Sunday, April 12, 2009

Stepping Stones: Do You Keep God In A Box/Tomb?

Transformational Tip
When the Mary, Mary, Peter, and the rest visited the tomb on Easter morning, they were saddened, upset, worried, and edgy. They had no idea what to make of the empty tomb. Jesus performed many miracles, talked of ruling His kingdom, raised Lazarus from the dead, and taught that he will rise from the dead in 3 days. Why were they surprised and not excited to see an empty tomb. Seems like they would be rejoicing and looking for where he would appear to them.
How often do we react the same way...... believe God is as limited as us, think He's restricted to the same reality we are, don't believe His promises and predictions, and underestimate His power.
My life has really changed when I realized he is bigger than me and I believe what He promises and expect the unexpected!
Don't expect God to be dormant in a Tomb. He is at work in and around you.... expect it, embrace it, and enjoy it.
Thank God the tomb is empty, but why were they surprised. I hope you aren't in your everyday trials.
Happy Easter from the Lighthouse Network staff. May His power over death bolden and encourage your advancement against whatever trials and threats you are facing.

Prayer
Thank you Father for your power you give us by Christ's death and resurrection and through your Holy Spirit to be free of sin's grip and Satan's schemes. Give me a heart that will love you even 1/1000 of what you love me. Keep fresh in my mind your promises and character, so in times of uncertainty, I don't put you in a box and limit my expectations and understanding of your plan and power. I pray you grant our readers eyes that see your awesome plans for them. In Christ's powerful and magnified name, AMEN!

The Truth
40 For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.
Matthew 12:40
31 for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, "The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him. And when he is killed, after three days he will rise."
32 But they did not understand the saying, and were afraid to ask him.
Mark 9:31
19 Jesus answered them, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up."
20 The Jews then said, "It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will you raise it up in three days?"
John 2:19-20