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\ / WHAT JESUS DID! --
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Monday, December 31, 2007
Filled with Joy and Praise
Jesus said to them, "Remember when I was with you before? I
said that everything written about me must happen--everything
written in the law of Moses, the books of the prophets, and
the Psalms." Then Jesus helped the followers understand these
Scriptures written {about him}. Jesus said to them, "It is
written that the Christ would be killed and rise from death
on the third day. You saw these things happen--you are
witnesses. You must go and tell people that their sins can be
forgiven. Tell them that they must change their hearts and be
sorry for their sins. If they will do this, then God will
forgive them. You must start from Jerusalem and tell people
these things in my name. This Good News must be told to all
people in the world. Listen! My Father has promised you
something; I will send it to you. But you must stay in
Jerusalem until you have received that power from heaven."
Jesus led his followers out of Jerusalem almost to Bethany.
Jesus raised his hands and blessed his followers. While Jesus
was blessing them, he was separated from them and carried
into heaven. The followers worshiped him there. Then they
went back to the city. They were very happy. They stayed at
the temple all the time, praising God.
-- Luke 24:44-53 (ERV)
KEY THOUGHT:
What is our purpose now that we fully believe that Jesus is raised from
the dead? What should be our response to this year of walking with
Jesus through the Gospel of Luke? Very simply put, we should be filled
with joy that leads us to praise God. Jesus has come and lived among us
as one of us. He loved us so much that he would rather die for us than
live without us. However, God's power enabled him to triumph over sin,
death, and the Tomb-master himself, Satan. We now have a great victory
in Jesus and our future is fused to his future. How can we not be a
people of joy? How can we not praise the God of powerful grace and
mighty mercy?
TODAY'S PRAYER:
Holy and Almighty God, I praise you for the victory that you have given
me through your Son's life, death, and resurrection. You are worthy of
all glory, honor, praise and adoration. You have sacrificed so much to
bring me to your presence as a cleansed and holy child of the Eternal
King. My heart overflows with joy knowing that I am your child and that
my home is with you. Bless me now as I finish this year and commit to
be your person -- a person of joy and praise. In Jesus' name. Amen.
>> NEW: Phil's What Jesus Did devotional is now
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http://images.ultracart.com/aff/ACU9/1414/108/185/575/0/index.html
>> The WJD! web page has related scriptures and the
>> full text of today's key passage. Read it at:
http://www.heartlight.org/wjd/luke/1231-wjd.html
>> For further study of today's passage, use our
>> online Bible study site: SearchGodsWord.org!
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Luke+24:44-53&sr=1&t=erv
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VELVET ELVIS: REPAINTING THE CHRISTIAN FAITH, by Rob Bell
In this provocative, hopeful book, Bell asks what the church might look
like if today's believers fully embraced "the way" of love, peace,
sharing possessions, compassion, risk, forgiveness, and harmony.
http://shopping.heartlight.org/cgi-shl/link?254
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