resurrection

August 15, 2019 Jfuglerwriter Comments Off on Encouragement and Our Conqueror

Encouragement and Our Conqueror

Several people around me are either facing severe health issues or have died recently. Even when we know the person is a believer in Jesus Christ and has a destination in heaven, there is sorrow. We hate to see loved ones go through pain. We miss them when they pass.

The world’s view of death, which is centered on loss, can dominate our thinking. “Her time was too soon,” or “He was taken from us too early” are common statements. No doubt, we feel that way when we lose a young person, a child, or someone who has been in our lives for a short time. There’s no denying our feelings.

However, we can be encouraged when we consider what Jesus has to say about death for the believer: “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.” (John 11:23 NIV) That’s a powerful, clear statement. Yes, we die on earth but live eternally in heaven.

And let’s not grow weary of the Bible’s most popular verse, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 ESV)

Jesus is our path to eternal life. To prove his statement claiming to be the resurrection and the life, Jesus rose from the dead. He walked this earth after the resurrection, seen by thousands.

Paul drove home the resurrection truth to remind the early church, just as we need to be reminded. “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man.” (1 Corinthians 1:21-22 NIV)

Jesus has conquered death and he is taking us with him!

It’s alright to miss someone who has passed into eternity with Jesus. You were created to love God and other people, so loss is hard. But, if they know Jesus, you’ll be reunited with them on the other side.

But our hearts should grieve for the person who dies without Christ. That’s tragic.

Let’s be faithful prayer warriors for family members and friends who don’t know Jesus. We should be driven to our knees knowing that, right now, eternal life is not theirs.

My friend, if you know Jesus as your personal Savior, do not fear death. Rejoice that he has conquered death and you’ll find your eternal home with him. That’s your destination. Don’t be distracted by temporal satisfactions that convince you that this world is the best thing you have.

Jesus is your conqueror.  

Reflect on that powerful truth and let it be your encouragement today.

(From my new devotional Your Life With God: 30 Days of Encouragement. Get it on Amazon in Kindle and paperback editions.)

April 18, 2019 Jfuglerwriter Comments Off on Joy and the Resurrection

Joy and the Resurrection

The resurrection is the most joyful event in history.

Think about the contrast felt by Jesus’ followers. He was crucified on Friday. The hopes that they had for their king to rule were dashed. They were banking on an earthly rule and being rescued from the oppression of Rome. Now their king was dead. Their expectations died with him.

The disciples scattered. Their faith vanished in a day. They didn’t want to be caught as one of Jesus’ followers. Three years of their lives were wasted following a dream. The foolish eleven shamefully faced going back to their jobs.

Then came Easter.

The two Marys were at the tomb and witnessed the supernatural:

“There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow.” (Mathew 28:2 NIV)

If that wasn’t astonishing enough, the angel spoke to the women:

“Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.” (Matthew 28:5-7 NIV)

The two Marys were the first to experience what all believers have experienced since that day.  Absolute . . . incomprehensible . . . outrageous . . . overflowing . . . JOY!

“So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples.” (Matthew 28:8 NIV)

They were filled with joy. Sorrow, depression and hopelessness were chased away by a God-given joy that reigned inside them. 

How long has it been since you’ve taken time to consider the miracle of the resurrection? Not just a passing intellectual acknowledgment, but immersing yourself in the contrasting scenes: the crucifixion and the resurrection. You’ll understand why the two Marys were filled with joy.

That same joy can flood your soul. 

Pull out or click on your Bible. Slowly read through Matthew 27 and 28. View the stark contrast between the dashed hope of the crucifixion and the renewed hope of the resurrection. 

Let God speak to you in this unhurried space. Allow your senses to go to those scenes two thousand years ago. Be wrapped up in the wonderful story of Jesus’ resurrection.

Our joy rests in the truth that we, too, will be resurrected to be with Jesus. Forever. There is no greater blessing we can experience. It transcends any earthly pain we are suffering now.

May your joy be renewed today in such a way that every destructive thought or emotion is chased out of your life . . . just as they were chased out of the followers of Jesus two thousand years ago. Happy Easter!

(From my devotional Your Life With God: 30 Days of Joy. Available on Amazon in Kindle and Paperback.

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