The Blessing of Believing
Note from Jesus Dear Seeker of Truth, Believing in My resurrection is a real challenge. That’s understandable. Having a friend who dies and then suddenly appears, offers for you to touch him, shows you his scars, eats bread with you, drinks wine with you, has a bit of fish with you, and then shares your company doesn’t happen in your experience. But the most important purpose and meaning for your life hinge on your faith in My resurrection. Paul makes this clear when he says: Now if we have told you about the Anointed One [Me, Christ] (how He has risen from the dead and appeared to us fully alive), then how can you stand there and say there is no such thing as resurrection from death? Friends, if there is no resurrection of the dead, then even the Anointed hasn’t been raised; if that is so, then all our preaching has been for nothing and your faith in the message is worthless. And what’s worse, all of us who have been preaching the gospel are now guilty of misrepresenting God because we have been spreading the news that He raised the Anointed One from the dead (which must be a lie if what you are saying about the dead not being raised is the truth). (1 Corinthians 15:12-15) Being My disciple hinges on your faith in My resurrection! Sooner or later, if you haven’t already done so, you must take the huge step of faith and entrust your future to this reality that is outside your experience. Helping you to believe in My resurrection is the reason why My interaction with Thomas is so important a week after My resurrection. (See the verses below for this story.) Thomas was not a bad guy. He was not trying to be difficult or problematic. He just wanted to know for sure. He just wanted to know for himself. He would not believe until he saw Me face-to-face and touched my scars. The confession and commitment of Thomas after seeing Me and being able to touch Me, are powerful: You are the one True God and Lord of my life. Thomas’ confession and commitment are what I want from you concerning Me. Your problem is that I am not there for you to physically touch. That’s why I promised you the special blessing that I did: Thomas, you have faith because you have seen Me. Blessed are all those who never see Me and yet they still believe. The apostle Peter knew your challenge to believe since you haven’t seen Me. He taught and wrote to people who had never seen Me yet believed. He wrote to these disciples about the blessing of believing and the joy such faith brings: Although you haven’t seen Jesus, you still love Him. Although you don’t yet see Him, you do believe in Him and celebrate with a joy that is glorious and beyond words. You are receiving the salvation of your souls as the result of your faith. (1 Peter 1:8-9). I want you to remember these blessings. I want you to remember these blessings every time you struggle with doubt. I want you to remember these blessings every time someone ridicules you for believing in Me and My resurrection. These blessings are yours because you believe! The Holy Spirit will help you strengthen your faith and have confidence that you can receive these blessings. Here are a few of the many reasons to believe in My resurrection: The eyewitnesses who wrote in the New Testament about My resurrection. People like My own family, and especially My brother James, who did not believe that I was the Messiah and Son of God until seeing Me alive after My resurrection from the dead. The change in the apostles from men who were scared and hiding to world-changing men of courage, many of whom were martyred for their faith in Me. The experiences you have had of My presence in your life as you have served Me: – the times just the right word came from someone else, – the empowerment I’ve given you when you were on mission, – the rich sense of My presence when you’ve served the needy, and – the palpable sense of My presence as you’ve worshiped. The testimony and resilience of My people over the centuries through oppression, martyrdom, and ostracism. These are but a few reasons. Verses to Live Don’t get so hung up on the reasons to believe that you miss the two truths I want you to hear in the verses below: I know it is hard for many of you to believe — you’re like Thomas and many others like him. Keep seeking Me and you will find Me. There is a great blessing for you who find your way through doubt and come to faith in Me — for you who have never physically seen Me and yet still believe. Please receive that blessing now as you read about Thomas, his struggle for faith, his incredible confession and commitment, and My blessing for you who believe in Me, yet have never seen Me! All of the eleven were present with the exception of Thomas [that first Sunday evening after Jesus was raised from the dead]. He heard the accounts of each brother’s interaction with the Lord. The Other Disciples: We have seen the Lord! Thomas: Until I see His hands, feel the wounds of the nails, and put my hand to His side, I won’t believe what you are saying. Eight days later, they gathered again behind locked doors; and Jesus reappeared. This time Thomas was with them. Jesus: May each one of you be at peace. He drew close to Thomas. Jesus: Reach out and touch Me. See the punctures in My hands; reach out your hand, and put it to My side; leave behind your faithlessness, and believe. Thomas (filled with emotion): You are the one True God and Lord of my life.
Great Joy in Believing
Note from Jesus Dear Precious One, I know faith is not easy, especially now living nearly two thousand years after My death, burial, and resurrection. So I want us to spend today and the next two days together delighting in your faith. Our tour guide is My impetuous and dramatic apostle, Peter. We will be reading from the opening words of his small letter (1 Peter) to believers in Asia Minor. Like you, those people had never seen Me. They had to take the testimony of others who had. They were facing imminent persecution like many of My followers face right now in a lot of places in the world. Peter wanted to affirm their faith and also to emphasize several great blessings that accompanied their faith. I want you to delight in these things that he said and be blessed. Each day, the special focus sections will be in bold so you won’t miss them! Before sharing the verses from 1 Peter, I want to remind you of the promise I made to Thomas — a promise I shared with you in yesterday’s verses: Eight days later, they [the disciples] gathered again behind locked doors; and Jesus reappeared. This time Thomas was with them. Jesus: May each one of you be at peace. He drew close to Thomas. Jesus: Reach out and touch Me. See the punctures in My hands; reach out your hand, and put it to My side; leave behind your faithlessness, and believe. Thomas (filled with emotion): You are the one True God and Lord of my life. Jesus: Thomas, you have faith because you have seen Me. Blessed are all those who never see Me and yet they still believe. (John 20:26-29) Notice those words in bold! I have a special blessing for you — you who believe without having ever seen Me. Your faith is precious! It stands guard over your heart and protects you to receive a salvation and share in a glory that you won’t fully enjoy until you discover it “completely at the end of things.” It is more valuable than gold. Your faith gives you something that can’t be stolen. That faith has given you something that isn’t perishable — it won’t wear out or decay. That faith is connecting you to true and eternal salvation. So today, I want you to take a moment and be thankful for the gift of your faith! Your faith was planted in your heart and nurtured by someone for whom you should give thanks. Your faith connects you to Me, and I am more powerful than death and all the forces of hell. Your faith is protected by the power of God if you are willing to nurture it and rejoice in it. Your faith is placed in Me and what We — Father, Son, and Spirit — have accomplished in My resurrection from the dead and in the power that is continuously being released into your life as you keep your faith focused on Me. Your faith is the door of grace opening to you so that you can receive all that salvation is meant to offer you — now and forevermore. Thank you for believing! I left heaven to win your heart, to give you a reason to believe, and to give you a hope that can endure until we see each other face-to-face and your faith becomes sight and we rejoice together… forever! Verses to Live Peter was present when I was talking with Thomas in the verses quoted above from John’s gospel. The second paragraph below echoes the things that I said to Thomas about you and others who have faith without having seen Me. Notice the things that Peter associates with your faith: “a living hope,” “eternal inheritance,” “never fade or fail,” “salvation,” “praise, honor, and glory,” and “joy that is glorious and beyond words.” Blessed is God, the Father of our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One! Because He has raised Jesus the Anointed from death, through His great mercy we have been reborn into a living hope — reborn for an eternal inheritance, held in reserve in heaven, that will never fade or fail. Through faith, God’s power is standing watch, protecting you for a salvation that you will see completely at the end of things. You should greatly rejoice in what is waiting for you, even if now for a little while you have to suffer various trials. Suffering tests your faith which is more valuable than gold (remember that gold, although it is perishable, is tested by fire) so that if it is found genuine, you can receive praise, honor, and glory when Jesus the Anointed, our Liberating King, is revealed at last. Although you haven’t seen Jesus, you still love Him. Although you don’t yet see Him, you do believe in Him and celebrate with a joy that is glorious and beyond words. You are receiving the salvation of your souls as the result of your faith. (1 Peter 1:3-9) Please remember Peter’s words. Especially remember them when you are facing difficulties because of your faith. Please remember Peter’s words when you are wondering whether it is worthwhile to continue along the path of faith. Peter’s words were spoken with the integrity of proven and challenged faith. Peter’s words were tested by fire. He had endured hardship, ridicule, threat, and persecution and yet refused to renounce his faith in Me after My resurrection. When facing possible death if he and his fellow apostles continued to proclaim My resurrection, Peter and the apostles said: If we have to choose between obedience to God and obedience to any human authority, then we must obey God. The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from death. You [the religious leaders] killed Jesus by hanging Him on a tree, but God has lifted Him high, to God’s own right hand, as the Prince, as the Liberator. God intends to bring Israel to a radical rethinking of our lives
Resurrection Power
Note from Jesus Dear Disciple, The apostle Paul prayed a meaningful and moving prayer for the Christians in Asia Minor. Here is part of his prayer: I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope He [Jesus] has given those He called — His holy people who are His rich and glorious inheritance. I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated Him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms. (Ephesians 1:18-20 NLT) The power of My resurrection is also at work in you through the Holy Spirit Whom I “poured out” on you “in abundance” (Titus 3:3-7). While you still face the limits of your mortal physical body, you will one day have an immortal, indestructible body like the one I had after My resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:49-57; Philippians 3:20-21; 1 John 3:2). This resurrection power is already at work in you in many ways. So over the next six weeks, I want to share with you some of the implications of the resurrection power that is at work in you through the Holy Spirit. Verses to Live Today, I want to share with you another passage that goes along with Paul’s prayer from chapter 1 of Ephesians. Paul found himself in very difficult circumstances again and again. Once when he was in Asia Minor — the place the people lived for whom Paul prayed in the verses above, he faced a terrible, life-threatening situation that should have ended in his death. As he stated in the first part of today’s Scripture, he recognized his dire situation. However, he experienced resurrection power first hand as We — Father, Son, and Spirit — miraculously delivered him from death. It wasn’t the first time, and it wouldn’t be the last time that We did this for Paul. However, the words he used to describe his deliverance are powerful, and I know that they can be a great encouragement to you if you let them. Notice particularly the part in bold below. It’s worth memorizing, especially if you are facing a trying ordeal of your own. My brothers and sisters, we have to tell you that when we were in Asia the troubles we faced were nearly more than we could handle. The burdens we bore nearly crushed us. Our strength dwindled to nothing. For a while, we weren’t sure we would make it through the whole ordeal. We thought we would have to serve out our death sentences right then and there. As a result, we realized that we could no longer rely on ourselves and that we must trust solely in God, Who possesses the power to raise the dead. Miraculously God Himself delivered us from the cold hands of death. We again place our hope in Him alone, and we know He will deliver us. (2 Corinthians 1:8-10) Response in Prayer Almighty God — my loving Father, Immanuel, and Comforter — thank You for bringing life to what was dead, hope to those who are hopeless, and help to all who need You. I thank You for the apostle Paul’s experiences and his words that give me powerful ways to see the implications of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. Thank You for this grace. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. ‘A Year with Jesus’ is written by Phil Ware. © 1998-2024, Heartlight, Inc. ‘A Year with Jesus‘ is part of the Heartlight Network.All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Voice™. © 2008 by Ecclesia Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Daily Prayer for April 13
Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground. Psalm 143:10, NIV Lord our God, O great and almighty One, whose Spirit fills heaven and earth! We thank you that you are our Father and that in you we have a refuge wherever we must go as we serve you on earth. We thank you that your life can be revealed in us and can flow through us so that the world may be blest by you, our loving and caring Father. Protect us and strengthen us in times of trouble and sorrow. When we travel on new paths, give us your Spirit to show us the way, that everything may lead to the good and to your honor. Father, through your Spirit unite us in the unshakable hope that your will shall at last be done on earth as in heaven. Grant that we may rejoice in the certainty that whatever happens, our paths are made level and firm by your love and your faithfulness. Amen. Recent articles on Plough The Desert Fathers on Freedom from Worry What did the Desert Fathers have to say about wellbeing and happiness? Read now Lambing Season Norann Voll I learned some of life’s most important lessons from my father while caring for sheep. Read now The Plants Can Talk William Thomas Okie The flowers have a language. Are we listening? Read now How Far Does Forgiveness Reach? Denise Uwimana Emmanuel and Cancilde, neighbors on opposite sides of the Rwandan genocide, tell their story. Read now Fred and the Convict Dan Grote There’s a certain something in the air at USP Canaan this morning. Read now
Your Advocate Forever
Note from Jesus Dear Beloved, You saw My apostles fail Me during My arrest, trials, and crucifixion. One betrayed Me, another denied he knew Me, and the rest abandoned Me (Matthew 26:56). Only a handful of women were faithful to Me. Even with their presence, I felt so alone at times on the cross. One reason I endured all of the shame and pain was so that you could know that I will NEVER betray, deny, or abandon you. Since I faced all of those horrors and that rejection to redeem you, surely you know how much I long to bless you! I want you to be sure of two things that My resurrection means for you: You will always have someone on your side Who will never leave or abandon you. I am your eternal advocate and friend. As your advocate, I sit at the Father’s side to defend your cause and plead for you to be blessed. No matter how others view you, accuse you, or reject you, please remember this: I AM forever at the Father’s side for you. Even when you are down on yourself and cannot believe that I could still love, accept, or defend you, remember these words from My disciple John: There is a sure way for us to know that we belong to the truth. Even though our inner thoughts may condemn us with storms of guilt and constant reminders of our failures, we can know in our hearts that in His presence God Himself is greater than any accusation. He knows all things. (1 John 3:19-20) Don’t despair! I will always be there in the Father’s presence to be your advocate and friend. I will be there to help you through every storm of life, the most horrifying fear, the greatest challenge, and the deepest doubt. I AM alive forevermore, and I live to make intercession for you (Hebrews 7:24-25). Verses to Live Because I was raised from the dead and I AM alive in the presence of the Father, My grace for you is multiplied. Notice especially the words in bold below. I don’t just bless you with forgiveness and grace in the cross, but I continue to speak for you before the Father and ensure that this grace is your gift each and every day! So what should we say about all of this? If God is on our side, then tell me: whom should we fear? If He did not spare His own Son, but handed Him over on our account, then don’t you think that He will graciously give us all things with Him? Can anyone be so bold as to level a charge against God’s chosen? Especially since God’s “not guilty” verdict is already declared. Who has the authority to condemn? Jesus the Anointed Who died, but more importantly, conquered death when He was raised to sit at the right hand of God where He pleads on our behalf. (Romans 8:31-34) So we can see that Jesus has become the guarantee of a new and better covenant. Further, the prior priesthood of the sons of Levi has included many priests because death cut short their service, but Jesus holds His priesthood permanently because He lives His resurrected life forever. From such a vantage, He is able to save those who approach God through Him for all time because He will forever live to be their advocate in the presence of God. (Hebrews 7:22-25) Response in Prayer Father in heaven, thank You for Jesus’ resurrection. His resurrection ensures so many good and gracious things for me. I know that Jesus not only purchased my pardon with His sacrificial death but that He also lives as my advocate in your presence. Thank You for Your plan too marvelous for words. In a world of fickle friends and people who can let us down, I am so thankful to know that Jesus is always there for me because of Your great love for me. Thank You! In Jesus’ name and because of Jesus’ many gracious gifts, I thank You. Amen. ‘A Year with Jesus’ is written by Phil Ware. © 1998-2024, Heartlight, Inc. ‘A Year with Jesus‘ is part of the Heartlight Network.All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Voice™. © 2008 by Ecclesia Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
12 Apr 2024
May Christ’s sacrifice also motivate us not only to live for Him, but also to build each other up. May we not get weary of doing this. If we follow His lead then we shall build stronger relationships. May none abuse this kindness. 1 Thessalonians 5:9-11.
Daily Prayer for April 12
But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. Philippians 3:20-21, NIV Lord our God, draw us to yourself. Draw us into the quiet that you give, where something can happen to us and to our hearts. Help us to discern your kingdom surrounding us and in our spirits to live in this kingdom. Then our life will be as if in heaven, where we need not worry or torment ourselves, where your power is everything to us, penetrating our earthly life, which so often weighs us down. We thank you that you have made a way of strength, full of power to hold us firmly, so that even when we stumble, we cannot be turned from the goal. We thank you for all the good that comes from you, which we cannot see in earthly things but which can invade our hearts with such mighty and uplifting power. Amen. Recent articles on Plough Lambing Season Norann Voll I learned some of life’s most important lessons from my father while caring for sheep. Read now The Plants Can Talk William Thomas Okie The flowers have a language. Are we listening? Read now How Far Does Forgiveness Reach? Denise Uwimana Emmanuel and Cancilde, neighbors on opposite sides of the Rwandan genocide, tell their story. Read now Fred and the Convict Dan Grote There’s a certain something in the air at USP Canaan this morning. Read now Book Tour: Flights of Fact or Fiction Phil Christman What’s the actual deal with UFOs and mystics who flew? Read now
Today’s Verse – 1 Peter 4:11
If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. —1 Peter 4:11 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… God gave us gifts to use in his Kingdom at least for two primary reasons: To bring glory to God. To bless others. Whether we serve or speak, we are to do so with these two goals in mind, knowing that God will supply the strength to do what he has gifted us to do. All glory for what we do and say that brings others God’s blessing belongs to the gracious Giver of these good gifts! My Prayer… Holy Father, thank you for saving me and giving me the abilities and gifts to bless your people and honor you. Help me find the ways you want me to use these gifts and abilities. I ask that you display the goodness and grace of Jesus through me as I use them. O, dear Father, I yearn to be a conduit of your gracious blessings. 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.
11 Apr 2024
By dying on the cross, Jesus demonstrated His love for mankind. This showed His love for us. We are encouraged to live for Him because of what He did for us. But it is also sound advice to live for Him, because it has so many benefits for us. 2 Corinthians 5:14-15.
Daily Prayer for April 11
Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me. John 12:26, NIV Dear Father in heaven, we thank you for this day and for the protection you have given us. Grant that we may find our joy in your grace and in your love. Help us to become truer followers of Jesus, who came in your love. Be merciful to us and help all those who belong to you. You know them all and the thoughts of their hearts. You know their struggle on earth and the temptations that surround them. Help each one, also those who are still far away from you. Give them hearts open to your Word and to all you have promised. We entrust ourselves to your care this night. Help us and bless us. May your will be done in all things, also in the midst of all the sin and misery in the world. May your will be done on earth as in heaven, and may your kingdom come. Amen. Recent articles on Plough The Plants Can Talk William Thomas Okie The flowers have a language. Are we listening? Read now How Far Does Forgiveness Reach? Denise Uwimana Emmanuel and Cancilde, neighbors on opposite sides of the Rwandan genocide, tell their story. Read now Fred and the Convict Dan Grote There’s a certain something in the air at USP Canaan this morning. Read now Book Tour: Flights of Fact or Fiction Phil Christman What’s the actual deal with UFOs and mystics who flew? Read now Why I Went Cold Turkey on Political Theology Alastair Roberts Reading the Gospels out of delight in them, rather than as fodder for political argument, was like breathing fresh air. Read now