Some of us are wowed by those that say they have a deep faith. They are simply saying that their faith is grounded in the promise that the Father makes to us in Christ that we have a relationship, salvation, and are part of His family. This is the beginning point of Biblical faith. Our faith begins in Christ and stays with Christ. We never outgrow our need for a relationship with Jesus.

We live under the blessings of the Lord every day. We owe Him for our salvation, our health, the breath of life and all good things that happen to us. We know that we will face pain and sorrow lives. In Christ we have a solution to the hurt and pain that we experience. God is at work providing the mercy and grace that we need to lead peaceful lives. We are guarded by his powerful love. His love creates joy in the midst of failure or success.

Much of what we honor in this world is vain, trifling and worthless. It leaves us with a sense of emptiness. There are no solutions in the world’s way. And yet the simple way of Jesus brings us inner resources that survive any assault. He said that it is more beneficial for me to give than receive.

In the act of giving we find real solution to the emptiness of life. When we realize that we are the agents of the Lord in interacting with our fellow man we understand the true value of giving. I am giving because I have already received. I am giving because I believe and trust the Lord. I am giving because my act of kindness to another testifies to the Lord’s ownership of me. When I love those around me I am expressing God’s control of my heart.

The world around us is a needy place. We can find someone in need on any street in any city in the world. People in all walks of life have overwhelming needs. God’s children meet needs. We can give because we are equipped to survive. We can give because the Lord is graciously meeting our needs. We find our greatest strength when we give to others. In fact, we will find the solution to some of our toughest problems when we give. We are most like God when we give.

Two women discover the wonderful event of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. This is not the way things worked in that day. This event changed everything. The Lord announced it to two women. They were there at the Cross; there when He was laid in the tomb; and now they knew the truth. He had risen. He was alive

The angel encouraged the women not to be afraid. The Lord is in control. He has done what He said He would do. The resurrection of the Lord brings joy not fear. When you are down cast and hurting, remember the empty tomb. Jesus is alive. He is alive and able to meet our needs. The charge is that we believe. We must individually make a decision about Jesus. Will we believe that He died that we might have forgiveness? Will we realize that He was raised from the dead by the power of God? Or, will we simply walk away and continue to be at the mercy of the world? Believe in the resurrected Lord Jesus. Believing in Jesus is salvation.

The resurrection is proof that Jesus is King of God’s eternal Kingdom. Jesus is not a false prophet. Jesus is Lord. We have a future life as children of God. We will be with the Lord in Heaven. This same power that brought Jesus to life gives us new life in Christ.

The women are urged to go and tell. Jesus is alive. He is the Son of God. Tell everyone you know about the Lord. Our testimony is what the Lord has done in our lives. He saved me. He changed me. Go and tell.

We may boldly approach the Lord in prayer. We come with the assurance that Christ our elder brother is there to intercede for us.

The throne of grace is a seat of royalty. This describes the ancient mercy seat that covered the Ark of the Covenant. This is the place where forgiveness is found. No longer do we depend on the blood of sheep and goats to validate our forgiveness. At this throne, the blood of Christ has validated our right to enter and the assurance of our forgiveness. The grace of God gives us what we need and cannot earn.

I do not like to be condemned. Amos’ words are indeed a condemnation but they are condemning a lifestyle and not the people. The people have a chance to change.

We have a chance to change. We know the defeats we experienced in the past, the issues that overwhelmed us. We can take these same defeats and issues before the Lord and seek His power and strength to change. Consistent time with Him is required. Listening to His direction is a necessity. Yielding to His will is an imperative. Without this type of change in our lives, tomorrow will be just like today. If we refuse to change, Amos has written our epitaph.