The Daily Dose

He Was Determined

He, bearing His cross, went out to a place called the Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha.  John 19:17

I have heard many messages about how Jesus sweat drops of blood in the garden the night before His crucifixion.  It certainly was one of the most difficult moments of His life here on earth.  The anxiety He experienced as He anticipated the events that were about to take place was outwardly and obviously expressed in His sweat drops of blood.  As He pleaded with His Father in His last minute alone with Him to remove this cup if there was any other possible way to accomplish God’s plan.  He finished that conversation by declaring “Not my will but Yours be done!”   Even as I write these words my heart is heavy with sorrow, but also filled with admiration and great gratitude for Jesus’ sacrifice for me, once again.

As difficult as that moment of prayer in the garden was for Jesus, I believe the turning point or most difficult steps were at the point He fell down on the road, carrying the cross.  Someone else had to come and carry the burden of the cross for Him.  At that point, Jesus showed His true determination to accomplish God’s plan to carry away the curse of sin in the world.  When He could no longer take another step, God stepped in and brought help for Him to get to the top of the hill to be that sacrifice.  It was at that point when Jesus could have said, “That’s all I got, I cannot take another step.  I cannot get up and move any further on this path.  I have been beaten until there is no strength left in this body and I will lay down here and die.”  I’m sure He could have died right there if He hadn’t gone on. 

However, He was determined to make it to His destination.  There was nothing that was going to hold Him back from getting to the place He was assigned to be.  He set His eyes on the top of that hill at Calvary and thought within Himself:  just a little further, just another step.  I imagine at that point He was probably down on hands and knees fixated on that spot where He was to be crucified for me.  He was obsessed to get there for us all, to carry away our sin, our sickness, our disease, our pain and suffering and reconcile us to our loving heavenly Father.  Thank you LORD Jesus for being determined to succeed in the purpose for the breath You were given here on earth.  Your purpose was to be beaten, suffer, die, be buried, get the keys of hell and death, raise up from the dead, and ascend into Heaven to be with your Father at His right hand, to be the head of His church, to rescue us from an eternity of suffering and separation from You.

Today I want to encourage you to be thankful once again for your salvation, for the price that was paid for your freedom and abundant life.  Then become determined to succeed in the plan that He has for your life.  If you do not know what the plan is, ask and He will show you and begin leading you in that direction. He promised in His word that: “you will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart”.(Jer. 29:13)  If you have never accepted the gift of salvation through His sacrifice for you, do it today by praying this prayer: 

Pray:  _{God in heaven, I know I’m a sinner and I need a Savior.  I want to turn away from my sinful life to the life You have planned for me.  Please forgive me for my sins, cleanse me from my past, and make me new.  I know your Son, Jesus died for me.  I believe in my heart that You raised Him form the dead.  At this very moment, I accept, confess and proclaim Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior . . . to be Lord of my life from this day forward.  Thank you, Jesus for Your grace that has saved me from my sin and has given me eternal life.  I now have a right relationship with God my Father. I also ask for Your Holy Spirit to guide me and to empower me to do the things that You have planned for my life in Jesus name, Amen}

  Now ask Him to make His plan and path plain and clear so you can follow Him from this day on.

Today’s scripture reading: John 19:17-24

17 And He, bearing His cross, went out to a place called the Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha, 

18 where they crucified Him, and two others with Him, one on either side, and Jesus in the center. 

19 Now Pilate wrote a title and put it on the cross. And the writing was: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS.

20 Then many of the Jews read this title, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin.

21 Therefore the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but, ‘He said, “I am the King of the Jews.” ’ ”

22 Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.”

23 Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took His garments and made four parts, to each soldier a part, and also the tunic. Now the tunic was without seam, woven from the top in one piece. 

24 They said therefore among themselves, “Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be,” that the Scripture might be fulfilled which says: “They divided My garments among them, And for My clothing they cast lots.” Therefore the soldiers did these things.

What will you do?

Then Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. And Pilate said to them, “Behold the Man!” John 19:5

All of the people in Israel knew who Jesus was.  Everyone knew He did miracles and was a teacher with a good message.  Of course, there were many who were jealous of Him. Mostly that was the religious leaders of the day.  They were afraid that Jesus would become more popular and also that He would turn the Hebrew people away from the synagogue.  They didn’t want to lose their fame or funding.  They all knew who Jesus was and some of them even spent time in His presence, but only to look for excuses to shut Him down.

In today’s reading, Jesus was handed over to the entire unit of Roman soldiers to be beaten and mocked.  Here was a group of people who again knew who Jesus was but did not know Him personally.  Some of them may have seen Him before that time and surly some of them were there when He was arrested.  However, none of them knew Him personally or spend time getting to know His heart of love for people especially those who were hurting.

The point is, this is still happening today.  Most people in our country have heard the name of Jesus and maybe even that He was a person in history that was crucified.  Most know that He is worshiped by Christians and even that He is the Savior of the world.  Yet, many still mock Him and do not see any need for Him in their lives personally. 

Then there are those who love Him deeply.  Those who spend time not only learning about Him, but also getting to know Him better each day personally by spending time talking with Him.  Those who have turned to Him for help when they were going through a crisis and then begin to walk with Him daily to point their life away from destruction.  Those who worship and honor Him because He is the One who paid the penalty for sin and bridged the gap that was between us and our Heavenly Father, and those who press into Him for strength and wisdom to help others who are going through struggles.

What about you?  What are you doing with Jesus?  Are you a mocker like those in Jesus’ day who saw His good works, but ridiculed His methods?  Are you among those who believe they have no need for Jesus to be in their life? Or are you a follower who desires to walk closer with Him each day? The good news is that you are the one who decides just what to do with Jesus.

Today I want to encourage you to consider what type of relationship you have with Him.  Is He Lord and Savior over your life?  Is He your best Friend that goes with you everywhere every day? Or is He someone you have heard of but never stepped into that intimate relationship of love that He wants to walk in with you?  Decide today to accept Jesus into your life as the One who rescues you from the darkness of the world.  Walk in the light of His love and His light.  Step away from the mockers of the world and make the decision to step into His arms of love.  Start the conversation today by praying this short prayer from your heart and keep that conversation going until you finish your course in this life.

Pray: _{God in heaven, I know I’m a sinner and I need a Savior.  I want to turn away from my sinful life to the life You have planned for me.  Please forgive my sins, cleanse me from my past, and make me new.  I know Your Son, Jesus died for me.  I believe in my heart that You raised Him from the dead.  At this very moment, I accept, confess, and proclaim Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior . . . to be Lord of my life from this day forward.  I now have a right relationship with God my Father through His salvation in Jesus. I thank You for giving me Your Holy Spirit to guide me and to empower me to do the things that You have planned for my life in Jesus’ name, Amen}

Today’s scripture reading; John 19:5-16 

5 Then Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. And Pilate said to them, “Behold the Man!”

6 Therefore, when the chief priests and officers saw Him, they cried out, saying, “Crucify Him, crucify Him!” Pilate said to them, “You take Him and crucify Him, for I find no fault in Him.”

7 The Jews answered him, “We have a law, and according to our law He ought to die, because He made Himself the Son of God.”

8 Therefore, when Pilate heard that saying, he was the more afraid, 

9 and went again into the Praetorium, and said to Jesus, “Where are You from?” But Jesus gave him no answer.

10 Then Pilate said to Him, “Are You not speaking to me? Do You not know that I have power to crucify You, and power to release You?”

11 Jesus answered, “You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above. Therefore the one who delivered Me to you has the greater sin.”

12 From then on Pilate sought to release Him, but the Jews cried out, saying, “If you let this Man go, you are not Caesar’s friend. Whoever makes himself a king speaks against Caesar.”

13 When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus out and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called The Pavement, but in Hebrew, Gabbatha. 

14 Now it was the Preparation Day of the Passover, and about the sixth hour. And he said to the Jews, “Behold your King!”

15 But they cried out, “Away with Him, away with Him! Crucify Him!” Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your King?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar!”

16Then he delivered Him to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus and led Him away.

I am Barabbas

Then they all cried again, saying, “Not this Man, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a robber.  John 18:40

This is one of the clearest scriptures about what Jesus came to do.  He came to the world to save sinners and He did that by trading places with them.  On the day Jesus was crucified, the people were offered a choice.  They could let Jesus go or they could free the well-known criminal, Barabbas.  Barabbas was a sinner for sure.  He deserved the punishment he was scheduled to receive, but Jesus stepped in and took his place.  It doesn’t look like Jesus had a choice, but He most certainly did.  He could have prayed to His Father and God would have given Him more than twelve legions of angels to protect and rescue Him. (See Matthew 25:53) Jesus chose to pay Barabbas penalty for his crimes the same way He chose to pay the penalty for my crimes.

He did it for you too.  I like to call it the great exchange.  2 Corinthians 5:21 says that He became my sin so I could become His righteousness.  Jesus took my sin, your sin and the sin of the whole world and in exchange, He gave me a right relationship with God.  He opened the door for me to enter into the presence of my Father in heaven by bridging the gap that was between us. Now that door is open for me to walk in and spend time with Him each day and walk out my life in His wisdom and direction.  Jesus died to set me free from the bondage of sin and the prison of a sinful lifestyle.

Barabbas was free to go back to his life before prison the day Jesus took his place.  It’s the same for you.  The day Jesus died was the day He made provision for your life of freedom, you only need to invite Him into your life and enter the door He opened to have a right relationship with the God and Father that created and loves you!

Today I want to encourage you to consider the choice Jesus made to free you from the grip of sin.  Recognize that He traded places with you and paid your penalty for being a person far from God.  Thank Him for bridging that gap and opening the door for you to enter into salvation and press into your Father in heaven to walk out the blessed life He planned for you before the foundation of the world, before the world fell under the curse of sin.

Today’s scripture reading: John 18:39-40 & John 19:1-4

39 “But you have a custom that I should release someone to you at the Passover. Do you therefore want me to release to you the King of the Jews?”

40 Then they all cried again, saying, “Not this Man, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a robber.

1 So then Pilate took Jesus and scourged Him. 

2 And the soldiers twisted a crown of thorns and put it on His head, and they put on Him a purple robe. 

3 Then they said, “Hail, King of the Jews!” And they struck Him with their hands.

4 Pilate then went out again, and said to them, “Behold, I am bringing Him out to you, that you may know that I find no fault in Him.”

You are an example

But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours becomes a stumbling block to those who are weak.  1 Corinthians 8:9

As a Christ follower and child of God, you are an example.  Not only to the outside world, but also to other believers.  This is why it is so important to consider your actions and who they will influence.  It’s easy for those who are outside of the faith to look and pick at what they feel you are doing wrong, but what about a new Christian that is beginning their new life of obedience?  What are others seeing when they look at your life?  Do they see someone who is consistent in their words and in their actions? Or do your actions and speech change depending on who you are around?  The truth is you never know who is going to pick up on something that you may not have wanted to get back to your church family.  This is why it is so important to live your life the same way you would if you were following Jesus like one of His 12 disciples.  Not because you are focusing on keeping a set of rules and regulations, that is just religious behavior.  It is because you want to be an example of what it means to not only be a follower, but also being part of the family.  You love your heavenly Father and want the world to see that God’s people are different because you have been crowned with His loving kindness.

Today’s reading is all about eating meat that was offered to idols.  We don’t really see much of this today or at least I don’t.  However, the passage can still be applied to the example we are setting for others.  We live a separated life, not because we are putting on a show, but because we are dedicating our life to be an imitator of God our Father.  He said in Ephesians 5 to imitate Him as a child imitates their parents in this world. 

This is truly what our goal in life as a Christian is: to be more like our Father.  We are not trying to obey a set of rules, but we are here to help others along the way.  How unnecessary it is for others to fall away from their faith simply because of a “mature” believer not taking their relationship with God seriously.  It is serious and it is the only thing that will last beyond this lifetime.

Jesus took this very seriously.  In fact, in Mark 9:42 He said if you cause a new believer to stumble, it is better if you were drowned in the sea.  That is very strong, but it gets the point through that He wants us to look out for the weaker believers and not be selfish in our behavior.

Today I want to encourage you to take a step up in imitating your heavenly Father as His dear child.  Press into Him and learn more about how to help those who are new in the faith.  Look seriously at the example you are setting to those around you and be the same loving and serving child of God no matter who you are with.

Today’s scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 8:1-13

1 Now concerning things offered to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies.

2 And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know.

3 But if anyone loves God, this one is known by Him.

4 Therefore concerning the eating of things offered to idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is no other God but one.

5 For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as there are many gods and many lords),

6 yet for us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and through whom we live.

7 However, there is not in everyone that knowledge; for some, with consciousness of the idol, until now eat it as a thing offered to an idol; and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. 8 But food does not commend us to God; for neither if we eat are we the better, nor if we do not eat are we the worse.

9 But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak.

10 For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eating in an idol’s temple, will not the conscience of him who is weak be emboldened to eat those things offered to idols?

11 And because of your knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?

12 But when you thus sin against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ.

13 Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.

This world is passing

Those who use the things of the world should not become attached to them. For this world as we know it will soon pass away. 1 Corinthians 7:31

I like nice things.  I know that some of them do not matter in the grand scheme of things.  Whether it is a nice home, vehicle or clothing, it makes this life a little more enjoyable when you are blessed with some of the good things this world has to offer.  The problem is that many people get caught up in things and start to believe that life is all about what you can possess here in this world.  Having the biggest home or the latest fast car.  Owning the most expensive clothes and furniture with just the right names on them can become a top priority in life.  However, these things are only temporary and to work your entire life just to purchase the current comforts is a fleeting goal at best.

The key verse for today talks about the things in the world.  They are for our use while we are here, but it will all pass away.  Sure it is great if you can afford nice things and enjoy them, but not so great if you have all your resources tied up in these temporary things.  In fact, the text here in 1 Corinthians 7 says that we need to be free from the concerns of life and not tied down to the obligation of hours maintaining possessions we will only be using for a short time.

This message is not to condemn anyone for having things.  It is only sinful when the things take first place in your heart.  If all your focus and desires in this life is to have the latest and greatest of all this world has to offer, then you have crossed the line.  Especially if you are willing to go into a pit of debt to possess them.

The solution is to keep your heart fixed on God’s plan and purpose and maintain an eternal perspective.  Keep in mind that as the things in this world break, fall apart, deteriorate and turn to rust, that we are here on an eternal mission and that is where our investments should be.

Today I want to encourage you to begin to downsize any temporary area that has become a priority or distraction from your eternal perspective.  Reduce the importance of having the biggest and the best of what the world has to offer.  Eliminate debt that has accumulated because of a worldly desire that has gotten out of control.  Turn your heart back to God and His perspective and keep in mind that this world is fading, and it will not be much longer that we live here.  Lastly, start rejoicing that we don’t have to cling to these temporary comforts but that we have an eternal kingdom as our true heritage in the family of God.

Today’s scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 7:25-40

25 Now regarding your question about the young women who are not yet married. I do not have a command from the Lord for them. But the Lord in his mercy has given me wisdom that can be trusted, and I will share it with you. 

26 Because of the present crisis, I think it is best to remain as you are. 

27 If you have a wife, do not seek to end the marriage. If you do not have a wife, do not seek to get married. 

28 But if you do get married, it is not a sin. And if a young woman gets married, it is not a sin. However, those who get married at this time will have troubles, and I am trying to spare you those problems.

29 But let me say this, dear brothers and sisters: The time that remains is very short. So from now on, those with wives should not focus only on their marriage. 

30 Those who weep or who rejoice or who buy things should not be absorbed by their weeping or their joy or their possessions. 

31 Those who use the things of the world should not become attached to them. For this world as we know it will soon pass away.

32 I want you to be free from the concerns of this life. An unmarried man can spend his time doing the Lord’s work and thinking how to please him. 

33 But a married man has to think about his earthly responsibilities and how to please his wife. 

34 His interests are divided. In the same way, a woman who is no longer married or has never been married can be devoted to the Lord and holy in body and in spirit. But a married woman has to think about her earthly responsibilities and how to please her husband. 

35 I am saying this for your benefit, not to place restrictions on you. I want you to do whatever will help you serve the Lord best, with as few distractions as possible.

36 But if a man thinks that he’s treating his fiancée improperly and will inevitably give in to his passion, let him marry her as he wishes. It is not a sin. 

37 But if he has decided firmly not to marry and there is no urgency and he can control his passion, he does well not to marry. 

38 So the person who marries his fiancée does well, and the person who doesn’t marry does even better.

39 A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. If her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, but only if he loves the Lord. 

40 But in my opinion it would be better for her to stay single, and I think I am giving you counsel from God’s Spirit when I say this.

No Fault

Pilate said to Him, “What is truth?” And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, “I find no fault in Him at all. John 18:38

After Jesus was arrested and scrutinized by the priests, the elders and the scribes, they took Him to the Roman governor of that region, Pontius Pilate.  This scene reminds me of what it might look like in heaven one day, but there is one big difference.  There will be no beating, scourging or crucifixion.

The scene may play out something like this:  I will be taken up to heaven and stand stand with my Lord, Jesus before the throne of the almighty God of eternity.  He will stand between me and the judgement.  There will be an accuser to try to condemn me and take me away from my savior for all eternity, by my heavenly Father will say: I find no fault in her.  The price for her life has already been paid!  There was a verdict, a brutal beating and death penalty paid for all my transgression.  So, when I stand at the judgement seat, God will look at the spotless lamb and see that I have been made whole and clean from the stains of sin.

When Jesus took that sentence condemning Him to death, it was my sentence.  He didn’t have to stand condemned; He didn’t have to take the beating and He didn’t have to die on a cross.  He could have stopped it at any one of those moments, but He took it for me.  He kept me in mind.  He thought: “If I don’t do this for Lynette, she will have to bear this shame, humiliation and suffering alone by herself.  I love her too much to let her pay this price, so I am paying it for her!”

He thought that about you too!  In fact, He had all people in mind as He took on the punishment for all people for all time.  He paid the price for every sin, for every person that sinned, that is all of us. It is available to anyone who will receive His love and payment, but the choice is up to you, not Him. He made His choice so you could have a choice. Make that choice today to walk in newness of life by receiving His great salvation and love.

If you have never received His salvation through the payment HE made in your place, it is not to late.  As long as there is breath in your lungs, you can surrender your life to Him and exchange it for His love and eternal purpose.  He wants all people to receive the gift of living for all eternity with Him in that glorious, beautiful place and have a home there with Him forever.

Today I want to encourage you to be so thankful that Jesus stayed in His place to take on your sin.  Remember what HE went through, was so you wouldn’t have too.  He took your place and mine and now we can live forever with Him in His glorious kingdom.  If you have never received His gift of grace and forgiveness, don’t wait another minute.  Pray this prayer from your heart and receive Him into your life right now.

Pray: God in heaven, I know I’m a sinner and I need a Savior.  I want to turn away from my sinful life to the life You have planned for me.  Please forgive my sins, cleanse me from my past, and make me new.  I know Your Son, Jesus died for me.  I believe in my heart that You raised Him from the dead.  At this very moment, I accept, confess, and proclaim Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior . . . to be Lord of my life from this day forward.  I now have a right relationship with God my Father through this salvation in Jesus. I thank You for giving me Your Holy Spirit to guide me and to empower me to do the things that You have planned for my life in Jesus’ name, Amen

Today’s scripture reading: John 18:19-38

19 The high priest then asked Jesus about His disciples and His doctrine.

20 Jesus answered him, “I spoke openly to the world. I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where the Jews always meet, and in secret I have said nothing. 

21 Why do you ask Me? Ask those who have heard Me what I said to them. Indeed they know what I said.”

22 And when He had said these things, one of the officers who stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, “Do You answer the high priest like that?”

23 Jesus answered him, “If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil; but if well, why do you strike Me?”

24 Then Annas sent Him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.

25 Now Simon Peter stood and warmed himself. Therefore they said to him, “You are not also one of His disciples, are you?” He denied it and said, “I am not!”

26 One of the servants of the high priest, a relative of him whose ear Peter cut off, said, “Did I not see you in the garden with Him?” 

27 Peter then denied again; and immediately a rooster crowed.

28 Then they led Jesus from Caiaphas to the Praetorium, and it was early morning. But they themselves did not go into the Praetorium, lest they should be defiled, but that they might eat the Passover. 

29 Pilate then went out to them and said, “What accusation do you bring against this Man?”

30 They answered and said to him, “If He were not an evildoer, we would not have delivered Him up to you.”

31 Then Pilate said to them, “You take Him and judge Him according to your law.” Therefore the Jews said to him, “It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death,” 

32 that the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled which He spoke, signifying by what death He would die.

33 Then Pilate entered the Praetorium again, called Jesus, and said to Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?”

34 Jesus answered him, “Are you speaking for yourself about this, or did others tell you this concerning Me?”

35 Pilate answered, “Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered You to me. What have You done?”

36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.”

37 Pilate therefore said to Him, “Are You a king then?” Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.”

38 Pilate said to Him, “What is truth?” And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, “I find no fault in Him at all.

Own it

Then the servant girl who kept the door said to Peter, “You are not also one of this Man’s disciples, are you?”  He said, “I am not.”  John 18:17

We all mess up and we all let others down.  Oh, I know it is usually not intentional, but since we live in this imperfect world, it is inevitable.  So how do we deal with that reality?  How do we handle it when we miss the mark?  One way is to pretend it never happened or hope no one saw or heard it.  Another option is to hide it and keep it in a secret place where no one has to know.  You could blame someone else and try to soothe your conscience that way, but the best way is to just own it and quickly confess it to the Lord and get rid of it.  Don’t wait until it is noticed by others, or you get caught in the act.  Get rid of it as soon as it happens.  There is no need to carry that load for even one minute.

Today’s passage is a little different in that Peter was caught before he blew it.  Jesus told him before they got to the garden that night that he was going to deny Him.  However, Peter argued and said that would never happen.  Peter could have stopped to consider that the Lord had said it so it must be true. Or he could have asked Jesus, Is there any way to stop it from happening?  What can I do so it doesn’t happen?  Maybe he shouldn’t have followed Jesus when He was arrested and scattered like the others.  He did have options.

The options are the first place to start when facing temptation.  Consider the consequences and how you are going to feel after you give into that temptation.  Consider what your case will be when you confess it to God.  Consider how much better you will be if you pass that mess up and when you do stumble, get back up, own it and repent.  Don’t try to hide it and don’t pass the blame.  Get with your loving heavenly Father and get your cleansing asap.  The best option is to pray and ask for help as soon as temptations come along.

Peter did just what Jesus said, but then he carried the burden of it until he saw Jesus again.  The scripture says: When he thought about it, he wept.  That may have happened every time he thought about it.  He could not get rid of it until he was forgiven by the Lord.  That was when his peace came.

Today I want to encourage you to pray when temptations come.  You know it will because it always does in some area of life.  Don’t even hide the thought when it comes into your mind.  Quickly ask the Lord for help.  When you do cave into that temptation, be quick to repent and get back up again.  Make a plan ahead of time so you don’t keep falling into the same traps.  If you have a weak area that you know you struggle with, get the reinforcements ahead of time.  Ask the Lord to show you how to resist and get someone who will hold you accountable to help you in the trying moments.  You won’t always get it perfectly, but when you make a plan before you fall, you are more likely to get it right the next time.  Don’t be like Peter and ignore or deny the warnings, humble yourself and get help.

Today’s scripture reading: John 18:15-18

15 And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple. Now that disciple was known to the high priest, and went with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest. 

16 But Peter stood at the door outside. Then the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to her who kept the door, and brought Peter in. 

17 Then the servant girl who kept the door said to Peter, “You are not also one of this Man’s disciples, are you?” He said, “I am not.”

18 Now the servants and officers who had made a fire of coals stood there, for it was cold, and they warmed themselves. And Peter stood with them and warmed himself.

What spirit is this?

Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus.  John 18:10

Where did this come from.  Jesus never used violence in His ministry.  Why would one of the disciples think that Jesus would want them to draw their sword and fight with the officers that came to arrest Him.  Other than when Jesus chased the money changers out of the temple, He never resorted to physical confrontation.  This was an act motivated by the spirit of fear.

In Luke’s account of this event, Jesus rebuked the disciple who drew the sword and said: You do not know what spirit you are of.  I didn’t come to take lives but to save them.  Peter had given in to spiritual pressure instead of trusting that Jesus had it all under control, despite what the circumstances looked like.

It’s not a hard thing to do.  In fact, in the world we live in today, it seems like everyone is angry with someone.  There seems to be an blanket of rage and hate covering the society we live in.    You can’t even drive down the highway without seeing other’s irritation and lack of grace for those who may make a mistake or get in the way.  But don’t we all make mistakes.  Who among us is perfect?

What about you?  What spirit are you of?  Are you of the Spirit of God’s love and grace for others? Or are you of the spirit of judging who is right and wrong without any space for error.  Be watchful for what side you choose because you are sure to mess up at some point in life too.  Make sure you are giving plenty of grace to those around you so that when you do mess up, that grace will come back to you multiplied.

Today I want to encourage you to be gracious.  Not that Peter should have fully surrendered to the guards, but he should have been fully surrendered to Jesus and followed His lead.  Jesus was on a mission and His disciples were there to follow Him.  That is our part today too.  We are to follow Jesus’ example of grace and love to all that we come up against.  Then when the day that an accuser comes, trust that Jesus has the answer for you to give and wait for His direction.

Today’s scripture reading: John 18:10-14

10 Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus.

11 So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into the sheath. Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me?

12 Then the detachment of troops and the captain and the officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound Him. 

13 And they led Him away to Annas first, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas who was high priest that year. 

14 Now it was Caiaphas who advised the Jews that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.

The power of His Word

Now when He said to them, “I am He,” they drew back and fell to the ground.  John 18:6

Do we really have any idea of how much power is available to us through God’s Word?  Yes, we know it brings comfort in hard times, peace and tumultuous times, wisdom in times of decisions and encouragement in discouraging times.  However, I don’t think anyone fully comprehends the power that God’s word can actually put on the outward circumstances that we face from day to day.  In fact, God’s word can actually change the trajectory of your entire life when you begin to live by it.

Tithing alone can transform your financial state from the stress and anxiety of debt to the freedom and financial peace of abundance and you don’t even have to speak the Word for that to happen.  Just imagine how much more can be changed in your life when you begin to say the things about yourself and your circumstances that God has already said about you in His word.  Things like you are more than a conqueror and you are a child of the eternal God.  That doesn’t even take into account the supernatural power that takes place when you invite Jesus into your life as your Lord and Savior.  So why do we continue to accept the limitation that this world would put on us when such power is available?

In today’s reading, Judas brought a detachment of troops and officers from the chief priests to arrest Jesus.  I know He brought a lot of guards with him because he didn’t think they would be able to take Jesus.  Judas had witnessed the power that was at work in His life every day of His ministry.  Jesus proved him to be right when they came to Him and He asked: Who are you looking for?  When they told Him, all Jesus said was: “I am” and they all fell down. It is really quite humorous to me and also very sobering at the same time.  There can be no doubt after reading this passage that Jesus laid down His life and went willingly with the guard, humbling Himself to the suffering and shame He experienced on His journey to the cross.  He did it for you and He did it for me.  He could have walked right through them, and they wouldn’t be able to hold Him.  In fact, He actually did do that at another time when a group tried to throw Him off a cliff.

Here is the point!  When the guards came to get Jesus, they would have just taken Him if He hadn’t spoken.  When He spoke His name with the power of the Holy Spirit behind it, that is when the falling down happened.  If He had kept His mouth shut, they would have just led Him away peacefully.  Speaking God’s word in the power and the authority of the Holy Spirit will make every circumstance in your life fall down.  It may not happen overnight, but if you continue to put pressure on whatever force is coming against you with the power of the Word of God, you will break through every dilemma with the Words He has given you in scripture. The seen realm will have to surrender to the unseen power of God’s word when you speak it in faith, every time.

Today I want to encourage you to consider the power of God’s Word.  Start looking for the right passage to apply against whatever enemy is coming at you at this point in your life.  Begin to speak out those promises in faith and power over the situation you are facing and thank your Father in Heaven that the energy of His words are putting pressure on those outward circumstances to turn them for His glory.  Don’t let your enemy crush you under a load of life’s struggles.  Draw your sword of the Spirit, the word of God and begin swinging it in combat until every evil is struck down.  You have the authority and ability to speak the living words of your almighty God and Father, don’t let the forces of evil reap havoc in your life any longer.  Take your authority in God’s word and see your victory today!

Today’s scripture reading:  John 18:1-11

1 When Jesus had spoken these words, He went out with His disciples over the Brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which He and His disciples entered. 

2 And Judas, who betrayed Him, also knew the place; for Jesus often met there with His disciples. 

3 Then Judas, having received a detachment of troops, and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons. 

4 Jesus therefore, knowing all things that would come upon Him, went forward and said to them, “Whom are you seeking?”

5 They answered Him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am He.” And Judas, who betrayed Him, also stood with them. 

6 Now when He said to them, “I am He,” they drew back and fell to the ground.

7 Then He asked them again, “Whom are you seeking?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.”

8 Jesus answered, “I have told you that I am He. Therefore, if you seek Me, let these go their way,” 

9 that the saying might be fulfilled which He spoke, “Of those whom You gave Me I have lost none.”

10 Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus.

11 So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into the sheath. Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me?”

Become One

“I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; John 17:20

When I was a young girl, I had a lot of questions about why things seemed different today in the church than they were when the church started after Jesus’ ascension into heaven.  I wondered about many things, one of them being why we didn’t see healing like the New Testament church did.  It was explained to me that healing had passed away with the disciples as did all the miracles back then.  I believed it at the time, but the only problem was that when someone did get healed, that answer made it look like it was some natural way that it happened.  Even though the family that experienced a miracle of healing were believing, praying for and drawing from God in faith.  It was really quite foolish to say that healing passed away since we know natural healing always takes place.  It is the way God created the body to work.  It takes care of wounds such as cuts and broken bones.  They heal up on their own after we take the necessary steps to set, cover and protect the wounded area.

As far as supernatural healing, if I had continued to believe that it doesn’t exist anymore, I would not have experienced it myself when I contracted Covid-19.  I would have laid in bed suffering for 14 days instead of pressing into God with my faith and believing Him to remove the symptoms and strengthen my body so that I could accomplish the things He had planned for me to do at that time. He was so faithful, and He always will be.  The receiving part is on our end.  We must believe and reach out to Him in Faith that He wants to help us in times of need whether it is health or any other kind of supernatural help that we need.

In today’s reading, Jesus prayed for His disciples as He was getting ready to go to the cross.  He had just prayed that they would be one with Him as He was One with God.  Now He is taking it a step further.  He added to this prayer that He is not only praying for the disciples, but He is praying for those who will receive salvation through the disciples’ words and testimony.  The disciples preached and then wrote about Jesus’ life and the salvation He came to give, then those who heard them preach received His salvation and then after they were gone, everyone else read the words they left behind about salvation. 

That is where you and I come in.  We were included in His prayer that day.  We are those who believed in Him through the words and message that the disciples left behind.  We have salvation in Christ Jesus because of the testimonies of the apostles and the church has continued to grow ever since Jesus left because He prayed for us then and He is still interceding for us today.

The message of salvation is still going on today.  Through the gospels and through the words of Christians sharing their stories and the Word of God that was left by the disciples in the New Testament.  Jesus is still the same as He was when He left the world and He has the same commission for us today to: love one another, be empowered and filled with the Holy Spirit and Go to all the world around you and share the good news of His great love and salvation! Salvation didn’t pass with the disciples and neither did any one of His other signs and wonders. Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever and so are His great works!!

Today I want to encourage you to know that you are included in Jesus’ prayers. He thought of you back then and He is thinking of you today.  His prayer at that time was that all His people would be one in Him as He was One with His Father.  The most effective way to be one is to spend time with Him.  Press into Him daily and get as close to Him as you possibly can.  Learn to hear His voice on the inside of you guiding and leading you and then follow what He says to do.  You can start by following the examples He left in His lifetime here on this earth.  He first said to love one another!  Begin to make it your habit to put away judging and condemnation for other people around you and start fresh today to practice loving at all times.  Next, Jesus told the disciple right before He left to go and wait in the city until they were filled with power from on high.  That is the Holy Spirit.  Ask the Father in Heaven to fill you with His Spirit today so that you have His power in you to be bold and effective in your witness to others.  Lastly, go into all the world around you and speak the good new of God’s salvation and love for all people.  Make your life count today for all eternity by becoming one with Him in His purpose and plans. Then walk out your days in the power of His Spirit that He sent to help you.  This will only be accomplished when we are one with each other and with Him.

Today’s scripture reading: John 17:20-26

20 “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; 

21 that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. 

22 And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: 

23 I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.

24 “Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world. 

25 O righteous Father! The world has not known You, but I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me. 

26 And I have declared to them Your name, and will declare it, that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them.”