Do You Believe This?

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25-26 (NKJV)

When I think about Easter, I always think about the gift of my family getting together and enjoying a nice meal in the afternoon. I think about the gift of the look upon my grandchildren’s faces, as they look frantically in our back yard for hidden eggs, filled with candy. But all of this happens after we return from church, and from celebrating the greatest gift of all—the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Q: So why is the resurrection of Jesus Christ so important to us as Christian men and women?

A: Because it validates Jesus Christ as God, and it is absolutely paramount to our entire Christian faith.

The Apostle Paul spoke this very truth to the church of Corinth, saying, “Now if Christ is preached that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty. Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God, because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up—if in fact the dead do not rise. For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable” (1 Cor. 15:12-19).

So if Jesus didn’t resurrect from the dead, then the whole Christian faith would be a cruel hoax, and all of the Apostles would be liars. Those who have died believing in Jesus would have no hope, and there would be no forgiveness for anyone’s sins. Thank our Heavenly Father that this is not the case though. Jesus came to this earth to die for our sins, and to make a way for us to be reconciled unto God—He said, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

And so we can share this great news about Jesus Christ this Easter Sunday, and continue sharing it for the rest of our lives. And as we do, we, like Jesus, can ask those who hear the gospel message, “Do you believe this?”

I want to encourage you to meditate upon these things today.

STUDY QUESTION: According to Jesus’ words, as recorded in John 11:25-26, what did Jesus promise those who believed that He was the resurrection and the life?

PERSONAL INVENTORY: Do you believe that Jesus is the resurrection and the life?

APPLICATION: Let’s share this great gift with others so they may know Jesus intimately and eternally.

LET’S PRAY: Father, thank You for allowing Your Son Jesus to die upon the cross for us. Thank You for giving us a way to be reconciled unto You. Help us to share this great message with others. In Jesus’ precious name, amen…

The Cup

"And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." - 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV). 


I have read that when Leonardo de Vinci was forty-three years old, Duke Ludovinco of Milan asked him to paint the dramatic scene of Jesus' last supper with his disciples.


Working slowly and giving meticulous care to details, he spent three years on the assignment. He grouped the disciples into threes, two groups on either side of the central figure of Christ. Christ's arms are outstretched. In his right hand, he holds a cup that was painted beautifully with marvelous realism.


When the masterpiece was finished, the artist said to a friend, "Observe it and give me your opinion of it."


"It's wonderful!" exclaimed the friend. "The cup is so real I cannot divert my eyes from it."


Immediately Leonardo took a brush and drew it across the sparkling cup! He exclaimed as he did, "Nothing shall detract from the figure of Christ!"


Prayer: "Our Loving Father in Heaven, please grant that nothing I ever do or say will ever detract from the beauty of Christ being seen in me. Help me always in all ways to reflect your glory. This I can only ever do with your help. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, In Jesus Loving Name I Pray, Amen." 

Dial 1-800-4-HEAVEN

"Let us then approach the throne of grace [God] with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." - Hebrews 4:16 (NIV). 

One night when I badly wanted some practical guidance from God, half
in jest—half in frustration—I picked up my bedside telephone and dialed 1-800-4-HEAVEN.


Bzzzzzzzzzzzzz was the only response I received.


I was telling a friend about this the next day so dialed 1-800-4- HEAVEN again. This time I received a recorded message. It said in one of those typical monotone mechanical computer voices: "You are Dialing the wrong number!"


At a later time I tried calling 1-800-4-HEAVEN again. This time a real live person answered. I got such a shock I never did think to 
ask the person who they were!


Seriously, it's not how we pray that matters. It's the attitude of
the heart that counts. As Jesus said to the Samaritan woman we need
to seek/worship God "in spirit and in truth." - John 4:24. That is,
when we come to God, we need to be sincere and speak honestly from
the heart.


We also need to pray in faith. As the Bible says, "Without faith it
is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must
believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek
him." - Hebrews 11:6 (NIV). And Jesus promised, "You may ask me for
anything in my name, and I will do it." - John 14:14 (NIV).


Of this we can be sure, when we come to God with a sincere heart,
have faith in him, and pray in harmony with God's will in Jesus'
name, we have the assurance that God will hear and answer our prayers-
according to his will and not necessarily ours.

The Cross of Christ

"For the message of the cross [of Christ] is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." - 1 Corinthians 1:18 (NIV). 

"Maybe you know the story of Sir John Bowring. A brilliant man who spoke five languages, Sir John was twice elected to Parliament. Knighted by the queen, he served at one time as governor of Hong Kong. It's said he wrote thirty-six books on a variety of subjects. If you visit a library, though, you will only find one of Sir John's writings. It's all we have left. And you're likely to find it in a hymnal.

"It's a poem which he wrote after a boat trip, sailing along the coast of China. Passing Macao, a city devastated by an earthquake, he spied the ruins of a mission church. Protruding from those ruins was the cross which had stood atop the chapel. The impact of that cross caused him to write these memorable words:"

In the cross of Christ I glory / Towering o'er the wrecks of time / All the light of sacred story / Gathers round its head sublime.

When the woes of life o'ertake me / Hopes deceive, and fears annoy / Never shall the cross forsake me / Lo! it glows with peace and joy.

Bane and blessing, pain and pleasure / By the cross are sanctified / Peace is there that knows no measure / Joys that through all time abide.- Sir John Bowring, 1825.

Still today the cross of Jesus Christ towers over the wrecks of time—faded dreams, lost hopes, disappointments, violent acts of terrorism, wars, and the lack of peace. In the end, however, the cross of Christ will triumph over all. It is the only hope of mankind.

Prayer: "Our Loving Father in Heaven, thank you for the Cross of Christ and all it means for lost mankind. Thank you that in the end it will triumph over all evil, sickness, sadness, and sorrow, and death. Most of all I thank you for the Christ of the cross who, on this day so long ago, gave his life in my place to pay the penalty for all my sins so that I could be forgiven and receive the gift of eternal life. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, In Jesus Loving Name I Pray, Amen."

Camouflaged Christianity Blending In With This World

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:1-2 (NKJV)

Have you ever watched yourself on a recorded video and thought to yourself, "I can't believe I did this, or said that..." I know I have, and it has caused me to think about how I conduct myself, and more importantly, how others are seeing me.  I find it interesting how we can look at others along with their actions and clearly see where they are making mistakes, but have somewhat of an obstructed view of our own.  

I believe there are people who make it a purpose not to look to closely at themselves.  I believe it's because they probably don't want to see or acknowledge something they're doing - something they know to be wrong. They would even be quick to point to others who are doing the same thing because it helps them to justify their actions, and to sear their consciences. Some will even desire to associate closely with those who are in willful disobedience so they can blend in.

It's when people attempt to camouflage themselves - disguising themselves to look like something other than what they really are.  Snipers and sharpshooters will attach vegetation and other objects to themselves just to look just like the terrain they're in an effort to conceal their whereabouts and to blend in with the surroundings. And people do it to conceal their true identity in the same manor.  

There are some who are Christians, who have made a profession of faith in Christ, but they choose not to be obedient to His Word - they would rather follow their feelings and fleshly desires. They will go to church and participate in services - praying, singing, and saying amen.  But they will then go and openly participate in various sinful activities.  

I find when we are confronted with our sin; we can choose to do one of three things.  

1.    We can either confess our sins and repent and be forgiven (i.e. David's confession; 2Sam. 12:13). 
2.    We can attempt to deny it and cover it up much like Adam and Eve did in the Garden of Eden (See Gen 3:7).
3.    Or we can openly rebuke the ones holding us accountable along with their Godly counsel, and choose to embrace the ones who are enabling us, or participating with us in our disobedience.  

It is very dangerous when we reject the accountability the Lord has brought into our life, as this is His way to gently guide us back on course.  If rejected this sinful way of living will become a stronghold in our life, and we may find ourselves in bondage to the enemy again and even openly embracing it.  Additionally, we will find ourselves associating with others who take the same pleasure in doing these sinful things.  I think it is sort of a camouflage mechanism where one attempts to blend in.

Romans 12:2 tells us we're not to be conformed to this world.  And Jesus speaks of how we should be different from the world as well in these following verses.

"You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Matthew 5:13-14 (NKJV)

I like to say it this way, "We are either transforming others by our lifestyle, or they are transforming us..."  "We are either transforming the world, or it is transforming us..." It is either one or the other.  

I want to encourage you to ask these questions of yourself, and to answer them based on the Scripture contained within this devotional.  

Q:    Am I being conformed to this world, or am I being transformed to be more like Christ?
Q:    Am I wearing camouflage to blend in with those who are not walking with Christ?
Q:    Can others see I have a relationship with Him, even without my saying a word?

The enemy is very cunning and deceiving.  He will entice us to participate in things non-believers do - things of the world.   Every compromising action we participate in is another piece of camouflage.  If we don't start doing what God asks of us, we will blend right in. Hey Christian, I want to encourage you to continue to seek the Lord each and every day - don't be conformed to this world.

STUDY QUESTION: What can we learn with respect to how we should be blending with the World according to the Scriptures contained within this devotional?

PERSONAL INVENTORY: Are you blending in the darkness or are you standing out like a bright light?

APPLICATION: Seek to associate with other strong Christians.  Focus your thoughts and mind upon the Lord and read your bible.  

It's Not Just What's Taught - It's Whats Caught!

And he who sees Me sees Him who sent Me. John 12:45 (NKJV)

There is this saying which states, "People don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care."  And this is so true!  There is another, which states, "Ministry flows through relationships."  Again, very true! 

Well, I have another saying I would like to add to the mix, "It's not just what's taught - It's whats caught!"

What I mean to say is this; what others learn about us is often learned by watching us. People invariably look at other people, to their actions, and the relationships they have with them, to extract what they choose to believe is true about them and their lives.  We can share with people what we believe about various things, but our actions will speak much louder than our words.  The problem occurs when the things being taught are not lining up with the things being caught. 

For example; I can have a mission statement posted on the wall of my business, telling the customers about how I believe in customer satisfaction, and how important it is form me to make a great product - how service should be second to none.  But I can then choose to act differently than these words and instead opt to produce an inferior cheaply made product, and dismiss any complaints coming my way.   Or, I can teach my children to obey the law, and then I can choose to drive over the speed limit the whole while their in the car.  

And how about this, I can teach others what the Bible says about this or that, and then choose to do something completely opposite in word or deed.  It's as easy as saying, "I believe it is God's will for us to forgive and to turn our cheek," and then I can become so frustrated when I am offended, and even contemplate retaliating with the same type of offense - it ought not be this way (Rom. 12:14). 

Jesus said, "he who sees Me sees Him who sent Me..." What He was saying was simply, when you look at me it's like you were looking at God Himself.  He could say this because He and the Father are one - three distinct parts but "1" God.

Jesus' very nature was reflective of God.  And in the same way, our attitude and actions should also be reflective of Christ.  This is the essence of being a Christian - to be Christ-like.  We have received Christ inside our hearts, and we are now in Him as well.  Our very nature should be changing to be more like Him.  This by no means is inferring we will not sin, because we will.  This is because we still live in these fallible temporary fleshly bodies, which are prone to sin.

Nonetheless, we should reflect Christs nature, and become more and more like him with each passing day, as a result of drawing near to God, drawing upon the Holy Spirits power, and abiding in His Will.  

 Jesus said, 

I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. John 9:5 (NKJV)

And Jesus said to His disciples, those who accepted and followed Him,

 "You are the light of the world. Matthew 5:14 (NKJV)

And as far as being like Jesus and following His examples of living, we are told, 

Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. Ephesians 5:1 (NKJV)

Knowing this, we should ask ourselves these questions:

Q:    When people look at me, do they see the Light of Christ within me?  
Q:    When people look at me, do they see me doing things the way Jesus would have done them?  
Q:    When people look at me, do they see my actions lining up with what I profess to believe in my mind and heart?  

Hey Christian, I want to encourage you today to take captive your thoughts.  Think about what you are doing continuously.  Think about whether Jesus would handle the situation in the same way.  Think about whether Jesus would say the same thing you are contemplating.  Be careful about what you say and do, because there are plenty of people who are catching what you're doing.

STUDY QUESTION: What can we learn from the Scriptures contained within this devotional with regard to who Jesus was, and how we should live?

PERSONAL INVENTORY: Are you attempting to be more like Jesus and living your life in such a way so others can say, when I look at you its like I am seeing Christ.

APPLICATION: Continue to read you Bible daily, and then apply the things you know to be true.  Think about the things you do and ask yourself if Jesus would do them.

Abundant Fruit Producing a bumper crop!

He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him."John 14:21 (NKJV)

I was working around the house this last Saturday, pulling some weeds, washing the cars, cleaning the garage, and just enjoying the day.  We have been experiencing some amazing weather here in Southern California of late.  Two days prior, we were having a spring snow flurry that laid down a few inches, and 48-hours later, it is 75-degrees and butterflies, and ladybugs are flying about.  

By days end, there had been a transformation, as the yard was groomed, the trucks were clean, and the garage was in order.  It's cool to see the fruit of our labor - knowing the hard work was well worthy of the effort put forth, and the change is for the better.

It's even sweeter when the labor is unto God (Col 3:17,23) and is done cheerfully and in joy (2Cor 9:7). We can find ourselves busy serving others, working in ministry, and fellowshipping with the Lord as we obey His commandments, and by days end, there is abundant fruit - spiritual transformation has taken place.

Jesus said it this way, He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him."

There is a consistency about those who truly know and love Jesus, as they will abide in His ways.  Their life shows the fruit of it!  They do things different than they did before knowing Him.  They can't help but do things different as their heart has been regenerated.  In fact if someone says they know Christ and they continue to do things in the same way - the same sinful patterns and ways as prior to their salvation - I would question if they really know Jesus in a personal way.  And Scripture confirms this as well.

He who says, "I know Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 1John 2:4 (NKJV)

The fruit within our life, along with the ability to keep the Lord's commandments come from our relationship with Him - it is when we abide in Him, and He in us.  This is how we are empowered to walk in obedience as the Holy Spirit now lives within us.  Without our abiding in Him, we are powerless to do anything.

Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.John 15:4-5 (NKJV)

After reading these verses, we must ask ourselves some direct questions. Not to be legalistic, but to simply be truthful.

Q:    Do I Love Jesus?
Q:    Is there fruit in my life as a result of my relationship with Christ?

God's grace is so amazing, and His forgiveness is more than abundant to erase any sinful act we do.  But having the knowledge of a love so great motivates me to want to allow Him to do all He wants on me, and through me.  And I pray this for any person reading this who says they "Know Jesus" as Lord and Savior.

Hey Christian, I want to encourage you today, to ask the Lord to fill you with His Spirit - to empower you to do everything He's called you to do.  Continue to do what you know to be right, regardless of how it received.  Walk in obedience to His Word.  Let Him produce a bumper crop of fruit within your life.

STUDY QUESTION: What can we learn about what it means to love God according to the Scriptures contained within this devotional?

PERSONAL INVENTORY: Are you abiding in the Lord?

APPLICATION: Make it a purpose within your heart to seek the Lord each day and to continue to read His Word and to talk to Him through prayer.

How to Forgive When You Can't

"Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, `Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?' Jesus answered, `I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times'" - (Matthew 18:21-22, NIV). 

A Daily Dose Devotional reader writes, "I currently have a very bad relationship with my half-sister who blames my mother for taking my father away from her. I know I should forgive her, but I cannot. My dad died many years ago and my mother (also no longer living) was all I had for so long. How do I forgive someone who has said such vile and unforgiving things about her? I want to improve my relationship with God and I know that this is preventing me from doing so. Please help me."

Dear beloved, no matter what others do to us and how bad and hurtful those things may be, in the long run failing to forgive hurts us more than it hurts the other person. It's like "drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die."

Reconciliation with loved ones should be our goal but that isn't
always possible because that takes both parties. Forgiveness,
however, is only dependent on one party. Forgiving a person doesn't mean we allow him or her to continue to hurt us, and we may need to distance ourselves from them if they insist on being hurtful. But it is essential for our own well-being that we forgive any and all who have ever hurt us, and leave the door open should they ever desire reconciliation. This is much more likely to happen if we graciously forgive them for what they have done to us and ask for their forgiveness for any hurtful words or actions we may have said or done to them.

To forgive it is imperative that we resolve our hurt and angry
feelings first as these are the emotions that block our forgiving.
The resentment we carry in our heart is our problem—and that's always self-destructive. What your sister has done is her issue. What you have done and are still doing by failing to forgive—is your issue and that's what you need to resolve if you are going to regain a warm loving relationship with others and with God and—hopefully in time— with your sister.

Not easy, I know, but it is essential. If you don't know how to
resolve your resentment, I encourage you to seek the guidance of a
qualified Christian counselor who can guide you through the steps to resolution so you can truly forgive your sister and put your
relationship to God back in harmony.

Also, try not to beat yourself up because of your negative feelings … we all experience situations that hurt and make us mad ... but we can resolve our feelings.**