Easter Tomb Project & Lesson

You have all probably seen this project already on Pintrest, and I’m in no way claiming that it’s mine…because it’s not, but I would like to incorporate a teachable lesson to accompany it. Please find the elements of this project accompanied by scripture passages below free for you to use if you so choose to do so. This teachable craft can be used for youth programs, women’s ministries, senior adult ministry or even at home with your family.

Elements & Scripture Discussion:

1. The Potting Saucer –

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth – Genesis 1:1

the saucer for this Easter craft represents (at least to me) the world in which we live. God created it and we live in a location and placed that was formed by His hands. We are blessed to live in such a world and should take care of this world as best we can. Genesis 2:5 – “The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” God still wants us to take care of this world that He has entrusted us with.

2. The Potting Soil –

The potting soil represents you, me and all of creation.

“Then the LORD God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.” Genesis 2:7

God created this world for us and He desires to have fellowship with us. He longs for us to love Him in return and so in this Easter story we recognize that we too play a part in the crucifixion and the resurrection. Jesus came to die for us because we really and truly matter to Him. He created us and this Easter story is about our salvation through Christ Jesus.

3. The Gardening Rocks

“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…” -Romans 3:23

“Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned” -Romans 5:12

The gardening rocks represent sin in this world. It weighs us down and keeps us bound in our slavery to it. We cannot save ourselves from its weight, nor can we do enough good works to receive eternal life. We need help. We are all fallen, each one of us and because of this Jesus came to set us free and to remove the weight of sin from our lives.

4. The Three Crosses

With younger children you might want to tie these for the kids before hand.

“And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death–even death on a cross!” -Philippians 2:8

The Cross of Jesus is suffering and death. But it was suffering and death for a purpose. Jesus died so that the sins of every person on earth could be forgiven and also that we could be restored in our fellowship with God. Without the cross and Jesus’ suffering we are still hopelessly lost. We must look to the cross and Christ on the cross for our source of salvation.

The bindings of the cross pieces represent (to me) the lashings that Jesus received prior to his crucifixion. It should also represent for us the truth that we (sinful man) put Him there. We bound Him to that cross, but He willingly went in place of us.

A.W. Tozer: “The old cross is a symbol of death. God salvages the individual by liquidating him and then raising him again in newness of life. God offers life, but not an improved old life. The life He offers is life out of death. It always stands at the far side of the cross.“

5. The Tomb and the Large Rock

“…an empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives!” -Bill Gaither

“They found the stone rolled away from the tomb” Luke 24:2

Both the tomb and the large stone (it could be white to represent life or another color) represent Christ’s resurrection. I’m sure it’s obvious to us all, but it also represents the fact that sin & death could not hold the Son of God! We can find peace, assurance and hope in this empty tomb!

“At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had ever been laid.” John 19:41

“Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. 2 So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!” “3 So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. 4 Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5 He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter came along behind him and went straight into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, 7 as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus’ head. The cloth was still lying in its place, separate from the linen. 8 Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. 9 (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.) 10 Then the disciples went back to where they were staying.” John 20:1-10

“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live,” John 11:25

“For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.” 1 Thessalonians 4:14

6) The Grass seed or sprouts (Plant the grass seed before you place the rocks)

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” -John 10:10

The grass seed will grow during the Easter season which will serve to remind us of the eternal life/ new life that Christ brings to us.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Corinthians 5:17

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” John 14:3

Each of these verses talks about the new life that only Jesus Christ offers to us. New life is a free gift to us all if we accept it and believe in Christ and His love for us.

As we watch this “new life” grow during the season of Easter, may it continue to serve as a remind of God’s love for us and of our deep desire to grow in our faith. We shouldn’t stop learning about this relationship. We have also been given the help of the Holy Spirit to guide us and instruct us in this new life! “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” John 14:26 The Holy Spirit will show us areas of our lives that we need to still surrender to God and He will continue to work within us, helping us along the way.

This new life isn’t only about getting into heaven, it is also about living that eternal life right here on earth so that others might see Christ through us. When we embrace this new life, we become Christ’s representatives (Light) into the world (which is still lost in darkness). Be God’s light to others as you bloom and grow!

***Disclaimer: Again I didn’t invent this craft, I simply adapted it and provided a simple yet effective method for teaching this amazing story of love that God has for all of us! I am sure you can tweak this and make it your own in order to fit the demographic you wish to do this teaching craft with. This lesson play is free to use as you see fit! To God be the Glory!****

March 19, 2014 0

Resurrection

“Resurrection”

It’s a new television show…but it’s something more than that. Something deep within us longs for just a few more minutes with our loved ones who have passed away. We wish within our hearts that they could see what we’ve become or that they could see how much our children have grown. Life conceivably has a beginning and an end, but in this new television show on ABC, “Resurrection” is happening all over the small town of Arcadia. It is a mystery as to why this is happening, but those who are “coming back” seem to possess intimate knowledge and even DNA coo-berating their identities.

How we wish such a miracle could take place here on earth. Most of us would dream of a scenario where we could once again hold a loved one that we’ve lost and to spend more quality time with them. The ABC producers of “Resurrection” certainly hope that we become transfixed to this concept and keep coming back for more.

Can television shows truly sell us hope? Are YOU in need of hope today?

Jesus knew a lot about life. He lived and He died, but He was also resurrected on the third day. During His ministry He even resurrected one of His friends, Lazarus, who had been dead for four days. Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6) Jesus holds the keys to Eternal life for all of us and this should give us authentic hope in our lives today!

TRUTH – We all possess eternal souls. We have been created by God himself who formed us in His image, and a part of Him is within us, which is eternal. These earthly bodies will one day wear out because they are temporal. We will one day face death…BUT the expiration of this human existence is not the end of our eternal existence. Life will go on. The real question is what destination will we choose? You see if we want to experience eternity with God and with those who followed Him and have gone on before us, we have to choose Him in the here and now! John 3:16 says “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

If we choose to follow and love the Creator of Heaven and Earth, we will experience a resurrection beyond what television or even movies can give us. Real resurrection will happen and we should find hope in the fact that death of the physical body is NOT the end.

Check it out – “For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16) It won’t be some horror show, or television script, this will be for real. I don’t know about you, but I want to experience this resurrection and new life with Christ in Heaven as well!

I love supernatural shows, and “Resurrection” looks quite interesting to me. Perhaps it might get some of its viewers to consider how precious life is and also to consider how very real Eternity will be for all of us.

(My review is strictly my opinion and not the opinion of any television network or affiliation)

March 10, 2014 1

More than Feet!

Additional Filtering:

March 4, 2014 0

The Weight of Finality

“The day of the Lord is near for all nations. As you have done, it will be done to you; your deeds will return upon your own head.” -Obadiah 1:15

The book of Obadiah is only a chapter long and is often overlooked, but let’s discuss if for a second through the lens of our own context.

This announcement given by Obadiah whose name literally means “servant of God” is not just for the people of Edom, it is for us as well. The Edomites were proud over their own security as a nation and that of their might, but they also lorded their power and gloated over the Israelites. Obadiah’s warning to the Edomites also included a warning for all nations as well.

Fast-forward:

Jesus is preaching the greatest sermon this earth has ever heard or will ever hear (The Sermon on the mount) and he makes this statement:

Matthew Chapter 5 –

38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’[h] 39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. 40 And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. 41 If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

Love for Enemies

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor[i] and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

There is a weight of Finality:

God’s love for humanity, even people we cannot stand, far outweighs our capacity to love them…but that is no excuse. We are to love and the consequences of that love is that the world is impacted for the better. Secondly God can shine through us.

The day of the Lord will come to us. The real question is what will the weight of that certainty be for us when it does?

-Just a thought for today.

March 3, 2014 0

“Finding the Melodies of Life” (a metaphor of holiness) – Chapter 1

Chapter 1

Orientation

(Music 101)

“I’m starting with the man in the mirror, I’m asking him to change his ways.” -Michael Jackson

I remember at the age of around seven years old, my father forced to me learn an instrument. Now I say forced, but in his loving way, he convinced me to pick it up for the first time…but I would have to say he forced me to practice that instrument. Before I could become a musician I had to become familiar with the instrument I was to play. I can still recall picking up that cold metallic brass cornet for the first time. It felt foreign in my hands. This instrument, similar to those that I had heard great musicians play was now placed in my hands, and I had no idea how to play it. The first thing I had to do in order to play it was to become familiar with how it felt in my hands. I had to learn how to place my fingers over the valves in the proper manner, while sitting with correct posture, which I had a great deal of trouble learning. These were things I had never considered to be important much less required of me in order play a musical instrument properly. The orientation of the instrument is of the utmost importance for proper implementation for performing music.

“For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.” Romans 12:3 (NIV)

If we are to become oriented with the music that God has placed in our very souls, we have to become oriented with the very God who created that music in the first place. But it doesn’t stop with knowing this creator God; it then becomes all important to know how God has made us. Our personalities, our temperament, our peculiarities are all vital to the orientation process. If our desire is to fool ourselves or convince ourselves of something that is not true then we will never learn the true music of our souls. In Romans 12:3, Paul reminds us of how important it is to have a sober judgment of ourselves. In other words, look carefully in the mirror, be honest with yourself. If we ever want to grow up in our faith, then true maturity begins with becoming familiar with who we are – faults and all. Only when we begin to take a long hard look at who we are now, will we then begin to see who God wants us to be. God has a whole different melody for us to play; it’s a new environment to explore and to learn, and if we never learn to understand who we are and who God has intended us to be, then we will never learn to play the music of our souls.

Turning over that cold brass instrument in my hands so many years ago…I have a confession to make, I never thought I would ever be able to learn to play it. The task seemed too daunting, my perception of myself – too limited, and if I had refused to become familiar I would have never learned to play the music.

Many of us are like this; too limited. Perhaps we never had someone to cheer us on or encourage us. Maybe, our self-confidence is so small that even imagining God wanting us to play the music for Him seems too good to be true. Some of us even think our abilities and our gifts will never amount to much, or are so insignificant that God won’t even notice if we don’t play. But the fact of the matter is, God will notice, He DOES want you to play the music and He has been there from the beginning encouraging you to pick up your instrument of gifts and get oriented. This experience requires faith, faith in our performance, faith in the music we’ve been created to play, and faith in the conductor (God) that He knows what He’s doing. This, above all else, either propels us into the ultimate performance of our lives with faith in hand; or causes us, through doubt and fear to create sounds and noises that in no way reflects true music at all.

God’s purpose for all of us is to be joined together, fitting perfectly into his symphonic masterpiece and once we are oriented and understand His will for our lives, we can begin to play, but first we have to know what we’re playing.

Orientation begins with the instrument…and it begins with you. If music is to be played at all, an instrument has to be selected. God has given us so much by way of gifts, abilities and talents, but if we don’t explore them we will never be able to master them. Exploration into the instrument is vital. If I had, on that instrument orientation day, picked up my brand new cornet and tried to play it from the wrong end it would have looked rather foolish or even downright embarrassing. I had to first explore, touch, feel, hold and finally position the instrument properly in my hands. When I understood how the instrument was to be held, how each valve coincided with the fingertips on my right hand and finally how my left hand was to hold the instrument firmly for balance and posture, then I was ready to move on to actually putting the cornet to my lips.

^“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made…” Psalm 139:14 (NIV)

Our orientation with God and what He has done for us is the most pivotal moment in our lives. It can become the turning point, or the moment of clarity in which we decide that God, the great conductor, has a composition of complex melodies and harmonies waiting for us to play, if only we become oriented with what He has given us. King David knew and was familiar with the ways of God. He also recognized and acknowledged the way that God had made him: “Fearfully and wonderfully”. When we become familiar or know them “full well”, as David states, we too then have begun our orientation of the part we are to play in this symphonic life.

So don’t hold back, take a long hard look at yourself in the mirror. Recognize who you are, and who God desires you to become. It can sometimes be painful when we see our glaring failures along the way, but these pains are necessary even vital to our growth. It’s orientation time…take a look, I dare you.

February 7, 2014 3

The Patron Saint of Last Ditch Efforts

She fought her way through the throngs of people. Every inch was a battle, but her objective was in sight. “If only I can reach him”, she thought, “maybe I can be healed.” Still more people seemed to teem from neighboring dwellings as curiosity got the better of them and they had to see what this crowd was doing. As Jesus continued to walk, so the crowd of people following Him grew as well, but she was determined to reach Him. Finally after pushing past another person, she found herself directly behind him. This was it. This was her moment. If she didn’t do it now her chance would be gone and so would the possibility of being healed. She had heard of his miracles, that he could heal. The woman had visited numerous “healers” yet none of them could help her. She had all but given up any hope of complete restoration of her health, until she heard Jesus was coming. Now, directly behind the healer, she reached out to touch him. In her mind she had already believed that if he could heal her all she would have to do is touch him. So with arms extended and fingertips stretching outward, she touches him. What happens next not only confirms her belief, but ignites hope again within her heart and mind. A power surge unlike any other is felt throughout her body. What began as a simple touch of her fingertips sends a pulse of energy to her elbow, her shoulder, her hips, her knees and even her feet.

Wide-eye and surprised Jesus suddenly stopped walking and turned to the crowd. “Who touched my clothes?” He asked. Some of the crowd mumbled things like “we all touched you”, “I just bumped into you”, and “perhaps it was me”…but that wasn’t what Jesus meant. He had felt power leave His body, and He looked for the one who had intentionally touched Him. The woman who had suddenly been healed by the simple touch of his clothing knew instantly that Jesus was looking for her. In just mere seconds she had a decision to make, she could simply disappear back into the crowd and go home, or she could admit to Jesus that it had been she who had touched Him. She didn’t hesitate, but came forward and fell at His feet. Perhaps she was afraid He would be angry that she hadn’t asked Him to heal her. Perhaps she thought He might take His healing from her. But she knelt anyway and admitted to Jesus that she had touched him in the hopes of being healed.

Jesus’ response to her wasn’t anger or disappointment. He looked down upon her with love and compassion and said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. God in peace and be freed from your suffering.” (Mark 5:34) Her last ditch effort to find healing had paid off. She had been desperate and had suffered greatly over the years from this malady, and now she was completely healed and free from disease and suffering.

Isn’t that what Jesus does for all of us? We suffer from so many issues in this life. Some suffer from actual physical ailments and diseases, while others suffer from spiritual diseases that pillages and ravages the heart and mind. Yet Jesus comes to all, and though perhaps we have tried everything else without success, Jesus is there before us. Perhaps it’s time. Perhaps it’s your last ditch effort to find healing that no one else can provide you with. If only you would reach out and touch Him and find that He has the power to save ultimately and completely!

This is the kind of “last ditch effort” that has an eternal outcome. Belief isn’t easy, yet this woman so long ago, who was clinging to her last hope reached out to a Savior who healed permanently. Will you reach out to Him today? Are you willing to place your faith in His mighty power? He wants us to all believe in Him. He loves us so deeply and stands ready to heal and save.

February 3, 2014 1

Model Leadership by Bob Hostetler (Perspectives – Day 2)

You can order my newest book, Falling in Love with God, via my website (www.bobhostetler.com).

Model Leadership by Bob Hostetler

Not long ago, I took a course in leadership, and in the course of that course (of course) the instructor asked who my Biblical model of leadership was.

I didn’t have one.

I’d never thought about it.

He urged me to make it a matter of thought, prayer, and study, so I did, eventually adopting David, the shepherd king of Israel, as my conscious, purposeful Biblical leadership model (of course, Jesus is my ultimate model, but since he never made a leadership mistake that I can see, and I have made millions of them, I thought I’d profit from a study of someone who shared at least a little of my propensity for boneheadedness).

It has been a very helpful exercise for me. I know David seems like the way-too-obvious choice, and part of me was tempted to make a selection that would seem more unique and make me feel more clever. But I resisted that impulse. There is just too much material, too many helpful insights into leadership throughout David’s life to ignore.

Since that time, I’ve enjoyed and benefitted from David’s example in many ways. Consider:

Humility

Even while he was exiled from the palace of King Saul, and on the run for his life, David refused to exalt himself, and even repented of cutting the hem off Saul’s garment when the king was in a vulnerable position. He somehow managed to submit to the leadership of another, while that “another” was acting sinfully and insanely! Wow, that’s humility.

Courage

When other, better-equipped and more experienced me quailed at the threat posed by the warrior Goliath, David stepped to the front. Alone.

Assuredness

When the so-called leaders of the nation let David take on Goliath, the shepherd boy declined the armor of King Saul and the conventional weaponry others would have relied on. He knew what his strengths were. He knew what he could do. He knew he needed God, but he also knew that God could use his strengths as much as anyone else’s, if he trusted in God. As a warrior and as a leader, he seems to have been comfortable in his own skin. I like that. I think it’s crucial for a leader.

Passion

The guy shed his royal robes and danced before the ark of God with wild abandon. He had his priorities right, and he refused to sacrifice “the joy of the Lord” to preserve his own “dignity.”

A Shepherd’s Heart

Not only was he an ACTUAL shepherd before becoming famous, Asaph said that David “shepherded” Israel. He was not primarily a manager or supervisor or commander. He was primarily a shepherd. That was a fundamental characteristic of his leadership: caring, protecting, feeding, providing, etc.

Mercy

David’s kindness to Mephibosheth, for Jonathan’s sake, and his mercy toward Shimei, who cursed David at one of the lowest points of his life, shows David to have been a uniquely merciful leader. Though his tendency toward mercy may have backfired in his own family, he is nonetheless an example of a leader who repeatedly chose mercy over judgment.

Wisdom

David’s interaction with Abigail shows that he was not only able to recognize wisdom in others, but to exercise it himself.

Integrity

Asaph also described David as having “integrity of heart.” Though he lapsed into spiritual blindness and committed adultery with Bathsheba, when Nathan confronted him he didn’t deny or dissemble; he repented. Fully. Since I can’t expect to be a leader who never sins or makes a mistake, I aspire to be a leader who is quick to repent and admit his wrong.

Skill

Perhaps recalling not only his youth as a shepherd but also his triumph over Goliath, Asaph sang of David leading Israel with “skillful hands.” He listened to counsel. He assembled a great team. He made tough decisions. He not only had the passion for leadership, but the skill as well.

Planning

Though I can certainly bicker with the bitterness evident in David’s charge to Solomon (urging him to settle accounts with Shimei and Joab), his reign and his succession proved him to be a master planner, one who not only put out today’s fires but planned ahead, thinking of tomorrow’s challenges.

These are not all the leadership examples that David’s life provides. But they are a start. They are an illustration of the rich material that is there to mine…and to emulate…in David’s example.

I’m grateful for the challenge that was issued to me to choose a Biblical model of leadership. It has been helpful and encouraging in many ways.

So what about you? Who is YOUR leadership model?

(Bob Hostetler (www.bobhostetler.com) is the author of thirty-five books, including TAKE TIME TO BE HOLY, a one-year devotional drawn from the writings of Samuel Logan Brengle. He blogs at http://desperatepastor.blogspot.com)

January 28, 2014 0

Finding Love

I started with hope –

because I think hope begins things

makes us sing…

but faith and love…they have to be included too.

they just kind of go together don’t they?

You really can’t have one

without

the

Every one needs,

craves, desires,

hopes, wishes,

dreams, aspires

yearns, waits

for

Songs are written about it

poems are rhythmically charged with it

countless books bleed from the heart of love.

How do we ?

How do we

em·brace IT?

emˈbrās/

verb

hold (someone) closely in one’s arms, esp. as a sign of affection.

“Aunt Sophie embraced her warmly”

hug, take/hold in one’s arms, hold, cuddle, clasp to one’s bosom,clasp, squeeze, clutch;….

How do we flourish and thrive in it ?

Love makes the world go around…not money, not fortune and fame…but

It shines in the darkness,

paints over our mess

helps us confess

blesses us…love…

captivates, motivates, escalates, elevates…us.

Love always perseveres! Always, always, always, always…always.

Have you found love yet?

Is it worth finding at all?

True love,

God’s love…

It begins here…ends here…

If we find it here,

and cherish it here

depend on it here

Then from here

to —————————————–> There

Love will be.

Real authentic,

no hidden agendas

No…

From the source of Love,

God.

Almighty

We will

to the only

real source of

love.

Find love today.

He is waiting.

With arms wide

Open.

This.

Is.

Love.

Begin with this one simple truth:
You are loved! You matter to God! You are important to Him! He loves you so very much! From this point of reference, may you find Him, and find love!

(These thoughts were written specifically for “Pastorsponderings.org” but they are free so that others might find love and hope through Jesus Christ our Lord! Amen and to God be there glory!)

January 22, 2014 1

“The God that never lets go!”

I was listening to music on the radio as I was dropping my children off at school this morning. Minding my own business, when God decided to pop in for a visit. Perhaps it had been a while. Perhaps, if this was a time for confessions I might admit to getting caught up in work and other things…perhaps.

Isn’t it funny how God can speak to us in so many different ways? We can go to an art gallery and suddenly a painting of flowers will strike a chord in our hearts and we would know that God had something to do with it. Or perhaps we see God in other people as the driver just ahead of you casually pays for your toll as well…God was there. Or even in the midst of utter despair, pain, hurt, loss, we might read something that gently and quietly reminds us that God is present with us. He is here with you now as you read this…do you believe that? I do. His presence is with us always, even to the ends of the earth, even when all hell breaks loose around us, even when we are blind to His passing…He is there!

…back to the music on the radio…

I was sitting in my van and two songs back to back touch my heart in a way that I couldn’t deny His presence there. The first was a song by Mumford and Sons called “Below my feet”. It wasn’t so much the entire song but the refrain that captured my heart for a moment:

” Keep the earth below my feet
For all my sweat, my blood runs weak
Let me learn from where I have been
Keep my eyes to serve, my hands to learn
Keep my eyes to serve, my hands to learn”

As I heard those words I pondered that last sentence; “Keep my eyes to serve, my hands to learn”…but I said it like a prayer to the Lord. Lord, keep my eyes to serve and my hands to learn…. I didn’t lose control of the vehicle but I could feel His presence there and I may as well have been in church.

The very next song that came on was a song by the David Crowder Band called “You never let go”. Its words go like this:

When clouds veil the sun and disaster comes
Oh my soul, oh my soul
When waters rise and hope takes flight
Oh my soul, oh my soul, oh my soul

Ever faithful, ever true
You, I know, You never let go

You never let go, You never let go
You never let go
You never let go, You never let go
You never let go

When clouds brought rain and disaster came
Oh my soul, oh my soul
When waters rose and hope had flown
Oh my soul, oh my soul, oh my soul

Ever faithful, ever true
You, I know, You never let go

I was in church in my van…God was very present. He reminded me of just how important it is to not only serve Him but to always look for Him in every moment of my day. He’s here right now wanting so desperately to fellowship and commune with you and me. And His promise to us is that He will never let go.

-Both songs will be linked below.

Just a thought for today.

January 10, 2014 0

Knowing or Trusting?

“When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”…“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:13, 15-16)

Jesus looked at His followers and asked them a detailed demographic question. It was a survey of sorts. “Who do people say the Son of man is?” In other words who do they think I am? Jesus, more than likely already knew what others thought of Him and who He might be, but He asked His disciples. Why did He do that? Why ask if He already knew the answers?

Perhaps the reason Jesus asked His disciples this question was to help them finally pin down who Jesus was in their hearts and minds. He first asks them about how others viewed Him. It is an the greater perspective, but then Jesus brings it back to them when He said, “But who do YOU say that I am?” Notice the personal question. Now the tables have turned. Now the disciples are glancing at each other hoping someone will answer first. It is one of the most pivotal moments in their spiritual education as Jesus’ disciples. This one solitary moment of internal reflection. It is a moment that causes each disciple to carefully inspect what He has done and what He has said. For but a moment, doubt and worry must have clouded their minds. For but a moment each individual, not the collective, considered the right words to say to Jesus. It was mere moments but it could have been a lifetime.

Is it no surprise that Peter is the one to speak? He was the disciples that climbed out of the boat when all of the others waited and watched Jesus walking on the waves. The same Peter who seemingly dove head first into anything he did. It was all or nothing with Peter. So Peter speaks up and nails Jesus’ identity for the group gathered there. “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God“. Can you say hashtag #nailedit ? Peter solidifies for the rest of the disciples as he identifies Jesus. It’s been nearly three years that they have been together, didn’t they already know? Didn’t they already trust THE Rabbi?

I think the question here that begs to be asked for us today is this: “Who do we think Jesus is?” Can we quickly respond as Peter did? Can we identify Jesus as God’s Son and Messiah to us as well? Is He your Messiah?

You see I believe there is a big difference between knowing Jesus and trusting Jesus! James 2:19 says, “You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that–and shudder.” You could substitute the word ‘believe’ for the word ‘know’. Even the demons know Jesus. That is a big difference from fully trusting in Him though. Trusting Jesus means that we have to let go of our preconceived notions. It means that we have to relinquish our self-reliance. It means that we have to place our faith in something other than ourselves or something seen…but in the unseen.

Do you trust the Son of God? Have you let go of your casual understanding of Him? Are you prepared to delve into the waters of faith? Don’t just settle for knowing Jesus, trust Him also! Peter declared boldly “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God”; may we have this same boldness in our faith to do likewise today!