The Daily Dose

Continue His work

“And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.  These signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” Mark 16:15-18

Today I want to talk about the authority Jesus gave right before He ascended into heaven.  Most of us have heard these words and know them as the “great commission”. Jesus said in the book of Matthew that all authority had been given to Him, but then He turned around and delegated that authority to the disciples who were there with Him by telling them to go and take His message to the world.  However, here in Mark’s account of the “great commission” the authority is given to not only the disciples that were with Him that day but also to all those who believe.  

Notice that the verse for today says: Theses signs will follow the ones that believe and are saved.  This part of the great commission is usually not the focus, but I believe it is important none the less.  The signs that follow those who believe are for helping lost people to see and believe there is hope and to bring them to God’s saving love and grace.  These signs are: The power to cast out demons. The gift to speak with a new heavenly language to connect with His Spirit and the ability to lay hands on the sick so they recover.  It does not say there will be instant healing, but that could happen.  He told them when we lay hands on the sick they will get better in time.

This is very interesting to me, because I thought that the signs that Jesus did had passed away with His disciples.  But this passage says these signs would follow all those who believe.  I am so thankful that Jesus wants His work to continue here on earth, which is one of the reasons He taught us to pray “God’s will be done on earth just like it is in heaven”. (Matt.6:10) No sickness, no disease, no demons but full of God’s love language.

Today I encourage you to take time to read about some of the work Jesus did and then ask Him for opportunities to continue that work.  Become a true New Testament believer by continuing the works of Jesus.  Follow the example He gave us and be bold about praying with others who are suffering at the hand of the enemy.  Believe that when you were saved and then baptized that you were given authority to impact the world around you with His signs and wonder.  You are not the one doing the signs, but you can be the conduit through which He flows.  Ask Him to move through your hands and feet today and be the answer that someone is praying for.

Today’s scripture reading:  Mark 16:12-20

12 After that, He appeared in another form to two of them as they walked and went into the country. 

13 And they went and told it to the rest, but they did not believe them either.

14 Later He appeared to the eleven as they sat at the table; and He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen. 

15 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. 

16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. 

17 And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; 

18 they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

19 So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. 

20 And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen.

The heavy lifting

And they said among themselves, “Who will roll away the stone from the door of the tomb for us?” Mark 16:3

How many times can you remember in life when you were worried or concerned about how something was going to work out, but when you got to that moment in time you found that it was already taken care of and there was no need to worry at all.  Yet still when the next time came around, you worried again about how you would do something only to find that God had already taken care of it for you again.  

In today’s key verse, the women were on their way to the tomb to anoint the body of Jesus.  They began to worry how they were going to get to Jesus’ body because a large stone had been placed in front of the tomb, but when they got there an angel had already moved the stone and they were no longer worried about that.  In fact, I don’t think they ever thought about it again because everything was completely different than they expected.  

These ladies had done their part. They got up early. They went to the tomb.  They came with everything they needed to anoint Jesus’ body. They had made all the preparations that they could, but the one thing they couldn’t do was move the stone.  That was God’s part.  God does all the heavy lifting.

In our daily struggles, are we putting everything on God, or are we doing the part within our ability and watching for God to meet us at the door that needs open or to make a path in the wilderness?  He won’t do it all, but He will meet you at the point that you cannot go any further. However, you must start moving and doing your part before you will ever see the wonders He has prepared for you to walk in.

Today I want to encourage you to trust in God’s faithfulness.  Commit whatever you are up against and moving toward to God.  Ask Him to meet you at the precise moment that you are unable to move forward anymore.  Know that whatever you are facing and whatever is coming up next in your life, He is already there and has rolled every stone away, opened every door and made a way through every wilderness.  He holds you and He holds the future!!

Today’s scripture reading: Mark 16:1-11

1 Now when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, that they might come and anoint Him. 

2 Very early in the morning, on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb when the sun had risen. 

3 And they said among themselves, “Who will roll away the stone from the door of the tomb for us?” 

4 But when they looked up, they saw that the stone had been rolled away—for it was very large. 

5 And entering the tomb, they saw a young man clothed in a long white robe sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed.

6 But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him. 

7 But go, tell His disciples—and Peter—that He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, as He said to you.”

8 So they went out quickly and fled from the tomb, for they trembled and were amazed. And they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.

9 Now when He rose early on the first day of the week, He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom He had cast seven demons. 

10 She went and told those who had been with Him, as they mourned and wept. 

11 And when they heard that He was alive and had been seen by her, they did not believe.

Laid to Rest

Then he bought fine linen, took Him down, and wrapped Him in the linen. And he laid Him in a tomb which had been hewn out of the rock, and rolled a stone against the door of the tomb. Mark 15:46

The torture was over, and Jesus was finally laid to rest.  How peaceful this scene must have been after such an excruciating day before.  He had completed His work, fulfilled the law and gave His life as a ransom for all.  Finally, He could rest from all His trouble.  He faced and went through the most gruesome and horrific death of all time.  Not only did He suffer at the hands of man, but God’s wrath for sin was poured out on Him.  He defeated the enemy.

We don’t know for sure what happened while His body laid in the tomb.  Many believe He descended to the enemy’s domain and stripped him of the keys of death and any power he had stolen from God’s created people.  Ephesians 4:7-9 tells us the He descended into the lower parts of the earth to set the captives free.  We also read in other passages that when He raised from the dead, many were raised up with Him. (See Matthew 17:52-53)

To His disciples, this was a very sad time.  They thought that their Lord had been killed and that they would never see Him again until they died. But for Jesus, this was just the next step in the plan.  It was a trick on the enemy so God could get His most precious people back.  Satan thought that he had successfully captured, tortured and killed the One who was sent to defeat Him, but he was so wrong.

Whatever you are facing today, know that it’s not over.  Even the things in your life that look like they have died, God can breathe new life into.  Whether it is a family relationship, your marriage or bank account, there is hope by putting it in the hands of Jesus.  Just as His body lay dead for 3 day and then was resurrected, God can resurrect your circumstances too.  He has the grace you need for whatever you are up against.  Don’t let the enemy steal back what Jesus died to get for you.  Turn your situation over today and God will restore what belongs to you.

Today I want to encourage you to be so thankful for all the Jesus died to give you!  Yes, the salvation that you desperately needed to rescue you from eternal separation and torment, but also the gift of the Holy Spirit living in you and guiding your life.  All this is possible because of His sacrifice.  Honor Him today for sticking to the plan and completing that part to make us His own.  Then tell that good news to others.  Share the message of His love everywhere you go.  It is the only thing that matters in this life.  Be His witness and lead other captives to the freedom He died to get them.

Today’s scripture reading: Mark 15:42-47

42 Now when evening had come, because it was the Preparation Day, that is, the day before the Sabbath, 

43 Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent council member, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, coming and taking courage, went in to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. 

44 Pilate marveled that He was already dead; and summoning the centurion, he asked him if He had been dead for some time. 

45 So when he found out from the centurion, he granted the body to Joseph. 

46 Then he bought fine linen, took Him down, and wrapped Him in the linen. And he laid Him in a tomb which had been hewn out of the rock, and rolled a stone against the door of the tomb. 

47 And Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses observed where He was laid.

Ministering is serving

That also followed Him and ministered to Him when He was in Galilee, and many other women who came up with Him to Jerusalem. Mark 15:41

Serving others is something we all are called to do to take care of one another.  We are to serve those we love and those we don’t know.  We are to serve the hurting and broken and those that are rich in material things.  We are called to be servants just as Jesus was the servant of all.  He said: I did not come to be served but to serve others and give My life as a ransom for many. (Matt. 20:28) When Jesus was dying on the cross, it was His greatest act of serving.  He was giving His life to rescue ours.

Today’s key verse is about women who “ministered” to Jesus.  How does that happen?  Did He really need minister too?  When He was in the wilderness fasting, angels came and ministered to Him to strengthen Him in His weakened state.  Wasn’t that all He needed?

These ladies who “ministered” were actually serving Jesus and His team.  They opened up their homes when He was in town, they prepared meals and hospitality and probably even a place to rest and relax.  These women were serving Him and that ministered and refreshed Him!  When you minister to others, you are serving them. 

This is very exciting to me because I can see in my own life many opportunities to minister to others.  My perception of ministering has always been about telling others the message of the gospel.  While that is true, ministering is actually so much more.  Luke 8:3 says that Joanna, Susanna and many others ministered to Jesus by giving funds into His ministry.  Mark 1:31 talks about Peter’s mother-in-law ministering by preparing food after she was raised up from her sick bed.  Acts 13:2 talks about the disciples ministering to the Lord with prayer and fasting.  And many more examples available in the scripture.  In serving others, we are actually ministering to our Father in heaven.

This is great news because we can all be ministers.  By serving and caring for others in their needs and struggles, we can actually minister to them to encourage and lift them up.  It doesn’t have to be hard, and it doesn’t have to elaborate, it only needs to be love from your heart displayed in acts of kindness. That’s when you will be ministering to God!!

Today I want to encourage you to minister to other by serving them.  Don’t always be looking out for number one.  Put away from you the “me” mentality and take a step of faith by loving others more than you love yourself.  God will take care of your needs and you will experience pure joy.  Be a minister to your Lord today by becoming the servant of all.

Today’s scripture reading: Mark 15:33-41

33 Now when the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. 

34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” which is translated, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”

35 Some of those who stood by, when they heard that, said, “Look, He is calling for Elijah!” 

36 Then someone ran and filled a sponge full of sour wine, put it on a reed, and offered it to Him to drink, saying, “Let Him alone; let us see if Elijah will come to take Him down.”

37 And Jesus cried out with a loud voice, and breathed His last.

38 Then the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. 

39 So when the centurion, who stood opposite Him, saw that He cried out like this and breathed His last, he said, “Truly this Man was the Son of God!”

40 There were also women looking on from afar, among whom were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the Less and of Joses, and Salome, 

41 who also followed Him and ministered to Him when He was in Galilee, and many other women who came up with Him to Jerusalem.

God Agenda

Let the Christ, the King of Israel, descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe.” Even those who were crucified with Him reviled Him. Mark 15:32

In today’s portion of scripture, there are many people who are all on their own agenda.  It starts our with Simon of Cyrene, who was just passing by when all the commotion of Jesus’ crucifixion was going on.  He was compelled to pick up Jesus’ cross and carry it for Jesus.  That was not what Simon was there to do, but he did the work God had planned for him that day.

Then there were roman soldiers. They were there to crucify Jesus and the thieves with Him.  It was obvious that they were looking out for themselves because they were gambling for their own advantage. They were there for their jobs, but they didn’t know they were doing God’s work.

The thieves got there because of what their focus was, to steal from others for their on benefit and the bystanders where there because they wanted to condemn Him.  They looked at Him with shame, probably not even knowing what His crime was.

Then there were the priest, who jeered and mocked Him.  Trying to spur Him to action, but probably felt pretty safe that He would hang where He was.  He hadn’t put up a fight up to this point, still they goaded Him to come down from the cross and save Himself. They had no idea they were instrumental in fulfilling the plan of God.

They were all brought together to complete Jesus’ mission and accomplish the Father’s purpose.  God was working all those things and all those people together for something good and amazing for those who love Him and are called to His purpose. Jesus was not there for His benefit. His heart was to please His Father and to complete down to the last detail what He was sent to do. He had no concern for His own safety and well-being.  He said “Father, forgive them.  They don’t even know what they are doing.  He surrendered His will and even saved one of the thieves that hung next to Him and when the priests incited Him that day, all He could knew was that He was taking care of His Father’s business.

It’s the same with us today.  For the most part people all over the world have one priority, that is pleasing themselves.  Generally speaking, we all live each day seemingly on our own agenda, but have no doubt, God’s plan is happening. Even with the evils being done in the world today, God is working all things together for the good of those who love Him.  There was no victory for the priest the day Jesus died. This glory was the Father’s in making a way to rescue the people that were lost to His enemy.

Today I want to encourage you to surrender your plans and schedule to your Father in heaven that loves you.  Get on board with the plan and purpose He has for your life. Don’t leave it up to chance and circumstance that you will be at the right place at the right time. Submit and follow His divine direction so that you are actively in the place of your purpose. Don’t miss out on the supernatural joy of working together with your heavenly Father. His plan will be accomplished with or without you, but wouldn’t you like to share in the part He has designed you to achieve? That is where your joy will be and that is where your success comes from.

Today’s scripture reading: Mark 15:21-32

21 Then they compelled a certain man, Simon a Cyrenian, the father of Alexander and Rufus, as he was coming out of the country and passing by, to bear His cross. 

22 And they brought Him to the place Golgotha, which is translated, Place of a Skull. 

23 Then they gave Him wine mingled with myrrh to drink, but He did not take it. 

24 And when they crucified Him, they divided His garments, casting lots for them to determine what every man should take.

25 Now it was the third hour, and they crucified Him. 

26 And the inscription of His accusation was written above:

27 With Him they also crucified two robbers, one on His right and the other on His left. 

28 So the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “And He was numbered with the transgressors.”

29 And those who passed by blasphemed Him, wagging their heads and saying, “Aha! You who destroy the temple and build it in three days, 

30 save Yourself, and come down from the cross!”

31 Likewise the chief priests also, mocking among themselves with the scribes, said, “He saved others; Himself He cannot save. 

32 Let the Christ, the King of Israel, descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe.” Even those who were crucified with Him reviled Him.

Is there good pride?

Then the soldiers led Him away into the hall called Praetorium, and they called together the whole garrison. Mark 15:16

Have you ever heard anyone talking about how proud they were?  Maybe it was proud of a certain accomplishment or proud of their children or loved one?  What about taking pride in your work and a job well done?  How about being proud to be an American?  These phrases sound like they could be a good thing.  Like there is a good kind of pride?  However, there is no scripture that indicates that pride can be good.  Every reference to pride in the Bible is in direct contrast to who God is and everything He stands for.

The reason is because pride puts the focus on yourself rather than others.  Like I did some great thing on my own or my child is awesome because they are mine.  Even when Jesus was baptized, God said “This is my beloved Son that I am well pleased with.”  He didn’t say “This is my Son that I am so proud of.” 

Pride is what got Satan thrown out of heaven and pride is what got Adam and Eve banished from the garden.  There is no good pride and in fact Proverbs 16:5 says: Every proud heart is an abomination to the LORD, and none will go unpunished! Notice it says every/all not some or many.

In today’s reading, Jesus was taken by the guards to be beaten, mocked and humiliated.  The key verse struck me because I never noticed that they called together all the guards.  I don’t know if this was the normal practice or if they thought Jesus was going to try to escape, but they all came together to do this gruesome job.

This was Jesus ultimate example of humility.  Never once did an ounce of pride enter in.  He didn’t try to fight or stand up for Himself. He didn’t call on Angels and He didn’t show the power of God that was behind Him.  Of course, we know it was because this was His assignment, but it was also because He even loved those wretched people that were tormenting Him.

Here’s the kicker!  This process pleased God but it did not make Him proud.  Isaiah 53:10 says: Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise Him; He has put Him to grief.  In this passage it looks like Jesus is being humiliated, but Philippians 2:8 says that He humbled Himself to be obedient to the death on the cross.  The bottom line is that humility showed His love for the world.

What about you and me?  Are we willing to show our love for others by being gracious and humble? Or is our main objective to be right and first in all things?  Let’s take a step of faith to humble ourselves to serve and love on the people around us and put the atrocity of pride far away.

Today I want to encourage you to examine your heart and life for where you may have fallen into pride.  Pride can be identified in the places that you feel you are better than others and look down on those who are less fortunate.  Pride takes on many forms, so ask the Holy Spirit to reveal it to you and then be honest with yourself when He does and get rid of it.  Begin today to love others even in their messes and share with them even in their sin.  Follow the example of Jesus and become obedient to the plan for your life to insure that one day you will hear:  This is my beloved child in whom I am well please!  It is better to humble yourself than to be humiliated.

Today’s scripture reading: Mark 15:16-20

16 Then the soldiers led Him away into the hall called Praetorium, and they called together the whole garrison. 

17 And they clothed Him with purple; and they twisted a crown of thorns, put it on His head, 

18 and began to salute Him, “Hail, King of the Jews!” 

19 Then they struck Him on the head with a reed and spat on Him; and bowing the knee, they worshiped Him. 

20 And when they had mocked Him, they took the purple off Him, put His own clothes on Him, and led Him out to crucify Him.

No Fault

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.” John 19:4

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 before my Lord Jesus at the throne of God.  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 my life has already been paid!  There was a verdict, a brutal beating and death penalty paid for all my transgressions.  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 by His blood that was poured out for me.

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 pain.  I love her too much to let her suffer so I must bare the whole penalty!”

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’s all of us.

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 the sacrifice of 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, now you do not have to.  He took your place and mine so we can live forever with Him in His glorious kingdom.  If you have never receive 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: Mark 15:1-15

1 Immediately, in the morning, the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council; and they bound Jesus, led Him away, and delivered Him to Pilate. 

2 Then Pilate asked Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” He answered and said to him, “It is as you say.”

3 And the chief priests accused Him of many things, but He answered nothing. 

4 Then Pilate asked Him again, saying, “Do You answer nothing? See how many things they testify against You!” 

5 But Jesus still answered nothing, so that Pilate marveled.

6 Now at the feast he was accustomed to releasing one prisoner to them, whomever they requested. 

7 And there was one named Barabbas, who was chained with his fellow rebels; they had committed murder in the rebellion. 

8 Then the multitude, crying aloud, began to ask him to do just as he had always done for them. 

9 But Pilate answered them, saying, “Do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?” 

10 For he knew that the chief priests had handed Him over because of envy.

11 But the chief priests stirred up the crowd, so that he should rather release Barabbas to them. 

12 Pilate answered and said to them again, “What then do you want me to do with Him whom you call the King of the Jews?”

13 So they cried out again, “Crucify Him!”

14 Then Pilate said to them, “Why, what evil has He done?” But they cried out all the more, “Crucify Him!”

15 So Pilate, wanting to gratify the crowd, released Barabbas to them; and he delivered Jesus, after he had scourged Him, to be crucified.

Own it

A second time the rooster crowed. Then Peter called to mind the word that Jesus had said to him, “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times.” And when he thought about it, he wept.  Mark 14:72

We all mess up and we all let others down, sometimes in life.  Oh, I know it is usually not intentional, but since there 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 it.  Another option is to hide it and keep it in the secret place where no one has to know.  You could blame someone else and try to sooth your conscience that way, but the best way is to 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.  No need to carry that load, Jesus did it for you.

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. He could have asked Jesus, “Is there any way to stop it” or asked Him for help?  He could have asked “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 did.  He did have options.

The options are the first place to start when facing temptation.  Consider the consequences and how your are going to feel bad after.  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 you loving heavenly Father and get your cleansing asap.  The best option is to pray and ask for help as soon as the temptations comes along or even before it comes.

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 comes.  You know it will because it always does in some area in 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, now.

Today’s scripture reading: Mark 14:66-72

66 Now as Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came. 

67 And when she saw Peter warming himself, she looked at him and said, “You also were with Jesus of Nazareth.”

68 But he denied it, saying, “I neither know nor understand what you are saying.” And he went out on the porch, and a rooster crowed.

69 And the servant girl saw him again, and began to say to those who stood by, “This is one of them.” 

70 But he denied it again. And a little later those who stood by said to Peter again, “Surely you are one of them; for you are a Galilean, and your speech shows it.”

71 Then he began to curse and swear, “I do not know this Man of whom you speak!”

72 A second time the rooster crowed. Then Peter called to mind the word that Jesus had said to him, “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times.” And when he thought about it, he wept.

          A false witness

Then some rose up and bore false witness against Him, Mark 14:57

I have a hard time not getting riled up when I hear people blaming God for their circumstances or even for the evil things that are happening in the world.  Because most lost people often do not understand God’s love and His design for this world, He gets credit for such things as wars, famines, sickness, disease and catastrophes.  But it is a lie!  The truth is, these things are in the world today as a result of sin entering in at the beginning of creation.

In today’s reading, there were many that came to Jesus’ trial to bare a false witness about who He was and the things He said and did.  But they were unsuccessful in bringing charges against Him because they were conflicting with the other witnesses and the truth.  Things were made up about what Jesus said or taken out of context to distort the truth of His words.

This is still happening today.  People say all kinds of things about Jesus.  Some say He was a prophet; some say a good man in history.  Some even say He didn’t rise from the dead.  Although some of these things are true, few recognize that He came to rescue us and save us from our eternal punishment that we are destined to suffer without Him.

So, what do you say about Him?  Is He your Savior?  Is He your Lord?  Have you surrendered your will to His perfect and blessed plan?  Or like those in the reading, do you make something up because you really don’t know who He is or the depth of the love He has for you?

Today I want to encourage you to find out the truth.  Don’t believe the lies of the enemy that would make little of the sacrifice Jesus paid for you.  Look at scriptures that describe the love and offering He gave to save you.  If you have received His salvation, rejoice!  Be thankful and glad that someone shared the truth with you and that your life is secure in His love.  Then share that truth with others, so they can receive His gift of salation in their life.  If you have not heard or receive salvation, believe the truth today.  Stop making up lies about who Jesus really was and get into His word to find out.  Don’t perish from this world because you lack the knowledge of the provision God made to rescue you.  Pray a prayer like this from your heart and receive this great salvation into you life and heart today.

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 and faith 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: Mark 14:53-65

53 And they led Jesus away to the high priest; and with him were assembled all the chief priests, the elders, and the scribes. 

54 But Peter followed Him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. And he sat with the servants and warmed himself at the fire.

55 Now the chief priests and all the council sought testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, but found none. 

56 For many bore false witness against Him, but their testimonies did not agree.

57 Then some rose up and bore false witness against Him, saying, 

58 “We heard Him say, ‘I will destroy this temple made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands.’ ” 

59 But not even then did their testimony agree.

60 And the high priest stood up in the midst and asked Jesus, saying, “Do You answer nothing? What is it these men testify against You?” 

61 But He kept silent and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked Him, saying to Him, “Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?”

62 Jesus said, “I am. And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.”

63 Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, “What further need do we have of witnesses? 

64 You have heard the blasphemy! What do you think?” And they all condemned Him to be deserving of death.

65 Then some began to spit on Him, and to blindfold Him, and to beat Him, and to say to Him, “Prophesy!” And the officers struck Him with the palms of their hands.

What spirit is this

One of those who stood by drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear.  Mark 14:47

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.  Sure, there was the time when Jesus chased the money changers out of the temple, but that wasn’t impulsive. He never resorted to physical confrontation.  This was an act motivated by a different spirit than God’s.

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 gave in to a wrong spirit and that spirit led him to destruction.

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 over-riding spirit of rage and hate for those who are different than others.  You can’t even drive down the highway without seeing people irritation and lacking grace for those who may make a mistake.  But don’t we all make mistakes.  Who among us is perfect?

What about you?  What spirit are you of?  Are you following the Spirit of God’s love and grace for others? Or are you of the spirit of judging who is right and wrong without and 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 now so that when you do err, 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’s is our part today too.  We are to follow Jesus example of grace and love to all that we come up against.  And in 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: Mark 14:43-52

43 And immediately, while He was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, with a great multitude with swords and clubs, came from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders. 

44 Now His betrayer had given them a signal, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the One; seize Him and lead Him away safely.”

45 As soon as he had come, immediately he went up to Him and said to Him, “Rabbi, Rabbi!” and kissed Him.

46 Then they laid their hands on Him and took Him. 

47 And one of those who stood by drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear.

48 Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs to take Me? 

49 I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and you did not seize Me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled.”

50 Then they all forsook Him and fled.

51 Now a certain young man followed Him, having a linen cloth thrown around his naked body. And the young men laid hold of him, 

52 and he left the linen cloth and fled from them naked.