Saturday, April 15, 2017

April 15

Sometimes the truth isn't fun. Who wants to believe it anyway when it doesn't fit our narrative? There are lies we allow to continue, because, if we exposed them, the backlash would be great and an ingrained tradition would be toppled. Just look at what the Pharisees did to try and disguise the truth and keep the people under their control! They remembered what Jesus said about rising from the dead after three days. They thought they could keep the truth from getting out by placing a guard and a heavy stone over the door! If the people believed the truth, their whole religious structure would be demolished. So they were proactive in preventing the truth from being believed. Their scheme has worked! Jews today still believe the lie that they fabricated over two thousand years ago, even though the truth is evident in their own scriptures. What lies are you believing just because it's a tradition?

and said, "Sir, we remember how that impostor said, while he was still alive, 'After three days I will rise.' Therefore order the tomb to be made secure until the third day, lest his disciples go and steal him away and tell the people, 'He has risen from the dead,' and the last fraud will be worse than the first." Matthew 27:63-64

So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:31-32

Friday, April 14, 2017

April 14

It was now the next day after the Sabbath and the second day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread. The women have just this one work day to gather the spices needed to anoint Jesus body before the weekly Sabbath; if you follow the biblical calendar rather than our calendar, this makes more sense. This would have been the start of Jesus second day in the grave. They had witnessed His horrific death, rested in acknowledgment of the Passover, and the festival had begun, all while trying to process what had just happened. They must have been so overwhelmed with grief. They had to go on with life and do what was necessary to meet their obligations and their desire to honor Jesus. We all have dark days, it's just part of life. During these times, we must remember that we are not alone and must give ourselves over to Jesus and allow Him to carry us through these tough times. 

When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. Mark 16:1

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. Romans 8:26

Thursday, April 13, 2017

April 13

After Jesus was crucified and died on the cross, His body was taken down and placed in a nearby tomb. It was the day before a High-Day Sabbath. After His followers saw where they laid Him, they went home to rest according to the commandment. Can you imagine how they must have felt? They thought that they were going to be delivered from the tyranny of their oppressors only to watch their only hope die the death of a criminal. They believed, but there was still that moment of doubt, especially now that it was quiet as Jesus' body lay at rest in the tomb. We all have moments like this, where we feel hopeless and alone, where the voice of God is quiet and we feel like He deserted us. Sometimes we don't know about the other things that must take place so that our prayers can be answered. Just like the quiet after His death, there is an amazing plan about to unfold. Wait for it!

Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where he was laid. Mark 15:47

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12

Wednesday, April 12, 2017

April 12

Just after the Passover meal, Jesus and His disciples went to the garden of Gethsemane to pray. Jesus prayed the most beautiful prayer for His followers. This was not just a prayer for His current followers, but was a prayer for those to come, that they too would pass on that truth to others. He expressed His desire for us to be one with Him and the Father as they are one. Now here we are, more than two thousand years later and that prayer still applies. Just as Jesus prayed for us, we should be praying for our family for generations to come, that they may also know our Savior as we know Him. Our prayers do not fall to the ground unheard by the Father, but last for an eternity. Wouldn't it be great, once we are all together in heaven, to hear a great grandchild say to you, "I'm only here because you prayed that I would know Jesus too"? Let it be known to the Father, your desire for your family.

"I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. John 17:20-21

Tuesday, April 11, 2017

April 11

There are many people today who try to find alternatives to traditional medicine. I agree with this idea; we don't want to put excessive chemicals into our bodies unless it is completely necessary for our healing. For many years now, essential oils have become prominent in the marketplace. Those who have bought them know how expensive they can be for just a few drops. Imagine having a pound of Spikenard! One tablespoon is worth about twenty five dollars on the market today! Mary was a woman who loved Jesus and gave Him her full attention. At a dinner a couple of days before Jesus crucifixion, she anointed our Savior with this precious perfume; He was lavished as a King should be! Jesus said that her preparing Him for burial would always be remembered, and it has been mentioned in pulpits across the world. What sacrifices are you willing to make for our Savior and King? Whatever you decide to give up for Him, as an act of worship, will be worth every penny!

And while he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he was reclining at table, a woman came with an alabaster flask of ointment of pure nard, very costly, and she broke the flask and poured it over his head. Mark 14:3

Monday, April 10, 2017

April 10

You have heard many time that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. We allow so much filth to be poured into our body that you wander how our perfect God could dwell there. The day after Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, He came back into the city and entered the temple. There He saw all the business that was taking place, and not just any business, it was a business of cheating. He drove them out not allowing them to carry their merchandise throughout the temple. He cleansed the physical temple! But, Jesus was so much more about the spiritual, the things that last forever, that, this act was very symbolic of what He has done for us through His sacrifice. The temple is supposed to be a house of prayer for the nations! Are you still allowing the money changers and the cheats to do business within your temple? If you are, it's time to drive them out! No longer should you let sin and corruption dwell there.  

And he was teaching them and saying to them, "Is it not written, 'My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations'? But you have made it a den of robbers." Mark 11:17

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 1 Corinthians 6:19

Sunday, April 9, 2017

April 9

The parade was about to begin and people were lining the streets just as they do with every parade. But what are these people doing? They are carrying palm fronds! As with every good parade, there is a Grand Marshall, but this time the Grand Marshall is the King, and as a sign to the Jews, Jesus rode on a donkey colt as prophesied in the Old Testament! Our living, breathing God receiving the honor that is due Him. Arriving in the city as King, but also as the only true choice for the Passover Lamb. He had performed His ultimate miracle by raising Lazarus from the dead as proof of His deity, yet most still did not believe. The people who were there with Him for the miracle and the people they told, ran out to greet Him as He entered the city, waving the palm fronds and worshiping Him. They didn't know that His death would soon follow even though He told them it would. Choose today and every day to give honor to our only worthy king, Jesus!

So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!" And Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, just as it is written, "Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your king is coming, sitting on a donkey's colt!" John 12:13-15