He Still Blesses

While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God (Luke 24:51-53, NIV).

His disciples knew He was leaving. He had told them. And, as He left, He blessed them. They worshiped Him and were filled with joy. 

Back in the temple they continued to praise. They remembered what He'd taught, how He'd forgiven sins, healed the lame, and explained the big picture of the Kingdom of God.

How could they not praise? Jesus had closed the gap between them and God. They marvelled as they shared their encounters with the resurrected Christ.

From the throne room Jesus still blesses. He becomes real to us as we learn to we see by faith, hear His words, and make them our own. Becoming close followers of Jesus Christ still brings amazing blessings. Forgiven and with new life, we grow in faith, service, and the power of God's strength.

Are you open to His blessings, and will you joyfully pass them on?


FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION

The greatest blessing is to be reconciled to God through Jesus Christ (See Romans 5:9-11). Examine what that means to you today. What are some practical implications?

Now take time to worship the Giver. Invite the Holy Spirit to fill you with His joy.

Sometimes It Takes Darkness to Appreciate the Light

Darkest night helps us see billions of sparkling stars. But we can appreciate that treasure only if there are no obstructing clouds.

The dark night of the soul is like that. A heavy heart, a burdened mind, and a crushed spirit become opportunities to encounter powerful light when we bring each situation, each emotion to the cross of Jesus Christ.

When we come to the end of ourselves, exhausted from lugging burdens God did not design us to carry, we  lift our tear stained faces toward the Creator of both night and light. Even a limp reach for Jesus Christ with a genuine desire for reconciliation brings the wind of God's Spirit that blows those clouds out of the way.

God's prevailing grace wipes away our tears, forgives confessed sin, and reveals the marvelous power of the cross.


For Your Consideration

I will lead the blind by ways they have not known,
along unfamiliar paths I will guide them;
I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth.
These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them (Isaiah 42:16, NIV).

Can you celebrate a time when your darkness was changed to light as you called out for the LORD?

If you are currently under a dark sky, please call to your Lord Jesus Christ. He will send the Holy Spirit to help you.

My People

Today, I was drawn to the phrase "My people," from the familiar passage, 2 Chronicles 7:14.

I thought of how intentionally God creates a people for Himself. The author of true life and love wants to deliver, lavish love, and form His people into a holy group. God’s love in Christ includes each heart that says “Yes” to all the King’s holy purposes. Those purposes include the joy of worshiping the one true God.

But, all-knowing, our Lord speaks a caveat.

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

God had warned them … several times… prior to this occasion of the temple dedication. If they obeyed or disobeyed, they would reap consequences in the fruitfulness of their homes, land, and in their relationships with the neighboring nations.

"When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, if my people... will humble themselves… and seek my face…”

God knew those times would come. God knew that His people, who were excited in their new temple, would later slide into worshiping gods of their own making though they continued their religious rituals.

We are so like the Israelites. And God's kindness and forgiveness are still as reliable as the sunrise.

Like a groom desiring his betrothed, like a father instructing his children, and like a hen protecting her chicks, the Covenant Keeper provides ways to re-establish relationship and restore covenant. If we will turn again to the Lord, He will forgive us. If we will seek His face above all others, God promises to heal our land.

Are you one of God's people?

For Your Meditation

"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light" (1 Peter 2:9, NIV).

As one of God's people, are you good advertising?

Sweepstakes, Breadsticks, and The Gift

I've never won a drawing, though I've entered my name and address many times. I've hoped they'd call to announce that I won their Jeep! But the only call I got was to sell me their product.

In all fairness, I know that my likelihood of winning anything in a drawing is one in hundreds, even thousands. Of course, it's unlikely I'll get their gift!

My own gift giving was mildly derailed this Christmas. I was going to make several batches of sesame sticks and give them to acquaintances. But making those little breadsticks took more time than I remembered. So, I decided I would only give them to a few people.

In contrast, Jesus' offer of eternal life is not restricted to a few lucky persons whose names the Father pulled out of a sweepstakes bin. I’m glad. In fact, I'm thrilled that Jesus offers me ... and anyone else who will receive ... His best gift.

Jesus' best gift, a relationship with Himself, is exquisitely beyond great cars or homemade breadsticks. While it is costly -- far more than a Jeep or an all expense paid trip to Acapulco -- there are no ulterior motives or limits on the offer.

God offers me personal forgiveness and Christ's transforming presence. With Him, I also get joy and peace. Lavish, and from limitless resources, the Gift comes from Father, Son and Holy Spirit to whomever wants to receive.

My heart jumps at the thought.
"Me. Me. Pick me."

I only have to admit that I need what He offers. That I can do -- easily.

Thank you, Lord for giving me your costly Gift. I want to enjoy and examine Your generous presence every day.

No Jeep or breadstick can touch that!

For Your Consideration:

“Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else?” Romans 8:32 NLT
Do you ever think you have to reach some standard to daily benefit from God’s Gift?
Jesus’ gift is costly but free to you. Will you make time to enjoy His presence in the busyness of this season?