TERRIS J.
. . . it has not yet been revealed what we shall be . . . —1 John 3:2
Our natural inclination is to be so precise— trying always to forecast accurately what will happen next— that we look upon uncertainty as a bad thing. We think that we must reach some predetermined goal, but that is not the nature of the spiritual life. The nature of the spiritual life is that we are certain in our uncertainty. Consequently, we do not put down roots. Our common sense says, "Well, what if I were in that circumstance?" We cannot presume to see ourselves in any circumstance in which we have never been.
Certainty is the mark of the commonsense life— gracious uncertainty is the mark of the spiritual life. To be certain of God means that we are uncertain in all our ways, not knowing what tomorrow may bring. This is generally expressed with a sigh of sadness, but it should be an expression of breathless expectation. We are uncertain of the next step, but we are certain of God. As soon as we abandon ourselves to God and do the task He has placed closest to us, He begins to fill our lives with surprises. When we become simply a promoter or a defender of a particular belief, something within us dies. That is not believing God — it is only believing our belief about Him. Jesus said, ". . . unless you . . . become as little children . . ." (Matthew 18:3 ). The spiritual life is the life of a child. We are not uncertain of God, just uncertain of what He is going to do next. If our certainty is only in our beliefs, we develop a sense of self-righteousness, become overly critical, and are limited by the view that our beliefs are complete and settled. But when we have the right relationship with God, life is full of spontaneous, joyful uncertainty and expectancy. Jesus said, ". . . believe also in Me" (John 14:1 ), not, "Believe certain things about Me".
Leave everything to Him and it will be gloriously and graciously uncertain how He will come in— but you can be certain that He will come. Remain faithful to Him.
BE BLESSED!!
DAWN
Friday, April 30, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Our Greatest Treasure
READ
Matthew 8:5-13
What do you consider your most prized possession? A house, car, boat, or cash would likely be high on most folks’ list. But even treasures and luxuries won’t bring lasting satisfaction—why else do so many men and women keep trading up and adding to their collection? Sadly, in the race to have “better” and “more,” a lot of people overlook the most valuable asset of all: faith.
Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen”—and this corresponds to trust in Jesus Christ as Savior. Faith isn’t something we can work to obtain; rather, it is a gift from the Lord.
Consider the power that God makes available. Jesus said that faith as small as a mustard seed—one of the smallest seeds in existence—enables us to do miraculous deeds (Matt. 17:20). In the book of Acts, for example, we see that the apostles’ belief led to numerous healings (3:1-8; 5:16). And Matthew’s gospel tells us that through a Canaanite woman’s faith, her daughter was freed from demonic possession (15:22-28).
Trust in Christ is even more than an avenue to miracles; it is the way to salvation. The Bible states that there is nothing we can do to achieve eternal security in God’s kingdom; we are saved only by His grace, through faith (Eph. 2:8-9).
The best way to move forward is by first receiving life’s greatest gift—faith in the Savior. Romans 10:9 says to “confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, [and] you will be saved.” Salvation and abundant life are found nowhere else.
BE BLESSED AND BE A BLESSING TO ONE ANOTHER!
DAWN
Matthew 8:5-13
What do you consider your most prized possession? A house, car, boat, or cash would likely be high on most folks’ list. But even treasures and luxuries won’t bring lasting satisfaction—why else do so many men and women keep trading up and adding to their collection? Sadly, in the race to have “better” and “more,” a lot of people overlook the most valuable asset of all: faith.
Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen”—and this corresponds to trust in Jesus Christ as Savior. Faith isn’t something we can work to obtain; rather, it is a gift from the Lord.
Consider the power that God makes available. Jesus said that faith as small as a mustard seed—one of the smallest seeds in existence—enables us to do miraculous deeds (Matt. 17:20). In the book of Acts, for example, we see that the apostles’ belief led to numerous healings (3:1-8; 5:16). And Matthew’s gospel tells us that through a Canaanite woman’s faith, her daughter was freed from demonic possession (15:22-28).
Trust in Christ is even more than an avenue to miracles; it is the way to salvation. The Bible states that there is nothing we can do to achieve eternal security in God’s kingdom; we are saved only by His grace, through faith (Eph. 2:8-9).
The best way to move forward is by first receiving life’s greatest gift—faith in the Savior. Romans 10:9 says to “confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, [and] you will be saved.” Salvation and abundant life are found nowhere else.
BE BLESSED AND BE A BLESSING TO ONE ANOTHER!
DAWN
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
The Importance of Right Motives
20) So David rose early in the morning, left the sheep with a keeper, and took the things and went as Jesse had commanded him. And he came to the camp as the army was going out to the fight and shouting for the battle. 21 )For Israel and the Philistines had drawn up in battle array, army against army. 22) And David left his supplies in the hand of the supply keeper, ran to the army, and came and greeted his brothers. 23) Then as he talked with them, there was the champion, the Philistine of Gath, Goliath by name, coming up from the armies of the Philistines; and he spoke according to the same words. So David heard them. 24) And all the men of Israel, when they saw the man, fled from him and were dreadfully afraid. 25) So the men of Israel said, “Have you seen this man who has come up? Surely he has come up to defy Israel; and it shall be that the man who kills him the king will enrich with great riches, will give him his daughter, and give his father’s house exemption from taxes in Israel.”
26) Then David spoke to the men who stood by him, saying, “What shall be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?” 27) And the people answered him in this manner, saying, “So shall it be done for the man who kills him.” 28) Now Eliab his oldest brother heard when he spoke to the men; and Eliab’s anger was aroused against David, and he said, “Why did you come down here? And with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your pride and the insolence of your heart, for you have come down to see the battle.” 29) And David said, “What have I done now? Is there not a cause?” 30) Then he turned from him toward another and said the same thing; and these people answered him as the first ones did. 31) Now when the words which David spoke were heard, they reported them to Saul; and he sent for him. 32) Then David said to Saul, “Let no man’s heart fail because of him; your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.” 33) And Saul said to David, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for you are a youth, and he a man of war from his youth.”
34) But David said to Saul, “Your servant used to keep his father’s sheep, and when a lion or a bear came and took a lamb out of the flock, 35) I went out after it and struck it, and delivered the lamb from its mouth; and when it arose against me, I caught it by its beard, and struck and killed it. 36) Your servant has killed both lion and bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, seeing he has defied the armies of the living God.” 37) Moreover David said, “The LORD, who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” And Saul said to David, “Go, and the LORD be with you!” 38) So Saul clothed David with his armor, and he put a bronze helmet on his head; he also clothed him with a coat of mail. 39) David fastened his sword to his armor and tried to walk, for he had not tested them. And David said to Saul, “I cannot walk with these, for I have not tested them.” So David took them off. 40) Then he took his staff in his hand; and he chose for himself five smooth stones from the brook, and put them in a shepherd’s bag, in a pouch which he had, and his sling was in his hand. And he drew near to the Philistine. 1Sam. 17:20-40 (NKJV)
David found King Saul’s hefty reward for Goliath’s defeat interesting—in fact, he asked to have it repeated twice (vv. 26, 30). Money, freedom, and a pretty girl would make almost any teenage boy take notice! However, though David was young, he was not foolhardy. The reward was a nice perk, but it wasn’t the young shepherd’s motivation.
David’s reason for standing against Goliath was to serve the Lord. The boy openly expressed his disdain for the giant: “For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should taunt the armies of the living God?” (1 Sam. 17:26). Challenging the chosen nation, Israel, was the same as defying the Lord Himself. David was prepared to defend Yahweh’s holy name and His people, even against this fearsome warrior. A right and holy motive gives a person confidence to obey God, even if doing so defies human wisdom.
It is possible for believers to seek victory over life’s Goliaths with wrong motives. A lot of reasons that sound good are actually selfish. I’m tired of being in this mess. Or Lord, I can’t run away, so You’ll have to remove this problem. Some people try to bargain their way out of tight spots: If I had more money, then I’d give more to the church. Those promises are rarely fulfilled. The right motive for facing a problem is a desire to follow, serve, and honor God, no matter what. Life’s Goliaths do not just tax our comfort or wellbeing; these challenges can impede our obedient walk with the Lord. He will give victory to those who stand strong in His name.
BE A BLESSING TO ONE ANOTHER!!
DAWN
26) Then David spoke to the men who stood by him, saying, “What shall be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?” 27) And the people answered him in this manner, saying, “So shall it be done for the man who kills him.” 28) Now Eliab his oldest brother heard when he spoke to the men; and Eliab’s anger was aroused against David, and he said, “Why did you come down here? And with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your pride and the insolence of your heart, for you have come down to see the battle.” 29) And David said, “What have I done now? Is there not a cause?” 30) Then he turned from him toward another and said the same thing; and these people answered him as the first ones did. 31) Now when the words which David spoke were heard, they reported them to Saul; and he sent for him. 32) Then David said to Saul, “Let no man’s heart fail because of him; your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.” 33) And Saul said to David, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for you are a youth, and he a man of war from his youth.”
34) But David said to Saul, “Your servant used to keep his father’s sheep, and when a lion or a bear came and took a lamb out of the flock, 35) I went out after it and struck it, and delivered the lamb from its mouth; and when it arose against me, I caught it by its beard, and struck and killed it. 36) Your servant has killed both lion and bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, seeing he has defied the armies of the living God.” 37) Moreover David said, “The LORD, who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” And Saul said to David, “Go, and the LORD be with you!” 38) So Saul clothed David with his armor, and he put a bronze helmet on his head; he also clothed him with a coat of mail. 39) David fastened his sword to his armor and tried to walk, for he had not tested them. And David said to Saul, “I cannot walk with these, for I have not tested them.” So David took them off. 40) Then he took his staff in his hand; and he chose for himself five smooth stones from the brook, and put them in a shepherd’s bag, in a pouch which he had, and his sling was in his hand. And he drew near to the Philistine. 1Sam. 17:20-40 (NKJV)
David found King Saul’s hefty reward for Goliath’s defeat interesting—in fact, he asked to have it repeated twice (vv. 26, 30). Money, freedom, and a pretty girl would make almost any teenage boy take notice! However, though David was young, he was not foolhardy. The reward was a nice perk, but it wasn’t the young shepherd’s motivation.
David’s reason for standing against Goliath was to serve the Lord. The boy openly expressed his disdain for the giant: “For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should taunt the armies of the living God?” (1 Sam. 17:26). Challenging the chosen nation, Israel, was the same as defying the Lord Himself. David was prepared to defend Yahweh’s holy name and His people, even against this fearsome warrior. A right and holy motive gives a person confidence to obey God, even if doing so defies human wisdom.
It is possible for believers to seek victory over life’s Goliaths with wrong motives. A lot of reasons that sound good are actually selfish. I’m tired of being in this mess. Or Lord, I can’t run away, so You’ll have to remove this problem. Some people try to bargain their way out of tight spots: If I had more money, then I’d give more to the church. Those promises are rarely fulfilled. The right motive for facing a problem is a desire to follow, serve, and honor God, no matter what. Life’s Goliaths do not just tax our comfort or wellbeing; these challenges can impede our obedient walk with the Lord. He will give victory to those who stand strong in His name.
BE A BLESSING TO ONE ANOTHER!!
DAWN
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Defeating Our Goliaths
READ
1 Samuel 17:45-47
Life’s Goliaths come in all shapes, sizes, and intensities: an unhappy relationship, a difficult job, a rebellious child, a pile of debt, an uncontrollable habit, etc. David faced what appeared to be an insurmountable problem. Like Him, we can gain victory through God’s power, though we may “suffer and bleed” on the battlefield.
Notice that David declared victory over Goliath before the battle even began (1 Sam. 17:46). The shepherd’s confidence was rooted in his past experiences. David credited God with protecting and strengthening him when he killed the lion and bear that had threatened his flock.
Furthermore, David believed he would triumph because he was God’s servant. The boy had spent hours alone in the wilderness listening to God’s quiet voice. Even a giant’s discouraging shout could not shake his convictions about who the Lord was and what He could do through His servant.
David had practical faith habits. He spent time with God, which yielded a strong relationship. In turn, he responded to a problem with the certainty that he was a beloved child of God with full access to his Father’s storehouses of power, courage, and wisdom. If David had a moment of doubt, he could recall his own poetic words about the Lord’s great faithfulness in past troubles.
I often encourage you to practice David’s faith habits. Spend time alone with the Lord, and keep a record of His work in your life. Then you can be confident that God is sufficient, no matter how big a problem looms. He gives victory to those who stand in faith and confront their Goliaths.
BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING TO ONE ANOTHER!
DAWN
1 Samuel 17:45-47
Life’s Goliaths come in all shapes, sizes, and intensities: an unhappy relationship, a difficult job, a rebellious child, a pile of debt, an uncontrollable habit, etc. David faced what appeared to be an insurmountable problem. Like Him, we can gain victory through God’s power, though we may “suffer and bleed” on the battlefield.
Notice that David declared victory over Goliath before the battle even began (1 Sam. 17:46). The shepherd’s confidence was rooted in his past experiences. David credited God with protecting and strengthening him when he killed the lion and bear that had threatened his flock.
Furthermore, David believed he would triumph because he was God’s servant. The boy had spent hours alone in the wilderness listening to God’s quiet voice. Even a giant’s discouraging shout could not shake his convictions about who the Lord was and what He could do through His servant.
David had practical faith habits. He spent time with God, which yielded a strong relationship. In turn, he responded to a problem with the certainty that he was a beloved child of God with full access to his Father’s storehouses of power, courage, and wisdom. If David had a moment of doubt, he could recall his own poetic words about the Lord’s great faithfulness in past troubles.
I often encourage you to practice David’s faith habits. Spend time alone with the Lord, and keep a record of His work in your life. Then you can be confident that God is sufficient, no matter how big a problem looms. He gives victory to those who stand in faith and confront their Goliaths.
BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING TO ONE ANOTHER!
DAWN
Monday, April 26, 2010
The Road to Mercy
"Remember your mercy, O LORD, and your steadfast love, for they have been from of old." - Psalm 25:6
There is always tension, difficulty, and suffering on the growing edge of our relationship with God. That's where the change is going on, where we are learning to trust God. Those difficulties start a series of steps on the road to mercy:
So the closer I get to God, I think, "Whoa! I really haven't been on the program. There are things in my life that are not pleasing to God." Could you think of some things in your life that are not pleasing to God? You're not better than anyone else. If by God's grace you have progressed through the years to a deeper level of holiness - even that's not because of you - it's only because of God's grace in your life. So the closer you and I get to God, the more we have a sense of our own sinfulness.
No wonder David says, "Remember your mercy, O LORD, and your steadfast love." Actually in the Hebrew, the words for "mercy" and "love" are both plural. The verse means, "Remember Your merciful acts, God. Remember Your acts of chesed, of steadfast loving-kindness." David is not referring to the word "remember" as in, Did You forget? He's saying, "Remember the stuff that You always do, God. Do Your stuff! Do it for us! God, You were merciful and loving to Abraham and Moses. You were merciful and loving to Your people. This is who You are, God! Do it in our generation. Be to me as You have always been. Advance Your reputation, God. Be here today as You have been through thousands of years. Be merciful to me, God. Be loving." He goes on: "for they have been from of old." "Lord, You've always been like this. Be it again!"
If you know God's holiness, you also know how badly you need His mercy.
BE BLESSED!
DAWN
There is always tension, difficulty, and suffering on the growing edge of our relationship with God. That's where the change is going on, where we are learning to trust God. Those difficulties start a series of steps on the road to mercy:
The bigger the trial gets, the more I know I need God.
The more I need God, the closer I am drawn to Him.
The closer I get to Him, the more I sense His holiness.
The more I sense His holiness, the more I realize my own sinfulness.
So the closer I get to God, I think, "Whoa! I really haven't been on the program. There are things in my life that are not pleasing to God." Could you think of some things in your life that are not pleasing to God? You're not better than anyone else. If by God's grace you have progressed through the years to a deeper level of holiness - even that's not because of you - it's only because of God's grace in your life. So the closer you and I get to God, the more we have a sense of our own sinfulness.
No wonder David says, "Remember your mercy, O LORD, and your steadfast love." Actually in the Hebrew, the words for "mercy" and "love" are both plural. The verse means, "Remember Your merciful acts, God. Remember Your acts of chesed, of steadfast loving-kindness." David is not referring to the word "remember" as in, Did You forget? He's saying, "Remember the stuff that You always do, God. Do Your stuff! Do it for us! God, You were merciful and loving to Abraham and Moses. You were merciful and loving to Your people. This is who You are, God! Do it in our generation. Be to me as You have always been. Advance Your reputation, God. Be here today as You have been through thousands of years. Be merciful to me, God. Be loving." He goes on: "for they have been from of old." "Lord, You've always been like this. Be it again!"
If you know God's holiness, you also know how badly you need His mercy.
BE BLESSED!
DAWN
Sunday, April 25, 2010
The Source of Our Strength
10)Finally, let the mighty strength of the Lord make you strong. 11)Put on all the armor that God gives, so you can defend yourself against the devil's tricks. 12)We are not fighting against humans. We are fighting against forces and authorities and against rulers of darkness and powers in the spiritual world. Eph. 6:10-12 (CEV)
People can have very different reactions to similar circumstances. For instance, suppose two women from the same church are battling cancer—let’s call them Jean and Barbara. Both are believers, but only Jean is living peacefully, even joyfully, through her ordeal—she long ago admitted her weakness and need for the Lord’s intervention. While Barbara prays for God to “help me get through this,” Jean says, “God, I cannot. Please carry me through.”
Jean knows that Jesus Christ is the source of her strength, but Barbara is relying mostly upon herself. Everyone has a certain amount of fortitude, but that human capacity can carry a person only so far. Some situations will sap every drop of energy we have and still demand more. Through the Holy Spirit, believers can access an endless well of supernatural power to triumph in any trial.
However, the second woman is not receiving the same infusion of the Spirit’s power as Jean. Barbara wants help—which is why she desperately calls out to the Lord—but refuses to admit that she cannot face cancer alone. In truth, we all dislike acknowledging that we are weak. Human pride is a potent force that must be uprooted before we can be filled with the Spirit’s power.
Our weakness frees God to make His greatest triumphs. His power is loosed when His children admit they are not in control and can do nothing to help themselves. Only then do we find the energy, courage, and peace we need to go on living for His glory.
BE BLESSED!
DAWN
People can have very different reactions to similar circumstances. For instance, suppose two women from the same church are battling cancer—let’s call them Jean and Barbara. Both are believers, but only Jean is living peacefully, even joyfully, through her ordeal—she long ago admitted her weakness and need for the Lord’s intervention. While Barbara prays for God to “help me get through this,” Jean says, “God, I cannot. Please carry me through.”
Jean knows that Jesus Christ is the source of her strength, but Barbara is relying mostly upon herself. Everyone has a certain amount of fortitude, but that human capacity can carry a person only so far. Some situations will sap every drop of energy we have and still demand more. Through the Holy Spirit, believers can access an endless well of supernatural power to triumph in any trial.
However, the second woman is not receiving the same infusion of the Spirit’s power as Jean. Barbara wants help—which is why she desperately calls out to the Lord—but refuses to admit that she cannot face cancer alone. In truth, we all dislike acknowledging that we are weak. Human pride is a potent force that must be uprooted before we can be filled with the Spirit’s power.
Our weakness frees God to make His greatest triumphs. His power is loosed when His children admit they are not in control and can do nothing to help themselves. Only then do we find the energy, courage, and peace we need to go on living for His glory.
BE BLESSED!
DAWN
Friday, April 23, 2010
Choose Where You Will Stand
Devotion (STORY):
Several years ago, I began playing tennis and became a member of a competitive team. Each week the team attends a practice clinic with our tennis professional to learn new techniques and strategies. He is always full of great tips and advice to help us improve our game, but one particular week he said something that really stuck in my mind. He discussed the importance of court position; where we stand on the court could determine whether or not we keep the ball in play and if we win the point. Then he said that although we could not control what was going on in the court, we could always control where we stand.
I thought about how that statement is applicable not only to tennis, but to life. You see, even though we can't control what happens in the world, we can always control where we stand on issues of righteousness and integrity. Where we choose to stand will be evidence of the role that we are allowing God to play in our lives.
For example, we have no power over the sex, drugs, language and violence on TV, but we can choose whether we watch it or not. We have no power over the content of the movies coming out in the theatres, or how lenient the ratings are, but we can choose what we allow ourselves or our children to see. We can stand for purity.
We have no power to control the beliefs and actions of other people. We cannot control the downfall of morals in our society. We cannot control the decisions that Congress makes, which new laws are put into place, escalating gas prices, politics in the workplace, questionable practices in corporations, liberal tolerance, foreign affairs, war, or the state of the economy.
In fact, sometimes it may seem that we have no control over certain situations in our own lives, much less the things happening in the world. But there is good news - we always have the choice to choose where we will stand in the game of life. Proverbs 20:5 says, "Knowing what is right is like deep water in the heart; a wise person draws from the well within" (The Message). That is really where court position begins - in the heart. If our faith is strong and grounded, then we will be able to pull from that wisdom when faced with opportunities to choose where to stand, knowing that the power of God within us will empower us to make good decisions.
Our only hope in fighting this battle of good versus evil, in our hearts and in this broken world, is to be prepared to stand tall and firm for Christ, despite what the opposition may bring.
You know, life is a lot like a tennis court. We each have our side. We try to stay on the right side, but sometimes the balls that get thrown at us pull us in the wrong direction. Other times they are difficult to defend, cause us to stumble, or throw us off track. But if we choose the right court position to begin with, that is, to stay on God's side and choose Him as our partner, we are much more likely to exercise the power we have within us. Drawing deep from the well of God's wisdom in our hearts, we can do the right thing.
There are times when standing up for our faith may cause us to lose the popularity contest, but it will allow others to see God in us. And, there may even be times when our court position speaks louder than words ever could.
Where will you stand today?
Application Steps:
Consider ways you can stand firm in your faith in your home, at work, with friends and in your community.
Ask God to be your partner and seek His guidance where to stand on the court.
Reflections:
What opportunities have you recently had to stand up for truth? How did you do?
If you were faced with opposition to God's truth in some way today, would you be prepared to stand up for Him?
Power Verses:
Ephesians 6:14, "Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place." (NIV)
Proverbs 11:4, "A thick bankroll is no help when life falls apart, but a principled life can stand up to the worst." (MSG)
BE BLESSED!!!
DAWN
Several years ago, I began playing tennis and became a member of a competitive team. Each week the team attends a practice clinic with our tennis professional to learn new techniques and strategies. He is always full of great tips and advice to help us improve our game, but one particular week he said something that really stuck in my mind. He discussed the importance of court position; where we stand on the court could determine whether or not we keep the ball in play and if we win the point. Then he said that although we could not control what was going on in the court, we could always control where we stand.
I thought about how that statement is applicable not only to tennis, but to life. You see, even though we can't control what happens in the world, we can always control where we stand on issues of righteousness and integrity. Where we choose to stand will be evidence of the role that we are allowing God to play in our lives.
For example, we have no power over the sex, drugs, language and violence on TV, but we can choose whether we watch it or not. We have no power over the content of the movies coming out in the theatres, or how lenient the ratings are, but we can choose what we allow ourselves or our children to see. We can stand for purity.
We have no power to control the beliefs and actions of other people. We cannot control the downfall of morals in our society. We cannot control the decisions that Congress makes, which new laws are put into place, escalating gas prices, politics in the workplace, questionable practices in corporations, liberal tolerance, foreign affairs, war, or the state of the economy.
In fact, sometimes it may seem that we have no control over certain situations in our own lives, much less the things happening in the world. But there is good news - we always have the choice to choose where we will stand in the game of life. Proverbs 20:5 says, "Knowing what is right is like deep water in the heart; a wise person draws from the well within" (The Message). That is really where court position begins - in the heart. If our faith is strong and grounded, then we will be able to pull from that wisdom when faced with opportunities to choose where to stand, knowing that the power of God within us will empower us to make good decisions.
Our only hope in fighting this battle of good versus evil, in our hearts and in this broken world, is to be prepared to stand tall and firm for Christ, despite what the opposition may bring.
You know, life is a lot like a tennis court. We each have our side. We try to stay on the right side, but sometimes the balls that get thrown at us pull us in the wrong direction. Other times they are difficult to defend, cause us to stumble, or throw us off track. But if we choose the right court position to begin with, that is, to stay on God's side and choose Him as our partner, we are much more likely to exercise the power we have within us. Drawing deep from the well of God's wisdom in our hearts, we can do the right thing.
There are times when standing up for our faith may cause us to lose the popularity contest, but it will allow others to see God in us. And, there may even be times when our court position speaks louder than words ever could.
Where will you stand today?
Dear Lord, help me have the strength and faith to stand
up for what is right when I am faced with opposition, and not
be swayed by the pressures in a fallen world. Help me live a
life that glorifies You, instead of just taking the easy road
and going along with the crowd. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Application Steps:
Consider ways you can stand firm in your faith in your home, at work, with friends and in your community.
Ask God to be your partner and seek His guidance where to stand on the court.
Reflections:
What opportunities have you recently had to stand up for truth? How did you do?
If you were faced with opposition to God's truth in some way today, would you be prepared to stand up for Him?
Power Verses:
Ephesians 6:14, "Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place." (NIV)
Proverbs 11:4, "A thick bankroll is no help when life falls apart, but a principled life can stand up to the worst." (MSG)
BE BLESSED!!!
DAWN
Thursday, April 22, 2010
"Who Is Jesus?"
JUST SOME FOOD FOR THOUGHT.....
At the heart of Christianity is a central question, "Just who is Jesus Christ?" It may be astounding to some that such a question is still relevant after nearly two millennia of Christian activity, but as strange as it may seem, even Christians do not agree about the nature of the founder of their religion. This fact says a great deal about those who profess to be "Christian," which at its most basic means "follower of Christ." If Christians display such profound disagreement about Jesus Christ Himself, can they all really be following the same Person?
This subject becomes all the more important since, in its most common form, Christianity is proclaimed as a message about Jesus. What a person believes about Jesus, then, informs his understanding of the religion itself. We can see the result of this process in the thousands of Christian denominations in all parts of the world. While they all proclaim to be Christian, the individual sects emphasize different aspects of Jesus in their teaching. For instance:
» Baptists name themselves after Jesus' practice of baptizing converts, and they traditionally stress conformity to certain behavioral rules: no drinking, no card playing, no dancing. Jesus, to them, is a great moral Teacher.
» Pentecostals, on the other hand, call themselves after Jesus' promise of the gift of the Holy Spirit, which was fulfilled on the Feast of Pentecost after Jesus' death and resurrection. They are known for their great desire to express the gifts of the Spirit, particularly being able to speak in tongues. In other words, their Jesus is a Miracle Worker.
» Seventh-day Adventists take their name from the seventh-day Sabbath, which Jesus is plainly shown to have kept, as well as from His promise to come again. They promote Jesus as the bringer of the soon-coming rest of God.
» Methodists are so called because John Wesley emphasized a structured, methodical approach to Bible study and Christian living, teaching that believers must exercise their free will to come to Christ (as opposed to being absolutely predestined to salvation). Thus, they highlight Jesus' many commands for the individual to be actively involved in his own salvation and Christian growth.
The Reformed Churches, descendants of the teaching of John Calvin, underscore the necessity of grace through faith in Christ, a reaction to abuses of the medieval Catholic Church's doctrine of works. In this way, they see Jesus as a gracious Redeemer.
Most denominations can be characterized—some would say caricatured—by identifying their concepts of Jesus Himself. He is Christianity's central figure, so how one views Christ determines what one believes and the religion he follows.
This confusion about Him actually began during His own life—even among those who had known Him all His life:
When He had come to His own country, He taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished and said, "Where did this Man get this wisdom and these mighty works? Is this not the carpenter's son? Is not His mother called Mary? And His brothers James, Joses, Simon, and Judas? And His sisters, are they not all with us? Where then did this Man get all these things?" So they were offended at Him. (Matthew 13:54-57)
It seems that there was general disagreement in Judea over just who He was:
» When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, "Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?" So they said, "Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." (Matthew 16:13-14)
» And when He had come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, "Who is this?" So the multitudes said, "This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth of Galilee." (Matthew 21:10-11)
» Now some of them from Jerusalem said, "Is this not He whom they seek to kill? But look! He speaks boldly, and they say nothing to Him. Do the rulers know indeed that this is truly the Christ? However, we know where this Man is from; but when the Christ comes, no one knows where He is from." (John 7:25-27)
Of course, His enemies had questions about Him too:
» And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, "Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?" (Luke 5:21)
» And those who sat at the table with Him began to say to themselves, "Who is this who even forgives sins?" (Luke 7:49)
» Therefore some of the Pharisees said, "This Man is not from God, because He does not keep the Sabbath." Others said, "How can a man who is a sinner do such signs?" And there was a division among them. (John 9:16)
However, Matthew 16:15-17 provides us with the best starting point, confirmed by Christ Himself, in answering the question, "Who is Jesus?"
He said to [His disciples], "But who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter answered and said, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus answered and said to him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven."
The God-revealed answer is that Jesus is the promised Messiah, the literal Son of the Supreme Being of all the universe. Of course, He is a great deal more than this, but these two facts are the most foundational to our spiritual understanding of this wonderful Being. They give us the basis of His relationship to us and our future, as well as His relationship to Deity, fixing Him as the bridge between man and God. From this foundation, we can begin a deeper consideration of the biblical Jesus.
BE BLESSED!
DAWN
At the heart of Christianity is a central question, "Just who is Jesus Christ?" It may be astounding to some that such a question is still relevant after nearly two millennia of Christian activity, but as strange as it may seem, even Christians do not agree about the nature of the founder of their religion. This fact says a great deal about those who profess to be "Christian," which at its most basic means "follower of Christ." If Christians display such profound disagreement about Jesus Christ Himself, can they all really be following the same Person?
This subject becomes all the more important since, in its most common form, Christianity is proclaimed as a message about Jesus. What a person believes about Jesus, then, informs his understanding of the religion itself. We can see the result of this process in the thousands of Christian denominations in all parts of the world. While they all proclaim to be Christian, the individual sects emphasize different aspects of Jesus in their teaching. For instance:
» Baptists name themselves after Jesus' practice of baptizing converts, and they traditionally stress conformity to certain behavioral rules: no drinking, no card playing, no dancing. Jesus, to them, is a great moral Teacher.
» Pentecostals, on the other hand, call themselves after Jesus' promise of the gift of the Holy Spirit, which was fulfilled on the Feast of Pentecost after Jesus' death and resurrection. They are known for their great desire to express the gifts of the Spirit, particularly being able to speak in tongues. In other words, their Jesus is a Miracle Worker.
» Seventh-day Adventists take their name from the seventh-day Sabbath, which Jesus is plainly shown to have kept, as well as from His promise to come again. They promote Jesus as the bringer of the soon-coming rest of God.
» Methodists are so called because John Wesley emphasized a structured, methodical approach to Bible study and Christian living, teaching that believers must exercise their free will to come to Christ (as opposed to being absolutely predestined to salvation). Thus, they highlight Jesus' many commands for the individual to be actively involved in his own salvation and Christian growth.
The Reformed Churches, descendants of the teaching of John Calvin, underscore the necessity of grace through faith in Christ, a reaction to abuses of the medieval Catholic Church's doctrine of works. In this way, they see Jesus as a gracious Redeemer.
Most denominations can be characterized—some would say caricatured—by identifying their concepts of Jesus Himself. He is Christianity's central figure, so how one views Christ determines what one believes and the religion he follows.
This confusion about Him actually began during His own life—even among those who had known Him all His life:
When He had come to His own country, He taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished and said, "Where did this Man get this wisdom and these mighty works? Is this not the carpenter's son? Is not His mother called Mary? And His brothers James, Joses, Simon, and Judas? And His sisters, are they not all with us? Where then did this Man get all these things?" So they were offended at Him. (Matthew 13:54-57)
It seems that there was general disagreement in Judea over just who He was:
» When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, "Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?" So they said, "Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." (Matthew 16:13-14)
» And when He had come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, "Who is this?" So the multitudes said, "This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth of Galilee." (Matthew 21:10-11)
» Now some of them from Jerusalem said, "Is this not He whom they seek to kill? But look! He speaks boldly, and they say nothing to Him. Do the rulers know indeed that this is truly the Christ? However, we know where this Man is from; but when the Christ comes, no one knows where He is from." (John 7:25-27)
Of course, His enemies had questions about Him too:
» And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, "Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?" (Luke 5:21)
» And those who sat at the table with Him began to say to themselves, "Who is this who even forgives sins?" (Luke 7:49)
» Therefore some of the Pharisees said, "This Man is not from God, because He does not keep the Sabbath." Others said, "How can a man who is a sinner do such signs?" And there was a division among them. (John 9:16)
However, Matthew 16:15-17 provides us with the best starting point, confirmed by Christ Himself, in answering the question, "Who is Jesus?"
He said to [His disciples], "But who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter answered and said, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus answered and said to him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven."
The God-revealed answer is that Jesus is the promised Messiah, the literal Son of the Supreme Being of all the universe. Of course, He is a great deal more than this, but these two facts are the most foundational to our spiritual understanding of this wonderful Being. They give us the basis of His relationship to us and our future, as well as His relationship to Deity, fixing Him as the bridge between man and God. From this foundation, we can begin a deeper consideration of the biblical Jesus.
BE BLESSED!
DAWN
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Nuclear Giants and Ethical Infants
Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter Isaiah 5:20
In 1948, General Omar Bradley made a statement with a prophetic ring to it: "We have grasped the mystery of the atom and rejected the Sermon on the Mount. . . . Ours is a world of nuclear giants and ethical infants."
What an accurate description of our times right now. Today, with all our technology, we have simply discovered new ways to kill one another and to eradicate what God has done. Despite our great technologies and great abilities, we have made no progress in solving our basic human problems. That is because the world is upside down.
While the early church turned their world upside down, it seems today that the world is turning the church upside down. The early church consisted of a relatively small group of Christians. Their numbers were not large like ours today. They did not have the technology like we have today to get the Word out. Yet they made a dramatic difference wherever they went.
Today, with so many naming the name of Christ, our impact on the world seems to be null and void. And that is my point. Christians are allowing secular attitudes to find their way into the church and into their lives. It seems like our culture is affecting us more than we are affecting our culture.
The world needs to see a genuine man or woman of God living the Christian life. They need to see the real thing. In short, they need to see you. God can use you. Maybe you are not a preacher, but you can proclaim the gospel message through your life and through your words. You can turn your world upside down.
BE BLESSED!!
DAWN
In 1948, General Omar Bradley made a statement with a prophetic ring to it: "We have grasped the mystery of the atom and rejected the Sermon on the Mount. . . . Ours is a world of nuclear giants and ethical infants."
What an accurate description of our times right now. Today, with all our technology, we have simply discovered new ways to kill one another and to eradicate what God has done. Despite our great technologies and great abilities, we have made no progress in solving our basic human problems. That is because the world is upside down.
While the early church turned their world upside down, it seems today that the world is turning the church upside down. The early church consisted of a relatively small group of Christians. Their numbers were not large like ours today. They did not have the technology like we have today to get the Word out. Yet they made a dramatic difference wherever they went.
Today, with so many naming the name of Christ, our impact on the world seems to be null and void. And that is my point. Christians are allowing secular attitudes to find their way into the church and into their lives. It seems like our culture is affecting us more than we are affecting our culture.
The world needs to see a genuine man or woman of God living the Christian life. They need to see the real thing. In short, they need to see you. God can use you. Maybe you are not a preacher, but you can proclaim the gospel message through your life and through your words. You can turn your world upside down.
BE BLESSED!!
DAWN
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
"PRAYER FIRST AID"
If you've ever struggled to know what to pray for or how to pray, this list, based on Psalm 25:16-21 will help you focus on some of the most important aspects of prayer:
1. Honesty — Reread Psalm 25:16: "Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted." Who says in our world, "I'm lonely"? No one wants to admit they're lonely! But you can tell God. You can open your heart. You can share with Him your deepest secrets.
2. Petition — Verse 17 reads, "The troubles of my heart are enlarged; bring me out of my distresses." Tell God exactly what you want. Does God always do what I ask Him to do? No. But I don't need to hold back in prayer, fearful that I'll ask the wrong things. My kids never held back when petitioning me: "Can I have this? Can I have that?" My response was often "No," but they kept asking. Just tell God what you want because sometimes He will say, "Yes. Tomorrow. Soon."
3. Confession — As you petition God, you will often begin to think, "Boy, I really don't deserve to ask for anything." Correct! So you might want to deal with your sin. Confession is a huge part of prayer. Verse 18 says, "Consider my affliction and my trouble, and forgive all my sins."
4. Circumstances — Tell God what's happening. You're thinking, "He already knows." I know. But if you tell Him, then you'll know that He knows. When David said, "Consider how many are my foes" (v.19), he was actually asking God to count his enemies. Prayer is an awesome outlet. No one listens more attentively than God. No one is more worthy to unburden your heart to.
5. Faith — "Let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in You," reads verse 20. That's faith. "You're going to do it, God. You're going to work this out." Express your faith to God and feel it grow.
6. Dedication — Before you end your prayer, commit yourself to God. "May integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for you" (v.21). David is not saying where he is spiritually, but where he longs to be. He's recommitting himself: "God, my dedication to doing what pleases You is going to have to sustain me here while I'm waiting for You to do the things that I'm trusting You to do."
BE BLESSED!!!
DAWN
1. Honesty — Reread Psalm 25:16: "Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted." Who says in our world, "I'm lonely"? No one wants to admit they're lonely! But you can tell God. You can open your heart. You can share with Him your deepest secrets.
2. Petition — Verse 17 reads, "The troubles of my heart are enlarged; bring me out of my distresses." Tell God exactly what you want. Does God always do what I ask Him to do? No. But I don't need to hold back in prayer, fearful that I'll ask the wrong things. My kids never held back when petitioning me: "Can I have this? Can I have that?" My response was often "No," but they kept asking. Just tell God what you want because sometimes He will say, "Yes. Tomorrow. Soon."
3. Confession — As you petition God, you will often begin to think, "Boy, I really don't deserve to ask for anything." Correct! So you might want to deal with your sin. Confession is a huge part of prayer. Verse 18 says, "Consider my affliction and my trouble, and forgive all my sins."
4. Circumstances — Tell God what's happening. You're thinking, "He already knows." I know. But if you tell Him, then you'll know that He knows. When David said, "Consider how many are my foes" (v.19), he was actually asking God to count his enemies. Prayer is an awesome outlet. No one listens more attentively than God. No one is more worthy to unburden your heart to.
5. Faith — "Let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in You," reads verse 20. That's faith. "You're going to do it, God. You're going to work this out." Express your faith to God and feel it grow.
6. Dedication — Before you end your prayer, commit yourself to God. "May integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for you" (v.21). David is not saying where he is spiritually, but where he longs to be. He's recommitting himself: "God, my dedication to doing what pleases You is going to have to sustain me here while I'm waiting for You to do the things that I'm trusting You to do."
BE BLESSED!!!
DAWN
Monday, April 19, 2010
"When the Fog Lifts"
News of victory is always an exciting experience, but news of a victory after news of what appears to be a loss is even better. For instance, consider the way in which the news of the Battle of Waterloo came to England. In a day when there were no radios or television sets, everyone in England knew that a great battle was pending and were anxious to hear what would happen when the British general, Wellington, would face-off with the incomparable Napoleon. A signalman was assigned to the top of Winchester Cathedral with instructions to keep his eye on the sea. When he received a message he was to pass it along to a man on a hill. And subsequently the message would be passed along to another and then another until the news of the battle was relayed to London and then across all of England.
Far in the distance a ship was sighted in a thick fog on the English Channel. The signalman on board sent out his first word – "Wellington." The next word was "defeated." Then the fog prevented the ship from being seen at all. "Wellington defeated!" That message was sent across the many hills and hamlets of Great Britain, and gloom descended on the masses. After a few hours the fog lifted, and the signal came again: "Wellington defeated the enemy!" Then jubilation spread throughout the whole nation.
In the same way, Christ's death on the cross plunged his friends and followers into sadness. It was apparently a great defeat. But on the third day Jesus raised to life in victory. The enemies of truth and righteousness had seemingly won. Still, after three days the fog lifted and the full message came to the whole world: "Christ is risen, he defeated the enemy."
Since Pilate conspired with the chief priests and Pharisees to keep Christ in the tomb, many foes have sought to do the same and have never succeeded. By his literal bodily resurrection from the tomb, Jesus proved that he was God, the very embodiment of truth and righteousness -- and no matter how one may seek to remove God, knock down truth, or seal righteousness away, the effort is ultimately doomed to failure. The resurrection is proof that no foe of Christ can ever prevail.
In his book, Christ: Among other gods, Erwin Lutzer names a number of prominent foes of Christ in the last 100 years who have gone by the wayside.
"Karl Marx" says Lutzer, "took the stone of economics and rolled it in front of the tomb, hoping to keep Christ out of sight. Marx, who wrote the Communist Manifesto and Das Kapital, said religion was the opiate of the people, and that within time the assertions of Christianity would be seen as myths. But today, countries that officially adopted Marxism are turning to Christ in great numbers. What foolishness to believe that Christ may be kept out of economics or anything political, for the Scriptures declare 'the government will rest on his shoulders'...." (Isa.9:6)
Indeed it is, so that some of the most preposterous ideas regarding aggression, sexuality, and other human behaviors have emanated from that profession. Nevertheless, millions upon millions worldwide are discovering him who said, "My peace I give unto you; not as the world gives do I give unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John. 14:27)
Also mentioned by Lutzer is Voltaire, who sought to roll the stone of skepticism in front of Christ's tomb. Voltaire predicted that in less than a hundred years the Bible would be a forgotten book. Yet, the house in which Voltaire lived was later purchased by the Geneva Bible Society so that the Bible's teachings could be spread throughout Europe.
These are trying times in which to live. Christianity is under a cruel assault as never before in American history. There are the foes of Christ who have endeavored to remove all reference of him from the public square. They are well-funded, resourceful, and have taken much of the field of battle. As time passes, socialistic principles are introduced more and more into American economics, which is far removed from the teaching of Holy Scripture that every man has a God-given right to his property -- a right that should be protected by the government and never usurped. Violence is at an all-time high -- especially repugnant is the violence against the innocent unborn. Immorality is pervasive, with good being called evil and evil being called good. Moreover, mainline churches are failing, having compromised and even collaborated with the very foes of the one they are supposed to represent. Nevertheless, the resurrection of Christ gives assurance that none of Christ's enemies shall succeed. None of them shall stand. All of them will fall. Every stone rolled onto the tomb to shut Christ in will be rolled back.
It may appear for a moment the cause of Christ has suffered defeat. But when the fog lifts -- and it most surely will -- then will be seen the signalman's message that the risen Christ has defeated the enemy...that he has made all of his enemies his footstool (Hebrews 10:13). Then the jubilation of those who believe and are faithful shall spread throughout the earth!!!
BE BLESSED!!!
DAWN
Far in the distance a ship was sighted in a thick fog on the English Channel. The signalman on board sent out his first word – "Wellington." The next word was "defeated." Then the fog prevented the ship from being seen at all. "Wellington defeated!" That message was sent across the many hills and hamlets of Great Britain, and gloom descended on the masses. After a few hours the fog lifted, and the signal came again: "Wellington defeated the enemy!" Then jubilation spread throughout the whole nation.
In the same way, Christ's death on the cross plunged his friends and followers into sadness. It was apparently a great defeat. But on the third day Jesus raised to life in victory. The enemies of truth and righteousness had seemingly won. Still, after three days the fog lifted and the full message came to the whole world: "Christ is risen, he defeated the enemy."
Since Pilate conspired with the chief priests and Pharisees to keep Christ in the tomb, many foes have sought to do the same and have never succeeded. By his literal bodily resurrection from the tomb, Jesus proved that he was God, the very embodiment of truth and righteousness -- and no matter how one may seek to remove God, knock down truth, or seal righteousness away, the effort is ultimately doomed to failure. The resurrection is proof that no foe of Christ can ever prevail.
In his book, Christ: Among other gods, Erwin Lutzer names a number of prominent foes of Christ in the last 100 years who have gone by the wayside.
"Karl Marx" says Lutzer, "took the stone of economics and rolled it in front of the tomb, hoping to keep Christ out of sight. Marx, who wrote the Communist Manifesto and Das Kapital, said religion was the opiate of the people, and that within time the assertions of Christianity would be seen as myths. But today, countries that officially adopted Marxism are turning to Christ in great numbers. What foolishness to believe that Christ may be kept out of economics or anything political, for the Scriptures declare 'the government will rest on his shoulders'...." (Isa.9:6)
Indeed it is, so that some of the most preposterous ideas regarding aggression, sexuality, and other human behaviors have emanated from that profession. Nevertheless, millions upon millions worldwide are discovering him who said, "My peace I give unto you; not as the world gives do I give unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John. 14:27)
Also mentioned by Lutzer is Voltaire, who sought to roll the stone of skepticism in front of Christ's tomb. Voltaire predicted that in less than a hundred years the Bible would be a forgotten book. Yet, the house in which Voltaire lived was later purchased by the Geneva Bible Society so that the Bible's teachings could be spread throughout Europe.
These are trying times in which to live. Christianity is under a cruel assault as never before in American history. There are the foes of Christ who have endeavored to remove all reference of him from the public square. They are well-funded, resourceful, and have taken much of the field of battle. As time passes, socialistic principles are introduced more and more into American economics, which is far removed from the teaching of Holy Scripture that every man has a God-given right to his property -- a right that should be protected by the government and never usurped. Violence is at an all-time high -- especially repugnant is the violence against the innocent unborn. Immorality is pervasive, with good being called evil and evil being called good. Moreover, mainline churches are failing, having compromised and even collaborated with the very foes of the one they are supposed to represent. Nevertheless, the resurrection of Christ gives assurance that none of Christ's enemies shall succeed. None of them shall stand. All of them will fall. Every stone rolled onto the tomb to shut Christ in will be rolled back.
It may appear for a moment the cause of Christ has suffered defeat. But when the fog lifts -- and it most surely will -- then will be seen the signalman's message that the risen Christ has defeated the enemy...that he has made all of his enemies his footstool (Hebrews 10:13). Then the jubilation of those who believe and are faithful shall spread throughout the earth!!!
BE BLESSED!!!
DAWN
Sunday, April 18, 2010
"THE REACH OF GOD'S LOVE"
Saul Converted
1 Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 3 As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. 4 Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” 5 And he said, “Who are You, Lord?”
Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.a] It is hard for you to kick against the goads.”
6 So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” Then the Lord said to him, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” 7 And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one. 8 Then Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened he saw no one. But they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. 9 And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank.
Ananias Baptizes Saul
10 Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” 11 So the Lord said to him, “Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying. 12 And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight.” 13 Then Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. 14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.” 15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles,kings and the children of Israel. 16 For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.” 17 And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus,b] who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized. 19 So when he had received food, he was strengthened. Then Saul spent some days with the disciples at Damascus.
Saul Preaches Christ
20 Immediately he preached the Christc] in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God. 21 Then all who heard were amazed, and said, “Is this not he who destroyed those who called on this name in Jerusalem, and has come here for that purpose, so that he might bring them bound to the chief priests?” 22 But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who dwelt in Damascus, proving that this Jesus is the Christ. Saul Escapes Death 23 Now after many days were past, the Jews plotted to kill him. 24 But their plot became known to Saul. And they watched the gates day and night, to kill him. 25 Then the disciples took him by night and let him down through the wall in a large basket.
Saul at Jerusalem
26 And when Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, and did not believe that he was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. And he declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. 28 So he was with them at Jerusalem, coming in and going out. 29 And he spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus and disputed against the Hellenists, but they attempted to kill him. 30 When the brethren found out, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him out to Tarsus.
The Church Prospers
31 Then the churchesd] throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied. Acts 9:1-31 (NKJ)
Do you know someone with a hostile attitude toward God? It probably seems impossible that such a person could ever be saved. But no one is beyond the reach of our loving heavenly Father. Saul of Tarsus, also known as Paul, is a perfect example. He was a Pharisee who persecuted Christians. In fact, he approved of stoning Stephen to death for his faith in Christ (Acts 8:1). Paul’s hatred for believers derived from his ignorance of grace and sin. According to the law, he was as close to blameless as was humanly possible. Isn’t it hard to imagine a person like this realizing his need for a Savior?
Saul was intent upon ridding the world of Christ-followers. But the Lord had other plans. When blinded by light and confronted with his wrong actions, Saul responded to Jesus, repented, and believed. For the rest of his life, the apostle was committed to spreading the gospel.
Our almighty God can reach anyone. Salvation is possible only when He convicts an individual of his or her sin and the need for redemption. The Lord’s intervening hand, however, does not stop once a person is saved. He continues to reveal areas of sin that need attention. Then He empowers the believer, giving strength and guidance through the sanctification process.
Conviction is usually uncomfortable. Often, we go to church, hoping to be uplifted by the pastor and to leave feeling good. While encouragement, peace, and joy are vital aspects of the Christian life, refinement is also necessary. It is the testimony of Christ’s hand in our life, molding us to be like Him.
BE BLESSED!
DAWN
1 Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 3 As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. 4 Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” 5 And he said, “Who are You, Lord?”
Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.a] It is hard for you to kick against the goads.”
6 So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” Then the Lord said to him, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” 7 And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one. 8 Then Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened he saw no one. But they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. 9 And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank.
Ananias Baptizes Saul
10 Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” 11 So the Lord said to him, “Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying. 12 And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight.” 13 Then Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. 14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.” 15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles,kings and the children of Israel. 16 For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.” 17 And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus,b] who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized. 19 So when he had received food, he was strengthened. Then Saul spent some days with the disciples at Damascus.
Saul Preaches Christ
20 Immediately he preached the Christc] in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God. 21 Then all who heard were amazed, and said, “Is this not he who destroyed those who called on this name in Jerusalem, and has come here for that purpose, so that he might bring them bound to the chief priests?” 22 But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who dwelt in Damascus, proving that this Jesus is the Christ. Saul Escapes Death 23 Now after many days were past, the Jews plotted to kill him. 24 But their plot became known to Saul. And they watched the gates day and night, to kill him. 25 Then the disciples took him by night and let him down through the wall in a large basket.
Saul at Jerusalem
26 And when Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, and did not believe that he was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. And he declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. 28 So he was with them at Jerusalem, coming in and going out. 29 And he spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus and disputed against the Hellenists, but they attempted to kill him. 30 When the brethren found out, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him out to Tarsus.
The Church Prospers
31 Then the churchesd] throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied. Acts 9:1-31 (NKJ)
Do you know someone with a hostile attitude toward God? It probably seems impossible that such a person could ever be saved. But no one is beyond the reach of our loving heavenly Father. Saul of Tarsus, also known as Paul, is a perfect example. He was a Pharisee who persecuted Christians. In fact, he approved of stoning Stephen to death for his faith in Christ (Acts 8:1). Paul’s hatred for believers derived from his ignorance of grace and sin. According to the law, he was as close to blameless as was humanly possible. Isn’t it hard to imagine a person like this realizing his need for a Savior?
Saul was intent upon ridding the world of Christ-followers. But the Lord had other plans. When blinded by light and confronted with his wrong actions, Saul responded to Jesus, repented, and believed. For the rest of his life, the apostle was committed to spreading the gospel.
Our almighty God can reach anyone. Salvation is possible only when He convicts an individual of his or her sin and the need for redemption. The Lord’s intervening hand, however, does not stop once a person is saved. He continues to reveal areas of sin that need attention. Then He empowers the believer, giving strength and guidance through the sanctification process.
Conviction is usually uncomfortable. Often, we go to church, hoping to be uplifted by the pastor and to leave feeling good. While encouragement, peace, and joy are vital aspects of the Christian life, refinement is also necessary. It is the testimony of Christ’s hand in our life, molding us to be like Him.
BE BLESSED!
DAWN
Friday, April 16, 2010
"Where Will You Turn"
Where Will You Turn?
The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. Psalm 19:7–8
Where will you turn in a time of crisis? When tragedy hits? When disaster strikes? Will it be your favorite Web site? People magazine? The morning newspaper? The evening news? You will need something to give you strength and direction in your time of need, and that will come from the Word of God.
As one writer said, "One gem from that ocean is worth all of the pebbles from earthly streams." Just a pebble from the ocean of God's Word can make all the difference in the world. How many in their affliction have found comfort from Scripture?
I can tell you from personal experience that I have put the Word of God to the test, not only throughout my years as a Christian, but especially in the past 21 months. I have trusted in what the Bible has said, and it has sustained me and given me direction and hope and comfort when I needed it. Little platitudes or clever sayings don't help, but the Word of God does. It has been said that "he who rejects the Bible has nothing to live by. Neither does he have anything to die by."
Things go in and out of style, but the Word of God never goes out of style. It never goes out of date, unlike this morning's newspaper. The Word of God always will be relevant.
That is why I urge you to get a good foundation in this Book, because it is only a matter of time until hardship will strike you. Affliction will strike. Tragedy will strike. It happens in every life. There are no exceptions. But if you have a foundation in the Word of God, you will be ready for it when it comes. Don't wait until then to try and catch up. Get that foundation now.
BE BLESSED!!
DAWN
The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. Psalm 19:7–8
Where will you turn in a time of crisis? When tragedy hits? When disaster strikes? Will it be your favorite Web site? People magazine? The morning newspaper? The evening news? You will need something to give you strength and direction in your time of need, and that will come from the Word of God.
As one writer said, "One gem from that ocean is worth all of the pebbles from earthly streams." Just a pebble from the ocean of God's Word can make all the difference in the world. How many in their affliction have found comfort from Scripture?
I can tell you from personal experience that I have put the Word of God to the test, not only throughout my years as a Christian, but especially in the past 21 months. I have trusted in what the Bible has said, and it has sustained me and given me direction and hope and comfort when I needed it. Little platitudes or clever sayings don't help, but the Word of God does. It has been said that "he who rejects the Bible has nothing to live by. Neither does he have anything to die by."
Things go in and out of style, but the Word of God never goes out of style. It never goes out of date, unlike this morning's newspaper. The Word of God always will be relevant.
That is why I urge you to get a good foundation in this Book, because it is only a matter of time until hardship will strike you. Affliction will strike. Tragedy will strike. It happens in every life. There are no exceptions. But if you have a foundation in the Word of God, you will be ready for it when it comes. Don't wait until then to try and catch up. Get that foundation now.
BE BLESSED!!
DAWN
Thursday, April 15, 2010
"Let it Change You"
People today are trying to change God's Word to fit their lifestyle or the things they have decided they want to do. But it doesn't work that way. Psalm 19:8 says, "The statutes of the Lord are right . . . " (emphasis added). In the original language, this verse means that God's Word has set out the right path for us to follow. We don't have to lose our bearings in the fog of human opinion or let our fickle emotions lead us astray. Instead, we have a sure guide: the Word of God.
That is why it is important to read through books of the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter. And if you come to a verse in the Bible that you don't agree with, then change your opinion. It is that simple. The objective is to conform your thinking to what the Bible teaches and not the other way around. Romans 12:2 tells us that we are to be transformed by the renewing of our minds.
So as you read God's Word, ask yourself questions like, "Is there any sin identified here for me to avoid?" "Is there a promise here that I might claim?" "Is there a victory to gain?" "Is there a blessing to enjoy?" Understand the verse contextually, because sometimes people will take verses out of context. Understand the verse in its original language. Make sure the translation you are reading is accurate. Make sure that you have understood what the verse is actually saying.
And having established that, if what you believe is different than what the passage teaches, then you need to change your thinking. The Word of God is right. And if you are not in alignment with it, then you are wrong. So allow God's Word to change you.
BE BLESSED!!
DAWN
That is why it is important to read through books of the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter. And if you come to a verse in the Bible that you don't agree with, then change your opinion. It is that simple. The objective is to conform your thinking to what the Bible teaches and not the other way around. Romans 12:2 tells us that we are to be transformed by the renewing of our minds.
So as you read God's Word, ask yourself questions like, "Is there any sin identified here for me to avoid?" "Is there a promise here that I might claim?" "Is there a victory to gain?" "Is there a blessing to enjoy?" Understand the verse contextually, because sometimes people will take verses out of context. Understand the verse in its original language. Make sure the translation you are reading is accurate. Make sure that you have understood what the verse is actually saying.
And having established that, if what you believe is different than what the passage teaches, then you need to change your thinking. The Word of God is right. And if you are not in alignment with it, then you are wrong. So allow God's Word to change you.
BE BLESSED!!
DAWN
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
"HOW TO CHANGE"
If you don't need to be changed, then maybe you don't need the Bible. If you have it all together and don't have any questions or conflicts in your life, if you feel that your life is perfect, then you won't be all that interested in the Bible.
But if you are like most people and are aware of your weakness and your inadequacy, if you are aware of your need for God, then you will be thankful to know that the Word of God is perfect, and it can transform you and help you to be the person God called you to be.
We are told in Psalm 19:7–8 that God's Word transforms us: "The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple." The word "converting" also could be translated "reviving," "restoring," or "transforming." When you read God's Word, it will revive you. It will restore you. It will transform you.
But it is not enough just to read the Bible. You must understand it, and then you must obey it. James 1:22–24 tells us, "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was."
Like a mirror, the Bible exposes errors in our lives. It shows us something we need to do, something we need to correct. And if we don't, we are like someone who looks at his reflection in a mirror but doesn't heed what he sees. The same is true when we don't apply the Word of God to our lives.
BE BLESSED!
DAWN
But if you are like most people and are aware of your weakness and your inadequacy, if you are aware of your need for God, then you will be thankful to know that the Word of God is perfect, and it can transform you and help you to be the person God called you to be.
We are told in Psalm 19:7–8 that God's Word transforms us: "The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple." The word "converting" also could be translated "reviving," "restoring," or "transforming." When you read God's Word, it will revive you. It will restore you. It will transform you.
But it is not enough just to read the Bible. You must understand it, and then you must obey it. James 1:22–24 tells us, "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was."
Like a mirror, the Bible exposes errors in our lives. It shows us something we need to do, something we need to correct. And if we don't, we are like someone who looks at his reflection in a mirror but doesn't heed what he sees. The same is true when we don't apply the Word of God to our lives.
BE BLESSED!
DAWN
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
"Lord Come Quickly"
"The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John." - Revelation 1:1
Jesus Christ is coming back soon. I believe that with all of my heart. The opening of Revelation 1:1 says, "The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him... " What does "which God gave Him" mean? Didn't Jesus know "the revelation" already? I mean He’s God, the Second Person of the Trinity, right? Doesn't He know everything? Well, apparently (and I don't understand how the Trinity works because it's a mystery) He doesn't. Jesus said in Matthew 24:36, "But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only."
So, the Father who knows gave this revelation to the Son. The Son gave it to an angel. And an angel gave it to John, who wrote it down for us. And that's how we came to have it today. John wasn't told to go and hide with it; it was supposed to be revealed to all of us: "to show to his servants" (v.1). There are actually three terms or phrases in this verse that speak to the clarity of the book of Revelation; revelation, show, and made it known.
What was it that was being revealed? The Scripture answers, "the things that must soon take place" - not "should take place," not "might take place," or even "will take place," but "must... take place" (emphasis added). This statement is certainty rooted in the integrity of God Himself Who sourced this material. And when must these things take place? "Soon"! Underline that word soon in your Bible. Why do we study Revelation? Because Jesus Christ is coming back soon.
I want you to be ready. I want you to experience the sense that time is fleeting and we can't afford to be lax or lazy. Maybe the skies will break open today and Jesus Christ will return. This is not a moment for wasting time. This is the moment to think soon!
HAVE YOU BEEN A BLESSING TO SOMEONE LATELY?
DAWN
Jesus Christ is coming back soon. I believe that with all of my heart. The opening of Revelation 1:1 says, "The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him... " What does "which God gave Him" mean? Didn't Jesus know "the revelation" already? I mean He’s God, the Second Person of the Trinity, right? Doesn't He know everything? Well, apparently (and I don't understand how the Trinity works because it's a mystery) He doesn't. Jesus said in Matthew 24:36, "But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only."
So, the Father who knows gave this revelation to the Son. The Son gave it to an angel. And an angel gave it to John, who wrote it down for us. And that's how we came to have it today. John wasn't told to go and hide with it; it was supposed to be revealed to all of us: "to show to his servants" (v.1). There are actually three terms or phrases in this verse that speak to the clarity of the book of Revelation; revelation, show, and made it known.
What was it that was being revealed? The Scripture answers, "the things that must soon take place" - not "should take place," not "might take place," or even "will take place," but "must... take place" (emphasis added). This statement is certainty rooted in the integrity of God Himself Who sourced this material. And when must these things take place? "Soon"! Underline that word soon in your Bible. Why do we study Revelation? Because Jesus Christ is coming back soon.
I want you to be ready. I want you to experience the sense that time is fleeting and we can't afford to be lax or lazy. Maybe the skies will break open today and Jesus Christ will return. This is not a moment for wasting time. This is the moment to think soon!
HAVE YOU BEEN A BLESSING TO SOMEONE LATELY?
DAWN
Monday, April 12, 2010
The High Cost of Grace
READ
2 Corinthians 8:9
Grace is God’s undeserved goodness and kindness toward us without regard to our merit or worth. It is freely bestowed on all who believe the good news that Jesus is the the Son of God, and He died for their sins.
Although grace is free, it isn’t cheap—the Lord paid a high price to obtain this blessing for us. He left the wealth of heaven to come to earth so that He could redeem us and give us the riches of His celestial home. Think of what that meant in terms of Jesus’ earthly life:
The One who is Creator and Owner of all things lived on earth without possessions. He was born in a borrowed stable, had no place to lay His head during the years of His itinerant ministry, and borrowed not only a donkey for entering Jerusalem but also an upper room for the last supper. Even the tomb was not His own.
Christ also laid aside the glory He had with the Father. Although He never ceased being God while on the earth, His radiant divinity was veiled with human flesh. Being born as a helpless baby, Jesus gave up the use of His omniscience and went through all the stages of human growth and development. The Son of God descended from reigning on the Father’s throne to washing the dirty feet of His disciples.
Christ became poor but lost nothing. Jesus regained the glory of heaven and brought us along. In following Him, believers likewise lose nothing and gain everything. We die to self and gain our souls; give away riches and receive heavenly treasures; and humble ourselves to be exalted in God’s time.
BE BLESSED!
DAWN
2 Corinthians 8:9
Grace is God’s undeserved goodness and kindness toward us without regard to our merit or worth. It is freely bestowed on all who believe the good news that Jesus is the the Son of God, and He died for their sins.
Although grace is free, it isn’t cheap—the Lord paid a high price to obtain this blessing for us. He left the wealth of heaven to come to earth so that He could redeem us and give us the riches of His celestial home. Think of what that meant in terms of Jesus’ earthly life:
The One who is Creator and Owner of all things lived on earth without possessions. He was born in a borrowed stable, had no place to lay His head during the years of His itinerant ministry, and borrowed not only a donkey for entering Jerusalem but also an upper room for the last supper. Even the tomb was not His own.
Christ also laid aside the glory He had with the Father. Although He never ceased being God while on the earth, His radiant divinity was veiled with human flesh. Being born as a helpless baby, Jesus gave up the use of His omniscience and went through all the stages of human growth and development. The Son of God descended from reigning on the Father’s throne to washing the dirty feet of His disciples.
Christ became poor but lost nothing. Jesus regained the glory of heaven and brought us along. In following Him, believers likewise lose nothing and gain everything. We die to self and gain our souls; give away riches and receive heavenly treasures; and humble ourselves to be exalted in God’s time.
BE BLESSED!
DAWN
Sunday, April 11, 2010
"Feeling Hopelss"
READ
Acts 27:10-25
Jesus told His disciples that we would have tribulation in this life (John 16:33). And truly, people do disappoint us, circum-stances cause pain, and our own limitations lead to frustration.
Many Bible stories attest to this truth:
Hannah was unable to conceive. The longer her yearning for a child went unfulfilled, the more hope dwindled. Sorrow and bitterness took hold of her. (1 Sam. 1:6-10).
Paul was caught in a violent storm. Against his advice, the ship had set sail, endangering him and all the others on board. After futile efforts to save the vessel, everybody had to swim ashore to survive (Acts 27:11, 20).
Jealous Saul pursued David throughout the land, trying to kill him. In Psalm 13:1, David wondered if the Lord had forgotten him.
How did these people find their way through such negative emotions? All three spent time in prayer. Hannah cried out to God, confessed her misery, and asked Him to provide her with a son. When she left the temple, her face was no longer downcast. Her hope returned because she trusted Him with her future. Following prayer, Paul witnessed to the hopeless sailors. He told them to have courage because the Lord had promised to deliver them. David turned his attention away from his circumstances and focused on God’s unfailing love (Ps. 13:5-6).
Communion with God can combat hopelessness. Prayer moves our attention to the Father’s deep love for us, the Son’s sacrifice on our behalf, and the Spirit’s reassuring presence. If we confess ungodly thoughts and become willing to surrender personal desires, forgiveness and peace will be ours.
from Pastor Charles Stanley
BE BLESSED!
DAWN
Acts 27:10-25
Jesus told His disciples that we would have tribulation in this life (John 16:33). And truly, people do disappoint us, circum-stances cause pain, and our own limitations lead to frustration.
Many Bible stories attest to this truth:
Hannah was unable to conceive. The longer her yearning for a child went unfulfilled, the more hope dwindled. Sorrow and bitterness took hold of her. (1 Sam. 1:6-10).
Paul was caught in a violent storm. Against his advice, the ship had set sail, endangering him and all the others on board. After futile efforts to save the vessel, everybody had to swim ashore to survive (Acts 27:11, 20).
Jealous Saul pursued David throughout the land, trying to kill him. In Psalm 13:1, David wondered if the Lord had forgotten him.
How did these people find their way through such negative emotions? All three spent time in prayer. Hannah cried out to God, confessed her misery, and asked Him to provide her with a son. When she left the temple, her face was no longer downcast. Her hope returned because she trusted Him with her future. Following prayer, Paul witnessed to the hopeless sailors. He told them to have courage because the Lord had promised to deliver them. David turned his attention away from his circumstances and focused on God’s unfailing love (Ps. 13:5-6).
Communion with God can combat hopelessness. Prayer moves our attention to the Father’s deep love for us, the Son’s sacrifice on our behalf, and the Spirit’s reassuring presence. If we confess ungodly thoughts and become willing to surrender personal desires, forgiveness and peace will be ours.
from Pastor Charles Stanley
BE BLESSED!
DAWN
Saturday, April 10, 2010
"Get out of the Cockpit"
In his final words to the leaders of the church of Ephesus, Paul likened the follower of Jesus to five different pursuits: a runner in a race, a steward, a witness, a herald, and a watchman.
We already looked at what it is to be a runner in the race of life. The second category is that of a servant.
We are to be servants to the leaders
Paul said, "But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God" (Acts 20:24). The word that Paul uses here for "received" is like that of a steward or servant, or even a slave. The steward owns little or nothing. In the same way, everything I have is on loan from God. That includes my career, my ministry, my children, even my very life.
The Christian life is not about how God will bless my dreams, ambitions, and goals. This is about finding His will, and walking in it. A servant's purpose is to serve his master and please him. 1 Corinthians 4:2 says, "Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful."
This is a huge thing for us to get as Christians. Perhaps you have seen those bumper stickers on people's cars with the statement "God is my co-pilot." I hate to break this to you, but God does not want to be the pilot and us the co-pilot. In fact, He does not even want us in the cockpit! God wants to be in charge
Here is what we ALL need to know about God:
1)He is the Master. I am the servant.
2)He is the Shepherd. I am the sheep.
3) He is the Potter. I am the clay.
That means that the day I believed in Jesus, I became His personal property, to do with as He chooses. I know that sounds radical to some, but it is biblical.
As Christians, we are now the "purchased property" of Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 6:20 reminds us, "For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's."
But I must also know that this Master who owns me is also a friend who loves me. The Potter who molds me is also a Father who adores me. That makes it all the easier to be His servant.
Being a bondslave
Paul often opened his epistles with the words, "Paul, a bondslave of Jesus Christ." But what did that mean?
This was speaking of the ancient custom in which a freed slave could declare that he did not want to leave his master. The slave who had been set free, but wanted to stay on and serve his master voluntarily was known as a "bondslave."
This goes back to Paul's statement to the Lord on the Damascus road, "Lord, what will You have me to do?" There was no quibbling or negotiating in this area.
We are just doing our duty
Jesus told a parable about a master commanding his servants. He compares that to our relationship with Him and says, "So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, 'We are unworthy servants. We have done what was our duty to do" (Luke 17:10).
The true follower of Jesus wants to do His will, and as soon as he knows what it is, he gladly jumps in and does it! And if you don't want to do His will, I wonder if you know what He has done for you. The steward or servant must one day give an account of his ministry, and Paul was ready for that day.
BE BLESSED!
DAWN
We already looked at what it is to be a runner in the race of life. The second category is that of a servant.
We are to be servants to the leaders
Paul said, "But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God" (Acts 20:24). The word that Paul uses here for "received" is like that of a steward or servant, or even a slave. The steward owns little or nothing. In the same way, everything I have is on loan from God. That includes my career, my ministry, my children, even my very life.
The Christian life is not about how God will bless my dreams, ambitions, and goals. This is about finding His will, and walking in it. A servant's purpose is to serve his master and please him. 1 Corinthians 4:2 says, "Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful."
This is a huge thing for us to get as Christians. Perhaps you have seen those bumper stickers on people's cars with the statement "God is my co-pilot." I hate to break this to you, but God does not want to be the pilot and us the co-pilot. In fact, He does not even want us in the cockpit! God wants to be in charge
Here is what we ALL need to know about God:
1)He is the Master. I am the servant.
2)He is the Shepherd. I am the sheep.
3) He is the Potter. I am the clay.
That means that the day I believed in Jesus, I became His personal property, to do with as He chooses. I know that sounds radical to some, but it is biblical.
As Christians, we are now the "purchased property" of Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 6:20 reminds us, "For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's."
But I must also know that this Master who owns me is also a friend who loves me. The Potter who molds me is also a Father who adores me. That makes it all the easier to be His servant.
Being a bondslave
Paul often opened his epistles with the words, "Paul, a bondslave of Jesus Christ." But what did that mean?
This was speaking of the ancient custom in which a freed slave could declare that he did not want to leave his master. The slave who had been set free, but wanted to stay on and serve his master voluntarily was known as a "bondslave."
This goes back to Paul's statement to the Lord on the Damascus road, "Lord, what will You have me to do?" There was no quibbling or negotiating in this area.
We are just doing our duty
Jesus told a parable about a master commanding his servants. He compares that to our relationship with Him and says, "So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, 'We are unworthy servants. We have done what was our duty to do" (Luke 17:10).
The true follower of Jesus wants to do His will, and as soon as he knows what it is, he gladly jumps in and does it! And if you don't want to do His will, I wonder if you know what He has done for you. The steward or servant must one day give an account of his ministry, and Paul was ready for that day.
BE BLESSED!
DAWN
Friday, April 9, 2010
" Learning to Know God"
23 )Thus says the LORD: “ Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, Let not the mighty man glory in his might, Nor let the rich man glory in his riches; 24) But let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me, That I am the LORD, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth.
For in these I delight,” says the LORD. Jer.9: 23-24 (NKJ)
Today’s verses reveal that the Lord’s top priority for us is to know and understand Him. This is a lifelong pursuit which extends all the way into eternity (John 17:3). If someone asked me, “Do you know God?,” I’d have to say that I am learning about Him. My relationship with the Lord is becoming more exciting and satisfying eash day, but I realize that I have much more to discover about my Savior.
Since the Lord reveals Himself in His Word, that is where we need to start. Our understanding of who God is must match what Scripture says about Him; otherwise, we have deceived ourselves by trying to make the Lord into our own image. Descriptions of His characteristics and methods are scattered throughout the Bible. As you read, look for His attributes, desires, and ways. Consider how He responds in various circumstances.
Spend time interacting with the Lord in prayer and meditation. Discuss any insights you have received, ask Him about the concepts you don’t understand, and consider how to apply what you have learned. Those who are willing to obey His commands and follow His guidance will discover how faithful He is. They’ll also find that He is their most intimate friend.
Amazingly, the Creator and Ruler of the universe wants to spend time with you so that you can learn to know Him. It’s as if He is saying, “I want you all to Myself for a little while.” Take Him up on the invitation to come away to a quiet place and learn of Him.
BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING TO ONE ANOTHER!
DAWN
For in these I delight,” says the LORD. Jer.9: 23-24 (NKJ)
Today’s verses reveal that the Lord’s top priority for us is to know and understand Him. This is a lifelong pursuit which extends all the way into eternity (John 17:3). If someone asked me, “Do you know God?,” I’d have to say that I am learning about Him. My relationship with the Lord is becoming more exciting and satisfying eash day, but I realize that I have much more to discover about my Savior.
Since the Lord reveals Himself in His Word, that is where we need to start. Our understanding of who God is must match what Scripture says about Him; otherwise, we have deceived ourselves by trying to make the Lord into our own image. Descriptions of His characteristics and methods are scattered throughout the Bible. As you read, look for His attributes, desires, and ways. Consider how He responds in various circumstances.
Spend time interacting with the Lord in prayer and meditation. Discuss any insights you have received, ask Him about the concepts you don’t understand, and consider how to apply what you have learned. Those who are willing to obey His commands and follow His guidance will discover how faithful He is. They’ll also find that He is their most intimate friend.
Amazingly, the Creator and Ruler of the universe wants to spend time with you so that you can learn to know Him. It’s as if He is saying, “I want you all to Myself for a little while.” Take Him up on the invitation to come away to a quiet place and learn of Him.
BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING TO ONE ANOTHER!
DAWN
Thursday, April 8, 2010
" The Privilege of Knowing God"
7)But whatever former things I had that might have been gains to me, I have come to consider as [[a]one combined] loss for Christ's sake. 8)Yes, furthermore, I count everything as loss compared to the possession of the priceless privilege (the overwhelming preciousness, the surpassing worth, and supreme advantage) of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord and of progressively becoming more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him [of perceiving and recognizing and understanding Him more fully and clearly]. For His sake I have lost everything and consider it all to be mere rubbish (refuse, dregs), in order that I may win (gain) Christ (the Anointed One), 9)And that I may [actually] be found and known as in Him, not having any [self-achieved] righteousness that can be called my own, based on my obedience to the Law's demands (ritualistic uprightness and supposed right standing with God thus acquired), but possessing that [genuine righteousness] which comes through faith in Christ (the Anointed One), the [truly] right standing with God, which comes from God by [saving] faith. 10)[For my determined purpose is] that I may know Him [that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly], and that I may in that same way come to know the power outflowing from His resurrection [[b]which it exerts over believers], and that I may so share His sufferings as to be continually transformed [in spirit into His likeness even] to His death, [in the hope] 11)That if possible I may attain to the [[c]spiritual and moral] resurrection [that lifts me] out from among the dead [even while in the body]. Phil. 3: 7-11 (AMP)
It is a great tragedy that many people go through life without ever becoming acquainted with their Creator. To overlook that relationship is to miss the purpose for their existence and the greatest privilege available to mankind—knowing God. Even Christians can undervalue the honor of getting to know Christ more intimately.
Paul’s all-consuming passion to know the Lord caused him to count everything else as worthless in comparison to that tremendous blessing. Though believers can accept Christ as their Savior, faithfully serve Him, and anticipate being with Him in heaven, many have no hunger to know Him right now.
How can we be satisfied simply with being saved and have so little interest in the most gratifying and exciting relationship available to us? Pursuing Christ with Paul’s passion requires sacrifice—spending time alone with the Lord, surrendering our will, and learning to know Him through suffering. Although salvation is a free gift, intimacy with God is a costly process, but the rewards are invaluable and eternal.
Our culture floods us with information and distractions that can fill our minds and hearts, leaving us indifferent to developing a deeper relationship with Christ. Some people even substitute learning facts about the Lord for knowing Him relationally.
Examine your life to see what is hindering your passion for God. Consider ways to carve out time each day to be alone with Him. As you go about your routine, seek His guidance and listen for His voice. You, too, will eventually count everything else as rubbish compared to knowing Christ
by Pastor Charles Stanley
BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING TO ONE ANOTHER!
DAWN
It is a great tragedy that many people go through life without ever becoming acquainted with their Creator. To overlook that relationship is to miss the purpose for their existence and the greatest privilege available to mankind—knowing God. Even Christians can undervalue the honor of getting to know Christ more intimately.
Paul’s all-consuming passion to know the Lord caused him to count everything else as worthless in comparison to that tremendous blessing. Though believers can accept Christ as their Savior, faithfully serve Him, and anticipate being with Him in heaven, many have no hunger to know Him right now.
How can we be satisfied simply with being saved and have so little interest in the most gratifying and exciting relationship available to us? Pursuing Christ with Paul’s passion requires sacrifice—spending time alone with the Lord, surrendering our will, and learning to know Him through suffering. Although salvation is a free gift, intimacy with God is a costly process, but the rewards are invaluable and eternal.
Our culture floods us with information and distractions that can fill our minds and hearts, leaving us indifferent to developing a deeper relationship with Christ. Some people even substitute learning facts about the Lord for knowing Him relationally.
Examine your life to see what is hindering your passion for God. Consider ways to carve out time each day to be alone with Him. As you go about your routine, seek His guidance and listen for His voice. You, too, will eventually count everything else as rubbish compared to knowing Christ
by Pastor Charles Stanley
BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING TO ONE ANOTHER!
DAWN
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
"Who is Lord of Your Life"
Any habit you keep feeding, will only strengthen its grip on your life. Ask a recovering addict; they only change when they "hit bottom." Prodigals don't come home until they've lost everything (Luke 15:32). But that doesn't have to be your story, for your Father is waiting to welcome you back - now! Come on, you're a child of the Most High; captivity is unnatural for you!
You'll never be free until you despise your chains. Whether you're bound by a substance, a relationship, or a life that's out of order, your circumstances won't change until your mind is released from old thought patterns and renewed by God's Word "Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God" (Romans 12:2).
Start by instituting some new habits, for what you do habitually you do permanently. Begin the Bible reading habit. Put it first on your "to do" list or you'll never do it consistently. Read aloud and you won't get distracted so easily. "Those who discover these words live, really live; body and soul, they're bursting with health" (Proverbs 4:22).
Next, learn to pray. Set a special time, otherwise everything else will crowd it out. In prayer, God will tell you how He feels about things. Can you imagine having His input? Attend church regularly. Support it with your finances and develop healthy relationships. There are things God will say to you in His house that He won't say anywhere else (Hebrews 10:25). Your daily habits are carving out an irreversible future for you. If you want to know where you're going - take another look at your habits!
“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:11-13
BE BLESSED!!!
DAWN
You'll never be free until you despise your chains. Whether you're bound by a substance, a relationship, or a life that's out of order, your circumstances won't change until your mind is released from old thought patterns and renewed by God's Word "Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God" (Romans 12:2).
Start by instituting some new habits, for what you do habitually you do permanently. Begin the Bible reading habit. Put it first on your "to do" list or you'll never do it consistently. Read aloud and you won't get distracted so easily. "Those who discover these words live, really live; body and soul, they're bursting with health" (Proverbs 4:22).
Next, learn to pray. Set a special time, otherwise everything else will crowd it out. In prayer, God will tell you how He feels about things. Can you imagine having His input? Attend church regularly. Support it with your finances and develop healthy relationships. There are things God will say to you in His house that He won't say anywhere else (Hebrews 10:25). Your daily habits are carving out an irreversible future for you. If you want to know where you're going - take another look at your habits!
“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:11-13
BE BLESSED!!!
DAWN
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
"The Purpose of Life"
15) Yes, even today when they read Moses’ writings, their hearts *(and minds) are covered with that veil, and they do not understand. 16) But whenever someone turns *(in repentance) to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17) For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18) So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image. 2Cor. 3: 15-18
Why am I here on earth? No doubt this question crosses everybody’s mind at some point. Unscriptural theories of evolution suggest that we are merely taking up space and will return to nothingness when we die. Cultural propaganda says that we choose our own destiny—in other words, we can live for any cause we choose. But that is absolutely untrue! The Lord has placed you on earth to fulfill His purpose.
Our heavenly Father has a unique plan for every person’s life, but He means for us all to share one goal: to be conformed into the image of Jesus Christ. The process of perfecting our moral, spiritual, and physical selves begins here on earth and is finished in heaven. Much of the work the Lord does in our earthly lives centers on our character. He shows us how to be as loving, kind, and peaceful as Jesus.
One would think that being like God’s Son must require a lot of effort. But the truth is, we are not called to work at it. The Holy Spirit indwells the believer and then lives the life of Christ through him or her. Christians have the responsibility to be submissive to His guidance. That means we respond to every circumstance and event with this question: “How can You use this to make me more like Jesus?”
The sovereign Lord is behind everything that happens to you—either He directly instigates the situation or He allows it to take place. Both trials and triumphs are engineered to fulfill God’s great purpose: crafting a life that reflects His love and glory to the world.
**FROM PASTOR CHARLES STANLEY**
BE BLESSED AND BE A BLESSING TO ONE ANOTHER!
DAWN
Why am I here on earth? No doubt this question crosses everybody’s mind at some point. Unscriptural theories of evolution suggest that we are merely taking up space and will return to nothingness when we die. Cultural propaganda says that we choose our own destiny—in other words, we can live for any cause we choose. But that is absolutely untrue! The Lord has placed you on earth to fulfill His purpose.
Our heavenly Father has a unique plan for every person’s life, but He means for us all to share one goal: to be conformed into the image of Jesus Christ. The process of perfecting our moral, spiritual, and physical selves begins here on earth and is finished in heaven. Much of the work the Lord does in our earthly lives centers on our character. He shows us how to be as loving, kind, and peaceful as Jesus.
One would think that being like God’s Son must require a lot of effort. But the truth is, we are not called to work at it. The Holy Spirit indwells the believer and then lives the life of Christ through him or her. Christians have the responsibility to be submissive to His guidance. That means we respond to every circumstance and event with this question: “How can You use this to make me more like Jesus?”
The sovereign Lord is behind everything that happens to you—either He directly instigates the situation or He allows it to take place. Both trials and triumphs are engineered to fulfill God’s great purpose: crafting a life that reflects His love and glory to the world.
**FROM PASTOR CHARLES STANLEY**
BE BLESSED AND BE A BLESSING TO ONE ANOTHER!
DAWN
Monday, April 5, 2010
"God's Master Plan"
A while back, I was asked, "Who crucified Jesus?" Maybe the question should be, "Who didn't crucify Jesus?"
The religious leaders played their part, as did Judas, Pilate, and, of course, the actual soldiers who put the nails in His hands and feet. Satan played his part too, but here's something else to consider—God the Father killed Jesus.
The Bible says that "it pleased the Lord to bruise Him" (Isaiah 53:10 NKJV). This means the crucifixion of Jesus was not a mistake. Nor was it an afterthought. It was part of God's plan from the very beginning. Before there was a solar system, a planet called Earth, a garden called Eden, or a couple known as Adam and Eve, a decision was made in the councils of eternity that God Himself would come to Earth as a man and would go to a cross and die in the place of all sinners.
Why? So that humanity could be put into contact with God. Jesus came to Earth to purchase back what was lost in the Garden of Eden. He came to buy back the title deed to Earth. He came to die on a cross for our sins. Humanity's worst mistake was, at the same time, God's master plan.
The Bible says, "He suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone" (Hebrews 2:9 NIV). In His own words, He came to give His life as a ransom for many (see Matthew 20:28; Mark 10:45).
In other words, Jesus was born to die so that we might live. The purpose of the Incarnation was for our atonement. The birth of Jesus was for the death of Jesus.
As He prayed facedown in the Garden of Gethsemane, He knew that Judas Iscariot was on his way there with the temple guard. He knew the physical pain that awaited Him. He knew they would punch Him, rip His beard from His face, and tear His back open with a whip. He knew they would nail Him to a cross.
But worst of all, He knew he would have to bear the sin of the entire world. When Jesus pierced the darkness with his cry from the cross, "Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?"—meaning, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?"—I believe that, at that moment, he was bearing the sins of the world: past, present, and future.
He was dying as a substitute for others. The guilt of our sins was imputed to Him, and He was suffering the punishment for those sins on our behalf.
Why did this have to happen? God was punishing Jesus as though He had personally committed every wicked deed by every wicked sinner. And in so doing, He could forgive and treat those redeemed ones as if they had lived Christ's perfect life of righteousness. This is called justification. It is not just merely the removal of sin. It is the imputing of the righteousness of Christ to those who put their faith in him. That is what happened when Jesus hung on the cross.
And Scripture clearly teaches there was a moment when the sin of the world was placed on Jesus: "He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree" (1 Peter 2:24 NIV).
So, as tragic as the death of Jesus was, on this day we remember that it really is, in effect, very good!
Jesus was forsaken by God for a time that you might enjoy His presence forever. Jesus entered the darkness that you might walk in the light.
**FROM PASTOR CHARLES STANLEY**
BE BLESSED!
DAWN
The religious leaders played their part, as did Judas, Pilate, and, of course, the actual soldiers who put the nails in His hands and feet. Satan played his part too, but here's something else to consider—God the Father killed Jesus.
The Bible says that "it pleased the Lord to bruise Him" (Isaiah 53:10 NKJV). This means the crucifixion of Jesus was not a mistake. Nor was it an afterthought. It was part of God's plan from the very beginning. Before there was a solar system, a planet called Earth, a garden called Eden, or a couple known as Adam and Eve, a decision was made in the councils of eternity that God Himself would come to Earth as a man and would go to a cross and die in the place of all sinners.
Why? So that humanity could be put into contact with God. Jesus came to Earth to purchase back what was lost in the Garden of Eden. He came to buy back the title deed to Earth. He came to die on a cross for our sins. Humanity's worst mistake was, at the same time, God's master plan.
The Bible says, "He suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone" (Hebrews 2:9 NIV). In His own words, He came to give His life as a ransom for many (see Matthew 20:28; Mark 10:45).
In other words, Jesus was born to die so that we might live. The purpose of the Incarnation was for our atonement. The birth of Jesus was for the death of Jesus.
As He prayed facedown in the Garden of Gethsemane, He knew that Judas Iscariot was on his way there with the temple guard. He knew the physical pain that awaited Him. He knew they would punch Him, rip His beard from His face, and tear His back open with a whip. He knew they would nail Him to a cross.
But worst of all, He knew he would have to bear the sin of the entire world. When Jesus pierced the darkness with his cry from the cross, "Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?"—meaning, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?"—I believe that, at that moment, he was bearing the sins of the world: past, present, and future.
He was dying as a substitute for others. The guilt of our sins was imputed to Him, and He was suffering the punishment for those sins on our behalf.
Why did this have to happen? God was punishing Jesus as though He had personally committed every wicked deed by every wicked sinner. And in so doing, He could forgive and treat those redeemed ones as if they had lived Christ's perfect life of righteousness. This is called justification. It is not just merely the removal of sin. It is the imputing of the righteousness of Christ to those who put their faith in him. That is what happened when Jesus hung on the cross.
And Scripture clearly teaches there was a moment when the sin of the world was placed on Jesus: "He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree" (1 Peter 2:24 NIV).
So, as tragic as the death of Jesus was, on this day we remember that it really is, in effect, very good!
Jesus was forsaken by God for a time that you might enjoy His presence forever. Jesus entered the darkness that you might walk in the light.
**FROM PASTOR CHARLES STANLEY**
BE BLESSED!
DAWN
Sunday, April 4, 2010
"Comfort From an Empty Tomb"
1) Early on Sunday morning,a] as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to visit the tomb. 2) Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it. 3 )His face shone like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. 4 )The guards shook with fear when they saw him, and they fell into a dead faint. 5) Then the angel spoke to the women. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6) He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying. 7) And now, go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there. Remember what I have told you.” 8) The women ran quickly from the tomb. They were very frightened but also filled with great joy, and they rushed to give the disciples the angel’s message. Matt. 28: 1-8 (NLT)
A sad group of women walked to Jesus’ tomb on the Sunday morning after His death. Their Savior—the Lord of Lords and King of Kings—had been brutally beaten and then crucified. The women’s hearts must have been heavy with disappointment and grief. Yet in an instant, mourning was turned to joy. An angel greeted them to offer this comfort: “He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said” (Matt. 28:6).
So many of the confusing things the Lord had said now suddenly made sense. Not only had He prophesied about His own death and resurrection (Matt. 16:21), but He had also explained His relationship with God as a “oneness” (John 10:30). The grave cannot hold the Almighty. The resurrection put to rest any doubt Christ’s followers may have harbored about who He was.
God kept every one of His promises and prophesies regarding the Messiah. For example, Jesus died on the cross before the soldiers decided the break the legs of those being crucified (Ex. 12:46; Ps. 34:20). But they pierced His side with a spear to be certain of His death (Isa. 53:5). At what seemed to be the end, Christ was buried in a rich man’s tomb (Isa. 53:9); however, He did not stay in the grave.
Jesus conquered death and is now seated at the Father’s right hand, interceding for believers. He knows your name, where you are, and what you need and desire. The comfort of the empty tomb is that our Savior is alive and watching over us—just as He said (Heb. 7:25; 12:2).
BE BLESSED!
DAWN
A sad group of women walked to Jesus’ tomb on the Sunday morning after His death. Their Savior—the Lord of Lords and King of Kings—had been brutally beaten and then crucified. The women’s hearts must have been heavy with disappointment and grief. Yet in an instant, mourning was turned to joy. An angel greeted them to offer this comfort: “He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said” (Matt. 28:6).
So many of the confusing things the Lord had said now suddenly made sense. Not only had He prophesied about His own death and resurrection (Matt. 16:21), but He had also explained His relationship with God as a “oneness” (John 10:30). The grave cannot hold the Almighty. The resurrection put to rest any doubt Christ’s followers may have harbored about who He was.
God kept every one of His promises and prophesies regarding the Messiah. For example, Jesus died on the cross before the soldiers decided the break the legs of those being crucified (Ex. 12:46; Ps. 34:20). But they pierced His side with a spear to be certain of His death (Isa. 53:5). At what seemed to be the end, Christ was buried in a rich man’s tomb (Isa. 53:9); however, He did not stay in the grave.
Jesus conquered death and is now seated at the Father’s right hand, interceding for believers. He knows your name, where you are, and what you need and desire. The comfort of the empty tomb is that our Savior is alive and watching over us—just as He said (Heb. 7:25; 12:2).
BE BLESSED!
DAWN
Friday, April 2, 2010
"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!
BE BLESSED AND REMEMBER JESUS' SACRIFICE FOR US
DAWN
Thursday, April 1, 2010
"WHERE THE BATTLE IS WON"
READ
Matthew 26:36-46
The garden of Gethsemane on the Mount of Olives was one of the Lord’s favorite places to pray throughout His earthly ministry (Luke 22:39). But believers remember it best as the site of a great spiritual battle. The story of Jesus pleading with His Father is extremely meaningful to Christians, and one of the reasons is that the Lord looked so human. From the gospel’s description, we can see that Jesus, the God-man, experienced fear, anxiety, and dread as He prayed. In other words, He reacted to His imminent ordeal with feelings we can relate to and understand.
Satan taunts believers by telling them they can’t be like Jesus because He is God. But He was God cloaked in human flesh, which means that He experienced the world as we do. Yet He won every spiritual and life battle he faced. The secret to His success is what He did at Gethsemane. He secluded Himself and prayed until His will was fully surrendered to the Father. The battle was won on His knees.
Jesus left the garden a prisoner, but at the same time He walked out a winner. He accepted God’s will for His life, even though pain was a guarantee. Our Savior had been called to die, and He knew that the potential blessings and consequences were all in His Father’s hands.
Believers confront fearsome trials too. God uses these hardships to conform us to His Son’s image (Rom. 8:29). If we are to be like Jesus, we must learn from His actions. In the face of difficulty, we should seek God’s will, commit to following it, and leave the consequences in His almighty hands.
BE BLESSED!
DAWN
Matthew 26:36-46
The garden of Gethsemane on the Mount of Olives was one of the Lord’s favorite places to pray throughout His earthly ministry (Luke 22:39). But believers remember it best as the site of a great spiritual battle. The story of Jesus pleading with His Father is extremely meaningful to Christians, and one of the reasons is that the Lord looked so human. From the gospel’s description, we can see that Jesus, the God-man, experienced fear, anxiety, and dread as He prayed. In other words, He reacted to His imminent ordeal with feelings we can relate to and understand.
Satan taunts believers by telling them they can’t be like Jesus because He is God. But He was God cloaked in human flesh, which means that He experienced the world as we do. Yet He won every spiritual and life battle he faced. The secret to His success is what He did at Gethsemane. He secluded Himself and prayed until His will was fully surrendered to the Father. The battle was won on His knees.
Jesus left the garden a prisoner, but at the same time He walked out a winner. He accepted God’s will for His life, even though pain was a guarantee. Our Savior had been called to die, and He knew that the potential blessings and consequences were all in His Father’s hands.
Believers confront fearsome trials too. God uses these hardships to conform us to His Son’s image (Rom. 8:29). If we are to be like Jesus, we must learn from His actions. In the face of difficulty, we should seek God’s will, commit to following it, and leave the consequences in His almighty hands.
BE BLESSED!
DAWN
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