Holy week

Holy Week Monday

8:13 AM




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.

Lisa Moore

The Stumbling Block Of Unforgiveness - Mark 11:24-25

11:00 AM

 Mark 11:24-25


Prayer is a wonderful thing. Because it allows our souls to connect with the One who created them. Yet there are things that can keep us from having a successful prayer life. Stumbling blocks that dam up the flow of communication between us and God. And unforgiveness is one of them. So much so, Mark warns us that before we pray, we need to be free of unforgiveness towards others. Why? So that we in turn can receive the forgiveness of God.


Forgiving others is hard, messy, and painful. Yet no matter how many times, or how badly we’ve been betrayed, hurt, or disappointed, Jesus says we are to forgive. In fact, forgiveness is so important to the Lord, when teaching the disciples to pray in Matthew 6, He includes in His prayer, “forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.” How many times do we recite the Lord’s Prayer with unforgiveness harbored in our hearts? 


Having a spirit of unforgiveness hinders more than just our prayers. It affects our relationship with God. For not only does it keep us from receiving His pardon for our own sins, but also His peace, grace, and mercy. And it grieves the very Spirit of God living inside of us. Because unforgiveness is a toxin of the Enemy, poisoning our minds, hearts, and souls. 


In our own strength such forgiveness is impossible. But through God’s transforming power, we can pull the weed of unforgiveness, stopping it from taking root and spreading. And when we are free from its stronghold, we can approach God with the assurance that when we come Him in prayer, all things we ask will be granted according to His goodness and perfect will.


Today I challenge you to really search and be honest with yourself. Are there any unwanted plants of bitterness, or tares of unforgiveness choking off your path of prayer? Ask God to weed the garden of your heart. To prune away the thorns and dead limbs of old grudges, hurts, and anger. Leaving in its place a fruitful, bountiful, Christlike heart, and a prayer life free from stumbling blocks!  


Don't forget to head over to our Facebook group to join in on the discussion. Just follow the link. https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenintheword2


Greatness

The Celebration Of Sacrifice {Mark 10}

12:00 PM




Monday May 25, “Walking In Wisdom”


Memorial Day. A holiday usually celebrated with family, bbq’s and pool parties. But not this year. This year is different. This year people are social distancing, unable to see their families. Others are in despair over how they will feed their children and pay their bills. And sadly, many more are hurting over the loss of a loved one taken from a virus unheard of just a short time ago. This year there doesn’t seem much to celebrate. 

Although fondly known as the unofficial kickoff to summer, Memorial  Day is actually a day set aside to honor the men and women who gave their lives serving in the United States military. A holiday meant to mourn loved ones who have passed, but more importantly to celebrate the sacrifice of others. And there is no greater sacrifice to celebrate, then of Christ Jesus. He sacrificed His place in heaven ruling with the Father to come to earth. He sacrificed all the pomp and circumstance befitting a King to live as a pauper. He sacrificed His own needs to tend to the needs of others. He sacrificed His pride, allowing His jailers to mock and spit upon Him. He sacrificed His body to be tortured and beaten beyond recognition. And most gloriously of all, He sacrificed His life, dying nailed to a Cross so that we could live eternally.

One of greatest lessons we can learn from Jesus is the beauty of sacrifice; a lesson James and John would soon be taught. While on the road to Jerusalem Jesus “took the twelve aside and began to tell them what was going to happen to Him.” (vs. 32) Yet instead of appreciating the immensity of the suffering Jesus would soon endure, or celebrating the greatness of His sacrifice, the two disciples thought instead about the greatness of themselves. They approached the Lord asking, “Grant that we may sit, one on Your right and One on Your left, in Your glory. But Jesus said to them, ‘You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or be baptized with the baptism which which I am baptized?’ They said to Him, ‘We are able’.” (vs. 36-39) 

Without truly knowing the depths of the Lord’s sacrifice, or the agony He was about to suffer, James and John were quick to agree to sacrifice and suffer along with Him. All in the name of become great and bringing glory to themselves. They didn’t understand the true meaning of greatness. For Jesus says greatness isn’t found in power and glory, instead it’s measured by our ability to live lives of sacrifice as servants and slaves to others. “For even the Son of man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” (vs. 45) 

Even in this time of trial, the greatness and sacrifice demonstrated by Jesus is all around us. It can be found it in the medical professionals treating the sick, in the front-line workers keeping the economy running, and in communities helping to meet the needs of others. So yes, this Memorial Day is different. But we still have much to celebrate. 



Demoniac

Set Free {Mark 5}

11:00 AM





Monday May 18, “Walking In Wisdom”


To many the story of Jesus healing the demoniac is one showing His authority as the Son of God, and an example of the many miracles He performed. But to me, it’s a story showing the great love the Lord has for us, and the depths He will go to set us free. 

There was a man from the country of Gerasenes who was possessed by demons. Unable to be bound by chains, “constantly, night and day, he was screaming among the tombs, and in the mountains, and bashing himself with stones.” (vs. 5) Can you imagine a life filled with such pain? He was shunned by society, forced into isolation, and mentally tormented 24 hours a day, to the point of cutting himself. He must have felt so lost and alone, with a heart surely empty of any hope of ever being saved. That was until from a distance he saw a boat land on the shore carrying his Savior, who had come at great lengths to rescue him. 

Jesus overcame obstacles and broke the rules to save this man. First Christ, the Jewish Messiah alone, sailed to a country mostly inhabited by Gentile’s. Next He calmed a fierce storm, not letting anything stand in the way of His rescue mission. After landing, Jesus looked upon the naked man bowing before Him, disregarding that Jews are forbidden from observing the nakedness of another person. And finally He healed the man who, according to Jewish tradition, had desecrated burial grounds which are considered holy and sacred sites, and not to be disturbed.

Jesus isn’t big on rules. Instead, He’s big on mercy. And when it comes to rescuing one of His own, He’ll pull out all the stops. The Lord knew beforehand that the healing He was about to perform would be met with anger and fear, and that the people of the land would beg Him to leave. Yet out of His great love, He freed the demoniac anyway sending the “unclean spirits” who tormented him relentlessly, into a herd of pigs who then ran down a steep bank to be drowned in the sea. Healed and thankful, under the command of the Lord the man, “went away and began to proclaim what great things Jesus had done for him; and everyone was amazed.” (vs. 20)  

Jesus tells us, “[For the Son of Man has come to save that which is lost.] What do you think? If any man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go search for the one that is straying? “ (Matt. 18:11-12) Christ is our mighty Shepherd. And as part of His flock, just as He did with the demoniac, He will do whatever it takes to rescue us and set us free. For there is no one the Lord cannot find, no chain He cannot break, no stronghold He cannot conquer, and no sin His blood cannot cover. So if you are lost and hurting, call out to Jesus. Receive His amazing grace, and when He rescues you, proclaim throughout the world the “great things the Lord has done for you, and how He had mercy on you.” (vs. 19)



James

Martyr Myrtle {Mark 10:32-45}

11:00 PM



Monday Sept. 16

Today’s Reading- Mark 10:32:45

Years ago while staying with relatives, I remember how part of the trip included visiting the church they attended. After a wonderful service, we were invited to join the potluck lunch which followed. While sitting at a table enjoying a very delicious meatball, an elderly woman with a round pleasant face sat down in the chair next to me. “Well, no one volunteered to organize the bake sale”, she said loudly enough for all to hear. And after letting out a big sigh added, “So of course I offered. You know I’m always willing to sacrifice for a good cause.” And with that she was off to share the same story to the next set of ears. “Who was that?”, I asked the woman next to me. She replied, “We call her Martyr Myrtle. She volunteers for everything. But she only does so for a pat on the back and to make herself feel important.”

James and John were a couple of Martyr Myrtles. While on the road to Jerusalem, Jesus “took the twelve aside and began to tell them what was going to happen to Him.” (vs. 32) Can you imagine the thoughts that were swirling in the minds of the disciples after hearing all of the atrocities the Lord was about to suffer, and the great sacrifice He was going to make? The thoughts of James and John? They were about their own importance. They approached Jesus asking, “Grant that we may sit, one on Your right and One on Your left, in Your glory. But Jesus said to them, ‘You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or be baptized with the baptism which which I am baptized?’ They said to Him, ‘We are able’.” (vs. 36-39) The pair were quick to promise to suffer and sacrifice like Jesus. A promise they couldn’t keep, and a promise made not for His glory, but their own.

Even after all the time they spent following Jesus, James and John still didn’t get it. Jesus isn’t about self importance or self glory, Jesus is about sacrifice. He sacrificed His place in heaven ruling with the Father to come to earth. He sacrificed all the pomp and circumstance befitting a King to live as a pauper. He sacrificed His own needs to tend to the needs of others. He sacrificed His pride, allowing His jailers to mock and spit upon Him. He sacrificed His body to be tortured and beaten beyond recognition. And most gloriously of all, He sacrificed His life, dying nailed to a Cross so that we can live forever. 

One of greatest lessons Jesus wants all of us as His followers to learn, is sacrifice. James and John thought about their own greatness. But Jesus says greatness isn’t found in power and glory, instead it’s measured by our ability to live our lives as servants and slaves to others. The Lord Himself says, “For even the Son of man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” (vs. 45) “You want to be great, do something great for God? You want to please and honor the Lord Jesus with your life? Then become a servant. Such a person will have the mind of Christ, esteeming others better than himself, looking out for their interests. Such a person, like Jesus, will live life not giving attention to their own interests, but to those of others.”...Daniel Akin. So today, be like Jesus; be willing to sacrifice, be willing to serve, and be willing to be great! 



Demoniac

Tell Your Story

9:59 AM




In Mark 16:15, Jesus commands His disciples, “Go into all the world and preach the the gospel to all creation.” This is a command He gives to us as well. But witnessing isn’t always easy. And you’re anything like me you can come up with a million reasons why it’s better to leave that job to others.

I used to tell myself things like, “Who’s going to listen to me?” Or, “I don’t know enough scripture to counter any objections.” And, “I don’t feel comfortable talking with people, I’m too introverted.” Then I realized two things. First, if I love God then I should want His will to be done. And His will is, “not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” (2 Pet. 3:9) And second, it isn’t as complicated as I made it out to be. 

God hasn’t given everyone the calling of being a preacher. But He has given us all the calling of sharing our stories. And there is no greater testimony than when we share our hearts, our love for God, and all that He has done in our lives. But still you may be saying to yourself, “Will my story really have any effect or change a heart?” To that I say, think about the demoniac in Luke chapter 8. 

After being healed by the Lord, Jesus commands him to return home and tell everyone about what God did for him. (Luke 8:39) And so he went about telling his story to all who would listen. And the result? When Jesus returned several months later, thousands came to hear His teachings. Who knows how many of those came because of the story of the demoniac and how his life was forever changed by the love of God.

It isn’t our job to save souls, but it is our job to plant the seeds. So go and tell your story to all who will listen. And on that glorious day when we meet Jesus face to face who knows, we may just meet others there who because of our testimony gave their lives to God! And won’t it be wonderful to hear our Savior say, “Well done good and faithful servant.” 

forgive

Scripture Saturday ~ Mark 11:25 ~ Peace of Mind! ~Forgiveness

12:00 AM

Saturday, February 9, 2019



Welcome to Scripture Saturday!

 This coming week's memory verse is Mark 11:25...

 And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. (ESV)

 Peter asked Jesus one day how often he should forgive a man’s trespasses against him…seven times?  “No!” Jesus replied, “seventy times seven.” It is not a matter of math, it is a matter of a forgiving heart.

 Do we reach up in thankfulness for the sins that have been forgiven us? Do we then reach out in forgiveness to others as an expression of that gratitude? 
To who do you need to extend forgiveness? As an act of worship, reach up in thankfulness to God. Reach out with forgiveness to that person. Be rewarded back with peace. (iWorship)

 Have a blessed day and week everyone!





Jesus

Honoring The Final Words of the King {Mark 15:1-16:20}

12:00 AM


The story of the Crucifixion is a tough one. It’s gut wrenching what Jesus suffered at the hands of His captors. He endured savagery, mockery, and rejection. He was brutalized and spit upon. What He withstood we can barely comprehend. And He did so willingly. At any time more than twelve legions of angels were ready to rescue the Lord at a moments notice, (Matt. 26:53), yet Jesus bore His Cross to the end. He bore it for our salvation and to see the will of God done.

In the books of the Old Testament we’re told that a blood sacrifice was needed to atone for sin. And God’s plan from the beginning was to reconcile us to Him through the blood of Christ. Before the world was formed, before Adam took his first breath, God knew how man would fall. Because of this, in His infinite love and wisdom, He predetermined for His Son to provide the ultimate sacrifice so that we could have eternal life. “The Lamb was slain from the creation of the world"(Rev. 13:8)

Never once did Jesus stray from accomplishing what God commissioned Him to do. He followed God’s plan to the letter no matter the cost to Himself. And before He ascended to the right hand of the Father, Jesus passed down this same commission not only to the disciples, but to us as well. “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” (vs. 16:15) 

Although at times sharing the message of Jesus can seem like a daunting task, many are the reasons as to why we should eagerly spread the gospel to the world around us, and here are but a few.

Obedience- In John 20:21 Jesus says, “As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” We are Jesus’ ambassadors on earth. (2 Cor. 5:19-29) He displayed perfect obedience and as His followers, we need to follow His example. Hebrews 5:9 tells us that Jesus is the source of eternal salvation to all who obey Him. And although we know that we are not saved through obedience, our obedience to Him is proof of our salvation.

Love- In Romans 5:8 Paul says, “God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Because of His abounding love, Jesus gave His life so ours would be spared. A love He extends to all. And a love we are called to imitate. In 1 Cor. 11:1, again Paul, who out of his love for God and for the people did nothing for his own gain but for the salvation of others counsels, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ”.

Mercy- In 1 Peter 1:3 Peter says, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” Because of the grace and mercy of God, We are provided a path to eternal life. We are to extend that same mercy to those who are perishing. Jude 1:22-23 tells us, “And have mercy on some, who are doubting; save others, snatching them out of the fire; and on some have mercy with fear, hating even the garment polluted by the flesh.” Knowing that each soul saved brings great joy to God, (Luke 5:10) how wonderful it is to be able to spread the Good News of His everlasting mercy!

The mission of saving souls is a serious one. It was the reason Jesus, “emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.” (Phil. 2:7) His entire ministry was dedicated to evangelizing the world, and when He ascended into heaven His work on earth ended and ours began. Now it is up to us to go out throughout the lands and preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. And, like the women visiting His tomb who received the good news of His resurrection, what a privilege it is to be able to honor the final words of the King and joyfully shout to all who will hear, “He has risen!” (vs. 16:6)

deny

Counting the Cost {Mark 7-8}

8:00 PM



After Jesus rebuked Peter for having man's preference over God's, He offered this challenge to all of them, but what exactly did He mean when He said,

 "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? Matthew 16:24-26

The people in Jesus’ day were very familiar with the act of crucifixion being used as a deterrent to keep the Jewish nation in line under the control of the Roman Empire. They wanted nothing more than a savior (messiah) to come and rescue them, freeing them from the oppressive Roman rule over them! And now, here was this man claiming to be the Messiah telling them that each would have to deny their life’s wants, wills and desires and take up their own cross to follow after Him!

I can almost sense the collective gasp coming from His disciples at that moment, for I’m sure the disciples all felt this was no way to win followers and influence the people!   

 Peter had just had this incredible revelation that Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of the Living God. Yet, minutes later Jesus tells us that if we want to follow Him, we must deny ourselves; putting God's desires above our own.

To take up a cross meant that one had received a death sentence.  But then He adds, "Follow me".

Deny self, take the death sentence, and follow Him! Which essentially means you’re no longer in charge of your life!

He goes on to explain that if we are intent on saving our lives, that is, keeping it for our own use, we will end up losing it. But if we lose our life now; if we give it to God for Jesus' sake, we will find the purpose and meaning that God intended when He fashioned us together in our mother's womb.

It seems so easy, so "cut and dry", sort of; “all or nothing”, “black or white” with no grey area. No fence sitting, you must choose one side or the other!

And to place a greater emphasis to His point, He asked what good would it be if we gained everything; all the pleasures and treasures of this world BUT [the result would be to] forfeiture our soul. It honestly seems like a "no-brainer" doesn't it? But the truth is:

 Following Jesus will cost you!

I believe Jesus felt it was of the utmost importance to be honest with His followers at that moment. To call a Jew to pick up a cross was absolutely repugnant to them, and was definitely the greatest symbol of self-denial out there at that time. Death by cross was the cruelest form of torture known in the Roman Empire. It had not only been designed as the most heinous type of death, but the most humiliating as well.

The call to follow Jesus is at the very least- challenging! He is calling us to deny our rights! Our pleasures! Our will!

To follow after Jesus we no longer have the right to decide how we will spend our day; who we will bless and what we will do! To follow Jesus we should rise each day reporting for duty and asking HIM how He intends for us to spend that day.

I will admit that more times than I care to admit, I still remain in charge. Too many times in each day I choose how I will spend it (MY day). I’ve been following after Jesus for years and still fail far to often, but I love this quote from Dietrich Bonhoeffer in his book, and hoped you would too! The Cost of Discipleship:

“Costly grace is the gospel which must be sought again and again and again, the gift which must be asked for, the door at which a man must knock. Such grace is costly because it calls us to follow, and it is grace because it calls us to follow Jesus Christ. It is costly because it costs a man his life, and it is grace because it gives a man the only true life. It is costly because it condemns sin, and grace because it justifies the sinner. Above all, it is costly because it cost God the life of his Son: 'Ye were bought at a price', and what has cost God much cannot be cheap for us. Above all, it is grace because God did not reckon his Son too dear a price to pay for our life, but delivered him up for us. Costly grace is the Incarnation of God.”
― Dietrich Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship

Pretty cool when you think of it that way, don't you think? And one day soon when we all reach home I know, just as all those who have gone before us, we will all say, “It was absolutely worth it all.” Let’s live today for that day!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
On a personal note:

Usually I like to share a bit more on video, but this week I think this sermon says it so much better than I can. If you don't have time to listen to the entire sermon just now, I want to encourage you to take just 10 minutes to listen to the last 10 minutes of this sermon. It's that good and I believe will leave a lasting impression on all who hears it!

Blessings,

sue

courage

Don’t You Care? {Mark 4:1-5:43}

12:00 AM


After a day spent in a boat teaching in the Sea of Galilee, Jesus said to His disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” (vs. 4:35).  Once they started moving, a weary Lord curled up on a cushion at the back of the boat and fell fast asleep. Soon after a fierce storm arose and began violently tossing the boat, filling it with water. Jesus was awakened to shouts of panic and fear with the disciples crying out,”Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing.” (vs. 4:38)

Can you relate? Have you ever found yourself facing down a storm and crying out to the Lord; wondering why He’s letting you be tossed about and if He even cares? The truth is of course, He does care. And although we may feel frightened, helpless and alone, in actuality Jesus is right there in complete control; ready, willing, and able to see us safely to the other side. All He asks of us is that we trust in Him and His love for us.

Many people mistakenly believe that the life of a Christian is one filled with perpetual calm waters and beautiful horizons. But nowhere in the Bible does God promise an easy life. In fact throughout the Scriptures we are warned of quite the opposite. We read story after story of those who faced trials and tribulations. Even the disciples, with the Savior Himself riding in their boat, didn’t escape the whirlwind.  

Each storm and the way we respond to it reveals the depth of our faith in God. At the first sign of trouble do we fall to our knees in hopelessness and despair, or do we fall to our knees in prayer to the Lord? Do we cry out to Him in panic or do we listen for His calming voice? Having the kind of faith which produces a peace no storm can shake isn’t easy. Even the disciples, with all that they had witnessed Jesus say and do, gave into fear and doubt with each crashing wave. 

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear” (Ps. 46:1-2) It is only by placing our trust and faith in Jesus that can we experience the peace of knowing no matter what comes our way,  just as He rescued the disciples, the Lord will rescue us. The apostle Paul knew this well. He found the secret to having peace in every situation, strength to weather any storm, and courage to endure any persecution. He placed His hope and faith in Jesus alone saying, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” (Phil. 4:13) 

“Adversity has a way of pushing us beyond ourselves where we find God waiting to gather us in His arms. Held under the canopy of God’s presence we discover a sense of security and hope that we thought had evaded us.”....Dr. Charles Stanley

More often it’s not the happy times when we feel closest to God, but rather the darkest. The storms in our lives have a way of showing us just how very weak we are and how much we need the saving grace of Jesus. A grace that in His love, He offers without hesitation. Even when the disciples demonstrated a lack of faith, Jesus didn’t waste a moment in quieting the sea; and He promises to do the same for us. So the next time you find yourself battling the waves and weathering the storm, let Jesus calm you as He calmed the waters. Listen for His voice whispering in your ear, “Hush, be still” “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” (vs. 4:39-40)

I hope you will join me today in sending prayers out to those affected by Hurricane Florence. May God send His love, comfort, and healing to those who are grieving, who are injured, and who have lost their homes and livelihoods. May He also keep safe those who are responding to calls for rescue and aid, and give wisdom to those in charge of the cleanup and meeting the needs of the people....Amen

Cost

SoulSearching Sunday~But With God…

12:00 AM

Sunday, September 16, 2018



Week Thirty-seven

Welcome!  We pray that you have all had a precious time worshipping the Lord this morning!  Below you will find some thought provoking questions that will provide you a starting point to your journal writing to complete this week.  We hope that you will find this time soul satisfying!

Our reading this week was Matthew 19 - Mark 3...

 1. Write a prayer to God, confessing what seems overwhelming and impossible to you. End your prayer with the words, “But with God everything is possible.” Rejoice that all is possible with God. Drink in the hope that is poured into those words.

 Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible. (Matthew 19:26)

 2. Who do you have the most difficulty wanting to help? How can you serve God Himself by helping “the least of these”? Ask Him to show you how to love and serve His people all around you.

 And He will answer, “I assure you, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.” (Matthew 25:45)

 3. Find in Scripture the stories of three biblical saints whose lives were turned upside down when God called them. Whole-life worship means following God anywhere, whatever the cost. How would you react if God called you to abandon everything that you now hold dear?
Jesus called out to them, “Come, be my disciples, and I will show you how to fish for people!” (Mark 1:17)

God's Word in our Hearts

Scripture Saturday~ Serve Others

12:00 AM

Saturday, September 15, 2018


Welcome to Scripture Saturday!

This coming week's memory verse is Mark 10:45

 For even I, the Son of Man, came here not to be served but to serve others, and to live My life as a ransom for many. (NLT)

 Have a blessed and precious day and week everyone!

God's Voice

We’re Talking But Are We Listening {Psalm 79:1-84:12}

12:00 AM



Often when my Grandma would have to repeat herself she’d say to us, “Do you think I’m talking just to hear my own voice?” Then she’d scold us about how we needed to close our mouths and open our ears. Now as an adult I find myself saying the same thing to my husband, my son, and even my dog! They all seem to have caught a case of selective hearing. That made me think about my own ears when it comes to listening to God. 

Throughout the Bible we hear of God directly speaking to people; whether in visions, dreams, animals, angels, or through Jesus Himself. But what about in today’s time? Often I can’t help but think how wonderful it would be to sit across the table from the Lord and have a clear cut conversation where there is no questioning or deciphering what He is trying to tell me. But if I truly listen, His voice is there. And whether I hear Him and more importantly obey Him, is all on me.

In Mark 4:9 Jesus says, “He who has ears to hear let him hear.” One of the most obvious ways in which we hear from the Lord is through His Word. The Bible is God’s blueprint for life. It gives us everything we need to become saved, and to walk in His ways. It answers our questions, guides our steps, and teaches us who exactly God is. In Isaiah God describes it this way, “So is My word which goes forth from My mouth: it will not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.” And as important as reading and following the Word of God is, it’s not the only way He communicates with us. He also speaks with us directly. That is...if we’re listening.

Far too often when I don’t hear from God as quickly as I want, I do as Joyce Myers puts it, “fill my ears with all kinds of things that drown out the voice of God and push Him far, far into the background of my life.” And still at other times after talking with God and not getting an immediate response, I talk some more; as if He didn’t hear me the first time! Although God cares about all aspects of our lives and wants us to talk to Him about anything and everything, He also wants us to listen. He wants us to listen with not only our ears, but with our hearts. And we can’t talk and listen at the same time. 

It’s when we fail to be quiet, patient, and listen for God’s voice that we make our biggest mistakes. Think about the people of Israel. Such heartache, despair, and destruction they could have saved themselves by listening to God. “Hear, O My people, and I will admonish you; O Israel if you would listen to Me!” (Ps. 81:8) I think of the heartache, despair, and destruction in my own life that could have been avoided if I had only done less talking and more listening. For as Solomon says about hearing in Proverbs 1:33, “But he who listens to me shall live securely and  will be at ease from the dread of evil.”

God doesn’t speak trivially, so listening to Him is vital when it comes to our relationship with Him. Every word He speaks is for our benefit not His. And yet He won’t force us to hear His voice. Whether we listen to Him or not is our decision, as is obeying what He tells us to do; even if we don’t like what He has to say.

So the next time you find yourself talking with God, which is I hope everyday, make sure that you’re listening as much as you’re talking. Besides just asking for your needs and wants, ask to hear His voice clearly, and then...listen. Because when you listen to the Lord He promises, “Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” (Jer. 33:3) And I don’t know about you, but that sounds like an offer too good to refuse!

antichrist

The Beasts of Satan Revealed {Revelation 13}

12:00 AM

Monday Dec. 18, The Beasts of Satan Revealed {Revelation 13}


Throughout the Bible we are taught that what Satan’s desires most of all is power and glory. He wants to be worshiped as God.  And during the tribulation for awhile, he gets just that. But no matter how hard he tries, his reign is short, his ability to destroy limited, and his desire to be God never fulfilled. Regardless of all he does including calling forth his beast from the sea, and his beast from the earth, the Lord remains sovereign and destroys him in the end.

In this chapter John’s vision depicts Satan as a dragon standing on the sand of the seashore. Out of the sea comes a beast, “having ten horns and seven heads, and on his horns were ten diadems, and on his heads were blasphemous names.” (v.1) This emerging monster shares the same characteristics that we are told in 12:3 belong to the dragon himself. “Behold, a great red dragon having seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads were seven diadems.” He is given Satan’s power, throne, and great authority. (v.3) This beast from the sea is the Antichrist. 

“The prefix anti can mean "the opposite of" or "instead of." The Antichrist is the "opposite Jesus"; he is the "instead of" Jesus. Most people have focused on the idea of the "opposite Jesus." This has made them think that the Antichrist will appear as a supremely evil person, that as much as Jesus went around doing good, he will go around doing bad. As much as Jesus' character and personality was beautiful and attractive, the Antichrist's character and personality will be ugly and repulsive. As much as Jesus spoke only truth, the Antichrist will speak only lies. This emphasizes the idea of the "opposite Jesus" too much. The Antichrist will instead be more of an "instead of Jesus." He will look wonderful, be charming and successful. He will be the ultimate winner, and appear as an angel of light. In this sense the Antichrist will be a satanic messiah, instead of the true Messiah Jesus Christ.” (Blue Letter Bible) 

With the full backing of Satan, the Antichrist comes to deceive and to attempt to claim for himself the glory and majesty that belongs to God alone. He pulls out all the stops, even staging a false resurrection. “I saw one of his heads as if it had been slain, and his fatal head wound was healed. And the whole earth was amazed and followed after the beast.” (v. 3) This beast of Satan’s imitates the death and resurrection of Jesus for all to see. Deceived, the world bows down in worship to him crying, “Who is like the beast, and who is able to wage war with him?” (v. 13:4) Only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life will oppose him. For three and a half years the Antichrist blasphemies against God; speaking against His name, His tabernacle, and those who dwell in heaven. He tries to destroy everything that God loves and created, and wages war against His people. And he’s not alone. Joining him in this unholy trilogy is the beast from the earth.

“Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb and spoke as a dragon.” (v. 11) This second beast is the false prophet. In Matthew 7:15 Jesus warns, “Beware of the false prophets, who come in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves.” And that’s who this second beast is; a wolf in sheep’s clothing. He pretends to be a great spiritual and moral leader, but in reality is as terrifying as his counterpart. He too is given the same authority of the first beast, and his job is deceive the world into worshiping the Antichrist. He does this by performing “great signs”, including making an image of the Antichrist come “alive”. “And it was given to him to give breath to the image of the beast so that the image of the beast would even speak and cause as many as do not worship the image of the beast to be killed.” (v 15) Again just another trick. For we know that only God has the power to both give life and take it away.

The chapter ends with one of the most well known and hotly debated few verses in the book of Revelation. “And He causes all, the small and the great, and the rich and the poor, and all the free men and the slaves, to be given a mark on their right hand or on their forehead, and he provides that no one will be able to buy or sell, except the one who has the mark, either the name of the beast or the number of his name. Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for the number is six hundred and sixty-six.” (vs. 16-18) God marks those who belong to Him with a permanent seal. And in Revelation 7:3 we are told that in the last days, this seal will be revealed by a mark on the forehead. Because Satan will never be God,  he again does a cheap imitation by forcing all who worship his beast to receive his mark in order to survive. Without it no one will be able to buy or sell. 

Many debate who the Antichrist and the false prophet will be, the meaning of the number 666, and the mark that will be required. Regardless, the result is the same. Those who receive the mark as a pledge of their worship to the beast and as a sign that they belong to him will all receive the same consequence...death.

Becky Bramlett Austin

He is Risen {Mark 16}

8:39 AM




By Becky Bramlett Austin


It was early on the first day of the week and 3 women (including Mary of Magdalene and Mary the mother of James) walked together toward the tomb of Jesus. I'm sure their hearts were grieved as they hurried to anoint his body with the spices they had bought. Perhaps it was the shock of the events of the last few days that kept them from thinking about the obstacles, in particular a large boulder barring their access to Jesus. But, no matter, for the rock was of no consequence. There were no soldiers guarding the tomb to stop them, no barriers stood in their way. And in expectation of their arrival and the questions to surely come, God placed an angel to greet them and instruct them. You see, God knew the bigger plan and He went ahead to take care of all of the details. He does that for you and I as well. Sometimes our hearts and minds may be full of questions, fears, and uncertainties, but God knows the bigger plan and wants us to know that He goes ahead of us to orchestrate the details, remove the barriers, and provide the instructions we need to know what to do next.

Such wonderful news the angel gave these women: ““Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’ ” Mark‬ ‭16:6-7‬ ‭NIV‬‬

The angel wants to shift their focus from death and loss to life and eternity. So much power and hope is revealed in those 3 triumphant words"He is risen!" Christ's resurrection is what our Christian faith hinges on. Paul talked about it's importance to our faith:“If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith… For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.” (1 Cor. 15:13-14, 16-17). But, praise God , Christ did conquer death and by His resurrected life, we are given forgiveness of our sins and the promise of eternal life too. "Because I live, you will live also." (John 14:9)

Even though the women are told to not be afraid, we are told they left fearful anyway. The disciples are laying low after Christ's death because of fear too. And, they have doubts. When Jesus finally meets with them he even scolds them for their lack of belief. But, oh how patient Jesus shows himself to be. He doesn't give up on the disciples and he doesn't give up on us even when we struggle with doubts and fears along the way. Instead, He wants to empower us just as he empowered the disciples. He took this fearful, doubting group of common men and sent them out with a grand mission : “He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” ( v15) And the chapter closes with confirmation that they did just that: “Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it.” (V20)

I encourage you to reflect on the importance of those words"He is risen". I also want to encourage you to trust that God has work for you to do also and will be patient with you as you ask Him to help you with your fear and doubt. He longs to empower you to bring others to Christ and to help others grow in their relationships too.

Destiny

Trusting Him with My Destiny! {Mark 15}

1:44 AM



By Sue Desmarais

Oh, how I hate to read the accounts of Jesus’ torture and death! I hate seeing how Pilate could so easily dismiss Him and sentence Him to death knowing that He was innocent! I hate to read how these soldiers mocked and beat Him and cast lots for His clothing. I hate seeing how the Jewish rulers fought so hard to have the Messiah put to death! But I especially hate knowing that had I been there, I would have been naïve enough to have, at the very least, kept silent or worse, joined the crowds chanting, “Crucify Him!” So, you can imagine my shock one day as I was sitting on the floor, my physical resources completely depleted, lamenting to our Father that I couldn’t possibly get up- couldn’t possibly keep going… and the thought came, “you left My Son on the tree!”   

That would make you sit up and pay attention, wouldn’t it? It certainly worked for me! I mean, the fact that my sin was what nailed Him TO the tree was tough enough to admit, but now the revelation that my actions had left Him there!! Our Father continued, “you trusted Him for your final destination, but you have never trusted Him with your destiny. My Son is a risen Savior! Risen to live His life in you.” He went on to add, “you will get up, but this time in the power of My Son.” And He was right! I did, right after He explained all He meant by what He had just said, and it has made all the difference in my life!!

I pray I can share some of it with you today, for I believe there may be some of you reading this post that have also trusted Jesus for your final destination, but still haven’t trusted Him with your destiny.

Let me begin by asking, what is eternal life and are you certain you’ve been given it? How would you describe it? Is it a place one goes to, or a feeling within?  Just when does eternal life begin exactly? And are you certain of your answers, for they can make all the difference in this life? 

God’s word says, “And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.”- 1John 5:11-12 (emphasis mine). According to these verses Christ Jesus and eternal life are synonymous terms, and eternal life is Jesus Christ Himself! John also said in John 1:4, “In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.” Therefore, if you have eternal life, it simply means you have the Son, Jesus Christ, for He said so Himself, “I am the Way, the Truth, and [I am] the Life.”- John 14:6

Eternal life is not a special feeling inside, nor is it your final destination when you die. If you are born again, if you have accepted Jesus as your Savior, eternal life is a quality of life you posses right now, this moment, and in this life time! Eternal life began at your Bethlehem, the moment you were born again and Christ Jesus came into your life to take over!  That’s right; Jesus is not only our Savior, but Lord! 

Is He Lord in your life, or are you still seated on the throne? If so, let me share just a bit of all you’re missing out on, for “Christianity is much more than a religion. It is something that makes it relevant to each one of us right now as a contemporary experience.” –Mjr. W. Ian Thomas 

There are two key verses you need to hang onto! They are what I call “refrigerator verses” for they need to be displayed somewhere where you’ll see them often!

1.) “Faithful is He that calls you who will also do!” – 1 Thessalonians 5:24 The One who calls you is also the One who will accomplish what He has called you to.

2.) “For it is God which works in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.” – Philippians 2:13 He is the One who provides both the will and ability to get what He has called you to do, done!!


What can we do when Jesus takes over from within? According to Paul in Philippians; “[We]can do all things through Christ who gives us strength!” (Phil 4:13) And in Ephesians he spelled it out for us even further: “Now to Him who is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly more than all that we dare ask or think [infinitely beyond our greatest prayers, hopes, or dreams], according to His power that is at work within us,” –Eph 3:20 (emphasis mine)

This means the work that you have been redeemed to do as “His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works which God has before ordained that you should walk in them (Eph 2:10) can ONLY be fulfilled in the energy and power of the One who indwells you! Jesus, Himself professed, “I can of mine own self do nothing” (John 5:19) and He has also proclaimed that, “Apart from Me you can do nothing.”(John 15:5 emphasis mine)

If we can do nothing apart from Him, then everything that you do apart from Him profits nothing!! (John 6:63b) (There is no heavenly value whatsoever!!) It is amazing how busy some can be doing nothing of any heavenly value!! Wouldn’t you want ALL that you do to be profitable for both God’s Kingdom and yourself? Surely you are hoping to one day hear the words, “Well done, thy humble and faithful servant”! I can’t imagine working so hard all my life for little to no profit at all, but that would have been the case had The Lord and I not had that conversation on the living room floor that day!!

 Paul wrote in Romans knowing that our lives which we possess as a born-again Christian is of Him, and every moment that we live we should live through Him, and that way all things go back to Him. (Romans 11:36) Which is why Paul’s next statement is:

Therefore I urge (beg) you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies [dedicating all of yourselves] as a living sacrifice, holy and well-pleasing to God, which is your rational (logical) act of worship.  And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you]!!-Rm 12:1-2

Here lies the key to making sure that from this day forward all that you do will be profitable in the life to come! Just imagine if we all surrendered our lives, wills, rights, wants, hopes, etc. and allowed Him to take over! Just imagine what would happen. I have discovered since then that it is not a once in a lifetime surrendering like the moment of our salvation, but daily; even moment by moment surrendering. I’ve learned to see the difference between when I am wholly surrendered and Christ is working and when my flesh takes control once more. I hope I can share more on this at a later date, but for right now, would you begin to ask our Lord Jesus to come in and love others through you? I pray you’ll be amazed at the difference between Jesus’ love for others and your own! Simply pray, “Lord Jesus love_____ through me.”

I’d love for you to come back and share all you experienced!! 

Till then,
Sue