Joshua 14:7-9
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Caleb Requests His Land
7 I was forty years old when Moses, the servant of the Lord, sent me from Kadesh-barnea to explore the land of Canaan. I returned and gave an honest report, 8 but my brothers who went with me frightened the people from entering the Promised Land. For my part, I wholeheartedly followed the Lord my God. 9 So that day Moses solemnly promised me, ‘The land of Canaan on which you were just walking will be your grant of land and that of your descendants forever, because you wholeheartedly followed the Lord my God.’
When Caleb had this conversation with Joshua, it was forty-five years later. He was now eighty-five years old … and still he “…wholeheartedly followed the Lord…”.
Look at what else Caleb had to say ... Joshua 14:11.
“I am as strong now as I was when Moses sent me on that journey, and I can still travel and fight as well as I could then.”
For me, I wish I could do at fifty-nine what I was able to do at forty. I can’t run as fast or jump as high but I can still wholeheartedly follow the LORD. If fact, each day I purpose to have a closer walk with the LORD. Some days turn out better than others. None would I count as perfect.
When, LORD willing, I reach eighty-five, I want to say like Caleb, “I wholeheartedly followed the LORD my God.”
How much better would our world be if more of us could make the proclamation of Caleb?
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
ETERNAL LINK
2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
16 That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. 17 For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! 18 So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.
Each of us has a unique, God given purpose, which is tied to our abilities, spiritual gifts, education, temperaments, experiences and spheres of influence. This unique purpose and focus of our passion is tied to God’s universal purpose for all believers.
God doesn’t want anyone to perish (2nd Peter 3:9).
God wants all those who believe in His Son, to be like His Son (Romans 8:29).
The uniqueness in human creation is forever linked to that which is eternal … that which we never give up on … that which lasts forever … our relationship with God, our Father, through Jesus Christ, His Son and our Brother.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
16 That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. 17 For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! 18 So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.
Each of us has a unique, God given purpose, which is tied to our abilities, spiritual gifts, education, temperaments, experiences and spheres of influence. This unique purpose and focus of our passion is tied to God’s universal purpose for all believers.
God doesn’t want anyone to perish (2nd Peter 3:9).
God wants all those who believe in His Son, to be like His Son (Romans 8:29).
The uniqueness in human creation is forever linked to that which is eternal … that which we never give up on … that which lasts forever … our relationship with God, our Father, through Jesus Christ, His Son and our Brother.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
THE PLAN
Ephesians 3:6-7
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
God’s Mysterious Plan Revealed
6 And this is God’s plan: Both Gentiles and Jews who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children. Both are part of the same body, and both enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus. 7 By God’s grace and mighty power, I have been given the privilege of serving him by spreading this Good News.
God revealed to the Apostle Paul, a glimpse of His plan for His creation. The plan was not just for the chosen people … the Jews. The plan also covered the Gentiles … everyone outside the chosen. Yes, God’s plan covers His entire creation. The Good News is that you and I … anyone … can share equally in the plan, as long as “they (we) belong to Christ Jesus.”
Paul counted it a privilege to be part of God’s plan. You and I share it that privilege … the privilege to spread this Good News.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
God’s Mysterious Plan Revealed
6 And this is God’s plan: Both Gentiles and Jews who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children. Both are part of the same body, and both enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus. 7 By God’s grace and mighty power, I have been given the privilege of serving him by spreading this Good News.
God revealed to the Apostle Paul, a glimpse of His plan for His creation. The plan was not just for the chosen people … the Jews. The plan also covered the Gentiles … everyone outside the chosen. Yes, God’s plan covers His entire creation. The Good News is that you and I … anyone … can share equally in the plan, as long as “they (we) belong to Christ Jesus.”
Paul counted it a privilege to be part of God’s plan. You and I share it that privilege … the privilege to spread this Good News.
Monday, April 27, 2009
PURPOSE AND PASSION
Philippians 3:7-9
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
The Priceless Value of Knowing Christ
7 I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. 8 Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ 9 and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith.
Paul was always passionate. Prior to his conversion on the Damascus Road, he was passionate about Judaism. When he met Jesus and was born again, the purpose in his life changed … he became brand new. All the old things he was passionate about went out with the trash. The passion for his new life in Jesus Christ replaced his old passion.
Paul accomplished many things after his conversion … things that will last for eternity. You have heard the lyric, “Only what you do for Christ will last.” How does your purpose compare to the purpose modeled by the life of the Apostle Paul? Are you focused on the one thing that will last?
How would you measure your passion? Are you willing to throw out the garbage and hold on to that one thing of greatest value … your life in Christ?
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
The Priceless Value of Knowing Christ
7 I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. 8 Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ 9 and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith.
Paul was always passionate. Prior to his conversion on the Damascus Road, he was passionate about Judaism. When he met Jesus and was born again, the purpose in his life changed … he became brand new. All the old things he was passionate about went out with the trash. The passion for his new life in Jesus Christ replaced his old passion.
Paul accomplished many things after his conversion … things that will last for eternity. You have heard the lyric, “Only what you do for Christ will last.” How does your purpose compare to the purpose modeled by the life of the Apostle Paul? Are you focused on the one thing that will last?
How would you measure your passion? Are you willing to throw out the garbage and hold on to that one thing of greatest value … your life in Christ?
Thursday, April 23, 2009
THE MAIN THING
Philippians 3:12-14
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Pressing toward the Goal
12 I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. 13 No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.
Life can get very complex. When we look at the life of the Apostle Paul, his life was not without complexity. He faced challenge after challenge. He was able to accomplish so much (extensive travel as a missionary, church planter, pastor, mentor, major author of the New Testament) because he kept his focus on the main thing. The central priority of his complex life was his defining “… one thing…” .
Life can be too complex to be lived by a list. When you wake up to meet new and unexpected challenges, having your “… one thing …” well established as your defining priority, helps you keep the main thing the main thing. That’s what Paul did.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Pressing toward the Goal
12 I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. 13 No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.
Life can get very complex. When we look at the life of the Apostle Paul, his life was not without complexity. He faced challenge after challenge. He was able to accomplish so much (extensive travel as a missionary, church planter, pastor, mentor, major author of the New Testament) because he kept his focus on the main thing. The central priority of his complex life was his defining “… one thing…” .
Life can be too complex to be lived by a list. When you wake up to meet new and unexpected challenges, having your “… one thing …” well established as your defining priority, helps you keep the main thing the main thing. That’s what Paul did.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
RANKING YOUR PRIORITIES
1 John 2:15-17
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Do Not Love This World
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Do Not Love This World
15 Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. 16 For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. 17 And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.
How do you rank your priorities? How do you make a distinction between the good and the best?
A pretty common ranking for the believer goes something like this:
- God
- Family
- Career / Ministry
When you have died to self and your new life is hidden in Christ (Colossians 3:3), He is our all; He has no competition; no comparative ranking is even appropriate. Rather, we should view every area of our lives through the lens of the lordship of Christ.
Is Christ Lord of my family … my job … my life in the Church?
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
SUPREME GOOD
Revelation 1:8
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega—the beginning and the end,” says the Lord God. “I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come—the Almighty One.”
In Revelation 22:13, Jesus Christ used the same words, Alpha and Omega, to refer to himself. Nothing and no one preceded Him or will follow Him. He is infinite, almighty, unchanging. He is the ultimate reality.
Summum bonum (Latin for the highest good) is an expression used in philosophy, to describe the ultimate importance, the singular and most ultimate end which human beings ought to pursue. The summum bonum is generally thought of as being an end in itself, and at the same time containing all other goods. In Christian philosophy, the highest good is usually defined as the life of the righteous, the life led in Communion with God and according to God's precepts. (From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)
The supreme good of humanity is to know and be known by the One who is the ultimate reality. This must be the believers priority.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega—the beginning and the end,” says the Lord God. “I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come—the Almighty One.”
In Revelation 22:13, Jesus Christ used the same words, Alpha and Omega, to refer to himself. Nothing and no one preceded Him or will follow Him. He is infinite, almighty, unchanging. He is the ultimate reality.
Summum bonum (Latin for the highest good) is an expression used in philosophy, to describe the ultimate importance, the singular and most ultimate end which human beings ought to pursue. The summum bonum is generally thought of as being an end in itself, and at the same time containing all other goods. In Christian philosophy, the highest good is usually defined as the life of the righteous, the life led in Communion with God and according to God's precepts. (From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)
The supreme good of humanity is to know and be known by the One who is the ultimate reality. This must be the believers priority.
Monday, April 20, 2009
SETTING PRIORITIES
Luke 12:16-21
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Parable of the Rich Fool
16 Then he told them a story: “A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. 17 He said to himself, ‘What should I do? I don’t have room for all my crops.’ 18 Then he said, ‘I know! I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods. 19 And I’ll sit back and say to myself, “My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!”’
20 “But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?’
21 “Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.”
Time is a precious commodity. Any time spent in one area of life is time that you are unable to spend in another. Once it is used up, it is gone forever.
The rich fool prioritized wealth and self, not knowing that his time was running out. He failed to prioritize his relationship with God. That relationship is the only priority that counts for eternity (not limited by time).
What are your priorities? Where do ambition and greed fit into your list, compared with your relationship with God? Set your priorities in order before time runs out!
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Parable of the Rich Fool
16 Then he told them a story: “A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. 17 He said to himself, ‘What should I do? I don’t have room for all my crops.’ 18 Then he said, ‘I know! I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods. 19 And I’ll sit back and say to myself, “My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!”’
20 “But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?’
21 “Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.”
Time is a precious commodity. Any time spent in one area of life is time that you are unable to spend in another. Once it is used up, it is gone forever.
The rich fool prioritized wealth and self, not knowing that his time was running out. He failed to prioritize his relationship with God. That relationship is the only priority that counts for eternity (not limited by time).
What are your priorities? Where do ambition and greed fit into your list, compared with your relationship with God? Set your priorities in order before time runs out!
Friday, April 17, 2009
SPEAKING OF OBEDIENCE
Matthew 26:39
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Jesus Prays in Gethsemane
39 He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”
Do you have the ‘Gethsemane mindset’?
In his book ‘Radical Commitment’, Vernon grounds talks about a mindset that trusts God, no matter what. It is a mindset that renounces personal dreams, hopes, ambitions, desires and feelings in favor of the Father’s will.
Jesus is our example. No one would desire the agony of the Cross He faced. Still He was obedient to the Father’s will.
Do you have this same mindset to the same Father to whom Jesus entrusted His all?
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Jesus Prays in Gethsemane
39 He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”
Do you have the ‘Gethsemane mindset’?
In his book ‘Radical Commitment’, Vernon grounds talks about a mindset that trusts God, no matter what. It is a mindset that renounces personal dreams, hopes, ambitions, desires and feelings in favor of the Father’s will.
Jesus is our example. No one would desire the agony of the Cross He faced. Still He was obedient to the Father’s will.
Do you have this same mindset to the same Father to whom Jesus entrusted His all?
Thursday, April 16, 2009
OBEDIENCE UNDER FIRE
Daniel 3:16-18
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Nebuchadnezzar’s Gold Statue
16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. 18 But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.”
The time to decide how you will respond when the fire gets hot is before the flame ever starts.
The three Hebrew boys had already placed their faith in the Sovereign God. When they faced conflicting orders with life threatening consequences, their minds were already made up.
Nebuchadnezzar said, “Bow down or die.”
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, “… never…”!
When you get backed in a corner … when it’s crunch time … are you ready to obey God at any cost?
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Nebuchadnezzar’s Gold Statue
16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. 18 But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.”
The time to decide how you will respond when the fire gets hot is before the flame ever starts.
The three Hebrew boys had already placed their faith in the Sovereign God. When they faced conflicting orders with life threatening consequences, their minds were already made up.
Nebuchadnezzar said, “Bow down or die.”
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, “… never…”!
When you get backed in a corner … when it’s crunch time … are you ready to obey God at any cost?
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
OBEDIENCE TO GOD
1 John 5:1-5
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Faith in the Son of God
Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has become a child of God. And everyone who loves the Father loves his children, too. 2 We know we love God’s children if we love God and obey his commandments. 3 Loving God means keeping his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome. 4 For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. 5 And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.
A response to God’s requirements is unavoidable. We each will either be positively obedient or ignore, resist or reject God’s commandments.
Believing that God’s Word is true will lead you to this logical conclusion. If God’s “…commandments are not burdensome…”, obeying those commandments does not bring hardship. It is disobedience to God which produces pain. Obedience to God brings blessings.
God is loving, so the things He asks us to do are for our best. God, being sovereign, can order our circumstances to work everything for the good.
Victory in life flows from our relationship with Jesus Christ, loving the Father, loving one another and obedience to God’s commandments.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Faith in the Son of God
Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has become a child of God. And everyone who loves the Father loves his children, too. 2 We know we love God’s children if we love God and obey his commandments. 3 Loving God means keeping his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome. 4 For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. 5 And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.
A response to God’s requirements is unavoidable. We each will either be positively obedient or ignore, resist or reject God’s commandments.
Believing that God’s Word is true will lead you to this logical conclusion. If God’s “…commandments are not burdensome…”, obeying those commandments does not bring hardship. It is disobedience to God which produces pain. Obedience to God brings blessings.
God is loving, so the things He asks us to do are for our best. God, being sovereign, can order our circumstances to work everything for the good.
Victory in life flows from our relationship with Jesus Christ, loving the Father, loving one another and obedience to God’s commandments.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
GROWING RELATIONSHIP
Deuteronomy 10:12-13
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
A Call to Love and Obedience
12 “And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you? He requires only that you fear the Lord your God, and live in a way that pleases him, and love him and serve him with all your heart and soul. 13 And you must always obey the Lord’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good.
God has already demonstrated His great love for you and me by sacrificing His only Son for our sins. There are certain requirements we must meet to have a growing personal relationship with Him. They are the same requirements that Israel had in days of old … requirements they repeatedly failed because of one thing … disobedience.
Simply stated, God requires us to revere Him, walk in His ways (He gave us Jesus as the example), love Him, serve Him and obey His commandments.
'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. … Love your neighbor as yourself.'
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
A Call to Love and Obedience
12 “And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you? He requires only that you fear the Lord your God, and live in a way that pleases him, and love him and serve him with all your heart and soul. 13 And you must always obey the Lord’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good.
God has already demonstrated His great love for you and me by sacrificing His only Son for our sins. There are certain requirements we must meet to have a growing personal relationship with Him. They are the same requirements that Israel had in days of old … requirements they repeatedly failed because of one thing … disobedience.
Simply stated, God requires us to revere Him, walk in His ways (He gave us Jesus as the example), love Him, serve Him and obey His commandments.
'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. … Love your neighbor as yourself.'
Monday, April 13, 2009
WHAT PRICE?
1 Samuel 15:19-23
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
The Lord Rejects Saul
19 Why haven’t you obeyed the Lord? Why did you rush for the plunder and do what was evil in the Lord’s sight?”
20 “But I did obey the Lord,” Saul insisted. “I carried out the mission he gave me. I brought back King Agag, but I destroyed everyone else. 21 Then my troops brought in the best of the sheep, goats, cattle, and plunder to sacrifice to the Lord your God in Gilgal.”
22 But Samuel replied, “What is more pleasing to the Lord: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams. 23 Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft, and stubbornness as bad as worshiping idols. So because you have rejected the command of the Lord, he has rejected you as king.”
At what price … at what point … would you compromise your faith?
For Saul, it was the spoils of war … livestock … that was his price. Livestock was the contemporary measure of wealth. For wealth, Saul disobeyed the Lord.
Is your compromise point wealth … unethical business practices … being a work-a-holic … withholding your tithe? Maybe yours is power … misusing your position of authority and leadership. What about sex … a secret affair or any immoral relationship … ‘friends with benefits’ outside of marriage?
At what price will you disobey God and end up like Saul … rejected? Obedience is pleasing to the LORD!
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
The Lord Rejects Saul
19 Why haven’t you obeyed the Lord? Why did you rush for the plunder and do what was evil in the Lord’s sight?”
20 “But I did obey the Lord,” Saul insisted. “I carried out the mission he gave me. I brought back King Agag, but I destroyed everyone else. 21 Then my troops brought in the best of the sheep, goats, cattle, and plunder to sacrifice to the Lord your God in Gilgal.”
22 But Samuel replied, “What is more pleasing to the Lord: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams. 23 Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft, and stubbornness as bad as worshiping idols. So because you have rejected the command of the Lord, he has rejected you as king.”
At what price … at what point … would you compromise your faith?
For Saul, it was the spoils of war … livestock … that was his price. Livestock was the contemporary measure of wealth. For wealth, Saul disobeyed the Lord.
Is your compromise point wealth … unethical business practices … being a work-a-holic … withholding your tithe? Maybe yours is power … misusing your position of authority and leadership. What about sex … a secret affair or any immoral relationship … ‘friends with benefits’ outside of marriage?
At what price will you disobey God and end up like Saul … rejected? Obedience is pleasing to the LORD!
Thursday, April 09, 2009
SEALED WITH A KISS
Mark 14:43-46
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Jesus Is Betrayed and Arrested
43 And immediately, even as Jesus said this, Judas, one of the twelve disciples, arrived with a crowd of men armed with swords and clubs. They had been sent by the leading priests, the teachers of religious law, and the elders. 44 The traitor, Judas, had given them a prearranged signal: “You will know which one to arrest when I greet him with a kiss. Then you can take him away under guard.” 45 As soon as they arrived, Judas walked up to Jesus. “Rabbi!” he exclaimed, and gave him the kiss.
46 Then the others grabbed Jesus and arrested him.
This phrasing … sealed with a kiss … is most often a sentiment of love. After writing the love letter and placing it in the envelope, we seal the envelope with a kiss.
What a contrast we see in Judas. He expresses respect, calling Jesus “Rabbi!” He expresses love, greeting Jesus with a kiss. Yet his motivation is treacherous. The traitor seals the betrayal with a kiss.
The name Judas has become synonymous with a traitor. He was “…one of the twelve disciples…” , right there at the table with Jesus (Mark 14:17-21). We see from this that not everyone who says the right words or passes a loving sentiment is part of the body of believers. These outward expressions don’t necessarily reflect the condition of the heart.
This Holy Week, make sure your heart is right and let you relationship with Jesus be sealed by the Holy Spirit.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Jesus Is Betrayed and Arrested
43 And immediately, even as Jesus said this, Judas, one of the twelve disciples, arrived with a crowd of men armed with swords and clubs. They had been sent by the leading priests, the teachers of religious law, and the elders. 44 The traitor, Judas, had given them a prearranged signal: “You will know which one to arrest when I greet him with a kiss. Then you can take him away under guard.” 45 As soon as they arrived, Judas walked up to Jesus. “Rabbi!” he exclaimed, and gave him the kiss.
46 Then the others grabbed Jesus and arrested him.
This phrasing … sealed with a kiss … is most often a sentiment of love. After writing the love letter and placing it in the envelope, we seal the envelope with a kiss.
What a contrast we see in Judas. He expresses respect, calling Jesus “Rabbi!” He expresses love, greeting Jesus with a kiss. Yet his motivation is treacherous. The traitor seals the betrayal with a kiss.
The name Judas has become synonymous with a traitor. He was “…one of the twelve disciples…” , right there at the table with Jesus (Mark 14:17-21). We see from this that not everyone who says the right words or passes a loving sentiment is part of the body of believers. These outward expressions don’t necessarily reflect the condition of the heart.
This Holy Week, make sure your heart is right and let you relationship with Jesus be sealed by the Holy Spirit.
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
THE GREAT DEBATE
Mark 11:27-33
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
The Authority of Jesus Challenged
27 Again they entered Jerusalem. As Jesus was walking through the Temple area, the leading priests, the teachers of religious law, and the elders came up to him. 28 They demanded, “By what authority are you doing all these things? Who gave you the right to do them?”
29 “I’ll tell you by what authority I do these things if you answer one question,” Jesus replied. 30 “Did John’s authority to baptize come from heaven, or was it merely human? Answer me!”
31 They talked it over among themselves. “If we say it was from heaven, he will ask why we didn’t believe John. 32 But do we dare say it was merely human?” For they were afraid of what the people would do, because everyone believed that John was a prophet. 33 So they finally replied, “We don’t know.”
And Jesus responded, “Then I won’t tell you by what authority I do these things.”
Try as they might, the ‘religious’ leaders could not trip up Jesus. They tried to trap Him … trick Him into saying something they could use to turn the people against Him.
Do we debate with the all-knowing One? Do we challenge His authority trying to get our own way? It is a debate … a challenge we can never win.
Do what you will … He will still be God and He is always right … just … fair!
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
The Authority of Jesus Challenged
27 Again they entered Jerusalem. As Jesus was walking through the Temple area, the leading priests, the teachers of religious law, and the elders came up to him. 28 They demanded, “By what authority are you doing all these things? Who gave you the right to do them?”
29 “I’ll tell you by what authority I do these things if you answer one question,” Jesus replied. 30 “Did John’s authority to baptize come from heaven, or was it merely human? Answer me!”
31 They talked it over among themselves. “If we say it was from heaven, he will ask why we didn’t believe John. 32 But do we dare say it was merely human?” For they were afraid of what the people would do, because everyone believed that John was a prophet. 33 So they finally replied, “We don’t know.”
And Jesus responded, “Then I won’t tell you by what authority I do these things.”
Try as they might, the ‘religious’ leaders could not trip up Jesus. They tried to trap Him … trick Him into saying something they could use to turn the people against Him.
Do we debate with the all-knowing One? Do we challenge His authority trying to get our own way? It is a debate … a challenge we can never win.
Do what you will … He will still be God and He is always right … just … fair!
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
IN MY FATHER’S HOUSE
Mark 11:15-17
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Jesus Clears the Temple
15 When they arrived back in Jerusalem, Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out the people buying and selling animals for sacrifices. He knocked over the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling doves, 16 and he stopped everyone from using the Temple as a marketplace. 17 He said to them, “The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will be called a house of prayer for all nations,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves.”
Jesus cared about the Temple. What happened in the Temple mattered to Jesus. The day before (Mark 11:11), Jesus had visited the temple and observed what was going on. Scripture doesn’t say but it must have weighed heavy on His mind because as soon as He returned, He began to clear the Temple of those “… den of thieves.”
Because Jesus cared, we too must care. We must be careful about what we practice in God’s house. It is easy to see that God’s house is not a marketplace. We must also see that it is not a place of exclusion but rather a place “…for all nations…” , open to all people. We must see that it is not a place for entertainment but rather for worship, “…a house of prayer…”. It is not a place to have our emotions whipped up … our ears tickled … or a place to showcase our talents.
This was personal to Jesus. He called it “…My Temple…”. It is the Father’s House (Jesus and the Father are One). We must treat it as such!
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Jesus Clears the Temple
15 When they arrived back in Jerusalem, Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out the people buying and selling animals for sacrifices. He knocked over the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling doves, 16 and he stopped everyone from using the Temple as a marketplace. 17 He said to them, “The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will be called a house of prayer for all nations,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves.”
Jesus cared about the Temple. What happened in the Temple mattered to Jesus. The day before (Mark 11:11), Jesus had visited the temple and observed what was going on. Scripture doesn’t say but it must have weighed heavy on His mind because as soon as He returned, He began to clear the Temple of those “… den of thieves.”
Because Jesus cared, we too must care. We must be careful about what we practice in God’s house. It is easy to see that God’s house is not a marketplace. We must also see that it is not a place of exclusion but rather a place “…for all nations…” , open to all people. We must see that it is not a place for entertainment but rather for worship, “…a house of prayer…”. It is not a place to have our emotions whipped up … our ears tickled … or a place to showcase our talents.
This was personal to Jesus. He called it “…My Temple…”. It is the Father’s House (Jesus and the Father are One). We must treat it as such!
Monday, April 06, 2009
BETRAYAL
Luke 22:1-6
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus
1 The Festival of Unleavened Bread, which is also called Passover, was approaching. 2 The leading priests and teachers of religious law were plotting how to kill Jesus, but they were afraid of the people’s reaction.
3 Then Satan entered into Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve disciples, 4 and he went to the leading priests and captains of the Temple guard to discuss the best way to betray Jesus to them. 5 They were delighted, and they promised to give him money. 6 So he agreed and began looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus so they could arrest him when the crowds weren’t around.
On yesterday, Palm Sunday, many of our churches replayed the triumphal entry of Jesus to the city of Jerusalem. He and many of His followers were gathered there, with the Jewish multitude, for the Passover celebration. In the midst of the celebration, betrayal and murder were being plotted.
In the midst of our worship, do we allow Satan access? Do we give him entry through our sin? “…Satan entered into Judas Iscariot…”
Satan may tempt you but you don’t have to give in. “…greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.” (1st John 4:4). Judas had no choice. His role in God’s plan was fixed. But you … you have the Holy Spirit … you don’t have to give Satan victory … you can overcome!
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus
1 The Festival of Unleavened Bread, which is also called Passover, was approaching. 2 The leading priests and teachers of religious law were plotting how to kill Jesus, but they were afraid of the people’s reaction.
3 Then Satan entered into Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve disciples, 4 and he went to the leading priests and captains of the Temple guard to discuss the best way to betray Jesus to them. 5 They were delighted, and they promised to give him money. 6 So he agreed and began looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus so they could arrest him when the crowds weren’t around.
On yesterday, Palm Sunday, many of our churches replayed the triumphal entry of Jesus to the city of Jerusalem. He and many of His followers were gathered there, with the Jewish multitude, for the Passover celebration. In the midst of the celebration, betrayal and murder were being plotted.
In the midst of our worship, do we allow Satan access? Do we give him entry through our sin? “…Satan entered into Judas Iscariot…”
Satan may tempt you but you don’t have to give in. “…greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.” (1st John 4:4). Judas had no choice. His role in God’s plan was fixed. But you … you have the Holy Spirit … you don’t have to give Satan victory … you can overcome!
Friday, April 03, 2009
THE GREAT SCENE
Mark 11:8-10
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Jesus’ Triumphant Entry
8 Many in the crowd spread their garments on the road ahead of him, and others spread leafy branches they had cut in the fields. 9 Jesus was in the center of the procession, and the people all around him were shouting,
“Praise God!
Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
10 Blessings on the coming Kingdom of our ancestor David!
Praise God in highest heaven!”
A great celebration … the parade is on! I can imagine it was like the NFL champs returning o home after winning the Super Bowl.
The crowd was looking for the conquering king (like King David). They anticipated political change.
But this King came to die … and just a few days later the sentiments of the crowd changed…
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Jesus’ Triumphant Entry
8 Many in the crowd spread their garments on the road ahead of him, and others spread leafy branches they had cut in the fields. 9 Jesus was in the center of the procession, and the people all around him were shouting,
“Praise God!
Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
10 Blessings on the coming Kingdom of our ancestor David!
Praise God in highest heaven!”
A great celebration … the parade is on! I can imagine it was like the NFL champs returning o home after winning the Super Bowl.
The crowd was looking for the conquering king (like King David). They anticipated political change.
But this King came to die … and just a few days later the sentiments of the crowd changed…
Thursday, April 02, 2009
BE DONE
1 Peter 2:1-3
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
1 So get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech. 2 Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, 3 now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness.
Has the LORD been good to you? You and I know the answer to that question. Of course He has! The Apostle Peter encourages us in how to respond now that we has had a taste of the Lord’s kindness.
Be done … when we recognize how good God is to us, we ought to abandon all our bad.
Grow … when we abandon the bad, replace it with a craving for the good. Nourish yourself with spiritual milk. Your spiritual walk is a process which needs feeding. God’s Word … prayer … worship … service to others … this is the diet for growth in your salvation experience.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
1 So get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech. 2 Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, 3 now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness.
Has the LORD been good to you? You and I know the answer to that question. Of course He has! The Apostle Peter encourages us in how to respond now that we has had a taste of the Lord’s kindness.
Be done … when we recognize how good God is to us, we ought to abandon all our bad.
Grow … when we abandon the bad, replace it with a craving for the good. Nourish yourself with spiritual milk. Your spiritual walk is a process which needs feeding. God’s Word … prayer … worship … service to others … this is the diet for growth in your salvation experience.
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
THE LEADER’S HEART
1 Samuel 16:6-7
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Samuel Anoints David as King
6 When they arrived, Samuel took one look at Eliab and thought, “Surely this is the Lord’s anointed!”
7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
God elevates leaders based on His criteria, not on the judgments of the world.
Skill, intelligence and hard work are part of the package that makes a good leader. Above these however, God has an even higher standard. The quality of the character of a person is the bottom line.
Outward impressiveness … appearance, height, weight, complexion, color, hair style, clothes or ‘bling’ … do not make the man or the woman. What makes a person in God’s eyes is the condition of the heart.
David said, “Create in me a clean heart…” – (Psalm 51:10). That is what it takes to be a leader in God’s kingdom building program.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Samuel Anoints David as King
6 When they arrived, Samuel took one look at Eliab and thought, “Surely this is the Lord’s anointed!”
7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
God elevates leaders based on His criteria, not on the judgments of the world.
Skill, intelligence and hard work are part of the package that makes a good leader. Above these however, God has an even higher standard. The quality of the character of a person is the bottom line.
Outward impressiveness … appearance, height, weight, complexion, color, hair style, clothes or ‘bling’ … do not make the man or the woman. What makes a person in God’s eyes is the condition of the heart.
David said, “Create in me a clean heart…” – (Psalm 51:10). That is what it takes to be a leader in God’s kingdom building program.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
