Easter Week 7of7

 He has Risen 

“On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright, the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified, and on the third day be raised again.’ ” Then they remembered his words.” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭24:1-8‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Friday and Saturday were hard….. really hard. Sunday is here! Amen.

When the women went to the tomb it seemed their world changed. First, the Stone that blocked the tomb was rolled away. There were no longer active guards. The tomb was empty. V4 said they wondered about this. The emotions are this and much stronger in the other gospels so we know they were shocked and stunned. Then it all came together. Why because God sent a messenger to let them know what has happened was what was told to them. Jesus is alive! He rose from then dead just like said He would! Everything regarding the Messiah is true! Look at v5. This question is also for us today. It’s for us every day.

“Why do you look for the living among the dead?” They were confused.

The disciples were as well. They were starting to see very fast how what Jesus said was happening right in front of them and right now. “He is not here, He is risen” The penalty for sin was paid for on the cross. Here is proof that Jesus finished that work and lives. The tomb is empty. God reminds us of this in his word. The Holy Spirit reminds us of this daily if we listen. So to all who are reading this………” Why do you look for the living among the dead?” No reason to visit a graveyard to look for Jesus. Every day, every breath the truth is Jesus is alive. Don’t worry about bringing spices to honor the dead and cover-up decay. “He is risen” He raised the dead. He was raised. One day you will rise to the place He is preparing. Bring Praises! Carry Peace! Deliver Joy! Happy Easter!

Easter Week 6of7

 “It is finished” 

“Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” ‭‭John‬ ‭19:28-30‬ ‭NIV‬‬ Have you ever truly contemplated what it’s like when something is finished. I mean finished completely. It’s done! That’s what happened on the cross. Our payment for sin was completed. Will we live like that? Twice in these three verses Jesus says it’s finished. Scripture is now fulfilled. Reflect and pray on this. The opportunity for salvation is real and now because the work was truly finished.

Friday and Saturday are tough….. Sundays coming!

Easter Week 5of7

 Sundays coming

“There was a written notice above him, which read: this is the King of the Jews. One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭23:38-43‬ ‭NIV‬‬The sign was correct. Many thought it was mocking Him. But they did not know how right it was. He was a King. He is a king. While many hurled insults one next to him believed . With nothing more than a voice to say “remember me” that small kernel of faith to know that Sunday is coming. By His wounds we are healed.

Do you believe? 
Friday and Saturday are hard. Really hard.

Sunday is coming ! 

Easter Week 4 of 7

It’s worth it

“The soldiers led Jesus away into the palace (that is, the Praetorium) and called together the whole company of soldiers. They put a purple robe on him, then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on him. And they began to call out to him, “Hail, king of the Jews!” Again and again they struck him on the head with a staff and spit on him. Falling on their knees, they paid homage to him. And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him.” ‭‭Mark‬ ‭15:16-20‬ ‭NIV‬‬ https://bible.com/bible/111/mrk.15.16-20.NIV Have you ever “reached your limit ?” Of course you have. We all have. When we feel like that’s it. I can’t take anymore. Why me? Why is it so hard ? What’s the point Think about this, Jesus went through the hardest thing ever. Look at the verses closely. The robe - They tried to humiliate Him. The thorns-How much did that hurt ? Insults- Not believing He really was who he said . Struck- over and over He was hit  And we’re not even to the cross yet! But fast forward ……..

He never quit!
He took it all! For you!
Don’t quit Sundays coming!

Easter week 3 of 7

Beyond Recognition

 “See, my servant will act wisely; he will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted. Just as there were many who were appalled at him— his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any human being and his form marred beyond human likeness— so he will sprinkle many nations, and kings will shut their mouths because of him. For what they were not told, they will see, and what they have not heard, they will understand.” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭52:13-15‬ ‭NIV‬‬

How much does Jesus Love you? He was beaten beyond recognition. Many may be appalled . We are amazed. By the blood of Jesus Mouths will be shut and souls will be saved. The sacrifice may not be recognized. But the sacrifice will bring Peace.

Happy Easter!

Easter Week 2 of 7

 Truth

 ““You are a king, then!” said Pilate. Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” “What is truth?” retorted Pilate. With this he went out again to the Jews gathered there and said, “I find no basis for a charge against him.” ‭‭John‬ ‭18:37-38‬ ‭NIV‬‬ https://bible.com/bible/111/jhn.18.37-38.NIV What is truth? It’s a question we have all asked right? Through Christ we know what truth is. The world and all it’s challenges can sure try and make Truth look blurry. It’s not . It may feel like it’s cloudy but it’s not . How do we know ? Look at the comments from Jesus. He came into the world to testify to truth. So what is truth? Jesus is who He said he is. He came for us. He died for us. He Rose. He’s preparing a place for us.

That’s the truth !

Happy Easter

Easter Week 1of7

He is your advocate  ““I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me. I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them. I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one. While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled. “I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.” ‭‭John‬ ‭17:6-19‬ ‭NIV‬‬ https://bible.com/bible/111/jhn.17.11-19.NIV It means something to “stick” up for someone. To “go to bat “ for them. When you “have someone’s back” so to speak. This world can make you think that no one has your back. It’s a lie. Read these verses closely from John 17. Jesus has your back. Look at v.14-16, Not much interpretation is needed. It will be tough but you have a protector. It may seem all is lost but Jesus is there. Spend a few minutes reflecting on what God is saying here. I promise it’s worth it. No matter what hold close to the promise in these verses.

Sunday is coming !

 “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.” ‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭6:4-9‬ ‭NIV‬‬ https://bible.com/bible/111/deu.6.4-8.NIV These verses in Deuteronomy are recited every day around the world (Shema). It is a prayer and a reminder that we serve a mighty God that has no equal. Just for today we are looking at V5.  We are to love Him with ALL of our heart. We are to love Him with ALL of our soul. We are to love Him with ALL of our strength. Not some of it but ALL of it. I don’t eat only part of a cheeseburger:) Because ALL of it is good . I don’t want to consume only some of the goodness. I don’t eat part of a piece of cake. I would be missing so much goodness left on the Plate so I eat ALL of it. But it’s His goodness, not mine. It is He with much to give,not I . If I only give Jesus part of me I am missing out on so, so much. ALL of me given to Him assures I have left nothing on the plate:) Let’s get closer to Him.

Let’s consume His goodness. How? Give Him all of us and If He has all of us there is more of Him and His goodness …….. ALL of it

  “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We write this to make our joy complete.” ‭‭1 John‬ ‭1:1-4‬ ‭NIV‬‬ https://bible.com/bible/111/1jn.1.1-4.NIV Have you ever been excited so about something that you couldn’t contain your enthusiasm and you just blurted out how excited you were? I mean like you were talking a mile a minute trying to describe it. 1 John 1 seems to have that flavor. He’s so excited about testifying about the fellowship with God they have and those around Him can have through Jesus Christ. V1. See John 1:1 From the beginning , not “our” beginning but “the “ beginning. That should be a comfort to us. Secondly, He has revealed Himself to us. We have seen, heard and touched the work of God. The Word is before , during and after! It is living. Amen ! V2. It was revealed to us here and the promise Is for eternity. V3. What a gift! How can we not shout! The translations don’t have a period until after this verse:) After the explanation of us having fellowship with Jesus. He’s so excited to tell everyone about this eternal life. This fellowship with God. This…..V4 Joy that is complete when we share His love.

Keep going toward Him “But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” ‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭6:11-12‬ ‭NIV‬‬ https://bible.com/bible/111/1ti.6.11-12.NIV Sometimes in the midst of life and the challenges it can pose it’s appropriate to just stop and breathe. Focus on God, and slow down. He strengthens us like we see in Psalms 18 as one example of many. But we have to encourage ourselves to keep going toward God. Not away from Him. V11 He reminds us that we are His and we should run away from the things that would hurt us and our relationship. But just running away from ungodly things is not enough. We can’t run aimlessly. We need to pursue something. Look at v11 closely. We pursue righteousness, Godliness,faith, love endurance and gentleness. Basically we run toward God. How ? We pursue Him in doing what’s right . It’s not always easy right ? It would be easier to just Hide. Hang in there! When we exhibit faith we pursue Him. The enemy would have us quit. When you show love and pursue Love we are moving toward God. Be Gentle. It’s harder than being harsh but it moves us closer and shows others there is a Savior worth pursuing. A faith worth fighting for. V12. Fight the good fight. When we pray, share , worship , help , love ,study, encourage and ultimately show and exhibit Love as Jesus has shown we take hold of the truths of God.
We fight . We are saved. We take hold of the eternal life promised and it is visible to all.
We are fighters! Thank you Jesus. Help us to fight the good fight every year, month, week, day , hour and minute. God, give us strength and focus to always go toward you no matter what. Remind us when we grow stale or drift away. Keep us close .

 “One day Jesus was teaching, and Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there. They had come from every village of Galilee and from Judea and Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was with Jesus to heal the sick. Some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a mat and tried to take him into the house to lay him before Jesus. When they could not find a way to do this because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus. When Jesus saw their faith, he said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.” The Pharisees and the teachers of the law began thinking to themselves, “Who is this fellow who speaks blasphemy? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” Jesus knew what they were thinking and asked, “Why are you thinking these things in your hearts? Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the paralyzed man, “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” Immediately he stood up in front of them, took what he had been lying on and went home praising God. Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, “We have seen remarkable things today.”” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭5:17-26‬ ‭NIV‬‬ https://bible.com/bible/111/luk.5.17-26.NIV The friends of this man that could not walk were the kind of friends we should all be so blessed to have in our life. We should be that kind of friend. The kind that takes those around to Jesus. Knowing there are no limits to what our Savior can do. Whether it be physical or spiritual. Or maybe both! Look what happens when we get one another in the presence of the Lord. This morning A dear friend sent me a video this morning that brought me to Jesus through the Spirit. It led me to the Word and these verses. Each week our MMM :)“Music Man Mike” encourages us through An email . He brings me closer to the Lord in what we are supposed to do as believers and the church. Jesus knows that we are in each other’s lives. He knows that we need people around us to get us to Him when we can’t walk. He knows that we need people around us to get us to Him when we think we’re too far or have stumbled one too many times .
Will we take those around us to Jesus even when the naysayers tell us no or that we’re crazy ? Will we take those around us to Jesus when it’s hard ? Not politically correct ?
Not in our schedule ?
Will I be that kind of friend?
Will you ?

 “Once when Jesus was praying in private and his disciples were with him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say I am?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, that one of the prophets of long ago has come back to life.” “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “God’s Messiah.”” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭9:18-20‬ ‭NIV‬‬ https://bible.com/bible/111/luk.9.18-20.NIV If someone asked you who Jesus is what would you say? If someone asked you what Jesus has done for you what would you say? If someone asked you what does Jesus mean to you what would you say? He is the Messiah. He has answered so many prayers. He is everything to us. See we can answer the questions but is it reflected in our lives? Jesus asked them a general question . Who do others say I am ? Then he asked them a very personal question Who do you say I am ? When you read these verses  The questioned is asked of you. Does our answer reflect a circumstance or maybe one prayer request ? Is He bound by a circumstance or one outcome ? No He is the Messiah . The anointed one The forgiver of sins The Savior of the world Our Savior . He is I Am .
What’s your answer ?
Who do you say He is ?

 “Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit.” ‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭3:13-18‬ ‭NIV‬‬ https://bible.com/bible/111/1pe.3.13-18.NIV Hello, It might help each of us to reflect on “who “ will harm us that is committed to doing good. For sure at times harm is intended and pointed at us but look close at v14. We are blessed when we suffer because we are His! How do I know this is true? V.15 tells us to be prepared and while we pray, study, and praise we are reminded that is because we are His! How should I respond? V.16 tells us with gentleness and respect. How? Because we are His! But what about the suffering? V.17 Better to be on this side of suffering while doing good than the other. Why is this so personal? Because we are His. Why is it so hard so often ? V.18  Christ suffered for us. Us the unrighteous. So that we can be near God. So we can be made clean. So that we can be free.
Why?
Why us?
Because we are His

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭5:17‬ ‭NIV‬‬ https://2corinthians.bible/2-corinthians-5-17 We like new things right? When we are given a gift or maybe buy one for ourselves we like new things. New things aren’t broken. They look like they were intended. They can make us smile. But material things can fade. They can break. The smile can wear off. Here’s the difference in a man made thing and the gift of Salvation. This new thing or “new creation” changes lives because it changes souls . Our souls. When we accept Christ we are a new creation. We can be restored when we stumble. Forgiveness exist for us here on earth . True, we are made new through Jesus . Equally true , life is hard and we are sinners . We are His so when we repent and turn to him we are continually reminded that we were made new once and once again we can be made new . That’s the best new thing ever right:) I am so thankful that this verse speaks truth for salvation. I am so thankful that this verse speaks truth for discipleship. I am so thankful I can find this verse each and every day . After every victory and every defeat. Thank you Jesus for New Things

Gods Protection
Trust  - Psalm 56 Part 2 of 7

 V3&4 “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise— in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭56:3-4‬ ‭NIV‬‬

It says When I am afraid. Not If but when I'm afraid. Why? Because the absolute truth is that there are times when we are afraid. God knows that. Part of His protection is knowing us better than anyone else can. So He can comfort and protect.

Our role - When we are afraid “I will trust in you “ Now we should trust him even when fear is not a factor but the point is to run toward God when we fear, not away from God. So many times my tendency is to try an act first and call on God second. Not a good formula.

 “In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust...” God’s word, the bible is our anchor. We trust God, we trust His word. We trust God's word, we trust Him. This leads us to praise. And praise leads us to Him. “I will not fear” Now, wait a minute.

V3 says “when I'm afraid” Hmmm. Let's look closely at the whole Psalm. There is a battle all around David. Enemies everywhere. Opposition at every corner. Sound familiar to anyone . Ok , When I'm afraid.... I will trust in You....It's a process, a journey . Life gives lots of opportunities to fear and subsequently opportunities to trust Him.

I will praise Him in His word. The word requires digesting over a lifetime . It's a process, a journey. It leads us to trust Him. So then, I'm learning every day in the battle to trust God more and fearless. He is there always. We are learning and striving to grow closer to Him. We are “trusting “ more and “fearing”  less.

So then, one more thing  “What can man do to me?”

Gods Protection Gracious and Merciful
Psalm 56 Part 1 of 7

V1&2 “Be gracious to me, God, for man tramples me; he fights and oppresses me all day long. My adversaries trample me all day, for many arrogantly fight against me.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭56:1-2‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

The very first part of verse 1 rings very loudly. “Be gracious to me, God Some versions say “Be merciful to me, my God” It calls for God's grace and mercy because we almost never receive that from the world around us.

“For man tramples me” Ouch!
“He fights and oppresses me all day long “ Double Ouch !!

God, please be gracious to me. I need it so badly because the opposite exists in every visible direction. All-day long I am in a fight. My adversaries desire to trample me. But Your Grace is so much stronger than any attack. God, please be merciful to me. I need it in a double portion because many are fighting against me. But your mercy covers me beyond understanding.

There is no limit to His Grace and Mercy.
The created may desire to devour us. The Creator protects us.
The created may wish us harm. The Creator loves us so very much that Grace and Mercy flow from Him to us.

He knows the battle and the struggle....... Do you know Him?