Daily Devotional
Spiritual And Physical Phenomena
By Pastor Olu Brown
This week's topic: Resurrection
"…they asked each other, "Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?" 4 But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. 5 As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. 6 "Don't be alarmed," he said. "You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. Mark 16: 3-6 (NIV)
More from:
Pastor Olu Brown
Moments
The Power Of The Cross
Freedom In Christ
As we leave the Easter season, I believe most of us are able to focus more intently on the story of the Resurrection. Spiritually and physically the Resurrection is an almost unbelievable event. I personally don’t know of anyone who was physically dead and now is alive other than Jesus. It is not something you hear or see every day. The Resurrection is a moment of spiritual awakening for some and a physical phenomena for others.
What is most striking to me is, what the Resurrection of Jesus means personally. When Mary Magdalene and others approached Jesus’ tomb in Mark’s Gospel their conversation was around burial practices. They were caught up in preparing Jesus’ body according to the customs of their time. They had no idea they were in for the experience of a lifetime. When they arrived at the tomb, they saw the tombstone rolled away and what appeared to be an angel dressed in white. The angel spoke these words “Don’t be alarmed…you are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him.”
I can only imagine how this experience touched each of their lives on a personal level. How they were changed and blessed because the One they believed in and followed was no longer dead but had risen. They understood spiritually and were in awe of the physical phenomena but on a personal level, their lives would never be the same.
The Resurrection is both a spiritual and physical phenomena. The Resurrection is also a personal experience with Jesus. Personally, the Resurrection touches our lives in such a way that we can never be the same. For me, the personal blessing of the Resurrection is the affirmation that I can get up because my savior got up. Because Jesus rose again I can rise again. The Resurrection is a personal victory statement for each of us as we live this life and prepare for life beyond this world. In this life, we know that no matter what we face it is never the end and that through the power of the resurrection we can have new life, hope and possibility on this side. It also confirms that when we leave this world we can have new life as well.
The lead pastor of Impact Church, located in downtown Atlanta, Georgia, Pastor Olu Brown has helped grow Impact into one of the fastest growing new church starts in America. For more information about Pastor Brown, log onto http://www.impactdcd.org or by following him on Twitter at http://twitter.com/olub.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Accepting The Gift Of The Cross
Daily Devotional
Accepting The Gift Of The Cross
By Dr. Patricia Bailey-Jones
This week's topic: Resurrection
In our stages of growth we should become more conscious of our righteousness as opposed to our sin. Practicing a consciousness of our state of righteousness is a journey in maturity. This growth process of humanity does not have to be painful. Under the law, man was conscious of his sin continually; but under the New Covenant God desires for us to focus more on who we are and what we have in Christ Jesus.
Our own righteousness is filthy in His sight; however, the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus is our new identity. As we honestly grow in Christ our desire increases to please Him. As we grow to please Him, we become more aware of our new creation realities. These realities and more powerful than the bonds of sin because sin is no longer our master. We are not under the law but under grace according to Romans 6:14, which says, "For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law for under grace."
Does this mean that we will not miss the mark because we are under grace? By no means! It simply means that we must practice a lifestyle of walking in our redemptive rights. To refuse to grow up and walk in God's truth is to refuse to accept what Christ has made available to us. It cost the Father the blood of Jesus for us to live this life in its totality. We appropriate this life by grace. For if this growth and acceptance of righteousness came by our own works or by the law, then Christ died in vain according to Galatians 2:20-21.
His death is not in vain in our life when we recognize that we are in Christ Jesus. Maturity sets in when we meditate on the fact that Christ lives in us and we become God-inside minded. This is by no means a formula that makes us flawless, but rather creates an awareness of our purchased possession. In order words, we have more working in us internally than we have working against us externally.
As the maturity level develops in our life, it doesn't mean that we are free from the ability to sin or free the enemy tempting us with sin. We must always remember that we have an advocate with the Father, our high priest Christ Jesus, and it is through Him only that we are more than conquerors and triumphant in living this Christian life. We are assured of this because Christ Jesus is the propitiation for our sins and He is our righteousness. This righteousness is our purchased possession.
Jesus died to provide this for us and now we must posses the provision and walk in our covenant entitlement.
Dr. Patricia Bailey-Jones has created a tremendous impact for more than 25 years in over 100 countries around the world through her ministry. She has brought deliverance and salvation to countless th
Accepting The Gift Of The Cross
By Dr. Patricia Bailey-Jones
This week's topic: Resurrection
In our stages of growth we should become more conscious of our righteousness as opposed to our sin. Practicing a consciousness of our state of righteousness is a journey in maturity. This growth process of humanity does not have to be painful. Under the law, man was conscious of his sin continually; but under the New Covenant God desires for us to focus more on who we are and what we have in Christ Jesus.
Our own righteousness is filthy in His sight; however, the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus is our new identity. As we honestly grow in Christ our desire increases to please Him. As we grow to please Him, we become more aware of our new creation realities. These realities and more powerful than the bonds of sin because sin is no longer our master. We are not under the law but under grace according to Romans 6:14, which says, "For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law for under grace."
Does this mean that we will not miss the mark because we are under grace? By no means! It simply means that we must practice a lifestyle of walking in our redemptive rights. To refuse to grow up and walk in God's truth is to refuse to accept what Christ has made available to us. It cost the Father the blood of Jesus for us to live this life in its totality. We appropriate this life by grace. For if this growth and acceptance of righteousness came by our own works or by the law, then Christ died in vain according to Galatians 2:20-21.
His death is not in vain in our life when we recognize that we are in Christ Jesus. Maturity sets in when we meditate on the fact that Christ lives in us and we become God-inside minded. This is by no means a formula that makes us flawless, but rather creates an awareness of our purchased possession. In order words, we have more working in us internally than we have working against us externally.
As the maturity level develops in our life, it doesn't mean that we are free from the ability to sin or free the enemy tempting us with sin. We must always remember that we have an advocate with the Father, our high priest Christ Jesus, and it is through Him only that we are more than conquerors and triumphant in living this Christian life. We are assured of this because Christ Jesus is the propitiation for our sins and He is our righteousness. This righteousness is our purchased possession.
Jesus died to provide this for us and now we must posses the provision and walk in our covenant entitlement.
Dr. Patricia Bailey-Jones has created a tremendous impact for more than 25 years in over 100 countries around the world through her ministry. She has brought deliverance and salvation to countless th
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Is Your Appreciation of The Cross Seasonal
Is Your Appreciation Of The Cross Seasonal?
By Tanya James
This week's topic: The Cross
There was a time when I was naïve enough to believe that every time I saw someone with a cross on their neck, that they were a Christian. For me, it was a symbol that reminded me of the incredible sacrifice that God made for each and everyone of us when He gave His only begotten son to die on the cross so that we may be saved.
However it took some time for me to learn that for some, wearing a cross was just another accessory to their outfit. It had no meaning and it didn’t symbolize anything of importance to them. It was simply another object in their jewelry boxes that they occasionally pulled out.
If truth be told, many of us are the same way … the cross is something we just “occasionally” think about. For some, the ONLY time we think about it is March or April when Easter Sunday rolls around.
This year like every other year, the story of Jesus’ crucifixion, burial and resurrection will be told. Many churches will display crosses at their entrances as a reminder of the season. But what happens when the “holiday” has passed? Why does the cross seem to lose its value? Why is it in most cases, we only hear about that amazing sacrifice God made once a year? Has it simply become a yearly sermon topic?
It’s my belief that God sacrificing His only begotten son is so amazing and loving that we should constantly be giving Him praise for it. Who else do you know willing to bestow such a gift of life? I know as a mother, I often hold my daughter in my arms and think to myself, “I could never have done it.” I find it hard, even impossible to consider sacrificing my child even for someone that has always been kind, and gentle and loving towards me. Yet God did it for a people that were sinful, prideful, even conniving … a people that often don’t even appreciate His sacrifice.
I encourage you to change that occasional mindset concerning the cross… instead regularly mediate on the magnitude of what it really represents. Make it your motivation to be a better person, a better Christian. Share God’s self-less act with others that may not know how awesome the God you serve really is.
Let’s go a step further, the next time God asks you to sacrifice something … your time, your money, your talents … don’t even think about complaining or saying no. Remember that no sacrifice He asks of you could come close to comparing to the ultimate sacrifice that He already made for you and for me.
And no you don’t have to run out and buy a cross to wear around your neck … if the cross is in your heart, it will show through your words and actions making you a better representation of the Christ we love and serve.
Founder and president of The Master Plan, Tanya James is the author of From Promiscuity to Proverbs 31: Getting Off the Fence of Sexual Immorality. For more information about Tanya, log onto http://www.armedanddangerous.biz or http://www.themasterplan.biz.
By Tanya James
This week's topic: The Cross
There was a time when I was naïve enough to believe that every time I saw someone with a cross on their neck, that they were a Christian. For me, it was a symbol that reminded me of the incredible sacrifice that God made for each and everyone of us when He gave His only begotten son to die on the cross so that we may be saved.
However it took some time for me to learn that for some, wearing a cross was just another accessory to their outfit. It had no meaning and it didn’t symbolize anything of importance to them. It was simply another object in their jewelry boxes that they occasionally pulled out.
If truth be told, many of us are the same way … the cross is something we just “occasionally” think about. For some, the ONLY time we think about it is March or April when Easter Sunday rolls around.
This year like every other year, the story of Jesus’ crucifixion, burial and resurrection will be told. Many churches will display crosses at their entrances as a reminder of the season. But what happens when the “holiday” has passed? Why does the cross seem to lose its value? Why is it in most cases, we only hear about that amazing sacrifice God made once a year? Has it simply become a yearly sermon topic?
It’s my belief that God sacrificing His only begotten son is so amazing and loving that we should constantly be giving Him praise for it. Who else do you know willing to bestow such a gift of life? I know as a mother, I often hold my daughter in my arms and think to myself, “I could never have done it.” I find it hard, even impossible to consider sacrificing my child even for someone that has always been kind, and gentle and loving towards me. Yet God did it for a people that were sinful, prideful, even conniving … a people that often don’t even appreciate His sacrifice.
I encourage you to change that occasional mindset concerning the cross… instead regularly mediate on the magnitude of what it really represents. Make it your motivation to be a better person, a better Christian. Share God’s self-less act with others that may not know how awesome the God you serve really is.
Let’s go a step further, the next time God asks you to sacrifice something … your time, your money, your talents … don’t even think about complaining or saying no. Remember that no sacrifice He asks of you could come close to comparing to the ultimate sacrifice that He already made for you and for me.
And no you don’t have to run out and buy a cross to wear around your neck … if the cross is in your heart, it will show through your words and actions making you a better representation of the Christ we love and serve.
Founder and president of The Master Plan, Tanya James is the author of From Promiscuity to Proverbs 31: Getting Off the Fence of Sexual Immorality. For more information about Tanya, log onto http://www.armedanddangerous.biz or http://www.themasterplan.biz.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Constrained
2010
Wednesday
31
March
Daily Devotional
Constrained
By Robin May
This week's topic: The Cross
Recently I found myself humming an old, but familiar song. I’m sure you’ll remember it: “I am persuaded; Lord to love you; I have been changed to bless Your Name; I am constrained, by this great gospel, Forever to worship Thee…”.
As I eventually began to sing the song out loud (I refuse to accept that singing is not one of my gifts), I couldn’t help but think about the words. “I am constrained by this great gospel.” That line surely isn’t popular in this new decade.
Think about it. Words like…
Sacrifice
Self Control
Submission to a higher authority
Saying ‘no’ when everything and everyone else says yes
…in the culture that we live in, these virtues are not only unpopular, they are almost obsolete. As a matter of fact, someone living their life by a moral compass is often criticized and laughed at by people in their social circle.
Let me give you an example. Have you heard of the popular pop singing group the “Jonas Brothers?” Although I am not completely familiar with their music, I remember hearing that these young men had committed themselves to staying abstinent until marriage. Whether or not they are sticking to their commitment is irrelevant. What is interesting to me is the fact that these young men were the ongoing fodder for many comedians for quite a while. As a matter of fact, a popular comedian went so far as to suggest that these young men were impotent because “why else would someone wait until marriage to have sex?”
In other words, why on earth would someone exercise self restraint by choice?
Can I be transparent with you? One of my biggest concerns is that in my effort to stay culturally sensitive, I might risk becoming spiritually distant and watered down. Am I alone?
I feel a special connection to people that probably won’t walk into the church doors. And many of those persons, to be frank, can’t understand most church folk.
To be honest, I am what someone would consider ‘church folk’ and at times I can’t understand us.
Sometimes we can be so spiritually minded that we are no earthly good. Do you know what I’m talking about? Some of us can’t hold a conversation about anything unless it has ‘thus’ and ‘thou’ included. But at the same time, as I obey my life calling, to reach those persons disconnected to the church, I can’t compromise the Way of the Lord. I have to remember that principles of self denial are crucial to our walk with Christ, regardless of what messages we are being bombarded with daily.
I have several mentors in the Word of God, and the Apostle Paul is near the top of the list. He addresses this very issue (for me at least) in 1 Corinthians 6:12-20. This is what I hear when I read it “Robin, just because the culture tells you that it’s okay for you to do it, doesn’t mean you have to do it. Girl you were purchased with a price and the price wasn’t cheap. Act like it!”.
Are you like me? Is your heart turned towards those that for whatever reason aren’t turned towards the church?
If so, stand with me as I recommit to being…
…culturally sensitive, yet spiritually transformed.
…Relevant and spiritually sound.
…real while spiritually submitted.
Because what would it matter if we gained the world, but lost our souls? (Matthew 15:26)
Robin May is the creator of Virtue Speaks (http://www.virtuespeaks.com), a site focused on spiritual and relational empowerment. Robin is the author of the brand new book, Before You Take His Name. Robin treasures her roles as wife to husband, Lee May, and mother to their daughters Ryann and Reagan.
Wednesday
31
March
Daily Devotional
Constrained
By Robin May
This week's topic: The Cross
Recently I found myself humming an old, but familiar song. I’m sure you’ll remember it: “I am persuaded; Lord to love you; I have been changed to bless Your Name; I am constrained, by this great gospel, Forever to worship Thee…”.
As I eventually began to sing the song out loud (I refuse to accept that singing is not one of my gifts), I couldn’t help but think about the words. “I am constrained by this great gospel.” That line surely isn’t popular in this new decade.
Think about it. Words like…
Sacrifice
Self Control
Submission to a higher authority
Saying ‘no’ when everything and everyone else says yes
…in the culture that we live in, these virtues are not only unpopular, they are almost obsolete. As a matter of fact, someone living their life by a moral compass is often criticized and laughed at by people in their social circle.
Let me give you an example. Have you heard of the popular pop singing group the “Jonas Brothers?” Although I am not completely familiar with their music, I remember hearing that these young men had committed themselves to staying abstinent until marriage. Whether or not they are sticking to their commitment is irrelevant. What is interesting to me is the fact that these young men were the ongoing fodder for many comedians for quite a while. As a matter of fact, a popular comedian went so far as to suggest that these young men were impotent because “why else would someone wait until marriage to have sex?”
In other words, why on earth would someone exercise self restraint by choice?
Can I be transparent with you? One of my biggest concerns is that in my effort to stay culturally sensitive, I might risk becoming spiritually distant and watered down. Am I alone?
I feel a special connection to people that probably won’t walk into the church doors. And many of those persons, to be frank, can’t understand most church folk.
To be honest, I am what someone would consider ‘church folk’ and at times I can’t understand us.
Sometimes we can be so spiritually minded that we are no earthly good. Do you know what I’m talking about? Some of us can’t hold a conversation about anything unless it has ‘thus’ and ‘thou’ included. But at the same time, as I obey my life calling, to reach those persons disconnected to the church, I can’t compromise the Way of the Lord. I have to remember that principles of self denial are crucial to our walk with Christ, regardless of what messages we are being bombarded with daily.
I have several mentors in the Word of God, and the Apostle Paul is near the top of the list. He addresses this very issue (for me at least) in 1 Corinthians 6:12-20. This is what I hear when I read it “Robin, just because the culture tells you that it’s okay for you to do it, doesn’t mean you have to do it. Girl you were purchased with a price and the price wasn’t cheap. Act like it!”.
Are you like me? Is your heart turned towards those that for whatever reason aren’t turned towards the church?
If so, stand with me as I recommit to being…
…culturally sensitive, yet spiritually transformed.
…Relevant and spiritually sound.
…real while spiritually submitted.
Because what would it matter if we gained the world, but lost our souls? (Matthew 15:26)
Robin May is the creator of Virtue Speaks (http://www.virtuespeaks.com), a site focused on spiritual and relational empowerment. Robin is the author of the brand new book, Before You Take His Name. Robin treasures her roles as wife to husband, Lee May, and mother to their daughters Ryann and Reagan.
Monday, March 29, 2010
The Cross At Any Cost
March 29, 2010
The Cross At Any Cost
Bishop Vashti McKenzie
All of us have had our moments on a cross - the crucifying experiences in our lives that we do not ever wish to repeat in life. A horrifying moment when our enemies prevailed, the ground beneath us shook, and the sun refused to shine. The fact that we lived to tell the story is a story in itself. It is a story we wouldn’t volunteer to repeat.
It makes it all the more amazing that Jesus volunteered for the cross experience. It was not an accident, but a part of God’s plan of salvation. Cicero called the cross, a cruel and horrifying means of death. Kausner, a Jewish scholar, called it a most terrible death, which man has ever devised for taking vengeance on humankind. Tacitus said it was simply despicable.
The cross was the fundamental point of the ministry of Jesus Christ. He was born with a cross in his future. He came to be our Savior on a cross. He came to give his life‘s blood on a cross to settle a debt that we owed for sins that we committed.
The cross was the destiny of Jesus. It was the reason for his coming, the culmination of his earthly ministry. It was also the capstone of his mission where he would reconcile Creator with the created. It was for him, the cross at any cost.
Jesus took the worst that life had to offer and dealt with it on the cross. He didn’t condone it, nor did he compromise his standard. He didn’t ignore our rebellion, nor did he dismiss his demands. He, who knew no sin, became sin for our sakes.
Jesus became the sacrificial lamb who takes away the sins of the world. He bore them boldly on the cross so that we could be redeemed. His blood covered our sins and God’s wrath was turned away.
Jesus took on death on the cross. The Bible declares that the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life. Jesus would rather go to hell for us than to go to heaven without us having traveling options. He put heaven, eternal life, within our reach with his death and resurrection.
What a joy that Jesus was willing to go through hell, take what hell had to offer by defeating sin, death and hell just for us! God is so touched by what God sees in us that instead of turning away, God would pay any price to save his children.
It is like the old story often told about a mother in a war torn country. The insurgents were coming close to the house that served as a sanctuary for her children and herself. She knew that all of them could not be saved so she told her children at her signal they were to run out the back door. Don’t look back, she admonished them.
When the soldiers neared her house, she gave the signal. As her children ran out the back door, she ran out the front door to distract the soldiers. The mother died a horrible death at the hands of the enemy, but her children were able to run to safety. The mother sacrificed her life so that those whom she loved would live. She gave up her life so her children could be saved.
That’s what Jesus does for us on the cross. While we were yet sinners, Jesus died on a cross for us. He took the worst our enemies offered, turning something bad into something good.
“At the cross, at the cross where I first saw the light, and the burdens of my heart rolled away. It was there by faith, I received my sight, and now I am happy all the day.” AMEC Hymnal
As presiding bishop of the 13th Episcopal District of the AME, Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie is a guiding example for women and church leaders throughout the country. Her messages can be heard online daily at www.thisisyourwakeupcallonline.com. For more information about Bishop Vashti McKenzie, log onto www.13thame.com
The Cross At Any Cost
Bishop Vashti McKenzie
All of us have had our moments on a cross - the crucifying experiences in our lives that we do not ever wish to repeat in life. A horrifying moment when our enemies prevailed, the ground beneath us shook, and the sun refused to shine. The fact that we lived to tell the story is a story in itself. It is a story we wouldn’t volunteer to repeat.
It makes it all the more amazing that Jesus volunteered for the cross experience. It was not an accident, but a part of God’s plan of salvation. Cicero called the cross, a cruel and horrifying means of death. Kausner, a Jewish scholar, called it a most terrible death, which man has ever devised for taking vengeance on humankind. Tacitus said it was simply despicable.
The cross was the fundamental point of the ministry of Jesus Christ. He was born with a cross in his future. He came to be our Savior on a cross. He came to give his life‘s blood on a cross to settle a debt that we owed for sins that we committed.
The cross was the destiny of Jesus. It was the reason for his coming, the culmination of his earthly ministry. It was also the capstone of his mission where he would reconcile Creator with the created. It was for him, the cross at any cost.
Jesus took the worst that life had to offer and dealt with it on the cross. He didn’t condone it, nor did he compromise his standard. He didn’t ignore our rebellion, nor did he dismiss his demands. He, who knew no sin, became sin for our sakes.
Jesus became the sacrificial lamb who takes away the sins of the world. He bore them boldly on the cross so that we could be redeemed. His blood covered our sins and God’s wrath was turned away.
Jesus took on death on the cross. The Bible declares that the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life. Jesus would rather go to hell for us than to go to heaven without us having traveling options. He put heaven, eternal life, within our reach with his death and resurrection.
What a joy that Jesus was willing to go through hell, take what hell had to offer by defeating sin, death and hell just for us! God is so touched by what God sees in us that instead of turning away, God would pay any price to save his children.
It is like the old story often told about a mother in a war torn country. The insurgents were coming close to the house that served as a sanctuary for her children and herself. She knew that all of them could not be saved so she told her children at her signal they were to run out the back door. Don’t look back, she admonished them.
When the soldiers neared her house, she gave the signal. As her children ran out the back door, she ran out the front door to distract the soldiers. The mother died a horrible death at the hands of the enemy, but her children were able to run to safety. The mother sacrificed her life so that those whom she loved would live. She gave up her life so her children could be saved.
That’s what Jesus does for us on the cross. While we were yet sinners, Jesus died on a cross for us. He took the worst our enemies offered, turning something bad into something good.
“At the cross, at the cross where I first saw the light, and the burdens of my heart rolled away. It was there by faith, I received my sight, and now I am happy all the day.” AMEC Hymnal
As presiding bishop of the 13th Episcopal District of the AME, Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie is a guiding example for women and church leaders throughout the country. Her messages can be heard online daily at www.thisisyourwakeupcallonline.com. For more information about Bishop Vashti McKenzie, log onto www.13thame.com
He Did That For Me
Monday, March 28, 2010 Print Article
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He Did That For Me
Alan Riley
Theologians have a fancy phrase for it... they call it "Substitutionary Atonement." What it means in plain English is that Jesus died on the cross paying the penalty for sin. From the beginning of the church, there has been a clear understanding of what Christ's death on the cross meant. It was not simply the unjust murder of an influential if somewhat unorthodox Jewish teacher on a Passover weekend. It was the only begotten Son of God willingly giving up His life to pay the price for sin. Your sin. My sin.
But for any truth to be a life-changing one, we must come to the place where it moves from being simple fact to being a truth that we embrace with our entire being. It is one thing to know that Jesus died for you, but another thing altogether for the full weight of that truth to become painfully clear to you. Someone once said this process involves making the 18-inch journey from your head to your heart.
I remember when I was 17 years old and a brand new Christian, so excited about my new-found faith. It was the Easter season, so the old movie "King of Kings" was on TV. When the movie showed the crucifixion, I was deeply moved as I saw Him beaten and mocked. As Jesus said, "Father forgive them, for they know not what they do," tears began to roll down my face. How could they have done this to Jesus? Why would they want to crucify Him? Why didn't He call down angels to destroy them all and save Him?
It was then for the first time in my walk with the Lord I clearly sensed the Holy Spirit speak to my heart, as clearly as if I had heard it audibly. Just five simple words that pieced my heart like a knife: "I did this for you."
For the first time the full weight of that truth hit me like a ton of bricks. It was my sin that put Him there. He suffered and He died in my place. He did that for me.
Many years later I was reminded of that experience again, as I saw someone else experience the same thing. We went with a group from church to see the film "The Passion of the Christ." I wept along with most everyone in the theatre as I watched a much more true to life depiction of Jesus' suffering and death. As we were leaving the theatre, I noticed a member of our church - a 92 year-old retired physician who walked with two canes - make his way to a seat in the lobby and begin sobbing loudly. Several of us walked over to him. No one said anything for a few moments. The doctor struggled to regain enough composure to speak. When he finally did, he cried out through his tears, "That was for me!"
How long has it been since the reality of God's grace and forgiveness reduced you to tears? When was the last time you wept over your sin and what it cost the Lord Jesus? For most of us it has been way too long.
I encourage you to get caught up - again, as if for the first time - in the awe and wonder of the fact that the only begotten Son of God would give His life for you.
Were the whole realm of nature mine, that were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life... my all.
Rev. Alan Riley is the Director of Web Operations for Streaming Faith and serves as the Managing Editor of StreamingFaith.com. He is an ordained Baptist Minister and a frequent contributor to the Streaming Faith Daily Devotional. His personal blog can be found at www.alansblog.com.
© Streaming Faith all rights reserved.
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He Did That For Me
Alan Riley
Theologians have a fancy phrase for it... they call it "Substitutionary Atonement." What it means in plain English is that Jesus died on the cross paying the penalty for sin. From the beginning of the church, there has been a clear understanding of what Christ's death on the cross meant. It was not simply the unjust murder of an influential if somewhat unorthodox Jewish teacher on a Passover weekend. It was the only begotten Son of God willingly giving up His life to pay the price for sin. Your sin. My sin.
But for any truth to be a life-changing one, we must come to the place where it moves from being simple fact to being a truth that we embrace with our entire being. It is one thing to know that Jesus died for you, but another thing altogether for the full weight of that truth to become painfully clear to you. Someone once said this process involves making the 18-inch journey from your head to your heart.
I remember when I was 17 years old and a brand new Christian, so excited about my new-found faith. It was the Easter season, so the old movie "King of Kings" was on TV. When the movie showed the crucifixion, I was deeply moved as I saw Him beaten and mocked. As Jesus said, "Father forgive them, for they know not what they do," tears began to roll down my face. How could they have done this to Jesus? Why would they want to crucify Him? Why didn't He call down angels to destroy them all and save Him?
It was then for the first time in my walk with the Lord I clearly sensed the Holy Spirit speak to my heart, as clearly as if I had heard it audibly. Just five simple words that pieced my heart like a knife: "I did this for you."
For the first time the full weight of that truth hit me like a ton of bricks. It was my sin that put Him there. He suffered and He died in my place. He did that for me.
Many years later I was reminded of that experience again, as I saw someone else experience the same thing. We went with a group from church to see the film "The Passion of the Christ." I wept along with most everyone in the theatre as I watched a much more true to life depiction of Jesus' suffering and death. As we were leaving the theatre, I noticed a member of our church - a 92 year-old retired physician who walked with two canes - make his way to a seat in the lobby and begin sobbing loudly. Several of us walked over to him. No one said anything for a few moments. The doctor struggled to regain enough composure to speak. When he finally did, he cried out through his tears, "That was for me!"
How long has it been since the reality of God's grace and forgiveness reduced you to tears? When was the last time you wept over your sin and what it cost the Lord Jesus? For most of us it has been way too long.
I encourage you to get caught up - again, as if for the first time - in the awe and wonder of the fact that the only begotten Son of God would give His life for you.
Were the whole realm of nature mine, that were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life... my all.
Rev. Alan Riley is the Director of Web Operations for Streaming Faith and serves as the Managing Editor of StreamingFaith.com. He is an ordained Baptist Minister and a frequent contributor to the Streaming Faith Daily Devotional. His personal blog can be found at www.alansblog.com.
© Streaming Faith all rights reserved.
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Saturday, March 27, 2010
Let Your Praise Outweigh Your Asking
Saturday, March 27, 2010 Print Article
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Let Your Praise Outweigh Your Asking
Bishop Keith Butler
Romans 4:20 - He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; (KJV)
God stayed with Abraham until he became strong in faith. Notice that being strong in faith has something that goes with it...to be strong in faith is to give God glory.
Well Abraham is giving God glory. Abraham is saying that he is a father of a great multitude. Sarah isn't pregnant yet. She hasn't gotten pregnant all these years. But he is giving God glory, and calling those things which be not as though they were. He is calling himself a father now; not going to be; but is father of a great multitude, now. And he is thanking God that he is.
Abraham gave God so much glory, that he became fully persuaded that God would perform what He said in His word.
When your praise outweighs your asking, you'll have your manifestation. You need to praise God, not just make confessions of faith. You need to praise Him because you believe the confession is so. Praise Him by saying, "I'm getting stronger everyday. I'm stronger today than I was yesterday, and I thank you for it, Father. I'm stronger in my mind, stronger in my body, stronger in my bones, stronger in every way, than I was yesterday; and thank you for it."
When Abraham followed Gods methodology for faith, he received the promise. Sarah conceived and gave birth to a son.
Now God is going to close the deal on the enemy. His word is in the earth. Jesus is born. Jesus walks the earth, and only says what God says. Jesus only speaks that which the Father tells Him to speak. And that is so important. The need to discipline your mouth cannot be overstated.
Practice saying what the Bible says when the pressure is on. It is so tempting to say the wrong thing when your emotions are high. But you have to deliberately say what God says and couple that with praise. Give God glory by praising Him in the middle of the crisis. Let it be said about you that you are strong in faith because you were able to control your tongue, and your praises outweighed your asking.
Scripture references: John 14:10; James 3:2-3; James 5:12
Bishop Keith A. Butler is the founder and pastor of Word of Faith International Christian Center in Southfield, MI, and Word of Faith Christian Center in San Antonio, TX. Bishop Butler ministers extensively in churches, conferences, and seminars throughout the U.S. and abroad with an emphasis on instruction and no-nonsense, practical application of God's Word. Click here to browse and purchase MP3 sermons by Bishop Keith Butler!
Leave a Comment
Let Your Praise Outweigh Your Asking
Bishop Keith Butler
Romans 4:20 - He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; (KJV)
God stayed with Abraham until he became strong in faith. Notice that being strong in faith has something that goes with it...to be strong in faith is to give God glory.
Well Abraham is giving God glory. Abraham is saying that he is a father of a great multitude. Sarah isn't pregnant yet. She hasn't gotten pregnant all these years. But he is giving God glory, and calling those things which be not as though they were. He is calling himself a father now; not going to be; but is father of a great multitude, now. And he is thanking God that he is.
Abraham gave God so much glory, that he became fully persuaded that God would perform what He said in His word.
When your praise outweighs your asking, you'll have your manifestation. You need to praise God, not just make confessions of faith. You need to praise Him because you believe the confession is so. Praise Him by saying, "I'm getting stronger everyday. I'm stronger today than I was yesterday, and I thank you for it, Father. I'm stronger in my mind, stronger in my body, stronger in my bones, stronger in every way, than I was yesterday; and thank you for it."
When Abraham followed Gods methodology for faith, he received the promise. Sarah conceived and gave birth to a son.
Now God is going to close the deal on the enemy. His word is in the earth. Jesus is born. Jesus walks the earth, and only says what God says. Jesus only speaks that which the Father tells Him to speak. And that is so important. The need to discipline your mouth cannot be overstated.
Practice saying what the Bible says when the pressure is on. It is so tempting to say the wrong thing when your emotions are high. But you have to deliberately say what God says and couple that with praise. Give God glory by praising Him in the middle of the crisis. Let it be said about you that you are strong in faith because you were able to control your tongue, and your praises outweighed your asking.
Scripture references: John 14:10; James 3:2-3; James 5:12
Bishop Keith A. Butler is the founder and pastor of Word of Faith International Christian Center in Southfield, MI, and Word of Faith Christian Center in San Antonio, TX. Bishop Butler ministers extensively in churches, conferences, and seminars throughout the U.S. and abroad with an emphasis on instruction and no-nonsense, practical application of God's Word. Click here to browse and purchase MP3 sermons by Bishop Keith Butler!
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