TODAY’S VERSE: 1 CORINTHIANS 15:17 (NLT) And if Christ has not been raised, then your faith is useless, and you are still under condemnation for your sins.
REVELATION:
Have you ever discovered a simple solution to a problem that seemed so impossible to solve and then doubted the solution? Some of the most complex problems have such easy solutions; but because most of the time we are so wrapped up on the problem itself; that we end up overlooking the solution.
About three weeks ago when I was taking my usual Sunday morning walk I found myself meditating upon my life. I reminisced on; where I have been, where I am at and where I was going. On that walk I found myself thinking a lot on where I have been. I couldn't believe on some of great changes that had occurred on my life, especially overcoming some of destructive behaviours that I struggled with.
The solutions to most of my struggles started appearing the day I believed on Jesus resurrection from my heart. But, on that Sunday morning walk, I found myself questioning the very thing I believed on. I thought to myself "May be I am more mature now, that's why I am able to control my sinful nature." I even found myself asking, "How could a simple prayer and just believing that Jesus was raised from death, have been the answer to my struggles."
I even started taking credit on these great changes in my life, but before I could cross that line back to rebellion, I had to stop my thoughts and I asked for God's forgiveness for forming such doubt. At the end of my walk, as I approached the stairs at the front door of our house, I prayed "God, stir up my faith, and remind me of what you have done for me."
As soon as I entered the house I was greeted jokingly with a "Shame on you!" rather than the usually "Good morning" from my wife. My heart didn't skip a beat nor did my mind wonder for what I should be shameful about. With such peace I asked her, "Shame of what?" To make the long story short, I made a mess on the office and my wife was bringing that to my attention.
Shortly after I had given my excuses for making a mess in the office, I realized something I never realized before. What I realized was that my life was truly transparent; I really had nothing to be shameful for. At that moment I also realized if my wife would have started a sentence with "Shame on you!" prior to my acceptance of Christ 3 years ago, my heart would have skipped a beat and my mind would have wondered what did she figured out. Did she figured out I was actually not in the living room watching TV but was out clubbing? Or did she figure out that liquor smell was actually not Night Quilt. Or did she find out I bought that Kangol hat instead of paying a utility bill. My mind would have definitely spun in dozen different directions wondering what hidden shameful thing has been discovered.
That Sunday morning God answered my prayer, replaced my doubts, reminded me of what he has done in my life and assured me Jesus was indeed raised from the dead and that my faith was in something that was real. I am not under condemnation for my sins because I am mature now and that I can control my sinful nature, NO!, it is because of a simple solution that I discovered in June of 2003. That solution was; believing in resurrection of Jesus Christ and recognizing that I was a sinner. I traded all of my shame by believing in Jesus' resurrection.
Dear Reader, if I was to say this to you this very moment,"Shame on you!" What really start to bubble up on your mind? What messes are you involve in right now, that bring shame to your existence. Would you like to live a life which is shameless? On Easter weekend as we celebrated resurrection of Christ, I want to let you know, in this world full of complex problems there is no simple solution simpler than Christ resurrection. Historical evidence and countless changed lives testify that the resurrection of Jesus is a fact. Have you put your hope in the risen Christ? If you haven't yet, I encourage you to place your faith in Jesus Christ. All you have to do is confess with your mouth that "Jesus is Lord" and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead so that you can be saved and live a shameless life! Trade your shame, trade your sorrows, and trade your pain today! Say yes Lord!
PRAYER:
My Heavenly Father thank You for loving me. Thank You for bringing Jesus into this world. Jesus I thank You for going through such a horrible death so that I can be forgiven of my sins. I am grateful that You rose on the third day so that my faith is tangible. Jesus, it is in Your name I give thanks and praises! Amen.
APPLICATION:
Examine the evidence for Jesus' resurrection by reading:
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