As you can see I have changed some aspects of my blog. Yeh, I didn't really need to, but sometimes change is a good thing. I am praying that these changes will challenge you to want to have a deeper and more intimate relationship with Christ.
Paul, a great Christ-follower, wasn't concerned about what others thought of him or any praise of men. Paul was solely concerned with knowing Christ more. Why? It's simple: Paul not only understood the sacrifice that Christ had made for him, but he also realized that the ONLY response to that sacrifice was a life sold out for Christ.
Take time right now to read Philippians 3:1-15. Really, open your Bible and read those 15 verses.
You just read that Paul didn't even consider his own heritage something worth having. He counted it all as "rubbish" (ESV). It was worthless, something that should be thrown in the trash and never seen of again. That is EXACTLY what Paul thought of the stuff that could have gained him prestige and honor.
No, instead, he was striving for the knowledge of, comprehension of and application of Christ's suffering, death and resurrection. Paul wanted to know what enabled him to be a Christ-follower as he came to know that it was simply by grace through faith that he had what he did have and knew where his eternity would be spent.
Last week I was asked about why people weren't coming to church. My answer: ultimately it is not about the excuses we give, it is ultimately about the fact that we don't appreciate the death, burial and resurrection of Christ, we don't want to know Him more, and show Him how much what He did for us means to us!
So what does this mean for me?
Well, you must decide whether or not you truly, deeply, honestly appreciate the sacrifice Christ made for you and the home He is making for you right now. If it is important and does mean something to you, then you will count everything as loss to know Christ. You will be setting aside yourself (your goals, dreams, passions, desires, and wants) to get to know Christ more.
"But what does that look like in my life?" It will find you:
> In church for Sunday school, worship service, Bible study, and small groups
> In the Word of God on a daily basis
> In prayer seeking out the will of God in every matter
> In praise for ALL that He has done for you
> In search of opportunities to share the love and hope of Christ
> In love with God so much so that you are overflowing with JOY
Well, there it is. There is what we are to be about. As Paul said, "press on toward the prize. . ." (Phil. 3:14). Press on and know HIM more!
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Friday, May 14, 2010
Trusting In God's Silence
Read: John 11:1-10
Can you believe that? Jesus, knowing about Lazarus being sick, doesn't immediately respond! What kind of God is He? Doesn't He care? I mean, isn't Jesus the one that said, "cast all your care upon Him, for He careth for you?" Didn't Jesus weep as He looked over Jerusalem? Isn't He the one that healed the lame, the blind, and many others? Why wouldn't Jesus immediately head toward Bethany? Or why, didn't He just heal Lazarus from where He was? He did it for the centurion in Matthew 8?
So, why did Jesus stay two more days? Was it because He didn't care? NO! Jesus reminds us of His reason in verse 4: "This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it" (John 11:4).
Oswald Chambers says this, in regards to this passage: "Has God trusted you with a silence - a silence that is big with meaning? . . . Think of those days of absolute silence in the home at Bethany! Is there anything analogous to those days in your life? . . . His silence is the sign that He is bringing you into a marvellous understanding of Himself. . . . If God has given you a silence, praise Him, He is bringing you into the great run of His purposes."
Even Solomon understood that sometimes there is a need for silence, when he said, "There is . . . a time to be silent" (Eccl. 3:1,7). There are times, in God's sovereignty that silence is necessary for us. The reason we don't like it, is simply because we are not used to silence. We are a people consumed and overwhelmed with noise. Just think about what it is like when there is a "moment of silence" somewhere. What do you usually do after a few seconds? You do what most people do, they start looking around. Why? Because we are uncomfortable with silence.
And yet, within God's plan for our lives are times of silence. Times when trusting in His silence is difficult but necessary.
A.W. Tozer, in his book, In the Pursuit of God, says this about silence: "Whoever will listen will hear the speaking Heaven. This is definitely not the hour when men take kindly to an exhortation to listen, for listening is not today a part of popular religion. We are at the opposite end of the pole from there. Religion has accepted the monstrous heresy that noise, size, activity and bluster make a man dear to God. But we may take heart. To a people caught in the tempest of the last great conflict God says, 'Be still, and know that I am God,' (Psalm 46:10) and still He says it, as if He means to tell us that our strength and safety lie not in noise but in silence."
God wants our activity, but we need His silence!
Can you believe that? Jesus, knowing about Lazarus being sick, doesn't immediately respond! What kind of God is He? Doesn't He care? I mean, isn't Jesus the one that said, "cast all your care upon Him, for He careth for you?" Didn't Jesus weep as He looked over Jerusalem? Isn't He the one that healed the lame, the blind, and many others? Why wouldn't Jesus immediately head toward Bethany? Or why, didn't He just heal Lazarus from where He was? He did it for the centurion in Matthew 8?
So, why did Jesus stay two more days? Was it because He didn't care? NO! Jesus reminds us of His reason in verse 4: "This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it" (John 11:4).
Oswald Chambers says this, in regards to this passage: "Has God trusted you with a silence - a silence that is big with meaning? . . . Think of those days of absolute silence in the home at Bethany! Is there anything analogous to those days in your life? . . . His silence is the sign that He is bringing you into a marvellous understanding of Himself. . . . If God has given you a silence, praise Him, He is bringing you into the great run of His purposes."
Even Solomon understood that sometimes there is a need for silence, when he said, "There is . . . a time to be silent" (Eccl. 3:1,7). There are times, in God's sovereignty that silence is necessary for us. The reason we don't like it, is simply because we are not used to silence. We are a people consumed and overwhelmed with noise. Just think about what it is like when there is a "moment of silence" somewhere. What do you usually do after a few seconds? You do what most people do, they start looking around. Why? Because we are uncomfortable with silence.
And yet, within God's plan for our lives are times of silence. Times when trusting in His silence is difficult but necessary.
A.W. Tozer, in his book, In the Pursuit of God, says this about silence: "Whoever will listen will hear the speaking Heaven. This is definitely not the hour when men take kindly to an exhortation to listen, for listening is not today a part of popular religion. We are at the opposite end of the pole from there. Religion has accepted the monstrous heresy that noise, size, activity and bluster make a man dear to God. But we may take heart. To a people caught in the tempest of the last great conflict God says, 'Be still, and know that I am God,' (Psalm 46:10) and still He says it, as if He means to tell us that our strength and safety lie not in noise but in silence."
God wants our activity, but we need His silence!
Friday, May 7, 2010
What Are You Chasing After?
In Ecclesiastes 1:14, Solomon says, “I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind.” Why did he say that everything is “a chasing after the wind?” Why was everything futile activity? Does that mean that I can do whatever I want and not be concerned with obedience to the will of God? Not so fast!
If you keep reading in Ecclesiastes you will find that Solomon was talking more about the motive for what was being done than what was actually being done. Listen to his conclusion: “A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, [25] for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment? [26] To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind” (Eccl. 2:24-26).
Solomon’s conclusion is simply stated that to truly be happy, one must enjoy and be content with the provision of God. Solomon’s conclusion is restated by Paul in Colossians 3:17 “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Both Solomon and Paul realized that life is not about what they wanted. It was about what God wanted. It was about and still is about what God wants.
So why did Solomon say everything was meaningless? The answer is simple: because everything was being pursued for personal gain. Man has always had a desire for self-gratification and self-satisfaction. We are a society consumed with personal and instant fulfillment. John put it this way: “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. [16] For everything in the world – the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does – come not from the Father but from the world” (1 John 2:15-16).
The truth is, that we live in a “me” dominated society. It was in Solomon’s day, Paul’s day and even today in 2010. So how do we keep ourselves from falling into the “everything is meaningless” cycle?
We heed and obey the words of Paul mentioned earlier in Colossians 3:17. Our daily desire should be to bring glory to God in whatever we are doing. Whether it is mowing the yard, running errands, spending time with family, or resting on the couch, we should be doing ALL things to make God pleased.
I close with these words from Brother Lawrence, a cook in a 17th-century monastery: “One’s depth of spirituality does not depend on changing things you do but rather changing your motive – doing for God what you ordinarily do for yourself.”
If you keep reading in Ecclesiastes you will find that Solomon was talking more about the motive for what was being done than what was actually being done. Listen to his conclusion: “A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, [25] for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment? [26] To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind” (Eccl. 2:24-26).
Solomon’s conclusion is simply stated that to truly be happy, one must enjoy and be content with the provision of God. Solomon’s conclusion is restated by Paul in Colossians 3:17 “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Both Solomon and Paul realized that life is not about what they wanted. It was about what God wanted. It was about and still is about what God wants.
So why did Solomon say everything was meaningless? The answer is simple: because everything was being pursued for personal gain. Man has always had a desire for self-gratification and self-satisfaction. We are a society consumed with personal and instant fulfillment. John put it this way: “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. [16] For everything in the world – the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does – come not from the Father but from the world” (1 John 2:15-16).
The truth is, that we live in a “me” dominated society. It was in Solomon’s day, Paul’s day and even today in 2010. So how do we keep ourselves from falling into the “everything is meaningless” cycle?
We heed and obey the words of Paul mentioned earlier in Colossians 3:17. Our daily desire should be to bring glory to God in whatever we are doing. Whether it is mowing the yard, running errands, spending time with family, or resting on the couch, we should be doing ALL things to make God pleased.
I close with these words from Brother Lawrence, a cook in a 17th-century monastery: “One’s depth of spirituality does not depend on changing things you do but rather changing your motive – doing for God what you ordinarily do for yourself.”
Friday, April 30, 2010
Are You AUTHENTIC?
Did you know that today, April 30, is National Honesty Day in the United States? According to ‘Our Daily Bread’- author M. Hirsh Goldberg established this day in the early 1990’s as a way to honor the honorable and encourage honesty. This day was selected because “April begins with a day dedicated to lying [April Fool’s Day] and should end on a higher moral note” (M. Hirsh Goldberg).
As I think about what it means to be honest, my thoughts land on the reality that honesty is more than just about what we say. Honesty has so much to do with how we live our lives on a day-to-day basis. It is about living lives of integrity and being authentic.
Looking at the words of Jesus Christ, one word that jumps out at me that He used several times is the word: “hypocrite.” The word was spoken to different groups of people but the point was the same – Jesus wants us to be authentic. He wants us to be real. He wants us to be honest!
On several occasions, Jesus called the Pharisees and scribes “hypocrites.” Why? Because they were so focused on “looking” religious on the outside that the inside was tragically filthy. Listen to how Jesus put it: “Now you Pharisees make the outside of the cup and dish clean, but your inward part is full of greed and wickedness” (Luke 11:39).
Wow! But we are not Pharisees or scribes! No, we are not. However, as Jesus a few verses later: “. . . there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known” (Luke 12:2).
It is so important that we be authentic. We live in a world where the masks people wear are numerous. All of us, at times, put on a false façade. We have been commanded to “be ready to give a defense (apologia – apologetics – an answer) to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you . . .” (1 Peter 3:15).
Friend, we will NEVER be asked if we are not being authentic! There is enough “acting” in the world today. It is time that we be real, authentic, honest.
Let me challenge you with some commands taken directly from the Word of God and let these be what you strive after in order to be authentic! Please take time to read this passage slowly, meditate, and ask the Lord to reveal to you which one’s you need to work on.
READ: Ephesians 4:17-32
Now, go and be AUTHENTIC!!
As I think about what it means to be honest, my thoughts land on the reality that honesty is more than just about what we say. Honesty has so much to do with how we live our lives on a day-to-day basis. It is about living lives of integrity and being authentic.
Looking at the words of Jesus Christ, one word that jumps out at me that He used several times is the word: “hypocrite.” The word was spoken to different groups of people but the point was the same – Jesus wants us to be authentic. He wants us to be real. He wants us to be honest!
On several occasions, Jesus called the Pharisees and scribes “hypocrites.” Why? Because they were so focused on “looking” religious on the outside that the inside was tragically filthy. Listen to how Jesus put it: “Now you Pharisees make the outside of the cup and dish clean, but your inward part is full of greed and wickedness” (Luke 11:39).
Wow! But we are not Pharisees or scribes! No, we are not. However, as Jesus a few verses later: “. . . there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known” (Luke 12:2).
It is so important that we be authentic. We live in a world where the masks people wear are numerous. All of us, at times, put on a false façade. We have been commanded to “be ready to give a defense (apologia – apologetics – an answer) to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you . . .” (1 Peter 3:15).
Friend, we will NEVER be asked if we are not being authentic! There is enough “acting” in the world today. It is time that we be real, authentic, honest.
Let me challenge you with some commands taken directly from the Word of God and let these be what you strive after in order to be authentic! Please take time to read this passage slowly, meditate, and ask the Lord to reveal to you which one’s you need to work on.
READ: Ephesians 4:17-32
Now, go and be AUTHENTIC!!
Friday, April 23, 2010
How have you asked lately?
Take a few moments and read 1 Kings 3:1-14. As you do so, put yourself in Solomon’s shoes and imagine the situation he is in as king.
What I want you to see is that Solomon asks for a “discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong” (v. 9). It is amazing to me that of ALL that he could ask for, Solomon asked for the ability to discern between good and bad, right and wrong.
Now, there is nothing at all wrong with this request. As a king, I would like to think that I would want that same ability. But Solomon did not ask for power, prestige, wealth or anything that would be considered something just for him to enjoy. He ultimately asks for something that will help him be a more effective ruler over Israel.
Let’s look now at God’s response. In verses 11 & 12 God says, “Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a ‘wise’ AND ‘discerning heart,’ so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be.”
Wow! Above receiving the discerning heart, God grants Solomon a ‘wise’ heart. The word ‘wise’ in Hebrew means “skillful in technical work, wise in administration, wise ethically and religiously.’ So Solomon received the ability to discern between right and wrong, and on top of that he also received the skill to use what he had been taught and learned in a skillful and administrative manner.
But God was not done giving to Solomon; check out verses 13 & 14: “Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for – both riches and honor – so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings. And if you walk in my ways and obey my statutes and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life.”
Can you believe it? Solomon received a discerning heart, wisdom, riches, honor and if he obeyed God, a long life. And to think that all he asked for was the ability to discern between right and wrong.
As you reflect honestly on what you ask God for, do you have to admit that it is extremely personal in nature? How much of what you ask for benefits you? How much benefits others?
What Solomon asked for was really for the benefit of those he was king over. What he received benefited everyone involved.
The key to all of this is found in verse 7: “Now, O LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties.” The description of himself as a “little child” is not in age, but in experience. Solomon acknowledged that in and of himself he was unable to perform the duties of a king. He admitted his weakness. When was the last time you admitted to God that you are weak and that only through Him are you strong?
I believe that due in large part to Solomon’s humility, God granted to him what he asked for and more. As you go about your day, as you seek the Lord in prayer, I challenge you to acknowledge the greatness of God and the lowliness of yourself.
As I close, allow these verses to impact you as you seek the Lord in prayer: “But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’ . . . Humble yourself before the Lord, and he will lift you up” (James 4:6, 10).
What I want you to see is that Solomon asks for a “discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong” (v. 9). It is amazing to me that of ALL that he could ask for, Solomon asked for the ability to discern between good and bad, right and wrong.
Now, there is nothing at all wrong with this request. As a king, I would like to think that I would want that same ability. But Solomon did not ask for power, prestige, wealth or anything that would be considered something just for him to enjoy. He ultimately asks for something that will help him be a more effective ruler over Israel.
Let’s look now at God’s response. In verses 11 & 12 God says, “Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a ‘wise’ AND ‘discerning heart,’ so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be.”
Wow! Above receiving the discerning heart, God grants Solomon a ‘wise’ heart. The word ‘wise’ in Hebrew means “skillful in technical work, wise in administration, wise ethically and religiously.’ So Solomon received the ability to discern between right and wrong, and on top of that he also received the skill to use what he had been taught and learned in a skillful and administrative manner.
But God was not done giving to Solomon; check out verses 13 & 14: “Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for – both riches and honor – so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings. And if you walk in my ways and obey my statutes and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life.”
Can you believe it? Solomon received a discerning heart, wisdom, riches, honor and if he obeyed God, a long life. And to think that all he asked for was the ability to discern between right and wrong.
As you reflect honestly on what you ask God for, do you have to admit that it is extremely personal in nature? How much of what you ask for benefits you? How much benefits others?
What Solomon asked for was really for the benefit of those he was king over. What he received benefited everyone involved.
The key to all of this is found in verse 7: “Now, O LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties.” The description of himself as a “little child” is not in age, but in experience. Solomon acknowledged that in and of himself he was unable to perform the duties of a king. He admitted his weakness. When was the last time you admitted to God that you are weak and that only through Him are you strong?
I believe that due in large part to Solomon’s humility, God granted to him what he asked for and more. As you go about your day, as you seek the Lord in prayer, I challenge you to acknowledge the greatness of God and the lowliness of yourself.
As I close, allow these verses to impact you as you seek the Lord in prayer: “But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’ . . . Humble yourself before the Lord, and he will lift you up” (James 4:6, 10).
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Men and the Home
I want to start off by defining a word for you. That word is “responsible”: answerable or accountable, as for something within one's power, control, or management.
As I think about that word, I know that it comes fully loaded. Sometimes we are “responsible” for someone or something we don’t really want to be “responsible” for. Other times, it just comes with a lot on the plate.
Today, I want to speak to the husbands and fathers. I realize that Father’s Day is still weeks away, however, after a conversation two weeks ago, I have not been able to shake these thoughts.
As husbands and fathers, we are responsible for not only the physical and emotional well-being of our families, but also the spiritual growth of our families. Not only must we seek to see our families grow in their faith but we must also see that growth lived out.
It is crucial that we lead by example. That means our attendance at church, use of our spiritual gifts, devotional life and practical living of our faith if we expect our families to follow suit. No longer can we think that our inconsistency will not be seen or emulated by the rest of our family.
Over the last 2-3 years, much has been discussed and written on the fact that a large percentage of 18-25 year-old's are leaving the church. Depending on who is leading the discussion, many different reasons are given for this. However, I believe one of the greatest reasons for this, is the lack of leadership by husbands and fathers in relation to their own spiritual growth and the effect that has had on the family.
Men, it is time for us to accept the “responsibility” that God has given us and step up to the plate. No longer can we sit idly by and think that our every-once-in-a- while participation will do the trick. Most employers expect 5 straight days of work. And when that does not happen, that job is not ours any longer. In order to be successful at work, consistency is the key. The same is true spiritually when it comes to our families.
Men, get your families to Sunday school, worship services, children and youth meetings and activities, your wife to ladies group and yourself to a men’s group. I believe that no matter what is going on in your life or your family, church and all related activities must be priority.
Let me share with you something very personal. When I was younger I had a drug problem. I was “drug” to church for Sunday school, worship services, children’s church, youth choir, Awana, youth group, and many other activities. I honestly did not appreciate it every time, but you know what? I saw in my parents a love for the Lord that was exemplified in their living. Not once did I see in my father an inconsistency in his relationship with the Lord.
Men, it is time that our families see consistency in us as we take on willingly, the responsibility that He has given us. Whether you like the responsibility or not, is not the issue. You have it, so take it. To do anything less, is falling short of what God has given you to do.
As I think about that word, I know that it comes fully loaded. Sometimes we are “responsible” for someone or something we don’t really want to be “responsible” for. Other times, it just comes with a lot on the plate.
Today, I want to speak to the husbands and fathers. I realize that Father’s Day is still weeks away, however, after a conversation two weeks ago, I have not been able to shake these thoughts.
As husbands and fathers, we are responsible for not only the physical and emotional well-being of our families, but also the spiritual growth of our families. Not only must we seek to see our families grow in their faith but we must also see that growth lived out.
It is crucial that we lead by example. That means our attendance at church, use of our spiritual gifts, devotional life and practical living of our faith if we expect our families to follow suit. No longer can we think that our inconsistency will not be seen or emulated by the rest of our family.
Over the last 2-3 years, much has been discussed and written on the fact that a large percentage of 18-25 year-old's are leaving the church. Depending on who is leading the discussion, many different reasons are given for this. However, I believe one of the greatest reasons for this, is the lack of leadership by husbands and fathers in relation to their own spiritual growth and the effect that has had on the family.
Men, it is time for us to accept the “responsibility” that God has given us and step up to the plate. No longer can we sit idly by and think that our every-once-in-a- while participation will do the trick. Most employers expect 5 straight days of work. And when that does not happen, that job is not ours any longer. In order to be successful at work, consistency is the key. The same is true spiritually when it comes to our families.
Men, get your families to Sunday school, worship services, children and youth meetings and activities, your wife to ladies group and yourself to a men’s group. I believe that no matter what is going on in your life or your family, church and all related activities must be priority.
Let me share with you something very personal. When I was younger I had a drug problem. I was “drug” to church for Sunday school, worship services, children’s church, youth choir, Awana, youth group, and many other activities. I honestly did not appreciate it every time, but you know what? I saw in my parents a love for the Lord that was exemplified in their living. Not once did I see in my father an inconsistency in his relationship with the Lord.
Men, it is time that our families see consistency in us as we take on willingly, the responsibility that He has given us. Whether you like the responsibility or not, is not the issue. You have it, so take it. To do anything less, is falling short of what God has given you to do.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Easter and the Bunny
In a recent survey by the Barna Research Group, only 42% of those polled link Easter to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Which means that 58% of those contacted, do not see the true significance of the death, burial and resurrection of the Messiah.
When Easter is discussed, it is usually about how much candy will be eaten, how many eggs will be found and the joy of not having to work.
What we have to keep in mind is that no matter what others believe, it is crucial for us to acknowledge the true meaning of Easter and take the time to reflect on the truth that Jesus Christ died on the cross, was buried and rose again the third day.
Despite the fact that it seems redundant, it must be constantly on the forefront of our mind. Paul put it this way: “I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death” (Philippians 3:10).
Easter is all about wanting to “know Christ and the power of his resurrection.” We must pursue knowing Christ and becoming impacted by Christ and the power that raised Him from the dead. Why? Because the same power that raised Christ from the dead is:
> The same power that gives us life eternal.
> The same power that is made “perfect in our weakness.”
> The same power that gives us victory over sin.
When the National Retail Foundation announces that consumers are planning on spending more money on candy and gifts for baskets, we must take notice. Is there anything inherently wrong with candy and baskets? No. But if that is the focus of this weekend, then “knowing Christ and the power of His resurrection” is not the priority.
So when you take away all the frills and fun, candy and consumerism, is Easter all about Christ who died for the sins of the world and rose again to give life to those who believe in Him or is it about the bunny?
When Easter is discussed, it is usually about how much candy will be eaten, how many eggs will be found and the joy of not having to work.
What we have to keep in mind is that no matter what others believe, it is crucial for us to acknowledge the true meaning of Easter and take the time to reflect on the truth that Jesus Christ died on the cross, was buried and rose again the third day.
Despite the fact that it seems redundant, it must be constantly on the forefront of our mind. Paul put it this way: “I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death” (Philippians 3:10).
Easter is all about wanting to “know Christ and the power of his resurrection.” We must pursue knowing Christ and becoming impacted by Christ and the power that raised Him from the dead. Why? Because the same power that raised Christ from the dead is:
> The same power that gives us life eternal.
> The same power that is made “perfect in our weakness.”
> The same power that gives us victory over sin.
When the National Retail Foundation announces that consumers are planning on spending more money on candy and gifts for baskets, we must take notice. Is there anything inherently wrong with candy and baskets? No. But if that is the focus of this weekend, then “knowing Christ and the power of His resurrection” is not the priority.
So when you take away all the frills and fun, candy and consumerism, is Easter all about Christ who died for the sins of the world and rose again to give life to those who believe in Him or is it about the bunny?
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