When Jesus was laid in the tomb it seemed as if Satan had won. Jesus' followers were closed up in a house in fear. The women who had been his supporters were distraught from losing their Hope. All they saw was a stone rolled across the tomb of the one they had given up their lives to follow. It seemed that all hope was lost. However, they didn't know what was happening on the other side of the stone. God's plan was being accomplished. The perfect sacrifice had taken away all the sins of the world to be remembered no more. Death had been conquered. Many times in our own lives, we see the circumstances on this side of the stone. God wants us to remember what was accomplished on the other side of the stone — to have faith in the finished and complete work of the Cross.

What is Jesus trying to teach us from this statement? Is it possible that death is a necessary part of life for the Christian? All our attempts to live in our own strength will lead us to sickness sorrow and failure. We must die to every attempt of trying to be holy in our own strength and come like a dead man to God. Resurrection life is not for the living but for the dead. Did you come face to face with your inner powerlessness? When you stop doing your work God can start doing His.

Paul was pointing out to the Corinthians that as a body they had taken on the culture of their society. They were affluent and materialistic. Paul wasn't saying that the things they possessed were evil but that they had become self-consumed. Their own desires were their first pursuit. They were lacking a love for others and therefore lacking an impact on their city. Paul went on to describe his life and the life of a true disciple. It wasn't so much that he shunned the comforts of this world but that he was so focused on God's kingdom they weren't a thought in his mind. He has laid down his life for the Gospel and it was evident in the very way he lived his life. Paul was so confident in the single focus of his life that he told the church at Corinth to imitate the way he lived.

We are all in God's hands and therefore we are in one another's hands. It is important for the body of Christ to be sensitive to those around us who are in the battle of their life. God is calling us into a ministry of friendship where we can reach out to our brethren by intercepting the lies of the devil and remind them that God is in control and they are not alone. Are you available to reach out to those in need around you and are you open to receive the love and compassion of a friend in your time of need? Will you remind someone today that we are on the victory side and that God will provide everything we need?

The problem with serving is that we don't always want to do it. A true servant heart comes when we identify with the greatest servant of all, Jesus. We must understand the judgment seat of Christ. He is not out to punish us, but wants to commend us for our service here on Earth. When we have this understanding there is spiritual fruit that will be evident in our lives. A servant doesn't care about reputation. They care more about what God thinks of them than what others think. A servant does not become frozen with self-doubt and introspection. There is no pride in them and the world can see a difference in their life.

Prayer should be the very essence of our life. The Bible says that if we pray according to the Word of God we can have whatever we ask for. If we really believe that then why is it so hard for so many to pray? Many cannot pray because they always feel condemned. The Cross is the full expression of God's love for us. Because of Jesus Christ we are covered by His blood and invited to come boldly into His presence in our time of need. Don't let your own heart or the devil weigh you down and keep you out of the prayer closet. Whatever mountain is in your way you can pray it away. The prayer closet should be a profound place of fellowship. When our desires are lined up with the heart of God and we begin to pray the miraculous happens.

In Genesis, God's creation had become corrupt, so He had to destroy it. In the New Testament, what was meant for God's glory — the temple and the priests — had become nothing but dead religion, so it had to be destroyed. Jesus came to establish a new temple. We are God's dwelling place — His holy habitation. Scripture is very clear that the Lord will destroy that which destroys His temple. This doesn't mean that God is out to get us, rather he wants to cut off those things that corrupt what is holy. Jesus wants to “scrape off” all those things in our lives that defile His temple.

We all know that 2 + 2 does not equal 5. In God's math, a tough situation plus an open door does not always equal a means of escape. Sometimes God's purposes are fulfilled when we remain in hard circumstances. A "no" from God isn't necessarily rejection, but is often protection. Our Heavenly Father knows the plans He has for us. He sees the bigger picture. Humble yourself, pray and seek godly counsel before fleeing through the open door.

In the last days there will be both calamities on earth and religious deception. This religious deception will be aimed at the professing church of Jesus Christ. Jesus said we must not be deceived by those who try to get us to run here and there to find Him. Jesus Christ is omnipresent and when His church sets their heart to be totally surrendered and completely given to Him then we have the promise of His presence with us always. We are invited to partake of the fullness of His redemption and also be involved in the fullness of His redemptive work. As we open our heart to His purposes, we are given His life and strength to run this race. This messages encourages us not to give up the race after we have come this far. Remember Christ will come suddenly and quickly for His bride. Hold fast He is coming soon!

Much of the spiritual activity in our lives — the "God stuff" — often feels like pushing boulders uphill or spinning plates. We are doing so much work in our own strength while trying to also manage all the "other stuff" in life. This divided mentality is works-based, and it leaves us wearied, discouraged, and often feeling guilty. Jesus doesn't want us to live this way. He calls us to live in His grace, to live all moments as holy moments. He calls us to live in his 'Shalom', His peace. Christ makes the mountains low and straightens our path. We don't have to push uphill. We don't have to struggle with the wood, hay and stubble in our lives, trying to cover our flaws with gold leaf so that we look good to others. God does the transforming work, refining us so that we aren't just covered with a thin layer of gold, but are pure gold throughout.