VIDEO Down To The River To Pray by Alison Krauss

Mar 12, 2009

The Power of Empathy

Remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison. Hebrews 13:3

Put on the R70i Age Suit and you immediately feel forty years older as you experience impaired vision, hearing loss, and reduced mobility. The Age Suit was designed to help caregivers better understand their patients. Wall Street Journalcorrespondent Geoffrey Fowler wore one and wrote, “The unforgettable, and at times distressing, experience shed light not just on aging, but also how virtual reality equipment can teach empathy and shape our perceptions of the world around us.”

Empathy is the power to understand and share the feelings of another. During a time of severe persecution against the followers of Jesus, the writer of Hebrews urged fellow believers to “continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering” (13:3).

Jesus calls us to stand with others as if we were in their place.

This is exactly what our Savior has done for us. Jesus was made like us, “fully human in every way . . . that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted” (2:17–18).

Christ the Lord, who became like us, calls us to stand with others “as if [we] were together with them” during their time of need.

Lord Jesus, we marvel at Your willingness to share our flesh and blood in order to purchase our salvation. Give us grace to stand with others who are in need today.

Jesus calls us to stand with others as if we were in their place.

By David C. McCasland 

INSIGHT

Hebrews 2:17–18 tell us that Jesus had to take all human suffering and sin upon Himself to both understand and heal humanity. But is it possible for each of us to truly empathize and help believers who are suffering? Hebrews suggests “yes,” noting that the church is the family of God (2:10–14; 13:1). In a loving family, emotional ties are so strong that when another family member suffers, everyone suffers right with them (13:3). Similarly, Paul argues that because believers are united in Christ as one body through His Spirit, when anyone suffers, everyone is affected (1 Cor. 12:26). Yet the church’s uniquely powerful love should also be extended to “strangers” outside the church (Heb. 13:2), for each believer was loved by God while still an outsider (Rom. 5:8).

How does strengthening relationships within the church enable more effective outreach to those outside the faith?

Monica Brands

Peace With God

Romans 5:1-2

One day I posed a question to the waitress at a restaurant: “If you could ask God for anything, what would your request be?” Her answer was immediate. “I want to feel at peace.” She tearfully explained that her grandmother had died and emotional turmoil resulted.

Many in our world are like this woman, in that they desire inner calmness but have no relationship with the Lord. People often seek contentment by trying to improve their appearance, physical fitness, financial situation, or social status—or by abusing substances. But such things can’t bring tranquility of heart or mind. Only a relationship with Jesus leads to true peace.

Prior to salvation, we were slaves to sin and living in opposition to God (Col. 1:21). Our transgressions had formed a barrier of hostility between Him and us, and on our own, we were helpless to cross it. Without God’s intervention, we could not have found the way of peace. But our heavenly Father provided the perfect solution to our sin problem. He sent His Son to pay for our iniquities and remove the separation that existed between us and Him.

When we trusted Jesus as our Savior, we were reconciled to the Lord and no longer at odds with Him (Rom. 5:10). In Christ, we have peace with the Father.

Our triune God has provided everything we need for inner tranquility. The Father opened the way for us to be in His family. Jesus continually offers His peace so we can experience serenity of mind and heart (John 14:27). And the Holy Spirit cultivates the fruit of peace in our lives (Gal. 5:22).

The Living Word/The Word of Life

“Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.” (Philippians 2:16)

There is such beautiful correlation between the Living Word (Christ) and the written Word (the Bible) that certain Scriptures could well apply to either one. Such is the case with our text. The Philippians were exhorted to hold forth the Word of life, which presumably could mean either Christ, the Living Word, or else the Scriptures, which speak of eternal life.

The same dual meaning can be discerned in such texts as 2 Timothy 4:2 (“Preach the word”) and Hebrews 4:12 (“The word of God is quick, and powerful”). In fact, there are many beautiful figures of speech that are applied in the Bible to the ministries of both Christ and the Scriptures in a believer’s life.

For example, Christ is “the light of the world” (John 8:12), but also “the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light” (Proverbs 6:23). Similarly Jesus said, “I am the bread of life” (John 6:35), but He also said, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God” (Luke 4:4).

The Lord Jesus Christ said, “If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink” (John 7:37). God also promised that “as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, . . . So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth” (Isaiah 55:10-11).

Both are described as the very personification of truth. Jesus said, “I am . . . the truth,” and He prayed to the Father, “Thy word is truth” (John 14:6; 17:17). Finally, both must be received: “Receive . . . the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls” (James 1:21), for “as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God” (John 1:12). HMM

We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed

2 Kings 2:1-14

2 Kings 2:2

And Elijah said unto Elisha, Tarry here, I pray thee; for the Lord hath sent me to Bethel.

Elijah made the visitation of the schools of the prophets his last earthly work. No one can over-estimate the importance of our theological colleges being filled with holy men. Do we pray for students as we ought?

2 Kings 2:2

Elijah, in prospect of departure, wished for solitude that he might pour out his soul before the Lord; and moreover he was a man of humble spirit, and did not desire others to see his glorious departure, lest they should think too much of him: Elisha, however, was appointed to be a witness of his translation. Those believers who most desire to escape observation are nevertheless known and read, for the Lord does not design that his choicest works should be hidden.

2 Kings 2:6

Elisha could not be shaken off: he felt that he must see the last of his master, and must obtain from him a parting blessing.

2 Kings 2:7, 8

That river had aforetime been swollen or dried up, according as the prophet had opened or shut up heaven, and now it opened to give him a dry passage. In this, as in many other respects, Elijah resembled Moses, who divided the waters of the Red Sea.

2 Kings 2:9

He felt the difficulty of succeeding such a man as Elijah, and reckoned that he would need a double measure of grace to follow in his footsteps. His request shows that his heart was in his life-work, and that he had abandoned every selfish desire: his sole ambition was to serve his God.

2 Kings 2:10

It was not in Elijah’s power to give the Spirit; he could but ask it for his friend, and give him a parting sign that the petition was granted.

2 Kings 2:11

A fit departure for one whose fiery spirit and whirlwind force had made all Israel tremble. None beside of mortal men were thus carried in visible state to heaven. Singular fidelity was honoured by a singular translation.

2 Kings 2:12-14

Elijah had been the protector of Israel, the chariot and horseman of the nation, and when he is gone, what will Israel do? This was Elisha’s uppermost thought.

 

The Annihilating Appearance Of Jesus Christ in Great Glory!

2 Thessalonians 2:8

When Jesus comes at the end of the age, He will come in great power and glory In fact, when He comes, His glory will be so brilliant that it will totally annihilate the antichrist! This is why Paul told the Thessalonians, “And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming” (2 Thessalonians 2:8).

After time runs out for the antichrist to do his work on the earth, Jesus will come. And Paul declares that when the Lord comes, He will “consume” this evil leader “with the spirit of his mouth.” The Greek word translated “consume” is anairo, which means to kill, to murder, to slay, to slaughter, to do away with, or to abolish. The meaning here is clear: When the Lord comes, He will obliterate the antichrist. He will wipe him out and permanently do away with him.

How will the Lord do this? Paul says that “… the Lord shall consume [the antichrist] with the spirit of his mouth….” The word translated “spirit” is actually from the Greek word pneuma, which is normally translated spirit. Thus, the verse could be translated, “BY the spirit of his mouth.” This means that even though Satan energizes the antichrist with all the power he possesses, this evil leader doesn’t stand a chance in the Presence of Jesus. Paul lets us know that this demonized leader doesn’t even have enough strength to withstand one puff from the mouth of the Lord!

The Greek word stomos describes the mouth of the Lord from which this obliterating power will come. You see, on that day the Lord will open his mouth and speak—and when He does, so much power will be released that it will permanently remove the antichrist from the world scene.

In fact, Paul says this final encounter with the Lord will “destroy” this evil leader. The word “destroy” is the Greek word katargeo. Paul uses this word twenty-five times in his New Testament writings, so we know exactly what he intends by using it. This word means to bring to nothing; to reduce to waste; to render inactive; to abolish; or to put out of commission. There is no doubt that when Jesus Christ comes, He will permanently put the antichrist out of commission! The rule of evil will come to an abrupt end when Jesus returns at the end of the age.

I want you to know what Paul is talking about when he uses the phrase “the brightness of his [Jesus’] coming.” The word “brightness” is the Greek word epiphaneia. This word was used in classical Greece to describe the sudden and occasional surprise appearance of the Greek gods. When the fabled gods suddenly appeared, they were glorious and mighty in appearance. Now Paul reaches into classical literature and borrows a word that clearly means Jesus’ coming will take many by surprise and will be accompanied by great splendor and glory.

The world, entrenched in evil, will think it has won the victory and is secure in its plans. But then the Lord will come and take them all by surprise! Before anyone realizes what is happening, God’s glory will fill the sky, and Jesus will mightily appear in the sky overhead. His “coming” (from the word parousia, which describes the Lord’s strong Presence) will take the world by surprise, overwhelming everyone as every evil system set in place by unregenerate man is suddenly obliterated!

 

An interpretive translation of Second Thessalonians 2:8 could read:

“When the Wicked One steps onto the stage and makes his presence known, it won’t be too long afterward that the Lord will come. And when He comes, His coming will be so grand, so glorious, and so overwhelming that He will totally obliterate the Lawless One by the mere breath of His mouth. Just one puff from the Lord, and this evil person will be incinerated! The very Presence of the Lord will eradicate him, permanently putting him out of commission.”

You see, when you serve Jesus Christ, you have joined the greatest Champion in the universe. There is no power that can equal or surpass His power. There is no might on planet earth to compare with His awesome might. And just think—when you become a child of God, you become a joint heir with Him! Everything He possesses—including His power and His victory—becomes yours!

You should rejoice in the knowledge of what Jesus will do by His mighty power when He returns at the end of the age. However, don’t overlook the fact that this same power is available to you today. Jesus has given you His power so you can use it in this life.

So if evil is resisting you in some area of your life right now, open your mouth and let the power of God be released to obliterate that attack! Shock the devil with a sudden manifestation of God’s power that permanently immobilizes him in every area of your life!

MY PRAYER FOR TODAY

Lord, I thank You for Your awesome power that You have chosen to share with Your children. I don’t ever have to let the devil run freely in my life. By opening my mouth and speaking the Word of God to my situation, Your power can be released to obliterate the enemy’s work in my life. Thank You for making me Your joint heir and for investing Your great power in my life!

I pray this in Jesus’ name!

MY CONFESSION FOR TODAY

I boldly declare that God’s power resides in me. There is enough power inside me to obliterate any attack the devil would attempt to bring against my life. Rather than sit in fear and fret about what is happening to me, I will open my mouth, speak the Word of truth, and watch the power of God attack, overwhelm, and overcome the strategies that the devil has tried to use against me!

I declare this by faith in Jesus’ name!

QUESTIONS FOR YOU TO CONSIDER

1. What are the areas of your life that seem to be under demonic assault right now?
2. What are you doing to resist these attacks? Are you foolishly shutting your eyes and hoping they will go away by themselves? Or are you opening your mouth to speak the Word of God and to release the power of God into your situation?
3. What scriptures should you be speaking over your life right now to bring a permanent solution to these assaults

 

Sharing Christ

After hours of driving in torrid heat, the air conditioner on our vehicle gave out. Wheeling into an automotive repair shop, “Cliff,” a burley, seasoned expert on things mechanical, breathed life back into our ailing carriage. Half way through the repair work, in an attempt to share Christ, I asked, “Cliff, do you have any kids?” “Yeah, I got five.” “How‘s it going, raising them ‘an all,“ I inquired? “Better now,” he offered. “How‘s that?” “Well, for 20 years I boozed and chased my way through two marriages. Four years ago, my wife took me to church, and I met Christ. Then, things began to change.”

 

“Cliff,” I asked, “do you know how to get into God‘s Word?” “No, I don‘t.” “Would you like a couple of simple, practical suggestions?” “Sure would,” came his reply. After a few minutes of explanation, I asked Cliff, “Would you mind if I prayed for you and your family, that God would give you the wisdom you need to keep your marriage and family together in this tough world?” “Yeah, I‘d like that.”

 

Upon the completion of the repair job, Cliff and I parted with a hug, and his insistent, “There‘s no charge, Mr. Hill.” As I turned to walk toward my car, I detected just a trace of a tear in his eye, hidden behind his sweat soaked face.

 

This morning, while meditating in 2 Timothy, chapter 2 – with my encounter with Cliff on my mind – I came across several principles of evangelism that will be of help to me in the future:

• Be willing to suffer for the Gospel, Paul stated, “This is my gospel, for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal.” (2 Timothy 2:8b, 9a) (See Acts 9:16; 1 Peter 3:16)
• Be sure that you are a clean vessel whom God can use, “If a man cleanses himself… he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.” (2 Timothy 2:21a,c) (See Ephesians 2:10; 2 Timothy 2:20-22; Titus 3:14)
• Openly acknowledge Him before others, “If we disown him, he will also disown us; if we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself.” (2 Timothy 2:12b, 13) (See Matthew 10:33; Revelation 3:8)
• Make a diligent effort to accurately communicate the truth of God’s Word, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth… able to teach… ” (2 Timothy 2:15, 24b) (See 2 Corinthians 4:2)
• Avoid getting unnecessarily embroiled in foolish argumentation, “Don‘t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord‘s servant must not quarrel… ” (2 Timothy 2:23, 24a) (See 2 Timothy 2:14, 16, 25; Titus 3:9)
• Recognize God’s sovereign role in bringing a person to Himself, “Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth.” (2 Timothy 2:25) (See Acts 8:22; 1 Timothy 2:3, 4)

 

VIDEO The Beatitudes Remarkable & Profound Expansion & Explanation

Jul 6, 2016

This is the introduction to the Beatitudes video series, which is an expansion and fleshing out of the Beatitudes (from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount). The Beatitudes are the famous words of Jesus from His Sermon on the Mount given in Matthew 5:1-12.

Someone sent me an amazing expansion of the Beatitudes (from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount). There have been innumerable (and many famous) interpretations, expansions, and dramatizations of the Gospels, such as The Robe, Ben Hur, The Spear, The Great Fisherman, The Silver Chalice, many TV series, many movies, and even Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ (one of the highest grossing R-rated films in history) drew from multiple sources.

However, this interpretation/expansion/fleshing out of the Beatitudes is the best I have heard yet and it is remarkable. I hope you enjoy it! Please share this with anyone you think might enjoy this or might find some degree of benefit or inspiration from it.

Our Powerful God

[He] who creates the wind, . . . the Lord God Almighty is his name. Amos 4:13

One day by the seaside, I delighted in watching some kite surfers as they bounced along the water, moved by the force of the wind. When one came to shore, I asked him if the experience was as difficult as it looked. “No,” he said, “It’s actually easier than regular surfing because you harness the power of the wind.”

Afterward as I walked by the sea, thinking about the wind’s ability not only to propel the surfers but also to whip my hair into my face, I paused to wonder at our God the Creator. As we see in the Old Testament book of Amos, He who “forms the mountains” and “creates the wind” can turn “dawn to darkness” (v. 13).

God through His love created the world. Praise Him!

Through this prophet, the Lord reminded His people of His power as He called them back to Himself. Because they had not obeyed Him, He said He would reveal Himself to them (v. 13). Although we see His judgment here, we know from elsewhere in the Bible of His sacrificial love in sending His Son to save us (see John 3:16).

The power of the wind on this breezy day in the South of England reminded me of the sheer immensity of the Lord. If you feel the wind today, why not stop and ponder our all-powerful God?

Father, thank You for Your power and love. Help us to daily rely on You.

God through His love created the world. Praise Him!

By Amy Boucher Pye 

INSIGHT

The Bible uses many metaphors to describe God and His work in our lives: For example, God is a “shepherd” (Ps. 23:1; Isa. 40:11), a “rock” (Gen. 49:24), a “consuming fire” (Deut. 4:24), and a “spring of living water” (Jer. 2:13). But at the dawn of creation, God was likened to a powerful wind. Genesis 1:2 says “the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.” The Hebrew word rendered “Spirit” in this verse means “wind.” We can’t see the wind, but we can feel the coolness of a gentle breeze and witness the raw power of a violent tornado uprooting trees and destroying everything in its path. The wind pictures for us God’s invisible presence, His sovereign will, His awesome power, and His mysterious ways. Jesus spoke of this same power of the Spirit of God at work in transforming our lives: “The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit” (John 3:8).

As you reflect on our powerful God, how does your heart respond?

Sim Kay Tee

Heirs to a Grand Inheritance

Ephesians 1:9-14

Did you know that you are an heir to unimaginable wealth that will never fade away? If you’re a believer, then God has an inheritance reserved for you in heaven. In fact, He says you have already obtained it. (See Eph. 1:11.) Your right to this treasure is not based on anything that you’ve done, but on the one to whom you belong. If you are a child of God, then the inheritance is yours and will be “revealed in the last time” (1 Peter 1:4-5).

No one can take our inheritance from us, because God has guaranteed it by sealing us with His Holy Spirit of promise. The transaction is complete and merely awaits the ultimate consummation when everything will be brought under the headship of Christ. This seal shows His ownership and authority over us, and one day our full redemption will come.

Naturally, we all want to know what we’re going to inherit. Much of that is beyond our earthly comprehension, but Scripture gives us a few hints. It will involve the transformation of both our body and soul. The goal for which God predestined us will be completed as we stand before Him, conformed to the likeness of His Son (Rom. 8:29; 1 John 3:2). And these weak, perishable bodies will be changed into strong, glorious ones that are free from sin and death (Phil. 3:20-21).

Why has God done all of this for us? Amazingly, He says it’s so that throughout eternity He can show us “the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus” (Eph. 2:7). In love and gratitude for such amazing goodness, let’s devote each day of our life to living for Him.