Today marks the 1500 devotional I’ve written over the last 4 1/2 years. What would have happened if I had not asked…not sought…not knocked? God tells us He will supply all our needs…all we have to do is supply the trust. And in additional to that, we need to have the insight to realize what we “want” may not be what we need. As I look back today at how He’s worked in my life with Safetypinlove, I see the plan and purpose He had for me when I first asked, sought, and knocked.
Month: April 2017
Luke 2: 51-52 ” Then He went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But His mother treasured all these things in her heart. And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.”
Even at twelve years old, Jesus had the plan and purpose for His life laid out in front of Him. But He was also the young son of His parents, Mary and Joseph, and He honored them by His submission and obedience. Many times in our own life we’ll encounter situations that we just don’t understand, but we know they’re of the Lord. That’s when we submit anyway…we obey anyway…we honor anyway.
Matthew 28:6 “He is not here; He has risen, just as He said.”
Don’t look for Him in the tomb.
Don’t look for Him in the ground.
Don’t look for Him among the dead.
Don’t look for Him bound.
Jesus has risen to new life…resurrected from the grave…no longer held by the grip of death. Jesus has risen, and with Him, the hope of eternal life for us.
John 18:27 ” Again Peter denied it, and at that moment a rooster began to crow.”
Several Chapters earlier in John, Jesus had rebuked Peter’s declaration of solidarity – even to the point of dying with Jesus, by saying, “Will you really lay down your life for Me? I tell you the truth, before the rooster crows, you will disown Me three times.” The moment that rooster crowed, Peter realized just how fickle the human race could be. And as the sound of the crowing continued, Peter began to sink deeply into fear and grief as tears fell…for he profoundly realized – he had disowned the Lord.
Mark 14:18 ” While they were reclining at the table eating, He said, ‘ I tell you the truth, one of you will betray Me – one who is eating with Me.’ “
Unfortunately, Jesus could say this of many of us. We like to hang out with Jesus, but when the going gets tough, we break faith. Fear, embarrassment, not wanting to offend, wishing to be politically correct will all cause us to deny Him to some degree. When someone questions our religion, or mocks our Christian walk we cave and shy away from taking a stand. Yes, we love to just hang with Jesus…but only when we’re not forced into a difficult situation and have to choose.
Matthew 26: 31 ” Then Jesus told them, ‘ This very night you will all fall away on account of Me, for it is written: I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ “
Jesus wasn’t chastising the Disciples, He was simply speaking the truth, and fulfilling the prophecy spoken of from Zechariah. Jesus Christ is our Good Shepherd…the one Who cares for, watches over, and provides for the welfare of His flock…Christian Believers everywhere.
Hebrews 10: 11-12 ” Day after day every Priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when this Priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, He sat down at the right hand of God.”
We can’t save ourselves. We can try, and try, and try…but nothing we’ll ever do can rescue us from hell. We need a Savior…a High Priest that offered the ultimate sacrifice on our behalf…Himself on the Cross…once for all. And in doing so, gave us the greatest gift ever…the gift of eternal life. Jesus Christ is the only answer for this dying world…will you turn to Him today?
We’ve got to live: Submissive in His authority.
Jesus Christ has all authority both on earth and in heaven. (Matthew 28:18)…so why is it so hard to yield our will to His? In our head we know He has supreme rule…but our rebellious nature would rather do things our way than submit…our pride and arrogance would rather rule than surrender. We need to remember that submission to God’s authority is the beginning of freedom not slavery.
We’ve got to live: Keeping His Gospel in view.
What’s on your calendar this coming week? If it’s like most, you’ll be busy with meetings at work, kid’s sports practices and music lessons, and maybe some volunteer work. So my question to you is, how can you bring the Gospel into the center of your hectic week? The Lord has charged us with the duty of proclaiming the Gospel to others. (Romans 15:16) He also insists that we not be ashamed of declaring the Gospel. (Romans 1:16) So how can we bring God into the picture in a non-preachy way? Sometimes, it’s by what we not do. Our greatest impact for the Lord could be by not joining in the gossip mill at work…by not degrading co-workers or referees, or by not using bad language in front of children. By simply encouraging others rather than discouraging them, you’ll be speaking the Gospel Message loud and clear.
We’ve got to live: Mindfully of His plan.
In Philippians 2:13 it says, “For it is God Who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose.” The Lord has a specific plan and purpose for each one of us. He takes our gifts, talents, and passions…which are totally unique to just us, and executes a perfect plan for our life. Our job is to be ever cognizant of His leading, listening to that still small voice, and following the path laid out before us.
Safetypinlove 