Deserted by His Closest Friends
55 In that hour Jesus said to the crowd, "Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I sat in the temple courts teaching, and you did not arrest me. 56 But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled." Then all the disciples deserted him and fled.
Matthew 26:55-56(TNIV)
Do you ever feel alone? Have you ever felt deserted by the ones that you love the most; your friends that you would have never thought would ever leave you in times of trouble? Well, Jesus can relate to you today as He was deserted by His closest friends right there in the midst of giving His life away in order that we could have these discussions today, more than 2,000 years later about His incredible love. He was deserted while He was paying the penalty of sin, for you and for me, in order that we could experience the presence of God in our lives and in order that we could be restored and healed so we could begin our journey of knowing and loving our Creator in a very real way today. So don’t give up as your friends move away because they are in a story of their own and their journey is much different from yours, but hold on to the fact that you have a friend above all friends who has been where you are and who will never let you go! Walk in the midst of His incredible love today as you give your life away for the King.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Friday, May 7, 2010
Silent
The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false evidence against Jesus so they could put him to death. But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward. Finally two came forward and declared, “This fellow said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’” Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, “Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you? But Jesus remained silent.
Matthew 26:59-63(TNIV)
As we study the words of Jesus in the book of Matthew, I think it is interesting to notice the times when Jesus intentionally did not speak in addition to looking at the words that He spoke. Here, before the Sanhedrin, Jesus, while being questioned, remained silent. I think that He remained silent because He knew that these lies and accusations and ridicule needed to take place in order for God’s will to be fulfilled. I think that Jesus remained silent as He really had nothing good to say to these men who had no desire really to know or to love God as they were too consumed with the worldly desires of power, influence and financial gain. I think that Jesus ultimately remained silent as a result of His extraordinary love for you and me since He knew that this ridiculous discussion among His enemies needed to happen in order for Him to restore our very hearts and our relationship with our Creator. If you think about it, Jesus did not have to sit there and take any of this, I mean, after all He is the Son of God, the Creator of the universe, all powerful and almighty God. He did this for you only because of His incredible, amazing and unfailing love for you. Are there times when you should remain silent knowing that nothing good will come out of your mouth? Are there times when other colleagues or friends or family speak the most untrue and horrible lies about you and you just want to lash out with your tongue in anger in hopes that you could somehow undo the words that they have just spoken against you? Maybe you should heed Jesus’ example here and remain silent, knowing full well that God is in control and that nothing can stop His pursuit of wanting the very best for your life. No words or actions that you can say or do will be more fulfilling than the abundance, mystery and completeness of Christ’s love living in and through your life. Prayerfully consider your words and actions today as you live out your love for Jesus!
Matthew 26:59-63(TNIV)
As we study the words of Jesus in the book of Matthew, I think it is interesting to notice the times when Jesus intentionally did not speak in addition to looking at the words that He spoke. Here, before the Sanhedrin, Jesus, while being questioned, remained silent. I think that He remained silent because He knew that these lies and accusations and ridicule needed to take place in order for God’s will to be fulfilled. I think that Jesus remained silent as He really had nothing good to say to these men who had no desire really to know or to love God as they were too consumed with the worldly desires of power, influence and financial gain. I think that Jesus ultimately remained silent as a result of His extraordinary love for you and me since He knew that this ridiculous discussion among His enemies needed to happen in order for Him to restore our very hearts and our relationship with our Creator. If you think about it, Jesus did not have to sit there and take any of this, I mean, after all He is the Son of God, the Creator of the universe, all powerful and almighty God. He did this for you only because of His incredible, amazing and unfailing love for you. Are there times when you should remain silent knowing that nothing good will come out of your mouth? Are there times when other colleagues or friends or family speak the most untrue and horrible lies about you and you just want to lash out with your tongue in anger in hopes that you could somehow undo the words that they have just spoken against you? Maybe you should heed Jesus’ example here and remain silent, knowing full well that God is in control and that nothing can stop His pursuit of wanting the very best for your life. No words or actions that you can say or do will be more fulfilling than the abundance, mystery and completeness of Christ’s love living in and through your life. Prayerfully consider your words and actions today as you live out your love for Jesus!
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Better to Trust than to Fight
52 "Put your sword back in its place," Jesus said to him, "for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. 53 Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? 54 But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?"
Matthew 26:52-54(TNIV)
The disciples, as Jesus was being arrested, prepared to fight with their swords in order to somehow stop the inevitable of Jesus being crucified for our sins. How often do we want to fight to try to somehow change God’s plan for our lives? How often do we stubbornly say no to God while He is secretly wooing us to move in a direction toward Him? No, that narrow road that He asks us to take is not always easy and in fact, the reshaping and restoration of our hearts to be more like His can at times be very painful and can seem like we are jumping off a cliff with no parachute; however, the truth of the matter is that in order for God’s dream to be fulfilled in your life, you must take the next step toward Him. Believe me, God will be there for you when you step out of your comfort zone into unfamiliar territory because what He wants more than anything is for you to have enough faith in Him to make a move. After you make that move, you will see and experience the love and power of God like never before in your life, He will catch you in His arms of love that will hold you tight and never let you go. Trust in Jesus today with your whole heart and take that next step in your Journey to know and love Him more!
Matthew 26:52-54(TNIV)
The disciples, as Jesus was being arrested, prepared to fight with their swords in order to somehow stop the inevitable of Jesus being crucified for our sins. How often do we want to fight to try to somehow change God’s plan for our lives? How often do we stubbornly say no to God while He is secretly wooing us to move in a direction toward Him? No, that narrow road that He asks us to take is not always easy and in fact, the reshaping and restoration of our hearts to be more like His can at times be very painful and can seem like we are jumping off a cliff with no parachute; however, the truth of the matter is that in order for God’s dream to be fulfilled in your life, you must take the next step toward Him. Believe me, God will be there for you when you step out of your comfort zone into unfamiliar territory because what He wants more than anything is for you to have enough faith in Him to make a move. After you make that move, you will see and experience the love and power of God like never before in your life, He will catch you in His arms of love that will hold you tight and never let you go. Trust in Jesus today with your whole heart and take that next step in your Journey to know and love Him more!
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Head On
45 Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour is near, and the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners. 46 Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!" Matthew 26:45(TNIV)
It’s incredible to me to read Matthew’s account of Jesus here just before being pointed out by Judas in the start of the most amazing act of love and sacrifice that ever happened for you and me. The enthusiasm and determination to suffer and to give His life is so clear and yet very far from my understanding or comprehension. One thing that I do know for sure is that whatever God may be asking you to do today could not possibly be as bad or as hard as what Jesus had to go through more than 2000 years ago. So, with that in mind, face your challenges and opportunities to reflect God’s love today head on and know that you have a Comforter and Helper who lives inside of your heart of hearts who will give you the strength to press on for He has been there and He knows more than ever how to comfort you and carry you through!
It’s incredible to me to read Matthew’s account of Jesus here just before being pointed out by Judas in the start of the most amazing act of love and sacrifice that ever happened for you and me. The enthusiasm and determination to suffer and to give His life is so clear and yet very far from my understanding or comprehension. One thing that I do know for sure is that whatever God may be asking you to do today could not possibly be as bad or as hard as what Jesus had to go through more than 2000 years ago. So, with that in mind, face your challenges and opportunities to reflect God’s love today head on and know that you have a Comforter and Helper who lives inside of your heart of hearts who will give you the strength to press on for He has been there and He knows more than ever how to comfort you and carry you through!
Monday, March 8, 2010
Spirit is Willing - Flesh is Weak
40 Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. "Couldn't you men keep watch with me for one hour?" he asked Peter. 41 "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." Matthew 26:40-41(TNIV)
Sometimes we are only as good as our fleshly bodies will allow us to be. Oh how I can relate to the disciples here as there have been many times that in my spirit I had great intentions but at the end of the day I was way too tired and exhausted to carry them out. I read a book once entitled "Mind, Body and Spirit" that was written by a pastor here in the Charlotte area addressing this very issue. The author illustrated how important it is to engage not only your mind and Spirit but also your physical body, the better your shape the more that you will be able to do for God. Well, I feel pretty good today as I started my day in the gym at 6:00 and am now drinking a protein shake at my desk in hopes of rebuilding my muscles in order that my wife won’t be embarrassed to lay beside me at the pool in our building this spring. Seriously though, more important than that, I believe that God honors His children who look after their whole person, including physical shape and fitness. Start exercising your flesh today in order that your body will be able to keep up with the amazing dreams that play out in your Spirit and in your mind. Draw near today to only One who can give you the strength to endure and to live a loving life that reflects the amazing grace of Jesus.
Sometimes we are only as good as our fleshly bodies will allow us to be. Oh how I can relate to the disciples here as there have been many times that in my spirit I had great intentions but at the end of the day I was way too tired and exhausted to carry them out. I read a book once entitled "Mind, Body and Spirit" that was written by a pastor here in the Charlotte area addressing this very issue. The author illustrated how important it is to engage not only your mind and Spirit but also your physical body, the better your shape the more that you will be able to do for God. Well, I feel pretty good today as I started my day in the gym at 6:00 and am now drinking a protein shake at my desk in hopes of rebuilding my muscles in order that my wife won’t be embarrassed to lay beside me at the pool in our building this spring. Seriously though, more important than that, I believe that God honors His children who look after their whole person, including physical shape and fitness. Start exercising your flesh today in order that your body will be able to keep up with the amazing dreams that play out in your Spirit and in your mind. Draw near today to only One who can give you the strength to endure and to live a loving life that reflects the amazing grace of Jesus.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Celebration of Life
26 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take and eat; this is my body."
27 Then he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. 28 This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29 I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom."
30 When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
Matthew 26:6-26-30(TNIV)
Many refer to the discipline that Jesus discusses here as communion. I like to refer to it as a celebration! A celebration of life and a remembrance of the incredible sacrifice that Jesus made for everyone who makes a conscious decision to embrace Him. One day, as Jesus describes here, all of us who have dared to enter in to this amazing journey of life with Christ will unite in heaven and there will be drinking of wine and singing and a perfect community of believers that are bonded together by the holy and perfect love of our Creator and Friend. Oh what a day that will be. The small glimpses that we experience on earth today; the experiences that bring joyful tears; the ones that give you goose bumps all over will happen all the time since your brokenness that causes a temporary separation from God will be healed and you will be made whole and complete forever in Him! Don’t ever forget the price that Jesus paid for you and be sure to anticipate the grand celebration that we will all experience one day with our Savior when He looks at us with tears in His eyes as a result of His incredible love and says “well done”.
27 Then he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. 28 This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29 I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom."
30 When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
Matthew 26:6-26-30(TNIV)
Many refer to the discipline that Jesus discusses here as communion. I like to refer to it as a celebration! A celebration of life and a remembrance of the incredible sacrifice that Jesus made for everyone who makes a conscious decision to embrace Him. One day, as Jesus describes here, all of us who have dared to enter in to this amazing journey of life with Christ will unite in heaven and there will be drinking of wine and singing and a perfect community of believers that are bonded together by the holy and perfect love of our Creator and Friend. Oh what a day that will be. The small glimpses that we experience on earth today; the experiences that bring joyful tears; the ones that give you goose bumps all over will happen all the time since your brokenness that causes a temporary separation from God will be healed and you will be made whole and complete forever in Him! Don’t ever forget the price that Jesus paid for you and be sure to anticipate the grand celebration that we will all experience one day with our Savior when He looks at us with tears in His eyes as a result of His incredible love and says “well done”.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Effects of War
20 When evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the Twelve. 21 And while they were eating, he said, "Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me."
22 They were very sad and began to say to him one after the other, "Surely not I, Lord?"
23 Jesus replied, "The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me. 24 The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born."
25 Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, "Surely not I, Rabbi?"
Jesus answered, "You have said so."
Matthew 26:6-20-25(TNIV)
Can you imagine how Jesus must have felt? In the heat of the battle, about to suffer more than you and I could ever imagine for the sake of restoring all of us to Himself and knowing full well that it was one of His closest friends, one of His inner circle of supporters that would betray Him. Don’t ever forget that we live in a world at war! There will be people that betray you because of your faith in Christ. Some of your closest friends will become victims of defeat to the enemy. There will be people who befriend you that will never really be your friend. Please know when this happens to you that you have a friend who sticks closer than a brother, a friend who has experienced this same kind of hurt and came out on the other side to help comfort you when you endure similar blows due to the brokenness of this world and the battle that we face. Stay connected to your power source today, let His love give you strength to press on and let His grace and mercy soothe your pain and comfort you as you journey to know and love Him more.
22 They were very sad and began to say to him one after the other, "Surely not I, Lord?"
23 Jesus replied, "The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me. 24 The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born."
25 Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, "Surely not I, Rabbi?"
Jesus answered, "You have said so."
Matthew 26:6-20-25(TNIV)
Can you imagine how Jesus must have felt? In the heat of the battle, about to suffer more than you and I could ever imagine for the sake of restoring all of us to Himself and knowing full well that it was one of His closest friends, one of His inner circle of supporters that would betray Him. Don’t ever forget that we live in a world at war! There will be people that betray you because of your faith in Christ. Some of your closest friends will become victims of defeat to the enemy. There will be people who befriend you that will never really be your friend. Please know when this happens to you that you have a friend who sticks closer than a brother, a friend who has experienced this same kind of hurt and came out on the other side to help comfort you when you endure similar blows due to the brokenness of this world and the battle that we face. Stay connected to your power source today, let His love give you strength to press on and let His grace and mercy soothe your pain and comfort you as you journey to know and love Him more.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
