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Listen while you read: "Christ The Lord Is Risen Today"1 (Lyrics) |
The phone rang. When I answered, a deep, intimidating male voice informed me that I was in serious trouble with respect to my income tax. The voice continued saying that the police were now on their way to arrest me, and that my best recourse was to follow his directions and press "1" on the phone.
This wasn't the first time that such a call had come to our home. I didn't discuss the matter with the caller. I hung up. I knew that the identity and mission of the caller were both fraudulent, and that if I pressed "1", something undesirable would come of it. This was a scam!
Knowing whom we can trust can make the difference between encountering trouble and having a happy outcome.
What is the outcome when we come to the end of the journey of life? What do we believe will happen when we die? Do we believe that we have a choice about our eternal destiny? If we do, whom can we trust in that choice?
In chapter 11 of John's gospel, we can read about a man, Lazarus, who died and left behind two very sad sisters. Jesus had been away when Lazarus died, and now, he was back and speaking with Martha, one of the grieving sisters.
John 11:25-26 – Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?" (NIV)
Life poses the same question to us. Who is Jesus to us? Is His identity such that He can offer us resurrection and life? Do we believe in Him? These questions are of utmost importance to us and our eternal destiny.
Jesus' true identity was validated three days after His crucifixion and death, when He rose again to life. We know of no other great leader, no matter how influential or well-known, who has risen up from the bonds of death.
The influences that we follow in this life determine how we will live. We are led by our deepest desires. When we have a deep desire to follow Jesus Christ, our lives begin to shine with the beautiful light exemplified by His life. When we follow Jesus, our life is complete, and we are assured of a life to come. This assurance is validated by the One who died and rose again and whose resurrected life was witnessed by many and written down in the Bible.
Because He lives, we who believe in Him shall also live! Rejoice, and shine for Him!
Prayer: God of resurrection power, You offer us new life both in our day-to-day living and also in that which is to come when this life is complete. You have given us Your Son, Jesus, Who died on the cross to pay for our sins and Who rose again to new life through Your resurrection power. Strengthen our faith daily, we pray, so that Your resurrection power will shine brightly in how we think and speak and act. Keep us strong in the knowledge that because Jesus lives, the same resurrection power that restored Him to life can restore us also, both now and when we complete this life. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
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Tuesday, December 3, 2024 – In Canada — Pray for those in small or rural churches, many of whom are struggling without adequate leaders or funds to minister to their communities. Give them faith and courage to reach out to neighbours and those who are not involved in worship and fellowship. Pray for their dependence on God to grow as they trust him for guidance and provision.
Pray: "December 3, 2024: Asking prayers for a young man , Ben who is suffering with brain cancer —..." 
Thanks for the good word, Joan.
Thanks Joan. Good stuff.
Blessings.
Wonderful devotion this morning. Just what I needed. Thanks.
Thank you for today’s message. How wonderful is our faith in the risen Christ!
Clear as can be and deeply wonderful, Joan! Thanks for your inspiration and understanding today. Helps me.
Thank you, Joan.
Your message in todays’ devotion is very uplifting to me.
Keep up the faith,
(Quebec)
Hello Lynne,
Thank you for a beautiful devotion that contains the whole Gospel. Keep writing!
We are enjoying the tulips at our kitchen window. They remind us to keep praying for you.
Hi Joan,
In these perilous times when scoundrels come across our telephone wires to hound and trick us, it is such a blessing to know we can trust every word of Christ. I appreciate your devotional.
Hi Joan
Your devotional message entitled “Who Is He” was excellent. Thank you for the insight which gave me, on several fronts, gentle reminders needed for us to follow each and every moment of each and every day in our walk of life with Jesus.
Keep doing what you do so well.
Dear Joan,
Yes, we do need to know who we can trust. It is sad that there are people in this world who prey on others. I join in your prayer that our faith is strengthened every day and it shines forth to others to fill His World with renewed hope. Thank you for sharing your feelings and experiences. Blessings.
Hello Joan,
Many thanks for your devotional writing today. Yes, it is so sad that there are those untrustworthy people out there that make those terrible scam calls and cause distress to so many people. We are thankful that we have an everlasting trust in our Lord who gives us constant care and reassurance in our life here on earth and His promises for eternity. His love and care truly reign throughout our lives! Blessings for writing.
We were all brought up to trust others.
That horrible scam has cost people thousands of dollars.
But the Spirit quietly whispers, There is One who is with you always and will protect you if you ask.