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Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
John 14:27
Every day with Jesus
Is sweeter than the day before
Every day with Jesus
I love Him more and more.
Jesus saves and keeps me
And He's the one I'm waiting for
Every day with Jesus
Is sweeter than the day before
A Childlike Amazement
We are called to grow and mature, but we are never to "grow" such that we are led away from the simple and unchanging truth: God loves us so much that He provided a way to restore a right relationship with Him through faith in His Son. Jesus died so we could live! Does this awesome act of love still amaze us, or have we "matured" to more "important" matters?
"And He [Jesus]said: 'I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.'” ~ Matthew 18:3
When my daughter was four years old, we read the Bible story about young Samuel. While discussing this story, my daughter showed me the excited faith God calls us to maintain. Perhaps her faith could teach us all...
As a young boy, Samuel was ministering with an old priest named Eli. One night God called to Samuel, but Samuel thought it was Eli's voice. Eli said he had not called and told Samuel to go back to bed. After God called a few more times, Samuel realized who was calling and answered: "Speak, for Your servant is listening" (1 Samuel 3:10). God then gave Samuel a message - but the message was all about Eli.
My daughter asked, "Why did God speak to Samuel if the message was really to Eli?" We talked about how we must be ready and willing to hear God. I said Eli may have had some problems or distractions in his life which kept him from hearing God, so God spoke His message through a child. I said little kids (like her) can sometimes hear God better than older people (like me).
"But, I don't hear God talk to me," she said, with a little disappointment in her voice. I explained how God doesn't usually speak so we can hear Him with our ears; rather, His Spirit speaks to our heart and we hear Him as we listen to our heart. Her little eyes widened, "Like today when I was going to sit on one of the baby toys - Jesus told my heart I was too big and shouldn't do it so I listened to what He said."
I encouraged her that this is exactly how God speaks to us, we just need to learn how to listen and then obey. My daughter thought for a moment and then slowly shook her head in amazement: "Wow! That's sooooo cool!!"
Suggested Prayer:
"Heavenly Father, I pray that Your Word never becomes just an interesting collection of stories. You created us, loved us, and will one day call us Home to be with You for all eternity - and Father, that's sooooo cool!! Help us to come into Your presence with a thankful and loving heart. Strengthen our faith every day and allow us to continually look on You and Your wonders with a "childlike amazement".
Have a Christ Centered Day!
_______________
~ by Steve Troxel, God's Daily Word Ministries (http://www.gdwm.org)
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Dangers on The Mountain
“Give thanks in everything, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:18
We spend a lot of our time seeking mountaintop experiences. The prevailing view is that life is about chasing circumstances that exhilarate us, that bring us exuberant joy.
But there are dangers on the mountain. For one, these types of experiences are only temporary. They are one of the terrains of life we shuffle through. No matter what we do, we cannot find a life forever on the mountaintops. Adventure junkies chase more and more adrenaline, pushing the edge a little more every time. Addicts obsess unto death. It is never enough.
The way the world is set up is to experience these mountaintops as rare and temporary joys. Believing we can do all of life there is an inaccurate and unhealthy perspective.
The danger of the mountain is that we believe life has to always be this way. That we must feel this exuberance, this high, in order to be okay. We sink into apathy or delusion to protect the unrealistic hope that all things will feel great all the time.
The truth is we can be okay throughout any of the terrains of life. It is our perception that sustains us, not the manipulation of our circumstances. We do not achieve peace by overwhelming ourselves with joy. We find peace by accepting and understanding the value of all circumstances, in any situation.
The mountaintop is not the finish line. It is just like every other kind of circumstance - a checkpoint. A chance to be thankful. A chance to learn. A chance to perceive a fuller truth of the unique journey of life.
_______________
~ published by: Yellow Balloons
https://yellowballoons.net
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Guy Penrod - Amazing Love/Word Of God Speak
Has that couple of beers or shots of whiskey on the weekend became a nightly thing? You know...just to take the edge off the day. Do you know that nobody wakes up one morning and says i think ill become an alcoholic? Has smoking a joint on the weekend or maybe a couple lines of cocaine turned into several nights a week to help you cope with the craziness, stress and hectic schedule of your life, work and the world? Do you know that nobody wakes up one morning and says i think ill become a addict? Do you read this and say...its cool..i can handle it...theres no way that i could ever be addicted...im just releasing stress and having a good time!...No big deal! Thats what millions of people have said in the beginning and sometimes it can take many years before a person wakes one morning and says...what happened to me? Ok, lets travel another road. Those pain pills the doctor gave you...those nerve pills you have been prescribed...how many are you doing a day and are you doing them now to help with a problem or have they become the problem. You know...your taking them now because they make you feel good...the definition of "feel good" is they give you a buzz. Now before you nail me to a cross...i know there is a time for prescribed medication...however...look at the statics of drug abuse and addiction stemming from prescribed drugs...its right up there with any other drug abuse! Ok...lets look at it in another light. Lets say the light of Jesus! If we say that we have been born-again then the Holy Spirit of God lives in us...so...what are we saying? What are the reasons that we are using alcohol and drugs? Stress, problems, burdens, relax after a hard day? Could it be that Jesus would prefer that we depend on Him for peace and comfort of those things? I mean...the very spirit of God is living in us...Right? And when we are with folks that are unsaved and we are drinking and / or using a little pot and coke...what are those unsaved people saying about us...are they seeing Jesus...or...are they seeing the world in us behaving just like them. What does that do to our witness and testimony? We are told several times in scripture to not be drunk with wine and In Ephesians 5:18 we are told..."And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit". Is not a "buzz" in any form...from any drink, drug and marijuana...all the same thing? And if you are not saved...i can assure you of this. The high you will get from Jesus Christ...if you will give your life to Him...is a high and hope and blessed assurance that alcohol and drugs will and can NEVER give you. One is a band-aide...the other...Jesus...is everlasting! Remember...ive been there and done that..i was a druggy and drunk for 25 years...im pretty sure i know what im talking about!
I Have No Regrets About My Past...My Past Is Who I Am Today...Born Again!
Rick j Sane
Having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,
Ephesians 1:18
Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”
Deuteronomy 31:6
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
1 Peter 1:3
But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Jeremiah 29:11
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
Romans 15:13
The Healing Pains
“In His kindness God called you to share in His eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, He will restore, support, and strengthen you, and He will place you on a firm foundation.” ~ 1 Peter 5:10
The paradox of pain is that the best way to be freed from it is to press into it. When we experience life in the valley, we want to make every effort to shortcut or short-circuit the pain. We slap a coat of paint over it. We dismiss it away with platitudes. Anything to silence the agonizing drone of suffering.
This does not solve our pain. It actually prolongs it. When we treat our pain like a beach ball that we try desperately to stuff underwater, one of these days, it is going to pop to the surface in full force.
Pain is not solved by avoidance or denial. It is not actually “solved” at all. Pain is a unique life circumstance that can only be treated with honesty and hope.
Our best strategy is to approach pain with a perspective of truth. To lay our cards on the table, ask the tough questions, and experience it for all it is worth. When we share our pain with others, we are investing in relationships, and allowing God space to work. The One who is our comfort will be with us every step of the way. Pain is an opportunity to experience the valley of life with the Creator of Life.
_________________
~ published by: Yellow Balloons
https://yellowballoons.net
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How to Respond Well
~ Wise people take the time to verify information before choosing a course of action.
Scripture Reading: 2 Samuel 10:1-4
Hanun, the king of the Ammonites, reacted to misinformation. His father had just died, so King David sent some servants to offer condolences. But Hanun’s commanders convinced him that the visitors were spies coming to scope out his land. Without checking whether the accusation was true, he abused and mocked David’s servants, which led to a war.
We’ve likely done something similar (though, thankfully, it didn’t lead to battle). Maybe we reacted to a rumor before confirming the information. Or perhaps we failed to ask clarifying questions. And at one point or another, most of us have responded too quickly to a situation — striking back, like a frightened animal, before taking time to consider the godly response. And our reaction probably caused hurt feelings or embarrassment.
Yet wisdom instructs us to respond differently.
There are countless passages of Scripture discussing the value of wisdom and how to acquire it from God. Spend some time this week looking up a few. Take notes on the ones that resonate most and see if you can find any common themes. Then ask God to teach you how to respond to others more slowly, with grace and wisdom (James 1:19-20).
________________
~ published by: In Touch Ministries
https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/how-to-respond-well-2
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New Mercies Every Morning
~ God's faithfulness in caring for us changes everything.
Scripture Reading:
"The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never end. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!” ~ Lamentations 3:22-23
The prophet Jeremiah knew the sorrow of a dark night. He’s often called the weeping prophet because of the tears he cried over the destruction of Jerusalem and the sinfulness of her people. But even in his sorrow, Jeremiah was able to hold on to hope. He remained confident that both God’s people and the city of Jerusalem would be restored, thanks to the Father’s faithfulness and unending mercy.
For Jeremiah, confidence stemmed from trusting in God, and the same can be true for us. No matter what difficulties arise, we have God’s promise that He is faithful to care for us. That promise changes everything — trusting in God’s faithfulness and mercy allows us to cling to unwavering hope for the future.
Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:30-32 underscore Jeremiah’s heart cry:
“Do not worry then, saying, ‘What are we to eat?’ or ‘What are we to drink?’ or ‘What are we to wear for clothing?’ …for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.”
God is fully aware of our needs and will be faithful to meet them. His mercies are available to us every single day. Let’s be deliberate about leaning into those mercies, as Jeremiah was. And we, too, can look forward to experiencing confidence and peace.
_______________
~ published by: In Touch Ministries
https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/new-mercies-every-morning
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From the Pastor’s Heart – April 2024
~ Just as each body part depends on the others, so we too need each other.
You’ve probably noticed that church life can be comforting and refreshing, or uncomfortable, puzzling, difficult, and all-absorbing — in other words, it’s a lot like a family. A healthy, Bible- believing fellowship is made of life-giving connections. Churches aren’t perfect, but you could call them one of our “essential blessings.”
Dr. Stanley often talked about why. Here are some thought-provoking words he offered on the value of participating in the body of Christ:
________________
I want to talk to you about something that liberated me to finally become the person God wanted me to be. It wasn’t a single amazing experience or miraculous sign.
It was something familiar yet powerful: the local church.
I could not be more grateful for everyone who listens to or watches our broadcast; I pray the time we learn together is beneficial and enjoyable. At the same time, I hope those who are able to be involved in a local church will do that as well.
Why?
Because we’re meant to live in relationship with fellow believers. In fact, it’s essential for spiritual growth. God doesn’t want us to be “lone ranger” Christians. Why else would He put so many “one another” passages in the New Testament?
But this advice isn’t just for those who choose not to attend a church.
Even people who go to church regularly may be spectators rather than participants. The Christian life is more than a weekly appointment. It involves living life with other believers in practical and profound ways.
The Lord made this calling clear in 1 Corinthians 12:12-26 when He described the church as one body with different parts. Every member is essential for the proper working of the church. Just as each body part depends on the others, so we too need each other.
All the “one another” commands in the Bible can be fulfilled by loving each other. But how does that work out practically in the church? To help you understand how we are to help and care for each other in the fellowship of believers, I’d like to focus on a few of these commands.
First of all, we are to “encourage one another and build one another up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
Fellowship in the church isn’t just greeting each other or sharing potluck meals. It means investing ourselves in people’s lives and helping them grow spiritually. There are a variety of ways this can be done — praying for them, sharing biblical principles that apply to their situations in life, or reminding them of God’s faithfulness and promises.
Later in this chapter, Paul added these instructions: “Admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone” (1 Thessalonians 5:14).
Second, we should “be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor” (Romans 12:10).
The church is not a place to claim personal rights or seek self advancement. Instead, we serve each other by seeking the other person’s good. Think how many church conflicts would dissolve if we all considered others as more important than ourselves.
Third, we are to treat others “with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love” (Ephesians 4:2).
Verse 32 adds similar characteristics of kindness, compassion, and forgiveness. Think about the opposites of these qualities — pride, harshness, impatience, intolerance, rudeness, indifference, and unforgiveness.
We all want the first list to characterize us, not the second. But living in close relationship with other people sometimes reveals qualities we need to develop, doesn’t it? Perhaps that’s why some people no longer attend church. Maybe they’ve been hurt in the past or have developed animosity toward some fellow believers. Yet these conflicts are the very reason we need to stay involved.
God uses these hurts and disagreements to make us more like Christ and produce godly traits in us. If we give up on the church, we lose out on this sanctifying influence.
I’ve always had a group of Christian men with whom I meet regularly. They hold me accountable, stimulate me to pursue godliness, confront me when I’m slow to recognize sin, and encourage me to keep going. That’s what each of us needs, and such friends can be found in church. You may not be able to know everyone in your local fellowship, but you can know a few people intimately.
God has used those relationships to transform me. I know He’ll do the same for you.
________________
Church life, even in healthy congregations, can be challenging.
But Dr. Stanley has reminded us that, at least in part, that’s God’s design. We hope this letter encourages you to take a step toward local fellowship, or bring your current participation to a new level.
Let God surprise you with all He can do through the presence of His people. This moment just might be the start of something new. Till next time,
God bless you.
For His Glory,
Your Friends at In Touch Ministries
https://www.intouch.org/read/from-pastors-heart/april-2024
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For those of us that are born-again believers...i think we know...or we should know...because we often hear it said. When we are unsaved we dont have to get it together...we dont have to make things right in our life...we dont have to fix our self. What we have to do is come before God just as we are and ask for forgiveness and then God through his Son Jesus...and the Holy Spirit...they change us and God fixes us. We are a new creation...we are born again...right? So as a new creation...whats going on in your life today. Is there pain..sorrow..loneliness. Has maybe drugs or alcohol creep into your life and maybe even become a problem. Is it gambling..pornography..gossip or unforgiveness. Whats going on in your life thats messed everything up and maybe youre trying to put it past you. Maybe youre trying to make it better..maybe youre trying to fix things. However...have you have forgotten something about our Lord and Savior. Now listen..those things that are going on in our life..im not making light of it they are very real to us. But we have to remember we dont have to fix our self. As Believers were very good at quoting.."I can do all things through Jesus who gives me strength"..right. But do we really believe that? Read that verse again it says "I can do all things through Jesus who gives me strength"..through Jesus! We dont have to fix ourselves..we dont have to keep sweeping things under the rug. What we got to do is go before the throne and just like that day of salvation turn it all over to God and let him through Jesus...through the Holy Spirit..fix us. Listen to me folks..let me tell you first-hand what God can do. Ole Rick Sane who who lived 25 years of Helter Skelter madness from age 15 to 40 and i was so sick of that lifestyle. Remember the old saying "sick and tired of waking up sick and tired"...i tried to get it together to fix myself who knows how many times and i could not do it because my flesh and satan had such a grip on me. Let me be a Witness...let me use my testimony to tell you...If God could and did fix me..He can fix anybody! Yes i still have a lot of imperfections and rough edges...im still a sinner....but im talking about whatever youre going through today...turn it over to God and let him fix you. I think most of us love the old hymn "I surrender All"...sit there and sing that to yourself and sing it to God...and then with Faith give whatever is going on in your life to Jesus...let Jesus fix you!
I Have No Regrets About My Past...My Past Is Who I Am Today...Born Again!
Rick j Sane
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.
Isaiah 26:3
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
Colossians 3:2
“Let God have your life; He can do more with it than you can.”
-Dwight L. Moody-
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.
Proverbs 3:5
Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.
Psalm 62:8
the righteous shall move onward and forward; those with pure hearts shall become stronger and stronger.
Job 17:9
he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of his saints. Then you will understand righteousness and justice and equity, every good path.
Proverbs 2:7-9
Secret Prayer
"Night and day we pray earnestly...” ~ 1 Thessalonians 3:10
The author of an old book about prayer, "The Kneeling Christian", said:
“It is not too much to say that all real growth in the spiritual life — all victory over temptation, all confidence and peace in the presence of difficulties and dangers, all repose of spirit in times of great disappointment or loss, all habitual communion with God — depend upon the practice of secret prayer.”
When we think God doesn’t hear our prayers, it’s not because He’s far away. He is nearer than we can imagine. Perhaps He knows our request isn’t really for our good. Or maybe the timing isn’t right. Sometimes we must “wait on the Lord” (Psalm 27:14). Perhaps a sinful habit is hindering our prayers.
Remember - God is always very near and working on our behalf. When we see immediate answers to our prayers, we should rejoice. When He doesn’t answer immediately, we should trust. The time we spend in prayer is precious because we are entering into and recognizing the presence of a God for whom nothing is impossible. Give Him time to work!
______________
~ by David Jeremiah (https://www.davidjeremiah.org)
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Remaining Faithful
~ Those who drift away from God will always find Him ready to forgive.
Scripture Reading: 1 Kings 11:1-6
God gives wisdom when we ask, but we are responsible for applying that wisdom daily. Let’s consider Solomon again. Despite his great understanding, the later part of his life was marked by a turning away from God. Solomon had clear instruction not to marry foreign women, but he chose to reject God’s wisdom and do it anyway. The influence of those wives eventually led Solomon into the worship of idols.
The unfortunate downfall of the wisest man who ever lived is a helpful warning for us. No matter how strong we think we are, we aren’t above making choices that could cause us to turn away from the Lord. Over time, small decisions to ignore God’s principles can have a devastating cumulative effect: Slight compromises in how we live can put us on a path leading away from God and His perfect plan.
• Is there anything in your life that you know shouldn’t be there?
• Have you been justifying it?
If so, ask the Lord for forgiveness and submit that habit, situation, or tendency to Him. He’s waiting with open arms. Choose to apply the gift of God’s wisdom to your everyday decisions, today and throughout the entirety of your life. Let’s stay faithful to walk in wisdom at all times.
_________________
~ published by: In Touch Ministries
https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/remaining-faithful
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And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28
Are you putting your faith and trust in the Lord? Some people seem to trust God with their eternal salvation, but they have trouble trusting Him for their every-day life. God is the same yesterday, today, forever...its us humans that are always changing. We are hot then we are cold in our belief....we have a yes then a no to our thoughts and words....we make up our minds then we change it...we give our burdens to God then we take them back. We humans...we really are a flaky bunch! Look it friends. God never promised this life here on planet earth to be a cake walk or a stroll thru the rose garden. We as believers are going to have sickness and problems just like everyone else. And...just because we know Jesus as Lord...dont mean that He is going to come riding in on a white horse to save the day all the time and make our life easy. God dont operate like that. Yes... God wants the very best for us...but only God knows what that is. Our feeble little minds are pretty much looking in the wrong direction a good deal of the time! So...our loving heavenly Father gives us what we need...when we need it...be it good or not so good. As we look back on our christian lives...we can see quite a bit of sorrow...suffering...as well as blessings and joy. Its all for a reason. A Godly reason. Let us always put our complete faith and trust in God no matter what our circumstances are, Good...bad...happy or sad...sometimes even tragic..In the long run what we obtain from all of our lifes experiences is "sovereign God"...in complete control of everything all the time... molding us into the likeness of Jesus! I mean...that really is what life here on planet earth is about isnt it...allowing God to mold us into the likeness of Jesus in preparation of heaven! Think about it!
I Have No Regrets About My Past...My Past Is Who I Am Today...Born Again!
Rick j Sane
Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Savior, and my hope is in You all day long
Psalm 25:5
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the Lord.
Isaiah 55:8
“The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.”
Psalm 18:2
Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
Hebrews 13:8
“This world is not my home, I’m just passing through,
My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue.
The angels beckon me from heaven’s open door
And I can’t feel at home in this world anymore.”
-Albert Brumley-
For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come.
Hebrews 13:14
In Whom
“...so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men or women, but in the power of God.” ~ 1 Corinthians 2:5
When we think about faith, we often think about an outcome during an event, circumstance, or season. I believe this or that will happen. I believe things will be ok.
The truest and most important aspect of faith is the object of the faith, in whom we place our trust. When we believe in specific circumstances, we disqualify our perspective from trusting God if the circumstance does not work out like we imagine.
Faith in outcomes is really hope. The foundation of faith is not in outcomes but in power. There is a fine, but distinct, line between believing the Who and the what. There is an immense difference between believing in Him who can do all things and believing a specific thing ought to be done.
Faith is the choice to trust God. It is obeying without knowing what the outcome will be. Faith unleashes the power of God’s Spirit.The true height of human capacity.
Faith means trusting in God even when we do not like or understand what He is doing. This, in fact, is the very thing that makes faith so powerful, so advantageous to us. The outcomes we want, even if we get them, don’t always work out how we imagined. Our wisdom is flawed and incomplete, but God’s wisdom is true and boundless.
________________
~ published by: Yellow Balloons
https://yellowballoons.net
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The Daily Article — April 1, 2024
The White House became embroiled in controversy over the weekend after issuing a “Proclamation on Transgender Day of Visibility, 2024” for Easter Sunday.
Rev. Greg Laurie called the proclamation “a profound insult to the sincerely held religious beliefs of millions of Americans on our holiest day” and added, “It’s time to turn back to God, not turn our backs on God.” Others joined in criticizing the proclamation as assaulting the Christian faith. Proponents noted that the event falls on March 31 every year and only coincidentally aligned with Easter this year.
If the event had been rescheduled so as not to conflict with Easter, criticism would have risen in precisely the opposite direction: proponents would have supported the move while critics would have labeled it discriminatory and likely blamed Christians for being “transphobic.”
This controversy is nothing new: Easter has been dividing skeptics and believers since Jesus rose from the dead. The authorities who arranged Jesus’ crucifixion, when told by the guard of His resurrection, bribed them to lie (Matthew 28:11–15) and continued to persecute His followers (Acts 5:40). While billions of Christians claimed yesterday that Jesus is “risen indeed,” billions more rejected or ignored our claim.
How can we persuade Americans not to “turn our backs on God” but to “turn back to God”?
Monday can be our most persuasive evidence for Sunday.
Would you die for a lie?
The historical evidence for the resurrection is remarkably strong (see my article, “Why Jesus?” for an extensive overview). For example, we know from ancient non-biblical records that:
• Jesus of Nazareth was a real person of history.
• He was crucified by Pontius Pilate.
• His first followers believed He was raised from the dead.
• They worshiped Him as God.
We can also point to the empirical evidence of the empty tomb. No other explanation makes sense:
• If the disciples stole the body, how did they overpower the Roman guards, convince five hundred people that He was alive (1 Corinthians 15:6), make His body appear through locked doors (John 20:19) and cook a meal for the disciples (John 21:9–12), then cause His body to ascend to heaven (Acts 1:9)?
• Would they then all die for a lie, some in gruesome ways? Would you?
• If the authorities stole the body, wouldn’t they produce it when the disciples began preaching the resurrection?
• If the women went to the wrong tomb, wouldn’t the authorities and Joseph of Arimathea, who owned the correct tomb, correct the error?
• If Jesus didn’t really die on the cross, how did He survive a spear thrust that ruptured the pericardial sac of His heart (John 19:34) and an airtight mummified shroud, overpower the guards in His emaciated condition, make His way through locked doors, and then perform the greatest high jump in history at the ascension?
Of course, a postmodern relativist is likely to dismiss all of this with the rejoinder, “that’s just your truth.” We are objectivists with nearly every dimension of reality, from the laws of physics to laws against murder, theft, and the like. But when we confront reality that clashes with our preferences, we retreat to the shelter of subjectivism, claiming that “all truth is relative” (which is an objective truth claim).
The most compelling argument for Easter
You and I can choose today to become evidence for the most compelling argument for Easter in our relativistic culture: the changed lives of Jesus’ followers.
The apostles are our example. Men who abandoned Jesus when He was arrested, denied Him when He was on trial, forsook Him when He was dying on the cross, and then hid from the authorities behind locked doors soon became catalysts for the mightiest spiritual movement in human history.
Peter is Exhibit A. After boasting that he would never deny his Lord, he denied even knowing Him three times. Even after he saw the empty tomb, he returned to his fishing profession (John 21:3). (Note that he went fishing at night, which was what professional rather than recreational fishermen did so they could sell their catch as “fresh” the next morning; (Luke 5:5).
But when he met the risen Lord, he left his fishing nets behind to “fish for men” (Matthew 4:19). The other apostles joined him, spreading out across the Roman Empire to share the good news of Easter at the eventual cost of their lives. There is no other reasonable explanation for their transformed lives except that they met the risen Christ and were never the same again.
“From this, everything begins anew!”
So it can be with you and me. What we do today can show that what we celebrated yesterday is true. When others see the difference Christ makes in our lives, they will be drawn to seek that difference for their lives.
If you and I truly walk this path with the risen Christ today, our world cannot be the same tomorrow.
_______________
~ published by: Denison Ministries
https://www.denisonforum.org/daily-article/biden-transgender-day-of-visibility-easter-sunday/
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Dying for Encouragement
"Commission Joshua, and encourage him and strengthen him.” ~ Deuteronomy 3:28
In Deuteronomy 3, we read that Moses encouraged Joshua as he was about to assume leadership of the Israelites. No doubt Joshua was filled with fear and a feeling of inadequacy to fill Moses's shoes. The Lord therefore told Moses to encourage Joshua.
All of us need a word of encouragement from time to time to spur us on when we are facing a major new challenge. But we also need words of appreciation and commendation as we carry out our daily responsibilities, whether at home or at work.
When a corporate accountant committed suicide, an effort was made to find out why. The company's books were examined, but no shortage was found. Nothing could be uncovered that gave any clue as to why he took his life-that is, until a note was discovered. It simply said: "In thirty years I have never had one word of encouragement. I'm fed up!"
Many people crave some small sign of approval. They need a word of recognition, a caring smile, a warm handshake, and an honest expression of appreciation for the good we see in them or in their work.
Every day let's determine to encourage (not flatter) at least one person. Let's do our part to help those around us who are dying for encouragement.
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~ by Richard DeHaan (Our Daily Bread)
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The best news of the Christian gospel is that the supremely glorious Creator of the universe has acted in Jesus Christ's death and resurrection to remove every obstacle between us and himself so that we may find everlasting joy in seeing and savoring his infinite beauty.
-Charles Spurgeon-
Let the resurrection joy lift us from loneliness and weakness and despair to strength and beauty and happiness.
-Josh McDowell-
We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.
Romans 6: 4-5
“The resurrection of Jesus changes the face of death for all His people. Death is no longer a prison, but a passage into God’s presence. Easter says you can put truth in a grave, but it won’t stay there. You can nail it to a cross, wrap it in winding sheets and shut it up in a tomb, but it will rise!
-John Stott-
Jesus Has Risen.........After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook 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 was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.” So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”
Matthew 28: 1-10
The Empty Tomb
"On the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark. She saw that the stone had been removed [rolled away] from the tomb. So she ran to Simon Peter and to the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put Him!”
"At that, Peter and the other disciple went out, heading for the tomb. The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and got to the tomb first. Stooping down, he saw the linen cloths lying there, yet he did not go in. Then, following him, Simon Peter came also. He entered the tomb and saw the linen cloths lying there. The wrapping that had been on His head was not lying with the linen cloths but was folded up in a separate place by itself. The other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, then entered the tomb, saw, and believed. For they still did not understand the Scripture that He must rise from the dead. Then the disciples went home again.”
Mary Magdalene Sees the Risen Lord
"But Mary stood outside facing the tomb, crying. As she was crying, she stooped to look into the tomb. She saw two angels in white sitting there, one at the head and one at the feet, where Jesus’ body had been lying. They said to her, “Woman, why are you crying?”
“Because they’ve taken away my Lord,” she told them, “and I don’t know where they’ve put Him.” Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, though she did not know it was Jesus."
“Woman,” Jesus said to her, “why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?”
Supposing He was the gardener, she replied, “Sir, if you’ve removed Him, tell me where you’ve put Him, and I will take Him away.”
"Jesus said, “Mary.”
"Turning around, she said to Him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni!” — which means “Teacher.”
“Don’t cling to Me,” Jesus told her, “for I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to My brothers and tell them that I am ascending to My Father and your Father — to My God and your God.”
"Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them what He had said to her.”
The Disciples Commissioned
"In the evening of that first day of the week, the disciples were gathered together with the doors locked because of their fear of the Jews. Then Jesus came, stood among them, and said to them, “Peace to you!”
"Having said this, He showed them His hands and His side. So the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord."
"Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” After saying this, He breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”
Thomas Sees and Believes
"But one of the Twelve, Thomas (called “Twin”), was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples kept telling him, “We have seen the Lord!”
"But he said to them, “If I don’t see the mark of the nails in His hands, put my finger into the mark of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will never believe!”
"After eight days His disciples were indoors again, and Thomas was with them. Even though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them. He said, “Peace to you!”
"Then He said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and observe My hands. Reach out your hand and put it into My side. Don’t be an unbeliever, but a believer.”
"Thomas responded to Him, “My Lord and my God!”
"Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen Me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
The Purpose of This Gospel
"Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of His disciples that are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may believe Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and by believing you may have life in His name."
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~ John 20
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Saturday morning...some folks had known Jesus for the 33 years of His life...others only knew Jesus for a part of that and others only the three years of His ministry...claiming to be not only the Son of God...but also God in a mans body. Most did not believe...others did. Whichever the case...here a good many had laid eyes on Jesus and watched Him heal the sick...cause the blind to see...the lame to walk...they had watched Jesus cast demons out...and yet...for those that did or did not believe...they had now seen this man beat to within a inch of His life and then nailed to a cross where He hung for six hours and He died. This man that claimed to be Gods Son and God Himself...He had died like any other man...how can this be? All were expecting a king to come told by the prophets of old...but this was no king...Jesus was but a simple man...a man they thought like any other...and now...here He lay dead in a tomb...His life ended most brutally at the hands of other men...how can this be? Even the Apostles and His disciples...and a few other women that were close to Jesus...that totally believed in what they were told by Jesus...they were in shock...in disbelief...this man that they believed to be who He said He was....now lay dead in a tomb...and as His followers..now fearing for their life! Jesus had told them that He would rise from the tomb in three days and they wanted to believe...but...If He truly was who He said He was...why did He have to die to begin which...their faith was shaken to their core....they wanted to believe...but how can this be? They just didnt understand! So i ask you this morning...do you believe? Where is your faith and trust in your daily life? Are you depending on you to struggle thru the uncertainties of life...or...do you believe in who Jesus says that he is...do you believe in the coming Messiah?
I Have No Regrets About My Past...My Past Is Who I Am Today...Born Again!
Rick j Sane
Only in the Cross of Christ will we receive power when we are powerless. We will find strength when we are weak. We will experience hope when our situation is hopeless. Only in the Cross is there peace for our troubled hearts.
-Michael Youssef-
The Christian community is a community of the cross, for it has been brought into being by the cross, and the focus of its worship is the Lamb once slain, now glorified.
-John Stott-
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