Then his disciples said, “At last you are speaking plainly and not in parables. Now we understand that you know everything and don’t need anyone to tell you anything. From this we believe that you came from God.” Jesus asked, “Do you finally believe? But the time is coming—in fact, it is already here—when you will be scattered, each one going his own way, leaving me alone. Yet I am not alone because the Father is with me. I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
John 16:29-33
It took the disciples a long time to get it. There is scripture that indicates that some; Thomas for example, did not fully get it until after the crucifixion and resurrection. Three years had passed since Jesus called them to follow Him. Three years they had sat under His teaching. “Jesus asked, “Do you finally believe?””
For me, I grew up around family who believed and walked in their faith. Still it took me a long time to make what I witnessed personal. I can see in my spirit Jesus saying, ‘Finally you believe!’, when I asked Him to come into my life and save me.
What about you? Did it take a long time for you to believe? For some the path to salvation comes quickly and is easy. For others, they struggle with the decision. It matters not how long it takes. What is most important is that a decision is made to invite Jesus into your heart. Have you made that decision or is Jesus still waiting and asking “Do you finally believe?”
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Monday, February 27, 2006
THE OTHER SIDE
Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.
Psalm 100
The flip side of depression is thanksgiving. In contrast to the psalm from today’s devotion (Psalm 88), another psalm writer (Psalm 100) has another view … the other side. Both sides exist. I would never want to make light of anyone’s depression. The seriousness of a depressed spirit is so very obvious as you contrast these two passages of scripture.
Our prayer today is for all those suffering from depression. May God lift their spirit so they may rejoice in thanksgiving.
We also pray a prayer of thanksgiving for those who have recently completed their Walk to Emmaus. May the men (#73) and women (#74) of these Walks continue to experience that burning in their hearts from being in the presence of Jesus (Luke 24:32).
Psalm 100
The flip side of depression is thanksgiving. In contrast to the psalm from today’s devotion (Psalm 88), another psalm writer (Psalm 100) has another view … the other side. Both sides exist. I would never want to make light of anyone’s depression. The seriousness of a depressed spirit is so very obvious as you contrast these two passages of scripture.
Our prayer today is for all those suffering from depression. May God lift their spirit so they may rejoice in thanksgiving.
We also pray a prayer of thanksgiving for those who have recently completed their Walk to Emmaus. May the men (#73) and women (#74) of these Walks continue to experience that burning in their hearts from being in the presence of Jesus (Luke 24:32).
Friday, February 24, 2006
FALLING DOWN, GETTING UP
The path of the upright leads away from evil; whoever follows that path is safe.
Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall.
It is better to live humbly with the poor than to share plunder with the proud.
Those who listen to instruction will prosper; those who trust the LORD will be happy.
Proverbs 16:17-20
How many really great athletes have you seen fall down? If you have watched the 2006 Winter Olympics coverage the past few days you have seen plenty. Figure skaters, snowboarders, speed skaters, and skiers have all taken tumbles. Have you ever seen a professional quarterback trip over his own feet as he takes the snap and steps back to pass or the major league baseball player clumsily stumble out of the batters box after laying down the perfect bunt? We have all probably witnessed this phenomenon is some fashion. The very best in their sport take a fall.
Is it because of pride or haughtiness that they fall? Maybe so ... maybe not.
One thing we can learn from these great athletes is that they get up, dust themselves off and get back in the game.
What about when we fall in our spiritual walk? What do we do when we stumble over sin? How about following the athlete’s pattern?
Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall.
It is better to live humbly with the poor than to share plunder with the proud.
Those who listen to instruction will prosper; those who trust the LORD will be happy.
Proverbs 16:17-20
How many really great athletes have you seen fall down? If you have watched the 2006 Winter Olympics coverage the past few days you have seen plenty. Figure skaters, snowboarders, speed skaters, and skiers have all taken tumbles. Have you ever seen a professional quarterback trip over his own feet as he takes the snap and steps back to pass or the major league baseball player clumsily stumble out of the batters box after laying down the perfect bunt? We have all probably witnessed this phenomenon is some fashion. The very best in their sport take a fall.
Is it because of pride or haughtiness that they fall? Maybe so ... maybe not.
One thing we can learn from these great athletes is that they get up, dust themselves off and get back in the game.
What about when we fall in our spiritual walk? What do we do when we stumble over sin? How about following the athlete’s pattern?
- Get up … stop sinning.
- Dust yourself off … confess your sin and ask God for forgiveness.
- Get back in the game … don’t give up on yourself and don’t give up on God!
Thursday, February 23, 2006
TRAILS OF SERVICE
Then, besides all this, I have the daily burden of how the churches are getting along. Who is weak without my feeling that weakness? Who is led astray, and I do not burn with anger? If I must boast, I would rather boast about the things that show how weak I am. God, the Father of our Lord Jesus, who is to be praised forever, knows I tell the truth.
2nd Corinthians 11:28-31
I asked you a couple days ago, “What have you done for the Lord lately?” The context of the question was to get away from looking at self (What have you done for me…?) and looking at Christ. I concluded with the thought, “Only what you do for Christ will last.”
It is only right to point out that when you do for Christ you can expect many trials (2nd Corinthians 11:16-27). Probably you will never experience trials such as the Apostle Paul did but you can expect that Satan will oppose your efforts to do good in the name of Jesus Christ. Despite all the buffeting Paul experienced his heart for the church, for the things of Christ, never faltered.
In recounting his many trails, Paul praised God because he knew he could have never come through those trials in his own strength. Paul pointed to his weakness rather than his strength. It was only God who enabled Paul to be an overcomer.
2nd Corinthians 11:28-31
I asked you a couple days ago, “What have you done for the Lord lately?” The context of the question was to get away from looking at self (What have you done for me…?) and looking at Christ. I concluded with the thought, “Only what you do for Christ will last.”
It is only right to point out that when you do for Christ you can expect many trials (2nd Corinthians 11:16-27). Probably you will never experience trials such as the Apostle Paul did but you can expect that Satan will oppose your efforts to do good in the name of Jesus Christ. Despite all the buffeting Paul experienced his heart for the church, for the things of Christ, never faltered.
In recounting his many trails, Paul praised God because he knew he could have never come through those trials in his own strength. Paul pointed to his weakness rather than his strength. It was only God who enabled Paul to be an overcomer.
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