meditations for an everyday relationship with Jesus

Cease and desist

Acts 4:18-19 So they called for them and ordered them not to preach or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered them, "Whether it's right in the sight of God for us to listen to you rather than to God, you decide; for we are unable to stop speaking about what we have seen and heard."

In the vernacular of current culture all I can say is “good luck with that!” What self-respecting believer would shrink from lifting up the name of Jesus or teaching as He taught?

In fact, reverse psychology tells us that the more we restrict those who are passionate the more likely it is that we will get the opposite result. In other words, “The more you tell me not to, the more I’m gonna do it!” Sounds like a defiant child, does it not?

Well, this is the one time you can be that defiant child and raise the roof! We who love our Lord are unable to stop speaking about what we know is true. If you had seen Jesus dead and then resurrected, what would you do? Would you really be able to keep your mouth shut?

I am weary but choose truth

Psalm 119:28-32 I am weary from grief; strengthen me through Your word. Keep me from the way of deceit, and graciously give me Your instruction.

I have chosen the way of truth; I have set Your ordinances [before me]. I cling to Your decrees; Lord, do not put me to shame. I pursue the way of Your commands, for You broaden my understanding.

I am weary at times. There are days that I just do not know what to do nor do I have the desire of my own accord. Grief, of course, can make us incredibly weary. But grief is not the only aspect of life that makes us weary. Life in general can make us weary. The roads we travel can make us weary. Others, and their demands, can make us weary. So many things create weariness. Other words for this are fatigued, tired, weakened, worn out, weighed down, drained or depressed.

Yet through it all the strength of our Lord Jesus Christ lifts us high above these experiences so we can see that they are not bigger than God. These things happen to us, but they do not have to define us.

Let God define you; do not let your grief define you.