From "Show Yourself Friendly" 8/12/09
*"hey ...right on time. I was up late working and stressing. Thanks."
*"OUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
*"This rocks! The message that Jesus STILL loved Judas anyway wasn't as prominent in my mind as it should have been. Is now though! Praise God that my eyes are open and my heart and mind are clear to receive this lesson this morning so that I may apply it to my life, practice and grow as well. Very true indeed that the human side of us compels us to be reactionary based off of how we are treated. I really admire and appreciate you using yourself as an example to get the point across in today's lesson. I am also very proud of you for it. xo"
Thank you all for sharing!
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Prayer: Dear LORD, I pray that each child of Yours, strive towards understanding. You instruct us and teach us in the way we should go; You counsel us and watch over us. Turn our hearts to receive all of this, so that we are not controlled by our flesh and sinful desires. But urged by the Spirit of Your Holy Will in everything that we do-every day. In Your Son's name we pray. Amen. (Psalm 32)
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www.biblegateway.com
DEATH & RESURRECTION OF JESUS, THE KING
Matthew 26
Before the Sanhedrin v. 57-68
Those who had arrested Jesus took him to Caiaphas, the high priest, where the teachers of the law and the elders had assembled. But Peter followed him at a distance, right up to the courtyard of the high priest. He entered and sat down with the guards to see the outcome.
The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death. But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward.
Finally two came forward and declared, "This fellow said 'I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.' "
Then the high priest stood up and said the Jesus, "Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?" But Jesus remained silent.
The high priest said to him, "I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God."
"Yes, it is as you say," Jesus replied. "But I say to all of you: In the future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven."
Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, "He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?"
"He is worthy of death," they answered.
Then they spit in his face and struck him with their fists. Others slapped him and said, "Prophesy to us, Christ. Who hit you?"
Well we know these folks didn't read the Good News from yesterday! LOL. It hurts my heart how they treated my King. But it hurts more to know that people haven't changed one bit today. This is exactly where we as humans go when we don't totally understand something. Whether it's wrong or right, because we don't understand it- we hate on it to the worst degree- all the way to violence. Look how people are reacting at the health care forums. And look at the effects of racism, there's a lifelong example, lack of understanding is exactly where it comes from.
What I love about Jesus is that He didn't waste time. When the people spoke falsely against Him, He was silent. He could have said, "Well, actually I said this: Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." Jesus of course, was talking about His body, not the building. Ironically, the religious leaders were about to destroy Jesus' body just as he had said, and three days later He would raise from the dead. But he didn't refute the false testimony. He let their lie live with them.
How many of us are quick to correct someone? And then it ends up being a waste of time... Or better yet, turns into an argument that is just another huge chunk of wasted time, energy and emotions. LORD, O LORD, how I wish I would have just remained silent when someone told me, "I didn't have their back" or the time I heard someone I thought was a friend say, "Well, you know you can't trust those black people." Yes, they sure did say that! What came from my reaction- was a total waste of time. Even though I knew I was speaking the truth- nothing resulted from it but a hoarse voice the next day and some embarrassment from all the yelling- and hey some crying as well (ha-depends on the situation). I've learned sometimes (not all of the time- but sometimes), it is best to remain silent. We have to remember our God is about timing. Sometimes, the heart of the other person is so hardened and full of junk, that nothing can get them to listen or change their mind in that moment. So take time to pray and discern, instead of just reacting; and let the Holy Spirit determine whether you are meant to speak up or not. The truth really DOES always prevail. God has said it and He is not a liar. You may not see the results; but are the results really always there for us to see? No.
On the other hand, when the truth was spoken- Jesus responded. And I love His response "Yes, it is as you say," when they commanded Him to tell them if He was "the Christ, the Son of the living God." What a response we should all incorporate into our communication. "Yes, it is as you say." We don't need credit, give it to the person speaking it. For example, when someone says "Jesus Christ" out of frustration. Say, "Yes, it is as you say." LOL. But back to the point, confirm the truth that is spoken, don't place more priority on arguing over the lies.
The high priest accused Jesus of blasphemy (the act of speaking sacrilegiously about God or sacred things; profane talk)- in calling Himself God. The religious leaders refused even to consider that Jesus' words might be true. They had decided to kill Jesus, and in so doing, they sealed their own fates as well as His. Like the members of the high council, we must decide whether Jesus' words are blasphemy, wise sayings from a man or Truth from God. Are you refusing to even consider that Jesus' words might be true? Your decision has eternal implications. So pray about it; search for God with all of your heart and soul.
DON'T GIVE UP ON GOD, BECAUSE HE WON'T GIVE UP ON YOU!
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"The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach the Good News to the poor." Isaiah 61:1
Scripture & Prayer from NIV Women's Devotional Bible-Classic Edition. Notes from The Study Application Bible.
www.thegoodnews4yourlife.blogspot.com "Providing you with what you already have access to in the most convenient way. So that we all can continue to grow in wisdom & understanding of God." LT
Are you receiving anything from the Good News? Share with us!
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