Easter Words - "Death"

“For this perishable part of us must put on the imperishable nature, and this mortal part of us, this nature that is capable of dying, must put on immortality – freedom from death. And when this perishable puts on the imperishable and this that was capable of dying puts on freedom from death, then Death is swallowed up, it is utterly vanquished forever, in and unto victory. O death, where is your victory? O Death, where is your sting? But thanks be to God, Who gives us the victory, making us conquerors through our Lord Jesus Christ” (I Corinthians 15:53-55,57) (Amp.). Jesus Christ’s death on the cross was the most significant death in all of history. There have been more books written about His death, more sermons preached, more songs sung, and more enactments than all commemorations ever given. His death has affected the life and after-life of all mankind, some for good, and some for eternal sorrow and torment (those who refused to believe in His death as payment for their eternal security). This belief in Christ’s shed blood became the crux and the crossroads of the Christian faith, for the Jew and all peoples. Death comes to all, but no king, dictator, deliverer, or no person of a notable life ever rose from the dead. Their death was final. But because Jesus Christ rose from the dead and now lives, to the Christian there is no “grim reaper,” just angels to usher us into the Father’s and the Son’s presence (Colossians 1:22). There is only the hope of all the joys of heaven to come. There is hope in the fact that the tears, sorrows disappointments and sin of this world will be forever gone. There is hope after death of forever living with Jesus, the Son, the Father, and our loved ones and friends who died before us. To a Christian, death, and all that goes with it, is utterly vanquished forever. It is “swallowed up in victory, so there is no sting.” Jesus’ death became the pivotal point from “the Law” to “grace,” from sacrifice of a lamb for our sins, to the eternal sacrifice of “The Lamb” (John 1:29). Jesus’ death meant we are free from the demands of the Law. Jesus’ death meant we can live in the power, gifts, joys and in His spiritual Kingdom NOW. Jesus’ death meant because of His resurrection and ascension to the Father, He sent His Holy Spirit to live with, and in, us forever, to empower, teach and lead us into all righteousness (right living). Believers can shout, “Hallelujah!” for the death of Jesus, His resurrection and that He now sits at the right hand of the Father God to intercede for us! And Can It Be (Charles Wesley) And can it be that I should gain an interest in the Savior’s blood? Died He for me, who caused His pain? For me, who Him to death pursued? Amazing love! How can it be that Thou, my God, should die for me? http://lightfrommywindow.blogspot.com

THE COST OF DISCIPLESHIP - "INTRODUCTION"

(Updated, September 12, 2014) There was a song back in the 40’s and 50’s which said, “The best things in life are free.” In the lyrics it mentions, “The moon belongs to everyone, The best things in life they're free, Stars belong to everyone, They cling there for you and for me, Flowers in spring, The robins that sings, The sunbeams that shine, They're yours and they're mine, Love can come to everyone, The best things in life, They're free.” These things are free – they are gifts from God for us to greatly enjoy! But nothing in this world we achieve or gain is worth having without great effort by someone. Anything that just cost money is “cheap.” And anything worth doing is worth doing well. “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might” (Ecc.9:10). These are a few statements that focus on the cost of a worthwhile life. Before we undertake a project, set a goal to achieve, spend time and money on something we wish to obtain, we should consider all that it will take to be successful in the final achievement. In Jesus’ teaching in Luke 14:27-30, He says we are to count the cost before our plans begin. He likens it to building any building, we first sit down and calculate the cost to see whether we have sufficient means to finish it. “Means” may include money, time, energy, goal setting, etc. Achievement will cost us something. There is also a cost to the Discipleship of Jesus. A disciple is one who is willing to follow the teaching, training and correction of another. After taking inventory of all it will cost to be “discipled,” we must ask ourselves the question, “Am I willing to pay the price it will cost to achieve that goal – to be like Jesus? Am I willing to lay the old life aside and be changed by the transforming power of the Holy Spirit, by whatever it takes?” So the question we need to ask ourselves as we start this study is, “Am I willing to pay the “price” to be “discipled” that I may grow into the perfect image of Jesus Christ?” If we answer this question in the affirmative and are willing to be disciplined (trained) by the Father, then we have begun a wonderfully progressive “journey” to being on “The Way” to a transformation into the likeness of Christ! Webster says to be “transformed” is “to change in character or condition.” When we are born again, as Jesus said in John 3:3, 6 ,“You must be born again of the Spirit,” we receive a new heart and spirit (Eze.36:26); we sing a new song (Rev.14:3); we have a new name (Isa.62:2); we are given a new commandment (John 13:34); we are a new creation in Christ, the old has passed away and behold the fresh and new has come. (II Cor.5:17); and we are to look for a new heaven and a new earth (II Pet.3:13)! Everything becomes new! Just as being “transformed” happens from inside out, being “conformed” happens from outside in. Webster’s says, to be conformed is “to be obedient or compliant.” It is being stuffed into a mold. Paul admonishes us in Romans 12:2, “Do not be conformed to this world (this age, fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs), but be transformed (changed) by the entire renewal of your mind by its new ideals and its new attitude, so that you may prove what is good and acceptable and perfect in His sight for you” (Amp.). Being “conformed” is being stuffed into the world’s “mold” by the opinions and pressures of our peers or society in general. But we, as Christ’s disciples, are to be transformed by “renewing our mind by the washing of the Word” (Eph.5:26), and having the “mind of Christ” (Phil.2:5), from the inside out. “Though our outer man is progressively decaying and wasting away, yet our inner self is being progressively renewed day by day” (II Cor. 4:16b). We are renewed by confessing our sins (I Jn.1:9); by putting on our new self (robe of righteousness), Eph.4:24). Renewing our mind is a choice. Just as when we dress every morning, it is a choice what we put on. We must be intentional in putting on our spiritual clothes. We will learn more completely how to put on Christ in this study. -1- A beautiful analogy of the transformation that takes place in all who are “born again” is the metamorphosis of a butterfly. The beautiful butterfly that we see flitting and fluttering around is the finished version of its complete metamorphosis. This beautiful creature starts as a small, round or oval egg, which the adult butterfly has laid on leaves of plants. When the egg finally hatches, you would expect a butterfly to emerge from this stage of its’ metamorphosis, but the egg is just the first stage. What emerges from the egg is the second stage – larva (caterpillar). Having the same markings as the adult butterfly, without knowing what it was we might think it was just a big worm and we would probably mash it. Caterpillars do not stay in this stage very long, and in this stage all they do is eat, starting on the leaf where it was “born.” It is very important that the mother butterfly lays her eggs on the type of leaf the caterpillar will eat. Caterpillars need to eat and eat so they can grow quickly. Their exoskeleton (skin) does not stretch or grow, so they grow by “molting” (shedding the outgrown skin) several times while it grows. The third stage of a butterfly’s metamorphosis is the chrysalis (cocoon), or pupa. This is one of the “coolest” stages of a butterfly’s life. As soon as a butterfly is done growing and they have reached their full length/weight, they form themselves into a pupa (cacoon), also known as a chrysalis. From the outside of the pupa, it looks as if the caterpillar may just be resting, but the inside is where all of the action is. Inside of the pupa, the caterpillar is rapidly changing. Now, as most people know, caterpillars are short, stubby and have no wings at all. Within the chrysalis the old body parts of the caterpillar are undergoing a remarkable transformation, called “metamorphosis,” to become the beautiful parts that make up the butterfly that will emerge. Tissue, limbs and organs of a caterpillar have all been changed by the time the pupa is finished, and is now ready for the final stage of a butterfly’s life cycle. Finally, when the caterpillar has done all of its forming and changing inside the pupa, you will see an adult butterfly emerge. When the butterfly first emerges from the chrysalis, both of the wings are going to be soft and folded against its body. This is because the butterfly had to fit all its new parts inside of the pupa. As soon as the butterfly has rested after coming out of the chrysalis, it will pump blood into the wings in order to get them working and flapping – then they get to fly. Usually within a three or four-hour period, the butterfly will master flying. When in the fourth and final stage of their lives, adult butterflies are constantly on the look out to reproduce, then the life cycle will start all over. What a perfect analogy of the Christian’s “born again” experience. We are “born again” to a living hope of one day being like our Father – to have His heart of unconditional love; to have the Father’s eyes that find the good in things and full of compassion; to have His lips that always speak Truth in love; to have His hands that serve and stroke the depressed and down trodden and lift them up; to have His feet that are always walking in paths of righteousness. We also are in our early stage of just feeding on the Word so we can grow and be strong in the Lord, throwing off the old habits and actions and putting on the new man created in God’s image in true righteousness and holiness (Eph.4:24). The transformation process can be a painful and costly thing. It is painful to see ourselves as we are with all our sins and warts, but as a Caterpillar Christian we must hide ourselves in the Father’s arms, which enfolds and holds us while we continue to change – throwing off the old, putting on the new and undergoing the Father’s discipline, but then being transformed into the beautiful creature that will come forth looking just like our Father. While we are being transformed our spiritual chrysalis is sometimes ugly but when our “metamorphosis” is complete we will come forth looking like Him. “When He comes we shall see Him as He is and we shall be like Him” (I Jn.3:2). They say the longer people live together they get to look more like each other. Whether that is true or not, the Truth is that the longer we spend time with Jesus and His Word (and obeying it) we become more like -2- Him – “we put on Christ” (Rom.13:14). “Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in us.” This transformation begins with “regeneration” – to be “born again.” Some newly “born again” believers remain weak, ineffective and immature because they have not been “discipled” and trained by the Word of God and how to submit to the discipline of the Lord or they have chosen to walk in their “old self” (the flesh) and not to be transformed by His work in them. Knowing God is the most glorious and most precious privilege mankind can personally experience, and “whosoever will” can have this experience. God created us to “know” Him and have a personal, experiential relationship with Him. Oh, the height and breadth of God’s love and mercy toward us, and His creation, is incomprehensible! He knows us completely - our thoughts, our motives, even every word before we speak them (Ps.139). But why does God want us to “know” Him? This is a deeply profound and difficult question to answer because He is so infinite in all His being and we are so finite in our comprehension. But since God created mankind to have a relationship with Him, He knew He must become “known” to us. He wanted us to know Him as our Heavenly Father, as our Redeemer and Savior, as our Provider, as our Protector, as our Friend and confidant, as our Comforter, as our Advocate and Defender, as our Righteousness, as our Peace that passes all understanding, and as our shelter in the storms of life. God wants us to know Him as our All in All! He knew that our knowing Him would be our greatest fulfillment, and our mutual fellowship would be His greatest enjoyment! There are steps and seasons in this journey of getting to “know” this God of the Universe – YHWY! To begin this journey of discipline, we must first of all come into a relationship with Jesus Christ by believing that He is Who He says He is (the Son of God and Savior of the world), and God the Father, and the Holy Spirit Who lives in us. By this life-changing event, of coming into a personal relationship with the living God, we come to know Him as “Savior” – this is the beginning of a learning process of getting to “Know” the everlasting God – the Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit)! God the Father has a special “filial” (offspring) relationship with those who have been born into His family through faith in Christ Jesus (the “Anointed Messiah”). In Romans 8:15 Paul encourages us to develop intimacy with our Heaven Father, “For the Spirit which you have now received is not a spirit of slavery to put you once more in bondage to fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption (the Spirit producing sonship) in which we cry, Abba (Father!)”(Amp.) Because of this “adoption” we are freed from this “fear” of damnation, but now we are free to walk in the knowledge of God’s love, and that the Son has paid the price to save us from the judgment of damnation for our sins, and the Holy Spirit lives within us to empower and teach us everything that pertains to life and godliness” (II Pet.1:2-8). God is the only god who has a personal, intimate relationship with His children (disciples, followers, devotees). As a result of that relationship with God the Father, there comes a love for Him, just as a naturally born child loves his father, good or bad. A former pastor said, “To know Him is to love Him!” To love Him is to have a desire to serve and obey His every Word (I Jn.5:3; Jn.14:21, 23). As we obey Him we get to know and experience His “faithfulness” in all of His attributes. We get to know that He is our “Refuge and Strength (mighty and impenetrable to temptation), a very present help in trouble (Ps.46:1).” As Paul so beautifully put it, “My determined purpose should be to know Him, become progressively more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly, and come to know the power out-flowing from His resurrection (which it exerts over believers), and to so share His sufferings as to be continually transformed (in spirit into His likeness) even to His death, and (in the hope) that if possible I may attain to the spiritual and moral resurrection that lifts me out from among the dead, even while in the body” (Phil.3:10). Charles Stanley has written, “One of Christianity’s basic principles is that the more we know of the Lord, the more we want to learn of Him. When we receive new knowledge of God, our desire for Him will be kindled like dry twigs touched by a flame. And the more we seek to learn about Him, the more we will want to know.” -3- God in His unfathomable love for us, His children, “has shone in our hearts so as to beam forth the Light for the illumination of the knowledge of the majesty and glory of God as it is manifest in the Person and is revealed in the face of Jesus Christ the Messiah (II Cor. 4:6). In Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians he says, “I always pray to the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, that He may grant you a spirit of wisdom, and revelation into the mysteries of the deep and intimate knowledge of Him, by having the eyes of your heart flooded with light, so that you can know and understand the hope to which He has called you, and how rich is His glorious inheritance in the saints. And so you can know what is the immeasurable greatness of His power in and for us who believe, as demonstrated in the working of His mighty strength, which He exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His own right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule, authority, power, dominion and every name that is named, not only in this age and in this world, but also in the age and the world which are to come. And He has put all things under His feet and has appointed Him the universal and supreme Head of the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him Who fills all in all, for in that body lives the full measure of Him Who makes everything complete, and Who fills everything everywhere with Himself (Ephesians 1:17-23 Amp.). That we, mere humans, could “know” our Creator in such depth, height and width is just incomprehensible! To truly “see” Jesus Christ, our Savior, is to be illuminated with the knowledge of His majesty and glory, and we can do nothing but to fall at His feet in humility and worship. (Read my blog written on February 28, 2008, entitled, “Have You Looked Into His Face.” (http://lightfrommywindow.blogspot.com). By looking into His face by the illumination of the knowledge of Him, as seen in God’s Word, we will be transformed (Rom.12:1), by presenting all our members and faculties as a living sacrifice, holy (consecrated) and well pleasing to God. Dying to self in order to be “transformed” is costly – it costs us everything, all that we are and all we ever hope to be. Remember, “The Spirit within gives us love, power and self discipline” (II Tim.1:7). The knowledge of Him gives us power for life and godliness” (II Pet.1:3). The knowledge of Him gives us power to overcome sin in this life (Rom.8:1-16). The knowledge of Him gives us power to become like Jesus (to become godlike). Is that your desire and purpose? If so, you will learn self discipline (II Tim.1:7), and welcome the Father’s discipline (Heb.12:10-11). He disciplines us with His Word (II Tim. 3:16). Back to the initial question – “Are you willing to pay the cost to be transformed?” Do you want to know God personally, become His disciple, and learn of Him. If you do, accept Him and trust Him as your only Savior and way to eternal life, the rest of your life will become a marvelous and adventurous journey! This is your choice. The cost of being a disciple of Jesus is the continual “putting off the old self” and “putting on the new self” (Eph.4:22-24), this takes a disciplined life. It is like changing your clothes – you take off the old, soiled and ragged clothes of the old self and put on the new beautiful “robe of righteousness” of the new self. Just like the butterfly, you will emerge with your new beautiful clothes - looking like your Father. -4-

Twenty Six Days of Advent - "Z" - "Zenith"

December 25, 2013 “Because He stooped so low, God has exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee must bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:9-11) When I was little we would come home from school and lie in front of our Zenith console radio to listen to some exciting shows – “Superman,” “Tom Mix,” “I Love a Mystery,” “Stella Dallas,” etc. At that time I didn’t know the meaning of the word or its implications, but I just thought “Zenith” was the name of our radio. The Zenith company knew what the word meant and by using that name was inferring that their product was the top of the line. Since that time long ago the Zenith name and product have become archaic, and also since that time I have learned its meaning, and although I never use the word, except today when I needed a word beginning with “Z” to end my Twenty Six Days of Advent. As I thought about the word “Zenith” I began to see it is very appropriate to apply to Jesus and Who He is. Zenith means all that Jesus is – every superlative applies. Even before He came to earth He was already the El Elyon, “the God most high” - “the King of kings, the strongest Strong One, the Maker of heaven and earth.” He was (and is) El Shaddai, “the Almighty all sufficient God.” He was Adonai – “Lord, Master, Sovereign.” He already was El Roi –“the God Who sees.” He was Elohim – “the faithful, covenant keeping God,” He will never fail! When Jesus came to earth, He came as Jehovah – “our Savior” Who is “the self-existent One Who reveals Himself.” Jesus came with all the redemptive names of Jehovah (which means Savior). Even His name is above all names, it is the Zenith of names (Phil.2:9-11). At this blessed day, let’s meditate on this Name of names. This precious baby had within His DNA all these attributes, because He was Jehovah God! Jesus is Jehovah-Rohi – “our Shepherd, Who is our guide, provider, friend, protector, and deliverer” (Psalm 23). Jesus is Jehovah-Shalom – “our Peace, the Prince of Peace” (Isa.9:6), this peace the world did not give and it cannot take away – Blessed be the name of the Lord Jesus. Jesus is Jehovah-Tsidkenu – “Our Righteousness” (Jer.33:16). We become righteous by no other name. Jesus is Jehovah-M’Kaddish – “The Lord Who sanctifies you” (Lev.20:7-8). He is the only One Who can wash us from our sins and set us apart for only His service. Jesus is Jehovah-Jireh – “Our Provider” – He provides our needs, spirit, soul, and body (Genesis 22:14). Jesus is Jehovah-Ropha – “My Healer” – (Exodus 15:26 & Isaiah 53:5). Jesus is Jehovah-Nissi – “My Banner of victory” – (Exodus 17:15). He causes us to triumph in all things in Christ Jesus (II Corinthians 2:14). Jesus is Jehovah-Shammah – “God is there” (Jeremiah 42:11). He will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). Jesus is Jehovah-Sabaoth – “The Lord of Hosts” (Isaiah 1:24). He is the One Who will the lead the armies of the Lord against our enemy, Satan, and all his powers of darkness. When Jesus came to earth as a baby, He began His climb to the zenith of His purpose for coming – the Cross and the salvation it brought to mankind. Wouldn’t you agree that Jesus is the Zenith, the top of the line, the apex of any human who ever lived, or any god who was ever worshipped? He deserves all of our devotion and worship!! “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus – there’s just something about that name. Master, Sovereign, Jesus, like the fragrance after the rain. Jesus, Jesus, Jesus – let all heaven proclaim. Kings and kingdoms will all pass away, But there’s something about that name.” (Bill and Gloria Gaither) Because of Him we can have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!

Twenty Six Days of Advent - "Y" - "Yes"

December 24, 2013 “In Him it is always the divine “Yes.” For as many as are the promises of God, they all find their, ‘Yes’ answer in Christ. For this reason we also utter the Amen (so be it) to God in His Person and by His agency to the glory of God.” (II Corinthians 1:19-20) (Amp.) When the Father said, “Yes,” to the heart cry of humanity for their need of a Savior, He fulfilled that “Yes” (promise) when He sent Jesus. God said, “Yes,” in Isaiah 9:6 to giving His heavenly Son to be born as an earthly son – what condescension! How was this “Yes” fulfilled? It tells in Luke 2. “In those days,” (Luke 2:1) Caesar Augustus ruled his vast empire with treacherous control. But he did not know God’s “Yes” that Jesus, the King of Kings, would be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2), in Caesar’s own kingdom, and that this “Yes” would be the ruler not only in Israel but of the whole world. “Yes,” the sovereign God was at work to bring the Savior into the world at the “Yes” (promised) time and in the “Yes” (promised) place. The Father said, “Yes,” to His Son being born in a dirty stable where the animals were kept and fed; and to humble parents; in the insignificant city of David - Bethlehem. The Father said, “Yes,” to the humble, obscure shepherds to be the first to hear the joyous announcement of His Son’s birth by the angels of heaven (Luke 2:11). The Father said, “Yes,” to creating a unique star for the wise men to follow to the place where the baby Jesus lay (Matt.2:1-2). The whole of Jesus’ life was a fulfillment of all the “Yeses” in the Old Testament. Now today the Father is orchestrating the fulfillment of every “Yes” (promise) He directed toward us, His children. As we accept His promises we can say “Yes” (amen – so be it) to demonstrate our faith in the promises of “Yes” regarding our requests in His Name and in His will. One of my favorite words is, “Yes.” “Yes” is so positive; it gives such a feeling of satisfaction knowing our request has fallen on listening and giving ears. My favorite “Yes” comes from my Father God. When He answers “Yes,” I can be assured that my request is in His will, and according to His promises. His “Yes, but wait” should not try my patience in wanting my request now, but I can be confident that in His perfect time, His “Yes” will be on the way and will be beautiful and fulfilling when it arrives (Eccl.3:11). If we meet these requirements when we come to the Father with our requests, we can be assured that He hears us and His answer will be, “Yes.” “And I myself will grant (say “Yes” to) whatever you ask in my name (as presenting all that I AM), so that the Father may be glorified through the Son” (John 14:13-14). The Father says “Yes” because our request has been filtered through the Son, and for which all that His name stands. In all this asking and answering the Father is shown to be faithful to His promises. His mercies, truth, love, graciousness, forgiveness, and all His attributes are proven and confirmed – all with His answer “Yes.” No problem to which we seek an answer, nor any need for which we are asking supply, will be ignored when we come in the name of Jesus, asking according to His will. The answer will always be “Yes.” Aren’t you glad He said, “Yes!” Let’s say, “Yes” to Him. “Yes, I’ll sing the wondrous story of the Christ who died for me. Sing it with the saints in glory, gathered by the crystal sea.” – Francis Rowley

Twenty Six Days of Advent - "X" - "X Marks the Spot"

December 23, 2013 “So the shepherds went with haste and by searching found Mary and Joseph, and the Baby lying in a manger” (Luke 2:16). The phrase, “X” marks the spot,” has been around a long time, and many are the claims to its origin. The earliest newspaper photography used an “X” to mark the scene of the crime. “X” is marked by pirates in the place where treasure had been found. “X” marked the spot in navigation searches. Also “X” is a gene expression having to do with the “X” chromosome. So you see “X” is an important directional pointer. Although a literal “X” is not used, a figurative “X” marks many spots of Biblical importance in the life of Jesus. We’ll start with Bethlehem; this is the spot of Joseph’s and Mary’s city of registration, as told in Luke 2:3. The shepherds were in the fields watching over their flocks by night. On that night that was the spot to be (Luke 2:17). The highest heavens and on earth are the spots where the angels glorified God concerning Jesus the Messiah’s birth. Was that concert just for the shepherds or did anyone else hear? The shepherds were in the right spot at the right time! (Luke 2:13-14). The place of Jesus’ birth and where the shepherds found the baby Jesus was the manger – a simple feeding trough for the farmer’s cattle (Luke 2:12). Mary’s heart was a spot of purity and praise and a place of pondering all these marvelous things (Luke 1:46-55 & Luke 2:19). It was not clear where they stayed until the time of Jesus’ circumcision and to present Him to the Lord, and the time for Mary’s purification, but the spot for these rituals were in the temple in Jerusalem(Luke 2:21). What a holy place that was! Jerusalem and the temple were important spots throughout the life of Jesus. As already mentioned, it was the place of His dedication, to present Him to the Lord, along with the place they gave their sacrifices for the birth of their Son (Luke 2:22-24). Also it was in the temple in Jerusalem that Simeon, a righteous and devout man, who was filled with the Holy Spirit, was waiting for the coming of the promised Consolation of Israel, Israel’s Salvation and Light to the Gentiles, and when Jesus was brought into the temple, Simeon took Him up in His arms and praised God for letting him see their Messiah; and he blessed Mary and Joseph (Luke 2:25-35). Also, it was in the temple that a widow prophetess came at the same hour. She had not gone out of the temple enclosure for eighty four years but stayed worshipping, praying and fasting. She gave thanks to God and told everyone who was looking for their Redeemer (vs.36-38). What a place to be! Nazareth, their home, became a spot where Jesus learned obedience and He grew physically, in wisdom, in understanding and in favor with God and man (Luke 2:51). The “X” that marked the spots for Jesus teaching were in many places: in the mountains (Matt.5:1-7:29), the temple (Matt.26:55), and wherever He had anyone who would listen (Luke 13:22). After the resurrection He taught the apostles on a mountain in Galilee to which He had directed them to go (Matt.28:16-20). The Hillsides and rooms of lodging became Jesus’ sanctuaries for Prayer. They were spots of solitude – on the mountains (Luke 6:12, in the wilderness (Luke 5:16). Gethsemane was not only a place of prayer but an infamous spot of betrayal by Judas (Matthew 26:36-57). The cross was even a spot for prayer for His executioners (Luke 23:34). Oh, the wonderful Cross – it was a spot of suffering and death but also a place of salvation, redemption and mercy (Matt. 27:27-54). Then after Jesus’ death they took Him to that spot in a borrowed tomb gently laid Him (Matt.27:57-60. The guards thought they had closed the door of the tomb with a stone, but that stone that covered the door was rolled away and the spot where He lay was empty (Matt.27:62-28:6). Because that spot was empty we can know that we will live again! After the resurrection, wherever Jesus went became spots of comfort – to Mary at the tomb, to the two on the road to Emmaus, to the eleven apostles at the dining table (Mark 16:9-15) Bethany - what a fitting spot for Jesus Christ’s ascension. Bethany was where Jesus had raised Lazarus, His friend, from the dead. It was where He had spent many warm and wonderful times with His friends, Lazarus, Mary and Martha. Now again in the presence of the apostles and others, He blessed them and was taken up into heaven (Luke 24:50-51). We will never be in the same spots, with the same people, at the same time, but we can believe in three spots: the first is the manger with the virgin birth; and the second spot is the cross, which took His life on this earth – He died for us, and the third is the empty tomb – He’s alive! If we trust in these three facts of faith, then “X” will mark a spot for us in heaven forever.

Twenty Six Days of Advent - "W" - "Why Did Jesus Come?"

December 22, 2013 “We have seen and know positively that the Son of God has actually come to this world and has given us understanding and come to know better and more clearly Him Who is true; and we are in Him Who is true – in His Son, Jesus Christ the Messiah. This Man is the true God and Life eternal” (I John 5:20). A common question to a curious mind is, “WHY?” Many of the young and old, educated and uneducated are just as inquisitive about the known and unknown. I have always been a very inquisitive person, wanting to know the whys and wherefores to all kinds of things; “why” for things I don’t understand the reason or purpose; and “how” and “where,” for more information. Our “whys” about the Father, Jesus, the Holy Spirit and about spiritual things, are to satisfy our spiritual need to “know” God and His ways. I am sure people from time immemorial have asked the questions, Why do we need a Savior? - and Why did the Father choose Jesus of Nazareth to be our Savior? - and “Why did Jesus come?” God’s Word gives us the answers: 1) In Mark 10:45, Jesus came to teach us by example how to serve and be a servant. 2) He came to “Destroy the works of the devil” (I John 3:8). 3) He also came to fulfill the Father’s plan for us to be adopted into the Family of God (Ephesians 1:5). 4) Also Christ came to introduce us to the Holy Spirit Who was to be the “down- payment” of our inheritance and our acquiring complete possession of our redemption (Ephesians 1:14). 5) Another reason for Jesus’ coming, was to have the unity of all things to be consummated in Him, both things in heaven and things on the earth; and for God’s grace to be poured out on us in the Beloved (Ephesians 1:6-10). 6) Isaiah 42:6-7 says that Jesus came to fulfill the promise for a covenant to the people of Israel and for a light to the Gentiles. 7) Jesus came to give us life abundantly (John 10:10), and He was born to save sinners (I Timothy 1:15). 8) Jesus said that He had come to show us the Father because He and the Father are one. (John 14:9) 9) He came to do the Father’s work (John 5:36), to open the eyes of the blind, to bring out prisoners from the dungeon, and those who sit in darkness from the prison.(Isa.42:7) 10) Jesus Christ came to satisfy the Father’s need for a pure and holy sacrifice for the people He had created and loved and wanted to call His own (I John 4:10). 11) He came to make it possible that whosoever would believe in Him would be saved (John 3:16). Why does God love us so much that He sent His own unique Son to bring reconciliation between God and man and to do all these things for us that we’ve mentioned? We probably will never know the answer to those questions, we just accept the fact that “God is love” and He does love us with an everlasting, unconditional love, and we should just bask in His mercy and grace. Why? John M. Moore Why did they nail Him to Calvary’s tree? Why? Tell me why was He there? Jesus the Helper, the Healer, the Friend – Why? Tell me why was He there? Why should He love me, a sinner undone? Why? Tell me, why should He care? I do not merit the love He has shown – Why? Tell me, why should He care? Why should I linger afar from His love? Why? Tell me, why should I fear? Somehow I know I should venture and prove – Why? Tell me, why should I fear? All my iniquities on Him were laid – He nailed them all to the tree; Jesus the debt of my sin fully paid – He paid the ransom for me.

Twenty Six Days of Advent - "V" "Victory in Jesus"

December 21, 2013 “For whatever is born of God is victorious over the world; and this is the victory that conquers the world, even our faith.” (I John 5:4) They say that more people, even Christians, deal with chronic depression more than any other emotional problem. But Christians have more to be “up” about than any people in the world. How can this be? But for reasons of clinical depression, many are just ignorant of Whose they are in Christ and that Satan has come to steal their peace and sense of well being by feeding into their minds condemnation over past sins, fearful thoughts of the future and a strong sense of self- consciousness rather than God consciousness. Satan wins the battle of the mind when we listen to his accusing and doubtful thoughts instead of putting in our hearts what God has said about us, His children. We must learn to look at ourselves, and our circumstances, and our world like God sees them. He looks at us with eyes of love, and those eyes see victory over Satan. Jesus was born into this world in the worst circumstances possible, except for the fact that He was loved and wanted by His parents. As He grew physically, He also grew strong in the knowledge of Who He was. He knew He had a purpose in this life and lived every day to reach His victorious goal. Satan tried to make Him fall and be led aside from His purpose by tempting Him in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-10). But Jesus was victorious over all of them because He knew Who He was (the Son of God); He recognized His enemy’s tactics (deceit and appealing to His flesh – pride) and He defeated His enemy with the Word of God. Christ had His greatest victory at the cross when He said, “It is finished” (John 19:30). His purpose for coming to earth was finished; the plan of our salvation was finished – He was victorious over sin, the grave and hell! By trusting in God’s Word we can be victorious in all our temptations. If we obey His commandments God has made us the “head and not the tail, above and not beneath” (Deut.28:13). If we trust in Him and His strength, He will cause us to “run through a troop and jump over a wall” (II Samuel 22:30). “We can do all things through Christ Who gives us the strength” (Phil.4:13). Christ is our strength and courage and enables us to be victorious in all things. He leads us to triumph in all things (II Cor.2:14). Romans 8:35-37 tells us that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ, but in all things we are more than conquerors through Him that loves us. The end of “the Book” tells us that we who are in Christ have the victory over all Satanic powers (Rev.15:2) One of Jesus’ names is, Jehovah-Nissi, which means His banner of love, and love never fails, it is always victorious (SS 2:4). As long as we march to His drumbeat and step in His steps, and rely on His strength, courage and trust, we cannot be defeated; we will always have victory in Jesus! Our final victory will be when we stand before Him without spot or wrinkle, with clean hands and a pure heart – all because of our victorious Jesus! There will be no more depression, no more temptations to overcome, no more heartaches or tears – just victory! When it seems we cannot go on; we feel defeated, discouraged and depressed; we don’t know which way to turn; we feel like we are in a night of blackness – that is the time to turn to the Light. Jesus is the Light; He is our hope; He is the answer. Only in Him is there victory! “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning” (Ps. 30:5b). Jesus is the good news Isaiah talks about in chapter sixty one. The good news is that Jesus has come to heal the brokenhearted; to proclaim liberty to the physical and spiritual captives and the opening of the prison of the eyes to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of His favor and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn. To grant joy instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a heavy, burdened and failing spirit. We will be called “oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord – strong, overcoming and magnificent.” What He plants cannot be destroyed! Even death is swallowed in victory (I Cor 15:51-57)! We always have victory in Jesus! “Then Came The Morning” Bill Gaither Then came the morning, shadows vanished away before the sun, Death had lost and life had won, for morning had come.