User Archives: Family Christian

"Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 'The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.' ". Then they remembered his words. Luke 24:5b-8.

He's alive and I'm forgiven and my soul has been set free. He's alive and I'm forgiven and my joy I can't contain. He's alive and I'm forgiven and my faith is here to stay He's alive and I'm forgiven and my love flows deep and wide. He’s alive and I’m forgiven, because He did what He promised, He arose after three days. He's alive! He's alive! He's alive!

What emotions did the friends and disciples of Jesus feel when they realized He was real? Certainly they were surprised by the joy of knowing Jesus was back, even more larger than life. Even though they had watched Him raise Lazarus after three days of death, their faith had forgotten. But now they were glad again, because God raised up His son to life.

If you look for Jesus among the dead you will not find Him. He has left the cold cemetery and risen to be with the warm love of His Father. Dead churches cannot claim the calming presence of Christ, because they have forsaken the faith required to recognize Him. Look for the Lord among the living, those who live out their faith with bold grace.

Remember the words of Jesus and your faith will resound with reassurance. “I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades” (Revelation 1:18). You serve a risen Savior who lives in your life by faith. Take Him at His word, and joy will fill your innermost being as you celebrate His appearing almost 2,000 years later. Enjoy Jesus, and anticipate your Lord’s second return.

“So Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him” (Hebrews 9:28).

How can I reassure my faith with the reality of a risen Savior? Where are the places I can find Christ among the living? What words of Jesus do I need to constantly remember?

Related Readings: Matthew 24:30; Acts 1:3; 1 Thessalonians 4:17; 1 Peter 3:18

Post/Tweet this today: He's alive, I'm forgiven and my soul has been set free. #cross #resurrection

“And Jesus answered them, saying, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.”   John 12:23-24 (NASB)

There must be a death before there can be fruit. A seed is buried in the ground before it returns to life and bears fruit. This is why Jesus Christ is still fruitful after nearly 2,000 years. His death was meant to bear fruit, and it has. The fruit of His life-change is represented in billions of lives that have been altered for eternity. Transformation took place because of death, for it is the soil for life.

The death of Jesus Christ advanced God’s plan. No one close to Jesus wanted Him to leave. How could anything come from losing the One who had given life, healed the sick, and taught with riveting truth? It didn’t make sense that He had to die. He was just getting started. Why put the brakes on the momentum that was occurring in that part of the world? Yet still today, there are those who mock the death of Jesus and say that He was just another prophet martyred for His faith. However, death was God’s plan to give life.
   
But Jesus was much, much more than just a martyr. He was the Son of Man, but He was also the Son of God, who died as the payment for all past, present, and future sins of mankind. This is where the fruit of faith begins. When you believe that the death of Jesus was predestined by God as a good thing, then you have a foundation for fruit-bearing. Yes, all things do work together for good (Romans 8:28).

The cross of Christ is one of God’s good things, so make sure you thank Him for the sacrifice of His only Son. He gave life so we could receive life. When you believe in His death for your sins, you receive His life. Christ in you has put to death your old life, so now that you have been crucified with Him, you are positioned to bear much fruit.
   
This is why you die daily. You die to yourself so you and others can live for God. Fruit results when you deny yourself and remain in Him. Jesus said, “Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me” (John 15:4). What is something to which you have not died that may be holding back your fruitful living?

If you do not die, you remain alone. To not die to self and sin is to separate yourself from fruit, friends, and faith. But you do not have to remain alone. On the contrary, daily death by faith frees you to experience fruitful living. The fruit of your other-centered living becomes abundant and ubiquitous. You pollinate other lives that, in turn, bear fruit. However, death is not always easy. The road to crucifixion with Christ may be wrought with criticism from those who think you are too religious or a little weird.

However, the fruit from your life will speak for itself. Your children’s love for God will resonate for eternity. Your generosity will silence even the most outspoken critics. Your teaching will transform lives in the here and now. Fruit is God’s eternal evidence that motivates you to remain faithful with Christ. Therefore, stay dead to yourself, and watch Him live through fruit-bearing.  Death’s fruit is rooted in the cross.

Taken from April 18th reading in the 365-day devotional book, “Seeking Daily the Heart of God”… http://bit.ly/bQHNIE

Post/Tweet this today: Jesus gave His life, so we could receive His life. #cross #life

“Like an archer who wounds at random is he who hires a fool or any passer-by.” Proverbs 26:10

It is hard to hire just the right person, for the right role, at the right time. Most of the time it is better to leave a position vacant than to fill it prematurely with the wrong person. Your hiring process needs to be rigorous, so the probability of success is high. For example, be extremely cautious in hiring someone just because you are comfortable with them; or they are a friend. Relationships are at risk when work is in the mix.

Familiarity can push against accountability, and, if necessary, the ability to fire a friend. So take your time to hire someone. Engage them only after prayerful, thorough due diligence, and team consent. Otherwise the opportunity for foolish behavior and wounded relationships increases. Staff suffers under the chronic failures of fools who flail away in unfocused activity.

“Do not take advantage of a hired worker who is poor and needy, whether that worker is a fellow Israelite or a foreigner residing in one of your towns.” Deuteronomy 24:14

This is why time, talent and testing are necessary to determine if there is alignment between the prospective employee and the organization. Temperament, skills, and emotional intelligence assessment are objective tools that give a three-dimensional perspective of the prospective team member. Someone may be a genius with spreadsheets and numbers, but lacks the emotional maturity to handle conflict, and/or the ability to communicate well.

Training can shore up some skills, and experience can educate, but raw talent and integrity is necessary for outstanding outcomes. Make sure you hire for results, but results that rise from the right reasons. Wise hires come with time, and have the character and track record of success to exceed employer expectations. Pray for people who will make their peers more productive, and who will elevate excellence within the enterprise. Pray for God’s hand in your hiring, and validate your intuition with a proven process of checks and balances.

“Make plans by seeking advice; if you wage war, obtain guidance.” Proverbs 20:18

Prayer: What role do I need to fill next, and who can help me define the best hiring process?

Related Readings: Exodus 18:13-27, Matthew 20:1-16; Luke 15:15-17

Post/Tweet this today: Relationships are at risk when work is in the mix. #work #friends

“By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” Hebrews 11:8

Living a life of faith often times means we may not know exactly where we are being led, but we know Who we are following. God protects a trusting heart as He perfects it through His faith-building process. It is a great adventure to align with the Almighty’s agenda. Like an experienced and trusted guide, He is always a step ahead down the path of His will. So, we seek to know Him, because He knows where He is going.

Faith living is not always fun, but it is fulfilling. It is not always exciting, but it is engaging. It is not always easy, but it is honorable. It is not always safe, but it is secure. It is not always clear, but it is rewarding. It is not always instant gratification, but it is satisfying. Faith living is looking intently into the gracious face of our heavenly Father. Christ’s countenance cares. He laughs when we laugh, and He weeps when we weep.

“And by faith even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because she considered him faithful who had made the promise.” Hebrews 11:11

Faith living is not for the faint of heart. When you sign up to follow your Savior Jesus, you declare abandonment to His desires over any clamoring of competing voices. For example, an unscrupulous acquaintance may lead you into a foolish financial decision or a sincere friend could recommend unwise career advice. Listen and obey the Lord first.

In most cases, faith living is not a straight line from point A to point B. The progression in God’s will involves starts and stops, relational dead-ends, financial forays, ups and downs and finally meaningful milestones to be celebrated. Therefore, keep on your prayerful path with Jesus. Keep showing up by faith and He will direct you in His best direction. Faith living lives wisely while waiting—and moves forward when called by Christ. Keep your eye on the prize of pleasing your heavenly Father—win His reward.

“By faith Moses’ parents hid him for three months after he was born, because they saw he was no ordinary child, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict. By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter.” Hebrews 11:23-24

Prayer: Lord where are you calling me that requires me to trust You?

Related Readings: Habakkuk 2:4; Acts 3:16; 2 Corinthians 5:7; James 2:17-18

Post/Tweet this today: Faith living is not for the faint of heart. #faith #weary

“My son, pay attention to my wisdom; listen well to my words of insight…” Proverbs 5:1

Pay attention to the wise and discerning around you. They have perspective that penetrates through your bias and blind spots. If you ignore their admonishments you may miss God’s best, or at worst spend a long time recovering from a raw deal. Wisdom is a watchman that keeps us from entering into unfit relationships. Beware of those who want you for what they need only, with no regard for the needs of others.

Pay attention, so you don’t get sucked into a situation that requires prolonged effort down an unproductive path. Cut your losses quickly, and leave the consequences in Christ’s hands. For example, tell someone ‘no’ to an opportunity that does not seem right, even if the promised results are positive. Pay attention to wise counsel, so you don’t later worry if you did the right thing. You maintain discretion and preserve knowledge, as you take time to listen and learn.

“He said, “If you listen carefully to the LORD your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD, who heals you.” Exodus 15:26

Above all else, pay attention to the promptings of the Holy Spirit who is at home in your heart and mind. He is the Almighty’s ambassador, in charge of leading you into the ways of wisdom. Therefore, watch for His confirmation of right, and His conviction of wrong. Pay attention, because the Holy Spirit waters wisdom with insight and understanding. Wisdom grows in a life submitted to the guidance of God’s spirit.

Finally, pay attention to the teaching of your pastor or priest, for they are messengers of the Lord. Their role is to relay to you the truth of God, so make sure to attend church where Christ is worshipped, and you are clearly and practically instructed from the Bible. Pastors who are gifted teachers, and who prayerfully prepare each Sunday, present a spiritual smorgasbord, so starving souls are satisfied by the wisdom of God. Pay attention to a Pastor you respect, who teaches wisdom well, and who God uses to transform your thinking and behavior.

“For the lips of a priest should preserve knowledge, and men should seek instruction from his mouth; for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts” (Malachi 2:7, NASB).

Prayer: Who currently has my attention that shouldn’t, and who do I need to listen to more intently, with a goal to change?

Related Readings: Genesis 49:2; Mark 4:23; James 1:19; Revelation 2:7-11

Post/Tweet this today: Wisdom grows in a life submitted to the guidance of God’s spirit.

“ And I know that this man—whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, but God knows—was caught up to paradise and heard inexpressible things, things that no one is permitted to tell. I will boast about a man like that, but I will not boast about myself, except about my weaknesses.” 2 Corinthians 12:3-5

Can we still be caught up in the paradise of God’s heavenly presence? Or, are these eternal encounters only reserved for the exceptionally righteous saints of the past? Holy Scripture validates that there are still opportunities for anyone to be accepted by God and have access to the glorious riches of His grace. It is at the Lord’s discretion who He allows to hear those heavenly tones which are unable to be translated into man’s words.

On occasion the Lord graces His loved ones with special affirmations that create a most meaningful moment of intimacy. It is an experience of encouragement covered over with fingerprints of faith. This heavenly hug connects eternal reassurance to earthly insecurity. Almighty God’s affirmation has no rival in heaven or on earth, as His presence brings down bold belief and gratitude. It is in this secret place that He reveals the unspeakable.

“Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.” Revelation 2:7

This third heavenly encounter eclipses where birds fly and astronauts explore, it is the spiritual stratosphere of the Lord’s paradise. A transcendent vortex of faith allows you to hold the tension of joy and grief simultaneously. Fear becomes the servant of faith and an incredible peace melts over your being, like hot liquid chocolate on an ice cream Sunday.

However, these special moments with your Master Jesus are a call to humility and discretion. When He honors you with heaven’s delectable delights, it is not an opportunity to glory in being selected; rather it’s with humble deflection, as you enjoy the indescribable. Like Paul, you may brag about someone else—though it’s you who has been holy affirmed. You can’t put into words the glory of God, so you gratefully glorify Him.

Most of all do not be surprised that suffering is a criteria for seeing the unseen. It is from your “thorn in the flesh” that your pride is checked and you desperately cling to Christ. Wisely support your spiritual experiences with the written word of God. Feelings fueled by your heavenly Father align with His truth. The Bible validates your authentic experiences. So, rest and rejoice in the Lord’s affirmation of your life—He has much more in store.

“Because of that experience, we have even greater confidence in the message proclaimed by the prophets. You must pay close attention to what they wrote, for their words are like a lamp shining in a dark place—until the Day dawns, and Christ the Morning Star shines in your hearts.” 2 Peter 1:19

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your holy affirmation and my desire to steward it with humble discretion.

Related Readings: Genesis 32:22-32; Isaiah 6:1-6; 2 Peter 3:16; Revelation 1:9-11

Post/Tweet this today: Heavenly hugs connect eternal reassurance to earthly insecurity. #heaven #assurance

Blessed are all who take refuge in Him. Psalm 2:12b

Outside of Christ, we are refugees in need of a refuge. Our soul seeks asylum in Almighty God. Our spirit is on a search for security and peace. It is refuge in God that we want deep down within our innermost desires. Otherwise, we wander around earth un-tethered to truth. We are induced into thinking things are OK outside of our Savior’s care. But there is something more significant that comes by slowing down and investigating our own authenticity. Refugees need a place of safety and trust. It is in refuge with Him that we can believe Him. There is an intimacy with Jesus that invites us into His refuge.

Even if your faith is as slender as a spider’s thread, you can still trust in Jesus. It is the object of your faith that matters more than the amount of your faith. His refuge is not just reserved for the robust of faith. It is especially available to those of us who are flailing away in faithless fear. We have lost our way and we need to get to a wise weigh station to evaluate our faith. It is in refuge with Him that we are blessed with clarity and conviction. God is our refuge and God is our strength. He is a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, but will believe that the very best is found by faith in Him. Hope exists.

He is our refuge when hope seems extinct. He is our refuge when financial requirements are ravishing our resources. He is our refuge when people we depend on are nowhere to be found. He is our refuge when health issues hound our heart. He is our refuge when fear knocks at the door and questions our courage. He is our refuge when our marriage hangs in the balance. He is our refuge when work pressures pulsate in our mind and awaken us at night. He is our refuge when all seems to be going wrong. He is our refuge when all seems to be going right. His refuge is required regardless of our circumstances. During the good and bad times, we need to rest and refuel under the shadow and wisdom of His almighty wings. It is in refuge and relationship with God that His blessings abound.

We are blessed when we find refuge with our Creator. The Almighty aids us with wisdom and understanding when we take the time to listen to His instruction. Our prayer over His Word provides a ton of illuminating insight. The place of refuge holds up truth and casts out lies. It is a place of clarity and conviction. This is a blessing. Stability is another blessing from resting in His refuge. Our world rocks around us. Instability is the only insulation infidels care to offer. But we have a rock in our Lord.

He is solid and dependable. There is nothing about our Savior that is shaky. He is not a suspension bridge that sways with the winds of the world’s unpredictability. He is a concrete crossover to the calm and peaceful shore. He cannot be shaken by strife or sin because He is Holy God. He is our rock when relationships are rocky. This is a blessing. We are blessed in our refuge with Him by reassurance. He whispers lovingly, “It’s OK. I am with you. I will never leave you. You are mine. I am yours. Therefore, hold me tight and we will walk together through thick and thin.” It’s in refuge with Him that we are refreshed and rejuvenated. Go there often. He bestows blessings in refuge with Him.

Taken from Reading #1 in the 90-day devotional book, “Seeking God in the Psalms”… http://bit.ly/bQHNIE

Post/Tweet this today: Outside of Christ, we are refugees in need of a refuge. #refuge

“Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.”  John 2:10

Jesus sometimes saves the best for last. He delights in delivering the unexpected to the unsuspecting. He waits until there is opportunity to show up, where the needs are rampant but the solutions are few. Then He meets the need unconventionally and boldly. Often this is His method because Christ is counter-intuitive. He wants others to ask “Why?”  Why did Jesus save the best for last? One reason the Lord saves the best for last is to honor the recipients. Those who persevere deserve the best.

For example, in relationships, the fruit of long-term commitment produces the best experiences. Trust, contentment, and fulfillment all earn their right in relationships that resolve to remain true. God blesses those who wait: “Wait for the LORD and keep his way. He will exalt you to inherit the land.” (Psalm 37:34a).

You experience the best God has to offer when you save yourself for marriage. Sex within the bonds of marriage exceeds exponentially the settlement of premarital capitulation to hormonally driven sex. Otherwise, you risk disease and a lifetime of disrespect and regret. Waiting on the best brings out the best, for trust in God fosters hope that there must be something better to look forward to in the future. It protects you from impatient impulses that can instantly implode.
   
Waiting for the best is difficult at times because it means depending on others to accomplish the goal. The outcome is out of your direct control. You have to trust that others can execute the project better than you can by yourself. Your sphere of influence will remain stunted if you try to do everything yourself. You will be limited by your time, energy, and intellect.

Your capacity is a drop in the bucket, compared to the resources of an aligned team; you need each other’s gifts and skills (Romans 12:4-5). It is your best that brings out the best in others. Therefore, be the best at what you do, and expect others to do their very best. Excellence attracts excellence, as mediocrity attracts mediocrity. Be the best that you can be and see to it that others do the same. Best breeds best. 
   
Lastly, trust Jesus to take people and circumstances under your influence and bring out His best. Let go, and let the Lord run with the opportunity. He may surprise you with joy. The best is yet to come if you look to the Lord for His best outcomes. Your humble request of God will result in much more than you thought you were capable of, for Christ has no capacity issues. He is looking for those in whom He can trust with His best.

He wants those whose faithfulness to Him far exceeds their earthly ambitions. Do whatever He says, and watch Him carry out His very best because obedience leads to His best. Believe the best is yet to come, and don’t settle for less. Believe the best in others. Trust Him for the very best. Expect the best, and be your best. Pray and ask God for His best. Be patient, wait on Him, and remind yourself often: He saves the best for last.

Taken from March 29th reading in the 365-day devotional book, “Seeking Daily the Heart of God”… http://bit.ly/bQHNIE

Post/Tweet this today: Waiting on the best brings out the best. #wait #best

“Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” Proverbs 4:23

Emotional emptiness is a set up for frustrated and insecure living. If I ignore my emotional bank account with bad behavior, I can easily become overdrawn and withdraw into my silent shell. There are ‘late fees’ that result in broken promises, missed appointments, and angry outbursts. Emotional emptiness easily leads to chronic exhaustion.

Unhealthy emotions, like unresolved anger, overcome those running on emotional empty. In addition, good things like serving others can suck the joy and gratitude from your life if you are not emotionally whole. Resentment runs rampant when your emotions are on the edge of emptiness, so guard your heart with the Holy Spirit’s help and wisdom.

“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” Proverbs 17:22

So how do you know if you are approaching emotional emptiness? If you are emotionally spent, how do you replenish your emotional bank account? One sign of emotional fatigue is when your feelings are easily hurt. You take too much personally without appropriating forgiveness and trust in the Lord’s ability to handle the situation. So invite God to grow your character during challenging times.

One way to involve Jesus in your emotional barrenness is to write out your fears, and talk it through with the one whom you totally trust. He will give you courage to encounter those you fear with humility and courage. Lastly, make regular appointments with encouragers who lift you to the Lord with their affirmation and prayers.

Look for those who remind you to place your hope in heaven. Emotional fullness is created in a prayerful pace of living. Protect your emotions as they give understanding and insight into yourself, people, and the Lord. Above all else, trust in the peace of God to make whole your emotions, and to guard your heart.

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).

When can I block out weekly time on my calendar to guard my heart and replenish my emotional emptiness?

Related Readings: Proverbs 15:30; 22:11; 1 Timothy 1:5; 2 Timothy 2:22

“Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” Proverbs 4:23

Guard your heart for it is where the Lord gives life. It is truly life, because it bubbles up with tremendous trust in Him. A heart on guard for God deeply desires love for Him, and obedience to His ways. There is a compelling call to follow Christ through the best and worst of circumstances. Therefore, guard your heart from disbelief, so doubt doesn’t become despair.

Guard your heart from un-forgiveness, so anger doesn’t become bitterness. Guard your heart from pornography, so lust doesn’t become lasciviousness. Guard your heart from worry, so fear doesn’t become frantic. Lastly, guard your heart from pride, so your attitude doesn’t become arrogant. A guarded heart increases the probability of good things from God. A guarded inward man makes for a good outward man.

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7

So, how do you guard your heart from being defiled by sin and disturbed by trouble? One simple safeguard is using wisdom in what you watch, as your eyes encamp around your affections. Secondly, be watchful about what words enter your ears. If you listen to lies over and over again, they can easily become truth in your thinking.

Thirdly, ask God to be the guardian of where you go. Environments greatly influence the outcomes of your heart. Indeed, a guarded heart is a candidate for greatness with God. Ask the Holy Spirit to hunker down in your heart, and bring bold leadership to your life, and swift conviction to your soul. Be on guard, and a wellspring of life will gush forth for God’s glory. 

“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer” (Psalm 19:14).

Who will I ask to hold me accountable in what I watch, so my heart is clean and pure?

Related Readings: Deuteronomy 4:9; Psalm 139:23-24; Jeremiah 17:9; Mark 7:21-23