WDYB~What Do You Believe?

Imagine Jerusalem filled with today’s technology…

This is Mark Jacobs with a special report from downtown Jerusalem in the WDYB studio.

Good evening. With what started as a typical day has rekindled the past firestorm of controversy surrounding the man known as Jesus Christ of Nazareth. For those just now joining us, we’ll start with the story of his birth.

His mother Mary told me the Holy Spirit overshadowed her and she conceived, making His birth a scientific wonder. She also said, after losing Him one day, she found Him teaching in the temple.

Nothing miraculous there, until she told me He was twelve-years-old at the time.

After that, I didn’t uncover much about his early life, but I did learn that He left His carpentry job and began ministering to the poor and needy.

Now, this is where it gets interesting, folks.

He was hauled before the leaders accused and crucified. But He didn’t remain in the tomb. People are claiming He is alive. And so, this reporter followed his nose and boy, did I find a story!

I spent days speaking with eyewitnesses as they recounted their experiences with this quiet, unassuming man. I have to caution you, I have never heard anything like it before. I daresay, it will challenge your way of thinking.

One such witness, named Jairus, declared this Jesus raised his twelve-year-old daughter from the dead.

And that’s not all. Two sisters, Mary and Martha, claimed He raised their decaying, stinking brother, Lazarus from the dead, also.

Another witness by the name of Bartimaeus said Jesus, who he called the Son of David, restored his sight.

I continued my research and found another man who told me of a banquet for 5000 in the middle of nowhere. One woman with an issue of blood for twelve years was healed when she touched the hem of His garment. Can you believe it?

I’m sorry, folks, but I have to smile when I think of the physician’s reaction. Incredible!

Here at WDYB, we are fair and balanced, so, I went to the other side of town and spoke with those who are adamant in their unbelief.

Included in that crowd, were those who called Him a fraud, and a blasphemer. They claimed He didn’t rise from the dead, but His followers stole his body away in the middle of the night.

I returned to my hotel only to meet with two who claimed to have talked with Him while traveling to Emmaus. They reported while they conversed with Him their hearts burned within them.

And that brings us to the story of the hour. When asking where I could find this Jesus, they told me, He had gone away but promised to return soon.

In preparation for His return, certain followers are waiting in an upper room. When I asked what they were waiting for, Simon Peter, apparently the spokesman for the group, said, “ We were commanded to tarry until we receive power from on high. Afterward, we are to carry the Gospel to the far corners of the world.”

Then he shared the Gospel with me. What an amazing story!

So there, you have it, folks. Whether you believe or not, one thing is undeniable. This man called Jesus has turned the world, as we know it, upside down. And I expect years from now, there will still be debates about Him.

But as for me, I began this journey for answers. And I have concluded, I cannot deny the testimony of those who experienced first hand this man called Jesus of Nazareth. Truly, He is the Son of God.

So I will leave it with you.

This is Mark Jacobs in Jerusalem, signing off for WDYB. What do you believe?

Good night.

Worthy Of Praise

Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! Psalms 107:8

Psalms 107 is a song of thanksgiving and an exhortation to testify of the many blessings of God.

  • Deliverance
  • Safety
  • Redemption
  • Healing
  • Guidance
  • Blessings

Spring is a season of renewal. The earth wakes from winter’s nap and burst forth in song.

centerofhiswheel.com

Everywhere I look, I behold the beauty of the Almighty’s hands. I see His handiwork in the heavens and in the earth. I breathe in His fragrance.

My faith is renewed. My spirit, uplifted. A joy like no other fills my soul. Do I have a reason to testify to friends and loved ones?

Yes!

When I read this chapter, I see that everything He promised, He delivered. If He did it then, He’ll do it now. Do I have reason to fret?

No!

From Genesis to Revelation, the writers testify of His faithfulness.

And when I dig past the circumstances, when I push aside the worries, when I call to mind all the times He has seen me through, I can praise His name!

However, praise, like water, will not flow from a dry well. It must be primed. When my mind is filled with clutter, and it seems I have nothing to praise Him for, I look to the cross.

He came looking for me when no one else did. He loved me when no one else did. He helped me when no one else could. He healed my wounds. He guided my steps. He blessed me beyond measure.

centerofhiswheel.com

He alone is worthy of praise.

Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! Psalms 107:8

When I praise His name in the midst of my trials, my circumstances change. He lifts me above my sorrows, eases my pain, and gives me strength to face another day.

Blessed be the name of the Lord!

 

The Golden Truth

For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it (Proverbs 8:11 KJV).

Standing near the water’s edge, she stared at her reflection. A familiar excitement washed over her. Like a fever, it quickly consumed her. She scanned the shoreline, contemplating her choices. Not just, any place would do. No. Her heart burned for perfection. She reached for her pan and waded into the water until she arrived at the determined location.

She inhaled deeply, whispered a prayer, turned the pan perpendicular and plunged it to the bottom. Slowly, as not to lose anything, she lifted the pan from the watery chest and rocked it back and forth, swirling the contents. She smiled. The pan gleamed golden. She collected the precious nuggets and dropped them into a leather repository hanging about her neck.

Searching the waters, she spied a large stone. Absent-mindedly, she pushed the obstruction out of the way, and continued her search for the more easily recognizable pebbles. Yet, her eyes were repeatedly drawn to the discarded stone. She picked it up and rolled it between her thumb and index finger. A golden sliver winked at her. She grinned. It wouldn’t be easy, but it could be done.

On the sandy bank, she unsheathed her knife and began scraping the outer surface. The stone proved impenetrable. Undaunted, she placed it in a vice and reached for her hammer and chisel. Several days and nights passed until finally, the treasure beneath was exposed.

Reflection

The deep things of God are never easily found. Just as a miner spends hours searching for that perfect nugget of gold, it takes patience and often years of searching the Word of God. For wisdom doesn’t depend on me, but God. He reveals Himself to me as I faithfully pursue Him. He chooses the where, when, and how.

Daniel said, “He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him.” Daniel 2:22 KJV

If I’m to reach the deeper depths and greater heights, then I must search the Word as if panning for gold. I’m not to be satisfied with shallowness, but wade into the deeper waters and be willing to follow His lead when He places a nugget in front of me.

Paul said, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:16

If I’m to grow then, I must eat a balanced diet.

Prayer

Lord, help me not to settle for the sweet, sugary offerings so easily obtained, snacking my way through the table you’ve spread for me. Help me partake of the meat of Your Word that I may understand the deeper things You long to share with me.