Had Jesus been an ordinary man, the world would have forgotten Him after He died. But He was no ordinary man. He was God and man, born to a virgin. He died and three days later came alive. He lives today!
Who He was and what He did forever altered the flow of human history and changed eternity for countless millions who believe on Him.
Philippians 2:8-10 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
Because Jesus sacrificed his life on the cross for our sins, everyone should bow to Him. He is worthy of our worship, our time, our talents, and our hearts. One day all will bow.
Saturday, April 1, 2017
Friday, March 31, 2017
Our Merciful High Priest
When Jesus came to earth (John 1:1,14) He was God and human. He experienced hunger, thirst, fear, weariness, poverty, grief, abandonment, death, pain, anger, misunderstanding, sadness, and betrayal; yet without sin.
After sacrificing His life for our sins and raising from the grave, Jesus ascended back to the Father and became our High Priest.
That should comfort us. Believers can come boldly before the throne of mercy and receive grace for our needs, knowing He feels our pain and understands our trials because He’s been there.
Hebrews 4:15-16 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
After sacrificing His life for our sins and raising from the grave, Jesus ascended back to the Father and became our High Priest.
That should comfort us. Believers can come boldly before the throne of mercy and receive grace for our needs, knowing He feels our pain and understands our trials because He’s been there.
Hebrews 4:15-16 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Thursday, March 30, 2017
What Is The Will Of God?
If you stop Saul on the road to Damascus and ask why he is persecuting Christians, he might say something like this:
“Jesus of Nazareth is dead. Do you expect me to believe that a crucified nobody is the promised Messiah? I have to stop them from preaching that Jesus is alive. They’re even doing miracles in His name, but it’s really in Satan’s name.”
Acts, Chapter Nine reveals the awesome miracle of Jesus speaking to Paul and saving him on the way to Damascus. Astonished, Paul falls to the ground.
Acts 9:6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.
Jesus changed his name to Paul, made him a great missionary who also wrote a huge part of the inspired Words in the New Testament.
It’s a humbling experience to be in the presence of Jesus. It’s a Holy place, a place you can't help but ask, “Lord, what would you have me to do?”
The Lord will show you His will if you let Him.
“Jesus of Nazareth is dead. Do you expect me to believe that a crucified nobody is the promised Messiah? I have to stop them from preaching that Jesus is alive. They’re even doing miracles in His name, but it’s really in Satan’s name.”
Acts, Chapter Nine reveals the awesome miracle of Jesus speaking to Paul and saving him on the way to Damascus. Astonished, Paul falls to the ground.
Acts 9:6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.
Jesus changed his name to Paul, made him a great missionary who also wrote a huge part of the inspired Words in the New Testament.
It’s a humbling experience to be in the presence of Jesus. It’s a Holy place, a place you can't help but ask, “Lord, what would you have me to do?”
The Lord will show you His will if you let Him.
Wednesday, March 29, 2017
When Jesus Shows Up
There’s something special about those times when Jesus chooses to meet with His people, to assure us that we are not alone. He has shown up many times and still does in the lives of believers.
Matthew 18:20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
There were times in the Bible when Jesus "just showed up". When He “just shows up” everything changes. He has shown up in my life many times. The following is a partial list.
• Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego not burned in the fiery furnace because He was there.
• Daniel kept safe in the Lion's Den because He was there.
• As Captain Of The Lord's Host outside Jericho, He brought victory..
• Walking on the storm to come to the disciples;
• At the tomb of Lazarus He raised him from the dead.
• At the Red Sea, He parted waters.
Matthew 18:20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
There were times in the Bible when Jesus "just showed up". When He “just shows up” everything changes. He has shown up in my life many times. The following is a partial list.
• Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego not burned in the fiery furnace because He was there.
• Daniel kept safe in the Lion's Den because He was there.
• As Captain Of The Lord's Host outside Jericho, He brought victory..
• Walking on the storm to come to the disciples;
• At the tomb of Lazarus He raised him from the dead.
• At the Red Sea, He parted waters.
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
The Lord Is My Shepherd
When my head hits the pillow, the following thoughts cross my mind as I say the 23rd Psalm. Sometimes I’m soothed to slumber before I finish. One night I was so caught up in the awesome reality of knowing the Lord is my Shepherd that I didn’t continue.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want -- WOW!
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: -- NEEDS MET.
He leadeth me beside the still waters -- PEACE.
He restoreth my soul -- GRACE.
He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake – THE WAY OF TRUTH.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me -- PEACE WITH CANCER AND A LIFE-THREATENING SURGERY.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies -- HE HAS MY BACK.
Thou anointest my head with oil, my cup runneth over -- JOY UNSPEAKABLE.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. SECURITY -- HOPE.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want -- WOW!
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: -- NEEDS MET.
He leadeth me beside the still waters -- PEACE.
He restoreth my soul -- GRACE.
He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake – THE WAY OF TRUTH.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me -- PEACE WITH CANCER AND A LIFE-THREATENING SURGERY.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies -- HE HAS MY BACK.
Thou anointest my head with oil, my cup runneth over -- JOY UNSPEAKABLE.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. SECURITY -- HOPE.
Monday, March 27, 2017
The Whole Truth: Trust God
When we want nothing but God we are sure to have everything we want (Matt. 5:6).
Psalm 73:28 But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all thy works.
Do we see things as they really are or like we think they are? We can correctly see if we lose our human perspective and grasp the heavenly perspective. How do we get to that place?
By Prayer --- By reading the Bible. --- By Grace -- By Faith
If we are to enjoy victory in the difficult days we need to draw near to God and trust Him.
The more we allow ourselves to believe that God is Who He says He is --- that He can do what He says He will do --- the easier it becomes to trust Him with all of life.
Psalm 73:28 But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all thy works.
Do we see things as they really are or like we think they are? We can correctly see if we lose our human perspective and grasp the heavenly perspective. How do we get to that place?
By Prayer --- By reading the Bible. --- By Grace -- By Faith
If we are to enjoy victory in the difficult days we need to draw near to God and trust Him.
The more we allow ourselves to believe that God is Who He says He is --- that He can do what He says He will do --- the easier it becomes to trust Him with all of life.
Sunday, March 26, 2017
Delight In The Lord
Do you suppose we can take our minds off the flusters and snares of life long enough to delight in the Lord? David gives us a good reason.
Psalm 37:4-5 Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.
Too often when I’m focused on prayer and worship, a multitude of unrelated “stuff” pops into my head.
It’s a challenge for believers to give the Lord our full-focused attention.
We can delight in who God is to us, what He has done for us, and where He is taking us. We can delight in how much He loves us and in things which bring Him glory.
When we are lost in the Lord, our will and desires will be lost in Him as well. Sing – pray – study and praise the Master with delight – then trust in him and see what happens.
Psalm 37:4-5 Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.
Too often when I’m focused on prayer and worship, a multitude of unrelated “stuff” pops into my head.
It’s a challenge for believers to give the Lord our full-focused attention.
We can delight in who God is to us, what He has done for us, and where He is taking us. We can delight in how much He loves us and in things which bring Him glory.
When we are lost in the Lord, our will and desires will be lost in Him as well. Sing – pray – study and praise the Master with delight – then trust in him and see what happens.
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