A few years ago, I wrote a short devotional titled “We Will Meet Again.” A brother in Christ, John Baker, turned this into a really nice video. John recently remade this video in HD. He made a nice video into an even nicer video. I hope it brings comfort to you. – gc
Archive for the ‘Devotional’ Category
Where The Real Power Is
14
Jul
(Rom 1:16Rom 1:16
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
WP-Bible plugin) “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth;…”
By definition, trends come and go. Methods are only as current as the tastes of the culture. The church today is trying to make Jesus Christ “relevant” by following the world in trends and methodology. This isn’t something recently discovered by church marketers. Look back at the hippy culture of the 1960′s and early 1970′s. Jesus was “cool” to them too. But let’s not mistake trends for truth and methods for the manifest presence of God. The verse says “it is the power of God unto salvation.” What is the it? It is the gospel of Christ! Let’s not ever forget the gospel is a message that transcends time and culture. It is applicable to every race, nationality and people group. Jesus made Himself relevant to the souls of every one of us when He died and rose again 2,000 years ago. It’s good to find new and meaningful ways to communicate. But let’s never forget the real power is in what we communicate.
Renewed Thought – Will I earn a hearing today with unbelievers by how closely I am aligned to the world or by the difference they see in my life because of my relationship with Jesus Christ?
Purpose And Passion By Relationship
13
Jul
(1 Thessalonians 2:11 Thessalonians 2:1
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
2 1 For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain:
WP-Bible plugin) “For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain:”
Paul entered into Thessalonica with purpose: The city was a hub for commerce in the Roman Republic. It was bustling with activity. Paul’s intention was to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to a city full of lost people. This was his focus, his goal, his aim.
Our lives are arranged around what drives us. God wants the relationship between us and Him to become the driving force in how we live our lives. As Christians, we fall into one of three groups of people. The first is those whose life is arranged around they want. This is self-motivated, self-centered passion. Life is lived on the terms determined by self-will. The second is those whose life is arranged in reaction to the events of life that occur. Although this may seem like living by faith, in reality it is a rudderless life driven only on the terms and convenience dictated by self. The third is those whose life is lived on God’s terms. The timing, location, and activity of life are produced by a passionate relationship with the Lord. This is a life of faith amongst the lost. This is a life willing and able to give up everything if need be to accomplish a greater purpose. This is a focused life not easily distracted. Our purpose is driven by the relationship and the passion in that relationship dictates the terms – self is removed and everything is centered in Christ.
When you walk amongst the lost today, which type of Christian are you? Are you living on the edge of terms dictated by the world’s lifestyle or are you living a life driven by a love relationship with the Lord? This will determine whether you walk in purpose or vanity.
Renewed Thought – “You have to live with the people to know their needs, and you have to live with God to know how to solve them.” – John Maxwell
God Picks Up The Broken
12
Jul
(Act 4:13Act 4:13
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.
WP-Bible plugin) “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.”
It wasn’t long before this that Peter wept bitterly for denying He knew the Lord (Luke 22:62Luke 22:62
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
62 And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.
WP-Bible plugin). His testimony was ruined as he cursed and swore in front of all those people who wanted to connect him to Jesus (Matthew 26:74Matthew 26:74
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
74 Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew.
WP-Bible plugin). He hit rock bottom in his relationship with God. He probably couldn’t even stand to see his own reflection in the mirror. But here we see a man transformed. Here is a spiritual leader. Here is a true follower willing not only to admit He knew the Lord Jesus, he was willing to lay his life on the line for Him.
Every one of us blows our testimony at some point. We may say things to our spouses, children, friends or parents that we regret. I’m sure Peter regretted what he said on the night of Jesus’ trial. But God is in the business of picking up the pieces of broken lives and putting things back together again for His glory. He can do the same thing for you and me even though we may hate ourselves for what we’ve said in the past.
Peter spent time with the resurrected Lord. Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit. Today, we can spend time with the resurrected Lord. And in Christ, we have the indwelling Holy Spirit. As we spend time with the Lord and allow the Holy Spirit to work in our lives today, don’t be surprised if those around you marvel and wonder. Yes, let them see you have been with Jesus.
Renewed Thought – Our relationship with the Lord is about spending time with Him. Don’t mistake what you do for Him with spending time with Him.
Is It Real Enough To Get Up?
11
Jul
(Act 14:19-21Act 14:19-21
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
19 And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead. 20 Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe. 21 And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, had taught many: Gr. had made many disciples
WP-Bible plugin) “And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead. Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe. And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch,…”
When people speak today about a “Christian world-view” what do they mean? Typically they mean how you view creationism, your stance on abortion, and whether you have conservative moral values. Unfortunately, over the past 20 years it’s come to describe your political affiliations as well. But really, a “world-view” means when I look at the world, what is the lens I use to understand reality? More pointedly, do I believe in a spiritual reality? Do I believe in a spiritual reality enough to let it affect how I live my life? What is the basis for my perception of this reality? As a result of my perception of reality, what is reality when I look at people? What is reality when I look at my neighborhood and my city? This “world view” will drive whether I have the focus, purpose, and passion to get up from the dust, brush myself off and keep going with the mission God has given me when I am trampled and run over by people or life.
Renewed Thought – My relationship with the Lord defines how I run for the Lord.
