Word in Christ

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted" (Matthew 5:4). Just before our Lord's ascension He was deeply aware of His disciples' sadness at the prospect of His departure. They were stunned but Jesus understood man's need and He promised them a Helper,  "I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counselor to be with you forever  – the Spirit of truth" (John 14:16-17). Sadness and sorrow are concrete realities. How well do we not know that! That is why these words spoken by the Lord are such a glorious comfort. He was indeed the Man of Sorrows, who was well acquainted with grief. Is there need or shortage in your home? Jesus didn't even have a place where He could lay His head (Luke 9:58). Have friends disappointed you? His friends betrayed Him (Luke 22:48 and 58). Do you battle with sorrow? In Gethsemane Jesus experienced such anguish that His sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground (Luke 22:39-46). Are ...

Celebrate Jesus John 13:1-17 Jesus reveals a new way of exercising authority through love, service and humility. In this dramatic way, he bridges the gap between those in leadership and those under their leadership. Forgiveness the washing and cleansing is a sign of forgiveness  − cleansing from sin. Foot-washing is a picture of what Jesus is about to do on the cross for them (v.7). Through Jesus' death for you, you are totally forgiven. Why then does Jesus teach us to pray regularly for forgiveness? I find the most helpful analogy and picture is the one given here. When Jesus moved to wash Peter's feet, Peter said, "No, you shall never wash my feet," Jesus answered, "Unless I wash you, you have no part with me" (v.8). Peter replied, in effect, 'Well, in that case, wash my whole body.' Jesus said, 'Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean' (v.10). This is a picture of forgiveness. When y...

The Lord Forgives And Forgets Praise the Lord, who forgives all our sins and heals all your diseases (Psalm 103:2-3).  Billy Graham said that God casts our sins into the depths of the ocean. But we take a boat and row to that spot to do some fishing! I gratefully accept Your forgiveness, O Lord. I remind myself continually of this fact and cannot stop thanking You. Amen. Solly Ozrovech

Luke 24:39 'Look at my hands and feet.' Even after his resurrection he still carries the scars of his suffering into eternity.   Nicky Gumbel

"Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well" (Matthew 6:33). Some people tend to become disheartened because they badly want to rectify every wrong in the world. They believe that their convictions and doctrines will solve every problem of our time. In their zeal they forget that imperfection is part of humankind's sinful nature and that we are living in a world torn apart by sin. It is impossible to create a new world without regenerated people. It is also useless to try and change if your relationship with God is not right. The best place to start reforming and healing this world, is with you. Draw a circle next to your bed, kneel in the circle and beg God to start revival within that circle. It is not easy to accept the fact that unless you find yourself living in harmony with God, influencing others positively is impossible. Jesus said, "the kingdom of God is within you" (Luke 17:21). We have to b...

FAITH Have you ever been in a situation when suddenly, without warning, your life seems to be hit by a storm of hurricane proportions (4:37, AMP)? The sea of Galilee was notorious for sudden storms. The disciples knew that waves of that size could overturn their boat and take their lives. Yet, Jesus was asleep (v.38). Sometimes when the storms come it appears that God is not doing anything. He does not seem to be answering your prayers or even listening to you. In times like this, your faith is being tested. Eventually, Jesus calms the storm. He addresses the power behind the storms with words someone might use to a puppy: 'Quiet! Be still!' (v.39), showing he is Lord over nature. For the disciples, the passage starts with fear and ends with faith. A crisis tests your faith. Jesus wants you to learn to conquer your fears and trust him even in the middle of the storms of life. Next, Jesus demonstrates that he is Lord over the powers that try to destroy our lives...