Today on Monday of Holy Week, Jesus returned with his disciples to Jerusalem. Along the way, he cursed a fig tree because it had failed to bear fruit. Some scholars believe this cursing of the fig tree represented God's judgment on the spiritually dead religious leaders of Israel. Others believe the symbolism extended to all believers, demonstrating that genuine faith is more than just outward religiosity; true, living faith must bear spiritual fruit in a person's life.

When Jesus arrived at the Temple, he found the courts full of corrupt money changers. He began overturning their tables and clearing the Temple, saying, "The Scriptures declare, 'My Temple will be a house of prayer,' but you have turned it into a den of thieves" (Luke 19:46).

On Monday evening Jesus stayed in Bethany again, probably in the home of his friends, Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. 

Monday's events are recorded in Matthew 21:12–22, Mark 11:15–19, Luke 19:45-48, and John 2:13-17.

John 14:27

After suffering a childhood trauma, I was diagnosed with PTSD. And as a result, I know first hand the debilitating effects anxiety can have mentally and physically in a person’s life. Feelings of panic. Spiraling irrational thoughts. And paralyzing fear. I used to deal with the anxiety by hiding myself away from the world. The safe little bubble I created kept the anxiousness at bay. But that’s no way to live. Because God wants us to live full abundant lives. To experience the peace that Jesus died to give us. 

I wish I could tell you there was a magic pill, a fool proof therapy, or a sure fire yoga pose to combat fear. But there’s not. Because what works for one may not work for the next. And even as a Christian, I fight the battle of anxiety every day. But I don’t fight it alone. This is a war I wage together with God. The moment I feel the fear start to creep in I cry out to my Father, sharing with Him every thought and feeling. I visualize His hand firmly gripping mine. And I recite out loud Bible verses reminding me of the Lord’s promise of peace. A promise that tells me if my fears never come to pass, or if my greatest dread is realized, Jesus is there.

We can’t just wish our fears away. We need to act on God’s Word instead of reacting to the situation. Today I challenge you to dig deep in finding the root of your anxiety. Begin with your doctor. Make sure there isn’t an underlying physical issue causing your symptoms. Talk to your minister, rabbi, pastor or priest. Ask around for recommendations for a good counselor. Share your feelings and struggles with those around you. And above all else, turn to the Lord. He loves you and wants to see you living in His peace. A peace, that dries our tears, quiets our fears, rejoices during trials, and sings in suffering.

Be sure to head over to https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenintheword2 to join in on the discussion!

As the woman headed out, the noonday sun beat hot against her skin. Beads of sweat formed on her brow as she hurried along with her empty pots to Jacob's well. The other woman had already collected their water and were now resting in the cool of the shade. Oh how she longed to join them. But she still needed water and this was the best time of day to go unnoticed. 

To beat the heat, the women of the city drew their water for the day in the early morning hours. And as much as she wanted to do the same, she found the scorching rays of the sun easier to face than the whispers and stares of the others gathered at the well. She just couldn’t take their looks of shame and words of condemnation. So what if she lived by her own rules? And even if she was sinning, what business was it of theirs? Who were they to judge her! Filled with indignation, the heat she felt on the outside was equally matched with the heat of anger she felt burning inside.

Approaching the well, she noticed the figure of a man reclining nearby. "That's odd", she thought. "Why would someone be sitting out here in this heat? I wonder what he wants?" Growing closer, she saw that the man was clearly Jewish and staring directly at her. "He  must have lost his way.", she thought. For no Jew would purposely come to Samaria. Meeting his gaze, a feeling of peace washed over her, and the anger she felt before quickly dissipated. It was as if his eyes penetrated her very soul. And although she knew a strange man should be approached with caution, for some unexplainable reason she had no fear, and dare she even say, something about him felt like an old familiar friend.

"Give Me a drink," requested the Man. The woman's jaw dropped in disbelief. Who was this man that He dare speak to her in public? And with him being a Jew and her a Samaritan no less! Didn't he know they were enemies? She asked, "How is it that you can request a drink from me? "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, 'Give Me a drink', you would have asked Him" replied the man, "And He would have given you living water." Living water? What kind of trickery was this? This man carried no pot, and no rope to lower the pot to the water. And surely he wasn't crazy enough to think himself greater than father Jacob who had provided the well! Undoubtedly the heat must be affecting his mind.

Yet the man didn't look crazy. And motioning toward the well he continued. "Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again; but whosoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life." Now to never again be thirsty or to have to draw water from the well sounded too good to be true. But if there was even the slightest chance that it could be real, she was going to take it. And so she asked, "Sir, give me this water."

But instead of giving her a drink, the man requested that she go get her husband and bring him back to the well. The woman hung her head, and looking at the ground she softly replied, "I have no husband." Studying her intently, the man went on to say that not only did he know she had no husband, he knew about her five previous ones, and how she was currently living with her boyfriend. Stunned to the core, and staring at him incredulously, her mind raced with trying to figure out he could possibly know these things. "He must be a prophet!", she concluded. Unbeknownst to her, she was about to find out that he was so much more. 

After questioning the man about the proper place to worship she declared, "I know that Messiah is coming (He who is called Christ); when that One comes, He will declare all things to us." The man rose and standing before He replied, "I who speak to you am He." And as he reached out to touch her hand, the veil was lifted from her eyes. No longer did she see a stranger before her, but instead her beloved promised Savior. 

No sooner than the Lord revealed himself, His disciples came to be at His side. And as they questioned Jesus about His conversation with the woman, she dropped her pot and ran back to the city. She couldn't wait to tell everyone she met about her life changing encounter with the Messiah. 

The women told all who would hear about Christ’s knowledge of her many sins, and His lack of condemnation. She shared how He choose her, a Samaritan woman, to reveal Himself to. And she spoke about the living water that the Lord alone offers to all who thirst. Many were swayed by the passion of her testimony and ran out to see Jesus for themselves, and numerous Samaritans were saved that day. 

  Revelation 8 

“When he opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour.” (Rev 8:1)

Are you curious as to why heaven suddenly goes silent? Me too. Six of the seven seals have just been opened in chapter 6, revealing one incredible judgment after another, but as the final seal is broken, we read there was 'silence in heaven for half an hour'. No one is exactly sure why heaven goes silent at this moment, but there is something else I don't want you to miss out on in this chapter.

Those in heaven have never been completely silent in their continuous worship of God. In fact, scripture tells us that there are four living creatures who never cease, to cry: “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is, and is to come” (Rev 4:8) - and yet, as the seventh seal is broken a heavenly hush descended on the assembly, as another mighty angel enters with a golden censer.

Many theologians believe this angel is 'The Angel of the Lord' , or our Lord Jesus, who is God's anointed High Priest of heaven. The Book of Hebrews tells us that Jesus is the One at the right hand of the Father, interceding for all the saints day and night.

He is the Kingly-Priest after the order of Melchizedek, but I also want you to notice here that in this hallowed scene, “He was given much incense to offer, with the prayers of all God’s people, on the golden altar in front of the throne. The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of God’s people, went up before God from the angel’s hand.” (Rev 8:3-4) 

Did you know your prayers are being stored? 

Just stop to think for a moment that the angel was holding a golden censer, and was given much incense to burn before the Lord. The smoke of the incense and perfumed fragrance of the spices, which exhale its sweet perfume when burned, was given to him so he might mingle it with the prayers of all the people of God on the golden altar before the throne of the Lord.

From the beginning of time prayers of petition, intercession, thanksgiving and praise have ascended from God's people to His throne of grace. 

• Abraham prayed when he reached the land of Canaan
• Noah prayed when safely delivered from the waters that flooded the earth.
• Daniel faced Jerusalem three times a day as he offered his petitions before the Lord.
• And think how often The Psalms have been turned to for prayers! And,
• Jesus encouraging us to pray, "Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, as it is in heaven."

_Psalms 116 tells us that God bends down to listen to our prayers

Beloved, our prayers are a sweet-smelling aroma that ascend to our Lord. Even though they may not seem so eloquent, or might not have been answered yet, we can trust that a day is coming when heaven will be silent for half an hour; to usher in a mighty angel with His golden censer. And the smoke of the incense of Christ's High Priestly intercessions will be combined with the our prayers - as the final phase of God's plan of redemption begins.

Just how cool is that?

Blessings, 

sue

Revelation 6

God’s heavenly scroll contains His divine sentence against the world. Held together by seven seals, the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, is the only One holy and worthy to unroll the scroll. And with each seal broken by the Lord, a new judgement is unleashed upon the earth. Chapter six of Revelation brings us to the beginning of God’s wrath poured out upon a wicked and unrepentant world.

The first four seals come in the form of four divine horsemen.

Rider On The White Horse- This rider is no other than the Antichrist. He sets forth to conquer the world, quickly rising to power. Many fall under his spell as he brokers a false peace between Israel and the world, lasting 3 1/2 years. During this time he leads many away from God.

Rider On The Red horse- The moment the abomination of desolation occurs, the red horse and rider are set loose. This rider takes peace from the world causing wars like never before seen. The great sword he is given drips with blood as the people of the earth slaughter each other.

Rider On The Black Horse- Back in ancient times, scales were often used to weigh something precious. As this rider brings with him worldwide economic collapse and famine, the precious thing being weighed is food. Except for the privileged few, food will be both scarce and expensive.

Rider On The Pale Horse- Called death, and bringing hell along with him, the pale horse and rider are responsible for the deaths of 1/4 of the world’s population. No one will be immune to the war, famine, and wild beasts of earth at his disposal as he wipes out the peoples of the earth.

The fifth seal releases the cries of the tribulation saints. Even facing certain persecution and death, many will receive Jesus as their Savior and be saved during the seven year tribulation. These martyred believers, clothed in white, plead for God to avenge their spilled blood. And in yet another example of the love and grace of God, He tells them they must wait and rest a bit longer until all of His children have had the opportunity to be saved.

The Final seal of the chapter wields forth nuclear war and devastating cosmic occurrences. Fired nuclear weapons decimate the lands. Asteroids, and meteorites rain down from the sky, and a shaking of the earth so great occurs, it causes all peoples to hide themselves, “in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains; and they said to the mountains and to the rocks, ‘Fall on us and hide us from the presence of Him who sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb; for the great day of the their wrath has come, and who is able to stand?’(vs 16-17)

On that great day, no one will be able to hide from God. But in His goodness and love, God gives each of us the opportunity to escape His wrath to come. When we receive His free gift of pardon through the blood of Jesus Christ, before the tribulation occurs, the Lord will call us to meet Him in the sky in the Rapture, sparing us the judgement to come. The Bible tells us that those who go through the tribulation know the judgements they incur come from the most high God, yet their hardened hearts still reject Him and His Son. 

The days are growing short my friends. I truly believe we are living in the season of the Lord’s return. Won’t you save yourself from the wrath to come, and receive God’s gift of eternal life filled with love, joy, and fellowship with the Lord forever?

Today's Scripture Passage: 1 John 1

I love the example of faith shown by Mary Magdalene. Often people turn to the Lord, as they should, during times of trial. But after that trial has passed they put Christ on the back burner and go about their lives as before. But not Mary. After Jesus freed her from seven demons, in faith, she continued following Him even up to His crucifixion. And here in John 20 we find her at the tomb of the Lord. Expecting to see Roman Soldiers guarding the sealed tomb, instead to her shock and grief, Mary discovers the guards gone, the stone rolled away, and the body of her Master missing. 

Immediately Mary ran to find someone to tell, and came across Peter and "the other disciple whom Jesus loved", (many Bible scholars agree that this is John), telling them of Jesus' disappearance. After running back and finding the linens used to wrap Jesus lying in the empty tomb, the two disciples returned to their homes to continue hiding in fear from the Jews. But not Mary.

Mary Magdalene in her love and devotion for Jesus, stayed at that tomb grieving and broken hearted for her missing Savior. And it was while she was crying, that she peered inside and saw two angels. They asked her, “Woman, why are you weeping? “ (vs. 13) She explained how someone had taken away her Lord and she didn't know where to find Him. Now Mary might not have known where to find Jesus, but Jesus knew exactly where to find her. 

Suddenly, Mary immediately becomes aware of someone behind her. Although she doesn’t recognize Him, it's the Christ that she is so desperately searching for. Jesus asks her the same question as the angels, “Woman why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?"  Mistaking Him for the gardener, she asks where He has taken the body of her Lord. Jesus responds with, "Mary", and instantly her eyes are opened to who it is standing before her. Simply by calling her name, in that single moment Jesus dried her tears and healed her broken heart.

In John 10 Jesus tells us that He is our Good Shepherd who calls His own sheep by name and His sheep follow His voice. It was the name of Mary, spoken by Jesus, which opened her eyes to the truth. And upon seeing that truth, she fell to the feet of her Master, clinging to Him, refusing to let go. Jesus gently tells her she need not physically hold on to Him, for He had not yet ascended to the Father; after which no longer would He be known by sight or by touch but by faith. And in faith, after being given the command to go spread the news that Jesus is alive, off she joyfully goes to obey.

Like Mary, we all have wept and been broken hearted. We all have felt the ache of being separated from the Lord. We all have had moments of deep pain when we need most our own encounter with Jesus.  And thankfully, just like Mary, Jesus knows exactly where to find us. So listen for His voice. Let His love dry your tears and heal your heart. Follow where He leads, and cling to the love and promises of our Master. 

                            

Monday, John 10

The timeliness of the Bible never ceases to amaze me. When I reread John 10, the current political climate and upcoming election jumped first and foremost in my mind. With all of the fighting, divisiveness, and false promises made on both sides by those looking to see their party in power, the peace, honesty, and love shown by the Lord shines all the more brightly. For Jesus isn’t some hired hand, nor is He a politician looking for a job. He is our King, our Savior, and the only door

How many times have you heard the word “sheep”, or “sheeple” thrown around as of late? It’s the current term for people that blindly follow their favorite political party, no questions asked. How appropriate since Jesus Himself uses this same comparison. In His parable of the Good Shepherd, the politicians of His time were the scribes and Pharisees. They were the hired hands of the Jewish government; the shepherds mistreating the Lord’s flock. They used the Law for their own personal gain, while burdening the people with added amendments and regulations. They enjoyed the profit, piety and prominence of their positions, while caring nothing for God’s sheep with whom they were entrusted.

Jesus calls these Pharisee sheep herders, thieves who come to “steal and kill and destroy”. (vs. 10) By denying Christ as the only means to salvation, these false teachers were robbing the people of the truth, and leading them on the path to destruction. They cared only for themselves and their own glory, thinking nothing of throwing God’s flock to the wolves, especially if it meant saving themselves. But, “I am the good shepherd.”, declares the Lord. “The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. I am the good shepherd; I know My own and My own know Me.” (vs. 11-14)

Unlike any government, politician, or leader, Jesus not only said He would sacrifice Himself for His sheep, He did it! He willingly laid down His life and shed His precious blood so that every sheep in His flock can spend eternity with Him. And not only does He promise life, but wants us to, “have it abundantly.” (vs. 10) 

“Do you know how Jesus gives us abundant life? He does so by giving us Himself! You could have all the money, relationships, wealth, and power, but you would still have a deep sense of emptiness, because life isn’t found in these things. The only One who can truly satisfy you is Jesus Christ. To live the abundant Christian life is to allow Jesus to live His life through us. His love motivates and empowers us, so we obey Him out of joy and thankfulness.”...Dr. Charles Stanley.

The year 2020 sure has been something. And the fact that’s it’s ending with a very contentious election seems almost par for the course. But no matter who is president, or what party is in power, I will be proud to be a sheep in the flock of Jesus. For His is an inclusive flock, a flock gathered by love, and a flock led by the one and only Good Shepherd. He knows me and I know Him. He calls me His, I call Him Master, and I will follow wherever He leads. 

Please read John 9:

In today’s scripture we read about the wonderful experience of a man who was blind from birth, and received the miracle of his sight through Jesus! What an amazing and special day this would have been for him if it hadn’t caused so much controversy…

-The healed man was brought to the Pharisees and had to explain how he was healed and if he knew the man who did so

-It was a Sabbath when Jesus made the clay and opened his eyes, so Jesus was accused of being a sinner and also “of nof being from God”

-The man´s parents were also questioned by the Pharisees.

-The man was interrogated by the Pharisees a second time; but this time he answered something they did not like and they cast him out!

“All who have felt the power and grace of the Lord Jesus, wonder at the willfulness of others who reject him. He argues strongly against them, not only that Jesus was not a sinner, but that he was of God. We may each of us know by this, whether we are of God or not…” Matthew Henry

In Verses 35-37 we read Jesus heard what happened to this man, and He went and found him and asked:

“Do you believe in the Son of Man?” ³⁶ He answered, “Who is He, Sir? Tell me so that I may believe in Him.” ³⁷ Jesus said to him, “You have both seen Him, and [in fact] He is the one who is talking with you.” ³⁸ And he said, “Lord, I believe [in You and Your word]!” And he worshiped Him [with reverence and awe]. ³⁹ Then Jesus said, “I came into this world for judgment [to separate those who believe in Me from those who reject Me—to declare judgment on those who choose to be separated from God], so that the sightless would see, and those who see would become blind.”

Wow the man immediately responded calling Jesus “Lord” and confessing his faith in Him and bowing before Him in worship!

He not only experienced healing but a new life through Christ, and this made him more confident in the one who had healed him, in spite of the persecution and suffering he experienced. He gained not only physical sight but also spiritual sight as he moved from seeing Jesus as more than a mere man. He saw Him as a Prophet sent by God and finally he saw Him as Lord and master of his life!

And then Jesus clearly stated His mission of judgment for which He came to earth. The heart and work of Jesus as He stated was so that the blind may see and those who think they see become blind.

What Jesus was saying is that it is impossible to stay neutral about Him: you either believe and receive spiritual enlightenment, or you don’t and remain blind.

Since my youth I´ve had the opportunity to relate to people who had this same disability: I had a friend from Church that became blind due to a juvenile diabetes and over the years I had the opportunity to care for one special person in my family, who became blind due to Glaucoma until she went home to Daddy.

Both cases had the same issue: physical blindness. But there was a very great difference between them: my friend from Church although he also gradually lost his sight until he became blind, he could “clearly see” a purpose in this situation and in his life. He could spiritually perceive and understand much more than many of us at Church. He was a young man who deeply loved and served the Lord! He took his suffering and gave it over to God!

In the second case, she was an adult woman who also gradually lost her sight, but even though as a family we had witnessed to her, she would not let go of her self -pity and pride which hardened her heart. She knew Jesus as her Savior but not as the Lord of her life, which kept her with a stronghold and also blind from the Truth!

It is true that we as Christians will suffer for the cause of Christ. But the difference is when this suffering is an opportunity to glorify God, for we know He has a purpose and a plan for this and that it will result in our good and the good of others.

As my friend, we should let the suffering shape and mold us. Some people would never choose to suffer the way God allows them to suffer. But –as my friend- they also would not give it up because of how they came to know God through it!

Jesus was “a stumbling block to the Jews” (9:39-41), we should not follow in their steps for it will only lead to death and destruction. Instead, take His light of truth that you have been given and accept it by faith. Then walk in the light of that truth in faith and obedience (John 8:12).

“Father: I thank you for moving into my life and meeting my deepest needs. Thank you for loving me enough to accept me the way I am, and for loving me too much to leave me the way I was. May my changed life be a clear testimony to your  power, grace and love” (iWorship Bible)

"Although Jesus chose to live and work and say and do only those things that He heard from the Father.. He was still omniscient and knew the content of men's hearts. Jesus knew what men were thinking and He would not commit Himself to any of them, since He knew all about them - for He knew all men. Oh, the crowds were following Him around the streets of Jerusalem and they became excited when they saw the miracles He did. They started to believe in Him, but not for Who He was.. only for what they could get from Him. They saw the many signs and miracles that Jesus did, and most followed Him for the wrong reason. But Christ knew their hearts. He knows their thoughts. He knew their motives. Jesus knew whether their professed faith was from a genuine heart of real repentance towards God and a desire to live godly, or if it was simply a counterfeit faith, that was following after Him for selfish motives."--Source: https://dailyverse.knowing-jesus.com/john-2-24