CONSIDER IT
Sometimes it feels as if our grief will never end. When a loved one has passed away, we feel the deep loss of knowing that we will never see that person again on this earth. We can feel similar hopelessness about a persistent health problem, a relationship difficulty, or the loss of a job. God feels absent.
On one remarkable morning in history, however, someone who was dead stopped being dead. That morning changed history forever. It conquered the unconquerable and restored Jesus' Presence to us.
Has your awareness of God's Presence changed in any way over the past few months? If not, how close or distant does Jesus seem to you right now?
EXPERIENCE IT
"I am with you and for you. When you decide on a course of action that is in line with My will, nothing in heaven or on earth can stop you. You may encounter many obstacles as you move toward your goal, but don't be discouraged - never give up! With My help, you can overcome any obstacle. Do not expect an easy path as you journey hand-in-hand with Me, but do remember that I, your very-present Helper, am omnipotent.
Much, much stress results from your wanting to make things happen before their times have come. One of the main ways I assert sovereignty is in the timing of events. If you want to stay close to Me and do things My way, ask Me to show you the path forward moment by moment. Instead of dashing headlong toward your goal, let Me set the pace. Slow down, and enjoy the journey in My Presence"
Do you ever experience stress from wanting to make something happen before its time has come? How do you think your life might be different if you always asked Jesus to show you the path forward moment by moment?
"I am all around you, hovering over you even as you seek My Face. I am nearer than you dare believe, closer than the air you breathe. If My children could only recognize My Presence, they would never feel lonely again. I know every thought before you think it, every word before you speak it. My Presence impinges on your innermost being. Can you see the absurdity of trying to hide anything from Me? You can easily deceive other people and even yourself; but I read you like an open, large-print book.
Deep within themselves, most people have some awareness of My imminent Presence. Many people run from Me and vehemently deny My existence, because My closeness terrifies them. But My own children have nothing to fear, for I have cleansed them by My blood and clothed them in My righteousness. Be blessed by My intimate nearness. Since I live in you, let Me also live through you, shining My Light into the darkness"
How does it affect you to contemplate the fact that Jesus knows your every thought before you think it? Does that comfort you? Scare you? Why?
(Consider It ... Experience It / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: Luke 24:13-34 and John 20:29
(After Jesus was crucified) - "Now that same day two of them (believers) were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them, but they were kept from recognizing him. He asked them, 'What are you discussing together as you walk along?' They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, 'Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened here in these days?' 'What things?' he asked. 'About Jesus of Nazareth,' they replied. 'He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers hauled him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning, but didn't find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.'
ReplyDeleteHe said to them, 'How foolish you are, and how slow to heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter into glory?' As they approached the village, Jesus acted as if he was going further. But they urged him strongly to stay with them for it was nearly evening. So he went in and stayed with them. When he was at the table, he took bread, gave thanks, and broke it and begin to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight"
(Luke 24:13-34 / New International Version)
Then Jesus told him (Thomas), "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed"
(John 20:29 / New International Version)