Victory!

Colossians 2:9-15

This is a passage you should read aloud - with great enthusiasm.  Despite what it might look like in your life on any given day, the battle is won - Jesus is the victor.  For  those of us who have accepted him as Lord and Savior, we are redeemed for all eternity.

Look at these promises:

• In Christ, you have been brought to fullness (v. 9)
• God made you alive in Christ (v. 13)
• He forgave you all your sins (v. 13)
• He has triumphed over all the powers and authorities by the cross (v. 15).

Ah, verse 15 - by the cross.  He didn't achieve this great victory with military might, or political power.  He did it by the cross.  

And he died on the cross so we can live.  As we have said many times in the Daily Bible Blast, we can't earn eternal life.  We all know that intellectually.  But, again and again, we try to earn it.  To impress Jesus with our good works so that he says, 'okay, Elaine, you're worthy.  I'm going to open heaven's gate for you now."

No, he said that He brings me to fullness.  He makes me alive in Christ.  He forgives all my sins.  He triumphs over all earthly authorities and powers.

It was not easy to be a Christian when Paul wrote this letter to the church as Colossia.  Persecution was a daily experience for them - jail, beatings, suffering.  And yet the church grew, and people came to faith daily.  

Are you experiencing suffering?  Physical, mental, emotional?  Take your burdens to Jesus - lay them at the cross.  He may not end your suffering, but he will give you the grace to endure it.  And, ultimately, he will come again, and "he will wipe every tear from your eyes.  There will be no more death or mourning or crying or paid, for the old order of things has passed away. (Revelation 21:4)"

Dear Lord, Lent is a time of reflection and thanks for what you did on the cross.  Thank you for the gift of eternal life.  Help me to rejoice in my eternal salvation, and to share that good news with others.  Amen.  

Freedom in Love

From Bondage to Freedom

¹³ Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister. 

The oldest child learns early on, the importance of leading by example. It is suggested many times that we be sure our little brother or sister is safe. Hold their hand when crossing the street and so on. Teaching young minds the right way of things is a valuable lesson so they don't have to learn everything the hard way.

The same holds true to those of us who mentor new believers. Sharing our life and also our mistakes can save them from painful times. Our faith journey was just that, a journey with lots of twists and turns, gullies and ditches. Probably still are today. How we navigated these challenges are good lessons to share. Even, or maybe especially, when we failed.

Believers are called to accept one another without judging even when our opinions are varied. So then, how should we deal with those who disagree with us? Paul's response is that all believers should act in love so as to maintain peace in the church.

Romans 14:19 (NIV) Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. 

Because He Died...There in lies freedom from bondage.

Romans 14:13-23

Earned Salvation Isn't God's Plan

Romans 3:23 is one of those verses you may have memorized: All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. It's certainly short, sweet and to the point, isn't it? If you're looking for loopholes in terms of getting around the 'hard stuff' in the Christian faith, this isn't the verse for you.

ALL have sinned. Not just 'bad' people, like murderers, or rapists, or robbers. People like me. People like you. People who gossip. People who are envious of others' success. People who bully others. Yes, people who sin. ALL of us have sinned.

Thanks be to God that verse 23 isn't the only verse in scripture! Take a look at what Paul says next:

ALL are justified FREELY by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus (emphasis added).

So let's review:

1. All of us have sinned.

2. No amount of good works can earn our salvation.

3. Jesus paid the price for our sin.

4. Jesus bids us to lay down our life, take up our cross and follow him.

I follow Pastor Tim Keller on Instagram. Keller is the founder of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City, a church that has brought many to faith in a city that is not well known for pious living. Keller has written many books on faith and living the Christian life in a post-christian world. He posted this on Instagram, and I am struck by the truth of these words and how they connect to Romans 3:23-26:

"God invites you to come as you are, not stay as you are."

Yes, I'm a broken sinner, and I can never "out-good" God. But he longs for me to experience wholeness and forgiveness, and the only way I can do that is to come to the foot of the cross, acknowledge my sin, and ask him to change me. What an adventure it is when we follow Jesus! While your life as a Christ follower will not be pain free, it will be an adventure of a lifetime as you grow into the person who will sing God's praises for all eternity!

Romans 3:23-26

The King is Revealed - Shh!

Reading: Matthew 17: 1-9

 

How are you at keeping a secret? Today we join the disciples as they become privy to an extraordinary truth which they were to hold top secret at Jesus’ command.

Just days before the incident in Matthew 17, Jesus was walking with His disciples and asking them who people were saying He [Jesus] was. They offered various thoughts:  John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah, one of the prophets. Then He asked, “But who do you say I am?”  “You are the Messiah, the Son of God,” Peter answered…and Jesus warned them strongly not to tell anyone who He was.

Later, Jesus took Peter, James, and John up a mountain, where they were joined by the Old Testament saints Moses and Elijah.  Then an amazing thing happened (as if seeing these two men wasn’t amazing enough!) – God the Father revealed to them what Peter had professed a week earlier, Jesus was, God’s “beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased.”

Wow, what great news – everyone should know this!

Again Jesus told them to keep secret what they had seen.  What? Are you kidding?  This is such good news – the word needs to be spread, doesn’t it?  Why would Jesus put the brakes on the disciples’ enthusiasm?  Two words we perhaps don’t like to hear, “God’s timing” seem to be at the heart of it.  He told them to wait until He had risen from the dead, until they had received His Spirit (Acts 1:8).  When the Spirit came, bringing power to them, now was the time to go and tell – once they were equipped.  

They needed to wait on God before stepping out to proclaim Jesus to the whole world.

Through them, we, who have come after the Apostles, see the King revealed; And today, through us, others see Him as their King.  Through us, God “manifests the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place (2 Cor 2:14).”  He equips His saints in every generation to manifest His Messiah, His King.  Without His power, we are inadequate for the task. Praise God, our adequacy is from Him (2 Cor 3:5)!

 

Father, thank you that you plainly revealed Your Son to the world through your word and your people. We pray that this Lenten season many more may see Jesus as Their Messiah, their King. Amen

God Moves To the Cross

Jesus’ move to the cross declares that forgiveness of sins and eternal life is given to anyone who trusts in Him. Nothing more. Nothing less. Faith alone in Christ alone determines our eternal destiny.

         Read Luke 23:1-49 and reflect on the passage

There is only one in Jesus’ story towards the cross who uses his title unironically. Jesus does not die alone: with one criminal on His right and one on His left, He finally hears a single voice of sincerity among the jeers of the crowd: “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your Kingdom.” He is truly hailed as King at last—and it’s by a petty thief. 

Jesus’ whole life was a paradox, His actions unexpected, His choice of followers startling, His path to power the path of defeat and death. The cross is the final moment of confusion for the royal watchers among us. This can’t be it? Can it? Can this be what He was intending to do with His reign? This may be one of the most important conversations ever recorded. Why? Because the man in the middle died with sin on him, but not in him.

Station 13: Jesus Dies on the Cross (Luke 23:44-46)

Jesus worshiped at the Jerusalem Temple many times when He was alive. In that temple was a curtain that separated people from the Holy of Holies, the place where they believed God was present in a very special way. When Jesus died, two amazing things happened: it became very dark all throughout the city, and the curtain in the temple was torn in two. Because of Jesus’ death, we can now always be in God’s presence.

Station 14: Jesus is Placed in the Tomb (Matthew 27:57-60)

After Jesus died on the cross, one of His friends, Joseph of Arimathea, asked Pilate if he could take Jesus’ body down from the cross. Along with Mary, Jesus’ mother, and some other friends of Jesus, Joseph prepared Jesus’ body for burial. Then he buried Jesus in his own tomb.

Read and reflect on the passages.

1. The whole earth became dark, the sun stopped shining, and all hope seemed to be gone. What do people feel hopeless about? Is there something in your life that seems hopeless? How can the meaning of Easter (resurrection, new life, forgiveness) bring hope into your life?

2. Jesus took on all of our sins when He died on the cross. Is there something you have done that you need to ask forgiveness for?

3. What Joseph did took courage—what is one thing you have done that took courage? What is something you need courage to do?

—Brittany Timm

When we give, we are thanking God

ApriL   6

Read 2 Corinthians 9:6-12 and reflect on the passage.

My seminary professor spoke at UALC in the early 1970's. He said, “Grace begets (gives birth to) gratitude; gratitude begets graciousness; and graciousness…gives.” I have never forgotten both those words and the truth they bring.

When Jesus’ work in my life is real and true, I have no choice, as it were. I am so grateful—and that thanks needs a place to go, and a way to act. Giving is one of the very real and tangible ways my thanks goes and acts.

As I give—time, money, love, and more—my thanks “gets legs.” It lives, and I see even more clearly the reality that Jesus really has acted and is living in my life. It shows up now in my giving. Giving is not something I avoid or neglect. It is, rather, something I seek. It is the way that I can thank God for His gifts to me in Jesus.

I am grateful for the opportunity to give, and for the proof and demonstration of Jesus’ mercy in my life, that this giving becomes every day. How about you?

Questions

1. Ask Jesus “what else, what more can I give and do as a result and proof of Your mercy in my life?”

2. Who might you ask for help/counsel about giving, because of Jesus’ mercy to you? Connect with them, and see what thanksgiving might come from this.

Prayer

Thank You, Jesus, for Your mercy and grace in my life, and for the testimony and proof of Your work that my giving becomes to me every day. Amen.

—Paul ulring

We were created to do good works

5  ApriL                       

Read Ephesians 2:4-10 and reflect on the passage.

Working for God’s favor forfeits it. That may seem like a strange thing to say, but the reality is that the opposite mindset is a form of legalism. Yes, the New Testament views Christian obedience as the practice of “good deeds” (works), and Christians are to be “rich in good deeds” (1 Tim. 6:18; cf. Matt. 5:16; Eph. 2:10; 2 Tim. 3:17; Titus 2:7, 14; 3:8, 14). However, a good deed is not only done according to the right standard—according to God’s moral law—but also, as J.I. Packer puts it, “from a right motive (the love to God and others that marks the regenerate heart); [and] with a right purpose (pleasing and glorifying God, honoring Christ, advancing his kingdom, and benefiting one’s neighbor)” (Concise Theology).

Legalism, then, by nature can never produce truly good works—in fact, it could even be called a “distortion of obedience.” Not only does it twist motive and purpose, but it sees good deeds as essentially ways to earn more of God’s favor than one currently has. Most important, it contains an underlying lovelessness in that it has a self-advancing purpose.

For Jesus, the Pharisees were the ultimate legalists, and the temptation is so strongly intrinsic in human beings that Paul constantly fought against this “Christ- plus” concept of salvation in his letters. Instead of improving our relationship with God, legalism in all its forms does the opposite. It puts that relationship in danger by stopping our focus on Christ, starving our souls, and feeding our pride. How wonderful it is that Christ’s love, favor, and redemption are free gifts that we cannot earn!

Questions

1. What would it look like for us to perform good works out of our love for Christ, rather than expecting more in exchange from Him?

2. What are some the good works we were “created for” that we might pour out on those around us?

Prayer

Father, how grateful we are that You favor us with Your goodness, love, and provisions. But most of all You favor us with redemption through the precious blood of Your Son, Jesus Christ.

—Andrew Fuller

Zerubbabel sent to rebuild the temple

31 March          

Read Ezra 3:7-11 and reflect on the passage.

The construction of the new church Building in Poli, Cameroon was moving forward. It was located closer to the center of town. The design of the building was striking. It was significantly larger than the current building. Most importantly, the believers were excited to see the progress. The work was not done, but you could feel the energy as people crammed into the old church. They still had to sit on top of each other in a building that dated from the 1950's without solid doors and windows, but they had hope for the future.

We would like to think that our faith in things not seen would be sufficient to buoy our spirits, but it surely is encouraging to have visible milestones every once in a while. The Jews returning from exile rejoiced when the foundation for the building of the second temple was laid. Clearly the work was not finished, but they were moving in the right direction. Each of us in our own spiritual lives, even though we have a lot of work left to be done, can give thanks when we see clear signs that God’s work in us is moving forward.

Questions

1. Identify events in your life that are visible signs that God’s work in you has moved forward.

2. Who can you thank for having contributed to those milestones?

Prayer

Father, I am far from being the person You want. But I give You thanks for , a sign of Your work in my life.

—David Mann

Ezekiel is sent to warn Israel

29  March  

Read Ezekiel 2:1-8 and reflect on the passage.

Understanding Patients’ experience is a big topic in healthcare right now. A study was recently undertaken to understand the unique patient experience of chronically ill older adults. Findings from this study found that older adults’ experience was related to the actions and the attitudes of their healthcare providers. Actions were defined as what the caregiver did, and attitudes were defined as the manner, or way of being.

Actions and attitudes are important for health care providers and also for prophets. During the sixth century B.C., Babylon invaded the nation of Israel and as a result, the Israelites became desperate and turned away from God. God called Ezekiel to action to bring hope to the Israelites. Ezekiel was charged with delivering God’s message with the attitude of fearlessness, and to ignore mean words and hard looks from the rebelling Israelites. Ezekiel’s actions and attitudes helped the Israelites emerge from the rubble and become a new people of God.

Lent is a time of repentance and self-examination, and provides us an opportunity to think about our actions and attitudes as Christians. How are we using actions and attitudes to improve the experience of those around us? Ezekiel gives us a good model.

Questions

1. Are we like Ezekiel and taking God’s message to a world that is filled with naysayers? Are we fearless in delivering God’s message of hope?

2. Or, are we being more like the desperate rebels that Ezekiel found among the Israelites?

Prayer

God, give us courage to be Your people. Give us an attitude of fearlessness so we can deliver Your message of hope. Amen.

—Jean Scholz Mellum

Ezekiel is sent to see idolatry in the temple

March 28

Read Ezekiel 8:3-6,16-18 and reflect on the passage.

Was Jesus reminded of these verses in Ezekiel when he drove the money changers out of the temple? As He turned over their tables, He thundered at them: “My house shall be called a house of prayer; but you are making it a den of robbers” (Matthew 21:13).

Ezekiel is led in a vision to Jerusalem, where the Spirit shows him evil in the temple: “a large idol that has made the Lord very jealous” (v. 3). The Lord says, “Do you see the detestable sins the people of Israel are committing to drive Me from My Temple?” (v. 6). Later in the chapter, the Lord says, “Therefore, I will deal with them in anger; I will not look on them with pity or spare them” (v. 18).

Our God is a jealous God. He alone is worthy of worship and praise. We are not bothered by sin like He is; we would rather be excused for our sin (it wasn’t my fault…I didn’t mean it) than to ask for forgiveness. The only way to live a Christ-centered life is to ask God to forgive us and to send his Holy Spirit to change us into kingdom people. Thanks be to God for His grace and mercy!

Questions

1. How did the Lord respond to the evil that was taking place in His temple?

2. What is our response to sin in the world? To our own sin?

Prayer

Thank You for sending Jesus to pay the price for my sin. Help me to flee from evil and seek Your face. Amen.

—Elaine Pierce

God protects Paul

March  25

Read Acts 18:9-16 and reflect on the passage. 

Mary had not expected the push-back that she was receiving after her presentation at the board meeting. It caught her totally off guard— and especially that it was from the people that she had assumed would be with her in the project. She left the meeting discouraged, questioning her abilities and purpose. The next day, she found an email, sent from a colleague with whom she often had been at odds, congratulating her on the calm manner in which she had conducted herself in a difficult meeting.

The Apostle Paul had many “opportunities” to be discouraged throughout his ministry. He could have thrown in the towel on many occasions. But the Lord encouraged him again and again to stay focused on his calling—“don’t be afraid; don’t be silent; I will protect you.” And most interestingly, God also used other people to flesh out that encouragement. He used people who were not necessarily part of his team—even non-believers. Gallio was a pagan Roman, political leader whom God used to protect Paul.

When God encourages, He can use His Word, prayer, and worship songs. But He can also use people we don’t expect.

Questions

1. When have you been discouraged from doing what you believe God has called you to do?

2. In addition to the Word and prayer, whom has God used to encourage you?


Prayer

Father of all encouragement, we look to You for Your support and protection, especially when we feel abandoned and vulnerable. Thank You for Your support.

—David Mann

God rescues the Israelites

24  March                                 

Read Exodus 14:21-28 and reflect on the passage.

When I think about how many times God has rescued me, he must be exhausted! I grew up in a house divided, Catholic vs. Methodist. Thankfully, the Christian foundation was always there. But I strayed. And every time I strayed, God rescued me. Throw in the fact that I am a self- admitted “control freak,” and just watch me stray!

God was stirring up something fierce in me this past Christmas season. The Holy Spirit sprinkled in the good, the bad, and the ugly! Thankfully, I let Jesus take the wheel this time. If I hadn’t, I would probably be in the fetal position asking God the following: What have I done to deserve this? Why are you punishing me? When will I catch a break?

This Lenten season, I am truly thankful for all the times God has rescued me. Although I still struggle with control, I am able to ask the Lord questions like: Where are you leading me? Who are you putting in my path? How can I be a blessing to others?

Thank you for rescuing each and every one of us, Jesus!

Questions

1. Do you need rescued in some aspect of your life right now? Who have you put in control of the rescue mission?

2. What will you do differently this Lenten season to allow God to rescue those around you, including non-believers?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I pray for everyone that needs rescued right now. Thank You,

Lord, for being in control, all the time!

—Alicia Kern

Paul perseveres

March  23

Read 2 Corinthians 11:23-30 and reflect on the passage.

When Peggy and I first read the passage for today, we thought we Must have looked up the wrong passage. I mean this is a devotional, this should be encouraging, a light story with a point. But no, this was the right passage. Paul boasts about his suffering: being in prison, beaten, stoned, shipwrecked, and left for dead.

As we began to talk, we thought about what we would write on a résumé or obituary: accomplishments, awards, and who we know; the many Bible studies we have led; special moments like being in the first Tetélestai, meeting the President of the United States, having dinner with Elisabeth Eliot, taking John Ness to camp—a very different list then Paul’s.

It would be easy to feel bad until we remembered the privilege of watching God work: sitting in hospital rooms with dying men and women, crying over lost children, presiding over funerals, visiting students in treatment centers or jail. To be honest we often did not have answers, but in our weakness God worked. How is God using your weakness this season? “If I must boast, I boast of things that show my weakness.”


Questions

1. What would your list of boasts look like?

2. Have you asked God to join you in your difficulties?

Prayer

Father, help us not get caught in our own accomplishments. Teach us to let You use our pain and weakness so You may be glorified.

—Joe and Peggy Valentino

The Apostles persevere

22  March                                   

Read Acts 5:17-29 and reflect on the passage.

I love when an angel appears in the Bible. It means things are going to get interesting. In this particular instance, the angel “rescues” the apostles from jail and basically tells them to go right back out and try to get arrested again. Why would they do that?! Why would they obey?

Well, because they’ve learned that God’s gonna do what God’s gonna do. When He puts a plan in motion it’s hard—impossible—to stop. Oh, but we try.

It seems I’m always trying to mess with His plans for me, but I’m starting to realize He will ultimately prevail and it’s in my best interest to listen and obey like the apostles. Apparently, I have something to learn from the infamous words of Nike and Larry the Cable Guy…I need to “just do it” and “git-r-done.” Sure it can be scary and I may have to take what I perceive as risks, but when God’s goals become my goals then I begin to fulfill the purpose He has intended for me.

Questions

1. When have you heard God calling, but didn’t want to listen?

2. How would things change if you obeyed from the start?

Prayer

Lord, help me set aside my plans when they don’t align with Yours. Give me the courage to do Your will regardless of my fears.

—Jennifer Jerrome

Do not judge

15 March 

Read Matthew 7:1-5 and reflect on the passage.

In 1963, my family was transferred by the U.S. air force to Pakistan. We lived on the Air Base surrounded by walls and in the middle of tribal territory. In 1985, India and Pakistan went to war, a common occurrence then. It was not safe on the base, so the wives and children spent every night in foxholes. Finally, they decided it was too dangerous for the women and children, so we were evacuated.

U.S. Embassy families housed us until we could get to Turkey where we stayed for three months.

We were all frightened, sick, and mad. Many of the senior officers’ wives told us that to be uncooperative and upset was unacceptable; if we didn’t follow the rules, we would be a detriment to our husbands who were still working in Pakistan.

It’s hard enough to keep a pleasant demeanor in good times let alone under the scrutiny of the ranking wives. I can say I was miserable and afraid most of the time, but then I realized that if I could forgive them and understand what they were going through, “the planks would be removed from all of our eyes.” As a result, the three months in Turkey became easier for us all, and eventually, we returned to Pakistan.

I slip back into those attitudes and find myself judging others, because they are in my way, or want to do something different, and then I remember Jesus’ admonition—don’t judge or I will judge you.

Questions

1. Do you ever wish that certain people in your life would quit irritating you with their incessant demands, thoughtlessness, bossiness, etc? Do you feel the need to let others know how upset you are and why?

2. Are you ready to give people grace and kindness in the hope that their unhappiness diminishes?

Prayer

Oh Lord, help me please to overcome my negative reactions to others’ difficulties. Please help me take away my plank and be kinder to others.

—Mary Clark