Month: April 2023

Half Empty? Half Full?

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“Behold, I am the Lord God.” Jeremiah 32:27

We spend far too much time talking ourselves out of our faith, believing that miracles only happen for others, or that the promises in scripture don’t necessarily apply to us today, in our time. Yet with so much time devoted to looking at the glass half empty, perhaps we should be asking,

What If, God’s Promises Are Real

What if I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me? What if with God nothing is impossible? What if by His stripes I am healed? There are indeed hundreds, perhaps thousands, of “What if’s” that we can ask ourselves. Yet the most powerful of these ‘What If’ question will forever change your life. What if I stopped procrastinating and finally started taking Jesus at His word. As you do, get ready for miracles.

A New Hope

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“Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” John 20:19

When Jesus walked out of the tomb, a new world began. The sacrifice had been made to take on the sins of the world. Lucifer’s grip over man had lost its power. As singer, songwriter Chris Tomlin wrote, “My chains are gone, I’ve been set free. My Savior has ransomed me. And like a flood His mercy reigns.

Unending Love, Amazing Grace”

Now the faith choice completely rests with us. Jesus did His part. He’s made the ransom payment. He even cut our chains free. Still, it’s our choice whether or not to accept this gift of grace. Just a few words and everything changes. “Come into my heart, Lord Jesus, I need you.”

The Keys

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Jesus said, “I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.” Revelation 1:17

The victory celebration was just getting cranked up when a light suddenly appeared in the darkness. I can almost see Lucifer’s jaw begin to drop in that “this is not possible” sort of way as the light grew brighter, and Christ walked right up to him. I can then picture Christ, with a peaceful countenance, holding out his nail pierced palm and saying, “You had a good run, but now it’s over,

I’ll Take Back My Keys”

Suddenly powerless, Lucifer had no choice but to hand them over. For you see, in the garden of Eden, Lucifer had deceived Adam and Eve and literally stole from them the keys to life, forever creating a door of separation between us and our Creator. The cross changed that. The cross was the ultimate sacrifice to atone for that sin, and the key to unlock the door between us and God. Today, Christ has a key with your name on it. All you have to do to receive it is say one three letter word to Him: Yes.

Forgiven

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“Jesus said, “It is finished.” John 19:30

Jesus had been placed on the center cross, between two men who had been tried and convicted as thieves. Of the three, Jesus was the only one who was innocent. One thief somehow knew who Jesus was, and said to the other, “we are getting what we deserve, but He has done nothing wrong”. Instantly, Jesus recognized the thief for his repentance and acknowledgement that Jesus was innocent. 12 words from this thief saved his soul for eternity. The cross of Jesus is all about forgiveness and a new path called hope. “It is finished” meant,

The Sacrifice Had Been Made, The Price Was Paid.

Jesus said in John 15:13, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” He willingly paid the price for our sin. That’s how much Jesus loves you. If you were the only one left on earth, Jesus would have still endured the cross for you. Talk to him.

Pull Up A Chair

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“You (God) prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.” Psalm 23:5

David uses a very interesting visual analogy in saying that the Lord prepares a table before us in the presence of our enemies. However you interpret these words, one thing is crystal clear,

The Lord Is On Your Side

David further expounds this concept a few chapters later in Psalm 46, where he says, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear.” Indeed, God has prepared a table before you, in the very presence of your enemies. And who are your enemies? Don’t always assume its people. How about fear? Worry? Guilt? We wrestle with a lot of enemies in our minds every single day. Just remember, God sits with you at the table. Trust Him.

Doubtless

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“Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1

Franklin Delano Roosevelt began his Presidency during the Great Depression in 1932. He quickly became widely known for his frequent “fireside chats” on the radio as a way to encourage a hurting population. There is one quote from Roosevelt that has always stuck with me;

“The Only Limit To Our Realization Of Tomorrow Will Be Our Doubts Of Today”

Doubts fuel many things, none of which are positive, nor belong in our lives. Faith on the other hand fuels hope. Faith is believing before you see. Faith is a choice you make every waking hour. It’s a life that’s filled me with joy and peace and comfort. Knowing that my Creator lives and that His promises are real is a life worth living. The faith decision is yours alone to make.

Will You Trust?

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“Trust in the Lord and do good…delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:3-4

We all cry out to God, but do we really take the time to listen to His response? Nothing escapes God’s attention, including your words, your circumstances, and your heartfelt desires. Yet with all our pleadings, we often overlook one very important detail.

Trust

God has given to us verse after verse filled with His promises of care, comfort, provision, and healing. All we have to do is trust. Trust that He knows what’s best for us and the perfect timing to bring about a future filled with hope. The next time you ask God for anything, TRUST that God’s perfect answer is already in route. Trust and be content. Your Heavenly Father knows what you need, even before you do.

Behold!

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“Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, the whole earth is full of his glory.” Isaiah 6:3

Isaiah describes a vision. The Lord, seated on a throne, the train of his robe completely filling a temple. Above the throne are two flying seraphim, each with six wings triumphantly proclaiming “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God almighty” Isaiah’s response?

“My Eyes Have Seen The King”

You may be thinking that you have never beheld such a scene. I believe you, and Jesus realizes this in John 20 where He says, “Because you have seen Me you believe. Blessed are those who have not seen, and have believed.” Faith is believing in that which you have not seen. Such faith comes with blessings. You may not have seen all that you read about in the Bible, but live a life of faith and you will be amazed at what you do see.

Ride Of Blessings

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“Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” Matthew 21:9

Today is Palm Sunday, so named as it commemorates Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a colt, as a cheering crowd lays down palm branches to carpet his path, and shout, “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” Yet for Jesus, this is one long ride which will, by the end of the week, find him hanging on a cross.

Jesus Took The Ride, Anyway

Why, you may ask? Because it was the only path available to save us. That’s how much He loves you and I. Today, celebrate the ride that Jesus took by simply saying, “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.”

Change Of Seasons

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“To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1

For everything there is indeed a season. So, that begs the question today,

Care To Change Your Season?

Scripture tells us over and over again that we can change our seasons. We’re not stuck unless we want to be. Don’t believe me, then press rewind and read through the 400 plus daily devotionals in this blog. Jesus said, “I have come that you may have life and have it abundantly.” I don’t know about you but I’ll sign up for that. Care to join me? Simply reach out in faith to Jesus and watch your seasons change.