Tag: Jesu

“Recognizing Jesus”

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“And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them. But their eyes were holden that they should not know him,” Luke 24:15-16, KJV

Can we even imagine what it must have been like for Christ’s disciples to witness His crucifixion? Many of them were eyewitnesses to the miraculous feats He did and the miracles He performed. So, how could it all end like this? He was the One of this they were sure, why did this happen to Him?

Dumbfounded and flabbergasted – just plain ole, “I can’t believe that just happened,” attitude. All these emotions must have truly assailed the psyche of those who were closest to Jesus. There was so much hope tied up in who they believed He was, now all seems to be at a loss. “What more can we do?” With that, they carried their heavy-laden hearts down the road, believing all to be lost for good.

It is sad to be in the presence of Jesus one moment, and the next, to be completely taken aback and wondering, “What in the world just happened?” If truth be told, we have all been there at one point or another. Everything is going peachy–fine, and the next, BAM! A side-blow of life has come and knocked our understanding of the way things were down.

These disciples were no different from most of us. Going through hard times of sadness and misunderstanding can obscure one’s view. Whether traveling with a buddy in this or going the road alone, it is sometimes hard to contemplate all the who’s, what’s and why’s of everything that has gone wrong.

Believe me, when I tell you, I know what it is to be sad. I know what it is to experience bad feelings.  To be hurt and confused, to be let down, disappointed, and to feel unloved.  Going through these events can leave us reeling with the same thought I penned to the disciples, “What in the world just happened?” And just like the disciples, sometimes it becomes hard to see clearly.

Dealing with trials is like being in a crowd that’s taller than yourself and trying to see the main event. The crowd becomes all the things we put up with, and the main event, of course, is Jesus. We know He’s there and we know what He can do, but to view Him is hard because of the crowd, because of the trials. We jump up to catch glimpses and we try to push our way through, but the crowd is unyielding, blocking our way.

Jesus was there, walking and talking with His disciples, but they didn’t recognize Him. They couldn’t see through the events they just witnessed to recognize that this is Jesus, Him of whom they are speaking. Tragedy has shielded their sight. That’s why I’m glad Jesus stepped up when He did, lest they would have felt all hope was gone.

A clear vision of Jesus, no matter where we find ourselves in life, is imperative to our Christian faith. That’s why I love the Word of God! When no one else can comfort me or help me through times of sadness, His Word is unfailing! It gives me a very clear view of who Jesus is, helping me to recognize Him even in the hardest of times. All of God’s Word is inspirational. In every book, I have found help to keep me grounded in Him, but there’s something special about the Psalms. In it is praise and worship, but also the cries of the human heart when life seems overwhelming.

Jesus used the Word to help with the dismay of His disciples at this tragic time (Luke 24:27).  I attempted to pick a few favorites to list but was unable. I have too many highlighted and each one speaks to me on a personal level. I admonish you to prayerfully go through them for yourself. Find the ones that speak to you and make them your own to hold on to. I guarantee that there is more than one with your name on it. God’s Word can help you to clear out the crowd so that you can see the main event, so that you can recognize Him when everything and everybody else is trying to get in the way.

Photo Credit: Pixabay

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“Walk In Peace!”

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“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee,” Isaiah 26:3

Peace is something that may seem far out of reach for most.  It is greatly desired and sought after; yet, many will never lay hold of it.  Why is that?  The answer is because of where it is found.  It is found in a made-up mind centered on who He is and a devoted heart that believes in the promises He has made.  “Perfect peace” speaks of the character of God at work.  Wherever He operates and whatever He delves into is marked by perfection.  That means when He established something that He wants to offer to all mankind He does so without there being anything wrong with it.  No fault in it whatsoever.  And He does here also.  As a matter of fact, the only thing that can mar this “perfect peace” that He is so willing to give is how man (the human race) accepts it.

When one’s mind is focused wholeheartedly on an idea, then that becomes the single vision of that person.  Once the picture of the mind’s eye is narrowed in one direction, that’s where one will be led to follow.  Now imagine a time of being in the midst of arduous and severe trials and tribulations.  Where there are sorrows and disappointments that seem to do nothing to encourage one’s focus on God, only working to tear away at one’s faith.  Yet, through it all, that person takes a stand within them and says, “If God be for us, who can be against us?” (Rom. 8:31).

The person who is able to stir up his faith in this manner as a defense and a shield to his mind, using the focus of God at work in his life and verifying it through His Word, will be kept in “perfect peace.”  He has made an on-purpose decision that no matter how bleak and dismal it may seem right now, God is greater than all, and “His tender mercies are over all His works,” (Ps. 145:9).  “How is one able to do that?” you may be crying out in frustration.  I answer you with Abraham’s example as referred to by Paul in Romans 4:20-21, where it says, “He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.”  Simply put, as our verse in Isaiah 26:3 says, “Because he trusteth thee.”

2 Timothy 3:16-17 tells us that “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” That is including, “perfect peace.”  All His promises are in His Word and the one who bases the foundation of all that he believes on that one rock-solid truth will be upheld and kept through the worst of storms.

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

Copyright © Word For Life Says.com (Sharing any posts or lessons can only be done through the share buttons provided on this site from the original posts, lessons, and articles only. You can reblog from the original posts only using the reblog button provided, or share using the share buttons provided from these social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest, etc., and they must be shared from the original posts only. All other repostings are prohibited. Posts and other items of interest found on this site MAY NOT BE COPIED AND PASTED, downloaded, uploaded, etc to another website or entity not listed (physical or electronic).  See COPYRIGHT PAGE for more details.

“Carry God’s Presence Today”

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“Now it was so, when Moses came down from Mount Sinai . . . Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone while he talked with Him,” Exodus 34:29

No matter what you do today:

WORK ………………………………………………….

SCHOOL ………………………………………………

PLAY ……………………………………………………

SNOW ………………………………………………….

RAIN …………………………………………………….

SUN ……………………………………………………..

HARDNESS ………………………………………….

PEACE …………………………………………………

ADVERSITY ………………………………………….

SPOUSE ………………………………………………

CHILDREN ……………………………………………

FRIENDS ………………………………………………

MOM …………………………………………………….

POP ……………………………………………………..

VACATION ……………………………………………

DAY OFF ………………………………………………

PRAYER ……………………………………………….

BIBLE …………………………………………………..

CHURCH ………………………………………………

OUTREACH ………………………………………….

VISITATIONS ………………………………………..

WITNESSING ………………………………………..

TEACHING ……………………………………………

EXERCISING …………………………………………

GYM ……………………………………………………..

HOME …………………………………………………..

LAUNDRY …………………………………………….

DINNER ………………………………………………..

BEDTIME ………………………………………………

carry God’s presence with you!!!!  Let people know that you have been with Him!!!  Let your life reflect it!!!

Related articles

“Jesus Knows!”

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Jesus knows what living in the flesh feels like.  Walking up and down the shores of Galilee, He didn’t let His holiness withhold Himself from our infirmities.  He hungered as we did.  He wept when sadness invaded His heart.  He justifiably angered at the thoughtlessness of men.  He knows.

Jesus knows.  He knows suffering.  He knows temptation.  He knows what it is to care when no one else does.

He knows what it is to be chased, used and despised.  His ears have felt the sting of gossip and have heard the song of ridicule.  He’s heard the taunting of the nay-sayers and the tsk- tsk- tsk- of the un-approving.

Aching limbs, sore feet, and a thirsty tongue – He knows.  Jesus knows disappointment at the carelessness of others.  He knows desperation over the plight of the lost soul.  He knows of the crown of thorns His life is leading Him to.

Jesus knows everything because He is divine.  Jesus has experienced everything because of His humanity.

Isn’t it nice to know that not only do we NOT carry our burdens alone, but we have a Savior that knows what those burdens feel like?  Out of the depths of sorrow and pain – He knows.  Through the roads of striving and the paths of hatred – He knows.  During the darkness of nights, He already knows.  Our weaknesses have become His; He knows them, has lived through them and has borne them.  Jesus knows!

“When the Precious is Poured”

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“There came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat,” Matthew 26:7, KJV

Each of us possesses the precious.  Each of us has within our being an ointment of appreciation to our Lord.  Each of us carries the sense that without Him we are nothing, therefore, what I do have I pour out for Him.

Much of our culture is self-seeking.  But God is asking for flags of surrender to be waved for service.  That we give up and pour out all for Him.  That we show the world a thing or two about true love; true appreciation to a Savior who poured out all for us.

Do I mean empty your bank accounts?  That’s not what I am speaking of here.  I’m talking about service.  Good examples of selfless service are hard to find in our age.  The way for many to see something beautiful in Christian service is blocked by the hoarding of blessings to oneself.  The gain for self has dimmed a light that once so richly shone.  Self has taken place on a pedestal that it was not meant to mount.

Jesus calls us to the service of this woman who gave up her best to bless.  When was the last time we gave up our best to bless others?  When was the last time we put our wants and desires on the back burner and put the thoughts and cares of others in the forefront?

Despite scathing ridicule, the woman unashamedly approached Jesus with her expensive, yet still, inadequate gift.  You see, for all He did for us, no gift can repay.  The costliest of earthly possessions and service can’t scratch the surface of reward for what He accomplished on the cross.  Yet, we are compelled to press forth and give our best.

“In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works…” (Titus 2:7, KJV).  It’s time for a new pattern to be laid.  The foundation of self has to dissipate and new groundwork needs to be founded on who He is in our lives, and all that He has already done.  It’s time to show the world a different lifestyle.  A life built on pouring out.

When we pour out for Jesus, the preciousness within us becomes evident.  Man can then see the good that was once hidden.  He can see the difference that was once disguised.  When we release the precious that is in us we become vessels that honor the Lord; for it was on the cross when He poured out the precious for us.

The world needs a visual aid.  When they see us break the box and release the preciousness of good works inside, they will “glorify your Father which is in heaven,” (Matthew 5:16, KJV).

“That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life,” (1 Timothy 6:18-19, KJV)

Look for a way to bless others today and to pour out into their lives.  God bless you 🙂

Copyright © Word For Life Says.com (Sharing any posts or lessons can only be done through the share buttons provided on this site from the original posts, lessons, and articles only. You can reblog from the original posts only using the reblog button provided, or share using the share buttons provided from these social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest, etc., and they must be shared from the original posts only. All other repostings are prohibited. Posts and other items of interest found on this site MAY NOT BE COPIED AND PASTED, downloaded, uploaded, etc to another website or entity not listed (physical or electronic).  See COPYRIGHT PAGE for more details.

“Don’t Blow Your Top!”

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“Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil,” Ephesians 4:26

I had the weirdest thing happen to me the other night.  I was making what I call a “cheat dinner.”  Something that is incredibly easy and fast because my day was just that kind of day.  On this “cheat dinner” night I decided to make buffalo wings and fries (with no complaints from my family, obviously).  After cooking the little wing portions in the oven and heating the sauce, I combined them together in a bowl and mixed them with a spoon.

I left the wings to the side to cool off a bit while I got some other work done.  I came back a few minutes later, put the lid on the bowl to give them a good shake so that the sauce could coat them more evenly.  After putting the lid on, I flipped the bowl upside down to proceed with the shake when all of a sudden: POP! SPIT! SPATTER!  Apparently, the wings had not cooled enough and the built up steam caused the sauce to blow up all over me.  It was so not funny, even though my kids got a good laugh from it.  My hair, my face, and my floor showed evidence of what can happen when there is too much pressure in the bowl.

With that being said I must ask, “How much pressure is in your bowl today?”  Are you dealing with a lot of pinned up steam?  Do you feel like you are ready to blow?

Well, DON’T!

Don’t blow your top!

Anger is one of those emotions that can really get the best of you if you let it.  It can seep into every area of your life making you and those around you miserable.  Anger also does another devastating thing.  It gives “place to the devil.”  Anger is an opened door that gives that old serpent an opportunity to manipulate you, pulling your strings as if you were some sort of marionette puppet.

That’s why the Bible encourages us to “let not the sun go down upon your wrath.”  Resolving issues and not letting them fester closes the door so that the enemy can’t sneak in.  Think about how much better we would feel to lie down in peace at night without those tumultuous thoughts running rampant in our heads.

Jesus admonished us to “First be reconciled to your brother . . .,” (Matthew 5:24).  Reconciliation brings healing and healing brings peace and peace slams the door on the devil’s face.  The best way to stop letting someone in is to shut the door they keep using.

Isaiah 32:17 tells us, “And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurances for ever.”  If you are in Christ you are righteous, (2 Cor. 5:21).  Therefore, your works should be works of peace, and to that end, bringing “quietness and assurances.”

Isaiah 32:18 goes on to say, “And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.”  Who doesn’t want their home and their life described like this?  There’s no magic method here.  Just seek reconciliation.  Don’t blow your top or you will end up with that hot sauce of life all over you.  Go after the work of righteousness and there “shall be peace.”

Follow Paul’s advice about not letting the sun go down on your anger so that you can wake up to a home and a life filled with peace.

Copyright © Word For Life Says.com (Sharing any posts or lessons can only be done through the share buttons provided on this site from the original posts, lessons, and articles only. You can reblog from the original posts only using the reblog button provided, or share using the share buttons provided from these social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest, etc., and they must be shared from the original posts only. All other repostings are prohibited. Posts and other items of interest found on this site MAY NOT BE COPIED AND PASTED, downloaded, uploaded, etc to another website or entity not listed (physical or electronic).  See COPYRIGHT PAGE for more details.

“Jesus Knows!”

4 Comments

Jesus knows what living in the flesh feels like.  Walking up and down the shores of Galilee, He didn’t let His holiness withhold Himself from our infirmities.  He hungered as we did.  He wept when sadness invaded His heart.  He justifiably angered at the thoughtlessness of men.  He knows.

Jesus knows.  He knows suffering.  He knows temptation.  He knows what it is to care when no one else does.

He knows what it is to be chased, used and despised.  His ears have felt the sting of gossip and have heard the song of ridicule.  He’s heard the taunting of the nay-sayers and the tsk- tsk- tsk- of the un-approving.

Aching limbs, sore feet and a thirsty tongue – He knows.  Jesus knows disappointment at the carelessness of others.  He knows desperation over the plight of the lost soul.  He knows of the crown of thorns His life is leading Him to.

Jesus knows everything because He is divine.  Jesus has experienced everything because of His humanity.

Isn’t it nice to know that not only do we NOT carry our burdens alone, but we have a Savior that knows what those burdens feel like?  Out of the depths of sorrow and pain – He knows.  Through the roads of striving and the paths of hatred – He knows.  During the darkness of nights, He already knows.  Our weaknesses have become His; He knows them, has lived through them and has borne them.  Jesus knows!

“Don’t Blow Your Top!”

Leave a comment

 

“Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil,” Ephesians 4:26

I had the weirdest thing happen to me the other night.  I was making what I call a “cheat dinner.”  Something that is incredibly easy and fast because my day was just that kind of day.  On this “cheat dinner” night I decided to make buffalo wings and fries (with no complaints from my family, obviously).  After cooking the little wing portions in the oven and heating the sauce, I combined them together in a bowl and mixed them with a spoon.

I left the wings to the side to cool off a bit while I got some other work done.  I came back a few minutes later, put the lid on the bowl to give them a good shake so that the sauce could coat them more evenly.  After putting the lid on, I flipped the bowl upside down to proceed with the shake when all of a sudden: POP! SPIT! SPATTER!  Apparently, the wings had not cooled enough and the built up steam caused the sauce to blow up all over me.  It was so not funny, even though my kids got a good laugh from it.  My hair, my face, and my floor showed evidence of what can happen when there is too much pressure in the bowl.

With that being said I must ask, “How much pressure is in your bowl today?”  Are you dealing with a lot of pinned up steam?  Do you feel like you are ready to blow?

Well, DON’T!

Don’t blow your top!

Anger is one of those emotions that can really get the best of you if you let it.  It can seep into every area of your life making you and those around you miserable.  Anger also does another devastating thing.  It gives “place to the devil.”  Anger is an opened door that gives that old serpent an opportunity to manipulate you, pulling your strings as if you were some sort of marionette puppet.

That’s why the Bible encourages us to “let not the sun go down upon your wrath.”  Resolving issues and not letting them fester closes the door so that the enemy can’t sneak in.  Think about how much better we would feel to lie down in peace at night without those tumultuous thoughts running rampant in our heads.

Jesus admonished us to “First be reconciled to your brother . . .,” (Matthew 5:24).  Reconciliation brings healing and healing brings peace and peace slams the door on the devil’s face.  The best way to stop letting someone in is to shut the door they keep using.

Isaiah 32:17 tells us, “And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurances for ever.”  If you are in Christ you are righteous, (2 Cor. 5:21).  Therefore, your works should be works of peace, and to that end, bringing “quietness and assurances.”

Isaiah 32:18 goes on to say, “And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.”  Who doesn’t want their home and their life described like this?  There’s no magic method here.  Just seek reconciliation.  Don’t blow your top or you will end up with that hot sauce of life all over you.  Go after the work of righteousness and there “shall be peace.”

Follow Paul’s advice about not letting the sun go down on your anger so that you can wake up to a home and a life filled with peace.

Copyright © Word For Life Says.com (Sharing any posts or lessons can only be done through the share buttons provided on this site from the original posts, lessons, and articles only. You can reblog from the original posts only using the reblog button provided, or share using the share buttons provided from these social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest, etc., and they must be shared from the original posts only. All other repostings are prohibited. Posts and other items of interest found on this site MAY NOT BE COPIED AND PASTED, downloaded, uploaded, etc to another website or entity not listed (physical or electronic).  See COPYRIGHT PAGE for more details.