Category Archives: Inspiration

Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

Friday…Did Hope Go?

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Had their hope ended?

It was quiet. The day ended differently than it started. The events of the previous night boiled over as the sun rose. The crowd, who shouted, “crucify him,” was now lining the road as he carried his cross. Stumbling and weary, he finally made it to the hill where the crucifixion was to take place.

The crowd followed cheering and mocking, but there were some who followed at a distance. They were grieving and horrified, and they were wondering if hope had ended. They were confused and perplexed. They had hoped in him, but now he was being put to death.

As these followers processed their thoughts in the noise of the crowd, the events of the day rolled on. The horizontal and vertical pieces of the cross were put together. His feet were fastened in place, and as the soldiers waited, they played dice for his clothes. The climax of the day came at noon.

“By this time, it was about noon and darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock. The light from the sun was gone, and suddenly the curtain in the temple was torn down the middle,” records Luke 23. “Then Jesus shouted, ‘Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands,’ and with those words, he breathed his last. When the Roman officer overseeing the execution saw what had happened, he worshipped God and said, ‘Surely this man was innocent.’ And when all the crowd that came to see the crucifixion saw what had happened, they went home in deep sorrow, but Jesus friends, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance watching.”

Everyone went home. An overwhelming feeling of sorrow captured them. What had they done? Was hope gone?

It was Friday evening, and they did not understand in a few hours Sunday morning would arrive. Those searching for hope will soon be filled with overwhelming joy. The did not understand hope was not lost.

Hope is shared today because of the events started on that Friday.

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Neighbors First

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Neighbors first mindset is modeled by Jesus.

Thursday of Passion Week has two events where we see Jesus placing others first amid much tension.

First, Jesus and his disciples are in the upper room partaking in the Passover meal. They are about to eat, but no one has washed feet. This was a dirty job reserved for the lowest servant in the household, but none of the disciples bothered to do it. Perhaps because they were too busy arguing about being the greatest. It could have been the disciples were so involved in themselves they forgot about washing feet. Jesus, on the other hand, did not.

He wrapped a towel around his waist and washed his disciple’s feet. This would have been upside down logic in the disciples’ minds. They should have been the ones washing Jesus’ feet. Nevertheless, Jesus serves them. He places their needs above his own.

Jesus would have had a lot on his mind in the upper room. He knew what was getting ready to take place. He knew of his betrayal, his arrest, and his crucifixion, yet he served his disciples. Though carrying a heavy load, himself, Jesus was concerned about the needs of his disciples. Jesus had a neighbors first mindset.

Second, Jesus was praying in the garden. He requested some of his disciples keep watch, but they kept falling asleep. In his anguish, Jesus could have scolded the disciples, but he didn’t. He told them to pray for themselves. Jesus had a neighbors first mindset.

We know this was an excruciating time for Jesus. The Bible records Jesus sweating drops of blood as he was agonizing over the cross; however, his mindset remained neighbors first.

You and I find a challenge in these events. We should strive to have a neighbors first mindset. This Easter season may be different than any other in our lifetime. Many of us our carrying heavy loads as we navigate through an uncommon time. This is more reason to have a neighbors first mindset.

By having a neighbors first mindset, you and I can help one another get through this historical time. We can check on one another, pick up supplies for one another, and encourage one another. All this can be done while maintaining social distance, and a neighbors first mindset does make a difference.

Just ask Amy McDonald. Amy was headed to the store a few days ago, and she stopped to check on an elderly neighbor. The neighbor needed groceries, so Amy obtained the list. She stopped at two stores and returned with the requested items, but something seemed wrong.

Amy spent some time with her neighbor, and it turns out the lady was having a heart attack. She was having what is known as the “Widow Maker.” Amy was able to call EMS and the neighbor’s daughter. A life was saved because Amy had a neighbors first mindset.

Here’s more folks with a neighbors first mindset.

We find in the events of Passion Week’s Thursday a challenge to adopt a neighbors first mindset. This mindset makes a difference. Amy’s neighbors first mindset saved a life. What will your neighbors first mindset do today?

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Back on Track

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The 3 Rs put Peter back on track.

The week had been action packed. Peter and the other disciples watched Jesus enter Jerusalem to cheering crowds. They witnessed a temple cleansing and a fig tree withering. Passover was being celebrated and it was only midweek. Peter and his companions still had much to witness.

As they are having the Passover meal, Jesus delivered shocking news to Peter. Jesus told the disciples before the night ended; they would all desert him.

“Peter declared, ‘Even if everyone else deserts you, I will never desert you.’ Jesus replied, ‘I tell you the truth. Peter, this very night before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you even know me.’ ‘No,’ Peter insisted, ‘even if I have to die with you, I will never deny you,’ and all the other disciples vowed the same,” records Matthew 26:33-35.

Peter didn’t understand the intensity of pressure was ramping up, and under pressure, he would live out the words Jesus said.

Luke 22 records, “So they arrested him and led him to the high priest’s home, and Peter followed at a distance. The guards lit a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sit around it, and Peter joined them there. A servant girl noticed him in the firelight and began staring at him. Finally, she said, ‘This man was one of Jesus’ followers.’ But Peter denied it. ‘Woman,’ he said, ‘I don’t even know him.’

After a while, someone else looked at him and said, ‘You must be one of them.’ ‘No, man, I’m not,’ Peter retorted.

About an hour later, someone insisted, ‘This must be one of them because he is a Galilean too.’ But Peter said, ‘Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about,’ and immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed.

At that moment, the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Suddenly, the Lord’s words flashed through Peter’s mind, ‘Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.’ And, Peter left the courtyard, weeping bitterly.”

Have you ever had this moment? You realize a mistake has been made, and now it is time to fix it. We find in Peter’s story a pattern to follow.

Remember

As Jesus looked at Peter, Luke says Jesus’ words came back to Peter. Suddenly, he remembered the earlier conversation. He remembered his own words. He remembered Jesus’ words, and he realized he was in error.

When we are in error, our memory triggers our conscience. We remember the conversation, the words, the Lord. Suddenly, we are struck with the reality of a mistake. We remember, and what we do in this moment is up to us.

Repent

Peter left the courtyard weeping bitterly, and we know from the Gospel writers Peter repented. His sorrow turned him from the direction he was going back in the direction of the Lord. Peter allowed his sorrow to put him back on track with the Lord.

2 Corinthians 7:10 says, “For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There’s no regret for that kind of sorrow, but worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death.”

We too can allow our sorrow to turn us in the direction of the Lord. This is not a sorrow we got caught in an error, but a sorrow that drives us to make things right. It creates action, alarm, and zeal in us to do the next right thing. How you and I handle sorrow in an error is up to us.

Reconcile

Peter remembered, he repented, and he was reconciled.

In one of his post-resurrection appearances, Jesus has an honest conversation with Peter.

“After breakfast, Jesus asked Simon Peter, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?’

‘Yes, Lord,’ Peter replied, ‘You know I love you.’

‘Then feed my lambs,’ Jesus told him.

Jesus repeated the question, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love me?’

‘Yes, Lord,’ Peter said, ‘you know I love you.’

“Then take care of my sheep,’ Jesus said.

A third time he asked him, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love me?’

Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, ‘Lord you know everything. You know that I love you.’

Jesus said, ‘Then feed my sheep.”

When you and I turn in the direction of the Lord, he will reconcile with us. He will not leave us but run to us. Jesus’ work on the cross made it possible to reconcile with the Lord.

2 Corinthians 5:21 says, “For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin so that we could be made right with God through Christ.”

Acting

It is not that we make mistakes but how we handle the mistakes that makes the difference. Peter gives us a pattern to get on track, but how we handle things is up to us. How are you handling mistakes?

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Hope in Heartache

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Psalm 22 presents hope for the future.

The time had come. Jesus was on the cross, and the Gospel writers record…

“Then at three o’clock, Jesus called out with a loud voice, ‘…My God, my God, why have you abandoned me,” writes Mark in 15:34.

While we do not completely understand or fully comprehend Jesus’ experience in that moment, his words go back to Psalm 22.

David wrote this psalm in a season of suffering. Nothing was going well, so he pinned these words.

David writes in verses 1-2, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish? My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer. By night, but I find no rest.”

Can you relate? It seems as if nothing is going well. Everyone has abandoned you and life is a disaster. You are not alone. David felt that way, and even Jesus experienced abandonment for a period.

It was not the end of the story for David or Jesus, and it will not be the end of your story.

Psalm 22 goes on to speak of better times for David, a resurrection for Jesus, and hope for you and me.

Verse 24 says, “For he has not despised or scorned the suffering of the afflicted one. He has not hidden his face from him but has listened to his cry for help.”

David’s suffering was only for a season which passed. The abandonment of Jesus was only for a period, which ended in an exciting fashion. As David proclaimed, God did not hide. He heard the cry, and he was faithful to deliver.

God is not hiding. He hears your cries, and he will deliver. Meanwhile, Psalm 22 suggests praising the Lord faithfully knowing he will deliver.

 

Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

Shining a Light

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Be an encouragement to people.

The lyrics of Be a Light challenge and encourage listeners during an unsettled time. The song is by Thomas Rhett, and features Keith Urban, Chris Tomlin, Hillary Scott, and Reba McEntire.

The chorus challenges us to shine brightly. “In a world full of hate, be a light. When you do someone wrong, make it right. In a world full of hate, be a light.” We were born to shine; the song reminds us.

Jesus says in Matthew 5, “You are the light of the world, like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see so that everyone will praise your heavenly father.”

In an unsettled and crazy time, we can be a light. We can check on our neighbors who are most at risk to see if they need anything from the store. We can be courteous to cashiers and those stocking shelves. We can offer encouragement to our neighbors who are anxious about the days ahead. We were born to shine, so we should shine brightly.

“This song is about being a light in a dark place. Being an encouragement to people,” Rhett Said. “I hope this song puts a smile on your face in this crazy, crazy time.”

A portion of the proceeds from the song will help those impacted by the COVID19 pandemic.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=8YuWAZmD0aU

Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

Where is our trust?

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Was Jesus the political leader for whom they were searching?

The streets were lined with crowds of people waiving palm branches. They were singing. The city was in an uproar of excitement. Jesus was entering, and the citizens believed he was going to be their political king. The people were overjoyed, and excitement was in the air. The next few days were going to be action packed, but not for the reasons the people were celebrating on this day.

Today is Palm Sunday. This is the start of Passion Week, the week leading up to the events of Easter. Where is our trust? It is a good question to answer today.

The Gospel writers record Jesus entering Jerusalem to much cheer and applause. The people thought Jesus was entering to overthrow Rome. They believed Jesus was going to be their political leader. He was the one who was going to establish a reign and replace Rome as the ruler. Jesus, however, had a more significant purpose.

The people misunderstood, and they placed their trust in the wrong place. They were looking for a political leader and missed the true mission of Jesus.

Psalm 118:8-9 proclaims, “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes.”

Where is our trust today?

Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

A Way to Greatness

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Who is the greatest?

This was the question on the disciples’ minds, and two of them had the audacity to approach Jesus. James and John wanted to be the greatest, so they requested positions of honor. Jesus’ answer may have confused them, and it was certainly contrary to their thinking.

Jesus gives them the formula to greatness, but when compared to the world’s, it’s upside down.

According to Mark 10:42-44, “Jesus called them together and said, ‘You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.”

“Greatness is found in serving,” Jesus says. If we want to be great, we must serve. Great leaders serve the individuals being led. Great bosses serve their employees. Being great is being a servant.

Greatness is not yielding authority, or having people jump at one’s every command. It is working from the bottom up. It is making the least the most. Jesus shows us an illustration of greatness.

“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,” Jesus says in Mark 10:45.

Jesus became the least to serve everyone. In humility, he met the need of the world. As Passion Week begins, we remember the extent of his service. This is a picture of greatness.

Acting

Identify ways to be a servant. Perhaps it is checking on a neighbor, being generous to someone in need, or calling someone who may be lonely. How can you be a servant today?

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4 Lessons Learned from Moses’ Life

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A life of overcoming barriers.

From beginning to end, Moses’ life was filled with barriers. Getting through each stage of his life required him to overcome a barrier.

Moses’ life teaches us 4 lessons we can apply to our lives.

1. Faithful parenting helps our kids.

Moses parents were up against it. Pharaoh issued a decree that any newborn Israelite boy was to be killed. They ignored the decree and were forced to make some hard choices. Keeping Moses hidden for 3 months, they decided to float him down the Nile. His parents reached a point where they had no choice but to pray and trust the Lord.

Lamentations 2:19 encourages, “Pour out your hearts like water to the Lord. Lift up your hands to him in prayer pleading for your children….”

Moses’ parents believed the Lord would care for their son. Being faithful parents can start our kids on the right path. We should follow the example of Moses’ parents.

Pray and trust the Lord. Seek his guidance in guiding our kids.

2. Patience is needed.

Moses had to develop the virtue of patience. He patiently endured the struggle of Israel wondering in the desert. Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt, and he desired to lead them into the promised land. However, their unfaithfulness resulted in desert wondering the rest of Moses’ life. It would have been easy for Moses to give up in this situation, yet he remained faithful.

Hebrews 10:36 says patient endurance is what we need right now. Life may be a struggle right now but pushing through today’s struggle will bring tomorrow’s reward.

Moses patiently endured his circumstances. He knew something better was ahead. Patient endurance will lead to a reward worth the wait.

3. Making right choices may be hard.

Moses went from somebody to nobody because it was the right thing to do.

“It was by faith, Moses, when he grew up refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter.” Hebrews 11:24-26 records, “He chose to share the oppression of God’s people rather than enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He thought it was better to suffer for the sake of Christ than own the treasures of Egypt. For he was looking ahead to his great reward.”

As we are working to fulfill our purpose, we may be forced to make hard choices. We may have to temporarily suspend some activities, spending, etc. This may be necessary to progress toward our goal.

We learn from Moses to focus on the future in these moments. Today’s struggles will bring tomorrow’s rewards.

4. God is magnified in our weakness.

In our society, weaknesses are viewed as a negative; however, God views them as an opportunity. His power is displayed in moments when we are weak.

Moses had a difficulty with speech. He stuttered, so he believed there was no way he could represent God. The Lord, on the other hand, knew Moses was the right person for the job. He reassured Moses and worked powerfully through him.

Perhaps we can relate to Moses. We have a weakness which we view as a stumbling block to serving. God, however, views it as an opportunity.

We can be encouraged by knowing God has a plan. In weakness, we cry out for help, and with power, God responds. He did for Moses. God provided Aaron as a spokesperson for Moses. Moses’ weaknesses did not prevent him from fulfilling his purpose, and our weaknesses will not prohibit us from completing our calling.

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Promises, Promises

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Can we trust the Bible?

A preacher was visiting a couple parishioners, and the trio was reading the Bible. They came to Matthew 28:20 where Jesus says, “Surely, I will be with you to the very end of the age.”

The preacher asked, “Isn’t that a wonderful promise?”

“It’s not a promise. It’s a fact,” one of the parishioners replied.

Promises are made and broken in life. There are many reasons promises are broken; however, the Bible offers many promises which we can accept as fact. Being perfect, God always keeps his word.

Proverbs 30:5 says, “Every word of God proves true. He is a shield to all who come to him for protection.”

Looking through history, we find God keeping his word.

The people of Israel were promised land, and the Lord provided the land he promised. Generations passed from the time the promise was made until it was fulfilled, but God kept his word.

Joshua 21:43-45 states, “So the Lord gave to Israel all the land he had sworn to give their ancestors, and they took possession and settled there. And the Lord gave them rest on every side just as he had solemnly promised their ancestors. None of their enemies could stand against them for the Lord helped them conquer all their enemies. Not a single one of all the good promises the Lord had given to the family of Israel was left unfulfilled. Everything he had spoken came true.”

We turn the pages of history to the shepherds on the night of Jesus’ birth. The angel promised the shepherds they would find a certain arrangement in the stable. They would find Mary, Joseph, and the baby, lying in a manger.

Luke 2:20 records, “The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them.”

God keeps his promises.

History proves God is faithful. The Lord keeps his promises. You and I can rest assured the promises made in the Bible will be fulfilled.

Christians are promised God will be with us in this life, and we will spend the next life in Heaven. And, we know the Lord keeps his word.

Acting

Spend time dwelling on the promises made by the Lord. Find hope and confidence in these promises.

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The Problem with Time

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Timing is everything.

Time can be a problem. We either don’t have enough time or we have too much time. We’re either late to an appointment or we’re too early. We either procrastinate or move too quickly. Getting timing just right is hard yet learning to recognize God’s timing is crucial.

Ecclesiastes 3 reminds us there is a proper time for everything.

Verses 1-9 tell us, “For everything there is a season. A time for every activity under Heaven. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest. A time to heal and a time to kill. A time to tear down and a time to build up. A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance. A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones. A time to embrace and a time to turn away. A time to search and a time to quit searching. A time to keep and a time to throw away. A time to tear and a time to mend. A time to be quiet and a time to speak. A time to love and a time to hate. A time for war and a time for peace.”

God has assigned a time for everything. Birth, death, planting, harvesting, etc.; each activity has an appropriate time, and you and I can’t control the time. The best we can do is recognize God’s timing, which is important.

Solomon teaches us there is…

  • A proper time to stay at home and go out.
  • A proper time to lead and follow.
  • A proper time for prayers to be answered.
  • A proper time to take steps in fulfilling our purpose.

We need to be sensitive to the Lord’s timing.

Recognizing God’s timing is important to our success.

A young executive was driving his new corvette down a neighborhood street. He may have been driving a little fast, and suddenly, a brick smashed into the driver’s door. The young man threw his car in park, jumped out and ran to the sidewalk looking for the brick thrower.

The man found a boy standing on the sidewalk. He grabbed the child and demanded answers. The boy started crying and said, “I’m sorry I threw the brick. No one was stopping and I need help. My brother has fallen out of his wheelchair. He’s hurt, but I can’t pick him up. I need help.”

Fighting back tears, the young executive followed the boy to his brother. There on the curb lay a young boy beside his overturned wheelchair.

The man right sided the chair and gently placed the boy in it. Then, he used his handkerchief to tend to the boy’s wounds. After that, the two brothers went on their way.

The young executive watched for a moment before returning to his corvette. The damage was noticeable, but he never fixed it. He wanted the reminder to slow down and be sensitive to timing.

It took a brick to get the young man’s attention. We can’t control time. The best we can do is recognize it.

Acting

Slow down and ask the Lord to help you recognize his timing.

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