Tag Archives: bible

Good Friday

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As I was led to do a blog about Holy Week.  I will continue to post this introduction…

Most churches have had to scale down their usual services and even close their doors because with COVID 19 creating physical distance from one another; we are not permitted to gather together.  It is important during this time that we remember we all have a personal relationship with God and our continued worship, prayer and time with God should not decrease nor stop because of this.  You are responsible to keep connected.  You are responsible for your prayer time with God.  You are responsible for your worship.  The church building should not keep you from that.  Philippians 2:12 says “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.”  You are responsible to seek God out yourself.  We usually hear an abbreviated version of the story of Holy Week leading up to Resurrection Sunday or some call Easter, but let’s read it and know for ourselves.  Know about the sacrifice, the pain, the beatings, the determination, the love that Jesus had for us and what he went through to save us from sin!

Read with me Luke 22:47 – 71 and 23:1 – 48 

Judas brings the crowd with him to give Jesus the kiss and betray him.  If you don’t know the story, Judas conspired with the religious leaders to betray Jesus.  They needed Judas to single out Jesus so they could arrest him.  They agreed that the man Judas approached and kissed in greeting would be Jesus and they would go in and take him.   In certain parts of the world the traditional greeting among men is a kiss.  So Judas wasn’t doing anything out of the ordinary, which is why he could do this as a subtle way to single Jesus out.  The Study Bible makes note that ‘isn’t it iconic that a gesture of greeting would be the means of betrayal.

Jesus told Peter that he would deny knowing him, but Peter adamantly told Jesus that he would never deny him.  He was sure he would never do that.  But what happened?  The rooster did crow to show proof of Jesus’ word.  How easily we say what we would do for Jesus, but then how easily we forget.  I always think about that.  We say we believe what Jesus’ words, but we really don’t because our actions shows something very different.  The Study bible notes that this experience Peter had changed his life from a halfhearted follower to a  repentant disciple and finally to the kind of person Christ could use to build his church.  He had to be broken to be made whole.  Have a contrite heart for God to work in Him.  Hallelujah!!

Between 12 noon and 3p Jesus’ was crucified.  I grew up with a family tradition on this day.  We usually didn’t have school so we would be home.  My Dad would shut the house down completely during this time.  No tv, no music, no games…nothing.  Absolute quiet.  And we would read the bible.  Read about this week and what happened to Jesus and what he would endure for ME.  I went along with the program and did as I was told, but now as an adult, I truly reverence this time.  I can’t even imagine the humiliation, the ridicule, the beating, the pain, the disregard for who he truly was in God.  It’s almost scary that they hated him that much to want him dead!  The believing criminal who was crucified with him, said to the un-believing criminal just what I’m thinking “Don’t you have any fear of God at all?”

The bible says that during this 3 hour time period, darkness covered the entire land, although it was the middle of the day.

Next…Holy Saturday

 

 

Holy Tuesday

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As I was led to do a blog about Holy Week.  I will continue to post this introduction…

Most churches have had to scale down their usual services and even close their doors because with COVID 19 creating physical distance from one another; we are not permitted to gather together.  It is important during this time that we remember we all have a personal relationship with God and our continued worship, prayer and time with God should not decrease nor stop because of this.  You are responsible to keep connected.  You are responsible for your prayer time with God.  You are responsible for your worship.  The church building should not keep you from that.  Philippians 2:12 says “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.”  You are responsible to seek God out yourself.  We usually hear an abbreviated version of the story of Holy Week leading up to Easter, but let’s read it and know for ourselves.  Know about the sacrifice, the pain, the beatings, the determination, the love that Jesus had for us and what he went through to save us!

Read with me today… Luke 20:1-40

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During this time the chief priests, the scribes, the elders and the religious leaders tried to crafty and ask Jesus questions hoping they would trip Him up and cause Him to answer in a way that would criminalize Himself.  They wanted Him to say the wrong thing so that they could accuse Him of blasphemy.  But they couldn’t trap Him.  Most times He turned the question on them, exposing their motives.

I’ve always mentioned to those I mentor, check your motive.  You could be doing something that on the outside looks like its the right thing or the nice thing to do…but WHY are you doing it?  What’s the motive?  I also discern the same question when dealing with those around me.  What is their motive?  Everyone isn’t doing it for the right reasons.  Watch your company, those you keep close around you.

Can you imagine people who wanted you dead, because of who you say you come from?  Because of your authority.  Because you are heping prople to see truth and not be decieved by their  lies.  And they follow you and watch you, scheme and plot harm against you?

Vs.18 talks of being ‘broken’ but the word is not looked at as negative.  It is a place of growth if you look at it in the righ way.  The Life Application Study Bible notes say that ‘those who cast themselves on Jesus, submitting their wills and allthat theya re to him, will be broken by him of arrogance, hard-heartedness, and self-centeredness.

All these situations Jesus went through, reminds me to be imitate Him when I’m going through similar times.  Be alert, don’t fall into the trap…but respond with TRUTH and kindness.

I pray you had a Blessed Holy Tuesday.  We will chat again tomorrow.

 

Proverbs Reading – Chapter 4

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The Purpose of Proverbs is to impart wisdom for godly living.

Solomon’s fathering advice to young people and all who seek wisdom will greatly benefit from these wise words.   Discover the source of wisdom, the value of wisdom and the benefits of wisdom.   Proverbs gives practical suggestions for effective living.   They should call a person to action.  The verses tell how you can live in close relationship to Him and offers positive advice that helps you to make good and righteous decisions. –  notes of the Life Application Study Bible

PROVERBS 4     The title of this chapter is Security in Wisdom

God is our Father.  So a lot of what He does and how He responds to us is how a parent would to their child.  We are His children.  God is giving us, His children…wisdom and understanding.

Here wisdom is given a pronoun….her and she.

Do not forsake her, she will preserve you, love her, she will keep you, exalt her, she will bring you honor, embrace her, she will deliver you.

Get wisdom and get understanding.  The Study Bible states that ‘one of the greatest responsibilities of parents is to encourage their children to become wise.  Wisdom can be passed on from parents to children; from generation to generation.  But if your parents never taught you in this way, God’s Word can function as a loving and compassionate mother or father for you.’  Create a legacy of God’s wisdom for your children.

If you want God’s wisdom, you must decide to go after it.

Verse 14 & 15 talk about the ‘path of the wicked and how we should not walk in the way of evil.  Avoid it, do not travel on it, turn away from it and pass on.’  The Study notes give you teaching of how even friends can make you fall.  How it is hard for young people to believe that their friends will lure them to do wrong, could lead them to trouble.  But if they don’t know that it’s wrong or the effects of the wrong behavior, they don’t know what they are doing.  Let us teach our children and young people to use wisdom, proceed with caution and don’t let friends cause you to fall into sin.  Teach your young people to have a healthy skepticism about human behavior.  And guess what…us adults could take heed as well; especially when it comes to friends, girlfriends and boyfriends.

Verse 23 to 26 states, Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.  Put away from you deceitful mouth, and put perverse lips far from you.  Let your eyes look straight ahead, and your eyelids look right before you.  Ponder the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established.

Our heart dictates to a great extent how we live says the study notes.  Our feelings and desires have proven to take the lead and cause us to make decisions that don’t always keep us on the right path.  This is when boundaries and wise counsel become helpers for you.  Boundaries you put in place to keep you safe, to keep destructive people and behaviors out.  Put boundaries on your desires.  Learn to have self-control and be able to control the feelings and desires that may come to shift you from your place of focus and your place of discipline.

Wisdom says, just because you feel it; does not mean you have to go with it. Don’t get sidetracked on detours that lead to temptation.  You can’t always say no to a temptation.  The more you indulge in it, the stronger it gets.

Think smart and use the means we’ve been learning about in the previous chapters.

Proverbs Reading – Chapter 3

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The Purpose of Proverbs is to impart wisdom for godly living.

Solomon’s fathering advice to young people and all who seek wisdom will greatly benefit from these wise words.   Discover the source of wisdom, the value of wisdom and the benefits of wisdom.   Proverbs gives practical suggestions for effective living.   They should call a person to action.  The verses tell how you can live in close relationship to Him and offers positive advice that helps you to make good and righteous decisions. –  notes of the Life Application Study Bible

PROVERBS 3  The title to this chapter is Guidance for the Young

There is a reminder of obedience in the first two verses.  Keeping Gods commands.  Then we are introduced to two important words…mercy and truth.  What more could we want, than for God to find favor with us because we are merciful and truthful.  Your thoughts and words are not enough.  Your life reveals if you are truly merciful and truthful.  What are your definitions of a merciful person and a truthful person?

Verses 5 & 6 are very familiar verses to us.  Many can recite them word for word, but I often wonder if we also apply these scriptures to our lives.  We say we trust in the Lord, but often our actions don’t show that.  Because we take matters into our own hands, especially if we feel God isn’t moving fast enough or the outcome is not turning out the way we wanted.  We then step in front of God to take matters into our own hands; we then show God that we don’t trust Him.  Be honest, have you done that before?  Do you believe that God knows you and your situations better than you do?  So you should trust Him in it, correct?  Think carefully through your decisions, bringing them before God in prayer, seeking out wise counsel from others and using your bible as a guide.  Then follow God’s leading.  Take the time to put ALL things to God, verse 6 says in ALL your ways acknowledge Him.

I actually like verses 7 & 8…”Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil.  It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones.”  This chapter is guidance for our young people.  ‘Leave’ from evil…’go away’ from evil.  Doing that will be health to your flesh, you will stay healthy…you will stay alive.  How simply stated is that.  How simple…yet true is that verse?  This is one of many reasons I believe that our children should grow up with biblical principles…because it is truth that will not steer them wrong.  It will steer them to LIFE!

The Study Bible states that giving God the first part of your income demonstrates that God, not possessions, has first place in your life and that our resources belong to Him.  What you have is not because of you, its because of the goodness of our Lord.  Everything you have, God has granted access for you.  Please remember that.  Honor God with His firsts and the rest is your resource to manage properly.  Don’t be greedy, be open to give so you can be blessed.  Like people always say…you can’t take the money with you when you die.  There are some people that God has blessed them to be givers.  Are you that person?

Why do so many people dislike correction?  And correction from God your Creator?  God is our Father.  He’s a parent.  Don’t we expect correction from a parent?  Without correction, how would you know what to do?  Correction and discipline are very important parts of our development for both young people and adults.  Because adults can still develop in areas of their lives.  Correction comes into play when learning the difference between right and wrong.  Discipline is very much a part of our everyday life, not just your spiritual walk.  You become successful from hard work and consistent discipline.  And when you choose to live a life dedicated and disciplined for God, nothing compares to the joy of knowing God.

There is so much in this chapter, but I pray that you are reading through with me…word for word.  There is so much to learn.  See you, next chapter.

 

 

Proverbs Reading – Chapter 2

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The Purpose of Proverbs is to impart wisdom for godly living.

Solomon’s fathering advice to young people and all who seek wisdom will greatly benefit from these wise words.   Discover the source of wisdom, the value of wisdom and the benefits of wisdom.   Proverbs gives practical suggestions for effective living.   They should call a person to action.  The verses tell how you can live in close relationship to Him and offers positive advice that helps you to make good and righteous decisions. –  notes of the Study Bible

PROVERBS 2

The title of this chapter is The Value of Wisdom.  True wisdom is centered in respect and reverence for God.  If you don’t respect God, you can not truly walk in His godly wisdom.  And His wisdom is a gift to us.  It’s not something you just automatically have.  To know the mind of God and to understand His words and His heart, you must be in relationship with Him.  You must know Him.  The Study Bible notes state, ‘true wisdom is Gods and that we cannot create it by our own efforts.’  If you choose to be rebellious and foolish, you will not find Gods wisdom, it will be hidden from you.  But if you earnestly seek it…make an effort to find it.  God will reveal it to you.  The Study Bible notes also state, ‘the pathway to wisdom is strenuous.’  This is true to me, because I believe in order to find wisdom; you have to change your ways and say no to your human desires.  That can be strenuous because we are so used to doing things our own way, it’s not always so easy to stop, not always so easy to turn from that, not always so easy to change your mind.  But I love that the genuine truth is being told, we aren’t being fooled into thinking it just happens.  We are being prepared to know that there will be an effort that we have to make in order to find Gods wisdom.

We gain wisdom through a constant process of growing.  First, we must trust and honor God.  Second, we must realize that the Bible reveals God’s wisdom to us.  Third, we must make a lifelong series of right choices.  Fourth, when we make sinful or mistaken choices, we must learn from our errors and recover. – Life Application Study Bible

Let me ask you a question, have you ever asked God for discernment?  Discernment is having the ability to judge, have discretion, know the difference between right and wrong.  Asking God to give you the ability to discern is showing Him that you want to know and use His wisdom in your life decisions.  Thinking back, you probably have made some choices that would have turned out much better had you took the time to discern the outcome first.  Use God’s truth to make wise choices day by day.  Discretion will preserve you and understanding will keep you.

Because you will come across situations and people who will want to pull you away from your walk with God and from making good and right choices.  Having discretion and discernment will help you to see that it’s not for you and keep you focused.  Are you someone who has a pattern of getting caught up in situations again and again, wondering why does this keep happening to me?  Were you using your discernment to think the matter through before you indulged?  This can happen especially when it comes to sexual and prideful matters.  The Study Bible states, two of the most difficult sins to resist are pride and sexual immorality.  Both are seductive.  ‘Pride says, I DESERVE IT and sexual desire says, I NEED IT.’  Pride appeals to the empty head, sexual enticement to the empty heart.  When you have godly wisdom, you can make good decisions in those times.

Don’t be fooled into thinking you can fight the temptations.  You will need Gods strength to resist.  We always think we have control of the situation and then it becomes bigger than us.  That is because you’ve used your human wisdom, become foolish and prideful and forgot that you need God.

I love what we are learning…stayed tuned for Chapter 3!