CHRIST CRUCIFIED

CHRIST CRUCIFIED by Katherine Kehler This is the last week of Lent, also called Passion week and I have been reading and reflecting on the last days of Christ’s His crucifixion. I will be forever grateful for Christ’s willingness to go through the agony of carrying our sins (the sins of more that 6 billion people), and go through the extreme physical pain — torture of the whippings and being nailed to the cross, for going through the rejection and loneliness. When I think about the love He has for each one of us, I want to prostrate myself on the floor before His and worship Him. He went through all of this because we are sinful—but we can be healed and experience His immense love. We can experience His power, grace and wisdom every moment of the day and every day of the lives. Let’s take a look at parts of verses 3 and 5 in Isaiah 53 and reflect on His suffering. 1.    Verse 3, “He was hated and rejected by people” I find it much easier to be rejected by people who don’t know me, but when I am rejected by relatives, or a friend I thought was loyal to me–that really hurts.  But we know that Christ experienced this – His disciples all left Him.  He too, was rejected. 2.    Verse 3 “He experienced much pain and sorrow.” I would venture to say that you have experienced some deep sorrow in your life.  When, due to Lou Gehrig’s disease, I observed every muscle in my strong brother’s body deteriorate until all he could was blink his eyes–that was one of the most sorrowful things I have ever gone through. Watching him struggle to eat, trying to make us understand what he was trying to say. We saw him go from using canes, to a walker, to a scooter, to a wheelchair.  That was sorrowful. Jesus was with him every moment of every day—strengthening him and us and giving us courage.  He has experienced every sorrow we have and ever will go through. 3.    Verse 5 “He was wounded for the wrong things WE did.  He was crushed for the evil things we did.  The punishment which made us well, was given to him, And we are healed because of His wounds.” He was wounded and crushed because of our innate tendency to lie, deceive, hate, be jealous and many others sins.  Sins we so often rationalize, laugh about or deny.  He knew what we were like, yet He loved us enough to give His life for our sins. I read a book called, “A Boy called it”.  He was abused, beaten, burned, stabbed, rejected and alienated by his alcoholic mother.  Somewhere he had heard the Lord’s Prayer and one day he prayed, “Deliver me from evil”.  Shortly after that his teachers reported the abuse to authorities and soon after, he was removed from the home.  God hears the prayers of hurting people. Jesus has gone through the pains we have gone through and much more.  He understands and wants to help us. Father God, you love us so much–you want us and everyone on earth to experience your love in all its fullness.  Give us the grace to open our hearts and minds to let your spirit permeate every cell in our body so we can know and, experience your power and unfailing love.  Fill our hearts to over flowing so we want to tell everyone out you. Amen.

The Sad Path to Easter

The Sad Path to Easter

by Marilyn Ehle

All who have experienced soul-ripping grief at the death of a loved one would agree that time seems to stop. Nights are endless, days drag like boulders pulled by a plow. Saying goodbye produces its own unutterable pain, but the days between death and funeral and burial—though perhaps filled with practical details—seem hours longer than the actual twenty-four. Although we may dread the more public acts of farewell, there is the incongruous something within us that cries to “just get it over with.”

Could this be similar to why we joyfully anticipate the glory of Easter Sunday but do our best to ignore—or at the very least de-emphasize—the emotionally-draining events of Holy Week? To shop for colorful spring clothing is far more satisfying than symbolically wrapping a rough towel around our waists to humbly serve others as Jesus did at the washing of feet.  What joy in preparation for a sumptuous Easter Sunday family reunion meal while how meager—and heart-rending—to contemplate the meaning of the bread, wine and bitter herbs that Jesus and his friends ate just before going out to the Mount of Olives. Triumphant is the music of “Christ, the Lord, Is Risen Today.” Somber are the notes of Braham’s Requiem.

New clothes, good food with friends and family and uplifting music are all rightful celebrations of the resurrection, what the Apostle Paul preaches as the bedrock of our faith. But I wonder how much more meaningful would be our Easter joy if we first took the time and concerted effort to walk thoughtfully through Jesus’ last days, if we asked God to let us more deeply glimpse his agony of relinquishment in Gethsemane, if we wept over his human cry, “I am thirsty.”

Many churches of a more liturgical nature practice what is known as the Easter Vigil where individuals gather in the darkness of Saturday night to read scripture and contemplate the sadness that surrounded Jesus’ followers after his death and burial, a darkness that represents all the meanings of darkness: hidden and secret sins, the darkness of the world and of our hearts. At a point soon after midnight, one candle is lit to symbolize Christ’s resurrection and members of the congregation light their own small candles from the larger one. Those who have participated in such a service of remem-brance and celebration relate how their view of Easter has been forever changed.

While this may not be practical or possible for all, let me encourage you to not avoid the pain of walking with Jesus through the days between Palm Sunday and Easter. I assure you that the sunrise of Easter will never be more glorious!

Jesus is Alive in My Life

Jesus is Alive in My Life by Helen Lescheid “Because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ.”   (Ephesians 2:4-6). Easter Sunday as a joyous event celebrating the resurrection of Jesus is forever etched in my memory. In Austria we lived in the shadow of a large church with an enormous bell tower (at least it looked like that to my childish eyes.) The bells rang faithfully morning and evening and on special occasions. But there was one day the bells did not ring. That was on Good Friday when the priest used an instrument which made a rasping, sad sound. It was to remind us of Christ’s suffering and put us into a mood of mourning. When Easter Sunday morning came, all the bells rang in a glorious symphony. The joyous sound floated across roof tops, hills and valleys carrying the good news, “Jesus has risen from the dead.” But when I arrived at the church, I was disappointed to see the life-sized crucifix of Jesus’ body on the Cross was still there. If Jesus has risen from the dead, why is he still hanging on the cross? I wondered. Don’t we do this too? We go through the motions of celebrating that Jesus rose from the dead on the third day. We accept it as part of our religion, but what difference does it really make to our lives today? Is Jesus alive in your heart? Is he active in your life today? The risen Lord Jesus Christ is not just up in heaven preparing a place for us, but he is presently down here on earth wanting to make His home in us and do His work through us. How? We must die to our selfish ways and surrender to Christ on a daily basis. He has to become our very life from moment to moment. It will be “Christ in us working through us.” We depend on him to be our sufficiency for each new challenge. Then we can stop trying so hard and trusting more. What freedom comes with this realization! Jesus, I depend on your strength and your life in me today. I want to do your will and your work today. What is it you want us to do today? You can comment on this devotional online at:

Prayer:

Prayer:  Dear Heavenly Father. I am so glad that the death of Jesus was completely arranged by You and fully under Your hand. I am sorry when I forget that You are working all things together for the good of those who love You. Please help me to value the sacrifice of Jesus much more, to trust You in my own sufferings and share the message of hope with those I know and meet. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Who Am I in Christ? The Bible Facts Will Overwhelm U

Who Am I in Christ? The Bible Facts Will Overwhelm U My Position in Christ This compilation of scripture passages will help you to understand and remember what and who you are in Christ. Read them and speak them over your life and pray these verses for those you love. Just reading through these quickly is a huge faith-builder. Why? Because it is God’s word to YOU! I am overtaken with blessing — Deuteronomy 28:2 (please read the verses) I am loved with an everlasting love — Jeremiah 31:3 I am Salt and Light in this world — Matthew 5:13-14 I have power over the enemy and nothing shall harm me — Luke 10:19 I have everlasting life — John 6:47 I hear and know the voice of God — John 10:27 I believe in Christ Jesus and therefore will do His works — John 14:12 I receive what I pray for — John 14:13 I am loved of God and I am a saint — Romans 1:7 I am dead to sin — Romans 6:2 I am not condemned since I’m in Christ Jesus — Romans 8:1 I am an overcomer in Christ — Romans 8:37 I am established unto the end — 1 Corinthians 1:8 I have God’s spirit, not the spirit of this world — 1 Corinthians 2:12 I have the mind of Christ — 1 Corinthians 2:16 / Isaiah 40:13 I am the temple of the Holy Spirit — 1 Corinthians 6:19 I am washed, sanctified and justified through Christ — 1 Corinthians 6:11 I am led in triumph in Christ — 2 Corinthians 2:14 I am a sweet fragrance to God — 2 Corinthians 2:15 I am a new creation — 2 Corinthians 5:17 I am reconciled and have the ministry of reconciliation — 2 Corinthians 5:18 I am an ambassador for Christ — 2 Corinthians 5:20 I am the righteousness of God through Christ — 2 Corinthians 5:21 I am crucified with Christ and He lives in me — Galatians 2:20 I am redeemed from the curse of the law — Galatians 3:13 /Deuteronomy 21:23 I am blessed with every spiritual blessing — Ephesians 1:3 I am chosen, even before the foundation of the world — Ephesians 1:4 I am sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise — Ephesians 1:13, 14 I am alive in Christ — Ephesians 2:5 I am God’s handiwork for good works — Ephesians 2:10 I am built upon a solid foundation — Ephesians 2:20 I am strong in Him — Ephesians 6:10 I press towards the goal for the prize — Philippians 3:14 I have the peace of God — Philippians 4:7 I can do all things — Philippians 4:13 I have all my needs — Philippians 4:19 I am a partaker in God’s inheritance — Colossians 1:12 I am delivered — Colossians 1:13 I am redeemed and forgiven — Colossians 1:14 I have Christ in me — Colossians 1:27 I am complete in Him — Colossians 2:10 I am the elect of God — Colossians 3:12 I am healed through His wounds — 1 Peter 2:24 I have His divine nature — 2 Peter 1:4 I am a child of God — 1 John 3:1 I am an overcomer — 1 John 4:4 I am untouched by the evil one — 1 John 5:18 I am a king and priest of God — Revelations 1:6 Surely only goodness and mercy and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life, and through the length of my days the house of the Lord (and His presence) shall be my dwelling place. Psalm 23:6 Speak these promises of God often and boldly and out load. God’s word does not come back empty! So shall My word be that goes forth out of My mouth; it shall not return to Me void (without producing any effect, useless), but it shall accomplish that which I please and purpose, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:11

Jehovah-Hoseena

Jehovah-Hoseena by Gail Rodgers The LORD our Maker. As we move toward Easter let us be reminded together that our God is a promise keeping God and we will choose to worship Him together. “Come let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker” (Psalm 95:6). •    The God of the covenant promises, The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, The God of our fathers. Genesis 9:9-11; Genesis 17:2; Acts 3:13, Psalm 95:6 •    The God of Israel, The Fear of Isaac, The Pride of Jacob, The God of the armies of Israel. Isaiah 24:15; Genesis 31:42; Am 8:7; 1 Samuel 17:45 •    The Sword of Israel’s majesty, The God of the Hebrews, The God of the spirits of all flesh .Deuteronomy 33:29; Exodus 3:18; Numbers 27:16 Prayer & reflection: Almighty Father, I thank you today that You are the God of the covenant promises. You are the God who keeps the promises You make to us, Your children. Today I ask that You would remind me of the promises that You have made to me in the past and refresh my faith today to believe them with new confidence! Thank you that You have promised never to leave me; to guide me with Your word: help me to find the time to read it. Thank you that You promise to hear my prayers and to be my guard and my guide today. Thank you for this amazing promise of Psalm 94:18 & 19… When I said, “My foot is slipping, Your love, O LORD, supported me. When anxiety was great within me Your consolation brought joy to my soul.” Thank you, Lord, for that sure picture of Your love supporting us as we walk a slippery road and feel nearly ready to fall. Thank you that You console us with the depth of Your name and how that is a source of deep joy as we walk. Bless my heart today with peace; patience and a real sense of Your support where ever my foot feels a slippery edge. Grant me the confidence that You will hold me securely. Lord, I kneel before You and worship You for You are my Maker and the one I can trust with my life even in the midst of my unanswered questions. I choose to trust You and worship You today. In the powerful name of Jesus I pray, amen.

Easter Means Jesus Paid for our Sin

Easter Means Jesus Paid for our Sin

by Rick Warren

“Through the blood of his Son, we are set free from our sins. God forgives our failures because of his overflowing kindness.” Ephesians 1:7 (GWT)

Jesus’ death and resurrection paid for our sins.

There have been a lot of great religious teachers throughout history. They’ve all had good things to say, but what makes Jesus different from every other religious teacher throughout history is the fact that he died and rose again.

That’s of critical importance because it’s not the life of Jesus that saves you; it’s not the teachings of Jesus that save you; it’s his death and resurrection that open the door for your salvation.

Jesus died for your sins. The Bible says we’ve all blown it. We’ve all made mistakes. None of us is perfect. That’s pretty obvious; I don’t measure up to my own standards much less God’s. We have all sinned.

The Bible says that justice demands punishment. If you do the crime, you pay the time. If you break the law, you pay the fine. If you get caught speeding, you get a ticket. If you break God’s laws, you pay God’s penalty and, according to the Bible, “the wages of [for our] sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord” Romans 6:23 (NLT).

In other words, somebody has to pay for all the things you’ve done wrong in life: either you pay or somebody else pays for you. And this is where God says, “I’ll do it!” He steps up to the plate. Jesus Christ is sent to earth—God in human form—and he says, in effect, “I will pay for your sins.”

Here’s the good news: Everything you’ve ever done wrong, everything you’re ever going to do wrong, things you haven’t even thought of yet, all those sins have already been paid for by Jesus Christ as he died on the cross: “Through the blood of his Son, we are set free from our sins. God forgives our failures because of his overflowing kindness“  Ephesians 1:7 (GWT).

When Jesus died on the cross for you, it showed two things:

1. It showed how much your forgiveness cost. The highest price you can pay for anything is to give your life for it. And that’s what Jesus did. He gave his blood. He gave his life. It was extremely expensive. Grace is free but it is not cheap. It cost Jesus his life, but he paid for your sins.
2. It shows how much God values you. It shows how much you matter to God. Jesus died for you on the cross. It shows the highest price possibly to be paid was giving a life.

How much are you worth? Jesus says, with his arms stretched out on the cross, “This much I’m willing to die for you.” You may think that you’re worthless because of things you’ve done wrong. But Jesus says, “No. You’re priceless. And I’m willing to give my life in order to pay for your sins.”

SECRETIVE, FEARFUL BUT BRAVE

Word@Work from BeaconLight

 

SECRETIVE, FEARFUL BUT BRAVE

 

John 19:38-42  Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jews. With Pilate's permission, he came and took the body away. He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. Taking Jesus' body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs. At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no-one had ever been laid. Because it was the Jewish day of Preparation and since the tomb was near by, they laid Jesus there. (NIV)

Jesus was dead. As far as the Romans and religious leaders were concerned, it was the end of the story. The case was closed. But two men knew there was unfinished business. Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus were members of the Sanhedrin who sentenced Jesus to death: although Joseph had not agreed (Luke 23:50-51 ). Joseph was a secret disciple and Nicodemus was a secret admirer. They knew there was a lot more to Jesus than the authorities had seen. They were probably motivated by grief and guilt to burst through their own fear barriers to ask Pilate for possession of the body.

Joseph, who was very wealthy, decided to put Jesus in the tomb which had been created for him; a cave hacked out of the rock with a millstone to seal its entrance. The two men carried the body of Jesus and embalmed it at their own expense. It was the least they could do to show that they respected Him. However, it was all in God’s plan. Isaiah prophesied 700 years previously: “He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth.” (Isaiah 53:9). Joseph and Nicodemus may have done it to settle their consciences, but no good action can ever take away the guilt of sin. The fact is that Jesus died so that all those who trust Him might have a clear conscience because He paid for all their sins ... even the sins of cowardice, inactivity, inaction and injustice.

Our human nature is easily frightened and, in order to save ourselves, we may be secret about Jesus, but there comes a point where we cannot be secret any longer. As the Holy Spirit urges us to publicly identify ourselves with Jesus, we never know what may happen; but we do know that we have done the right thing. And we can trust the Lord to honour us as we step out of the protective cave of our own fear.

Prayer:  Living Lord. Thank You that while we are alive there is still time to honour Jesus, to identify with Him and be unashamed of the Saviour of the world. However, please forgive me for the times when I have failed to speak up for Jesus or honour Him in my lifestyle. Please help me not to be intimidated by the Evil One, his agents, or the people around me. Please give me the courage to say that I belong to Jesus, and make the lifestyle decisions which demonstrate that my words are true. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Betrayed by Judas

Betrayed by Judas by Max Lucado When betrayal comes, what do you do? Get out? Get angry? Get even? You have to deal with it some way. Let’s see how Jesus dealt with it. Begin by noticing how Jesus saw Judas. “Jesus answered, “Friend, do what you came to do.” (Matthew 26:50) Of all the names I would have chosen for Judas it would not have been ‘friend’. What Judas did to Jesus was grossly unfair. There is no indication that Jesus ever mistreated Judas. There is no clue that Judas was ever left out or neglected. When, during the Last Supper, Jesus told the disciples that his betrayer sat at the table, they didn’t turn to one another and whisper, “It’s Judas. Jesus told us he would do this.” They didn’t whisper it because Jesus never said it. He had known it. He had known what Judas would do, but he treated the betrayer as if he were faithful. It’s even more unfair when you consider the betrayal was Judas’s idea. The religious leaders didn’t seek him, Judas sought them. “What will you pay me for giving Jesus to you?” he asked. (Matthew 26:15) The betrayal would have been more palatable had Judas been propositioned by the leaders, but he wasn’t. He propositioned them. And Judas’s method again – why did it have to be a kiss? (Matthew 26: 48-49) And why did he have to call him ‘Teacher’? (Matthew 26:49) That’s a title of respect. The incongruity of his words, deeds, and actions.  I wouldn’t have called Judas ‘friend’. But that is exactly what Jesus called him. Why? Jesus could see something we can’t… Jesus knew Judas had been seduced by a powerful foe. He was aware of the wiles of Satan’s whispers (he had just heard them himself). He knew how hard it was for Judas to do what was right. He didn’t justify what Judas did. He didn’t minimize the deed. Nor did he release Judas from his choice. But he did look eye to eye with his betrayer and try to understand. As long as you hate your enemy, a jail door is closed and a prisoner is taken. But when you try to understand and release your foe from your hatred, then the prisoner is released and that prisoner is you

Pierced

Pierced by Vonette Bright “But He was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for  our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed.” Isaiah 53:5 (NIV) The Bible says, referring to Christ’s death on the cross: Jesus “was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins.” When Barb Boswell suffered through breast cancer, she felt pierced too. After her painful ordeal, God reminded her that Christ was pierced on her behalf. It was Good Friday, the day we remember the crucifixion of Jesus. Oh dear one, God used both piercings for His glory. Through faith we know Christ rose again.  His suffering was for you, to make a way to God. For Barb, cancer was a life-changing experience, which God has used. She now reaches out to other cancer survivors with the story of God’s love and grace. Take a few minutes to read Isaiah 53. It will put all your sufferings, all your “piercings” into perspective.

Prayer:

 All-knowing God. Thank You for always being in ultimate control of everything, even though You have allowed sinful people to spoil Your world and crucify Your Son. I am sorry for the time when I arrogantly think that You do not know what is going on, belittling Your all-knowing character, and assuming that it is right for me to do whatever I think best. Please help me to see how You are always ahead of me, and help me to cooperate with Your plans. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Choosers

by Gail Rodgers

The radio played as I drove home sifting through the thoughts of my day. Suddenly a quote caught my attention. I missed who it was credited to but it was good. “No one is born a winner or loser, but each one is born a chooser.”

“How true”, I thought as I maneuvered through the traffic. I was a chooser in every area of my life. Oh, I may not always choose my circumstances, but I would always be in charge of choosing my responses to those circumstances.

God gently nudged my heart and I began to think about some of the thoughts I was choosing to entertain about circumstances in my day. He reminded me that a response in life always begins with a thought. Some of my thoughts toward people and circumstances in my day were rather negative, critical and impatient. Left alone these thoughts would surely spiral me down and impact my responses in the same way. The choice was mine. God’s Word came to my mind.

“We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
2 Corinthians 10:5b

God is so good to remind us that we need to take stock of our thoughts. Thoughts are the seeds in our lives that result in actions and responses. We choose to let them stay or to take them captive and throw them out.

I realized the events of the day were sowing seeds in my mind and heart of things I did not want growing in my life. God used that quote on the radio to remind me that I was a chooser. I knew the kind of responses I wanted in my life and these thoughts would not get me there.

God’s Holy Spirit is our helper. He draws us on to be what we, in our own strength, cannot be. He helps us toss aside the seeds that would bear sour fruit if left unattended.

Where are your thoughts today? Be aware of what you are choosing to dwell on from your day or even your yesterday. Seeds always grow up and bear fruit. Paying attention to what parades through your mind puts you in a pro-active position. Before thoughts of irritation and frustration grow into angry, bitter roots, choose to ask God’s Holy Spirit to help you take those thoughts captive and to respond to your circumstances with His grace and love and His wisdom.

I Give You My Heart, Father

by Rev. Daniel Forster

“But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:23-24, ESV)

There is a popular saying we use often in our society today, “let Jesus into your heart”. Now while on the surface there is nothing wrong with this saying, in our modern society this saying has taken on a different meaning than what it was once intended to mean.

We hear this saying today and imply it that we can let Jesus into our hearts conforming Jesus to us. It is as if God fits into our lives – we find a place for Him in our hearts along with everything else. We have great intentions with this line of thinking however; we can’t fully experience Father when we seek Him this way. We become frustrated.

I speak from personal experience on this issue. I spent fifteen years wandering from church to church all the while never fully experiencing Father in my life and still wondering what Jesus meant to me. Fifteen years of fellowship, sermons, small groups, and worship and I was still as lost as the day I thought I let Jesus into my heart.

The Lord never gave up on me and in my weakest moment of my life, I really found Him. In that moment I reversed the script and gave Jesus my heart, my baggage, my life and in doing so, found myself with my Father, my Creator, my God, my Savior.

But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.’ (Isaiah 43:1-3, ESV)

Lord I pray today that all who walk with you will want to walk in you. I pray today that all who have let you in their hearts will give their hearts to you. Touch and move on them as you did me Father, let them experience your love and mercy as you showed upon me. Lord we know we can’t manage or handle this world on our own, we need you, and we want you. Help us to understand your love, as we give back everything you have given to us, back to you Father. In Jesus name, Amen.

Question: Have you invited Jesus into your life?

We are Reconciled

We are Reconciled by Phil Ware “If, when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life.” Romans 5:10 Thoughts on today’s verse Jesus didn’t just die for my sins, he lives for me. In fact, he is at God’s right hand claiming me as his own (see 1 John 2:1-2). If he was willing to die to save me, what will he withhold now that he lives victorious over death? Prayer: Holy and Righteous Father, I thank you for Jesus, who is at your side and knows my heart, struggles, and world. I thank you for your constant care and protection through all of my difficulties and triumphs. Please make your presence known more clearly today than ever before as I try to serve you with wholehearted devotion. Through Jesus I pray. Amen.

Father Forgive Them

Father Forgive Them

by Bethany Hayes

“Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” Luke 23:24 (KJV)

I often wonder what it was like to cross through the Red Sea on dry ground, to watch Jericho’s walls collapse, or to walk with Jesus on the Sea of Galilee. But imagine being present at the most astonishing event of world history, “the scourging of Christ, the Promised Savior”.

Someone should have protested.  Instead, the loudest voices were those in favor of the scourging.  Jesus Himself did not even raise a voice in His own defense.  In fact, Peter described the scene this way. “When He was reviled, [He] did not revile in return. When He suffered, He did not threaten.” 1 Peter 2:23a (NKJV).

While being scourged for our sins, the Maker of heaven and earth ‘and of those who accused Him’ said nothing.

Yet, after He was placed on a cross, Jesus spoke these words. “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.”

He had committed Himself and the result was available forgiveness.

Equal in significance to the words, “Father, forgive them,” were another three words “it is finished.”  Complete and final forgiveness is ours only through our Lord Jesus Christ. “For there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
(Acts 4:12).

Father, Thank You for providing the only Savior qualified to save us from our sin, for looking on His finished work and forgiving us completely.  In Jesus’ Name.  Amen.

Word@Work from BeaconLight

Word@Work from BeaconLight

 

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

 

OUTSIDE THE CITY, INSIDE THE CRIMINALS

 

John 19:17-18  Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha). Here they crucified him, and with him two others—one on each side and Jesus in the middle. (NIV)
  

Everything seemed to be wrong. Jesus was not a criminal; He had done nothing wrong. John wrote that He carried His own cross. Was it His cross? It was certainly the cross on which He was to be crucified, and as the Creator God, it was cut from the tree He had made. It was the cross He had chosen to bear but He did not deserve it because He would suffer for our sins, not His own.

He was the King of the Jews, but He was led outside Jerusalem city to be killed: He was to be the scapegoat for the sins of the world. Jesus was crucified between two criminals, surrounded by sin and willingly associating with the sin of the world (including our sin). He was the author of life but they took Him to the place of death. It was so unfair: Jesus did not deserve such humiliation, but He chose to suffer instead of you and me.

The death of Jesus was God’s way to save the world; but the cost to Him was unimaginably huge. We deserved the punishment, exclusion from God’s city, inclusion with criminals and taken to death: but Jesus took what was due to us. As Isaiah 53:6 says, “We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” How do you react to that? Humbled by His grace and sad that it was Your sin that took Jesus to the cross? That is the mark of true children of God. Let us thank Him for His sacrifice and show our gratitude in living lives which please Him. How can we best do that today?

Prayer:  Gracious God. It does not seem fair that Jesus should want to suffer for me, but I am truly grateful for Your grace towards me. I am sorry when I get wrapped up in my own interests and forget how greatly You have loved me. Please help me to be truly grateful for Your sacrifice and decide to live differently, in ways which please You. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Be Thankful in All Circumstances

by Joshua Lim “In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18) “..singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, the Father.” (Ephesians 5:20) “..singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. and whatever you do in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.” (Colossians 3:16,17) “at midnight, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God… suddenly there was a great earthquake..” (Acts 16:25,26) In the end times, ingratitude will characterize many people. People in general will become more wicked and less grateful. “For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy.” (2 Timothy 3:1,2) “although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.” (Romans 1:21) People will complain about their circumstances, hoping for some “lucky break” to help him. With a big ego, he thanks himself for who he is, thinking that everything comes from his own efforts. The thankless person despises the idea of grace. It is sad to see Christians who always seem to be stressed out, dissatisfied, depressed, and unhappy about their circumstances. Are we giving thanks to God every day for His grace? “God is able to make all grace abound to you, that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed.” (2 Corinthians 9:8) As Vonette Bright said, “When we express thanksgiving and gratitude to God, peace flooded our hearts, and He provided the solution. Always be thankful…especially in crisis. God can turn your tragedy to triumph, discord to harmony, and defeat to victory.” In the Old Testament (Leviticus 3:1-17; 7:11-36), thank offerings and peace offerings were to remind God’s people of their need to be thankful to God. They would bring a sheaf of grain and some oil and wine as thank offerings. These were symbols of the Lord’s provision, a reminder to thank Him for His grace and mercy in supplying all they have.

Why I Keep a Gratitude Journal

by Helen Grace Lescheid

“Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.”
(Psalm 103:2).

I don’t know about you, but I have a good forgetter. For that reason: I choose calendars with large squares so I can write down reminders; I put tomorrow’s commitments on a sheet of paper and place it where I’m sure to see it; I put stick-it-notes with messages on them in prominent places throughout my home.

My friends and I laugh about it and put it down to our age, but according to the Bible, forgetting is a problem of the human race.

In Psalm 106 Israel’s spiritual downfall began with forgetting. They did not remember God’s many kindnesses to them; they forgot what God had done; they forgot the God who saved them, who had done great miracles and awesome deeds for them (Psalm 106: 7, 13, 21).

Forgetting led to discontent. They grumbled in their tents and did not obey the LORD. Soon they were copying the sinful ways of the world (Read the rest of Psalm 106).

I don’t want a spirit of discontent to grab me and drag me down. For that reason, I keep a gratitude journal. It helps me to anchor my blessings so I will not forget them.

When I re-read my journal entries (as I do at the beginning of a new year), I’m always amazed at God’s faithful working in the past year. Oh, I’d forgotten about that, I think. My heart fills with gratitude and hope.  I know that just as God has been with me in the past, He will be with me in the future.

I don’t want to miss any of my blessings. So, I will keep on writing in my gratitude journal.
What about you? If you don’t have a journal, I encourage you to begin one to record God’s blessings in your life. You’ll be doubly blessed as you read about them later.

Father, I thank you that you delight to bless your people for your compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22,23)

Prayer

Prayer:  All-knowing God. Thank you for preparing me for the contrasts in my life. Although I would like everything to be nice and peaceful, I know that it will not be that way in this world. I am sorry for grumbling and complaining about the way in which my circumstances swing from good to bad. Please help me to know that You understand and have Your own purpose in allowing these contrasts, and will give me the wisdom and strength to respond in a godly way. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Praise Brings Results

by Dr. Bill Bright

“And at the moment they began to sing and to praise, the Lord caused the armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir to begin fighting among themselves, and they destroyed each other!” 2 Chronicles 20:22

The armies of Ammon, Moab and Mount Seir had declared war on King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah. So Jehoshaphat called the people together and prayed, “Oh, our God. Won’t you stop them. We have no way to protect ourselves against this mighty army. We don’t know what to do but we are looking to You.”

Then the Lord instructed the people, “Don’t be afraid, don’t be paralyzed by this mighty army for the battle is not yours, but God’s! Tomorrow, go down and attack them!…But you will not need to fight. Take your places; stand quietly and see the incredible rescue operation God will perform for you” (2 Chronicles 20:15-17).

After consultation with the leaders of the people, Jehoshaphat determined that there should be a choir, clothed in sanctified garments and singing the song, “His Loving Kindness Is Forever,” leading the march. As they walked along praising and thanking the Lord, He released His mighty power in their behalf.

One of the greatest lessons I have ever learned about the Christian life is the importance of praise and thanksgiving. The greater the problem, the more difficult the circumstances, the greater the crisis, the more important it is to praise God at all times, to worship Him for who He is; for His attributes of sovereignty, love, grace, power, wisdom and might; for the certainty that He will fight for us, that He will demonstrate His supernatural resources in our behalf.

As in the case of Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah when they began to praise God and He caused the three opposing armies to fight against each other and destroy one another, God will fight for us if we trust and obey Him. There is no better way to demonstrate faith and obedience than to praise Him and to thank Him, even when our world is crumbling around us and the enemy is threatening to destroy. God honors praise. Hebrews 13:15 reminds us, “With Jesus’ help, we will continually offer our sacrifice of praise to God by telling others of the glory of His name.”

Read Psalm 136:1, 21-26

Lord, I will continue to praise You and give thanks to You for who You are. When difficulties arise, I will praise You all the more and thank You for Your faithfulness. I will depend upon Your supernatural resources which enable me to live the supernatural life, regardless of the circumstances. Amen.

Refiner’s Fire

Refiner’s Fire

by Vonette Bright

Many years ago, a few women met to read scriptures.
They came upon Malachi 3:3:
It says, “He will sit like a refiner of silver, burning away the dross.”
So one woman decided to view for herself the process of purifying precious metals.
She wanted to see how it was like God’s love for us.

Well, the silversmith sat, just as the scriptures indicated.
He kept his eye fixed on the furnace, watching the impurities burn away.

Dear one, can you picture that?
God must purify you to burn away the garbage in your life, but won’t go beyond what you can bear.

Then, the man said the process wasn’t complete
until he could see his own image reflected in the silver.
And that’s the way it is with God in your life too!

Prayer

Prayer:  Sovereign Lord. Thank You that I can be confident that You never change, nor will You be manipulated to please human beings. I am sorry when I think that I can bargain with You for what I want or try to control what You are doing. Please help me to learn how to submit to You, learning to worship and serve You in ways that please You. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

God’s Masterpiece

by Sylvia Gunter

With your spirit receive God’s Word for you from Proverbs 8:30-31. “Then I was the craftsman at his side. I was filled with delight day after day, rejoicing always in his presence, rejoicing in his whole world and delighting in mankind.” And in Ephesians 2:10 (NLT). “For we are God’s masterpiece...”

God delights in how he made you. You are one of his masterpieces. You are his song to be sung in a key of music that is unique to you, in a rhythm, a harmony, and an orchestration that God rejoices to sing inside of you. The music of heaven graces your life as others see and hear and touch who you are, so that they receive from him the awesome display of his delight in you.

Appreciate the delightful work of God’s hands that you are. God designed what you do to be built on the foundation of who you are in him. Ecclesiastes 3:11 says, “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.”

You are not a tool designed to function to do good works because the world needs them done. God has given you the authority and compassion to be a part of meeting needs, but higher than that, you are beautiful and complete like the portrait that God painted in
1 Samuel 16:18 of a man after his own heart. You are a worshiper who sings back to him the songs of heaven. You are brave with holy boldness, kept by the One who stands strong in you. You are a warrior who fights the right battles because you listen to your Commander. You have wise and gracious words that come from the wellspring of a righteous heart. You are fine-looking as you reflect the image of Jesus. You possess the signature that the Lord is with you. He “signed off on you.” Receive the seal of his signature on you.

In your spirit you are blessed to live in the beauty of being well-pleasing to your Father. You are beautiful, dressed in royal robes designed to express the position and privilege of being the King’s heir. You have royal inheritance of authority and privilege. You are a display of his splendor from his throne room. Be blessed with fulfillment in the grace and beauty of heaven seen in you. Be blessed with the peace and joy of heaven about you. You are blessed with the perfume of heaven about you. You are blessed with the color and light of heaven reflected upon you.

God is investing in you, caring for you, nurturing you. Be blessed with becoming everything he has called you to be and being all he has designed you to become so that all of heaven rejoices. Receive the delight of Jesus in his creation: you!

Be blessed in the name of the One who rejoices in his works (Psalm 104:31).

Prayer

Prayer:  Sovereign Lord. Thank You for protecting Your own children. I am sorry when I have felt so vulnerable and threatened by evil, and have not trusted You to protect me and deliver me. Please help me to know that no wickedness ever takes You by surprise and that You are always strong to defend those who put their trust in You. So please help me not to be intimidated, because You have promised to be with me always. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
 

Prayer

Prayer:  Sovereign Lord. Thank You for protecting Your own children. I am sorry when I have felt so vulnerable and threatened by evil, and have not trusted You to protect me and deliver me. Please help me to know that no wickedness ever takes You by surprise and that You are always strong to defend those who put their trust in You. So please help me not to be intimidated, because You have promised to be with me always. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
 

A Morning Prayer

by Katherine Kehler

Lord, little by little You are getting through my befuddled mind to teach me another practical concept about living a life pleasing to You.

Lord Jesus, I know You said that in this world we would have troubles, but for some reason, I really thought there would be fewer problems as I aged, that I would become wise. But life becomes more complicated.

I wonder, Lord, is it because You need to constantly remind us that this earth is not our home…that we are heaven bound?

So many times I forget that people, circumstances or things cannot give me happiness; only You can. I realize now that my discouragement can be because of the lack of trusting You.

This day, Lord, I pray that You will enable me to trust You each time a problem arises. Whenever I get stressed, remind me to turn my eyes on You and Your sufficiency.
My help comes from You, Lord. Amen.