16) 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. 17) For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. - John 3:16 - 17
Compared to eternity, it goes without saying that our lives on earth don’t last very long. James describes it like a vapour, a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. God stands apart from His creation as self-existing in His immortality, but in the beginning, He created us with the intention that we would live with Him forever. That was destroyed in the Garden of Eden, but in His great mercy, God provided a way, through His Son, for us to go on living beyond this earthly existence and into His heavenly realm.
In 2 Timothy 1:9-10, Paul writes, “This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed, through the appearing of our Saviour, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel.” The grace Paul refers to is the power of God who has saved us and called us to a holy life. But our lives are not designed for just the here and now. The Gospel reveals that the gift of God is eternal life, and eternal life is this: that we may know the one true God and Jesus Christ, whom He has sent. Proverbs 12:28 says, “In the way of righteousness there is life; along that path is immortality.”
Our sense of the sanctity of human life is determined by our understanding of the origin of life, which is in God Himself. We have seen the great atrocities of ethnic cleansing, which has taken place under dictatorships such as in Rwanda, the Sudan, former Yugoslavia and under Hitler’s regime. When there is no understanding that life was created by God, disregard for His creation becomes eventually almost inevitable.
Every person has value, and is brought into this world with the divine purpose of sharing in God’s immortality. God, Himself, came in the person of Jesus Christ to live among humankind in order to give us new life; not one that lasts as long as we’re on earth, but one that commences the moment we accept Him, and lives on into eternity. Without Christ, our world doesn’t make sense, and without the promise of eternal life, through Him who died for us, there would be neither sense nor purpose for this world.
PRAYER: Dear Father, I know that I am created by You with the divine purpose of living forever with You. As our time on earth is so short lived, that gives everything, from the people I meet to the situations I face, significant meaning. Thank You, Lord, for that enriched quality of life, which comes from You, and will continue into eternity with You. In Jesus' name, Amen.
(by Charles Price)
Be Blessed!
Dawn
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
It’s All About “Me”
Scripture Of The Day: "Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other." - Romans 12:4-5 (NLT)
Forget for a minute what you think it means to “remember.” Travel with me to South Dakota. Visit the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. It’s one of the poorest areas in the country. There, to remember is not to recall. Remember means to restore.
“Re-member” is the name of a non-profit group working to “put back that which is broken.” That’s how founder Keith Titus describes it. Every year, volunteers from across the country sacrifice their time to help the Oglala Lakota people. Dilapidated homes are re-built. The tribe’s quality of life improves. Members reconnect to a stronger, loving community.
This puts me in mind of Jesus’ final rebuilding instruction to his disciples just before his crucifixion. At the last supper he repeatedly urged them to “remember me.”
Listen to 1st Corinthians 11:23b-25: “On the night when he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and said, ‘This is my body, which is given for you. Do this to remember me.’ In the same way, he took the cup of wine after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood. Do this to remember me as often as you drink it.’”
Surly Jesus’ ultimate body and blood sacrifice deserves more than a sacred recollection now and then.
It is believed that the ancient definition of re-member is to “put back that which is broken,” If that’s true, communion is more than just a chance to think back on the miracle of Calvary. It’s also an opportunity for us to restore, revive and build up each other! Hear again the words of Jesus: “Re-member Me.” Put me back together. We are members of the body of Christ. We are his spiritual body parts. So “Me” consists of everyone who has confessed Jesus as Lord and Savior.
Romans 12:4-5 makes it clear that, “Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ's body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.”
1st Thessalonians 5:11 urges us to “Encourage each other and build each other up…” But too often the Body of Christ is busy producing free radicals or suicide cells. They cause the body to attack itself, and damage healthy cells. Spiritually, free radicals are strife, jealousy, envy and competition. They plant seeds of discord among the saints. But Jesus said “Re-Member Me.” Restore, uplift, edify and encourage “Me.” That’s how we ensure a healthy immune system in the Body of Christ, His church.
Physically, if you stub your big toe, the entire body is impacted. When you are vibrant and fit the whole body feels exhilarated. So it is spiritually. Yes, we are many members with different functions. Yet we are all connected. What happens to one, impacts all.
So, Romans 12:15 says, “Rejoice with those who rejoice. Weep with those who weep.” And Hebrew 13:11 tells us to “Let brotherly love continue.” Yes, we are our brother’s keeper. 1st Peter 4:8 reminds us to “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
Every year on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, strangers from near and far gather to help build up and restore a tribe broken by prejudice and hardship.
Christ was broken and bruised to restore the world. When we restore or uplift someone, we remember him. We unify his body, the church.
So, take time today and purposely re-member, edify or uplift a brother or sister. Give a hug, a smile or an encouraging word. Restore someone’s faith in human kindness, decency and genuine friendship.
Remember, it’s not about you. It’s all about “Me,” the body of Christ.
(By Sharon Frame)
Be Blessed!
Dawn
Forget for a minute what you think it means to “remember.” Travel with me to South Dakota. Visit the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. It’s one of the poorest areas in the country. There, to remember is not to recall. Remember means to restore.
“Re-member” is the name of a non-profit group working to “put back that which is broken.” That’s how founder Keith Titus describes it. Every year, volunteers from across the country sacrifice their time to help the Oglala Lakota people. Dilapidated homes are re-built. The tribe’s quality of life improves. Members reconnect to a stronger, loving community.
This puts me in mind of Jesus’ final rebuilding instruction to his disciples just before his crucifixion. At the last supper he repeatedly urged them to “remember me.”
Listen to 1st Corinthians 11:23b-25: “On the night when he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and said, ‘This is my body, which is given for you. Do this to remember me.’ In the same way, he took the cup of wine after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood. Do this to remember me as often as you drink it.’”
Surly Jesus’ ultimate body and blood sacrifice deserves more than a sacred recollection now and then.
It is believed that the ancient definition of re-member is to “put back that which is broken,” If that’s true, communion is more than just a chance to think back on the miracle of Calvary. It’s also an opportunity for us to restore, revive and build up each other! Hear again the words of Jesus: “Re-member Me.” Put me back together. We are members of the body of Christ. We are his spiritual body parts. So “Me” consists of everyone who has confessed Jesus as Lord and Savior.
Romans 12:4-5 makes it clear that, “Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ's body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.”
1st Thessalonians 5:11 urges us to “Encourage each other and build each other up…” But too often the Body of Christ is busy producing free radicals or suicide cells. They cause the body to attack itself, and damage healthy cells. Spiritually, free radicals are strife, jealousy, envy and competition. They plant seeds of discord among the saints. But Jesus said “Re-Member Me.” Restore, uplift, edify and encourage “Me.” That’s how we ensure a healthy immune system in the Body of Christ, His church.
Physically, if you stub your big toe, the entire body is impacted. When you are vibrant and fit the whole body feels exhilarated. So it is spiritually. Yes, we are many members with different functions. Yet we are all connected. What happens to one, impacts all.
So, Romans 12:15 says, “Rejoice with those who rejoice. Weep with those who weep.” And Hebrew 13:11 tells us to “Let brotherly love continue.” Yes, we are our brother’s keeper. 1st Peter 4:8 reminds us to “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
Every year on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, strangers from near and far gather to help build up and restore a tribe broken by prejudice and hardship.
Christ was broken and bruised to restore the world. When we restore or uplift someone, we remember him. We unify his body, the church.
So, take time today and purposely re-member, edify or uplift a brother or sister. Give a hug, a smile or an encouraging word. Restore someone’s faith in human kindness, decency and genuine friendship.
Remember, it’s not about you. It’s all about “Me,” the body of Christ.
(By Sharon Frame)
Be Blessed!
Dawn
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Easter Brings Hope
Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live." John 11:25
Easter is not about brightly colored eggs, wearing pastels, or enjoying a big meal, although it could include these. Easter is about the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
For some, Easter will be a great day, spent surrounded by family and friends. But for others, it will be a sad day, because Easter is a reminder of a loved one who has died and is now desperately missed.
Death seems so cruel, so harsh, and so final. That is what the disciples were feeling when they saw their Lord, whom they had left everything to follow, hanging on the cross. They were devastated. Death had crushed them. But if they would have gone back in their memories, they would have recalled an important event and statement Jesus had made.
They would have remembered Jesus standing at the tomb of his close friend Lazarus. They would have remembered that Jesus did something completely unexpected: He wept (see John 11:35). Jesus wept, because He knew that death was not part of God's original plan. Humanity was not meant to grow old, to suffer with disease, or to die. But because of the sin of Adam and Eve, sin entered the human race, and death followed with it. And death spread to all of us. Jesus wept, because it broke His heart.
But standing there at Lazarus' tomb, Jesus also delivered these hope-filled words: "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live" (John 11:25). Death is not the end. And the resurrection of Jesus Christ proves it.
If you have put your faith in Christ, then Easter means that you will live forever in the presence of God. Easter brings hope to the person who has been devastated by death.
Be Blessed!
Dawn
Easter is not about brightly colored eggs, wearing pastels, or enjoying a big meal, although it could include these. Easter is about the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
For some, Easter will be a great day, spent surrounded by family and friends. But for others, it will be a sad day, because Easter is a reminder of a loved one who has died and is now desperately missed.
Death seems so cruel, so harsh, and so final. That is what the disciples were feeling when they saw their Lord, whom they had left everything to follow, hanging on the cross. They were devastated. Death had crushed them. But if they would have gone back in their memories, they would have recalled an important event and statement Jesus had made.
They would have remembered Jesus standing at the tomb of his close friend Lazarus. They would have remembered that Jesus did something completely unexpected: He wept (see John 11:35). Jesus wept, because He knew that death was not part of God's original plan. Humanity was not meant to grow old, to suffer with disease, or to die. But because of the sin of Adam and Eve, sin entered the human race, and death followed with it. And death spread to all of us. Jesus wept, because it broke His heart.
But standing there at Lazarus' tomb, Jesus also delivered these hope-filled words: "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live" (John 11:25). Death is not the end. And the resurrection of Jesus Christ proves it.
If you have put your faith in Christ, then Easter means that you will live forever in the presence of God. Easter brings hope to the person who has been devastated by death.
Be Blessed!
Dawn
Monday, April 25, 2011
Finished!
When Jesus had tasted it, he said, "It is finished!" Then he bowed his head and released his spirit. –John 19:30
The cross was the goal of Jesus from the very beginning. His birth was so there would be His death. The incarnation was for our atonement. He was born to die so that we might live. And when He had accomplished the purpose He had come to fulfill, He summed it up with a single word: "finished."
In the original Greek, it was a common word. Jesus probably used it after He finished a project that He and Joseph might have been working on together in the carpentry shop. Jesus might have turned to Joseph and said, "Finished. Now let's go have lunch." It is finished. Mission accomplished. It is done. It is made an end of.
So what was finished? Finished and completed were the horrendous sufferings of Christ. Never again would He experience pain at the hand of wicked men. Never again would He have to bear the sins of the world. Never again would He, even for a moment, be forsaken of God. That was completed. That was taken care of.
Also finished was Satan's stronghold on humanity. Jesus came to deal a decisive blow against the devil and his demons at the cross of Calvary. Hebrews 2:14 says, "Only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death." This means that you no longer have to be under the power of sin. Because of Jesus' accomplishment at the cross, finished was the stronghold of Satan on humanity.
And lastly, finished was our salvation. It is completed. It is done. All of our sins were transferred to Jesus when He hung on the cross. His righteousness was transferred to our account. So Jesus cried out the words, "It is finished!" It was God's deliberate and well-thought-out plan. It is finished—so rejoice!
(by Greg Laurie)
Be Blessed!
Dawn
The cross was the goal of Jesus from the very beginning. His birth was so there would be His death. The incarnation was for our atonement. He was born to die so that we might live. And when He had accomplished the purpose He had come to fulfill, He summed it up with a single word: "finished."
In the original Greek, it was a common word. Jesus probably used it after He finished a project that He and Joseph might have been working on together in the carpentry shop. Jesus might have turned to Joseph and said, "Finished. Now let's go have lunch." It is finished. Mission accomplished. It is done. It is made an end of.
So what was finished? Finished and completed were the horrendous sufferings of Christ. Never again would He experience pain at the hand of wicked men. Never again would He have to bear the sins of the world. Never again would He, even for a moment, be forsaken of God. That was completed. That was taken care of.
Also finished was Satan's stronghold on humanity. Jesus came to deal a decisive blow against the devil and his demons at the cross of Calvary. Hebrews 2:14 says, "Only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death." This means that you no longer have to be under the power of sin. Because of Jesus' accomplishment at the cross, finished was the stronghold of Satan on humanity.
And lastly, finished was our salvation. It is completed. It is done. All of our sins were transferred to Jesus when He hung on the cross. His righteousness was transferred to our account. So Jesus cried out the words, "It is finished!" It was God's deliberate and well-thought-out plan. It is finished—so rejoice!
(by Greg Laurie)
Be Blessed!
Dawn
Friday, April 22, 2011
The Power of Christ's Last Words
Christ' passionate love for the world is evident in His statements from the Cross:
Statement One: "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do." Luke 23:34
Do you realize that you are in need of the Father's forgiveness?
Statement Two: "Today you will with Me in Paradise." Luke 23:43
Have you realized and confessed Jesus as your personal Savior?
Statement Three: "Woman, behold your son." John 19:26
Jesus is concerned for us and provides for all of us.
Statement Four: "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" Matthew 27:46
Jesus was forsaken so we don't have to be.
Statement Five: "I thirst!" John 19:28
This personal statement reminds us that Jesus is not only God, but He also was man. Jesus identifies with our needs.
Statement Six: "It is finished!" John 19:30
Jesus paid for our sins, and sin's control over our lives is broken!
Statement Seven: "Into Your hands I commit My spirit." Luke 23:46
You can entrust your life into God's hands. If you are reading this today and you've never committed your life to Jesus Christ, would you click here and confess Him as Your Savior and Lord?
(By Greg Laurie)
Be Blessed!
Dawn
Statement One: "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do." Luke 23:34
Do you realize that you are in need of the Father's forgiveness?
Statement Two: "Today you will with Me in Paradise." Luke 23:43
Have you realized and confessed Jesus as your personal Savior?
Statement Three: "Woman, behold your son." John 19:26
Jesus is concerned for us and provides for all of us.
Statement Four: "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" Matthew 27:46
Jesus was forsaken so we don't have to be.
Statement Five: "I thirst!" John 19:28
This personal statement reminds us that Jesus is not only God, but He also was man. Jesus identifies with our needs.
Statement Six: "It is finished!" John 19:30
Jesus paid for our sins, and sin's control over our lives is broken!
Statement Seven: "Into Your hands I commit My spirit." Luke 23:46
You can entrust your life into God's hands. If you are reading this today and you've never committed your life to Jesus Christ, would you click here and confess Him as Your Savior and Lord?
(By Greg Laurie)
Be Blessed!
Dawn
Monday, April 18, 2011
The Greatest Act of Love
6)For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7) For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 8) But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9) Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. 10) For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. 11) And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. Romans 5:6-8
What do you think about when you see a depiction of Christ on the cross? Most of us are overwhelmed by the physical and emotional suffering that He endured—the scourging, beating, thorns, nails, mocking, and shame. We are horrified at the cruelty of the Romans and the hard hearts of the Jewish rulers.
But during the crucifixion, far more was happening than the eye could see. God was carrying out His plan to rescue mankind, providing everything we need for salvation:
1. Redemption. Jesus paid the full price of the debt we owed for transgression: death. His payment set us free from bondage to sin.
2. Forgiveness. God could now release us from the punishment we deserved.
3. Propitiation. Christ’s payment satisfied the Father by fulfilling His demand for justice while letting Him forgive us.
4. Justification. On the basis of Jesus’ sacrifice, the Lord now declares believers not guilty. Although we will still sin in this earthly life, our standing before God is one of righteousness. This is a legal declaration that can never be reversed.
5. Reconciliation. The sin barrier that separated us from the Father was removed by Christ’s death on our behalf. We’re now God’s children—we have open access to Him and fellowship with Him.
The crucifixion was the only way to rescue lost humanity. If there had been any other way, the cross would have been a grotesque display of divine cruelty. But because so much was at stake, it can truly be called the greatest act of love by both the Father and Son.
(via Charles Stanley)
Be Blessed!
Dawn
What do you think about when you see a depiction of Christ on the cross? Most of us are overwhelmed by the physical and emotional suffering that He endured—the scourging, beating, thorns, nails, mocking, and shame. We are horrified at the cruelty of the Romans and the hard hearts of the Jewish rulers.
But during the crucifixion, far more was happening than the eye could see. God was carrying out His plan to rescue mankind, providing everything we need for salvation:
1. Redemption. Jesus paid the full price of the debt we owed for transgression: death. His payment set us free from bondage to sin.
2. Forgiveness. God could now release us from the punishment we deserved.
3. Propitiation. Christ’s payment satisfied the Father by fulfilling His demand for justice while letting Him forgive us.
4. Justification. On the basis of Jesus’ sacrifice, the Lord now declares believers not guilty. Although we will still sin in this earthly life, our standing before God is one of righteousness. This is a legal declaration that can never be reversed.
5. Reconciliation. The sin barrier that separated us from the Father was removed by Christ’s death on our behalf. We’re now God’s children—we have open access to Him and fellowship with Him.
The crucifixion was the only way to rescue lost humanity. If there had been any other way, the cross would have been a grotesque display of divine cruelty. But because so much was at stake, it can truly be called the greatest act of love by both the Father and Son.
(via Charles Stanley)
Be Blessed!
Dawn
Friday, April 15, 2011
How to Seek the Lord
Friday, April 15, 2011
Read -Psalm 105:1-8
Although Scripture tells us to seek the Lord, many Christians struggle with this command. Some are so distracted by other interests and responsibilities that God is only a miniscule part of their goals and desires in life. When confronted with their responsibility to pursue Him, they often feel guilty but don’t know how to begin.
When desire for God surpasses our eagerness for other pursuits, following through becomes much more likely. But hunger for the Lord is an acquired taste. The more we pursue Him, the greater our hunger will be. However, if we ignore Him, what little appetite we have will diminish even further. Do you find that the latter describes your experience? Then ask the Lord to whet your appetite for Him—and follow through by making the effort to seek Him.
Begin with the Scriptures and prayer. Set aside time each day for meditating on God’s Word—listen for His voice, slowly digest what you read, talk to the Lord, ask Him questions, and apply what you learn to your life. Begin studying the Bible. Some of you may say, “I’ve never been into that.” My advice: Get into it! The deep things of God don’t just drop into our brains; they are placed there through diligent study.
Seeking anything requires time and effort. Will you invest your life in the pursuit of the Eternal One—the source of all contentment, joy, and hope? Or will you go after that which is fleeting? By neglecting the Lord, you cheat yourself of all the benefits He promises to those who diligently seek Him.
9Via Charles Stanley)
Be Blessed!
Dawn
Read -Psalm 105:1-8
Although Scripture tells us to seek the Lord, many Christians struggle with this command. Some are so distracted by other interests and responsibilities that God is only a miniscule part of their goals and desires in life. When confronted with their responsibility to pursue Him, they often feel guilty but don’t know how to begin.
When desire for God surpasses our eagerness for other pursuits, following through becomes much more likely. But hunger for the Lord is an acquired taste. The more we pursue Him, the greater our hunger will be. However, if we ignore Him, what little appetite we have will diminish even further. Do you find that the latter describes your experience? Then ask the Lord to whet your appetite for Him—and follow through by making the effort to seek Him.
Begin with the Scriptures and prayer. Set aside time each day for meditating on God’s Word—listen for His voice, slowly digest what you read, talk to the Lord, ask Him questions, and apply what you learn to your life. Begin studying the Bible. Some of you may say, “I’ve never been into that.” My advice: Get into it! The deep things of God don’t just drop into our brains; they are placed there through diligent study.
Seeking anything requires time and effort. Will you invest your life in the pursuit of the Eternal One—the source of all contentment, joy, and hope? Or will you go after that which is fleeting? By neglecting the Lord, you cheat yourself of all the benefits He promises to those who diligently seek Him.
9Via Charles Stanley)
Be Blessed!
Dawn
Thursday, April 14, 2011
To Really Live
19
Philippians 1:19-21
There are many people who would wearily confess they simply exist. Day after day, it’s the same routine and they don’t expect anything special on the horizon of tomorrow. Though routine is necessary, we need reason for it, and that reason can make all the difference between merely existing and enjoying an exciting, purposeful life.
Our conscious reasons for living are naturally dependent upon staying alive. The moment we die, everything about us is gone, but in Philippians 1:20, Paul is saying, I have a reason for my life which transcends both living and dying, and that reason is for Christ to be exalted in my body. The King James translation says, “that Christ might be magnified in my body”. The purpose of magnifying something is to bring it into focus and make it large. We can’t make Christ any larger than He is, but we can make Him larger in us. We can exhibit a ‘bigger’ Jesus.
Paul goes on to say, For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. Within that statement, there are four vital aspects of Christian living. First: the Christian life is personal. It’s “to me”, and involves an intimate relationship with our Lord. Second: it’s practical. It is to live. Centuries ago, Francis of Assisi trained his men in southern Italy by saying, “Wherever you go, whatever you do, make sure you preach Christ; if necessary use words.” Preaching Christ with our mouths closed is all in the way we live. The more Christ is revealed in us, the more reason for purposeful living. Third: the Christian life is possible. It is Christ as my resources in life and my reason to live. We are intended to live in dependence on His indwelling Spirit, supplying all our needs, but without Christ, eventually we’ll run out of our resources. Fourth: the Christian life is permanent, To die is gain. In death we move on to even greater things that we cannot begin to grasp in this life.
When Christ is exalted in our lives, it is impossible to feel trapped in a pointless existence. Everything, from the whiff of a rose to the work we do, holds special meaning because God’s Spirit lives in us. It’s simply how we were designed!
PRAYER: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Jesus, not only in my life but as my life. He is my reason and my resources. Enable me, Lord, in my everyday living, to exhibit a ‘bigger’ Jesus and through Your work in me, bring Christ to others. Amen.
JOURNAL:
- In what areas of my life could I decrease myself and increase Jesus?
- Do I demonstrate in my everyday living that Christ is exalted above all else?
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
The God Who Suffers
He is despised and rejected by men, a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief . . . Surely He has borne our grief and carried our sorrows. Isaiah 53:3–4
When we think of God, we usually consider that fact that He is righteous, holy, loving, and good. But here is something else to consider about God: He is the God who has suffered. We don't tend to think that a perfect Creator would experience such a human trait as human pain and suffering. After all, why would you suffer if you did not have to?
But God has suffered, and more deeply than any of us could ever imagine. In his book The Cross of Christ, John Stott said, "Our God is a suffering God." And I think he is right.
Listen to Isaiah's description of what Jesus (who was God) went through at Calvary: "He is despised and rejected by men, a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief . . . Surely He has borne our grief and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed." (Isaiah 53:3-5)
"A man of suffering." That was Jesus. But why did God suffer? Because He loved and loves. That means He also enters into our suffering as well.
Hebrews 2:17-18 tells us:
"Therefore, it was necessary for him to be made in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters, so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. Then he could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people. Since he himself has gone through suffering and temptation, he is able to help us when we are being tempted" (NLT).
You are not alone in your suffering today. Jesus has been there and walked in your shoes and He is here for you right now. Call out to Him. 3
(by Greg Laurie)
Be Blessed!
Dawn
When we think of God, we usually consider that fact that He is righteous, holy, loving, and good. But here is something else to consider about God: He is the God who has suffered. We don't tend to think that a perfect Creator would experience such a human trait as human pain and suffering. After all, why would you suffer if you did not have to?
But God has suffered, and more deeply than any of us could ever imagine. In his book The Cross of Christ, John Stott said, "Our God is a suffering God." And I think he is right.
Listen to Isaiah's description of what Jesus (who was God) went through at Calvary: "He is despised and rejected by men, a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief . . . Surely He has borne our grief and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed." (Isaiah 53:3-5)
"A man of suffering." That was Jesus. But why did God suffer? Because He loved and loves. That means He also enters into our suffering as well.
Hebrews 2:17-18 tells us:
"Therefore, it was necessary for him to be made in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters, so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. Then he could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people. Since he himself has gone through suffering and temptation, he is able to help us when we are being tempted" (NLT).
You are not alone in your suffering today. Jesus has been there and walked in your shoes and He is here for you right now. Call out to Him. 3
(by Greg Laurie)
Be Blessed!
Dawn
Monday, April 11, 2011
Loving the Dark
And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. John 3:19
The Pharisees did not doubt Jesus because they merely disagreed with Him. They doubted Jesus because they were hardened against him. Doubt is a matter of the mind. Even Christians have moments of doubt. We don't always understand what God is doing or why He is doing it. Unbelief, in contrast, is a matter of the will. It is a choice we make.
The Pharisees were full of unbelief. They did not reject Jesus for lack of evidence or because He was not consistent with what He said. The fact is that Jesus was the perfect example. Even Pontius Pilate, who had examined countless people, said, "I find no fault in this Man" (Luke 23:4), and "I am innocent of the blood of this just Person" (Matthew 27:24). Judas Iscariot, who spent three, concentrated years with Jesus and even betrayed Him said, "I have sinned by betraying innocent blood" (Matthew 27:4). So Jesus clearly was a model of everything that He said.
The Pharisees rejected Jesus because it interfered with the way they wanted to live. And that is why people reject Him today. Jesus said, "And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed" (John 3:19–20).
People don't reject Jesus because they have carefully examined the evidence and have determined that it is not convincing enough. They don't reject Him because they have read through the Scriptures and have found some apparent contradiction. They don't reject Him because of the so-called hypocrisy of some in the church. They reject Him because He interferes with the way they want to live.
(via Greg Laurie)
Be Blessed!
Dawn
Friday, April 8, 2011
What the Resurrection Means to Us
What does the resurrection of Jesus mean to you? What does it mean to me?
First, it assures our future resurrection. Because Jesus both died and rose again, we will be raised like Him. 1 Corinthians 15:20 says, "But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep." The word "firstfruits" speaks of a sampling, a foretaste, a glimpse. Jesus is the firstfruit.
Jesus has died and has risen, so we know that our resurrected bodies in some way will resemble His resurrection body. To what extent, we cannot be certain. But if they were completely like His, it would mean that we would be clearly recognizable.
Second, the resurrection of Jesus is a proof of future judgment. Now that may not sound all that exciting, but it's something we need to know. We live in a society, and indeed a world, in which justice is often perverted and neglected. We look at things that happen and say, "How can that be? How could that happen?" The Resurrection means, among other things, that God's justice will ultimately prevail.
Third, the resurrection of Christ gives us power to live the Christian life (see Romans 8:11). Certainly the Bible does not teach that we will be sinless in this physical body we now live in. On the other hand, we can sin less, not by our own abilities, but by the power of the Spirit.
Christ can make us altogether different kinds of people. We must believe that. "Old things have passed away . . . all things have become new" (2 Corinthians 5:17).God can give you the power to live this Christian life.
(via Greg Laurie)
Be Blessed!
Dawn
First, it assures our future resurrection. Because Jesus both died and rose again, we will be raised like Him. 1 Corinthians 15:20 says, "But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep." The word "firstfruits" speaks of a sampling, a foretaste, a glimpse. Jesus is the firstfruit.
Jesus has died and has risen, so we know that our resurrected bodies in some way will resemble His resurrection body. To what extent, we cannot be certain. But if they were completely like His, it would mean that we would be clearly recognizable.
Second, the resurrection of Jesus is a proof of future judgment. Now that may not sound all that exciting, but it's something we need to know. We live in a society, and indeed a world, in which justice is often perverted and neglected. We look at things that happen and say, "How can that be? How could that happen?" The Resurrection means, among other things, that God's justice will ultimately prevail.
Third, the resurrection of Christ gives us power to live the Christian life (see Romans 8:11). Certainly the Bible does not teach that we will be sinless in this physical body we now live in. On the other hand, we can sin less, not by our own abilities, but by the power of the Spirit.
Christ can make us altogether different kinds of people. We must believe that. "Old things have passed away . . . all things have become new" (2 Corinthians 5:17).God can give you the power to live this Christian life.
(via Greg Laurie)
Be Blessed!
Dawn
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Dying To Live
Scripture Of The Day: “For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.” - Matthew 16:25 (NKJV)
I was about nine-years-old when I first saw a dead person up-close. Some school kids heard an old woman in the neighborhood had just died. Morbid curiosity got the best of us. Before I knew it, we were making nervous tracks through a country dirt road and into the woman’s house. The quick glimpse of death on her face scared me so fear followed me all the way home that day. My childish imagination ran wild. I couldn’t shake the dead woman’s face. And for days, I’d check under every bed for any sign of death lurking in my house.
It’s not just kids who get scared of death. Many adults can’t handle it either. You may be a faithful Christian who believes in the resurrection. But death is still a curious thing. It’s beyond man’s reach or control. Perhaps that’s what troubles us most. We can’t bear not being in control. Spiritually, that may explain why so many Christians have such a hard time dying. For dying means relinquishing control of self. It signifies killing the flesh (our own way of thinking/doing). And who really wants to do that? But die we must, if we really want to live.
In Matthew 16:25 Jesus said to his disciples: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.”
Jesus Christ lived to die. That was his mission on earth. Now we must die to live. That’s our mission. To resurrect means to bring to life again. Since Christ raised us from the dead (our spirit is made alive to God), we are now charged with resurrecting a dead world still trapped in sin. We do that by living a life dying to self.
John 12:24-25 reminds us of our need to die in order to help others live.“Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.” How many seeds are still waiting on you to die so they can germinate? How many sinners are waiting on you to resurrect them? Like my nine-year-old self, we usually run from death. But dying to self is worth embracing, since it can offer life to so many.
The apostle Paul urged us to “mortify (kill) the deeds of the flesh.” That’s how we relinquish our will. Jesus agonized about it in the garden. He finally said, (Father) “not my will, but yours be done.” Dying demands sacrifice. Here’s evidence:
D- Disciplined prayer life. Rise early every morning. Make prayer the first order of business. Talk to God. Allow Him proper space and time to talk to you.
I - Include Holy Spirit. Be led by the comforter, guide and instructor. He teaches how to die to self and live unto God. Take on the fruit of His Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Goodness, Kindness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23)
E- Exhibit Christ. Follow Jesus’ perfect example. Walk in His footsteps. Publically display His love. That’s what draws sinners to God. They’re hungry for a taste of true love. It’s patient, kind. It doesn’t envy or boast. It’s not proud. It’s not rude. It’s not self-seeking. It’s not easily angered or offended. It keeps no record of wrongs. It doesn’t delight in evil, but rejoices in the truth. (1 Corinthians 13: 4-6)
Such love means death of self. As a nine-year-old child, mortal death scared the life out of me. Now I willingly die to live. How about you? It’s the only way some “dead man walking” in sin can glimpse Christ, the image and essence of true life
(via Sharon Frame)
Be Blessed!
Dawn
I was about nine-years-old when I first saw a dead person up-close. Some school kids heard an old woman in the neighborhood had just died. Morbid curiosity got the best of us. Before I knew it, we were making nervous tracks through a country dirt road and into the woman’s house. The quick glimpse of death on her face scared me so fear followed me all the way home that day. My childish imagination ran wild. I couldn’t shake the dead woman’s face. And for days, I’d check under every bed for any sign of death lurking in my house.
It’s not just kids who get scared of death. Many adults can’t handle it either. You may be a faithful Christian who believes in the resurrection. But death is still a curious thing. It’s beyond man’s reach or control. Perhaps that’s what troubles us most. We can’t bear not being in control. Spiritually, that may explain why so many Christians have such a hard time dying. For dying means relinquishing control of self. It signifies killing the flesh (our own way of thinking/doing). And who really wants to do that? But die we must, if we really want to live.
In Matthew 16:25 Jesus said to his disciples: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.”
Jesus Christ lived to die. That was his mission on earth. Now we must die to live. That’s our mission. To resurrect means to bring to life again. Since Christ raised us from the dead (our spirit is made alive to God), we are now charged with resurrecting a dead world still trapped in sin. We do that by living a life dying to self.
John 12:24-25 reminds us of our need to die in order to help others live.“Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.” How many seeds are still waiting on you to die so they can germinate? How many sinners are waiting on you to resurrect them? Like my nine-year-old self, we usually run from death. But dying to self is worth embracing, since it can offer life to so many.
The apostle Paul urged us to “mortify (kill) the deeds of the flesh.” That’s how we relinquish our will. Jesus agonized about it in the garden. He finally said, (Father) “not my will, but yours be done.” Dying demands sacrifice. Here’s evidence:
D- Disciplined prayer life. Rise early every morning. Make prayer the first order of business. Talk to God. Allow Him proper space and time to talk to you.
I - Include Holy Spirit. Be led by the comforter, guide and instructor. He teaches how to die to self and live unto God. Take on the fruit of His Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Goodness, Kindness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23)
E- Exhibit Christ. Follow Jesus’ perfect example. Walk in His footsteps. Publically display His love. That’s what draws sinners to God. They’re hungry for a taste of true love. It’s patient, kind. It doesn’t envy or boast. It’s not proud. It’s not rude. It’s not self-seeking. It’s not easily angered or offended. It keeps no record of wrongs. It doesn’t delight in evil, but rejoices in the truth. (1 Corinthians 13: 4-6)
Such love means death of self. As a nine-year-old child, mortal death scared the life out of me. Now I willingly die to live. How about you? It’s the only way some “dead man walking” in sin can glimpse Christ, the image and essence of true life
(via Sharon Frame)
Be Blessed!
Dawn
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
ACCEPT THE CROSS
Scripture Of The Day: "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." - 1 Corinthians 1:18 (NIV)
When you think of the cross of Jesus, what comes to mind? Pain? Suffering? Sacrifice? Consider this word: acceptance. When Jesus died on the cross, He died so that you would take on righteousness from the covering of His shed blood; so that God could look upon you and see you as His, through Jesus; and finally, Jesus died so that ultimately you would be accepted into God’s Kingdom.
Some of us have a problem accepting ourselves. Guess who’s already accepted you completely, faults and all? Jesus. He has accepted even the worse thing about you, and He loves you deeply, too. God gives us a free will; He will not force you to love Him. But it would be His delight if you were to accept the work His son did on the cross—for you.
Jesus accepted you the day He bled on the cross. He knew you would do what you did growing up; what you did last year; and what you just did. He knew you would mess up—sometimes royally—and He still lay down His life for you. Can you imagine such devotion from anyone you know?
Consider the fact that there are about six billion people on the earth. Take a moment to look at your hands. Each of your fingertips has unique fingerprints—unlike any other person on earth. Psalm 139:13-14 tell us just how we were made: “I will praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” Every time you look in the mirror, remember that you are the only you that will ever exist, and that you were made with great care and with wonder. Do you think the Creator of the entire universe just got bored and made you because He had nothing better to do? Not only did God plan you, but He also planned what He wanted you to do.
Jeremiah 1:5 says “before I formed you in the womb, I knew you … I ordained you a prophet to the nations.” Everything that’s happened to you—all your experiences good and bad—can be used by God for good to accomplish your purpose. Some of our life experiences have been very sad, even traumatic. Romans 8:28 says that it all works together for our good. So seek out your uniqueness; pray and ask God to reveal your specific purpose. Remember that He planned you, and He can use you, regardless of what you’ve been through.
Jesus sealed this opportunity for you on the cross. No matter what you’ve done, Jesus has already paid your debt. He was “wounded for our transgressions.” Regardless of your experiences, Jesus can give you peace. Whatever sickness you have, Jesus can heal it, for by the very stripes He bore on the cross, “we are healed.” (Isa 53:5)
Just for believing in your heart that Jesus is Lord; that He died on the cross for our sins; and finally that God raised Him from the dead—and confessing all of this with your mouth—you get eternal life in heaven (Romans 10:9). You also gain many benefits as a member of the Kingdom of God. If you submit your plans to God, He will make your way successful (Psalm 37:5), and you will have the power to resist the devil (James 4:7). When you can fully submit to God, His will and His way for your life, which is found in His word, you have submitted to what Jesus did on the cross. Embrace it fully and receive all the benefits you were meant to receive. Accept the cross.
(via Vanessa Burke)
Be Blessed!
Dawn
When you think of the cross of Jesus, what comes to mind? Pain? Suffering? Sacrifice? Consider this word: acceptance. When Jesus died on the cross, He died so that you would take on righteousness from the covering of His shed blood; so that God could look upon you and see you as His, through Jesus; and finally, Jesus died so that ultimately you would be accepted into God’s Kingdom.
Some of us have a problem accepting ourselves. Guess who’s already accepted you completely, faults and all? Jesus. He has accepted even the worse thing about you, and He loves you deeply, too. God gives us a free will; He will not force you to love Him. But it would be His delight if you were to accept the work His son did on the cross—for you.
Jesus accepted you the day He bled on the cross. He knew you would do what you did growing up; what you did last year; and what you just did. He knew you would mess up—sometimes royally—and He still lay down His life for you. Can you imagine such devotion from anyone you know?
Consider the fact that there are about six billion people on the earth. Take a moment to look at your hands. Each of your fingertips has unique fingerprints—unlike any other person on earth. Psalm 139:13-14 tell us just how we were made: “I will praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” Every time you look in the mirror, remember that you are the only you that will ever exist, and that you were made with great care and with wonder. Do you think the Creator of the entire universe just got bored and made you because He had nothing better to do? Not only did God plan you, but He also planned what He wanted you to do.
Jeremiah 1:5 says “before I formed you in the womb, I knew you … I ordained you a prophet to the nations.” Everything that’s happened to you—all your experiences good and bad—can be used by God for good to accomplish your purpose. Some of our life experiences have been very sad, even traumatic. Romans 8:28 says that it all works together for our good. So seek out your uniqueness; pray and ask God to reveal your specific purpose. Remember that He planned you, and He can use you, regardless of what you’ve been through.
Jesus sealed this opportunity for you on the cross. No matter what you’ve done, Jesus has already paid your debt. He was “wounded for our transgressions.” Regardless of your experiences, Jesus can give you peace. Whatever sickness you have, Jesus can heal it, for by the very stripes He bore on the cross, “we are healed.” (Isa 53:5)
Just for believing in your heart that Jesus is Lord; that He died on the cross for our sins; and finally that God raised Him from the dead—and confessing all of this with your mouth—you get eternal life in heaven (Romans 10:9). You also gain many benefits as a member of the Kingdom of God. If you submit your plans to God, He will make your way successful (Psalm 37:5), and you will have the power to resist the devil (James 4:7). When you can fully submit to God, His will and His way for your life, which is found in His word, you have submitted to what Jesus did on the cross. Embrace it fully and receive all the benefits you were meant to receive. Accept the cross.
(via Vanessa Burke)
Be Blessed!
Dawn
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
The Peace of Wisdom
Read ~Proverbs 3:13-26
Godly wisdom can be defined as the capacity to see things the way the Lord sees them and to respond according to His principles. One of the great benefits of this mindset is inner peace and contentment. Generally, when life’s running smoothly and all is well with us and our loved ones, we have no trouble experiencing contentment. But so often when situations become difficult, God’s perspective eludes us, and our peace is rapidly replaced with stress, anxiety, and fear.
To view a difficult circumstance from the Lord’s perspective, we need to see it encompassed by the boundaries of His character and attributes. Even when the particulars of life are beyond our control, the One who rules the universe remains sovereign over all things—down to the smallest details. He loves us unconditionally and always works for our best interest. Therefore, if He has allowed a situation, there is a divine plan and reason, and the outcome will be for our good and His glory.
That wise perspective will lead to a godly response—complete confidence and trust in the Lord despite any pain or hardship. Because of the indwelling Spirit, we have the assurance that He is more than adequate for whatever comes our way, which means we are sufficient in Him.
When difficulty hits, don’t let sound wisdom vanish from your sight. Keep your eyes on the Lord. By seeing every situation through His eyes, you can rest in His wisdom and good purposes. Then stress will lift, anxiety will be replaced with peace, and confidence in the Lord will silence your fears.
[via Pastor Charles Stanley]
Be Blessed!
Dawn
Godly wisdom can be defined as the capacity to see things the way the Lord sees them and to respond according to His principles. One of the great benefits of this mindset is inner peace and contentment. Generally, when life’s running smoothly and all is well with us and our loved ones, we have no trouble experiencing contentment. But so often when situations become difficult, God’s perspective eludes us, and our peace is rapidly replaced with stress, anxiety, and fear.
To view a difficult circumstance from the Lord’s perspective, we need to see it encompassed by the boundaries of His character and attributes. Even when the particulars of life are beyond our control, the One who rules the universe remains sovereign over all things—down to the smallest details. He loves us unconditionally and always works for our best interest. Therefore, if He has allowed a situation, there is a divine plan and reason, and the outcome will be for our good and His glory.
That wise perspective will lead to a godly response—complete confidence and trust in the Lord despite any pain or hardship. Because of the indwelling Spirit, we have the assurance that He is more than adequate for whatever comes our way, which means we are sufficient in Him.
When difficulty hits, don’t let sound wisdom vanish from your sight. Keep your eyes on the Lord. By seeing every situation through His eyes, you can rest in His wisdom and good purposes. Then stress will lift, anxiety will be replaced with peace, and confidence in the Lord will silence your fears.
[via Pastor Charles Stanley]
Be Blessed!
Dawn
Monday, April 4, 2011
Life's Great Liberator
16) When he came to the village of Nazareth, his boyhood home, he went as usual to the synagogue on the Sabbath and stood up to read the Scriptures. 17) The scroll of Isaiah the prophet was handed to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where this was written: 18) “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, 19) and that the time of the Lord’s favor has come.[a]” 20) He rolled up the scroll, handed it back to the attendant, and sat down. All eyes in the synagogue looked at him intently. 21) Then he began to speak to them. “The Scripture you’ve just heard has been fulfilled this very day!” Luke 4: 16-21 (NLT)
From some people’s countenance, we judge them to be happy. Smiles, makeup, and stylish clothing can create an appearance of inner peace. Internally, though, many are in bondage.
In today’s passage, Jesus clarifies His purpose: He has come to set free those in captivity. Christ was referring to several types of bonds that can imprison our souls.
First, Jesus breaks the chains of sin. All people have broken God’s law and consequently live apart from Him (Rom. 3:23). But Christ’s death and resurrection free us when we accept His gift of forgiveness and place our trust in Him. Then we can have a relationship with the Lord.
Secondly, He liberates us from persistent sins like jealousy, bitterness, and gluttony. His Spirit resides within each believer and provides the power to overcome wrong choices that seemed to “own” us. He enables us to do what He desires—by bringing immediate healing or by giving guidance and strength in the ongoing battle.
The Creator of mankind made us with a void in our hearts for Jesus to fill. Everything we put there—whether it seems like a good thing at the time or an obvious bad choice—will ultimately leave us empty. And we will remain in bondage until God frees us and then provides the only true satisfaction.
Are you one of those people who appear happy and seem to have life figured out, and yet inside feel uneasy and empty? Jesus Christ is the only One who can redeem you, forgive your sins, and fill the vacant place in your soul. Allow Him to liberate you today.
[by Charles Stanley]
Be Blessed!
Dawn
From some people’s countenance, we judge them to be happy. Smiles, makeup, and stylish clothing can create an appearance of inner peace. Internally, though, many are in bondage.
In today’s passage, Jesus clarifies His purpose: He has come to set free those in captivity. Christ was referring to several types of bonds that can imprison our souls.
First, Jesus breaks the chains of sin. All people have broken God’s law and consequently live apart from Him (Rom. 3:23). But Christ’s death and resurrection free us when we accept His gift of forgiveness and place our trust in Him. Then we can have a relationship with the Lord.
Secondly, He liberates us from persistent sins like jealousy, bitterness, and gluttony. His Spirit resides within each believer and provides the power to overcome wrong choices that seemed to “own” us. He enables us to do what He desires—by bringing immediate healing or by giving guidance and strength in the ongoing battle.
The Creator of mankind made us with a void in our hearts for Jesus to fill. Everything we put there—whether it seems like a good thing at the time or an obvious bad choice—will ultimately leave us empty. And we will remain in bondage until God frees us and then provides the only true satisfaction.
Are you one of those people who appear happy and seem to have life figured out, and yet inside feel uneasy and empty? Jesus Christ is the only One who can redeem you, forgive your sins, and fill the vacant place in your soul. Allow Him to liberate you today.
[by Charles Stanley]
Be Blessed!
Dawn
Friday, April 1, 2011
A Foundational Truth
If mortals die, can they live again? This thought would give me hope, and through my struggle I would eagerly wait for release.
In one of the oldest books of the Bible, the Book of Job, the question is asked, "If mortals die, can they live again?" That is something everyone should ask in life: "What's going to happen to me when I die? What is there beyond this place called Earth?"
Before I became a Christian, I thought about this quite often. I was only a teenager, and it was sort of a heavy subject to be contemplating. But I did find myself thinking about death on semi-regular basis. It isn't that I was obsessed with death or that I wanted to die. My belief at the time was that once people stopped living, they simply ceased to exist. I was not certain there was a place called heaven. I was definitely hoping there wasn't a place called hell. My conclusion was that when you're gone, you're gone. It's all over with.
We all know that death is coming, but what happens beyond the grave? According to the Bible, there is life beyond the grave. And because of what Jesus Christ did on the cross, and because He rose from the dead three days later, we as Christians have the hope that when we die, we will immediately go into the presence of God into a wonderful place called heaven.
That is why the resurrection of Jesus from the dead is one of the most important biblical truths there is. The resurrection of Christ from the dead, next to the crucifixion itself, is the most significant event in church history. It is not a peripheral issue. It is foundational. It is bedrock. It is the bottom line.
by: Greg Laurie
Be Blessed!
Dawn Job 14:14
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