August 1, 2012 Jesus Loves You

Jesus Loves You Matt 14:13-14 When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. 14 When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick. DO YOU want to know if Jesus loves you? Look here, and you will see Jesus’ love. Jesus is responding to the news of John the Baptist’s death. He goes off by himself. He grieves what has happened to his earthly cousin and his Spiritual child. It certainly was under God’s sovereignty that John died, and his death fit the whole purpose of God’s plan of salvation. Yet, Jesus grieves John’s death, necessary to conquer sin. To fulfill God’s purpose of salvation, some, such as John the Baptist, are called to martyrdom. I can’t tell you why God doesn’t arrange it in other ways, but I do know the evidence is clear through the centuries that some who stand for Christ and proclaim his name, are taken to Heaven “early” from our worldly point of view. Jesus mourns the need for death. He mourns for the sin that is in your heart. He weeps for the limitations sin puts on your life. And then lovingly he does something about it. He has compassion on those who are ill and have come to him to be healed. He loves them. He wants them whole. He wants them to experience the fullness of his restoration powers—to bring peace back to his people who are broken because of sin. Then Jesus himself would die as the sacrificial Lamb of God. He would rise from the tomb and ascend to heaven, so you might live forever. It’s True! Jesus hates sin. He loves you.

July 31, 2012 Spirit-Filled Church

Spirit Filled Churches Matt 13:1-2 That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. 2 Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. DO YOU marvel at the huge crowds that followed Jesus and listened to him speak? What marvelous events they must have been for those who participated—to be part of something special, to know that here is a preacher, a teacher, a rabbi who has something profound to tell, one who talks about loving God and loving each other. This must have been amazing teaching to hear. In churches, we are often happy to have 40, 50, 100, 200, 300 or more. But thousands are rare. Why would we be pleased with these low numbers? Certainly no pastor is Jesus, but wait a minute; who truly draws the people to the Son of God? Of course, it was the Spirit of God. There was such a profound movement in the hearts of the Jews and Gentiles in Israel at the time that they had to go hear Jesus. The Holy Spirit anointed his teaching and opened people’s hearts and minds to the truth. What must we do to grow the church? We must pray for the Spirit to anoint people with a desire to hear God’s Word. That he will send people, and God’s Word is spoken in the Spirit’s power. Now, will you pray to the Holy Spirit? Will you pray he will open hearts and minds in to hear and know God’s Word? Pray for hearts to be full of Jesus. Pray we have to worship outside, that our walls will not hold all who come. Pray the Spirit moves to save. It’s True! The Holy Spirit is a filling, growing Spirit of truth.

July 29, 2012 Jesus-Filled

Jesus-Filled Matthew 12:43-45 “When an evil spirit comes out of a man, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. 44 Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order. 45 Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that man is worse than the first. That is how it will be with this wicked generation.” JESUS’ words disturb me. Look at what happens when God does not occupy one’s soul. Evil spirits fill the emptiness. One comes and more enter to fill one’s soul with evil. I am disturbed by this today because I see people come searching and looking for something different in their lives, looking to learn more about that inner knowledge of God that rustles within each one of us. They come for a time, seem to enjoy the experience and show an interest in knowing more about Jesus. Then they go away. What happens after they go away? I believe sometimes Satan takes a greater hold on them. I sense in them evil spirits have formed in them a mindset to make excuses and be satisfied in those excuses avoiding church, Bible study and fellowship. They come so close to knowing Jesus, the Savior—just as the Pharisees and scribes of Jesus’ day. Those men stood with him, heard directly from God; yet, they did not believe. And afterwards, as the parable says, they were more filled with evil than before. My heart weeps for the people who spiritually run from Jesus. Seek Jesus. Help others seek Jesus. He is Savior. It’s True! A soul filled with Jesus has no room for evil.

July 29, 2012 Heart Leader

Heart Leading Matt 9:35-38 Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38 Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” NOTICE HERE how Matthew emphasizes Jesus’ compassion. He saw his people as “harassed and helpless” victims of the life. They were wandering aimlessly along each day, not sure of what to believe or who to follow. Have things changed any? I don’t think so. In fact, it seems our world today is more “harassed and helpless”, more confused than ever about who to follow and what to do. Why is this? I think for one thing, our “shepherds” in the modern era have been untrustworthy. We see in politics and in the church, in our communities and in our homes, a lack of God-based leadership. People in authority are too often seeking after their own desires. This was certainly true of the Pharisees—they so ignored Christ’s healing power, they claimed he was of the devil! Their fear of losing power and authority in their little world blinded them to the true universal reality Jesus showed to them. And that is too often the way it still is. Too many leaders today are more concerned about their own authority than about Christ’s truth. The result is confusion reigns as people lead in their own way for their own purposes. Where does change begin to follow Jesus in our world? It begins in your heart, your family, your church and your community. It’s True! Jesus needs you to be a heart leader for Jesus.

July 28, 2012 Golden heart

Golden Heart Matthew 7:12 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. HUMILITY is such an important trait in God’s kingdom. In Mark’s Gospel Jesus talks about sowing the kingdom seeds and how God grows the kingdom. Many people involved in Kingdom work, faithfully following Jesus want to be both the sower and the grower. We think it is “us” who make a church grow or keep it from growing. That’s a prideful attitude. That’s faithlessly forgetting that God is sovereign in his kingdom work. Humility is missing in those thoughts. Humility certainly is essential to live in the Golden Rule Jesus gives you here. This is a great picture of peace, and many of you love the idea of treating others in the way you want to be treated. But what do you do? Do you stop being rude and disagreeable to people who “get in your way”. Are you humble enough to listen to others’ ways and others’ thoughts? Do you live lives of peace and patience? Is this hard to do? Most certainly it is! Your nature is to be prideful, to push your own agenda, to look at life only from your point of view. What do you do to change that? Turn to the Savior who loves you and determine to love him back. Then turn to his own and love them as Jesus does. With Jesus’ love in your heart, you can have a “golden” heart that rules your life. It’s True! The Golden Rule comes from a golden heart.

July 27, 2012 Pray for Life

Pray for Life Matthew 6:6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. THERE ARE times when God wants you to make his name known to the world, and there are times when he wants to be with you one-on-one. Sometimes, prayer is a time to be one-on-one with him. When you pray to God and there are no distractions, your mind opens to his reality in your life. Some days as I sit in prayer, sometimes ardent prayer, sometimes quiet prayer waiting on God, I am touched by a deep sense of his presence in my life and at my side. I feel his comfort, encouragement and peace. Sometimes I don’t know what to pray, and he will open my mind to the needs of those in my congregation, my family and my circle of acquaintances. There is fruit in having an intimate talk with God. He is listening, you are speaking. He is speaking, and you are listening. It’s a pure two-way conversation. It is a conversation meant for intimacy and to build trust. It is a time for you to get to know a God who loves you and is seeking after you. He is interested in you. He wants to be at your side. And he is delighted when you invite him to sit down beside you. Make it a habit to get alone with God. Get involved with him. Talk to him. Listen to him. Respond to his love for you and love him back. Being in a “closet” with God can open your world to the bright and glorious future he has for you. It’s True! Jesus gives life advice.

July 25, 2012 The Best Compliment

The Best Compliment Romans16:19 But everyone knows that you are obedient to the Lord. This makes me very happy. I want you to be wise in doing right and to stay innocent of any wrong. WHAT is the best compliment someone can give you? I hope it is the same compliment Paul gives to the believers in Rome—“everyone knows that you are obedient to the Lord.” This kind of reputation goes a long way toward giving glory to God. To live a life that is in tune with God’s Word is to live a life that brings harmony to the world around you. I think of people I know whose faith is a very powerful aspect of their families’ harmony. I know people who bring peace to their church because they rest in God and obey his leading. I know people who make a difference in their classroom because they follow God’s ways and use his teaching as the basis for their relationship with their students. When one obeys God, it is evident in the way they speak to others and react to others. They speak peace and forgiveness. They react calmly to those who criticize them, and they offer to pray for people who express difficulties in their lives. People who obey God pray often, and they listen closely to what God is saying. People who obey God “do” their faith. Would you like to “do your faith” better? Then walk each day in the ways God guides you. You know where to go. Put on your spiritual shoes and walk there. God is waiting to show you what a joy it is to obediently follow his ways. It’s True! Obedient walking is happy walking.

July 24, 2012 First Calendar item

First Calendar Item Romans 15:17 Therefore I glory in Christ Jesus in my service to God. WHEN our kids were young and when all the schedules and priorities had to be met, the natural thing to do was to determine who would do what, and when it would be done. Parenting the family meant guiding the household’s activity, determining the priorities and confirming that all tasks were completed. To help us out, we placed a planning calendar on the refrigerator to be sure all was in order. Life got a little edgy and arguments arose when people didn’t do their assigned tasks. When we each did our part, though, family life was good as we cared for each other. In his letter to the Romans, the Apostle Paul seeks to define himself as clearly as he can as a member of Jesus’ “family”. He tells the Romans Jesus is the one who drives him. Everything Paul has done has been the result of Jesus setting his agenda with his Gospel message. Paul knows he is responsible to the “head of the family” and his actions are for the good of the family. Are you living this way? When you consider how you spend your time, do you first consider how you fit into God’s family? Are you open to serve God in your home, in your work place, in your church, and in your neighborhood? When you mark your calendar for the week, are you setting aside “servant time” to do God’s work? Serving God means many things. Serving God means you place his will as the first priority in your life, adjusting your life to the tasks he gives you to care for yourself and to care for others. Serving God means you put him first on your calendar. It’s True! Good days are God-first days.

July 23, 2012 What Do I Do?

What Do I Do? Romans 14:17-18 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, 18 because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men. WHEN you are looking for a job, what is one essential detail you need to know? How about, “What is the work I am required to do?” Is that a question you ask of your Lord? Or are you too busy asking him to do what you want him to do for you? We’re good at that, aren’t we? “God, please do this today! I need you to make this happen!” Please know, it is proper to petition God, to ask him for the things you need. But please know even more, there are things he requires you to do for him. A dangerous line in Christianity is, “You don’t have to do anything to be saved.” True, you become a Christian by God’s grace, but you must confess your sin, repent of your sin and confess Jesus as your Lord to be saved. Then comes the “doing” time—to act into your salvation. That means you do what is right in God’s sight. You serve him as you respond in love to God and to others as you rightly obey him. “Doing the love” in God’s grace must be your highest life priority. Obedient doing is a love response to God for his salvation on your life, and obedient doing shows God’s love to others. Doing what’s right, loving God are certainly actions God requires you to do. Be right with God. “Do the love” and enjoy your life with him. It’s True! What you do matters.

July 22, 2012 Devotion for Always

Devotion for Always Romans 12:10-13 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. WHEN you look at the Gospel in all its shapes and forms—from the humility of the manger to the victory of the empty grave—the one powerful, underlying truth that is the foundation of all those shapes is, of course, love. Shape your life around love for God and love for each other. In a community of faith—call it the local church, a small group, a prayer group, a study group—God’s Word calls you to shape that love into devotion. “Be devoted to one another.” Devotion means you honor others. You respect their ideas. You lovingly forgive them. You love them when they don’t love you. With a heartfelt love, you devote your time and energy to people in need. Devotion is doing these things with zeal—passion, excitement, and love in your hearts! Devotion means you know God is watches over all, and you devote yourself to others as God has loved you. In addition, you show devotion to God as you lovingly accept God’s will for you. You may know conflict, peace, ease or hardship. But in all things you remain devoted to the One totally devoted to you. After all, Christ has died. Christ has risen. Christ is coming again. He’s devoted his life to you and for you. Why wouldn’t you devote your life to him and devote your life to his own? It’s True! Devotion is more than a daily reading. Bob James Working Everyday for the King of Kings

July 21, 2012 Vital Sign

Vital Sign Matthew 12:39-40 He answered, “A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a miraculous sign! But none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. 40 For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. I’VE BEEN listening lately to a podcast called Vital Signs. Each episode relates how medical doctors are challenged with severe medical emergencies that occur when someone’s body severely reacts to a virus, chronic or congenital disease. The doctors in each episode look at several vital signs to determine the patient’s survival chances, how fast to react to the problem and how it may be treated. When the death-dealing “sin virus” entered t he world, God watched his people perish as they were besieged with disbelief and pridefully rejected God’s life cure. But then God acted to bring an eternal cure. He sent his son to demonstrate a sin-free, vital life in his healing miracles. But tragically, many refused treatment. They failed to see how Jesus’ physical healings pointed to the world’s eternal healing. As a result Jesus keeps his sin-cure to himself. He holds back his healing grace because people doubt him and turn from his treatment. But there is one miracle he will do regardless of what people think—it is the healing miracle of his resurrection. Jesus’ resurrection is the ultimate vital sign to show the world there is an eternal sin-cure. Now I ask, “How are your eternal vital signs?” How do you respond to Jesus? Do you feel his life in you? Or do you need his healing resurrection to live in a humble, vital faith? It’s True! Jesus’ life is vital for your life.

July 19, 2012 Preach the Gospel

Preach the Gospel Romans 10:14-15 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15 And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” ARE YOU a bit uncomfortable with these words? The Apostle Paul calls you to action with the word “call”. He states in the previous verses that one must call on the name of the Lord to be saved. So, he asks, how do they get to know about Jesus to be able to call on his name? Paul tells you that you have the responsibility to “preach” to them. Now don’t think you’re off the hook because you’re not a “preacher” or do not have the gift of preaching. It’s true. Not everyone does have that gift. But you do have a gift or several gifts from the Holy Spirit you are to use to “preach” Christ to the world. You can speak of God’s love. You can tell of his faithfulness to you in your own life. You can demonstrate with acts of love and kindness that the Gospel is real and makes a difference in people’s lives. Another way to “preach” the Gospel is to send others to do so. Missionaries quickly come to mind when you think of sending people. But you can also help local ministries with your support of time and money. You can be an encourager to support those who feel called to focus their life’s work on preaching the Gospel. It’s True, how beautiful it is to preach the Gospel.

July 18, 2012 Most Difficult

Most Difficult Romans 8:31-33 What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all — how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? HAS God asked you to do anything that is difficult? God is good at doing that. Just ask Moses. God asked him to free about 1 million people from the most powerful army in the world. When the difficult call comes, if you’re like Moses, you probably replied, “Not me, Lord. That’s too hard.” But “too hard” is no excuse. Paul reminds you God has been through the most difficult thing of all. He sent his eternal Son, Jesus Christ, to die a human death. I know. You’ve heard that before, but stop and think about it. Think really hard about it. (Really hard!) There is no way you are able to fully know the depth of God’s grief and sacrifice for your eternal life. God has experienced all the aspects of pain and suffering you have experienced and all you will experience. He has stayed the painful, sacrificing course to bring salvation to you even though his own human creation (that’s you) kept turning away from him. He has grieved over mankind, sent us away, called us back, righteously accused us, fairly convicted us, and still he has forgiven us. There is nothing more difficult than killing the author of life. So when he calls you to walk with him and to do difficult things, consider what difficulty God has done for you. Trust him to be with you as you go into difficult, even deadly places for your Lord. It’s True, Jesus kept going to the cross for you.

July 17, 2012 Serving

Serving Romans 7:5-6 But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code. YOU live in a country that cherishes its freedom. You live lives based on what you like to do and want to do within the limits of the laws of the land. But to make the most of that freedom, to truly enjoy the blessings of your freedom, you have certain responsibilities as a citizen. Voting, volunteering, engaging in debate, helping one another—these are some of the basic responsibilities of the democratic government. The Apostle Paul is expressing the change that has come in the world because of Christ’s life, death, resurrection and ascension plus the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit. There is a new freedom God has given to his people, a new freedom that releases one to live a life under grace. But notice one important word—“serve”. As in our country, living in God’s Kingdom requires you respond to your freedom by serving the King. You are to serve “in the new way”—serving with your heart and not because a law tells you to serve. You are to serve in loving obedience to God’s Word. You are to serve under the guidance of the Spirit, who has come to indwell all believers. You are to serve because you love God, willingly obeying his commands to do so. Grace has fulfilled God’s law. God has given you a great and wondrous gift. Now he desires for you to respond to the gift with loving service to him. What will you do today to celebrate your freedom, to serve God? It’s True, a loving heart willingly serves.

July 15, 2012 Spirit Prayer

Spirit Prayer Jude 20-21 But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. 21 Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. WHAT is it to “pray in the Holy Spirit”? Some would say it is being given a special power from God’s Spirit, who enables them to see and discern certain truths in their prayer time. Some interpret this as having an intimacy with God that allows them to pray in the same way the Spirit prays for each person. Both views are correct in that some are given special gifts of heavenly knowledge and understanding God’s Word for their lives and others’ lives. But Jude is reminding all of us that we all can “pray in the Holy Spirit” as a result of obeying God’s teachings. The prophet Zechariah says it this way: “And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication.” (Zech 12:10) In this language you see that God is willing to pour out his grace to you and he will receive your prayers. “Praying in the Holy Spirit” also means you pray in confidence and with great love for God, your heavenly Father as Paul declares in Romans 8:15: For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” Prayer is a great gift. Prayer in line with God’s Spirit draws you near to God. Use this gift to draw near to God, and you will clearly hear the Spirit’s voice for you. It’s True! Spirit powered prayer will empower you.

July 14, 2012 Conflict Canceller

Conflict Canceller Romans 8:6 The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace LIFE and peace, these are the gifts God gives to us through his Spirit. In your new life in Christ, are any gifts better? When you walk through life, conflict rules too many days. In your workplace, in your home, in your relationships, and unfortunately, even in your church, conflict brings relational death. People in any type of “group” have their own ideas, their own desires, their own goals and their own dreams. Most of the time, they seek after these things without thought or submission to others’ needs and desires. How do we get past this priority competition, these little battles to “win” over each other? The answer is finding life and peace in the Spirit. The Holy Spirit is a guide, a Counselor, a Comforter, a Strengthener. He is the Spirit of Truth. His presence in you means you have life. And when you face conflicts in your life, it is good and right to remember, “The Spirit is my life and peace.” Be humble. Submit to the Spirit’s voice. Receive his life and peace. Put life and peace on your heart and in your mouth. Give his life and peace to others as you serve them. Put your pride aside to be a life and peace giver. That’s what Jesus did. He gave his life amid the conflict of the cross. He has settled the conflict once and for all. Are conflicts killing the joy in your life, getting the best of you? Begin to read and speak Jesus’ words of life and peace into your own life and into others’ lives. You will enjoy the change. It’s True! Life and peace is for you.

July 13, 2012 He Sent Them Anyway

He Sent Them Anyway Mark 16:12 Afterward Jesus appeared in a different form to two of them while they were walking in the country. 13 These returned and reported it to the rest; but they did not believe them either. 14 Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen. 15 He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. 17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18 they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.” 19 After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God. 20 Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it. CHRIST’S followers today have a problem: We think we have to be “perfect”, have to have it “all together” before we can do Jesus’ work. Time and again I’ll ask people to do something in the church, and they will say, “I don’t do that.” Guess what. I know you don’t do that. But I feel God has lead me to ask you. When you say, “No.” are you saying, “No.” to Jesus? The disciples could have said, “I don’t do that.” None of them had the kind of “church experience” to do Jesus’ work. Worse, “he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen.” Jesus’ own disciples had refused the message of his resurrection! But Jesus sent them anyway. Through his Spirit “the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it.” Jesus mentored his disciples from Heaven’s throne. Through the Holy Spirit, he qualified them day by day. Through these unqualified men, Jesus began his church, and his church grew. How do you do Jesus’ work on earth? It’s not about you, what you like to do, what qualifies you. It’s about Jesus. No one is qualified without Jesus. Nothing will be accomplished without Jesus. When you obey the Lord of Hosts, he will send the Spirit to work with you and through you. In the power of Jesus, God’s will is done on earth. Pause and consider what Jesus is calling you to do. Are you calling on him to work with you?

July 12, 2012 Doubt

Doubt Mark 16:9-11 When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons. 10 She went and told those who had been with him and who were mourning and weeping. 11 When they heard that Jesus was alive and that she had seen him, they did not believe it. “DOUBT” is a negative word to use as we devote some time to our risen Lord. But doubt can be around, can’t it, in those fleeting moments when you wonder, “Is Jesus all who the Scriptures say he is?” I am sure he is. My doubt left years ago. I faithfully believe with all my heart, mind and soul in my risen Savior. But I do not say that boastfully. I say that gratefully, knowing it is only in God’s grace he has revealed that truth to me. Do you have doubt? I hope you read this as a loving question. Mary told the disciples, “Jesus is risen!” but they did not believe her. What would it take for them to, without a doubt, faithfully know in their heart, mind and soul that Jesus is their risen Savior? There would have to be a moment when each person knew the truth for himself. In God’s grace, the Holy Spirit would need to remove the doubt and give to them a true understanding of Jesus. So as you answer my question, “Do you have doubt?” I’d like you to consider if you’ve had that moment of knowing, “Jesus is my Lord.” Do you live free of doubt regarding that truth? If the doubt’s still around, keep seeking Jesus. Pray for the Spirit’s power to reveal the risen Savior to you. Pray the Spirit removes all doubt. Pause and consider a doubt-free life.

July 10, 2012 Hope's Here

Hope’s Here Mark 16:1-4 When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus' body. 2 Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb 3 and they asked each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?” 4 But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. HOW much energy do you waste on fear? How often has fear kept you from reaching your goals or fulfilling your God-given potential? Since Jesus’ death and burial, the women had waited for this morning, so they could devotedly care for Jesus’ body in the tomb. It appears, though, they had to deal with a particular fear, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?” The women were committed to caring for Jesus’ body; yet, they were afraid they couldn’t complete their task. They were afraid he stone was too big. They were afraid no one would help them. But notice, they didn’t let their fear keep them from their task. Devoted to their cause, the women looked past their fear and focused on their hope that someone to roll away the stone. Have you ever noticed how fear diminishes when you focus on hope? The women’s hope was sufficient to lead them to their task. The Lord was sufficient to make their hope a reality and roll away the stone. Step forward in hope, and you will see God’s power in your life. Put your hope in the Lord, and seemingly immovable fears will roll away. Pause and consider fears go when hope In Jesus grows.

July 8, 2012 Torn Open

Torn Open Mark 15:38 The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. 39 And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, heard his cry and saw how he died, he said, “Surely this man was the Son of God!” GOD created a most sacred place inside his temple called the “Holy of Holies”. The Lord’s priests of the temple could only enter into this sanctuary, symbolizing a personal presence with God, one day a year. Here one priest would make atonement, sacrificing for the sins of the Jews. To be in God’s presence was a privileged, sacred, and fearful moment that required very specific acts of repentance before the priest entered. The Law of Moses was a system God established to teach his people of his holiness. He required them to approach him in a specific way of sacrifices, festivals and worship, so they would understand they were dealing with the “holy of holy” God, the Righteous One who had no sin. Now, God has sacrificed his Son. At Jesus’ death, the holy God tore the Holy of Holies curtain to demonstrate to the Jews the final sacrifice had been offered. God made a new promise with his people that day and said in effect, “My Son’s death will tear the curtain of sin from your heart when you confess your sin and Jesus as your Lord.” When the centurion said, “Surely this man was the Son of God!” he may have been the first to receive this new promise called the New Testament. On this day, the centurion recognizes Jesus as God’s son. God’s New Testament is beginning to work in him and into the world it will unceasingly go. Pause and consider: is sin’s veil torn from your heart?

July 7, 2012 Any Hope?

Any Hope? Mark 15:35-37 When some of those standing near heard this, they said, “Listen, he's calling Elijah.” 36 One man ran, filled a sponge with wine vinegar, put it on a stick, and offered it to Jesus to drink. “Now leave him alone. Let's see if Elijah comes to take him down,” he said. 37 With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last. I ALWAYS marvel at this last moment of Jesus’ earthly life because of the last strain of hope some at the cross seem to exhibit. As Jesus cried out, (Mark 15:34) “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” some seemed to believe God might answer his cry and send the prophet Elijah, who had lived some 8 centuries earlier. Why would they think that? The scriptures declare in Malachi 4:5 “See, I will send you the prophet Elijah before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes.” Devout Jews expected Elijah, who had entered heaven on a whirlwind (2 Kings 2:11), would return in glory and power ahead of the Messiah to establish God’s rule on earth. As Jesus called out to God, the bystanders might have hoped, “What if Elijah comes and Jesus is the Messiah? We must be ready.” As they offered to Jesus some meager relief, do you think they were “covering their bases” in the event Elijah did come to Jesus’ rescue? I wonder who they were…some of Jesus’ accusers…some of Jesus’ disciples? Were they men who hoped in Jesus and clung to a final thread of hope in Jesus’ plea? Too often we live standing by the cross, not sure if we want to commit to the Messiah. But we must. That is the only way you will be ready for the “great and dreadful day of the Lord”. Pause and consider your Messiah.

July 6, 2012 Abandoned

Abandoned Mark 15:33-34 At the sixth hour darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour. 34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?”-which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” JESUS’ cry from the cross rings loud and tragic through the ages. “Why, my Jehovah, the One who is Eternal, Deliverer, why have you abandoned me, your Son?” Alone in agony on the cross, the Son of Man cries out, and he seeks an answer you and I often need to know. “Why have you abandoned me, God? Have you left me to die? Have you allowed my enemies to triumph? Why, God, have you not saved me? You promised you would always be my God. Why am I all alone?” Sometimes the answer comes. Sometimes there is no answer. The question lingers until the day God returns to you. You see that in David’s life story. You see that in Job’s story. You see that in Jonah’s story. You see it in Daniel’s story. You see it in all the stories of the Bible as God transforms his world and his people to his salvation. Certainly, you see it in Jesus’ story. God had left his son to die on a cross, but he had not abandoned Jesus forever. As Jesus cried out, his human agony was deep in his soul, his human pain was excruciating to his body; yet, the day came when his Father returned to him to restore his life. Do you feel God has abandoned you? Jesus knows your feeling. He also knows the joy of reuniting with the Father. Stay with Jesus, and he’ll lead you home to the Father, too. Pause and consider Jesus is your way to life.

July 5, 2p12 Need Rebuilding?

Need Rebuilding? Mark 15:29-32 Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, “So! You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, 30 come down from the cross and save yourself!” 31 In the same way the chief priests and the teachers of the law mocked him among themselves. “He saved others,” they said, “but he can't save himself! 32 Let this Christ, this King of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe.” Those crucified with him also heaped insults on him. THE crucifiers weren’t satisfied to only nail Jesus to the wood. Drive nails into a man’s hands and feet, then stand back to insult and mock him. Sin is a cruel destroyer, isn’t it? The thing is, these mockers thought they were right. They heard Jesus say he’d destroy the temple and rebuild it in 3 days. They didn’t understand he meant his own body. They mocked Jesus because to them his claims were meaningless. They thought he had spoken of earthly things, and he had no power to change anything. Little did they know Jesus had spoken eternal truth. As his body the temple was rebuilt, Jesus is now empowered to rebuild you. Jesus came to rebuild people’s lives then and your life now out the brokenness you are experiencing. Is it the brokenness of worry, fear of work tomorrow, uncertainty in a relationship, separation from a loved one…and the list goes on. Regardless of your brokenness look to Jesus’ power for you. Refrain from mocking him with your disinterest and disbelief. Believe his words. See him from your heart. Know his words are eternally, powerfully rebuilding for you. Pause and consider Jesus’ power builds you anew.

July 4, 2012 God's "Unfair" Act

God’s “Unfair” Act Mark 15:27 They crucified two robbers with him, one on his right and one on his left. 29 Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, “So! You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, 30 come down from the cross and save yourself!” PILATE had released, in place of Jesus, Barabbas, one sentenced to death for insurrection. Evidence shows these two robbers flanking Jesus were Barabbas’ co-conspirators. “Robbers” means “revolutionaries”. Barabbas was likely scheduled to be crucified with these two men (Their names were Zoathan {right hand} and Chamnmatha.). Luke records a conversation between Jesus and the two. One mocked Jesus and condemned Jesus for not physically saving him. The other defended Jesus, repenting of his guilt. Jesus responded to the repentant robber (Luke 23:43 Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.”) Now think about this. God had acted to save this man on this day, didn’t he? If Pilate had released Jesus instead of Barabbas, this robber would not have met Jesus. He would have had no desire to repent of his sins. And he certainly would have entered into Hell on that day, crucified as a sinner. Instead, this robber became the first human saved from Hell in the atoning death of Jesus. When we read of Pilate releasing Barabbas, the killer, and crucifying Jesus, the Savior, we often think, “Stupid Pilate! You released the wrong guy!” But the truth is he released, in God’s plan, the right guy and crucified the Son of Man to save the robber and to save you. What a remarkable love God has for you. Pause and consider: are you joyful God “unfairly” sacrificed Jesus for you?

July 3, 2012 Killing the King

Killing the King Mark 15:25 It was the third hour when they crucified him. 26 The written notice of the charge against him read: THE KING OF THE JEWS. WHEN was Jesus on the cross? Why was Jesus on the cross? Two questions I’ll answer for you. When Mark says ‘the third hour” Mark refers to the Jewish day segmented into 4 parts: first at sunrise, the second about 9 am, the third at noon and the fourth at 3 pm. The “third hour” refers to the beginning of the third segment. Thus, Jesus was crucified at noon. Why was Jesus crucified? Under God’s will, of course, his death atoned for mankind’s sins. But the political and religious reason was his claim to be the King of the Jews. In the multiple trials that morning, Jesus affirmed the “king charge”. (Mark 15:2 "Are you the king of the Jews?" asked Pilate. "Yes, it is as you say," Jesus replied.) And although the priests accused Jesus of many things before Pilate, this king charge was the one charge Pilate could use to condemn Jesus. If Rome viewed Jesus as a rebel claiming his kingship over Israel, he would be an enemy of the state, a crime punishable by crucifixion. This is, in fact, the only reason Rome in principle crucified people. Pilate creates the sign to point to Rome as the Jews’ true authority. He also is likely warning any “wanna-be messiahs” to dare not challenge Rome. Of course, the life-giving truth you can see here is that Jesus, indeed, was then and is now the King of the Jews. He’s the King of Creation. He is the king because he humbly submitted himself to the cross for you. Pause and consider how you must hail the King.

July 2, 2012 They Crucified Him

They Crucified Him Mark 15:22-24 They brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means The Place of the Skull). 23 Then they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it. 24 And they crucified him. Dividing up his clothes, they cast lots to see what each would get. ONE simple sentence, “And they crucified him.” Here is the moment God promised as he speaks to Satan in Genesis 3:15 “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” Satan has struck “his heel”. The forces of sin are physically killing the Son of God made flesh in Jesus. Yet, this is critical to your salvation. “And they crucified him.” is a necessary step in the Father’s plan to save your soul as all history moved to Jesus’ crucifixion. As a result, you praise God for the second part of the Genesis promise: “He will crush your head.” Through the crucifixion will come Jesus’ resurrection and his ascension to Heaven’s throne. From his throne, Jesus sends the Holy Spirit to crush the head of evil destroying the world. The Spirit has changed countless hearts to Jesus’ salvation as he crushes sin’s death and raises hearts to Jesus’ life. Behold the victory promise! Revelation 21:7-9 “He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son. 8 But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars — their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” Praise God! Because of “And they crucified him.” You can live. Pause and consider: is sin crushed in you?