To My Daughters...
I was in Genesis 22 this morning as well as Mark 14 and 1 Corinthians 2 and, of course, by sheer coincidence they all tied together. : D
According to Chuck Smith, the first mention of love in the bible is found in Genesis 22. The law of first mention is a method of biblical interpretation that takes the first use of a word in Scripture and uses it to set the pattern for its use throughout the Bible. The love spoken of in Genesis 22 is the love of a father for his son.
Then He said, “Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.”--Genesis 2:2
The first mention of love in all four gospels speak also to the love of a father for His Son. Specifically, God for Jesus. Methinks someone is trying to tell us something.
When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” --Matthew 3:16-17
It came to pass in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And immediately, coming up from the water, He saw the heavens parting and the Spirit descending upon Him like a dove. Then a voice came from heaven, “You are My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” --Mark 1:10-11
When all the people were baptized, it came to pass that Jesus also was baptized; and while He prayed, the heaven was opened. And the Holy Spirit descended in bodily form like a dove upon Him, and a voice came from heaven which said, “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well
pleased.” --Luke 3:21-22
Finally, in the Gospel of John the first mention of love bears an uncanny resemblance to Genesis 22 where Abraham was told by God to take his only son whom he loved and offer him as a burnt offering to the Lord.
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.--John 3:16
God asked Abraham to sacrifice his beloved son, Isaac, but intervened at the last moment.
And He said, “Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.” --Genesis 22:12
God provided the sacrifice that day for Abraham and 2000 years later in the very same spot on that very same mountain, provided again...this time by giving His only Beloved Son, as a sacrifice for our sins.
Love is obedience...It says this also in Genesis 22...
So Abraham rose early in the morning and saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son; and he split the wood for the burnt offering, and arose and went to the place of which God had told him. Then on the third day Abraham lifted his eyes and saw the place afar off. And Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey; the lad and I will go yonder and worship, and we will come back to you.” --Genesis 22:3-5
Abraham went in obedience to His God TO WORSHIP on the top of Mount Moriah. Girls, this is the very picture of what worship is! To worship means to literally bow down. To bow and lay down our wills for the will of our God. This is what Abraham did. Love is obedience. Worship is submitting our wills to our Father in heaven and allowing Him to do as "seems good to Him." Give him your heart, soul, body, mind and strength when you worship Him. Lay it all down before Him.
It is important to note that Abraham said "we" will come back to you again. Abraham did not know how God was going to work that out, but he believed God's promise...that in Isaac his seed would be called. He believed that somehow, if necessary, God would bring His son back from the dead to keep His promise to Abraham. He believed and stood fast, because God had promised.
This is where I stopped in my reading of the Gospel of Mark today.
“Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will.”
Jesus worshiped in the Garden of Gethsemane...He laid down His will...He became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Prayer and worship are the means God has provided for us to lay down our wills and come to that beautiful place of submission. It is then that He can do exceedingly abundantly in our lives as He did in Abraham's life as well as in His Son's. Worship requires us to put our eyes off of ourselves and our circumstances and place them on Him who is able!
Now, of course, you can bow down before God, but still have a heart lifted in pride...think of the worship of the publican vs the Pharisee. The publican whose heart was truly bowed down before His Lord went away justified. The Pharisee went away unjustified, condemned and rejected by God. Pride shuts the door on effective worship.
The blessing comes to those whose heart is right before Him! Worship and prayer sanctify our troubles to our highest good. Prayerful worship unburdens our hearts and enables us to align our will with His, effectively delivering us from ourselves! True worship drives away unbelief and while not removing the trouble, enables us to better bear it.
These were the verses I read in 1 Corinthians 2....
But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But as it is written:
“ Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,
Nor have entered into the heart of man
The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”
Paul is speaking of heaven here, but beloved believer...we have this now! Biblical hope is sure and certain. It is as certain as if it already happened. Do not be blind to the glorious, glorious fact that Christ died for you when you were against Him...when you were a sinner. Do not esteem His grace and forgiveness here in your place of sourjourn, lightly! Appreciate what you have right here...right now! Death has no sting for us...no fear. We are His. Your circumstances might not be perfect but as a believer you live, move and have your being in Him. What could be sweeter. Stand fast! Worship Him in Spirit and in truth!
Love
Mom
Showing posts with label Mark 14. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mark 14. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Fighting the Wrong Battles....
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.--Ephesians 6:12
To My Girls...
This verse is so helpful to remember when you are in the midst of an earthly battle....with...you know, people you profess to love and care about. We need to see the offenses that will undoubtedly come our way with the eyes of faith. Satan often will use people or things knowing that we will forget and be drawn into the battle we can see...which is exactly what he wants. It is then that he has the advantage. Our eyes are not focused above but on people and circumstances. We get discouraged, depressed, angry, bitter, overwhelmed and worst of all we get self-focused. We forget that our job is to glorify our God in all things. We forget that we are to watch and pray lest we enter into temptation. We forget that we are to put off offenses against us and in so doing shine the light of Christ in a fallen world. See your battles for what they are for you as a believer...spiritual. Fight against the principalities and powers not with earthly things but fight against them with the resources and armor that our Lord gives us.
If you find yourself wrestling with people and things you are fighting the wrong battle. Respond biblically to provocations! Responding in any other way will create more chaos and unrest. God wants to perfect, establish, strengthen and settle you. This is done as we go through trials and learn obedience through submitting to His will. The settling comes by focusing on Him...it comes from the wisdom that He gives freely when we ask in faith. His wisdom is pure and peaceable...willing to yield. The wisdom from the world filled with self-seeking and envy. It will bring confusion, chaos and every evil thing to your life. Be serious and watchful in your praying...our spirit is indeed willing but our flesh is so weak! And above all have fervent love for one another...
Imitate the Lord Jesus Christ who watched and prayed, whose soul was sorrowful even unto death...who was despised and rejected, a Man of Sorrows and acquainted with grief. Behold Him who was oppressed and afflicted and yet opened not His mouth. WHY SHOULD WE DO THIS???? HERE IS THE BEST PART!!!! AS HE SUBMITTED TO HIS FATHER'S WILL...WAIT FOR IT...
The pleasure of the Lord prospered in His hand!!! He saw the labor of His soul and was satisfied!!!!
Isn't that what we want as believers....for the Lord's will to prosper in our lives...to see the labor of our souls and be satisfied? Look up and see your God work as you pour out your soul for those He has placed in your lives. Meditate on some of these biblical responses to provocation.
Love
Mom
Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.... Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.--Romans 13:8,10
Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. --1 Corinthians 13:4-8
Let your gentleness be known to all men.--Philippians 4:5
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.--Philippians 4:8-9
Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Therefore
“ If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
If he is thirsty, give him a drink;
For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.”
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.--Romans 12:10-21
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.--James 1:22
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.--James 3:13-18
Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.
Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. For the same reason you also be glad and rejoice with me.--Philippians 2:14-18
Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” --Mark 14:38
To My Girls...
This verse is so helpful to remember when you are in the midst of an earthly battle....with...you know, people you profess to love and care about. We need to see the offenses that will undoubtedly come our way with the eyes of faith. Satan often will use people or things knowing that we will forget and be drawn into the battle we can see...which is exactly what he wants. It is then that he has the advantage. Our eyes are not focused above but on people and circumstances. We get discouraged, depressed, angry, bitter, overwhelmed and worst of all we get self-focused. We forget that our job is to glorify our God in all things. We forget that we are to watch and pray lest we enter into temptation. We forget that we are to put off offenses against us and in so doing shine the light of Christ in a fallen world. See your battles for what they are for you as a believer...spiritual. Fight against the principalities and powers not with earthly things but fight against them with the resources and armor that our Lord gives us.
If you find yourself wrestling with people and things you are fighting the wrong battle. Respond biblically to provocations! Responding in any other way will create more chaos and unrest. God wants to perfect, establish, strengthen and settle you. This is done as we go through trials and learn obedience through submitting to His will. The settling comes by focusing on Him...it comes from the wisdom that He gives freely when we ask in faith. His wisdom is pure and peaceable...willing to yield. The wisdom from the world filled with self-seeking and envy. It will bring confusion, chaos and every evil thing to your life. Be serious and watchful in your praying...our spirit is indeed willing but our flesh is so weak! And above all have fervent love for one another...
Imitate the Lord Jesus Christ who watched and prayed, whose soul was sorrowful even unto death...who was despised and rejected, a Man of Sorrows and acquainted with grief. Behold Him who was oppressed and afflicted and yet opened not His mouth. WHY SHOULD WE DO THIS???? HERE IS THE BEST PART!!!! AS HE SUBMITTED TO HIS FATHER'S WILL...WAIT FOR IT...
The pleasure of the Lord prospered in His hand!!! He saw the labor of His soul and was satisfied!!!!
Isn't that what we want as believers....for the Lord's will to prosper in our lives...to see the labor of our souls and be satisfied? Look up and see your God work as you pour out your soul for those He has placed in your lives. Meditate on some of these biblical responses to provocation.
Love
Mom
Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.... Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.--Romans 13:8,10
Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. --1 Corinthians 13:4-8
Let your gentleness be known to all men.--Philippians 4:5
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.--Philippians 4:8-9
Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Therefore
“ If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
If he is thirsty, give him a drink;
For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.”
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.--Romans 12:10-21
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.--James 1:22
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.--James 3:13-18
Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.
Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. For the same reason you also be glad and rejoice with me.--Philippians 2:14-18
Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” --Mark 14:38
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Mary's Devotion to Her Lord
Then, six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was who had been dead, whom He had raised from the dead. There they made Him a supper; and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with Him. Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil. But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, who would betray Him, said, "Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?" This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it. But Jesus said, "Let her alone; she has kept this for the day of My burial. For the poor you have with you always, but Me you do not have always." --John 12:1-8
To My Sweet Daughters,
This supper takes place in the town of Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper...well, former leper. It occurred 6 days before Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem and just prior to the most difficult week of his life. Neither Matthew nor Mark name this woman. John, however, does and identifies her as Mary of Bethany...the sister of Lazarus and Martha. We see Mary three times in the New Testament and all three times she is at the feet of Jesus worshiping or listening attentively . Her utter devotion to Jesus is in sharp contrast to Judas' treachery in this story.
There is so much in this one short section of Scripture...so many applications for our lives. The Scripture tells us that they made Jesus supper. Then it says that Mary took a pound of costly spikenard oil and anointed the feet of Jesus. In Mark's version we find that she broke the flask and poured it on His head also. Mary honored Christ with the best that she had. She did not want to give Him anything that cost her nothing. Her gift was lavish and from her heart. The amount spoken of would be equal to a year's wages. Her gift was sacrificial...it cost her much.
Scripture goes on to say that she wiped the feet of Jesus with her hair. The hair of a woman in Scripture represents her glory...Mary laid her glory at Jesus' feet in humble love and devotion. It is a beautiful picture of a heart given over completely to her Lord and Savior. The house was filled with the scent of fragrant oil...
Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life. And who is sufficient for these things?--2nd Corinthians 2:14-16
One of the consequences of Mary's act of worship was criticism. Judas begins the criticism saying that the flask of perfume could have been sold and the money given to the poor and the disciples join in. John tells us that Judas' motives were not pure...that he cared not for the poor but wanted the money for himself. In fact, even at the last supper the disciples were still thinking Judas was concerned for the poor.
Jesus answered, "It is he to whom I shall give a piece of bread when I have dipped it." And having dipped the bread, He gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. Now after the piece of bread, Satan entered him. Then Jesus said to him, "What you do, do quickly." But no one at the table knew for what reason He said this to him. For some thought, because Judas had the money box, that Jesus had said to him, "Buy those things we need for the feast," or that he should give something to the poor. --John 13:26-29
Whenever, you give your best to the Lord, like Mary did, there will be people who will criticize and misunderstand. No matter how beautiful your best is, there will be attempts to sully it. They may have wrong motives like Judas or the glow of your light for Him highlights their own sin. They will defend themselves by attacking you. Rejoice! You have become the aroma of Christ. That. is. a. good. thing.
Jesus rebukes Judas and tells him to "Let her alone; she has kept this for the day of My burial. For the poor you have with you always, but Me you do not have always." Now most commentators will say that Mary did not know what she was doing when she anointed Jesus with the oil of spikenard. Mary spent much time at the feet of Jesus listening to His words. Hanging on to them. I believe that she showed Him her love and devotion while He was still alive knowing He was going to die as He had predicted. Jesus had told the disciples and spoke plainly that He would be killed, buried and rise from the dead. Maybe they did not understand it...but I believe Mary did.
Jesus saw Mary's heart. It didn't matter what anyone else thought of her gift...Jesus was pleased. That should always be our goal...to please Him. Let others say what they may...Mary's name is associated with fragrant oil and what she did is written about in three out of the four gospels. Hear what Jesus says in the gospel of Mark about this specific act of worship by Mary.
For you have the poor with you always, and whenever you wish you may do them good; but Me you do not have always. She has done what she could. She has come beforehand to anoint My body for burial. Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her." --Mark 14:7-9
Wow...a memorial to her. Jesus words have, of course, come to pass. Her gift of worship has blessed many who came after her and has served as a beautiful example of humble, singular devotion to Jesus. Though dead...she still speaks! Contrast Mary's pure love for Jesus with Judas' treachery and evil. Though dead he still speaks. His name is synonymous for treachery in the dictionary.
Proverbs 10:7 The memory of the righteous is blessed, But the name of the wicked will rot.
Love
Mom
To My Sweet Daughters,
This supper takes place in the town of Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper...well, former leper. It occurred 6 days before Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem and just prior to the most difficult week of his life. Neither Matthew nor Mark name this woman. John, however, does and identifies her as Mary of Bethany...the sister of Lazarus and Martha. We see Mary three times in the New Testament and all three times she is at the feet of Jesus worshiping or listening attentively . Her utter devotion to Jesus is in sharp contrast to Judas' treachery in this story.
There is so much in this one short section of Scripture...so many applications for our lives. The Scripture tells us that they made Jesus supper. Then it says that Mary took a pound of costly spikenard oil and anointed the feet of Jesus. In Mark's version we find that she broke the flask and poured it on His head also. Mary honored Christ with the best that she had. She did not want to give Him anything that cost her nothing. Her gift was lavish and from her heart. The amount spoken of would be equal to a year's wages. Her gift was sacrificial...it cost her much.
Scripture goes on to say that she wiped the feet of Jesus with her hair. The hair of a woman in Scripture represents her glory...Mary laid her glory at Jesus' feet in humble love and devotion. It is a beautiful picture of a heart given over completely to her Lord and Savior. The house was filled with the scent of fragrant oil...
Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life. And who is sufficient for these things?--2nd Corinthians 2:14-16
One of the consequences of Mary's act of worship was criticism. Judas begins the criticism saying that the flask of perfume could have been sold and the money given to the poor and the disciples join in. John tells us that Judas' motives were not pure...that he cared not for the poor but wanted the money for himself. In fact, even at the last supper the disciples were still thinking Judas was concerned for the poor.
Jesus answered, "It is he to whom I shall give a piece of bread when I have dipped it." And having dipped the bread, He gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. Now after the piece of bread, Satan entered him. Then Jesus said to him, "What you do, do quickly." But no one at the table knew for what reason He said this to him. For some thought, because Judas had the money box, that Jesus had said to him, "Buy those things we need for the feast," or that he should give something to the poor. --John 13:26-29
Whenever, you give your best to the Lord, like Mary did, there will be people who will criticize and misunderstand. No matter how beautiful your best is, there will be attempts to sully it. They may have wrong motives like Judas or the glow of your light for Him highlights their own sin. They will defend themselves by attacking you. Rejoice! You have become the aroma of Christ. That. is. a. good. thing.
Jesus rebukes Judas and tells him to "Let her alone; she has kept this for the day of My burial. For the poor you have with you always, but Me you do not have always." Now most commentators will say that Mary did not know what she was doing when she anointed Jesus with the oil of spikenard. Mary spent much time at the feet of Jesus listening to His words. Hanging on to them. I believe that she showed Him her love and devotion while He was still alive knowing He was going to die as He had predicted. Jesus had told the disciples and spoke plainly that He would be killed, buried and rise from the dead. Maybe they did not understand it...but I believe Mary did.
Jesus saw Mary's heart. It didn't matter what anyone else thought of her gift...Jesus was pleased. That should always be our goal...to please Him. Let others say what they may...Mary's name is associated with fragrant oil and what she did is written about in three out of the four gospels. Hear what Jesus says in the gospel of Mark about this specific act of worship by Mary.
For you have the poor with you always, and whenever you wish you may do them good; but Me you do not have always. She has done what she could. She has come beforehand to anoint My body for burial. Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her." --Mark 14:7-9
Wow...a memorial to her. Jesus words have, of course, come to pass. Her gift of worship has blessed many who came after her and has served as a beautiful example of humble, singular devotion to Jesus. Though dead...she still speaks! Contrast Mary's pure love for Jesus with Judas' treachery and evil. Though dead he still speaks. His name is synonymous for treachery in the dictionary.
Proverbs 10:7 The memory of the righteous is blessed, But the name of the wicked will rot.
Love
Mom
Monday, June 13, 2011
Standing and Falling...Mark 14
Peter said to Him, "Even if all are made to stumble, yet I will not be." Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you that today, even this night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times." But he spoke more vehemently, "If I have to die with You, I will not deny You!" And they all said likewise.--Mark 14:29-31
To My Sweet Daughters
I so love Jesus. Even when we have an unrealistic view of ourselves, like Peter does here, Jesus sees and loves us anyway. Read the verses that come before....
And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. Then Jesus said to them, "All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written: 'I WILL STRIKE THE SHEPHERD, AND THE SHEEP WILL BE SCATTERED.'
It was obvious here that Peter could have imagined the other disciples stumbling, but not himself! Beware where you think you stand the Bible tells us...lest you fall! We know the end of the story. As Jesus predicted, Peter denied Him three times and the word tells us that when he thought about it, he wept.
Here is what is wonderful about this story. The Lord knows we are going to fail and He knows it ahead of time. In fact we know from another account of this same story that Jesus prayed for Peter ahead of time...that his faith would not fail. He knows all about us. He knows our past, our present and future sins and loves us anyway!! He died for us when we were ungodly and His enemy! We can't disappoint God, girls. He knows we are dust. The fact that He sees our hearts, as desperately wicked as they are, is a good thing. Peter had the right desire but his flesh was weak. Jesus took that desire...that smoking flax...and did exceedingly abundantly in Peter's life..truly above all that Peter could ask or think. This burly, arrogant fishermen became a pillar in the early church...strengthening others in their faith...speaking and bringing thousands to Jesus. I am sure this incident in Peter's life taught Him much about the weakness of His flesh and the glory of God.
But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence. --1Corinthians 1:27-29
Peter had such an unrealistic view of himself. Trials show us the reality of our faith. This is always a good thing because we see our need and cling...and isn't that what is best for us...isn't that what is needed? My prayer today and every day for each of us is that we would not only trust Him, but would yield ourselves up to Him to receive His life and to let that life work out its results in us. To live in Him, to Him, for Him and by Him.
Girls, without Jesus, we are withered branches, not good for anything but the fire. There is no purpose or reason for our existence except that which we find in Him. May each one of our lives be hidden with Christ in God!!
Love
Mom
To My Sweet Daughters
I so love Jesus. Even when we have an unrealistic view of ourselves, like Peter does here, Jesus sees and loves us anyway. Read the verses that come before....
And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. Then Jesus said to them, "All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written: 'I WILL STRIKE THE SHEPHERD, AND THE SHEEP WILL BE SCATTERED.'
It was obvious here that Peter could have imagined the other disciples stumbling, but not himself! Beware where you think you stand the Bible tells us...lest you fall! We know the end of the story. As Jesus predicted, Peter denied Him three times and the word tells us that when he thought about it, he wept.
Here is what is wonderful about this story. The Lord knows we are going to fail and He knows it ahead of time. In fact we know from another account of this same story that Jesus prayed for Peter ahead of time...that his faith would not fail. He knows all about us. He knows our past, our present and future sins and loves us anyway!! He died for us when we were ungodly and His enemy! We can't disappoint God, girls. He knows we are dust. The fact that He sees our hearts, as desperately wicked as they are, is a good thing. Peter had the right desire but his flesh was weak. Jesus took that desire...that smoking flax...and did exceedingly abundantly in Peter's life..truly above all that Peter could ask or think. This burly, arrogant fishermen became a pillar in the early church...strengthening others in their faith...speaking and bringing thousands to Jesus. I am sure this incident in Peter's life taught Him much about the weakness of His flesh and the glory of God.
But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence. --1Corinthians 1:27-29
Peter had such an unrealistic view of himself. Trials show us the reality of our faith. This is always a good thing because we see our need and cling...and isn't that what is best for us...isn't that what is needed? My prayer today and every day for each of us is that we would not only trust Him, but would yield ourselves up to Him to receive His life and to let that life work out its results in us. To live in Him, to Him, for Him and by Him.
Girls, without Jesus, we are withered branches, not good for anything but the fire. There is no purpose or reason for our existence except that which we find in Him. May each one of our lives be hidden with Christ in God!!
Love
Mom
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