are rooted in faith, we will grow the healthy fruit of the Spirit.

“I am the vine. You are the branches. If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit. Apart from Me, you can do nothing.” John 15:5

     What, exactly, is this healthy fruit of the Spirit? Let the Bible explain. Read through the list of fruit in the following Scriptures and think about what might need some pruning. God may place a few challenges in front of us to grow His kind of fruit.

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

     This healthy fruit will follow us into eternity. The fruit is meant to be shared with others. And most of all, offered up to God, for His glory. Praise Him today with the fruit of your lips.

Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise-the fruit of lips that openly profess His name. Hebrews 13:15

Father,

We are ready for the gardener’s help. Before you need to lop off an entire brach, please prune what needs to go and allow us to grow in the fruit of the Spirit. We offer praise in the name of Jesus.

Amen

 

Loving Kindness

 

     There have been reminders, remarks and verses about kindness brought to my attention over the last two weeks. Our grandson, Grayson, received a gift from his teacher because of his kindness. With everything going on around us, the hate speech, the violence, the fractures within family and friends, I thought it was time to see what the Bible has to say about being kind.

     It all begins with God, of course. God’s loving kindness formed us. He loves us and created us. Here is a beautiful verse for us today.

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

     God’s great loving kindness for us brought us Jesus, the Savior of our souls. What does the prophet, Micah, say about what God desires from us in response to this great love?

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8

     As we walk humbly with God, He will lead us to kindness and mercy. Let His loving kindness affect you today.

Father,

We thank You for Your eternal love and kindness. Show us how to pass it along to those around us. Jesus showed us the way.

Amen

Jesus Changes Everything

 

     This upside-down life with Jesus isn’t always easy to navigate. Life happens when we least expect it. Jesus will never leave us. His comfort and hope transcend our emotions. We can and should give up trying to control everything in our lives.

     As we age, new trials and challenges begin to face us. Getting old is not for sissies, as my 92-year-old neighbor usesd to say. Friends and family move on to heaven when we aren’t ready. Life without them is impossible, until we take one hesitant step. We find ourselves able to smile at the memories. We rejoice they are with Jesus.

     Our bodies begin to fail us, as our sight and hearing diminish, our knees and joints ache, and other health issues arise. My prayer list grows with each passing year. But, Jesus changes everything.

     Jesus changes everything. That was the name I chose for my blog twelve years ago. I began with the hope of writing one devotion each day for a year. It seemed a daunting task. Here I am all of these years later. He has certainly changed me and I am grateful for the time I spend with Him each early morning.

     For all of my older friends and family, we are in this together. Let’s keep praying for each other as we move closer to our heavenly home. The longing increases with each year, but life is so precious. Remember what awaits us and find hope.

     Praise Him. Humble yourselves before Him. Let Him work through your flaws and weaknesses. Allow Him to carry you when life is too tough. He is able to turn your world upside down. He walks us through our changes.

Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He. I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you. I will sustain you and I will rescue you. Isaiah 46:4

     He changes us from the inside out. But remember, He is steadfast. He never changes.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8

Jesus,

Thank You for Your constant presence, for Your unchanging love and thank You for never giving up on us. Show us the way today and each day ahead. We praise You.

Amen

Gratitude

 

     Today we take our upside down, last is first, less is more, honor in humility, weakness is strength, believer’s world into the topic of gratitude. Have you read, “Footprints in the Sand?” Looking back, I now recognize those times where Jesus was carrying me even when I did not sense His presence or feel His arms around me. I am still learning, but even during troubled times, I thank Him. When there are no answers, I thank Him for working. When things look hopeless, I know He will bring hope.

     My emotions and my need for control try to take over. I want to make it better, fix the problem, lash out at someone or something. The learning will never end, will it, until we are in heaven? Years ago, a sweet woman I visited in hospice, thanked God for every breath, even in the deepest pain, right up until her very last breath of life. I recently heard the story of an older woman of faith walking in circles around her daughter’s casket, praising and thanking God for allowing her to raise this beautiful child and praising Him for the gift of heaven. Trusting God even with our children? Thanking Him when the world is closing in? Believing in His timing when our patience is wearing thin? Thanking Him when the circumstances we are in will last for what seems an eternity? Practice gratitude. God’s grace is enough to get through the day.

     Can we learn to stop in the midst of an overwhelming day to thank God for our ordinary tasks and duties as we perform them one more time? Can we take a moment away from the seemingly endless urgent details to savor our most valuable God? Can we thank Him for working when we don’t see His hand? We can find a deeper intimacy with Jesus. We can! I thank God for each one of you today, no matter where you are in your journey with Jesus. He hears you. He will carry you. Give Him all of your cares with deep thanksgiving.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and yur minds in Christ Jesus, Philippians 4:6-7

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Dear Jesus,

Grant us an attitude of gratitude today for Your love, for Your mighty hand at work, for Your grace and mercy, for our loved ones and our homes, for our food and for our very lives. Thank You for the breath of life today, and thank You for the eternity that awaits tomorrow.

Amen

 

Humble Hearts

 

     The first time I really sought out God I was on my knees. It was a time of deep grief, confounding disbelief and overwhelming doubt. I fell to my knees, because I had nowhere else to go. When I hear of a loss, or a prayer request, a tragedy, or of someone’s suffering, my first prayer now, in addition to requests for healing or comfort or peace is to ask that the person gets to know Jesus.

     Going to our knees is not always a choice for us. Sometimes it becomes the only place left. For me, after all of these years, it is the place I choose to go first. There is nothing in the entire world better than being in the holy presence of God. Humility comes by recognizing who God is and how much we need Him.

     Do you remember what happens after we become filled with pride?

Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.  Proverbs 18:18

When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.  Proverbs 11:2

     When we fall or stumble, our merciful God has an answer for that, too.

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.  James 4:10

      On the one hand, we can become puffed up with pride, saying, “Look what I did! I did an amazing job! I am wonderful!” Or, on the other hand, we can get to a place where we say, “I can’t do anything right. What is wrong with me? I am worthless.”

     Both of these attitudes are lies from our enemy, Satan. Both attitudes are, in reality, self-focused. With God’s help, we take the focus off of ourselves and put our eyes on Him and on others. That is all He asks of us. It is our purpose, it is our call. Serving God and serving others. Everything is upside down in God’s world. First is last, the least is the greatest.

Then He said to them, “Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me and whoever welcomes me welcomes the One who sent me. For it is the one who is least among you all who is the greatest.” Luke 9:48

Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.  Romans 12:10

    Impossible on our own? Yes. Possible with the One who lifts us up and sends us out? You betcha!

Dear Lord,

Give us humble hearts today. Take our focus off of ourselves and allow us to lift others up in Your name. We can do it with You!

In Jesus Name,

Amen

The Potter and the Clay

 

     I have shared this story with you before. It is worth sharing again. A water bearer, living long ago, walked to a well each morning to gather water for his master’s house. He hung a long pole across his neck with a pot on either end. One of the pots was perfect in every way. Over the years this perfect pot was puffed up with pride, congratulating himself on a job well done. The other pot, has a few cracks and flaws. He was growing more and more humiliated over time. 

     One day the cracked pot spoke up, “Sir, why do you continue to use me? With my large cracks, I am only half full of water by the time we reach the master’s house.” The water bearer looked at the cracked pot with kindness and compassion and said, “I knew you before I placed you on the end of my pole for the very first time. I planted seeds along the way. Notice the wide array of flowers on your side of the path. You have faithfully watered them and now the master has a beautiful view and fresh flowers for his table.” (Author Unknown)

     Isn’t this a beautiful story? And aren’t we all cracked pots? God uses our weaknesses and our flaws to show His glory. Through our weaknesses He is made strong. His light is visible through our weakest parts.

But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. “Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

     When we fall to pieces, when we accept our flaws, God begins to work. He is the potter. He just may leave a crack or two in place. That just allows His light to shine through. When other people see what you are doing, they will say, “How can he/she do that?” And the only answer will be, “It’s not me. It’s God. It’s Jesus at work.”  He is ready to make all of those dents and dings and holes and cracks work for Him. Our tests become our testimonies. Our messes become our messages.

But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 2 Corinthians 4:7

     God chose me and He chose you. He chooses the cracked pots, the jars ready for the potter’s hand, the weak and the foolish ones to show Him off.

But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise. God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.  1 Corinthians 1:27

     Well, you cracked pots, you foolish and weak things, let’s go show off our new jars of clay, the ones with the light shining through. Let’s confound some of those perfect pots. We have an amazing God.

Dear Father in Heaven,

Only You can bring such beauty to these cracked jars of clay. Fill us with Your confidence as You create something beautiful out of our weakest parts. Create new treasures in these jars of clay. We can do it with Jesus.

Amen

Praise Him

 

     Jesus turns our world upside down. shakes a few things loose, sets us back up, and after the dizziness subsides, we look around and nothing is the same. This week, allow Him to show you a new perspective, a topsy turvy, inside out and upside-down new beginning. Let’s begin with praise. Thankfulness and gratitude to God is a great way to begin and end each day. Through it all.

     Praise Him to begin and end your day:

They were also to stand every morning to thank and praise the Lord. They were to do the same in the evening. 2 Chronicles 23:30

     Praise Him through the darkness:

Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God. Psalm 42:5

     Praise him for all He has created:

All the earth bows down to You. They sing praise to you, they sing the praises of Your name. Psalm 66:4

     Praise Him for hope:

As for me, I will always have hope. I will praise You more and more.  Psalm 71:14

      Praise Him as you pass it down.

Then we Your people, the sheep of Your pasture, will praise You forever from generation to generation we will proclaim Your praise.  Psalm 79:13

     Praise Him for His love:

Praise the Lord. Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good and His love endures forever.  Psalm 106:1

     Praise Him for His word:

May my lips overflow with praise, for You teach me Your decrees. Psalm 119:171

     Praise Him for your life.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful. I know that full well. Psalm 139:14

     Praise Him for His power and greatness:

Praise Him for His acts of power, praise Him for His surpassing greatness. Psalm 150:2

     Praise Him with music and movement:

Praise him with timbrel and dancing, praise Him with the strings of the lyre.  Psalm 150:3

     He will replace your despair as you praise Him.

And provide for those who grieve in Zion, to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor.  Isaiah 61:3

     Praise Him for His spiritual blessings:

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.  Ephesians 1:3

     Praise Him when it is difficult.

Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise-the fruit of lips that openly confess His name.  Hebrews 13:15

     Praise Him today, even if it is difficult. Praise Him for His love, for His creation, for His Son, praise Him for everything in Your heart. He is worthy to be praised, this morning, this afternoon, tonight, tomorrow and forevermore.

Dear Father in Heaven,

We thank you for the gift of praise and thanksgiving. Remove our despair. Replace our mourning with joy. Replace our ashes for beauty. You change us as we focus on You.

In Jesus Name,

Amen

Prayer

 

     A prayer begins our relationship with Jesus as Savior. It is a necessary part of life to keep our relationship with Him growing and active. Prayer changes circumstances, heals hearts, intercedes for friends and family.

     Do you find yourself trying to pray and something comes immediately to mind? Suddenly you remember an e-mail you have to answer or the phone just happens to ring as you begin your time with God. The quiet intimate time with Jesus seems impossible until it becomes a habit. The habit will eventually become the time you look most forward to, the quiet time to get to know and understand the voice of Christ.

     Jesus is always with us. That fact allows us to pray in the middle of a meeting, in a line at the post office, as we remember a sick friend, or witness an accident, or in the middle of a sleepless night. Praying can be habitual and part of our existence, as we practice the presence of God. 

Pray continually. 1 Thessalonians 5:17

     Satan would love to distract us enough, keep us busy enough, make us comfortable enough, make us worry enough, build our pride enough, keep us uncertain enough, to believe we don’t need to pray or believe we have no time to pray. Let prayer become a priority. Find a special time each day for prayer and Bible time. Those two things, understanding and studying God’s word and sitting in His presence in prayer will change your life forever. This relationship with Jesus gives us joy and hope. Don’t do this out of guilt or obligation, but because this relationship has become one of joy and anticipation.

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12

     Prayer has great power, the power that first connected you to Jesus. The Holy Spirit within you will guide you into prayer, how to pray, what to pray and who should be included in your prayers. It is an honor to pray for others, and if someone prays for you, you are blessed indeed.

     I am pausing in my writing, right now, to pray for each reader. May Jesus fill your hearts and mind with blessings in the joy and hope of His salvation and love. And I thank you, dear friends, for the ways you have prayed for me and our family.

Dear Father,

Let each person reading these words feel Your presence in a new and powerful way. I pray those “Holy Spirit shivers” are running up and down as we unite together in praising You and in believing in the power of prayer and basking in Your mighty presence.

In Jesus powerful name we pray,

Amen

Power

 

     The moment we become believers we receive the power of the Holy Spirit. That spiritual power is beyond this world, beyond what we see with our eyes, or hear with our ears. It is a deep and abiding force that guides us through the rest of our lives. The breath and Spirit of Christ rests upon us. It is beyond our natural abilities. It is supernatural

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

     Yes, that moment you first believed, the Holy Spirit was given to you. Are you ready to hear more about this great power? These next verses never fail to fill me with awe and wonder at what He offers freely when we believe that He exists and died and rose again for us. Paul is praying this prayer for his brothers and sisters in Ephesus. Let this be a prayer for you today. Let it soak into your heart.

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in His holy people, and His incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength He exerted when He raised Christ from the dead and seated Him at the right hand of the heavenly realms. Ephesians 1:18-20

     The same power that raised Christ from the dead is given to us?! Resurrection power. I could use a little of that each and every day. You, too? Feel that great power in prayer, through your struggles, beyond your circumstances and in trusting His ability to use all things for His good. We may not understand it all until we are in heaven, but all of this, every single thing in our lives will not go to waste. Every bit of it will be, somehow, in some way, used for His glory. Believe it!

Dear Lord,

We don’t see all things clearly now. It becomes muddled in our daily existence, but we trust You. One day we will see it all and understand how you used us in unexpected ways. Tune us in to our Holy Spirit power today and every single day for the rest of our lives. Teach us how to be in constant contact with You and to share the power of Your great love with others.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Plan

 

     There is no other person on the planet like you. God’s plan for your life is different from any other. You were born at just the right time, for just the right season, for just these moments. You are gifted with a certain personality type, with natural, in-born gifts to share, and when the Holy Spirit comes to live within you, God enhances all of our attributes with gifts of His own, gifts of the Spirit. These gifts are to be used for the common good. (See 1 Corinthians 12, Ephesians 4 and Romans 12 for the gifts of the Spirit)

     God’s plan will fit perfectly, with great precision, with who you are and where you are and with what you do best. Do you make a plan or go with the flow? Are your decisions based on logical thinking or from the heart? Do you connect with the world with your five senses or intuition? Gifted in administration? Love to entertain? Are you quiet and prefer one-on-one conversation to a crowd setting? Love to teach or to stay behind the scenes setting up for the meeting? Are you meant to shepherd a small group or use your Biblical knowledge to help others? Are you a singer?

     All of these and more can be used to influence the kingdom of God. The community of faith works together as a body. Jesus is the head, and we make up the other parts. Just as our body cannot function without all of its working parts, so our communities cannot function without all of us working in unity.

     The beautiful truth, well, one of the many beautiful truths about the body of Christ, is that God gives special honor to the unseen, less-focused-on gifts. Do you pray for others continually? Maybe you sharpen the pencils in the pews. Or you come early and stay late before and after the meetings and no one knows what you are doing. You are highly honored by our God.

     God’s plan is just right. Not too much, not too little, a one-of-a kind blueprint that fits you like a glove. No guilt-ridden duty. No begrudging giving. Instead, our gifts will be used with joy and passion.

     He will give you the power to do what you are meant to do in ways that may seem impossible without our Creator. He will pull out all of the stops to influence His children on earth. He needs you, and we are in it together.

If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.  1 Corinthians 12:26-27

From Him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.  Ephesians 4;16

     Discovering your gifts and doing your part is an awesome adventure. As you read God’s word, He will show you the way you should go.

Dear Jesus,

We thank you for each part of the body of Christ all over the world. How you orchestrate all of us to work for Your kingdom is beyond our imaginings. Show us our part. Are we your eyes focused on a hurting world? Are we Your hands offering a loving touch to someone in need, or Your feet going to unsaved parts of the world? We all share Your great and powerful heart in love.

Amen

Purpose

 

     How do we find purpose on earth? What is it all about? If Jesus is the way, the truth and the life, what does He expect from you and me? He gave up everything to give us all new life. I know I have nothing to give in return. There is nothing we CAN do, nothing God needs. He is everything and He holds everything in His mighty hands. What He wants and asks from us is to have a relationship with Him, to have faith.

     As we get to know Jesus through His word and through prayer, our purpose begins to become clear. Knowing Him, putting Him first, recognizing we can’t do anything without Him, finds us surprisingly able to do things we could not imagine. Our confidence is in Him, rather than in our imperfect selves.

     He may use our stories, our sufferings, our lives as a testimony to others. People may notice a change and ask us about the hope within us. We may speak boldly about our faith to the people God places in our lives. Jesus may even ask us to reach out to someone we don’t like very much. We can’t do it on our own.

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26

     Get to know Him. Open up the good book. Imagine a new life filled with possibilities. Most of the thoughts in our head, what we worry about, compete for, save to buy, work towards, will not come with us into heaven.

Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine according to the power that is at work within us. Ephesians 3:20

     When we meet Jesus, He will burn up the things that are no longer needed as we walk through those pearly gates. But the things we did with Him and for Him and through Him? They will be refined like gold, beautiful and lasting. Good enough to last forever.

Their 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 person’s work. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved-even though only as one escaping through the flames.  1 Corinthians 3:13-15

     This work is not anything we can do on our own, but only with Jesus, the foundation. He shows us what to do and how to do it, through His Holy Spirit, through His mighty word, through our time of prayer.

     Ready to give it a try, this purposeful life? It comes down to the heart and His love.

As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart.  Proverbs 27:19

     What is the condition of your heart? Let it melt into a life with Christ.

Dear Jesus,

You give our lives meaning and purpose. Show us how to take the next step. Help us focus on Your love and getting to know You more intimately. We are one in spirit with You and the Father when we believe.

Amen

Perfection

 

     I want us to work backwards this week, focusing our eyes on the end of the story, and the warmth and beauty of heaven. If you are a believer in Christ (if you are not, stay tuned all week) we know we will live forever!

     One day, at the end of these earthly lives, we will live in perfection.  Our bodies will move from mortal to immortal, from perishable to imperishable (see 1 Corinthians 15;35-58) and yet we will remain our unique selves. Let this truth give you strength and hope, giving promise to a parent’s heart as they witness their child suffer with disability or disease; joy to a widow or widower’s heart as she or he continues to miss a spouse; an end to the labored breathing that comes with lung disease; a day to be free of temptation and addiction. A new beginning at what would appear to be the end of the road.

     Finite to infinite, imperfect to perfect, perishable to imperishable, the unseen will be seen, time will become timeless. It puts our suffering, our temptations, our grief into perspective. God will redeem all of it one day, in His perfect timing.

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.  Romans 8:18

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.  2 Corinthians 4:17-18  (My life verses)

     We will meet Jesus face-to-face. We will live in glory. No time-frame, no hustle and bustle. A reuniting with loved ones. Our future with no more goodbyes. No more scurrying from place to place. No more stress! We can drink our coffee for hours on end. We will have time to speak to others in history. We will see Moses and Elijah, John and James, Mary and Joseph, Abraham and Isaac. Forever.

     There is no end to our story, other than a giving up of our imperfect bodies. We aren’t striving and struggling just to get to the end of this life. The end is the true beginning. Feel the hope. See the glory. Live out your life with passion and love. All of this is achieving for us a glory that far outweighs it all.

But do not forget this one thing, dear friends. With the Lord a day is like a thousand years and a thousand years are like a day.  2 Peter 3:8

    Our sufferings last only a moment in light of eternity. Take in that strength today. Count on that hope. Believe in eternity. All of this will be redeemed in His glory. And every breath on this earth can be lived for Him. Every breath is precious. He gave you life on earth and He promises new life forever.

Dear Lord,

You give us hope for tomorrow, when we will be like You, with new bodies in a perfect world. A new heaven and a new earth, with Your glory shining all around us. The Son will be the sun of heaven. No more night. No more tears. The hope of glory. Our blessed assurance.

It is Jesus.

Amen

Jesus Prays

 

     Did you know Jesus prayed for you right before He was arrested and sentenced to the cross? He knew His time on earth was short and the 17^th chapter of John shares Jesus’ prayers; for Himself to be glorified, for His disciples to be protected and for all of those who would believe in Him. That’s us!

     Jesus knows what is to come. Before He prays, this is what He says to His disciples:

“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

     Even then, knowing what was to come, He is offering comfort to His beloved followers. This God of ours humbled Himself to give everything up in human form to give us eternal life. He understands our worldly life, but He sees the finished work of the cross, and so He prays.

First, for Himself:

After Jesus said this, He looked toward heaven and prayed: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son may glorify You. For You granted Him authority over all people that He might give eternal life to all those You have given Him.  John 17:1-2

And for His disciples:

I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world and I am coming to You. Holy Father, protect them by the power of Your name, the name You gave Me, so that they may be one as We are one.  John 17:11

And for all believers:

My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in Me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as You are in Me and I am in You. May they also be in Us so that the world may believe that You have sent Me.  John 17:20-21

     This prayer resonates with us more than 2,000 years later. There is something so beautiful and moving in this chapter. I encourage you to read through all of it. Soon, Jesus knows, He will be back in heaven and He is entrusting all of us into His Father’s hands while He is still in the world.

     Jesus prayed for you. He knows your trouble and your worries. Just as He looked upward towards heaven, He is waiting for you to look up and lock gazes with Him and become one with Him and the Father. He is asking you to believe.

Dear Jesus,

Thank you for Your followers who continue to spread Your message of truth. You prayed for us before the creation of the world. You prayed for us when you lived among us and You pray for us from the heavens. Thank You for Your word.

Amen

Our Unchanging God

 

     Our Minnesota weather has been a typical roller coaster as winter turns to spring. 70 degrees one day followed by 30 and the chance of snow. Our bodies don’t have much of a chance to assimilate to the drastic changes. It is often true of life.

     Navigating life’s ups and downs can be tricky. In the book of John, Jesus reminds us over and over again that He is God. He will supply the answers to all of our needs.

“Very truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!” John 8:58

     Jesus is the past, the present and the future. He always was, always is and always will be. He is the everlasting God.  Throughout John’s Gospel He continues to repeat this message. “ I AM” the bread of life (6:35), the light of the world (8:12, 9:5),  the door (10:7), the good shepherd (10:11,14), the resurrection and the life (11:25), the way and the truth and the life (14:6), the vine (15:1)

     If your soul needs nourishment, feed it with His bread. If darkness is closing in around you, let Him be the light to guide you out. Looking for a new beginning? He will be the door. Feeling lost and alone? The good shepherd will be your comfort. You can be renewed by His death and resurrection. You will find real life in the great I AM. He is the way. He is the truth. He is the life. Has a storm encompassed you? Become rooted deep in the vine and you will remain standing.

     I pray for those going through tumultuous times. Jesus never changes. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. May God continue to guide, bless, nourish and comfort each of you with His transforming love, into all of the gifts He has planned for you.

Dear Jesus,

Our greatest gift is knowing You. Thank you for being all things to us. Give each of us Your special and unique care for each day. Thank you for the families and friends you give us. Show us how to treasure them every single day. You will provide us with everything we need.

Amen

The Holy Spirit

 

     The words of Jesus were confusing even to His followers. After Jesus’ death and resurrection, the words were made clear. For all of us on the other side of the resurrection, we see Jesus as the Christ, the Messiah, the Savior. Rather than needing the signs and wonders of a miracle, we gain the Spiritual knowledge we need to follow Him. Jesus spoke these words about the Holy Spirit that was to come.

And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever, the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept Him because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you know Him for He lives with you and will be in you.  John 14:16-17

“When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who goes out from the Father, He will testify about me.  John 15:25-26

“But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the advocate will not come to you, but if I go, I will send Him to you.  John 16:7

     The Holy Spirit, our advocate, our teacher, our comforter, our counselor, could not be sent to us until after Jesus arrived back in heaven. Through this Spirit we have the very breath and power of God, to guide us into truth, to decipher the word of God, to help us discover and to use the Spiritual gifts God has given us.

     Jesus not only gives us the promise of eternal life and eternal love. He gives us His own Spirit to give us hope and joy throughout our lives. Be filled with the Spirit today, the Holy Spirit of the true and living God. Jesus is the way.

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.  John 14:6

Dear Father in Heaven,

You are the triune God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We thank you for filling us with the gifts of the Spirit. Guide us in Your wisdom as we allow Him, the Advocate, the Counselor, the Teacher of our souls to show us the next step.

In Jesus Name,

Amen

Eternal Words

 

     Will you give Jesus a chance? In the sixth chapter of the book of John, Jesus is speaking of things that will not make perfect sense until after his death and resurrection. His words will never make sense to some. As He speaks, He knows in His heart that there will be those who will not listen. He is speaking to a group about the things of the Spirit.

The Spirit gives life, the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you-they are full of the Spirit and life.  John 6:63

     At this time, some of His followers turned away and left Him. There are many today that take a peek into Christianity and walk away. After some of the followers left Him, Jesus asks;

“You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve.  John 6:67

  And the answer?

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

     Is it time to find eternal answers? Is it time to get rid of the fear of death? Only then can we live. Jesus has the words to eternal life. Believing and putting our trust in the death and resurrection of the Savior comes with a guarantee. Our flesh counts for nothing. The everlasting, forever, eternal part of us can live in paradise with our Father in heaven through Jesus, our Savior. To whom will you go?

Dear Father in Heaven,

We praise You for giving us the gift of eternal life through Jesus, Your Son. We do not deserve it, but Your all-powerful love found a way to bring us back to You. One day we will be with you forever with no more tears and no more pain. Please open hearts today to hear Your words of eternal life, to believe, and to accept Jesus.

Amen

 

For God So Loved The World

 

     Are you unsure about faith in Jesus? Are you wondering if He is real and if you can trust Him as Savior? We are going to take a peek into the Gospel of John this week. John’s Gospel is different from the other three, (Matthew, Mark and Luke.) John’s words are more relational, more profound, John’s Gospel is a great place to begin in the Bible and a good place to return time and time again.

     John was an eyewitness to the life of Christ as one of His disciples. I love the fact that John calls himself, “the disciple whom Jesus loves.” (John 13:23) Those words can be said by each one of us. You and I are the ones whom Jesus loves.

     It’s all about love, this Gospel, the Good News of Jesus. Let’s begin our peek into John’s words with a familiar verse.

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

     It’s all about love and believing in the Son of God. The word, “believe” is written in John’s Gospel almost 100 times! Accepting the love of Christ and believing in His death and resurrection sums it up. The message is good. This message is real. This message is for you, the one whom Jesus loves. What does He ask of us? To believe.

Dear Lord,

This Good News of Yours appears to be too good to be true. We make it so complicated and confusing. Let the message of Your love sink in once and for all as we believe in You and inherit eternal life.

In Jesus name,

Amen

 

More and Even More

 

     Jesus offers the abundant, Spirit-filled life. He offers grace upon grace and we move from glory to glory reflecting His image in ever-increasing ways, as He offers us more love. The “more” and “even more” of Jesus is available 24/7 to those who love Him.

He has saved us and called us to a holy life-not because of anything we have done but because of His own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time. 1 Timothy 1:9

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. Galatians 2:20

     Jesus saw you before the beginning of time. He loves you. The reflection of Jesus offers us an inner peace, a deep joy in spite of circumstances, a patient heart and a generous soul. The people around us may need a dose of Jesus.  Could it be you? Can you represent Him? The angriest, most critical, most arrogant, addicted, culturally different people you know need Him more than most. You may not think they deserve Jesus.

     Neither did we.

Dear Father,

You love us, each one of us, right where we are. Change us into Your image with the help of Your Spirit. The abundant life is filled with the giving and receiving of God’s blessings. It’s how life works in the realm of the Holy Spirit. We don’t get it, but we want it.

In Jesus name,

Amen

 

More Spirit

 

     Are you recognizing the potential to gain the “more” of Christ? How about the “much more” of His love and His gifts? Our gravity-bound, earth-dwelling selves know how to love. But the love of God is beyond the moon and the stars for us beyond earthly measure.

“Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?”  Luke 11:13

     We give good gifts to our children and want the best for them. But “how much more” God gives to us! Did you notice what Jesus instructs us to do? That’s it. Ask for the Holy Spirit. This greatest of all gifts will be your teacher, your guide, your comforter, your intercessor. The very Spirit of God is within you. Sit with your heavenly father and ask for “more” of the Spirit and feel the power of the resurrected King.

Lord,

We ask for complete filling of Your Spirit, the same Spirit that dwells with You! You always have more to give and You tell us to ask. We pray to You this morning in Jesus name.

Amen

 

More Glory

 

     Moses came as close as any man to the presence of God in the Old Testament. God hid Moses in the crevice of a rock and placed His hand over the crevice as His glory moved past. The closeness of the glory of God, even hidden in the rocks, shone on Moses  When he descended from the mountain-top experience, he had to wear a veil in order for the Israelites to look at him!

     As Jesus died on the cross, the veil of the temple ripped in two. (Mark 15) This veil is believed to have been 30 feet long and 30 feet wide and as thick as a man’s hand. This enormously heavy veil enclosed the inner sanctum where the presence of God’s glory resided. It was called the “holy of holies.”  Only the high priest could enter the sanctuary on the holiest of days.

     Here we are, in the days of God’s grace, beyond the cross and the resurrection. See the “more” of Christ in today’s verses. Paul wrote these words through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, about 30 years after the resurrection.

Even to this day when Moses is read a veil covers their hearts. But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.  2 Corinthians 3-15-18

     These are some life-transforming verses. Let them sink in. We are being transformed into Christ’s image with ever-increasing glory! From glory to glory, the more and even more of a relationship with Christ. In the book of James (Jesus’ half-brother) we see the word of God compared to a mirror. As we read and meditate and learn from it, we are transformed more and more into the image of Christ.

     Reflect God’s glory. Let Him take over and transform your life as only He can. The veil has been lifted forever. It’s His work, not ours. Become that jar of clay.  As He molds you into His work of art, remember His temple, that inner sanctum where He resides, now resides within us. Hallelujah!

Dear Lord,

These words are miraculous and awe-inspiring. Only you could take sin-filled man and fill them with something beautiful and holy; Your Spirit. Let it be said of us that we are Yours.

Amen

More Grace

 

     We are fortunate to live in God’s grace. Grace is the good news of Jesus. In addition to Webster’s definitions of the ways we use the word, like “goodwill” and “beauty of form or movement,” there is the definition, “God’s love.” Yes, grace is God’s love poured out through His Son. We live in His grace day by day and as we continue to talk about the “more” of Jesus, there it is. His abundant grace.

For from His fullness, we have received grace upon grace. John 1:16 ESV

     When we think we can’t be forgiven one more time, when that nasty habit rears its ugly head, when we speak out in anger or use God’s name in vain, the Holy Spirit convicts us with a gentle voice and Jesus waits for us again to come back to Him. He reminds His children that it was finished on the cross. He never leaves us. He just keeps washing over us with His grace. And then more grace. Grace upon grace.

Jesus,

Thank you for Your never-ending grace. Your gospel is the gospel of grace. What a beautiful gift from You. May we never forget it. It is Your gift. The gift of everlasting life. The gift we didn’t deserve and You give it with grace.

Amen

 

More Jesus

 

     I have been a bit down and out over the last two weeks. I have dealt with diverticulitis (kind of an old-person thing) over the last ten or fifteen years. Typically, I can nip it in the bud within a few days following a couple days of liquid diet and bland food. This time it seemed to stick with me and I was exhausted and frustrated and I didn’t even lose a pound!!!

     When we aren’t feeling quite right, we need Jesus even more. Are you a bit depleted? Jesus offers us more. Are you satisfied? He will give you more. Are you empty? He will fill you to the full until it overflows. Do you have more than enough? He offers even more! The choices are stark. Evil may increase more and more. Corruption even more. Sin abounds.

     The contrast? There He is: Jesus. Each day this week we will focus on a verse; a verse with the “more” of Jesus. Think ahead to the choices you have today. Fill up on life and blessing. He offers it in abundance.

     From the Amplified Bible, Jesus tells us:

The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows) John 10:10 AMP

    Don’t let that pesky devil steal your joy, destroy your health and kill your soul. Ask Jesus to give you more of the abundant life in Him. He gives and gives to the full, until it overflows.

Dear Father in Heaven,

Your Son freely gave Himself for us when we didn’t deserve it, accepting the suffering we all deserve. Not only has He washed us clean from sin and promised heaven, He offers the abundant life on earth. How do we not choose Him?

In Jesus name,

Amen