Upon arrival, the found not what their heart mourned and expected. Instead and Angel uttered the words “He is not here. He has risen, just as He said…”. In an instant, their minds must have raced with new possibilities and hope. For joy abounded where short-sided grief and mourning once reigned.

They must have sounded crazy as they shared the angels words with the disciples, but in their minds these brothers would have recalled the words of Jesus telling them of His death and resurrection. For Him to have risen and fulfilled all of what He said was even greater than their misconceived notion of His earthly rule. For He had overcome death once and for all. Sin and death had lost. The victory had been won for all eternity!

Reflection

Meditate on these words “He is not here, He has risen”

What do these words really mean to you?

What is their significance in your life?

What would your life be like without them?

Praise God for His mercy and great plan of salvation!

Prayer

Father, we thank you that You not only hear us but you made a way for us to have access to you. You have reached down and rescued us from our sin and adopted us into Your Family. What love and tender care You have for us! Remind us of these truths in our darkest hours, when we can’t see clearly, and when we are in mourning. For with You all things are possible in Jesus, Amen!

@brianfriedl

#HeIsNotHereHeHasRisen

#TheGreatestWords

#trutalk4life

Late in the same day, I received news that a friend of mine was killed in a car accident.  The grief hurts and aches in a way words cannot describe, but I know He is with the Lord now.   The days ahead will be filled with tears and heartache for Family, friends, and my family. We will continue to trust in our Heavenly Father  as He shows us His lovingkindness.  We will rejoice in the salvation our Lord has secured for us!

Reflection

Amidst the joy there is suffering and amidst the suffering there is joy.  For our Heavenly Father is there through it all; never leaving or forsaking us; fulfilling His promise to be with us to the end of the age.  

Take time today, even if you are mourning, to deeply to gaze upon the cross and see the lovingkindness of the LORD and rejoice!

Prayer

Father, our emotions are often tied to the events and situations of our lives.  Conquer the sorrows with the joy of Your salvation.  Mend the wounds with Your lovingkindness.  Employ our brokenness for Your glory. In Jesus, Amen!

While the enemy seeks to devour, we will seek the LORD.  For in Him all things are possible and all victories have been won.  We must not try to win again, but simply trust in the ultimate victory already won by our Savior Jesus Christ. 

Personal Reflection

Spend some time today searching areas where pride may still be creeping in.  A good starting point may be anything surrounding your strengths.  Examine honestly and ask a close friend to assist.  

Sincerely pray that God would conquer that pride and replace it with trust in Jesus

Prayer Focus

Father, we desire that our pride would be squashed and You would clothe us with humility, that we may resist the devil,  and that You wold receive all the glory due Your name.  We pray this not in our own strength but instead in the powerful name of Jesus!

#truthtalk4life

@brianfriedl

One morning on my drive into the office I heard a voice saying, “Today is the day, have courage”.  I fought it by asking for a sign to make it clear.  After arriving, my normally invisible boss came right to my cube and asked to meet with me.  Ok, LORD, I had to face my fears.  I could no longer ride the fence.  I had to make a decision.  As the meeting with my boss began, he stated how I had done a great job, and he wanted me to take over his position as leader of our team.  At that time I delivered the not so popular news that I needed to take a leave of absence/quit. 

I learned A valuable lesson that day.  Fear is reserved for God; fear of anything else is meant to be conquered with courage by our faith in God.  I was afraid of earthly concerns and had forgotten that I serve the one true living God who is always for His people and not against them.  He also reminded me of His promise that He will be with me even to the end of the age.

Personal Reflection 

Bible study this morning, we looked at the showdown between David and Goliath. David’s courage came from his trust in the Lord being present and that He would deliver. He also genuinely cared about the Name of the LORD being lifted high. 

What giant(s)are you facing today that you need courage for?  What are you fearing? God or something earthly?

Know that nothing is impossible with God. In the end God provided for our every need and went above and beyond by giving me an opportunity to work from home with higher pay.  Because He could! Because He is faithful!

Prayer Focus

LORD Almighty, anchor in us the truth that you are present and that you can do all things;that we may have courage to overcome any of the struggles of this life for Your glory we pray, in Jesus’ Name, Amen!

Personal Reflection

If you are struggling with sin this morning, repent and return to God’s truth.  Every sin promises life and comfort but delivers death and shame.  Too often we dwell on all that we’ve done wrong instead of what Jesus has done right.  This only keeps us off track longer and in a place where lies seem more like truth.  Have you ever thought any of these thoughts:  

How can God use me if I keep doing this?   

• Why can’t I beat this sin? 
• I’m a fake. 
• How can God use me? I’m not worth anything. 

These are planted thoughts to keep you from Christ. It’s a simple principle really. Satan knows that when our eyes are on ourselves they are not on God.   The longer our eyes are on ourselves, the longer we will feel alone, abandoned, and worthless.  We know we’ve sinned because God’s perfect law clearly shows us that, but it also brings with it understanding that we need a solution…we need a Savior. 

Be serious about the temptation you struggle with but always remember sin was conquered by Christ.  For you are more than a conqueror in Christ.  God is teaching you that all you need is Christ.  Turn from sin and run to Him today. 

Prayer Focus

LORD help us to understand your teaching. Let us fully receive in our hearts the truth that Jesus is sufficient in all things.  We know this requires us to learn through trials and joys.  Bring us whatever is necessary that we might more closely walk with Him in the light.  Break the chains of sin that we might walk in your freedom.  We lift all of this to you in the Name above all names, Jesus Christ, Amen!