Dad's Ramblings -- Following At A Distance

"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.
 

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.
 

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.
 

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.
 

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.

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.

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.