Wednesday, March 9, 2016

The Jesus Story (Part One)


A few years ago, I wrote this article in preparation of Easter.  This year, Easter will be Sunday, 27 March.  Over the next several weeks, I will be writing about the events leading up to the resurrection.  Always give your attention to unrelenting, unwavering Man of God we call Jesus.  His love was limitless and his compassion for others was genuine.  He never flinched at Satan’s schemes and He always lived his life with honor. 

Betrayal.   Denial.   Money.

Judas sells loyalty for nearly $10,000 dollars. Peter curses and swore that he didn’t know Jesus.

U - n – b – e – l – i – e – v – a- b – l - e!

Does friendship have more value than money? Does cowering trump courage?

How about the so-called, “religious” leaders? They were, Abusers. Liars. And, haters.
Spitting and punching Jesus in the face were acts of disrespect. Their hatred toward Jesus was a driving force behind persuading Governor Pilate to trade a prisoner in exchange for Jesus. The trade was guilty for innocence.

Jesus receives the death penalty by Crucifixion.

Jesus’ death sentence was a crushing blow to his mother and all those who loved him. The death penalty Jesus faced was cruel and unusual punishment by our standards today. The entire death scene was a circus show. Hate filled the air. Anger overshadowed sanity. People swarming to the scene to get a good look at the one they called: The King of the Jews! Followers in shock to see the man called Jesus being nailed to planks of wood while a mob is gambling for his clothes.

Finally it happened. The crowd silenced. The insults stopped.

He is dead!   Dead? Yes, DEAD!

The mood is somber around the death scene. Shame and regret filled the emotions of those who were his friends. Disappointment. Sadness. Loss.

He’s gone.

On Friday, the body was laid to rest and the entrance to Jesus’ gravesite was securely locked into place. The family and friends left the gravesite in tremendous sorrow.

I imagine the weekend conversations went something like this: “Hey, remember when Jesus walked on the water?” “Yeah, I remember, I tried to walk on water, too.” “How about the time Jesus fed thousands with a little bit of fish and bread.” “Anyone remember the time Jesus washed our feet?” “Oh, yes! He was a great teacher, friend, and servant.” I got one, “remember our last meal together?” “He tried to tell us about his imminent death, but we were too busy denying everything he was telling us. If only we could go back in time.” “Then there was prayer time in Gethsemane. All he wanted was for us to stay awake and keep watch for him.” Why didn’t we listen? If only we had a little more time with him!

It's Sunday and most are still in a state of shock. A couple of ladies decided that they were going to visit Jesus’ gravesite. As they arrived, nothing prepared them for what they were about to encounter. Fear ran up and down their spine. Speechless.

What comes next will blow your mind!

Remember, Be God Controlled!

Brian

Wednesday, March 2, 2016

Trust


Throughout Scripture, God has promised to meet our needs.  Whether the needs are:  Emotional.  Financial.  Physical.  Spiritual.  Relational.  Or, just everyday needs of your life.  In fact, one of the Hebrew names for God is Jehovah Jireh, which means, “I am the God who provides for you.”  Philippians 4:19 “My God will supply all that you need from His glorious resources in Christ Jesus.” 

Trusting God is key!  If you are like me, this one is really tough at times!  Right?  I truly believe that the more we trust God, the calmer life is and the more we can see clearly God providing exactly what we ultimately need.  The psalmist said, Psalm 13:5, "But I trust in your unfailing love. I will rejoice because you have rescued me."  Also, Psalm 50:15 “I want you to trust Me in your times of trouble so I can rescue you and you can give Me glory.” 

God is in the business of ensuring we have what we need, when we need it.  Trusting his timing can be one of the most difficult parts.  I have said and I have heard others say,

“God, do you hear me?” 
“God, are you there?”  
“God, can you see my hurting heart?” 
“God?”

It is in our trusting God that will relax and calm us.  Through Jeremiah, God reminded Israel that he would restore them, but they must trust his timing and his reasoning behind his decision of when that will be.  Jeremiah encourages the people that God is aware and that there is hope for the future: I’ll show up and take care of you as I promised and bring you back home. I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.” (Jeremiah 29:11 – MSG)

There are all kinds of situations in life in which trusting God is the only avenue we have to get through the difficult place we find ourselves.  God is on the scene and providing what is necessary to get us through the dark periods of life. 

God lies next to the one with inoperable cancer where each breath is a struggle to take. 
God holds the hand of the hurting wife whose husband’s body is buried at the family cemetery. 
God provides resources for a broken marriage.
God opens up opportunities for those whose finances are in trouble.  

God is never distant! 

God is present.  Available.  Listening. 

Trust!

Remember, Be God Controlled!

Brian