Facing the World, Fearlessly!

July 21, 2024 nofearlinda1 Comment

How do you reconcile your actions with your faith? It is one thing to read the books of theology and yet another to put them into practice. Acts is a book that seeks to show us how the disciples approached the hostile world without Jesus personally with them and the power of the Holy Spirit in their lives. In Acts 1 Luke introduces himself as the writer and in 16:10 he reveals that he is seeing these things happen as a companion of the Apostle Paul. “And when Paul had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.”

In the first chapter Jesus is still with them and He gives them a command and commission before ascending into heaven. Acts 1:4-8 “And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; ⁵for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” ⁶So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” ⁷He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. ⁸But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Jesus wanted them to wait for the arrival of the Holy Spirit, not be concerned about future events and to focus on witnessing and telling others about Him.

How often do we not want to wait on the Lord’s timing? We are anxious and think we know best. Prayer and patience are needed in abundance as we walk with Jesus. How often are we anxious about the future, how events will turn out, or what we need to do to be prepared for them? Jesus says we are not to be concerned about the how and when and focus on Him. It is hard to remember at times that there are things that are for God to know and only Him. We need to trust He will tell us what we need to know and when we need to know it. Lastly, Jesus had a job for them to do. It is the same job He has for us which is witnessing and telling the world about Jesus’ love and redemption!

This wonderful passage ends with then seeing Jesus being taken into heaven and their confrontation with two men in white; angels with a timely message. Acts 1:9-11 “And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. ¹⁰And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, ¹¹and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”

Are you still standing and waiting for Jesus to make things happen? We need to act upon what we know to be true. Jesus ascended into heaven, Jesus will return and Jesus has a job for us to do while we are here. God wants us up and about doing His work in the world. We are to be his hands and feet, mouthpieces, bearers of hope and love to a hurting world. Pray about what God wants you to do today and step out in faith. He promises to go with you, Deuteronomy 31:6 “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” No Fear! God promises to be with us and He is greater than anything or anyone we will encounter in the hostile world.

Linda

Jesus Appeared….to individuals

May 3, 2024 nofearlindaLeave a comment

Several of the post-resurrection appearances were to specific individuals instead of groups. I previously wrote about Jesus’ encounter with Mary, but today I want to look at Jesus’ appearances to Peter and James. The appearance to Peter is mentioned in passing in Luke 24:34 “saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” and in 1 Corinthians 15:5 by Paul “and that he appeared to Cephas (Peter), then to the twelve”. The Luke message was delivered to the disciples by the two men who Jesus met on the Road to Emmaus. Here the men referred to Peter as Simon using his former name. Jesus also referred to Peter by his former name when He told him he would deny Him three time before the rooster crowed. The prediction of the denial is recorded in both Matthew 26 and Mark 14. The actual denial event is recorded in all 4 gospels, Matthew 26, Mark 14, Luke 22 and John 18. Peter was not acting with his new believing nature, clinging to the rock of faith which is Jesus, but with the old, impetuous, doubting nature of unbelieving Simon. This personal appearance to Peter shows great compassion from our Lord to singularly appear to Peter to forgive and restore him. Jesus would have known the anguish and guilt Peter was feeling after his denial of Jesus the night before the Crucifixion. The forgiven Peter went onward, never doubting nor denying his Lord and Savior again. Later, Jesus met a group of disciples on the shores of the Sea of Galilee and spoke more with Peter and his future work in the kingdom. See John 21. Jesus personally knows what we need and is there for each one of us. What a wonderful, compassionate and loving Savior we serve.

The other post-resurrection appearance that was mentioned by Paul in 1 Corinthians 15 was to James. Scholars believe this was James, the half-brother of Jesus, and not one of the other followers named James. His brother did not believe in Christ before the resurrection, but afterward became a prominent member of the church in Jerusalem, wrote the book of James and died a martyr’s death in 62 A.D. “Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles.” 1 Corinthians 15:7. This appearance speaks to me of Jesus’ compassion and love for his earthly family and for those who are lost. 2 Peter 3:9 ^“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance”. He knew James needed to see Him personally to be confronted with his unbelief. Jesus does that for each one of us as we seek to come to faith and trust in Him. He is a personal God that loves and cares for each of us.

Is Jesus personal to you today? Do you claim Him as your God and Savior? David did in 2 Samuel 22:3 “The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation,” Mary did in Luke 1:47 “and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,” and Thomas did in John 20:28 “Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” Let Him hear your words of declaration today as you thank Him for being your God and Savior.

Linda

Jesus Appeared….He Knows My Name

April 29, 2024 nofearlindaLeave a comment

One of the most touching post-resurrection appearances of Jesus was when He appeared to Mary Magdalene in the garden. It is recounted in John 20:14-18. Mary had been to the tomb and seen and heard the angels say that Jesus was not there. They had said He was risen. However, she was so overcome with grief that it had yet to truly register with her brain. They (the angels) said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” ¹⁴Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” ¹⁶Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher).

This scene touches me as it only took Jesus saying her name for her to recognize Him. In John 10:27 Jesus told the disciples that the ones who know Him will recognize His voice and follow Him ” My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” Mary knew immediately that it was her Lord saying her name. She was instantly comforted and wanted to touch Him. He cautioned her not to cling or hold onto him, but to go and tell the disciples that she had seen the Lord! Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” ¹⁸Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”—and that he had said these things to her.

Mary needed to have the Savior’s touch. He touched her with His voice and He gave her the reassurance that all would be well. Jesus confirmed He had indeed risen and that He was alive! Jesus showed her that there is eternal Hope in Him! She got all of those reassurances from Jesus just saying her name!

What do you need Jesus to say to you today? Do you need Him to call you by name, give you a word of encouragement, a word of guidance, or simply a word of Hope? He can say and do it all- if you just ask Him. Seek Him today and He will be found!

Linda

Holy Week, Saturday, Jesus is still working!

March 30, 2024 nofearlindaLeave a comment

Jesus was buried in a borrowed tomb by his friend Joseph of Arimathea Friday before sundown. Scripture gives us some hints as to what Jesus was doing between the time of his burial and resurrection. There is a lot of debate by scholars on the subject, but it is agreed that Jesus was in Hades preaching and teaching. Ephesians 4:8-10 speaks of Jesus descending and leading captives as he ascended into heaven. 1 Peter 3:18-20 speaks of Jesus preaching to spirits in prison. We can be assured that he was not in the tomb waiting around but doing God’s Work.

Why is scripture basically silent on this period of time? Probably because it is of little importance to us as believers. The gospel essence is the death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior. His power over death is so miraculous and life giving that our focus needs to be on His victory and our resulting redemption. We also know that Jesus was always about His Father’s business. “Jesus said to them, “My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I , too, am working.” John 5:17 God always has a purpose and a plan, and Jesus was always doing the Father’s work. So on this silent day we can ask ourselves, Am I doing what God wants me to do? Am I using the time God has given me to pray, study, witness and do good things for others? Quietly think about God today as you prepare for Resurrection Sunday. Know for sure the truth of Isaiah’s ancient words: How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” Isaiah 52:7

Because Christ died on the cross and rose from the dead, I can wait upon Him with assurance and hope knowing my future is secure and all His plans are for my good and His glory!

Blessings as we await His resurrection,

Linda

Holy Week, Friday, At the Cross for You and Me

March 29, 2024 nofearlindaLeave a comment

After His arrest Thursday night, Jesus endured 4 trials. He went before the religious leaders, the Sanhedrin, then Pilate who sent him to Herod, the Jewish head of state, then back to Pilate. The Jews wanted Jesus killed but they did not have the authority to execute Him. They demanded that Pilate, the Roman authority in Palestine, crucify Him. Pilate had Jesus flogged and beaten even though Pilate knew Jesus to be innocent. He had hoped this cruel treatment would pacify the Jews. However, the crowds pressed him and requested the release of the criminal Barabbas instead of Jesus since it was the custom to release one convicted person as a token of goodwill at the Jewish Passover. The crowds demanded that Jesus be crucified and Pilate agreed to appease the angry and vocal Jewish crowds. Jesus was then made to carry His own cross to the place of execution, Golgotha. Along the way Jesus stumbled and Simon of Cyrene was conscripted to carry the cross. Jesus was then nailed to a cross and hung to die. His clothes were stripped from Him and as He hung naked on the cross then soldiers gambled for his clothing underneath the cross.

I can not imagine the pain, anguish, humiliation and shame Jesus endured on my behalf. He took all the sins of the world, yours and mine, upon His pure, sinless and innocent body and the sin took him to a place he had never been before. The sins He took upon himself, our sins, separated him from God, His holy Father. He did this so that His sacrifice could atone for our sins. 1 Peter 2:24 explains what Jesus accomplished for you and me.

²⁴He personally carried our sins
    in his body on the cross
so that we can be dead to sin
    and live for what is right.
By his wounds
    you are healed. (NLT)

I never realized how sweet Jesus’ final words from the cross were until recently. “‘It is finished.’ With that, he lowered his head and gave up his spirit.” John 19:30 He declared with His final breath that the work of redemption was complete, and He had accomplished what the Father had sent Him to do. Through His death He took the punishment, death, for the sins of all who would believe for all eternity. Having accomplished His work, He gave up His spirit. His life was not taken from Him, but He gave it up voluntarily at the time of His choosing. Only God can choose the time of His death. When we speak of someone dying, we say the person has life take from them. We don’t get to chose the hour or minute of our last breath, but Jesus chose when and where He was to die for you and me. I am staggered by His love and sacrifice that He would endure such punishment and isolation from God on my behalf. As you ponder the cross today, think of all Jesus gave up and all He did on your behalf.

Because Christ died on the cross and rose from the dead, I live redeemed from the penalty of sin, covered by His incredible sacrifice and will be able to stand before God sinless.

Prayer: Father, the enormity of Jesus’ sacrifice and your love in sending Him to die for my sin is incomprehensible. ‘Your ways and not my ways’ Isaiah reminds us in Isaiah 55:8. I am so thankful for your plan of redemption. I stand humbly before you because of Jesus, my Savior, covered by His righteousness. Praising you in Jesus name, Amen.

Linda

Holy Week, Thursday, Jesus’ Heart of Love

March 28, 2024 nofearlindaLeave a comment

As Jesus’ time on earth draws to a close, His Thursday was filled with love, encouragement, heartbreak and pain. As Jesus celebrated the Passover supper with His disciples in the Upper Room, Judas was dismissed as he had already decided in his heart to betray Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. Jesus spent precious hours teaching, reassuring and praying for His disciples. Later they went to the garden of Gethsemane where Jesus prayed and gained strength from His Father. The soldiers came into the garden to arrest Jesus, and he was betrayed by Judas. They led him away to be tried in numerous trials both civilian and religious. He was beaten, flogged, insulted and denied by Peter.

During all this time, Jesus was focused on doing the will of the Father and completing His mission on earth, the redemption of mankind. I am touched when I consider His prayer in the Upper Room as recorded in John 17: 20-23 as he was thinking of me and you and not the ordeal he was facing.

I’m praying not only for them
But also for those who will believe in me
Because of them and their witness about me.
The goal is for all of them to become one heart and mind–
Just as you, Father, are in me and I in you,
So they might be one heart and mind with us.
Then the world might believe that you, in fact, sent me.
The same glory you gave me, I gave them,
So they’ll be as unified and together as we are—
I in them and you in me.
Then they’ll be mature in this oneness,
And give the godless world evidence
That you’ve sent me and loved them
In the same way you’ve loved me. (Message)

I was amazed that Jesus took time to pray for His mission, His disciples and All future believers that night in the Upper Room. He wanted all future believers to be unified in faith, so we can tell others that Jesus was and is real and was sent by the Father. He says that the unity of our faith and oneness with Him will give evidence to the unbelieving world that God loves us and truly sent His Son to redeem us. This unity was so important to our Lord and Savior that He interceded for us. Jesus wants us to be one in Spirit, united, telling others about Him.

What difference does it make that Jesus spend time on his last night before his crucifixion praying for you? When you are with other believers do you strive for the unity Christ desired or are you seeking to divide and cause unrest in matters of faith with your brothers and sisters in Christ? Are you about the sharing of your faith with others by showing kindness, love and speaking of the hope you have in Jesus? Today, think of Jesus and what He desires for all believers. Strive to walk in unity. He promises it will show the world that we believe in Him and desire to show God’s love to others.

Prayer: Father, I am humbled and amazed that Jesus prayed for me on His last night on earth. He loved me so much and wanted me to be one in faith and unified in spirit with all believers. Help me to live today with an abiding faith in You, so that the people I meet will know that I love You and that You love me. Empower me to show your love to others so that you may be glorified in all I say and do. Amen.

Because Christ died on the cross and rose from the dead, I can be unified with other believers in Jesus’ name and share in His love.

Linda

Holy Week, Wednesday, Jesus Rests

March 27, 2024 nofearlindaLeave a comment

It would seem that the gospel’s are silent on the whereabouts of Jesus on this day of Holy Week. Perhaps he remained in Bethany with Mary, Martha and Lazarus, taking a needed day of rest. Tomorrow will be a trying day with the Last Supper, Gethsemane, His arrest, beating and trials by night leading to crucifixion on Friday. Jesus knew what was coming and how his human body would need strength for tomorrow so He rested. Even though He was God, He felt all the pain and fatigue of a man when He was within His earthly body. So He needed rest today.

What do you need today? Here are a couple of scriptures for you to mediate on to encourage and strengthen you. David knew his need for the Lord and relied upon Him each day. Here are two examples:

Psalm 138:7-8a ⁷Though I walk in the midst of trouble,
    you preserve my life;
you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies,
    and your right hand delivers me.
⁸The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me;
    your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever.

Psalm 37:3-6 3 Trust in the Lord, and do good;
    dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.
⁴Delight yourself in the Lord,
    and he will give you the desires of your heart. ⁵Commit your way to the Lord;
    trust in him, and he will act.
⁶He will bring forth your righteousness as the light,
    and your justice as the noonday.

Jesus knew the Psalms of King David and perhaps He drew strength and comfort from these words too. He knew God had a purpose for him to complete and that He needed to trust His heavenly Father and rest in Him. Let David’s words bring you peace and rest today as you walk trusting in Jesus..

Because Christ died on the cross and rose from the dead, I can call upon Him for strength and rest in His ability to give me all that I need.

Linda

Holy Week, Tuesday-Teaching Abounds

March 26, 2024 nofearlindaLeave a comment

Bible scholars attribute many happenings to the Tuesday of Holy Week. Jesus was questioned by the religious leaders as to by what authority was He speaking and performing miracles. Jesus cleverly trapped them with their own questions, and they left him alone. (Matthew 21:23-27) After that confrontation, Jesus proceeded to teach in parables about the tenants who killed the messengers sent by the master, and about the wedding banquet where those invited refused to come and then strangers were welcomed in their place. Both of these pointed to the treatment of Jesus, God’s Son, by the religious leaders and Jews of His day. Jesus also taught about taxes and where we owe our allegiance. He spoke about marriage in heaven and who He really was. (Matthew 21:28-23:39) Later in the evening, Jesus ate at the home of Lazarus, Mary and Martha. There Mary anointed Jesus with pure nard, a very expensive perfume, and the disciples were upset at her for using this costly perfume on Jesus. (Matthew 26:6-12) From morning until night, Jesus used every minute to instruct and build up the faith of His followers as He knew His time was short.

During this day, one of Jesus’ most important teachings was revealed when the Jewish leaders asked Jesus what was the most important commandment in the Law? Jesus replied: ³⁷And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. ³⁸This is the great and first commandment. ³⁹And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. Matthew 22:37-39 (ESV)

This statement about the right priorities for our lives is so simply stated, and yet is so difficult to live out on a daily basis. Putting God first in our lives will keep everything else in balance and then loving others with as much love as we love ourselves comes next. Do you love yourself? Do you take care with what you put into your body, soul and mind? Jesus tells us that He expects us to love and respect ourselves. Out of that love for God will flow and be poured into those around us. Think about your priorities today and the fact that Jesus spent time His last week on earth telling us how to align our lives in the most productive way for ourselves and others.

Because Christ died on the cross and rose from the dead, I can have His Holy Spirit’s indwelling power that enables me to keep my priorities in line with Him. Putting God first then yourself and others is God’s way. Thankfully, He is able to see this work in us to completion as promised in Philippians 1:6 “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” He also promised help in Matthew 19:26 “But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Praise God! He wants us to show His love to others and will enable us to do so in His time and His way.

Linda

Holy Week, Monday -Confronting Injustice

March 25, 2024 nofearlindaLeave a comment

There are two specific actions Bible Commentaries assign to Monday of Holy Week. Jesus entered the city humbly and triumphantly on Sunday and then cleansed the temple area of money changers and withered a fig tree on Monday. Both actions seem harsh from our Lord but give a picture of the worldly opposition to God’s kingdom. From both we get a glimpse of divine justice. You can read the accounts in Matthew 21 and Mark 11.

Jerusalem at Passover was a bustling city with many pilgrims arriving to make offerings at the temple. They needed to purchase animals for sacrifice and change money so they could pay the yearly temple tax. The exchanges were all being conducted in the outer court of the Gentiles. Here is Matthew’s account from 21:12-14.

^12-14Jesus went straight to the Temple and threw out everyone who had set up shop, buying and selling. He kicked over the tables of loan sharks and the stalls of dove merchants. He quoted this text:

“My house was designated a house of prayer;
You have made it a hangout for thieves.“

Now there was room for the blind and crippled to get in. They came to Jesus and he healed them. (Message)

Jesus was then, is now and will be in eternity the Righteous Judge. He saw the true motives of the people desiring to make money exorbitantly and uprooted and cast them out literally. He placed priority for prayer and worship on coming to God’s house. He got right to the work of his ministry- healing and allowing access to God for everyone.

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As we near the cross, take heart from this short snippet in Jesus’ last week. Know that He came to save and set right relationships and motives towards God. What attitudes do you need adjusted by Jesus today? Do you attend church to make ‘connections’ with people for business or do you come to pray and reflect on your walk with Jesus? Looking at the heart is what Jesus did then and does now in our lives through the Holy Spirit. Let Him cleanse your heart today and put you on the right pathway with right motives. May our hearts be right with God today as suggested in this quote by Charles Wesley.

Prayer: Father God, I come to you today in need of readjusted attitudes and I desire that my motives be made pure. Show me where I have wrong attitudes and motives. Fill me with your Spirit anew today and guide me in your ways. Cause me to walk with you in humility and openness. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Do you desire to have a heart of prayer today? Then lift up your voice and thoughts to Him. He will answer. Proverbs 15:29 “The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.” Be right with God today.

Linda

Old or New Testaments, Jesus is Worthy

March 23, 2024 nofearlindaLeave a comment

On this last day before Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, I am thinking about his resolve and determination to face the events that would transpire in the last week of his life. What courage and love it must have taken to head towards Jerusalem with the cross looming before him. For today I have chosen a psalm filled with joy and thanksgiving as we anticipate the shouting crowd, the humble Savior and the willing donkey too.

Psalm 100 Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!
² Serve the Lord with gladness!
Come into his presence with singing! Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. , Ephesians 4:17-20 “but be filled with the Spirit, ¹⁹addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, ²⁰giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,”

³Know that the Lord, he is God!
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Ephesians 2:20 ‘For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” John 10:14-15 “I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, ¹⁵just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. “

⁴Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
and his courts with praise!
Give thanks to him; bless his name! 1 Thessalonians 5:18 “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”

⁵For the Lord is good;
his steadfast love endures forever,
and his faithfulness to all generations. 2 Corinthians 9:8 “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.” 1 John 4:8 “Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.“

Whether in the Old or New Testaments the story of our God is consistent. He is glorious and worthy of our praise and worship. He is our God and Savior and there is none that can compare to Him. Because Christ died on the cross and rose from the dead, I can rejoice in my God and Savior.

Blessings as you enter into Holy Week and may your journey down the Palm Sunday road be filled with praise.

Linda