by Vaneetha Rendall Risner
A friend recently announced that she’d discovered the most powerful words to end relationship conflict.
I was admittedly skeptical. Each relationship is different, I reasoned. Each conflict has its unique characteristics. Besides, if there are universal words to end conflict they should be, “I’m sorry.” Or perhaps “I love you.” Or even, “I was wrong.” And those were not her words.
Nonetheless, I jotted her words down on a scrap of paper. I’d reread them from time to time when I was cleaning my office. Each time they felt strangely significant, though I didn’t know why. For months, the words kept coming back to me.
Finally, I tried them myself. In an actual conflict. The idea came to me unexpectedly, in the middle of arguing my point with someone.
And the results blew me away.
So I decided to make them my words for 2018. Each January, I choose a specific word or phrase to focus on for the entire year. A popular writer first gave me the idea to blog about it. In past years I have chosen words like encourage, pray, joyfully accept , savor , charitable and available .
Immediately, I knew these new words would be perfect for 2018.
What are these powerful words?
“I agree.”
I’m guessing most of you are underwhelmed. I was.
At first, I objected to my friend’s assertion because it seemed insincere to agree with someone just to keep a relationship intact. I don’t want to seem patronizing. Besides, sometimes disagreeing, even challenging someone, is the most loving thing to do. I don’t want to lie just to keep the peace. I already struggle with being a people pleaser, so pretending to agree with someone seems to play into my weakness and sin.
But as I thought more about it, I realized that when I’m in conflict with someone (usually a member of my family), I don’t WANT to agree with them. I want to pinpoint what I disagree with, not affirm what I think is correct. I focus on their poor word choice. I get defensive at their accusations of “you never” or “you always.” I look for ammunition to mount my defense.
As part of my rebuttal, I start listing everything I can to support my case, ignoring any elements I agree with in their position. I question their motives while rationalizing my own.
In every conflict, I focus on what is wrong with the other person’s statements rather than agreeing with what is right.
Yet inevitably, I have found there is always some truth in the arguments of others.
Sometimes there is great truth, and other times there is only a small amount. But I can always look for what I agree with. And when I can acknowledge what I see as truth, my acknowledgment has the power to completely disarm the other person.
To agree sincerely, I must listen attentively to what the other person is saying to find the truth in it. Sometimes I need to look past exaggerations and an irritated tone to hear the heart behind their words. Often there is pain buried behind their accusations. And I don’t need to agree with their conclusions – it’s often not the conclusion that people are most tied to anyway. They just want to be understood.
My friend who told me about the power of the words, “I agree” had been deeply hurt by a friend. Whenever she tried to talk to him about the situation, he denied her statements, deflected the conversation or blamed her. She felt trivialized and misunderstood.
To show her the power of agreeing, a counselor role-played with her, playing the part of her estranged friend. The counselor responded to her statements saying, “I agree. You’re right, I did do that. I know that I really hurt you.”
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My friend was surprised at her emotional response to the therapist’s words, even though they were only role-playing. That simple acknowledgment was more powerful than she expected.
After that day, my friend tried agreeing with others when they were upset with her, trying to find the part that she could agree with. Inevitably, she found something.
Often, she had to look past the person’s inflammatory words to see what they were really upset about. It required humility. It required being willing to look at the situation purely from another’s perspective, without reference to her own. It involved listening, paying close attention to their words. She found it was especially helpful with her children, as it encouraged her to consider their point of view more intentionally.
As I mentioned earlier, I tried saying “I agree” with a non-defensive attitude myself. I was involved in a discussion about politics, which I rarely talk about. But as the discussion was getting more heated, I stopped to consider what the other person was saying.
Rather than focusing on what I wanted to say next and how I disagreed with the other person, I looked for something to agree with. When I found it, I said, “I totally agree with what you just said. That’s a great point.”
The other person was taken by surprise. Immediately, the hostility in the argument vanished and we were able to move on amicably. I was startled.
I didn’t expect agreeing to be so disarming. And as a result, I want to learn to do this more. That’s why I chose “I agree” as my words for 2018.
But I know it won’t be easy. In the middle of a conflict, the last thing I want to do is agree. Or to step back and admit I am wrong. Or even to stop and really listen, rather than plan what I am going to say next.
I can’t do this in my own strength. I am so tied in to wanting to be right. But that is why Christ came. Not only does he forgive me, he sets me free from the power of sin and death.
So besides remembering the words “I agree,” I need a heart change. I need my desires to change. I need to possess love and kindness and self-control, which are all part of the fruit of the Spirit. I need to genuinely care about people and to curb my tongue before my agreement has any meaning. I also need humility. Behavior modification cannot do any of that – only God’s Spirit can. And so, as his Spirit brings my words to mind, he must also help me follow through.
Change will not happen overnight. I know I will forget my word and I will argue without seeking common ground.
But I am praying that as I put the words, “I agree” before me every day, I will start seeking to understand others more. It may be a slow process. But true lasting change starts in the mundane daily interactions of life.
I think it will be worth it. Don’t you agree?
This article was originally published on Dance in the Rain .. Used with permission.
Vaneetha Rendall Risner is passionate about helping others find hope and joy in the midst of suffering. Her story includes contracting polio as a child, losing an infant son unexpectedly, developing post-polio syndrome, and going through an unwanted divorce, all of which have forced her to deal with issues of loss. She and her husband, Joel, live in North Carolina and have four daughters between them. She is the author of the book, The Scars That Have Shaped
Me: How God Meets Us in Suffering and is a regular contributor to Desiring God. She blogs at Dance in the Rain although she doesn’t like rain and has no sense of rhythm.
Tuesday, April 10, 2018
Monday, April 9, 2018
Just Winter
"You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matt. 5:14-16 NIV)
I can still remember it like it was yesterday. It was a dark, dreary day. The Christmas decorations had been taken down. The old year had given way to the new. Now it was just Winter. Outside a bitter wind was blowing. Gray clouds covered the sun. Several inches of snow lay on the grass and trees. Inside my water was dripping so my pipes wouldn't freeze and I was sipping coffee so I wouldn't freeze either. I asked my dog if he was ready to go for a walk, but he just turned around and lay down next to the heater. I shook my head, zipped up my sweater and slipped on my thick socks while I looked out my kitchen window. I wasn't looking forward to another 3 months of this. I sat wearily at the kitchen table to eat my oatmeal. Then suddenly I saw him! A beautiful, bright red cardinal had landed on a low hanging limb of the bare tree in my backyard. I looked lovingly at him while he stared back at me. He gently stretched his wings, gave me a final, knowing nod, and flew into the sky. His visit had left my spirits a little higher, my heart a little lighter, and my soul a little closer to Heaven.
Sometimes in our lives it is just winter. Sometimes the gray gloom of this world piles on the problems and troubles. Sometimes life feels both cold and bitter. Sometimes it is very hard to see the light. It is times like these when we need to call on our own inner cardinal. It is times like these that we most need to shine our own light, share our own love, and let ourselves fly. It isn't always easy and often takes effort, but with Heaven's help it can be done.
Just remember that God loves you in the Winter as well as in the Spring. Life may not always give you what you want but it does give you what you need to grow kinder, better, more loving, and closer to God. Let your inner cardinal fly then. Let God's light shine through you. Let your love help warm this world in the Winter as well as the Spring.
By: Joseph J. Mazzella
I can still remember it like it was yesterday. It was a dark, dreary day. The Christmas decorations had been taken down. The old year had given way to the new. Now it was just Winter. Outside a bitter wind was blowing. Gray clouds covered the sun. Several inches of snow lay on the grass and trees. Inside my water was dripping so my pipes wouldn't freeze and I was sipping coffee so I wouldn't freeze either. I asked my dog if he was ready to go for a walk, but he just turned around and lay down next to the heater. I shook my head, zipped up my sweater and slipped on my thick socks while I looked out my kitchen window. I wasn't looking forward to another 3 months of this. I sat wearily at the kitchen table to eat my oatmeal. Then suddenly I saw him! A beautiful, bright red cardinal had landed on a low hanging limb of the bare tree in my backyard. I looked lovingly at him while he stared back at me. He gently stretched his wings, gave me a final, knowing nod, and flew into the sky. His visit had left my spirits a little higher, my heart a little lighter, and my soul a little closer to Heaven.
Sometimes in our lives it is just winter. Sometimes the gray gloom of this world piles on the problems and troubles. Sometimes life feels both cold and bitter. Sometimes it is very hard to see the light. It is times like these when we need to call on our own inner cardinal. It is times like these that we most need to shine our own light, share our own love, and let ourselves fly. It isn't always easy and often takes effort, but with Heaven's help it can be done.
Just remember that God loves you in the Winter as well as in the Spring. Life may not always give you what you want but it does give you what you need to grow kinder, better, more loving, and closer to God. Let your inner cardinal fly then. Let God's light shine through you. Let your love help warm this world in the Winter as well as the Spring.
By: Joseph J. Mazzella
Sunday, April 8, 2018
When a Dream Dies
by SHARON JAYNES
“Prophesy to these bones and say to them, ‘Dry bones, hear the word of the LORD! This is what the Sovereign LORD says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life.’” Ezekiel 37:4 b-5 (NIV)
I sat on my porch with my Bible and a hot mug of coffee. Early morning is my favorite time of day. Just me, Jesus and a smattering of birds. However, this morning, as I looked out over my backyard, my eyes landed on a mound of fur nestled in the grass.
I moved in for a closer look. My heart sank as I discovered what appeared to be a curled-up lifeless baby fawn. Probably the same fawn my neighbor had seen nursing from its mom the day before. My heart broke. I understand the circle of life, but still. A baby fawn lay dead in my yard. Most likely the target of the coyote I’d seen roaming around.
I couldn’t get close enough to see the wound. Sometimes that is the way of things. I would have to wait until my husband got home to take care of the situation, as I didn’t have the nerve.
All morning long my mind returned to the still form lying in the sun. Hours passed. At noon I looked out of the window and the fawn remained unmoved. I couldn’t stand it. I had to know what had happened to it. So I mustered up my courage and made my way to the fawn. Three feet away. Stop. No signs of an attack. I inched closer.
Finally, I knelt down by the beautifully-crafted creature, admiring God’s handiwork. But I couldn’t see what had killed it.
“What happened to you, little deer?” I whispered.
Suddenly, the fawn’s head popped up! Startled eyes stared into mine.. Like a deer caught in the headlights, I fell back on the grass. Time stood still for a moment as we stared at each other in disbelief!
Finally, the fawn sprang to its feet, wobbled a bit and scampered off. I sat in the grass and laughed and laughed and laughed. So, the fawn wasn’t dead after all. It had simply found a bit of grass and fallen asleep ... until almost noon.
After my heart rate returned to its normal pace, God spoke to my heart: “Sometimes things are dead, and sometimes they just need to be woken up.”
I pondered those words for the rest of the day. I called a friend who was struggling in her marriage -- in a very bad way. The sort of way that leaves you wondering if it will survive. I told her the story.
Sometimes things are dead, and sometimes they just need to be woken up.
Sometimes a marriage is dead, and sometimes it just needs to be woken up.
Sometimes a friendship is dead, and sometimes it just needs to be woken up.
Sometimes a dream is dead, and sometimes it just needs to be woken up.
I think of how God told the prophet Ezekiel to speak to the valley of dry bones: “Prophesy to these bones and say to them, ‘Dry bones, hear the word of the L ORD! This is what the Sovereign LORD says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life. I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the L ORD’” (Ezekiel 37:4-6 ).
I imagine Ezekiel felt pretty silly talking to those dry bones. And honestly sometimes I feel pretty silly obeying God and speaking life into the dry bones of some of my situations.
So here’s the word for me and you today.
For my friend struggling in her marriage ...
For my friend who cries for her adult son who walked away from God ...
For my friend who longs to cuddle up with a good husband rather than a good book ...
Don’t assume the dream is dead. Sometimes it just needs to be woken up.
Dear Lord, Wake me up! Stir my heart. It’s not over until You say it’s over. I commit to continue to pray for what others deem as a lost cause, for I know that there is never a lost cause when it comes to Your power to save, to deliver, to redeem, to rebuild. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
TRUTH FOR TODAY: Galatians 6:9 , “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (NIV)
James 5:16 , “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” (NIV)
REFLECT AND RESPOND:
Read the verses in Ezekiel 37:1-10 .. How do you think Ezekiel felt when God told him to speak to the dry bones?
What would have happened if Ezekiel refused, telling God that it was a lost cause?
Is there anything in your life that you feel is a lost cause? If so, what is God saying to you through today’s scripture and devotion?
“Prophesy to these bones and say to them, ‘Dry bones, hear the word of the LORD! This is what the Sovereign LORD says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life.’” Ezekiel 37:4 b-5 (NIV)
I sat on my porch with my Bible and a hot mug of coffee. Early morning is my favorite time of day. Just me, Jesus and a smattering of birds. However, this morning, as I looked out over my backyard, my eyes landed on a mound of fur nestled in the grass.
I moved in for a closer look. My heart sank as I discovered what appeared to be a curled-up lifeless baby fawn. Probably the same fawn my neighbor had seen nursing from its mom the day before. My heart broke. I understand the circle of life, but still. A baby fawn lay dead in my yard. Most likely the target of the coyote I’d seen roaming around.
I couldn’t get close enough to see the wound. Sometimes that is the way of things. I would have to wait until my husband got home to take care of the situation, as I didn’t have the nerve.
All morning long my mind returned to the still form lying in the sun. Hours passed. At noon I looked out of the window and the fawn remained unmoved. I couldn’t stand it. I had to know what had happened to it. So I mustered up my courage and made my way to the fawn. Three feet away. Stop. No signs of an attack. I inched closer.
Finally, I knelt down by the beautifully-crafted creature, admiring God’s handiwork. But I couldn’t see what had killed it.
“What happened to you, little deer?” I whispered.
Suddenly, the fawn’s head popped up! Startled eyes stared into mine.. Like a deer caught in the headlights, I fell back on the grass. Time stood still for a moment as we stared at each other in disbelief!
Finally, the fawn sprang to its feet, wobbled a bit and scampered off. I sat in the grass and laughed and laughed and laughed. So, the fawn wasn’t dead after all. It had simply found a bit of grass and fallen asleep ... until almost noon.
After my heart rate returned to its normal pace, God spoke to my heart: “Sometimes things are dead, and sometimes they just need to be woken up.”
I pondered those words for the rest of the day. I called a friend who was struggling in her marriage -- in a very bad way. The sort of way that leaves you wondering if it will survive. I told her the story.
Sometimes things are dead, and sometimes they just need to be woken up.
Sometimes a marriage is dead, and sometimes it just needs to be woken up.
Sometimes a friendship is dead, and sometimes it just needs to be woken up.
Sometimes a dream is dead, and sometimes it just needs to be woken up.
I think of how God told the prophet Ezekiel to speak to the valley of dry bones: “Prophesy to these bones and say to them, ‘Dry bones, hear the word of the L ORD! This is what the Sovereign LORD says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life. I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the L ORD’” (Ezekiel 37:4-6 ).
I imagine Ezekiel felt pretty silly talking to those dry bones. And honestly sometimes I feel pretty silly obeying God and speaking life into the dry bones of some of my situations.
So here’s the word for me and you today.
For my friend struggling in her marriage ...
For my friend who cries for her adult son who walked away from God ...
For my friend who longs to cuddle up with a good husband rather than a good book ...
Don’t assume the dream is dead. Sometimes it just needs to be woken up.
Dear Lord, Wake me up! Stir my heart. It’s not over until You say it’s over. I commit to continue to pray for what others deem as a lost cause, for I know that there is never a lost cause when it comes to Your power to save, to deliver, to redeem, to rebuild. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
TRUTH FOR TODAY: Galatians 6:9 , “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (NIV)
James 5:16 , “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” (NIV)
REFLECT AND RESPOND:
Read the verses in Ezekiel 37:1-10 .. How do you think Ezekiel felt when God told him to speak to the dry bones?
What would have happened if Ezekiel refused, telling God that it was a lost cause?
Is there anything in your life that you feel is a lost cause? If so, what is God saying to you through today’s scripture and devotion?
Saturday, April 7, 2018
Understanding the Old Testament
by Ryan Duncan, Crosswalk.com Culture Editor
The Almighty--we cannot find him; he is great in power; justice and abundant righteousness he will not violate. – Job 37:23
Like many Christians, when the New Year started I resolved to spend more time reading my Bible. I had already spent most of the previous year combing through the New Testament, so I decided to start at the very beginning and make my way through the Old Testament. Maybe it’s a sign of how little I’ve read my Bible lately, but I had forgotten how brutal the Old Testament could be. In particular, I spent a lot of time going over the Old Testament laws and the punishments for breaking them. It baffled me that the smallest infraction on the most obscure law could often lead to exile, or even death.
If you’re like me, you probably found yourself questioning these pages of the Old Testament. After all, how could a loving God condemn someone so harshly for eating pork or working on the Sabbath? This is a question I still struggle with, but a verse in Deuteronomy helped me toward understanding it more.
"Do not say in your heart, after the LORD your God has thrust them out before you, 'It is because of my righteousness that the LORD has brought me in to possess this land,' whereas it is because of the wickedness of these nations that the LORD is driving them out before you. Not because of your righteousness or the uprightness of your heart are you going in to possess their land, but because of the wickedness of these nations the LORD your God is driving them out from before you, and that he may confirm the word that the LORD swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. "Know, therefore, that the LORD your God is not giving you this good land to possess because of your righteousness, for you are a stubborn people.” – Deuteronomy 9:4-6
I think our problem is that humanity likes to look at the Bible (and history) through rose-colored lenses. We forget that back then there was no electricity, no internet, no police, no hospitals, and the ruling governments weren't all that interested in things like free speech or trial by jury. The Old Testament law was a harsh and rigid guideline because the Israelites lived in a harsh and brutal world. God knew that telling the early Israelites to "turn the other cheek" would eventually lead to their destruction, so he took measures to protect them until the world was ready to receive the Gospel of Grace through his Son. The Old Testament will always be difficult to understand, but that does not make God’s love for us any less true.
The Almighty--we cannot find him; he is great in power; justice and abundant righteousness he will not violate. – Job 37:23
Like many Christians, when the New Year started I resolved to spend more time reading my Bible. I had already spent most of the previous year combing through the New Testament, so I decided to start at the very beginning and make my way through the Old Testament. Maybe it’s a sign of how little I’ve read my Bible lately, but I had forgotten how brutal the Old Testament could be. In particular, I spent a lot of time going over the Old Testament laws and the punishments for breaking them. It baffled me that the smallest infraction on the most obscure law could often lead to exile, or even death.
If you’re like me, you probably found yourself questioning these pages of the Old Testament. After all, how could a loving God condemn someone so harshly for eating pork or working on the Sabbath? This is a question I still struggle with, but a verse in Deuteronomy helped me toward understanding it more.
"Do not say in your heart, after the LORD your God has thrust them out before you, 'It is because of my righteousness that the LORD has brought me in to possess this land,' whereas it is because of the wickedness of these nations that the LORD is driving them out before you. Not because of your righteousness or the uprightness of your heart are you going in to possess their land, but because of the wickedness of these nations the LORD your God is driving them out from before you, and that he may confirm the word that the LORD swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. "Know, therefore, that the LORD your God is not giving you this good land to possess because of your righteousness, for you are a stubborn people.” – Deuteronomy 9:4-6
I think our problem is that humanity likes to look at the Bible (and history) through rose-colored lenses. We forget that back then there was no electricity, no internet, no police, no hospitals, and the ruling governments weren't all that interested in things like free speech or trial by jury. The Old Testament law was a harsh and rigid guideline because the Israelites lived in a harsh and brutal world. God knew that telling the early Israelites to "turn the other cheek" would eventually lead to their destruction, so he took measures to protect them until the world was ready to receive the Gospel of Grace through his Son. The Old Testament will always be difficult to understand, but that does not make God’s love for us any less true.
Friday, April 6, 2018
Best Meal Ever
Luke 22:19b – This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me. (NLT)
According to my wife, I eat some strange things.
My wife and I come from different regions of South Carolina, and we have different eating habits. On one of our earlier dates, she was fixing my dinner plate. Out of habit, I said, "Make sure you put some pot liquor on my rice" — a saying and practice foreign to her — pot liquor being the juice in the pot with the cooked vegetables. Neither did she understand putting vegetables over white rice — until she spent a few years in the Low Country and was served white rice with every meal. Some of the things that we put together — such as grits and fried cubed steak — she had never experienced. Getting her to add vegetables on top of the gravy that she had just put on her rice was out of the question.
Since I love to eat, almost any meal that I consume is good. But I suppose that the one that Jesus served to His disciples was strange — not the bread and wine, but what He told them about it. Eating the bread was eating His body, and drinking the wine was drinking His blood. This practice accounted for the early Christians being accused of cannibalism. Some church traditions teach that the wine and bread become Jesus' blood and body when consumed.
Early churches observed the Lord's Supper every time they met. I've been more accustomed to churches that do so quarterly. Dad always gave the biblical warning to examine oneself before partaking of the elements. Paul said that "every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are announcing the Lord's death until he comes again."
(1 Corinthians 11:26 NLT)
So what's the big deal about Communion or the Lord's Supper? Of all the meals that I might enjoy, this should be the most pleasurable because of what it represents. Other meals merely fill my belly, feed my muscles, and leave my body. This one sticks around and gives me continual spiritual nourishment. Eating the bread reminds me that Jesus was my substitute. His body was broken as He paid for the sins that I had committed, was committing, and would commit. Drinking the wine — or juice — reminds me of the blood that He shed for my sins, "for without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness." (Hebrews 9:22b NLT)
Enjoy a good meal, but don't neglect the best meal.
Prayer: Father, thank You for allowing Your Son to give His life so that we might have life. Amen.
Martin Wiles
According to my wife, I eat some strange things.
My wife and I come from different regions of South Carolina, and we have different eating habits. On one of our earlier dates, she was fixing my dinner plate. Out of habit, I said, "Make sure you put some pot liquor on my rice" — a saying and practice foreign to her — pot liquor being the juice in the pot with the cooked vegetables. Neither did she understand putting vegetables over white rice — until she spent a few years in the Low Country and was served white rice with every meal. Some of the things that we put together — such as grits and fried cubed steak — she had never experienced. Getting her to add vegetables on top of the gravy that she had just put on her rice was out of the question.
Since I love to eat, almost any meal that I consume is good. But I suppose that the one that Jesus served to His disciples was strange — not the bread and wine, but what He told them about it. Eating the bread was eating His body, and drinking the wine was drinking His blood. This practice accounted for the early Christians being accused of cannibalism. Some church traditions teach that the wine and bread become Jesus' blood and body when consumed.
Early churches observed the Lord's Supper every time they met. I've been more accustomed to churches that do so quarterly. Dad always gave the biblical warning to examine oneself before partaking of the elements. Paul said that "every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are announcing the Lord's death until he comes again."
(1 Corinthians 11:26 NLT)
So what's the big deal about Communion or the Lord's Supper? Of all the meals that I might enjoy, this should be the most pleasurable because of what it represents. Other meals merely fill my belly, feed my muscles, and leave my body. This one sticks around and gives me continual spiritual nourishment. Eating the bread reminds me that Jesus was my substitute. His body was broken as He paid for the sins that I had committed, was committing, and would commit. Drinking the wine — or juice — reminds me of the blood that He shed for my sins, "for without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness." (Hebrews 9:22b NLT)
Enjoy a good meal, but don't neglect the best meal.
Prayer: Father, thank You for allowing Your Son to give His life so that we might have life. Amen.
Martin Wiles
Thursday, April 5, 2018
Contagious Excitement
Posted
My four year old grandson received a pet hamster for Valentine’s Day a few weeks ago. He was ecstatic when he brought it to my house, complete with a new cage, a ball for the hamster to run around in, bedding, and food. He was beside himself with excitement as the cage was set up, and he has been simply over the moon about this hamster, lovingly name Hemi after a Hemi truck by my truck obsessed grandson, since the moment he got him. Every day we have to take the hamster out multiple times so we can “play” with him. As we go to the cage to get him out, my grandson always jumps up and down and exclaims with great glee, “I’m so excited, Nana! I’m so excited that I get to play with Hemi!” His excitement is contagious! Because he is excited, I find myself excited. It occurred to me last night as he jumped up and down, smiling ear to ear, and talking about how excited he was to get his hamster out that I should be that excited about Christ! Can you imagine what would happen if we were that excited about spending time with Him every day? What if our excitement for Jesus was contagious? How would that affect the world around us? Jesus died on the cross to save us from our sins! He died so we could live eternally. He died to give us abundant life, peace, joy, hope, and the most amazing example of love ever known. How could we not be excited about that? He’s given us the best gift ever given and that is definitely exciting!
Wednesday, April 4, 2018
Rejected by His Father
Matthew 27:45-56
“Son, I don’t want anything to do with you!” These are the most devastating words a son can hear. It’s worse when the father says nothing, but simply turns his back and walks away. Jesus faced this rejection from His Father as He breathed out His life on the cross.
“Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
The scourging, beatings, and ridicule were unbearable, but this rejection by His Father was worse. Darkness over Jerusalem from 12:00 till 3:00 p.m. dramatically underscored the chaos and devastation of this rejection. But Matthew did give us an answer to Jesus' question. Remember the name the angel gave to Joseph at the beginning in the birth narrative? "You will call His name Jesus for He will save His people from their sins" (Matthew 11:21).
God rejected His Son so that we could be forgiven. Because God turned away from His Son at Calvary, He will never turn away from those of us who trust His Son's payment for our sins. The Apostle Paul put it like this, “He who knew no sin, became sin for us that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.” (2 Corinthians 5:21)
LORD, I know how much it hurts me when I’m rejected, but I’ll never begin to know your agony when You screamed out as your Father turned away. Challenged about your identity as God’s Son and ridiculed as powerless to do anything about your shame--if proof is needed that we humans deserve eternal punishment, it was proved by those who mocked and watched at the foot of the cross. Why You took our death sentence, I will never understand, but help me never stop singing, “He left His Father’s throne above, So free, so infinite His grace! Emptied Himself of all but love, And bled for Adam’s helpless race.
Amazing love! How can it be That Thou my God, shouldst die for me!”
“Son, I don’t want anything to do with you!” These are the most devastating words a son can hear. It’s worse when the father says nothing, but simply turns his back and walks away. Jesus faced this rejection from His Father as He breathed out His life on the cross.
“Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
The scourging, beatings, and ridicule were unbearable, but this rejection by His Father was worse. Darkness over Jerusalem from 12:00 till 3:00 p.m. dramatically underscored the chaos and devastation of this rejection. But Matthew did give us an answer to Jesus' question. Remember the name the angel gave to Joseph at the beginning in the birth narrative? "You will call His name Jesus for He will save His people from their sins" (Matthew 11:21).
God rejected His Son so that we could be forgiven. Because God turned away from His Son at Calvary, He will never turn away from those of us who trust His Son's payment for our sins. The Apostle Paul put it like this, “He who knew no sin, became sin for us that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.” (2 Corinthians 5:21)
LORD, I know how much it hurts me when I’m rejected, but I’ll never begin to know your agony when You screamed out as your Father turned away. Challenged about your identity as God’s Son and ridiculed as powerless to do anything about your shame--if proof is needed that we humans deserve eternal punishment, it was proved by those who mocked and watched at the foot of the cross. Why You took our death sentence, I will never understand, but help me never stop singing, “He left His Father’s throne above, So free, so infinite His grace! Emptied Himself of all but love, And bled for Adam’s helpless race.
Amazing love! How can it be That Thou my God, shouldst die for me!”
For more from Dave Wyrtzen please visit TruthEncounter.com!
Tuesday, April 3, 2018
EASTER
This past Sunday was Easter Sunday for this Bible believing, church going people that is a very special day. For most children it is a time spent looking for Easter eggs, visiting the Easter bunny, and eating a lot of boiled eggs and candy.
But what did it mean for the adults that do not go to church very often if at all. Let’s see, it was a day off from work if they were unlucky enough to have to work today. If not it was a day to eat a lot of good food, go boat riding, fishing, or just laying around the house doing nothing. If you could get the kids outside hunting eggs with someone else kids, you could do whatever you wanted.
I just wonder how many of us knew what this day was really all about. Did you even stop and consider that about 2,000 years ago on a Friday, there was a young man that was about to lose His life? He had done nothing wrong, the only thing was that He was born. He was not only about to die, but He was being tortured and nailed to a cross. A cross that after He had been beaten with a cat of nine tails, and had a crown of thorns pushed down into His head, He had to carry a cross up the side of a very steep hill.
By the way do you know what a cat of nine tails is. Well-let me tell you a little about it. It was nine strips of leather, about three to four feet long that had been plated together, and had pieces of glass, small nails, or any thing that would cut or break the skin and make you bleed. To top it off you find the biggest, strongest man that you could find to swing it as hard as He could. This is what a young man named Jesus had going on for Him so we could all have Easter. He was not eating a lot of good food, going fishing, or just taking a day off from work. He was ending a life that He had only had a little more than thirty years. He had a whole Roman army that was trying to do every bad thing they could do to Him before He died. What makes it sad to me is He did not have to go through any of this, but He did it for everyone that would be born for the rest of time. He gave His life so we might have eternal life, but how many of us took time out of this day to even think of Him. Much less thank Him for being there for us. And did you even think that if you did not accept Him as your personal savior, He went through all that for nothing. For us to get the good out of any of what He went through you must be saved. Jesus is the one that should be not only thought of but thanked for what He did. The terrible thing is that there are still so many around us that do not believe that He ever walked the earth, Healed the sick, much less died for all our sins.
This is the day that we should not only believe in Him, but we should be telling everyone that we see about what happened. For if you read your Bible and take time to study it just a little you know or should know that we are living in the last days. That time as we know it is about to stop and when you Hear that trumpet sound it will be too late to pray and to give your soul to God. It will all be over then. Take a deep breath and enjoy it for you are not promised another one. Don't you think that you should stop whatever you are doing and pray the sinner’s prayer and be saved just in case?
With Love
Brother Shelton
But what did it mean for the adults that do not go to church very often if at all. Let’s see, it was a day off from work if they were unlucky enough to have to work today. If not it was a day to eat a lot of good food, go boat riding, fishing, or just laying around the house doing nothing. If you could get the kids outside hunting eggs with someone else kids, you could do whatever you wanted.
I just wonder how many of us knew what this day was really all about. Did you even stop and consider that about 2,000 years ago on a Friday, there was a young man that was about to lose His life? He had done nothing wrong, the only thing was that He was born. He was not only about to die, but He was being tortured and nailed to a cross. A cross that after He had been beaten with a cat of nine tails, and had a crown of thorns pushed down into His head, He had to carry a cross up the side of a very steep hill.
By the way do you know what a cat of nine tails is. Well-let me tell you a little about it. It was nine strips of leather, about three to four feet long that had been plated together, and had pieces of glass, small nails, or any thing that would cut or break the skin and make you bleed. To top it off you find the biggest, strongest man that you could find to swing it as hard as He could. This is what a young man named Jesus had going on for Him so we could all have Easter. He was not eating a lot of good food, going fishing, or just taking a day off from work. He was ending a life that He had only had a little more than thirty years. He had a whole Roman army that was trying to do every bad thing they could do to Him before He died. What makes it sad to me is He did not have to go through any of this, but He did it for everyone that would be born for the rest of time. He gave His life so we might have eternal life, but how many of us took time out of this day to even think of Him. Much less thank Him for being there for us. And did you even think that if you did not accept Him as your personal savior, He went through all that for nothing. For us to get the good out of any of what He went through you must be saved. Jesus is the one that should be not only thought of but thanked for what He did. The terrible thing is that there are still so many around us that do not believe that He ever walked the earth, Healed the sick, much less died for all our sins.
This is the day that we should not only believe in Him, but we should be telling everyone that we see about what happened. For if you read your Bible and take time to study it just a little you know or should know that we are living in the last days. That time as we know it is about to stop and when you Hear that trumpet sound it will be too late to pray and to give your soul to God. It will all be over then. Take a deep breath and enjoy it for you are not promised another one. Don't you think that you should stop whatever you are doing and pray the sinner’s prayer and be saved just in case?
With Love
Brother Shelton
Monday, April 2, 2018
HE Has Risen!!!
Now after the Sabbath,
as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and
the other Mary came to look at the grave. And behold, a severe
earthquake had occurred, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven
and came and rolled away the stone and sat upon it. And his appearance
was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. The guards shook
for fear of him and became like dead men. The angel said to the women,
“Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has
been crucified. He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come,
see the place where He was lying. Go quickly and tell His disciples
that He has risen from the dead; and behold, He is going ahead of you
into Galilee, there you will see Him; behold, I have told you.” And they
left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy and ran to report it to
His disciples.
Tell people what you’ve personally witnessed about the living Lord Jesus!
“Go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead,” the
angel said. Your personal relationship with the living Christ is the
best thing you could ever talk about with the people you know. Don’t
just share the truth about Him with them, share about your experience of
Him!
from John North and Ambassadors For Christ International
Sunday, April 1, 2018
Unshakeable
by Skip Heitzig
Did you ever wonder about that stone at the tomb of Jesus? Why was it
moved? It wasn’t to let Jesus out; Jesus could get out of the tomb as
easily as He entered the Upper Room later, without using the door. No,
the reason the stone was rolled away was not to let Jesus out, but to
let the disciples in so they could see!
And what did they see there? They saw that the body of Jesus was gone,
but the grave clothes were still there, lying undisturbed. In John 20:1-8
there are different Greek words used for "saw." When it says Mary and
Peter saw, it means they noted. When it says that John saw, it means
that he saw with understanding, with comprehension.
Peter entered the tomb. "Then the other disciple, who came to the tomb first, went in also; and he saw and believed" (John 20:8). When John saw the grave clothes, he thought, "I get it!" He believed that Jesus was alive, based on what he saw.
Then John adds something that seems puzzling at first. Verse 9 says,
“For as yet they did not know the Scripture, that He must rise again
from the dead.” They saw an empty tomb and empty grave clothes, and they
formed their beliefs based on that. They knew what they saw.
But by the time John wrote his gospel, they knew the theology of
Christ’s resurrection. Their faith, once based on physical evidence--the
open tomb, the body gone, the clothes intact (as good as that was to
convince John at that moment)--wasn’t enough to sustain a person through
life. “This is what we saw, but we didn’t know the scripture yet”
points to the fact that there’s something even better to base your
belief and knowledge upon, and that’s the objective, inerrant prophecy
in the Word of God.
Observation and personal experience aren’t enough! The Bible predicted
that Christ would rise from the dead. What Peter called “a more sure
word of prophecy” (2 Peter 1:19, KJV) is a more sure foundation.
So how do you know that you know? You could say, “I know because I saw
or I heard.” But here’s something better: “What I saw and what I heard
was predicted long ago in the prophets.” So now the subjective
experience is bolstered by the objective prophecy of the Bible--and
that’s unshakeable.
That’s what I want you to see here--the fundamental importance of the Word of God. Jesus said in Matthew 24:35, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.”
The experience which we have with Christ is valid only as it is tied to
something that is outside of our experience, something that is
objective--the inerrant Word of God. With that, we can face anything.
If you just have the inerrant Word of Scripture but you don’t have an
experience with God yourself, then it’s not personal. If you have your
personal experience but it doesn’t match what the scripture says, then
it’s not reasonable. Put them both together, it’s powerful. It’s
unshakeable.
That’s my prayer for you at this Easter season, that you will have an
unshakeable faith, based on the sure word of prophecy and a personal,
vital relationship with Jesus Christ, the risen Redeemer!
Copyright (c) 2017 by Connection Communications. All rights reserved.
Saturday, March 31, 2018
A RESURRECTION EXAMPLE
The
grayish brown dead looking substance covered the limbs of my pecan tree
up and down the trunk. It ran up the limbs and followed a downward
spiral of a limb that was broken. Now the tree's leaves were gone, it
was noticeable.
At
first I thought the ugly stuff was a parasite sucking the life-giving
nutrients from the tree. I made plans to remove the unwelcome visitor.
The tree's purpose for existing was to produce pecans and provide shade
for my backyard in the summer time. It also provided a home for numerous
squirrels. Myriads of birds rested on its limbs as they darted backward
and forward, up and down, when the snakes, also living in the tree,
chased them.
Winter turned into spring and I never got around to attacking the intruder in the tree.
The
spring rains came with more volume than the dry parched earth had seen
in several years. A hurried glance toward the tree one morning revealed
fronds of vibrant green where the grayish-brown decayed stuff had been. A
query to my neighbor revealed the green to be Resurrection fern. "It is
not a parasite," he said. "It is an air plant. It receives its
nutrients from the air and water. I've heard the substance can lie
dormant for a hundred years and resurge into life again from a small
amount of moisture."
"I've also heard," he continued, "this tiny plant has been taken on a Space Shuttle mission to watch its resurrection in space."
After
my interesting discussion with my neighbor, I went to Wikipedia to see
what had been written about this interesting plant. I found it is a
member of the Polypodium Polypodioides Classification; the same family
as orchids, bromeliads and Spanish moss.
It
gets its water and nutrients from rain and dust and causes no harm to
the tree that supports it. It does not reproduce by seeds or fruits but
uses spores. They are found in clusters, called sori, on the bottom of
the blade near the edge. The rhizomes can be cut and divided into new
plants.
With
all this information on hand, I knew I had to find a use for it.
Immediately, I gathered some of the fern and placed it in a dry box for
storage. My grandchildren would be coming to my house Easter weekend and
I had a plan.
When
they arrived on Good Friday, I begin to explain the Easter story to
them. We talked about how Jesus had died on the cross; His body taken
down and placed in a tomb. Then I told them the story of how he arose on
the third day. I showed them the dead ferns and explained death to
them.
Early
Easter morning, I spread the ferns out on a table in the yard and gave
each child a sprinkling bottle filled with water. We will sprinkle the
ferns once each hour, I told them and see what happens. When our bottles
were empty, I set the timer and refilled the bottles for the next hour.
By the third hour a little green color could be seen in the dried,
grayish brown ferns. By the fourth hour it was evident something was
happening. By the sixth hour all the ferns were green and the children
were filled with awe and excitement. The word resurrection had become
real to them. Not only would the resurrection fern be of interest to
them, but so would Easter.
Christ's
body when it was taken from the cross, wrapped and placed in Joseph of
Arimathea's tomb, was in horrible shape with blood stains, nail prints,
bruises and slashes. The fern appeared ugly and dead when the children
had observed it the day before. I also explained to them that water was a
spiritual symbol in the Bible that represented the Holy Spirit. When
they applied the water to the fern, it revived. The Spirit was alive
again in His body on Easter morning, therefore, He lived again.
Jesus'
death and resurrection had been a symbol to us of how his Holy Spirit
can resurrect us from the death of sin and allow us to live again,
vibrant and green as the fern was today.
One grandchild remarked: "that means Jesus went up on the cross, down into the grave and up again into our hearts."
I knew my example had worked.
From Ruby Haskins
Friday, March 30, 2018
He Lives
Author: Roy Allan Anderson
A
prominent minister in Los Angeles was holding special revival meetings
in his church a few years ago. Among those attending night after night
was a gentleman obviously unacquainted with the general program. After a
few meetings the preacher made a special point of speaking to him, and
discovered that he was not a Christian.
"What do you think of the Christian religion?" the preacher asked.
"Oh," said the visitor, "Christianity is very interesting as far as it goes, but I could never be a Christian."
"Why?" asked the minister.
"Because I could never believe that I could get salvation from a dead Jew," was his reply.
"Neither do I," said the preacher.
"Oh, yes, you do," he said. "Don't you Christians claim that salvation comes through the death of Christ?"
"Not through His death alone," said the preacher, "but rather because Christ rose from the dead."
"Ah," said the visitor, "you can never prove that to me."
Then
began a long and interesting discussion. The preacher was well informed
and brought up argument after argument. But all to no avail. The
gentleman held to his position. Realizing that his arguments had failed
to convince him, the preacher said:
"My friend, I have not given you my most important reason. I know that Christ is living because He lives His life in me."
"What do you mean by that?" asked the man.
For the next hour the preacher told what Christ meant to him, showing
from both the Old and the New Testament how the Holy Spirit operates in the life of one who yields himself to God.
"I'm beginning to understand," remarked the stranger, "and I must know more about this. I feel a need in my own life."
Before
parting they lifted their hearts to God in prayer. Reaching his home
that night, the minister, Pastor A. H. Ackley, slipped into his study
and penned these well-known lines. The next morning he set them to
music, and thus was born one of our best-known gospel songs. Here are
the first stanza and chorus of those words that so well emphasize the
fact that Christ lives.
I serve a risen Saviour, He's in the world today;
I serve a risen Saviour, He's in the world today;
I know that He is living, whatever men may say;
I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer,
And just the time I need Him He's always near.
He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!
He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!
He walks with me and talks with me along life's narrow way.
He lives, He lives, salvation to impart! You ask me how
I know He lives? He lives within my heart.
The greatest argument in favor of Christianity is not the organization of the church; not her literature nor her buildings; not her institutions nor her schools of learning; not even her hospitals nor her far-flung mission fields. Rather it is the power of God seen in the lives of those who make up the church.
The greatest argument in favor of Christianity is not the organization of the church; not her literature nor her buildings; not her institutions nor her schools of learning; not even her hospitals nor her far-flung mission fields. Rather it is the power of God seen in the lives of those who make up the church.
By Roy Allan Anderson, Signs of the Times, April 1964.
"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me." - Galatians 2:20
Thursday, March 29, 2018
This Changes Everything
Acts 12:11
"And when Peter had come to himself, he said, "Now I know for certain
that the Lord has sent His angel, and has delivered me from the hand of
Herod and from all the expectation of the Jewish people."
NKJV
NKJV
Today, we rejoice in the most incredible event in the history of
mankind. We celebrate the death, burial and the resurrection of Jesus
Christ. Yet, how many of us stop and consider the wonder of what really
happened? Often, we find ourselves caught up in the planning and
celebration of this extraordinary event, never giving thought to the
significance this has for us. Let me encourage you to take a few minutes
to reflect on the impact of Jesus' victory. Take some time with your
spouse, family or friends and read the story in Matthew 27 and 28.
Reflect on what this means to you. For me, it means that I can be
forgiven, death has been conquered and the guilt of my sins can be
washed away. This event not only changed human history, it changed my
history. Jesus is alive. His tomb is empty... this changes everything.
Life Lesson: We should live our lives in amazement at what the Lord has done.
Dear Lord,
Thank You for conquering death, sin and the grave. Help me to stop and consider what You have done for me. Lord, I often go through my life without pausing to reflect on the most important things. Help me to take the time to consider what happened. Lord, please forgive me afresh for all of my sins. Help me to live for You and to love others. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Thank You for conquering death, sin and the grave. Help me to stop and consider what You have done for me. Lord, I often go through my life without pausing to reflect on the most important things. Help me to take the time to consider what happened. Lord, please forgive me afresh for all of my sins. Help me to live for You and to love others. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Wednesday, March 28, 2018
Kingdom Without End!
"And
this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a
testimony to all nations, and then the end will come." -Matthew 24:14
In the sixteenth century, a man named Suleiman ruled the Ottoman Empire in Eastern Europe. To the world, he was known simply as "the magnificent." His goal was to set up a worldwide kingdom that would be known for its justice and humanity. But then Suleiman died, his son who ruled after him was a drunken and immoral man, and the kingdom that Suleiman had worked so hard to build began to collapse.
How different it is with Jesus Christ and the kingdom of God. When Jesus was crucified, it appeared that all hope for the coming kingdom of God had been destroyed. The faith of the disciples burned at a low ebb. They had followed Jesus and believed Him, but had seen Him die on the cross.
And then with heart-stopping joy, Jesus came to them, alive forevermore, with these words: "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me." He had defeated even death itself. And while the disciples looked at Him in awe and wonder, He gave them a command that would change the course of their lives, and of the world.
In the sixteenth century, a man named Suleiman ruled the Ottoman Empire in Eastern Europe. To the world, he was known simply as "the magnificent." His goal was to set up a worldwide kingdom that would be known for its justice and humanity. But then Suleiman died, his son who ruled after him was a drunken and immoral man, and the kingdom that Suleiman had worked so hard to build began to collapse.
How different it is with Jesus Christ and the kingdom of God. When Jesus was crucified, it appeared that all hope for the coming kingdom of God had been destroyed. The faith of the disciples burned at a low ebb. They had followed Jesus and believed Him, but had seen Him die on the cross.
And then with heart-stopping joy, Jesus came to them, alive forevermore, with these words: "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me." He had defeated even death itself. And while the disciples looked at Him in awe and wonder, He gave them a command that would change the course of their lives, and of the world.
"Therefore go
and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the
Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you ... and surely I
am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:18-20).
These are the words of a king who has given a royal commission. It begins with a royal claim, proceeds to a royal command, and ends with a royal covenant to His followers. AMEN! Even so, King Jesus, COME QUICKLY!
Prayer
"Lord, by Your power and presence I want to help fulfill the Great Commission. Amen."
We have been commissioned by a King whose kingdom will come, and it will have no end ... are your bags packed? Mine are packed and ready for the Rapture!
Anonymous Writer
Tuesday, March 27, 2018
Fatal Decision
So then he delivered him to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus and led him away. - John 19:16
So we see the sad and terrible end of Pilate's weak struggles with his conscience and his sense of right. He first tried every way to avoid the issue; then he temporized, hoping in some manner to get free from responsibility. At last he yielded; and his name goes through history pilloried for ever as the man who delivered Jesus to be crucified. He is known by no other act. It had been a thousand times better for him if he had remained for ever in obscurity, instead of going to that high place of power where he had to meet and deal with this momentous question of history.
We read that Pilate took water in the presence of the Jews and washed his hands, - thus by symbol declaring that he was not responsible for the sentencing of Jesus to die. But the water did not wash away one particle of the stain of the guilt of that terrible sin. Pilate had the misfortune to be the only man in all the province who could send Jesus to the cross. Upon him, therefore, the final responsibility rested, no matter the pressure that was brought to bear upon him by the enemies of Jesus. The fact that others urge us to sin does not take away our guilt for that sin. No being in the universe can compel us to do wrong; if, then, we do wrong, the sin is our own.
We remember that the Jews responded to Pilate's act of washing his hands, “His blood be on us, and on our children.” No one who has read the story of the next forty years can doubt that their self-imprecation was fulfilled. Thirty years later thousands of the best people of the Jews were crucified. The crime of the Jews was successful; but what came of the success in the end? Let us learn the lesson that sin brings always terrible woe, and that the worst of all sins is sin against the Lord Jesus Christ.
So we see the sad and terrible end of Pilate's weak struggles with his conscience and his sense of right. He first tried every way to avoid the issue; then he temporized, hoping in some manner to get free from responsibility. At last he yielded; and his name goes through history pilloried for ever as the man who delivered Jesus to be crucified. He is known by no other act. It had been a thousand times better for him if he had remained for ever in obscurity, instead of going to that high place of power where he had to meet and deal with this momentous question of history.
We read that Pilate took water in the presence of the Jews and washed his hands, - thus by symbol declaring that he was not responsible for the sentencing of Jesus to die. But the water did not wash away one particle of the stain of the guilt of that terrible sin. Pilate had the misfortune to be the only man in all the province who could send Jesus to the cross. Upon him, therefore, the final responsibility rested, no matter the pressure that was brought to bear upon him by the enemies of Jesus. The fact that others urge us to sin does not take away our guilt for that sin. No being in the universe can compel us to do wrong; if, then, we do wrong, the sin is our own.
We remember that the Jews responded to Pilate's act of washing his hands, “His blood be on us, and on our children.” No one who has read the story of the next forty years can doubt that their self-imprecation was fulfilled. Thirty years later thousands of the best people of the Jews were crucified. The crime of the Jews was successful; but what came of the success in the end? Let us learn the lesson that sin brings always terrible woe, and that the worst of all sins is sin against the Lord Jesus Christ.
Monday, March 26, 2018
THORNS OF AFFLICTION
Once I heard a song of sweetness,As it cleft the morning air,Sounding in its best completenessLike a tender pleading prayer,And I sought to find the singerWhence the wondrous song was born,And I found a bird sore woundedPinioned by an ugly thorn,I have seen a soul of sadness,While its wings with pain were furled,Giving hope, and cheer, and gladness,That should bless the weeping world,And I knew that life of sweetness.Was of pain and sorrow borne,And a stricken soul was singing,With its heart against a thorn,Ye are told of One who loves you,Of a Savior crucified,Ye are told of nails that pinioned,And a spear that pierced His side,Ye are told of cruel scourging,Of a Savior bearing scorn,And He died for your salvation.With His brow against the thorn,Ye are not above the Master,Will you breathe a sweet refrain!Then His grace will be sufficient,When your heart is pierced with pain,Will you live to bless his loved ones,Though your life be bruised and torn,Like a bird that sang so sweetly,With it's heart against a thorn.Author Unknown
Matthew 21 Not
every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom
of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Sunday, March 25, 2018
Kill Me Now
by Shawn McEvoy, Crosswalk.com Managing Editor
If this is how you are going to treat me, put me to death right now -- if I have found favor in your eyes -- and do not let me face my own ruin."
Numbers 11:15
...while he himself went
a day's journey into the desert. He came to a broom tree, sat down
under it and prayed that he might die."I have had enough, Lord," he
said. "Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors."
1 Kings 19:4
Now, O Lord, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live.
What kind of a person feels like this? A schmo like me, at times, sure.
Maybe you, or people you know. Surely not the heroes of the Old
Testament.
Well, truth is, even God's greatest leaders and prophets got to the
point in their respective stories where, even after witnessing
indescribable miracles and blessings, their circumstances were so
overwhelming, impossible and undesirable their attitude was, "Just kill
me now, Lord!" Exhausted in body, soul, and spirit, they cried out that
they had had enough. They could go no longer in their own power.
The first quote above is from Moses, who had a People Problem.
The wandering Israelites were hungry, and as usual, it fell to Moses to
solve the problem. He cried out to the Lord, "Was it I who conceived
these people? Was it I who brought them forth?" He looked around and
couldn't figure out how to satisfy everyone.
The second quote is from Elijah, who had a Pity Problem.
This was a prophet who had just called down fire from heaven, destroyed
the prophets of Baal, and witnessed the end of a long drought. But just
a few verses later, one vow from one wicked queen has him in such
despair that he fears he can't go on like this.
The third quote is from Jonah, who had a Pouting Problem.
He'd finally obeyed to the point of going to Nineveh and preaching
repentance, but when the Lord relented and stayed his hand rather than
destroying the city, Jonah wasn't happy. He folded his hands and "became
angry" that the destruction he forecast never arrived.
Consider who these men were and what they had seen, what the Lord had
done through them. Moses parted the Red Sea and led a people out of
slavery. Elijah stood strong during a time of tremendous pagan
influence, prayed down fire and rain, and actually never died (so chalk
up at least one unanswered prayer!). Jonah is one of the first stories
we tell our children, about how God provided a great fish to swallow him
for such a period as he could learn about obedience and repentance.
Not only that, but these guys all show up in the Gospels, in one way or
another. Moses and Elijah are present at Jesus' transfiguration (Mark 9). In Matthew 12:38-41,
Jesus tells the Pharisees they won't get any sign from him other than
the sign of Jonah, foreshadowing the three days He Himself would spend
in the belly of the Earth.
But interestingly enough, Jesus, even with all he had going on, apparently never felt this way. He knew his destiny was to die, but even so prayed that such a cup might pass from him. And let's not forget that he is our example, not Moses, not Elijah, and not Jonah, great as they were.
When we feel the way that these guys did, we need to realize that
anyone wanting to die rather than trust God through adversity is under
attack. And our enemy can bring that attack through people, pity, and
pouting. It comes when our body is not healthy, our soul is not happy,
and our spirit is not holy.
But conveniently enough, Paul shows us a prayer that covers all these bases. He writes in 1 Thessalonians 5, "Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body
be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus
Christ. Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to
pass." (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24).
You aren't alone when you feel like you can't go on, or like
you would be better off dead than standing strong in the face of the
overwhelming task God has given you, especially when you are weak in
body, soul, and spirit, and the enemy is on the attack. And truly, it is
comforting to know that some of the Bible's greatest faith warriors and
miracle workers shared these feelings. But it doesn't mean they were
right. Let us not indulge hopelessness, for it may always be found.
Instead, let us remember that we serve a God of hope and of miracles and
we follow the One who never copped to people, pity, or pouting, but
willingly laid his life down for others, not for himself.
Intersecting Faith & Life: Develop
a plan that gives you exercise and rest in proper amounts for your
body, soul, and spirit, so that you will be less prone to attack.
Saturday, March 24, 2018
An Empty Egg
It
was time for the annual Easter Egg Hunt in town. Little Cory was so
excited! She could not hold back her enthusiasm. Mom and Dad took her
to the hunt at the local park. They were excited for her. This was the
first time she would do all the running herself. The Mayor came out
and said he would blow the whistle and the kids could start running and
looking for plastic eggs. Each egg had treats in it and each one was
different. They had 20
minutes to locate as many eggs as they could. Cory was ready...the
whistle blew...Cory ran and ran and ran. The end whistle blew and Cory
came back to her Mom and Dad crying:( She found only 1 egg and it had a
piece of paper with something written on it. Her Mom looked at the
paper and smiled. She said, "Cory, honey, you got the
most special egg of all!
This piece of paper tells you that Jesus loves you. You and only you
was this special message given!" Cory wiped away her tears and said,
"Oh, I know Jesus loves me...He died for me on Easter...He left an empty
tomb and now I got the empty egg!" What wisdom from such a little
child! A few minutes later, the Pastor from Cory's church, asked who
got the egg with the Bible verse. Cory very shyly went up and showed
him. Pastor said, "Well, Cory, you are specially blessed today. Your
verse tells you how much God loved us and how much He cares. I have a
brand new children's Bible for you and this chocolate cross!" Cory's
eyes grew huge as she saw the gifts bestowed on her. She dropped to her
knees and thanked Jesus for His wonderful love and this gift she
received.
Friday, March 23, 2018
What Does Easter Mean To You?
Is it nothing to you, all who pass by. - Lamentations 1:12 NIV
One day during the1930's, a man named John Griffin who controlled a railway drawbridge over the Mississippi river, took his son to work with him. After putting the massive bridge up, Griffin was eating lunch when suddenly he heard the whistle of the Memphis Express roaring towards the
crossing. Leaping from the observation deck he ran to throw the control switch. Glancing down, his heart stopped! His son had fallen into the gears, trapping his leg in the cogs.
Desperately he tried to devise a rescue plan. But there was no time. His son was down there - but there were 400 passengers on the train! Griffin knew what he had to do. Burying his face in his arm, he pushed the master switch just in time to lower the bridge into place as the train thundered across.
Then raising his head, he looked into the passing windows with tear-filled eyes. There were businessmen casually reading the newspaper, ladies sipping coffee and children eating ice cream. Nobody even looked at the control house, or glanced down at the great gearbox. In agony Griffin cried out, "I sacrificed my son for you people. Don't you care?"
But as the train rushed by nobody heard the anguished father's words.
As we consider the cross where God sacrificed His Son for each of us, He's asking, "Is it nothing to you, all who pass by?" Our question then becomes: "What...shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?" (Mt 27:22 NKJV). Today, accept Him as your Lord and Savior. (272)
One day during the1930's, a man named John Griffin who controlled a railway drawbridge over the Mississippi river, took his son to work with him. After putting the massive bridge up, Griffin was eating lunch when suddenly he heard the whistle of the Memphis Express roaring towards the
crossing. Leaping from the observation deck he ran to throw the control switch. Glancing down, his heart stopped! His son had fallen into the gears, trapping his leg in the cogs.
Desperately he tried to devise a rescue plan. But there was no time. His son was down there - but there were 400 passengers on the train! Griffin knew what he had to do. Burying his face in his arm, he pushed the master switch just in time to lower the bridge into place as the train thundered across.
Then raising his head, he looked into the passing windows with tear-filled eyes. There were businessmen casually reading the newspaper, ladies sipping coffee and children eating ice cream. Nobody even looked at the control house, or glanced down at the great gearbox. In agony Griffin cried out, "I sacrificed my son for you people. Don't you care?"
But as the train rushed by nobody heard the anguished father's words.
As we consider the cross where God sacrificed His Son for each of us, He's asking, "Is it nothing to you, all who pass by?" Our question then becomes: "What...shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?" (Mt 27:22 NKJV). Today, accept Him as your Lord and Savior. (272)
Thursday, March 22, 2018
The God of Impossibilities
“And Jesus looked at them and said to them, ‘With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26
Are any of you facing seemingly impossible situations in your life right now? Do the obstacles in your way loom larger and larger each day? Have you exhausted all of your resources only to discover that it’s not nearly enough? Are you drowning in the hurts and heartaches of life with no sign of a life preserver to be found? If any or all of these describe you, you’re not alone. Most every one of us is facing difficulties that are far more than anything we can handle on our own. We are facing the impossible, but there is good news! Jesus is the God infinite possibilities! Whereas we recoil at the sight of the impossible, He flourishes when given the impossible. When we can’t, He can! Where our strength ends, His is only beginning. When our well has run dry, He is a tsunami. There is NOTHING beyond His ability! Remember what is impossible for us is reality for Him. Give Him the impossible and watch it become possible right before your eyes.
Wednesday, March 21, 2018
A spiritual legacy
Acts 12:21-24:
On the appointed day Herod, wearing his royal robes, sat on his throne
and delivered a public address to the people. They shouted, "This is the
voice of a god, not a man." Immediately, because Herod did not give
praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by
worms and died (NIV).
This verse refers to Herod Agrippa I, who was the grandson of Herod the
Great. Interestingly, this event is also recorded by the Jewish
historian Josephus in his work, Jewish Antiquities.
Josephus describes the royal robe Herod was wearing as "a garment of
woven silver which gleamed in the rays of the rising sun." No wonder the
people were impressed! In the end, however, Herod's arrogance couldn't
save him from a humiliating demise.
Whether it is the newest gadget or the most fashionable clothes, the
truth is, we often use material possessions to gain worldly validation
for ourselves and our kids. The satisfaction these things bring,
however, is always fleeting. Instead, God wants us to trust in Him by
surrendering our glory for His.
Tuesday, March 20, 2018
What Sorts of Folks Got Crucified?
[Jesus said]: "I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life." --John 5:24
Early in Julius Caesar's political career, the people of Rome hated him so badly that he thought it best to leave his country. He sailed for the Aegean island of Rhodes, but on the way pirates attacked his ship and Caesar was captured.
The pirates demanded a ransom of 12,000 gold pieces, and Caesar's staff was sent to make the arrangements for payment. For almost 40 days, the pirates held Caesar captive.
He would jokingly tell them that he would someday capture and crucify them. The amused kidnappers dismissed his threats. But when the ransom was paid and Caesar was released, the first thing he did was gather his army together to pursue the pirates.
The pirates indeed were captured and crucified!
This was the Romans' attitude toward crucifixion. This cruel death was reserved only for the worst criminals. It was meant to show extreme contempt for the condemned. And the pain and humiliation experienced by someone crucified by the Romans was unmatched by any other.
They condemned and humiliated the person and name of Jesus thousands of years ago just as many people do today. And even though He died a lowly death, we as believers can rejoice in knowing that "He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification" (Romans 4:25).
Jesus died for the sins of all--including those who beat Him and nailed Him to the cross. You may know of someone today who doesn't know Jesus. Will you be the one to tell them about the forgiveness He gives? Will you be the one who points them toward eternal life through Jesus?
PRAYER CHALLENGE: Ask the Lord to bring someone into your life this Easter who you can share the story of His death, burial, and resurrection, and the price He paid for their sins.
Early in Julius Caesar's political career, the people of Rome hated him so badly that he thought it best to leave his country. He sailed for the Aegean island of Rhodes, but on the way pirates attacked his ship and Caesar was captured.
The pirates demanded a ransom of 12,000 gold pieces, and Caesar's staff was sent to make the arrangements for payment. For almost 40 days, the pirates held Caesar captive.
He would jokingly tell them that he would someday capture and crucify them. The amused kidnappers dismissed his threats. But when the ransom was paid and Caesar was released, the first thing he did was gather his army together to pursue the pirates.
The pirates indeed were captured and crucified!
This was the Romans' attitude toward crucifixion. This cruel death was reserved only for the worst criminals. It was meant to show extreme contempt for the condemned. And the pain and humiliation experienced by someone crucified by the Romans was unmatched by any other.
They condemned and humiliated the person and name of Jesus thousands of years ago just as many people do today. And even though He died a lowly death, we as believers can rejoice in knowing that "He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification" (Romans 4:25).
Jesus died for the sins of all--including those who beat Him and nailed Him to the cross. You may know of someone today who doesn't know Jesus. Will you be the one to tell them about the forgiveness He gives? Will you be the one who points them toward eternal life through Jesus?
PRAYER CHALLENGE: Ask the Lord to bring someone into your life this Easter who you can share the story of His death, burial, and resurrection, and the price He paid for their sins.
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