Jesus Christ – The Persistent Intruder

Despite man’s efforts to eliminate Christ out of Christmas…out of everyday life…out of government…out of schools…out of the marketplace…in spite of it all, He just won’t go away.

Peter Larson writes, “Despite our efforts to keep Him out, God intrudes. The life of Jesus is bracketed by two impossibilities: a virgin’s womb and an empty tomb. Jesus entered our world through a door marked ‘No Entrance’ and left through a door marked ‘No Exit.’”

That first Christmas, there was no room for Him in the inn. The world never wants to make room for Christ at Christmas and in everyday life. Man killed Him and sealed the tomb with a huge stone to shut Him out of our lives once and for all. But God removed the stone to prove Jesus will not be shut up or shut out of His plans.

One day Jesus will intrude on history again.
The way to be ready is to invite Him into your life today.
Will you shut Him out or let Him in?

Love For Jesus

Jesus said “If you love me, show it by doing what I’ve told you. I will talk to the Father, and he’ll provide you another Friend so that you will always have someone with you.” - (John 14:15-16)

Love is shown by the actions that back up a person’s words.

We show our love for Jesus by what we do, especially by obeying what he has taught us.

Jesus, however, doesn’t expect this demonstrated love to be a one way street. He shows us his love for us by having the Father send another Friend like himself to us. This Friend is called the Advocate or Comforter or Helper in other translations. The Father sends this Friend so that we will never be alone. We can be confident that we will always have the presence of God in our lives!

Prayer : Father, words can’t express my thanks for the gift of the Holy Spirit. I know that even when I am by myself, that I am not alone. I know that when earthly friends forsake or those close to me betray me that your Presence is my Helper and my Friend. Thank you. Please forgive me for not seeking this Friend’s help and support in times of trouble. Please make the presence of this Friend very clear as I live my daily life. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

The Chosen One of God

John the Baptizer said “I didn’t know he was the one, but when God sent me to baptize with water, he told me, ‘The one on whom you see the Spirit descend and rest is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ I saw this happen to Jesus, so I testify that he is the Chosen One of God.” - (John 1:33)

John doesn’t claim that he has any special knowledge of Jesus’ identity because of insider information as a cousin of Jesus. No, John’s recognition was based upon the revelation of God and the work of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus is God’s Chosen One and a key part of Jesus’ role as the Chosen One is baptizing people with the Holy Spirit. Jesus’ identity, ministry, and message are all tied to the work of the Holy Spirit! We can’t follow the chosen one of God without a deep appreciation and recognition of the vital role the Spirit plays in Jesus’ life as well as our own!

Prayer : Gracious God, the Almighty, who has chosen to dwell in my heart through your Holy Spirit. Thank you for revealing yourself as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Be at work in my life through the Spirit. Purify my heart, transform my mind, and empower my actions so that I can honor you and help others know your Son. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.