Saturday, October 12, 2019

October 12

How do we know Jesus came back to life after his burial, and that he wasn’t stolen from the grave? Just because he wasn’t there, doesn’t mean he came back to life. First of all, we have the account of the disciples who saw him after his resurrection. However, if we were to believe the Jewish officials the way they tried to spin it, we would believe that Jesus’s followers had stolen his body away, as most Jews today still believe. What about the cloths lying in the tomb? If his body had been stolen, why would the cloths be in the tomb? Wouldn’t they keep him wrapped? They definitely wouldn’t fold up the face cloth, if it fell off while they removed him, it would be on the floor, certainly not folded. This was to be a sign to them that Jesus was resurrected, and it must have been significant because it ended up on the pages of scripture. Today we have little proof of his existence, only the account of those who knew him personally, the account of historians, and the account of those who were witnesses to seeing him resurrected. So why do we believe? Because God, being God, made a way! The manuscripts were preserved, and the Holy Spirit made it known to our spirit. Besides, how could a story so old still be circulating if it wasn’t being made manifest by God? You only need to believe the truth. 

Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus' head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself. John 20:6-7

Friday, October 11, 2019

October 11

It sickens me to think that the crimes I commit against God fall upon the back of our perfect Savior. He took my punishment! He was whipped, then nailed to a cross for my sake. Pilate tried to release him, over and over again, because he knew he was innocent, but because he was part of the greater plan, he had no authority, and succumbed to the will of the people. Why do I then turn around and doubt his love for me by not believing that he released me from my punishment by continuing to fret over the things of the past? Why would I turn around and sin again after receiving him? It’s because of unbelief. We block the voice of the Holy Spirit, and come into our own lack of knowledge and reject him all over again. Are we even worthy of his love? He thinks we are. He wouldn’t have bothered going to the cross if he didn’t think we were worthy. Jesus was pronounced innocent in court, but we are guilty and will never have to pay for our crimes because we are hidden in Jesus. God doesn’t see our crimes because they were transferred to Jesus. I will say it over and over again until you get it; stop living in your past! Move on! God has already let it go, and so should you.

Jesus’s innocence:
Pilate went out again and said to them, “See, I am bringing him out to you that you may know that I find no guilt in him.” John 19:4

Our guilt and continued sin:
They cried out, “Away with him, away with him, crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your King?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar.” So he delivered him over to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus, John 19:15-16

Wednesday, October 9, 2019

October 9

Each word of scripture has a purpose and intentional meaning. To haphazardly speak it or write it out of context is a travesty, and causes you to become a liar; and one verse out of context can cause more harm than good. There are also portions of scripture that seem like meaningless filler, but believe me it isn’t. Take, for instance, the portion of scripture that tells us about Jesus being seized and presented to Annas before he was sent to Caiaphas the high priest; it had to happen that way because it has a symbolic meaning. Why was it important to take him to Annas first, because it didn’t seem to be a necessary step? Here’s why: Dr. John Lightfoot, a well know Bible scholar, believes Annas was the one who inspected all the sacrifices to make sure they had no blemishes, and then send them away bound and approve as ready for the altar. If true, it’s just more evidence that Jesus is who he says he is. It is also proof that every jot and tittle of scripture has importance. The Bible gives necessary information, even if it’s not for you. Some of it may only be important to the Jews, or someone else who will come to believe in Jesus because of the added information. God knows what he’s doing, it’s up to you to believe it.

So the band of soldiers and their captain and the officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound him. First they led him to Annas, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. It was Caiaphas who had advised the Jews that it would be expedient that one man should die for the people. John 18:12

Tuesday, October 8, 2019

October 8

Have you ever started a project but failed to finish it? I usually finish what I start, but recently I noticed that I had about four projects going that I hadn’t finished. Remember me painting my two white rocking chairs brown? Well, I’ve only finished one of them! That’s now the last of the projects that need to be completed. The good news is, I will probably start another project, but maybe not until I get that chair painted. One project that I don’t plan on completing is working on myself. I’m a work in progress and will continue digging deep to route out anything that hinders my growth in Christ. Know this, you are a good work, worthy of the time and effort it takes to bring you to complete freedom. You are made in God’s image, hidden in Christ, you are perfected because of him, but you don’t believe it, that’s why you still have chains. Do whatever it takes to believe; your freedom is at stake. There’s nothing better than living a life loosed from the burdens of your past. If you continuously seek Jesus, he will reveal himself to you, and you will begin to believe the truth about yourself, and find your freedom.

"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."  Philippians 1:6

Monday, October 7, 2019

October 7

Disappointment is a daily occurrence; we’re not in heaven yet so it’s to be expected. Life is short and we should enjoy it as much as we can until Jesus calls us home, but sometimes we don’t. Solomon says that the day of death is better than the day of birth, and I would agree with that unless you’re already dead, by that I mean an unrepentant sinner. Until that day, we must continue to contend with the devil. Jesus prayed that we be kept from the evil one, I just wish that meant that the evil one had to leave us alone and not toy with us, but that doesn’t seem to be the case. There is some good news, we are just beyond his reach, and are protected from him taking us with him upon his demise. Though Jesus didn’t take us out of this world, we are allowed some pleasure in it; I live for those days and relish in them. Whatever disappointments, hurts, pain, and anxiety you’re dealing with in your life today, just know that better days are ahead of us, and things aren’t always bad. Remember, we have an eternity to live the blissful life when Jesus reclaims us and sets up his kingdom. Until then, hang on to what you have!

I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. John 17:15

Sunday, October 6, 2019

October 6

My husband and I are real estate agents and property owners. The main thrust of our business is property management, which makes us landlords. On occasion, we have tenants that refuse to pay their rent, but also won’t move out. When this happens, we have no choice but to file for an eviction with the court and schedule a date to be seen by the judge. We then go before the judge and try to convince them of our right to payment. Then our tenant, tries to convince them otherwise. After the judge hears both sides, a judgment is made. Did you know that this same process is set up in the spiritual world? When we sin, we have an adversary who brings a case against us in the courts of heaven. We are fortunate to have Jesus as our advocate, and he states our case before the Father; because of his sacrifice and his blood, the case is overturned when we repent. The Holy Spirit is the one who makes us aware by convincing us of our sin. Once we know we’ve sinned, we must repent so payment can be made on our behalf. You will sin, and you must repent, otherwise the enemy continues to have the right to torment you. Search your heart, and repent so that your peace returns to you.

And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged. John 16:8-11