When Jesus is central in our hearts; when He is our First Love; when He is leading us and we are following Him—then, and only then—we have unity with our brothers and sisters in Christ.

When I am so in love with Jesus Christ, as a bride loves her husband, I enjoy sweet fellowship with others in the Body of Christ who are similarly love-struck.

We may have differences in our understanding of Scripture, but when we look to Jesus, the Living Truth, we experience harmony with one another.

We may have different ways of worshipping, but it is the same God we worship, and the same Lord we serve.

We may have various manners of praying, but it is the same Heavenly Father we are praying to and the same Lord Jesus Christ in whose name and authority we pray.

We may look different, act dissimilar, and dress in diverse ways, but if we are in love with Him and serving Him wholeheartedly, those differences quickly fade away, like morning fog as the sun rises.

He, and He alone, is the head of a glorious body of which we all are distinct and necessary members. When Jesus is central, it becomes a vital, whole, and healthy body that lives, breathes, and moves throughout the earth, bringing light, love, and healing to all it touches.

Throughout history, a focus on doctrinal differences has wracked and divided the Church, causing countless divisions among its members. Sound doctrine is essential to our walk with God—but doctrinal understanding should never usurp lordship over Christ.

Woe to those who think they have the only right way of understanding the mysteries of God and Christ! Scripture reminds us that we know only in part and understand in part. But one day, when He returns, we will know even as we are known!

Jesus is the vine and we are the branches. We receive our nourishment from Him, to the end that we grow and bear much fruit. His instruction to His followers was never that they all agree on the doctrine. It was that they love one another.

What a distinct and amazing privilege it is to be light-bearers to the world! And what joy it is to serve alongside brothers and sisters who are focused on loving Him and Him alone.

If we each do our part, keeping Jesus central in our hearts, the church can come together as one, celebrating God together, and bringing His love to a world desperate with need.

Jesus is the great unifier.

How will you love Him today?

Copyright © 2019 Cheryl Elton

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With more national shooting tragedies making recent headlines, and discussions of gun control taking center stage yet again, we realize afresh the brokenness of the world around us.

If we take the time to look deeply into our own hearts and lives, we recognize that in different ways we are all broken people, desperately in need of rescue and wholeness.

As Christians, we have a message of hope to share—Jesus Christ has come to redeem us from this dark and broken world! He is very much alive today, working to heal our lives, while we look ahead with anticipation to a coming day when there will be no more sorrow, death, or tears.

But while we wait, perhaps it’s worth considering: does my life hurt or help those around me? Do my words and actions reflect the love of my Savior and lead others closer to Him?

The gospels present the familiar story of Christ’s feeding a multitude with a few loaves of bread and a couple fish. It’s the only miracle of Jesus—aside from the resurrection—that’s recorded in all four gospels, each presenting distinct details which add to the story.

In John’s gospel, Andrew offers a solution to feeding the multitude: bring Jesus a boy with his lunch. When put into Jesus’ hands, the boy’s five loaves of bread and two fish (clearly inadequate to feed upwards of 5,000 people), end up feeding the entire crowd.

In Matthew 25, our Lord speaks of a coming day:

Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ (verses 37-40)

This passage speaks of relationship and service—to all who are in need, including the followers of Jesus who will at times suffer.

Those who are not suffering will be judged on their willingness to lovingly serve those who are. When they do, it is as if they serve Jesus Himself!

When we see the lost, the poor, the hurting, how will we respond?

Do I sometimes turn away from those with need, thinking it is too great for me to help?

Like the boy’s simple lunch: whatever I have to give, and however small—a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, a phone call, a prayer—when given to Jesus, allows Him to multiply the blessings and do the work that I cannot.

Copyright © 2019 Cheryl Elton

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As we busily move through our days—and especially when things are going well—it’s easy to leave God on the back burner. So often, it’s when the burdens of life become overwhelming, or too tough to handle on our own, that we cry out to Him.

And although in His graciousness and goodness He hears us any time, God never intended that we navigate through life alone. In Christ, by way of the Holy Spirit, He’s given us a helper, a comforter, a companion and friend to walk with us through the peaks and valleys of our journey.

When the stresses of life leave us exhausted and empty, Matthew 11:28-30 is often quoted:

“Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.’” 

Yoke is a term rarely used in today’s vernacular. Yet its significance adds astonishing insight to these verses.

A yoke was a farming tool used to join two animals such as oxen, to pull heavy loads. Together, they could share the workload and become more productive. Neither animal could carry the load alone, but in partnership, could shoulder it with ease.

In biblical times, yoke for oxen were often custom made to fit particular animals. It’s believed that Jesus came from a carpenter’s family, so it’s likely He had personal experience in hand carving wooden yokes and making sure they fit well.

Using the illustration of a yoke, Jesus is inviting us to partner with Him in the work of life and ministry. This beautiful section of Scripture clearly implies a continuing relationship with Jesus Christ.

We each have a yoke and a burden, a function and a responsibility as Christ followers. The Lord has a custom yoke ready for each of us when we’re willing to let Him share our daily burden.

When we find ourselves weighted down and weary, the remedy is found in bringing our hearts back to Him, into His presence.

Doing our work with Jesus alongside us sharing the load is not tiresome or burdensome.

Yoked to the Master we find rest to our souls.

Copyright © 2018 Cheryl Elton

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When our son graduated from Christian college, along with his diploma he was presented with a towel.

It exemplified that no matter what career path he pursued in the days ahead, his greater calling was to serve others like Christ.

In a record commonly known as “The Last Supper,” Jesus used a towel, giving us a moving example of service by washing the feet of His disciples.

In that day, it was the duty of the lowliest servant to wash the feet of guests—a custom used any time travelers or strangers came into the house with dirt of their feet (common because of dusty roads.)

In John 13, Jesus demonstrated an amazing act of humility and compassion. He put a towel around His waist, poured water into a basin, and to the astonishment of His disciples, knelt down to wash their feet, one by one.

When finished, He asked, “Do you know what I have done to you?”  He explained:

“You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.” (John 13:13-17) 

If Jesus can take on the duty of the poorest servant and wash the disciples’ feet, surely we should emulate the same heart toward people.

When we serve others the way Jesus instructs, we are actually serving Him.

Our Lord explains in Matthew 25: 

“Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry
and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’ “ 

Throughout the gospel of Matthew, Jesus referred to those who would be His followers using terms such as “the least of these,” “one of these little ones,” or “the brethren.”

The passage speaks of relationship and service—to all who are in need, including the followers of Jesus who will at times suffer.

Those who are not suffering will be judged on their willingness to lovingly serve those who are. When they do, it is as if they serve Jesus Himself.

Mother Teresa spent her life caring for the poorest and most vulnerable souls in Calcutta. She said, “Each one of them is Jesus in disguise.”

When we see the lost, the poor, the hurting, how will we respond?

Will we see Jesus in disguise?

Copyright © 2017 Cheryl Elton

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Every December the street behind our local high school becomes a tourist attraction for young and old. Cars wait in line turning onto the street, people stop to take photos, and the oohs and aahs of delight can be heard—all in front of one house—the one known far and wide for its incredible display of Christmas lights.

There’s one in every town, isn’t there?

During the time of Christ’s birth there were no laser lights and inflatable reindeer, but rather, the most spectacular light display ever—“the glory of the Lord”—that shone round about a few modest shepherds who received word from an angel of the birth of the Messiah.                      

The shepherds quickly went to Bethlehem to see if what they heard was true. After finding Mary, Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger, they told everyone what had happened, returning to their flocks glorifying and praising God for all they had seen and heard.

Light is a prevalent theme throughout Scripture. In Genesis God spoke “let there be light.” First John 1:5 says:

“This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.”

Jesus Christ, the Son of God, declared that He was the light of the world:

“I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” (John 8:12) 

Where light shines, darkness flees!

Where the light of Christ prevails, the dark places in our lives disappear.

As Christians, we’re called to be light-bearers, proclaiming the message of Christ and displaying the light of Christ to a world encased in darkness.

“ . . . 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) 

We are God’s Christmas lights! 

We were created to bring our heavenly Father glory. As people see Christ living in us, as the shepherds who couldn’t help but share what they had seen and heard, others will also glorify our heavenly Father!

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

May our light shine brightly, not only this Christmas season, but also every day of the new year!

Copyright © 2016 Cheryl Elton

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People around the globe are taking to social media, flaunting their latest badge of distinction—membership in The 5 a.m. Club.

It’s inspired by a challenge from best-selling author and motivational speaker Robin Sharma to wake up at 5 a.m. for 66 days to develop habits for greater productivity.

“Join The 5 a.m Club. Your most valuable hours are 5 a.m. – 8 a.m. They have the least interruptions,” he says.

Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Apple’s CEO Tim Cook, and dozens of other successful leaders past and present are known for using this special time of day to exercise, plan, meditate, and reflect.

Great men and women of the faith throughout history also regularly rose early—to spend quiet time with God. Before moving into their tasks for the day, they used the early morning solitude to read the Bible, pray, and set their hearts in His presence.

Nineteenth century Methodist minister E.M. Bounds wrote:

“If God is not first in our thoughts and efforts in the morning, He will be in the last place the remainder of the day.” 

In the Bible, David says “Early will I seek You.”  Daniel and Job had daily quiet times of prayer. Jesus often went out early in the morning to seek silence and pray.

“Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray.” (Mark 1:35) 

While we often picture the Son of God moving among crowds and ministering to many people, he too found it necessary to commune with God in solitude, thereby preparing and recharging his heart to touch others with the Father’s love.

So it is with us also. 

Establishing quiet times in His presence is necessary for anyone who wants a close, intimate relationship with God.

Jesus instructs us:

“But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.” (Matthew 6:6)

David also knew the blessing of abiding in God’s presence: 

“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.’” (Psalm 91:1-2)

Do you have a regular morning appointment with God?

Whether it’s at 5 a.m. or later, whether you have fifteen minutes or two hours—the main thing is to meet Him in that secret place to start the day—giving praise and honor to Him.

As the shepherd leads the sheep, invite Christ to go before you into the day, and help you stay close and follow. Those who draw near to the shepherd learn to recognize and hear His voice. 

Sitting quietly in His presence our souls are refreshed and refocused; we receive His peace, and our hearts still to hear Him.

Could there be any better way to start the day?

Copyright © 2016 Cheryl Elton

For more on how to incorporate quiet time with God into your life, see chapter 16 of Pathway of Peace: Living in a Growing Relationship with Christ. (Also available here.)

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Spring signals new beginnings.

As the sun warms the earth and winter’s glory fades, it’s always amazing how plants in the yard that looked dead return to life. Tender shoots appear, soon to burst into lush green leaves and colorful flowers.

Easter heralds new beginnings also.

The Old Testament book of Isaiah prophesies of the coming of Christ, comparing him to a tender plant, yet how his life would ultimately be despised and rejected:

“My servant [Jesus Christ] grew up in the LORD’s presence like a tender green shoot, like a root in dry ground. There was nothing beautiful or majestic about his appearance, nothing to attract us to him. He was despised and rejected—a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care.” (Isaiah 53:2,3 NLT)

The Son of God was crucified, fulfilling the prophecy that would make a way to restore relationship with our Creator God once again. The sacrifice of Jesus’ life would pay the price not only for the sins of all humanity, but also for our physical healing.

“Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment for his own sins! But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the LORD laid on him the sins of us all.” (Isaiah 53:4-6)

Yet the story doesn’t end there!

After burying Jesus in the tomb, three days later the words “He is risen!” echoed throughout the land.

For those who place their trust and hope in Jesus Christ, like the promise of spring—life begins anew—a life not free of trouble, but one of victory, of purpose, and of HOPE.

Shortly after his resurrection, Jesus gave his followers these instructions and this promise:

“Jesus came and told his disciples, ‘I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’” (Matthew 28:18-20)

Yet the story doesn’t end here!

There is a blessed Hope before us—of one day reigning with Christ on a new and regenerated earth—where there will be no more death, sorrow, or pain.  

For the Christian, this life is not all there is! 

“Death is not the end of the road; it is only a bend in the road.”[1]

As we celebrate Resurrection Sunday, what a glorious time it is to remember not only Christ’s sacrifice on our behalf through his death and resurrection, but the blessed Hope we have in him of life eternal.

May our hearts be filled with the joy of His presence—for He is Risen!

Copyright © 2016 Cheryl Elton

[1] Erwin W. Lutzer, The Vanishing Power of Death, (Moody Publishers 2004) 

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This morning while reading a section on humility in The Imitation of Christ, an interesting question came to mind: 

If Jesus was physically here on earth today, would He be on Facebook?

If so, would a typical post look like this?

Jesus Christ

Great day sharing a lunch with 5,000 people at Bethsaida.

Would the Son of God have His phone in hand taking a selfie while walking across the water—to later post it on social media?

Somehow I have a hard time picturing Jesus doing either of these things.

Why?

Because the life of Christ supremely embodied humility. His words and actions pointed exclusively to glorifying God, not Himself.

In the aforementioned book, Thomas à Kempis says the more knowledge and experience we gain, the more severely we will be judged—unless we live a holy life. Why would we want to lift ourselves above another person, when we may find they know more than we do? 

“To know and learn anything that is helpful,” à Kempis says, “be content to be unknown and not respected.” 

This mirrors the message of Philippians 2:5-11:

“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. 

Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

So would Jesus be on Facebook?

He certainly was engaged in the culture and practices of the day to reach people, so I wouldn’t rule it out. Social media affords us a tool like never before to connect with people across the world. Perhaps He would use it to help the poor, or occasionally post a photo to share with His mother and siblings.

But I think He would post things judiciously, seeking solely to glorify God and bring awareness to His purposes.

Jesus would no doubt have millions of friends on Facebook and followers on Twitter, yet it’s hard to picture Him spending hours a day sharing, reading, commenting, and tweeting. I somehow think He’d be too busy sharing His life with people one on one in real time.

Jesus wasn’t interested in communicating with thousands, or growing a personal fan base. He also wasn’t one for small talk. Rather, His life focused on intimate personal relationships, and ministering to individuals. He allowed God to work through Him, to receive the glory in all things.

As Christians, shouldn’t we do the same?

Would Jesus be on Facebook?

What do you think?

Copyright © 2016 Cheryl Elton

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Do you sometimes feel that you fall short in living the Christian life?

If we’re honest, I think many of us would say yes. We may put self before service; perhaps we deny Him by the words we speak, the way we live. We may be easily distracted, love only when it’s convenient, and at times willfully disobey God’s word.

Yet Jesus has an amazing way of restoring us back to Him when we fail. He doesn’t ask us to try harder. He doesn’t demean, degrade, or disgrace us. Rather, He simply asks that we consider our love for Him.

In His final post-resurrection appearance, Jesus addresses Peter, saying, “do you love me?”[1] 

To Peter—the one who denied Christ three times and abandoned Him in His most crucial hour—our Lord asks, three times, “do you love me?” 

And all three times, Peter answers, “Yes, Lord, You know that I love You.”

Note that Jesus doesn’t ask: “Will you please get the doctrine right?” “Will you be faithful?” “Will you go on the mission field?” but simply, 

“Do you love me?” 

Isn’t love built on relationship? How much time are we spending with Him? Is His presence living and real each day?

And how do we show our love for Him? 

“Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.” (John 14:21 NLT) 

Jesus Christ reveals Himself to those who love Him!

The early church at Ephesus was known for their righteous deeds, their patience and perseverance, their intolerance of evil. Yet over time, one thing was lacking—love. So much so, that Jesus says to them:

“But I have this complaint against you. You don’t love me or each other as you did at first.” (Revelation 2:4 NLT) “. . . you have left your first love. (NKVJ)”

First means best. Jesus Christ had been their first and best love. But over time that love diminished.

Is Jesus Christ our first love? Or, like this early church, has activity replaced relationship?

Jesus asks that we examine our love for Him. If our answer is “Yes, Lord,” like Peter’s, He graciously reaffirms His will and His presence, setting our hearts at home once more.

_______________________________________________

[1] Read the full record in John 21.

Copyright © 2016 Cheryl Elton

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As we busily move through our days—and especially when things are going well—it’s easy to leave God on the back burner. So often, it’s when the burdens of life become overwhelming or too tough to handle on our own, that we cry out to Him.

And although in His graciousness and goodness He hears us any time, God never intended that we navigate through life alone. In Christ, by way of the Holy Spirit, He’s given us a helper, or comforter, a companion and friend to walk with us through the peaks and valleys of our journey.

When the burdens of life leave us depleted and drained, Matthew 11:28-30 is often quoted:

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” 

Yoke is a term rarely used in today’s vernacular. Yet its significance adds astonishing insight to these verses.

A yoke was a farming tool used to join two animals such as oxen together, to pull heavy loads. Together, they could share the workload and become more productive. Neither animal could carry the load alone, but together, could shoulder it with ease.

In biblical times, yoke for oxen were often custom made to fit particular animals. It’s believed that Jesus came from a carpenter’s family, so it’s likely He had personal experience in hand carving wooden yokes and making sure they fit well.

Using the illustration of a yoke, Jesus is inviting us to partner with Him in the work of life and ministry. This beautiful section of Scripture clearly implies a continuing relationship with Jesus Christ. We each have a yoke and a burden, a function and a responsibility as Christ followers.

The Lord has a custom yoke ready for each of us when we’re willing to let Him share our daily burden. When we find ourselves heavy laden and weary, the remedy is found in bringing our hearts back to Him, into His presence. 

Carrying out our work with Jesus alongside us sharing the load is not tiresome or burdensome.

Yoked to the Master we find rest to our souls.

Copyright © 2015 Cheryl Elton

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