Last week, the journey through Luke was completed as I shared some thoughts about the trial and crucifixion of Jesus. Noted was how Jesus carried out His purpose with poise, courage, and strength; qualities we can all admire as we lead others in our homes, neighborhood, and at the work place.
Imagine Jesus’ physical condition from the agony on the Mount of Olives. Even under these conditions, He had the composure to continue the mission and even gives us life lessons leading up to and during the crucifixion. As we go through life, things can get messy but God is there to help us pick up the messes. The Redeemer makes everything new and provides for our final victory.
As we go through life and get closer to the final destination day by day, there is always a brighter future to look forward to. Such was the case with the penitent criminal written about in the post Eternal Life in Paradise who was being crucified with Jesus on the cross. He knew that he was being punished justly but sought everlasting deliverance. He asks Jesus to remember him and was rewarded with eternal paradise (v 43).
What is the significance of Jesus’ death? One significant outcome was that the waiting for the victorious kingdom of God had become reality. We all are now blessed with a new resource called the Holy Spirit. Let us be inspired today because of this victorious kingdom of God which has become reality. We are now blessed with this new helper called the Holy Spirit to solve our problems at work, at home, and wherever we are. God created each of us as His hands and feet to change the world.
On the third day after the crucifixion, the women found the stone rolled away from the tomb. We can discover daily that the Spirit of Christ is alive. Let us seek Him through acts of love. Look for opportunities to be generous, to say a kind word or take action in caring for others.
Each book you read; each movie/show you see; each conversation you have; each song you hear can have a lesson that God wants you to learn and in turn share with others. Make an impact in this world by helping others see Christ. Help them to step ahead to a brighter future where there is a new freedom that offers enthusiasm and purpose. What Jesus taught will set us free; bringing truth for you and for me. The truth which leads to victory.
The lessons of Christ are more precious than gold so let us store them up. The Word never passes away so let us guard our hearts and minds and not get trapped in the negatives that the world tries to trick us into. Let us apply our faith by accepting the help of the Holy Spirit to guide our steps.
Some of us are trying to meet what may seem to be impossible deadlines at work, some of us are facing health difficulties or many other concerns that life brings our way. We pray today to remain positive, to plan out each step, and to take action with the strength only God can give.
Let us take in the Word over the next few weeks in order to share thoughts or ideas in how best to build up our faith. The studies are designed to help apply our faith in the work place, at school, or at home. You can keep up with my spiritual journey by clicking http://wp.me/1ar6D. As the journey through God’s Word continues, below are questions for reflection as we now study the first twelve chapters of the Psalms.
Psalm 1
How are delight and meditation connected? What fruit is God producing in your life to nourish others? What presently in your life can be classified as chaff?
Psalm 2
What are the actions and destiny of evil nations? What advice does the author (David) give the kings? Think of times that pride kept you from going in the right direction and what could you have done to get there sooner?
Psalm 3
What problems confront David in this psalm? What are the solutions? Trace the concept of deliverance through this psalm. To what extent are verses 5-6 true in your life? Why?
Psalm 4
In the midst of this uprising to whom does David appeal? How does David speak of his relationship to God? Why is there a positive tone in verses 7-8? How can you offer right sacrifices today?
Psalm 5
At what time of day is this prayer made? What answers do you expect from your prayers as you watch for them? Who should anticipate the judgment of God? Who should anticipate joy?
Psalm 6
What is the mood of this psalm through verse 7? Do you ever feel this way? Why? How can you have assurance about your prayers?
The above reading plan will be used as I share over the next few posts. It’s important to have a plan. I’m thankful that Jesus is God’s plan for us and by accepting Him as Savior; we have taken the steps necessary to make this day with Him amazing! At this link: God’s Plan for Us, is a post about accepting God’s plan or reaffirming our “YES” for Christ.
When we accept Christ as Savior, the Holy Spirit is our companion and it’s exciting to think about what the future holds. With God, we can get through anything, we can patiently grind it out during difficulties or give Him credit when the impossible is made possible. Beyond that, we can celebrate because of the victory we will always have with Him.
Feel free to respond with a short note or a comment about any of the questions above. Also, I welcome any other thoughts or ideas, favorite inspirational videos, photos, or favorite Bible verses. Just add them to the comments or to a Facebook page I’ve set up at this link: This Day With God.
Resources and Supplementary Helps Used in Posts
Adeney, Carol. This Morning with God. Downer Grove Illinois: InterVarsity Press, 1978
First United Methodist Waco Podcast
Christ Notes
Family Times
Image Source
Written in Psalm 2 are thoughts about the actions of evil nations that band together against the Lord but their destiny is destruction for His wrath can flare up in a moment (v. 12). King David is the author of this Psalm and his advice to the kings about taking on the challenges of each day is to know the will of God and focus attention on being a part of that will.
