Holy Week '24 . . . and now we wait!

 Ever wonder what the followers of Jesus were thinking on Saturday? Their Master has been crucified and labelled a traitor. What would become of them? What do they do now? Many went into hiding for fear of their lives! 

The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how his body was laid in it.  Then they went home and prepared spices and perfumes. But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment. (Luke 23:55-56)

Funny thing is, it was the women who were ready to go back to the tomb to finish preparing Jesus' body for a proper burial. I am sure His apostles were praying . . . but probably in fear and bewilderment. However, they went about the spiritual business of honoring the Sabbath . . . and of course waiting.

So now we too wait! Wait for what you might ask? We know Jesus a has risen and sits at the right hand of the glory of God. We know He was raised from the dead and will soon return. How soon? Now we wait with anticipation, however not in fear!

Between Good Friday afternoon and SONday morning, Jesus' Spirit descended into hell to release those awaiting the Savior from Paradise . . . Abraham's Bosom. Their waiting was richly rewarded!

What about you and me? Are we hiding out? Are living in fear to share our faith? Are we willing to go as the women did? The Bible promises specific rewards (crowns) for those who love and anticipate His appearing. Read what Paul wrote to Timothy . . .

Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.         (2 Timothy 4:8)

Yes, now we wait, but our waiting is done in serving others and sharing this Good News: Jesus is soon to return!

Holy Week '24 . . . Good Friday

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

A good Friday? Well, it sure was for us today! Jesus took all of the sin of the world upon Himself so that anyone who would choose would have access to eternal life. He not only sacrificed His life for our sin, but God He overcame death and the grave as He was raised up on Easter (Resurrection) SONday morning!

While today we fast and somberly remember the Passion of Christ, we not only look forward to SONday, but we look with excitement to our wn personal resurrection one day with Christ.

We have overcome the world along with Jesus!

Watch this video and imagine your sin and mine entering Jesus!

https://www.facebook.com/ChristourwisdomIntl/videos/this-is-an-animation-of-the-crucifixion-of-jesus-christ-it-shows-how-jesus-took-/275809540745973/?locale=sw_KE

Holy Week '24 . . . be used gladly!

Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.(Philippians 2:14-17)

We think of being used as a bad thing in today's world . . . but not in CHRISTian circles! You see, we all . . . me included . . . grumble and argue about things way too much! We act just like everyone else rather than standing out like shining stars in the night. As Paul quoted from Deuteronomy 32:5, we live in a "warped and crooked generation"!  So as children of God, why act like them?

Let's allow ourselves to be used gladly by God . . . "poured out like a drink offering" until we are empty . . . every day! These last few days of Holy Week '24 I am going to attempt to grumble and complain less and seek to be used gladly by God more and more. 

What about you?

Holy Week'24 . . . praying that others may know.

For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. (Romans 12:3-5)

In the first two verses of this letter from Paul, he challenges us to live sacrificially each day and to allow God the Holy Spirit to change or renew our minds to be more like His. In these few passages, he goes on the remind us that neither of us is more important than the other. If we are to function as one Body, and be impactful in this world for Christ, than we must realize that each of us has an important contribution to make.

👈Check out the verse to the left. . . I pray this day of Holy Week '24 that through our love and respect for one another, that we can show those on the outside what it is like to be one in Christ. I am praying that others may know Jesus because of how we treat one another . . . then if necessary we can use words.

HOLY WEEK '24 . . . . Wait for God!

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him;  it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord . . . (Lamentations 3:22-26)

Let's face it, it is a challenging world and many times we want answers NOW. We want help NOW. We want change NOW.  So rather than waiting upon God, we try to act on our own. 

How does that usually work out?

The Jews had centuries of waiting upon God, but time after time they would do their own thing and end up much worse. They would find themselves in captivity, under foreign rule, even lost and wandering for over forty years in a desert! Haven't we done the same . . . taken captive by schemes and plans of this world . . . ruled by people who do not have our best interests in mind . . . lost in this world and not able to find our way back to God?

Listen the the prophet Jeremiah. God is faithful. He is ever compassionate toward His children. His mercies are new each day. Today is always a good day to say: The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him!

As we look forward to recalling Jesus' Passion for us this week, let us also anticipate His coming once again. As we wait for God to act on or behalf in this present world, we can also wait excitedly for our salvation in eternity!

Holy Week '24 . . . stop complaining; the struggles are real and needed!

So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, so he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. (1 Corinthians 10: 12-13)

Oh boy, do we love to complain. Just as our ancestors did in the wilderness. We sometimes wonder how the Jews could possibly complain when God rescued them from slavery and provided for them day and night. Yet there was a purpose behind it all. God was trying to show them just Who He was and how much more powerful He was than any of the false gods of the world.

Many times we find ourselves complaining about our struggles, when God is trying to teach us a vital lesson. We rely so much upon the things (gods) of this world that we forget to depend upon God. He wants us to see His care . . . His love . . . His way, yes especially in the struggles.

Just as Jesus had to suffer, we too will suffer. Lord willing, not to the degree Jesus did, but who knows? They are real and needed for our spiritual growth! Like with the Jews in the wilderness and with Jesus on the cross, God is right there helping us through. 

Father, forgive me for complaining!

A simple task . . .

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God . . . (Philippians 4:4-6)

Todays devotion reminds of a very simple task: always be thankful to the Lord! Throughout the day, reflect upon Him and all He is, not simply all He does. In fact, let's make a list of why we are so thankful for the Lord today and reflect upon it the entire day!

• He is God.
• He is Holy.
• He is ever present.
• He never stops watching over me.
• He is always will to listen.
• He forgives before I even ask.
• He knows my very thoughts yet never condemns me because of His grace.
• He loves me when no one else does.
• He will welcome me home one day/
• and on and on and on . . . . .

Super man? No . . . Super God!

Look! A bird? . . . a plane? . . . No . . . it's Super God!

“I will praise you, Lord. Although you were angry with me, Your anger has turned away and You have comforted me. Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense . . . He has become my salvation.” (Isaiah 12:1-2)

No one . . . absolutely no one . . . is stronger, wiser, or more powerful than our God! All the superheroes and brainiacs combined could not match the strength and wisdom of our God. Yet we as mere mortals still try to solve every riddle and perform every task in our own strength!

Trusting God allows us to overcome fears, anxieties and weaknesses. It takes practice. It begins with the little everyday things and grows to a trust with the largest, life-changing challenges. 

God knows. God cares. God can!

On our way home . . .

Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord.  For we live by faith, not by sight.  We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. (2 Corinthians 5:6-8)

As believers, we are always on our way home! Once born again, we are now on a journey home . . . for some a short journey and for some a long journey, but on our way home nonetheless.

You see, once we belong to Christ, all we do is pointed toward eternity. It is like taking a long road trip. We are constantly asking, "Are we there yet?" Well, not quite.

We have some stops to make along the way. We have a break down here and there. We meet new friends. We are side tracked and take a wrong turn. Detours take us off track. Yet God, through His Spirit, always brings us back to the right road and we continue on our way home. 

Think about our personal journeys today. In which direction are we headed? Are we going in the right direction?

Voices of accusation

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. . . . . Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.(Romans 8:1-2,5)

The voices of accusation are not from God. We cannot allow ourselves to be swayed by the voices of the world. The Spirit within the believer allows us to be calm and not to hastily react, but pray . . . pray for those who wrongly attack us and react with words of dishonor and wrongful complaints. 

Remember, what God has for us as individuals is for us. Many will not understand. It's ok. We must also remember that Satan can use just about anyone to cause us to lose focus. Let's allow God's Spirit to grace us with patience and prayer!

What really matters anyway?

What do they think about me? Ever wonder that? What do people really say about me when I am not around them? The better question might be: Should it really matter that much?

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (MATTHEW 6:19-21)

Let's face it, as a Christ follower . . . a genuine, dedicated, hard-core follower of Jesus Christ, we can do absolutely nothing when it comes to others' opinions of us! We can try to impress this one and that one with our efforts only to be misunderstood and misrepresented by someone else, ruining our efforts to please others. 

What really matters anyway?

People's opinions of us will vary like the weather. Who knows us better than God? We can do all we can to make sure we do all the right things here on earth only to find out none of it matters. Only what we do for Christ will last! We must set our hearts and minds on the things of Christ and seek to please Him alone.

Where is our heart today . . . with others or with Christ? What really matters?

Gut check . . . .and a little about St. Patrick!

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. (Mathew 7:21)

I am having a little fun today as we are approaching St. Patrick's day, as we who may just be a 'lil bit Irish and some who are in no way Irish celebrate the culture anyway! By the way, the original color of Ireland was blue . . . changed to green during the Irish rebellion and the shamrock ☘ became a fighting symbol of unity. 

Patrick, or Succat as he was known in Gaelic, was a true man of God. Taken into slavery from England as a teen by Druid priests, he managed to escape back to England. He gave his life to Christ and then returned to Ireland determined to win his captors for Christ! He did the will of God despite the sacrifice and struggles.

This is a portion of the prayer he kept within his breastplate: 

"Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left, Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down, Christ when I arise, Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me, Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me, Christ in every eye that sees me, Christ in every ear that hears me."

So here is the GUT CHECK? Are we willing to do the Father's will?

Constant change

And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. ( 2 Corinthians 3:18)

As believers . . . true followers of Christ . . . we are constantly being transformed into His likeness and character. As we grow in our knowledge of God and His character, we begin to conform to that character through His Holy Spirit living inside of every believer. However, we must pursue Him in order to experience thing transformation. It does not happen without effort! 

After all, he rewards those who earnestly seek him.(Hebrews 11:6) 

God is waiting for us to commit to Him so He can do His work in us. He is not a bully! He will not force it. We must submit to His ways. The CHRISTian walk is a walk of constant change.

Rise above the storms!

Did you know that the Eagle is the only bird that flies directly into a storm? While other birds run from the weather, the Eagle actively engages these stronger winds and, instead of seeking shelter, uses the turbulence to push itself higher.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

Jesus left His disciples with these encouraging words. In the midst of troubles, we can have peace! Because of what He has done for us . . . and the Holy Spirit dwelling inside of us . . . like the eagle we can attack our circumstances head on and fly above them! There is no need to stay around and be torn apart by the strong winds and heavy rains. Through Christ, we can go into attack mode rather than shrinking back. 

We can in fact, overcome the world's drama and rise above the storms!

Now is not the time . . .

We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised. (Hebrews 6:11-12)

Now is not the time to become doubtful, lazy or dejected. Take up the challenge God has before us and press on toward the finish line. Follow those who have gone before us. 

Complete the tasks ahead with confidence knowing God has gone before us and marked out the way. Yes it will take faith. Yes it will take a lot of trust. Yes it will take endurance. Yet we can trust the promises of God. Now is not the time to shrink back, but step up! We have this hope . . .

 . . . being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:6)

Spirit living in a carnal world

Walking in love is so difficult these days. Living in the Spirit when the world is so carnal . . .

There are so many people and so many things that can cause anger, bitterness, and resentment to rise up within us. So many will misrepresent us and take what we say and how we do things the wrong way. Satan is so busy trying to negate our testimony.

Hang in everyone. God is able . Keep trusting and keep striving. He is soon to come!

Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. (Galatians 5:24-26)

Go tell

 So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. 9 He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace.

Never be ashamed of your faith. Let everyone know by your actions, your reactions, even your words!

People need to know. Our nation is lost.  .  . People are lost!

You get what you go after!

What are your goals? What is it you really want in life . . . education, career, money, marriage, children, popularity? Make a quick list of your top five goals right now . . . before you read the following scriptures. Be honest!

“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. . . .seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (Mathew 6:24,33-34)

Now look at the list. Where is there room for God and HIS plans for you? Have you even sought after Him? Take time today to rethink goals and desires. Seek God's advice and align your plans with His. You get what you go after in life!

You got this thing! Really???

So you think you got this thing called life huh? You think you would ever call upon God if everything was going well all the time? The only things in life that actually show us we need God are the challenges . . . so thank God for the troubles! Listen to Jesus' brother James . . .

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. (James 1:2-4)

When we begin to experience troubles . . . things we just cannot handle alone and mom and dad cannot fix, we begin to call out to God and we learn to trust Him! As we go through life, we then look back and see how faithful God has been and we learn to simply trust Him daily.

However, it takes experience. Advice to my young people . . . take it from the old man . . . learn to call upon God now so your future you can be at ease!

Never alone . . . always on His mind!

Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. (Hebrews 7:25)

It is pretty cool to know that Jesus is always thinking of each of us. None of us is ever alone! When all we can see around us is trouble . . . when we seem to be worrying about everything and anything . . . when we can't seem to sleep well because there is always something on our mind . . . we are always on His mind! 

Rest on that thought for a minute!

“I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. (John 17:20-21)

From the day we were each conceived (Psalm 139:13-14), to His time just before His crucifixion, up until this very day, we, His children, are on always His mind!

Now, take a breath to relax and breathe . . . .

Struggles lead to successes!

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)

Athletes know this all too well. Struggles lead to successes. God tells us in His Word through the apostle Paul as well. If we are trusting God and doing our best to remain in His will, then things will work out well for us eventually. 

This does not mean that every day will be great. We only have to read of Job, Joseph, Daniel, Peter, Paul . . .  and yes, even Jesus! They each went through severe struggles, yet in the end it all worked out just fine.

Job lost it all but was blessed with ten times more later  in life. Joseph was sold into slavery, falsely accused, and jailed, yet one day he was second in command of all of Egypt! Daniel and his friends were tortured, thrown in the fire and the lion's den, yet came out unharmed. Peter went through mental and physical anguish, even to the point of denying Christ, yet he would lead thousands to Christ later during Pentecost. Paul was a chief enemy of God, yet when he accepted Christ, he suffered beatings, he was stoned, jailed, ostracized by his friends, and yet he writes these verses in Romans and much of the advice to the early Church. 

Oh yes, then there is Jesus. Chased down even as a baby, ridiculed by His own people, rejected in His hometown, falsely accused, beaten to near death, publicly humiliated by His church and crucified. Bu then there was SONday morning . . . RESURRECTION DAY!

If you are struggling today, turn to God, not man. Believe me, people you once trusted will let you down. Struggle with God, not against Him. In this way, struggles will lead to successes!

Seeing . . . not hearing . . . is believing!

But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? (James 2:18-20)

We have all heard it said,"Seeing is believing." This is true as far as faith is concerned as well. There must be evidence of our faith in Jesus Christ. If we truly believe He has died for us and rose from the dead so we have an eternal relationship with Him, then surely it must show!

When people join a club, a team, a fraternity or sorority . . . people tend to identify themselves with a shirt, hat or some physical sign . . . even perhaps a bumper sticker or window decal. Fans of sports teams wear the jerseys of their favorite teams and fly banners and display other items publicly. 

So we as born again CHRISTians are also expected to show signs of our faith! In fact, we are commissioned to "go and make disciples of all nations"! (Matthew 28:18-20) This is our pledge if you would! Our identifying marker is our lifestyle . . . how we live!

What/Who do others see in us?

March on CHRISTian!

Marching on as a CHRIST follower . . . 

• How do we keep in step with the Lord when the world and its ways are so inviting? 
• How is it possible to walk by faith when the world has so many things that trip us up?

It is not easy! Just as we believe that there is a God and there is an eternity with Him, we also believe we can walk according to His Word in a world that is anti-biblical. We cannot see God, but we know He is present in His Spirit. While we see so much evil around us daily, we also must learn to see God at work as well. 

Like anything, it takes practice. We must dwell in His Word and in His presence daily. As we seek Him, He comes to us and surrounds us with His presence. We learn how to experience God in the middle of unrest, chaos, and destruction. 

So we march on . . .

Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy . . . (1 Peter 1:8)