Mark 9:14-24 (New International Version)
The Healing of a Boy with an Evil Spirit
14When they came to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and the teachers of the law arguing with them. 15As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him.
16"What are you arguing with them about?" he asked.
17A man in the crowd answered, "Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. 18Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not."
19"O unbelieving generation," Jesus replied, "how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me."
20So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth.
21Jesus asked the boy's father, "How long has he been like this?"
"From childhood," he answered. 22"It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us."
23" 'If you can'?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes."
24Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"
Have you ever noticed the words believe and faith are almost exclusively New Testament terms. They occur almost 550 times and possibly constitute the single most frequent command or instruction in the New Testament. You might think, given it's prominence in scripture, it would be one of the most understood concepts in Christendom.
However, I think most of you will probably agree this is not case. In fact, my thoughts are Jesus knew how hard it was going to be. He knew we would have great difficulty relinquishing control and truly submitting ourselves to him through faith. He knew we would need constant lessons and instruction on living in faith and believing Him. He knew we would need His help. The story in Mark points it out beautifully, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"
The Greek word for faith is pistis (noun) and believe is translated pistevo, which is a verb. The true translation of believe is far meatier than our simple translation gives credit. The word believe (Greek verb "pistevo"), means adheres to, trusts in, relies on, clings to. It truly is an action word.
As I am learning in my spiritual walk it is one thing to "believe in God" but truly another to "believe God". I think Jesus, in His many admonitions for us to "believe" and "have faith", was recognizing our human nature which makes it hard to turn the noun of faith loose allowing the verb of belief to rule our lives. We are going to need Him and His power to walk out belief and it is OK to ask for help in this area to admit we are weak. He wants us to ask Him to help us overcome our unbelief and He fully intends to give you the power to do it.
Take comfort in knowing, He understands our need for help. He gives us the reassurance of this in Ephesians 1:18-20:
"I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead."
The awesome truth is, God wields "incomparably great power" for those who choose to believe. If you have just a little faith He will amplify that in His mighty power to enable you move mountains (Matt 17:20; Matt 21:21). God gives us the same power He used to raise Jesus from the dead. With power like that, nothing is impossible!!
Take this lesson forward with you today. Ask God to use his word to overcome whatever stronghold is crippling your life and keeping you from living it to the fullest in Christ Jesus. Share this note with someone who might need a word of encouragement to overcome a stronghold in their life.
Next we will look at the freedom which comes from believing God (notice I didn't say "believing in").
Blessings all!!
"Father God, Your Word declares that we, Your people, are Your witnesses and Your servants whom You have chosen, that we may know and believe You and understand that You are He. Before You no god was formed, nor will there be one after You (Isaiah 43:10). You have chosen me, God, for the express purpose of knowing and believing You. I can't really begin to know You until I choose to believe You! Make me a person of belief, Lord." (prayer taken from Beth Moore's Praying God's Word)
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Monday, June 14, 2010
"It is all in your head"
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (New International Version)
"For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."
Have you ever known anyone to have irrational fears about something? A child who thinks the boogyman is going to get them. Have you ever heard someone say to them, or perhaps you said it or have had it said to you "It is all in your head"? Oh, how right they were!!
As I continue to struggle with the stronghold of worry and anxiety in my life, God has led me to this next lesson in my journey. The things that make me worry and anxious are all in my head. More literally, it is the devil trying to keep me from the peace of knowing I can do everything through Him who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13).
The primary battlefied of our faith is in our mind. However, we must remember, when we are born again in Christ Jesus, our transformation comes with a renewing of our mind (Romans 12:2; Ephesians 4:23). Paul knew if our thoughts were left unchecked, they would cause all kinds of problems. We all know what happens when we are left to dwell on something too long. We can think of the worst kind of things. The devil takes every opportunity to use our thoughts against us. We must understand this fully, and use the weapons of God's word and our prayers to constantly gaurd our hearts and mind (Philippians 4:7).
In fact, the ONLY way we can overcome these feelings is to put on the full armour of God (Ephesians 6:13-18). Take note that all of the armour is defensive EXCEPT the sword, which is the Word of God. Right after Paul notes the sword being the word, he says we are to pray. In fact, the offense we need to regularly mount against the power of the devil's invasion of our mind is power of God's word and prayer.
By searching for answers to questions of our mind in the Word of God, we know we will never be led astray. In fact, Jesus gave us the ultimate example of overcoming the devil with the word in Matthew chapter 4. In knowing that, think how effective it would be in our battle to overcome our strongholds by praying God's word. (I highly recommend Beth Moore's book, "Praying God's Word")
Finally, consider Paul's words "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things." (Philippians 4:8). Every time you feel your mind being pulled by the devil into negative thoughts, immediately think of all the awesome things God has graced your life with. Start counting your blessings right then and there and the devil will flee. It takes some effort to form the habit of taking your thoughts captive and making them obedient to Christ. However, with the grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit, nothing is impossible. And consider the reward, a peace that surpasses all understanding.
So, you see, it really is all in your mind!!
"Lord, thank You for showing me how to win the battle for my thoughts. Thank You for providing Your word and for allowing me a personal relationship with You so I can bring everything to You in prayer and bring my thoughts captive and obedient to Christ. Help me to seek out Your word as a weapon against the negative thoughts which invade my mind. With Your word in my heart and on my lips, I can overcome anything. In Jesus Name, Amen."
"For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."
Have you ever known anyone to have irrational fears about something? A child who thinks the boogyman is going to get them. Have you ever heard someone say to them, or perhaps you said it or have had it said to you "It is all in your head"? Oh, how right they were!!
As I continue to struggle with the stronghold of worry and anxiety in my life, God has led me to this next lesson in my journey. The things that make me worry and anxious are all in my head. More literally, it is the devil trying to keep me from the peace of knowing I can do everything through Him who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13).
The primary battlefied of our faith is in our mind. However, we must remember, when we are born again in Christ Jesus, our transformation comes with a renewing of our mind (Romans 12:2; Ephesians 4:23). Paul knew if our thoughts were left unchecked, they would cause all kinds of problems. We all know what happens when we are left to dwell on something too long. We can think of the worst kind of things. The devil takes every opportunity to use our thoughts against us. We must understand this fully, and use the weapons of God's word and our prayers to constantly gaurd our hearts and mind (Philippians 4:7).
In fact, the ONLY way we can overcome these feelings is to put on the full armour of God (Ephesians 6:13-18). Take note that all of the armour is defensive EXCEPT the sword, which is the Word of God. Right after Paul notes the sword being the word, he says we are to pray. In fact, the offense we need to regularly mount against the power of the devil's invasion of our mind is power of God's word and prayer.
By searching for answers to questions of our mind in the Word of God, we know we will never be led astray. In fact, Jesus gave us the ultimate example of overcoming the devil with the word in Matthew chapter 4. In knowing that, think how effective it would be in our battle to overcome our strongholds by praying God's word. (I highly recommend Beth Moore's book, "Praying God's Word")
Finally, consider Paul's words "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things." (Philippians 4:8). Every time you feel your mind being pulled by the devil into negative thoughts, immediately think of all the awesome things God has graced your life with. Start counting your blessings right then and there and the devil will flee. It takes some effort to form the habit of taking your thoughts captive and making them obedient to Christ. However, with the grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit, nothing is impossible. And consider the reward, a peace that surpasses all understanding.
So, you see, it really is all in your mind!!
"Lord, thank You for showing me how to win the battle for my thoughts. Thank You for providing Your word and for allowing me a personal relationship with You so I can bring everything to You in prayer and bring my thoughts captive and obedient to Christ. Help me to seek out Your word as a weapon against the negative thoughts which invade my mind. With Your word in my heart and on my lips, I can overcome anything. In Jesus Name, Amen."
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Let Us Fix Our Eyes on Jesus
“ 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 12-2-3
I will tell you, Hebrews 12:2 is a verse I recall often. In my efforts to overcome the feelings of this world, I often find my self quoting this verse in my head, a circling of the horses so to speak.
These last few weeks have been rough. I have been enduring some trial I would rather not have to face. Struggling to stay focused on God, to draw close to him for strength, I have been unable to release the worry and the feelings of anxiety. To be frank, I have felt like He wasn’t there. I kept looking at my circumstance trying to figure out quickly what it was He was trying to get me to understand, so it could stop!
Then, as I was studying my Pastor’s sermon notes on Sunday evening, I was reviewing 2 Corinthians 4, specifically the last paragraph. Just then my heavenly epiphany came in a seemingly random question from my husband. As I answered him using Hebrews 12:2 as an example, I stopped in my tracks. All of a sudden, I understood the lesson God was trying to get me to understand.
I know for certain God used my husband’s question to make me stop and look at what I was reading in relation to the verse I use so often to cope with the struggles of life. He brought all the things I had been reading the past few weeks together in one moment of clarity and there was no doubt it was Him doing it.
So, what was the big break through?
Let me try to relate what finally came to my understanding in an analogy we are all familiar with. Most of us have experienced the joy of a babies first steps. If you haven’t yet, I am sure you have seen it. One parent holding the baby in a standing position, the other a few feet away urging the child on, “come on, come to me, you can do it, come on”.
In that moment, what is the baby doing? The baby is solely focused on the person in front of him or her. He is smiling and looking at the person who loves him waiting to wrap him in there arms with hugs and kisses. He isn’t looking down at the path his feet are going to take. He just wants to get to the smiling, loving face of his Mom or Dad whom he trusts.
That is exactly what God was trying to get me to understand. Fixing our eyes on Jesus should allow us NOT TO LOOK DOWN. I was looking at my path, trying to figure out the right and wrong steps and stumbling all over the rocky path. My focus wasn’t truly on Jesus, the author and perfector of my faith, I was worried about the path. Jesus didn’t focus on the pain he was going to endure. His focus was on the end result, the will if the Father. He endured his rocky path joyfully focusing only on the end, His Father. He knew his short scary walk would lead to His rightful seat next to His loving, faithful Father.
As I type it out now, it seems so obvious but I was missing it. God had to remind me NOT to look at the path, to show me exactly what he meant when he instructed Paul to write “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus”. We are to trust Him fully and He will make all our paths straight (Proverbs 3:6). In my moment of Godly clarity, I looked back down at the passage I was studying before the fateful question which prompted my answer from Hebrews 12. I read the following:
“16Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Wow, when God wants me to get a point, he really drives it home. Of course, He knows how hard headed I am! So, today, I am living with my eyes looking ahead to Jesus, not at the troubles on my path. I am trusting on the seen, knowing God will take care of the rest. Whatever “light affliction” I might encounter will only be temporary, so I wont lose heart or my focus. What an awesome promise from a faithful God.
“Lord, I thank you for loving me so much to teach me the lessons I need to learn in Your word. You are a loving, faithful, perfect parent who will never let me fall. Help me to always remember to focus on You and not the rocky path I might be on. Help me to endure ALL with the joy of knowing my eyes are always on You and Your promise of our eternal reward. In Jesus name, Amen.”
I will tell you, Hebrews 12:2 is a verse I recall often. In my efforts to overcome the feelings of this world, I often find my self quoting this verse in my head, a circling of the horses so to speak.
These last few weeks have been rough. I have been enduring some trial I would rather not have to face. Struggling to stay focused on God, to draw close to him for strength, I have been unable to release the worry and the feelings of anxiety. To be frank, I have felt like He wasn’t there. I kept looking at my circumstance trying to figure out quickly what it was He was trying to get me to understand, so it could stop!
Then, as I was studying my Pastor’s sermon notes on Sunday evening, I was reviewing 2 Corinthians 4, specifically the last paragraph. Just then my heavenly epiphany came in a seemingly random question from my husband. As I answered him using Hebrews 12:2 as an example, I stopped in my tracks. All of a sudden, I understood the lesson God was trying to get me to understand.
I know for certain God used my husband’s question to make me stop and look at what I was reading in relation to the verse I use so often to cope with the struggles of life. He brought all the things I had been reading the past few weeks together in one moment of clarity and there was no doubt it was Him doing it.
So, what was the big break through?
Let me try to relate what finally came to my understanding in an analogy we are all familiar with. Most of us have experienced the joy of a babies first steps. If you haven’t yet, I am sure you have seen it. One parent holding the baby in a standing position, the other a few feet away urging the child on, “come on, come to me, you can do it, come on”.
In that moment, what is the baby doing? The baby is solely focused on the person in front of him or her. He is smiling and looking at the person who loves him waiting to wrap him in there arms with hugs and kisses. He isn’t looking down at the path his feet are going to take. He just wants to get to the smiling, loving face of his Mom or Dad whom he trusts.
That is exactly what God was trying to get me to understand. Fixing our eyes on Jesus should allow us NOT TO LOOK DOWN. I was looking at my path, trying to figure out the right and wrong steps and stumbling all over the rocky path. My focus wasn’t truly on Jesus, the author and perfector of my faith, I was worried about the path. Jesus didn’t focus on the pain he was going to endure. His focus was on the end result, the will if the Father. He endured his rocky path joyfully focusing only on the end, His Father. He knew his short scary walk would lead to His rightful seat next to His loving, faithful Father.
As I type it out now, it seems so obvious but I was missing it. God had to remind me NOT to look at the path, to show me exactly what he meant when he instructed Paul to write “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus”. We are to trust Him fully and He will make all our paths straight (Proverbs 3:6). In my moment of Godly clarity, I looked back down at the passage I was studying before the fateful question which prompted my answer from Hebrews 12. I read the following:
“16Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Wow, when God wants me to get a point, he really drives it home. Of course, He knows how hard headed I am! So, today, I am living with my eyes looking ahead to Jesus, not at the troubles on my path. I am trusting on the seen, knowing God will take care of the rest. Whatever “light affliction” I might encounter will only be temporary, so I wont lose heart or my focus. What an awesome promise from a faithful God.
“Lord, I thank you for loving me so much to teach me the lessons I need to learn in Your word. You are a loving, faithful, perfect parent who will never let me fall. Help me to always remember to focus on You and not the rocky path I might be on. Help me to endure ALL with the joy of knowing my eyes are always on You and Your promise of our eternal reward. In Jesus name, Amen.”
Monday, May 3, 2010
The Power of Prayer in Seemingly Hopeless Situations
"This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us - whatever we ask - we know that we have what we asked of him." 1 John 5: 14 - 15
As those of us on the Gulf Coast watch in horror as the hole in the sea floor pumps out 5,000 barrels of oil each day, endangering not only our beautiful beaches and wildlife but our very economic existence, we wonder what we can do. I volunteered on the phone bank Saturday, taking calls from all over the country, people just wanting to help. Many people are praying, and that is a GREAT thing and I encourage everyone to pray.
However, what are the prayers? Are we asking God to help the people and animals through this trial or are we asking God to STOP THE SPILL. I told someone yesterday my prayer was for God to reach His hand down from Heaven and plug the hole. They said to me "The experts say they can't plug the hole for a month of more."
It hit me then, are we praying to God with the confidence he requires?
I was reminded of Exodus 14. The Israelites literally had their "backs against the wall". The Red Sea on one side and the approaching Egyptian army on the other. They were scared and saw no way out, crying out to Moses "It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!" (Exodus 14:12b)
What did Moses say, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still." (Exodus 14:13-14) The lesson, God can deliver us from ANYTHING. Nothing is too big for God.
I notice when we pray, we sometimes seem to be shy about asking for the miracles. As we look at scripture it seems clear God wants us to ask, and he wants us to ask with confidence, not hesitation! (1 John 3:22) In fact, he has commanded us to believe and not doubt, advising that those who pray with doubt in their heart will not receive anything. (James 1:6-8) God has told us, "ask and you will receive" (John 16:24b). He is the God of power and might, do you doubt his ability to stop the oil, to turn it away from our shores? Are you afraid or hesitant to ask Him to do that?
Today, I ask ALL of you to pray for an END to this Oil Spill. Pray for God to safely remove the oil, keep it from the shores. Pray for the miracle, confidently knowing "with man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." (Matthew 19:26)
Please share this message with as many people as you can. We need the biggest prayer chain ever to push this oil back in the ground and plug the hole!! Thank you and God Bless you all!!
As those of us on the Gulf Coast watch in horror as the hole in the sea floor pumps out 5,000 barrels of oil each day, endangering not only our beautiful beaches and wildlife but our very economic existence, we wonder what we can do. I volunteered on the phone bank Saturday, taking calls from all over the country, people just wanting to help. Many people are praying, and that is a GREAT thing and I encourage everyone to pray.
However, what are the prayers? Are we asking God to help the people and animals through this trial or are we asking God to STOP THE SPILL. I told someone yesterday my prayer was for God to reach His hand down from Heaven and plug the hole. They said to me "The experts say they can't plug the hole for a month of more."
It hit me then, are we praying to God with the confidence he requires?
I was reminded of Exodus 14. The Israelites literally had their "backs against the wall". The Red Sea on one side and the approaching Egyptian army on the other. They were scared and saw no way out, crying out to Moses "It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!" (Exodus 14:12b)
What did Moses say, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still." (Exodus 14:13-14) The lesson, God can deliver us from ANYTHING. Nothing is too big for God.
I notice when we pray, we sometimes seem to be shy about asking for the miracles. As we look at scripture it seems clear God wants us to ask, and he wants us to ask with confidence, not hesitation! (1 John 3:22) In fact, he has commanded us to believe and not doubt, advising that those who pray with doubt in their heart will not receive anything. (James 1:6-8) God has told us, "ask and you will receive" (John 16:24b). He is the God of power and might, do you doubt his ability to stop the oil, to turn it away from our shores? Are you afraid or hesitant to ask Him to do that?
Today, I ask ALL of you to pray for an END to this Oil Spill. Pray for God to safely remove the oil, keep it from the shores. Pray for the miracle, confidently knowing "with man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." (Matthew 19:26)
Please share this message with as many people as you can. We need the biggest prayer chain ever to push this oil back in the ground and plug the hole!! Thank you and God Bless you all!!
Monday, April 12, 2010
"May the Lord make his face shine upon you and give you peace"
"For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross." - Colossians 1:19-20
When I was a kid, growing up in a Lutheran church with all it's liturgy, my favorite part of the service was the benediction...
"May the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; may the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace."
I didn't know what countenance meant but I do remember thinking those were the most beautiful words..."may the Lord make His face to shine upon you...and give you peace". It always made me smile!
Granted, I had no idea what that peace really meant and it wasn't until this Easter, my first as a "born again" Christian, when I truly understood what it meant for my Lord to "give me peace." In fact, even though I am no longer a practicing Lutheran, I went to a Lutheran service on Easter just to hear those words again. This go around it was AWESOME!!
Let's consider the peace of the risen Christ. What were the first words Jesus spoke to the disciples? "Peace be with you!" In fact, those were the second words as well. And when he showed up the first time Thomas was present, his first words to our doubting friend were also "Peace be with you!". (John 20:19-27)
While some skeptics might say, "That was a common greeting among Jews of that time" and not give it much significance, they are wrong. The greeting was intentional and had significant meaning. For there was really NEVER any peace until Jesus was crucified, buried and resurrected.
What do I mean? Jesus' death broke down the barrier between us and God (Matthew 27:51). Through Jesus' shed blood, we were given the ability to approach the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:14). We were justified through Christ's blood (Romans 5:9), reconciled to our Father (Romans 5:10) and set free from the punishment of sin, which was death (Romans 6:23). Only now can we have true peace over the thing that scares us the most, death (1 Corinthians 15:26).
Friends, today, I want you to to know Jesus' death, burial and resurrection has saved you. It has brought with it a peace which those who have yet to know and receive the Lord can't comprehend or understand. Today, you are blessed to walk in the resurrection peace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Radiate that peace, share it with a friend, a co-worker, a member of your family who has yet to experience it. It wasn't a gift to be horded but to be shared!!
"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:7
When I was a kid, growing up in a Lutheran church with all it's liturgy, my favorite part of the service was the benediction...
"May the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; may the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace."
I didn't know what countenance meant but I do remember thinking those were the most beautiful words..."may the Lord make His face to shine upon you...and give you peace". It always made me smile!
Granted, I had no idea what that peace really meant and it wasn't until this Easter, my first as a "born again" Christian, when I truly understood what it meant for my Lord to "give me peace." In fact, even though I am no longer a practicing Lutheran, I went to a Lutheran service on Easter just to hear those words again. This go around it was AWESOME!!
Let's consider the peace of the risen Christ. What were the first words Jesus spoke to the disciples? "Peace be with you!" In fact, those were the second words as well. And when he showed up the first time Thomas was present, his first words to our doubting friend were also "Peace be with you!". (John 20:19-27)
While some skeptics might say, "That was a common greeting among Jews of that time" and not give it much significance, they are wrong. The greeting was intentional and had significant meaning. For there was really NEVER any peace until Jesus was crucified, buried and resurrected.
What do I mean? Jesus' death broke down the barrier between us and God (Matthew 27:51). Through Jesus' shed blood, we were given the ability to approach the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:14). We were justified through Christ's blood (Romans 5:9), reconciled to our Father (Romans 5:10) and set free from the punishment of sin, which was death (Romans 6:23). Only now can we have true peace over the thing that scares us the most, death (1 Corinthians 15:26).
Friends, today, I want you to to know Jesus' death, burial and resurrection has saved you. It has brought with it a peace which those who have yet to know and receive the Lord can't comprehend or understand. Today, you are blessed to walk in the resurrection peace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Radiate that peace, share it with a friend, a co-worker, a member of your family who has yet to experience it. It wasn't a gift to be horded but to be shared!!
"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:7
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
The Great Commission
"How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!'" Romans 10:14-15
Sunday we celebrated the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ!! What an awesome event. I went to two church services, both filled to the brim with people in their new dresses, suits, hats. Easter is a day to dress up, be with family and attend church. As I looked around the churches, I was overwhelmed with Joy at the number of people who show up on Easter Sunday. I don't judge and question why it is the only day of the year they come. I praised God that they DID come and asked Him to open there hearts and minds so they would hear something that would bring them back!!
However, as the days march on and we get back into the habits of our daily life, I am saddened that we seem to lose the final message of Christ on earth. Why do we let those people who only come to church once a year slip back into the habit of not coming? Is is not our duty to now go out and preach the Good News of Jesus' death, burial and resurrection. Is that not the final command given to us by our Lord and Savior? That is our Great Commission as believers in Jesus Christ. ( Matthew 28:19-20)
Let us pray for God to soften the hearts and minds of those who have not found the great peace His resurrection brings. Let us spread the Good News. Let us not be silent and wait another year for Easter to come and go. It is our duty as Christians to reach out and touch the lives of others. To be salt and light to the world. We cannot sit back and hope someone else will do it.
Each of you who are compelled to read this post, I encourage you to share this note. Ask people to subscribe to this BLOG or join us on Facebook. Help spread the good news of Jesus. Over the next few weeks, I want to explore the peace of Jesus. The resurrection peace that comes from His death, burial and resurrection. There are so many people out there hurting, suffering, searching for that peace. Let us fulfill our responsibility to the Lord Jesus Christ, to spread the Good News of the Gospel and reach people who are hungry for His peace.
Join me today. Let's grow this page, let's spread the word.
Lord, thank you for leading people to this page and this note, please set their hearts and minds on Your commission to "make disciples of all nations". Fill us with the Holy Spirit, giving us the strength to overcome persecution for our beliefs and thereby spreading your good news. Help us to reach someone who is hurting, suffering, lonely, someone who needs to hear your word. Lord, use us to bring the sheep of your flock home. In Jesus name, Amen.
"All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. With great power and the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all." Acts 4:32-33
Sunday we celebrated the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ!! What an awesome event. I went to two church services, both filled to the brim with people in their new dresses, suits, hats. Easter is a day to dress up, be with family and attend church. As I looked around the churches, I was overwhelmed with Joy at the number of people who show up on Easter Sunday. I don't judge and question why it is the only day of the year they come. I praised God that they DID come and asked Him to open there hearts and minds so they would hear something that would bring them back!!
However, as the days march on and we get back into the habits of our daily life, I am saddened that we seem to lose the final message of Christ on earth. Why do we let those people who only come to church once a year slip back into the habit of not coming? Is is not our duty to now go out and preach the Good News of Jesus' death, burial and resurrection. Is that not the final command given to us by our Lord and Savior? That is our Great Commission as believers in Jesus Christ. ( Matthew 28:19-20)
Let us pray for God to soften the hearts and minds of those who have not found the great peace His resurrection brings. Let us spread the Good News. Let us not be silent and wait another year for Easter to come and go. It is our duty as Christians to reach out and touch the lives of others. To be salt and light to the world. We cannot sit back and hope someone else will do it.
Each of you who are compelled to read this post, I encourage you to share this note. Ask people to subscribe to this BLOG or join us on Facebook. Help spread the good news of Jesus. Over the next few weeks, I want to explore the peace of Jesus. The resurrection peace that comes from His death, burial and resurrection. There are so many people out there hurting, suffering, searching for that peace. Let us fulfill our responsibility to the Lord Jesus Christ, to spread the Good News of the Gospel and reach people who are hungry for His peace.
Join me today. Let's grow this page, let's spread the word.
Lord, thank you for leading people to this page and this note, please set their hearts and minds on Your commission to "make disciples of all nations". Fill us with the Holy Spirit, giving us the strength to overcome persecution for our beliefs and thereby spreading your good news. Help us to reach someone who is hurting, suffering, lonely, someone who needs to hear your word. Lord, use us to bring the sheep of your flock home. In Jesus name, Amen.
"All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. With great power and the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all." Acts 4:32-33
Friday, April 2, 2010
Is there a cross in your life?
"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus. Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death - even on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Philippians 2:5-11
This morning, I stood looking in the mirror at the two crosses hanging around my neck. One mine, the other my Mother's, both beautiful. I never take them off. They are very special to me. However, on this Good Friday my thoughts went back to the day our Lord Jesus Christ was crucified. In those Roman times, there was nothing beautiful about the cross. It was an instrument of punishment for the most vile of criminals. It was beyond cruel, a slow death with great suffering for all to witness. Scripture even notes the shame of death by crucifixion. (Hebrews 12:2)
The cross was absolutely essential to God's plan. Only through the witness of the cross could God show the world His uncompromising love. He sacrificed His son in the most vile and shameful way so we might grasp "how wide and long and high and deep" His love is for us (Ephesians 3:18). It was the only way we could be rescued from death that is sin.
Jesus' death on the cross was our only hope for reconciliation with the Father. "When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross." Colossians 2:13-14
So, as I look at the two beautiful golden crosses around my neck, I am reminded through the power of God, something so vile, so ugly, is transformed into something of great beauty. Isn't that exactly what happens to us at the moment we accept Jesus Christ into our lives? We are transformed from an ugly sinner to a beautiful child of God!!
So, today my friend, ask yourself, is there a cross in your life?
This morning, I stood looking in the mirror at the two crosses hanging around my neck. One mine, the other my Mother's, both beautiful. I never take them off. They are very special to me. However, on this Good Friday my thoughts went back to the day our Lord Jesus Christ was crucified. In those Roman times, there was nothing beautiful about the cross. It was an instrument of punishment for the most vile of criminals. It was beyond cruel, a slow death with great suffering for all to witness. Scripture even notes the shame of death by crucifixion. (Hebrews 12:2)
The cross was absolutely essential to God's plan. Only through the witness of the cross could God show the world His uncompromising love. He sacrificed His son in the most vile and shameful way so we might grasp "how wide and long and high and deep" His love is for us (Ephesians 3:18). It was the only way we could be rescued from death that is sin.
Jesus' death on the cross was our only hope for reconciliation with the Father. "When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross." Colossians 2:13-14
So, as I look at the two beautiful golden crosses around my neck, I am reminded through the power of God, something so vile, so ugly, is transformed into something of great beauty. Isn't that exactly what happens to us at the moment we accept Jesus Christ into our lives? We are transformed from an ugly sinner to a beautiful child of God!!
So, today my friend, ask yourself, is there a cross in your life?
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