A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.
John 13:34, ESV
How did Christ love others?
Grace.
Mercy.
Patience.
He defended truth, yes, but He also (usually) lovingly guided back to truth.
And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
Philippians 2:8, ESV
God put Himself through torture and death to free us from sin and wrath.
Are we willing to empty ourselves and humbly obey God?
Can I love my neighbor with Christ’s sacrificial love?
Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.”
John 6:35, ESV
Firstly, we are blessed when we hunger and thirst for righteousness, for we will be satisfied. (Matthew 5:6)
Secondly, all our appetites shall be satisfied in the Lord, most especially in eternal life.
I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. – Psalm 40:1
There’s an old saying, “good things come to those who wait.” Where did it come from? Who said it first? I don’t know, although I’m sure it’s traceable. All I know is that the first verse of Psalm 40 says almost the same thing, only what comes to the one waiting is better than anything this world can offer.
Let’s think about some things that have to be going on for this verse to make any sense. First, something is wrong. Why else would David be crying out to God? Something is wrong. Why else would he be wanting God to do something.
Last night I dealt with some serious prayer requests. One thing led to another and I brought up the question that so many ask: “If there’s a…
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saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”
Luke 19:38, ESV
First the angels at His birth, and then Israelites at His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, gave glory to God at Jesus’ arrival. Someday [soon], all the [believing] world will celebrate Jesus’ return for His faithful!
“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”
Psalm 46:10, ESV
Our world is crazy and wicked.
But we can remember that God is in control and has a plan.
Wait on the Lord. Trust Him.
As born again Christians, we understand the foundational truth about Jesus’ sacrificial, atoning death and resurrection that brings us freedom and life, but I want to focus on the post-salvation implications of Jesus’ awesome work. Keep in mind, this will only apply if you have already committed to the side of Jesus.
After salvation, what does freedom and life look like for a Christian? Many might think “well, if a Christian is addicted to alcohol, etc. then Jesus can set them free from that” and that is true. But beyond that, what does freedom and life look like? It looks like this:
1. Freedom from false guilt.
2. Freedom from fear about what others may think.
3. Freedom from people who try to control and manipulate.
4. Freedom from the idea that you need anyone else’s approval other than God’s.
5. Freedom from circular or destructive thought processes.
6. Freedom…to grow, which is life-giving.
Pastors are supposed to promote freedom in Christians lives so that they can grow, but sadly many pastors do just the opposite.
Friends are suppose to be life-giving and help us grow, or at the very least, not hinder us from getting closer to Jesus, but sadly, many friends do just the opposite.
Assuming they already have a sincere faith in Christ, here are some things to ask yourself about a pastor or a friend:
1. Are they someone in whom I can see consistent growth?
2. Do they listen well?
3. Am I afraid to talk around them? Why?
4. When I come away from them do I feel burdened, or more free?
5. Does what they say ring true and bring clarity?
6. Can I see any ways that they attempt to manipulate?
There are many forms of manipulation, some are quite subtle and can even be seen as pious. Some of the more subtle ways of manipulation include:
* False guilt – does this person make me feel guilty if I don’t do what they want?
* Tone – are they talking down to me as though I don’t know anything? (Pay great attention to this one!)
* Leading Questions – do they appear to have all the answers? This is accomplished through the use of leading questions, that is, a question that is asked, with a very specific answer in mind. Therefore, unless you answer with the specificity that the manipulator is fishing for, you appear inferior while the manipulator appears to have all the answers.
* Positioning – there are many types of positioning, but one example is, is the person using tactical empathy? That is, do they claim to know and empathize with what you’ve been through, in order to earn your trust?
* Redirection: there are many types of redirection, but one of the most cunning is exploiting your emotional wounds to shift the attention off of something they don’t want to talk about.
Ask yourself, “who helps me walk in freedom?” It may surprise you who you DON’T list.
Jesus came to bring us freedom and life, and I believe the Lord wants the church to walk in Freedom and Life in 2020!
Wishing you freedom and life as you celebrate Resurrection day!
In His Love,
Jesse ישי
That is right, everyone: This Sunday at church (or, as it is, “at church”), remember the resurrection! That thing we gave us a weekly holiday, but -way more importantly – salvation from our sins and the wrath of God!
Daniel
Our “This Sunday” series will be another a Corona Virus edition. In light of today being Resurrection Sunday (Easter) its appropriate to say: Be grateful for the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
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Now, due to errors in the WordPress app loading a couple of days VerseD’s before I went on a 3-day river trip, WP thinks I missed a few days in my run.
Sad.
So, I will just go with what they tell me … at least for today!
So, for 600 straight days, the internet has been getting VerseD in my thoughts on Scripture.
Do you feel well VerseD in the Bible?
I invite you to do two things:
It has been one of those blessed burdens to post these. I do not always feel like finding the strength, time, and energy to post these, but I am always blessed by my time in the Word. And a few brothers and sisters tend to come along and encourage me on those days it is the hardest to share or that I feel like I wasted my words.
Hopefully, on this Easter/Resurrection Sunday, you are blessed by my words and, more importantly, God’s Word.
In His Love,
Daniel
a simple man of God 