MARK 14:27-38 - IT'S O.K. TO BE HUMAN!
It's O.K. to be scared. It's O.K. to get tired. It's O.K. to get hungry. It's O.K. to be anxious. If the Garden of Gethsemanee teaches us anything, it's that IT'S O.K. TO BE HUMAN! Even Our Lord, the Eternal Son of God, the Creator of the Universe was human in the Garden. No where else do we see Jesus' humanity displayed as vividly as when He asked His Father to deliver Him from "drinking the cup" of crucifixion. The problem arises when we let our humanity win the battle. It's O.K. to let our human nature knock us down, but we have to get back up and continue to fight. Jesus WENT to the cross! Peter got up from his nap and boldly defended his Master (although he did deny knowing Him later)! The apostles left the Garden and "turned the world upside down"! We need to accept the fact that IT'S O.K. TO BE HUMAN, but not forget to fight like we are DIVINELY INFILLED (Which We Are)!
R. David Hall
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Friday, February 26, 2010
Lenten Devotional - 24 Hours that Changed the World
1 Corinthians 11:23-32 The Last Supper
This is the point that Jesus Christ desires us to remember; The Christian life is not merely the remembrance of a historical Christ 2,000 years in the past, but it is the present participation in a living Christ, with us now. There is no Christian life without it-until He comes.
Brad Pearson
“…IN REMEMBRANCE OF ME”
Without the bread and sacred cup
I might forget the price
That You, Lord, paid so willingly-
The utmost sacrifice.
Celebrating the Lord's Supper should move our hearts to mend our ways.
After the Last Supper, Jesus Christ willfully and obediently allowed himself to be brutally sacrificed on a wooden cross. He did this to reconcile each of us to God by paying the debt of our sins, which we could never do on our own power. In return, Jesus makes a simple request, remember this act of love He performed on our behalf. Jesus Christ did not have to die for us. He did, however, because He values every life on earth and wants to see each of us sitting at His dining table someday in heaven.This is the point that Jesus Christ desires us to remember; The Christian life is not merely the remembrance of a historical Christ 2,000 years in the past, but it is the present participation in a living Christ, with us now. There is no Christian life without it-until He comes.
Brad Pearson
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Lenten Devotional - 24 Hours that Changed the World
Exodus 12:21-28
We’ve all heard the story of the last plague of Egypt, and how God delivered the Israelites from the Angel of Death, but have we ever really understood how this translates to Jesus and the cross?
As Jesus observed the Passover Meal with his disciples in the upper room on the evening before his arrest and ultimate crucifixion, the disciples had no idea that Jesus was about to fulfill the very tradition they were honoring. Think about it, the blood was placed across the top of the door (the patibulum or cross bar of the cross) and down the sides of the door (the stipes or standing post of the cross). By placing the blood on their doorposts, the Israelites were making a public declaration of their belief in God and willingness to follow Him. By doing so, God delivered them from “the Destroyer.” In the same way, because of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, we can publicly declare our belief in and willingness to follow Him, and He will save us from “the Destroyer.” We receive eternal life with Him.
With that “Last Supper,” Jesus demonstrated the breaking of His body with the bread and the pouring out of his blood with the wine. Thus, the Passover became not just the memory of the deliverance of Israel from Egypt, but the deliverance of the entire human race from death and Hell; should they choose to accept it.
Lance Thrash
We’ve all heard the story of the last plague of Egypt, and how God delivered the Israelites from the Angel of Death, but have we ever really understood how this translates to Jesus and the cross?
As Jesus observed the Passover Meal with his disciples in the upper room on the evening before his arrest and ultimate crucifixion, the disciples had no idea that Jesus was about to fulfill the very tradition they were honoring. Think about it, the blood was placed across the top of the door (the patibulum or cross bar of the cross) and down the sides of the door (the stipes or standing post of the cross). By placing the blood on their doorposts, the Israelites were making a public declaration of their belief in God and willingness to follow Him. By doing so, God delivered them from “the Destroyer.” In the same way, because of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, we can publicly declare our belief in and willingness to follow Him, and He will save us from “the Destroyer.” We receive eternal life with Him.
With that “Last Supper,” Jesus demonstrated the breaking of His body with the bread and the pouring out of his blood with the wine. Thus, the Passover became not just the memory of the deliverance of Israel from Egypt, but the deliverance of the entire human race from death and Hell; should they choose to accept it.
Lance Thrash
Lenten Devotional - 24 Hours that Changed the World
Jeremiah 31:31-34:
A new covenant……God declares a new covenant with Israel because they broke his previous covenant made with their forefathers. For this new covenant will no longer be on tablets of stone, but instead within each of our hearts. This is the new covenant from God with us…..a covenant that says “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more”.
I know for my life I have gone astray trying many different solutions to help overcome my dysfunctional childhood. I have chosen relationships looking for safety & comfort that only led me to do things I am not proud of today. I lived as a victim until God brought a counselor into my life who was exactly what I needed. In July 1999 I called my father after not speaking for 10 years and told him I forgave him for everything. On November 25th, 1999 my father passed away. The very next day was my first date with my husband now of 8 years. I know that my husband was sent to me by God because I could not have handpicked a better man for me. It is strange to me now to reflect on all the dysfunctions of my upbringing as they now seem so much of a distant past. Through God’s grace I have managed to forgive not only my family, but also myself.
I am glad God has forgiven our sins and remembers them no more! It has allowed me to renew my life filled with peace & light.
Dear God, we thank you for making a new covenant with us. Father we pray for understanding as to why we do the things we do and ask for your strength to make it right. Help us to forgive not only those who have hurt us along the way. Help us to find healing through forgiveness that frees us to become closer to you, living a life in the light of your Kingdom.
A new covenant……God declares a new covenant with Israel because they broke his previous covenant made with their forefathers. For this new covenant will no longer be on tablets of stone, but instead within each of our hearts. This is the new covenant from God with us…..a covenant that says “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more”.
I know for my life I have gone astray trying many different solutions to help overcome my dysfunctional childhood. I have chosen relationships looking for safety & comfort that only led me to do things I am not proud of today. I lived as a victim until God brought a counselor into my life who was exactly what I needed. In July 1999 I called my father after not speaking for 10 years and told him I forgave him for everything. On November 25th, 1999 my father passed away. The very next day was my first date with my husband now of 8 years. I know that my husband was sent to me by God because I could not have handpicked a better man for me. It is strange to me now to reflect on all the dysfunctions of my upbringing as they now seem so much of a distant past. Through God’s grace I have managed to forgive not only my family, but also myself.
I am glad God has forgiven our sins and remembers them no more! It has allowed me to renew my life filled with peace & light.
Dear God, we thank you for making a new covenant with us. Father we pray for understanding as to why we do the things we do and ask for your strength to make it right. Help us to forgive not only those who have hurt us along the way. Help us to find healing through forgiveness that frees us to become closer to you, living a life in the light of your Kingdom.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Lenten Devotional - 24 Hours that Changed the World
Mark 14:12, 22-25
The Last Supper
Jesus and His Disciples are celebrating the Passover. This meal commemorated the Jews release from slavery in Egypt (Exodus 12). The Jews had been celebrating Passover for centuries and I can imagine that, for some, it had become routine and perhaps devoid of some of its meaning.
Now, as the Disciples are enjoying the meal, Jesus adds new meaning to this old tradition; a meaning that His Disciples could not quite grasp at this moment. A new tradition, Communion, begins.
Christians have been celebrating Communion for centuries and for some it has become routine and perhaps devoid of its meaning. The Lamb of God has been sacrificed! Each time we partake of the body and the blood of Christ, we should rejoice, because all of our sins are forgiven and we are a new creation. The sacrifice was real. The forgiveness is real. Let’s not forget the very real meaning behind Communion.
David Boatright
The Last Supper
Jesus and His Disciples are celebrating the Passover. This meal commemorated the Jews release from slavery in Egypt (Exodus 12). The Jews had been celebrating Passover for centuries and I can imagine that, for some, it had become routine and perhaps devoid of some of its meaning.
Now, as the Disciples are enjoying the meal, Jesus adds new meaning to this old tradition; a meaning that His Disciples could not quite grasp at this moment. A new tradition, Communion, begins.
Christians have been celebrating Communion for centuries and for some it has become routine and perhaps devoid of its meaning. The Lamb of God has been sacrificed! Each time we partake of the body and the blood of Christ, we should rejoice, because all of our sins are forgiven and we are a new creation. The sacrifice was real. The forgiveness is real. Let’s not forget the very real meaning behind Communion.
David Boatright
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Lenten Devotional - 24 Hours that Changed the World
Mark 14:12, 14:22:25
John Betjeman calls our attention following Christmas with a poem that begins and ends like this: “And is it true? And is it true? The most tremendous tale of all…That God was Man in Palestine, and lives to-day in Bread and Wine.” In our text, Christ began the journey to the cross by sharing a meal with his disciples. The Great Thanksgiving as it is called in Church tradition has many meanings. Being thankful to God for His redemptive acts in history is one. We are thankful Abraham, Joseph, Moses and others, flawed like us, that they allowed God to change them and use them to change history. Another obvious meaning of the Last Supper is one of sacrifice. Only one was perfect and it was Christ who became so in His sacrifice. God wants us to allow Him to use us ‘for the continued transformation of the world’ but the cost is not cheap. In our remembering, we pray for the Holy Spirit to work His change in us.
John Ash
John Betjeman calls our attention following Christmas with a poem that begins and ends like this: “And is it true? And is it true? The most tremendous tale of all…That God was Man in Palestine, and lives to-day in Bread and Wine.” In our text, Christ began the journey to the cross by sharing a meal with his disciples. The Great Thanksgiving as it is called in Church tradition has many meanings. Being thankful to God for His redemptive acts in history is one. We are thankful Abraham, Joseph, Moses and others, flawed like us, that they allowed God to change them and use them to change history. Another obvious meaning of the Last Supper is one of sacrifice. Only one was perfect and it was Christ who became so in His sacrifice. God wants us to allow Him to use us ‘for the continued transformation of the world’ but the cost is not cheap. In our remembering, we pray for the Holy Spirit to work His change in us.
John Ash
Friday, February 19, 2010
Lenten Devotional - 24 Hours that Changed the World
During Lent, a season of introspection based on the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness considering God’s call in his life, we recognize our need to hear and clarify God’s call in our own lives.
Since we do come from many spiritual backgrounds, I thought we might hear from John Wesley (founder of the Methodist movement in England during the middle 1700’s) to help us reflect upon our faith and draw closer to God over these 40 days.
When asked, “What is the distinguishing mark of a Methodist, Wesley replied: “A Methodist is one who is a Christian, not in name only, but in heart and life. He is inwardly and outwardly conformed to the will of God, as revealed in the written Word. He thinks, speaks, and lives, according to the method laid down in the revelation of Jesus Christ. His soul is renewed after the image of God, in righteousness and in all true holiness. And having the mind of Christ, he so walks as Christ also walked.”
So, during Lent 2010, based on Scripture, inspired by Wesley and led by the Holy Spirit, may we seek and experience this presence of Christ in our heart demonstrated by how we live. May our Christianity be more than name only.
Max
Since we do come from many spiritual backgrounds, I thought we might hear from John Wesley (founder of the Methodist movement in England during the middle 1700’s) to help us reflect upon our faith and draw closer to God over these 40 days.
When asked, “What is the distinguishing mark of a Methodist, Wesley replied: “A Methodist is one who is a Christian, not in name only, but in heart and life. He is inwardly and outwardly conformed to the will of God, as revealed in the written Word. He thinks, speaks, and lives, according to the method laid down in the revelation of Jesus Christ. His soul is renewed after the image of God, in righteousness and in all true holiness. And having the mind of Christ, he so walks as Christ also walked.”
So, during Lent 2010, based on Scripture, inspired by Wesley and led by the Holy Spirit, may we seek and experience this presence of Christ in our heart demonstrated by how we live. May our Christianity be more than name only.
Max
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Lenten Devotional - 24 Hours that Changed the World
Psalm 51:1-17
“For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against you, you alone, have I sinned…” What a powerful confession to make before God. However uncomfortable it is for our lips to utter these words of the psalmist, we know that they are true for us just as they were true for the people of ancient Israel. Lent begins with time set aside for us to reflect on our own fallibility and mortality, our need for forgiveness and the power of resurrection.
The season of Lent invites us to humility on our knees, open inward journeys, self denials and recognition of our need for Christ. Let us welcome these forty days, welcome the intimacy of growing closer to God. And let us revel in this time that we have to pause, to remember what Christ has done for us. These next forty days give us time to pause, time to reflect, prepare and remember what Christ has done for humanity and what Christ has done for each of us individually. May our spirits and our hearts be open to God this day. Amen.
“For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against you, you alone, have I sinned…” What a powerful confession to make before God. However uncomfortable it is for our lips to utter these words of the psalmist, we know that they are true for us just as they were true for the people of ancient Israel. Lent begins with time set aside for us to reflect on our own fallibility and mortality, our need for forgiveness and the power of resurrection.
The season of Lent invites us to humility on our knees, open inward journeys, self denials and recognition of our need for Christ. Let us welcome these forty days, welcome the intimacy of growing closer to God. And let us revel in this time that we have to pause, to remember what Christ has done for us. These next forty days give us time to pause, time to reflect, prepare and remember what Christ has done for humanity and what Christ has done for each of us individually. May our spirits and our hearts be open to God this day. Amen.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Lenten Devotional - 24 Hours that Changed the World
Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the season of Lent. Lent is the forty days leading up to Easter Sunday (not counting Sundays). Lent is an ancient church tradition that is one of my personal favorite Christian seasons. In the Advent and Christmas seasons there is the manger, but there are other important characters as well: Mary, Joseph, Angels, and Shepherds to name a few. Then there are the characters that have red suits and red noses. This doesn’t even mention the commercialism. Lent, on the other hand, has a central focus – Jesus’ sacrifice for the world. This year for Lent we will focus even narrower on the last 24 hours of Jesus’ life and how those events changed the world.
A Traditional practice during the season of Lent is to give up something to better connect with Christ’s sacrifice. Some people give up chocolate, potato chips, coffee or some other delicacy to help them in this endeavor during Lent. Other ideas are to turn off the television, fast a meal a week, give money to charity, give up gossiping, texting, Facebook, fast food, ESPN, American Idol, game systems, whining…
Chances are good that if you’ve tried such practices in the past, you may have also tried and failed. Here I think we should take a hint from what is already working around us. Buddy Checks and AA are powerful models of accountability. So I say, call a buddy or two. Let a few friends know of your plans, not for self glorification, but for accountability. Let them aid you not just in persevering in your practice, but also to see beyond your practice because the point isn’t just to persevere, but to focus on the sacrifice Jesus Christ made for the world.
Pick a practice that will help you focus on Jesus’ sacrifice and how that has changed the world. Call a buddy. Follow Christ. Impact the world.
Check the blog each day for a daily devotional during Lent.
A Traditional practice during the season of Lent is to give up something to better connect with Christ’s sacrifice. Some people give up chocolate, potato chips, coffee or some other delicacy to help them in this endeavor during Lent. Other ideas are to turn off the television, fast a meal a week, give money to charity, give up gossiping, texting, Facebook, fast food, ESPN, American Idol, game systems, whining…
Chances are good that if you’ve tried such practices in the past, you may have also tried and failed. Here I think we should take a hint from what is already working around us. Buddy Checks and AA are powerful models of accountability. So I say, call a buddy or two. Let a few friends know of your plans, not for self glorification, but for accountability. Let them aid you not just in persevering in your practice, but also to see beyond your practice because the point isn’t just to persevere, but to focus on the sacrifice Jesus Christ made for the world.
Pick a practice that will help you focus on Jesus’ sacrifice and how that has changed the world. Call a buddy. Follow Christ. Impact the world.
Check the blog each day for a daily devotional during Lent.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
