Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes of the earth will mourn over Him. Even so. Amen. “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” Revelation 1:7
Watching the sky was an integral part of life as I grew up on an Iowa farm. The sun rose in my east bedroom window and set around the maple tree west of our house. The clouds in the sky determined the family’s work for the day--cut hay, walk the bean fields, or stay indoors.
On a lazy summer day we would lie on a blanket with my mom and fantasize about the shapes and images formed by the clouds.
When our girls were little, we, too, gazed at the clouds. And we talked about Jesus and His return. These lessons were reinforced in Sunday school and at Bible Study Fellowship. One day as we ate lunch, Andrea pointed out the window and exclaimed, “Look! I think Jesus is coming for us on that cloud with a steering wheel!”
Oh, may we have the faith and excited expectancy of a child. Jesus is the Alpha and the Omega--the beginning and the end. He IS coming again.
Are you looking to the sky, reading the signs of the times and expecting His return? When will you speak of this with those you love?
Oh, Jesus, help me this day to lift my eyes to You, to look expectantly with the believers through the ages for Your return. You are my soon and coming King--the beginning and the end of all things. Holy is the Lord God Almighty, the Alpha and the Omega, who was and is and is to come. Amen.
Because Your love is better than life, my lips will glorify You. I will praise You as long as I live, and in Your name I will lift up my hands. Psalm 63:3,4
Jesus means all the world to me is a phrase I often say to people because God has been so good to me and my late wife. Twice a day, in the morning and in the evening, I thank the Lord for all his blessings. I thank him for our country, our church, and the staff and people where I live.
My wife suffered numerous miscarriages during our marriage. We decided to ask God for one child we could adopt. We were a working family, not a wealthy family, but God blessed us with four children we were able to add to our family.
I am thankful for my daughter who helped my wife and me move out of our house and into our retirement community. She took care of everything and made it easier for my wife and me to move. Praise the Lord.
I always give God all the glory and the credit for everything that happens in my life. That is why I say to people Jesus means all the world to me.
Stop a couple times throughout the day today to thank God for what He has done for you.
Jesus, You mean all the world to us who know You. Without You we would be nothing. Thank You for all the little things and the big things You do for us. May we give glory and thanks to You this day.
"The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"--which means, "God with us." Matthew 1:23
I once noticed an offer in the newspaper for a free cross pendant. Not just any cross pendant, but one made with grains of sacred sand from Christ's tomb. According to the ad, the specially-made Holy Land Crosses were designed to allow the faithful to actually hold a spiritual gift containing grains of sacred sand in their hands and keep it with them wherever they go.
The woman who endorsed the product said, "It is a wonderfully comforting item to have with you every day. When I hold this special cross in my hand, I always feel closer to God no matter where I am." The article stated that the crosses are free for all. The only requirement was to enclose three first class stamps along with your name and address.
I know there are people who probably made a mad rush to the mailbox because of the offer they couldn't refuse, but I didn't give the cross pendant a second thought. The reason? Someone had already made me a better offer. An offer for an eternal relationship with God. And the good news is that it didn't cost me a penny--not even a stamp. God's Gift is Someone who stays with me wherever I am. This spiritual Gift lives within my heart and draws me close to God. This Gift is wonderfully comforting to have with me every day.
I'd rather have the Gift of Immanuel than a cross pendant. How about you?
Immanuel means God with us. How have you experienced His presence in your life? Have others noticed?
Jesus, my Immanuel, Your presence is a true gift to me. Knowing that You are always there for me brings great comfort.
Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For His sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith-that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and may share His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. Philippians 3:8-11
What does it mean to be righteous? It means to be free from guilt and sin, to be morally right and just. This is something that none of us can attain to in our flesh. And without being righteous, we are limited in knowing the Righteous God. Thankfully, however, "for our sake He made Him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God" (2 Cor. 5:21). Through Jesus Christ's perfect life and sacrificial death, we who believe in Him are viewed as righteous, as God looks upon us and sees us as He sees His Son, as righteous. This is wonderful news!
"He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By His wounds you have been healed" (1 Pet. 2:24).
This makes me want to live for Jesus instead of for myself. I can never attain to righteousness on my own and must put my trust and faith in Jesus Christ; for apart from Him, no one can know God.
"Knowing You, Jesus, knowing You; there is no greater thing. You're my all; You're the best; You're my joy, my Righteousness; and I love You, Lord." Is that your song today?
Your righteousness, O God, reaches the high heavens. You who have done great things, O God, who is like You? Psalm 71:19
I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he shall be saved… John 10:9
My grandmother was a woman of strength and tenacity. These traits were developed as she raised her family on the farm during the Great Depression. She worked hard. I was never able to kneed bread or do household chores as efficiently. Grandma sacrificed in many ways so that her children and grandchildren could live a life that was less difficult. She opened doors of opportunity for all of us.
On the day Grandma died of a heart attack, her final words were, “I can’t open the door.” She, who had always found a way to accomplish whatever was needed, could not physically open the hallway door.
The same is true for you and me in a spiritual sense. We cannot open the most important door of our lives—the door to a relationship with God the Father. No amount of human strength or willpower will usher us into the presence of God.
Jesus is the Door. Through His sacrifice on the cross, the gate is open for us to enter into eternal life. He is the only door. There is no other name by which we can be saved. I trust that Grandma depended on Jesus as her Savior, and I wonder if you have done so.
What decision have you made regarding the Door? Have you entered through Jesus and into eternal life? Or are you futilely working hard to earn the right to open the door yourself?
Jesus, You are the Door to eternal life. Thank you for opening the way for me. Help me today to see another who needs to be introduced to the Door.
And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15
The name that describes who Jesus is to me is Savior. At a young age, on a rare visit to Sunday school, the Gospel was presented and I understood what it meant to have Jesus as my Savior. There was much discord in my family, and many years went by before I was able to attend church regularly.
Learning to know Jesus and telling others the Good News of how Jesus could be their Savior, too, became an important part of my life. Jesus wants us to learn about Him and His plan for salvation so we can share it with others.
Jesus died, was buried, and rose again so we could have our sins forgiven! There is one way to Heaven through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.
Whom will you tell today?
Jesus, open my eyes to see those who still need You, and give me the opportunity to share with someone today why You are my Savior.
I am the good shepherd; and I know My own, and My own know Me.
John 10:14,15
I recently returned from a trip to Israel where I was privileged to walk in the land where Jesus walked. The above picture is of sheep grazing on a Judean hillside. I was drawn to the Israelite shepherds whose vocation depicts Jesus, the Good Shepherd. As Shepherd of His sheep:
Jesus does not let His children go far astray. He protects and keeps us close to Himself.
Just as the sheep are free to wander and must work to find grass to eat, we have jobs and good deeds to do in this world. However, there is comfort in knowing that He is leading and providing. We are never far from His watchful eye.
Whether I am traveling in Israel or working at home, I know that Jesus cares for me at all times and in many ways.
Where will your journey take you today?
Will you invite the Shepherd to walk with you?
Good Shepherd, You alone are good. I am grateful that You know me. I am comforted by the knowledge that Your watchful eye is on me and You will keep me close to Yourself. Thank You, my Shepherd, for leading me to the good work that You have for me to do today. Help me to do Your will.
"Do not be afraid; you will not suffer shame. Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated. You will forget the shame of your youth and remember no more the reproach of your widowhood. For your Maker is your husband—the LORD Almighty is his name—the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; he is called the God of all the earth. The LORD will call you back as if you were a wife deserted and distressed in spirit—a wife who married young, only to be rejected," says your God. "For a brief moment I abandoned you, but with deep compassion I will bring you back. In a surge of anger I hid my face from you for a moment, but with everlasting kindness I will have compassion on you," says the LORD your Redeemer.
Isaiah 54:4-8
When I first came to Iowa I had nothing--no job, no home, no hope. My husband had left me with our two little boys, and I had to start my life over. I had been a Christian for some time, but when I prayed I said, “Lord, I have no one but You. You alone can save this mess my life has become.”
I learned to trust Him daily for my needs. I clung to His Word for my peace and hope. I learned He is exactly who He says He is and does exactly what He says He will do. That doesn’t mean He always answered “yes” to my prayers, but it does mean He answers.
These verses in Isaiah became my hope. My Redeemer became my husband, met my needs, gave me comfort, provided a job, a home, and a new life. I will never forget His faithfulness.
Do you feel alone or even forsaken today? Ask Jesus to show you His everlasting lovingkindness, compassion, and provision.
Thank You, Lord, for all You provide. You are my Redeemer.
Behold, I will do something new, now it will spring forth; will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.
Isaiah 43:19
Our family lived in Sacramento as Mario finished his medical fellowship. If he was unable to obtain a rural oncology position, we would be required to relocate back in the Philippines. Mario and I truly desired to remain in the United States and raise our family here.
I remember listening to the radio one day while driving and hearing the lyrics: “God will make a way when there seems to be no way…” This felt like a specific promise for us. Two weeks later Mario was offered a job in North Dakota.
Jesus went before us and provided the right job opportunity in His perfect time.
What opportunity can you thank Jesus for providing in your life?
Jesus, You are my Provider. I thank You that You know the needs of my family and trust You to supply in Your perfect time.
"... I and the Father are one." Again the Jews picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus said to them, "I have shown you many great miracles from the Father. For which of these do you stone me?" John 10:30-32
Alex wrote that Jesus is a man who claimed to be God. There are many great teachers of religion who say that Jesus was a great man, a great teacher, or a great philosopher, but they say that Jesus never claimed to be God. The verses we read today make it plain that the Jews recognized that Jesus claimed to be God. In this passage, He is saying that He is equal with the Father. Why then did the Jews pick up stones to stone Him? Because they understood that Jesus claimed to be God. They were not confused about what Jesus was saying.
Today, the battle in our culture is to show how distinct Jesus is in comparison to others who claim to be God. Jesus came to reveal who He was--equal with the Father as the Word of God in the flesh (John 1:1,14). Jesus was God’s special revelation to us so we could grasp a small understanding of God and His desire to reconcile us to Him. God affirmed all of Jesus' teaching and ministry by raising Him from the dead. Jesus claimed to be God and backed up His claim by doing what He came to do--to reveal the Father to us and provide the payment for our sin. That is a claim that no other god predicted and fulfilled.
Have you ever doubted Jesus' claim to be God? Have you investigated not only the claims from the Bible but also the evidence from history?
Jesus, help me when people challenge my belief that you are God just like the Father and the Holy Spirit. Give me the words to say to show others the truth of Your claims. Allow me to always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks me to give the reason for the hope that I have, and help me to do this with gentleness and respect.
The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on Me, because the Lord has anointed
Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from
darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and
the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion--to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a
planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor. Isaiah 61:1-3
God and I have many conversations. One day I chatted with Him about the messiness of life. This is what He said to me --
"Yes, Child, life can be tough at times, but I know exactly what you need. In fact, long before you were born I decided what would be the perfect gift for you.
"I knew there would be times when you were poor and needed good news. I knew there would be times your heart would be broken and you'd need healing. I knew there would be things in your life that would try to hold you captive and that you'd need freedom. I knew you'd feel trapped in your circumstances, maybe even like a prisoner, and you'd need release from darkness.
"I knew there'd be times when you felt as if you were no good or ugly or that your life was a pile of rubbish--that you had nothing to show for it but ashes. I knew a crown of beauty is what you'd need instead of those ashes.
"I knew you'd go through periods of great loss. I knew you'd need comfort and provision. For those times you mourned--there have been lots of them, and there will be many more--I knew you'd also need gladness and great joy. Instead of moping around in a spirit of despair, I thought you might like a garment of praise. It looks beautiful on you, you know.
"I want to make you strong, Child, like a big oak tree. People will look at your life and what I've done with you and through you and say, 'Now there's a display of God's splendor.'
"Listen, Child, your life might be messy and you might feel like a mess, but that's exactly why I sent a Messiah. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Messiah is My gift to you today and every day. He's the gift that keeps on giving."
Do you need the Messiah's touch today? Invite Him to minister to your needs.
Jesus, my Messiah, where would I be without Your ministry in my messy life? Speak to me, work in me, and strengthen me. May others look at me and see a display of Your splendor.
And the Lord will continually guide you, and satisfy your desire in a scorched place ... And you will be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water whose waters do not fail. Isaiah 59:11
Relationships can be difficult. Challenging interactions with people are used by God to grow me up, but in the process I can feel alone and scorched. Many years ago I dreaded attending an extended family event and shared this burden with Ann Klopp. She suggested I meditate on Isaiah 59:11.
I am learning that in the midst of dry relationships I am called to be walking so closely with Jesus that my well of living water is full and can be spilled out for others. Yesterday’s water is stale, not fresh. If I want to be used today, I need to first read His Word and drink fresh water from Jesus—the Source of Living Water.
To what relationship will you bring a cup of Living Water today?
Jesus, Living Water, You satisfy my every physical and emotional need.
I want to be a well-watered garden and a source of Your refreshment to the people You bring into my life today.
God is our refuge and strength--a very present help in trouble.
Therefore, we will not fear. Psalm 46:1,2a
There have been many situations in my life when I have claimed the promise of Psalm 46:1-2. Probably the most challenging occasion was when I was diagnosed with Grade 4 bladder cancer. I wasn’t given much hope to survive the surgery and treatment, as the cancer had started to spread. But this verse and other Scripture, along with the response of family, church family, and friends, gave me a wonderful sense of peace and assurance. I NEVER became negative or worrisome through the whole ordeal.
Another incident where I “fled” to His refuge was when our daughter Connie attended Bethel College. She left home one winter night to return to school, and shortly thereafter a blizzard raged. We were really concerned with her safety that long night, but during one of our prayers for her God flooded us with His assurance that all would be okay. We were able to rest in His refuge until we received Connie’s phone call that she had arrived safely.
When have you experienced the presence of Jesus during times of trouble?
What fear will you take to Him today?
Jesus, You are my refuge and strength. Thank You for Your faithful presence in every circumstance of my life. Please be the safe harbor for my mind as I walk through this day.
Then Jesus declared, "I Am the Bread of Life. He who comes to Me will never go hungry, and he who believes in Me will never be thirsty." John 6:35
After the Israelites left Egypt, they came to a desert. They thought they would starve to death and grumbled. God said, "I will rain down bread from heaven for you." Moses told them to take all the bread they wanted--to take all the bread they needed. "You will be filled with bread."
Jesus went up on a mountainside and sat down with His disciples. A crowd of thousands had followed them. The disciples asked Jesus, "How will we feed all these people?" A boy offered his small lunch of bread and fish. John 6:11 says, "Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted."
The people wanted to make Jesus their king so they could always "have their fill" of food. Jesus told the Jews they shouldn't be so concerned about food that spoils--that He would give them food that endured to eternal life. They didn't get it. They were hung up on their physical desires, much like their forefathers in the desert.
Jesus said, "I Am the Bread of Life." Jesus sustains us. He keeps us satisfied. The more of Jesus we take in, the more abundant and vibrant our life is. Without Him we don't know real life.
How much of Jesus do you want? Are you getting your fill of the Bread of Life?
(The best "spiritual diet" is high carb.)
Jesus, when it comes to You I don't want to be skinny. I want to be so full of You that You overflow in my life and others want what I've been eating. May I hunger more and more and more for You.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. Psalm 23 (KJV)
Psalm 23 was the first section of the Bible I memorized. Memorizing Scripture passages helped me earn "money" toward summer camp. I learned it for my first year at King’s Ranch Bible Camp/Trout Lake Bible Camp in Minnesota. I had just finished third grade and our family was in the middle of moving to IOWA!
Verse 4 was a big one for me. “I will fear no evil for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff they comfort me.” Knowing I was going to camp for the first time and that my parents would be in Iowa checking out where we would be moving to, I kept thinking about this verse. I thought of a shepherd’s staff—how it guides, protects, and keeps the sheep from harm.
Now I think of times I didn't know where to go or turn. Those were times of being still and talking to the Shepherd and listening to where He was leading me.
Rick's folks have raised sheep. As we helped sheer the sheep one spring, I learned many things. Their skin, if nicked, turned into a huge hole. They are major followers. They KNOW their shepherd’s/owner’s voice. Rick's mom would go into the pen to get one to sheer; she'd just start talking and they would come up to her. They are pretty dumb animals. Sheep can't even right themselves if on their backs.
As for me, I know the Shepherd. I know my cup runneth over. He's blessed me more than ever with my family, granddaughters, and our church family. I'm thankful that I'm one of His sheep. I don't know what or where I'd be if He wasn't my Shepherd!
Don't count sheep; talk to the Shepherd.
Is Jesus your Shepherd? Meditate on Psalm 23 and allow Jesus to speak to your heart.
Lord, I'm just like those dumb sheep and in desperate need of a shepherd
to take care of me. Help me to listen for Your voice, to be able to
And He will be called ... Everlasting Father. Isaiah 9:6
My parents divorced before I was born. As I grew up, I didn't have a great attitude about my dad because of what I heard about him. When I spent time with him, I didn't care for him or his ways. Sometimes he was mean to me. My biggest beef with him is that he wasn't there to be my dad.
When I fell in love with Jesus at the age of 20, my eyes were opened and I forgave my dad. But shortly after that he had a stroke and died right before I turned 22.
When I was 21, God gave me the awesome gift of Twila Maree Francisco. I'm like, "Wow, God, how do I do this husband thing?" He is my Father and taught me through His Word and other Christian couples how to be a godly husband.
Later I was handed a wonderful baby boy (Ryan) and said, "Wow, now what, Lord?" Again, my Father taught me by His Spirit power and the Word of truth and by hanging out with other Christian parents how to be a godly father. I continue to go to Him as my example of a true Father.
I have learned that my Everlasting Father meets my need wherever I am. And, unlike my earthly dad, He is always there for me.
Throughout the day today thank the Everlasting Father for always being there for you and for meeting your needs.
Everlasting Father, thank You for being the best Dad I could ever have. Thank You for Your involvement in my life. I love You.
Praise be to His glorious name forever; may the whole earth be
filled with His glory. Amen and Amen. Psalm 72:19
Years ago Jim tuned in to WDLM during Founder's Week and planned to listen to a sermon from Ben Haden. Instead, Dr. S. M. Lockridge was on and gave a powerful sermon titled "Amen." Jim said the preacher had him hooked from the beginning. In reference to Jesus, Dr. Lockridge said, "I wish I could describe Him to you" and went on and on, using more adjectives and nouns for Jesus than Jim had ever heard. Jim was so impressed with the sermon that he purchased the recording. His son Damon listened to it repeatedly and wore it out, but Jim has never forgotten what S. M. Lockridge had to say.
I've found the sermon online, and I thought I'd post the text from one version here for you to read and meditate on. Yes, it will be a bit longer than our normal devotions, but I'm sure you will agree that it's well worth it.
THAT'S MY KING! (By Dr. S. M. Lockridge)
The Bible says He’s the King of the Jews. He’s the King of Israel. He’s the King of righteousness. He’s the King of the ages. He’s the King of heaven. He’s the King of glory. He’s the King of kings, and He is the Lord of lords. Now that’s my King.
David said the heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmaments show His handiwork. No means of measure can define His limitless love. No far-seeing telescope can bring into visibility the coastline of His shore of supplies. No barriers can hinder Him from pouring out His blessing. Well, well, He’s enduringly strong. He’s entirely sincere. He’s eternally steadfast. He’s immortally graceful. He’s imperially powerful. He’s impartially merciful. That’s my King.
He’s God’s Son. He’s the sinner’s Savior. He’s the centerpiece of civilization. He stands alone in Himself. He’s august. He’s unique. He’s unparalleled. He’s unprecedented. He’s supreme. He’s pre-eminent. Well, He’s the loftiest idea in literature. He’s the highest personality in philosophy. He’s the supreme problem in high criticism. He’s the fundamental doctrine of proved theology. He’s the carnal necessity of spiritual religion. That’s my King.
He’s the miracle of the age. He’s the superlative of everything good that you choose to call Him. He’s the only one able to supply all of our needs simultaneously. He supplies strength for the weak. He’s available for the tempted and the tried. He sympathizes and He saves. He’s God and He guides. He heals the sick. He cleanses the lepers. He forgives sinners. He discharges debtors. He delivers the captives. He defends the feeble. He blesses the young. He serves the unfortunate. He regards the aged. He rewards the diligent, and He beautifies the meek. Do you know Him?
Well, my King is the key of knowledge. He’s the wellspring of wisdom. He’s the doorway of deliverance. He’s the pathway of peace. He’s the roadway of righteousness. He’s the highway of holiness. He’s the gateway of glory. He’s the master of the mighty. He’s the captain of the conquerors. He’s the head of the heroes. He’s the leader of the legislatures. He’s the overseer of the overcomers. He’s the governor of governors. He’s the prince of princes. He’s the King of kings, and He’s the Lord of lords. That’s my King. Yeah. Yeah. That’s my King.My King, yeah.
His office is manifold. His promise is sure. His light is matchless. His goodness is limitless. His mercy is everlasting. His love never changes. His Word is enough. His grace is sufficient. His reign is righteous. His yoke is easy, and His burden is light.
Well, I wish I could describe Him to you, but He’s indescribable. He’s indescribable. Yes.
He’s incomprehensible. He’s invincible. He’s irresistible. I’m coming to tell you, the heavens of heavens cannot contain Him, let alone a man explain Him. You can’t get Him out of your mind. You can’t get Him off of your hands. You can’t outlive Him, and you can’t live without Him.
Well, Pharisees couldn’t stand Him, but they found out they couldn’t stop Him. Pilot couldn’t find any fault in Him. The witnesses couldn’t get their testimonies to agree. Herod couldn’t kill Him. Death couldn’t handle Him, and the grave couldn’t hold Him. That’s my King. Yeah.
He always has been, and He always will be. I’m talking about He had no predecessor, and He’ll have no successor. There was nobody before Him, and there’ll be nobody after Him. You can’t impeach Him, and He’s not going to resign. That’s my King!
Thine, Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory. The glory is all His. Yes. Thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory, forever and ever and ever and ever. And when you get through with all of the forevers, then Amen.
Amen means so be it. What do you want Jesus to be in your life?
Jesus, I'm humbled to think about the magnitude of who You are, yet You want to be intimately involved in my life. Thank You for all You are and all You do.
The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say,"Look, a glutton
and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!" Luke 7:34
It is interesting how one perceives the description of Jesus in the verse above. On the one hand, Jesus, who was the very Son of God and possessed holiness and who knew no sin, was spending a good amount of time on earth with those who were tax cheats, prostitutes, swindlers, gluttons, drunkards, and downright sinners. The religious leaders of the day viewed Jesus with disdain. With this statement, they were making a derogatory comment about Jesus’ lifestyle.
On the other hand, Jesus wore this description about Himself as a badge of honor. In another passage, Jesus said that He came to seek and save that which was lost (Luke 19:10), and that He came, as it says in Matthew 9:13, to call the sinners, not the righteous, to repentance. Jesus knew where the real needs were and who was most receptive to His message of salvation and transformation.
As Christians, do we spend time looking for relationships with those who are lonely and in great need? It takes time and moving beyond our normal routines to reach out in love. It can get messy at times--just ask the Good Samaritan--but Jesus wants us to emulate Him by going to those who have the greatest need to share the greatest love and see the power of God’s grace transform a life.
Who can you be a friend to that others seem to walk right by and not notice? How can you be Jesus to someone today?
Father, give me Your eyes when I see people today. Help me to be a friend of someone who is walking away from You, whether a Christian or not. Let me be Jesus to him today by being a friend who will listen and walk with him to the Savior, if possible. Allow me the opportunity to share Your truth with him today. Thank You that I can be a friend of sinners just like Jesus. Thank You that You were a friend to me when I was lost and separated from You.
When I am quiet enough to listen, I realize that Jesus has the answers for all my concerns. He is my Refuge. In the storms of life He protects.
I experienced this during Dale’s hospitalization and brain tumor surgery. The prayers of believers lifted me up and Jesus comforted me. While walking the halls and holding our grandson Jonah, I knew that Jesus was with me. He was my Refuge.
Day by day I am growing in my faith and trusting Him more. He is always there.
Is there a storm of concern in your heart? When and where will you sit quietly before the Lord today?
Jesus, You are my Refuge. Thank You for the protection and peace that You give to me. Help me now to be quiet and listen to Your voice.
I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes in Me
will not remain in darkness. John 12:46
I enjoy traveling by plane at night. When flying over cities, the lights of cars, homes, businesses, and highways all come together to form a sparkling pattern on a dark landscape. I marvel at our omniscient God who knows the people behind each light, and I wonder how many of those people know the Light of the World.
This winter Denis and I were on a 6 a.m. flight into Chicago. The lights of the city twinkled everywhere. Capturing my attention, though, was the sunrise with its brilliant orange hues spreading north to south across the horizon. For me, the dawning sun is a picture of the omnipotent Son of God whose light swallows artificial lights. He alone deserves our attention and adoration.
Where is your focus today? Are you distracted by the bright lights of this world, or does the true Light of Jesus draw you to Himself?
Jesus, Light of the World, thank You for painting pictures in the sky that remind me of Your dazzling radiance. Please help me keep my eyes on You.
And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love.
Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. 1 John 4:16
Mike shares that Jesus to him is life, salvation, and unconditional love. He says that Jesus made it possible for us to have eternal life and loves us no matter what. As the verse says, God is love. He is the author of love, and we cannot know love completely if we don’t accept the love that God has for us. God is willing to look past our sins, faults, and failures and sees how valuable we are to Him. After all, He made us in His image. Because of His death on the cross, He gives us the riches of His grace.
We see Jesus modeling this love throughout the Gospels. He showed His love by washing the disciples' feet, and He loved the renegade tax collectors, Zacchaeus and Matthew, who extorted money from their own people. The Lord reached out to Peter in love after Peter denied Him three times.
We know we are part of God’s family because we have that love that gives us the capacity to love others even when they hurt us. God’s love is the conduit to love those around us, even those we consider our enemies.
How are you realizing God’s love in your life? Do you know an unlovable person with whom you can share God's love this week?
Jesus, thank You for Your unconditional love for me. Thank You for filling my heart with Your love. Help me to let Your love flow out of me and show it to others around me who are in need of Your love. Give me the ability to love even my enemies.
