Missed Him

The people to whom Jesus came physically, failed to reognize Him. Even though the Holy Spirit gave the words of scripture, these people failed to recognize the source of the message given. He was God with us, Immanuel (Matthew 1:23)  "You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me! Yet you refuse to come to me to receive this life." — John 5:39-40

New Life

Some people fear death, others find it intriguing. In an effort to demystify death, there are stories about those who have returned from death, because it was not their time. These are limited occurrences, but only the people living when Jesus returns will escape eventual physical death. An encounter with God radically changes a person’s viewpoint. What they once thought was desirable or suitable in this physical realm is changed, they view this life as a stepping stone. Their understanding of “life” becomes enriched. Physical life becomes more than mere physical existence. These stories come and go and few participants seem to spread the news, but when the Son gives “life,” it continues; it has new direction and power by the indwelling Holy Spirit. One day all will be raised from physical death and given a new body, then, as God’s children, we will experience His glory. Until that event we long for, Christians constantly live life as a new person. Jesus conquered death, so the death event is no longer viewed as cessation of existence, but realization of true existence. "For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son gives life to whom he is pleased to give it." John 5:21 (NIV)

Anticipate

We are continually faced with challenges and opportunities. We should anticipate these activities because Jesus said, "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (Jn. 16:33). Not only this, but the same Holy Spirit lives within us as Paul, and he said, "I can do all things through him who strengthens me" (Phil. 4:13). Another person said most eloquently, "Do not long for the absence of problems in your life. That is an unrealistic goal, since in this world you will have trouble. You have an eternity of problem- free living reserved for you in heaven. Rejoice in that inheritance, which no one can take away from you, but do not seek your heaven on earth." We should ask the Holy Spirit to empower us to overcome all things which the world launches toward us.

Called by our own name

I recently attended a gathering with many people and remembered only a few faces and fewer by name. Memories fade and appearances change with passing years, but some people’s names are never forgotten. The people’s names which we remember most clearly are the ones with whom we have the closer relationships. They know what the name means, why we are valued and what we value. We may be surprised when out of a sea of people, another person recognizes our face and perhaps remembers our name. Have you ever looked around to see a mass of people who were strangers? Did you feel alone? This is not the place of a child of God. To Him every person is precious and everyone matters. The Lord said to the prophet Isaiah, “Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me.” Isa. 49:16 (ESV) Astounding! "Engraved." Cannot be taken off. Your name is on God’s hand. This is the same image as the Ten Commandments; instructions which did not change, but were engraved or etched in a most permanent medium, stone. Have you ever considered that individually, you have as much value to God as 99 other people? What else could Jesus have meant, “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it?” Lk. 15:4 (ESV) We are of so much value that He chose to live within us via the Holy Spirit. Paul described God’s acceptance of the Corinthians as, “and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.” 2Cor. 1:22 (ESV). Additionally, "God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. Eph. 2:4-7 (ESV). So, children of God are completely and continuously cleansed because of Jesus, known by God and have their eternal future sealed with a promise. Until the promise is revealed, the Holy Spirit is as close as any other can be and will provide as much guidance as we are willing to accept. In the mass confusion of people and activities, we are never alone; we always have a helper beside us.

Glory

Animals and humans especially, are generally motivated by physical sight. What we can see becomes more real to us than happenings we do not personally witness. Jesus was God’s answer to this dilemma. B.B. Warfield described Jesus as, “the visible manifestation of the invisible God.” Jesus was the visible Glory of God. This reflects Jesus’ words to Phillip, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works.” – John 14:9-10 (ESV)

Death has often been called “the great equalizer,” since it ultimately affects all animate beings equally. Jesus is also potentially a great spiritual equalizer; in Him there is no difference and no reason for partiality. The Holy Spirit led James to describe Jesus’ desire in this way, “My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory.” Jas 2:1 (ESV)

What is in a name

A name represents a designation for, a description of, and perhaps the essence of the person. When Moses asked the name of the power from the burning bush, the answer was a holy name, a name beyond comprehension, “I am that I am.” When we consider the name Jesus, we should realize that it attempts to describe all He stands for, all He did for creation; all He did for those who accept Him.  It is a powerful name and commands control over even the demons. “Some of you were once like that [living sinful lives]. But you were cleansed; you were made holy; you were made right with God by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” 1 Corinthians 6:11 (NLT)

Overcoming imperfections

All humans today are imperfect, all of us have something wrong with our bodies. As opposed to an unknown, lurking disaster, blessed are those who know of, admit these weaknesses, and can avoid more serious injury. Poor choices and mistakes may cause injuries that last for as long as we live, There may be scars inside as well as outside our bodies and sometimes there may be some degree of pain associated with this condition. Our bodies are fearfully and wonderfully made, which allows some level of physical healing. Besides this, and more serious for our future life, there are the spiritual defects in our existence. How can those spiritual injuries be healed? Jesus is the only way to spiritual healing, and He covers our sins completely. St. Augustine of Hippo is quoted as saying "It is easy to want things from the Lord and yet not want the Lord Himself, as though the gift could ever be preferable to the Giver." Is this true for us, today; do want to be spiritually and perhaps physically healed? If so, actively seek Jesus and be ready for the Holy Spirit to begin changing you and making you whole again! "One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?” “Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.” John 5:5-7 (NIV)