Rick Costa

But, in reality, Christ *has* risen from among the dead, being the first to do so of those who are asleep. For seeing that death came through man, through man comes also the resurrection of the dead. For just as through Adam all die, so also through Christ all will be made alive again. But this will happen to each in the right order–Christ having been the first to rise, and afterwards Christ’s people rising at His return.
– 1 Corinthians 15:20-23 (Weymouth New Testament)

Not only did Jesus rise from the dead but because He did, so will we! Hallelujah!

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Just as Jonah was in the belly of a huge fish for three days and three nights, so the Son of Man will be in the heart of the earth for three days and three nights.
– Matthew 12:40 (GOD’S WORD® Translation (©1995))

It may look like something happened to put a stop to the plan of God in your life but keep the faith…it might just be put on hold so He can accomplish something else in the meantime.

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Christ died for us while we were still sinners. This demonstrates God’s love for us. Since Christ’s blood has now given us God’s approval, we are even more certain that Christ will save us from God’s anger. If the death of His Son restored our relationship with God while we were still His enemies, we are even more certain that, because of this restored relationship, the life of His Son will save us.
– Romans 5:8-10  (GOD’S WORD® Translation (©1995))

What more proof do we need that God loves us?  He sacrificed His own Son for us when we weren’t even looking for Him.  Christ on the cross is a physical display of His love for you.  We should thank God every time we see a cross.

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Brothers and sisters, follow the example of the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. They were patient when they suffered unjustly. We consider those who endure to be blessed. You have heard about Job’s endurance. You saw that the Lord ended Job’s suffering because the Lord is compassionate and merciful.
– James 5:10-11 (GOD’S WORD® Translation (©1995))

We all go through suffering sooner or later. The worst kind is when you did nothing to deserve it but it happens. Know however that God won’t let it last forever so hold on in faith and you will come out of it even more blessed than before.

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As they looked on Peter and John so fearlessly outspoken–and also discovered that they were illiterate persons, untrained in the schools–they were surprised; and now they recognized them as having been with Jesus.
– Acts 4:13 (Weymouth New Testament)

When people look at your life can they tell that you’ve “been with Jesus?”

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This is not a wrestling match against a human opponent. We are wrestling with rulers, authorities, the powers who govern this world of darkness, and spiritual forces that control evil in the heavenly world.
– Ephesians 6:12 (GOD’S WORD® Translation (©1995))

Although we often think the problems we have are the result of the person we can see with our eyes, the true source of our struggle comes from the evil spiritual forces driving that person bothering you.  So before you waste your time fighting with people why don’t you first pray against the plans of our spiritual enemy?

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But it was for our sins He was wounded, and for our evil doings He was crushed: He took the punishment by which we have peace, and by His wounds we are made well.
– Isaiah 53:5 (Bible in Basic English)

Every bit of pain and suffering that Jesus went through was for YOU. Every punch, every whip on His back, every drop of spit He took was for YOU. We were so messed up and far from God that this was the only way to buy us back from the hands of the enemy and an eternal Hell. Thank you Jesus for all You have done for us!

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For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the middle of them.
– Matthew 18:20    (American King James Version)

When we meet up together with Jesus as our focus, He promises to show up!  In other words…let’s have church!!!

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Seek the LORD while He may be found; Call upon Him while He is near.
– Isaiah 55:6 (New American Standard Bible (©1995))

Although it’s true that God is omnipresent ,meaning He is everywhere at once, there are times when His presence comes more intensely and for a specific purpose.  If you’re not paying attention, you can miss the chance to get the blessing you’ve been waiting for!

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I will not put anything wicked in front of my eyes. I hate what unfaithful people do. I want no part of it.
– Psalm 103:31 (GOD’S WORD® Translation (©1995))

You are responsible for what you allow to enter into your mind through your eyes.  The enemy loves to use things visually to cause us to lust and fall into sin.  Do not allow sin to grow inside you through looking at things that are unholy.

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