January 6, 2021 is a day we will never forget. Watching a massive mob of angry and violent protestors break into our nation’s Capitol, while Congressmen and women cowered on the chamber floor was horrifying and heartbreaking.

It left Americans shaken, scared, uncertain.

Later that day I went out for a walk to think, pray, and try to process what was happening. The beautiful sky and setting sun reminded me of God’s supremacy.

What came to mind were the words on a poster I had as a teenager:

 JESUS CHRIST

Certain in the midst of uncertainty

A firm rock in the sea of speculation

A safe anchorage in the ocean of doubt

Yes, the days we live in are troubling and uncertain. But in the midst of the world’s chaos, Jesus Christ is our certainty. He never leaves us or forsakes us. He gives us a peace the world cannot provide.

In the sea of swirling news and internet speculation, Jesus is the firm Rock on which we stand. All else is sinking sand.

When doubts arise and anxiety grips our hearts, Jesus remains our safe anchorage. His presence is our refuge. The Hope of His coming, our anchor.

Do not neglect your quiet time with God each day. Be salt and light to a troubled world.

That you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.  (Philippians 2:15-16 NKJV)

As the days grow darker, the light shines brighter.

Copyright © 2021 Cheryl Elton

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Have you ever wondered if it’s possible to walk in the footsteps of Jesus Christ? To live, speak, and function as He did while on the earth?

What quickly comes to mind may be His many miracles, or His powerful teaching through parables. But what if we looked at His operating focus? Were there specific strategies underlying His purpose?

Can we imitate the same?

Following are 5 key points from the Scriptures that give us insight into how the Son of God operated while on the earth:

Jesus did nothing of Himself.

Therefore Jesus answered and was saying to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, unless it is something He sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, these things the Son also does in like manner. (John 5:19)

Nothing Jesus did originated from Himself; He only did what the Father showed Him to do. We see throughout the gospels His habit of close communion with God,  spending much time alone with the Father and in prayer.

Jesus didn’t seek to do His own will, but God’s will.

I can do nothing on My own initiative. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is just, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.  (John 5:30) 

See also: John 6:38, 8:29, Matthew 26:39.

Jesus spoke not from Himself, but only what God wanted Him to.

Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father is in Me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on My own initiative, but the Father abiding in Me does His works.   (John 14:10)

See also: John 7:16, 8:26, 38.

Jesus was mindful of who He was and where He came from.

Jesus said to them, ‘If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and have come from God, for I have not even come on My own initiative, but He sent Me.’  (John 8:42)

See also: John 16:28

If we’re mindful of who we come from, we should be mindful of who we represent.

Jesus never promoted self-glory but made sure God got glory. 

Have this attitude in yourselves, which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.  (Philippians 2:5-11)

See also: John 8:53-54

Jesus “emptied himself” of all His reputation and the things due Him as the Son of God. He didn’t “toot his own horn,” but remained humble, allowing God to exalt Him.

As Christians, we represent the Lord Jesus Christ on the earth today!

It is our greatest privilege, challenge and opportunity to live as He lived; to show the world the love and power of our wonderful Heavenly Father.

What if we ask the Lord how to incorporate these principles each day? How exciting our days might become!

Copyright © 2019 Cheryl Elton

Based on a CD message from Kingdom Faith Ministries, Int’l

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On Sunday, my husband and I traveled 2 ½ hours to visit a quaint country church we know and love.

The pastor there is one of the most peaceful people I know. As I’ve gotten to know him over the years, I’ve realized the deep and abiding calmness he carries comes from the personal relationship he keeps with the Lord Jesus Christ.

When Jesus told us He was leaving us with peace—His peace—what did He mean? 

Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.  (John 14:27)

In John 14, while still on the earth, Jesus was speaking of a day coming when He would be gone physically, yet would be with us by way of the gift of the Holy Spirit.

The peace Jesus spoke of is not independent of His presence. It is found in His presence—for now He is in us!

Yet we each must choose whether or not to avail ourselves to His peace.

During the Israelites’ “wilderness wandering” (a 40-year plight due to their disobedience and unbelief), God promised them He would “rain down food from heaven.”

But He didn’t drop it all at once.

To trust and experience God’s provision, the Israelites found they had to gather the manna (food) each morning. If they tried to save it for the next day, it wouldn’t last.

Experiencing God’s peace likewise requires daily faithful trust.

The peace I held in my heart yesterday does me no good for today! I must choose to access His peace each day through my relationship with Him.

We are made to live in God’s presence.

Living in His presence, we live in His peace.

Jesus warns us that in this life we will have troubles, but in Him, the Overcomer, we find peace.

I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.   (John 16:33)

When the storms of life come, where will you be found?

Caught up in the tempest without Him? Or resting calmly in the eye of the storm, where His presence—and His peace—is found?

Copyright © 2018 Cheryl Elton

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Did you know statistics reveal that 75-90% of all doctor visits are for stress-related illnesses?

The pressures of life are constantly bearing down on us. We all face needs that can result in anxieties about our health, finances, safety, relationships, the future. 

While people try many things to bring peace to their lives, Jesus’ words in John 14:27 remain:

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” 

The peace of Christ is something we must invest in daily through our relationship with Him. Just because we were at peace yesterday, doesn’t guarantee we will be today.

This short video offers some great practical tips to more consistently experience God’s peace.

The message beautifully complements Pathway of Peace: Living in a Growing Relationship with Christ.

Enjoy!

Copyright © 2017 Cheryl Elton

The post Keys to Being at Peace appeared first on Cheryl Elton.

Several years ago, a figure skating coach I know decided—after 20 years of teaching—he would start training to compete again. That winter, every time I was at the rink, I watched him practice. He pushed himself to train, every single day, for months on end.

Finally, the big day came. He travelled halfway across the country to compete against other highly accomplished adult skaters at Nationals.

But soon after arriving, he experienced a crushing blow.

His back gave out, and he spent the entire event in pain, watching from the stands as a spectator.

In hindsight, he realized he had over-trained, and unfortunately his body reached its breaking point at the wrong time.

Sadly, his story is not unusual.

In his zeal to excel, he had ignored an important principle sometimes overlooked by dedicated athletes: the body needs regular time to rest and rebuild after exercise.

God incorporated rest not only as an essential part of our physical life—but also our mental and spiritual life.

In any endeavor, routine times of rest are vital to avoid discouragement and burnout.

Jesus often had crowds thronging Him, yet never rushed when dealing with people. He understood the importance of a balanced life. When the demands became high, He often snuck away to a mountainside or a quiet place to pray. 

He encouraged His disciples to do the same:

“Then Jesus said, ‘Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.’ He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn’t even have time to eat.”  (Mark 6:31)

Today, rest remains a rare commodity for many people. They wear busyness as a badge of distinction, and day in and day out stay caught up in its frenzy.

And regrettably, the busier we get with all our “stuff”—work, kids, meetings, meals, exercise, chores, even ministry service—the less time we spend with the One who helps us most.

Jesus extends an ongoing invitation of refreshing to us all:

“Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.’”  (Matthew 11:18)

In our drive to be productive, let’s remember the thing most worth being concerned about: spending time with the Lord each day, resting and refreshing ourselves in His presence.

Taking time to cease from our own work, we allow Him to do His work in us—renewing our strength, restoring our peace. We learn to hear His voice.

In His presence, we’ll find ourselves doing less, but accomplishing much more.

Copyright  © 2017 Cheryl Elton

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A feeling of finality came over me as I thumbed through, then closed my 2016 monthly planner.

December 31. Another year ended . . .

By the grace of God it had been a good year, despite some unexpected challenges and changes. He had seen us through.

We are grateful.

As I open my new 2017 calendar I pause to admire its clean pages. Each one an empty slate, soon to be filled in with day-to-day happenings, appointments, and special occasions.

A new year brings hope. A sense of new beginnings. A time to redefine goals and sharpen our focus on what is truly important.

To look ahead to new and better days . . .

Like the first blank page of a new calendar year, our new life in Christ is a new beginning—each and every day. 

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV) 

The same power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead is now the transforming power of Christ dwelling in us—enabling us to put away old deplorable behaviors, and change—becoming more and more like Him.

“For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.” (Romans 6:4 NLT) 

As we begin the New Year, may we take time to be still in His presence—allowing Him to strengthen us and give us direction for the days ahead—to fill us with His peace, His joy, His hope. 

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13 NKJV) 

Each day, may we be transformed more and more into His likeness as we live in His presence.

Copyright © 2017 Cheryl Elton

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Nothing is as satisfying as a good meal when you’re hungry. Most of us are blessed to have full refrigerators and stocked pantries. It’s easy to grab a snack any time of the day the stomach growls.

But what about spiritual hunger?

Jesus said if we believe on Him and go to Him we would never go hungry, for He is the “bread of life.”

“And Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.’” (John 6:35) 

Any time we find ourselves spiritually malnourished and wanting, we need only call upon Jesus and He will give us all we need.

It’s easy to feel “full” after a great spiritual experience—a church weekend, an inspiring sermon, Christian music, or an exciting time of seeing God at work—but do we mistakenly go on thinking radio broadcasts and big weekends alone will satisfy our hunger? 

Some, when spiritually hungry, quickly run to the phone to talk with a friend. Or, they try to feed their hunger with other things—time at the day spa or gym, chocolate, or some other relaxing or feel-good activity.

While all of these things may have value, none replace our need for daily time with the Master, the true “bread of life”. 

In the Old Testament, God had the children of Israel wander in the wilderness for forty years in order to learn to humble themselves, trust Him, and hear His voice. (Exodus 16, Nehemiah 9:15)

During this time, God rained manna (bread) from heaven every day to feed them. If they tried to save some of the bread for the next day it would go bad. They had to rely on God’s provision for physical bread one day at a time.

“So He humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna which you did not know nor did your fathers know, that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the LORD.” (Deuteronomy 8:3) 

Likewise they had to learn to seek and trust God daily to experience His presence and hear His voice. 

This record, being a model for Christ, corresponds with Jesus’ words after He was tempted in the wilderness for forty days:

“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, ‘If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.’ But He answered and said, ‘It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word [Greek = rhema: speaking] that proceeds from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4:1-4) 

Just as the children of Israel and the Son of God learned to rely on God for daily sustenance, our spiritual nourishment—through time in His Word and conversation with Him—like the manna, is something we must seek daily.

Jesus instructed His disciples to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread.”

Jesus is the bread of life. In His presence we will never go hungry.

Have you dined at the Lord’s table today?

Copyright © 2016 Cheryl Elton

The post The Bread of Life appeared first on Cheryl Elton.

When circumstances threaten to swallow us up with despair, will we be pulled under, or rise above?

The answer lies largely in how we’ve been training.

It’s the training in peacetime that prepares a soldier for when the battle rages. Does he stand in the front lines of combat without knowing how to use his weapons?

Of course not!

Why should we expect to be strong and prepared spiritually, if we haven’t been devoting time to “training”?

Ephesians 6:12 gives us the crucial reminder that the “fight” we’re in is not person against person, but spiritual. Life is a spiritual reality, and we’re in a spiritual war against real enemies of the spirit realm.

“For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.” 

The verses preceding this show how we’re to follow Christ—by being strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. It goes on to say we’re to “put on” the armor of God to be victors in this life, and to show Christ to the world.

“A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.

Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Ephesians 6:10-11,13-17)

Applying God’s armor ensures success in the spiritual battle of this life. 

These are pieces of armor we’re told to “put on”:

Belt of TRUTH

Breastplate of RIGHTEOUSNESS

Shoes of PEACE

Shield of FAITH

Helmet of SALVATION

Sword of the SPIRIT

The armor of God is more than just a protective covering—it’s the very life of Christ Himself!

As Jesus Christ is all of the armor, He is also each individual part:

Jesus Christ is the truth

Jesus Christ is our righteousness

Jesus Christ is our peace

Jesus Christ is our faith

Jesus Christ is our salvation

Jesus Christ is the word of God

Just as putting on new clothes each morning is habit, putting on Jesus Christ and connecting with Him throughout each day becomes the bedrock of our lives—preparing us to be ready when battles come.

Though we may face struggles, living with the armor of God—the presence of Christ—strengthens us and brings victory in the midst of our trials.

It also allows us to present Christ to the world.

When Roman knights prepared for battle and donned full suits of armor, it was nearly impossible to see who they really were. Their knightship became their new persona.

As Christians living with the armor of God, we should so present Christ to the world that our own selves are hidden from view!

Putting on the armor of God each morning, and staying in His presence throughout our days, is the best training we can practice, not only to be spiritually prepared for life’s battles but also assuring us of victory!

Copyright © 2016 Cheryl Elton

The post Training in Peacetime (Part 2): The Armor of God appeared first on Cheryl Elton.

Last summer I had the joy of sitting in a class at the Montrose Christian Writers Conference taught by James Watkins.

I immediately sensed him as a man who deeply loves the Lord and desires to live for Him.

This month I’ve been enjoying a new book compiled and edited by Watkins called The Imitation of Christ: Classic Devotions in Today’s Language by Thomas à Kempis. For five hundred years à Kempis’ devotional classic has brought wisdom and comfort to millions of readers in over fifty languages—second only to the Bible in sales!

Watkins’ new paraphrased version has “modern and inclusive language that remains faithful to the original message,” making it easier to read and contemplate à Kempis’ profound insights on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.

The book is set up in a clear readable format arranged by topic. True to the original, at times it is written from the perspective of the Disciple and at other times as if Christ was speaking directly to us.

The meditations of à Kempis invite deep contemplative thinking and insight. Perhaps that’s why this book has been changing lives for centuries. I’m finding my love for the Lord deepening in the process of reading just a few pages each day.

Here’s a sampling from p. 62-63, On Wisdom In Action:

The Disciple

“You must not trust every word of others or feelings within yourselves, but cautiously and patiently ask if the matter is godly. Unhappily, we are so weak that we find it easier to believe and speak evil of others, rather than their good. But Christ-like people do not pay attention to every bit of news, because they know that in human weakness they are prone to evil and untruthful words.

This is great wisdom for us: do not to be hasty in our actions or stubborn in our own opinions. A part of this wisdom also is not to believe every word we hear, nor to tell others all that we hear, nor even though we believe it. Take advice from a person who is wise and has a good conscience. Let us seek to learn from one wiser than ourselves rather than follow our own imaginations. A good life makes us wise toward God and gives us experience in many things. The more humble we are and the more obedient we are toward God, the wiser we will be in all things, and the more our souls will be at peace.”

I believe this book can help any serious Christ follower appreciate our Lord, grow closer to Him, and take greater joy in His presence.

Copyright © 2016 Cheryl Elton

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With holiday time in full swing, it’s interesting to consider the traditions associated with Christmas. What do decorated trees and wreaths, yule logs, Santa Claus, Christmas cookies, and jingle bells have to do with the birth of Christ?

Answer: Nothing!

What does December 25 have to do with the birth of Jesus Christ?

Answer: Nothing!

Research reveals that Jesus was actually born in the fall of the year. Almost all the customs of Christmas stem from ancient pagan festivals honoring other gods, and didn’t begin until some 300 years after Christ’s death.

And although the Bible records details about the birth of Jesus Christ, there is no record of anyone celebrating it.

So does God really care about all the hoopla surrounding Christmas?

Probably not.

Rather, He cares about our hearts.

Do we become so immersed with activity that we forget about Him? That in our busyness we lose the wonderful peace of His presence?

As we glean the good of the season—helping those in need, talking with others about Jesus at a time of year when needs surface, exchanging gifts with loved ones, appreciating family—may we remember God’s most lavish gift to the world—His Son Jesus Christ.

Please enjoy the following excerpts from Ephesians 1*, reminding us of how special we are to God; the greatest gift, His Son; our wonderful calling to exemplify Christ to the world, and the joy we experience in His presence.

How blessed is God! And what a blessing he is! He’s the Father of our Master, Jesus Christ, and takes us to the high places of blessing in him. Long before he laid down earth’s foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love. Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ. He wanted us to enter into the celebration of his lavish gift-giving by the hand of his beloved Son. 

Because of the sacrifice of the Messiah, his blood poured out on the altar of the Cross, we’re a free people—free of penalties and punishments chalked up by all our misdeeds. And not just barely free, either. Abundantly free! He thought of everything, provided for everything we could possibly need, letting us in on the plans he took such delight in making. He set it all out before us in Christ, a long-range plan in which everything would be brought together and summed up in him, everything in deepest heaven, everything on planet earth. 

It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone. 

It’s in Christ that you, once you heard the truth and believed it (this Message of your salvation), found yourselves home free—signed, sealed, and delivered by the Holy Spirit. This signet from God is the first installment on what’s coming, a reminder that we’ll get everything God has planned for us, a praising and glorious life. 

That’s why . . . I ask—ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory—to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is he is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for his followers, oh, the utter extravagance of his work in us who trust him—endless energy, boundless strength! 

All this energy issues from Christ: God raised him from death and set him on a throne in deep heaven, in charge of running the universe . . . no name and no power exempt from his rule. And not just for the time being, but forever. He is in charge of it all, has the final word on everything. At the center of all this, Christ rules the church. The church is Christ’s body, in which he speaks and acts, by which he fills everything with his presence.

* From chapter one of Ephesians, Eugene Peterson, The Message (MSG)

Copyright © 2015 Cheryl Elton

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