by Whitey | Apr 25, 2011 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
“Still later he appeared to the eleven disciples as they were eating together. He rebuked them for their stubborn unbelief because they refused to believe those who had seen him after he had been raised from the dead.”. (vs.14)
Even after all they’d been through together, the disciples didn’t believe when some of their own testified to seeing the resurrected Jesus. Even after all they’d seen and experienced with Jesus, and all He’d taught them (including predictions of his death and resurrection) they didn’t believe until they saw Him for themselves.
But what a change occurred after Pentecost. The disciples went from being scared, unbelieving and weak, to bold, faithful and powerful witnesses of Christ. It just underscores the fact that, as powerful and meaningful as the death and resurrection of Christ are, we need His Holy Spirit in our lives to change us from the onside out.
Thank You, Lord, for the death and resurrection of Jesus. And thank You that after the ascension, You did not leave us alone. Help me to live in the victory and freedom You won when with the resurrection, in the power of the Holy Spirit, for the glory of the Father. Amen.
by Whitey | Apr 22, 2011 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
Jesus is mocked, beaten and crucified. The people hurl insults at Him about being “King of the Jews,” “Messiah,” and about His claim that He would “tear down the temple and rebuild it in three days.” The irony of their mockery is that by going through with the crucifixion, Jesus is actually fulfilling these things.
Thank You, Jesus, for going through all that, fulfilling Your role as Messiah and King. For all of us. For me.
by Whitey | Apr 21, 2011 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
This passage shows us Jesus’ so-called trial before Pilate. Pilate appears weak, panders to the crowd, wants to keep them happy or at least shut them up. He is supposedly the authority but is easy swayed.
Jesus makes no attempt to defend Himself. For the most part, He says nothing. He doesn’t care what the religious leaders or the mob they’ve gathered think about Him. He willingly allows Himself to be condemned to death.
For us. For me.
Jesus, thank you for Your willingness to die for me. Thank You for Your sacrifice. Thank You that You were not swayed by the crowd, but did what was right, what needed to be done.
Father, make me more like Jesus.
by Whitey | Apr 20, 2011 | Uncategorized
Churches Helping Churches, one of many organizations partnering with CRASH Japan to bring relief to the people of Tohoku during this time of crisis.
by Whitey | Apr 20, 2011 | Uncategorized
Jon Petersen (North America director of 24-7 Prayer) talks about what role prayer plays in the current situation in Japan, and introduces the Prayer Room at CRASH.
by Whitey | Apr 20, 2011 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
“Peter followed him at a distance…” (vs. 54)
Peter followed the captive Jesus right into the high priest’s court yard? Why? He obviously didn’t come to Jesus’ defense, and in fact ended up denying he even knew Christ. The other disciples had run away, but Peter followed… at a distance.
Sometimes we want to follow Christ at a distance, too. We want Him to be part of our lives, but not have all of our lives. We serve Him on Sunday, but deny Him with our lives the rest of the week. We don’t talk about Him outside of church, or we don’t let Him guide our decisions in everyday life. Why?
Lord, sometimes I am like Peter. I want to follow You, but I want to keep a safe distance, too. And when cornered, I deny You. Jesus, I want You to have all of my life, not just be a part of it.
