I can do everything through Him who gives me strength. – Philippians 4:13
A take away from the post “Step Ahead with Optimism and Courage” is to keep going even when you think it is over. If trouble comes your way, keep the faith and seek Christ diligently. Maintain hope and you will find that difficulties will vanish because the love of God through Christ will give you the strength to step ahead.
Take inspiration from this thought today about the strength you have to step ahead. Celebrate with the song My Victory – Passion (Feat. Crowder) because like the song says, the death of Jesus is hell’s defeat. The cross meant to kill, is your victory.
Like the excitement of planning a vacation destination, reading the Bible can also provide excitement as we daily read scripture and journey through life. Today we are reading what many would say is the most exciting part of the Bible as recorded in Mark 16:1-8.
On Sunday morning after the crucifixion, the women went to the tomb of Jesus. They were concerned about rolling the stone away from the entrance of the tomb but when they got there, the very large stone had already been rolled away. A man dressed in a white robe was sitting on the right side who told them Jesus had risen and was not there!
The man gave the women instructions which included telling the disciples that Jesus had gone to Galilee and they could see Jesus there. As they left the tomb, they were bewildered but amazed! They were afraid to tell anyone at first, but eventually followed through with the instructions the angel had given them.
Meanwhile, the disciples were mourning because they thought it was over but soon they would hear the good news that Jesus was alive and their response would be one of great joy and unbelievable courage because they had proof that Jesus was who He told them He was; the Savior of the world.
There are times in our life when we think it is over. Bad news from a doctor about a health issue, financial problems, or broken relationships leave many with little hope but it is during these times that we should keep the faith and seek after Christ. The resurrection of Christ gives believers this universal power to remove the obstacles. To step ahead with boldness, new optimism, and courage to walk steadily forward with excitement.
This day with You God, we face difficulties in this world but we are thankful that the burdens of this world will not keep us down. We humbly receive Your grace today and accept Your plan that always brings victory in our life. Because of the resurrection of Jesus, we have the power at work in us that brings hope to the future. A future in which victory is assured now and forever. Amen.
All age groups are needed in any organization. The wisdom of the experienced and the energy of the young are needed. Each can do what they do best and fit into the plan. This poem is about sticking to God’s plan for you to bring Him glory.
Then he said to me, “Prophesy to these bones and say to them, ‘Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! This is what the Sovereign Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life.’” – Ezekiel 37:4-5
When Jesus was crucified, it was a common occurrence in that society but there was something different about that Friday as pointed out in the post “Light Shines Brightest in the Dark”. God wanted those who witnessed the event to know that something of great significance occurred.
Jesus cried out in a loud voice at three in the afternoon and some thought that He was calling Elijah and Elijah would take Him down from the cross. We know now that Jesus breathed His last shortly after but as the song Rattle by Elevation Worship points out, the disappointment they felt on Friday turned into great excitement on Sunday when they found out the tomb was empty!
This day with God will be amazing because we will see that light shines brightest in the dark. With God by our side, we start each day doing what is necessary and then we do what is possible. Suddenly, the impossible is being done with God’s help and we then share the incredible story with others.
Crucifixions were common in society during the time recorded in Mark 15:33-47 but there was something different about the crucifixion of Jesus. It began at nine in the morning and then some supernatural events occurred at noon which made this crucifixion uncommon. Darkness fell over the whole land until three in the afternoon when Jesus breathed His last. At that moment, the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom symbolizing that there was no longer a separation between God and believers.
We all have faced dark times of loss, anger, and broken relationships but it is these experiences that give us opportunities to illuminate the power of God in our life. The death of Christ on the cross made possible spiritual healing with amazing grace so God is with us to help communicate the good news of Jesus’ death on the cross. With God, we are blessed beyond measure with a very great power inside that transforms our darkness into light so that this light not only blesses our life but those around us.
Lord, we all have faced dark times like in today’s passage when we think it is over when Jesus is crucified on a Friday but then something of great significance occurs on Sunday that changes everything. The events of life give us opportunities to illuminate Your Light. We are thankful for Your amazing grace that has made Your presence with us possible today … in Jesus name. Amen.
This Day With God - A Spiritual Journey 