Bold Identification

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is for our everyday benefit not just an Easter celebration. The application of these benefits comes through the understanding of a few key faith points. Today let's take a look at bold identification. Access to the power of what Jesus Christ has accomplished is not for those that want to keep their relationship with Christ a secret. Many people want to keep their love for Christ undercover until they need something, or until they are around others that love Him too. Our relationship with our Lord cannot be shelved and reapplied based on convenience. We need to boldly affirm our dedication to Him at all times. The life, love, sacrifice, death, resurrection and more are all a part of who He is. We are told in Romans 6:5 "For if we have become united with him in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection;" That resurrection likeness is manifest in what the Bible calls "newness of life." I want that newness of life in my family, my career, my friendships, my mind, my emotions and everything else that concerns me. That means a bold identification with death to selfishness, willful sin, and the illicit pleasures of the world. That is simply a bold identification to Jesus Christ both when it is popular and when it is not. That is one of the faith buttons that allows resurrection to flow for us. Do you want newness of life?

Work It Out!

I'm Grateful

Taking the time to smell the roses once in awhile will give you a real lift. My son is in town and it is just a blessing on a number of levels. I'm grateful that our Lord kept him safe for sixteen months in Afghanistan. I'm grateful for the way he has become a productive young man. I'm grateful for the few hours that my wife, my daughter and my son spent in the home the other night just talking. No deep issues to mull over, simply enjoying one another as a family. I may not have the money that some people have. I may not have the notoriety that others have. I may not have the influence that others have, but I am so grateful for the simple blessings of life. I have enough materially. I have my health. I have an assignment to serve the Lord in an environment that I love. I have a wonderful family. I have both joy in Christ and happiness with my life. I am truly blessed and I know it.

The Wonderful Power of Prayer

We hear positive comments about prayer all the time. God answers prayer. Prayer changes things. Ask and we shall receive. Prayer is the key to the kingdom. There are many other cliches that could be added to the list. That is they would be merely cliches if they were not true. God is a powerful, mighty God that answers prayer. The song poet penned the thought prayer moves the arm that moves the world. God is big enough to bring our politicians to a place of agreement to prevent a long government shutdown. God is loving enough to comfort hearts that are breaking with grief and loss. I don't say that lightly; I have family and friends that are grieving right now. God is generous enough to sustain families in turbulent economic times. God is omniscient enough to impart wisdom to workers in Japan to solve the nuclear waste problem. He cares enough to show mercy to the Libyans. Problems that are world wide can be altered by the power of prayer. As children we sang He's got the whole world in His hands... We need to believe in the God that can hold the world in the palm of His hand again and call on Him with praying hearts. The promise is when we call He will answer. Take the time to work it out in prayer.