“[Jesus] made himself of no reputation…coming in the likeness of men” — Phil2:7
Being like us, Jesus is no stranger to our struggles. He experienced deep loneliness and betrayal of a dear friend. He was publicly shamed, misunderstood and falsely accused. In short, He feels our pain. As a result, the writer of Hebrews tells us that we can “come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb4:16).
Thank you Lord for wrapping Yourself in our likeness! Remind us that You understand our struggles and that we can confidently take advantage of the mercy and grace You offer to make us victorious.
00Wafiq Harris-Ashbyhttp://www.hoperoadnazarene.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/hrn-logo-520x140-1.pngWafiq Harris-Ashby2017-12-21 09:45:202025-11-25 02:36:33Accept His Grace and Mercy
Jesus taught us to pray in His name. The night before He was crucified, He gave a promise to His disciples: “until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask and you will receive, that your joy may be full” (John16:24). But the promise of asking in Jesus’ name is not a blank cheque that we might get anything to fulfill our personal whims.
Jesus taught that He answers requests made in His name so that He will bring glory to the Father (John14:13). Jesus Himself later prayed “O my Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will” (Matt26:39). As we pray, we ought to yield to God’s wisdom, love and sovereignty.
Nothing lies beyond the reach of prayer except that which lies outside the will of God.
00Wafiq Harris-Ashbyhttp://www.hoperoadnazarene.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/hrn-logo-520x140-1.pngWafiq Harris-Ashby2017-12-20 10:33:102025-11-25 02:37:36Ask It In His Name
As a young man, the apostle Paul opposed Jesus and His followers with a vengeful spirit. He “made havoc of the church, entering every house and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison” (Acts8:3). But one day, he encountered the risen Christ and His life became a different story (9:1-16).
In a letter to Timothy, his son in the faith, Paul described that life changing event by saying, even though he was “a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man…the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus”.
Jesus was born into our world and gave His life so that we can be forgiven and transformed through faith in Him. This is the heart of Christmas.
A change in behaviour begins with Jesus changing our heart.
00Wafiq Harris-Ashbyhttp://www.hoperoadnazarene.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/hrn-logo-520x140-1.pngWafiq Harris-Ashby2017-12-19 10:33:442025-11-25 02:38:52Jesus Can Change You
Accept His Grace and Mercy
/in Steadfast HopeBeing like us, Jesus is no stranger to our struggles. He experienced deep loneliness and betrayal of a dear friend. He was publicly shamed, misunderstood and falsely accused. In short, He feels our pain. As a result, the writer of Hebrews tells us that we can “come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb4:16).
Thank you Lord for wrapping Yourself in our likeness! Remind us that You understand our struggles and that we can confidently take advantage of the mercy and grace You offer to make us victorious.
Ask It In His Name
/in Steadfast HopeJesus taught us to pray in His name. The night before He was crucified, He gave a promise to His disciples: “until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask and you will receive, that your joy may be full” (John16:24). But the promise of asking in Jesus’ name is not a blank cheque that we might get anything to fulfill our personal whims.
Jesus taught that He answers requests made in His name so that He will bring glory to the Father (John14:13). Jesus Himself later prayed “O my Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will” (Matt26:39). As we pray, we ought to yield to God’s wisdom, love and sovereignty.
Nothing lies beyond the reach of prayer except that which lies outside the will of God.
Jesus Can Change You
/in Steadfast HopeAs a young man, the apostle Paul opposed Jesus and His followers with a vengeful spirit. He “made havoc of the church, entering every house and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison” (Acts8:3). But one day, he encountered the risen Christ and His life became a different story (9:1-16).
In a letter to Timothy, his son in the faith, Paul described that life changing event by saying, even though he was “a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man…the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus”.
Jesus was born into our world and gave His life so that we can be forgiven and transformed through faith in Him. This is the heart of Christmas.
A change in behaviour begins with Jesus changing our heart.