Rejoice. He Is Risen.

Rejoice.  He Is Risen. By Kirk Hunt

And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, “Rejoice!” So they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him.   Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see Me.”

Matthew 28:9–10 NKJV

 

Mary Magdalene and the other disciples intended to complete the sorrowful work of Jesus’ burial.  Instead, they found the tomb empty.  Then Mary had conversation with the risen Jesus.

 

When the founders of other religions (such as Bahá’u’lláh, Buddha, or Mohammed) die they are buried then remain in the grave.  They are no longer available for a personal relationship.  Their direct influence and wisdom is no longer available.

 

The truth of Jesus is revealed by the empty tomb.  The power of Jesus is undeniable because of the empty tomb.  Fresh from overcoming death, Jesus wanted relationship with His Disciples.

 

The risen Jesus is available to anyone who wants Him.  He is available to anyone who seeks Him for a personal relationship.  New wisdom is available to anyone who asks.  His influence is direct and unending.

 

The relationship between Jesus and the Disciples was disrupted, but restored.  To the power of Jesus, death was an inconvenience, overcome on the first Easter morning.  His power, and direct relationship, are available to you.  Will you seek Him out?

 

His sacrifice made salvation available.  His resurrection proved his power over all aspects of creation.  Will you enter into a personal relationship with Jesus?

 

Think:        Jesus is risen from the grave.  What could limit Him?

 

Pray:           “Lord, thank You for the sacrifice and resurrection of Your Son.”

 

Copyright © April 2017, Kirk Hunt

This devotional is brought to you courtesy of CadreMen Press.  You can purchase a copy of Blessed and Blessing: Devotionals For Gospel Champions from your favorite bookseller or directly from CadreMen Press

Difficulty Happens

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“Difficulty Happens” By Kirk Hunt

For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life.  Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead

2 Corinthians 1:8-9 NKJV

Sooner or later, all Christians face difficulty. An unpleasant crisis could crash into your life. A loss could rob your world. Basic daily life and work could become a heavy burden.

It hurts. It seems no one understands your situation or pain. It may even be that others seek a blessing from you at the center of your crisis.

God can use your situation for good. It is at this place of trial and grief that you stop relying on yourself. It is here that you learn to rely on God.

Paul suffered a series of painful and crushing hardships. Despite his fortitude, eventually even he found the limit of regular folk. Sound familiar?

At that place of exhaustion and emptiness, Paul looked up. Jesus, in all His glory, stood ready to carry him the distance. Paul felt dead inside, but God’s Power poured in life.

Whatever you are facing today, know that you are not alone. He wants to bless you with strength and power beyond your wildest dreams. Turn to Him. Let Him restore your life.

Think: Difficulty is a place for God’s restoration.

Pray: “Lord, thank You for carrying me through the hard places.”

Copyright © November 2015, Kirk Hunt
This devotional is a ministry of https://devotionals.cadremenpress.com.