16 May 2025
May the Lord help us to keep growing in the qualities we read about yesterday. May He keep us from falling and secure our lives for eternity. And may our lives keep impacting others day after day. 2 Peter 1:10-11.
Resurrection 2.8: With Christ
Maybe you’re like me and have imagined these kinds of things as you’ve read the story of Jesus. Don’t you wish you could have been there? As I have read the story of Jesus in the gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), I have caught myself yearning to have been present. I would love to have heard and seen Jesus at work in his earthly ministry. Because of that yearning, I’ve wondered: What was the expression on his face when he said this or did that? How did his eyes and touch communicate his compassion? Did folks have a hard time seeing when the light pierced through the dancing dust and straw when the four friends dug a hole in that roof? Maybe you’re like me and have imagined these kinds of things as you’ve read the story of Jesus. I’ll also admit that part of me would never want to go back to Golgotha and see the Lord’s horrifying agony. However, with all that he has done for me, I would like to have gone back and been there for him while he was so alone, abandoned, forsaken, denied, and betrayed by those close to him. I hope that I would have joined him in prayer for the mislead crowd who mocked him as he pleaded, “Father, forgive them, they don’t know what they are doing.” I would like to have been there to say “Amen!” to the Centurion’s pronouncement of faith, “Surely, this was the Son of God!” Most of all, I would like to have seen the resurrected Jesus. I would have been blessed to have been with Mary and the women who took the spices to the tomb and met Jesus! I’d love to have seen Peter and John as they raced to the tomb. I would have liked to have been the third disciple on the road to Emmaus. I would be thrilled to be able to go back to the upper room when the ten apostles met Jesus, and he ate fish to show them that he wasn’t a ghost. I would gladly go back to have seen Thomas put his hands into scars on Jesus’ body and confess, “My Lord and my God!” I would even settle for being with James, the half-brother of Jesus, when the Lord showed himself to his once unbelieving brother and ignited the faith in Jerusalem’s future church leader. And, I believe it would have been a blessing to be with the 500 to whom Jesus’ appeared after his resurrection. But I can’t time travel. Neither can you. Or can we? What if there was a way that we could meet Jesus and share in those events that saved us? Would you believe me if I told you there was and it was something Jesus planned and anticipated for us? Listen carefully to the apostle Paul’s words to folks who were feeling less Christian than those who personally knew Jesus: For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority. In him you were also circumcised with a circumcision not performed by human hands. Your whole self ruled by the flesh was put off when you were circumcised by Christ, having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead (Colossians 2:9-12). Paul is saying that if we have been baptized, we haven’t missed out. Instead, we “have been brought to fullness” in Christ. We’ve received the full blessing! How? Well, the “flesh” part of us, that part of us sometimes called our sinful nature, was removed from us because we died and were buried with Jesus in baptism. We entered into his death experience.[NOTE] Then, through our faith in the powerful working of God, we have been raised with Jesus. We have not only believed in Jesus, but we have participated in the Lord’s resurrection! The real and forever-living part of us has been raised with Christ and is guarded in the safety of God’s presence until Jesus returns for us (Colossians 3:1-4). Paul’s teaching is an astounding promise we have often overlooked. Can it be true? Can we share in Jesus’ death to honor his sacrifice and end the fleshly hold on us? Is it possible that we can be part of the Lord’s resurrection story, today? When we read from other places in the New Testament, this grace of sharing in Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection are talked about in even more detail (Romans 6:3-14). Our life, because of our trust in Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection, is joined to his and we are given new life with him (Titus 3:3-7; Romans 6:4). Just as the Spirit of the living God revived Jesus from the dead, we too are empowered by the Spirit to live a new life. Our sins are not just forgiven; they’re also eradicated from us by the grace given us in the blood of Jesus and the cleansing brought to us through the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38-39; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11). And, because we have been “united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his” (Romans 6:5)! So, let’s be more joyous and celebratory when we see someone baptized. Not only are they doing what Jesus sent us into the world to teach them to do (Matthew 28:18-20), as well as doing what Jesus himself did (Luke 3:20-22), they are providing us a great opportunity. We get to share their re-living Jesus’ saving work as they participate in his death, burial, and resurrection and as they call on his name as Lord before us as their witnesses (Romans 10:9-13; Acts 22:16). The power of the cross and the empty tomb are real. More than a symbol or a step
15 May 2025
The Lord goes ahead and shows us how to lead an imapctful life. It is one thing being a Christian. Leading an effective life is another. May we desire the latter and employ the strategies mentioned in 2 Peter 1:5-8, and enjoy a full life. May our legacy make the Lord proud.
Today’s Verse – Acts 13:3
So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off. —Acts 13:3 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… While fasting is not widely practiced in many churches today, it was a vital part of the early Christian church. Let’s ensure that we prepare for significant events in ministry and mission to the world with prayer and fasting, whether sponsored by our congregations or not. As we prepare to embark on God’s work in the world and our mission to the world, our preparation should include times of prayer and fasting. A mission without the Holy Spirit, prayer, and fasting is an undervalued mission and an underpowered effort. My Prayer… O LORD, I know you love all people. Please bless those on mission to cultures other than their own, seeking to lovingly share your Gospel with those who are lost. Bless their efforts with success, protect them from the evil one, and guide them in the direction they need to go to find searching and receptive hearts. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
Today’s Verse – Acts 13:2
While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” —Acts 13:2 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… When people genuinely worship, when they fast seeking God’s will, and they pray earnestly and worship, our Father calls them to his service and mission in the world. Christian worship is not an end in itself, but a launching pad to Christian mission. Please don’t get so caught up in your worship experience that you leave it at the door when you exit the building. Instead, understand that our worship together as Jesus’ family is a blessing intended to inspire us to engage in public worship and service in the world throughout our everyday lives (Romans 12:1-2; Hebrews 12:28-13:16). As we worship with our brothers and sisters, let’s also listen to the words of the songs, the message of the Scriptures, and the conviction of the Holy Spirit on our hearts. God is calling us to his special mission in our world, so that we can bring grace and hope to a lost humanity! My Prayer… Father, please help me discern your will and follow your leading as I worship you with my brothers and sisters in Christ. Use the Holy Spirit to call me into a deeper ministry, a more committed service, and a heart for mission to the lost world around me. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
14 May 2025
According to 2 Peter 1:3-4, those who have entrusted their lives to Christ have an advantage. We have everything we need for life and godliness through Him. We can also grow and operate like He wants us to and we can escape the corruption in the world while we still reside here. Amazing!
Resurrection 2.7: Let the Clouds Remind You!
As followers of Jesus, the clouds hold a message of hope for us, not just a warning. Anyone living in north central Texas, western Oklahoma, and Kansas would be wise to watch the sky in late spring. While modern meteorology and advanced weather forecasting can predict the possibility of dangerous storms, old-timers still look at the clouds. Meteorologist look at their Doppler radars for hook clouds and rotation. Old-timers check the clouds: Are they coming together from different directions? Are they filled with both cloud-to-cloud and cloud-to-ground lightning? Have the clouds changed color from indigo to dark purple or dark green? Are the high, dark, clouds in the west advancing with an eery calm with descending darkness? For farmers and ranchers whose families have lived in these areas for generations, the conditions reflected in the clouds are stronger warnings for them than severe weather warning sirens. “Watch the clouds,” these weather watchers will tell you, “because the clouds will let you know when danger is coming. Ignore them at your own risk!” As followers of Jesus, however, the clouds hold another message for us: This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven (Acts 1:11). To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father — to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen. Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him… (Revelation 1:5-7). The clouds can remind us that Jesus will return to us in the way his first disciples saw him leave them (Acts 1:11). Our resurrected Lord has not finished his work with planet earth. He has left for a while but with the promise that he will return. Jesus’ resurrection ensures that when he returns he will bring with him all those who have gone to be with him after their physical bodies have died (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Philippians 1:19-23; 2 Corinthians 5:1-10). They will be given new immortal bodies, like Jesus’ immortal body (1 Corinthians 15:35-49). Those who are still alive when the Lord returns will also have their bodies changed into immortal bodies (1 Corinthians 15:50-54), and they will be with the Lord forever (1 Thessalonians 4:17). This glorious day of victory and reunion is the promise God gave us with Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. Jesus was the first fruit: the first of many to be raised never to die again (1 Corinthians 15:20-23). His victory over sin, death, and hell will become our victory (1 Corinthians 15:24-28, 53-58). Every cloud we see can be a reminder of the glory that awaits us (Romans 8:18) and the victory and reunion that lie ahead for all of us who belong to Jesus. Yes, I will continue to watch the clouds in late spring where I live. I’ve seen dark clouds spin up horrible tornadoes, drop grapefruit-sized hail, cause flash flooding, and generate powerful straight-line winds. But, with each cloud, I also see the promise and hear the whispered reminder of Jesus’ revelation to John on Patmos: Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him! And my heart leaps at the thought that these clouds might be the clouds of his glorious return. I see them and think to myself: Amen! Come, Lord Jesus. We long to join the angels who bow before your throne! Special thanks for the use of images related to Jesus’ ministry from The Lumo Project and Free Bible Images for use on this week’s post, “The Jesus Window”! The incredible photographs of storm clouds come from Unsplash! About the author: Phil Ware has authored 11 years of daily devotionals, including VerseoftheDay.com, read by 500,000 people a day. He works with churches in transition with Interim Ministry Partners and for the past 21+ years, he has been editor and president of HEARTLIGHT Magazine, author of VerseoftheDay.com, God’s Holy Fire (on the Holy Spirit), and aYearwithJesus.com. Phil has also authored four books, daily devotionals on each of the four gospels.
Today’s Verse – Matthew 5:14
“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.” —Matthew 5:14 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Darkness dominates our world, controls much of what is said, and how most people view their reality. So, in a world dominated by darkness, light should stand out. When someone lives for Jesus, people notice. The world cannot ignore the faithfulness of Jesus’ disciples or forget their righteousness and gracious influence. The world might hate that influence, try to minimize it, or even directly oppose it. Dear friend, the evil one will try to prevent Jesus’ light from being reflected into the world by his disciples! He will try to oppose that light, dim that light, and snuff out that light. Jesus, however, is the Light that cannot be snuffed out (John 1:5). Will we be Jesus’ agents of light in the world of darkness? How will the world categorize that light? How are we going to behave toward the hostile world around us that wants to snuff out our light? Are others going to see our light and be drawn to our Father in Heaven, who sent his Son, Jesus, as the Light of the world? Or will the world reject the way of Christ because our walk is more talk and less service to the lost world that needs to see obedience to the lifestyle and character of our Savior? Let’s ensure the light we share helps others see God’s grace through our lives and then be drawn to our Savior. Let’s be Jesus’ lights on the hill, seen by all! My Prayer… Holy and Righteous Father, thank you for your grace that saved us. Please help us reflect your character and grace in all that we do, so that when people notice us and are aware of our Christian commitment, they will glorify you because of the service they have seen and the light I bring. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
13 May 2025
As we give thanks, let us trust that the Lord will protect us and fulfill His purpose for us. We all have plans, but let us submit them to the Lord and pray that His love for us will cause Him to do what is best for us. Psalm 138:7-8
Today’s Verse – Matthew 5:13
“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.” —Matthew 5:13 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Jesus never wanted us to give up our moral distinctiveness, our redemptive influence, or our loving impact on those around us just so we can be liked. The purpose of our presence in the world is to be the salt that preserves our culture from further moral decay, bitterness, spite, and other degrading social problems. And, we are to be the salt that seasons the bitter, dog-eat-dog world we live in with the salt of God’s grace and mercy. We are to be the salt of the earth, disciples that prevent decay and bring the sweet taste of Jesus to a lost world. My Prayer… Dear Holy and Majestic LORD, please empower me to resist being molded into the values of the world around me. Instead, dear Father, please use my distinctiveness as a Christian, a follower of Jesus, to bless others and expand the influence and impact of your Kingdom, doing so with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15-16). In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.