Jesus. Not Just For Easter!

Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold. Matthew 24:12

 It does not take a rocket scientist to  know we are getting closer to the end of times. Subtly the enemy has crept in, spun his web of deceit, and many, even believers, have fallen for it.  Evil is being called good and good being called evil just as it says in Isaiah 5:20. We have ignored the word of God and we are beginning to pay a price for our foolishness. For many, church becomes the thing to do especially if it is Easter or Christmas. Somewhere deep down those persons in the category of only attending twice yearly must really believe in God or maybe they are going because they know they should. 

Jesus wants you to love Him more than just acting like you do. He loves us so much. Imagine if you will a friend wanting to spend time with you but you keep making excuses why you can't. Not much of a relationship would develop now would it? It is the same with Jesus. He wants to spend time with you each day not just on Sunday. He is knocking on your hearts door, why not answer today? 

PRAYER: Lord forgive me for days I wake up and ignore you. I know I have broken your heart. I need more of you in my life each day. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

WHAT IS FIRST? FACEBOOK OR HIS BOOK?

 

Be honest for a moment. When you get up each day and get ready what is more important to you? Do you check your Facebook and see what all your friends and family are doing or do you sit down with a cup of coffee and pick up the Bible and strengthen your spirit with God's word? The 'world' tries to distract you with the things that are not that important in the big scheme of things. Is the morning show going to help you more or is the Bible? Will seeing everyone's pictures on Facebook make your day any better? The things that are most important have to be prioritized. I am not trying to guilt you into not relaxing and enjoying a few worldly pleasures but trying to get you to think for a moment where you spend your time and what you put first.

The Bible says in Matthew 6:21(NIV) 'For where your treasure is there your heart will be also'. Meditate on that scripture for just a moment. Is Jesus your passion or just a passing thought? Do you look forward to spending time with Him each day or would you rather get up and turn on the morning news?

You may have been all excited about God and Jesus this past Sunday on Easter but guess what? Jesus is more than just an "Easter thing". For someone who names the name of Jesus He should be your way of life and a "habit". He is part of your going out and your coming in. He is mighty to save and ready to help you through all of lifes ups and downs. It is not just about church on Sunday but it should be a way of life.

Stop and ask yourself if you need more of Jesus in your life.Only you can answer this question. Do you want more of Jesus in your life or is Sunday enough?

Your assignment today is to read the first chapter of the book of John in the New Testament. After you have done this ask God to give you a passion for His word and getting to know Him better. He can and will transform your life if you ask Him to.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I need you in my life each and every day. I can not do life without you in it as an active part. At times I have let other things become more important and squeeze you out. Forgive me Lord. I run to you now and ask you to help transform me into your image. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click link below and tune your heart into Jesus:

http://youtu.be/6Jo3y_XoHHQ

JESUS...NOT JUST FOR EASTER!

What a joyous day this is for Christians everywhere!! This day is one
of my favorite. I have many happy memories of celebrating Easter. It
is not about egg hunts, pretty clothes, and crowded churches. It is
about a man who came so that we might have life and died a horrible
death on a cross for what? So we could ignore Him for 364 days and
come to church one day a year? So we could do our own thing and
disregard what scriptures say? So we could only cry out to Him in our
desperation? No matter what we have done or how we have treated or
mistreated Him, he is forgiving and wants you to come to Him and accept
Him into your heart. How many humans do you know who could be treated like Jesus was and just turn the other cheek? Not very many probably.

If we name the name of Jesus we are to try to follow in His footsteps and be Christlike and holy. Many times we get caught up in what is popular in the "world" and sort of leave Jesus out of the equation. This is what is happening in America today. Too many of us are complacent about our walk with Him and compromise so many things. Sin is still sin. The Bible has not changed. Hebrews 13:5(NIV) says 'Jesus Christ is the same today, yesterday, and forever.' Proverbs 18:10(ESV) says 'The name of the Lord is a strong tower. The righteous man run into it and are safe.'

The busier we become the less time we have for things that matter. One of our priorities as a believer should be saturating ourselves in Bible teaching. How do you expect to win the battle against Satan unless you are properly "armed" with the promises in the Bible?

Why not try to get excited about Jesus on all the days of the week? He should be first place in a believers life. What do you need to do to make the feeling of Easter last throughout the year?

PRAYER: Lord I confess that at times I have not studied your word enough and may be tricked, deceived, or sucked into one of the schemes of the enemy, Satan. I purpose in my heart to put you and your word first. I know Satan will throw things in my path to distract me but help me resist and run the race to win! In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click link below for a powerful worship song:
http://youtu.be/X_2qG22SPwU

EVIL FOR EVIL? NOT!!

Here we are one day prior to the celebration of Easter Sunday. I think today of the evil forces in this world that hate Jesus and God and hated him so much back then that they hung him on a cross to die. Even when all this torture was going on what did He do? He wanted us to forgive those soldiers who hammered nails into His hands and feet, put a crown of thorns on Him and treated him so horribly. In Luke 23:34(ESV) it says 'Father forgive them for they know not what they do'.

Evil for evil, no way. God is good, and Satan is evil, the king of evil and lies. He is at work overtime even in the lives of Christians to trick, deceive and lie to them. That is why it is so essential that we saturate ourselves with the truths found only in God's word, The Bible. Do you study it and take time to "know Jesus"?

Do you ever catch yourself saying you do not like someone or even utter the word "hate"? Maybe someone has hurt you, been mean to you, or just treated you poorly. In Matthew 5:43-48(NIV) says 'You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get?Are not even the tax collectors doing that?And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.'

Try an experiment. Try actually forgiving people who have wronged you. Even if they are no longer around and you are unable to do it in person. Try just loving for a change. Ask God to transform the hate you may feel into His love for them. Only Satan wants revenge, not God.

Memorize this verse below if you can, found in 1 Peter 3:9(NIV). '

Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.' When you start to get mad or let your thoughts dwell on being mad, turn it into love instead. PRAYER: This is the day you have made for us to enjoy and serve you. I know Lord at times I allow the enemy to capture my thoughts and start wrong thinking. I allow hate and anger in when I should instead be allowing your transforming power of love. Help me Lord as I seek to stay on the path of love and forgiveness. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click link before and enjoy this Easter melody.

http://youtu.be/Li8Ld8KWTbA 

BUNNY OR THE CROSS?

The celebration of Easter Sunday is upon us in two days. This is the
day people crowd churches who do not normally attend anywhere or at

any time. Somehow these "lily Christians" as an Air Force Chaplain

friend called them, know it is the right thing to do so hurray for

them! Church at Easter is not about bunnies, new clothes, and colorful

eggs. It is about the Resurrection of Jesus from the dead. Today marks
Good Friday when Christians commemorate the Lord's crucifixion and
death upon The cross. This is a sad day for some but a solemn day
leading up to Easter and Jesus arising from the dead!

Who do you serve? What is important to you? Is Easter just an excuse
for a new dress or suit? Does this Holy day mean a family portrait for
some? Regardless of what you do on this day you can not deny that
Jesus died a cruel death on the cross for you and I? Many choose to
totally ignore Him and go their own way. Even many who claim to be
Christians rarely get into the Bible and study it. "It is boring or
too deep for me" you might say. "Why do I need to know the Bible?" is
another possible response. "Look get off my case because I go to
church don't I?" is another verbal response. Remember it was said
"going into a church won't make you a Christian any more than going
into a garage will make you a car."

For some the only Bible verses they may know by memory are John 3:16
and the 23rd Psalm. The first verse is recited time and time again to
little children in Sunday school. The 23rd Psalm is often read at
funerals and therefore many are familiar with it. Does it go beyond
there? Would you like it to? If you answered "no" then possibly ask
yourself if you truly ever did ask Jesus to be Lord of your life.

Psalm 51:10(ESV) says 'Create in me Oh Lord, a clean heart and renew a
right spirit within me.' Can you make that your prayer today and
every day?

PRAYER: Lord I am thankful for your word, The Holy Bible. I am
thankful in this nation to be able to worship freely. I know many
countries people can not. I ask that you help we in thus nation not
take you or your Holy Word for granted. Forgive me Lord if I have ever
let other things get in the way of knowing you better. In Jesus' name.
Amen.

KEEP YOUR THOUGHTS ON GOD

 

This is Easter week. Many people are thinking of pretty clothes, spring, Easter egg hunts, candy, baskets and all those "worldly" things that go along with this religious holiday. On this very Holy week our thoughts should be on God and things of the Lord. What a happy day it was when Jesus rose from the dead after three days in a tomb. We are to be joyous and celebrate His gift to us. When you focus on Christ you tend to get less caught up in the "world" too. This coming Sunday is not about an Easter bonnet, a cantata, a new suit, and an annual visit to church for many,but it's about the risen King who came that we might have life and live it abundantly.

Do you know Him? Do you think about the things of the Lord often or are you caught up in your earthly endeavors? Is Christ a real part of your life or do you just say "hi" to Him one hour each week on Sunday? Do you want to spend more time with Him but look at your Bible and think it is hard to understand or boring? Do you "talk" to Him about decisions in your life?

Philippians 4:8(NIV) says '

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.' If you are constantly consumed with worldly affairs and stressed about everything you hear on the news then you might not be listening to the voice of God. His goal for us is joy and peace. These can not be achieved by feeding on a diet of "worldly" things. In Romans 12:2 it mentions not 'being conformed to the pattern of this world but being transformed by the renewing of our mind'. Why not start today and get your focus off the world and cares and concerns around you. Make it a daily habit to spend time alone reading the Bible and shutting out the chaos around you. Only then will you be able to think like Christ. Isaiah 26:3(NLT) says ' You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!' Fix your thoughts on Him today. PRAYER: Lord Jesus the world around me is constantly distracting me with all of its' pleasures. I thank you Lord for being able to get alone and equip myself each day by reading your word. Forgive me when I have put you last or not at all. In Jesus' name. Amen. Click on link and listen to a wonderful song. http://youtu.be/sChJUaU5W9I

HAPPY RESURRECTION DAY!!!

Hopefully this is not the only day of the year you are in church but if it is good for you. For some reason people who otherwise do not go to church come out in hoards this day. Churches often times offer multiple services to handle the new crowds. A chaplain we had a few years ago called these people that came on Easter only 'Lilly Christians'.

Jesus did in fact die a gruesome death on the cross and was buried in a tomb and came to life again 3 days later. This holiday is not about chocolate bunnies and Easter eggs. It is about new life as Christ is alive evermore so here in spring we celebrate new life after the a long winter. But Jesus died for the vilest of sinners. He was sinless. He took upon himself the sins of the world. Yet many ignore Him and only show up in church on Easter as it is the thing to do. Easter is  a celebration of Jesus being alive. Hallelujah! Up from the grave he arose!!

My prayer is today that many will enter churches across this great nation of ours with a fresh hunger for the word of God and things of Christ. My prayer is that they do not wait till Christmas or Easter to come to church again.

Isaiah 53:5 says "but He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities, the punishment  that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed."

PRAYER: Lord I am so thankful for this day to celebrate you coming back to save us from our sins.  I know Lord I am to be your witness here on this earth. Lot me who your love to the unlovely and a non judgmental spirit to those who have gone astray. Use me Lord to show your love. in Jesus name. Amen.

Click on link and listen to beautiful Easter melody.
http://youtu.be/WkIJfLfzZ0w

JESUS IS THE REASON FOR EVERY SEASON

Often times at Christmas we see cards,decorations, and ornaments that say 'Jesus is the Reason for TheSeason' and oh how true that statement is when Christmas seems to get lost in the make believe world of Santa Claus, elves, reindeer, and candy canes.  As we approach the Easter Season we too remember that Jesus is the real reason for this holiday too. It is not about bunny rabbits, chocolate eggs, pretty Sunday dresses, Easter egg hunts, and little baby chicks. It is hard to find anything 'religious' at  all in stores around this holiday unless you venture into Christian bookstores. This day is in fact about Jesus being crucified and raising from the grave 3 days later and being alive today! Easter vacation is  even called 'Spring Break' in our modern world where God is put up on a shelf.

 Jesus is, and should always be, the reason for each and every day and each and every season of life. It is because of him we live and move and have our being. (See Acts 17:28). He is the maker of all things and because of Him things exist. 2 Timothy 4:2 tells us "Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching." God is always in season and every season is His! Jeremiah 51:19 says "But the God of Israel is no idol! He is the Creator of everything that exists, including his people, his own special possession. The LORD of Heaven's Armies is his name!" Every day should be a Jesus day! Jeremiah 10:12 reminds us "But God made the earth by his power; he founded the world by his wisdom and stretched out the heavens by his understanding." It is all His so every season is His!

 Our world today wants to make 'believing in God' illegal and persecute those who dare to name the name of Jesus. Our own government is getting to the point where it will not respect the 'right of conscious' of those who oppose something because of their strong Christian convictions and beliefs. If we speak up against something we are called hateful.  More and more young people are being re-educated and desensitized to sin. We need to get back to teaching a Christian world view and pray for revival in our land. Isaiah 5:20 says "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter." Look out trying to take away God from our world. It is His world after all.

Jesus is Lord over all and no government decree will ever stop that! Psalm 118:24 says "This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Every day is His!Every season is His! Rejoice!

 PRAYER: Each and every day is a gift from you Lord. I thank you for making me and placing me where you have me. I know each day is special to you. Help me be a light in a dark world and speak up against injustice and evil and do it in love. Help my senses be trained to recognize evil and sin. I love you whether it is Christmas, Easter or an ordinary day. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Click on link and worship the Lord in song.
http://youtu.be/wIg6RIbLz1c