Bad stuff happens. It is part of life. The good news is things always get better. There is a rainbow ahead. Tragedy strikes, jobs are lost, sickness occurs, but there is also happiness and good news ahead too.
Psalm 46:1 says "God is our refuge and strength,an ever-present help in trouble."
Words sometimes can not console someone in shock or in deep grief. Prayer is the answer. A new day is dawning and things will be brighter.
My last three devotions have focused on helping people here in the Southeast, particularly Alabama who have experienced utter devastation on this past Wednesday. One moment you can be fine and then all of a sudden disaster strikes and life changes. The good news is God is still God and life will go on. Time heals wounds.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 says "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." Reach out and help and give a word of kindness to those who are hurting.
You may not live where an F4 tornado just destroyed hundreds of homes but wherever you are there are people hurting for various reasons. Be willing to be a source of joy to those God puts in your path.
Psalm 30:5 says " For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning."
PRAYER : Lord I thank you for having the joy of the Lord in my heart. When I feel overwhelmed help me trust in you and know you Lord are with us and care what we are going through. Help me Lord look for ways to reach out to the hurting. In Jesus name. Amen.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Friday, April 29, 2011
SUNSHINE TOMORROW
Two days after one of the most deadly outbreaks of killer tornado's in history people here in my area of Northern Alabama are reeling from the shock of loss of property and life. As in most tragedy's, others step up to the plate to help those devastated by tragedy. I was blessed to escape any damage although it was all around me. Yesterday I picked up small bits of trash in my yard that were, in fact, debris from a tornado about an hour East of here. Shingle pieces, insulation, bits of lumber, partial pieces of bills or checks, piece of a drapery, siding, and some wallpaper. People not hurt want to help but right now damages are overwhelming. Power is out in most of northern Alabama but only one mile across state line I have power.
Through all this patience is required, courage is needed, and a shoulder to cry on is a good thing. In the worst of situations things rise from the ruins and eventually things get back to some sort of normalcy. It is hard and takes a tremendous emotional toll. All of a sudden complaining that I can not get a latte as there is no power at the coffee shop, pales in comparison to what the thousands who suffer loss are experiencing. In a tragedy you find out what is really important. Our society in America is so blessed to have all the modern conveniences we can think of and when you can not send texts, or use the computer you find out it is not all that important.Psalm 46 brings much comfort in troubled times. It says " God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts.The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.Come and see what the LORD has done, the desolations he has brought on the earth. He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shield with fire. He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”The LORD Almighty is with us".
We the American 'helpers to the world' sometimes need helped. The sun will still shine and life will continue. Grief consumes those who lost a loved one and it will take lots of time to cope with this.
PRAYER: Thank you Lord for sunshine and new beginnings. Praise you for life. Thank you for friends. Thank you for having new fresh starts and for helping us through rough times as well. In Jesus name, Amen!
Thursday, April 28, 2011
GOD OF COMFORT
I had planned a different topic for today but after the horrendous outbreak and tragedy that occurred all around me all day yesterday and into the night in the form of killer tornado's I decided to change my topic. Thankfully my home was spared as was my life and I never personally witnessed a funnel cloud touching down nor did I have to enter my storm shelter. I thought when I was driving back from Huntsville yesterday that a tree might fall on me so I keep praising God as I drove and asked for protection. But hey it is not about me. There are many who have lost their homes, their livelihoods and two nearby good sized communities are totally without power and water for possibly up to five days but we are fine. So I was thinking about God being a God of comfort. I feel like I wish I could get my Hefty bags and hop in my car and go to this subdivision about 10 miles from here that was literally blown to pieces when a twister touched down. I would love to go hug some of the home owners and offer them help and help pick up the debris from their property. That is how you feel. You see these people crying on the news but in the same breath they were thanking God for sparing their life.
So how do you comfort in a time like this? What about those who lost family members as about 126 people died in these storms in the state of Alabama yesterday. Several deaths were in nearby communities. There are no words to really try to console someone who in one moment had their family member next to them and one moment later in the blink of an eye they are crushed by debris and killed. All you can do is pray and hold them.
Suffering happens in life. It is not possible to go through life without some suffering. Suffering builds character but you certainly do not go up to someone when they have lost a loved one or their house has exploded in an F4 tornado and say "Buck up little soldier. Things will be okay." No, you simply are there for them and just pray. That is all you can do. You can offer help in taking care of things for them but it is best to not say too much. Just pray and give comfort.
2 Corinthians 4:18 says "So we do not look at what we can not see right now, the troubles all around us, but we look forward to the joys in heaven which we have not yet seen." God is with us in good times and bad. I can not explain suffering and trials. I just know suffering does ultimately strengthen us. All of our 'stuff' does not matter anyway in the big scheme of things. What matters are people and our relationship with Jesus. He faced the ultimate suffering by dying a horrible death on the cross.
Praise God even in the storms of life. Do not curse him.
James 1:2-4 says " Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." Psalm 23 is often recited at a funeral but it is so much more. In verse four it says "Even though I walk
through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me."
An F4 tornado may not have struck your community but there are other needs where people need comforted. Friends may be in danger of losing a home, someone you know may have lost a job, a person may have a life threatening disease, a young couple may have lost a baby, and many more scenarios. We will all 'go through' things in life. Each of us is there to help others and not be a kingdom unto ourselves. Look around you today for a need you can fill. Even a simple smile may bring tremendous joy to someone who is suffering.
PRAYER: Lord thank you for seeing us through the 'storms' of life. We know there is always a new tomorrow and things will get better. You comfort as only you can Lord. Work through me to show your comfort to others in a hurting world. In Jesus Name. Amen.
http://youtu.be/KuGRaCrg9hE
So how do you comfort in a time like this? What about those who lost family members as about 126 people died in these storms in the state of Alabama yesterday. Several deaths were in nearby communities. There are no words to really try to console someone who in one moment had their family member next to them and one moment later in the blink of an eye they are crushed by debris and killed. All you can do is pray and hold them.
Suffering happens in life. It is not possible to go through life without some suffering. Suffering builds character but you certainly do not go up to someone when they have lost a loved one or their house has exploded in an F4 tornado and say "Buck up little soldier. Things will be okay." No, you simply are there for them and just pray. That is all you can do. You can offer help in taking care of things for them but it is best to not say too much. Just pray and give comfort.
2 Corinthians 4:18 says "So we do not look at what we can not see right now, the troubles all around us, but we look forward to the joys in heaven which we have not yet seen." God is with us in good times and bad. I can not explain suffering and trials. I just know suffering does ultimately strengthen us. All of our 'stuff' does not matter anyway in the big scheme of things. What matters are people and our relationship with Jesus. He faced the ultimate suffering by dying a horrible death on the cross.
Praise God even in the storms of life. Do not curse him.
James 1:2-4 says " Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." Psalm 23 is often recited at a funeral but it is so much more. In verse four it says "Even though I walk
through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me."
An F4 tornado may not have struck your community but there are other needs where people need comforted. Friends may be in danger of losing a home, someone you know may have lost a job, a person may have a life threatening disease, a young couple may have lost a baby, and many more scenarios. We will all 'go through' things in life. Each of us is there to help others and not be a kingdom unto ourselves. Look around you today for a need you can fill. Even a simple smile may bring tremendous joy to someone who is suffering.
PRAYER: Lord thank you for seeing us through the 'storms' of life. We know there is always a new tomorrow and things will get better. You comfort as only you can Lord. Work through me to show your comfort to others in a hurting world. In Jesus Name. Amen.
http://youtu.be/KuGRaCrg9hE
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
FERMEZ LA BOUCHE
For those who are not French scholars this means close your mouth or be quiet or a harsher 'shut up".I detest the phrase 'shut up' and never used it with my children when I was raising them. It just seems so harsh and uncalled for. But all of us probably have times when it would do us good to shut the little hole in our face and not always have to comment on everything. We do not need always need to give our 'two cents' or have an opinion on everything. Waiting and pondering is better than rushing into a conversation and later wishing you had kept your mouth closed.
That little mouth can sure get us into a lot of trouble. Not thinking before we speak or speaking when emotions run high can have disastrous effects. Sometimes I feel a good roll of duct tape is in order in not to say something we will regret later. The talking these days can also be in the form of emails or texts that are misunderstood or taken out of context and adding fuel to a fire. I have been there I know.
Once careless words are 'out there' they can not be taken back that is why it is wise to not fly off the handle and speak when you are emotional. Try your hardest to have self control in the area of speech. It is easy to just blurt something out but much better to hold your tongue and wait.
In the Bible it says in Matthew 12:36-37 that "But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned." Now if that does not make you be careful saying ugly cruel things to friends, family or strangers then nothing will. Proverbs 12:18 says " The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." Do you choose to build people up or tear them down? What would God have you do?
Ephesians 4:29 tells us " Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." Criticizing, meddling, gossiping, swearing, complaining and lying surely are not beneficial to anyone.
Why not start today to try to make it a point to only let good,pure, and kind words come from your mouth. If you are mad and feel like getting even what good will it do? Be the bigger person and let it go and walk away. There is a Bible verse that says "Do not let the sun go down on your anger' (Ephesians 4:26).
I have heard it said for every negative ugly comment you made seven had to be made to make up for the one. So in a relationship if you have hurt someone with careless words you need to find seven really kind nice things to say to redeem yourself.
James 1:19 is a verse I feel newlyweds should make a verse to live by and it says" Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry." Ecclesiastes 5:2 is a great verse to conclude on. It says "Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few."
PRAYER: Lord it sames in James 3 that no man can tame the tongue. Lord help me because I want to be careful what I say. Give me the self control to not always open my mouth. Help me think before I speak. In Jesus Name. Amen.
That little mouth can sure get us into a lot of trouble. Not thinking before we speak or speaking when emotions run high can have disastrous effects. Sometimes I feel a good roll of duct tape is in order in not to say something we will regret later. The talking these days can also be in the form of emails or texts that are misunderstood or taken out of context and adding fuel to a fire. I have been there I know.
Once careless words are 'out there' they can not be taken back that is why it is wise to not fly off the handle and speak when you are emotional. Try your hardest to have self control in the area of speech. It is easy to just blurt something out but much better to hold your tongue and wait.
In the Bible it says in Matthew 12:36-37 that "But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned." Now if that does not make you be careful saying ugly cruel things to friends, family or strangers then nothing will. Proverbs 12:18 says " The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." Do you choose to build people up or tear them down? What would God have you do?
Ephesians 4:29 tells us " Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." Criticizing, meddling, gossiping, swearing, complaining and lying surely are not beneficial to anyone.
Why not start today to try to make it a point to only let good,pure, and kind words come from your mouth. If you are mad and feel like getting even what good will it do? Be the bigger person and let it go and walk away. There is a Bible verse that says "Do not let the sun go down on your anger' (Ephesians 4:26).
I have heard it said for every negative ugly comment you made seven had to be made to make up for the one. So in a relationship if you have hurt someone with careless words you need to find seven really kind nice things to say to redeem yourself.
James 1:19 is a verse I feel newlyweds should make a verse to live by and it says" Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry." Ecclesiastes 5:2 is a great verse to conclude on. It says "Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few."
PRAYER: Lord it sames in James 3 that no man can tame the tongue. Lord help me because I want to be careful what I say. Give me the self control to not always open my mouth. Help me think before I speak. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
GLORY TO GOD
What does it mean to give glory to God? Glory is praise and thanksgiving offered as an act of worship. Something that brings honor.Do things you say and do in your daily life bring glory to the Lord? Remember back when the WWJD acronym was popular which stood for "What Would Jesus Do?" It was a good way to remind ourselves if what we did lifted up the name of Jesus or shamed him. Did we represent him or drag his name in the mud?
If you call yourself a Christian it means more than simply being an American. It means you have surrendered your life to Jesus and have asked him to be Lord of your life and have given your heart to Him. It means when you do something and achieve greatness that you give the praise and glory to the Lord and not take credit yourself. It is the Lord who helps you achieve greatness and success and directs your path. We owe him the honor, praise and glory.
Do your actions to your family and friends bring glory to God? If not what do you need to do about it? Try to do all things as if God is right there looking over your shoulder because he is ever present. He can help you get through difficult times and he can lift you up when you are bowed down. Just call on him. 1 Corinthians 6:20 says "you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies."
Psalm 3:3 says "But you, O LORD, are a shield around me; you are my glory, the one who holds my head high."
Romans 8:18 says "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us."
Romans 11:33-36 says " Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments,
and his paths beyond tracing out! “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?” “Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them?” For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen."
We should try to be examples and light up the world around us and seek to be more and more like Jesus. 2 Corinthians 3:18 tells us "But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord."
Someone who is glorifying the Lord is not constantly ridiculing others, complaining, bickering, bitter and unforgiving but they are filled with the spirit of God to overflowing and truly want to please him in their actions.
So does the glory of the Lord shine through you to others? If not ask Him to change you right now to conform to his image and light your world around you for the kingdom of God.
When I was attaching the song below to this devotion there was a comment by a young lady who said her soon to be fiancee had died at age 24 three months ago and this was played at his funeral. She was in much pain which is understandable. I can not imagine her grief but she said he walked with the Lord and this song spoke of his life. How many of us could sing "glory to God' in a situation like that? I am not sure I could.
Psalm 34:3 says "Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together." If you are feeling less than glory filled right now try praising God and giving him thanks for everything good or bad. He has a plan and he loves you.
PRAYER: Father I want to bring glory to you in every area of my life. Guide my steps and help me keep my thoughts pure and heart turned towards you. Forgive me when I have had wrong thinking and have doubted your love for me. Today I will seek to glorify you as I go about my day. In Jesus Name, Amen.
http://youtu.be/h64opCwLZCw
If you call yourself a Christian it means more than simply being an American. It means you have surrendered your life to Jesus and have asked him to be Lord of your life and have given your heart to Him. It means when you do something and achieve greatness that you give the praise and glory to the Lord and not take credit yourself. It is the Lord who helps you achieve greatness and success and directs your path. We owe him the honor, praise and glory.
Do your actions to your family and friends bring glory to God? If not what do you need to do about it? Try to do all things as if God is right there looking over your shoulder because he is ever present. He can help you get through difficult times and he can lift you up when you are bowed down. Just call on him. 1 Corinthians 6:20 says "you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies."
Psalm 3:3 says "But you, O LORD, are a shield around me; you are my glory, the one who holds my head high."
Romans 8:18 says "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us."
Romans 11:33-36 says " Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments,
and his paths beyond tracing out! “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?” “Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them?” For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen."
We should try to be examples and light up the world around us and seek to be more and more like Jesus. 2 Corinthians 3:18 tells us "But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord."
Someone who is glorifying the Lord is not constantly ridiculing others, complaining, bickering, bitter and unforgiving but they are filled with the spirit of God to overflowing and truly want to please him in their actions.
So does the glory of the Lord shine through you to others? If not ask Him to change you right now to conform to his image and light your world around you for the kingdom of God.
When I was attaching the song below to this devotion there was a comment by a young lady who said her soon to be fiancee had died at age 24 three months ago and this was played at his funeral. She was in much pain which is understandable. I can not imagine her grief but she said he walked with the Lord and this song spoke of his life. How many of us could sing "glory to God' in a situation like that? I am not sure I could.
Psalm 34:3 says "Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together." If you are feeling less than glory filled right now try praising God and giving him thanks for everything good or bad. He has a plan and he loves you.
PRAYER: Father I want to bring glory to you in every area of my life. Guide my steps and help me keep my thoughts pure and heart turned towards you. Forgive me when I have had wrong thinking and have doubted your love for me. Today I will seek to glorify you as I go about my day. In Jesus Name, Amen.
http://youtu.be/h64opCwLZCw
Monday, April 25, 2011
YOU ARE NOT TOO OLD, TOO LITTLE
Is there anyone in your life that brings discouragement upon you when you want to try something new and the comment is made "you are too old to try that" or "you are too little?" In 1 Samuel 17 David was tiny compared to Goliath and people may have said "he is way too little to take on that big giant. He surely will die." Zacchaeus was a tiny man who wanted to see Jesus when he passed by but Jesus looked on him as a big man. He was up in a tree and Jesus said, "Zacchaeus, you come down from there for I am going to your house today." (Luke 19:3).
Don't let others bring a spirit of discouragement on you or a defeatist attitude. If you want to go to college and you are 70 or older, so what. As Nike says 'just do it!' Do you want to try to skydive but you feel foolish or too old? Well if you are in good health and possess courage, no matter what your age go for it!!' Do you love roller coasters but people say 'you are too old for those'? Go ride on one anyway.
Philippians 4:13 says "I can do all things through him who gives me strength." 1 Thessalonians 5:11 says "So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing." Ecclesiastes 9:10 says "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom." Serve the Lord with gladness and enjoy the life he has given you. Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 says "I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God."
Do you have a dream or a passion but you feel life has passed you by and it is too late to try it? Do not give up and do not let others stand in the way. I love this billboard from 'The Foundation For A Better Life' with a 90 year old woman with the caption, 'Oldest College Graduate' then it says 'Live Life ,pass it on'.(www.values.com/inspirational-sayings-billboards/28-Live-Life)
What is your dream? Write a book, take art class, learn to play musical instrument, take dancing lessons, learn to scuba dive, run for public office, join a rowing club?? What is stopping you?
1 Corinthians 10:31 tells us" So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." The 'Life is Good' company motto is 'do what you like and like what you do'. A great motto for all of life.
Isaiah 40:31 says "but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles;they will run and not grow weary they will walk and not be faint." Put Christ first, try new things, help others and share with others. Philippians 4:4 says " always be full of joy in the Lord; I say it again, rejoice !"
PRAYER: Father I know you have wonderful plans for my life. I am special in your eyes and not 'little' in any way. I know you want me to bloom and blossom in your kingdom. Help me not shy away from trying new things and help me be an encouragement for others. In Jesus name, amen!
Don't let others bring a spirit of discouragement on you or a defeatist attitude. If you want to go to college and you are 70 or older, so what. As Nike says 'just do it!' Do you want to try to skydive but you feel foolish or too old? Well if you are in good health and possess courage, no matter what your age go for it!!' Do you love roller coasters but people say 'you are too old for those'? Go ride on one anyway.
Philippians 4:13 says "I can do all things through him who gives me strength." 1 Thessalonians 5:11 says "So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing." Ecclesiastes 9:10 says "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom." Serve the Lord with gladness and enjoy the life he has given you. Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 says "I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God."
Do you have a dream or a passion but you feel life has passed you by and it is too late to try it? Do not give up and do not let others stand in the way. I love this billboard from 'The Foundation For A Better Life' with a 90 year old woman with the caption, 'Oldest College Graduate' then it says 'Live Life ,pass it on'.(www.values.com/inspirational-sayings-billboards/28-Live-Life)
What is your dream? Write a book, take art class, learn to play musical instrument, take dancing lessons, learn to scuba dive, run for public office, join a rowing club?? What is stopping you?
1 Corinthians 10:31 tells us" So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." The 'Life is Good' company motto is 'do what you like and like what you do'. A great motto for all of life.
Isaiah 40:31 says "but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles;they will run and not grow weary they will walk and not be faint." Put Christ first, try new things, help others and share with others. Philippians 4:4 says " always be full of joy in the Lord; I say it again, rejoice !"
PRAYER: Father I know you have wonderful plans for my life. I am special in your eyes and not 'little' in any way. I know you want me to bloom and blossom in your kingdom. Help me not shy away from trying new things and help me be an encouragement for others. In Jesus name, amen!
Sunday, April 24, 2011
THE CROSS
Two nights ago I came across a family taking care of two crosses on the highway that had been placed there after the death of a loved one in a car accident. This has to be horrible. Here in this part of Alabama I see crosses regularly. Between my home and Huntsville depending on which route you take there are a total of approximately ten roadside crosses erected in memory of a loved one who lost their life in a tragic car accident. Sometimes they are adorned with ribbons and teddy bears as well. But two days ago was the first time I had actually witnessed some one tending to their family or friends cross to keep them updated or fresh. It got me to thinking not just about how special that loved one was and how much they were missed here on Earth but also the meaning of the cross.
The cross is a symbol in this Christian nation and is often used in of memory of loved one who dies. But the cross is much more than that. To many it is an offense. There are places where governments have made crosses come down as they offend people. There are some pending lawsuits now in our country from groups offended by the cross and what it represents.
Here on Easter Sunday we think of Jesus not being on the cross anymore. He is alive. He is risen indeed. We anticipate the time he will come back and we will be with him in eternity. Philippians 2:8 says "And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!" In the Roman empire the cross was used to crucify criminals but in the case of Jesus this cross becomes a symbol of our Christian faith.Romans 5:6 says " You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly." Dying on a cross was excruciating and pure torture.
The cross is not just about crucifixion but is a symbol of Jesus taking our place and dying for our sins. When we wear the cross it is a way we identify with the Savior and what he did for us. Many do not understand what it means to walk with Jesus and live for him. They feel it is foolish. Many feel Sunday is all they need and that being born in America makes them a Christian. 1 Corinthians 1:18 says "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God."
God was sinless but he took our sin to the cross and died so we might live. But we know he rose again and lives forever. We look forward to his glorious return!
The cross is not about religion but about a relationship with the true living God.
"God so loved the world that he gave his only son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16.
Happy Resurrection Day!
PRAYER: Thank you for your love for us Lord. Thank you for Easter! You are alive and live forever more. I thank you that I can be your hands and feet in this hurting world. I will resist the enemy and he must flee from me. Thank you for forgiving me for my sins. In Jesus Name. Amen.
http://youtu.be/tJIDS-ge8V8
The cross is a symbol in this Christian nation and is often used in of memory of loved one who dies. But the cross is much more than that. To many it is an offense. There are places where governments have made crosses come down as they offend people. There are some pending lawsuits now in our country from groups offended by the cross and what it represents.
Here on Easter Sunday we think of Jesus not being on the cross anymore. He is alive. He is risen indeed. We anticipate the time he will come back and we will be with him in eternity. Philippians 2:8 says "And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!" In the Roman empire the cross was used to crucify criminals but in the case of Jesus this cross becomes a symbol of our Christian faith.Romans 5:6 says " You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly." Dying on a cross was excruciating and pure torture.
The cross is not just about crucifixion but is a symbol of Jesus taking our place and dying for our sins. When we wear the cross it is a way we identify with the Savior and what he did for us. Many do not understand what it means to walk with Jesus and live for him. They feel it is foolish. Many feel Sunday is all they need and that being born in America makes them a Christian. 1 Corinthians 1:18 says "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God."
God was sinless but he took our sin to the cross and died so we might live. But we know he rose again and lives forever. We look forward to his glorious return!
The cross is not about religion but about a relationship with the true living God.
"God so loved the world that he gave his only son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16.
Happy Resurrection Day!
PRAYER: Thank you for your love for us Lord. Thank you for Easter! You are alive and live forever more. I thank you that I can be your hands and feet in this hurting world. I will resist the enemy and he must flee from me. Thank you for forgiving me for my sins. In Jesus Name. Amen.
http://youtu.be/tJIDS-ge8V8
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