Read Leviticus 26:3-13
Michael Jordan is widely considered to be the greatest professional basketball player of all-time. His rare mix of size, athletic ability, talent, and determination helped him lead the Chicago Bulls to six world championships in eight years.
But did you know that he was cut from his high school varsity team when he was in 10th grade?
Of the experience, Jordan later said that it was good for him because it drove him to work harder on his game, to be become a better all-around player. His hard work was rewarded as he made the team the following year.
God also promises to reward us when we follow His commands…
“‘If you follow my decrees and are careful to obey my commands...I will look on you with favor and make you fruitful and increase your numbers…I will walk among you and be your God, and you will be my people.” (Leviticus 26:3, 9, 12)
Sometimes, especially when you are a teenager, it seems that God’s commands only serve to ruin your fun, to keep you from really living it up and being happy. But in the long run, God’s word promises that He will walk closely with you as you follow Him.
Why do you think that some people believe that God only wants to ruin their fun?
What are some of the rewards for living according to God’s commands?
Prayer Emphasis: Commit to God to live according to His ways all of your days.
Showing posts with label Jesus. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jesus. Show all posts
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Friday, April 22, 2011
A Light of Hope-Good Friday
Today’s Scripture: John 19:38-42
Today’s Verses: John 41-42
Today, on Good Friday, we contemplate the crucifixion, death, and burial of Jesus. In our passage, we read…
“At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden, and in the new garden a new tomb, in which no one had ever been laid. Because it was a Jewish day of Preparation and since the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.” John 19: 41-42
After three amazing years of following Jesus, the disciples were hiding, scattered in fear for their lives, and their dreams of a new kingdom were seemingly shattered. Unlike us, these disciples didn’t know the rest of the story. Everything had come undone. Hope was lying dead in that tomb. This was, most likely, the darkest night of their lives.
There is a darkness, a heaviness that invades us as we come to grips with the fact that our sins have brought about this death, this sacrifice. Jesus bore our sin on the cross so that we might have life, so that death could be traded for eternity with Him. The cost for our freedom was beyond measure. Today, we have to own this.
Even though all seemed lost, we know that a light of hope was burning brightly in that tomb. The Light of the World was hidden for a brief moment in time and darkness had seemingly won for that moment…but it was only a moment.
Tonight, light one candle to represent the hope that we have in Jesus, even in the grave. Keep this candle burning throughout the weekend until Easter Sunday morning.
Today’s Verses: John 41-42
Today, on Good Friday, we contemplate the crucifixion, death, and burial of Jesus. In our passage, we read…
“At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden, and in the new garden a new tomb, in which no one had ever been laid. Because it was a Jewish day of Preparation and since the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.” John 19: 41-42
After three amazing years of following Jesus, the disciples were hiding, scattered in fear for their lives, and their dreams of a new kingdom were seemingly shattered. Unlike us, these disciples didn’t know the rest of the story. Everything had come undone. Hope was lying dead in that tomb. This was, most likely, the darkest night of their lives.
There is a darkness, a heaviness that invades us as we come to grips with the fact that our sins have brought about this death, this sacrifice. Jesus bore our sin on the cross so that we might have life, so that death could be traded for eternity with Him. The cost for our freedom was beyond measure. Today, we have to own this.
Even though all seemed lost, we know that a light of hope was burning brightly in that tomb. The Light of the World was hidden for a brief moment in time and darkness had seemingly won for that moment…but it was only a moment.
Tonight, light one candle to represent the hope that we have in Jesus, even in the grave. Keep this candle burning throughout the weekend until Easter Sunday morning.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Face to Face
Read Revelation 21:15-27
And I saw no temple therein; for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. Revelation 21:22 (KJV)
Over ten years ago, my mother passed away. After struggling with various illnesses for more than a decade, she passed away due to heart and lung failure early on a Saturday morning. While I would never wish that she were still here as sick as she was, I do miss the mother and grandmother that she could have been had her health not failed her. She has missed the lives of all eight of her grandchildren and so many more things.
When I go home to see my Dad, I occasionally think about taking my oldest children out to her grave, but I usually don’t because I know that she is not there…just her body is. I know that I will have to wait for eternity to see her again, for in eternity, all things will be made complete. Just as we worship a risen Savior here on earth, in eternity we will worship Him face to face.
“If you read history, you will find that the Christians who did the most for this present world are just the ones who thought the most of the next.” C.S. Lewis
And I saw no temple therein; for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. Revelation 21:22 (KJV)
Over ten years ago, my mother passed away. After struggling with various illnesses for more than a decade, she passed away due to heart and lung failure early on a Saturday morning. While I would never wish that she were still here as sick as she was, I do miss the mother and grandmother that she could have been had her health not failed her. She has missed the lives of all eight of her grandchildren and so many more things.
When I go home to see my Dad, I occasionally think about taking my oldest children out to her grave, but I usually don’t because I know that she is not there…just her body is. I know that I will have to wait for eternity to see her again, for in eternity, all things will be made complete. Just as we worship a risen Savior here on earth, in eternity we will worship Him face to face.
“If you read history, you will find that the Christians who did the most for this present world are just the ones who thought the most of the next.” C.S. Lewis
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
In the Arms of Jesus
Read Revelation 21:1-8
And God will wipe away all tears from their eyes… Revelation 21:4 (KJV)
As the father of six young children, tears flow freely in my house everyday, especially from our preschool-aged children. Younger children wear their emotions on their sleeves and often need to be comforted and consoled. After a fall or a big fight over a toy, we scoop them up in our arms, wipe their tears away, and shower them with hugs and kisses. In a short moment, they are back to running and playing again.
I believe that when we finally stand before Jesus in heaven, He will wipe tears from our eyes. These will be tears of overwhelming joy – joy of finally being in the presence of our Savior. But, I also sense that there possibly will be tears of sorrow as well – sorrow for all of the ways we fell short of who God called us to be, for all of our sin and brokenness. How beautiful it will be to be comforted in the arms of Jesus as He wipes our tears away and invites us into eternity with Him!
God, help us today to rest in the promise of eternity with You.
And God will wipe away all tears from their eyes… Revelation 21:4 (KJV)
As the father of six young children, tears flow freely in my house everyday, especially from our preschool-aged children. Younger children wear their emotions on their sleeves and often need to be comforted and consoled. After a fall or a big fight over a toy, we scoop them up in our arms, wipe their tears away, and shower them with hugs and kisses. In a short moment, they are back to running and playing again.
I believe that when we finally stand before Jesus in heaven, He will wipe tears from our eyes. These will be tears of overwhelming joy – joy of finally being in the presence of our Savior. But, I also sense that there possibly will be tears of sorrow as well – sorrow for all of the ways we fell short of who God called us to be, for all of our sin and brokenness. How beautiful it will be to be comforted in the arms of Jesus as He wipes our tears away and invites us into eternity with Him!
God, help us today to rest in the promise of eternity with You.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Our Perfect Example
Read Ephesians 4:17-24
If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, the truth is in Jesus: Ephesians 4:21 (KJV)
Our world is in desperate need of positive role models today and it seems that almost no one wants the job. Too many professional athletes, movie stars, and entertainers live selfish sinful lifestyles which provide fodder material for the numerous tabloids. Our teenagers especially are negatively influenced by these “famous” people. While there certainly are some excellent high-profile Christian leaders (Tim Tebow for example), these are often overshadowed by the sheer magnitude of negative choices made by others.
In stark contrast to this, Jesus’ earthly life provided a perfect example for us, showing how to both live and love. His last three years of life and ministry were lived giving Himself away for others, and His death on the cross was the ultimate selfless act in history. As we study His life as recorded in the Gospels, we can learn from the way He lived, the way He taught people, and the way He died. Through the life of Jesus, we clearly see God’s truth.
God, thank you for the perfect example of Your Son Jesus! May we walk in His footsteps today.
If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, the truth is in Jesus: Ephesians 4:21 (KJV)
Our world is in desperate need of positive role models today and it seems that almost no one wants the job. Too many professional athletes, movie stars, and entertainers live selfish sinful lifestyles which provide fodder material for the numerous tabloids. Our teenagers especially are negatively influenced by these “famous” people. While there certainly are some excellent high-profile Christian leaders (Tim Tebow for example), these are often overshadowed by the sheer magnitude of negative choices made by others.
In stark contrast to this, Jesus’ earthly life provided a perfect example for us, showing how to both live and love. His last three years of life and ministry were lived giving Himself away for others, and His death on the cross was the ultimate selfless act in history. As we study His life as recorded in the Gospels, we can learn from the way He lived, the way He taught people, and the way He died. Through the life of Jesus, we clearly see God’s truth.
God, thank you for the perfect example of Your Son Jesus! May we walk in His footsteps today.
Friday, October 29, 2010
The Traitor is Us
Read Luke 22:14-23
And they began to enquire among themselves, which of them it was that should do this thing. –Luke 22:23 (KJV)
I think we often give Judas too hard of a time. We forget that the disciples didn’t fully understand who Jesus was until after the resurrection and until after they had received the gift of the Holy Spirit. In the days leading up the death of Jesus, there had to have been a tremendous amount of tension, confusion, and uncertainty. Unfortunately, Judas allowed this uncertainty to get the best of him, and he unwittingly played a part in the greatest betrayal in human history.
But, honestly, are we so much different than Judas? How often do we betray Jesus with our words, our actions, and our attitude? How often do we choose worldly gain over heavenly investments? The disciples seemed to be surprised that Jesus thought one of them even capable of such an act, and yet each one of the abandoned Him on the night of His crucifixion.
This is the beautiful thing about Jesus…He knows what we are capable of all along and loves us in spite of ourselves.
Praise be to Jesus for His unfailing love!!!
And they began to enquire among themselves, which of them it was that should do this thing. –Luke 22:23 (KJV)
I think we often give Judas too hard of a time. We forget that the disciples didn’t fully understand who Jesus was until after the resurrection and until after they had received the gift of the Holy Spirit. In the days leading up the death of Jesus, there had to have been a tremendous amount of tension, confusion, and uncertainty. Unfortunately, Judas allowed this uncertainty to get the best of him, and he unwittingly played a part in the greatest betrayal in human history.
But, honestly, are we so much different than Judas? How often do we betray Jesus with our words, our actions, and our attitude? How often do we choose worldly gain over heavenly investments? The disciples seemed to be surprised that Jesus thought one of them even capable of such an act, and yet each one of the abandoned Him on the night of His crucifixion.
This is the beautiful thing about Jesus…He knows what we are capable of all along and loves us in spite of ourselves.
Praise be to Jesus for His unfailing love!!!
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Do They Know?
Read John 13:31-35
Today’s Verse: By this shall all me know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. John 13:35 (KJV)
I recently attended a military wedding and was impressed with the dress uniforms of the groom and his groomsmen. In both the wedding and reception, there was absolutely no confusion identifying those who currently serve in our nation’s military and those who were simply civilians. The pressed uniforms, the polished shoes and swords, and the pride with which they carried themselves all signified their commitment and love for our country.
As followers of Jesus, there is no set uniform to identify our allegiance to our Savior. Even though we can wear Christian t-shirts and place Christian bumper stickers on our cars, Jesus said that our world would recognize us through the way that we love one another more than anything else. What does the world see in you and me? Does everyone around us recognize that we are followers of Jesus or would they be surprised if we told them that we are believers in Christ? Let us love one another in such a way that everyone knows our commitment to Jesus.
Today, may everyone know that we belong to Jesus because of our love for one another.
Today’s Verse: By this shall all me know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. John 13:35 (KJV)
I recently attended a military wedding and was impressed with the dress uniforms of the groom and his groomsmen. In both the wedding and reception, there was absolutely no confusion identifying those who currently serve in our nation’s military and those who were simply civilians. The pressed uniforms, the polished shoes and swords, and the pride with which they carried themselves all signified their commitment and love for our country.
As followers of Jesus, there is no set uniform to identify our allegiance to our Savior. Even though we can wear Christian t-shirts and place Christian bumper stickers on our cars, Jesus said that our world would recognize us through the way that we love one another more than anything else. What does the world see in you and me? Does everyone around us recognize that we are followers of Jesus or would they be surprised if we told them that we are believers in Christ? Let us love one another in such a way that everyone knows our commitment to Jesus.
Today, may everyone know that we belong to Jesus because of our love for one another.
Friday, October 22, 2010
More Than Enough
Read John 6:1-11
Another of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up, "Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish. But how far will they go among so many? John 6:8-9 (NIV)
In this world, it is easy to believe that you have little to offer. Our culture shines the spotlight brightly on those who are beautiful or talented or both. The average person is often relegated to sitting on the sideline dreaming about what might be if only given the chance. Trying out for the baseball team, applying for the big promotion, accepting that position of leadership-all of these and more can seem very daunting if you look at them with worldly eyes. Our world would have us believe we will only be able to succeed when we are more qualified, more physically attractive, more intellectually astute, or more confident. The message is clear-you are not good enough; in order to succeed, you must be “more”.
However, when you think more deeply about Jesus feeding the five thousand, it becomes obvious that God doesn’t think or work in the economy of “more”. He works with what we have and, with God, what we have is enough. The boy had only five loaves and two fish, but Jesus fed the entire crowd and the disciples gathered the leftovers. The disciples could only see the lack; Jesus could see the potential. Today, may you find peace in embracing the person God fully created you to be!
Dear God, help me to love the person you created me to be. Help me to accept both my strengths and my weaknesses as gifts from you. Help me to see that with you, my little is more than enough.
Another of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up, "Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish. But how far will they go among so many? John 6:8-9 (NIV)
In this world, it is easy to believe that you have little to offer. Our culture shines the spotlight brightly on those who are beautiful or talented or both. The average person is often relegated to sitting on the sideline dreaming about what might be if only given the chance. Trying out for the baseball team, applying for the big promotion, accepting that position of leadership-all of these and more can seem very daunting if you look at them with worldly eyes. Our world would have us believe we will only be able to succeed when we are more qualified, more physically attractive, more intellectually astute, or more confident. The message is clear-you are not good enough; in order to succeed, you must be “more”.
However, when you think more deeply about Jesus feeding the five thousand, it becomes obvious that God doesn’t think or work in the economy of “more”. He works with what we have and, with God, what we have is enough. The boy had only five loaves and two fish, but Jesus fed the entire crowd and the disciples gathered the leftovers. The disciples could only see the lack; Jesus could see the potential. Today, may you find peace in embracing the person God fully created you to be!
Dear God, help me to love the person you created me to be. Help me to accept both my strengths and my weaknesses as gifts from you. Help me to see that with you, my little is more than enough.
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