Rise From The Dead

Sunday, January 14, 2024

Good morning, Lord

Verse of the Day:   Psalm 33:11

11 But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever,

    the purposes of his heart through all generations.

Memory verse: Romans 8:32 ►He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?

Today's reading: GENESIS 33-35 MATTHEW 10:1-20

Rise From The Dead

Imagine you are coming into your town after a few days away and there on the large billboard that greets everyone the words have been changed to read,

"RISE FROM THE DEAD"

"Well, that's weird", you think...wonder what that's about? Then, as you pass in the corner of your eye you see in small letters at the bottom of the sign, Ephesians 5:14.

Yes it is scripture.

In Ephesians 5:14, Paul says, “Awake, O sleeper, and rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”

When someone yells, "Duck", you duck. You better not look to see what's coming or it's too late. But this is what a lot of people do because of the sin of always wanting control. They have to look and see so they can make the decision to move or not.

John 11:43 (ESV)

43 When he(Jesus) had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out.”

Lazarus was, of course, dead, until the voice of 'The Life'(John 14) spoke and the power of God in the command, the words of Jesus, and Lazarus was instantly conscious.

It is our job to tell the lost to rise 'RISE FROM THE DEAD' because this is the command Jesus gave us in Matthew 28:16-20.

You may not have a billboard at the edge of town but you have the Spirit of God in your heart and a voice.

Tell the world around you,

"Rise from the dead...and Christ will shine on you".

...because He loves us...

Father in Heaven,

Patient God, I confess I have held my tongue in fear. Help me up-I want to fear nothing and speak for Christ.

Gentle and faithful Lord,

In the name of Christ Jesus my Lord,

Amen