Resurrection Power...for my Past! A special devotional for the Easter season!
A Hurting
Word...
I recently came across a strange Web site, "Build Your Own Casket." For a small sum, Web surfers can receive ready-made plans to build their own casket for LATER occupancy, of course--and IT was suggested that this fine piece of furniture would, in the meantime, make a lovely piece of furniture in the home. Now I doubt few people would find this an attractive idea, no matter what the bargain of burial costs...rather, we grin and think about the lively conversation piece it would make in our lovely living rooms! But don't grin too greatly, for somewhere in a back room of the home where you or I reside, the deadly ghosts of the past may be casketed in full splendor. No, they're not lively conversation pieces--they're half-dead and we try to ignore their existence. But they refuse to fully die and every now and then one of these grim ghosts rears its head out of a man-made casket, gives us a deadly grin and lies back down again--till next time. You say it's a nightmare that won't go away--and you're right--it won't, without the Resurrection Power of Jesus Christ!
Well, it's time to appropriate that power--to lay the ghosts to rest. Jesus Christ is alive--in all HIs power and glory to redeem the past, so it need never bother nor beset us again. The Resurrection of Jesus Christ is enough to dispel the ghosts of the past--they must flee from the presence of the Risen Christ, and they WILL--if we will let them go! Come with me to the Well where a resurrected Savior waits--to free you from your past sins, failures, and defeats. He ever lives to bring NEW life and victory to you--this day!
A Helping Word...or
Two!
Resurrection Power to Forgive my Past!
The ghost of sins past...how it haunts and brings heaviness. How the enemy of our souls seeks to keep it alive--just enough to keep us from full victory in Jesus! Remember the woman caught in adultery? Her accusers dragged her sins publicly before the Savior and publicly He forgave her. "Woman, where are your accusers? Go and sin no more!" A despised past erased--in a moment's time by the Master's Word.
And THAT'S what He did when you accepted Him as your Savior. In an instant, your sins were forgiven. You were washed clean through the Blood of Jesus, your Sacrifice. Not only did He bear your sins on the cross, they were buried with Him in the garden tomb. He left them there, along with the folded napkins--now don't you let Satan dig in that tomb, uncover those sins, and plague you with them any longer. You have been raised to new life with the Resurrected Christ. The next time Satan tries to play a video of past sins, send him to the computer screen of Calvary--show him the interactive Blood of Jesus Christ, which cleansed and continually cleanses you from all sin. It's Easter--and we live in Resurrection Power--we are free, because of a Resurrected Lord who forgives our past, both now and forevermore!
Resurrection Power to Forget My Past!!
The ghost of sins remembered--not only can we not forgive ourselves and accept HIS forgiveness, we can't forget, and the memories of defeat, sin and failure drive us to despair. How can we live for God, how can we work for God, when we've failed so miserably? Satan has a good memory--and he'd like to help you with yours! Well, he is a defeated foe and a liar--recognize him when he seeks to revive a dead ghostly memory. Jesus Christ has not only forgiven your sins, He's cast them in the deep sea of His forgetfulness, never to be remembered against you again. His Resurrection Power is great enough and grand enough to heal those memories--if you'll let Him do it.
Will you ever really "forget?" No--but the sting and shame of it will be gone. In its place will be the wonder of God's grace as you say, "Devil, yes I remember. I remember with joy where my Savior has brought me from, and you will not taunt me again with its pain! I will live in the Resurrection Power of my Lord--I will remember His goodness and grace--and I will be whole!" Tell him--and watch him flee!
Resurrection Power to Fetter-Free my Soul!
The ghost of the past clanks his chains in your soul--he relishes every sound, for he's got you right where he wants you--a bound believer, fettered by the past, unable to fully serve and worship your Lord! Well, it's time to serve notice on the Chain-Maker that Jesus is alive. His Resurrection power has freed us from the chains and bondage of the past, and it can enslave us no longer. We are "free indeed" in the Resurrection Power of Jesus Christ.
When Lazarus was resurrected from the dead, the grave clothes which bound him were loosed in the presence of the powerful Son of God. And in the presence of that same Son of God, your Savior, you are free, unfettered from the past which has haunted you for so long. Jesus Christ offers you Resurrection Power to break every fetter and to set you free. His words, "Loose him and let him go," are not just to the friends of Lazarus--they are for YOUR ears today. Be fetter-free, in the Name of Jesus this Resurrection season--be whole in the Power of the Lord and rejoice in His liberty this day!
It's Easter and we celebrate a Risen Lord who arose from the dead to not only validate our faith but to bring victory to our souls. Be free in Jesus Christ from the painful past you've experienced for so long. The Spirit of life in Christ Jesus makes you free in His power and in His Name to fully celebrate His Resurrection during this wonderful, holy season. As you contemplate His suffering and death for you, KNOW that not only did He DIE for you, but He was RAISED for you--that you might live in the Resurrection Power of a wonderful Lord--who would have you free--spirit, body and soul! Now that's something to really celebrate! Give the gory ghosts no house room in your heart and life, but revel in the freedom and power of your Risen Lord this week--it's REAL, and it sure beats building a coffin!
...and that's just a thought or two--from my heart to yours!
His Healing Words
"That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection...(Philippians 3:10 KJV)."
"Lord, the ghost of life past has haunted me long enough. I choose to live in your Resurrection Power and be freed from its burden and bondage. In Jesus' Name, Amen."
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9/11: A Christian Response to the Tragedy of a Lifetime . . . . . . Tower of Strength crisis devos
A Hurting
Word...
