Banquet With The King

Friday, October 19, 2012

October 19 – Chosen by the Father

"But there are some of you who do not believe." For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who it was that would betray Him. And He was saying, "For this reason I have said to you, that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted him from the Father." As a result of this many of His disciples withdrew and were not walking with Him anymore. So Jesus said to the twelve, "You do not want to go away also, do you?" Simon Peter answered Him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life. "We have believed and have come to know that You are the Holy One of God." - John 6:64-69 NASB

It is such a privilege to know God—and to be known by Him. To believe and to understand the importance of believing that Jesus is God’s Son is the most important concept we’ll ever have to comprehend. Head knowledge is just knowing about Jesus, but when that is translated and incorporated into a person’s very heart, then a transformation occurs. True belief in Jesus as the Son of God and Savior of the world allows a person to receive eternal life and to belong to God’s family. Adoption by the Heavenly Father God is described in Romans. For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons (and daughters) by which we cry out, "Abba! Father!" The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him. Romans 8:15-17 NASB

Are you a child of the King and Most High God? I am a child of the King! You can be, too. My granddaughters love to dress up as princesses—and they are adorable with their little crowns and jeweled sparkling gowns. One day I hope that they will also be children of the King! Until then, I’ll continue to read them Bible stories and try to live in a Christ-like way to be an example. They already know most of the stories in their Bible Story books by heart. We’re working on songs, too. One day they will make that all important decision…and I hope to be there to pray with them.

Unlike the disciples who left Jesus, I have promised Him that I will never leave Him or forsake Him. One of my favorite verses addresses that promise. "Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6 NASB. It is also quoted in Hebrews 13:5. Several years ago my husband and I had the opportunity to have that scripture engraved on rings. We pledged that promise…that we will never leave or forsake each other. Then I realized that was also my promise to the Lord.

Heavenly Father—Abba Father. Thank you for adopting us. Where would we be without Jesus? Eternal life is wonderful knowing that You love us enough to take us into Your family, forever. What a feast and celebration we look forward to having with You in Heaven one day. Until then—I Praise You with all of my heart, soul and strength.

Thursday, October 18, 2012

October 18 – Bread of Life – Eternal Life

"I am the bread of life. Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. This is the bread which comes down out of heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread that came down out of heaven; if anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread also which I will give for the life of the world is My flesh." Then the Jews began to argue with one another, saying, "How can this man give us His flesh to eat?" So Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in yourselves. He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. For My flesh is true food, and My blood is true drink. He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him. As the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, so he who eats Me, he also will live because of Me. This is the bread which came down out of heaven; not as the fathers ate and died; he who eats this bread will live forever." These things He said in the synagogue as He taught in Capernaum. John 6:48-59 NASB

Remember Me, Jesus said during the Last Supper. He took the bread and broke it…and He took the cup and blessed it. Of these He said…This is My Body, broken for you…and …This is My Blood, shed for you. We know these words by heart. Communion liturgy. Jesus spoke and it was so…and we remember Him in this sacrament. When the disciples heard Jesus speak these words during their last Passover meal with Him did they have a moment of déjà vu?

Feast on the King’s words and live forever. He IS the bread of heaven—let that bread satisfy your soul. Nothing satisfies spiritual hunger and brings eternal life except actually eating heavenly bread. Just admiring or even just tasting Jesus’ words doesn’t make them part of us. We have to eat—to devour—His words to understand them. Savor His words on eternal life. Do you want eternal life? Then Feast on His words—don’t just think highly of them—make them part of you. Eat and drink them—let them into your very soul. His “flesh” and His “blood” are all about a spiritual level. Jesus wasn’t here to be an earthly king—but a spiritual one. His blood is offered as a sacrifice for our sins. To accept the sacrifice that He made means to accept that we are sinners—in need of a savior. If we are to “eat” His body or flesh spiritually, then He becomes part of us. He comes to dine with us…and we dine with Him. But more than that, we become like Christ as we eat of the meat of scripture. We begin “eating” as we study God’s word, like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation, 1 Peter 1:2 (NASB). As we mature we desire meat or “flesh” as it is written in Hebrews 5:14, But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil. (NASB) As we get into the meat of His word we are transformed (Romans 12:1-2) and desire holiness. Personally, every day I want to be more like Jesus. Ultimately I want to “rise up” and be with Jesus and our Heavenly Father for eternity in Heaven.

This is heavy food for thought. You can see why the Jews were arguing with each other and wondering how Jesus could give them His flesh to eat. They couldn’t see the big picture—the spiritual view. Here is a view of the ancient synagogue in the town of Capernaum where those Jews and even the disciples were baffled by Jesus’ teaching.

Don’t be baffled today by Jesus’ teaching. Simply allow Jesus to forgive your sins and ask Him to be in your life—to guide and direct your every thought. Seek to know Him—to drink of His “blood” and eat of His “flesh” that you would become Christ-like. Savor His words. My prayer for you is that you would desire to know Christ more eat day and feast on His red letter words

Dear Heavenly Father — Now may You, our God and Father Himself, and Jesus our Lord direct our way to you; and may the Lord cause us to increase and abound in love for one another, and for all people; so that He may establish our hearts without blame in holiness before you at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints. (1 Thessalonians 3:11-13 NASB)

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

October 17 – Do Not Grumble - Believe

Therefore the Jews were grumbling about Him, because He said, "I am the bread that came down out of heaven." ... Jesus answered and said to them, "Do not grumble among yourselves. No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up on the last day. It is written in the prophets, 'AND THEY SHALL ALL BE TAUGHT OF GOD.' Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father, comes to Me. Not that anyone has seen the Father, except the One who is from God; He has seen the Father. Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes has eternal life." John 6:41, 43-47 NASB

Don’t murmur and complain! Where have we heard that before? Remember the Hebrew people when they were in the desert for forty years complained that they didn’t have it as good as they did in Egypt…so they complained to Moses and he got God to give them manna. Bread from heaven. Now these Jews are complaining…about the bread from heaven. Kind of ironic, isn’t it!? Are they never satisfied? Are we never satisfied?

What was the last thing you complained about? Was it about bread? Or more likely about some driver going too fast, tailgating, or cutting in front of you. No complaining or whining…we try to teach that to our children and grandchildren. There is always something someone wants to gripe and moan about. It’s too cold…or too hot, too windy or too rainy, too sunny or too cloudy. Enough already. Enjoy life the way it is…be content. But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:10-13 (NASB)

The important thing in this red letter passage is not about complaining but seeking the truth about which Jesus was talking. Believing in Him. That is the only way to the Father and to Eternal life. Without that there is a lot to complain about, now and forever. Yes, FOREVER. Those who do not ask Jesus for forgiveness will live eternity in hell, gnashing their teeth and crying out for mercy. It is better to seek Jesus now and be ready for eternity than to wait until it is too late and have to spend forever in a lake of fire. The choice is up to each individual person, but they have to make their decision to believe in Jesus now. Tomorrow life may change, or end for them, and it may be too late.

What is your choice? Fire or the Father?

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for drawing us to You and giving up Your Son to be the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. I believe that Jesus IS Your Son—my Savior. I look forward to one day seeing You in Heaven—until then, I thank you and praise you, for you are worthy of praise.

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

October 16 – No Hunger and No Thirst

Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst. But I said to you that you have seen Me, and yet do not believe. All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out. For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. This is the will of Him who sent Me, that of all that He has given Me I lose nothing, but raise it up on the last day. For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day." John 6:35-40 NASB

What are you thirsty for? How about an ice cold glass of water…or a nice hot caramel or pumpkin latte…or a Chai Tea latte? Perhaps a nice creamy chocolate milkshake …or a blueberry smoothie with whipped cream? Just a cup of steamy hot chocolate to warm you on this brisk fall day? Jesus said that whoever believes in Him with never thirst again. He said the same thing to the Samaritan woman at the well, Jesus answered and said to her, "Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again; but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life." John 4:13-14 (NASB) A well of water springing up within him. I’ve felt that way, joy overflowing within my heart and very soul—filled with the Holy Spirit. When we let Him be the center of our lives Jesus gives such a deep peace and joy that it is unexplainable. It is that well of living water feeding our spiritual soul to overflowing. Cool clean water that quenches our thirst or sweet hot chocolate is good—but the living water feeding our soul is way better. Reading the red letter words of Jesus provide us with His living water. Try it and see if you like it.

Dear Jesus—Your wisdom is wonderful. Please continue to feed my soul and give me living water—Your word that I would never thirst again. Guide my family and friends in their search for Your living water—may it spring up within their souls, too.

Monday, October 15, 2012

October 15 - Give Us This Bread

Therefore they said to Him, "What shall we do, so that we may work the works of God?" Jesus answered and said to them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent." So they said to Him, "What then do You do for a sign, so that we may see, and believe You? What work do You perform? "Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, 'HE GAVE THEM BREAD OUT OF HEAVEN TO EAT.'" Jesus then said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread out of heaven, but it is My Father who gives you the true bread out of heaven. For the bread of God is that which comes down out of heaven, and gives life to the world." Then they said to Him, "Lord, always give us this bread." John 6:28-34 NASB

From The Message: To that they said, “Well, what do we do then to get in on God’s works?” Jesus said, “Throw your lot in with the One that God has sent. That kind of a commitment gets you in on God’s works.”They waffled: “Why don’t you give us a clue about who you are, just a hint of what’s going on? When we see what’s up, we’ll commit ourselves. Show us what you can do. Moses fed our ancestors with bread in the desert. It says so in the Scriptures: ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’” Jesus responded, “The real significance of that Scripture is not that Moses gave you bread from heaven but that my Father is right now offering you bread from heaven, the real bread. The Bread of God came down out of heaven and is giving life to the world.” They jumped at that: “Master, give us this bread, now and forever!” John 6:28-34

These people actually want to work? No. They really just want to be fed—like the Hebrew people who ate manna in the wilderness. Feed Me! Bread gives life. Bread of heaven gives eternal life. People have to work—to believe to get that bread. Once again Jesus is telling them—look I’m telling you the truth, My Father will give eternal life. No signs or miracles are needed—just believe.

Jesus taught His disciples to pray…Give us this day our daily bread…Matthew 6:11. Some have said that is just necessary food, and other teach it includes spiritual as well as physical food. What spiritual food have you been feeding on today? Just like physical food…we are what we eat, spiritual food has the same effect on us…we are what we eat. It is important to feed ourselves daily. I know that if time goes by and I haven’t been reading scripture, I get cranky and out of sorts. I guess I quickly drift away from becoming like Jesus. I need my mind renewed daily. See Romans 12:2. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. NASB It is becoming a favorite verse of mine.

It all seems just too simple, Lord. We just have to believe? So, I believe—You are the Son of God, the real bread of Heaven. No signs or miracles needed. Transform my mind today that I would be pleasing to You.

Sunday, October 14, 2012

October 14 – Red Letter Promise Sealed by God

Jesus answered them and said, "Truly, truly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled. Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you, for on Him the Father, God, has set His seal." - John 6:26-27 NASB

Truly, truly. It’s true—the real truth. Jesus wouldn’t lie to us. People were following Him because He fed the 5,000 men—and they were full, satisfied, not at all hungry. But Jesus didn’t want them to crave perishable food, but nonperishable spiritual food that leads to eternal life. This was the food He, the Son of Man, had to give to people. Nonperishable food—not food that just has a lot of preservatives, but food of a spiritual realm that will never spoil. Jesus word’s—those red letter words—provide us with nonperishable means for understanding eternal life with Him. Everlasting life. God promised to give everyone in the world His Son, His one and only Son. Whoever believes in Him will have eternal life, just as it says in John 3:16. For God so loved the world that He gave is only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. (NASB) Some of the most well known red letter words in the world are found in that verse.

The seal of God is set on Jesus to confirm or authenticate beyond doubt, that Jesus is the Son of God—thus He is God. That seal proves that Jesus is who He said He is. Do you believe Him—do you believe IN Him?

Dear Jesus—we’re hungry for spiritual food. Thank you for being who You are and for providing spiritual food for each of us that we know that You are the Son of God and we can have a spiritual relationship with You. And then we’ll have that eternal life promised by God.

Saturday, October 13, 2012

October 13 – Feed Us

After these things Jesus went away to the other side of the Sea of Galilee (or Tiberias). A large crowd followed Him, because they saw the signs which He was performing on those who were sick. Then Jesus went up on the mountain, and there He sat down with His disciples. Now the Passover, the feast of the Jews, was near. Therefore Jesus, lifting up His eyes and seeing that a large crowd was coming to Him, said to Philip, "Where are we to buy bread, so that these may eat?" This He was saying to test him, for He Himself knew what He was intending to do. Philip answered Him, "Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them, for everyone to receive a little." One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, said to Him, "There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are these for so many people?" Jesus said, "Have the people sit down." Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. Jesus then took the loaves, and having given thanks, He distributed to those who were seated; likewise also of the fish as much as they wanted. When they were filled, He said to His disciples, "Gather up the leftover fragments so that nothing will be lost." So they gathered them up, and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves which were left over by those who had eaten. Therefore when the people saw the sign which He had performed, they said, "This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world." So Jesus, perceiving that they were intending to come and take Him by force to make Him king, withdrew again to the mountain by Himself alone. John 6:1-15 NASB

When was the last time you saw 5,000 men, plus women and children in one place? Did you feed them? The baseball stadium, GESA stadium, near where I live, will only seat 3,700 people. That’s not much for a collective community population of 253,340 people. The Toyota Center seats 7,000. How many people would come out to hear Jesus speak? The hillside were the people followed Jesus had to be a sizable area, there along the banks of the Sea of Galilee for that many men and their families to sit down for a picnic.

Jesus was testing Philip when He asked about buying food for the 5,000 men. A denarii was about equal to a day’s wage—so at minimum wage of about $9.00 an hour that would be $72 for the day or $14,400 in our dollars to purchase food for the crowd following Jesus. That’s a lot of money! And Philip said that wouldn’t even be enough—but five barley loaves and a couple of fish fed them all when Jesus blessed it. Those were humble food items—not fancy food, but filling for everyone. Amazing—that was a miracle. Then there were the leftovers—twelve baskets full. One basket for each of the disciples to gather. That certainly made believers of them. What would it take to make you believe? Do you need a sign or miracle? Those same people that Jesus fed wanted to make Him their ruler—but He didn’t want a political position. He quietly slipped away into the night and went to pray.

Dear Jesus—help us in our unbelief. You are still a miracle worker and whether it is food or salvation, we know that You provide. Give us this day our daily bread—physical and spiritual.

Friday, October 12, 2012

October 12 – Are You Seeking Approval?

I’m not interested in crowd approval. And do you know why? Because I know you and your crowds. I know that love, especially God’s love, is not on your working agenda. I came with the authority of my Father, and you either dismiss me or avoid me. If another came, acting self-important, you would welcome him with open arms. How do you expect to get anywhere with God when you spend all your time jockeying for position with each other, ranking your rivals and ignoring God? But don’t think I’m going to accuse you before my Father. Moses, in whom you put so much stock, is your accuser. If you believed, really believed, what Moses said, you would believe me. He wrote of me. If you won’t take seriously what he wrote, how can I expect you to take seriously what I speak? John 5:41-47 (The Message)

Jesus came to the Jews—to the whole world, but to the Jews first. They for the most part rejected Him—so He turned His attention to the Gentiles. Do you sometimes feel rejected, too? You may try to live a good life, treating others kindly and honestly, and then they reject you. Are you seeking other’s approval? Jesus said He wasn’t interested in crowd approval—but He does seek the approval of one person—one person at a time. That person is you…and me. Each individually. He wants a relationship with each of us—not with a whole crowd at once. Don’t be part of that group that dismisses or avoids Jesus.

How do you establish a “relationship” with Jesus, you may ask? Well, for starters, you need to ask Him to be part of your life. Ask Him to forgive you for your sins. He actually has already died on the cross for those sins, so it’s only polite to ask Him to take those sins away and forgive you. Then learn all you can about Him. Reading the red letter words—His words—in the Bible is a good next step. By reading His word, you’ll begin to renew your mind like Paul taught in Romans. So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you. Romans 112:1-2 (The Message) Be changed from the inside out! Other translations may say “renewing your mind.”

It is also important to pray—read and pray. Those go hand in hand. Jesus likes to hear His words prayed back to Him. Let Him know what’s bothering you… Be sure to praise Him and thank Him for the answered prayers, victories, and blessings that He gives you day by day, moment by moment. You can never pray too much—He always has an open ear. Seeking His approval is a good thing, rather than seeking the approval of those around you. Don’t avoid Him—let Him be your friend. He’s the best friend that anyone could ever have.

Dear Jesus—Thank you for being our friend, for taking away our sins, and even now for renewing our minds that we would please you. If we ever seem like we are avoiding you—please get our attention and help us to see ourselves as you see us.

Thursday, October 11, 2012

October 11 – Do You Believe?

You do not have His word abiding in you, for you do not believe Him whom He sent. You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; it is these that testify about Me; and you are unwilling to come to Me so that you may have life. John 5:38-40 NASB

There is nothing left in your memory of his Message because you do not take his Messenger seriously. You have your heads in your Bibles constantly because you think you’ll find eternal life there. But you miss the forest for the trees. These Scriptures are all about me! And here I am, standing right before you, and you aren’t willing to receive from me the life you say you want. John 5:38-40 The Message

Do you know God’s word—is it living in you? Do you believe in God? Or are you unwilling to go to Jesus—to get to know Him—to establish a personal relationship with Him? Are you seeking eternal life—where? In the scriptures or in Jesus Himself? These red letter words challenge us. Reread the two versions above again. The Message may speak to your heart more clearly—don’t miss the forest for the trees. Don’t miss Jesus because you are reading the Bible expecting to find something else.

Jesus was talking to the Jews during His time—but He just as easily could be talking to people today. Are we among the doubters and accusers? Jesus healed a man on the Sabbath so the Jews were persecuting Him—but even more they were upset because Jesus called God His own Father, making Himself equal with God. That was blasphemy. Do you not believe that Jesus was the Son of God? I do. And I believe that He can still heal people—even on the Sabbath. It is certain that more prayers are said on a Sabbath day than other days—so maybe more healings take place then, too. So, believe and you will be saved. What is stopping you?

Dear Jesus—I believe You are the Son of God--You are God. Please help my family, my friends and anyone reading this to also believe in You—to receive the life that they want and You are so willing to give to them…abundantly. Thank You.

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

October 10 - Doing the Will of My Father

I can do nothing on My own initiative. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is just, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. If I alone testify about Myself, My testimony is not true. There is another who testifies of Me, and I know that the testimony which He gives about Me is true. You have sent to John, and he has testified to the truth. But the testimony which I receive is not from man, but I say these things so that you may be saved. He was the lamp that was burning and was shining and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light. But the testimony which I have is greater than the testimony of John; for the works which the Father has given Me to accomplish—the very works that I do—testify about Me, that the Father has sent Me. And the Father who sent Me, He has testified of Me. You have neither heard His voice at any time nor seen His form. John 5:30-37 NASB

Jewish tradition, based on scripture (Deut. 19:15), requires that two witnesses testify before the conviction of an accused person. Here Jesus was saying that He alone couldn’t testify about Himself—two others had to testify about Him. He goes on to tell about two who are His witnesses, John the Baptist and His Heavenly Father. In addition, His own works were His testimony.

Jesus was a man of integrity. He didn’t boast about what He could do or about what He had already done (healing sick and blind people and feeding 5,000 men), but insisted that He couldn’t do anything on His own. He was seeking God’s will.

So what is God’s will? Jesus says in John 4:34, My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to accomplish His work. (NASB) Additionally, in the Lord’s Prayer Jesus prayed…Thy kingdom come, thy will be done. I know several people who have really struggled with “knowing God’s will for their lives.” I remember spending a considerable amount of time searching the scriptures myself wanting to know what it was that God wanted me to do. What was God’s will for my life? I think God’s direction in Paul’s letter to the Romans provides us with a good answer. Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:1-2 (NASB) That is stated pretty plainly—that which is good, acceptable and perfect. That takes me back to one of my favorite verses: Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. Philippians 4:8 (NASB) Think about good things—and you’ll do what is right and is God’s will. This scripture may not give specifics…like what to do for a specific career or spouse, but general guidance on the way to live to please God. Feast on those words today.

Dear Jesus—I believe you are who you said you are…the Son of God—and you are God. Your testimony is true. Help me to continue to seek God’s will and to focus on the good, acceptable and perfect—the God things.

Happy Birthday, Mary Ellen! Blessings~

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

October 9 – Resurrection – to Life or to Judgment

Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. For just as the Father has life in Himself, even so He gave to the Son also to have life in Himself; and He gave Him authority to execute judgment, because He is the Son of Man. Do not marvel at this; for an hour is coming, in which all who are in the tombs will hear His voice, and will come forth; those who did the good deeds to a resurrection of life, those who committed the evil deeds to a resurrection of judgment. John 5:25-29 NASB

The choice is yours—resurrection to life or resurrection to judgment.

So what is JUDGMENT? Condemnation? The word “judgment” occurs 294 times in the King James Version of the Bible. There are fourteen separate meanings in Hebrew and Greek for judgment. Most are related to punishment, damnation, vengeance, or accusation. It is also associated with lawful, order, worthy, discretion, law, prayer, and supplication in the Old Testament and with righteousness and justification in the New Testament. Jesus was given the authority for judgment by the Heavenly Father. Everyone will stand before Him one day. Those who believe in Him will not face the judgment of eternal damnation—better known as hell. Some people don’t believe that hell really exists—but it does. Search the scriptures for yourself and we’ll discuss this in a couple of months.

There is an encouraging passage in 1 Thessalonians about dead in Christ rising. It describes the rapture. But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 NASB

We’ll always be with the Lord! What a wonderful thought. Feast on those words—savor them. Those are tasty words. Always. What a promise! Those who are married have promised “til death do us part….” Always is even longer than that. Forever—eternally. But pay close attention to the John 5:25-29 passage. It says that all who are in the tombs will hear His voice and be resurrected either to life or to judgment. Everyone who has ever lived will be resurrected. There has to be a relationship to Jesus to be resurrected to life and “escape” judgment. No one else escapes. Not someone who has lived a good life, but doesn’t know Jesus as their savior. Not someone who has given lots of money to the church or to charity. Not someone who is kind and good to everyone and to animals. Jesus also tells us pointedly that those who have done evil things will be judged. Where do you fit in this?

Lord Jesus—You have the most difficult job ever—judging others. I ask that you will forgive my sins today and lead me in your righteous way that I might not sin against you. In that day of resurrection let me be found pleasing to you and then able to live with you forever in your glorious Heaven.

Monday, October 8, 2012

October 8 - Hope

Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life. John 5:24 NASB

Eternal life. What does that mean to you? Living forever. An unending celebration. Ten thousand years—or more—with the Lord begin now and will continue on in Heaven. Life, full and abundant.

Believe? Believe occurs 152 times and believes occurs an additional 31 time in the New American Standard Bible. That is a lot of times to think and trust that something is true, to place your confidence in that. In the Old Testament, believe seems to mean more to trust, to confide in or hope, or to stand firm. I believe that Jesus is God—He is the Son of God. When Jesus went back to Heaven, the Father sent the Holy Spirit. It’s complicated, yet so simple. God, Father-Son-Holy Spirit. He is my hope—not only for the future, but for today, this minute, this hour. I know that He is always with me…I have confidence in Him that He will never leave me or forsake me. See Hebrews 13:5 or Deuteronomy 31:6. What a promise…and it is not even in red letters!

Dear God—Thank you for life that is full of Your love and promises. I’m glad you are always with me giving me an abundant life that doesn’t ever have to be boring or dull. Wrap your loving arms around those who are lonely or hurting and help them to feel your presence.

Sunday, October 7, 2012

October 7 – Truly, Truly Honor Him

Therefore Jesus answered and was saying to them…
Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, unless it is something He sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, these things the Son also does in like manner. For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself is doing; and the Father will show Him greater works than these, so that you will marvel. For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son also gives life to whom He wishes. For not even the Father judges anyone, but He has given all judgment to the Son, so that all will honor the Son even as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him. John 5:19-23 NASB

The Son imitates the Father. The Father teaches the Son. Honor the Father. Honor the Son. Just like most modern families—well families that have fathers and sons—children imitate their parents. Kids live what they learn from both their parents, although in the father-son relationship there is a bond that is stronger than that of the mother-son. Boys want to grow up to be firemen…or policeman…or maybe a football player…and eventually like their dad, maybe. There is a hero worship there—even if it isn’t a career choice that is the same as Dad’s, then some of the qualities are still desired, or not. Jesus wanted to be like His Heavenly Father. He spent a lot of time talking to Him, praying. “Hey Dad—did you see what I did today? I fed 5,000 guys who came to hear me teach them some of the stuff you taught me. There was a little boy there with a few little fish and some puny barley loaves—so I blessed them, like you taught me—and fed all those men and their families. It was a good picnic. These people down here are pretty special. Thanks for letting me help them, heal them, and teach them about you.” Jesus was imitating His Father. Fathers, be careful what you teach your sons by your words and your actions. They are watching.

The Son gives Life to whom He wishes. God the Father is sitting back and letting the Son judge the humans down here on earth. Those who treat the Son with respect are also treating the Father with respect—giving Him the esteem and honor of which He is worthy. In judgment those who honor the Father and Son will be looked upon more highly.

How do we “respect” the Father…the Son? What have I done today to show honor to the Father or to the Son? For starters I have not worshiped any idols…nor taken God’s name in vain …nor killed, stolen anything, lied, committed adultery, or coveted anything my neighbor owns. That is beginning to look like the Ten Commandments. Yes, so far today I have not broken any of the Ten Commandments. That is a good start at honoring the one who wrote them. How’s your day going? Do you find it challenging to keep all the commandments? Jesus taught … You have heard that the ancients were told, 'YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT MURDER' and 'Whoever commits murder shall be liable to the court.' But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court; and whoever says to his brother, ' You good-for-nothing,' shall be guilty before the supreme court; and whoever says, 'You fool,' shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell. Matthew 5:21-22 NASB and…You have heard that it was said, 'YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY'; but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. Matthew 5:27-28 NASB More red letter words worth considering. Murder, deceit, adultery can all occur in the mind or heart, as well as in a physical sense. Jesus knows our hearts—we need to honor Him with our very heart, soul and mind.

Dear Jesus—we want to honor You and Your Father, who is our Father. You are watching. Our children are watching. Give us courage and strength to always think and do the right things.