"For the Lord is your security.
He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap." Proverbs 3:26 NLT
We spend millions on security. We buy policies, guns and dogs. We invest wisely, live healthy lifestyles. We purchase security systems, put our kids in private schools. We change the oil in our cars and check the tires. We do any number of things to make us secure. I'm not saying that trying to ensure your security and the security of those you love is a bad thing. I just wonder if we focus on the things instead of Jesus.
The country is in an economic crisis--the world is for that matter. Do you find your security in your investments?
The unemployment rate sky rockets. Do you find your security in your education and vocation?
Disease strikes anyone at anytime. Do you find security in your lifestyle?
Apart from Christ and the salvation He offers, no one is good enough to stand before God. Do you find security in your goodness?
What do you have that is 100% secure in your life?
What about a relationship with Jesus?
"Those who live in the shelter of the Most High
will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
This I declare about the Lord:
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
He is my God, and I trust Him.
For He will rescue you from every trap
and protect you from deadly disease.
He will cover you with His feathers.
He will shelter you with His wings.
His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night,
nor the arrow that flies in the day.
Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness,
nor the disaster that strikes at midday.
Though a thousand fall at your side,
though ten thousand are dying around you,
these evils will not touch you.
Just open your eyes,
and see how the wicked are punished.
If you make the Lord your refuge,
if you make the Most High your shelter,
no evil will conquer you;
no plague will come near your home.
For He will order His angels
to protect you wherever you go.
They will hold you up with their hands
so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.
You will trample upon lions and cobras;
you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!
The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me.
I will protect those who trust in my name.
When they call on me, I will answer;
I will be with them in trouble.
I will rescue and honor them.
I will reward them with a long life
and give them my salvation.” Psalm 91 NLT
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Who's My Enemy?
"'Even those closest to you—your parents, brothers, relatives, and friends—will betray you. They will even kill some of you. And everyone will hate you because you are my followers.'" Luke 21:16-17NLT
Jesus told His followers that they wouldn't be the most popular kids on the block. Unlike many parts of the world, Christians in America have had it pretty good. However, there is still persecution that comes our way. It comes in a variety of forms. Hatred, gossip, discrimination, physical and emotional abuse. We shouldn't be surprised.
One of the challenges that the Church in general has fallen into is an "us" and "them" mentality. We seem to posture ourselves to have enemies. If a friend, co-worker or family member assaults our beliefs and us personally, we may consider them to be our enemy. Is this the view we should be having? I don't think so.
Because you are a Christian, a friend, co-worker, neighbor or family member may consider you to be an enemy to them, but they are not an enemy to you. There's a big difference in looking at it this way. We are called to love those who consider us their enemies.
So who is my "enemy"? The Bible says; "A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm." Ephesians 6:10-13 NLT
We have an enemy--Satan and his forces. They are spiritual. We can stand firm on and in God's power. The greatest act of God's power was the cross of Christ. It brought us love, forgiveness and acceptance.
So, who are you fighting? Why?
Jesus told His followers that they wouldn't be the most popular kids on the block. Unlike many parts of the world, Christians in America have had it pretty good. However, there is still persecution that comes our way. It comes in a variety of forms. Hatred, gossip, discrimination, physical and emotional abuse. We shouldn't be surprised.
One of the challenges that the Church in general has fallen into is an "us" and "them" mentality. We seem to posture ourselves to have enemies. If a friend, co-worker or family member assaults our beliefs and us personally, we may consider them to be our enemy. Is this the view we should be having? I don't think so.
Because you are a Christian, a friend, co-worker, neighbor or family member may consider you to be an enemy to them, but they are not an enemy to you. There's a big difference in looking at it this way. We are called to love those who consider us their enemies.
So who is my "enemy"? The Bible says; "A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm." Ephesians 6:10-13 NLT
We have an enemy--Satan and his forces. They are spiritual. We can stand firm on and in God's power. The greatest act of God's power was the cross of Christ. It brought us love, forgiveness and acceptance.
So, who are you fighting? Why?
Friday, February 6, 2009
The Best Path
"The Lord says, 'I will guide you along the best pathway for your life.
I will advise you and watch over you.
Do not be like a senseless horse or mule
that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control.'” Psalm 32:8,9 NLT
Have you ever gone down the wrong road? Have you ever been at a place in life that seems to be taking you nowhere or getting you into trouble? I have.
The Lord promises to direct us along the "best" pathway for us. Often we settle for the easiest possible pathway. Sometimes we forsake the absolute "best" for the merely "good".
For God to guide, advise and watch over us, takes something on our part. First, we need a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Without a relationship with God, we are left to ourselves. Second, it takes a posture of humility. Being humble is enough to receive God's direction and care. Third, it takes submission. The willingness to put our mission under God's mission. We let Him be in control. Submission isn't a popular word in our culture.
David, the man that wrote Psalm 32, refers to the horse and mule. I know something about horses and mules. I was a professional wrangler for many years. Horses and mules can be resistant, runaway and hurt themselves. I remember one horse that when I tried to stop him, ran away with me. He broke my reins. We almost had a big wreck! Another horse was fighting my direction and stepped off a cliff with both of us. We almost died had God not intervened. One horse I had was perfect! I barely had to touch his reins. He was sensitive to my lead and responded accordingly. We had a great relationship.
So, who's lead are you following in life? Where are you headed? Is it the absolutely "best" path for you?
I will advise you and watch over you.
Do not be like a senseless horse or mule
that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control.'” Psalm 32:8,9 NLT
Have you ever gone down the wrong road? Have you ever been at a place in life that seems to be taking you nowhere or getting you into trouble? I have.
The Lord promises to direct us along the "best" pathway for us. Often we settle for the easiest possible pathway. Sometimes we forsake the absolute "best" for the merely "good".
For God to guide, advise and watch over us, takes something on our part. First, we need a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Without a relationship with God, we are left to ourselves. Second, it takes a posture of humility. Being humble is enough to receive God's direction and care. Third, it takes submission. The willingness to put our mission under God's mission. We let Him be in control. Submission isn't a popular word in our culture.
David, the man that wrote Psalm 32, refers to the horse and mule. I know something about horses and mules. I was a professional wrangler for many years. Horses and mules can be resistant, runaway and hurt themselves. I remember one horse that when I tried to stop him, ran away with me. He broke my reins. We almost had a big wreck! Another horse was fighting my direction and stepped off a cliff with both of us. We almost died had God not intervened. One horse I had was perfect! I barely had to touch his reins. He was sensitive to my lead and responded accordingly. We had a great relationship.
So, who's lead are you following in life? Where are you headed? Is it the absolutely "best" path for you?
Thursday, February 5, 2009
The Right Side of the Boat
"Simon Peter said, 'I’m going fishing.'
'We’ll come, too,' they all said. So they went out in the boat, but they caught nothing all night.
At dawn Jesus was standing on the beach, but the disciples couldn’t see who He was. He called out, 'Fellows, have you caught any fish?'
'No,' they replied.
Then He said, 'Throw out your net on the right-hand side of the boat, and you’ll get some!' So they did, and they couldn’t haul in the net because there were so many fish in it." John 21:3-6 NLT
Have you ever felt like Peter? He thought that his life was at a stand still. He had followed Jesus for three years. He had big plans. Then on a cross outside of Jerusalem his big plans crashed. Jesus was dead.
Peter went back to what he knew best, fishing. But in spite of his years of knowledge, effort and hope, he and his friends caught nothing. Maybe that's where you are today. You're giving it the best you know how, but all of your self effort is getting you nowhere.
Then enters Jesus. He calls out to Peter and his friends. He steps into their need. He tells them how to do it. Fish on the right side. When they did as He told them, they were overwhelmed with blessing!
What area of your life are you "fishing" and getting nowhere? You don't have to go it alone or keep failing. Listen to Jesus. He's calling to you. Do you hear Him?
"'For I know the plans I have for you,' says the Lord. 'They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you,' says the Lord. 'I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes.'" Jeremiah 29:11-14 NLT
'We’ll come, too,' they all said. So they went out in the boat, but they caught nothing all night.
At dawn Jesus was standing on the beach, but the disciples couldn’t see who He was. He called out, 'Fellows, have you caught any fish?'
'No,' they replied.
Then He said, 'Throw out your net on the right-hand side of the boat, and you’ll get some!' So they did, and they couldn’t haul in the net because there were so many fish in it." John 21:3-6 NLT
Have you ever felt like Peter? He thought that his life was at a stand still. He had followed Jesus for three years. He had big plans. Then on a cross outside of Jerusalem his big plans crashed. Jesus was dead.
Peter went back to what he knew best, fishing. But in spite of his years of knowledge, effort and hope, he and his friends caught nothing. Maybe that's where you are today. You're giving it the best you know how, but all of your self effort is getting you nowhere.
Then enters Jesus. He calls out to Peter and his friends. He steps into their need. He tells them how to do it. Fish on the right side. When they did as He told them, they were overwhelmed with blessing!
What area of your life are you "fishing" and getting nowhere? You don't have to go it alone or keep failing. Listen to Jesus. He's calling to you. Do you hear Him?
"'For I know the plans I have for you,' says the Lord. 'They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you,' says the Lord. 'I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes.'" Jeremiah 29:11-14 NLT
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
When the Resurrected Jesus Becomes Real
"One of the twelve disciples, Thomas (nicknamed the Twin), was not with the others when Jesus came. They told him, 'We have seen the Lord!'
But he replied, 'I won’t believe it unless I see the nail wounds in His hands, put my fingers into them, and place my hand into the wound in His side.'
Eight days later the disciples were together again, and this time Thomas was with them. The doors were locked; but suddenly, as before, Jesus was standing among them. 'Peace be with you,' He said. Then He said to Thomas, 'Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!'
'My Lord and my God!' Thomas exclaimed.
Then Jesus told him, 'You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.'” John 20:24-29 NLT
Have you ever heard of the term, Doubting Thomas? It is usually in reference to someone that is skeptical. I was once like Thomas. I had heard about Jesus, eternal life and all that stuff. But Jesus wasn't real to me. Then one night after years of struggling with alcohol abuse, drugs, pornography, anger, and you name it--Jesus became real.
My wife and daughter were gone, my life was out of control. I called out to God in the middle of the night; "If you're real, you have to save me. Also, I want to be your friend." God answered my prayer that night. I wanted to know more about this "Jesus".
Thomas had a similar circumstance. His buddies had all seen the Resurrected Jesus. The Jesus that had promised eternal life, forgiveness of sins and strength by His Spirit. But Thomas hadn't. He had only seen the Executed Jesus--the Jesus hanging on the cross. So when Jesus revealed Himself to him, it was done tenderly--through love and patience. "Go ahead Thomas, feel My wounds."
Can't you see Thomas, with a trembling hand, reaching out, touching Jesus--apprehensive at first. Then circling Jesus, taking Him in, full of amazement. As the realization that this is Jesus registers, what emotion flooded his soul. I like to think of Jesus laughing and embracing Thomas as he realized, My Jesus IS real! The Resurrected Jesus IS real!
No anger from Jesus, just love. Everyday Jesus comes into our lives through any number of circumstances. He speaks peace into our lives. He gently and lovingly says, "Check Me out, I'm the real deal. These wounds are for you."
Is the resurrected Jesus real to you? Have you seen the scars? The eyes full of love? Have you declared; "My Lord and my God!"?
But he replied, 'I won’t believe it unless I see the nail wounds in His hands, put my fingers into them, and place my hand into the wound in His side.'
Eight days later the disciples were together again, and this time Thomas was with them. The doors were locked; but suddenly, as before, Jesus was standing among them. 'Peace be with you,' He said. Then He said to Thomas, 'Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!'
'My Lord and my God!' Thomas exclaimed.
Then Jesus told him, 'You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.'” John 20:24-29 NLT
Have you ever heard of the term, Doubting Thomas? It is usually in reference to someone that is skeptical. I was once like Thomas. I had heard about Jesus, eternal life and all that stuff. But Jesus wasn't real to me. Then one night after years of struggling with alcohol abuse, drugs, pornography, anger, and you name it--Jesus became real.
My wife and daughter were gone, my life was out of control. I called out to God in the middle of the night; "If you're real, you have to save me. Also, I want to be your friend." God answered my prayer that night. I wanted to know more about this "Jesus".
Thomas had a similar circumstance. His buddies had all seen the Resurrected Jesus. The Jesus that had promised eternal life, forgiveness of sins and strength by His Spirit. But Thomas hadn't. He had only seen the Executed Jesus--the Jesus hanging on the cross. So when Jesus revealed Himself to him, it was done tenderly--through love and patience. "Go ahead Thomas, feel My wounds."
Can't you see Thomas, with a trembling hand, reaching out, touching Jesus--apprehensive at first. Then circling Jesus, taking Him in, full of amazement. As the realization that this is Jesus registers, what emotion flooded his soul. I like to think of Jesus laughing and embracing Thomas as he realized, My Jesus IS real! The Resurrected Jesus IS real!
No anger from Jesus, just love. Everyday Jesus comes into our lives through any number of circumstances. He speaks peace into our lives. He gently and lovingly says, "Check Me out, I'm the real deal. These wounds are for you."
Is the resurrected Jesus real to you? Have you seen the scars? The eyes full of love? Have you declared; "My Lord and my God!"?
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
When Jesus Speaks Peace Into Your Life
"On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord." John 20:19,20 NIV
We live in a world of unrest. Our economy, politics, health and any number of concerns can, and will, weigh us down. We look to systems, drugs, booze, relationships and whatever else we can grab onto for a quick fix of peace.
Jesus' followers had just witness an angry mob executed Jesus. Their hopes and dreams were destroyed. Now they were hiding out from the religious leaders that had Jesus executed. They were a little stressed out, to say the least.
But in their darkest hour Jesus appears to them and says these words; "Peace be with you." The Greek word for "Peace" is "Erine". It means a state of rest, quietness and calmness; an absence of strife; tranquility. It denotes a state of perfect well being.
Notice Jesus didn't say go to war or circle the wagons. He encouraged His followers that they would have peace. Peace in the midst of chaos, disasters, persecution and anything elese that would come their way. The Bible calls Jesus the Prince of Peace. He gives us the peace that transends all understanding. That peace even leads to joy.
I know that after many years of unrest, I finally found true peace in Jesus. Peace when Peggy battled cancer. Peace when our finances get slim. Peace when everything around me is going crazy. Jesus offers us peace. Peace with God and man. Peace in a world in crisis. Eternal peace in Him.
Where do you find your peace?
We live in a world of unrest. Our economy, politics, health and any number of concerns can, and will, weigh us down. We look to systems, drugs, booze, relationships and whatever else we can grab onto for a quick fix of peace.
Jesus' followers had just witness an angry mob executed Jesus. Their hopes and dreams were destroyed. Now they were hiding out from the religious leaders that had Jesus executed. They were a little stressed out, to say the least.
But in their darkest hour Jesus appears to them and says these words; "Peace be with you." The Greek word for "Peace" is "Erine". It means a state of rest, quietness and calmness; an absence of strife; tranquility. It denotes a state of perfect well being.
Notice Jesus didn't say go to war or circle the wagons. He encouraged His followers that they would have peace. Peace in the midst of chaos, disasters, persecution and anything elese that would come their way. The Bible calls Jesus the Prince of Peace. He gives us the peace that transends all understanding. That peace even leads to joy.
I know that after many years of unrest, I finally found true peace in Jesus. Peace when Peggy battled cancer. Peace when our finances get slim. Peace when everything around me is going crazy. Jesus offers us peace. Peace with God and man. Peace in a world in crisis. Eternal peace in Him.
Where do you find your peace?
Monday, February 2, 2009
The Empty Tomb
"They were both running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He stooped and looked in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he didn’t go in. Then Simon Peter arrived and went inside. He also noticed the linen wrappings lying there, while the cloth that had covered Jesus’ head was folded up and lying apart from the other wrappings. Then the disciple who had reached the tomb first also went in, and he saw and believed—-for until then they still hadn’t understood the Scriptures that said Jesus must rise from the dead." John 20:4-9 NLT
Jesus had been crucified. He told his followers that was the reason He entered the world. To lay down His life as a sacrifice on behalf of fallen mankind. His death and resurrection would mean that the hostility and gap between God and mankind would be reconciled.
The two followers were scared. The religious leaders had killed Jesus. What would stop them from being killed? Jesus promised eternal life, but now He was dead.
Early on the Sunday morning after Jesus had been executed and put in a tomb, word got back to these men that the tomb was empty. How could this be? There was a squad of Roman guards watching over the tomb to keep it from being tampered with. But Jesus promised that He would not only die, but rise again. His resurrection was not only for Him, but His followers. So they ran to the tomb. It was empty.
One of the follower's stopped short and looked in the tomb. Peter went right inside and saw the grave clothes, but no Jesus. It wasn't until the other follower came inside of the tomb and saw for himself that he believed.
There are some today that simply write Jesus off. Some, like the follower that stopped short of going in the tomb, see Jesus from a distance, but with no real convictions. It's when we take the step into the tomb, that we start to get it. I mean, when we stop pursuing Jesus from the sidelines of life and pursue the truth about Him, that we finally get it.
What is "It?" A relationship with God that gives us strength for today and hope for tomorrow.
So what will you do with the empty tomb?
Jesus had been crucified. He told his followers that was the reason He entered the world. To lay down His life as a sacrifice on behalf of fallen mankind. His death and resurrection would mean that the hostility and gap between God and mankind would be reconciled.
The two followers were scared. The religious leaders had killed Jesus. What would stop them from being killed? Jesus promised eternal life, but now He was dead.
Early on the Sunday morning after Jesus had been executed and put in a tomb, word got back to these men that the tomb was empty. How could this be? There was a squad of Roman guards watching over the tomb to keep it from being tampered with. But Jesus promised that He would not only die, but rise again. His resurrection was not only for Him, but His followers. So they ran to the tomb. It was empty.
One of the follower's stopped short and looked in the tomb. Peter went right inside and saw the grave clothes, but no Jesus. It wasn't until the other follower came inside of the tomb and saw for himself that he believed.
There are some today that simply write Jesus off. Some, like the follower that stopped short of going in the tomb, see Jesus from a distance, but with no real convictions. It's when we take the step into the tomb, that we start to get it. I mean, when we stop pursuing Jesus from the sidelines of life and pursue the truth about Him, that we finally get it.
What is "It?" A relationship with God that gives us strength for today and hope for tomorrow.
So what will you do with the empty tomb?
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