Today I was dwelling on the Lord's concern for us. How much He cares for us. How much He was willing to suffer for us. Exactly how far He was willing to go for us. It's mind boggling to think about because I am confident that I would not allow one of my children to suffer that much agony without stepping in. I remember the song we use to sing in church "He Could Have Called Ten Thousand Angels"...but He died alone, for you and me.
We are in that week leading up to the crucifixion of the Lord Jesus and He sits His disciples down and begins this High Priestly Prayer for not only the protection of those around Him but to all of us as well beginning in John 17: 1-21. I hope you will take the time to read this prayer of Jesus' because He is praying for you at this point.
Within the next couple of chapters we will have witnessed His capture, His trials (several of them throughout the night) and finally, we will see Him nailed to a tree, the final sacrifice for the sins of the world. We'll witness God the Father, as He turns His head on His Son because He can have no part in sin or evil. We will witness a kind of love that has never been demonstrated before or since at this level or fashion. And we will, by the end of the week, celebrate His glorious resurrection, defeating death and the grave, for the single purpose of saving our souls.
I will merely point out one single verse in the passage which is verse 15 and it says, "I do not ask Thee to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one." Jesus knew that we still had our work cut out for us here on earth but wanted the Father in Heaven to shield us from "the evil one". What grace in the face of emanate death. And He reminds God in the next verse, as though He wanted all of us to hear that "They are not of this world, even as I am not of this world." It's a though He was covering all the bases before He continued on His mission.
For a person as "wordy" as I am, sometimes I cannot find the words to say how much I thank my Lord God (Elohim) for the wonderful gift He has given to me.
This week we will envision Jesus on the cross at Calvary. Please take the time to thank Him for coming down and taking our sin and our place.
Dave
Crazy Papa
I'll make 'um an offer
Monday, April 6, 2009
Sunday, April 5, 2009
A Child Has Been Born To Us!
Today, one week before we celebrate Easter (Resurrection) Sunday, my passage of scripture is from Isaiah 9:6 and here is how it reads. "For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace."
So today, while policemen across the nation are being senselessly gunned down by someone who, obviously has no ability to cope with this life, or probably "after life"; while young children are disappearing at an alarming rate with mostly no change of survival; while rogue governments are shooting "Ballistic Missiles" without the full support of the rest of the world; while our own government is digging the hole for us and our children and grandchildren deeper and deeper. On a day when a large number of Americans fear for their future, their jobs, their retirement, their way of life; and when we all watch the news night after night, hoping for a glimpse of something good to "hold onto", the prophet Isaiah is still, from centuries back, saying to us, "For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace." That child was Jesus Christ and His Hope is worth holding onto.
As we enter into this Holiest of weeks for the Christian, we need to look to our God as the HOPE that cannot be received from mankind. We must attach our hearts and souls to the only One who can save us from a life of "damnation" in the "pits of hell". We must "gird our loins with truth" (Eph. 6:14) understanding that not everything we are looking at is seen in the same way with God.
Tonight as Barb and I were driving home from our daughter and son-in-laws home, we heard on the news that students, faculty, and alumni from Notre Dame were removing their support from a very prestigious and accomplished institution. The reason is because the school had invited Barack Obama to speak at their commencement. Because I wish to keep these devotions as far from political as I can, I try not to share my opinion, but what I see is that people have placed their HOPE in something other than the "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father and Prince of Peace". Be it a school, a man (even a president), a job, a way of life, a bank account, etc.
Some of us look at current events and cannot help but see the Glory of God as He makes ready the way for Christ's return. I saw an advertisement tonight in a theatre lobby for a movie coming out called "2012" and the caption read "will you be left behind?" I look at that and think, "will we even be here to see it?" And immediately after that my thoughts are "Maranatha, Lord Jesus! Come Quickly!"
If you are a walking, talking, professing, Christian; if you fancy yourself as a "Fully Devoted Follower Of Jesus Christ" then your thoughts and desires should fall into the same category. Not a judgement call, simply the truth of God. We are routing for Jesus to come. The One from antiquity forward has been referred to as the "wonderful counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace."
Didn't mean to get "up on the soap box" but it IS really hard out there these days, and everyone is being effected by these difficult times. I keep telling people that this is not my home and that I am merely passing through. And on the way through, God told me to introduce Him to others.
Can I introduce you to my Lord? I have never shied away from a question and never will. My email address is papadave2@cox.net. If you need more evidence, or don't know me from Adam, please, don't take my word for it. It's in His Word. A simple illustration is known as the 4 Spiritual Laws and you can find them on my website by clicking here. Jesus made His triumphant entry during this week. You can do the same thing.
Dave
So today, while policemen across the nation are being senselessly gunned down by someone who, obviously has no ability to cope with this life, or probably "after life"; while young children are disappearing at an alarming rate with mostly no change of survival; while rogue governments are shooting "Ballistic Missiles" without the full support of the rest of the world; while our own government is digging the hole for us and our children and grandchildren deeper and deeper. On a day when a large number of Americans fear for their future, their jobs, their retirement, their way of life; and when we all watch the news night after night, hoping for a glimpse of something good to "hold onto", the prophet Isaiah is still, from centuries back, saying to us, "For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace." That child was Jesus Christ and His Hope is worth holding onto.
As we enter into this Holiest of weeks for the Christian, we need to look to our God as the HOPE that cannot be received from mankind. We must attach our hearts and souls to the only One who can save us from a life of "damnation" in the "pits of hell". We must "gird our loins with truth" (Eph. 6:14) understanding that not everything we are looking at is seen in the same way with God.
Tonight as Barb and I were driving home from our daughter and son-in-laws home, we heard on the news that students, faculty, and alumni from Notre Dame were removing their support from a very prestigious and accomplished institution. The reason is because the school had invited Barack Obama to speak at their commencement. Because I wish to keep these devotions as far from political as I can, I try not to share my opinion, but what I see is that people have placed their HOPE in something other than the "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father and Prince of Peace". Be it a school, a man (even a president), a job, a way of life, a bank account, etc.
Some of us look at current events and cannot help but see the Glory of God as He makes ready the way for Christ's return. I saw an advertisement tonight in a theatre lobby for a movie coming out called "2012" and the caption read "will you be left behind?" I look at that and think, "will we even be here to see it?" And immediately after that my thoughts are "Maranatha, Lord Jesus! Come Quickly!"
If you are a walking, talking, professing, Christian; if you fancy yourself as a "Fully Devoted Follower Of Jesus Christ" then your thoughts and desires should fall into the same category. Not a judgement call, simply the truth of God. We are routing for Jesus to come. The One from antiquity forward has been referred to as the "wonderful counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace."
Didn't mean to get "up on the soap box" but it IS really hard out there these days, and everyone is being effected by these difficult times. I keep telling people that this is not my home and that I am merely passing through. And on the way through, God told me to introduce Him to others.
Can I introduce you to my Lord? I have never shied away from a question and never will. My email address is papadave2@cox.net. If you need more evidence, or don't know me from Adam, please, don't take my word for it. It's in His Word. A simple illustration is known as the 4 Spiritual Laws and you can find them on my website by clicking here. Jesus made His triumphant entry during this week. You can do the same thing.
Dave
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Crazy, Crazy, Crazy
This is really wierd. I was just talking the other day to a girlfriend of my youngest daughter's and we were discussing the "Laws of Moses." Wild and Crazy stuff.
Anyway, the scripture verse is Acts 13:39 which says, "and through Him everyone who believes is freed from all things, from which you could not be freed through the Law of Moses."
Crazy, Crazy, Crazy! I was just in a lengthy discussion over the Internet with this precious soul discussing her Jewish heritage and she had a lot of questions. In fact, I still have an email I am sitting on to talk more to her and try to answer more questions and I came upon this verse for today's devotion. WOW!
Well, could there be anyone better than Him, Jesus Christ our Lord, God, and the Holy Spirit that could free us from the bond of the Old Testament Law? I don't think so. I'm still shaking my head. God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, the Holy One, to be the most precious sacrifice (the final sacrifice) so that you and I might be able to communicate today. Ain't God Great?
The world be damned, but I have all of my stocks and bonds, securely placed in the "Hedge Fund" called Jesus Christ. You should too!
Click here to check out this song by Steve Green: People Need The Lord!
Dave
Anyway, the scripture verse is Acts 13:39 which says, "and through Him everyone who believes is freed from all things, from which you could not be freed through the Law of Moses."
Crazy, Crazy, Crazy! I was just in a lengthy discussion over the Internet with this precious soul discussing her Jewish heritage and she had a lot of questions. In fact, I still have an email I am sitting on to talk more to her and try to answer more questions and I came upon this verse for today's devotion. WOW!
Well, could there be anyone better than Him, Jesus Christ our Lord, God, and the Holy Spirit that could free us from the bond of the Old Testament Law? I don't think so. I'm still shaking my head. God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, the Holy One, to be the most precious sacrifice (the final sacrifice) so that you and I might be able to communicate today. Ain't God Great?
The world be damned, but I have all of my stocks and bonds, securely placed in the "Hedge Fund" called Jesus Christ. You should too!
Click here to check out this song by Steve Green: People Need The Lord!
Dave
Friday, April 3, 2009
This Is The Way, Walk In It!
"And your ears will hear a word behind you, 'This is the way, walk in it', whenever you turn to the right or to the left" (Isaiah 30:21).
Some people are very patient and wait to hear from the Lord before they make decisions or take different directions in life and then there are others who simple "jump in with both feet."
As I read this passage of scripture it made me think of the foot race that Peter and John had on that "Resurrection" morning as they raced to the open tomb where Jesus was laid only a few days earlier. It is the book of John, and in chapter 20, verses 3 through 8 there is an incredibly beautiful testament of belief. It says, "Peter therefore went forth, and the other disciple (John), and they were going to the tomb. And the two were running together; and the other disciple ran ahead faster than Peter, and came to the tomb first; and stooping and looking in, he saw the linen wrappings lying there; but he did not go in. Simon Peter therefore also came, following him, and entered the tomb; and he beheld the linen wrappings lying there, and the face-cloth, which had been on His head, not lying with the linen wrappings, but rolled up in a place by itself. So the other disciple who had first come to the tomb entered then also, and he saw and believed."
John was obviously a younger man so he easily outran Peter to the tomb, but he stopped and looked in and he "saw the linen wrappings lying there; but he did not go in." So after the race, John stops and cautiously takes a look in, not quite sure what he is seeing or believing and then Peter arrives a few steps behind and we all know "impetuous" Peter. He threw caution to the wind and stormed right into the tomb and he also "saw" but the word used here is "beheld..."
Peter did not know what was inside of that tomb but he knew a few days earlier it was where they put his Lord, Jesus Christ. It's like he was hearing God say, "Go on in and check it out" and when he did he "beheld" (another word for "saw") still not quite understanding what all of this meant. And so finally, in verse 8, that other disciple who had first come to the tomb entered then also, and he "saw" and he "believed." Peter, very impetuous and John cautiously optimistic and when John "saw" he "believed."
God tells some of us, you go over here and to others of us, you go over there, but he allows all of us to "see" the wondrous resurrection of Jesus Christ for what it really was. The King of kings and Lord of lords, beating back death and coming out of the grave alive and once John saw with understanding, he "believed".
What may it take for you to believe? God is that still small voice of Isaiah 30:21 saying "This is the way, walk in it". I sit here in amazement still today, after seeing that wonderful documentary about "The Cross - The Arthur Blessitt Story" as Authur hears that voice from behind him, and even as he lay in a hospital bed with an aneurysm in his brain, he heard God speak, believed God's Word, left that hospital bed and walked (over 38,000 miles) for the Lord all around the world, telling people about Jesus Christ.
I sat in a doctor's office waiting on my wife today and while I sat there, I heard this small quiet voice behind me and it kept saying "go and tell them about Me. You have seen and believed, now go and tell them about Me." So I got up out of my chair. I went over to the man sitting there and started sharing Christ with him. Before I knew it, his wife and the receptionist were involved in the conversation and God was glorified. Can you imagine???!!!
Your ears will hear a word behind you, "This is the way, walk in it." When you hear it, behold His glory and then share Him with someone close by. Don't be afraid to jump in with both feed! You will be blessed.
Dave
Some people are very patient and wait to hear from the Lord before they make decisions or take different directions in life and then there are others who simple "jump in with both feet."
As I read this passage of scripture it made me think of the foot race that Peter and John had on that "Resurrection" morning as they raced to the open tomb where Jesus was laid only a few days earlier. It is the book of John, and in chapter 20, verses 3 through 8 there is an incredibly beautiful testament of belief. It says, "Peter therefore went forth, and the other disciple (John), and they were going to the tomb. And the two were running together; and the other disciple ran ahead faster than Peter, and came to the tomb first; and stooping and looking in, he saw the linen wrappings lying there; but he did not go in. Simon Peter therefore also came, following him, and entered the tomb; and he beheld the linen wrappings lying there, and the face-cloth, which had been on His head, not lying with the linen wrappings, but rolled up in a place by itself. So the other disciple who had first come to the tomb entered then also, and he saw and believed."
John was obviously a younger man so he easily outran Peter to the tomb, but he stopped and looked in and he "saw the linen wrappings lying there; but he did not go in." So after the race, John stops and cautiously takes a look in, not quite sure what he is seeing or believing and then Peter arrives a few steps behind and we all know "impetuous" Peter. He threw caution to the wind and stormed right into the tomb and he also "saw" but the word used here is "beheld..."
Peter did not know what was inside of that tomb but he knew a few days earlier it was where they put his Lord, Jesus Christ. It's like he was hearing God say, "Go on in and check it out" and when he did he "beheld" (another word for "saw") still not quite understanding what all of this meant. And so finally, in verse 8, that other disciple who had first come to the tomb entered then also, and he "saw" and he "believed." Peter, very impetuous and John cautiously optimistic and when John "saw" he "believed."
God tells some of us, you go over here and to others of us, you go over there, but he allows all of us to "see" the wondrous resurrection of Jesus Christ for what it really was. The King of kings and Lord of lords, beating back death and coming out of the grave alive and once John saw with understanding, he "believed".
What may it take for you to believe? God is that still small voice of Isaiah 30:21 saying "This is the way, walk in it". I sit here in amazement still today, after seeing that wonderful documentary about "The Cross - The Arthur Blessitt Story" as Authur hears that voice from behind him, and even as he lay in a hospital bed with an aneurysm in his brain, he heard God speak, believed God's Word, left that hospital bed and walked (over 38,000 miles) for the Lord all around the world, telling people about Jesus Christ.
I sat in a doctor's office waiting on my wife today and while I sat there, I heard this small quiet voice behind me and it kept saying "go and tell them about Me. You have seen and believed, now go and tell them about Me." So I got up out of my chair. I went over to the man sitting there and started sharing Christ with him. Before I knew it, his wife and the receptionist were involved in the conversation and God was glorified. Can you imagine???!!!
Your ears will hear a word behind you, "This is the way, walk in it." When you hear it, behold His glory and then share Him with someone close by. Don't be afraid to jump in with both feed! You will be blessed.
Dave
Thursday, April 2, 2009
"I Got To Tell Somebody" (Don Francisco - He's Alive)
Click on above link for video of Don Francisco's Song
Today I would like to reference a verse in Acts 2 and then an experience I had last night. In verse 38 Peter says, "Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."
I think all of you know that I am "all about" this verse of scripture. My desire is to try to get someone to see "Jesus in me" as often as possible. I believe that our "Normal Traffic Pattern" of life is the best way to witness to the world about Christ. And last night I was humbled by a movie that Barb and I went to see. It was called "The Cross - The Arthur Blessitt Story," and it was not just a movie (more of a documentary) but rather an experience in humility and faithfulness.
God sent him out into the mission field and his field was the entire globe. Arthur Blessitt not only walked across every nation on the planet but he carried a 12 foot cross with him everywhere he went. And everywhere he went he told people about Jesus. He told children and adults, young people and old. He shared Jesus Christ with people of every type of faith and never let the Lord down in his mission. I might add that it took him 40 years to complete his mission.
This film brought me to tears as I want so much to be that kind of witness for Christ. His love for the Lord took him to places you and I would not go to without a bodyguard or two. His life is a reflection of what God can do with someone who is completely "sold out" to His will.
I know that I am part of those helping to fulfill the "Great Commission" because I tell someone everyday about Christ, but I sit in the comfort of my home everyday and night and the only danger I experience is a little cancer problem. I want people to be introduced to Christ and that is why I write. However, I was humbled as I watched what power God can give to those who give Him their lives.
In the front of my Bible I have taped a newspaper article about a loved one who was murdered back in 1991. In the article the reporter wrote "She was always going out and telling people about Jesus...She goes out around her block and shares with the neighbors about the Bible."
Of course we all want to embrace that type of testimony about our lives and we are given these "moments" in our lives to encourage us, to go to yet, one more person and tell them about Jesus Christ. Peter said, "Repent...and be baptized...for the forgiveness of your sins."
I try to say that often, but probably not often enough. A very touching documentary of a man who gave his life to Christ and Christ gave it back to him, for God's glory. Are we all headed in the same direction. It never has been an "option" with God. It was a very serious command to those who know and trust Him with their eternity. Maybe you can tell someone about Jesus today!
Dave
Today I would like to reference a verse in Acts 2 and then an experience I had last night. In verse 38 Peter says, "Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."
I think all of you know that I am "all about" this verse of scripture. My desire is to try to get someone to see "Jesus in me" as often as possible. I believe that our "Normal Traffic Pattern" of life is the best way to witness to the world about Christ. And last night I was humbled by a movie that Barb and I went to see. It was called "The Cross - The Arthur Blessitt Story," and it was not just a movie (more of a documentary) but rather an experience in humility and faithfulness.
God sent him out into the mission field and his field was the entire globe. Arthur Blessitt not only walked across every nation on the planet but he carried a 12 foot cross with him everywhere he went. And everywhere he went he told people about Jesus. He told children and adults, young people and old. He shared Jesus Christ with people of every type of faith and never let the Lord down in his mission. I might add that it took him 40 years to complete his mission.
This film brought me to tears as I want so much to be that kind of witness for Christ. His love for the Lord took him to places you and I would not go to without a bodyguard or two. His life is a reflection of what God can do with someone who is completely "sold out" to His will.
I know that I am part of those helping to fulfill the "Great Commission" because I tell someone everyday about Christ, but I sit in the comfort of my home everyday and night and the only danger I experience is a little cancer problem. I want people to be introduced to Christ and that is why I write. However, I was humbled as I watched what power God can give to those who give Him their lives.
In the front of my Bible I have taped a newspaper article about a loved one who was murdered back in 1991. In the article the reporter wrote "She was always going out and telling people about Jesus...She goes out around her block and shares with the neighbors about the Bible."
Of course we all want to embrace that type of testimony about our lives and we are given these "moments" in our lives to encourage us, to go to yet, one more person and tell them about Jesus Christ. Peter said, "Repent...and be baptized...for the forgiveness of your sins."
I try to say that often, but probably not often enough. A very touching documentary of a man who gave his life to Christ and Christ gave it back to him, for God's glory. Are we all headed in the same direction. It never has been an "option" with God. It was a very serious command to those who know and trust Him with their eternity. Maybe you can tell someone about Jesus today!
Dave
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
How Do You Catch A Wild Pig?
A chemistry professor in a large college had some exchange students in the class. One day while the class was in the lab the Professor noticed one young man (exchange student) who kept rubbing his back, and stretching as if his back hurt.
The professor asked the young man what was the matter. The student told him he had a bullet lodged in his back. He had been shot while fighting communists in his native country who were trying to overthrow his country's government and install a new communist government.
In the midst of his story he looked at the professor and asked a strange question. He asked, 'Do you know how to catch wild pigs?'
The professor thought it was a joke and asked for the punch line. The young man said this was no joke. 'You catch wild pigs by finding a suitable place in the woods and putting corn on the ground. The pigs find it and begin to come everyday to eat the free corn. When they are used to coming every day, you put a fence down one side of the place where they are used to coming. When they get used to the fence, they begin to eat the corn again and you put up another side of the fence. They get used to that and start to eat again. You continue until you have all four sides of the fence up with a gate in The last side. The pigs, who are used to the free corn, start to come through the gate to eat, you slam the gate on them and catch the whole herd.
Suddenly the wild pigs have lost their freedom. They run around and around inside the fence, but they are caught. Soon they go back to eating the free corn. They are so used to it that they have forgotten how to forage in the woods for themselves, so they accept their captivity.
The young man then told the professor that is exactly what he sees happening to America . The government keeps pushing us toward socialism and keeps spreading the free corn out in the form of programs such as supplemental income, tax credit for unearned income, tobacco subsidies, dairy subsidies, payments not to plant crops (CRP), welfare, medicine, drugs, etc.. While we continually lose our freedoms -- just a little at a time.
One should always remember: There is no such thing as a free lunch! Also, a politician will never provide a service for you cheaper than you can do it yourself.
Also, if you see that all of this wonderful government 'help' is a problem confronting the future of democracy in America , you might want to send this on to your friends.
If you think the free ride is essential to your way of life then you will probably delete this email, but God help you when the gate slams shut!
Keep your eyes on the newly elected politicians who are about to slam the gate on America.
"A government big enough to give you everything you want, is big enough to take away everything you have"
Thomas Jefferson
FEEL LIKE A WILD PIG ???
Author Unknown
The professor asked the young man what was the matter. The student told him he had a bullet lodged in his back. He had been shot while fighting communists in his native country who were trying to overthrow his country's government and install a new communist government.
In the midst of his story he looked at the professor and asked a strange question. He asked, 'Do you know how to catch wild pigs?'
The professor thought it was a joke and asked for the punch line. The young man said this was no joke. 'You catch wild pigs by finding a suitable place in the woods and putting corn on the ground. The pigs find it and begin to come everyday to eat the free corn. When they are used to coming every day, you put a fence down one side of the place where they are used to coming. When they get used to the fence, they begin to eat the corn again and you put up another side of the fence. They get used to that and start to eat again. You continue until you have all four sides of the fence up with a gate in The last side. The pigs, who are used to the free corn, start to come through the gate to eat, you slam the gate on them and catch the whole herd.
Suddenly the wild pigs have lost their freedom. They run around and around inside the fence, but they are caught. Soon they go back to eating the free corn. They are so used to it that they have forgotten how to forage in the woods for themselves, so they accept their captivity.
The young man then told the professor that is exactly what he sees happening to America . The government keeps pushing us toward socialism and keeps spreading the free corn out in the form of programs such as supplemental income, tax credit for unearned income, tobacco subsidies, dairy subsidies, payments not to plant crops (CRP), welfare, medicine, drugs, etc.. While we continually lose our freedoms -- just a little at a time.
One should always remember: There is no such thing as a free lunch! Also, a politician will never provide a service for you cheaper than you can do it yourself.
Also, if you see that all of this wonderful government 'help' is a problem confronting the future of democracy in America , you might want to send this on to your friends.
If you think the free ride is essential to your way of life then you will probably delete this email, but God help you when the gate slams shut!
Keep your eyes on the newly elected politicians who are about to slam the gate on America.
"A government big enough to give you everything you want, is big enough to take away everything you have"
Thomas Jefferson
FEEL LIKE A WILD PIG ???
Author Unknown
Christ In You, The Hope Of Glory
Today's devotion scripture is from Colossians 1:26, 27 and it says, "...the mystery which has been hidden from the past ages and generations; but has now been manifested to His saints, to whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory."
Looking at these two verses, I began to focus strongly on only two phrases in the second verse and those in the last half of the verse which reads "Christ in you, the hope of glory."
I just finished writing a very lengthy email to a person who is of Jewish heritage and she had a few questions about the Christian church. Being the "wordy" person that I am, I said "absolutely, send me your questions and I will dwell on them."
After she sent them, my thoughts were, "boy, I sure jumped into that one." And I realized that not everyone thinks like I do or like a "Fully Devoted Follower Of Jesus Christ" would think. Her questions, though perplexing, were a great challenge for me and I pray that the word given to me by God went to her heart and she ponders them with strong conviction.
The very last thing I said to her was "If I am wrong about my faith in Christ Jesus, when I die, I have lost nothing. I have been good and moral, loving God and my neighbors. If you are wrong about your lack of faith in Christ when you die, you lose everything for eternity." And I am sincere in that statement. Then I looked at my devotion scripture for today and thought, Wow! God is really lining up my life so that everything has a purpose.
Look at the phrase "Christ in you"! When you communicate with others, do they see Christ in you? Are they thinking to themselves, what can I do to have the peace and joy that he/she has? Or are you just another body in the way of their fight to get to the top of their class? "Christ in you"! I not only want Christ in me, but I want others to see Christ in me! It's a good feeling when someone comes to you and says I am struggling with a spiritual difficulty and I think you can help me. "Christ in you"!
What about the last phrase: "The hope of glory"! When I was explaining to this gal in response to her questions, I realized that according to her religious heritage, she still has no hope in glory. And suddenly it became a "mission" for me to help her understand what it means to have "Christ in you, the hope of glory."
You've heard me say this on numerous occasions that this world is heading for a "crash landing" and it is in "high gear". We are experiencing dangers all around us. Some are losing their careers and others are losing their pensions. Retirement may soon be an obsolete word in America. Paul tells us that Jesus said, in Hebrews 13:5, "I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you." Truthfully, that is my retirement plan. That statement alone is all I need to retire on.
Is Christ in you? Do you have hope in His glory? Are you secure in your relationship with Him? One pastor said, "Do you have your ticket to heaven?" Boy, I do! And you know how I know? Because Christ is in me and He is my Hope in glory.
Dave
Looking at these two verses, I began to focus strongly on only two phrases in the second verse and those in the last half of the verse which reads "Christ in you, the hope of glory."
I just finished writing a very lengthy email to a person who is of Jewish heritage and she had a few questions about the Christian church. Being the "wordy" person that I am, I said "absolutely, send me your questions and I will dwell on them."
After she sent them, my thoughts were, "boy, I sure jumped into that one." And I realized that not everyone thinks like I do or like a "Fully Devoted Follower Of Jesus Christ" would think. Her questions, though perplexing, were a great challenge for me and I pray that the word given to me by God went to her heart and she ponders them with strong conviction.
The very last thing I said to her was "If I am wrong about my faith in Christ Jesus, when I die, I have lost nothing. I have been good and moral, loving God and my neighbors. If you are wrong about your lack of faith in Christ when you die, you lose everything for eternity." And I am sincere in that statement. Then I looked at my devotion scripture for today and thought, Wow! God is really lining up my life so that everything has a purpose.
Look at the phrase "Christ in you"! When you communicate with others, do they see Christ in you? Are they thinking to themselves, what can I do to have the peace and joy that he/she has? Or are you just another body in the way of their fight to get to the top of their class? "Christ in you"! I not only want Christ in me, but I want others to see Christ in me! It's a good feeling when someone comes to you and says I am struggling with a spiritual difficulty and I think you can help me. "Christ in you"!
What about the last phrase: "The hope of glory"! When I was explaining to this gal in response to her questions, I realized that according to her religious heritage, she still has no hope in glory. And suddenly it became a "mission" for me to help her understand what it means to have "Christ in you, the hope of glory."
You've heard me say this on numerous occasions that this world is heading for a "crash landing" and it is in "high gear". We are experiencing dangers all around us. Some are losing their careers and others are losing their pensions. Retirement may soon be an obsolete word in America. Paul tells us that Jesus said, in Hebrews 13:5, "I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you." Truthfully, that is my retirement plan. That statement alone is all I need to retire on.
Is Christ in you? Do you have hope in His glory? Are you secure in your relationship with Him? One pastor said, "Do you have your ticket to heaven?" Boy, I do! And you know how I know? Because Christ is in me and He is my Hope in glory.
Dave
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