Before we move further into the arrest of Jesus. Let's do a check of ourselves and our lives. Let's ask ourselves today, in this moment: "How am I doing?" Truly, "How am I doing," and "fine" is not an acceptable answer. Fine is an automatic answer. Dig in deep, how are you doing?
Has anything been unusually hard for you? Are you feeling like you're not making any progress? Do you feel alone? Are you hiding out? Are you decreasing, instead of increasing in areas of your life? Maybe it's not you, but you see it in someone else... What should we do?
In the times of great stress, we are vulnerable to temptation, even if we have a willing spirit. If we're not careful, we will start to head the wrong direction; when all we needed to do was stop and gauge our way with a little check up like this. From what we read last week, as Jesus was praying in the garden; He gave us an example of what to do to resist temptation (to quit, to give in, to throw in the towel, to react from emotion), but to MOVE FORWARD. Because YOU CAN move forward from whatever you're going through at this moment. Don't trust me, trust God and His Word:
1) Pray to God (be specific and real with Him) and take time to listen to Him. Prayer is not just a time for petition and requests - but a time to HEAR from God. I was just enlightened by A.R. Bernard the other day,"everyone prays - even non-believers pray - but it is the believers who truly hear Him"; 2) seek support of friends and loved ones (people who truly lift you up; but are also real with you and have your best interest at heart. Be gentle and patient with them, because you never know what they are going through too; respect their time; and be prepared to listen to what they may have to say. You don't have to take every piece of advice they give, but it doesn't hurt to listen to people who care about you, and mean it when they say they're praying with/for you.); 3) focus on the purposes God has given us collectively, and you specifically. One collective purpose is to first SEEK the Kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33). Honestly, are you focusing on this? If not, time to redirect.
And as you take these steps (please don't just think about them - don't let satan delay your steps); keep the Word with you. I've provided our scripture for the week again for you below, Mark 14: 43-53. Read it, study it, pray about it. And if God leads you to other Scriptures, go for it. Flow with Him.
TGN is truly focused on all of us getting UNDERSTANDING! And not just me explaining, but each of us receiving understanding directly from the Holy Spirit. When people fail us, God is who we have - so let's make sure we each know His voice and continue to mature with Him. In the name of Jesus, may the Holy Spirit drench us with UNDERSTANDING of His Word. Understanding, understanding, understanding! Getting us all on the page of Your righteousness and Will. Thank You, Father. Amen.
www.biblegateway.com
Mark 14: 43-52 NIV
Has anything been unusually hard for you? Are you feeling like you're not making any progress? Do you feel alone? Are you hiding out? Are you decreasing, instead of increasing in areas of your life? Maybe it's not you, but you see it in someone else... What should we do?
In the times of great stress, we are vulnerable to temptation, even if we have a willing spirit. If we're not careful, we will start to head the wrong direction; when all we needed to do was stop and gauge our way with a little check up like this. From what we read last week, as Jesus was praying in the garden; He gave us an example of what to do to resist temptation (to quit, to give in, to throw in the towel, to react from emotion), but to MOVE FORWARD. Because YOU CAN move forward from whatever you're going through at this moment. Don't trust me, trust God and His Word:
1) Pray to God (be specific and real with Him) and take time to listen to Him. Prayer is not just a time for petition and requests - but a time to HEAR from God. I was just enlightened by A.R. Bernard the other day,"everyone prays - even non-believers pray - but it is the believers who truly hear Him"; 2) seek support of friends and loved ones (people who truly lift you up; but are also real with you and have your best interest at heart. Be gentle and patient with them, because you never know what they are going through too; respect their time; and be prepared to listen to what they may have to say. You don't have to take every piece of advice they give, but it doesn't hurt to listen to people who care about you, and mean it when they say they're praying with/for you.); 3) focus on the purposes God has given us collectively, and you specifically. One collective purpose is to first SEEK the Kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33). Honestly, are you focusing on this? If not, time to redirect.
And as you take these steps (please don't just think about them - don't let satan delay your steps); keep the Word with you. I've provided our scripture for the week again for you below, Mark 14: 43-53. Read it, study it, pray about it. And if God leads you to other Scriptures, go for it. Flow with Him.
TGN is truly focused on all of us getting UNDERSTANDING! And not just me explaining, but each of us receiving understanding directly from the Holy Spirit. When people fail us, God is who we have - so let's make sure we each know His voice and continue to mature with Him. In the name of Jesus, may the Holy Spirit drench us with UNDERSTANDING of His Word. Understanding, understanding, understanding! Getting us all on the page of Your righteousness and Will. Thank You, Father. Amen.
www.biblegateway.com
Mark 14: 43-52 NIV
43 Just as he was speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, appeared. With him was a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, the teachers of the law, and the elders.
44 Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: "The one I kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard." 45 Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, "Rabbi!" and kissed him. 46 The men seized Jesus and arrested him. 47 Then one of those standing near drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.
48 "Am I leading a rebellion," said Jesus, "that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? 49 Every day I was with you, teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled."50 Then everyone deserted him and fled.
51 A young man, wearing nothing but a linen garment, was following Jesus. When they seized him, 52 he fled naked, leaving his garment behind.
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