33 At noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. 34 And at three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?" (which means "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?").
35 When some of those standing near heard this, they said, "Listen, he's calling Elijah."
36 Someone ran, filled a sponge with wine vinegar, put it on a staff, and offered it to Jesus to drink. "Now leave him alone. Let's see if Elijah comes to take him down," he said.
37 With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last.
Mark 15:33-37
In order for our sins to be forgiven, Jesus had to take on the sin of the world and be put to death for the punishment of our sin. The worst part was having to be separated from God as God can not have any part of sin since He is holy and pure and perfect. How horrible that must have been and yet he did it out of love for me and love for you in order that we could once again be reunited with our Father in Heaven who wants nothing more from us than a relationship where He can love us and guide us and take all the bad and broken pieces of our lives and turn them around into something beautiful and good. In the end, this is what Thanksgiving is all about. As President Lincoln wrote on October 3rd, 1863:
“I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility and union.”
Be thankful this week for all that God has done for you, remember Jesus and the price that He paid in order that we all could be free to have a relationship once again with our Creator and Friend who loves us dearly and will never let us go!
May God bless you and your family as you give thanks to the King this holiday season.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Envy
1 Very early in the morning, the chief priests, with the elders, the teachers of the law and the whole Sanhedrin, reached a decision. They bound Jesus, led him away and handed him over to Pilate.
2 "Are you the king of the Jews?" asked Pilate.
"You have said so," Jesus replied.
3 The chief priests accused him of many things. 4 So again Pilate asked him, "Aren't you going to answer? See how many things they are accusing you of."
5 But Jesus still made no reply, and Pilate was amazed.
6 Now it was the custom at the Festival to release a prisoner whom the people requested. 7 A man called Barabbas was in prison with the insurrectionists who had committed murder in the uprising. 8 The crowd came up and asked Pilate to do for them what he usually did.
9 "Do you want me to release to you the king of the Jews?" asked Pilate, 10 knowing it was out of envy that the chief priests had handed Jesus over to him. 11 But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have Pilate release Barabbas instead.
12 "What shall I do, then, with the one you call the king of the Jews?" Pilate asked them.
13 "Crucify him!" they shouted.
14 "Why? What crime has he committed?" asked Pilate.
But they shouted all the louder, "Crucify him!"
15 Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. He had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.
Mark 15:1-15
Envious of His love; envious of His following; envious of His radical words and actions that would change the way that the world would interact with God, forever, they crucified Him. If they only knew who they were crucifying and why He had come; if they only knew that they were envious of the very person that could give them so much more than the self fulfilling pride that caused them to treat the only one who really loved them the way that they did. In the end, the joke was on them, as we who follow him know, all of this had to happen in order for you and I to be restored and to be forgiven as He took our place on the cross. Jesus took our place and suffered all of this pain and rejection and humility and shame in order that we could once again live in the ever so sweet relationship with our Heavenly Father whose love is unimaginable and never ending. How could we not want to serve Him today; how could we not want to give Him our hearts and let His love shine through us as we journey together to know and love Him more. Be thankful today for all that God has done for you and for all of the blessings in your life, stay clear of the sin of envy as you see how it can blind the eyes and the hearts of all who give in to it’s deceiving lure. Don’t make the same mistake that the Chief Priests made so many years ago, give your life away for the King and He will give you everything in return.
2 "Are you the king of the Jews?" asked Pilate.
"You have said so," Jesus replied.
3 The chief priests accused him of many things. 4 So again Pilate asked him, "Aren't you going to answer? See how many things they are accusing you of."
5 But Jesus still made no reply, and Pilate was amazed.
6 Now it was the custom at the Festival to release a prisoner whom the people requested. 7 A man called Barabbas was in prison with the insurrectionists who had committed murder in the uprising. 8 The crowd came up and asked Pilate to do for them what he usually did.
9 "Do you want me to release to you the king of the Jews?" asked Pilate, 10 knowing it was out of envy that the chief priests had handed Jesus over to him. 11 But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have Pilate release Barabbas instead.
12 "What shall I do, then, with the one you call the king of the Jews?" Pilate asked them.
13 "Crucify him!" they shouted.
14 "Why? What crime has he committed?" asked Pilate.
But they shouted all the louder, "Crucify him!"
15 Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. He had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.
Mark 15:1-15
Envious of His love; envious of His following; envious of His radical words and actions that would change the way that the world would interact with God, forever, they crucified Him. If they only knew who they were crucifying and why He had come; if they only knew that they were envious of the very person that could give them so much more than the self fulfilling pride that caused them to treat the only one who really loved them the way that they did. In the end, the joke was on them, as we who follow him know, all of this had to happen in order for you and I to be restored and to be forgiven as He took our place on the cross. Jesus took our place and suffered all of this pain and rejection and humility and shame in order that we could once again live in the ever so sweet relationship with our Heavenly Father whose love is unimaginable and never ending. How could we not want to serve Him today; how could we not want to give Him our hearts and let His love shine through us as we journey together to know and love Him more. Be thankful today for all that God has done for you and for all of the blessings in your life, stay clear of the sin of envy as you see how it can blind the eyes and the hearts of all who give in to it’s deceiving lure. Don’t make the same mistake that the Chief Priests made so many years ago, give your life away for the King and He will give you everything in return.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Fallen World
66 While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came by. 67 When she saw Peter warming himself, she looked closely at him.
"You also were with that Nazarene, Jesus," she said.
68 But he denied it. "I don't know or understand what you're talking about," he said, and went out into the entryway.
69 When the servant girl saw him there, she said again to those standing around, "This fellow is one of them." 70 Again he denied it.
After a little while, those standing near said to Peter, "Surely you are one of them, for you are a Galilean."
71 He began to call down curses, and he swore to them, "I don't know this man you're talking about."
72 Immediately the rooster crowed the second time. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken to him: "Before the rooster crows twice you will disown me three times." And he broke down and wept.
Mark 14:66-72
As a result of this fallen world in which we live and as a result of your brokenness and what the Bible calls your flesh, you will unfortunately, as we see evident in Peter’s life here in the story, not always make the right choices in this life. The encouraging thing this morning is that our God already knows, as he knew how Peter was going to deny Him way before it happened, that you are not always going to live a perfect life. Let me tell you that He loves you anyway! As a fellow ministry partner at our church so eloquently recited yesterday, “you didn’t work yourself into a relationship with Christ, and so you can never work yourself out.” If you could live a perfect life then Jesus would have never had to die and you would not need Him in order to experience God. Peter, after denying Christ, went on to win thousands upon thousands for the Lord and in addition wrote several books of the Bible. God could use Peter to have a huge impact on this world for Him because Peter finally learned to trust in God’s strength working through him and not to trust in his own strength which would only fall short of the righteousness of God. Surrender your whole heart to God today – accept His grace and accept His awesome unconditional love into your life as you set out to live a life that reflects His love and His strength to a world in desperate need of a Savior. Go in peace and live your life for the King.
"You also were with that Nazarene, Jesus," she said.
68 But he denied it. "I don't know or understand what you're talking about," he said, and went out into the entryway.
69 When the servant girl saw him there, she said again to those standing around, "This fellow is one of them." 70 Again he denied it.
After a little while, those standing near said to Peter, "Surely you are one of them, for you are a Galilean."
71 He began to call down curses, and he swore to them, "I don't know this man you're talking about."
72 Immediately the rooster crowed the second time. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken to him: "Before the rooster crows twice you will disown me three times." And he broke down and wept.
Mark 14:66-72
As a result of this fallen world in which we live and as a result of your brokenness and what the Bible calls your flesh, you will unfortunately, as we see evident in Peter’s life here in the story, not always make the right choices in this life. The encouraging thing this morning is that our God already knows, as he knew how Peter was going to deny Him way before it happened, that you are not always going to live a perfect life. Let me tell you that He loves you anyway! As a fellow ministry partner at our church so eloquently recited yesterday, “you didn’t work yourself into a relationship with Christ, and so you can never work yourself out.” If you could live a perfect life then Jesus would have never had to die and you would not need Him in order to experience God. Peter, after denying Christ, went on to win thousands upon thousands for the Lord and in addition wrote several books of the Bible. God could use Peter to have a huge impact on this world for Him because Peter finally learned to trust in God’s strength working through him and not to trust in his own strength which would only fall short of the righteousness of God. Surrender your whole heart to God today – accept His grace and accept His awesome unconditional love into your life as you set out to live a life that reflects His love and His strength to a world in desperate need of a Savior. Go in peace and live your life for the King.
Friday, November 21, 2008
He Is
60 Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus, "Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?" 61 But Jesus remained silent and gave no answer.
Again the high priest asked him, "Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?" 62 "I am," said Jesus. "And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven." 63 The high priest tore his clothes. "Why do we need any more witnesses?" he asked. 64 "You have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?" They all condemned him as worthy of death. 65 Then some began to spit at him; they blindfolded him, struck him with their fists, and said, "Prophesy!" And the guards took him and beat him.
Mark 14:60-65
Jesus, knowing the hearts of those who were accusing Him and knowing what was about to happen, simply answered, “I am.” There is something that is very soothing to me about those two words by Jesus. “He is” the Creator of the Heavens and earth. “He is” our hope for salvation and for peace and for abundant life here on this earth. “He is” everything that we will ever need to be happy. “He is” our Healer and the transformer of our hearts. “He is” the one who guides and directs and the one who is in control of everything that happens today. “He is” our Lover and our Friend and the one who sat in front of these men having done absolutely nothing wrong, knowing the humiliation and pain that He was about to bear and He sat there and let it happen ever so graciously, all on account of your sin and my sin in order that we could once again have a relationship with God, forever. How could you not want to follow Him today and how could you not want to receive His love and walk in His grace and live your life for Him? He is worthy and He is waiting for you to accept Him into your heart of hearts – ask Him now and He will respond, and your life will never be the same.
Again the high priest asked him, "Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?" 62 "I am," said Jesus. "And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven." 63 The high priest tore his clothes. "Why do we need any more witnesses?" he asked. 64 "You have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?" They all condemned him as worthy of death. 65 Then some began to spit at him; they blindfolded him, struck him with their fists, and said, "Prophesy!" And the guards took him and beat him.
Mark 14:60-65
Jesus, knowing the hearts of those who were accusing Him and knowing what was about to happen, simply answered, “I am.” There is something that is very soothing to me about those two words by Jesus. “He is” the Creator of the Heavens and earth. “He is” our hope for salvation and for peace and for abundant life here on this earth. “He is” everything that we will ever need to be happy. “He is” our Healer and the transformer of our hearts. “He is” the one who guides and directs and the one who is in control of everything that happens today. “He is” our Lover and our Friend and the one who sat in front of these men having done absolutely nothing wrong, knowing the humiliation and pain that He was about to bear and He sat there and let it happen ever so graciously, all on account of your sin and my sin in order that we could once again have a relationship with God, forever. How could you not want to follow Him today and how could you not want to receive His love and walk in His grace and live your life for Him? He is worthy and He is waiting for you to accept Him into your heart of hearts – ask Him now and He will respond, and your life will never be the same.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Naked and Ashamed
51 A young man, wearing nothing but a linen garment, was following Jesus. When they seized him, 52 he fled naked, leaving his garment behind.
Mark 14:51-52
Please allow me to veer off of the main premise of this book being the words spoken by Jesus in the New Testament for just one moment here as I love this verse and could not get past it this morning without including it here in today’s devotion. The details and description that are found in God’s Word just blow me away at times as it amazes me how God is concerned about the smallest details of our every day life. This young man that the Apostle Mark mentions here is obviously very disturbed and fearful after viewing the arrest of Jesus and so he decides to run as fast as he can the other direction, away from Jesus, even leaving his garment behind and fleeing naked. Isn’t this a true picture of how we as Christ followers feel at times when we decide to go our own way and make decisions that are not in sync with God’s will for our lives? Without the power of God guiding and directing us and without the peace and love that His Holy Spirit brings as we choose to walk in obedience and follow promptings on our hearts, we do indeed feel naked and ashamed as God’s purpose for our lives always completes us and makes us whole and secure. Are you feeling at peace with the direction of your life this morning? Maybe you are feeling naked and ashamed as you have gone your own way and have chosen to obey your flesh instead of obeying God’s Spirit who wants nothing more than abundance and peace for you today. Take some time right now in prayer to redirect the actions of your life back toward the only One who makes you whole and gives you peace.
Mark 14:51-52
Please allow me to veer off of the main premise of this book being the words spoken by Jesus in the New Testament for just one moment here as I love this verse and could not get past it this morning without including it here in today’s devotion. The details and description that are found in God’s Word just blow me away at times as it amazes me how God is concerned about the smallest details of our every day life. This young man that the Apostle Mark mentions here is obviously very disturbed and fearful after viewing the arrest of Jesus and so he decides to run as fast as he can the other direction, away from Jesus, even leaving his garment behind and fleeing naked. Isn’t this a true picture of how we as Christ followers feel at times when we decide to go our own way and make decisions that are not in sync with God’s will for our lives? Without the power of God guiding and directing us and without the peace and love that His Holy Spirit brings as we choose to walk in obedience and follow promptings on our hearts, we do indeed feel naked and ashamed as God’s purpose for our lives always completes us and makes us whole and secure. Are you feeling at peace with the direction of your life this morning? Maybe you are feeling naked and ashamed as you have gone your own way and have chosen to obey your flesh instead of obeying God’s Spirit who wants nothing more than abundance and peace for you today. Take some time right now in prayer to redirect the actions of your life back toward the only One who makes you whole and gives you peace.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
All Alone
43 Just as he was speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, appeared. With him was a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, the teachers of the law, and the elders. 44 Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: "The one I kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard." 45 Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, "Rabbi!" and kissed him. 46 The men seized Jesus and arrested him. 47 Then one of those standing near drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. 48 "Am I leading a rebellion," said Jesus, "that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? 49 Every day I was with you, teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled." 50 Then everyone deserted him and fled.
Mark 14:43-50
For many of you, I know that there times when you feel all alone in this world. For a number of you I understand that there are times when you feel like everyone has deserted you and you are left to struggle through these difficult times all alone. If this is you then please know this morning that Jesus has experienced that same pain and emptiness as He was betrayed by one of His closest friends and if that wasn’t bad enough, at a time when he needed His core group of friends the most they all deserted Him for fear of losing their lives. Paul tells us that as Christ followers we will be aliens and strangers in this fallen world as a result of our commitment to live a life that honors our Father in Heaven. Jesus, having experienced more pain and loneliness than you and I could ever imagine, can understand your feelings this morning as He has been there. He would tell you this morning that He is here to hold your hand today that He is here to be your friend as he guides you through this difficult time in your life in order that his love would shine through in the end. It is only in times of solitude and in the realization that you cannot do this life thing on your own that you will truly see God, know that He is real and experience His healing and transforming power and love! Cling to Jesus today with all of your heart and all of your soul and all of your mind and He will replace your emptiness with an unspeakable love and peace that will carry you through.
Mark 14:43-50
For many of you, I know that there times when you feel all alone in this world. For a number of you I understand that there are times when you feel like everyone has deserted you and you are left to struggle through these difficult times all alone. If this is you then please know this morning that Jesus has experienced that same pain and emptiness as He was betrayed by one of His closest friends and if that wasn’t bad enough, at a time when he needed His core group of friends the most they all deserted Him for fear of losing their lives. Paul tells us that as Christ followers we will be aliens and strangers in this fallen world as a result of our commitment to live a life that honors our Father in Heaven. Jesus, having experienced more pain and loneliness than you and I could ever imagine, can understand your feelings this morning as He has been there. He would tell you this morning that He is here to hold your hand today that He is here to be your friend as he guides you through this difficult time in your life in order that his love would shine through in the end. It is only in times of solitude and in the realization that you cannot do this life thing on your own that you will truly see God, know that He is real and experience His healing and transforming power and love! Cling to Jesus today with all of your heart and all of your soul and all of your mind and He will replace your emptiness with an unspeakable love and peace that will carry you through.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
When the Going gets Tough
39 Once more he went away and prayed the same thing. 40 When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. They did not know what to say to him. 41 Returning the third time, he said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! The hour has come. Look, the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners. 42 Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!"
Mark 14:39-42
Well I can certainly relate to what the disciples were feeling this morning with heavy eyes as my day in the office has begun at a very early hour after watching my favorite football team get yet another victory on Monday night football last evening! I am encouraged and challenged this morning as I read again how Jesus spent all of the final hours of His ministry here on this earth in prayer. The times did not get any worse for Him as He knew what was about to happen and He went through something that you and I could only hope that we will never have to face here on this earth. He spent his final hours in prayer, communicating with the Father, asking for strength and power to face the horrible crucifixion and death that He was about to face, all because of our sin. What do you do when the going gets tough? Do you have a few more glasses of wine than you would normally have? Do you let your emotions get the best of you and lash out at your family or colleagues or friends? Do you go on a shopping binge or maybe an eating binge or maybe you spend all of your free time asleep as we find the disciples doing here? Do you go to the Father when the going gets tough – God is waiting for you this morning to hear your cry; He is waiting to listen to you as admit that this life is much more than you can handle on your own and He is waiting for you to ask for His help. God wants more than ever today for you to rest in His arms of love as He fills your life with His strength and power to overcome and be victorious in this life. He loves you more than you could ever imagine – spend some time with Him today before you do anything else and you will see what a difference His love can make!
Mark 14:39-42
Well I can certainly relate to what the disciples were feeling this morning with heavy eyes as my day in the office has begun at a very early hour after watching my favorite football team get yet another victory on Monday night football last evening! I am encouraged and challenged this morning as I read again how Jesus spent all of the final hours of His ministry here on this earth in prayer. The times did not get any worse for Him as He knew what was about to happen and He went through something that you and I could only hope that we will never have to face here on this earth. He spent his final hours in prayer, communicating with the Father, asking for strength and power to face the horrible crucifixion and death that He was about to face, all because of our sin. What do you do when the going gets tough? Do you have a few more glasses of wine than you would normally have? Do you let your emotions get the best of you and lash out at your family or colleagues or friends? Do you go on a shopping binge or maybe an eating binge or maybe you spend all of your free time asleep as we find the disciples doing here? Do you go to the Father when the going gets tough – God is waiting for you this morning to hear your cry; He is waiting to listen to you as admit that this life is much more than you can handle on your own and He is waiting for you to ask for His help. God wants more than ever today for you to rest in His arms of love as He fills your life with His strength and power to overcome and be victorious in this life. He loves you more than you could ever imagine – spend some time with Him today before you do anything else and you will see what a difference His love can make!
Monday, November 17, 2008
Watch and Pray
37 Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. "Simon," he said to Peter, "are you asleep? Could you not keep watch for one hour? 38 Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."
Mark 14:37-38
I had one of those nights last evening, you know, the kind where I had so much to do today at work that I couldn’t get to sleep as a result of my mind spinning out of control about all of the activities that will be happening today in the office. Sometimes, our best efforts to either go to sleep or to stay awake are not good enough to keep our bodies from responding the way that we would want them to respond. Similarly, if we try within our own power to obey God and to live our lives in such a way that honors Him, we undoubtedly will fail. The two key words here in this example by Jesus are “watch” and “pray”. First we should always be watching with the eyes of our heart the world around us in an effort to discern how the Spirit is working in our lives and how God would want to use us in the lives of others that we encounter today. Second, and no doubt the most important task on our part as Christ followers is to always be in prayer as prayer and communication with God is what the Christian life is all about. It is through prayer that the power of God is revealed in and through our lives; it is through prayer that we begin to understand the heart of God; it is through prayer that we are healed and transformed from the inside out to be more like Jesus. Watch and pray today as God uses your life to have an impact for Him in this fallen world in which we live!
Mark 14:37-38
I had one of those nights last evening, you know, the kind where I had so much to do today at work that I couldn’t get to sleep as a result of my mind spinning out of control about all of the activities that will be happening today in the office. Sometimes, our best efforts to either go to sleep or to stay awake are not good enough to keep our bodies from responding the way that we would want them to respond. Similarly, if we try within our own power to obey God and to live our lives in such a way that honors Him, we undoubtedly will fail. The two key words here in this example by Jesus are “watch” and “pray”. First we should always be watching with the eyes of our heart the world around us in an effort to discern how the Spirit is working in our lives and how God would want to use us in the lives of others that we encounter today. Second, and no doubt the most important task on our part as Christ followers is to always be in prayer as prayer and communication with God is what the Christian life is all about. It is through prayer that the power of God is revealed in and through our lives; it is through prayer that we begin to understand the heart of God; it is through prayer that we are healed and transformed from the inside out to be more like Jesus. Watch and pray today as God uses your life to have an impact for Him in this fallen world in which we live!
Friday, November 14, 2008
Not my Will but Yours
35 Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. 36 "Abba, Father," he said, "everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will."
Mark 14:35-36
Jesus, being fully man and fully God and knowing that He would shortly be humiliated and abused and beaten to the point of death and then finally crucified on a cross, pleaded with God the Father to not have to go through such a horrible and painful experience. For a brief moment in time Jesus asked for the cup to be taken from Him in order that he wouldn’t have to be separated from the God and Father that He so dearly loved and that He wouldn’t have to endure such pain and humiliation and suffering, all on account of mankind's sin. But then, knowing the end of the story and knowing the victory that would encompass all who believed in Him after His resurrection, He willingly agreed to do the will of the father and not to give in to the will of the flesh which would want no part of what was about to happen. “Not my will but your will”, is how Jesus responded and that is all that God would ask of you and of me today as His followers, to surrender to His will in every part of our lives in order that His Spirit could go to work to restore and to renew our relationship with the God who loved us so much that He gave the life of His very Son to set us free! Will you surrender today? Will you accept this awesome gift of love into your life in order that you could be changed from the inside out in a way that God’s love could be reflected through you onto others who do not yet know Him as their Savior? Jesus is waiting – He endured much pain and suffering to make this day possible – He is knocking on your heart's door and wants to give you an eternal life with him that is full of abundance and joy and peace and love like you have never experienced before. Surrender to His call today and live your life for the King!
Mark 14:35-36
Jesus, being fully man and fully God and knowing that He would shortly be humiliated and abused and beaten to the point of death and then finally crucified on a cross, pleaded with God the Father to not have to go through such a horrible and painful experience. For a brief moment in time Jesus asked for the cup to be taken from Him in order that he wouldn’t have to be separated from the God and Father that He so dearly loved and that He wouldn’t have to endure such pain and humiliation and suffering, all on account of mankind's sin. But then, knowing the end of the story and knowing the victory that would encompass all who believed in Him after His resurrection, He willingly agreed to do the will of the father and not to give in to the will of the flesh which would want no part of what was about to happen. “Not my will but your will”, is how Jesus responded and that is all that God would ask of you and of me today as His followers, to surrender to His will in every part of our lives in order that His Spirit could go to work to restore and to renew our relationship with the God who loved us so much that He gave the life of His very Son to set us free! Will you surrender today? Will you accept this awesome gift of love into your life in order that you could be changed from the inside out in a way that God’s love could be reflected through you onto others who do not yet know Him as their Savior? Jesus is waiting – He endured much pain and suffering to make this day possible – He is knocking on your heart's door and wants to give you an eternal life with him that is full of abundance and joy and peace and love like you have never experienced before. Surrender to His call today and live your life for the King!
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Sorrow Before Great Victory
32 They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, "Sit here while I pray." 33 He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. 34 "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death," he said to them. "Stay here and keep watch."
Mark 14:32-34
Jesus was about to give His life in order to redeem you and me and everyone who would accept this awesome gift of life until that day when he returns again to take us all to paradise. As we read, He was deeply distressed and troubled and filled with sorrow just prior to this great miracle and battle and victory coming to fruition. How often do we as Christ followers experience a similar sorrow and similar trouble and stress just prior to God using us in an awesome way or just prior to God performing a miracle in our midst? Know today that this sorrow and trouble is not by accident as we live in a spiritual battle that is raging all around us. There are angels and demons in a 3rd realm who are fighting for control and attention of your heart and mind. The last thing that the enemy would like to see is for God to use you in an effective way for His Kingdom, and so, the trouble and sorrow comes as the enemy would try to discourage you and sideline you in this battle that we are all in for the cause of Christ. If you are sorrowful today; if life seems to be just a little too hard for you to handle; if trouble and stress seem to be coming your way by the truckload and you feel like giving up and giving in and throwing in the towel then be encouraged because this sorrow could very well be a sign that something big is about to happen in your life. The trouble that you are facing may very well be a foretelling of God using you in an extraordinary way to have an impact on this world for Him. Draw near to God and keep pressing on as God will give you the strength to endure and He will indeed use your life in such a way that would have an eternal impact on the world around you. Jesus felt the same sorrow that you are feeling today and yet He pressed on, knowing the pain and humiliation and trouble that lurked ahead of Him all because of His awesome love for you – do the same today as a result of your love for Him and you will see and experience the power and love of God!
Mark 14:32-34
Jesus was about to give His life in order to redeem you and me and everyone who would accept this awesome gift of life until that day when he returns again to take us all to paradise. As we read, He was deeply distressed and troubled and filled with sorrow just prior to this great miracle and battle and victory coming to fruition. How often do we as Christ followers experience a similar sorrow and similar trouble and stress just prior to God using us in an awesome way or just prior to God performing a miracle in our midst? Know today that this sorrow and trouble is not by accident as we live in a spiritual battle that is raging all around us. There are angels and demons in a 3rd realm who are fighting for control and attention of your heart and mind. The last thing that the enemy would like to see is for God to use you in an effective way for His Kingdom, and so, the trouble and sorrow comes as the enemy would try to discourage you and sideline you in this battle that we are all in for the cause of Christ. If you are sorrowful today; if life seems to be just a little too hard for you to handle; if trouble and stress seem to be coming your way by the truckload and you feel like giving up and giving in and throwing in the towel then be encouraged because this sorrow could very well be a sign that something big is about to happen in your life. The trouble that you are facing may very well be a foretelling of God using you in an extraordinary way to have an impact on this world for Him. Draw near to God and keep pressing on as God will give you the strength to endure and He will indeed use your life in such a way that would have an eternal impact on the world around you. Jesus felt the same sorrow that you are feeling today and yet He pressed on, knowing the pain and humiliation and trouble that lurked ahead of Him all because of His awesome love for you – do the same today as a result of your love for Him and you will see and experience the power and love of God!
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Unimaginable Grace and Forgiveness
29 Peter declared, "Even if all fall away, I will not." 30 "Truly I tell you," Jesus answered, "today—yes, tonight—before the rooster crows twice you yourself will disown me three times." 31 But Peter insisted emphatically, "Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you." And all the others said the same.
Mark 14:29-31
Jesus, at a time when he would need the support of His closest followers the most, knew that they would disown Him and in fact is even able to describe to Peter the circumstances of His personal rejection of Jesus that was about to happen in the coming days. The rest of the story as we will read later is that Peter did just as Jesus had described. The story doesn’t end there though, the most amazing part and unimaginable thing that followed in the weeks and months and years to come is a true reflection of the heart of the God we serve. Jesus, forgave Peter for disowning Him and above that even, He used Peter to be one of the pillars of the church that you and I enjoy and worship in today. See, God understands the brokenness and sin of this world in which we live. He understands that there will be times of defeat, times that we struggle and fail despite our best efforts. What Jesus is communicating to us through this passage this morning is that He knows already how we will respond and choices that we will make today and He knows that not all of those choices will be in the best interest of our relationship with Him and yet He loves us anyway. See, the moral of the story is that it is not about us. No, it is not about our own efforts to achieve through our own strength some sort of “Super Christian” status or to be a person who lives a perfect life. It is about Jesus and the price that He paid for each and every one of us in order that we could be free to live a life with Him where we are forgiven completely and eternally for sins of the past as well as the future. It is about this amazing and incomprehensible grace and forgiveness that reaches down to the innermost parts of our soul and somehow starts the healing process in order that slowly but surely our brokenness and sin and shame can be healed by God’s Spirit who lives inside as we one day at a time learn what it means to know and love Jesus more - rest in this amazing love and forgiveness today as you start anew your journey with God.
Mark 14:29-31
Jesus, at a time when he would need the support of His closest followers the most, knew that they would disown Him and in fact is even able to describe to Peter the circumstances of His personal rejection of Jesus that was about to happen in the coming days. The rest of the story as we will read later is that Peter did just as Jesus had described. The story doesn’t end there though, the most amazing part and unimaginable thing that followed in the weeks and months and years to come is a true reflection of the heart of the God we serve. Jesus, forgave Peter for disowning Him and above that even, He used Peter to be one of the pillars of the church that you and I enjoy and worship in today. See, God understands the brokenness and sin of this world in which we live. He understands that there will be times of defeat, times that we struggle and fail despite our best efforts. What Jesus is communicating to us through this passage this morning is that He knows already how we will respond and choices that we will make today and He knows that not all of those choices will be in the best interest of our relationship with Him and yet He loves us anyway. See, the moral of the story is that it is not about us. No, it is not about our own efforts to achieve through our own strength some sort of “Super Christian” status or to be a person who lives a perfect life. It is about Jesus and the price that He paid for each and every one of us in order that we could be free to live a life with Him where we are forgiven completely and eternally for sins of the past as well as the future. It is about this amazing and incomprehensible grace and forgiveness that reaches down to the innermost parts of our soul and somehow starts the healing process in order that slowly but surely our brokenness and sin and shame can be healed by God’s Spirit who lives inside as we one day at a time learn what it means to know and love Jesus more - rest in this amazing love and forgiveness today as you start anew your journey with God.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Jesus is Leading the Way
27 Jesus told them, "You're all going to feel that your world is falling apart and that it's my fault. There's a Scripture that says, I will strike the shepherd; The sheep will go helter-skelter. 28 "But after I am raised up, I will go ahead of you, leading the way to Galilee."
Mark 14:27-28
I can’t imagine how the disciples must have felt when Jesus was crucified. These men had left everything in order to follow Him and at this point in the story they really didn’t understand what was happening and why Jesus had to die in order that we all call could be restored in our relationship to the Father. Jesus is warning them here about what is going to happen and I love the last part of His statement which says that He will go ahead of them and lead the way. Jesus is leading the way for you and I today. He has already planted a seed in the hearts of people whom we will come into contact with today that need to hear about and see in action the love of God in our lives. Jesus has already gone into that boardroom this morning to pave the way for that meeting that has been such a burden on your heart; He has gone before you to that job interview; He has gone before you to the school where your kids will learn and grow in their relationship with Him; He has gone already before you to touch the heart of that friend whom you have hurt; He leads the way to healing both physical and spiritual in the hospital and in your home. God knows exactly the circumstances that you will face today and in fact, He has already done His work in order that you can rest in His love knowing full well that His will, will be done in your life and that His power will shine forth as you journey with Him to know and love Him more. Walk with confidence today as your Savior and friend is leading the way to abundant life with Him.
Mark 14:27-28
I can’t imagine how the disciples must have felt when Jesus was crucified. These men had left everything in order to follow Him and at this point in the story they really didn’t understand what was happening and why Jesus had to die in order that we all call could be restored in our relationship to the Father. Jesus is warning them here about what is going to happen and I love the last part of His statement which says that He will go ahead of them and lead the way. Jesus is leading the way for you and I today. He has already planted a seed in the hearts of people whom we will come into contact with today that need to hear about and see in action the love of God in our lives. Jesus has already gone into that boardroom this morning to pave the way for that meeting that has been such a burden on your heart; He has gone before you to that job interview; He has gone before you to the school where your kids will learn and grow in their relationship with Him; He has gone already before you to touch the heart of that friend whom you have hurt; He leads the way to healing both physical and spiritual in the hospital and in your home. God knows exactly the circumstances that you will face today and in fact, He has already done His work in order that you can rest in His love knowing full well that His will, will be done in your life and that His power will shine forth as you journey with Him to know and love Him more. Walk with confidence today as your Savior and friend is leading the way to abundant life with Him.
Monday, November 10, 2008
In Awe
12 On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, when it was customary to sacrifice the Passover lamb, Jesus' disciples asked him, "Where do you want us to go and make preparations for you to eat the Passover?"
13 So he sent two of his disciples, telling them, "Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him. 14 Say to the owner of the house he enters, 'The Teacher asks: Where is my guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?' 15 He will show you a large room upstairs, furnished and ready. Make preparations for us there."
16 The disciples left, went into the city and found things just as Jesus had told them. So they prepared the Passover.
17 When evening came, Jesus arrived with the Twelve. 18 While they were reclining at the table eating, he said, "Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me—one who is eating with me."
19 They were saddened, and one by one they said to him, "Surely not I?"
20 "It is one of the Twelve," he replied, "one who dips bread into the bowl with me. 21 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."
22 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take it; this is my body."
23 Then he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and they all drank from it.
24 "This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many," he said to them. 25 "Truly I tell you, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God."
26 When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives
Mark 14:12-26 TNIV
The Kingdom of God is like new wine – it is sweet to the taste and ever so satisfying as it will quench your thirst and fill your empty and lonely heart with a love that is so real and so genuine and so perfect that you won’t be able to contain it within yourself, you will want to share and reflect it to everyone that you meet. This morning, I am in Awe of God as I remember the sacrifice that He paid for me. I am in Awe this morning of the Spirit with which He has filled my life in order that His power could be made perfect in my weakness. I am in Awe of how He has healed my broken heart and how He is slowly but surely helping me to understand who He is and how much He loves me. I am in Awe of His unconditional love and acceptance of me, despite my many failures and shortfalls. I am in Awe of the privilege of being called His son and the honor of being a broken vessel that He can somehow navigate through this crazy world in such a way that His love is seen through me. I am in Awe of my God, my Lover, my Savior and Friend – He is my everything, the reason I live and breath and I vow this morning to give Him my whole heart, forever!
I love you Lord – thank you for who you are and all that you have done to restore us and set us free to rest in your magnificent love! – Amen.
13 So he sent two of his disciples, telling them, "Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him. 14 Say to the owner of the house he enters, 'The Teacher asks: Where is my guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?' 15 He will show you a large room upstairs, furnished and ready. Make preparations for us there."
16 The disciples left, went into the city and found things just as Jesus had told them. So they prepared the Passover.
17 When evening came, Jesus arrived with the Twelve. 18 While they were reclining at the table eating, he said, "Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me—one who is eating with me."
19 They were saddened, and one by one they said to him, "Surely not I?"
20 "It is one of the Twelve," he replied, "one who dips bread into the bowl with me. 21 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."
22 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take it; this is my body."
23 Then he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and they all drank from it.
24 "This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many," he said to them. 25 "Truly I tell you, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God."
26 When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives
Mark 14:12-26 TNIV
The Kingdom of God is like new wine – it is sweet to the taste and ever so satisfying as it will quench your thirst and fill your empty and lonely heart with a love that is so real and so genuine and so perfect that you won’t be able to contain it within yourself, you will want to share and reflect it to everyone that you meet. This morning, I am in Awe of God as I remember the sacrifice that He paid for me. I am in Awe this morning of the Spirit with which He has filled my life in order that His power could be made perfect in my weakness. I am in Awe of how He has healed my broken heart and how He is slowly but surely helping me to understand who He is and how much He loves me. I am in Awe of His unconditional love and acceptance of me, despite my many failures and shortfalls. I am in Awe of the privilege of being called His son and the honor of being a broken vessel that He can somehow navigate through this crazy world in such a way that His love is seen through me. I am in Awe of my God, my Lover, my Savior and Friend – He is my everything, the reason I live and breath and I vow this morning to give Him my whole heart, forever!
I love you Lord – thank you for who you are and all that you have done to restore us and set us free to rest in your magnificent love! – Amen.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Betrayal
10 Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus to them. 11 They were delighted to hear this and promised to give him money. So he watched for an opportunity to hand him over.
Mark 14:10-11 TNIV
In the business world, this type of betrayal from someone who appeared to be a close friend is not uncommon and seems to happen more than any of us would like. The lesson that we can learn from Jesus is how to respond when this happens. Jesus, knowing all along that Judas would be the one that would ultimately cause His death and crucifixion, still loved Him as one of the 12, even until the very end when Judas kissed Jesus on His forehead in order to point Him out to the chief priests. Jesus knew the condition of Judas’s heart; Jesus knew that Judas was lost and broken; Jesus knew that Judas was the product of a fallen world and so, as much as it hurt to experience such a horrible betrayal from one of His closest friends, Jesus knew that all of this had to take place in order for Him to heal and restore us all into a new relationship with our Creator. When you look at the world today; when you look at that person that has betrayed you; when you look at that loved one who continues to pierce your broken heart; when you gaze into the eyes of a colleague or family member or close friend who has broken your trust one too many times, remember the example of Jesus and through His power, remember their brokenness and love them even more knowing that they are lost and in desperate need of a Savior.
Mark 14:10-11 TNIV
In the business world, this type of betrayal from someone who appeared to be a close friend is not uncommon and seems to happen more than any of us would like. The lesson that we can learn from Jesus is how to respond when this happens. Jesus, knowing all along that Judas would be the one that would ultimately cause His death and crucifixion, still loved Him as one of the 12, even until the very end when Judas kissed Jesus on His forehead in order to point Him out to the chief priests. Jesus knew the condition of Judas’s heart; Jesus knew that Judas was lost and broken; Jesus knew that Judas was the product of a fallen world and so, as much as it hurt to experience such a horrible betrayal from one of His closest friends, Jesus knew that all of this had to take place in order for Him to heal and restore us all into a new relationship with our Creator. When you look at the world today; when you look at that person that has betrayed you; when you look at that loved one who continues to pierce your broken heart; when you gaze into the eyes of a colleague or family member or close friend who has broken your trust one too many times, remember the example of Jesus and through His power, remember their brokenness and love them even more knowing that they are lost and in desperate need of a Savior.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Money - Not so Important
1 Now the Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread were only two days away, and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were looking for some sly way to arrest Jesus and kill him. 2 "But not during the Festival," they said, "or the people may riot."
3 While he was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head.
4 Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, "Why this waste of perfume? 5 It could have been sold for more than a year's wages and the money given to the poor." And they rebuked her harshly.
6 "Leave her alone," said Jesus. "Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. 7 The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me. 8 She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial. 9 Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her."
Mark 14:1-9 TNIV
People were rebuking this lady for acting out of a heart of worship that is beautiful and true and full of love for God. Jesus rebukes them, and rightfully so, as her act of worship went much deeper and had so much more value than a years worth of wages. What our God wants, what our Lord and Savior longs for is not your money and not your works and not even your façade of Christianity, no, what He longs for is a heart that loves Him deeply and wants more than anything to spend time with Him and communicate with Him and worship Him by journeying together with Him in this life. Jesus longs for relationship with you; He died shortly after this beautiful anointing of perfume in order that your love relationship with God could be restored, forever. Seek Him today with all of your heart and He will meet you right where you are and He will love you and restore and heal your broken heart as you rest in His awesome love.
3 While he was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head.
4 Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, "Why this waste of perfume? 5 It could have been sold for more than a year's wages and the money given to the poor." And they rebuked her harshly.
6 "Leave her alone," said Jesus. "Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. 7 The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me. 8 She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial. 9 Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her."
Mark 14:1-9 TNIV
People were rebuking this lady for acting out of a heart of worship that is beautiful and true and full of love for God. Jesus rebukes them, and rightfully so, as her act of worship went much deeper and had so much more value than a years worth of wages. What our God wants, what our Lord and Savior longs for is not your money and not your works and not even your façade of Christianity, no, what He longs for is a heart that loves Him deeply and wants more than anything to spend time with Him and communicate with Him and worship Him by journeying together with Him in this life. Jesus longs for relationship with you; He died shortly after this beautiful anointing of perfume in order that your love relationship with God could be restored, forever. Seek Him today with all of your heart and He will meet you right where you are and He will love you and restore and heal your broken heart as you rest in His awesome love.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Celebration
24 "Following those hard times, Sun will fade out, moon cloud over, 25 Stars fall out of the sky, cosmic powers tremble. 26 "And then they'll see the Son of Man enter in grand style, his Arrival filling the sky - no one will miss it! 27 He'll dispatch the angels; they will pull in the chosen from the four winds, from pole to pole. 28 "Take a lesson from the fig tree. From the moment you notice its buds form, the merest hint of green, you know summer's just around the corner. 29 And so it is with you. When you see all these things, you know he is at the door. 30 Don't take this lightly. I'm not just saying this for some future generation, but for this one, too - these things will happen. 31 Sky and earth will wear out; my words won't wear out. 32 "But the exact day and hour? No one knows that, not even heaven's angels, not even the Son. Only the Father. 33 So keep a sharp lookout, for you don't know the timetable. 34 It's like a man who takes a trip, leaving home and putting his servants in charge, each assigned a task, and commanding the gatekeeper to stand watch. 35 So, stay at your post, watching. You have no idea when the homeowner is returning, whether evening, midnight, cockcrow, or morning. 36 You don't want him showing up unannounced, with you asleep on the job. 37 I say it to you, and I'm saying it to all: Stay at your post. Keep watch."
Mark 13:24-37 (The Message)
Some of the greatest times in my life have been times when I have celebrated with family and friends and colleagues, successes, milestones and achievements in my personal life and business career. These celebrations however don’t even come close to the awesome celebration that all who call Jesus Lord and Savior will experience on that day when He comes back to take all who have put their faith in Him to paradise! All of the pain and suffering and brokenness of this world will finally be forgotten as you and I will be perfected once again in relationship with our Creator and Friend and Lover – Jesus Christ. What a day to look forward to as we strive as God’s children in the meantime to experience just a hint of His grace and as we strive to share our lives in a way that we could, through His power, love others in order that they too could join us in this awesome celebration of eternal life and flawless reunion with the One who gave His Son to set us free! Keep watch today – make every minute count as no one knows when the final bell will ring and the battle for human hearts will be over. Are you ready? Have you surrendered your heart? Don’t wait any longer, ask Jesus Christ into your heart and life today and your journey to this great day of celebration will begin as you start to live your life for the King!
Mark 13:24-37 (The Message)
Some of the greatest times in my life have been times when I have celebrated with family and friends and colleagues, successes, milestones and achievements in my personal life and business career. These celebrations however don’t even come close to the awesome celebration that all who call Jesus Lord and Savior will experience on that day when He comes back to take all who have put their faith in Him to paradise! All of the pain and suffering and brokenness of this world will finally be forgotten as you and I will be perfected once again in relationship with our Creator and Friend and Lover – Jesus Christ. What a day to look forward to as we strive as God’s children in the meantime to experience just a hint of His grace and as we strive to share our lives in a way that we could, through His power, love others in order that they too could join us in this awesome celebration of eternal life and flawless reunion with the One who gave His Son to set us free! Keep watch today – make every minute count as no one knows when the final bell will ring and the battle for human hearts will be over. Are you ready? Have you surrendered your heart? Don’t wait any longer, ask Jesus Christ into your heart and life today and your journey to this great day of celebration will begin as you start to live your life for the King!
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
End Times
14 "But be ready to run for it when you see the monster of desecration set up where it should never be. You who can read, make sure you understand what I'm talking about. If you're living in Judea at the time, run for the hills; 15 if you're working in the yard, don't go back to the house to get anything; 16 if you're out in the field, don't go back to get your coat. 17 Pregnant and nursing mothers will have it especially hard. 18 Hope and pray this won't happen in the middle of winter. 19 "These are going to be hard days - nothing like it from the time God made the world right up to the present. And there'll be nothing like it again. 20 If he let the days of trouble run their course, nobody would make it. But because of God's chosen people, those he personally chose, he has already intervened. 21 "If anyone tries to flag you down, calling out, 'Here's the Messiah!' or points, 'There he is!' don't fall for it. 22 Fake Messiahs and lying preachers are going to pop up everywhere. Their impressive credentials and dazzling performances will pull the wool over the eyes of even those who ought to know better. 23 So watch out. I've given you fair warning.
Mark 13:14-23 (The Message)
On the way home from work last evening, right in the middle of a traffic jam the bus for one of the presidential candidates came storming up through the middle of the traffic causing cars on both sides to pull off into the median and onto the side of the road. It was rather impressive, I must say, with at least 40 police cars, 20 in front and 20 in back, several of them unmarked and all of them with their lights active. After being awed by the display of power in being able to speed through one of the worst traffic jams that I have seen in awhile, I began to ponder today about the upcoming election and the importance of choosing the right candidate to receive the power to run our country. Jesus told us himself during His time on earth that there would be deception in the last days and to be on guard for false prophets and preachers with the wrong motives, etc. The encouraging thing in all of this is the fact that “God has already intervened!” God is in charge and through His Spirit He is working in and through the lives of those who believe and have put their faith in Him. So today, as the future of America is unsure and the leader for the next 4 years will be determined, don’t get so caught up in the election that you take your eyes off the One who really matters, Jesus Christ. Pray that God would stir the hearts of all who vote today in order that His will would be done in this election and that the candidate of His choosing would take office and lead this great country through the tough times that we are currently facing. God has already intervened, He is in control and His love can be seen in the lives of other believers all around you today! May God Bless America!
Mark 13:14-23 (The Message)
On the way home from work last evening, right in the middle of a traffic jam the bus for one of the presidential candidates came storming up through the middle of the traffic causing cars on both sides to pull off into the median and onto the side of the road. It was rather impressive, I must say, with at least 40 police cars, 20 in front and 20 in back, several of them unmarked and all of them with their lights active. After being awed by the display of power in being able to speed through one of the worst traffic jams that I have seen in awhile, I began to ponder today about the upcoming election and the importance of choosing the right candidate to receive the power to run our country. Jesus told us himself during His time on earth that there would be deception in the last days and to be on guard for false prophets and preachers with the wrong motives, etc. The encouraging thing in all of this is the fact that “God has already intervened!” God is in charge and through His Spirit He is working in and through the lives of those who believe and have put their faith in Him. So today, as the future of America is unsure and the leader for the next 4 years will be determined, don’t get so caught up in the election that you take your eyes off the One who really matters, Jesus Christ. Pray that God would stir the hearts of all who vote today in order that His will would be done in this election and that the candidate of His choosing would take office and lead this great country through the tough times that we are currently facing. God has already intervened, He is in control and His love can be seen in the lives of other believers all around you today! May God Bless America!
Monday, November 3, 2008
Stay with It
As he walked away from the Temple, one of his disciples said, "Teacher, look at that stonework! Those buildings!" 2 Jesus said, "You're impressed by this grandiose architecture? There's not a stone in the whole works that is not going to end up in a heap of rubble." 3 Later, as he was sitting on Mount Olives in full view of the Temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew got him off by himself and asked, 4 "Tell us, when is this going to happen? What sign will we get that things are coming to a head?" Jesus began, "Watch out for doomsday deceivers. 6 Many leaders are going to show up with forged identities claiming, 'I'm the One.' They will deceive a lot of people. 7 When you hear of wars and rumored wars, keep your head and don't panic. This is routine history, and no sign of the end. 8 Nation will fight nation and ruler fight ruler, over and over. Earthquakes will occur in various places. There will be famines. But these things are nothing compared to what's coming. 9 "And watch out! They're going to drag you into court. And then it will go from bad to worse, dog-eat-dog, everyone at your throat because you carry my name. You're placed there as sentinels to truth. 10 The Message has to be preached all across the world. 11 "When they bring you, betrayed, into court, don't worry about what you'll say. When the time comes, say what's on your heart - the Holy Spirit will make his witness in and through you. 12 "It's going to be brother killing brother, father killing child, children killing parents. 13 There's no telling who will hate you because of me. "Stay with it - that's what is required. Stay with it to the end. You won't be sorry; you'll be saved.
Mark 13:1-13 (The Message)
Over this past weekend, I learned of the extent of a broken relationship between two very close friends of mine and it broke my heart as well. Don’t ever forget that we live in a world at war and there is a spiritual battle happening all around you where the enemy is trying his best to corrupt your mind with bitterness and sin and shame; he (the enemy) wants to replace the focus of your life from God’s grace and love and Lordship over to focusing on self. The enemy would want you to judge others and to see their brokenness as unforgivable faults in order to build a wall between your life and the lives of others who are broken and hurting and who are in desperate need of the same saving grace that Jesus has offered you. I plead with you not to let this happen as other people in the world need to see the love of Jesus through your life, now more than ever keep your mind on others and don’t ever forget to extend the unconditional love and forgiveness God has given you to absolutely everyone in your life, no matter what they may have done to hurt you. Others are broken and hurting just as you are and the time is short for them to see the miracle of God in and through your life by the way that you love them. Stay with it today, fight the good fight and follow Him!
Mark 13:1-13 (The Message)
Over this past weekend, I learned of the extent of a broken relationship between two very close friends of mine and it broke my heart as well. Don’t ever forget that we live in a world at war and there is a spiritual battle happening all around you where the enemy is trying his best to corrupt your mind with bitterness and sin and shame; he (the enemy) wants to replace the focus of your life from God’s grace and love and Lordship over to focusing on self. The enemy would want you to judge others and to see their brokenness as unforgivable faults in order to build a wall between your life and the lives of others who are broken and hurting and who are in desperate need of the same saving grace that Jesus has offered you. I plead with you not to let this happen as other people in the world need to see the love of Jesus through your life, now more than ever keep your mind on others and don’t ever forget to extend the unconditional love and forgiveness God has given you to absolutely everyone in your life, no matter what they may have done to hurt you. Others are broken and hurting just as you are and the time is short for them to see the miracle of God in and through your life by the way that you love them. Stay with it today, fight the good fight and follow Him!
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