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He is Risen Indeed!
I pray that today you will experience and celebrate the One who satisfied the demands of a Just God by His death, who defeated the fear of death by His resurrection, and who equips us to live even now by His intercession. He was. He is. He is to come. Hallelujah! Amen!
Happy Easter, my friends!
When the servant of the man of God rose early in the morning and went out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was all around the city. And the servant said, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?” He said, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” Then Elisha prayed and said, “O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see.” So the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. 2 Kings 6:15-17
I believe with all my heart that one of the activities in Heaven is going to be for God to show us “behind the scenes” what was going on throughout our life. And then we will get to see how God protected us, guided us, and provided for us through His Heavenly messengers. That is going to be so very exciting! I sort of imagine that I might sit down with Jesus with a Heavenly bowl of popcorn in front of a screen stretched out across Eternity and watch with Heavenly eyes how the events of my life played out. And I’ll not only be able to see things I’ve never seen before but I also will view them through the lens of Eternity…I’ll be able to see what God was up to, how He was accomplishing His plan for me and through me. What a truly incredible showing that is going to be!
When I think about that, about what is going on around me that I cannot see, I find encouragement. Instead of feeling defeated by the battle I am in or discouraged by the attack I am under, I am strengthened by the assurance that God is fighting for me. And His warriors are stronger than those of the enemy.
Is there a battle going on in your life that has you scared, or at least worried? Maybe you feel panicked or even hopeless as a result of the attack. Maybe the enemy seems not only to outnumber you but also to be racking up victories at your expense. But the truth is, there is more that’s for you than against you. You just can’t see it when you’re in the midst of the attack unless God opens your eyes.
Like Elisha, we just need to ask. And then God will open our eyes to see that He is at work on our behalf in a thousand different ways. He is preserving us, He is unfolding His plan…He is not absent nor unwilling or unable to help. His warriors are all around us…ask Him to let you see with spiritual eyes what He is doing…how He is fighting for you…and the help He has provided.
And like the young servant, let that assuage your fear. Do not dismay. Do not give up. Help is here!
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Read moreEver since I was a teenager, I've read books and heard talks that sought to inspire the recipients to reach for the stars, dream the big dreams, do the impossible. Those messages are appealing and inspirational indeed. And I am all for doing things excellently, not shabbily. But today, I'd like to examine these messages through the microscope of Scripture and see if perhaps we need to exercise caution in our reaching and dreaming and doing....
First, I concur that we should heed Colossian 3:23 Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men. Christians should be known for being the best workers, most cheerful attitudes, and of greatest service to the organization. The problem I have with some of these books and talks, though, is that the last phrase of this verse is often unheeded. They don't encourage us to do great work for the Lord's reputation, but rather to enhance our own. How to "get ahead", how to "succeed", how to "have a great career/marriage/kids" etc. Including "how to have a big church...." as opposed to how to advance HIS fame.
Next, on the "dream big" thing. Check out this verse and see if you think it is consistent with that mindset.....
I Thessalonians 4:11,12
11 and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands, just as we commanded you, 12 so that you will behave properly toward outsiders and not be in any need.
I know I am in unusual territory. I know it doesn't sound right for me to suggest to teens and young adults "Don't aspire to be great. Just aspire to lead a quiet life and work hard and treat people right" I now that doesn't make for great conference speeches or book titles or conversation fodder. But isn't that exactly what this passage teaches?
Work hard, yes. But not to advance your own interests. Be ambitious, yes. But let your ambitions be to lead a life that is not "grand" or "admirable" but rather one that treats others right. Sometimes grand things do indeed come but they should come from God's hand, not from our pursuit, for His fame, not our pleasure.
The world will probably not make note of our accomplishments if we obey these verses. Most likely, we won't be applauded or acclaimed or emulated very much. At least not here. But check out what God says in Malachi 3:16 Then those who feared the LORD spoke to one another, and the LORD gave attention and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the LORD and who esteem His name.
A book of remembrance written for the Lord Himself. Better than any earthly listing in Who's Who.
