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The Merging Of Hope and Truth Found In Jesus Christ

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  • The Greatest Reset

    Life Talk Devotion 03/30/2024 

    Since the throws of the pandemic, we have been hearing the idea bantered about by politicians and media pundits referred to as the Great Reset. The notion conveys a societal and economic change whereby we need to move to a new paradigm or start over because what we have been doing doesn’t work any longer. Depending on who you listen to, the idea of a drastic reset altering our daily life sparks hope in some and fear in others.

    On the first Easter Sunday the greatest reset in history took place. It was a day where the dynamic of life and death would be transformed eternally. When Jesus Christ rose from the dead by the power of God, He broke the bondage and sting of death (Romans 8:1-3) & (1 Corinthians 15:54-57) offering a freedom from its grasp to all who receive Him by faith. Jesus declared to His followers “Because I live, you will live also” (John 14:19). This is the message of Easter.

    Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.  1 Peter 1:3-5

    The Apostle Peter describes the fruit of the resurrection as a “living hope” which cannot be squashed or fade away like so many dreams of this world. That same power that raised Christ from the dead holds secure a future and an inheritance reserved and guaranteed by God for those who call upon Jesus Christ. And what God reserves and keeps by His power no one can “reset”.

    It is because Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was raised from the dead that first Easter, He boldly declares “I am the first and the last, and the living One; and I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of death and of Hades” (Revelation 1:17-18).  His victory over death has laid the foundation of an immutable and unshakeable eternal hope for all who trust in Him.

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  • If You Had Only Known

    Life Talk Devotion 03/19/2024 

    Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem on the day we know as Palm Sunday was a spectacular event. The crowds roared in praise and adoration of Him. It describes people waving branches and laying their coats on the road as they would for a victorious king. The event was prophesied in the Old Testament book of Zechariah. “Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem!  See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey – Ch 9 Verse 9.

    The crowd was expecting a King and a deliverer from Roman rule and oppression. But Jesus understood His mission and could see past the accolades to the events later that week and even beyond which would accomplish a deliverance and a freedom available to all people. The account is in the Gospel Luke for us.

    As soon as He was approaching, near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the miracles which they had seen, shouting:

    “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord;
    Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”

    Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, rebuke Your disciples.” But Jesus answered, “I tell you, if these become silent, the stones will cry out!” When He approached Jerusalem, He saw the city and wept over it, saying, “If you had known in this day, even you, the things which make for peace! But now they have been hidden from your eyes.” Luke 19:37-42

    “If you, even you, had only known…..” were the words of Jesus spoken in tears that day as He wept over the people for their lack of understanding of His mission and their true need. “My people perish from lack of knowledge” – Hosea 4:6.  

    In our human frailty, we are often blind to the realities about ourselves and will even ignore the truth about our greatest needs. Like the people of Jerusalem that first Palm Sunday, we need a Savior to deliver us from our sin. A terminal spiritual condition that is beyond the realm and power of a human king, a politician or even a superhero. Jesus came to deal with that foremost human issue – our sin nature.  Once we come to terms with Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord, all other life issues are put in perspective.

    Palm Sunday began a week of events that were foretold by the prophets of old and laid the foundation for a restored relationship between God and man. The Crucifixion and Resurrection which soon followed Palm Sunday are the great truths of God in Christ; truths that if you are willing to seek, bring understanding, hope and everlasting life. 

    Unfortunately, most people of that day missed the signs and ignored Jesus’ words. Again today, people are not seeing the signs and are ignoring the Words of Jesus Christ. But He says: “Yes, I am coming quickly” Revelation 22:20.

    If you desire to know how to have a relationship with Jesus Christ – Check out this page.

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  • Of Blessing and Cursing

    Life Talk Devotion 02/28/2024 

    In the Old Testament book of Deuteronomy, chapters 29 and 30 highlight the end of a 40 year desert trek for the Israelites after their exodus from Egypt. Moses admonishes the stiffed necked Israelites with a message from God as they prepare to enter the promised land. Moses sees his days coming to an end as God has told him his death is near and the leadership of the people will transition to Moses’ second in command, Joshua.

    Moses delivers the final encouragements and warnings from God to the people he has loved, wrestled with and stood in the gap to protect when they let sin overwhelm their lives. The messages are direct and truthful as relayed from God which portrays the heart of this reluctant shepherd who cared for his flock and sought to protect them from themselves. But as with all of us, Moses acknowledges that the choice is theirs to do what is right in their lives or walk in the evil ways of the nations around them.

    “See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil,  in that I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments, His statutes, and His judgments, that you may live and multiply; and the Lord your God will bless you in the land which you go to possess.  Deuteronomy 30:15-16

    Each day we face choices that either honor God or dishonor His Name and over time those choices reveal our attitude and heart toward God. As Moses points out, it is our life choices that dictate the hand of God moving either in a blessing or a cursing upon our lives. Moses’ admonitions were not heeded by the people. The violation of God’s principles of right living defined by His Word that He gave the Israelites proved disastrous for them as a nation and a people. History proves the Israelites breached the limit of God’s patience after significant warnings hence suffering the devastating consequences of His judgement. The bottom line is that the choices we make whether as an individual or a nation will dictate God’s hand over our lives

    I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live; that you may love the Lord your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days;….. Deuteronomy 30:19-20a

    These are powerful verses that still apply today in principle to our walk with God. Yes, it is obvious none of us are perfect and all are declared by God as sinners and needing a Savior (Romans 3:23) . But when wickedness and evil overtake a nation or a people, God has no choice than to remove His blessing given He is just and righteous. He cannot give us a “wink, wink” as a pass to overt corruption and depravity in our lives or the actions of a nation. As He did with Israel, God reaches a point where He lifts the hand of favor and turns a people over to the consequences of their actions allowing both natural and divine penalties to have their way as described in Romans 1:18-32.

    No matter how far we stray, God is always calling us back to Himself. Many times in the Old Testament, the Israelites strayed in unbelief and rebellion towards God ignoring His Word. Yet, even with imminent judgement at hand, God’s tender call was for Israel to return to Him (i.e. – Jeremiah 3:1-12). God tells us His mercy is new everyday and does not come with an expiration date as long as we turn to Him.

    Today, God’s call to all people is to faith in His Son, Jesus Christ who gave Himself as a penalty for our sin. Each of us has that choice of how we will respond to God’s call of salvation through Christ. As Moses put it: “we have life and death set before you, therefore choose life”. For all who receive Jesus by faith, He said “I have come that you may have life and have it more abundantly” (John 10:9-11). Which do you choose?

    If you desire to know how to have a relationship with Jesus Christ – Check out this page.

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  • Here I Am

    Life Talk Devotion 02/22/2024

    Right at the beginning of the Old Testament book of Exodus, we get introduced to a guy named Moses.  Although the introduction to Moses is interesting, the introduction of Moses to God in chapter 3 is stunning. You know the story, how a burning bush catches Moses’ attention, and his life is forever changed:

    When the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.” Then he said, “Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.” And he said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.   Exodus 3:4-6

    Like I said, this exchange is stunning – Moses tells God, “Here I am”.  But then God says, “No no, Moses, you don’t get it.  The thing of consequence in this situation is not anything about you.  Rather, “I Am” is here.  I am the God you grew up hearing about.  I am the God who did all those things from generations gone by.  I am blazingly holy.  I Am Who I Am.”

    I’m not sure if it’s to Moses’ credit or to the credit of God’s overwhelming presence, but Moses does indeed have the right response.  He falls on his face before God, recognizing that he is way out of his league, and begins listening to what God has to say to him.

    Today, there’s (probably) no burning bush waiting for you in your front yard.  But the same God who appeared to Moses is here in his blazing, holy presence today.  And just as with Moses long ago, God is speaking to us today through His Son, Jesus Christ. 

    God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son (Jesus Christ), whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, …………   Hebrews 1:1-4a

    The question is, how will you respond to Jesus Christ and accept the salvation He offers by faith?  Will you repent of the sin you’re holding onto that becomes painfully evident in the light of God’s holiness?  Will you take action to believe on the One who can set you free? 

    Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.  John 14:6

    Today, God is calling your name to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ that you may be saved.  How will you respond?

    By Contributing Author: Tim Piette

    If you desire to know how to have a relationship with Jesus Christ – Check out this page.

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  • Longing For A Savior

    Life Talk Devotion 12/25/2023

    One of my favorite Christmas carols is “O Come, O Come Emmanuel”.  Besides the fact that I’m a sucker for Christmas songs in a minor key, I love the fact that this song looks forward toward the coming Savior, rather than backward at the Savior who has already come.  It recognizes the people’s need, their growing despair, and their utter dependence on God to save them when they cannot save themselves.

    Although the words were written a few hundred years ago, they draw upon the groaning, the growing desperation heard in the Prophets and Psalms through many long years, looking forward toward the coming of Messiah.  Psalm 80 captures this sentiment:

    O Lord God of hosts, How long will You be angry with the prayer of Your people?
    You have fed them with the bread of tears,
    And You have made them to drink tears in large measure. You make us an object of contention to our neighbors, And our enemies laugh among themselves. O God of hosts, restore us And cause Your face to shine upon us, and we will be saved.     Psalm 80:4-7

    When they were in bondage in Egypt, the people longed for a Savior.  When they had been defeated by their enemies and their sins over and over again during the time of the Judges, they longed for a Savior.  When they had been banished to Babylon, the people longed for a Savior.  And he finally came as a baby born in a manger who brought good news of great joy to all the people.  

    But not all received Him, and so today, people still long for a Savior – those in bondage to addiction, those beaten down by their sins time and time again, those separated from family and friends in loneliness that aches even more during the holidays.  And yet, the answer is still the same for all of them, and all of us – Jesus, the fulfillment of every longing heart and every searching soul.

    So today, if you’re the one still longing and searching, friend, come to Jesus.  He longs to embrace you and to take you in as His child.  And if you’ve already been changed by Jesus, share the good news you’ve found to be true like the shepherds that first Christmas night.  May God draw each one of us close to our Savior this Christmas.

    By Contributing Author: Tim Piette

    If you desire to know how to have a relationship with Jesus Christ – Check out this page.

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  • Growing In His Likeness

    Life Talk Devotion 12/18/2023

    In Colossians 1:9-12, we read the Apostle Paul’s prayer for the church in the city of Colosse:

    And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;  being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.

    When I read this prayer, I see several ways in which as Christins we are to grow:

    • Growing in knowledge and wisdom
    • Growing in bearing fruit, the outward demonstration of what God has inwardly changed in you
    • Growing in strength for joyful patience
    • Growing in giving thanks

    To be very honest, that list seems really intimidating.  You can look at it and kick yourself for how you’re failing until you remember the very first part.  Paul was praying for these believers that they would grow in these things, not telling them they had already arrived.  The believers in Colosse still had a ways to go in all these areas.  Just like me.  And just like you.

    I want to encourage you next time you bow your head to pray.  It’s certainly not wrong to pray for Great Aunt Mildridge’s broken toe and Cousin Susie’s new job, but when is the last time you prayed for your friends, your family, or the people you sit with in Bible study and talk with in church? When is the last time you prayed for their growth or prayed for them to grow in wisdom to help in working out what God has worked into them, or that they would have joyful patience, and that they would grow in thankfulness?

    If we’re going to grow in these ways, we can’t do it alone.  We need our loving God to do in our lives what we could never do alone.  And we need to support and pray for each other and for each of us to return the favor.  May God be glorified as we grow ever more like Jesus Christ, His Son.

    By Contributing Author: Tim Piette

    If you desire to know how to have a relationship with Jesus Christ – Check out this page.

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  • Christmas Is Calling

    Life Talk Devotion 12/23/2023 

    The first Christmas was dramatically announced by a chorus of heavenly hosts praising God and saying:“Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” (Luke 2:14). The message of great joy heralded the birth of the Savior, who is Christ the King. However, it was not a grand proclamation to the religious elite or to lofty kings of the day that reverberated over the entire earth. No, the decree came to lowly shepherds on a Bethlehem hill as they tended their sheep. The angels bid the herdsmen to come and see what God had done and experience the joy of His promise fulfilled.

    It is fitting that the news of the Savior’s birth that first Christmas was declared to those simple shepherds. For the call to faith in Jesus Christ is a simple call. Romans 10:13 puts it this way ” For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved”. Believing the mysteries of the Kingdom of God, the miraculous, and the prophetic as told to us in the Word of God takes an uncomplicated faith. It requires the innate trust in the character of God and His love for us.

    Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.  Luke 2:10

    There are many voices that chatterer at us each day. They come in many forms and each one vies for our attention, to hear their message and capture our heart. But there is also a quiet, eternal voice that beacons us to believe and trust in the message of Christmas. It may not be the heralding of an angelic host today but more the gentle whisper of the Holy Spirt prompting all to come and believe what God has done through His Son, Jesus Christ.

    The voice of Christmas is still calling. It utters its eternal message, one full of hope and joy if we will receive it. Are you listening? The proclamation has not changed. “For, there was born to you that first Christmas in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord”. 

    If you desire to know how to have a relationship with Jesus Christ – Check out this page.

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  • An Unwavering Truth

    Life Talk Devotion 11/23/2023

    The media has been bombarding us with not so subtle alarmist cries that life as we know it needs to be reset or drastically altered. Whether its climate change, socio-economic instabilities or geo-political saber rattling, a united heralding confronts us daily with the urgent call to usher in a new order of thought and life.

    The idea of a reset conveys change, moving to a different paradigm or starting over because potentially what we have been doing doesn’t work any longer. Depending on who you listen to, this idea sparks hope in some for a new utopian era and fear in others that it will lead to an Orwellian world marshaled by vain and imperious technocrats. Either way, a person would have to be secluded on a desert island for the last several years not to realize life as we know it seems to be morphing before our very eyes and a shift to a new worldly reality may be on our doorsteps. Like it or not, something is in fact rumbling under the surface.

    However, no matter what turbulence swirls around us and how the news of the day is spun, followers of Christ should not be subject to fear because we have a foundation of truth that cannot be reset. Many will try to deny, twist or impugn the truth God has ordained but like the laws of physics His truth is immutable and unshakeable. Time and history have proven God is faithful and His Word is sure.

    The Great Reservation- 1 Peter 1:3-5

    Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.  1 Peter 1:3-5

    In 1 Peter chapter 1, it conveys an incredible and unwavering truth that is promised to all followers of Christ. It is a promise of a hope that is alive and enduring which cannot be squashed like so many dreams of this world. Embracing this hope births a capacity to see beyond the present, to see what will be and to know the Lord has given you a future.

    The assurance of our living hope is anchored in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. When Jesus rose from the dead by the power of God, He broke the bondage and sting of death that held us captive (Romans 8:1-3) & (1 Corinthians 15:54-57). That same power that conquered death holds secure our future and is ready to be revealed to those who call upon Jesus Christ.   

    Coupled with that promise is an inheritance that has been reserved in heaven which God has declared as irrevocable for those who trust Jesus Christ as Savior. While earthly treasures, inheritances and dreams rust and fade, surrounding that promise of a heavenly inheritance is the guarantee it will not become defiled or corrupted because just like our salvation, it is sealed in Christ.

    The vain titans of the modern world may call for an earthly cultural and financial reset. But no one can reset what God reserves in Heaven and keeps by His power for those who love Jesus Christ. Yes, there will be a day when a Great Reset does come, but it will be one that is initiated and executed by the Lord Jesus Christ, not man (see Revelation 21:1-8) .

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  • Throne of Grace

    Life Talk Devotion 11/20/2023

    In May of this year, the world was mesmerized by the pomp and pageantry of the coronation of Prince Charles as the new King of England. The guest list to attend the crowning of the new king was limited to approximately 2,000 of the world’s elite who each received a personal, gold-foiled invitation marking the historic day. The rest of the world was consigned to viewing the extravaganza via the major networks, streaming outlets and social media. An estimated 18 million people watched the event knowing they had no hope of personally attending the epoch affair.

    Like the coronation, access to the royal courts of kings is customarily limited to a select few such as those of the royal household, nobles and dignitaries. Very rarely do commoners gain an audience with the king in his imperial court or have the opportunity to attend royal affairs. Entry into the king’s presence without a sovereign invitation, the proper etiquette or even appropriate attire could bring about unintended consequences for the interloper.

    Unlike the King of England and other human monarchies, access to the God of Heaven and His throne is an open invitation. Hebrews 4:14-16 tells us that through faith in Jesus Christ we can come boldly and confidently to God’s throne to present our needs to Him.

    A Great High Priest – Hebrews 4:14-16

    Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.  For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16

    Where can you go these days to find empathy, authentic grace and mercy when the chips are down? It seems those intangibles are in short supply in the trenches of life. The God of Heaven offers us this privilege to enter into His courts and have an audience with the One who offers true grace and mercy.

    That invitation to come to the throne of grace is written in the blood of Jesus Christ. His death on the cross made the way possible and opens the door to the courts of Heaven to all who call upon His Name. As the great High Priest of Heaven, Christ is our advocate who comes alongside to champion our battles. He will never turn away those who earnestly seek Him.

    What’s holding you back from coming boldly to God’s throne of grace? You have a personal invitation. Through Jesus Christ you will find mercy and grace in your time of need.

    If you desire to know how to have a relationship with Jesus Christ – Check out this page.

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