FATHER - It's Your Day!

We honor You...We esteem You...We love You...

Fathers generally hold a special place in our hearts that is so unique, it is hard to define. 

I suppose that has to do with the fact that they are quite often the first true male role model we have in our earthly family.

For the newborn, the toddler, and the young child - Dad is the main man.  He is the one you cuddle-up with in his over sized easy chair. He is the one who holds your tiny hands as he leads you across the room step by step. He plays peek-a-boo and chases you through the house as you squeal in delight. He tucks you in bed and scares away bad dreams and dreaded monsters in the closet. He reads you stories and answers endless questions. He stands guard as you venture out into your strange new world...

Our heavenly Father likewise cares for us - both in the natural world and the spiritual realm.

When we are hurting and venerable, we can approach our Abba (daddy) and crawl up into His lap of mercy. There we feel secure and safe. When we acknowledge His positional sovereignty, we begin to grasp His great power and authority. As the child's song Jesus Loves Me says, "We are weak - but He is strong".

In Luke 12:32 Jesus says, "Do not fear little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom."

Our heavenly Father longs for us to solely rely upon Him. Our efforts apart from Him are futile and empty. When we give Him our availability - He will give us our ability to do what He has called us to do. He is our advocate and counselor. He is our teacher and mentor. All of our dreams and desires are nestled safely in our God ordained destiny.

Celebrate this Father's Day knowing that your heavenly Father rejoices in the day your were born. 

God longs to make us children of His Kingdom. He draws us unto Himself and awaits our spiritual rebirth. We were created for His good pleasure and fellowship. Celebrate that relationship.

Here are a couple of past posts to read and share with others for Father's Day

A Tribute to my Dad on Father's Day

Military Dad Far From Home

Finally, when life is pressure filled and complicated  - make time with your Father and sit in His presence. I enjoy visualizing sitting in a tranquil garden communing with my heavenly Father.

Imagine the wonderment, the serenity, the beauty...

Smell the flowers' fragrant scent. Listen to the trickling water as it flows downstream. Gaze upon the colorful flora. Listen to the cheerful singing of the birds. Feel the gentle breezes on your cheek. Touch the grassy carpet beneath your feet. Engage your full senses as you rest in His creation.

Psalm 46:10 tells us to, "be still and know He is God."  That means stilling your mind and thoughts. Let His holy Word infuse you with truth and life. Meditate on His goodness, His faithfulness, and His promises.

Have a journal nearby to write out questions or jot down Scriptures that come to mind. Pour your heart out to Him as the psalmist David did. Be real with God - after all, He knows your inner most thoughts. He knows your pain and your disappointments. He loves you with His perfect love...

Jesus prayed for all believers in John 17:24 

 "Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world."

Enjoy the hymn "In the Garden" as sung by Alan Jackson... 

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. 

Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

FATHER - It's Your Day!

A Sure Foundation - Moving Ahead in the New Year

As the New Year approaches, it would be a good time to talk about spiritual “foundations” and what that means for the Christian.

A foundation is a prepared base or support for a structure to be built on. In days of old, when a new building in town was to be constructed, a foundation stone was laid with great fanfare, often in a public ceremony. Many times during a ground-breaking ceremony, a local dignitary would symbolically put a shovel into the dirt and pose for a picture to commemorate the event.

The foundation is the most important part of any building. The materials and work on a slab foundation is literally “set in stone”, and has no room for errors. In this type of foundation wooden forms are built which then hold the poured concrete. A footing trench is dug around the perimeter to provide added thickness along the end of the slab. These edges are stress prone and the weakest point of the foundation. Usually sand or gravel is spread below where the concrete is poured. This technique prevents the slab from sinking under the weight of the concrete. A vapor barrier is usually installed above the sand or gravel, and wire mesh is placed in the center of the slab with rebar (steel rods) in the footing areas to add rigidity and prevent cracking.

The following 1st stanza and refrain from this famous hymn passionately conveys this spiritual truth…

The Solid Rock - by Edward Mote (c.1834)

My hope is built on nothing less

Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;

I dare not trust the sweetest frame,

But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.

Refrain:

On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;

All other ground is sinking sand,

All other ground is sinking sand.

Scripture tells us that JESUS is the “Chief Cornerstone” of our faith. Isaiah 28:16-17 says, “Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; Whoever believes will not act hastily. Also I will make justice the measuring line and righteousness the plummet…” Peter quotes both Isaiah and the Psalms in I Peter 2:6-7. He states, “Behold, I lay in Zion a chief cornerstone, elect, precious, and he who believes on Him will be no means be put to shame.” Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient, “The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone.”

In Matthew 21, Jesus tells the parable of the Landowner while He was teaching in the temple. He was speaking to the Chief priests and Pharisees. He then quoted Psalm 118:22-23 and said, “Did you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes’? Christ Himself is the Cornerstone of the Church – and was dismissed by the Jews. He came first to the lost sheep of Israel, only to be rejected, mocked and executed by those who heard His message in that day.

In Acts 4, Peter is preaching to the Sanhedrin, quoting familiar scriptures from Isaiah. He then says, “Nor is there salvation is any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” His audience marveled at his and John’s preaching, noting that they were uneducated and untrained, but yet spoke with great power and boldness.

The Apostle Paul takes time in Corinth to teach on the concept of the right foundation. In I Corinthians 3:9-14 Paul explains the importance of a sure and righteous foundation: “For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building. According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now, if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one’s work will become manifest; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward.”  Paul also stressed to his readers that if their work was destroyed by fire, they themselves would be saved, though refined by the flames. Either way – we must be sure our faith and works are built on the solid foundational truths of Jesus Christ and His Gospel.

The New Year is quickly approaching. This is the point of it all: You need a firm foundation to move ahead as a Christian to effectively reach a lost and perishing world. For some, this Christmas was the beginning of a long and fruitful Christian life. For others, a recommitment to Christ is what is needed. Paul knew and preached that salvation was by faith, through grace alone. He knew that justification was through a belief on Jesus, the Son of God. He taught us to “count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus… that we might know Him and the power of His resurrection.”

The New Year brings opportunity for a renewed “God Purpose” – a fine-tuning of our Christian basics. We need to be sure we have a solid biblical foundation to launch out from in 2011.

Here are a few things we need to inspect with regards to our own foundation:

~ Discipleship opportunities and Bible Study
~ Decision making, obedience and submission to God’s leading
~ Discernment, wisdom and stewardship
~ Fellowship, outreach and ministry
~ Charity, hospitality and good works

If Jesus came to do a foundation inspection, would you pass the test?

 Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. 

Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

A Sure Foundation - Moving Ahead in the New Year

Mary, Did You Know? Through Her Eyes...

As Christmas approaches and we celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, I began thinking more about His mother, Mary, and what was going through her mind. Maybe it’s because I am a first-time Grandma. I remember when I gave birth to our son – gazing into his little face – wondering what the future held for him. No doubt my daughter-in-law had many moments after their daughter’s birth, when she envisioned her life’s journey in the days ahead.

Read the first stanza (below) of the song, “Mary, did you know?” by Mark Lowry, and keep in mind what Mary might have been thinking as she awaited the birth of her firstborn…

Mary did you know, that your baby boy would one day walk on water?

Mary did you know, that your baby boy would save our sons and daughters?

Did you know, that your baby boy was come to make you new;

That this child that you delivered, would soon deliver you?

Oh Mary, did you know?

Mary and Joseph were in Bethlehem because of the census that Caesar Augustus had decreed. The rich lush fields and meadows surrounding Bethlehem, or as it is known in Hebrew, “House of Bread”, is where Ruth, Jesse and David lived, overlooking picturesque valleys and farmlands, as sheep grazed on the hillside. This is the birth place of the Baby, Who would later boldly declare, “I Am the Bread of Life” (John 6:35; 51). This is where the shepherds had received a message from an angel of the Lord. They were to go and seek out the newly born babe, and pay Him homage, right there in their own backyard. The Lamb of God was born in a stable a short distance from where flocks of sheep were bedded down for the night.  When they shared what the angel had said to them with the new parents and others, everyone marveled. Scripture tells us that “Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart” (Luke 2:19).

I imagine Mary looked lovingly down at her baby boy and whispered, “Welcome to the world, my Son. Be at peace. Your dad and I are here – and will always be here for You. We love You so much!” I’m sure she vividly recalled the moment when an angel of the Lord visited her with the announcement, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!” She no doubt shook her head as she remembered him saying, “And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.” What a journey it had been. She had surely seen the Lord God move in miraculous ways since that first greeting by His holy messenger.

Looking through Mary’s journal, let’s take a look at some of the more memorable moments she most likely recalled during her lifetime…

- Not long after learning that she was with child, Mary took a journey into the hill country to visit her kinswoman Elizabeth, wife of Zacharias the priest. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby in her womb “leaped” and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, saying with a loud voice, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” (Luke 1:39-43)

– Sometime after they circumcised their infant son, Mary and Joseph journeyed to the Temple in Jerusalem to present Him and redeem their firstborn as the law required. They were unexpectedly met by a holy, devout prophet named Simeon. Being moved by the Spirit, he took the child into his arms and blessed God saying, “Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation which You have prepared before the face of all people, a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel.” She and Joseph were taken aback and marveled at his words. (Luke 2:21-33)

– During one of their many trips to the Holy City for the Feast of the Passover, Mary and Joseph, supposing Jesus was with their relatives on the return trip, discovered He was missing. Upon circling back to the city, they discovered Him three days later sitting in the midst of the teachers, engaging them and inquiring about the holy scriptures. She and Joseph were amazed, but concerned, asking him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously!” Of course, she readily recalled His answer, “Why is it that you sought Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” (Luke 2:41-49)

– Mary no doubt remembered how Joseph lovingly brought Jesus as a boy into his carpentry shop as soon as he was able to follow simple directions. He had built him a small bench and gave him his own set of tools to use. She smiled as she recalled the days he spent building little tables and stools. Then, when he turned twelve – Joseph make him a full apprentice in the shop. What a proud day that was in their household! Ever since the incident in Jerusalem, Jesus had been humble and submitted to them in Nazareth – gaining wisdom, stature & favor with men and with God. (Luke 2:51-52)

– After Jesus was baptized in the Jordan, He had several disciples join Him. Just a few days later she had attended a wedding in Cana of Galilee with them. She remembered how embarrassed the family was about running out of wine before the festivities had ended. She recalled telling her Son about their dilemma, and His reply of, “Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come.” Though perplexed, she instructed the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.” Well, what a celebration that was! Not only were the guests enjoying themselves, but the master of the feast was so impressed by the bridegroom’s choice of wine, he publically commended him about saving the best for last! Of course, she and the disciples knew Jesus had done the miraculous – all as a manifestation of His glory for their benefit. (John 2:1-11)

– Mary had seen and heard so many incredible things while Jesus ministered throughout the region, but none could prepare her for that terrible day when she would watch the unthinkable – His crucifixion on Golgotha. Her Son had endured unspeakable torture and humiliation before His death, and yet, He lovingly presented her to His beloved disciple John to care for as his own mother. She couldn’t comprehend such a selfless gesture as He hung suspended between life and death. Her Son had indeed been a special gift of God… (John 19:25-30)

Like most of us, she likely had someone approach her over the years about her famous Son, perhaps relaying a specific event or milestone, saying, “Mary, did you know…?”

 Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion. It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together.   http://www.godmissionpossible.com/

Mary, Did You Know? Through Her Eyes...

Mary & Martha - A Tale of Two Sisters (Part 2)

Martha exhibited great faith after watching her brother Lazarus die.  In John chapter 11, we’re told Jesus purposely stayed away from Bethany for two more days after He was told her brother was sick.  He did this that His Glory might be manifested for their benefit (vs. 14-15).  In John 11 verses 21-22 Martha said, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.  But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You.”  Jesus answered her, “Your brother will rise again.”  To which Martha said, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”  

Then Jesus unveiled His Glory to her and said, “I am the resurrection and the life.  He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.  And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”  Martha then says,  “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”  With that incredible encounter, she goes to her sister who is wrought with grief and shares the news secretly that The Teacher has come and is calling for her.  What love and compassion she had for her sister – confronting her friend and Savior about His delay in what seemed to be a heartbreaking catastrophe. 

Mary then runs to Jesus, just outside of town, where onlookers assumed she was venturing out to the tomb of her deceased brother for a good cry.  When she found Jesus, she fell at His feet, crying, and said, “Lord, If You had been here, my brother would not have died.”  She watched as Jesus wept for her brother, and His beloved friend Lazarus.  But they were not tears of sadness. He would ask that the stone that hid his body be rolled away – to which Martha blurted out, “Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead four days.”  

"Martha, Martha…"  Sounds familiar doesn’t it? Looking again at the passage in Luke 10, Jesus lovingly rebuked Martha for being worried and troubled about many things.  Here in John 11 He reminds her of what He said to her previously concerning the glory of God being manifested.  And so they all witnessed the resurrection of Lazarus. 

Mary, not saying a word, watched as her brother walk forth from the grave, loosed from the cloth wrapping that enveloped him.  This was the same woman who, just a few days later, while dining again with her sister Martha and her now infamous brother Lazarus, brought out a very expensive and ornate alabaster flask containing oil of spikenard, and anointed the Lord (John 11:2).   It was the ultimate sign of extravagant giving unto her Lord and Savior as she lavishly doused Him.  

Just as she had previously pleased Him by sitting at His feet, and listening to His teaching (by choosing that good part – Luke 10:42), she similarly pleased Him with her gift from a heart of true worship.  Jesus said in Mark 14:8-9, “She has done what she could. She has come beforehand to anoint My body for burial.  Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the whole world, what this woman did will also be spoken of as a memorial to her.”  John 12:1-11 tell us that it was six days prior to the Passover, that Jesus came to Bethany, had supper with Mary, Martha and Lazarus, and delighted in Mary’s act of worship as the house was filled with the fragrant oil.

Mary and Martha were not unlike many others who served the cause of Christ throughout the generations that followed His death.  Women have a special place in the Heart of God. There are Marys and Marthas in our congregations.  We all know someone that exemplifies service and hospitality to the Body of Christ, as well as prayer warriors and worshipers that reside in His Throne room.  

My prayer is that I would be known as exhibiting a little bit of both:: passionate towards the things of God and having a servant's heart in a world that would call Mary and Martha “outdated”…

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. 

Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

Mary & Martha - A Tale of Two Sisters (Part 2)

Mary & Martha - A Tale of Two Sisters (Part 1)

The town of Bethany was near Jerusalem on the eastern slope of Mt. Olivet.  Mary and Martha, along with their brother Lazarus, were close personal friends of the Lord Jesus.  It is thought that they might have grown up in the part of Galilee where Jesus had lived, and moved to

the town of Bethany at a later date.  They held a special place in Jesus’ heart, as evidenced in the Scriptures (John 11:3; 5).

Both of the gospels of John and Luke tell us Jesus frequented their home, most likely for a hearty meal and much needed fellowship.  The narrative in John 11:1-44 tells us of the intimate bond they all shared.   Remember, John was one of the three closest disciples.  He was part of the inner circle: Peter, James and John.  He had a unique perspective as he watched his Lord interact with people, and lovingly taught them with His life story.  Jesus spent much of His earthly ministry traveling the hillsides surrounding the region of Galilee, which bordered the sea of Galilee.  There He preached His first sermon, performed His first miracle, called His first disciples, and spent the majority of His time as a traveling preacher and teacher. 

Mary and Martha were sisters with very different personalities.  As it is with most sisters, they probably got on each other’s nerves.  Martha is thought to have been a widow, as we are told it was her house (Luke 10:38).  Perhaps she was the housekeeper and caretaker of it, as it is also referred to as Simon (the leper’s) house in Mark 14.  Martha might have also been the eldest daughter – which may explain her great empathy for her sister’s well-being (John 11:19-20), as well as her overt agitation with her sister’s lack of concern for the dinner preparations (Luke 10:39-40).   

Martha must have had a very close relationship with Jesus for her to confront the Lord in such a manner as to “vent” to Him about Mary.  In Luke 10:40 she said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.”  Wow, what nerve she had – demanding anything from Jesus.  She was definitely flustered as she swarmed about the simmering pots, stone oven, and tables overflowing with grains, fruits and vegetables.

Martha was well organized and was a “take-charge” person.  I have always liked Martha because I relate to her so much.  I’m a doer – a servant at heart.  I see a need and I try to meet it.  I like to come alongside and help.  Lend a hand.  Get ‘er done mentality.  Martha was probably a great cook and hostess.  She no doubt spent many hours in preparation for Jesus and His disciples to dine with them during His ministry on earth.  I have always read the passage about Martha being “distracted with much serving” and thought to myself, “Well, it’s not going to get done all by itself!”  Yep, that’s me…The good, the bad, and the ugly.  But, as Martha observed her sister near their guest, instead of looking at her with distain - you’d think it would have piqued her interest in what He was saying.

As I spend more time in God’s Word, and mature as a Christian, I relate more and more to Mary.  I love to study Scripture and learn about our Lord Jesus.  I want to sit at His feet and learn from Him.  As I grow older, I am less concerned with what the house looks like, and more concerned with my heart’s condition, and the inside of my spiritual temple.  I am slowly coming to the realization that I need to emulate Mary more and more.  I need to take time to build that intimate relationship with Jesus.  

I need a balance of Mary and Martha in my life. What about you?

 

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. 

Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

Mary & Martha - A Tale of Two Sisters (Part 1)

What does the Risen Christ mean to you?

In the hymn “Christ Arose”, Robert Lowry expresses the hope conveyed during this Easter season in the rousing chorus as it explodes with joy:

Up from the grave He arose,  With a mighty triumph o’er His foes;  He arose a Victor from the dark domain, And He lives forever with His saints to reign, He arose! He arose!  Hallelujah! Christ arose!

  Our Lord Jesus left the confines of this earth and stepped into the heavenly realm on Resurrection Sunday, three days after dying on a wooden cross for humanity’s sins on Mount Calvary. This is what Christians celebrate during the Easter Season. But what significance does this event hold for you and me today? We know Jesus appeared to many people after His resurrection. A look at scripture can better frame our thoughts about it.

In the gospel of John, Chapter 11, Jesus is speaking with Martha. They have been talking about her brother Lazarus, who died four days earlier. Jesus is preparing her for the miracle He is about to do concerning her brother. Martha conveyed to Him that if He has only been there sooner, Lazarus might not have died. She then states that she indeed believes that he will be raised in the last day. But Jesus will reveal to her His deity. He states in verse 25, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

John Chapter 20 records Jesus’ resurrection on the first day of the week, that being Sunday. Mary Magdalene had come to the tomb early, while it was still dark. She saw that the stone in front of the tomb had been removed. Upon hearing her report, Peter and John ran to the tomb and discovered “the handkerchief that had been around His head, not lying with the linen cloths, but folded together in a place by itself.” (vs. 7) After they departed, Mary stood outside weeping, peering inside the tomb. She conversed with two angels and explained that someone had taken away the body [of her Lord] and turning, she saw a man she perceived to be the gardener. Jesus lovingly and compassionately spoke to her, “Mary!”  He assured her that He was “ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God.”

In Luke 24:13-32, we have the account of Christ appearing on the road to Emmaus. Two followers of Jesus were traveling and conversing about all of the events of the past few days concerning Jesus of Nazareth. Unbeknownst to them, Jesus Himself drew near and went with them. They told Him all of the hopes and dreams of many in Jerusalem who thought the prophet would accomplish in order to redeem Israel. They even mentioned it had been three days since it happened, and that certain women had discovered His tomb empty. Then in verses 25-26 Jesus said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?”

Then in Luke 24:33-48, Jesus Himself stood in the midst of His disciples as they gathered in Jerusalem to pray saying, “Peace to you.” He showed them that He is flesh, not spirit, and proceeds to instruct them about His fulfilling what was written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Himself. Even those who doubted His appearing finally proclaimed who He was. Thomas said, “My Lord and my God!”

Matthew 28:18-20 tells us that Jesus came to the disciples in Galilee, to the mountain which He had appointed for them, and said, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore and make disciples of all the nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” In Luke 24:49-52 Jesus said, “Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.” Jesus lifted up His hands and blessed His disciples, departed from them, and was carried up into heaven.

In John chapter 21 Jesus appears to seven of the disciples after a long night of fishing. They caught nothing. But in the morning, Jesus said to them, “Children, have you any food?” After an answer of “No”, He then said, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” The disciples dragged the net, full of large fish to the shore, and after eating breakfast they knew it was Him, though they were afraid to question Him. Then in chapter 21:15-23 we witness the personal conversation between Jesus and Peter. Jesus is tenderly restoring Peter to Himself by asking Peter three times if he loved Him. Jesus tells him, “Feed My lambs”, “Tend My sheep”, and “Feed My sheep”. Jesus is preparing Peter for the work ahead as leader of the church after He has departed. Then He tells Peter to set his sight on Him and “Follow Me.” Peter asks about the other disciple, and Jesus tells him, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me.”

So what do we glean from the Lord’s visitations to His followers after He was raised? How do we apply those same lessons and revelations to our lives? We discover that we experience the very same things.
Jesus is still:

Giving a gentle touch and reassurance,

    as He did with Mary at the tomb;

Expounding truth and wisdom to us,

    like He did on the road to Emmaus;

Stilling fear and uneasiness,

    as He did for the disciples in the upper room;

Blessing and bestowing a commission to us,

    as He did for his followers;

Providing for and encouraging His children,

    as He did for His disciples;

Restoring and leading you and me,

    as He did for one of His dearest disciples.

That is what Christ does for us through His resurrection power and love…

What does the Risen Christ mean to you?

Transformed by the Transfiguration of Christ

When you read the three accounts of Christ’s transfiguration on the mount (Matthew 17, Mark 9, and Luke 9) you come away with a sense of what a tremendous life-changing event it truly was for Peter, James and John. Days earlier Peter had proclaimed who Jesus was when the Lord posed the question to the disciples, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” They said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” It was Peter who declared, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus answered him by confirming that “flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.”

So what happened that day when Jesus and his inner circle of disciples headed up Mt. Hermon? It was one of the highest peaks in the mountain range that bordered much of the promised land that Moses gazed upon in Joshua 13. We know that Mt. Hermon is mentioned in one of the Songs of Ascent (Psalm 133) that yearly pilgrims sang on their way to Jerusalem. This was a sacred mountain, one that was revered and held special significance to devout Jews. Luke tells us Jesus took them up the mountain to pray. These same three disciples would accompany Him to the Garden of Gethsemane soon afterwards. Our Lord was preparing them for the dark days ahead of which He revealed to them prior to this event. Peter even attempted to prevent what Jesus Himself prophesied regarding His suffering and pending death in Jerusalem. Now, approximately six days later, here they were with Jesus, watching something that would transform them for the rest of their lives.

The transfiguration was a demonstration of the glory of Christ’s human life. Jesus was God manifest in the flesh. He was the Son of God & the Son of Man. He was the glorified humanity, not the glory of deity. Christ deliberately limited His omnipotence, omnipresence and omniscience in Himself.  It was all to show the magnificence of His humanity. The account of His transfiguration is stunning. Matthew 17:2 states, “and [He] was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. Mark 9:3 says, “His clothes became shining, exceedingly white, like snow, such as no launderer on earth can whiten them. Luke 9:29 tells us, “And as He prayed, the appearance of His face was altered, and His robe became white and glistening. God gave those disciples a glimpse of His Son’s glory! Jesus was in conversation with Moses and Elijah – one representing the Law, the other representing the Prophets. Jesus stated in Matthew 5:17, “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.” The dialog centered most likely on His pending death and resurrection.

Peter, James and John would never be the same again. James was the first of the disciples to be martyred for Christ by Herod. Peter was the evangelist to the Gentiles and became a pillar of the church. He learned, by the Holy Spirit’s power, to tame the tongue that so often got him into trouble while Jesus was here on earth. Peter was so overcome with a mixture of fear and exhilaration that he blurted out, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” His exuberance was no doubt based on the fact that if it is good now (on earth), just think how good it will be in heaven! The disciples recognized at this moment that the Son of God was more than the Jesus they knew as a teacher, a rabbi, reformer and leader – He was the express Glory of God in the flesh. The Messiah. John was the youngest of the disciples, and ultimately was the last living witness of His glory. John never forgot how precious the Lord Jesus was to him and even omitted his own name from his epistles and gospel, because of his great love for his savior. Both Peter and John testified to being eye-witnesses to His Glory in their writings.

As they stood on the mount in awe, the luminous cloud spread and overshadowed them, filling them with a sense of terror. God Almighty spoke saying, “This is My Beloved Son: hear Him!” There was no time for comprehension as they fell on their faces in awestruck worship. Then we see Jesus as He lovingly and tenderly touched them and said, “Arise, and do not be afraid.” The three lifted up their eyes and beheld only Jesus.

This pivotal event was the catalyst for these disciples to live with extraordinary abandon in the face of extreme persecution. They would serve Christ and build His church with their own blood, sweat and tears. The transfiguration gave them, and all saints to come, the assurance that Jesus was the God Man come to earth as a ransom for many.

How does the transfiguration transform us? It declares Jesus King of Kings and Lord of Lords as He appeared in all of His power and glory. It gives us faith in the power Jesus has over death and the grave. It empowers us as it did for three disciples to proclaim how great our Savior i, and change the world one life at a time.

Transformed by the Transfiguration of Christ

Prince of Peace

“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

(Isaiah 9:6)

 
 
I don’t know about you, but I desperately need an extra measure of peace in our day and time, especially during the holiday season. The biblical key to peace is Christ’s Authority!

Webster defines “peace” in this way: a state of tranquility or quiet; a state of security or order within a community; a state or period of mutual concord; without strife or disorder… When the Lord Jesus becomes your Lord and Savior, you gain access to His peace.

The Book of Isaiah uses the word peace 26 times. God promised the nation of Israel peace when they returned wholeheartedly to the Lord. Isaiah 26:3 says, “You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” In 32:17 Isaiah tells us, “The work of righteousness will be peace, and the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever.” Again in Isaiah 48:17-18 & 22, “Thus says the Lord, you Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: ‘I am the Lord your God, Who teaches you to profit, Who leads you by the way you should go. Oh, that you had heeded My commandments! Then your peace would have been like a river, and your righteousness like the waves of the sea’…’There is no peace,’ says the Lord, ‘for the wicked.’”

The apostle Paul concluded the book of II Thessalonians with this benediction, “Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all.” Ephesians 2:14 states, “For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of division between us.” Paul also says in Philippians 4:7, “and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

More importantly, Jesus Himself says in John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

When you have Jesus as the center of your life, He is the “still water” and tranquility you need to sustain you in a world of turmoil and chaos. He is our example of peace and our inspiration for peace. When we make peace with Jesus, we are no longer at enmity with God. Our salvation guarantees us peace forever with our Creator.

Jesus becomes our peace as we bend our knee to His Authority. Because He is the Vine and we are the branches (John 15), we are to receive that peace from His reservoir. Peace comes to those who gladly receive downstream, that which Jesus begins upstream. We find our security in Who He is. Colossians 3:15 says, “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.” He is the source of a peace that surpasses all understanding…

Prince of Peace