May 20, 2015
The One who had said, “Let there be light,” now entered into His fallen creation, speaking resurrection life to those dead in their sins. He called to “Lazarus” specifically because otherwise every dead body on planet earth would have burst forth from the grave at His command, “Come forth!” This One speaking was none other than the Word of God made flesh. The same Word that was in the beginning with God and was God. The same Word that brought all things into being, now commanded Lazarus to rise. Some day, the Word will return with the sound of a trumpet, saying, “Arise, My love!” And the dead in Christ shall rise and those living will be changed. Do you believe this?
May 19, 2015
In some places Jesus was rejected, but in the land where John the Baptist had preached, they believed. I wonder what made this place different? Was it John’s plowing that prepared the soil of their hearts to receive the gospel seed? Whether we are plowing, sowing or reaping, I pray that we will ultimately see “many believe.”
May 18, 2015
Jesus came that we might have life. The Greek word is ζωή (zóé), which speaks of both physical and spiritual life. This life originates with, and is sustained by Jesus, who is Life. “Zoe” life is described both by its quantity (eternal), and its quality (abundant). Receiving Jesus, we receive His life. Many focus on the eternal nature of this life, but miss Christ’s emphasis on its “abundance” for the present. In Christ we are to thrive, living life to the full, bearing spiritual fruit, and exploding with vibrance all around!
May 17, 2015
When there is no love in the home no amount of food or furnishing can compensate. Without love, a rich banquet is dry and tasteless. With love, the simplest fare is life-giving. Everything tastes better with love. Make sure to include it in every recipe. Love makes the menu.
May 16, 2015
“Abide (to stay, remain, wait, continue, endure, live) in My word.” Having already believed the word of Christ, we are to “abide” in it, showing that we are truly His followers. Believing His word, we are saved. Abiding in His word, we continually die to self and live to God. How do we abide in His word? Hearing, reading, meditating, memorizing and especially applying His Word, we begin to “abide” in the Vine, yielding the Spirit’s fruit.
May 15, 2015
Saul appraised David’s chances at success based on outward appearance and worldly wisdom. He couldn’t see David’s heart. For if he could, he would’ve seen the heart of a lion, one who was after God’s own heart. Besides, it pleases God to take the small to overcome the great. In this, God receives greater praise. God cares more for your availability, than your ability. David made himself available. And God did the rest.
May 14, 2015
Saul’s true character is revealed. Saul led Israel to attack the Amalekites as God commanded, but he did not utterly destroy them, sparing the king and the best of the spoils. Not only did he take spoils, but he “set up a monument for himself” in Carmel, taking credit for God’s victory. Saul’s character was revealed in this. Although he started out exhibiting low self-esteem, he now shows his true heart of pride and desire for man’s approval. This is often true. Low self-esteem is really the flip side of the same coin: pride. Instead of esteeming “self,” we should esteem God. Those who esteem God over self, have a right and healthy view of self.
May 13, 2015
Making reference to the Scripture where Moses struck the rock in the wilderness and water gushed forth, Jesus claimed to be able to make the same miracle take place in human hearts. Jesus invited them to come, drink, and believe. These three verbs in series act to intensify response to Christ’s call. When we come to the Rock and drink, we find ourselves not only fully satisfied, but we become conduits of God’s torrent of grace to others.
May 12, 2015
When Saul failed to wait on the prophet Samuel to make the burnt offering and instead offered it himself, Samuel corrected him. I must admit, I relate to Saul’s impatience. After all, Samuel was running late and Saul’s army was getting restless, with many of them going AWOL. Saul was worried about winning the upcoming battle when he should have been focused on being obedient to God. Be careful not to put God’s work before His worship, nor fear of man, rather than God.
May 11, 2015
Psalm 107 opens with a call to worship inviting the “redeemed” to “give thanks to the Lord.” The psalmist then begins to remind them of God’s deliverance from Egypt. This call to worship is still relevant today. If we are among the redeemed, then we should “say so,” declaring what Christ the Redeemer has done for us and giving thanks to Him for our salvation.