Have you experienced one of those moments when you were working to solve a difficult problem, or learn something very difficult, like a math problem, a riddle, a rubix cube, or a new piece of music. You work and think and practice, then in what seems to be a split second, something clicks and all the pieces come together. You have it figured out.

In John 20:8-9, John is writing about the empty tomb after Jesus’ resurrection, “Then the disciple who had reached the tomb first also went in, and he saw and believed for until then they still hadn’t understood the Scriptures that said Jesus must rise from the dead.”

Jesus had told the disciples that he would have to die, but would rise again, many times. However, they could not understand. They had the scriptures, Jesus’ stories and illustrations, the facts of his capture, persecution and crucification but could not put them together. Finally with the empty tomb, all the pieces of information came together in their minds and they understood and believed.

This is why it is so important for us to read and study the Bible, go to worship, and fellowship with other believers. We all have un-answered questions, and just maybe that one piece of information, or inspiration we receive will tie it together and we will understand.

We have the joy of knowing the whole story. Jesus fulfilled the scriptures, was crucified, died, and rose, so that we can be saved and say, “He is Risen….He is Risen Indeed! Alleluia!”

Praise and glory to you Lord for the miraculous gift of salvation we receive through Jesus’ Resurrection. Amen.

Have you ever thought you knew someone, and found out later that you were completely wrong? Maybe it was someone who had a very hard and contentious personality, but they turn out to be very caring and considerate, or you see someone who you thought was nice and friendly acting completely differently.

We don’t have the ability to read what truly makes up the character of people without spending time engaging with them, and even with time we may not truly know them. God, however, knows what is inside all of us.

In the Old Testament, God tells Samuel, a prophet, to go to Bethlehem to find one of Jesse’s sons who will be the next King of Israel. Jesse had eight sons, the youngest and least impressive from outward appearance was David.

God told Samuel after Samuel assumed the most impressive looking son, Eliab, would be God’s chosen, in 1 Samuel 16:7, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

Dear Lord, You see deep inside all people and know them better than they know themselves. Give us your wisdom to see others the way you do, and not make our judgments solely on appearance. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

It is sometimes hard to believe how people can have such bad judgment and do some of the things they do today. This is not anything new. In fact Jesus tells us this will happen in Matthew 7:13-14, saying, “For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”

It takes a discipline, courage, and commitment to follow the path God wants for us. We cannot just go along with what is popular or trendy. We need to as written in Proverbs 4:26-27, “Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil.”

Dear Lord, The Devil is expert at tempting us, and the desires of the world are so appealing. We know with your help we can overcome these distractions that can lead us away. Help us set our own straight path, following your teachings so that we enter the narrow gate by your grace. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

You have probably heard people use the expression when discussing something of great value to them, “..it is my pride and joy.”

Paul uses this expression in NLT translation of 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 when speaking about the congregation in Thessaloníca. He says, “After all, what gives us hope and joy, and what will be our proud reward and crown as we stand before our Lord Jesus when he returns? It is you! Yes, you are our pride and joy.”

What a great way to think about those whose lives we have the opportunity to influence for their salvation, our children, siblings, parents, other relatives, and friends. They are our Pride and Joy.

Dear Lord, help us see the great importance and joy of influencing and supporting others in their faith journey. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

There is a misconception, which might even be considered a stereotype, that being a Christian means one is poor and struggling, with nothing to his or her name, living in lack. I believe that this is another ploy by the Devil to lead people away from God and Christianity.

Although Christianity is definitely not about gaining material wealth, the Lord provides for the needs of those who put their trust in him.

There are many Christians, who put their faith, hope and trust in, and commit their plans to God, and God has blessed them with much earthly wealth. Church congregations need to remember this as well. We need to trust that God will provide what we need to do his work.

Psalm 31:19 says “How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you, that you bestow in the sight of all, on those who take refuge in you.” and Psalm 34:9 “Fear the Lord, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing.”

Dear Lord, help us remember to count on you for our needs. Help us believe that you want to provide us good things and with those good things we can do your will. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.