All tagged Resurrection

Sins wrapped in gold are sins nonetheless

Richard Forbes
Christian , Daily Devotional , Hidden Sin

We are so naive when it comes to sin. We think that we can easily recognize it, when in fact our greatest sins are often those we lift up to ourselves, and others, as being our most magnificent accomplishments of faith. Things like the pride we take in a healing prayer when in fact it was God’s hand that did the work, and our feeling of self righteousness was merely an attempt to steal his glory... even when we outwardly praised Him. So many sins come encrusted in the sweetness of sugar, or a shining gold plate, when in fact it is sour bread, or crude metal underneath.

Holy Saturday - We are never alone, even in our suffering.

Richard Forbes
Christian, Daily Devotion, Death, Resurrection, Not Alone

Are you quarantined, sequestered, and alone in your home due to the Coronavirus? Is this Easter season especially hard on you because you not only feel separated from family, friends, and others of faith, but God, and Jesus too? Today is Holy Saturday, and on this day we remember that Jesus was in the tomb, that it was the Jewish Sabbath, and that He was wrapped in a burial shroud.  He was not still AS death, but still IN death. We also remember the suffering of the disciples who thought that Jesus was gone, dead, and that they had been left alone. Has Satan sought to take our hope, and our joy this Easter season as well? 

Facing the thought of Death... does picking up our Cross terrify us?

Richard Forbes
Christian, Daily Devotion, Death, Resurrection, Peace

How do we envision our final days? Do we see ourselves resting peacefully in our home being tended to by our families, or are we tormented by what lies ahead, and everything those final hours will bring us? Are we afraid we will die destitute, and with nowhere to call home? Whatever we anticipate, either spiritually or physically, Jesus will be at our side, and He asks us, just as He asked Peter, “Do you love me?”, and then tells us to follow Him in those days... to face death on our own cross just as He did upon His... lovingly, brave, and certain in God’s will.

Oh Death where is your Victory, Oh Death where is your Sting?

Richard Forbes
Christian, Daily Devotion, Death

We are justified, and made righteous through Jesus Christ. He told us to pick up our cross and follow Him, so in this way we are crucified with Him, and in this way we also live anew in Him by His resurrection.  Where He goes we, as believers, go also. Are we ready to make the journey? Do we believe Him when He says He will come for us? If we believe, then death holds no victory, and no sting.

Do You Wake Up Each Morning Anticipating the Blessings of Christ’s Resurrection Promise?

Richard Forbes
Christian, Resurrection, Promise, Daily Devotion

You woke up this morning from a night’s slumber, which is a form of mini-death, and found yourself once again breathing, eating, and going about your day. Did you jump out of bed in surprise and shout with joy, or did you expect that to happen? Did you routinely yawn, wipe the sleep out of your eyes, and stumble mute towards that first cup of coffee, or did you lift up your arms and say “Thank you Father for this day!”? If this is our earthly morning, how will it be when you awaken to Jesus Christ and Heaven on that first resurrected morning?

Holy Saturday, and its help in understanding our promise in Death

Richard Forbes
Jesus, Daily Devotion, Death, Promise, Christian

Today is Holy Saturday, and on this day Jesus’ body lay in the tomb, even as He was defeating death. What better time to confront our own bondage to death. Does the fear of death and dying cause you to quiver in fright, and to dread what lies ahead? Do you say you believe the gospel of Jesus Christ, and yet still harbor a terror of what awaits us in the grave? Friends, this is not a day of mourning, or fear, but one of rising celebration as the resurrection hovers near.

Waiting, more than Watchmen for the Morning

Richard Forbes
Lessons, Resurrection, Daily Devotion, Blessings, Waiting, Christian

It is Holy Saturday, and on this day Jesus lay in His tomb, but for us it is a time of waiting, of anticipation. Are you one who is comfortable in waiting, or does it cause you to toss and turn in the night? In our relationship with God we often find ourselves waiting for Him... do you settle in, or pace the floor? Let the Lord give you peace as you wait, because there is untold blessing in the waiting.