Showing posts with label after the resurrection. Show all posts
Showing posts with label after the resurrection. Show all posts
Sunday, April 15, 2012
A New Relationship
On the morning of the Resurrection, Jesus didn't allow Mary to touch Him. He was essentially saying, "It's not going to be the way it used to be. You can't hold on to Me in the old way. It's a new covenant."
Then He made a radical statement: "Go to My brethren and say to them, 'I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God' " (John 20:17). For Jesus to call God His Father was one thing. But He said, "I am ascending to My Father and your Father. . . . " In other words, "He is your Father now too."
If you came from a fatherless home, God can be the Father you never had. Jesus opened up a new relationship for us through His death on the cross and His resurrection from the dead. No longer must we go through a high priest to seek atonement for our sin, because Jesus became the final sacrifice for our sins. And He has given us free access to God the Father, to whom we can come in times of need.
Do you know God as your Father? Or does He seem like some distant force? If that is the case, I have good news for you: God is not some mere force or distant power somewhere in the universe. He is personal, He is caring, and He loves you. And that is why He sent His Son to die on the cross in our place.
Scripture Of The Day: Jesus said, "Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” - John 20:17 (NIV)
Friday, April 13, 2012
The Surprise Party
The resurrection described in John’s gospel appears to be a series of many surprises. The stone was rolled away from the mouth of the tomb. Mary Magdalene was surprised. The tomb was empty. The Disciples, who raced to the burial site, were surprised.
The gardener surprises Mary, who did not recognize the resurrected Lord. You can imagine the surprise of the other disciples that night when Mary announced to them, “I have seen the Lord.”
It shouldn’t have been a surprise. Jesus told them He had a date with a cross. The reason for His coming, the capstone of His mission and the culmination of His earthly ministry was up on a cross and out of a grave -- ALIVE.
The portrayal of the life and ministry of Jesus in the Gospels could be termed also as a series of surprises. Surprise! Jesus taught with a fresh interpretation of the law, with an authority not seen before or since. Surprise! Jesus said love your neighbor and also your enemies, pray for them who despitefully use you, and forgive 70 times 7.
Surprise! Jesus taught seek first the Kingdom and the stuff your looking for will be added to you. Surprise! Jesus endured the cross and the shame for the joy at a time when we didn’t deserve it; for while we were sinners Jesus died on a cross.
Surprise! Jesus went further to reach people and to reconcile them to God crossing political, cultural and historical boundaries. He let nothing stand in His way. The Pharisees, soldiers, Herod and Satan all tried to stop Him. Peter tried to convince Him to choose another course of action and Judas tried to betray Him into military action.
We may even remain surprised at how important we are to Jesus Christ. Surprised that salvation is still available by grace through faith. Surprised that there is still healing in His hem when we are unworthy to unlatch the sandals from His feet. Surprised that even when we tripped over our own feet, stumbled into poor decisions, disintegrated in private or flopped in public Jesus was there for us.
Even when we didn’t deserve resuscitation, surprise, Jesus led the rescue effort.
What a great surprise party it was that day when Jesus rose from the grave with all power in His hands. The rules for inclusion were changed so that all who call upon the name of Jesus shall be saved; the grave has no victim and death no sting.
Let us gather together to celebrate the proclamation of this victory and the spread of a new community ruled by God’s love. Let us celebrate by recommitting our lives to the worship, work and witness of our resurrected Messiah. Tell our own story to all who would listen, like Mary, I have seen the Lord!
Scripture Of The Day: “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him." - Mark 16:6 (NIV)
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Dwelling High
The Resurrection. So that’s awesome, but what does that exactly mean for me today? I mean, how does it apply to my life on a day to day basis? I’ve always loved the “idea” of the resurrection: After Christ died on the cross and was buried, He was brought back to life and ascended into Heaven to be seated at the right hand of the Father. But how on earth does this apply to me, right here, right now in the flesh—going deeper than just having head knowledge of it? After all, this is something the Heavenly Father wants for us: to figure out what the resurrection personally means to us. And it even almost sometimes sounds magical too, but it is in fact so much more than that. It carries such real-life, ramifications for us today. How? Well, that’s probably the most important question you could ask and I hope seeking the answer changes and blows up your life-- for the good that is.
For me, the resurrection is the equivalent of feeling, breathing, experiencing, and dwelling in LIFE--life for your spirit which carries over to your soul, body, mind and emotions here on earth as we connect to the Heavenly Father.
Eternal life is not just something we experience after we die. The resurrection of Jesus is what pours living oxygen into our beings; it’s what gives our hearts “breath.” It’s what connects us, like an umbilical cord, to the heartbeat of the Father and all of His authority. As we share in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, we are given an undeniably, amazing amount of kingdom authority and intimate connection to our Father. As it is in Heaven, all of its blessings one by one are given to us, right now, here on earth. This comes by faith, so the only prerequisite to experiencing this is believing and receiving our Lord Jesus Christ. And He indeed wants for us to walk this out with Him and attain the life and authority He has been given as He’s seated at the right hand of the Father. Our job is to find and search out what that life and authority is for us--as we share in His resurrection--on a day to day basis. Or in other words, “breaking it down for ourselves and making it real.”
Jesus dying on the cross was only the beginning. It’s all about what happened afterward, the resurrection, and what is now currently taking place: Jesus is dwelling in the utmost, glorified and lively place that has ever existed or will ever exist, sitting intimately at the side of our dear Father in Heaven. And WE get to share that with Him as we receive Him in our hearts. An infusion of that life is literally downloaded into our minds, bodies and souls “as it is in Heaven” every single day. It’s so amazing to have him in our hearts and share in His present, every day glory. Thank you Jesus not only for your death, but for the life you now dwell in and share with us as you’ve been resurrected.
Scripture of the day: “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.” – Colossians 3:1
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
What Does God Need?
So, does it not make sense to us that Love needs loved. Love, Himself needs love! And who are the ones to give it to Him? We are! We get to be the ones to give the most precious commodity we as the children of God, the brothers and sisters of Jesus, can give back to Him . . . our worship!
See God needs worship. You may say "He is God He does not need ANYTHING." But let us look at what the Word says and see for ourselves what He says about worship. When we look at John 4:23-24 we find that God is seeking worshipers.
"Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.” In digging into the Greek we find that SEEKS here is the word "zeteo" which means to (go) about, desire, endeavor, enquire (for), require, seek (after, for, means).
In the Websters Dictionary the word DESIRE means to long for, wish for; request, ask. An earnest longing or wish. The word REQUIRE means to need. A thing needed; a necessary condition; a demand;
Worship is a NEED for God! God REQUIRES worship! It is a DESIRE for Him. He LONGS for worship. Worship is a NECESSARY CONDITION for Him! It is a DEMAND . . . worship is a NEED for God. He is looking for His worshipers. As you are reading this, has He found one? Or will you simply ignore the need of the One Who gave everything He had up for you and just surrender your position of worshiper to another? Speak, Sing, Love On Him Today! Live and have a life of worship and you will fulfill His need!
Verse of the Day: “God is Love.” - (1 John 4:16)
Jesus Can't Live There!
There are a host of factors that people use in selecting a home. If there is no pre-existing home built already, the potential homeowners will more than likely choose their new plot of land based on the land value and the neighborhood that they will be living in. If there is an existing home already built, an entire litany of factors affect whether the home becomes a realistic option for purchase. The foundation and structure, size, layout, amenities, bonus features, landscaping, any pre-existing conditions, potential for growth, closet space, current wall painting, appliances, garage, neighborhood factors, and so on. All of these comprise what we call the living conditions.
Most of us, if not all of us, have a standard that we expect regarding our living conditions. We just wouldn’t accept anything nor would we be comfortable inviting others over into living conditions that appear subpar.
The same way that we have a standard for our living conditions, Jesus has a standard for His living conditions. Isn’t it amazing that nowhere in scriptures is it detailed “specifically” what happened between the time when Jesus was buried and the discovery of the stone being rolled away? I think it is amazing that God doesn’t provide those details and that could be an endless theological discussion, but I think that all of us who believe in the resurrection would agree that DEATH was a living condition that Jesus just couldn’t accept.
Even from his life, he was clear that everything about him was allergic to death, darkness, and defeat. His entire life purpose repelled it. This was his message, his methods, and his mission. It was repeated over and over again throughout the Gospels. John 10:10 (NIV) he says, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” He even went further and said, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” (Luke 19:10, NIV). The Father was clear on why He was sending His son as such a great sacrifice. John writes, “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.” (John 3: 17, NIV)
All of these, along with a host of other scriptures, paint a clear picture that Jesus was a magnet for life, living, light, and love. And He repelled death, darkness, and defeat.
If he was a magnet for these things, we should be as well. Our spiritual, mental, and emotional living conditions should have this standard. It should be clear from our perspective, lifestyle, and mentality that we have adopted the same living standards as Jesus. Paul encourages us, “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:” (Philippians 2:5, NIV)
As you pick your relationships, business deals, engage in meetings, run towards personal pursuits, spend your money, participate in talking and other communications, and set life goals, they should reflect your living standard. The same way that we wouldn’t put new, expensive furniture in a house that we’ve yet to live in that’s full of termites or bugs, we shouldn’t infect our spiritual houses with things that decay our spirits and destroy our minds. Your living conditions are reflected through what you do and how you do it. If Jesus cannot live there, you shouldn’t either.
Scripture of the Day: "He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay." - Matthew 28:6 (NIV)
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Walking With Jesus
I think it's interesting to note those to whom Jesus chose to appear after His resurrection. We don't read about Him appearing to Caiaphas or Caesar.
Now if it had been me, the first person I would have appeared to would have been Pilate: "Yo, Pilate! Remember me? Can't keep a good man down, can you?" Or I would have appeared to Caiaphas, the high priest who, for the most part, orchestrated the crucifixion.
But it is interesting how Jesus appeared to two disciples on the road to Emmaus and joined them on their journey. We don't know who they were, and they are not mentioned again in the Bible.
The Bible tells us that Jesus appeared in another form to them as they went into the country. In other words, He was going incognito. They didn't know that it was Jesus.
The last sight they had of the Lord was His beaten and bloodied body. Surely they wanted to get that image out of their minds.
There they were, walking along, and Jesus was walking with them. It's a reminder to us that at all times, even when we don't realize it, Jesus is walking with us.
Isaiah 43:2 promises, "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you."
Maybe when you are in church, you feel close to God. But wherever you go, you can know that Jesus is with you there too. When you are going through hard times, even when you cannot feel Him, Jesus is there.
But it is interesting how Jesus appeared to two disciples on the road to Emmaus and joined them on their journey. We don't know who they were, and they are not mentioned again in the Bible.
The Bible tells us that Jesus appeared in another form to them as they went into the country. In other words, He was going incognito. They didn't know that it was Jesus.
The last sight they had of the Lord was His beaten and bloodied body. Surely they wanted to get that image out of their minds.
There they were, walking along, and Jesus was walking with them. It's a reminder to us that at all times, even when we don't realize it, Jesus is walking with us.
Isaiah 43:2 promises, "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you."
Maybe when you are in church, you feel close to God. But wherever you go, you can know that Jesus is with you there too. When you are going through hard times, even when you cannot feel Him, Jesus is there.
Scripture Of The Day: "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you." - Isaiah 43:2 (NKJV)
Friday, April 29, 2011
Resurrection Power
The passages in Philippians 3: 7-14, are most meaningful for applying the principle of “resurrection power” in our lives as Christians. The significance of these verses pull into focus its relevance for understanding seasons of suffering that eventually culminate into victories.The subject is pertinent during this high holy season of celebrating the Passover Lamb of God, and the redemptive, substitutionary atonement through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Paul’s profound theology states it perfectly, “But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things [but] loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them [but] dung, that I may win Christ…”
In times of suffering and loss, let us reflect on what the resurrection power does for us. The devil, our enemy, thought he could destroy us, but since we have chosen the path of righteousness through the message of the Gospel, we are redeemed from our sins. “we all have sinned and fallen short…” so which one of us can evade the need to be forgiven for the wrongs we’ve done? We were resurrected into newness of life, redeemed from the curse, and the penalty of the law, through Jesus Christ, who made us righteous before a holy God. Not by the will of man but by the power of His resurrection.
"And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith" (Philippians 3: 9)
In suffering the loss of a job, a broken relationship, the death of a loved one, a negative doctor’s report, bad grades, car repo’s, and all the drama the evil world provides, Paul states, “That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
We will go through some hard times of life. We will suffer loss and have to work through the pain. Yet, through all the suffering of imprisonment, beatings, mockery, and injustices, Paul survived because he KNEW the power of resurrection. God raised him from a dead situation, to prove to the world of non-believers that we can be raised in newness of life and redeemed from our dead circumstances, no matter what they are!
The urgency Paul meant was that, “If by ANY means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
Realize that no matter how tough it gets, we have the power to rise above any adversity. If you are a believer, the promise of victory is reachable and attainable. We can bounce back from any obstacle that life hits us with and win the victory. So Paul give us the roadmap to the successful implications of resurrection power.
Humility: “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but…” Humble yourself to the cross, the reality of the finished work on calvary.
Faith: “…this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,” Don’t let your past rob you of your future.
Diligence: “I press toward the mark…” Determine to stay in the race. Don’t give up.
Focus: “for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” If you read the Word every day, you will keep the resurrection power clearly in your focus and not on the negative circumstances of life. Scripture Of The Day: "forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." - Phillipians 3:13-14 (NKJV) - Philippians 3:13-14
Paul’s profound theology states it perfectly, “But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things [but] loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them [but] dung, that I may win Christ…”
In times of suffering and loss, let us reflect on what the resurrection power does for us. The devil, our enemy, thought he could destroy us, but since we have chosen the path of righteousness through the message of the Gospel, we are redeemed from our sins. “we all have sinned and fallen short…” so which one of us can evade the need to be forgiven for the wrongs we’ve done? We were resurrected into newness of life, redeemed from the curse, and the penalty of the law, through Jesus Christ, who made us righteous before a holy God. Not by the will of man but by the power of His resurrection.
"And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith" (Philippians 3: 9)
In suffering the loss of a job, a broken relationship, the death of a loved one, a negative doctor’s report, bad grades, car repo’s, and all the drama the evil world provides, Paul states, “That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
We will go through some hard times of life. We will suffer loss and have to work through the pain. Yet, through all the suffering of imprisonment, beatings, mockery, and injustices, Paul survived because he KNEW the power of resurrection. God raised him from a dead situation, to prove to the world of non-believers that we can be raised in newness of life and redeemed from our dead circumstances, no matter what they are!
The urgency Paul meant was that, “If by ANY means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
Realize that no matter how tough it gets, we have the power to rise above any adversity. If you are a believer, the promise of victory is reachable and attainable. We can bounce back from any obstacle that life hits us with and win the victory. So Paul give us the roadmap to the successful implications of resurrection power.
Humility: “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but…” Humble yourself to the cross, the reality of the finished work on calvary.
Faith: “…this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,” Don’t let your past rob you of your future.
Diligence: “I press toward the mark…” Determine to stay in the race. Don’t give up.
Focus: “for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” If you read the Word every day, you will keep the resurrection power clearly in your focus and not on the negative circumstances of life.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Give Me Barabbas?
“So when the crowd had gathered, Pilate asked them, ‘Which one do you want me to release to you: Jesus Barabbas, or Jesus who is called the Messiah?’ For he knew it was out of self-interest that they had handed Jesus over to him.
“While Pilate was sitting on the judge’s seat, his wife sent him this message: ‘Don’t have anything to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him.’ But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus executed.
“Which of the two do you want me to release to you? asked the governor. ‘Barabbas,’ they answered.”(Matthew 27 15-21)
Every day you and I are faced with the option of choosing Jesus or Barabbas. I wish I could tell you I always choose Jesus, but the truth is sometimes I, too, ask for Barabbas. If you are anything like me, sometimes you belt out and scream:
Give me Barabbas!
Give me Barabbas!
Barabbas doesn’t disturb me because I am Barabbas!
Give me Barabbas!
Give me insurrection.
Give me rebellion.
Give me murder
Give me darkness.
Give me selfish ambition.
Give me pride.
Give me self-promotion.
Give me an undisturbed conscience
Give me company among the irreverent.
Give me Barabbas!
Just don’t give me Jesus, the one who is called Messiah
He disturbs my values.
He upsets my world.
He challenges my lifestyle.
He quakes my stability and equilibrium.
He calls me from comfort to sacrifice.
He calls me from ease to pain.
I’ll take Barabbas, thank you very much.
He doesn’t really expect anything from me.
He wants to develop a subdivision in my soul and live there, hideout there.
Give me Barabbas!
Jesus is too subversive.
I don’t think I want Jesus.
His way is too costly.
His words are too hard.
Give me Barabbas!
I am Barabbas!
Give me my way, my selfish desires.
Give me freedom from sacrifice.
Leave me to my own devices and vices.
I don’t want change, but I need change.
I don’t want Jesus, the one who is called Messiah, but I need Him.
Give me Barabbas!
No! Give me Jesus!
I have spent way too much of my life choosing Barabbas. Today is a new day to choose Jesus, the one who is called Messiah. Barabbas must be silenced, rejected and refused. Today, right now, in this instance, give me Jesus, the one who breaks the grip of Barabbas. Give me Jesus, the one who became Barabbas so that my sins could be forgiven and I could go free.
Today, in this moment and in this instance, I choose Jesus.
Scripture Of The Day: "God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life." - 1 John 5:11-12 (NIV)
“While Pilate was sitting on the judge’s seat, his wife sent him this message: ‘Don’t have anything to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him.’ But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus executed.
“Which of the two do you want me to release to you? asked the governor. ‘Barabbas,’ they answered.”(Matthew 27 15-21)
Every day you and I are faced with the option of choosing Jesus or Barabbas. I wish I could tell you I always choose Jesus, but the truth is sometimes I, too, ask for Barabbas. If you are anything like me, sometimes you belt out and scream:
Give me Barabbas!
Give me Barabbas!
Barabbas doesn’t disturb me because I am Barabbas!
Give me Barabbas!
Give me insurrection.
Give me rebellion.
Give me murder
Give me darkness.
Give me selfish ambition.
Give me pride.
Give me self-promotion.
Give me an undisturbed conscience
Give me company among the irreverent.
Give me Barabbas!
Just don’t give me Jesus, the one who is called Messiah
He disturbs my values.
He upsets my world.
He challenges my lifestyle.
He quakes my stability and equilibrium.
He calls me from comfort to sacrifice.
He calls me from ease to pain.
I’ll take Barabbas, thank you very much.
He doesn’t really expect anything from me.
He wants to develop a subdivision in my soul and live there, hideout there.
Give me Barabbas!
Jesus is too subversive.
I don’t think I want Jesus.
His way is too costly.
His words are too hard.
Give me Barabbas!
I am Barabbas!
Give me my way, my selfish desires.
Give me freedom from sacrifice.
Leave me to my own devices and vices.
I don’t want change, but I need change.
I don’t want Jesus, the one who is called Messiah, but I need Him.
Give me Barabbas!
No! Give me Jesus!
I have spent way too much of my life choosing Barabbas. Today is a new day to choose Jesus, the one who is called Messiah. Barabbas must be silenced, rejected and refused. Today, right now, in this instance, give me Jesus, the one who breaks the grip of Barabbas. Give me Jesus, the one who became Barabbas so that my sins could be forgiven and I could go free.
Today, in this moment and in this instance, I choose Jesus.
Scripture Of The Day: "God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life." - 1 John 5:11-12 (NIV)
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Ascend
In this current stage of life we are in — full of turmoil, earthquakes, tsunamis, political upheaval, national economic downfalls, etc. — many of us find ourselves in such a state that we actually feel “dead.” Some of us have experienced joblessness, homelessness, being without transportation, even lack of support from loved ones.
In these situations, deep depression can set in, and for all intents and purposes, we are as the "living dead." But hallelujah! We have an all powerful God in the resurrection business! He can change our situation faster than we can think about praying for a change. What are we to do while we wait for a resurrection? In His timing, when our loving God comes along and resurrects us from our miry clay, we can breathe easier, but then what?
If you are still in need of being resurrected, recall what Jesus said when He appeared to the first person, Mary Magdalene, after His resurrection. She certainly had been resurrected from a life full of sin and consequently became a devout follower of Christ. I believe it’s very significant that he chose her to appear to first. She had been looked down upon in her society because of her past sins, and she was a woman, already seen as a non-equal by most men of her day. Jesus’ messages to you may come from someone you least expect, so keep your spiritual antennae alert. In John 20:15, He asked Mary, “Why are you weeping?” and “Whom are you seeking?” The message here is that while we are weeping—during out darkest hours, in the midst of our wilderness, whatever it may be—we are also to seek God.
If you are in the process of being resurrected, perhaps you need a boost to get back on the right track. In John 21, Jesus also appeared to the disciples after His resurrection while they were out on the boat fishing. This is where the very familiar story of Peter walking on the water occurred, but take a deeper look at what Jesus said to them in verse 6: “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” Apparently, they had been fishing on the left side of the boat and caught nothing. Jesus was telling them to do things a different way. Many times, we get into routines in our lives and don’t consider alternative ways to accomplish things. Today’s economy and societal shifts demand considering different ways to accomplish your goals. How many thousands of people are focused on getting the same job you are applying for via the Internet, the same way? Stand out from the crowd and do it differently. Here’s a thought: write a letter and send it by express mail.
The last words Jesus commanded to us after His resurrection was that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning in Jerusalem (Luke 24:47). Who is the last person you told about Jesus?
For those who have entered into life after resurrection, know that Jesus got you up so you could continue to ascend, as He did, to the Father. The word “ascend” means to move upward or to rise from a lower level. How is your relationship with the Father? Have you done anything different lately to go higher spiritually? Do you know any more Bible verses than you did last year? Are you able to boldly share your testimony with others who are in the same situation you were in, and in so doing, be used of God in their resurrection?
After the resurrection but before Jesus ascended, He also imparted to us the awesome gift of the Holy Spirit (John 20:22). With this amazing power, the same power that God used to resurrect our beloved Jesus, the Christ, you can do what seems impossible.
If you are in the process of being resurrected, perhaps you need a boost to get back on the right track. In John 21, Jesus also appeared to the disciples after His resurrection while they were out on the boat fishing. This is where the very familiar story of Peter walking on the water occurred, but take a deeper look at what Jesus said to them in verse 6: “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” Apparently, they had been fishing on the left side of the boat and caught nothing. Jesus was telling them to do things a different way. Many times, we get into routines in our lives and don’t consider alternative ways to accomplish things. Today’s economy and societal shifts demand considering different ways to accomplish your goals. How many thousands of people are focused on getting the same job you are applying for via the Internet, the same way? Stand out from the crowd and do it differently. Here’s a thought: write a letter and send it by express mail.
The last words Jesus commanded to us after His resurrection was that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning in Jerusalem (Luke 24:47). Who is the last person you told about Jesus?
For those who have entered into life after resurrection, know that Jesus got you up so you could continue to ascend, as He did, to the Father. The word “ascend” means to move upward or to rise from a lower level. How is your relationship with the Father? Have you done anything different lately to go higher spiritually? Do you know any more Bible verses than you did last year? Are you able to boldly share your testimony with others who are in the same situation you were in, and in so doing, be used of God in their resurrection?
After the resurrection but before Jesus ascended, He also imparted to us the awesome gift of the Holy Spirit (John 20:22). With this amazing power, the same power that God used to resurrect our beloved Jesus, the Christ, you can do what seems impossible.
Embrace this truth, and ascend--closer and closer--to the Father.
Scripture Of The Day: "And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, 'Receive the Holy Spirit.'" - John 20:22 (ESV)
Monday, April 25, 2011
Now What?
by Tanya S James
This past weekend we celebrated Resurrection Sunday. People have many different traditions that they partake in during this time each year but I think overall most of us will agree that it’s a very special time for Christians.
It’s a time that many of us reflect on just how much God really loves us. He loves us so much that He sent His only son to die on the cross for our sins. Someone who had never sinned took the hit for the entire world. As a parent, it’s very hard for me to even consider such a sacrifice … but God.
During our reflections this season, some of us cried, some continuously praised God all weekend, some may have even re-committed their lives to Christ.
We love to hear the story of our Risen Savior and what it means for each of us. We meditate on those scriptures and sing numerous songs that fill our hearts with joy about God’s grace and mercy.
But now that the joyous celebratory weekend is over, I have to ask … now what?
Are you going back to life as usual?
You know exactly what I mean … the last few days even the closet Christians let their “light” shine a little. Are you going to now store it away until next year when the Resurrection Sunday cycle starts again? Or will you look for opportunities to share Christ with those around you?
Are you going to fall back into a rut of a defeated state of mind, focusing on what is not right in your life or are you going to make that shift and accentuate the positive?
Are you going to lose heart and faith because the circumstances or situations in your life right now look bleak or will you stand on the promises of God that you are an overcomer?
Are you going to return to the thoughts and actions that you “nailed to the cross” this weekend – or truly walk in your repentance, striving to keep all of God’s mandates?
Let’s not turn Resurrection Sunday into an external show; let’s make sure there is an internal change that took place and continues to take place daily in our lives.
You don’t have to wait until next spring to reflect on the goodness of God and the sacrifices that were made for us. Let’s make praise a lifestyle when it’s not convenient just as much as when it is.
Just as Jesus arose with all power in His Hand … it’s time for each of us to walk in the power that God has equipped us with. Today is a new day which gives you the opportunity to make a new commitment to be the Man or Woman of God that you were created to be. What a wonderful way to show God how much you truly appreciate the sacrifice He made for each of us.
Scripture Of The Day: “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold all things have become new.” - 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV)
During our reflections this season, some of us cried, some continuously praised God all weekend, some may have even re-committed their lives to Christ.
We love to hear the story of our Risen Savior and what it means for each of us. We meditate on those scriptures and sing numerous songs that fill our hearts with joy about God’s grace and mercy.
But now that the joyous celebratory weekend is over, I have to ask … now what?
Are you going back to life as usual?
You know exactly what I mean … the last few days even the closet Christians let their “light” shine a little. Are you going to now store it away until next year when the Resurrection Sunday cycle starts again? Or will you look for opportunities to share Christ with those around you?
Are you going to fall back into a rut of a defeated state of mind, focusing on what is not right in your life or are you going to make that shift and accentuate the positive?
Are you going to lose heart and faith because the circumstances or situations in your life right now look bleak or will you stand on the promises of God that you are an overcomer?
Are you going to return to the thoughts and actions that you “nailed to the cross” this weekend – or truly walk in your repentance, striving to keep all of God’s mandates?
Let’s not turn Resurrection Sunday into an external show; let’s make sure there is an internal change that took place and continues to take place daily in our lives.
You don’t have to wait until next spring to reflect on the goodness of God and the sacrifices that were made for us. Let’s make praise a lifestyle when it’s not convenient just as much as when it is.
Just as Jesus arose with all power in His Hand … it’s time for each of us to walk in the power that God has equipped us with. Today is a new day which gives you the opportunity to make a new commitment to be the Man or Woman of God that you were created to be. What a wonderful way to show God how much you truly appreciate the sacrifice He made for each of us.
Scripture Of The Day: “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold all things have become new.” - 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV)
Sunday, April 24, 2011
A New Relationship
by Greg Laurie
On the morning of the Resurrection, Jesus didn't allow Mary to touch Him. He was essentially saying, "It's not going to be the way it used to be. You can't hold on to Me in the old way. It's a new covenant."
Then He made a radical statement: "Go to My brethren and say to them, 'I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God' " (John 20:17). For Jesus to call God His Father was one thing. But He said, "I am ascending to My Father and your Father. . . . " In other words, "He is your Father now too."
If you came from a fatherless home, God can be the Father you never had. Jesus opened up a new relationship for us through His death on the cross and His resurrection from the dead. No longer must we go through a high priest to seek atonement for our sin, because Jesus became the final sacrifice for our sins. And He has given us free access to God the Father, to whom we can come in times of need.
Do you know God as your Father? Or does He seem like some distant force? If that is the case, I have good news for you: God is not some mere force or distant power somewhere in the universe. He is personal, He is caring, and He loves you. And that is why He sent His Son to die on the cross in our place.
If you came from a fatherless home, God can be the Father you never had. Jesus opened up a new relationship for us through His death on the cross and His resurrection from the dead. No longer must we go through a high priest to seek atonement for our sin, because Jesus became the final sacrifice for our sins. And He has given us free access to God the Father, to whom we can come in times of need.
Do you know God as your Father? Or does He seem like some distant force? If that is the case, I have good news for you: God is not some mere force or distant power somewhere in the universe. He is personal, He is caring, and He loves you. And that is why He sent His Son to die on the cross in our place.
Scripture Of The Day: Jesus said, "Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” - John 20:17 (NIV)
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