Road towards Pentecost begins here!

April 23, 2019April 23, 2019 nofearlindaLeave a comment

One of my favorite post-resurrection appearances is the encounter of the two on the Road to Emmaus. Overcome with grief over Jesus’ death and disbelief over what the women said about seeing Him alive, these two followers of Christ were walking along the Emmaus Road discussing all these things. Jesus joined them on their journey without disclosing his identity. As they walked they were surprised that he did not know about all the events that had just occurred in Jerusalem and told him their hope that Jesus had been the long awaited Messiah. “Then Jesus said to them, “You foolish people! You find it so hard to believe all that the prophets wrote in the Scriptures. ²⁶Wasn’t it clearly predicted that the Messiah would have to suffer all these things before entering his glory?” ²⁷Then Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.” Luke 24:25-27

Wouldn’t you have loved to have been there and listened to Jesus explain all about Himself? A little later in the story when they were sitting down to eat, Jesus gave thanks, broke the bread and began to give it to them. Right then, their eyes were opened and they recognized Jesus. He then disappeared from their presence. Even though it was late they quickly returned to Jerusalem to tell the disciples about their encounter with the risen Lord Jesus.

Jesus came to these two when they were in grief, despair and confusion, and He cleared up their thinking, encouraged and enlivened them. Can you remember a time when Jesus came to you in prayer or through the actions or words of another believer to give you hope and encouragement? Jesus promises that He will be with us wherever we go. Just like these two, we need to look and recognize His presence with us and the hope that He brings.

I pray that my Lenten Blogs have brought you hope and encouragement these past 6 weeks. I have been mightily blessed by being with you and in the scriptures each day. I am still pondering the magnitude of Christ’s sacrifice and all the blessings I HAVE because of Him. I will continue writing on the post-resurrection appearances leading to Pentecost (40 days after the cross). Christ appeared many times before His ascension to many individuals and groups. They are affirming and touching encounters that teach us more about the depth of His love and care for us.

Blessings to you,

Linda

He has Risen, He has risen indeed!

April 21, 2019 nofearlindaLeave a comment

Because Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead, I can have faith in resurrection too. Paul writes on the importance of believing in the resurrection in 1 Corinthians 15:12-20. “¹²But tell me this—since we preach that Christ rose from the dead, why are some of you saying there will be no resurrection of the dead? ¹³For if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised either. ¹⁴And if Christ has not been raised, then all our preaching is useless, and your faith is useless.” Paul is making the argument that if we do not believe in resurrection, life after death, then we can’t believe Christ was raised either. “¹⁵And we apostles would all be lying about God—for we have said that God raised Christ from the grave. But that can’t be true if there is no resurrection of the dead. ¹⁶And if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised. ¹⁷And if Christ has not been raised, then your faith is useless and you are still guilty of your sins.” He continues that if we don’t believe in the resurrection then all the people who saw Jesus (like 500 plus) were liars but the most horrific consequence of not believing in Jesus’ resurrection is that we are still in our sins, no forgiveness or redemption has occurred. Jesus has to conquer death and sin to redeem us. “ ¹⁸In that case, all who have died believing in Christ are lost! ¹⁹And if our hope in Christ is only for this life, we are more to be pitied than anyone in the world.” If Christ did not conquer the grave, we are to be pitied and we are lost! Paul makes his conclusion in verse 20a, “²⁰But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead.” Praise God! Death could not hold him and Jesus rose victorious over death, leaving our sins behind and rising to new life. We too can hold that hope as Christ has won the victory for all who believe!

Have a blessed Resurrection Sunday! As the early Christians would greet one another to show they believed saying, “He has Risen.” With the response being, “He has risen indeed!”

Linda

Words of life, do you have them?

April 20, 2019 nofearlindaLeave a comment

Because Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead, I have a complete manual for living in God’s Word. God’s Word has stood firm and resolute since the beginning of time. His Word, Jesus, came in human form bringing salvation to all who believe. His Words in the Bible bring life, depth, understanding and guidance to us so that we can live the lives that God intends by following His ways and bringing Him glory. Here are a few verses affirming the guidance and hope we receive in God’s Word:

Psalm 119:9 “How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word.” Obedience to God’s Word leads one towards purity in all areas of life.

Psalm 119:11 “I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” God’s Word internalized helps us not to sin.

Psalm 119:105 “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” God’s Word provides guidance to my life.

Matthew 4:4 “But Jesus told him (Satan), “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” God’s Word rebukes Satan and gives spiritual sustenance for living.

Luke 11:28 “Jesus replied, “But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice.” Applying God’s Word to our lives brings blessing.

John 6:63 and 68 “The Spirit alone gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing. And the very words I have spoken to you are spirit and life.” and “Simon Peter replied, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life.” God’s Words are words of life and spirit and they lead to eternal life in Him.

Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.” God’s Word is alive and works on our hearts, minds, souls and desires to align them with His ways.

Jesus plainly said that His Words lead to life. Thank you Jesus.

Linda

Suggestion: Open His Word today and reread some of the above passages. Let Him speak to you from His Word and be blessed.

SALVATION- Thank you Jesus!

April 19, 2019 nofearlindaLeave a comment

Because Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead, I have salvation. This is a wonderful message filled with hope on this Good Friday. Jesus’ sacrifice on my behalf accomplished what nothing else could. He was the perfect sacrifice that was wholly accepted by God the Father. Jesus told us that He was the way to salvation. Here are a few verses to ponder in your heart as you consider your own faith in Jesus.

John 14:6 “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” The way to salvation is clearly through faith in Jesus.

Acts 4:12 “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Salvation can only come through Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:9-10 “For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, ¹⁰who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him.” God’s plan to redeem us from the punishment of sin was through Jesus.

Titus 2:11 “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people,” God’s grace, undeserved favor, was fully shown in sending Jesus. It is His plan for salvation for everyone who believes and He desires that none should perish but all come to repentance.

Jesus is our salvation, our only hope in this sin-filled world. He alone can SAVE us!

Linda

Suggestion: This Good Friday spend time in prayer thanking Jesus for His sacrifice on your behalf.

Is God your Father or Daddy?

April 18, 2019 nofearlindaLeave a comment

Because Jesus died on the cross and was raised from the dead, I have been adopted as God’s child. Through my faith in Jesus, I enter into a Father/son or daughter relationship with God. Scripture uses the word adoption to describe our new relationship with God because of Jesus the Son. Romans 8:14-15 “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. ¹⁵For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” God’s indwelling Holy Spirit leads and guides us in the Father/son or daughter relationship. Paul again wrote to reassure the Galatians of this wonderful fact in Galatians 4:4-7 “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, ⁵to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. ⁶And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” ⁷So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.” And Paul wrote to the Ephesians that God ordered this to be so in love when He sent Jesus. Ephesians 1:5-6 “In love ⁵he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, ⁶to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.” What wonderful assurances we have that through Jesus we are Sons and Daughters of the King.

I am a daughter of the King, and I can call God my Father or ‘Daddy’. Be encouraged today because of this personal relationship you have with the Father because of the Son. Thank you Jesus!

Linda

Suggestion: Pray today with the focus that you are God’s child and He is your heavenly Father. See and feel the difference.

Looking for your keys? See Jesus, He found them.

April 17, 2019March 23, 2020 nofearlinda1 Comment

Because Christ died on the cross and rose from the dead, I have an eternal home. Jesus’ work on the cross reconciled us, as sinners, and brought us into relationship with Holy God. Jesus knew that future believers would then dwell with Him in heaven. He reassured the disciples of this joyful fact even though they did not understand it at the time. It was only later they would grasp more fully the greatness of the price He paid to redeem all mankind. John 14:1-2 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. ²In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?“ Jesus wanted his disciples, and us too, to understand that He was leaving them, but He was going ahead to prepare a place, a home for them. He assured them there would be room enough for all. This scripture is often used at funerals to comfort the grieving. The idea that we have a prepared place to go, a home in heaven is of great comfort and gives us great hope.

In our heavenly home, we will have a heavenly body that is eternal, immortal and imperishable. 2 Corinthians 5:1-2 in the Amplified version makes it very clear. “For we know that if the earthly tent [our physical body] which is our house is torn down [through death], we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. ²For indeed in this house we groan, longing to be clothed with our [immortal, eternal] celestial dwelling,” and 1 Corinthians 15:42 “So it is with the resurrection of the dead. The [human] body that is sown is perishable and mortal, it is raised imperishable and immortal.”

Be encouraged today as the suffering of this life will end and we will someday be with Jesus in a new body in a new home. Praise God!

Linda

Suggestion: Find someone to share your eternal hope and destination with and tell them how that gives you hope for today. You live with assurance as you know you have a home in heaven and Jesus is waiting for you there.

Equipped, God’s methods bring the greatest results!

April 16, 2019 nofearlindaLeave a comment

Because Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead, I have been equipped to do His work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, ¹⁷that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” God has given us the whole of scripture, His divine Word, so that in it and through it we can be equipped for anything He calls us to do for Him. The author of Hebrews was also aware of this equipping that comes through Jesus. He closed his letter assuring the readers that God equips so that His will will be accomplished. Hebrews 13:20-21 “Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, ²¹equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Knowing that God equips when He calls you to do something for Him gives me great comfort. We do not need to feel we are capable in ourselves but our reliance needs to be upon Him, His Word, His powerful indwelling Holy Spirit and His great resources. God will see that His work and will is accomplished. Job 42:2 ““I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.” We can rest in the promise given in Philippians 4:19 “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” We can be certain that God’s work will be done and nothing in heaven or earth can stop it. We can also be certain that when He calls us to do His work we can do it because He will equip, empower and provide all we need to see it through.

Linda

Suggestion: are you struggling with something you think God is calling you to do, are you doubting if you have the time, energy, knowledge, etc. to do this? Pray, look into God’s Word and ask Him if this calling is from Him. If you feel His answer is yes, then let go and let God equip and transform you so that His will is accomplished. It is a matter of trust and faith. You will be surprised by the growth and results when God is in charge of the equipping.

When God calls you, how do you answer?

April 15, 2019 nofearlindaLeave a comment

Because Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead, I have a holy calling from God. The idea that we are called is an intriguing thought. Called is defined as being summoned or drawn by divine command by God . 2 Timothy 1:9 says this is a high calling, “who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began,” Our calling is to come to faith and walk each day with Jesus, Paul calls this a holy calling. This implies that God initiated the call and has reasons for calling us to do His work. The verse goes on to say we did nothing to deserve this calling, but God has a plan and a purpose for us. He knows how He will use us in His kingdom for His glory producing in us growth and well being. Our response to His call, by faith in Jesus, is our part and allows us to enter His kingdom and do His work. He calls us because of His grace, giving us what we do not deserve because He loves us and desires to be in relationship with us. God is relational in all aspects of His being.

In various others places in scripture this idea of a holy or special call is used that confirm the idea that God calls and we respond. Paul addresses the letter to the Romans and Corinthians with similar words. Romans 1:7 “To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 1:9 “God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” To what and by whom are you feeling called today? If God is calling, you can be assured that He will lead, provide and guide you into His will for His glory. He has great plans for you and He stated so in Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Step out if faith today trusting God with your future and His plans for your good and His glory. There is great hope with Him.

Linda

Suggestion: Spend some time today asking God how you can answer His call and bring Him glory. Then be open to the opportunities that He will surely bring!

6th Sunday of Lent, Resplendent with Palms!

April 14, 2019 nofearlindaLeave a comment

Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem the week before Passover and His death on the cross is a wild an joyous event. I have walked the Palm Sunday Road and it is a very steep hill leading down from the Mt. of Olives that leads to the eastern gate. As I walked that road, I could see this scene in my mind that is included in all four gospels.

Matthew 21:1-11 Now when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, ²saying to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to me. ³If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will send them at once.” ⁴This took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet, saying,

⁵“Say to the daughter of Zion,
‘Behold, your king is coming to you,
humble, and mounted on a donkey,
on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’”

⁶The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them. ⁷They brought the donkey and the colt and put on them their cloaks, and he sat on them. ⁸Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. ⁹And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” ¹⁰And when he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up, saying, “Who is this?” ¹¹And the crowds said, “This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee.”

Blessings today as we usher in the final week of Jesus’ life on earth with Palms, Shouts of Hosanna and Praises to Messiah, the Lamb of God who took away the sins of the world.

Linda

Jesus entered into the city through the eastern gate that is now closed. In later times the gate was blocked to keep Messiah from entering, not realizing that Jesus had already come that Palm Sunday so long ago.

Suggestion: As you praise God today in worship, choose an attribute of God that you are most thankful for and let God know what it means to you. Consider- Savior, His Grace and Mercy, Sovereignty, Faithfulness, His Hope, His Assurance of Salvation in Jesus, His granting Freedom from Sin or His Provision for you. Praise His Holy Name!

Free to be me in Christ!

April 13, 2019April 13, 2019 nofearlindaLeave a comment

Because Christ died on the cross and rose from the dead, I have been made free from sin. By nature of birth, I am a sinner and will always be a sinner until I go to heaven. Knowing Jesus as my Savior allows me to be free from the power of sin over my life. When I go to heaven, I will be freed from the power and presence of sin, but until then I need to walk humbly with God and keep short accounts, meaning repent of my sins and not allow Satan a foot hold into my life.

There are many verses that assure us that we are freed from sin’s power through faith in Christ. Here are a few:

Romans 6:6-7 “We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. ⁷For one who has died has been set free from sin.” Through faith our old nature, the person within that desires to do sinful things, is dead and made powerless so that we are free in Jesus.

Romans 6: 17-18 “Thank God! Once you were slaves of sin, but now you wholeheartedly obey this teaching we have given you. ¹⁸Now you are free from your slavery to sin, and you have become slaves to righteous living.” (NLT) Since we are free in Christ, we can live for Him doing and thinking right things.

Romans 6:22 “But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life.” Freedom in Christ allows the Holy Spirit to grow us up in Christ making us more and more like Jesus.

Romans 8:1-2 “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. ²For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.” We are free in Jesus no longer condemned to eternal death by sin!

Revelation 1:5b “To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood ⁶and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” John opens his revelation about end times with this prayer. He knew that Jesus was the one responsible for our freedom from sin and our status in God’s eyes. Thank you Jesus.

Enjoy your freedom in Christ today!

Linda

Suggestion: reflect on your life- How are you thinking, talking or doing things differently since having Jesus in your life? Thank Jesus for that change. What are you still doing, thinking or saying that you want to stop so you can be more like Jesus? Ask Jesus to change that within you and free you from that sin. He will!