Jan 2012
Gods Power to Change People
Jan 31, 2012
They all met together continually for prayer, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, several other women, and the brothers of Jesus. – Acts 1:14
I read that Scripture verse just a few days ago and thought to myself,
“Now wait a minute! Aren’t those brothers of Jesus the very same guys who didn’t believe in him? (John 7:5) And yet, here they are praying together with the disciples. What happened?”
The answer, of course, is that the reality of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead had impacted them so powerfully that even these unbelieving brothers had a change of heart. What a great testimony to the power of Jesus’ resurrection. And what good news for us!
Do you know someone who is not a believer? A hard-core skeptic? The kind of person that scoffs at your faith? Someone your heart aches for?
Someone you’ve prayed would come to a saving faith in Jesus, but are beginning to doubt will ever believe? Maybe it’s a child. Perhaps a spouse, or a close friend. Don’t give up hope! If Jesus’ resurrection power could change his brothers’ hearts, it can change anyone’s heart!
Bringing It Home
1. Who do you know that has a skeptical mind or a hard heart when it comes to faith in Jesus Christ? If you aren’t already praying for them, make a commitment to do so today.
2. The power of Jesus’ resurrection is most clearly seen in the changed lives of other believers. Are you showing that change in your daily life? Be a living witness!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, my heart aches for the lost people in my life. I lift
them up to you, trusting in the incredible power of your resurrection.
Change their heart, Lord. And let me shine as a living light, a
testimony to your power and love.
In Jesus’ name.
Amen.
I read that Scripture verse just a few days ago and thought to myself,
“Now wait a minute! Aren’t those brothers of Jesus the very same guys who didn’t believe in him? (John 7:5) And yet, here they are praying together with the disciples. What happened?”
The answer, of course, is that the reality of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead had impacted them so powerfully that even these unbelieving brothers had a change of heart. What a great testimony to the power of Jesus’ resurrection. And what good news for us!
Do you know someone who is not a believer? A hard-core skeptic? The kind of person that scoffs at your faith? Someone your heart aches for?
Someone you’ve prayed would come to a saving faith in Jesus, but are beginning to doubt will ever believe? Maybe it’s a child. Perhaps a spouse, or a close friend. Don’t give up hope! If Jesus’ resurrection power could change his brothers’ hearts, it can change anyone’s heart!
Bringing It Home
1. Who do you know that has a skeptical mind or a hard heart when it comes to faith in Jesus Christ? If you aren’t already praying for them, make a commitment to do so today.
2. The power of Jesus’ resurrection is most clearly seen in the changed lives of other believers. Are you showing that change in your daily life? Be a living witness!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, my heart aches for the lost people in my life. I lift
them up to you, trusting in the incredible power of your resurrection.
Change their heart, Lord. And let me shine as a living light, a
testimony to your power and love.
In Jesus’ name.
Amen.
Nothing Can Separate Us From God
Jan 20, 2012
I am sure that nothing can separate us from God’s love – not life or
death, not angels or spirits, not the present or the future, and not
powers above or powers below. Nothing in all creation can separate us from God’s love for us in Christ Jesus our Lord! (Romans 8:38-39)
This Scripture passage is often used at funerals. It is read to proclaim in no uncertain terms that even though death can separate us from our life on earth, that not even death can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Not even death will cancel the promise of God’s love granting us the forgiveness of sins and the gift of eternal life. It is a great comfort to read this at such an important time.
Today, I invite you to hear the breadth and depth of this passage that can often be missed when used only at funerals:
1. Life cannot separate us from God’s love. Nothing in living your life can separate you. No part of your sinful human living will cause God to withdraw the love of Jesus from you.
2. Angels or spirits cannot separate you from God’s love. No spiritual power is strong enough to cause God to withdraw the love of Jesus from you.
3. The present or the future cannot separate you from God’s love. Nothing that happens today or tomorrow will cause God to withdraw the love of Jesus from you.
4. Powers above and powers below cannot separate you from God’s love. No force in the entire universe can cause God to withdraw the love of Jesus from you.
Bringing It Home:
1. If you are fearful that you have done something or may do something in the future that could cause God’s love to be withdrawn from you, pray the passage above. Ask God to strengthen your faith in your time of need.
2. Get a card of encouragement for someone who is going through a time of struggle. Write the Scripture passage above on it and tell them that you are praying for them.
Prayer:
Lord God, your love is steadfast and more powerful than any force in all of creation. I thank you and praise your name that I can confidently give my life over to you. Strengthen my resolve to submit myself to you.
Amen.
This Scripture passage is often used at funerals. It is read to proclaim in no uncertain terms that even though death can separate us from our life on earth, that not even death can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Not even death will cancel the promise of God’s love granting us the forgiveness of sins and the gift of eternal life. It is a great comfort to read this at such an important time.
Today, I invite you to hear the breadth and depth of this passage that can often be missed when used only at funerals:
1. Life cannot separate us from God’s love. Nothing in living your life can separate you. No part of your sinful human living will cause God to withdraw the love of Jesus from you.
2. Angels or spirits cannot separate you from God’s love. No spiritual power is strong enough to cause God to withdraw the love of Jesus from you.
3. The present or the future cannot separate you from God’s love. Nothing that happens today or tomorrow will cause God to withdraw the love of Jesus from you.
4. Powers above and powers below cannot separate you from God’s love. No force in the entire universe can cause God to withdraw the love of Jesus from you.
Bringing It Home:
1. If you are fearful that you have done something or may do something in the future that could cause God’s love to be withdrawn from you, pray the passage above. Ask God to strengthen your faith in your time of need.
2. Get a card of encouragement for someone who is going through a time of struggle. Write the Scripture passage above on it and tell them that you are praying for them.
Prayer:
Lord God, your love is steadfast and more powerful than any force in all of creation. I thank you and praise your name that I can confidently give my life over to you. Strengthen my resolve to submit myself to you.
Amen.
Looking to God When Times Get Tough
Jan 14, 2012
I look up to the mountains – does my help come from there? My help comes
from the Lord, who made the heavens and the earth! - Psalm 121:1-2
Have you ever seen the moon rise on a clear Fall night? The moon looks
enormous on the horizon. And yet, just a few hours later when the moon
rises higher in the sky, it looks small again. It isn’t that the moon
has changed in size. It isn’t that the earth is farther away from the
moon. It’s a matter of perspective.
The same thing is true when we’ve got a problem. If we focus on our
problem against the limited horizon of our own resources, our problem
can seem enormous. But if we view our problem against the unlimited
resources of our great God, our problems seem so much smaller.
When you’ve got a problem, which do you do—stare at your problem or look
up to God for help? For effective Christian living you need to stop
focusing on the problem, and start focusing on the power of God in your
life. Things won’t look the same!
Bringing It Home
1. What challenges are you facing right now? Are you fixated on the
problem, or are you focusing on God’s power? The choice is yours. Give
your challenges to God! Pray Psalm 121 to gain the inner freedom to “
let go and let God.”
2. Who can you remind today of the great resources of our great God?
Your reminder might be just what they need to reorient their focus.
Prayer
God of heaven and earth, thank you for making your unlimited power and
resources available to me. Help me always to focus on you instead of my
problems. I will trust you with every challenging circumstance I face
today. In Jesus’ strong name I pray.
Amen.
from the Lord, who made the heavens and the earth! - Psalm 121:1-2
Have you ever seen the moon rise on a clear Fall night? The moon looks
enormous on the horizon. And yet, just a few hours later when the moon
rises higher in the sky, it looks small again. It isn’t that the moon
has changed in size. It isn’t that the earth is farther away from the
moon. It’s a matter of perspective.
The same thing is true when we’ve got a problem. If we focus on our
problem against the limited horizon of our own resources, our problem
can seem enormous. But if we view our problem against the unlimited
resources of our great God, our problems seem so much smaller.
When you’ve got a problem, which do you do—stare at your problem or look
up to God for help? For effective Christian living you need to stop
focusing on the problem, and start focusing on the power of God in your
life. Things won’t look the same!
Bringing It Home
1. What challenges are you facing right now? Are you fixated on the
problem, or are you focusing on God’s power? The choice is yours. Give
your challenges to God! Pray Psalm 121 to gain the inner freedom to “
let go and let God.”
2. Who can you remind today of the great resources of our great God?
Your reminder might be just what they need to reorient their focus.
Prayer
God of heaven and earth, thank you for making your unlimited power and
resources available to me. Help me always to focus on you instead of my
problems. I will trust you with every challenging circumstance I face
today. In Jesus’ strong name I pray.
Amen.