Waiting for Resurrection Day

Waiting for resurrection day.  Jesus’ death is real…but you have not yet tasted the power of His resurrection.

Saved…but falling short of living in the power of the resurrection.

“If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection.”

That’s the promise – united with Jesus in His resurrection.

But some are still waiting to experience the full measure of power that came on the third day.  They are saved…but living below the full potential of resurrection power.

Sadly…there are many who rejoice every day that they are born again…forgiven…transformed by the work of Jesus at Calvary.

But they seem stuck…bogged down with the usual…living in partial defeat…and held in the grip of a fruitless life.

Instead…live today in resurrection power.

A Look in the Mirror

A look in the mirror.  That’s always a good place to start.

When you can’t get along with someone…when things go south at work…when people in the church annoy you – it is time to look in the mirror.

Granted…sometimes things are beyond your control.  People have issues.  And there is little you can do.

But usually — when you look in the mirror…you will discover you are not without fault.

When you see your own faults…there is something you can do it.  You can change. 

There are two worlds…one out there and one inside.  You can do little to change the outside world…but you can do a lot to change the inside world.

Look in the mirror – that’s always the place to begin.

Jesus and Scripture

Jesus and scripture.  They are one.

But some try to separate Jesus from scripture – seeing in Jesus more grace and mercy.  They would argue that Jesus seems more accommodating than scripture.

On the surface it may seem to have an appeal.  They conclude that Jesus is more accepting of the trends of modern culture than is scripture.

So the tendency for some is to emphasize Jesus more than scripture…as if the two can be separated. 

Such is not the case.  Jesus and scripture are one – they cannot be separated.   They speak the same language.

Separating the two is often an excuse for being soft on sin.

But Jesus and scripture are ever the same. Jesus is the living word — and scripture is the written word.  They are inseparable.

Resignation

Resignation.  That’s the key to a wholesome and happy life.

But resignation to what?  Resignation to the will of God.

The psalmist explained it this way – “I desire to do your will, O my God…”  This is the confession of one who has learned the secret of resignation.

The human tendency is to insist on managing one’s own life – so that every day is a battle to achieve that perfect life…free from pain and suffering.  The result is a life of anxiety.

Instead…the daily prayer should be this – “I desire to do your will, O my God.”  Then comes peace and rest…knowing that the will of God is always perfectly designed for you.

So…commit yourself to know and do the will of God.

Hemmed In

Hemmed in.  But God holds you in His heart.

“You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.  You discern my going out and my lying down…Before a word is on my tongue, you know it completely…You hem me in – behind and before…”

You may be tempted feel like God is far away…uninvolved…removed.  Not so.

The challenge goes in two directions – the security of God’s presence and the conviction you feel in that He knows everything.

So you are not alone.  You dwell in the loving presence of Almighty God.  And since He watches every step…be careful about your walk.

And yes…there is correction.  You cannot hide from Him.  Even your thoughts are known…before they become words. 

But dwell on this – the One who knows you best…loves you most.

Exiled

Exiled.  That is — separated from what is familiar…predictable…and comfortable.

So it was for the people of God.  They were exiled from Jerusalem…and suffering at the hands of their tormentors in Babylon.

When they were asked to sing the songs of Zion they responded — “How can we sing the songs of the Lord while in a foreign land?”

Are you in exile — separated from loved ones…away from the church you have loved for years…or confined because of physical weaknesses?

The pain of alienation and separation can be daunting.

But David in another context provides the answer.  “I will bow down toward your holy temple and will praise your name for your love and your faithfulness…”

In your place of separation…you can do the same. 

Unanswered Prayer

Unanswered prayer.  There is no such thing…for the righteous.

“I call on the Lord in my distress, and he answers me.”  This is a declarative statement…with no qualifications.

Put differently…God always hears your cries.  He is always open to you.

This is a source of great encouragement.  When you call…you know that He answers.  And His response is according to His infinite wisdom.

That might be a yes…a no…or a wait.  But that’s up to Him.  The point is clear – He always responds to your call.

The point?  There is great comfort in knowing that He knows…and His response is always according to His wise and providential care.

He always knows best.  He responds against the backdrop of eternity.

Even in adversity – here is a place of rest.

A Quiver Full

A quiver full.  The psalmist is referring to children.

 “Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one’s youth.  Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.”

Some view the presence of children as an inconvenience…a hindrance to self-fulfillment…an obstacle to progress.

Instead…see your child as a gift from God…and you as a caretaker of that divine treasure.  And when you spend time with your child – see it as an opportunity to fulfill the will of God. 

Of course…it can be demanding –diapers…feeding…bathing.  It can be a daunting task.  But you are preparing a man or woman to live for God and serve Him.  There is nothing more worthy of your time.

An Elephant in the Room

An elephant in the room. So…relationships remain shallow and insecure.

What is this elephant?  It’s an uncomfortable subject that is commonly known…but no one wants to discuss it.

It can happen in families…executive offices…political gatherings…and even in marriages.

The result is insecurity and confusion.  There is little productive conversation and little movement forward.  The environment is counterproductive.

But worse…the condition is ungodly and sinful.

But what is the remedy?  “…confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.”

Jesus alone can remove the elephant.  He offers forgiveness…reconciliation…and healing.  The most broken relationships can be healed…and set on a path that will move forward.

Hidden in the Heart

Hidden in the heart.  If you look carefully…what do you find?

Greed…revenge…hatred…regret…unforgiveness – they can find a hiding place in your heart.

But the psalmist tells you what should be hidden there.  “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” 

Your heart is like a vacuum – it picks up and stores whatever you allow – for good or for evil.  And when you allow good and wholesome attitudes to lodge there – the space will be occupied…and evil thoughts will be crowded out.

So…keep your heart pure…by filling it with the Word of God.  Then evil will be unable to find there a hiding place.

Guard your heart.  Put a sentinel at its door.  Fill your heart with the Word of God.