Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Jesus' Death, a must...

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Death and Resurrection of Jesus, The Servant

Mark 14:21 NIV
Jesus speaking:
21 "...  The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him..."


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I've had someone tell me, "I see Jesus as a prophet.  I can't imagine a God killing His son..."  Maybe, you too, don't get the death of Christ.  First, let's remember we don't serve a dead savior, Jesus is ALIVE.  But let's take time to explain the death that Jesus willingly walked to.  God didn't make Jesus go to the cross; Jesus willingly submitted to the cross, in order to conquer death/sin on our behalf.

Jesus' death for us on the cross seals a new covenant between God and us.  The old covenant involved forgiveness of sins through the blood of an animal sacrifice (Exodus 24:6-8).  But instead of a spotless lamb on the altar, Jesus offered Himself, the spotless Lamb of God, as the official sacrifice for sins, and His blood sealed the new agreement between God and us.  Now all of us can come to God through Jesus, in full confidence that God will hear us and save us from our sins.

Have you entered into this covenant?  Are you confident that God hears you?  Do you know that you are saved from your sins?



Prayer: Heavenly Father, so many people stumble through life in darkness, afraid of what they might touch in the blackness, of what they might become.  They have no sense of direction and no peace in their lives; only anger and fear keep them moving.  I lift up the individuals who were moved to read TGN today, and have not entered into covenant with You.   I pray that they continue to step towards You; that they do not ignore Your call today, and submit their whole being to You.  You stand outside the door, life-giving light in Your presence, if only they would turn the key and welcome You.  You will wait there eternally patient and loving.  I pray they will hear You knocking on their hearts; may they gather up their courage and answer Your call, for You offer them light, guidance, and nothing less than salvation itself - Your Son Jesus!  Amen.


*Additional Resources: The Everyday Guide to Prayer

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

The LORD's Supper

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Death and Resurrection of Jesus, The Servant

Mark 14:12-26 NIV


The Lord's Supper


12 On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, when it was customary to sacrifice the Passover lamb, Jesus' disciples asked him, "Where do you want us to go and make preparations for you to eat the Passover?"
13 So he sent two of his disciples, telling them, "Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him. 14 Say to the owner of the house he enters, 'The Teacher asks: Where is my guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?' 15 He will show you a large upper room, furnished and ready. Make preparations for us there."
16 The disciples left, went into the city and found things just as Jesus had told them. So they prepared the Passover.
17 When evening came, Jesus arrived with the Twelve. 18 While they were reclining at the table eating, he said, "I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me—one who is eating with me."
19 They were saddened, and one by one they said to him, "Surely not I?"
20 "It is one of the Twelve," he replied, "one who dips bread into the bowl with me. 21 The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born."
22 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take it; this is my body."
23 Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, and they all drank from it.
24 "This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many," he said to them. 25 "I tell you the truth, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it anew in the kingdom of God."
26 When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.


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Mark records the origin of the LORD's Supper, also called Communion or Eucharist (thanksgiving), which is still celebrated in worship services today.  Jesus and His disciples ate a meal, sang a hymn, Jesus spoke Scripture, and prayed.  It was a very personal time; yet still provided an element of fellowship.  Jesus took two traditional parts of the Passover meal, the passing of bread and the drinking of wine, and gave them new meaning as representations of His body and blood.  He used the bread and wine to explain the significance of what He was about to do on the cross.

Judas, the very man who would betray Jesus, was at the table with the others.  Judas has already determined to betray Jesus by this time, but in cold-blooded hypocrisy he shared the fellowship of this meal.  It is easy to become enraged or shocked by what Judas did; yet professing commitment to Christ and then denying Him with one's life is also betraying Him.  It is denying Christ's love to disobey Him; it is denying His truth to distrust Him; it is denying His deity to reject His authority.  Yet, how many of us find ourselves denying Him areas of our lives and decisions?  How many of us suffer from disobedience?  How many of us truly trust Him?  How many of us believe Jesus is God?  Often times, people come to church to take part in taking of the bread and drinking of the wine (grape juice), knowing they have been and/or, are just going to go out and betray Jesus again with sin.  Does this make us any different from Judas?


Are you going to follow the ways of Judas or Jesus?


Does your heart, words and actions match?  If not, take the time and consider a change of mind and heart that will protect you from making a terrible mistake.  It is so important that we do this because ignorance, and ignoring the problem, is not going to help or save us.  Only Jesus will.


Prayer: Heavenly Father, how far I have strayed from Your commandments.  It hurts to know how I've harmed You and those I love with my selfish actions.  You've promised that if I return to You, You will not turn away.  Forgive my sin, LORD, and help me make things right with those I've hurt.  Help them to forgive my wrongs, too.  Turn my heart from evil; and from betrayal of Your precious Son, Jesus.  Help me be more like You each day moving forward.  Put this sin in my past--forever; and hold my hand as I choose to live for You.  In Jesus' Name.  Amen.

- All prayers provided by TGN are just starters; please allow your heart and the Holy Spirit direct your words to God.



*Additional Resources: The Everyday Guide to Prayer.

Friday, June 4, 2010

Judas Iscariot


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Death and Resurrection of Jesus, The Servant

Mark 14:10,11 NIV
10 Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus to them. 11 They were delighted to hear this and promised to give him money. So he watched for an opportunity to hand him over.

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A question that has popped into my head several times over the years is, "Why would Judas want to betray Jesus?"
And in asking this questions, it's quite easy to overlook the fact that Jesus chose Judas to be His disciple.  We may also forget that while Judas betrayed Jesus, all the disciples abandoned Jesus at one point.  All 12 of the disciples shared a persistent misunderstanding of Jesus' mission.  They all expected Jesus to do something He wasn't called to do in the natural; while Jesus was focused on the greatness purposed supernaturally.  When Jesus kept talking abut dying, they all felt varying degrees of negative emotions.  They didn't understand this mission that was doomed to fail in their opinions.  The difference between Judas and the other 11 disciples is that they were able to learn and mature from their mistakes.  Judas, on the other hand, chose to commit suicide instead of trying out the hope that comes from seeking forgiveness.

I don't think we ever learn the true motivation behind Judas' betrayal.  Judas was a man of money, he was the treasure of the crew; head of funds.  It was what he was good at, or Jesus wouldn't have placed him in the position.  But Judas allowed his gift to be perverted; it's clear that money was part of his motivation to betray our Savior.  He allowed his desires to place him in a position where Satan could manipulate him; and Judas accepted payment to set Jesus up for the religious leaders.  And as we've read before, it was a whack payout at that!

But how many of us do this?  We allow ourselves to compromise our faith and relationship with Jesus; for something of this world worth, something worth absolutely NOTHING.  Jesus - He is worth everything!
In betraying Jesus, Judas made the greatest mistake in history.  But the fact that Jesus knew Judas would betray Him doesn't mean that Judas was a puppet of God's Will.  Judas made a CHOICE.  God knew what that choice would be and confirmed it.  Judas didn't lose his relationship with Jesus; rather, he never found Jesus in the first place.  Judas is called "the one doomed to destruction" (John 17:12) because he was never saved.  Judas was just hanging around saved people; and definitely reaping the benefits on the outside - but he was missing that foundation and growth crucial for the inside.

Judas does us a favor if he makes us think a second time about our commitment to God and the presence of God's Spirit within us.  Are we true disciples and followers, or uncommitted pretenders "doomed to destruction"?  We can choose despair and death, or we can choose repentance, forgiveness, hope, eternal life and consistent development.


PRAYER: LORD Almighty, You know the desires that live within us.  You can confirm for us today, what we've already set on our hearts to do in a week from now.  Father, I pray that our desires are lined up with Your Will.  I pray that pretending is not a part of our nature and we're being absolutely real with you, and with one another.  We're not here to impress man.  We're here to love You.  So I pray that we wholeheartedly come to You, with everything.  Trusting that You honor those who diligently seek You.  You honor those who come to you for refuge, protection , forgiveness - and actually mean it.  LORD, receive the offering of our lives today, as the individuals saying this prayer today are committing to You right now in this moment.  Crying out to You.  Giving You their all.  Even for those, who think that they are all good with You.  May this serve as a reminder that it is always good to renew and refresh our commitment to You.  Evil plans and motives leave us open to being used by satan for greater evil and I rebuke this door from even forming in any of us.  The consequences of evil are so devastating that even small lies and little wrongdoings have serious results.  I rebuke these deceptive roots, presenting themselves as harmless.  Let us not walk blindly in foolishness.  Your plan LORD, and Your purposes are worked out even in the worst possible events and decisions.  May this truth restore the broken-hearted and hopeless.  Today, may we reclaim our lives back - every part of it - to spend every day moving forward, worshiping You.  In Jesus' Name.  Amen.

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Mary


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Death and Resurrection of Jesus, The Servant

Mark 14:3-9 NIV
Jesus Anointed at Bethany
3 While he was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of a man known as Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head.
4 Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, "Why this waste of perfume? 5 It could have been sold for more than a year's wages and the money given to the poor." And they rebuked her harshly.
6 "Leave her alone," said Jesus. "Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. 7 The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me. 8She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial. 9 I tell you the truth, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her."

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The woman anointing Jesus' feet in the Scripture above is Mary; the sister of Lazarus and Martha (John 12:1-3).  We've read about Mary before here in TGN; and you've may have learned about her at church or on your own reading.  One questions: have you noticed the Spirit that was upon her?  She was moved by Jesus.  She knew to sit at His feet, and she was compelled to anoint Him before His burial.  Mary truly exemplifies someone with complete devotion towards Jesus; someone who wasn't afraid to worship Him before people, and worship Him unlike anyone else worshiped Him.  She allowed herself to flow with the Spirit of God that moved within her.

Jesus praised Mary for her unselfish act of worship.  He was not saying that they (or we) should neglect the poor, nor was He justifying indifference to them.  He was speaking specifically to this moment in time.  The essence of worshiping Christ is to regard Him with utmost love, respect, and devotion and to be willing to sacrifice to Him what is most precious.

Let's join together and pray that this same Spirit that rested on Mary, dwell within us today!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I am in awe at the love that poured out of Mary towards Your Son while He walked this earth in human form.  She gave Jesus her everything; every part of her and what was most precious to her.  LORD, we ask that this same Spirit of love, respect, devotion and complete willingness dwell in us today and is renewed each and every day moving forward.  May our lives be a worship to You at all times.  May we use all that we are and all that we have to serve You with honor.  In Your Name, LORD.  Amen.

Happy Birthday, Kenya!

Kenya turns the big 12 today!  Please join me and her lovely parents in praying over her day today.



Have Fun!

Almighty Father of all creation, today we give thanks for your bounty and rejoice in remembrance of Your holiness.  This is a day of celebration and song, of joyfulness and sunshine - a day You have made for Kenya's enjoyment.  Fill her heart with light as Your blessings fall upon her, and she grows closer to You.  We ask You to release Your anointing in every area of her heart and life.  Reveal Kenya's passion for life and her divine call.  For she is Your workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which You, Father, prepared beforehand that she should walk in them.  Her security and future are founded in You.  Thank You, Father, for this growing child and all the blessings she has brought in the past and will continue to bring in the future.  May she never lose sight of You; and may her heart always trust in You.  Bless her day with excitement, love, fellowship, smiles and of course YOU.  In the mighty Name of Jesus, Amen.

Kenya's verse: I have learned the secret of being happy at any time in everything that happen.  Philippians 4:12


*Other resources used today: The Every Day Guide to Prayers, Prayers that Avail Much, Grace For the Moment.

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Passover


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Death and Resurrection of Jesus, The Servant

Mark 14:1-2
1Now the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread were only two days away, and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were looking for some sly way to arrest Jesus and kill him.2"But not during the Feast," they said, "or the people may riot."

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If you're not very familiar with The Old Testament, let me give you a brief overview of the event coming up in the above verses.  The Passover commemorated the night the Israelites were freed from Egypt (Exodus 12), when God "passed over" homes marked by the blood of a one year old lamb without defect, while killing firstborn sons (and animals) in unmarked homes - Egyptian homes specifically.  The day of Passover was followed by a seven - day festival called the Festival of Unleavened Bread, commanded by God.  I love how God calls us to celebrate in times of remembrance; because it recalls just how good and faithful He is; and is always going to be.  This holiday brought people together for a special meal.  Eventually the whole week came to be called Passover, and is celebrated annually today (the week before Easter).

When you have the time, go back to Leviticus and learn about the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread.  I find it so intriguing to know that every event connects.  It reminds me time and time again that God is a deliberate God.  Nothing is random, by chance or luck.  He is a God of purpose and meaning.  We forget this very important fact.  And I don't know how He does it, because He is All-Knowing; but even through our good and even those whack choices; His purposes still and will always prevail.  As we learn more about The Passover, we learn how it leads directly to our eternal Lamb, Jesus Christ, who covers us with His blood to live everlasting life.  How awesome is God?!!!

We also learn in the 2 verses above, that the leaders were determined to kill Jesus, and secretly plotted against Him.  They carefully planned Jesus' murder, because Jesus was very popular with the people; and they were afraid of the people.  Therefore, they had to be very crafty in accomplishing their evil goal.

In this observation, the word SECRET stands out.  Let's be honest, unless we're planning a surprise party or any surprise presenting good news; if we're doing something in secret, it's because it's wrong.  We don't want to be bothered with being corrected, we don't want to feel conviction because we want to continue doing it.  Well, if you're in this position right now, know this: It may be a secret to the people around you, but it isn't a secret to God.  He sees it all, and wants you to let it go.  He desires this, because He knows you can live without whatever it is.  If it's in secret, it's probably taking your life, more than it's giving you life.

It's time to review our own lives.  What is this action that you're doing in secret?  Admit it aloud to God, or to someone who can pray with you and for you.  And let's put effort into letting go of something that's just giving the devil room to play in our life.  Don't give him any room.  Give it all to God.  I'm praying for us to all live secret free lives.  With God , everything is meant to be in the light.


PRAYER: Heavenly Father, forgive us for forgetting your Sovereignty.  Forgive us for ignoring Your every-where - present presence, and sinning before you.  Forgive us for not completely releasing the desire to do it "our way."  LORD, You are a good God.  You are our Help and I ask that You help each of us in our secret areas.  I ask that You give us Your strength in letting it go completely.  I ask that You bring forth the desire that is within us, to please You and live Your way; in the Light and not the dark.  For You have given us power and authority of the enemy and darkness; and our actions are allowing that Power to go unused.  Forgive us LORD, and in turn, show us how to forgive ourselves.  Sometimes we are our own worse critic.  Jesus, show us how awesome Your Help is.  I pray that we each work with You and not against You.  In Your precious Name, we pray.  Amen

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

ONE YEAR LATER...


What a great morning it is!  Today, I would like to praise God with you, for facilitating my move on this very day, last year.  I’m delighted to celebrate this with you, because most of you have been with me for the duration of this journey, up to this point.  It wasn’t just a move from the East Coast to the West, it was a move to completely change my life for the best; better than I could have ever expected.  This year, has completely changed me, by God for God.  Over this year, I’ve learned and experienced a lot.  I just told someone the other day, that I really feel like in this one year I learned what I was supposed to learn in all 28.  I’ve matured beyond my wildest expectations and my life has never been so fulfilled, because I’m building a solid foundation in the LORD, our God.  I won’t ever turn back to who or where I use to be.
It is on my heart to share some key themes from this year for me.  It may just speak to something in your life.
  1. When I seek God, He answers; ALL OF THE TIME.  When I listen to Him, I am always amazed and pleased with the result.  Disappointment is often just misinformed.
  2. Be ready to “move” (take action) when God says, or I will be stuck on the same unhappy merry-go-around of life.
  3. Why do we run from HOME?  For me this is where the most relevant – life changing answers are being revealed.
  4. I can live on what I need.  As I focus on this, I’m blessed with things I want.  It’s a crazy and wonderful thing to experience – especially when it is ALL of the time.
  5. We meet many people on this journey called life, and they all can be placed in the category of REASON, SEASON, or LIFETIME.  It helps the relationship and me stay on the path, by taking the time to seek and discern where each person stands.  Relationships are important and time should be taken for them.
  6. My BEST relationships are the ones that challenge me; but always stir me in the direction of God.
  7. My family is awesome and destined for greatness!
  8. Forgiveness is an ongoing process. A lifestyle of learning the process of release.  Just LET “IT” GO!
  9. God’s Word is FREEDOM, and was never intended to be burdensome. Man (either me or someone else) does this.  Don’t allow people’s opinions burden me or their expectations and desires of me direct me.  Jesus is the only Author of my faith and life.
  10. Restoration and reconciliation is straight bliss, when it’s not forced; but given the freedom to be orchestrated by God.
  11. Accepting the fact that we’re all on different spiritual levels and journeys; AND some people are just not going to come to God or give their all to Him; no matter what I say or do.
  12. The true gems are those who stick by you when they don’t think they can get anything from you.
  13. People are interesting; but I still have to commit to loving them; and deal with (do not ignore) the areas that some times makes it hard to stand them and/or love them.  Mature from our interaction and experience; do not grow bitter.
  14. I can only change me.  Start with perspective, then action.  Do my part.
  15. Prayer is powerfully effective.
  16. Fasting opens the door to endless possibilities; when the fast is about getting to know God and not simply about getting from Him.
  17. TV is a time waster. (LOL – a hard one).  It cannot come first.  I have to fight wasting time.
  18. I like to read!  I needed to create time for it.
  19. Loneliness is only hard when I forget God is there with me.  With Him I am never alone and the time of solitude should be used to rest and seek His voice.
  20. In many of my past experiences, God was laying foundation to help someone else.  Use my experience to the good of God’s Word.
  21. When I push outside my comfort zone, especially when it doesn’t make sense (but I know it’s from God) – I get breakthrough.
  22. I can really do all things through Christ, who strengthens me; gives me amazing ideas; has made my identity and purpose clear; provides everything I need; and has already given me the VICTORY.  Christ is my life!
  23. I don’t want all of this greatness for myself; I want everyone to get it because God’s love is available to all.  I will live my life to glorify God and allow His fragrance to be left wherever I go.  I am not more excited by anything, as much as I am about God.  So show it, and allows others to benefit from it.
  24. FAITH, HOPE AND LOVE.
  25. Being single is a blessing and not a curse.  Move according to God’s timetable, and not this world. (Rebuke the curses, people are simply living in.)
  26. I am a leader, so learn to lead righteously.
  27. The people in the Bible are great mentors; God is the Divine Mentor.  And God’s Word is always on time; revealing something new at all times.
  28. Compromise is not an option.  It’s not about being perfect, but knowing obedience is honored by God.  Obedience is actually a weapon against the enemy.
  29. The enemy (satan/devil) is real but he has NO power over me.  Don’t give in to his lies.  The devil is a fool.
  30. I am HAPPY!  I know what the JOY and PEACE of God is.  It is real!
  31. “Never Become Weary in Doing Good.” LOVE MOORE™
Man, I feel like one of those email forwards, LOL.  But the thing is, this is personal not general.  It’s real and evident of the goodness of God; and not just feel good lines for the moment.  This list can go on and on and on; I planned to include 10 points, but it kept going.  I believe I hit on the biggest points, that are still developing within me.  And if you didn’t notice, they all connect.
It’s so awesome to share with you a benchmark in my journey that is set to continue for a long time.  I’m looking forward to each and every moment of it; as well as continuing to share it with you.  Thank You Jesus!  I pray that you can look back on your own journey and see how far you’ve come, all that you’ve received spiritually/naturally, and receive where God wants to take you.  Some of you may be hearing a lie right now, “This only happens for her!”  ”She’s lying or over exaggerating.” “She’s just bragging.”  But again that’s a LIE trying to keep you from what God has in store for you.  Make the decision to rebuke the lies and place priority on your relationship with God.  It really is the only way to live.  Share your current benchmarks with us, I’m positive it will help another sister or brother readying TGN daily…

David’s words in 2 Samuel 22 sums up everything I could ever say about today:
David’s Song of Praise
1 David sang to the LORD the words of this song when the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. 2 He said:
“The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
3 my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation.
He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior— from violent men you save me.
4 I call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies.
5 “The waves of death swirled about me; the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me.
6 The cords of the grave coiled around me; the snares of death confronted me.
7 In my distress I called to the LORD; I called out to my God.
From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came to his ears.
8 “The earth trembled and quaked, the foundations of the heavens shook; they trembled because he was angry.
9 Smoke rose from his nostrils; consuming fire came from his mouth, burning coals blazed out of it.
10 He parted the heavens and came down; dark clouds were under his feet.
11 He mounted the cherubim and flew; he soared on the wings of the wind.
12 He made darkness his canopy around him— the dark rain clouds of the sky.
13 Out of the brightness of his presence bolts of lightning blazed forth.
14 The LORD thundered from heaven; the voice of the Most High resounded.
15 He shot arrows and scattered the enemies , bolts of lightning and routed them.
16 The valleys of the sea were exposed and the foundations of the earth laid bare at the rebuke of the LORD, at the blast of breath from his nostrils.
17 “He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters.
18 He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me.
19 They confronted me in the day of my disaster, but the LORD was my support.
20 He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.
21 “The LORD has dealt with me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands he has rewarded me.
22 For I have kept the ways of the LORD; I have not done evil by turning from my God.
23 All his laws are before me; I have not turned away from his decrees.
24 I have been blameless before him and have kept myself from sin.
25 The LORD has rewarded me according to my righteousness, according to my cleanness in his sight.
26 “To the faithful you show yourself faithful, to the blameless you show yourself blameless,
27 to the pure you show yourself pure, but to the crooked you show yourself shrewd.
28 You save the humble, but your eyes are on the haughty to bring them low.
29 You are my lamp, O LORD; the LORD turns my darkness into light.
30 With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall.
31 “As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless.
He is a shield for all who take refuge in him.
32 For who is God besides the LORD ?
And who is the Rock except our God?
33 It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect.
34 He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights.
35 He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
36 You give me your shield of victory; you stoop down to make me great.
37 You broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn.
38 “I pursued my enemies and crushed them; I did not turn back till they were destroyed.
39 I crushed them completely, and they could not rise; they fell beneath my feet.
40 You armed me with strength for battle; you made my adversaries bow at my feet.
41 You made my enemies turn their backs in flight, and I destroyed my foes.
42 They cried for help, but there was no one to save them— to the LORD, but he did not answer.
43 I beat them as fine as the dust of the earth; I pounded and trampled them like mud in the streets.
44 “You have delivered me from the attacks of my people; you have preserved me as the head of nations.
People I did not know are subject to me,
45 and foreigners come cringing to me; as soon as they hear me, they obey me.
46 They all lose heart; they come trembling from their strongholds.
47 “The LORD lives! Praise be to my Rock!
Exalted be God, the Rock, my Savior!
48 He is the God who avenges me, who puts the nations under me,
49 who sets me free from my enemies.
You exalted me above my foes; from violent men you rescued me.
50 Therefore I will praise you, O LORD, among the nations; I will sing praises to your name.
51 He gives his king great victories; he shows unfailing kindness to his anointed,
to David and his descendants forever.”

We’re in Mark 14 (only 2 more chapters to go in this book!) tomorrow.  Feel free to start reading the chapter on your own today, and be ready for the development of that Word this week. God loves us ladies and gentlemen.  Amen!