Daily Thought for Friday, April 29th

April 29, 2011

Little Things Make Big Differences

“It has long been an axiom of mine that the little things

 are infinitely the most important.”

-  Arthur Conan Doyle

Today’s Thought:

“If you cannot feed a million people, then feed just one.” – Mother Teresa

Today’s Question

Did you ever stop to consider, in the scheme of life, that, “Whatever you do will be insignificant, but it is very important that you do it?” – Mahatma Gandhi

Today’s Spiritual Thought:

“Little drops of water,

Little grains of sand,

Make the mighty ocean

And the pleasant land.

So the little minutes.

Humble though they be,

Make the mighty ages

Of eternity.

Little deeds of kindness,

Little words of love,

Help to make earth happy

Like the heaven above.”

- Julia Carney

“For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.” - The Bible (Mark 9:41)

Often we look for the great, the grand or the big opportunity to come so we can do a big dead for God; yet we loose sight of the reality that sometimes it is the most insignificant of things we might do that will end in something far greater than we ever anticipated.

God sometimes wants us to show that we can be faithful with a few things before He gives us many.

But regardless of whether it be smiling at a stranger, speaking a kind word to someone you pass by or helping solve someone’s problem: every act of kindness and love is an act of service and love for not only the person we are helping or making have a better day, but also it is for the Lord.

“It is not necessary to have great things to do.  I turn my little omelet in the pan for the love of God.” – Brother Laurence

Whether great or small, big or tiny, may everything you do be done in love and with a heart and attitude of worship and service for the Lord.

“The most powerful way to change the world is to secretly commit little acts of compassion.  You must behave as if your every act, even the smallest, impacted a thousand people for a hundred generations.  Because it does.” – Thom Hartmann

Today’s Verses:

Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:  Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.  Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?  When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

Matthew 25:34-40

But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;  And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea,  and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:

                        1 Corinthians 1:27-28

Today’s Prayer:

Father, regardless of what it might be, may I do all I do for you as an act of love to serve you and to make this world a better place.

Daily Thought for Thursday, April 28th

April 28, 2011

Handicaps, Limitations and God

“I thank God for my handicaps, for through them, I have found myself,

 my work and my God.”

- Helen Keller

Today’s Thought:

“Things are seldom what they seem,

Skim milk masquerades as cream.” – W. S. Gilbert

Today’s Question

Do you believe that, “Handicaps are really to be used another way to benefit yourself and others?” – Stevie Wonder

Today’s Spiritual Thought:

“Once we accept our limits we go beyond them.”

- Albert Einstein

“For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me.  And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” – The Bible (2 Corinthians 12:6-10)

Paul had a handicap or limitation, but he did not let it keep him form doing the work of the ministry God called Him to.

Many believe Paul’s thorn in the flesh was limitations in his vision, yet he overcome and accomplished great things for God’s glory.

Yet many of us today, whine and whimper that we cannot do this or that in the church or volunteer for this or that ministry because we have this or that problem.

If you are willing to serve, God will give you wisdom, strength and abilities to overcome whatever limitation you may think you have.

In years of ministry I have worked with many people in wheelchairs; who were totally blind or had other severe physical handicaps, but they were willing and they always found a way to serve for God’s glory.

No limitation is too big for God to overcome.  There is no living soul that God does not have a plan and purpose for.  The real issue is, are we willing? We are defiantly able in Gods’ eyes but are we ready?

Almost everyone has some form of limitation or maybe even a handicap: I do: but I am not willing to let it stand in my way of serving the Lord.

What about you?

Today’s Verses:

The Lord is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him.

Exodus 15:2

God is my strength and power: and he maketh my way perfect. He maketh my feet like hinds' feet: and setteth me upon my high places.

                        2 Samuel 22:33-34

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.

                        Psalms 28:7

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.

                        Isaiah 12:2

Today’s Prayer:

Father, where others may see broken and damaged, you see potential and possibility, so thank you for enabling me to do what others have said could not be done.  To God be the Glory!

Daily Thought for Wednesday, April 27th

April 27, 2011

Preaching Isn’t for Just A Few

& The Sermon Must be More Than Words

“He preaches well that lives well.”

- Cervantes (from Don Quixote)

Today’s Thought:

“Example is not the main thing in influencing others. It is the only thing.” – Albert Schweitzer

Today’s Question

Have you ever stopped to consider that, “Example moves the world more than doctrine?” – Henry Miller 

And did you know, “Example has more followers than reason?” – Christian Bowee

Today’s Spiritual Thought:

“Nothing is so infectious as example.”

- Francois de La Rochefoucauld

“And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” – The Bible (Romans 10:15)

“A good example is the best sermon.” – Unknown

I would like to dispel a commonly accepted misconception that prevails among many in the church today: Preaching is not a duty or obligation restricted to and relegated to pastors only.   Rather it is the responsibility of any person who professes to be a child of God to preach the gospel.

Preaching is one of the duties of a pastor and an important one, but more sermons are lived out in day-to-day lives than will ever be delivered from all the pulpits in the world.

We like to call the orations delivered by pastors on Sunday morning sermons, but truth be told real sermons are more accurately described as the lives we live as Christians.

Sermons are more effective if we do them, rather than if we say them.

A message delivered from a pulpit is just a speech, it is how those words are applied, enacted and carried out in the things we do that make a difference in our world.

 Each of us is a walking sermon, whether a good one or a bad one for the cause of Christ and His kingdom.

People will be more influenced and affected by what we do and how we live out our faith, than they will ever be by messages delivered by clergy.  That does not diminish the necessity of preaching and teaching by God’s called to equip and empower the saints to be ready to go out and be living sermons.  God calls pastors or shepherds to equip the sheep so that they can go out amongst other sheep and share and to witness to the goats so they can become sheep too.

Remember we are all to be ministers of the gospel, even if we aren’t all pastors.

“He that has but one word of God before him and out of that word cannot make a sermon can never be a preacher.” – Martin Luther

We all have something of God’s word before us, even if it is but the knowledge that Jesus saved us and is living in our hearts.  With that go out and preach to your world.

Today’s Verses:

And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Matthew 10:7

What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.

                        Matthew 10:27

And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

                        Acts 5:42

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

                        Mark 16:15

Today’s Prayer:

Father, may the sermon of my life be good, acceptable and pleasing in your sight and may it be effective in changing lives and turning hearts towards you.

Daily Thought for Tuesday, April 26th

April 26, 2011

G.P.S. and Prayer

What Do They Have In Common

“There is no hope but in prayer.”

- Andrew Bonar

Today’s Thought:

“It is not well for a man to pray cream and live skim milk” – Henry Ward Beecher

Today’s Question

Did you know; “Satan trembles when he sees – The weakest saint upon his knees?” – William Cowper  And were you aware, “Prayer does not change God, but it changes him who prays.” – S. A. Kierkegaard

Today’s Spiritual Thought:

“We look upon it as a means of getting things for ourselves;

The Bible idea of prayer is that we may get to know God Himself.”

- Oswald Chambers

Dwight L. Moody said, “Behind every work of God you will always find some kneeling form.”

It almost goes without saying that prayer is vital to spiritual living and growth.  But then what could the concept of a GPS have to do with prayer?

It is a metaphorical analogy.  What is a GPS?  Simply put it is a global positioning system.  You can tell it where you are and ask it for directions on how to get to where you need to go.  It will then give you turn-by-turn instructions on the best way to get to where you are going.  In some ways prayer is like that.  You go to God, acknowledging to Him where you are and seeking directions on how to get to where He wants you to go.  God then is always accurately willing to give you the exact steps you need to take in order for you to best accomplish His will and for you to get to where He wants to take you.  Sadly most of us are better at following the directions of a GPS which can sometimes make mistakes than we are willing to follow God who never makes mistakes.

God always has the best and right way, even if it does take us through a storm or two and across a few rough roads, He knows what we need before we can even realize, or at least admit, we need to ask for His guidance

Prayer is a vital tool in our journey of life and without it we would certainly be frequently lost and going the wrong way on many one way streets, so to speak.  To be at our most effective, most efficient and to be ultimately successful; it is imperative that we employ prayer as one of our tools for successful Christian living.

“Today any successful and competent businessman will employ the latest and best-tested methods in production, distribution and administration, and many are discovering that one of the greatest of all efficiency methods is prayer power.” – Norman Vincent Peale

Abraham Lincoln had the right insight into this concept when he stated, “I have been driven many times to my knees by overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go.  My own wisdom, and that of all about me, seemed insufficient for the day.”

Today’s Verses:

The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.

Proverbs 15:8

Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.

                        Psalms 55:17

Rejoice evermore.  Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

                        1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Today’s Prayer:

Father, help me to remember that though I once was lost, now I am found and if I will walk with you, talk with you and listen to you each day I will never wonder or go astray.

Daily Thought for Monday, April 25th

April 25, 2011

(Beyond) His Last Week On Earth As A Man – Identifying With Jesus – Part Seven

Ascension and The Promise of His Return

“The bottom line is in heaven.”

- Edward Herbert Land

“The way to heaven out of all places is of like length and distance.”

- Thomas More

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

- The Bible (John 14:6)

Today’s Thought:

“This world is not my home I'm just passing through
my treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue
the angels beckon me from Heaven's open door
and I can't feel at home in this world anymore.” – Albert E. Brumley (lyrics from ‘This World Is Not My Home’)

Today’s Question

Have you ever wondered: since “Most people can’t bear to sit in church for an hour o Sundays, How are they supposed to live somewhere very similar to it for eternity?” – Mark Twain   If we begrudge being in His presence now, how do you think eternity will play out?

Today’s Spiritual Thought:

 “And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord; And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears:  But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth: with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.  And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins. The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.  And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.  And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice' den.  They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.  And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious.  And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people…”

- The Bible (Isaiah 11:1-11)

“And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.  But their eyes were holden that they should not know him.  And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad?  And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days?  And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people:  And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him.  But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done.  Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre;  And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive.  And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulchre, and found it even so as the women had said: but him they saw not. Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:  Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?  And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.  And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further.  But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them. And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them.  And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.  And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?  And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them,  Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon.  And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread.  And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.  And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?  Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.  And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet.  And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?  And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb.  And he took it, and did eat before them.  And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.  Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,  And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things.  And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.  And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them.  And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.  And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy:” – The Bible (Luke 24:15-52)

Jesus appeared to His disciples several times over the forty days following His resurrection.  When He left for that last time to go and take His seat at the right hand of the father in Heaven, He promised to come again.

We identify with Jesus not only as the Redeemer of our souls, through salvation but as the returning Redeemer who will take us into life everlasting to live with Him and His Father forever in Heaven.

“Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” – The Bible (1 Corinthians 15:51-58)

We identify with Him as our ascended intercessor and as our soon coming Lord and King.

“Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession; That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of Lords;” – The Bible (1 Timothy 6:12-15)

Today’s Verses:

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.  In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

John 14:1-3

And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.  Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto. For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.  But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people. And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.  And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.  And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh

                        Luke 21:20-28

Today’s Prayer:

Father, I know the end is drawing near, but may I be faithful, diligent and busy until He comes.

Daily Thought for Friday, April 22nd

April 22, 2011

His Last Week On Earth As A Man – Identifying With Jesus – Part Six

Life After Death

“Life is real! Life is earnest!

And the grave is not its goal;

Dust thou art, to dust returnest,

Was not spoken of the soul.”

–         Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Today’s Thought:

“I serve a risen Savior; He's in the world today.

I know that He is living, whatever men may say.

I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer,

And just the time I need Him He's always near.

He lives! He lives! Christ Jesus lives today!

He walks with me and talks with me along life's narrow way.

He lives! He lives! Salvation to impart!

You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart.” – Alfred H. Ackley (lyrics from ‘He Lives’)

Today’s Question

Are you aware that “There’ll be two dates on your tombstone, and all your friends will read ‘em.  But all that’s gonna matter is that little dash between ‘em?” – Kevin Welch

Today’s Spiritual Thought:

 “The gates and doors were barred and all the windows fastened down;
I spent the night in sleeplessness and rose at every sound
Half in hopeless sorrow and half in fear the day
Would find the soldiers breakin' thru to drag us all away

And just before the sunrise I heard something at the wall
The gate began to rattle and a voice began to call;
I hurried to the window and looked down into the street
Expecting swords and torches and the sounds of soldier's feet

There was no one there but Mary so I went down to let her in;
John stood there beside me as she'd told us where she'd been.
She said "They moved Him in the night and none of us knows where;
The stone's been rolled away and now His body isn't there!"

We both ran t'ward the garden, then John ran on ahead;
We found the stone and empty tomb just the way that Mary said.
But the winding sheet they wrapped Him in was just an empty shell;
And who or where they'd taken Him was more than I could tell.

Well, something strange had happened there,
but just what I didn't know;
John believed a miracle but I just turned to go.
Circumstance and speculation couldn't lift me very high
'Cause I'd seen them crucify Him, then I saw Him die.

Back inside the house again the guilt and anguish came;
Everything I'd promised Him just added to my shame.
When at last it came to choices, I denied I knew His name;
And even if He was alive, it wouldn't be the same

But suddenly the air was filled with a strange and sweet perfume;
Light that came from everywhere drove shadows from the room.
Jesus stood before me with His arms held open wide;
And I fell down on my knees, and just clung to Him and cried.

He raised me to my feet and as I looked into His eyes,
Love was shining out from Him like sunlight in the skies
Guilt in my confusion disappeared in sweet release
And every fear I'd ever had just melted into peace

He's alive! He's alive, He's alive and I'm forgiven!
Heaven's gates are open wide:
He's alive, He's alive, oh He's alive and I'm forgiven
Heaven's gates are open wide
He's alive, He's alive, hallelujah He's alive.”

- Don Francisco (lyrics from ‘He’s Alive’)

“And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus.  And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight. Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury.  Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new sepulchre, wherein was never man yet laid.  There laid they Jesus therefore because of the Jews' preparation day; for the sepulchre was nigh at hand.” – The Bible (John 19:38-42)

The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre. Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him. Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre. So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre. And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in. Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie, And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself. Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed. For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead. Then the disciples went away again unto their own home. But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre, And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him. And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away. Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master. Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.  Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her.  Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. – The Bible (John 20:1-21)

Paul wrote, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me;” – The Bible (Galatians 2:20(a)) and might the same be said of us today.

Jesus died but He rose victorious over death and hell on the third day, just as He said He would.

We identify with Him in resurrection power for when He comes into our lives we die to our old self and arise to live in the new life we have in Christ Jesus.  It is the power of God in us, by virtue of the Holy Spirit that gives our life power, guidance and direction; we must head it and yield to it in order for Him to achieve His greatest desires for us.

Though I was dead in trespass and sin, because of Jesus death and resurrection, I now have life and have it more abundantly.

I was under the curse of death, because the “Wages of sin are death,” but now I am under the blessing of life, “For the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” – The Bible (Romans 6:23)

Today’s Verses:

I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.  The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.  But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so I know the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.

John 10:9-18

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

                        John 14:6

Today’s Prayer:

Father, I know I have life, so help me to live it in a way that is worthy of You.

Daily Thought for Thursday, April 21st

April 21, 2011

His Last Week On Earth As A Man – Identifying With Jesus – Part Five

Death and Dying

“This is my temporary Home.

It’s not where I belong

Windows and rooms that I’m passin’ through,

This was just a stop, on the way to where I’m going.

I’m not afraid because I know

 this was my temporary home.”

–         Zac Maloy, Luke Laird, Carrie Underwood (lyrics from ‘Temporary Home’)

–         )

Today’s Thought:

“The only religious way to think of death is as part and parcel of life.” – Thomas Mann

Today’s Question

Have you ever considered that it is not death we should fear, but rather that we should fear that we failed to live in a way that pleases God?  “Death is not the greatest loss in life.  The greatest loss is what dies inside us while we live.” – Norman Cousins

Today’s Spiritual Thought:

 “No man should be afraid to die,

who hath understood what it is to live.”

- Thomas Fuller

“Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him.  And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe,  And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands.  Pilate therefore went forth again, and saith unto them, Behold, I bring him forth to you, that ye may know that I find no fault in him.  Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man!  When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him.  The Jews answered him, We have a law, and by our law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God.  When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he was the more afraid;  And went again into the judgment hall, and saith unto Jesus, Whence art thou? But Jesus gave him no answer.  Then saith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee?  Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.  And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release him: but the Jews cried out, saying, If thou let this man go, thou art not Caesar's friend: whosoever maketh himself a king speaketh against Caesar.  When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus forth, and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called the Pavement, but in the Hebrew, Gabbatha.  And it was the preparation of the passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King!  But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar.  Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away.  And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha:  Where they crucified him, and two other with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst.  And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS.  This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin.  Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate, Write not, The King of the Jews; but that he said, I am King of the Jews.  Pilate answered, What I have written I have written.  Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout.  They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots. These things therefore the soldiers did.  Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene.  When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!  Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.  After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst.  Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth.  When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.  The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away.  Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him.  But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs:  But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water.” – The Bible (John 19:1-34)

Jesus brought life through death; for it was in His dying that the penalty for humanities sins was paid and life everlasting was made possible.

Ironically in identifying with Jesus in death the focus becomes more about how we live.

By becoming a part of His death by allowing ourselves to be washed in His blood to receive forgiveness of our sins, we are born again to walk in a newness of life.  Our lives becomes less about the fact that we are perpetually dying in a physical sense and more focused on a dying to sin, self and the things that would separate us from Him and His will and more about living to reflect who He is and what He means to us.

Death and taxes are inevitable but for the Christian a natural death means life everlasting: while a failure to live life to the fullest for Him means we fail to die daily so that the best of Him can be revealed in us.

Jesus died so that we could live – may we daily die so that He can live through us.

Today’s Verses:

And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:  So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

Hebrews 9:27-28

O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.  But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

                        1 Corinthians 15:55-57

According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.  For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not.  For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith;

       Philippians 1:20:25

Today’s Prayer:

Father, in life Jesus showed me how to live; in death He made it possible for me to live eternally – so may I live worthy of His death and die having done my best to live for Him.

Daily Thought for Wednesday, April 20th

April 20, 2011

His Last Week On Earth As A Man – Identifying With Jesus – Part Four

False Accusation and Betrayal

“Into the space of one little hour sins enough may be conjured up by evil tongues to blast the fame of a whole life of virtue.”

–         Washington Irving

Today’s Thought:

“It takes your enemy and your friend, working together, to hurt you to the heart.” – Mark Twain

Today’s Question

Did you know “Even doubtful accusations leave a stain behind them?” – Thomas Fuller

Today’s Spiritual Thought:

 “Though those that are betrayed

Do feel the treason sharply,

Yet the traitor

Stands in worse case of woe. ”

- William Shakespeare

“And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him.  But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?  When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword?  And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear.  And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him. Then Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders, which were come to him, Be ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves?  When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.  Then took they him, and led him, and brought him into the high priest's house. And Peter followed afar off.  And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were set down together, Peter sat down among them.  But a certain maid beheld him as he sat by the fire, and earnestly looked upon him, and said, This man was also with him.  And he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not.  And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not.  And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with him: for he is a Galilaean.  And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew.  And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.  And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.  And the men that held Jesus mocked him, and smote him.  And when they had blindfolded him, they struck him on the face, and asked him, saying, Prophesy, who is it that smote thee?  And many other things blasphemously spake they against him.  And as soon as it was day, the elders of the people and the chief priests and the scribes came together, and led him into their council, saying,  Art thou the Christ? tell us. And he said unto them, If I tell you, ye will not believe:  And if I also ask you, ye will not answer me, nor let me go.  Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God. Then said they all, Art thou then the Son of God? And he said unto them, Ye say that I am. And they said, What need we any further witness? for we ourselves have heard of his own mouth.” – The Bible (Luke 22:47-71)

“And the whole multitude of them arose, and led him unto Pilate. And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ a King. And Pilate asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answered him and said, Thou sayest it. Then said Pilate to the chief priests and to the people, I find no fault in this man. And they were the more fierce, saying, He stirreth up the people, teaching throughout all Jewry, beginning from Galilee to this place. When Pilate heard of Galilee, he asked whether the man were a Galilaean. And as soon as he knew that he belonged unto Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who himself also was at Jerusalem at that time. And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to see him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him. Then he questioned with him in many words; but he answered him nothing. And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused him. And Herod with his men of war set him at nought, and mocked him, and arrayed him in a gorgeous robe, and sent him again to Pilate. And the same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together: for before they were at enmity between themselves. And Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people, Said unto them, Ye have brought this man unto me, as one that perverteth the people: and, behold, I, having examined him before you, have found no fault in this man touching those things whereof ye accuse him: No, nor yet Herod: for I sent you to him; and, lo, nothing worthy of death is done unto him. I will therefore chastise him, and release him. (For of necessity he must release one unto them at the feast.) And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas:  (Who for a certain sedition made in the city, and for murder, was cast into prison.)  Pilate therefore, willing to release Jesus, spake again to them. But they cried, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. And he said unto them the third time, Why, what evil hath he done? I have found no cause of death in him: I will therefore chastise him, and let him go. And they were instant with loud voices, requiring that he might be crucified. And the voices of them and of the chief priests prevailed. And Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they required.” – The Bible (Luke 23:1-24)

Jesus was betrayed by more than one of His closest friends: He was accused by the very men charged with teaching His truths and leading God’s people.  He was sentenced by a man who feared for his position and gave more credence to the opinions of others than he did to the truth.

How many of us can identify with Jesus’ feelings of betrayal?  But we must remember that like Jesus we also need to be willing to forgive those who betray us, accuse us unjustly and sometimes cause us to suffer unjustly.  After all that is what Jesus came to do and are not we to be like Him?

Today’s Verses:

Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.  But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.

Matthew 10:32-33

But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also.  And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.  Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;  That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

                        Matthew 5:39-45

Today’s Prayer:

Father, though I may be wrongly accused or even betrayed by one or many grant me grace and compassion to be forgiving.  Though at times it may be tempting may I never be found guilty of betraying you or falsely accusing my brethren.  And if ever I do, help me to be quick to repent and ready to apologize.