Putting It All Together
After Jesus was raised from the dead, his disciples recalled what he had said. Then they believed the Scripture and the words that Jesus had spoken. ~John 2:32
Bob loved puzzles. He loved the challenge of putting them together. He also loved the results. Once he even remarked, “The bigger and more difficult, the better.” So when his friend gave him a five thousand piece puzzle with no “straight edges,” he was ecstatic.
The disciples had to deal with their own “puzzle.” They witnessed what Jesus did. They listened to his testimony. Still, it didn’t always make sense because they couldn’t put all the pieces together. At least, not until after Jesus rose from the dead. Following Jesus’ victory over death and the grave, the disciples finally understood and believed.
There are times when I find myself in the same quandary as the disciples. I am familiar with the facts, but I remain uncertain. I know what Jesus says, but how can I be sure? So the truth looms like a complex, multi-piece puzzle. And I question how it goes together.
It is important that I have a complete picture of Jesus. Therefore, it is important that I rely on the sure source of help God has revealed in the Bible. Through God’s Word, the Holy Spirit reveals truth to me and leads me to believe it and live by it.
When I rely on the guidance God has provided, the picture of Jesus becomes clear for me. I will see his authority in the miracles he accomplished. I will also see his humble obedience in every thing he endured. Because of the Bible’s divine testimony I know Jesus is my Savior and my Substitute. As such, he endured the shame and mockery I deserved. He suffered the crucifixion and death my disobedience demanded. He even defeated the power of the devil so that I can enjoy a life with God’s presence and blessing.
Puzzles can be challenging because it is hard to see how all the pieces fit together. The puzzle of my life is even more challenging. There will always be times when I am unsure and confused because the pieces don’t always fit together. There is one place where I can be certain all the pieces will fit together, and that is with the Lord. Because of what God has said and done, I know every piece of the puzzle comes together in Jesus. He is my comfort for this life, and my confidence for eternal life.
Today’s Devotion is brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com
Laugh Out Loud When It Hurts – Rev Mark Hayes
Rev. Mark Hayes, pastor at Crown of Life Lutheran Church in Pueblo West, Colo., gave the second keynote address entitled, “Laugh Out Loud When It Hurts,” at the 2007 WELS International Youth Rally. Click here to see video>
Length: 0:54:06
Seven Principles for Christian Dating
By Thad and Ann Jahns
Dating can be very confusing! Dating is a process of discovery and understanding. It may simply seem like a fun way to get to know members of the opposite sex, but it is actually the first step in making one of the most important decisions of your life — choosing a spouse.
When you date you begin to file away two sets of information: one about yourself (What kind of person am I? What is important to me? What do I have to offer someone else?) and one about the person you are dating (What kind of person is he/she? What does he/she value? How does he/she complement me?). Every person you date helps you discover the qualities you want in a future spouse and helps you to learn true love and respect for others.
But this process can be confusing. Here are seven principles to help clear up some of that muddle.
1. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself
The lie: you need to be in a “significant” relationship to be somebody. The reality: many individuals never date during their high school years. If you have the opportunity to date, wonderful. But if not, focus on developing friendships, both same-sex and opposite-sex.
2. Avoid “recreational” dating
If the ultimate purpose behind dating is to find a potential spouse, then mindlessly leaving broken hearts in your wake is an inappropriate way to date. Be mindful of the feelings and needs of others.
3. Only date other believers
It is fine to have friends who are not believers — after all, how can you witness for Christ if you are only around other believers? Dating is a different situation. Never date with the intention to convert someone. Many such relationships begin with good intentions, but can lead to a committed relationship where problems results because Christ is not at the center.
4. Establish appropriate boundaries before dating
Keep a close watch on your affections and don’t put yourself into situations that will compromise your morals. Ask yourself if your dating behaviors bring you closer to your Savior or draw you away from him.
5. Seek advice from Christian parents, friends, and mentors
Many people intentionally try to keep parents in the dark when it comes to dating. However, keep in mind that your parents were your age at one time too (it can be hard to believe, but they do understand). And remember that sometimes others can see warning signs in your relationships before you can. Listen to those whom you trust the most!
6. Monitor your relationship’s health
We have all seen abusive, unhealthy relationships. Be sure to ask if your dating relationship is one of “true love” or if it is simply self-gratifying.
7. Above all, glorify God in all that you do!
Paul tells us in Romans 12:1 that because we are forgiven through Jesus we want to live as sacrifices to God. That impacts the company we keep, the words that we speak, the decisions that we make, and even our behavior when dating. Your relationship with God is the most important relationship you will ever have. Make sure that dating doesn’t mess it up.
Two ways to live
There is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live. ~ 1 Corinthians 8:6
In front of the RCA Building in New York City there stands a massive statue. It’s the statue of a man straining to carry the entire world on his shoulders. Put yourself in front of that statue for a moment. Look at it. Think about it. If you wish, you can live your life that way. You can focus on yourself. You can look to yourself for answers. You can take all the problems of your life and work them out on your own. You can carry your world on your shoulders.
But now, cross the street. Go into the church that stands directly across from the man carrying the world. Walk up to the altar. Go behind the altar. There you will see another statue. This statue is of Jesus as a young boy. Look closely. In his hand he’s holding something, and he’s holding it without any effort or worry or strain. In his hand rests the entire world.
There are two ways to live. You can carry the world, or Jesus can carry you. You can carry the weight of your cares, or Jesus can carry you. You can carry the guilt of your past, or you can recognize that Jesus has already come to carry it on your behalf.
In our sinful weakness, we often behave like the man straining to carry the world. When that happens, come to repentance. Look to Jesus. See him carrying the world. See him carrying you. Rest in his forgiveness. Rest in his promises. It’s the only way to live.
Today’s Devotion is brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com
Treasure!
Everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. ~Romans 15:4
A treasure hunter in Florida searched for 16 years for a Spanish galleon that sank in 1622 with a cargo of precious metal. In 1985 the ship was located, and 40 million dollars worth of gold and silver were salvaged. The approximate location of the ship was determined by searching ancient records.
The Word of God contains great spiritual treasures. These, declares the psalmist, “are more precious than gold, than much pure gold” (Psalm 19:10). The wisdom of the Holy Scriptures, which make us wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus, “cannot be bought with the finest gold” (Job 28:15) says Job. The Word of God exceeds every earthly treasure, for only it can comfort people when they, just like Job, have experienced trouble and heavy losses. Only God’s Word enables a person to say: “I know that my Redeemer lives” (Job 19:25).
Indeed, the Holy Scriptures hold treasures to make us rich and strengthen us spiritually, but how do they come into our possession? The answer is to search the Scriptures. When we read, study, discuss and apply the truths of God’s Word, “through endurance and the encouragement of Scriptures…we have hope.” Our growth in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ comes by hearing and reading God’s written Word. Then like the man who discovered treasures in a Spanish galleon, we too will discover precious treasure – most importantly our Highest Good, and he is Jesus Christ our Savior!
In Pursuit of Your Soul
Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved. Acts 16:31
Some years ago there was a fierce manhunt in California. A thief had stolen a VW Bug. The authorities were so determined to get him that they unleashed all kinds of resources to find that one car and the thief who was driving it. They even resorted to broadcasting their message over local radio stations in order to find the thief and stop him.
Why such hot pursuit over this VW Bug? Here’s why. On the front seat of the stolen car was a box of crackers. But, unknown to the thief, the crackers were laced with poison. The car owner had intended to use the crackers to kill rats. The authorities, therefore, were in hot pursuit of this thief because they wanted to save his life.
Jesus has been in pursuit of your soul. Many times, in our sinful, confused thinking, we assume he’s after us because he wants us to pull over and behave better, to give up our freedom, to give up our fun.
When you and I think that way, we’ve got it all wrong. Jesus pursues us because he wants to save us. He pursues us because, if he doesn’t, the poison of our sin will consume us. He pursues us because he wants to give us life, peace, joy, and forgiveness. He died to purchase that forgiveness. And now he lives to pursue us through his gospel.
Believe in the One who has pursued you. Trust his promises. Savor his rescue of your soul. And let him continue his pursuit of others through you.
