"The angel said to the women, 'Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.'" ~Matthew 28:5, NIV
If your friend has died, the last thing you expect when visiting their grave is a pair of angels sitting over the hole in the ground. And yet that's what Jesus' friends found when they first came to mourn - angels.
Not a dead body, not a hopeless chasm, angels.
One of the most prevalent fears in life is death. But that's the last thing we have to be afraid of anymore - thanks to Jesus. The women in the above verse found out that Jesus really meant it when He said He would rebuild His temple in three days. And when He rose, it meant that we could rise too - if we believed in Him.
Death, that great fear, has no more power. The angels can say to us too, "do not fear", because our souls will rise up to Jesus should this event take us. So surely, the greatest terror in our lives has already been negated. Why then, should we give in to it?
Believe in Jesus. Learn to know Him better. And in return, you shall not perish, but rise to everlasting life.
For God so love the world.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Day 273: Ezra 10:4
"Rise up; this matter is in your hands. We will support you, so take courage and do it." ~Ezra 10:4, NIV
God's people, ideally, should be a great source of courage and comfort for God's people. Ezra was following God's calling to reeducate the Israelites on the tasks and requirements and promises of the law when they returned to Jerusalem from being held in captivity.
Ezra saw great wickedness among them, and was weeping in front of God's house. When the people saw him, they knew what it was about - the harsh matter of Israelites intermarrying with other nations. They had just learned what God had to say on the matter, and felt sorely about it.
But they were determined to follow God's precepts so they wouldn't have to go into bondage again. So they told Ezra the above verse. "Get up, we'll support your service of God. It's not going to be easy, but we're behind you."
We as Christians have to follow this model. Every one of us is faced with challenges from this life, and God has called us to do seemingly impossible things. Missionaries are called to drop everything they're doing, and go overseas to preach God's word. Pastors are called to sacrifice themselves and teach the truth to God's people. The truth is never easy to hear, yet that is exactly what every one of us is supposed to tell this world.
We are the body of Christ, as Paul says. The body works together. So we must encourage one another to stand up and carry God's burden. And we can help one another carry those burdens as well, be that through finances, prayer, gifts, and simply words.
Today, you surely have quite the task ahead of you. It may not seem as monumental as Ezra's task, but it is no simple issue, and it matters. But you know what? You can do it. You don't have to be afraid, because our God is with you. And as Chris Tomlin says, if our God is with us, then what could stand against us?
Rise up, take courage; even if no one around you will support you, God will. And He is God. So step out, won't you?
God's people, ideally, should be a great source of courage and comfort for God's people. Ezra was following God's calling to reeducate the Israelites on the tasks and requirements and promises of the law when they returned to Jerusalem from being held in captivity.
Ezra saw great wickedness among them, and was weeping in front of God's house. When the people saw him, they knew what it was about - the harsh matter of Israelites intermarrying with other nations. They had just learned what God had to say on the matter, and felt sorely about it.
But they were determined to follow God's precepts so they wouldn't have to go into bondage again. So they told Ezra the above verse. "Get up, we'll support your service of God. It's not going to be easy, but we're behind you."
We as Christians have to follow this model. Every one of us is faced with challenges from this life, and God has called us to do seemingly impossible things. Missionaries are called to drop everything they're doing, and go overseas to preach God's word. Pastors are called to sacrifice themselves and teach the truth to God's people. The truth is never easy to hear, yet that is exactly what every one of us is supposed to tell this world.
We are the body of Christ, as Paul says. The body works together. So we must encourage one another to stand up and carry God's burden. And we can help one another carry those burdens as well, be that through finances, prayer, gifts, and simply words.
Today, you surely have quite the task ahead of you. It may not seem as monumental as Ezra's task, but it is no simple issue, and it matters. But you know what? You can do it. You don't have to be afraid, because our God is with you. And as Chris Tomlin says, if our God is with us, then what could stand against us?
Rise up, take courage; even if no one around you will support you, God will. And He is God. So step out, won't you?
Friday, September 28, 2012
Day 272: Psalm 37:5-6
"Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun." ~Psalm 37:5-6, NIV
Hey look! It's another if/then statement found in the Old Testament!
Let's go on a tangent for a moment. It would seem, with all of these "if you do this, then God will do that" moments, that we can control God by our actions, doesn't it? If we do all of the if statements, then shouldn't God fulfill all of the then statements?
Let's try to analyze this and see why we should expect the then statements to be fulfilled, but that it's not a prerequisite.
One, acting with the above kind of mindset is dangerous - people refer to it as "magic". It is essentially an attempt to manipulate external/supernatural forces in your favor, isn't it? And God strictly forbids His people from using magic. So we can't do this.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that the "then statement" isn't a given. It's more like a "then probably" statement. God wants us to fulfill the if statement because we love Him, not because we want His blessings.
He wants us to commit to Him and trust Him because we believe in Him, and because we want to serve Him and love Him as best as we can. He knows that if we do so that He will be able to do great works in our lives - and our reward will shine, and His forgiveness will be great over us. But we are not entitled to it. It is all, in the end, a gift that God can choose to give to us, or not.
Is God still good if He doesn't give it to us? Yes, yes He is. Is your dad still good to you if he doesn't let you have everything you feel entitled to? Yes, of course! A three-year-old feels entitled to many things, but we only give him what will make him a better human, right?
So make sure you analyze your motivations - commit your ways to Him because you love Him, and you don't want to dishonor Him by living in fear. Use your judgement; test for yourself the validity of your motivations.
Hey look! It's another if/then statement found in the Old Testament!
Let's go on a tangent for a moment. It would seem, with all of these "if you do this, then God will do that" moments, that we can control God by our actions, doesn't it? If we do all of the if statements, then shouldn't God fulfill all of the then statements?
Let's try to analyze this and see why we should expect the then statements to be fulfilled, but that it's not a prerequisite.
One, acting with the above kind of mindset is dangerous - people refer to it as "magic". It is essentially an attempt to manipulate external/supernatural forces in your favor, isn't it? And God strictly forbids His people from using magic. So we can't do this.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that the "then statement" isn't a given. It's more like a "then probably" statement. God wants us to fulfill the if statement because we love Him, not because we want His blessings.
He wants us to commit to Him and trust Him because we believe in Him, and because we want to serve Him and love Him as best as we can. He knows that if we do so that He will be able to do great works in our lives - and our reward will shine, and His forgiveness will be great over us. But we are not entitled to it. It is all, in the end, a gift that God can choose to give to us, or not.
Is God still good if He doesn't give it to us? Yes, yes He is. Is your dad still good to you if he doesn't let you have everything you feel entitled to? Yes, of course! A three-year-old feels entitled to many things, but we only give him what will make him a better human, right?
So make sure you analyze your motivations - commit your ways to Him because you love Him, and you don't want to dishonor Him by living in fear. Use your judgement; test for yourself the validity of your motivations.
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Day 271: Proverbs 3:24
"When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet." ~Proverbs 3:24, NIV
So remember yesterday how we described that Proverbs 3 is all about a life lived wisely? Well, we're back for more, because apparently a wise person doesn't have anything to be afraid of at night.
As we discussed, it's an if/then statement: if, "my son", you heed v21, and not let wisdom or understanding - essentially, good choices - out of your grasp, then you get v24. Choose well, and then? When you lie down, you will not be afraid.
God will give you peace in return for trusting, knowing and loving Him. True story!
So remember yesterday how we described that Proverbs 3 is all about a life lived wisely? Well, we're back for more, because apparently a wise person doesn't have anything to be afraid of at night.
As we discussed, it's an if/then statement: if, "my son", you heed v21, and not let wisdom or understanding - essentially, good choices - out of your grasp, then you get v24. Choose well, and then? When you lie down, you will not be afraid.
God will give you peace in return for trusting, knowing and loving Him. True story!
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Day 270: Proverbs 3:5-6
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." ~Proverbs 3:5-6, NIV
The title of Proverbs 3 is "Wisdom Bestows Well-Being". There are a lot of suggestions for wise living within the 35 verses of the chapter, and I would like to emphasize the above two, which you've probably heard before.
So we have instruction, and then the reason why: trust in the Lord, submit to Him, because then He will make your paths straight.
And if we're following in God's path, there's really nothing to be afraid of, unless you're worried about rejection and hatred. But because you're going to face that no matter what path you're on, why not step into God's trail? It won't be easy, but it's His great destiny for you, His chosen hero.
Y'know, save the princess, make yourself into an infinitely better person, and glorify God the whole way? Choose to follow the path of a hero. Take up a challenge - trust in God's ultimate plan for you with all your heart, and watch in awe as He does amazing things through you.
The title of Proverbs 3 is "Wisdom Bestows Well-Being". There are a lot of suggestions for wise living within the 35 verses of the chapter, and I would like to emphasize the above two, which you've probably heard before.
So we have instruction, and then the reason why: trust in the Lord, submit to Him, because then He will make your paths straight.
And if we're following in God's path, there's really nothing to be afraid of, unless you're worried about rejection and hatred. But because you're going to face that no matter what path you're on, why not step into God's trail? It won't be easy, but it's His great destiny for you, His chosen hero.
Y'know, save the princess, make yourself into an infinitely better person, and glorify God the whole way? Choose to follow the path of a hero. Take up a challenge - trust in God's ultimate plan for you with all your heart, and watch in awe as He does amazing things through you.
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Day 269: Psalm 13:5
"But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation." ~Psalm 13:5, NIV
If you have time today, I recommend reading all of Psalm 13. David is crying out to God, asking Him "how long" will he be forgotten? All of his enemies are around him, jeering that his God is not there. David feels forsaken, alone, lost. He's on the losing side, God seems to be far away.
Yeah. That's what David's telling and asking God about. "No pressure, Sir, You're the ruler of the universe, not me, but You did say you wouldn't leave me. So where are You?" It's after telling God that that David makes the above proclamation: I trust in Your unfailing love.
Okay, so David's pretty cool. But his life had a lot of parts in it that I wouldn't want to take part in. Lions, tigers, bears, crazy kings, entire nations: he had a lot of enemies. And sometimes it seemed that God wanted his enemies to win.
Yet. David still trusted in God's divine plan. And look where it led him! You've probably heard how God has a plan for you. Well, funny thing, it's true. Even if it doesn't seem like it, God loves you with an immeasurable love, and His plan for you is incredibly awesome.
It may not seem like it. But it's true. You can trust Him. His people, maybe not on your own, but Him? Yeah.
If you have time today, I recommend reading all of Psalm 13. David is crying out to God, asking Him "how long" will he be forgotten? All of his enemies are around him, jeering that his God is not there. David feels forsaken, alone, lost. He's on the losing side, God seems to be far away.
Yeah. That's what David's telling and asking God about. "No pressure, Sir, You're the ruler of the universe, not me, but You did say you wouldn't leave me. So where are You?" It's after telling God that that David makes the above proclamation: I trust in Your unfailing love.
Okay, so David's pretty cool. But his life had a lot of parts in it that I wouldn't want to take part in. Lions, tigers, bears, crazy kings, entire nations: he had a lot of enemies. And sometimes it seemed that God wanted his enemies to win.
Yet. David still trusted in God's divine plan. And look where it led him! You've probably heard how God has a plan for you. Well, funny thing, it's true. Even if it doesn't seem like it, God loves you with an immeasurable love, and His plan for you is incredibly awesome.
It may not seem like it. But it's true. You can trust Him. His people, maybe not on your own, but Him? Yeah.
Monday, September 24, 2012
Day 268: Judges 6:12
"When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, "The Lord is with you, mighty warrior."" ~Judges 6:12, NIV
God has a plan for everyone. No matter who you are, what your talents are, or how many of them you have, He has a plan and it's the best thing that could ever happen to you. God's plan for Gideon was totally incredible.
And while you're in God's plan, He is with you. God knows us better than we know ourselves: He called Gideon a mighty warrior before Gideon knew it about himself. God knows you, and knows your situation before you do. And He wants to make it the best situation you know.
When God appears to you, it can be intimidating. He probably wants you to do something way out of your comfort zone. But He's not being unrealistic. He knows you better than you can possibly imagine.
So don't be afraid of God's plan, like Gideon was. Obey, and prove to yourself He is right.
God has a plan for everyone. No matter who you are, what your talents are, or how many of them you have, He has a plan and it's the best thing that could ever happen to you. God's plan for Gideon was totally incredible.
And while you're in God's plan, He is with you. God knows us better than we know ourselves: He called Gideon a mighty warrior before Gideon knew it about himself. God knows you, and knows your situation before you do. And He wants to make it the best situation you know.
When God appears to you, it can be intimidating. He probably wants you to do something way out of your comfort zone. But He's not being unrealistic. He knows you better than you can possibly imagine.
So don't be afraid of God's plan, like Gideon was. Obey, and prove to yourself He is right.
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