"Having arrested Him, they led Him and brought Him into the high priest's house. But Peter followed at a distance."
Luke 22:54
Peter did not want to be identified as a follower of Jesus so he disassociated himself from Him. He followed, but not very closely. To be fair to Peter, it was a scarey time, and to be a Jesus-follower might mean suffering – even death. But it is still true that the first step to damaging my witness is to not let people know up front that I am a believer. Fear of ridicule (or worse) is a powerful tool Satan uses to destroy my witness for Jesus.
Today's Thought: My witness for Christ is damaged when I fail to confess that I am a follower of Jesus.
Have a "confessing" day. Love you.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Friday, August 28, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- Hour of Power
"Then Jesus said to the chief priests, captains of the temple, and the elders who had come to Him, 'Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs? When I was with you daily in the temple, you did not try to seize Me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness.' "
Luke 22:52-53
God allowed Satan to have his "hour of power." To the human eye, it seemed that Satan was winning. But history proves otherwise. Jesus rose victorious over hell, death, and the grave. When it seems to appear that Satan is winning, remember that the last chapter of history has not yet been written. Satan may have his hour, but ultimately Jesus wins.
Today's Thought: Satan may seem to be in control, but God is still ruler of all.
Have a winning day. Love you.
Luke 22:52-53
God allowed Satan to have his "hour of power." To the human eye, it seemed that Satan was winning. But history proves otherwise. Jesus rose victorious over hell, death, and the grave. When it seems to appear that Satan is winning, remember that the last chapter of history has not yet been written. Satan may have his hour, but ultimately Jesus wins.
Today's Thought: Satan may seem to be in control, but God is still ruler of all.
Have a winning day. Love you.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- "Permit Even This"
"When those around Him saw what was going to happen, they said to Him, 'Lord, shall we strike with the sword?' And one of them struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear. But Jesus answered and said, 'Permit even this.' And He touched his ear and healed him."
Luke 22:49-51
Too often I am like the disciples – striking out at my adversaries while Jesus is showing compassion. I want judgment; Jesus wants to heal. Compassion understands that the ungodly will eventually face judgment, but that Jesus came to save them. So instead of retaliation, I need to "permit even this" – take abuse and keep reaching out with God's healing. That's tough.
Today's Thought: Jesus came not to strike the ungodly but to heal them.
Have a healing day. Love you.
Luke 22:49-51
Too often I am like the disciples – striking out at my adversaries while Jesus is showing compassion. I want judgment; Jesus wants to heal. Compassion understands that the ungodly will eventually face judgment, but that Jesus came to save them. So instead of retaliation, I need to "permit even this" – take abuse and keep reaching out with God's healing. That's tough.
Today's Thought: Jesus came not to strike the ungodly but to heal them.
Have a healing day. Love you.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- Betrayal!
"And while He was still speaking, behold a multitude; and he who was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them and drew dear to Jesus to kiss Him. But Jesus said to him, 'Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?' "
Luke 22:47-48
Perhaps the most painful betrayal is by someone closest to me – a friend or relative, in the family or in the church. I wonder if Jesus was thinking of Psalm 41:9? David pined, "Even my own familiar friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me." David goes on to say, "As for me, You uphold me in my integrity, and set me before Your face forever" (vs. 12). When others turn against me, the only godly option is to stand in my integrity before God, knowing that He will never leave nor forsake me. That is sweeter than revenge.
Today's Thought: Betrayal is painful, but we can still trust God.
Have a forgiving day. Love you.
Luke 22:47-48
Perhaps the most painful betrayal is by someone closest to me – a friend or relative, in the family or in the church. I wonder if Jesus was thinking of Psalm 41:9? David pined, "Even my own familiar friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me." David goes on to say, "As for me, You uphold me in my integrity, and set me before Your face forever" (vs. 12). When others turn against me, the only godly option is to stand in my integrity before God, knowing that He will never leave nor forsake me. That is sweeter than revenge.
Today's Thought: Betrayal is painful, but we can still trust God.
Have a forgiving day. Love you.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- The Sleep of Sorrow
"When He rose up from prayer, and had come to His disciples, He found them sleeping from sorrow. Then He said to them, 'Why do you sleep? Rise and pray lest you enter into temptation.' "
Luke 22:45-46
Jesus repeated the admonition a second time to pray because of the coming temptation and testing (see vs. 40). They were facing a great trial – yet they slept. Followers of Jesus in America are facing a time of testing. Yet many are asleep – seemingly unaware of what lies ahead. Even if our sleep is from sorrow because we see the signs of trouble ahead (as it was with the disciples), it is easier to sleep in oblivious peace than it is to pray. Lord, help us!!!
Today's Thought: It is easier to sleep than it is to pray.
Have an alert day. Love you.
Luke 22:45-46
Jesus repeated the admonition a second time to pray because of the coming temptation and testing (see vs. 40). They were facing a great trial – yet they slept. Followers of Jesus in America are facing a time of testing. Yet many are asleep – seemingly unaware of what lies ahead. Even if our sleep is from sorrow because we see the signs of trouble ahead (as it was with the disciples), it is easier to sleep in oblivious peace than it is to pray. Lord, help us!!!
Today's Thought: It is easier to sleep than it is to pray.
Have an alert day. Love you.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- Blood, Sweat, and Tears
"And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground."
Luke 22:44
No physical labor causes as much agony as spiritual travail. Some of us know the pain of losing a loved one or watching a loved one making wrong choices – an inner pain that is so great that it becomes physical pain. But that was nothing compared to what Jesus was suffering. The pain was so intense that His body exuded blood, sweat and tears. And He went through all of that agony for me. O, how I love Him.
Today's Thought: Agony of the spirit is great than any physical pain.
Have a thankful day. Love you.
Luke 22:44
No physical labor causes as much agony as spiritual travail. Some of us know the pain of losing a loved one or watching a loved one making wrong choices – an inner pain that is so great that it becomes physical pain. But that was nothing compared to what Jesus was suffering. The pain was so intense that His body exuded blood, sweat and tears. And He went through all of that agony for me. O, how I love Him.
Today's Thought: Agony of the spirit is great than any physical pain.
Have a thankful day. Love you.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- Angels
"Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven strengthening Him."
Luke 22:43
This is the second recorded instance when angels ministered to Jesus, the first being after His temptation (Matt. 4:11). I have never seen an angel that I was aware of. But I wonder how many times angels have visited me unawares (see Heb. 13:2). I do know that they are spirits sent to minister to us in our times of need (Heb. 1:14). I am glad for them because I need all the help I can get.
Today's Thought: Angels are sent to minister to us in our times of need.
Have a strengthened day. Love you.
Luke 22:43
This is the second recorded instance when angels ministered to Jesus, the first being after His temptation (Matt. 4:11). I have never seen an angel that I was aware of. But I wonder how many times angels have visited me unawares (see Heb. 13:2). I do know that they are spirits sent to minister to us in our times of need (Heb. 1:14). I am glad for them because I need all the help I can get.
Today's Thought: Angels are sent to minister to us in our times of need.
Have a strengthened day. Love you.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- Seeking God's Will
"And He was withdrawn from them about a stone's throw, and He knelt down and prayed, saying, 'Father, if it is Your will, take this cup from Me; nevertheless, not My will, but Your's, be done.' "
Luke 22:41-42
All prayer should be predicated on God's will. Jesus taught His disciples to pray, "Your will be done" (Matt. 6:10), and here He demonstrated it, even in His agony. I have heard people demand and command that God do things. There is no basis in Scripture for this practice. Jesus consistently taught us to "ask" (see Matthew 21:22; Luke 11:9; John 14:14). We need to pray as James instructed us. "Come now, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit'....Instead you ought to say, 'If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that' " (James 4:13, 15).
Today's Thought: Our prayer should always seek God's will to be done.
Have an "asking" day. Love you.
Luke 22:41-42
All prayer should be predicated on God's will. Jesus taught His disciples to pray, "Your will be done" (Matt. 6:10), and here He demonstrated it, even in His agony. I have heard people demand and command that God do things. There is no basis in Scripture for this practice. Jesus consistently taught us to "ask" (see Matthew 21:22; Luke 11:9; John 14:14). We need to pray as James instructed us. "Come now, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit'....Instead you ought to say, 'If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that' " (James 4:13, 15).
Today's Thought: Our prayer should always seek God's will to be done.
Have an "asking" day. Love you.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Dad's Ramblngs -- Prayer and Temptation
"Coming out, He went to the Mount of Olives, as He was accustomed, and His disciples also followed Him. When He came to the place, He said to them, 'Pray that you may not enter into temptation.' "
Luke 22:39-40
Prayer is a major resource in the battle against temptation. In another place, Jesus told His disciples to pray that they might not be led into temptation but delivered from evil (Matthew 6:13; Luke 11:14). Whether we be kept from temptation or delivered out of it, prayer is the key. In the parallel passage in Matthew, Jesus added the sidenote to watch and pray because "the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak" (Matthew 26:41). The fact is that Peter, even though his spirit was willing, his flesh was weak, and he failed because he slept through prayer time. May this be a lesson to me.
Today's Thought: Prayer is essential both to avoid temptation and be delivered from it.
Have a prayerful day. Love you.
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Luke 22:39-40
Prayer is a major resource in the battle against temptation. In another place, Jesus told His disciples to pray that they might not be led into temptation but delivered from evil (Matthew 6:13; Luke 11:14). Whether we be kept from temptation or delivered out of it, prayer is the key. In the parallel passage in Matthew, Jesus added the sidenote to watch and pray because "the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak" (Matthew 26:41). The fact is that Peter, even though his spirit was willing, his flesh was weak, and he failed because he slept through prayer time. May this be a lesson to me.
Today's Thought: Prayer is essential both to avoid temptation and be delivered from it.
Have a prayerful day. Love you.
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Monday, August 17, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- Ministry After Failure (reprise)
"But he (Peter) said to Him, 'Lord, I am ready to go with you, both to prison and to death.' Then He said to Him, 'I tell you, Peter, the rooster shall not crow this day before you will deny three times that you know Me.' "
Luke 22:33-34
The omniscient God knows my failures before I ever fail. Like Peter, I think I am so strong, but He knows my weaknesses. He looks beyond my weakness and failure to my heart and my love for Him. I don't hear any condemnation in this verse – only sadness. I'm so thankful that He does not abandon me when I fail, but works through my failure with me to bring restoration.
Today's Thought: God knows my failures, but He loves me anyway.
Have a restored day. Love you.
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Luke 22:33-34
The omniscient God knows my failures before I ever fail. Like Peter, I think I am so strong, but He knows my weaknesses. He looks beyond my weakness and failure to my heart and my love for Him. I don't hear any condemnation in this verse – only sadness. I'm so thankful that He does not abandon me when I fail, but works through my failure with me to bring restoration.
Today's Thought: God knows my failures, but He loves me anyway.
Have a restored day. Love you.
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Friday, August 14, 2009
Dad's Rambling -- Ministry After Failure
" 'But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen the brethren.' But he (Peter) said to Him, 'Lord, I am ready to go with you, both to prison and to death.' Then He said to him, 'I tell you, Peter, the rooster shall not crow this day before you will deny three times that you know me.' "
Luke 22:32-34
Was this prayer of the Lord Jesus unanswered? The record shows that Peter did indeed fail – he failed to take a stand in his witness. But I don't believe that he lost his faith in Jesus. It is easy to declare my faith in the assembly of other believers. It is tougher when I am in the face of people hostile to the Gospel. I don't lose my faith, but I fail in my witness. But often ministry flows out of failure. When I return to the feet of Jesus in repentance and experience His grace and forgiveness, it gives greater compassion to strengthen other brothers who fail.
Today's Thought: I may fail in my witness, but Jesus still receives me when I return to Him.
Have a strengthened day. Love you.
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Luke 22:32-34
Was this prayer of the Lord Jesus unanswered? The record shows that Peter did indeed fail – he failed to take a stand in his witness. But I don't believe that he lost his faith in Jesus. It is easy to declare my faith in the assembly of other believers. It is tougher when I am in the face of people hostile to the Gospel. I don't lose my faith, but I fail in my witness. But often ministry flows out of failure. When I return to the feet of Jesus in repentance and experience His grace and forgiveness, it gives greater compassion to strengthen other brothers who fail.
Today's Thought: I may fail in my witness, but Jesus still receives me when I return to Him.
Have a strengthened day. Love you.
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Thursday, August 13, 2009
Dad's Rambling -- Sifted!
"And the Lord said, 'Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you that he may sift you as wheat.' "
Luke 22:31
The sifting process involves shaking as in a sieve. Satan wants to shake the believer's faith in the Lord Jesus. The encouraging thing is that he cannot do it without God's permission. This reminds me of the time when Satan asked for permission to attack Job (Job 1:11-12; 2:5-6). This happens not just to a select few but to all of us. When Jesus said "you," he used the plural form of the pronoun, indicating he was not just talking to Peter but to all of the disciples present. Sifting happens to all of Jesus' disciples. Satan has not changed, and he still desires to shake our faith and to get us to turn from our faith in the Lord Jesus. But he cannot unless God permits. Paul admonished us to "be strong in the Lord...that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil" (Eph. 6:10-11). So, "stand fast in the Lord" (Phil. 4:1; I Thess. 3:8), and "stand fast in the faith" (I Cor. 16:13).
Today's Thought: Satan desires to shake our faith in the Lord Jesus, but he cannot attack us without God's permission.
Have a "standing" day. Love you.
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Luke 22:31
The sifting process involves shaking as in a sieve. Satan wants to shake the believer's faith in the Lord Jesus. The encouraging thing is that he cannot do it without God's permission. This reminds me of the time when Satan asked for permission to attack Job (Job 1:11-12; 2:5-6). This happens not just to a select few but to all of us. When Jesus said "you," he used the plural form of the pronoun, indicating he was not just talking to Peter but to all of the disciples present. Sifting happens to all of Jesus' disciples. Satan has not changed, and he still desires to shake our faith and to get us to turn from our faith in the Lord Jesus. But he cannot unless God permits. Paul admonished us to "be strong in the Lord...that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil" (Eph. 6:10-11). So, "stand fast in the Lord" (Phil. 4:1; I Thess. 3:8), and "stand fast in the faith" (I Cor. 16:13).
Today's Thought: Satan desires to shake our faith in the Lord Jesus, but he cannot attack us without God's permission.
Have a "standing" day. Love you.
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Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- Continuing With Jesus
" 'But you are those who have continued with Me in My trials. And I bestow upon you a kingdom, just as My Father has bestowed upon Me, that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelves tribes of Israel.' "
Luke 22:28-30
The disciples would soon face the challenge of whether their faith in Jesus had any backbone. It is not always easy to continue with Jesus in His trials – when unbelievers spit on Him and mock Him and belittle us. But He will reward faithfulness. The prospect of ruling in the kingdom holds no appeal to me. But the joy of fellowship with Him – eating and drinking at His table – that's something I cherish today.
Today's Thought: Standing with Jesus brings eternal rewards.
Have a "continuing" day. Love you.
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Luke 22:28-30
The disciples would soon face the challenge of whether their faith in Jesus had any backbone. It is not always easy to continue with Jesus in His trials – when unbelievers spit on Him and mock Him and belittle us. But He will reward faithfulness. The prospect of ruling in the kingdom holds no appeal to me. But the joy of fellowship with Him – eating and drinking at His table – that's something I cherish today.
Today's Thought: Standing with Jesus brings eternal rewards.
Have a "continuing" day. Love you.
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Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- Servanthood
" 'For who is greater, he who sits at the table or he who serves? Is it not he who sits at the table? Yet I am among your as the One who serves.' "
Luke 22:27
Jesus is our example of servanthood. If the King of Glory could leave His position in Heaven to become a servant, why would I think it is beneath my dignity to serve? The normal human perspective is to look down on the servant, but Jesus elevates him. If I know who I am in Him, then the pride that stands in the way of being a servant is not an issue.
Today's Thought: Jesus showed us how to be a servant.
Have a serving day. Love you.
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Luke 22:27
Jesus is our example of servanthood. If the King of Glory could leave His position in Heaven to become a servant, why would I think it is beneath my dignity to serve? The normal human perspective is to look down on the servant, but Jesus elevates him. If I know who I am in Him, then the pride that stands in the way of being a servant is not an issue.
Today's Thought: Jesus showed us how to be a servant.
Have a serving day. Love you.
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Monday, August 10, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- Control versus Service
"And He said to them, 'The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those who exercise authority over them are called "benefactors." But not so among you; on the contrary, he who is greatest among you, let him be as the younger, and he who governs as he who serves.' "
Luke 22:25-26
It seems a trait of human nature is to control. Even those who seem meek and mild are often manipulators to get people to do what they want. Some biblical scholars think the conflict can be seen in Adam and Eve's relationship, when God said, "Your desire shall be for (toward) your husband, and he shall rule over you" (Gen. 3:16). Adam would rule, but Eve would desire to control – the neck that turns the head. God's kingdom calls us to a different paradigm – service. No one likes to feel like he is being "used." The antidote is to be looking for opportunities to serve in order to help another person be successful.
Today's Thought: Human desire is to rule; God's way is service.
Have a serving day. Love you.
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Luke 22:25-26
It seems a trait of human nature is to control. Even those who seem meek and mild are often manipulators to get people to do what they want. Some biblical scholars think the conflict can be seen in Adam and Eve's relationship, when God said, "Your desire shall be for (toward) your husband, and he shall rule over you" (Gen. 3:16). Adam would rule, but Eve would desire to control – the neck that turns the head. God's kingdom calls us to a different paradigm – service. No one likes to feel like he is being "used." The antidote is to be looking for opportunities to serve in order to help another person be successful.
Today's Thought: Human desire is to rule; God's way is service.
Have a serving day. Love you.
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Friday, August 7, 2009
Dad's Ramblings: Rank In Christ's Kingdom
"Now there was also a dispute among them as to which of them should be considered the greatest."
Luke 22:24
One minute, each disciple is asking which among them would commit the horrible betrayal of the Master (vs. 23). The next minute they are trying to determine rank. Each of them (except Judas) must have concluded that he could never do such a thing, and thus was more noble, more honorable, more faithful, more deserving of respect than all the others. It is a dangerous thing to think I am a better Christian than anyone else because I have followed longer, sacrificed more, prayed harder, lived holier, attended church more faithfully, or been in a leadership position. Remember the admonition: "He who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall" (I Cor. 10:12). It is better to simply love and serve the Lord Jesus, and let Him determine my reward.
Today's Thought: One-upmanship has no place in Jesus' kingdom.
Have a humble day. Love you.
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Luke 22:24
One minute, each disciple is asking which among them would commit the horrible betrayal of the Master (vs. 23). The next minute they are trying to determine rank. Each of them (except Judas) must have concluded that he could never do such a thing, and thus was more noble, more honorable, more faithful, more deserving of respect than all the others. It is a dangerous thing to think I am a better Christian than anyone else because I have followed longer, sacrificed more, prayed harder, lived holier, attended church more faithfully, or been in a leadership position. Remember the admonition: "He who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall" (I Cor. 10:12). It is better to simply love and serve the Lord Jesus, and let Him determine my reward.
Today's Thought: One-upmanship has no place in Jesus' kingdom.
Have a humble day. Love you.
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Thursday, August 6, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- Searching My Own Heart
"Then they began to question among themselves, which of them it was who would do this thing [betray Jesus]."
Luke 22:23
Judas must have been a good actor. Apparently none of the other disciples suspected that Judas was the betrayer. He wore a good mask. You can't always tell the evil in another person's heart by outward appearances. By meshing the four Gospels, it is clear that the disciples were not questioning each other, but were asking Jesus about their own selves. "They began to be sorrowful and say to Him one by one, 'Is it I?' And another said, 'Is it I?' " (Mark 14:19). Judas also asked Jesus, "Is it I?" and Jesus said, "Yes" (Matthew 26:25). After Jesus identified Judas and told him to do his deed quickly, Judas got up from the dinner and left. The other disciples thought he was just going out to buy food either for themselves or for the poor (John 13:26-30). I guess the point is that instead of trying to figure out the evil behind other people's facades, I need to take care of my own heart, and let Jesus take care of the others. "Jesus, help me know my own heart today."
Today's Thought: I need to check my own heart instead of identifying the sin in others.
Have a "searching" day. Love you.
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Luke 22:23
Judas must have been a good actor. Apparently none of the other disciples suspected that Judas was the betrayer. He wore a good mask. You can't always tell the evil in another person's heart by outward appearances. By meshing the four Gospels, it is clear that the disciples were not questioning each other, but were asking Jesus about their own selves. "They began to be sorrowful and say to Him one by one, 'Is it I?' And another said, 'Is it I?' " (Mark 14:19). Judas also asked Jesus, "Is it I?" and Jesus said, "Yes" (Matthew 26:25). After Jesus identified Judas and told him to do his deed quickly, Judas got up from the dinner and left. The other disciples thought he was just going out to buy food either for themselves or for the poor (John 13:26-30). I guess the point is that instead of trying to figure out the evil behind other people's facades, I need to take care of my own heart, and let Jesus take care of the others. "Jesus, help me know my own heart today."
Today's Thought: I need to check my own heart instead of identifying the sin in others.
Have a "searching" day. Love you.
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Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- God's Sovereign Will
" 'But behold, the hand of My betrayer is with Me on the table. And truly the Son of Man goes as it has been determined; but woe to that man by whom He is betrayed.' "
Luke 22:21-22
Jesus was walking out the plan that had been "determined." According to that plan established in prophecy, He had to die in suffering on a cross. Peter affirmed that He was "delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God" (Acts 2:23). The sovereignty of God's plan is plain in Scripture. "My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure...Indeed, I have spoken it; I will also bring it to pass. I have purposed it; I will also do it" (Isaiah 46:10-11).
But the sovereignty of God's plan is a sticky issue. Where does Judas fit into this picture? If Judas was destined by God to betray Jesus, was He culpable? Was He just a pawn on God's chess board without any choice in the matter? Here's what I believe. I believe that predestination is based in God omniscience. Peter said that the purpose of God was wrapped up in His foreknowledge. Paul also acknowledges this precept when he wrote, "...whom He foreknew He also predestined..." (Romans 8:29). God knows those who will choose to receive God's gift of salvation by the choice of their will. Likewise, God knows we are sinners by choice, not because God ordained it. I do not believe God forced Judas to betray the Lord Jesus, but He knew beforehand what was in Judas' heart.
I know that God is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance (II Peter 3:9). I think this included Judas. Could the "woe" Jesus pronounced be a plea to Judas to repent? If Judas had repented, God's plan would have been accomplished by someone else who would have submitted to Satan's bidding. But God knew what Judas would do.
God knows what I will choose to do today. I want to be submitted to His righteous will.
Today's Thought: God's plan will be accomplished according to His foreknowledge.
Have a righteous day. Love you.
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Luke 22:21-22
Jesus was walking out the plan that had been "determined." According to that plan established in prophecy, He had to die in suffering on a cross. Peter affirmed that He was "delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God" (Acts 2:23). The sovereignty of God's plan is plain in Scripture. "My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure...Indeed, I have spoken it; I will also bring it to pass. I have purposed it; I will also do it" (Isaiah 46:10-11).
But the sovereignty of God's plan is a sticky issue. Where does Judas fit into this picture? If Judas was destined by God to betray Jesus, was He culpable? Was He just a pawn on God's chess board without any choice in the matter? Here's what I believe. I believe that predestination is based in God omniscience. Peter said that the purpose of God was wrapped up in His foreknowledge. Paul also acknowledges this precept when he wrote, "...whom He foreknew He also predestined..." (Romans 8:29). God knows those who will choose to receive God's gift of salvation by the choice of their will. Likewise, God knows we are sinners by choice, not because God ordained it. I do not believe God forced Judas to betray the Lord Jesus, but He knew beforehand what was in Judas' heart.
I know that God is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance (II Peter 3:9). I think this included Judas. Could the "woe" Jesus pronounced be a plea to Judas to repent? If Judas had repented, God's plan would have been accomplished by someone else who would have submitted to Satan's bidding. But God knew what Judas would do.
God knows what I will choose to do today. I want to be submitted to His righteous will.
Today's Thought: God's plan will be accomplished according to His foreknowledge.
Have a righteous day. Love you.
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Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- The Lord's Supper
"And He took the bread and gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them saying, 'This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.' Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in My blood which is shed for you.' "
Luke 22:19-20
The Lord's Supper, or Communion, or Eucharist (from Greek meaning thanksgiving or gratitude) is one of the most precious times of my spiritual devotion. The subject is worthy of a larger study. But in short, the time of Communion signifies –
1. Remembering the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus in His death (Luke 22:19-20; I
Cor. 11:24-25).
2. A symbol of the New Covenant – we are no longer under the law (Luke 22:20;
I Cor. 11:25).
3. A symbol of our participation His life and death (John 6:48-58).
4. A time of koinonia (union, fellowship, communion) with the Body of Christ
(I Cor.10:16-17; 11:17-27).
5. A time of self-examination (I Cor. 11:28).
6. A looking forward to His return (I Cor. 11:26).
I'm so glad for Communion.
Today's Thought: Communion is not just a ritual. It is a treasure to be cherished.
Have a day of gratitude for His sacrifice. Love you.
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Luke 22:19-20
The Lord's Supper, or Communion, or Eucharist (from Greek meaning thanksgiving or gratitude) is one of the most precious times of my spiritual devotion. The subject is worthy of a larger study. But in short, the time of Communion signifies –
1. Remembering the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus in His death (Luke 22:19-20; I
Cor. 11:24-25).
2. A symbol of the New Covenant – we are no longer under the law (Luke 22:20;
I Cor. 11:25).
3. A symbol of our participation His life and death (John 6:48-58).
4. A time of koinonia (union, fellowship, communion) with the Body of Christ
(I Cor.10:16-17; 11:17-27).
5. A time of self-examination (I Cor. 11:28).
6. A looking forward to His return (I Cor. 11:26).
I'm so glad for Communion.
Today's Thought: Communion is not just a ritual. It is a treasure to be cherished.
Have a day of gratitude for His sacrifice. Love you.
Get free photo software from Windows Live Click here.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- Thankful In The Face Of Suffering
"The He took the cup and gave thanks....."
Luke 22:17a
Jesus is facing the worst day of His life. Ahead lies suffering, humiliation, torture, and death. Yet He takes the very emblem that represents His suffering and gives thanks. How different than my response. In the face of suffering, I moan and complain, and have a pity party. Jesus gives me a different model – thanksgiving.
Today's Thought: To be thankful in the tough times reminds me of my Source.
Have a thankful day, whatever you face today. Love you.
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Luke 22:17a
Jesus is facing the worst day of His life. Ahead lies suffering, humiliation, torture, and death. Yet He takes the very emblem that represents His suffering and gives thanks. How different than my response. In the face of suffering, I moan and complain, and have a pity party. Jesus gives me a different model – thanksgiving.
Today's Thought: To be thankful in the tough times reminds me of my Source.
Have a thankful day, whatever you face today. Love you.
Get your vacation photos on your phone! Click here.
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