Acts 3:25, 26 NLT
“And he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. He gave it to them and said, ‘Each of you drink from it, (28) for this is my blood, which confirms the covenant between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice to forgive the sins of many.”
I recently completed a series of sermons about the formal trials of Jesus. What amazed me about these trials is how that in a twelve hour time frame five or six different times Jesus' identity, integrity, and authority were all questioned all in a formal trial setting. Annas, Caiaphas, the Sanhedrin Counsel, Pilate, Herod, and back to Pilate all played a role in questioning Jesus. Then Jesus was led to a place call Calvary. There is something about Calvary!
I wondered what bothered Jesus the most in the last 24 hours before his crucifixion. Was it when they tied him and led him to Pilate, the governor? Was it when he heard that Judas had hanged himself? Was it the cry of the people to "crucify him, crucify him"? Was it the beating with whips? Was it the crowning with a crown of thorns? Was it when the people bowed before Jesus and made fun of him, saying, "Hail, King, of the Jews!" Was it when some spit on him? Was it when some of the soldiers "cast lots" for his clothing? Was it the insults from the people that walked by and said, "You said you could destroy the Temple and build it again in three days. So save yourself! Come down from that cross if you are really the Son of God!" Or was it the nails being driven through the hands and feet of Jesus that hurt Him the most?
Unlike many of us, Jesus did not dwell on all of His hurts. Nowhere in scripture do I hear Jesus saying, "What hurt me the most is..." What Jesus did think about when on the cross was what came out of his mouth, "It is finished!" Triumph, not defeat, was on his mind.
"When He was on the cross, I was on His mind." Not in the sense of remembering all the disappointments of man but remembering that we needed a Savior. I know for a fact that many times I have disappointed Christ but He has never disappointed me. Jesus wants us to be a winner not a loser. He bled that I can be more than a conqueror through Him. It is by His blood that I overcome sin.
Scripture for today: Matthew 27; Mark 15; Luke 22:66-23:56; John 18:29-19-37
Showing posts with label Holy Week. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Holy Week. Show all posts
Friday, April 18, 2014
Thursday, April 17, 2014
At the Passover Meal (Thursday)
Jesus sat down with his disciples for the Passover meal. During the course of the evening Jesus took the bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to his disciples. Then he did a very symbolic thing in taking a cup, probably pouring into the cup, thanked God for it and gave it to his followers. Another part of that passage of scripture tell us that Jesus "poured water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples feet" (John 13:5).
Today I encourage you to read the events that unfolded at the Passover meal between Christ and his disciples. Notice how intentional Jesus was at the table. The conversation and the actions he did were intentional. Jesus had a mission to fulfill and in the last hours before his crucifixion he needed to make the best of his time with his disciples.
Life is short compared to eternity. My prayer today is that I will become more intentional about my conversation with others. I read recently where you should think about whom you are going to meet today and think about the questions that you may want to ask.
Most of us speak thousands of words a day. One study showed that the human being on an average will speak somewhere between 7,000 and 20,000 words a day. That is a lot of words!
Who is it that you will fellowship with today? Who is it that you will sat down for a meal with? What can you learn from them? How can you be an encouragement to those you speak with today?
Make your words count by being intentional about your conversation. And as Jesus probably poured into the cup as well as the basin of water at the supper table, I encourage you to invest encouraging words into the lives of others. Pour into someone today words of encouragement as well as allow them to speak into your life. At the end of the day you should be encourage and an encourager to others.
Scripture for today: Matthew 26:17-30; Mark 14:12-26; Luke 22:7-23; John 13:1-30
Today I encourage you to read the events that unfolded at the Passover meal between Christ and his disciples. Notice how intentional Jesus was at the table. The conversation and the actions he did were intentional. Jesus had a mission to fulfill and in the last hours before his crucifixion he needed to make the best of his time with his disciples.
Life is short compared to eternity. My prayer today is that I will become more intentional about my conversation with others. I read recently where you should think about whom you are going to meet today and think about the questions that you may want to ask.
Most of us speak thousands of words a day. One study showed that the human being on an average will speak somewhere between 7,000 and 20,000 words a day. That is a lot of words!
Who is it that you will fellowship with today? Who is it that you will sat down for a meal with? What can you learn from them? How can you be an encouragement to those you speak with today?
Make your words count by being intentional about your conversation. And as Jesus probably poured into the cup as well as the basin of water at the supper table, I encourage you to invest encouraging words into the lives of others. Pour into someone today words of encouragement as well as allow them to speak into your life. At the end of the day you should be encourage and an encourager to others.
Scripture for today: Matthew 26:17-30; Mark 14:12-26; Luke 22:7-23; John 13:1-30
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
WHAT DO YOU REMEMBER ABOUT HOLY WEEK? (Wednesday)
One of my friends once stated that he used to have a pretty good memory but was now to the point that he could hide his own Easter eggs. Memory is a funny thing. Some things seem to be imprinted on our mind while other things we forget immediately.During Holy Week, the day after the crucifixion of Christ and the day before his Resurrection we see several things that have been imprinted on the minds of many.
Matthew 27:55 (NCV) says, Many women who had followed Jesus from Galilee to help him were standing at a distance from the cross, watching. I am sure that what they saw on Friday was still imprinted on their mind Sunday morning.
On the next day the leading priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate. They remembered the words of Jesus when he said, "in three days I will rise from the dead (Matthew 27:63)." I am sure this was imprinted on their mind.
Then we have the disciples that had followed Jesus but we find in John 20:19 that on the evening of the first day of the week, they were together. The doors were locked, because they were afraid of the elders. These disciples probably had spent most of the weekend together with imprinted on their mind the many teachings of Jesus.
What is it that you remember the most about this week? What event or words lay heavy in your mind and on your heart? What is it that leaves a lasting impression on your mind? Today, may we remember the events of this week and at the same time look with expectation of great things to happen on Easter Sunday!
Scripture for today: Matthew 27:62-66; Luke 23:56
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
FACING CHALLENGES (Tuesday)
The last week of Jesus' ministry on earth, before his crucifixion, he spent a lot of time teaching and a lot of time dealing with confrontation. On one of these days during this week Jesus was challenge by the chief priests and the scribes, along with the elders of his day with the question, "Who gave you this authority?" Jesus was teaching in the temple when the "religious people" of his day brutally interrupted him and questioned his rights to be teaching in the temple. Imagine, someone challenging Jesus and his right to teach while in the temple!Several years ago I was preaching when a visitor stood up in the middle of the church service and claimed that God had given him the other half of my sermon. Needless to say this confusion was not of God and disrupted that particular church service. I felt at that moment that my authority to preach the word had just been challenge. To this day I am not for sure that as a young pastor I responded wisely to the challenge.
But Jesus knew how to answer every challenge of life. When Jesus was asked the question "Who gave you this authority?" Jesus in returned asked, "When John baptized people, did that come from God or just from other people?" The religious leaders fearing if they said, "It came from God," then Jesus would say, "Then why didn't you believe him?" And if the religious leaders said that it came from people they were afraid of the crowd, because the crowd believed that John was indeed a prophet.
The religious leaders answered, "We don't know!" Jesus said, "Then I won't tell you what authority I have to do these things." It seems that Jesus always had the right answer for every challenge, and sometime Jesus just didn't answer the challenge at all!
I learned years ago that I do not have to answer every challenge; Jesus didn't. Some challenges are nothing more than a distraction and is not worth the energy that we invest in the fight. If Jesus had answered every question and accepted every challenge, he never would have made it to the cross and died for my sin. I am glad that Jesus was wise enough to see that some challenges was no more than an attempt from the enemy to cause a distraction.
Don't feel pressured into accepting every challenge in life. You too need to make it to the foot of the cross and some challenges will hinder your vision of the place that Jesus died for you. There are some things I know I have to confront with God's help, but I believe there are some things that I hear God saying, "Let me take care of this for you."
Thank you Lord for the challenges of life that I never have to confront because you have my front and my back side!
"But you will not leave in haste or go in flight; for the Lord will go before you, the God of Israel will be your rear guard." (Isaiah 52:12 NIV)
Scripture for today: Matthew 21:23-46; Matthew 22:1-46;Luke 20:1-40
Monday, April 14, 2014
Staying Focus (Monday)
“Palm Sunday” was a very emotional time for Jesus. Jesus entered Jerusalem and multitudes followed him crying Hosanna to the sons of David. But now it is Monday, and Jesus was very much aware that it is the last Monday before the crucifixion. How will he spend his last Monday here on earth before the crucifixion?
I turned this morning to Matthew's account to read of one of the first things that Jesus did upon entering the city is that he went to the temple. There he found things happening that were displeasing to him and states "It is written 'My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves (or a hideout for robbers).'" This always seems to be the emphasis place on this scripture as if we have bragging rights that Jesus would exhibit his anger in the temple.
But are we seeing too much of the wrong that is happening in the church today to see the good? I have been in ministry leadership for 38 years and it never fails. If a person loses their focus on God, they will begin to focus on the wrong of others and many times “drop out” of church. The wrong cannot be ignored, and Jesus did address the wrong at hand by turning over the money changer’s tables and chairs, but that was not his main objective of going to the temple.
Jesus’ main focus was on the blind and the lame in the temple. Matthew account’s tells us that they were healed, I believed immediately. He noticed the children singing praises to Him. In fact, they were repeating some of the same praise that they had heard from the adults the day before. The leading priest and the teachers in the temple wanted to find fault in the children by saying, "Do you hear the things these children are saying? Jesus answered, 'Yes, Haven't you read in the Scriptures, 'You have taught children and babies to sing praises' (Matthew 21:16 NCV)."
Can we too look beyond the faults of others to see the needs of the blind or the lame in the church? How many spiritually blind folks did you see yesterday in church? Did you notice the children singing? Did you notice the worship of those around you?
My prayer this morning is that God will help us today, not looking for the fault in others, but looking for the needs of others.
Today, look for someone in need and be a blessing by doing something out of the ordinary for them.
Today, look for someone in need and be a blessing by doing something out of the ordinary for them.
Scriptures for today: Matthew 21:10-17; Mark 11:15-18; Luke 19:45-48
Sunday, April 8, 2012
HE IS RISEN!
This morning, while making last minute preparations for a "Sunrise Service" where I serve as pastor, I thought of the scripture in Matthew 28 where it makes the following statement:
"He is not here, He is risen. Come, and see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead, and behold, he goeth before you..."
After hearing these words Matthew's writing tells us it was "Mary Magdalene and another woman named Mary" that ran quickly to tell Jesus' followers what had happen. Matthew 28:8 (NCV) tells us that "The women left the tomb quickly. They were afraid, but they were also very happy. They ran to tell Jesus' followers what had happen."
Talking about mixed emotions! The women were afraid but also very happy. This is not exactly what they expected to find when they arrived at the tomb but they were very glad to know that Jesus was no longer in the tomb and that He lives.
Today as you celebrate Easter remember what Easter is about, remember that He is no longer in the tomb, and that He lives today. My prayer is that all of us will have a real sense of urgency to tell others that Jesus is alive!
I rejoice today because my Lord and Savior lives!
He lives, He lives, I know He lives. He lives within my heart!
BLESSINGS TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ON THIS EASTER SUNDAY!
Scriptures for today: John 20:1-31 Luke 24:1-12
"He is not here, He is risen. Come, and see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead, and behold, he goeth before you..."
After hearing these words Matthew's writing tells us it was "Mary Magdalene and another woman named Mary" that ran quickly to tell Jesus' followers what had happen. Matthew 28:8 (NCV) tells us that "The women left the tomb quickly. They were afraid, but they were also very happy. They ran to tell Jesus' followers what had happen."
Talking about mixed emotions! The women were afraid but also very happy. This is not exactly what they expected to find when they arrived at the tomb but they were very glad to know that Jesus was no longer in the tomb and that He lives.
Today as you celebrate Easter remember what Easter is about, remember that He is no longer in the tomb, and that He lives today. My prayer is that all of us will have a real sense of urgency to tell others that Jesus is alive!
I rejoice today because my Lord and Savior lives!
He lives, He lives, I know He lives. He lives within my heart!
BLESSINGS TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ON THIS EASTER SUNDAY!
Scriptures for today: John 20:1-31 Luke 24:1-12
Saturday, April 7, 2012
WHAT DO YOU REMEMBER?
One of my friends once stated that he used to have a pretty good memory but was now to the point that he could hide his own Easter eggs. Memory is a funny thing. Some things seem to be imprinted on our mind while other things we forget immediately.
During Holy Week, the day after the crucifixion of Christ and the day before his Resurrection we see several things that have been imprinted on the minds of many.
Matthew 27:55 (NCV) says, Many women who had followed Jesus from Galilee to help him were standing at a distance from the cross, watching. I am sure that what they saw on Friday was still imprinted on their mind Saturday morning.
On the next day the leading priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate. They remembered the words of Jesus when he said, "in three days I will rise from the dead (Matthew 27:63)." I am sure this was imprinted on their mind.
Then we have the disciples that had followed Jesus but we find in John 20:19 that on the evening of the first day of the week, they were together. The doors were locked, because they were afraid of the elders. These disciples probably had spent most of the weekend together with imprinted on their mind the many teachings of Jesus.
During Holy Week, the day after the crucifixion of Christ and the day before his Resurrection we see several things that have been imprinted on the minds of many.
Matthew 27:55 (NCV) says, Many women who had followed Jesus from Galilee to help him were standing at a distance from the cross, watching. I am sure that what they saw on Friday was still imprinted on their mind Saturday morning.
On the next day the leading priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate. They remembered the words of Jesus when he said, "in three days I will rise from the dead (Matthew 27:63)." I am sure this was imprinted on their mind.
Then we have the disciples that had followed Jesus but we find in John 20:19 that on the evening of the first day of the week, they were together. The doors were locked, because they were afraid of the elders. These disciples probably had spent most of the weekend together with imprinted on their mind the many teachings of Jesus.
What is it that you remember the most about this week? What event or words lay heavy in your mind and on your heart? What is it that leaves a lasting impression on your mind? Today, may we remember the events of this week and at the same time look with expectation of great things to happen on Easter Sunday!
Scripture for today: Matthew 27:62-66; Luke 23:56
Friday, April 6, 2012
WHAT HURT JESUS THE MOST?
I wondered what hurt Jesus the most. Was it when they tied him and led him to Pilate, the governor? Was it when he heard that Judas had hanged himself? Was it the cry of the people to "crucify him, crucify him"? Was it the beating with whips? Was it the crowning with a crown of thorns? Was it when the people bowed before Jesus and made fun of him, saying, "Hail, King, of the Jews!" Was it when someone spit on him? Was it when some of the soldiers "cast lots" for his clothing? Was it the insults from the people that walked by and said, "You said you could destroy the Temple and build it again in three days. So save yourself! Come down from that cross if you are really the Son of God!" Or was it the nails being driven through the hands and feet of Jesus that hurt Him the most?
Unlike many of us, Jesus did not dwell on His hurts. No where in scripture do I hear Jesus saying, "What hurt me the most is..." What Jesus did think about while on the cross was what came forth out of his mouth, "It is finished!" Triumph, not defeat, was on his mind.
My prayer today is: "God help me not to dwell on my "hurts and disappointments" but help me to dwell on the victories in my life." For the "The sufferings we have now are nothing compared to the great glory that will be shown to us" (Romans 8:18).
Scripture for today: Matthew 27; Mark 15; Luke 22:66-23:56; John 18:29-19-37
Unlike many of us, Jesus did not dwell on His hurts. No where in scripture do I hear Jesus saying, "What hurt me the most is..." What Jesus did think about while on the cross was what came forth out of his mouth, "It is finished!" Triumph, not defeat, was on his mind.
My prayer today is: "God help me not to dwell on my "hurts and disappointments" but help me to dwell on the victories in my life." For the "The sufferings we have now are nothing compared to the great glory that will be shown to us" (Romans 8:18).
Scripture for today: Matthew 27; Mark 15; Luke 22:66-23:56; John 18:29-19-37
Thursday, April 5, 2012
WHO IS POURING INTO YOUR LIFE?
It is Thursday evening and Jesus sat down with his disciples for the Passover meal. During the course of the evening Jesus took the bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to his disciples. Then he did a very symbolic thing in taking a cup, probably pouring into the cup, thanked God for it and gave it to His followers. Another part of that passage of scripture tells us that Jesus "poured water into a basin, and began to wash the disciple's feet" (John 13:5). Jesus also had spent the last three and a half years "pouring into" the lives of his disciples his teachings and about righteous living.
Think about it for a moment. Who are those that have "poured" into your life? Who are the people that have invested time, money, and patience into your life? People that when you did foolish things, they didn't give up on you.
The one single person, besides Christ, that I believed poured more into my life then anyone in my entire life was my dad. He kept pouring and even though sometimes I did very foolish things, he didn't give up. He just kept pouring. Like a dad would, he saw possibilities in me that no one else saw. Many others have poured into my life, and are still pouring. Thank God for those that will invest in others!
Jesus saw potential in his disciples that no one else saw. Our heavenly Father sees potential in you and me that no one else can see and will pour into our lives, if we will allow Him to do so. I encourage you to read the bible daily and pray and allow our heavenly Father to pour His Word and His love into your heart. Also, connect with godly people that can pour into your life the things of God.
Who are you allowing to pour into your life and what are they pouring?
Scripture for today: Matthew 26:17-30; Mark 14:12-26; Luke 22:7-23; John 13:1-30
Think about it for a moment. Who are those that have "poured" into your life? Who are the people that have invested time, money, and patience into your life? People that when you did foolish things, they didn't give up on you.
The one single person, besides Christ, that I believed poured more into my life then anyone in my entire life was my dad. He kept pouring and even though sometimes I did very foolish things, he didn't give up. He just kept pouring. Like a dad would, he saw possibilities in me that no one else saw. Many others have poured into my life, and are still pouring. Thank God for those that will invest in others!
Jesus saw potential in his disciples that no one else saw. Our heavenly Father sees potential in you and me that no one else can see and will pour into our lives, if we will allow Him to do so. I encourage you to read the bible daily and pray and allow our heavenly Father to pour His Word and His love into your heart. Also, connect with godly people that can pour into your life the things of God.
Who are you allowing to pour into your life and what are they pouring?
Scripture for today: Matthew 26:17-30; Mark 14:12-26; Luke 22:7-23; John 13:1-30
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
THIRTY PIECES OF SILVER
"During the day, Jesus taught the people in the Temple, and at night he went out of the city and stayed on the Mount of Olives. Every morning all the people got up early to go to the Temple to listen to him." Luke 21:37, 38
Some believe that Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, that Jesus spent time going into the temple teaching. It is clear that despite the wrong that was in the temple that Jesus did not desert the temple but continued to go and teach each day. The routine seem to be that Jesus would spend time in prayer at night and early every morning he could be found in the temple teaching.
At night he did not stay at any of the local inns but "stayed on the Mount of Olives." This is the same place that:
Before leaving the scene of the temple Jesus address the "religious leaders" of that day as hypocrites. He calls them "snakes" and asked them the question, "How are you going to escape God's judgment?" I can hear someone saying "Why don't you really tell them what you think of them?"
Both physically and spiritually the next couple of days of the life of Christ will be rather demanding for him. Jesus spent time in the garden praying and talking to the Father about this and concluded his prayer with "...Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup (suffering) from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt."
This week as we prepare our hearts for Easter weekend think about the sacrifices that Jesus made for us and then write down any sacrifices you have made for him in the past week, month, or year. When I think about what he has done for me, then things that I use to consider a sacrifice is no longer a sacrifice. It becomes a blessing and a honor to live for the one that died for me.
Scriptures for today: Matthew 23:1 - 24:51 Mark 12:35- 13:37 Luke 20:41 - 21:36
Some believe that Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, that Jesus spent time going into the temple teaching. It is clear that despite the wrong that was in the temple that Jesus did not desert the temple but continued to go and teach each day. The routine seem to be that Jesus would spend time in prayer at night and early every morning he could be found in the temple teaching.
At night he did not stay at any of the local inns but "stayed on the Mount of Olives." This is the same place that:
- Jesus often resorted (Luke 22:39)
- Jesus often spent the night when in Jerusalem (John 7:53-8:1)
- Jesus preached a great sermon on the end time (Matthew 24:3; Mark 13:3)
- Jesus' Triumphal Entry began (Luke 19:37)
- Jesus' terrible agony in the Garden of Gethsemane took place (Mark 14:26-42)
- Jesus' ascension took place (Acts 1:12)
Before leaving the scene of the temple Jesus address the "religious leaders" of that day as hypocrites. He calls them "snakes" and asked them the question, "How are you going to escape God's judgment?" I can hear someone saying "Why don't you really tell them what you think of them?"
Both physically and spiritually the next couple of days of the life of Christ will be rather demanding for him. Jesus spent time in the garden praying and talking to the Father about this and concluded his prayer with "...Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup (suffering) from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt."
This week as we prepare our hearts for Easter weekend think about the sacrifices that Jesus made for us and then write down any sacrifices you have made for him in the past week, month, or year. When I think about what he has done for me, then things that I use to consider a sacrifice is no longer a sacrifice. It becomes a blessing and a honor to live for the one that died for me.
Scriptures for today: Matthew 23:1 - 24:51 Mark 12:35- 13:37 Luke 20:41 - 21:36
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
WHICH CHALLENGES DO I ACCEPT?
The last week of Jesus' ministry on earth, before his crucifixion, he spent a lot of time teaching and a lot of time dealing with confrontation. On one of these days during this week Jesus was challenge by the chief priests and the scribes, along with the elders of his day with the question, "Who gave you this authority?" Jesus was teaching in the temple when the "religious people" of his day brutally interrupted him and questioned his rights to be teaching in the temple. Imagine, someone challenging Jesus and his right to teach while in the temple!
Several years ago I was preaching when a visitor stood up in the middle of the church service and claimed that God had given him the other half of my sermon. Needless to say this confusion was not of God and disrupted that particular church service. I felt at that moment that my authority to preach the word had just been challenge. To this day I am not for sure that as a young pastor I responded wisely to the challenge.
But Jesus knew how to answer every challenge of life. When Jesus was asked the question "Who gave you this authority?" Jesus in returned asked, "When John baptized people, did that come from God or just from other people?" The religious leaders fearing if they said, "It came from God," then Jesus would say, "Then why didn't you believe him?" And if the religious leaders said that it came from people they were afraid of the crowd, because the crowd believed that John was indeed a prophet.
The religious leaders answered, "We don't know!" Jesus said, "Then I won't tell you what authority I have to do these things." It seems that Jesus always had the right answer for every challenge, and sometime Jesus just didn't answer the challenge at all!
I learned years ago that I do not have to answer every challenge; Jesus didn't. Some challenges are nothing more than a distraction and is not worth the energy that we invest in the fight. If Jesus had answered every question and accepted every challenge, he never would have made it to the cross and died for my sin. I am glad that Jesus was wise enough to see that some challenges was no more than an attempt from the enemy to cause a distraction.
Don't feel pressured into accepting every challenge in life. You too need to make it to the foot of the cross and some challenges will hinder your vision of the place that Jesus died for you. There are some things I know I have to confront with God's help, but I believe there are some things that I hear God saying, "Let me take care of this for you."
Thank you Lord for the challenges of life that I never have to confront because you have my front and my back side!
"But you will not leave in haste or go in flight; for the Lord will go before you, the God of Israel will be your rear guard." (Isaiah 52:12 NIV)
Scripture for today: Matthew 21:23-46; Matthew 22:1-46;Luke 20:1-40
Several years ago I was preaching when a visitor stood up in the middle of the church service and claimed that God had given him the other half of my sermon. Needless to say this confusion was not of God and disrupted that particular church service. I felt at that moment that my authority to preach the word had just been challenge. To this day I am not for sure that as a young pastor I responded wisely to the challenge.
But Jesus knew how to answer every challenge of life. When Jesus was asked the question "Who gave you this authority?" Jesus in returned asked, "When John baptized people, did that come from God or just from other people?" The religious leaders fearing if they said, "It came from God," then Jesus would say, "Then why didn't you believe him?" And if the religious leaders said that it came from people they were afraid of the crowd, because the crowd believed that John was indeed a prophet.
The religious leaders answered, "We don't know!" Jesus said, "Then I won't tell you what authority I have to do these things." It seems that Jesus always had the right answer for every challenge, and sometime Jesus just didn't answer the challenge at all!
I learned years ago that I do not have to answer every challenge; Jesus didn't. Some challenges are nothing more than a distraction and is not worth the energy that we invest in the fight. If Jesus had answered every question and accepted every challenge, he never would have made it to the cross and died for my sin. I am glad that Jesus was wise enough to see that some challenges was no more than an attempt from the enemy to cause a distraction.
Don't feel pressured into accepting every challenge in life. You too need to make it to the foot of the cross and some challenges will hinder your vision of the place that Jesus died for you. There are some things I know I have to confront with God's help, but I believe there are some things that I hear God saying, "Let me take care of this for you."
Thank you Lord for the challenges of life that I never have to confront because you have my front and my back side!
"But you will not leave in haste or go in flight; for the Lord will go before you, the God of Israel will be your rear guard." (Isaiah 52:12 NIV)
Scripture for today: Matthew 21:23-46; Matthew 22:1-46;Luke 20:1-40
Saturday, April 23, 2011
HOW IS YOUR MEMORY?
One of my friends once stated that he used to have a pretty good memory but was now to the point that he could hide his own Easter eggs. Memory is a funny thing. Some things seems to be imprinted on our mind while other things we forget immediately.
During Holy Week, the day after the crucifixion of Christ and the day before his Resurrection we see several things that has been imprinted on the minds of many.
Matthew 27:55 (NCV) says, Many women who had followed Jesus from Galilee to help him were standing at a distance from the cross, watching. I am sure that what they saw on Friday was still imprinted on their mind Saturday morning.
On the next day the leading priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate. They remembered the words of Jesus when he said, "in three days I will rise from the dead (Matthew 27:63)." I am sure this was imprinted on their mind.
Then we have the disciples that had followed Jesus but we find in John 20:19 that on the evening of the first day of the week, they were together. The doors were locked, because they were afraid of the elders. These disciples probably had spent most of the weekend together with imprinted on their mind the many teachings of Jesus.
During Holy Week, the day after the crucifixion of Christ and the day before his Resurrection we see several things that has been imprinted on the minds of many.
Matthew 27:55 (NCV) says, Many women who had followed Jesus from Galilee to help him were standing at a distance from the cross, watching. I am sure that what they saw on Friday was still imprinted on their mind Saturday morning.
On the next day the leading priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate. They remembered the words of Jesus when he said, "in three days I will rise from the dead (Matthew 27:63)." I am sure this was imprinted on their mind.
Then we have the disciples that had followed Jesus but we find in John 20:19 that on the evening of the first day of the week, they were together. The doors were locked, because they were afraid of the elders. These disciples probably had spent most of the weekend together with imprinted on their mind the many teachings of Jesus.
What is it that you remember the most about this week? What event or words have laid heavy in your mind and on your heart? What is it that leaves a lasting impression on your mind? Today, may we remember the events of this week and at the same time look with expectation of great things to happen on Easter Sunday!
Scripture for today: Matthew 27:62-66; Luke 23:56
Friday, April 22, 2011
GOOD FRIDAY
I wondered what hurt Jesus the most. Was it when they tied him and led him to Pilate, the governor? Was it when he heard that Judas had hanged himself? Was it the cry of the people to "crucify him, crucify him"? Was it the beating with whips? Was it the crowning with a crown of thorns? Was it when the people bowed before Jesus and made fun of him, saying, "Hail, King, of the Jews!" Was it when some spit on him? Was it when some of the soldiers "cast lots" for his clothing? Was it the insults from the people that walked by and said, "You said you could destroy the Temple and build it again in three days. So save yourself! Come down from that cross if you are really the Son of God!" Or was it the nails being driven through the hands and feet of Jesus that hurt Him the most?
Unlike many of us, Jesus did not dwell on his hurts. No where in scripture do I hear Jesus saying, "What hurt me the most is..." What Jesus did think about while on the cross was what came forth out of his mouth, "It is finished!" Triumph, not defeat, was on his mind.
My prayer today is: "God help me not to dwell on my "hurts and disappointments" but help me to dwell on the victories in my life." For the "The sufferings we have now are nothing compared to the great glory that will be shown to us" (Romans 8:18).
Scripture for today: Matthew 27; Mark 15; Luke 22:66-23:56; John 18:29-19-37
Unlike many of us, Jesus did not dwell on his hurts. No where in scripture do I hear Jesus saying, "What hurt me the most is..." What Jesus did think about while on the cross was what came forth out of his mouth, "It is finished!" Triumph, not defeat, was on his mind.
My prayer today is: "God help me not to dwell on my "hurts and disappointments" but help me to dwell on the victories in my life." For the "The sufferings we have now are nothing compared to the great glory that will be shown to us" (Romans 8:18).
Scripture for today: Matthew 27; Mark 15; Luke 22:66-23:56; John 18:29-19-37
Thursday, April 21, 2011
WHAT ARE THEY POURING?
It is Thursday evening and Jesus sat down with his disciples for the Passover meal. During the course of the evening Jesus took the bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to his disciples. Then he did a very symbolic thing in taking a cup, probably pouring into the cup, thanked God for it and gave it to his followers. Another part of that passage of scripture tells us that Jesus "poured water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples feet" (John 13:5). Jesus also had spent the last three and a half years "pouring into" the lives of his disciples his teachings and about righteous living.
Think about it for a moment. Who are those that has "poured" into your life? People that has invested time, money, and patience into your life? People that when you did foolish things, they didn't give up on you. The one single person, besides Christ, that I believed poured more into my life then anyone in my entire life was my dad. He kept pouring and even though sometimes I did very foolish things, he didn't give up. He just kept pouring. Like a dad would, he saw possibilities in me that no one else saw. Many others have poured into my life, and are still pouring. Some intentionally and others probably not knowing the impact they have on my life. Thank God for those that will invest in others!
Jesus saw potential in his disciples that no one else saw. Our heavenly Father sees potential in you that no one else can see and will pour into your lives, if you will allow Him to do so.
Who are you allowing to pour into your life and what are they pouring?
Scripture for today: Matthew 26:17-30; Mark 14:12-26; Luke 22:7-23; John 13:1-30
Think about it for a moment. Who are those that has "poured" into your life? People that has invested time, money, and patience into your life? People that when you did foolish things, they didn't give up on you. The one single person, besides Christ, that I believed poured more into my life then anyone in my entire life was my dad. He kept pouring and even though sometimes I did very foolish things, he didn't give up. He just kept pouring. Like a dad would, he saw possibilities in me that no one else saw. Many others have poured into my life, and are still pouring. Some intentionally and others probably not knowing the impact they have on my life. Thank God for those that will invest in others!
Jesus saw potential in his disciples that no one else saw. Our heavenly Father sees potential in you that no one else can see and will pour into your lives, if you will allow Him to do so.
Who are you allowing to pour into your life and what are they pouring?
Scripture for today: Matthew 26:17-30; Mark 14:12-26; Luke 22:7-23; John 13:1-30
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
The Price that Jesus Paid
"During the day, Jesus taught the people in the Temple, and at night he went out of the city and stayed on the Mount of Olives. Every morning all the people got up early to go to the Temple to listen to him." Luke 21:37, 38
Some believe that Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, that Jesus spent time going into the temple teaching. It is clear that despite the wrong that was in the temple that Jesus did not desert the temple but continued to go and teach each day. The routine seem to be that Jesus would spend time in prayer at night and early every morning he could be found in the temple teaching.
At night he did not stay at any of the local inns but "stayed on the Mount of Olives." This is the same place that:
Before leaving the scene of the temple Jesus address the "religious leaders" of that day as hypocrites. He calls them "snakes" and asked them the question, "How are you going to escape God's judgment?" I can hear someone saying "Why don't you really tell them what you think of them?"
There is nothing in my life that has or ever will compare to the suffering that Jesus did for me. There is no personal experiences that I could ever share that would measure up to what Jesus did for us. Both physically and spiritually the next couple of days of the life of Christ will be rather demanding for him. Jesus spent time in the garden praying and talking to the Father about this and concluded his prayer with "...Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup (suffering) from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt."
The bottom line is that He died for me and you!
My prayer today is "God help me to be more sensitive to the price that you paid for me!"
Scripture for today: Matthew 23, 24; Mark 12:35 - Mark 13:37; Luke 20:41 - 21:36
Some believe that Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, that Jesus spent time going into the temple teaching. It is clear that despite the wrong that was in the temple that Jesus did not desert the temple but continued to go and teach each day. The routine seem to be that Jesus would spend time in prayer at night and early every morning he could be found in the temple teaching.
At night he did not stay at any of the local inns but "stayed on the Mount of Olives." This is the same place that:
- Jesus often resorted (Luke 22:39)
- Jesus often spent the night when in Jerusalem (John 7:53-8:1)
- Jesus preached a great sermon on the end time (Matthew 24:3; Mark 13:3)
- Jesus' Triumphal Entry began (Luke 19:37)
- Jesus' terrible agony in the Garden of Gethsemane took place (Mark 14:26-42)
- Jesus' ascension took place (Acts 1:12)
Before leaving the scene of the temple Jesus address the "religious leaders" of that day as hypocrites. He calls them "snakes" and asked them the question, "How are you going to escape God's judgment?" I can hear someone saying "Why don't you really tell them what you think of them?"
There is nothing in my life that has or ever will compare to the suffering that Jesus did for me. There is no personal experiences that I could ever share that would measure up to what Jesus did for us. Both physically and spiritually the next couple of days of the life of Christ will be rather demanding for him. Jesus spent time in the garden praying and talking to the Father about this and concluded his prayer with "...Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup (suffering) from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt."
The bottom line is that He died for me and you!
My prayer today is "God help me to be more sensitive to the price that you paid for me!"
Scripture for today: Matthew 23, 24; Mark 12:35 - Mark 13:37; Luke 20:41 - 21:36
Saturday, April 3, 2010
How Is Your Memory?
One of my friends recently stated that he used to have a pretty good memory but was now to the point that he could hide his own Easter eggs. Memory is a funny thing. Some things seems to be imprinted on our mind while other things we forget immediately.
During Holy Week, the day after the crucifixion of Christ and the day before his resurrection we see several things that has been imprinted on the minds of many.
Matthew 27:55 (NCV) says, Many women who had followed Jesus from Galilee to help him were standing at a distance from the cross, watching. I am sure that what they saw on Friday was still imprinted on their mind Saturday morning.
On the next day the leading priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate. They remembered the words of Jesus about "in three days I will rise from the dead (Matthew 27:63)." They were able to quote him. I am sure this was imprinted on their mind.
Then we have the disciples that had followed Jesus but we find in John 20:19 that on the evening of the first day of the week, they were together. The doors were locked, because they were afraid of the elders. These disciples probably had spent most of the weekend together with imprinted on their mind the many teachings of Jesus. But still fear in in their heart until Jesus appears "right in the midst of them and said, Peace be with you."
Peter especially was remembering the experience where he denied knowing Jesus and Matthew 26:75 tells us that "Peter remembered the words of Jesus...went out, and wept bitterly. One translation said that Peter cried painfully. There was a imprint on the mind of Peter that he could not forget!
I am sure there are many other examples we could use but I think you get the idea. What are some things that Christ has imprinted not only on your mind but in your heart? Growing up in a Christian home there are bible verses, songs, and Christian people that I will never forget. Sunday School teachers and church leaders that will always have a (good) lasting impression on my life. (I manage to forget about those experiences that was not quite so good.)
While I wait patiently for Easter Sunday I live in great expectation of tomorrow, remembering some good things about the past but looking for greater things in the future! Thank God that we can have "selected" memory.
"Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:13)"
During Holy Week, the day after the crucifixion of Christ and the day before his resurrection we see several things that has been imprinted on the minds of many.
Matthew 27:55 (NCV) says, Many women who had followed Jesus from Galilee to help him were standing at a distance from the cross, watching. I am sure that what they saw on Friday was still imprinted on their mind Saturday morning.
On the next day the leading priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate. They remembered the words of Jesus about "in three days I will rise from the dead (Matthew 27:63)." They were able to quote him. I am sure this was imprinted on their mind.
Then we have the disciples that had followed Jesus but we find in John 20:19 that on the evening of the first day of the week, they were together. The doors were locked, because they were afraid of the elders. These disciples probably had spent most of the weekend together with imprinted on their mind the many teachings of Jesus. But still fear in in their heart until Jesus appears "right in the midst of them and said, Peace be with you."
Peter especially was remembering the experience where he denied knowing Jesus and Matthew 26:75 tells us that "Peter remembered the words of Jesus...went out, and wept bitterly. One translation said that Peter cried painfully. There was a imprint on the mind of Peter that he could not forget!
I am sure there are many other examples we could use but I think you get the idea. What are some things that Christ has imprinted not only on your mind but in your heart? Growing up in a Christian home there are bible verses, songs, and Christian people that I will never forget. Sunday School teachers and church leaders that will always have a (good) lasting impression on my life. (I manage to forget about those experiences that was not quite so good.)
While I wait patiently for Easter Sunday I live in great expectation of tomorrow, remembering some good things about the past but looking for greater things in the future! Thank God that we can have "selected" memory.
"Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:13)"
Friday, April 2, 2010
What hurt me the most is...
In reading the account in Matthew 27 this morning I wondered what hurt Jesus the most. Was it when they tied him and led him to Pilate, the governor? Was it when he heard that Judas had hanged himself? Was it the cry of the people to crucify him? Was it the beating with whips? Was it the crowning with a crown of thorns? Was it when the people bowed before Jesus and made fun of him, saying, "Hail, King, of the Jews!" Was it when some spit on him? Was it when some of the soldiers "cast lots" for his clothing? Was it the insults from the people that walked by and said, "You said you could destroy the Temple and build it again in three days. So save yourself! Come down from that cross if you are really the Son of God!" Or was it the nailing Jesus to the cross that hurt Him the most?
I have heard folks say "What hurt me the most is..." But no where in scripture do I hear Jesus saying, "What hurt me the most is..." He was willing to suffer for you and for me that we might have everlasting life.
I am glad that Jesus didn't just dwell on his hurts but when "He was on the cross I was on his mind."
"All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth." (Isaiah 53:6 & 7 KJV)
I have heard folks say "What hurt me the most is..." But no where in scripture do I hear Jesus saying, "What hurt me the most is..." He was willing to suffer for you and for me that we might have everlasting life.
I am glad that Jesus didn't just dwell on his hurts but when "He was on the cross I was on his mind."
"All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth." (Isaiah 53:6 & 7 KJV)
Thursday, April 1, 2010
What Are They Pouring?
Jesus sat down with his disciples for the Passover meal. During the course of the evening Jesus took the bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to his disciples. Then he did a very symbolic thing in taking a cup, probably pouring into the cup, thanked God for it and gave it to his followers. Another part of that passage of scripture do tell us that Jesus "poured water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples feet (John 13:5)."
Now that is strictly my imagination that Jesus "poured into the cup" but it is not my imagination that Jesus poured water into the bowl nor into the lives of his disciples during the evening meal. In fact Jesus had spent the last three and a half years "pouring into" the lives of his disciples His teachings.
I am hesitant to name "my hero's of faith" but one of them was my dad. He poured into my life the first 35 years of my life. There are others that are "pouring" into my life daily. Some I know personally, others by just an acquaintance, and others that I personally do not know but I read behind some of their great and inspiring writings.
The wine that was being poured into the cup is symbolic of His blood and the water poured into the bowl was symbolic of a cleansing. My question during Holy Week for you is do you have someone "pouring" into your life? Maybe a family member or a friend?
I encourage you to look around and find those that can pour into your life good things.
Now that is strictly my imagination that Jesus "poured into the cup" but it is not my imagination that Jesus poured water into the bowl nor into the lives of his disciples during the evening meal. In fact Jesus had spent the last three and a half years "pouring into" the lives of his disciples His teachings.
I am hesitant to name "my hero's of faith" but one of them was my dad. He poured into my life the first 35 years of my life. There are others that are "pouring" into my life daily. Some I know personally, others by just an acquaintance, and others that I personally do not know but I read behind some of their great and inspiring writings.
The wine that was being poured into the cup is symbolic of His blood and the water poured into the bowl was symbolic of a cleansing. My question during Holy Week for you is do you have someone "pouring" into your life? Maybe a family member or a friend?
I encourage you to look around and find those that can pour into your life good things.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Being a Good Example
I have been blessed with great people in my life to be able to follow their example. But this was and is not the situation for everyone. The last week of Jesus' journey on earth before his crucifixion we hear him telling the crowds and his followers about the scribes (teachers of the law) and the Pharisees. About how their lives are not good examples to follow. About how they do things to be seen of others. Jesus does not stop there. He goes farther in calling them hypocrites and speaks of how they are hindering people that wants to enter the kingdom of heaven, from entering.
It seems like that through out the scriptures God warns us of people like the scribes and Pharisees. "How their lives are not good examples to follow". I believe that the Apostle Paul challenges us to examine our lives to know that we are of God. I wonder what Jesus would be saying about some of us, if we lived in this setting over 2000 years ago?
My prayer this morning during Holy Week is that during our journey here on earth that we will indeed be that good example for others to follow.
It seems like that through out the scriptures God warns us of people like the scribes and Pharisees. "How their lives are not good examples to follow". I believe that the Apostle Paul challenges us to examine our lives to know that we are of God. I wonder what Jesus would be saying about some of us, if we lived in this setting over 2000 years ago?
My prayer this morning during Holy Week is that during our journey here on earth that we will indeed be that good example for others to follow.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Making Every Minute Count
Making every minute count is on my mind this morning as I study the life of Christ during Holy Week. One of the first things that Jesus did upon entering the city was he went to the temple. There he found things happening that was displeasing to him and states "It is written My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves (or a hideout for robbers)." Fortunately Jesus did not just turn around and walk out because of what was happening in the temple, but after dealing with those that was buying and selling in the temple, he begin to heal the blind and the lame that came to him there in the temple.
I have heard all of my life the story of Jesus going into the temple and casting out all them that sold and bought in the temple, overturning the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves in the temple. This always seems to be the emphasis place on this scripture. But in studying this week, the last week of the life of Christ on earth, I was reminded that this is not all that he did on this visit to the temple. He healed the blind and the lame and listened to the children cry out "Hosanna to the son of David".
In fact he leaves the temple that evening, goes to Bethany for the night, and returns early the next morning to begin teaching in the temple. On the way back he teaches a lesson on faith and prayer and says, And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. It sounds like to me that Jesus made good use of his time and made every minute count during His journey as the true Lamb of God! Have a bless day!
I have heard all of my life the story of Jesus going into the temple and casting out all them that sold and bought in the temple, overturning the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves in the temple. This always seems to be the emphasis place on this scripture. But in studying this week, the last week of the life of Christ on earth, I was reminded that this is not all that he did on this visit to the temple. He healed the blind and the lame and listened to the children cry out "Hosanna to the son of David".
In fact he leaves the temple that evening, goes to Bethany for the night, and returns early the next morning to begin teaching in the temple. On the way back he teaches a lesson on faith and prayer and says, And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. It sounds like to me that Jesus made good use of his time and made every minute count during His journey as the true Lamb of God! Have a bless day!
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