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Ask for prayerTODAY ON THE 700 CLUBContact UsIniciar sesióngive nowInicioIniciogive nowIniciar sesiónAsk for prayerLATINOAMÉRICAESTADOS UNIDOSSpanish Test Subitem 1Spanish Test Subitem 2give nowIniciar sesiónAsk for prayerThe 700 ClubLatest EpisodeShow InformationGuestsAsk A QuestionShare Your StoryMore ShowsCBN NewsU.S.WorldIsraelEntertainmentHealthPoliticsShowsPodcastsFaithFaith in JesusDaily DevotionalTopical ResourcesFaith JourneyBibleSuperbookAboutDonateWatchKids' WebsiteSuperbook for ChurchesAppListenRadioPodcastsAboutWho We AreCareersPeopleFinancialsMinistriesGift PlanningInicioContact UsIniciar sesióngive nowImageJustice, Mercy, and Humility in a Polarized WorldAs this week unfolds, half of America will be furious, or crushed in spirit to say the least. Hundreds of millions of others will be elated, full of joy. Of course, a disinterested smaller segment of the population will yawn their way through the news of the day. Truly a nation divided, far from Jesus’ prayer for unity found in John 17. As news junkies and concerned citizens monitor election results and their given candidate’s victory or defeat, our gaze unfortunately shifts from loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:30) to passionate emotional investment in the success or failure of flawed candidates and representatives. Ultimately, I have realized when it comes to focus on representation, I am a representative of Jesus. Regarding leadership, Christ is my authority. Government officials supposedly answer to us in theory, yet there’s no doubt I as a Christ-follower answer to the dominion of my heavenly Father. It is not a requirement to vote, but indeed a privilege and honor I am wise and fortunate to exercise. As believers our primary duty and requirement is found in Micah 6:8: He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? (NKJV).  Do any of these beautiful aspects of our faith come to mind in the political process? While desiring leadership in our government stands for the rule of law, do I actively look to advocate for justice in my local community and city, uplifting those who for a multitude of reasons can’t stand for themselves? As we approve of our nation sending disaster relief supplies and resources to other countries devastated by war or natural disasters, do I think to extend kindness and mercy to those I encounter in my workplace, church, or even my home? While we demand our favorite politician exercise his or her leadership with the full authority granted to them, does that representative serve knowing the ultimate authority is our righteous God?  Political discourse and disagreements in our everyday relationships are still to be conducted with civility and a humble spirit. In all things we are to seek to glorify God, not ourselves or a political party. It is wise not to be overly joyful or devastated by the results of the election. Regardless, God is still on the throne, and no matter the result our calling remains the same: do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. ~ Scripture is quoted from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. ImageFinding Joy in EasterEaster is a celebration, but you may be struggling. Those who were closest to Jesus, His disciples and friends, lost hope after His crucifixion (Luke 24:11). But all that changed. It can change for you, too. Consider Mary Magdalene. Jesus had dramatically changed her life. She’d been touched by His love for her, yet after His crucifixion, she was heartbroken. She wept for the loss of the one who had defended her. With His body missing from the tomb, she couldn’t fathom what was occurring. Yet on Resurrection Day, she would receive great joy. We read in Luke’s Gospel that angels appeared to announce: “He is not here, but has risen.” (Luke 24:6 ESV) John tells us that Jesus took note of her pain and tears, and while she did not recognize Him, He called her name, “Mary.” (John 20:14-16) That changed everything. She would run to tell the disciples what she’d seen and heard. He is risen!  After Jesus’ death the disciples were scared for their lives, hiding in a locked room. Yet Jesus literally enters into their presence and declares, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord.” (John 20:19-20) Fear was replaced with peace. Hopelessness was replaced with hope. Jesus ensured that they knew peace was found through Him. Yet, remember who wasn’t there in that locked room? Doubting Thomas. When his friends shared they had seen the Lord, he answered:  “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.” (v. 25) Thomas had doubts that lingered, so Jesus once again stands in their midst and declares, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” (v.26-27) Jesus addressed Thomas’s doubts specifically. He knew Thomas’s area of struggle, and instead of berating him, Jesus brought him clarity—like the two on the road to Emmaus. After Christ’s death, they walked the road discouraged that Jesus hadn’t done things as they had expected. Luke’s Gospel tells us that as they walked and talked, Jesus Himself came and walked with them, yet they were kept from recognizing Him. The more time they spent with Him, “Their eyes were opened and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?” (Luke 24:31-32)   From downcast, to hearts burning within them, this is the power of Jesus. Spending time in His presence is key to a heart that burns for Him. They soon declared, “He has risen.” Their hearts burned, but Peter’s was broken. Self-inflicted wounds. Regret. Peter had promised Jesus he’d never leave Him, that he was ready to die for Him. Yet he’d denied his friendship with Jesus three times. Even in his shame, when he heard reports the tomb was empty, he ran toward it. Rather than wallow in sadness, he made the decision to seek Jesus, again. Heaven surely took note of this, as afterward when Peter resumed fishing, Jesus orchestrated the miraculous catch of fish, and it was Peter who jumped in the water to greet his old friend. In this beautiful moment, Jesus prepares and serves his disciples breakfast, and engages with Peter to reassure him he is loved. Nothing can separate us from God’s love. Not Mary Magdalene’s heartbreak. Not the fear of the disciples. Not Thomas’s doubts. Not the confusion and discouragement felt by those on the road to Emmaus. Not the shame of Peter. Jesus lovingly engaged with all of these, and as a result some of their hearts burned and some were so happy they jumped out of boats! Whatever fears, doubts, or heartache we experience, Jesus is there to bring us hope, too. ~ Scripture is quoted from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®). ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. The ESV® text has been reproduced in cooperation with and by permission of Good News Publishers. Unauthorized reproduction of this publication is prohibited. All rights reserved.ImageThe Missing PieceIt was a few weeks before Christmas Eve, when my wife, children, and I began placing our family’s manger scene in the den. We unwrapped the fragile figurines from their box: wise men, shepherds, Mary, Joseph, and various animals. Yet the most important person, baby Jesus, was nowhere to be found. We searched through crumpled piles of newspaper, crates marked, “Christmas,” and corners of the attic. The centerpiece of the wonder and miracle of Christmas, Jesus, was missing! In my discouragement, it gave me pause to consider, “Is Jesus missing from my heart at Christmas?” Is He nowhere to be found as I busy myself with distractions of the season? Buying presents, decorating the front of our home with lights, the inside with stockings, and running to parties. These are appropriate activities for the Christmas season, yet all are insignificant compared to reflecting on Jesus entering our world to rescue us with the love of God.   Not only do we focus on distractions during the holiday season, for some Christmas is far from “comfort and joy.” As families gather, there is often tension in strained relationships. For others, financial stress means children will not receive presents under the tree. The reality is, many people feel sadness during the holidays, as they reflect upon precious family they have lost over the years. If we lose sight of Jesus, if He is “missing” from our Christmas, the cares of this world will overwhelm us, and His birth will become an afterthought on Christmas morning, instead of being of utmost importance. The wise men joyfully worshipped and presented Jesus with gifts. The shepherds spread the good news they had seen. Mary, simply and profoundly, “treasured these things and pondered them in her heart” (Luke 2:19 NIV). To this day, I have not found the baby Jesus figure. We have other manger scenes displayed containing all the pieces—most importantly, Jesus. Each time I look inside that manger without Jesus at the center, it causes me to ask myself, “Is Jesus missing from my heart this Christmas?” It’s a powerful reminder of who it is we celebrate. If, like me, you’ve realized you often lose sight of celebrating Immanuel… “God with us” (Matthew 1:23), do not feel condemnation. In fact, rejoice that our heavenly Father is bringing you a gift this Christmas! As if His very Son was not enough those many centuries ago, the Lord is now stirring your heart with renewed appreciation for the majesty of Jesus, and you’re ready to receive His love with greater humility and wonder. Jesus still stands at the door and knocks (Revelation 3:20). He is doing that today, drawing you ever closer. What a beautiful gift for us to receive.    ~ Scripture is quoted from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.ImageOnly One ReturnedI know Jesus couldn’t have been confused, so obviously he was making a point. He had encountered ten lepers. Well, not up close. As told in Luke 17, the lepers “stood at a distance” from the people. Distance was strictly enforced. They shouted, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us” (Luke 17:13 NIV)! In their plea they never mentioned their condition: leprosy. Jesus knew their condition, just as He knows ours. His response was surprising and simple: “Go, show yourselves to the priests” (Luke 17:14). (It was the priest who would declare clean or unclean). Scripture tells us as they went, they were cleansed. Let’s remember, obedience to Jesus is life-changing, even if not immediately. One of the men, only one, was so grateful he came back to find Jesus. This one man was loudly praising God, threw himself at Jesus’ feet, and thanked Him. As we read Luke’s words, this is the moment when Jesus comes across as puzzled, but really, the Master teacher saw the opportunity to reveal truth to the crowds, and to us today. “Were not all ten cleansed?” he asked. “Where are the other nine?” (Luke 17:17) Now silence. Picture the disciples, and those in the crowd, looking to find the other nine. Did anyone else return? Stretching their necks and shielding their eyes from the sun as they peered in the distance, they saw no one else. Jesus noted only the “foreigner” came back. The grateful one was a Samaritan and had been a leper; a double outcast. Now Jesus had something special for the one who returned. And this is what many people today miss when they read the account in Luke’s Gospel. Jesus tells the overjoyed and grateful man, “Rise [for he was still bent low in worship] and go; your faith has made you well” (Luke 17:19, author's addition). Ten lepers were healed, only one was saved. It was the one who returned in a spirit of thanksgiving, of gratitude, and Jesus took notice. As a result, the former leper with suddenly beautiful skin received even more. In front of the crowds and disciples Jesus announced the man’s faith had “saved” him. Some Bible translations say his faith “made you [him] well,” and others that his faith “delivered” him. Clearly, it was Jesus’ power that took away the leprosy, but it was a thankful response to Jesus that made him well. In this encounter we learn that our Savior desires and recognizes our gratitude, and one of the reasons is so we can experience even more of Him. The healed man returned to honor Jesus, not to request anything more. Yet he received honor, recognition, and greater revelation from Jesus, even while still at His feet. What a lesson for us—not to be thankful out of some fleshly feeling of obligation. The leper shows us the value of gratitude in the Kingdom of God, and the joy we receive when we express it. Not to mention the greater intimacy with Christ we will experience. Like the one who joyfully bowed his knee at the feet of the Savior, let’s express enthusiastic gratitude to the One worthy of our praise. Surely, we all have much to be thankful for. ~ Scripture is quoted from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.ImageHolding Daddy's HandFather’s Day brings to mind one afternoon, many years ago, when I took my two little boys to the mall so I could buy a pair of dress shoes. It was rather chaotic as my toddlers threw shoes on the floor, tried on all the size 13’s, and made lots of silly noises. Nevertheless, I found some shiny new ones. After paying, we headed for the door of the mall. I tried to hold their hands, but it was no use. They weren’t interested. One ran ahead of me and the other fell behind. My oldest got outside first and stood still. I wondered why he stopped so suddenly. A few seconds later, I emerged from the exit and also had to stop. Then, my youngest, singing and dancing his way out of the store, immediately became silent when he stepped outside. We were all still for one reason: the sun. It was so bright it literally forced each of us to stop walking, close our eyes, and shield our faces. It was about 1:00 in the afternoon, and the sun was so intense, we literally could not see where we were going. The boys cried, “Daddy it’s so bright!” There was no denying it. I simply stated, “Let’s walk to the car.” None of us had sunglasses, which certainly would have helped. Yet, the boys had one advantage: me. A few moments before, they wouldn’t consider holding my hand. Now, I felt two hands feeling for mine. The boys poked around my waist until I removed my hands from shielding my face, and lowered my arms to let them discover my hands. As the three of us linked together, my older son said, “Daddy, I’ll hold your hand and keep my eyes closed tight.” That was good thinking. Little brother declared the same strategy. These guys had no idea that their daddy was also having a challenge. However, as an adult, I could adjust, adapt, and lead them to the car. What I needed was their trust. Trust in me, their father. As we walked hand in hand, I was touched by the faith they put in me. Their eyes closed, they held on to me tightly, completely placing themselves in my hands, asking me to lead them. Our heavenly Father desires that same trust from us. We can’t handle things on our own, yet we try… Jesus said, “Apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). So, why do we try to face the bright, burning, scorching heat of our anxieties and problems without grasping His hand? My sons had quickly come to the realization that they were helpless. They couldn’t move forward without their hands in mine. It’s so simple: a child places a hand into his dad’s grip. And we should do the same with our heavenly Father. It’s okay to reach out with some hesitation—giving up control is difficult. Yet, when we release the tight grasp we wrap around our fears and decisions, and instead place our trust in the guidance of Jesus, we understand what the Lord promises in His Word: "I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go." (Isaiah 48:17) Reach for His hand and let Him lead, even if your eyes are still closed. ~ Scripture is quoted from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.Living a Life of Intention off the GridJames Brown: What It Means to Have SuccessSt. Louis Cardinals: The Hit Manprivacy policytest label 3 translateGiveNewsMinistryRadioPodcastsCoursesBibleCBN Family¿Conoces a Jesús?youtube-footerfb-footerinstagram-footertwitter-footer

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