“A kingdom divided by civil war will collapse. Similarly, a family splintered by feuding will fall apart.” v.24-25 (NLT)
How many times have we let little disagreements turn into large wars within families, friendships, and even the church? It’s not wrong to disagree, but how we handle the disagreement says a lot about our Character, Integrity, and Unity. Some people tend to always look for things to argue about and it limits the potential of the relationship, puts strife on the relationship, and eventually cause it to fall apart. However, learning how to disagree and still love each other through the disagreement, is the sign of strength and commitment to the relationship or vision. It requires Grace and Forgiveness not just in word, but in action.
Today, is there a relationship that needs to be restored? Are you letting a little thing become a big thing by not talking about it? Pray and ask God to help you resolve the issue by talking with the other person and begin the process of restoration.
“When Jesus heard this, he told them, ‘Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.’” v.17 (NLT)
It is human nature to think of ourselves better than we are. I think we have all been in a situation that has left us saying, ‘that was harder than it looks’! Thus driving home the point that we tend to think we can accomplish more than we really can. But there comes a point where what we think and what we know have to collide. It’s in this tension that we either see the truth about ourselves or we begin to pretend to be something we are not. It’s hard for people to see the truth about themselves and the Truth of the Gospel, when they think they are better than they really are.
Today, where are you in this? Do you know who you really are, or do you think you are something your not?
“Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray.” v.35 (NLT)
When was the last time you went to an isolated place to pray and talk with God?
I confess, if I don’t intentionally carve out time to pray and talk with God, it’s easy to get caught up in the day to day things that are beckoning my attention. But, Jesus had to deal with the demands of the day-to-day things also. Jesus knew what was at stake and He still made time to meet with God. He understood that this time was the most important time of the day for him. This was where he would talk with God and hear from God. He didn’t get caught up in doing the work of God, and not being with God. He understood the importance of having time alone with the Father and protected it, modeled it, and made time for it.
Today, have you intentionally set up times to meet with God? Are you protecting it, modeling it, and making time for it?
“Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.’ And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice. v34 (NLT)
Jesus asked God to forgive the people who were putting him to death – Jewish leaders, Roman politicians and soldiers, by standards – and God answered that prayer by opening up the way of salvation. Even while Jesus was being nailed to the cross, we were on his mind. In the greatest expression of love, Jesus gave up his life as a sacrifice for me and for you! How have you responded to His sacrifice for you?
Today, have you surrendered your life to Jesus? He died for you, will you live for Him?
“But the mob shouted louder and louder, demanding that Jesus be crucified, and their voices prevailed. 24 So Pilate sentenced Jesus to die as they demanded. 25 As they had requested, he released Barabbas, the man in prison for insurrection and murder. But he turned Jesus over to them to do as they wished.” v. 23-25 (NLT)
Have you ever listened to the crowd? Pilate wanted to release Jesus, but the crowd loudly demanded his death; so Pilate sentenced Jesus to die. No doubt Pilate did not want to take the risk losing his position, which may already have been shaky, by allowing a riot to occur in his Provence. As a career politician, he knew the importance of compromise, and he saw Jesus more as a political threat than as a human being with rights and dignity.
When the stakes are high, it is difficult to stand up for what is right, and it is easy to see our opponents as problems to be solved rather than people to be respected. Had Pilate been a man of real courage, he would have released Jesus no matter what the consequences. But the crowd roared, and Pilate buckled. Often times I find myself like Pilate, knowing what is right but deciding not to do it. When we have difficult decisions to make, don’t discount the effects of peer pressure. Realize beforehand that the right decision could have unpleasant consequences: social rejection, career derailment, and or public ridicule. Then think of Pilate and resolve to stand up for what is right no matter what other people pressure us to do.
Today, who will you listen to, the crowd or Christ?
“At that moment the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Suddenly, the Lord’s words flashed through Peter’s mind: ‘Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.’” v. 61 (NLT)
BUSTED! Have you ever been caught doing something you 1. said you would never do? or 2. know that you shouldn’t be doing it? This is exactly what Peter felt as he was denying Christ that third time and heard the rooster crow and make eye contact with Jesus. However, this was the changing point for Peter. He would change from a halfhearted follower of Jesus to a repentant disciple, and finally to the kind of person Christ could use to build His Church.
Today, are you more like Peter before the roosters Crow, a halfhearted follower who denied Christ, or are you like him after the roosters crow, a repentant disciple that can be used for His Kingdom?
“But among you it will be different. Those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank, and the leader should be like a servant.” v.26 (NLT)
Greatness is often defined by doing something that others look at as extraordinary. We use it to describe something that has value, influence, or that allowed us to have a positive experience. It’s the great dream we have as children to grow up and be great at what ever we do. When people describe us, we hope they say that we are great at what we do. The word great in our eyes = achievement!
However, Jesus turns the table here and say that real greatness is found in the way we serve. It changes our focus from us becoming great to us doing something great for others.
Today, will you spend the time trying to become great or will you do great things for others? Yes, they are similar, but very different.
“Then Satan entered into Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve disciples, 4 and he went to the leading priests and captains of the Temple guard to discuss the best way to betray Jesus to them. 5 They were delighted, and they promised to give him money. 6 So he agreed and began looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus so they could arrest him when the crowds weren’t around.” v.3-6 (NLT)
As we enter what is known as Holy Week. I’ll be posting readings from passages our staff are reading each day as we prepare for Good Friday and Easter. I want to encourage you to read the scripture here and then think about and pray through what you have read also. You can see my thoughts below.
One of the facts about Judas that has always troubled me was the fact that he was one of the 12 disciples. I’m not saying that in a legalistic way, I am simply saying that here is a guy, that walked with Jesus, learned from Jesus, saw the miracles of Jesus, and had every opportunity to Trust Jesus. However, the Bible says that Judas allowed Satan to enter him and lead him to betray the One he had spent the last three years with. The fact that Judas would trade all the things he had seen, heard, experienced, and promised, for a couple of earthly coins amazes me. It reveals that Satan is waiting for the perfect moment of attack. More than likely it will happen in these two ways.
First, Satan uses the lure of sin with a thought. Judas allowed Satan to manipulate his thoughts and Satan tries to do the same thing to us. If he can convince us to entertain the thought, we are likely to look at that sin in a way that is opposite of what God says about it. When this happens we find ourselves justifying our thoughts and actions as well as looking for reasons to support them.
Second, Satan loves to attack us when we are alone. Satan’s strongest pursuit came when Judas was alone. When we are alone, thoughts can wonder and actions can take place. It’s in moments like these that we find ourselves doing things we never thought we would do, or things we hope no-one will find out about.
Today, where have you traded truths for lies, sin over a Savior, selflessness for selfishness? What are you doing to protect yourself from Satan’s attack?
“Jesus came and told his disciples, ‘I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations,baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’” v.18-20 (NLT)
This passage is known as the Great Commission. Sadly, this has become the Great Omission by many who claim to be Christ Followers. This is the essence of the Gospel. As Christ Followers we have a great responsibility. With this responsibility come great rewards and great sacrifices. It’s the sacrifices that trip many of us up, keeping us from living a Great Commission life.
Today, Are you living a Great Commission Life or a Great Omission Life? It’s easy to say that we are living a Great Commission Life, but do our actions and intentions prove that what we say is true?
“Pilate responded, ‘Then what should I do with Jesus who is called the Messiah?’” v.22 (NLT)
This is the most important question we can ask! How we respond has great impact on our present life, and the life to come.
Today, how have you answered this question? Have you believed Jesus to be the Messiah? Have you surrendered your life to Him as Lord and Savior? If not please click here for more info.
Dan Gould 