Yesterday we were reflecting on Peter's journey and where he went wrong the night Jesus was arrested. At the last supper, he was over-confident in himself and swore that he would never deny Jesus, even if everyone else fell away. When they went to the garden and Jesus asked him to stay up and pray, he couldn't stay awake. As a result, he wasn't spiritually alert. And th...
Keep ReadingFor the next two days join me as we track with Peter. His actions, his words, his motives. Scene 1: The Passover Meal 31 Then Jesus told them, "This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: "'I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.'[c] 32 But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee." 33 P...
Keep ReadingSon though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered.And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him...-Hebrews 5:8-9 NIV What does it mean that Jesus "learned obedience?" Was there a point when he was disobedient? Prior to becoming a human, Jesus was fully God and in perfect unity with the Fat...
Keep ReadingLet's consider where Judas went wrong. I see two things - one that led to his betrayal of Jesus, and another thing that is far worse. Then one of the Twelvethe one called Judas Iscariotwent to the chief priests and asked, "What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?" So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver. From then on Judas watched for an o...
Keep Reading"The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how his body was laid in it. Then they went home and prepared spices and perfumes. But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment." - Luke 23:55-56 Today is Saturday, the day between Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday. On this day 2000+ years ago, Jesus' body lay in a tom...
Keep Reading"If you do what you love, you will never work a day in your life." This is such a popular American mantra for finding the right career. It makes work sound like a choice. If you don't love your job, move on to something you love. There are so many reasons why I do what I do. The primary reason why I get up so early and commute so far, it's necessary to help provide for m...
Keep Reading31"Simon, Simon, Satan has askedto sift all of you as wheat.32But I have prayed for you,Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers." 33But he replied, "Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death." 34Jesus answered,"I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me." ...
Keep ReadingJohn 13:1-17 In the final few days before Jesus' crucifixion, John 13 talks about a meeting with his disciples for Passover meal. At the meal there has been no servant present to wash their feet as was the custom, since their feet would get very dirty just walking in sandals in everyday life. The disciples who had previously had discussions about who is the greatest am...
Keep ReadingPilippians 4:6-7 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ. Do not be anxious about anything! Easier said than done lately. It seems like that is all we have been doing ...
Keep ReadingToday I told Satan, "You're gonna lose. In the end, you're going to LOSE." I thought that puny little devil might need reminding of that. Here is our scripture for today. It's a great one. John 16:32-33 "A time is coming and in fact has come when you will be scattered, each of you to your own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me....
Keep Reading