Peter Re-Instated

Peter is Reinstated – John 21:15-19   This is a very interesting passage because Jesus re-states Peter but He does it through one question being asked 3 Times.  Jesus asked this question because Peter denied Jesus three times.  Three is also a strong cord of truth.  In scripture when someone does something three times or is asked a question three times it becomes a cord of truth or spiritual reality.  The book of Ecclesiastes tells us a three fold cord is not easily broken.  When Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved him, it was followed by the exhortation to feed His sheep.  Here is a truth, you can love Jesus and not feed or care for His people.  Love is the motivation behind unity.  When you love the church you will do every thing to keep unity and relationships.  You will keep short account with God and others.  If you find your self not in unity with the church you do not really love Christ as you should.  Peter told Jesus that he loved Him.       Jesus then tells Peter how his life will end and what will happen to him in the future.  Peter would later be martyred for the faith and his death would glorify God.  When we choose to follow Jesus there is always a distinct possibility of suffering, persecution and even death.  In fact we learn that death for the cause of Christ is something that glorifies God.  It was evident here that John wrote this gospel after Peter was killed and how he was martyred. 

The Great Commission

The Great Commission - Matthew 28:19-20     This is the second part of the Great Commission.  Jesus is with His disciples.  Now this event happened in Galilee but for the sake of consistency in our devotional the writer has place it here.  Jesus tells His audience that He has been given all power in heaven and on earth.  He has the power of attorney.  He has won this right and privilege through His death, burial and resurrection.  Jesus while He was a man was limited but now in His resurrected form all His previous power, authority and dominion has been returned.  Jesus then commissioned His disciples to go into all the world and preach the gospel or good news about Him.  This is a message to be preached and taught   to all who will listen.   We are to baptized them in the name of the Father, Son and Hoy Spirit.  Water Baptism is an outward sign of the inner transformation of the heart.  This is formula for water Baptism.  We are to baptise in the Trinity.  Jesus then tells them to observe all things that He commanded them.  They were to love one another and fulfill the great commission.  Then He closes this passage with a great promise.  “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.  Jesus is with us.  No matter where we are, what we face or why we are and where we are, the Lord is with us.  This is a great comfort in life.  Jesus has given us a task but He will now leave us alone He is with us.  What a great promise.  Matthew closes off this final passage with Amen.  Exclamation point and done deal.  Praise God.

Tell others

In Matt 28:19, Jesus told His disciples to go into all the world and preach the gospel, making disciples of all men and baptising them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit,.  This is a commission and life work for the Christian.  Everyday we get the opportunity to share Christ with those in our world.  We do it by the way that we live and what we say to others.   We say more with our lives then with our lips.  Jesus said that people would know we are His disciples by the way that we love each other.  Love is the greatest witness for Christ.  One time there was a man who wanted to win his friend to Christ.  First, he told his friend about Christ.  He laid out the plan of salvation and then he asked his friend if he wanted to know Christ.  His friend politely replied, "no."  The man was not discouraged.  As he was praying for his friend the Lord impressed him to just love his friend which he did.  About six months later his friend knocked on the man's door.  The man opened the door and after a few minutes of small talk, the friend asked him if he could give his life to Christ.  The man said, "of course."  This man lead his friend to Christ and both were joyful. A couple of weeks later this man was curious about why his friend came to Christ.  He asked him and his friend said, " I came to Christ because you not only told me but you lived your Christianity out before me"  So today don't just tell people live your Christianity out as well.

Jesus and the Women

Jesus meets the other Women – Matt 28:8-10

      Jesus is appearing now every where.  The women had just left the tomb and they were filled with joy and fear.  They were going to tell the other disciples what had happened.  Jesus met then and greeted them.  They did three things, they came, they held his feet and they worshipped Him.  He tells them not to be afraid.  The Lord always deals with our fears and then He re-emphasized the angel’s message of going into Galilee and waiting for Him there to meet them. 

    When ever we encounter the Lord there is always going to be a reaction.  It will be fear, awe amazement and joy.  In the case of the women they were fearful and joyful.  When God does something wonderful in our lives we are always joyful but we also are in awe of Him.  It is beautiful to know that the God f the universe still works on our behalf.  Trust Him today and you will see His glory at work.

Mary and Jesus

Mary and Jesus -  John 20:13-17

     This is a very interesting account.  Mary had just talked with the angels about where they had taken Jesus and she turns around and there He is.  At first she thinks He is a gardener.  She asks Him if He had taken the body.  She wanted Him to show her the body so she could go and get it.  Then Jesus spoke and immediately she recognized Him and called Him master.  It appears she made an attempt to cling onto Him.  He told her that she could not because He had not ascended.  She would have kept Him there to herself.  He then told her to go and tell the others.  He then told her that He was going to back to His Father.  He then called His Father her Father, and His God and her God.  Jesus made it clear that because of the resurrection Mary and us have a new relationship with God.  He is our Father and our God.  Scholar have struggled with this passage because it indicates that Jesus was about to go back to His Father or He would ascend a second time later.  One thing is clear that Mary wanted to keep Jesus there but Jesus did make it clear that He had other things to do.  A good lesson we can learn from this is that our relationship with the Lord is an evolving thing.  It will always change as we get to know Him better and see how God wishes for us to know Him better and as our faith deepens.

Mary and the Angels

Nov 24 – Mary Magdalene and the angels  – John 20:11-13

     Mary was still at the tomb crying when two angels appeared in the tomb.  One at top of the tomb where Jesus’ head was and the other at the place where Jesus’ feet was.  They asked Mary why she was crying.  She replied that someone had taken away Jesus’ body and she did not know where they had taken it.  The reality of the situation had not fully dawn on her.  All the facts had not yet fallen into place.  Mary would see things differently in just a moment of time but at this time her emotions and the reality of the situation were guiding her reactions.  Never let your emotions and perception of God be dictated by the reality of the moment.  God may still have more to teach and show you.  Solomon said that we are trust the Lord with all our heart and not to lean on our own understanding but in all ways acknowledge Him and He will direct our path.  Always trust God because the full answer to your question is on the way.  The timing is God’s not ours.

BEST FLASH MOB (my opinion)

Christmas Flash Mob by Journey of Faith at South Bay Galleria - official...

Christmas Food Court Flash Mob, Hallelujah Chorus - Must See!

Christmas Food Court Flash Mob, Hallelujah Chorus - Must See!

Mary Magdalene and Peter

Nov 23 -   Mary Magdalene tells Peter –  John 20:2:-10

   

Mary had come to the tomb according to John and found the tomb empty.  She run back to Simon Peter and John and told them Jesus’ body has been taken and she did not know where they had taken it.  So Peter and John run to the tomb but John out ran Peter.   John did not enter the tomb at first.  He looked in and saw the grave clothes.  Peter went right in and saw the napkin that had been on Jesus’ face was not with the clothes but was wrapped up in another place by itself.  When John came in he saw the evidence and believed that Jesus had risen.  At the time they were not aware of the scripture that talked about His resurrection.  They would of course believed it later.  Many times when God does something we are not aware of it until later when things fall into place.  Peter and John would know that later.  Today if you do not have all the facts still believe and trust God.  He knows what He is doing in your life.  Also resurrection power flows through you.  So believed and you will see God’s glory and resurrection in your life.

Resurrection Events

Today we are continuing on with the account of the angel of the women from Galilee.  I love this next part,   The angel of the Lord which had rolled back the stone and was now sitting on it said, “He is not here, for He has risen.”  What a wonderful statement.  Jesus is not dead, He is alive.   Death, hell and the grace could not hold.  The world, the flesh and the devil have been defeated.  Then He said, “Come and see the place where He laid.”  You want physical evidence and real proof.  Here is the empty tomb.  You have the witness of the angel, the guards and the women.  He then told them to go and tell Jesus’ disciples that He has risen from the dead.  He then told them that Jesus would go ahead of them into Galilee and it is there that they would see Him.  This statement made sense because at the beginning of the account they were from Galilee.  The resurrection and the empty tomb are the evidence that Jesus is alive.  Without these evidences our faith is in vain.  Jesus was just another good man.  The resurrection and tomb prove categorically that Jesus is who He said He was.  Today walk in these truths and let them be the foundation for your faith and life in Christ.  Remember that same Spirit who raise Christ from the dead dwell in you.

Resurrection Events

The Events of the Resurrection – Matt 28:1-4

   Matthew gives a wonderful account of the Morning of the Resurrection.  It says that it was at dawn that Mary Magdalene and the other Mary cam to the tomb.  While they were there a great earthquake happened.  In front of them and angel of the Lord descended from heaven.  Talk about dramatic staging.  The angel came back and rolled back the stone.  He sat upon it as if to say to all who were there.  “What are you going to do about this?”  Remember Jesus had been put to death by the world power at that time and here was heaven resisting political and world power.  His countenance was like lightning and his clothing was white as snow.  The glory and purity of God was on this angel.  The guards and people assigned to keep the tomb and impose the power of Rome became like dead men.  No power and authority can defy God.  The angel than said to the women, “Fear not, for I know you seek Jesus who men had crucified.  He knew why they were there.  By the way that phrase, “Fear not is found 365 times in the bible, one for everyday of the week.  It is wonderful that nothing can stop God or His children.  We need to put aside our fear and walk by faith and win our world for Jesus Christ.  Besides we have angels walking with us and we have inside of us the power of the Holy Spirit.  This is winning combination.

Women of Galilee

Luke 23:55-56 – The Women from Galilee   This little account of the women of Galilee is noteworthy because of three reasons.  First it states that they were women who had follow Jesus from Galilee.  They had been part of His ministry from near the beginning they had seen the different phases of His ministry.  They were there when he started out, His year of popularity, than opposition and then His death.  They were loyal not only to concept of the Messiah but they were loyal to the man.  Secondly, they follow the men who buried Jesus to see where the body was laid.  Thirdly, they wanted to prepare the body with spices and ointments.  It was obvious to them that Jesus’ body needed a feminine touch in the burial.  They would rest on the Sabbath and return on the first day of the week to finish their preparation.  A thought to ponder today.  Are you loyal to the thought of Jesus Christ or to the man?  Will you be with Him at the end as you were at the beginning?   Last thought,  Will you finish well and in victory.  These ladies did.

Mary at the Tomb

Mary and Mary Magdalene at the Tomb – Matt 27:59-61     This event is note worthy because four things that happened.  First, Joseph took Jesus’ body and wrapped in a clean linen cloth.  As we learned yesterday that he and Nicodemus wrapped the body in linen stripes in the custom of Jewish burials.  He then took the linen cloth and wrapped the body in it.  Matthew leaves Nicodemus out of the account.  Next, the tomb Joseph used was his own which he had cut of the rock.  Joseph gave his own tomb.  Joseph gave his best in a last act of worship for Jesus.  Thirdly he rolled a large stone in front of the tomb.  This was to keep the body in and raiders out.  The last noteworthy item is the fact that Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there across from the tomb.  This is not worthy because they would go the tomb on Sunday Morning.  They wanted to know where Jesus was.  Do you know where Jesus is?  Do you know what He wishes to do in your life?  Be like the two Mary’s and wanted to be as close to Jesus as you can. 

Joseph and Nicodemus

Jesus’ Burial – John 38-42   Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus asked for the body of Jesus.  In the other gospels it was Joseph but John clarified that Nicodemus was also involved as well.  They took the body and prepared it with 75 pounds of spices.  The same amount that would be used to bury a King.  Very fitting because Jesus was and is the King of the Jews.  They wrapped His body in clothes of linen in accordance to Jewish customs.  They would then place Jesus in a tomb in the garden where Jesus was crucified.  The tomb had never been used.  Other gospels say it was Joseph’s tomb.  The reason they did this was because it was the Day of Preparation and they Sabbath was almost upon them.  It mostly was because of convenience that they did this.  This is significant because it clarifies the location of the empty tomb.  In Jerusalem there are two tombs where Jesus is supposed to have been laid.  There is the traditional one located by Helen Constantine’s mother and the Garden Tomb located by General Gordon.  The issue is not where He was laid but the fact that the tomb is empty because even though His burial and how it was done is significant.  What is more important is that the tomb is empty and Jesus is alive. 

Seasons In The Sun - Terry Jacks 1974

Seasons In The Sun - Terry Jacks 1974

Gilbert O'Sullivan - Alone Again (original version)

First Class - Beach Baby (1974) HQ

Seals & Crofts " Summer Breeze"

America - Ventura Highway

America - A horse with no name (clip HQ)

The Original Beverly Hillbillies Theme Song

R. DEAN TAYLOR - "Taos New Mexico" (1972)

footloose - leaving for maui

Mark Lindsay - Arizona (Live, 1990)

Al Jolson - California Here I Come.mpg

Legs are Broken

The Thieves Legs are Broken – John 19:31-32

   These two verses bring a reality of the harshness and cruelty of crucifixition and Roman law.  The Roman soldiers saw that Jesus had died and so to hurry the death of the other prisoners along they brought their lives.  In this act this show the disregard the Roman had for human life.  Let us not be like the Romans, let us regard all life as precious and valuable.  People have been made in the image of God and should be treated with love acceptance and forgiveness.  An interesting side note.  The thief who ask Jesus to remember Him when He came in Kingdom was about to have his wish fulfilled.  Sometimes life can be cruel but the hope owe have in Jesus Christ will help to overcome what we face and one day we shall be with Him as the thief was.  Let us put our faith and trust in Jesus Christ and walk in victory inspite of what happens in the world around us.  Your Promises today are: Isaiah 53:5, 1 Pet 2:24, Prov 4:5-6, Matt 6:33, Luke 1:37, James 4:7 and 1 John 4:4.  Your Insightful Thought is:  Hope is confidence in God's ability and not man's.

The Confession of the Multitude

Nov 14 – The confession of the multitude – Luke 23-48

   The multitude of people after Jesus had died began to began to beat their breasts and went away.  They knew that this was a death that was unnecessary.  They knew they had put an innocent man to death.  It was interesting that all who knew Jesus watch the whole event at a distance.  The only ones were with Jesus at the cross was John and His mother Mary.  Jesus was abandoned and faced this cruel death alone.  Once He died the victory of Calvary was secured.  The crowd got what it wanted but realized that what they wanted was not really what they wanted.  They saw the horrendous results of their hatred.  An innocent man was dead and they would have to face all the consequences of this act.  A lesson we can learn from this event is that many times the things we want are not the things we should have.  Pray the will of God to be done in your life and this will keep you have to be sorrowful and regretful for what has transpire in your life.  The Lord wishes to give good things to His children.

The Tombs are Opened

Nov 13 – Tombs are opened up – Matt 27:52   After the earthquake tombs through out the city were thrown open and many holy people were raised from the dead.  This is an example of what resurrection power is all about.  Here we have the one who came to give life bringing life to those who had been dead.   The people who were raised were known for their piety and desire to follow God.  Matthew says they were holy or righteous people.  This event underscores the fact that Jesus came to give us life and with it more abundance.  Another important fact was that they were seen through out the city.  The supernatural elements of Jesus death spoke here because this was not an isolated event but many were seen.  We do not have any evidence that those who were raised said anything but the fact that they were alive spoke to the incredible things that were happening that day.  Today let resurrection power be displayed in your life as a testimony to your world that Jesus’ power and victory is in your life.  Promises Today:  1 John 3:8, John 15:7, Psalm 84:11, Prov 10:11 and Jer 1:12.  Proverbs for Today: 

As the caterpillar struggles to free`itself from the cocoon to become a butterfly.  Prayer through struggle frees the soul, mind and spirit to the beauty of divine presence and love. 

 Love like rope becomes stronger when more strands are added it.

We know His voice

In John 10:27, Jesus says that those who are His sheep know His voice and they follow Him.  What a privilege it is to know Jesus Christ.  To hear His voice and follow Him.  There are many voices in the world calling for us to follow them.  There is the voice of materialism which says, "Follow me and I will make you rich and the things I give you will secure you success."  In reality what happens is that the things we possess actually possess us.  There is the voice of pride and education.  It tells people that if they become more educated or get a better degree that will bring security and success in life.  Most times you have a smart, educated fool.  The voice of pleasure and passion says that it will make you pretty, sexy and successful but in reality like the Samaritan woman it leaves a series of broken relationships and empty dreams.  There is the voice of religion that promises you peace in life when all it does is binds you in a bunch of rules and regulations.  Jesus said, hose who come to Him will be set free.  He will give peace that passes all understanding.  He will bring us to the Father and we will become the children of God.  When we come to Christ we are His sheep.  We get to know His voice and we want to follow Him.  Jesus gives us abundant and eternal life.  Today meditate on this truth and get to know Christ better to follow Him and know His voice. 

10 Things You Didn't Know About The Romans

http://www.youtube.com/v/740lQVgUWM4?version=3&autohide=1&showinfo=1&autohide=1&autoplay=1&feature=share&attribution_tag=sV3U_-lLvV881Qz-GJMERg

10 Civilizations You've Never Heard Of

http://www.youtube.com/v/XktJwyLLVkQ?autohide=1&version=3&attribution_tag=pb6Ukk45UqZO-FOUIz9oAw&feature=share&autoplay=1&autohide=1&showinfo=1

Top 10 Signs You Are Getting Old

http://www.youtube.com/v/EKyN8GHWoVk?autohide=1&version=3&feature=share&showinfo=1&autohide=1&attribution_tag=TdxaHZ9EmDSztEgO2q8OOQ&autoplay=1

Aging Rockers - Tim Hawkins

http://www.youtube.com/v/Z7Nu7vamRCA?version=3&autohide=1&autoplay=1&attribution_tag=sKONNcBIcmSBeJbqaF_JAw&feature=share&showinfo=1&autohide=1

Tim Hawkins - Inappropriate Wedding Songs

http://www.youtube.com/v/I8S2u8_vSnc?autohide=1&version=3&attribution_tag=LA6-XrndkXMiiH1Z8pNfgA&showinfo=1&autohide=1&autoplay=1&feature=share

Tim Hawkins-Shortend Songs for ADD

http://www.youtube.com/v/OwrGISW8IpM?autohide=1&version=3&attribution_tag=b1KDJBd--oMeBtHvsd2sWA&autoplay=1&showinfo=1&feature=share&autohide=1

Tim Hawkins The dogs on fire.

http://www.youtube.com/v/3O5cGUs2OM4?version=3&autohide=1&feature=share&autoplay=1&autohide=1&attribution_tag=qGZUQqJaU9MNy1ofF6QUAg&showinfo=1

Tim Hawkins- Old Rock Star Songs

http://www.youtube.com/v/HxKeCmTCDV4?autohide=1&version=3&feature=share&showinfo=1&autohide=1&attribution_tag=d80VUhb5aAZhwDsbaig6tg&autoplay=1

Tim Hawkins - Hey There Delilah

http://www.youtube.com/v/_wxy-SMSqPM?autohide=1&version=3&attribution_tag=4EBf_YOVSE1IpjeJJ8ACmA&autoplay=1&feature=share&autohide=1&showinfo=1

Tim Hawkins Things you don't say to your wife

http://www.youtube.com/v/iK2OakMoW_c?version=3&autohide=1&showinfo=1&autohide=1&autoplay=1&feature=share&attribution_tag=zFtixMWXa_Yqj0DymJ_Npg

The Carpenters - Rainy Days And Mondays

http://www.youtube.com/v/dPmbT5XC-q0?autohide=1&version=3&attribution_tag=ZjX4CY7zRmzagJ6Ilwq7MA&showinfo=1&autohide=1&autoplay=1&feature=share

carpenters -We've Only Just Begun

http://www.youtube.com/v/__VQX2Xn7tI?version=3&autohide=1&feature=share&autoplay=1&autohide=1&showinfo=1&attribution_tag=HOxTZwyoBGTGDllrAo7wRw

LOBO - I'D LOVE YOU TO WANT ME

http://www.youtube.com/v/2qhTGga2SSI?version=3&autohide=1&autohide=1&showinfo=1&autoplay=1&attribution_tag=KciDkvw5_BddJrMT07O6Dw&feature=share

LOBO - Me And You And A Dog Named Boo - 1973 Official Video

http://www.youtube.com/v/aTbBvPoxUkk?autohide=1&version=3&feature=share&autohide=1&attribution_tag=fJD3D7wTDbf4vePUkVUUuA&showinfo=1&autoplay=1

Cherokee Nation-Paul Revere and The Raiders

http://www.youtube.com/v/_ojRQ15My7s?version=3&autohide=1&autoplay=1&showinfo=1&attribution_tag=2SvL-vvSW2LA9DrMdbQSTQ&feature=share&autohide=1

Olivia Newton-John Have You Never Been Mellow (Live 1975)

http://www.youtube.com/v/4IFQZyxxyyM?version=3&autohide=1&autoplay=1&showinfo=1&attribution_tag=C5YVGmo0wFFlZyUBZ3vYxg&feature=share&autohide=1

Olivia Newton John 1974 I Honestly Love You

http://www.youtube.com/v/WuY0K6iH1PE?version=3&autohide=1&autohide=1&showinfo=1&autoplay=1&feature=share&attribution_tag=fgOUU6uF32gEOOhf96DoJg

Debby Boone - You Light Up My Life

http://www.youtube.com/v/LX-nyNm0GQ0?version=3&autohide=1&autoplay=1&attribution_tag=C5UBkurZLXaDwbg9MtYZBA&showinfo=1&autohide=1&feature=share

Beautiful Sunday- Daniel Boone- 1972

http://www.youtube.com/v/K37BhzM0I8I?version=3&autohide=1&feature=share&autohide=1&showinfo=1&attribution_tag=NppRBVbUQOfqn8vfOZ-5ZA&autoplay=1

Nothing more is needed

Nov 11 – John 19:30 – It is Finished

    

     This was the phrase Jesus said before He died.  It is a Word of Triumph.  Sin has been dealt with.  Satan has been defeated.  It is the announcement that Jesus’ earthly ministry has been completed.  Nothing more has to be done or said.  Jesus is anticipating resurrection.  This is a cry of victory.  A plan was fulfilled, salvation has come and love has been shown.  Jesus had taken our place.  He demonstrated both humanities weakness and God’s love.  He offered Himself as the one and for all sacrifice for mankind.  This statement is His declaration to His complete obedience to His divine purpose.  Jesus was the Lamb of God who took away the sins of the world.  Nothing more is needed or added.  To do so would negate the sacrifice of the cross.  As he died, it was finished.  The greatest, noblest man who ever walked this planet, God in flesh breathed His last.  As I write this the awesome reality of what was done has fully impacted this writer.  Jesus the perfect Lamb of God died for me.  Praise God.  As this day is the Day of Remembrance for those who gave their lives for the freedom of man.  Let us remember the greatest sacrifice for freedom ever.

A Love Story

In 1 Sam 25, there is a wonderful love story between David and Abigail.  Abigail was married to a selfish and foolish man named Nabal.  He was very rude to David after David had been very kind to him.  David was going to take revenge when Abigail through and act of kindness intervened.  Later Nabal died and David married Abigail.  The Bible is full of great love stories.  There is Abraham and Sarah, Issac and Rebekah, Jacob and Rachel.  All these stories center around love.  God was in the middle of these relationships.  The Bible records that things did not always go smooth between these couples, yet their faith in God and their love for each other always prevailed.  Sometimes as married couples things are not always easy.  There is money troubles or sickness in the family.  If you put your trust in the Lord He will see you through.  He is the third person in your marriage.  Remember that today.     

What is in your heart?

In Mark 7:20-23, Jesus tells His audience what is in their hearts.  Jesus said that what comes out of man is in His heart.  He said that in the heart of men are adulteries and all kind of sexual sins, murder, theft, covetousness, wickedness, lies, bad living, pride, foolishness and evil intents.  All these come from within and defile a person.  The only thing that can deal with the evil of the heart is a brand new nature.  That nature comes by giving one's life to Jesus Christ.  I love redemption and salvation for two reasons.  One, that it restores a person to right standing with God and two, that a sinner can be turned into a saint.  When a person comes to Christ, the Holy Spirit takes up residence.  He comes and lives in an individual.  He then begins to change that person from the inside out.  He works on our thoughts, words, actions, attitudes and motives.  He also regenerates our hearts and helps us to think differently.  As children of God we want to do the will of God.  We learn to appreciate what God has done and our desire is to show our love and appreciation by living for Him.  One of the keys of really understanding how much God has done for you is to realize what a sinner you were.  I know when I came to Christ I knew what a sinner I was.  I knew I could not save myself and so I knew how much God loved me.  Jesus said those that are forgiven much love much.  It is a realization of God's grace and mercy.  You know what Jesus has done and you are so thankful that He died in your place.  This also helps to bring about righteous living because you want to do the things that please God.  So today let righteousness and love flow out your heart into life and influence those around you for Jesus Christ.  You have a new nature now act like it.

Keep Your Promise

In Joshua 24:14-28, Joshua and the people of Israel were making a covenant to serve the Lord.  The people agreed to many things.  Yet in a very short time they would forget Joshua and God.  The whole theme of the book of Judges was, "Every person did was right in their own eyes."  One of the tragediies of man is that they can never keep a promise of agreement.  Many a covenant with God over the past has been broken.  I have been guilty of making a covenant with God and then breaking them.  The result is that our lives are not as fruitful or God cannot use us as He wishes too.  When you nake an agreement with God you better keep it.  Jesus dealt wit the problem of oaths.  He said we should only say, Yes or No.  Remember a person is only as good as their word.  How good is yours?  Your promises for today are Matt 6:33, Matt 22:37-40, 2 Chron 7:15, Rom 12:1-2, Prov 3:5-6 and Rom 14:17.

Resurrection of Life

In John 11:26, Jesus said that He was the resurrection and the life and whoever believes in Him though He may die, He will live, and then He closes off the statement with a question.  Do you believe this?  This is quite the question.  Do you and I really believe this statement?  Do we believe that when we trust in Jesus Christ that we may die yet we shall live?  The hope of the Christian is that we will have both eternal and abundant life.  This has been the foundational statement for the Christian from the thief on the cross until now.  Stephen as he was being stoned and was passing from this life to the next, saw Jesus and made the statement, "I see Jesus sitting at the right hand of God."  Stephen had that hope.  His hope and ours is based on this statement and others that Jesus made concerning His resurrection.  Even today some 1500 people will give their lives around the world for Jesus Christ.  They will gladly suffer martyrdom for a belief that Jesus Christ is the resurrection and the life.  The question is again do we believe this?  Do not let doubt, the rational of the world rob you of your hope, future and inheritance in Christ.  Jesus is the resurrection and the life.  Believe, stand and walk in this statement.  You may die and pass from this world to the next but you will live.  Paul puts it beautifully, he said, "I may be absent from the body but I will be in the presence of the Lord."  So today walk and stand on this reality for serve Him in the light of eternity in anticipation and hope. 

The Holy Spirit Conviction

In John 16:8, Jesus says the Holy Spirit will come to do three things.  To convict the world of sin, righteousness and judgment.  He said the Holy Spirit will convict the world of sin because they do not believe in Jesus Christ.  All over the planet the Holy Spirit is speaking to people of every nation, creed and color about their sin.  Today 200,000 people from all over the world will give their lives to Christ.  Yet we need to pray that a revival will come to our country of Canada.  The Holy Spirit will convict of righteousness because Jesus has gone back to the Father.  You and I have become His representatives and ambassadors to our world.  We have been given the privilege and responsibility to witness and live for Him in our world.  We do that by how we live.  Our words are hollow if we do not walk the walk.  Talk is cheap if not follow by action.  Lastly, the Holy Spirit will convict of judgment.  Jesus said that the ruler of this world has been judged and so have all his followers.  Satan is the ruler of this world.  World means society with its values, goals and rules.  The world promotes, materialism, pride and pleasure.  It calls people to itself everyday and they follow blindly to their destruction.  The Holy Spirit convicts the world of these things.  Sooner or later people find out that materialism, pride and pleasure become hollow and meaningless.  We must be ready to tell and show them there is a better way.  A way that leads to eternal and abundant life.  The Holy Spirit will do His job we must be ready to do ours.  So today say to the Holy Spirit, wherever you lead, whatever you want me to do, or be I will.  I want to be your instrument Lord to touch my world for you.  When you do that you will be use for God.  For His praise and glory.

The Repentant Thief

Nov 3 – Luke 23:39-40 – The repentant thief

                This is such a powerful account.  On each side of Jesus is a thief.  One is cursing him and the other defending Jesus.  While hanging on the cross this man realized that Jesus was being unfairly crucified.  He told the mocking thief to being quiet.  On that cross, looking into those eyes of love this man realized that Jesus was truly the Messiah.  He asked Jesus to remember Him when He came into His Kingdom.  This is such a tremendous testimony.  Here you have a man about to pay for his crimes by death and in the last moments of his life he repents turns to Christ and hears these famous, “Today you shall be with me in paradise.”  It does not matter what the sentence structure of our statement of faith it is that fact you make the statement.  This man’s was, “Remember me when you come into your Kingdom.”  This man would Jesus first person coming into the new Kingdom.  What a privilege for a man who only hours before was condemned to death both physically and spiritually.  Now he is the first of the new Kingdom of God.  One mark with righteousness, peace and joy.  He was the first, don’t you be the last.  

Obedience is Key

In John 15:14, Jesus said that your are my friends if you do whatever I command you to do.  In his book, "School of Obedience," Andrew Murray says that as disciples of Jesus Christ, obedience should be the first characteristic we exhibit.  Jesus says we are His friends if we obey Him.  So the question we need to ask is, "What things show I am obeying God."  Well, how about loving the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind and strength.  Then tell others about Jesus Christ.  Next, Read your Bible, pray and attend the house of the Lord on a regular basis.  Love those who persecute or despitefully use you.  Walk in love, acceptance and forgiveness.  Be involved in mending and restoring people.  Jesus commanded His disciples to love people unconditionally and with no strings attached.  Be involved in your community and pray for those who are in authority over you.  Be an honest person.  Walk with integrity and transperancy.  Be a person that people can trust.  Be mindful of what you say, do and think.  Most of all rely on the Lord.  Let the Holy Spirit have every part of your life.  Let Him lead, guide and direct your life.  Be aware of the fact that He wishes to give you gifts and help you to have a fruitful life.  Obedience is the key to all I have mentioned and more.  If you want both an eternal and abundant life.  Do what Jesus asks and you will truly be His friend.