AFTER PRAYER, THE PLAN UNFOLDS

Posted on July 31, 2021 by randscallawayffm

As soon as Jesus prays for the third time for God’s will to be done, He tells the disciples exactly what is about to happen.  Jesus knew all along what would happen.  Jesus prays, asking God’s will in the matter.  God’s plan, written by prophets long ago, will be completed in the coming hours.  Everything that is about to happen looks as if the religious leaders are following a script without really knowing that God is in complete control of the situation for His Son’s mission.  The leaders who read the scriptures, debate the meaning daily, but who have lost touch with God, really don’t know the significance of what they are doing.  They are full of evil, led by evil.

Jesus tries once more to point out to His beloved disciples what is going on before it happens.  “But look—the time has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Up, let’s be going. Look, my betrayer is here!”  Right on cue, Judas leads a small army into the garden to arrest the Son of God.  Judas thinks he is in control, right?!  Wow.

Notice that the religious leaders didn’t have the guts to come along for the arrest they have been so looking forward to for three years!  The men armed with swords and clubs had been sent by leading priests.  This is not only Truth telling of their hard hearts toward God, but fulfilling of the Word they boasted they knew so well.  Could it be they worshiped God’s Law instead of worshiping God?  (Yes.)

Do we do that at times?  Do we use God’s Word, our Bibles, as a sword to maim, destroy, lord over, judge, prove our point in debate, and crucify others who we think do not believe as we do?  Yikes.  Help us all, Lord.  May we worship You first, as the One and Only, to be praised.  May we use Your Word to us as Your Light for our path through this dark world.  May our relationship with You be our highest priority for life now and forever.  Oh, teach us, Lord.  In Jesus Name, Amen.

Matthew—God’s Word Fulfilled

Matthew 26:47-56, NLT

Jesus Is Betrayed and Arrested

47 And even as Jesus said this, Judas, one of the twelve disciples, arrived with a crowd of men armed with swords and clubs. They had been sent by the leading priests and elders of the people. 48 The traitor, Judas, had given them a prearranged signal: “You will know which one to arrest when I greet him with a kiss.” 49 So Judas came straight to Jesus. “Greetings, Rabbi!” he exclaimed and gave him the kiss.

50 Jesus said, “My friend, go ahead and do what you have come for.”

Then the others grabbed Jesus and arrested him. 51 But one of the men with Jesus pulled out his sword and struck the high priest’s slave, slashing off his ear.

52 “Put away your sword,” Jesus told him. “Those who use the sword will die by the sword. 53 Don’t you realize that I could ask my Father for thousands of angels to protect us, and he would send them instantly? 54 But if I did, how would the Scriptures be fulfilled that describe what must happen now?”

55 Then Jesus said to the crowd, “Am I some dangerous revolutionary, that you come with swords and clubs to arrest me? Why didn’t you arrest me in the Temple? I was there teaching every day. 56 But this is all happening to fulfill the words of the prophets as recorded in the Scriptures.” At that point, all the disciples deserted him and fled.

SCRIPTURE FULFILLED

On cue, according to the prophets who wrote, “the sheep will scatter”, (Zachariah 13:7) the disciples deserted Him and ran away.  However, Peter and John later go against the plan.  We will talk more about that later.

DIGGING DEEPER STILL…

“The fact that this band of soldiers and temple guards carried weapons and lanterns shows that Judas did not really understand Jesus. Judas thought they would have to search for Him in the garden and fight off His disciples in order to arrest Him. But Jesus came to them and calmly surrendered. It would not even have been necessary for Judas to betray Jesus with a kiss, for Jesus told the soldiers who He was.”  (Warren Wiersbe, Commentator)

It is tragic to see how Judas cheapened everything that he touched. His name means praise (Gen. 29:35), yet who would name a son “Judas” today? He used the kiss as a weapon, not as a sign of affection. In that day, it was customary for disciples to kiss their teacher. But in this case, it was not a mark of submission or respect. The Greek verbs indicate that Judas kissed Jesus repeatedly. 

Jesus was the Word made flesh.  “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.” (John 1) But here is Peter, who had argued with the Word, denied the Word, and disobeyed the Word (when he went to sleep). “Now he ran ahead of the Word. In his zeal to help Jesus, Peter cut off Malchus’s ear with a sword. He did not wait for the Lord to tell him what to do, but (like Moses in Egypt, Ex. 2:11–15) Peter rushed ahead and trusted the arm of flesh. Had Jesus not healed the ear of Malchus, there probably would have been four crosses on Calvary! The fact that the guards had not arrested Him in the temple indicates that there was a divine timetable controlling His life. These things were not happening by accident, but by appointment. It was all part of God’s plan, yet evil men were responsible for the deed”.  (Wiersbe)

Jesus could have put a stop to all of this, but He didn’t.  Jesus loved us too much to stop God’s Plan of redemption being fulfilled once and for all.  Wow.

Lord, God of Heaven and Earth,

I love you back with all my heart, mind and soul.  I will live gratefully knowing how much you love me and all who believe and follow you.  Thank you.  Just, Thank you.  I will meditate on this all day long.

In Jesus Name, Amen

And I’m singing…”Ten Thousand Angels”

They bound the hands of Jesus in the garden where he pray
They led him through the street in shame
They spat upon the Savior so pure and free from sin
They said crucify him he’s to blame
He could have called ten thousand angels to destroy the world and set him free
He could have called ten thousand angels but he died alone for you and me

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THREE PRAYERS OF KNOWING

Posted on July 30, 2021 by randscallawayffm

We have all prayed more than once for something we care about most in life, right?  We go to God, asking for help for ourselves or for a loved one.  We pray what is on our mind most and what is unresolved.  We pray for other concerns as well, but we seem to always circle back around to the same request.  In my life, those prayers for help seem to get an answer more quickly when my will yields to the will of the Father.  When I let go completely, with hands off, God steps in to do what only God can and will do, according to what is best.  But it requires this “knee time” to really hear what God wants,  what is best, with His will and perfect plan. God knows what we need most—Him–but we need to let God know we know.

JESUS, OUR EXAMPLE OF PRAYING TO GOD

Jesus, Son of God and Son of man, knows what is about to happen to Him, knows the suffering he is about to undergo, knows the betrayal of Judas to the officials will soon be culminated by a kiss, knows what the rest of the disciples will do, including Peter with John not far behind.  And so, Jesus prays, not once, but three times, “if it is possible”, take what is about to happen to me from me.  Of course, it was possible for God to change His plan but that would not have accomplished His will for all the sinful lost of the world—including you and me.  Jesus knew It was possible for Him to just say the word and ten thousand angels would come to His rescue, but that was not The Plan, not the will of the Father.  The Plan was created with Jesus from the beginning of creation.  God knew his created would need this plan.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”  John 3:16

God gave His Son to save us from our own bad choices.  God created us with free will.  God gave us the will to choose Him above all—or not.  God’s will and passion is that we would choose Him so He can give His best to us—for eternity—for life here and there with Him!  God so loved.  God loves us still.  But a price had to paid for our sin that stands between God and sinful mankind.  That price, for our sin to be eradicated so we could come back to God, was Jesus.  Jesus prayed for another way but yielded to God’s will, not once, but three times.

THE SOURCES OF JESUS’ AGONY?

The agony could have come from knowing.  Have you ever dreaded a medical procedure?  You knew exactly what the doctors were going to do before they did it.  You knew also that what they did would result in a lot of pain during and after the surgery but they told you it would eventually help you?  Multiply that thought a million times over to come close to the agony Jesus must of felt before the beatings, mocking, and the final humiliation of the cross.

The agony came from the heavy load of our sins, the sins of the world, being placed on the Lamb of God as the final sacrifice.  Could knowing that God cannot be where sin is, knowing that He who knew no sin would now carry all our sins to the cross, knowing that would separate Him from God until our debt of sin was paid in full, drive Jesus to His knees before God?  Sin is ugly, painful, destructive, evil driven, and leads to death.  Jesus is about to experience all that sin can do to a human God has created.

The agony of prayer results in resolve with God and His will.  What a great example for us to follow.  The disciples sleep through the agony.  “The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak”, Jesus remarks to his companions.  After three prayers and three checks on His disciples, Jesus shows us that He is not only willing to lay down His life for ours, but He is now resolved for His flesh to be torn apart for our sin.  I am reminded of their last Passover meal together.  “My Body”, “My Blood”.  Take, eat and drink is so much more significant with this passage.  We hear Jesus say to our hearts, “Take, accept, believe, know, trust, obey with following Me”.  But it will always be our choice. 

Choose well, my friends.

Matthew—God’s Word Fulfilled

Matthew 26:36-46, NLT

Jesus Prays in Gethsemane

36 Then Jesus went with them to the olive grove called Gethsemane, and he said, “Sit here while I go over there to pray.” 37 He took Peter and Zebedee’s two sons, James and John, and he became anguished and distressed. 38 He told them, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”

39 He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”

40 Then he returned to the disciples and found them asleep. He said to Peter, “Couldn’t you watch with me even one hour? 41 Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!”

42 Then Jesus left them a second time and prayed, “My Father! If this cup cannot be taken away unless I drink it, your will be done.” 43 When he returned to them again, he found them sleeping, for they couldn’t keep their eyes open.

44 So he went to pray a third time, saying the same things again. 45 Then he came to the disciples and said, “Go ahead and sleep. Have your rest. But look—the time has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Up, let’s be going. Look, my betrayer is here!”

The time has come for us to choose Jesus and get going with following our Savior as Lord!

Lord,

You are stirring my heart because of thinking about the agony you felt as you prepared your mind, heart, soul and body as the final sacrifice for our sin.  There are not enough words of gratitude, relief, love and worship for what you did for all who believe.  Thank you for saving my soul.  Thank you for being with us.  Thank you for continually teaching us.  Not my will, but yours, Lord.  All day long. 

In Jesus Name, Amen

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WE THINK WE KNOW OURSELVES

Posted on July 29, 2021 by randscallawayffm

We vow many things in life of what we will do—or not do.  “I will never do that!” Or, “I will never do that, again!”  We declare these vows with a passionate heart and determined voice.  But then unthinkable circumstances occur beyond our control.  I have learned to never say, never.  The unexpected happens and rattles our being to the core.  Fear takes over like a wild fire in our thoughts and spreads through our entire body.  What we said we would never do—we do.  We ask ourselves, who are we? 

Jesus knows who we are and what we will do when push comes to shove in our world of following him.  He knows our hearts’ best intentions.  But he also knows that fear removes trust as quickly as fire ignites paper.  Peter vows to never leave Jesus—and could I add, he is one disciple who didn’t run away, he stayed close by when Jesus was arrested, but fear takes over when asked if he was a Jesus follower.  Yes, there’s more to the story and we will pour more of our thoughts into Peter’s Denial later.  But for now, let’s think about the vows we make to God and to others around us.  Vows are serious. Vows can only be made by humans according to what we presently know.  Jesus points that out to Peter.

Jesus has told the disciples many times, over the course of their journey with Him, of what will happen to Him.  He is telling them once more what will be occurring in a few hours.  Jesus tells them clearly that this is based on what the prophets said who got their words from God, Himself.  The Shepherd, (Jesus) will struck down by His enemy and all His followers will scatter in fear like sheep when faced with an attacker.  Jesus will pray for all his followers to be safe when this happens.  His disciples all vowed with Peter that they will not run—but most do.  We will learn that Jesus wants them to run for their lives will be used later to tell His story of redemption!  But Peter.  Oh, dear Peter, he cannot leave Jesus but he chose to deny Him so he could stay close to what is happening to Him.  Are we like Peter, at times?  Admittedly, I am.

Peter is disobedient.  Denial was a side affect of His disobedience to what Jesus said.  Let’s pause to think about that for a bit.  When we disobey what God has asked us to do, departing from His plan we will experience more the fruits of evil than the fruits of the Holy Spirit.  Peter realizes this almost immediately as he looks into the eyes of Jesus as he passes by him in the courtyard, bound and bleeding. 

Ah, but we are getting ahead of ourselves.  Most of us know the end of the story of Peter’s redemption and subsequent leadership as the “rock upon whom my church is built”, but let’s us ponder the seeping fear from disobedience and denial that can occur in our lives.  And let us repent.

Matthew—God’s Word Fulfilled

Matthew 26:31-35, NLT

Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial

31 On the way, Jesus told them, “Tonight all of you will desert me. For the Scriptures say,

‘God will strike the Shepherd,
    and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’

32 But after I have been raised from the dead, I will go ahead of you to Galilee and meet you there.”

33 Peter declared, “Even if everyone else deserts you, I will never desert you.”

34 Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, Peter—this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you even know me.”

35 “No!” Peter insisted. “Even if I have to die with you, I will never deny you!” And all the other disciples vowed the same.

THINK ABOUT IT…

How did the disciples miss the part, “but after I have been raised” as assurance for their current, turned upside down, lives?  Are they vowing without realizing the bigger picture?  Are they just joining in with Peter who is an influencer?

How do we, who know the whole story, often miss this part?  How can we live our lives with ups and downs, twists and turns, without knowing Jesus is alive AND is coming back for His own?!  Jesus knows who we are by name and knows what we are going through and wants to help us when we call on Him!  ALL who believe in Jesus will be saved for eternity with Him!  ALL who love and follow, trust and obey, will be blessed with His growing character traits in us! 

DON’T FORGET THE PROMISE!

Yes, we usually point to Peter as the one who had failed the Lord, but all of the disciples were involved. Jesus referred to Zechariah 13:7 in warning His disciples, but He also added a word of promise: He would rise again and meet them in Galilee. Unfortunately, the men paid little attention to the promise of His resurrection. On resurrection day, the angels reminded them of the meeting in Galilee (Matt. 28:7, 10).

LISTEN TO THE WARNINGS

When Peter disagreed with the Lord, this was the beginning of his sin of denying the Lord. Peter was unwilling to apply the word all to himself. Instead of reassuring Peter, the Lord gave him a personal warning: He would deny Christ three times! Peter thought he was better than the other men, and Jesus told him he would be even more cowardly than the others. Peter’s response was to deny Christ’s word even more fervently, and the other disciples joined in this protest. Had Peter listened to the word and obeyed it, he would not have denied his Lord three times.

INSTEAD…

Lean on the everlasting arms, like the old hymn says, of Jesus Christ, Savior, King of all kings and Lord of all lords.  Jesus, alpha and omega, from beginning to end, is I AM!  When trust is tested, will we deny Him?  Trust and obey for there’s no other way…

Lord, God in Heaven,

This small passage packs a big punch.  The words fill my heart, mind and soul while asking myself what would I do if I were sitting among the disciples, hearing these words of prophecy coupled with their current situation which will fulfill what the prophets said in every detail.  Who am I?  Will I run?  Will I stay but deny You to save myself?  Times are coming and in some parts of the world is already here where that question is asked with retaliation.  More than a vow said, I’m leaning to a decision based on what I do know.  I have decided to follow you.  No turning back, no turning back.  I know the outcome.  Life with you forever.  This is the best plan for me.  Continue to transform me to be and do all you created me to be and do.  I need you every hour of every day.  Help me to trust and obey no matter what.

In Jesus Name, Amen

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PARTY OF THIRTEEN

Posted on July 28, 2021 by randscallawayffm

When we were young parents of very young children, going out to eat with my parents or others was more work than it was worth.  On our best days, there seemed to be “that one” among the three who would be the challenge of the moment.  “I don’t like that, I only want ice cream.”  “I need to go the bathroom”, (for the 3rd time).  “Stop breathing on me—he’s leaning on me!”  “Ouch, that hurts, (with a slap back under the table).”  Yeah, eating out with an obstinate one, not with “the program”, is not pleasant.  And let’s not even talk about the activity of toddlers leaving the table without permission to explore what is under the table while you’re not looking.  Out of the three children in our family, we could count on at least one of them misbehaving.  We had many teachable moments, to put it mildly.

Jesus had “the one” at His Table, the last Passover meal He would have with his beloved disciples.  Jesus knew “the one” who would betray Him in the middle of the meal.  Jesus loved him anyway.  Did you get that?  Jesus bent down to wash his feet along with the other eleven in a act of service that surprised them all. (See John 13) Jesus served Judas at the table of tradition, honoring God while thanking God for their rescue from death, centuries before, as they fled Egyptian captivity.  God provided a way out for His Chosen People then; God was providing a way back to Him in relationship through the sacrifice Jesus would make in a few hours. 

But there was “the one” who had sold Jesus out to the enemy a few hours earlier and now sat at the table with him as if nothing was wrong.  Scripture foretold the betrayal.  Jesus knew what Judas had done for He knows his heart.  Jesus, The Master Teacher has watched over Judas, has been living with his and the others on the road, experienced his attitude about money and power, but most of all Jesus, Son of God, saw right through him to the heart of Judas, “the one” who would betray Him.

Jesus says in a loud enough voice so those around him at the table hear Him, “One of you will betray me.” 

“Is it me?”  Confused, each disciples takes a turn to examine their motives—except “the one”.  Judas knows it is him, but innocently responds like the rest, “Is it me?”.  Jesus knows it is him and tells him to leave The Table to go do what Judas has decided to do.  Judas had a choice.  But God knew what choice he would make.

Matthew—God’s Word Fulfilled

Matthew 26:17-30, NLT

The Last Supper

17 On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Where do you want us to prepare the Passover meal for you?”

18 “As you go into the city,” he told them, “you will see a certain man. Tell him, ‘The Teacher says: My time has come, and I will eat the Passover meal with my disciples at your house.’” 19 So the disciples did as Jesus told them and prepared the Passover meal there.

20 When it was evening, Jesus sat down at the table with the Twelve. 21 While they were eating, he said, “I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me.”

22 Greatly distressed, each one asked in turn, “Am I the one, Lord?”

23 He replied, “One of you who has just eaten from this bowl with me will betray me. 24 For the Son of Man must die, as the Scriptures declared long ago. But how terrible it will be for the one who betrays him. It would be far better for that man if he had never been born!”

25 Judas, the one who would betray him, also asked, “Rabbi, am I the one?”

And Jesus told him, “You have said it.”

26 As they were eating, Jesus took some bread and blessed it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, “Take this and eat it, for this is my body.”

27 And he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. He gave it to them and said, “Each of you drink from it, 28 for this is my blood, which confirms the covenant between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice to forgive the sins of many. 29 Mark my words—I will not drink wine again until the day I drink it new with you in my Father’s Kingdom.”

30 Then they sang a hymn and went out to the Mount of Olives.

AFTER JUDAS LEFT THE TABLE…

The Eleven with Jesus are now taught that Jesus will be The Lamb of sacrifice, replacing the animal lamb of sacrifice.  “My blood, My body” confirms the New Covenant between God and His people.  Sin will be forgiven forever, once and for all, for all who believe and call on the Name of Jesus.

Those who believe will join Jesus and live in God’s Kingdom forever.

Do you know Him?  God knows this answer.  Do you?  You have a choice.  Choose wisely and don’t wait.  Jesus IS coming back, you know.  Jesus is with all who believe right now through His Holy Spirit who takes up residence in our minds, hearts and souls!  Restore or begin a new relationship with the God who loves you more than you can imagine, so much so, He went to hell and back again for you.  Jesus is the victor over evil and death.  Jesus is the One and Only who shows the Way to Truth of Life forever.  Come.

Abba, Father, Lord and Savior,

Thank you.  Even on our most obstinate days, you still love us.  You teach us.  You saved us from our sins.  Thank you.  Thank you for inviting us to The Table of grace, hope, peace and eternal joy.  Your blood, your body saved my soul.  I need your grace and mercy daily.  Continue to transform me to be all you created me to be before doing anything.  And whatever is done, may it be for your glory, honor and praise.

In Jesus Name, Amen

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THE PLOT THICKENS

Posted on July 27, 2021 by randscallawayffm

I cannot get over the words, “what a waste” in our passage today.  When is it ever a waste to honor the Son of God?  Jesus has come directly from the throne of God with a mission from God to seek and to save the world all because of His love for the world.  Jesus has traveled with these disciples and followers for three years, teaching them about who God really is, what He wants from us, while revealing His will and plan for them.  What a privilege to be chosen to walk physically with Him, beside Him each day in wonder and amazement as He miraculously helps and heals people in mind, body and soul.  He is God in flesh, the Word, walking around, who will soon be their Savior! 

But some still don’t get it.  The disciples, led by an angry Judas who would rather Jesus be a revolutionary of the worldly kind, are indignant at this outpouring of affection!  Seriously?  A woman who does “get it”, gives of her very best and most expensive perfume that was probably purchased and kept as a savings account for when she or a loved one dies.  This type of alabaster jar is sealed until it is needed for the work of preserving the dead.  The only way to remove the contents is by breaking the neck of the jar to pour it out.  Once opened, there’s no turning back.  The precious oil, is broken and spilled out on the One and Only who would redeem people by taking all sin upon Himself to a cross of shame and rejection.  Jesus poured out his life to redeem/save/buy back our life.

And what did the prophets say? 

“…he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors.  For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.” Isaiah 53:12, NIV

“Awake, sword, against my shepherd, against the man who is close to me!” declares the Lord Almighty. “Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered…” Zachariah 13:7, quoted by Jesus to his disciples.

“He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.” (Isaiah 53:3)

Fulfillment by Jesus 

“He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.” (John 1:10-11)

“But when they came to Jesus, they saw that He was dead already, so they didn’t break His legs. One of the soldiers, however, pierced His side with a spear, and blood and water flowed out. This report is from an eyewitness giving an accurate account; it is presented so that you also can believe. These things happened in fulfillment of the Scriptures that say, ‘Not one of His bones will be broken,’ and ‘They will look on Him whom they pierced.’” (John 19:31-37)

No broken bones, but His body pierced, His lifeblood spilled out for you and me.  What kind of love is this?  How precious is the blood shed for you and me?  No words.  Our emotions take over in tears of gratitude.  This is amazing, relentless, never ending love of God displayed in His Son!  Whatever we have on earth will be never enough to honor the One who saved us.

Judas, disgusted by the “expensive” act of honor, who held the purse strings as the group treasurer, decided to carry out his plan to betray Jesus.  The loving act of this woman was his tipping point.  He sold Jesus out for thirty pieces of silver.  God knew he would. 

“I tell you the truth, wherever the Good News is preached throughout the world, this woman’s deed will be remembered and discussed.”  Jesus was right, as always, we are still discussing her deed of honor along with Judas’ act of betrayal. 

Where do we stand?  Our behavior in this world will reflect what we truly believe about God.

Matthew—God’s Word Fulfilled

Matthew 26:6-13, NLT

Jesus Anointed at Bethany

6 Meanwhile, Jesus was in Bethany at the home of Simon, a man who had previously had leprosy. 7 While he was eating, a woman came in with a beautiful alabaster jar of expensive perfume and poured it over his head.

8 The disciples were indignant when they saw this. “What a waste!” they said. 9 “It could have been sold for a high price and the money given to the poor.”

10 But Jesus, aware of this, replied, “Why criticize this woman for doing such a good thing to me? 11 You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me. 12 She has poured this perfume on me to prepare my body for burial. 13 I tell you the truth, wherever the Good News is preached throughout the world, this woman’s deed will be remembered and discussed.”

Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus

14 Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, went to the leading priests 15 and asked, “How much will you pay me to betray Jesus to you?” And they gave him thirty pieces of silver. 16 From that time on, Judas began looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus.

ONE LAST THOUGHT…PAUSE TO PRAY

What will we break open within these “jars of clay” (us) to honor Jesus today? 

What is so precious within us that we might be holding back?

Our Treasure in Jars of Clay

“But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. 8 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 10 always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. 11 For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. 12 So death is at work in us, but life in you.”  2 Corinthians 4:7-12 ESV

“What a waste”, you ask? It’s Giving up! 

Jesus renews and feeds our souls each day!

“So, we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison…”  2 Corinthians 4:16-17, ESV 

Lord, God of Heaven,

Thank you for saving our souls from ourselves, from our own foolish thinking, which leads to selfish living.  Thank you for this teaching, your example of living life, as well as your sacrifice for our redemption from sin and all the sadness and destruction that goes with living without you.  I’m yours, Lord, all that I have, all that I am, the good and bad, it’s all yours to mold, shape, break open and use for your glory. 

In Jesus Name, Amen

And I’m singing…I Offer My Life, by Don Moen

All that I am, all that I have
I lay them down before You, oh Lord
All my regrets, all my acclaims
The joy and the pain, I’m making them Yours

Lord, I offer my life to You
Everything I’ve been through, use it for Your glory
Lord I offer my days to You
Lifting my praise to You as a pleasing sacrifice
Lord I offer You my life

Things in the past, things yet unseen
Wishes and dreams that are yet to come true
All of my hopes, all of my plans
My heart and my hands are lifted to You

Lord, I offer my life to You
Everything I’ve been through, use it for Your glory
Lord I offer my days to You
Lifting my praise to You as a pleasing sacrifice
Lord I offer You my life

What can we give that You have not given?
And what do we have that is not already Yours?
All we possess are these lives we’re living
That’s what we give to You, Lord

Lord, I offer my life to You
Everything I’ve been through, use it for Your glory
Lord I offer my days to You
Lifting my praise to You as a pleasing sacrifice
Lord I offer You my life…

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DO WE REALLY THINK GOD DOESN’T KNOW?

Posted on July 26, 2021 by randscallawayffm

I remember plotting the “crime of the century”—well, for a nine-year-old.  While my parents were out working in the yard on a sunny, hot Saturday morning in the Oklahoma summer heat, I had a plan.  Under the guise of getting a cold drink in the house, I held my head low, barefoot as usual, and cautiously crept into their bedroom.  I don’t know why I thought I had to be so quiet, everyone was in the yard, even my pesky little brother.  My birthday was in August, a few days away.  I knew they had purchased my gift and I was compelled with a plan to get a peek at the prize! 

But, being short of stature, the high shelf above their closet where they generally hid gifts would require an additional plot to the plan of discovery.  It meant climbing on their bed, to try to reach the closet door that led to the shelf.  No luck.  New plan, panicking because I’m running out of time, I drag a kitchen chair into the bedroom.  I’m climbing from bed to chair, getting ready to open the door to the shelf that holds the answer to my seeking when mom appears in the screened bedroom window that is opened for ventilation.  She calmly but firmly says in her best mom voice, “What are you doing?”

Gotcha! Abort mission! Frightened by her appearance and words because of my guilt, I fell back on the bed from my perched chair.  Caught in the act, I responded as most kids do, “I dunno know.”  But mom knew.  Moms always know.  I didn’t figure out this phenomenon until I became a mom. 

God knows.  God always knows.  Jesus, God and man, has given his disciples a full description of what is going to happen to Him.  They still do not want to believe it.  Maybe they think he is figuratively speaking as he does in His parables.  Maybe they think, surely not, look at all the crowds who follow Him.  How can this be? 

Our next passage of Matthew reveals to us the power of God to know.  Jesus has just proclaimed the sins of the Pharisees and teachers of The Law in their presence.  He has said these things of truth as a way to turn people back to God.  Jesus loves all people.  Take note of all the parallels Matthew will give us as the “plot” thickens!

Jesus says to his followers, “As you know, Passover begins in two days, and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.”  What the disciples will not understand until later, the words of the prophets of God will be fulfilled in every detail.  “As you know…”; all the disciples seem to know and understand at this time is the tradition of Passover is to be observed.

“At that same time the leading priests and elders were meeting at the residence of Caiaphas, the high priest, plotting how to capture Jesus secretly and kill him.”  They just haven’t figured out quite yet that Jesus will be crucified by the Romans by their own manipulations while forgetting that Scripture foretold is being played out word for word.  Messiah, Son of God, will come and redeem His people and will be crucified.  Check out the book of Isaiah.

Matthew—God’s Law Fulfilled

Matthew 26:1-5, NLT

The Plot to Kill Jesus

When Jesus had finished saying all these things, he said to his disciples, 2 “As you know, Passover begins in two days, and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.”

3 At that same time the leading priests and elders were meeting at the residence of Caiaphas, the high priest, 4 plotting how to capture Jesus secretly and kill him. 5 “But not during the Passover celebration,” they agreed, “or the people may riot.”

Yes, God knows what is happening and what will happen to His Son, sent to save the world of all sin by his sacrifice on a cross.  “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”  (John 3:16) No surprises here.  Jesus, Son of God, knows.

We will take this chapter one portion of parallel at a time…stay tuned.

Lord, God of Heaven,

Thank you for saving our souls and making us whole.  Thank you for dying for a relationship with us!  We cannot appreciate, worship and love you enough.  Just the thought of all you did, all you went through, to show your love for us brings me to my knees.  You are God and we are not.  No one is like you.  No one loves us like you do!  Lord, I love you with all that is in me.  And no one can take that away from me.  Thank you.  You know my heart.  I’m glad you know all, are in all and in me.

In Jesus Name, Amen

Be Still and Know God.

Be Still and Know.

Be Still.

Be.

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IS THAT YOUR FINAL ANSWER?

Posted on July 24, 2021 by randscallawayffm

Remember the game show, “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire”?  The contestants were asked various trivia questions on all kinds of topics followed by four possible answers to ponder then choose.  When they finally decided on their answer, the moderator would always ask, “Is that your final answer?”  In other words, have you thought that through clearly?  Have you, by the process of elimination, concluded that what you are choosing is indeed the right answer?  The moderator, Regis, took great joy in trying to trip up the contestants or cause them to rethink with, “Are you sure, is that your final answer?”

Jesus does not do that to us.  His teaching is clear.  Jesus is trustworthy.  God never changes in His ways and Jesus points this out in the following scenario.  The gravity of this teaching is based on God’s love for all who He has created.  Jesus shares that when we are helping and serving each other, one of His created, we are serving Him! 

John, the beloved disciples of Jesus, tells us in his writings, that God’s love is in us who believe and daily know God. (1 John 4) To know God is to know the love of God.  If we do not know God then we don’t know love.  Love serves and helps without even thinking about it.  It is a lifestyle.  It is not a program or even on a list of ministries. Serving with the love of God in us does not require a committee to decide if the person being served is worthy.  The only thought is that person needs help and God put me here to help.

Notice that those, (the righteous, in right standing with God) who are doing what God wants, had to ask when did we do these acts of love and kindness to you?  Jesus’ reply is priceless, “‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!”  Serving others, each other, is serving Jesus Christ the King!  This is the final answer.  This is Truth.

Matthew—God’s Word Fulfilled

Matthew 25:31-46, NLT

The Final Judgment

31 “But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered in his presence, and he will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will place the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left.

34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. 36 I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’

37 “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? 39 When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’

40 “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’

41 “Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, ‘Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons. 42 For I was hungry, and you didn’t feed me. I was thirsty, and you didn’t give me a drink. 43 I was a stranger, and you didn’t invite me into your home. I was naked, and you didn’t give me clothing. I was sick and in prison, and you didn’t visit me.’

44 “Then they will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help you?’

45 “And he will answer, ‘I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.’

46 “And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life.”

EPILOGE – SOMETHING MORE TO REALIZE

There are only two choices in this life.  We love with God’s love in us, learn to know God more each day, serve and help others or we do not.  Jesus is pretty clear about what happens when we avoid helping others. 

“God so love the world that He sent His Son…”  Most of us can finish reciting John 3:16 but do we go beyond reciting to loving relationships with Jesus and with others?  Love God.  Love Others like He loves us.  We learned earlier from Matthew that these are the two greatest commandments, not suggestions, that all other commandments are based upon.  Love God first and always.  Love Others like God loves us.  This is His final answer.  What is ours?

Dear Heavenly Father,

Your word this morning convicts and challenges all at the same time. I repent of missed opportunities to serve you by serving others in need when presented with the choice.  Restore and renew the joy of your salvation in me.  Help me to realize the depth of your love, help, mercy and grace to me for it is then that I can love others more deeply with your love in me.  You have shown me your ways.  Help me now to fulfill what I know you want from me.  Help me to serve without over-thinking about it. Deliver us from the evil one who plants overthinking in our minds.  May we have the mind of you in us.  Continue to transform me to be and do all you created me to be and do.

In Jesus Name, Amen

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WELL DONE!

Posted on July 21, 2021 by randscallawayffm

We all seek the bravos and accolades from others when we complete a task or project.  We acquire this taste for praise as soon as we learn to walk!  Why do you think toddlers run into a room full of family and even guests to announce their accomplishments as they finally do their business in the bathroom instead soiling their underwear!  Imagine the scene.  We all clap and praise them for doing what is now easy for us to do because of all the experience we have had. We have learned so well, in fact, it is now a habit we perform many times a day without thinking about it.  Come to think about it, there are many things we do each day as habit, things we do without thinking about it.

Being a great servant of God, doing what He asks of us in the way He wants it done could be a developed habit.  It all begins with God as the source, the owner of our souls because of our belief and faith in Jesus, His Son.  It begins with managing well what God has given to us.  Managing well is a skill that grows and matures as we say yes to God.  We invest in the guidance of His Holy Spirit in the management of what He has given to us to use to build His Kingdom.  God is in control of all circumstances.  He is the Giver of all we need to do His will.  Therefore, when guided by His Holy Spirit living in us, tapping in to the Power of His Spirit, our lives are exponentially more productive than if He was not. 

God created us to love Him back in worship and praise.  God commanded that we love each other like He loves us.  When we truly know and love God, His love is in us.  His love produces more love for each other.  This unique love produces a servant’s heart within us.  We want to serve God by serving others, helping them to know and believe in Him, too.  Serving becomes a habit as part of our praise back to God!  Our perfect example of loving and serving is Jesus Christ, God’s Son.  He came to earth to teach us how to serve by serving others.  He touched lives in ways no one else had done before.  God gave Jesus all He needed to do what He sent Him to do—to save the world of all sin.  God gave us Jesus.

PAUSE TO PRAY

What will we do with this gift of Jesus given to us by the Master, God?

Will we invest the knowledge of Jesus we have been given so others may know Him, too?

Is it possible to double the number of people who know Him by serving others with the gifts, talents, time and abilities He has so generously given to us?

Or will we hide our gift of Jesus, bury Him away in our souls, and tell no one?

We must prayerfully ask what God wants, listen, then obey what He asks.

In Jesus’ story today, He takes us to a new level of thinking about managing well what God has given to us.  He reminds us of the bottomline outcomes of our management skills in serving Him.  There are only two:

  1.  Well done, good and faithful servant which leads to celebration for eternity.
  2.  From those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away    followed by darkness forever.

Choose well.  Invest wisely. 

Matthew—God’s Word Fulfilled

Matthew 25:14-30, NLT

Parable of the Three Servants

14 “Again, the Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. He called together his servants and entrusted his money to them while he was gone. 15 He gave five bags of silver to one, two bags of silver to another, and one bag of silver to the last—dividing it in proportion to their abilities. He then left on his trip.

16 “The servant who received the five bags of silver began to invest the money and earned five more. 17 The servant with two bags of silver also went to work and earned two more. 18 But the servant who received the one bag of silver dug a hole in the ground and hid the master’s money.

19 “After a long time their master returned from his trip and called them to give an account of how they had used his money. 20 The servant to whom he had entrusted the five bags of silver came forward with five more and said, ‘Master, you gave me five bags of silver to invest, and I have earned five more.’

21 “The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’

22 “The servant who had received the two bags of silver came forward and said, ‘Master, you gave me two bags of silver to invest, and I have earned two more.’

23 “The master said, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’

24 “Then the servant with the one bag of silver came and said, ‘Master, I knew you were a harsh man, harvesting crops you didn’t plant and gathering crops you didn’t cultivate. 25 I was afraid I would lose your money, so I hid it in the earth. Look, here is your money back.’

26 “But the master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy servant! If you knew I harvested crops I didn’t plant and gathered crops I didn’t cultivate, 27 why didn’t you deposit my money in the bank? At least I could have gotten some interest on it.’

28 “Then he ordered, ‘Take the money from this servant, and give it to the one with the ten bags of silver. 29 To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away. 30 Now throw this useless servant into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

Heavenly Father,

Hallowed is Your Name.  May Your Kingdom come and reign in us and all around us.  Reveal your glory, power, plan and ways to us.  May Your Will be done in every detail of our lives on earth as it is in heaven.  Give us this day your plan for accomplishing what you want.  Thank you for all you have given us to manage in this life.  Provide all we need to accomplish your will and plan.  And forgive us our sins, missteps and mess-ups as we forgive others who have hurt us or hindered us on this journey.  Lead us not into temptations to quit, hide the Truth, or bury what you have so generously given to us, but deliver us from these evils.  Fight our inner battles with evil and help us to rise up with You victorious.  For you have all power so to you be all glory, honor and praise!

In Jesus Name, Amen

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HERE COMES THE BRIDE…GROOM!

Posted on July 20, 2021 by randscallawayffm

Can you imagine a bride partying with her bridesmaids but never getting down to plan for the big day when the groom actually comes to marry her?  Can you imagine not being ready when the day arrives?  This is usually the nightmare of every young bride! 

Max Lucado tells a story from ages past about a stately prince and a peasant girl who fall in love. This is really a difficult one to understand. On the one hand is a prince who literally had the world at His disposal. There has never been a more perfect specimen of a man that ever lived. Nothing about Him was common. You wouldn’t be exaggerating to say that He is a perfect catch.

On the other hand there is a peasant girl. She is nothing more than average. At her best she is plain, but at her worst she can be just plain ugly. There are times when she is cranky and moody, and she rarely ever achieves all she could. To look at her from anyone else’s eyes you would never believe she was worth much. But if you could see her through the eyes of the prince, you would believe that she is “to die for.”

Because the prince determined that He couldn’t bear to live without her, he asked her to be His bride. The angels in heaven listened expectantly as she accepted his proposal. The prince promised his bride that He would come back for her soon, and the peasant turned princess pledged to faithfully await his return.

To this point the story could be like any fairy tale, but now the plot takes a bizarre twist. You would expect the bride to be always thinking about the coming wedding, but she rarely ever mentions it. You would think that her every waking moment would be lived out in anticipation and preparation for the coming of her prince.

However, by the way she lives you wouldn’t even know she’s the bride of a perfect prince. More frequently than not, you can’t even tell the difference between the bride and any of the other peasant girls in the village. There are even times when she can be seen flirting with the other men of the village in broad daylight, and who knows what she is doing when nobody is around to see!
​
Can you imagine a peasant girl fortunate enough to be the object of a perfect prince’s eternal love? You would expect her to be captivated by His love and filled with a sense of wonder that she was fortunate enough to be loved by Him. You would think that she would be careful to remain pure in anticipation of the return of her royal groom. Instead, to look at her you might wonder if she even remembers she is engaged at all. How could a peasant forget about her prince? Is it possible for a bride to forget her groom? (Lucado, When Christ Comes, p. 138)

We read this story and say, “I would never act like that.”  But friends, we are the Bride of Christ!  As believers, we have been espoused to Jesus Christ and He is coming back for us, and taking us to live with Him forever.

So, why didn’t the peasant girl’s behavior change? Why didn’t she get ready for her Groom?

In order for us to change our behavior, we need a change of heart. When Saul had his encounter on the road to Damascus in Acts 9 it changed his life, his name and his behavior. Until the Bride of Christ has an encounter with Jesus, her behavior won’t change.  We have heard, “People don’t change until they hurt enough, they have to, or learn enough they want to.” Pain is a megaphone, but knowledge is a much more pleasant way of learning. Changing behavior because of the knowledge acquired takes time. Thank God, we serve a patient and long-suffering Savior. 

Get ready for the Groom.  Stay ready!  Learn much about The Groom before He comes.  If we do, our lives will be transformed and we will know Him when He arrives!  Live expectantly.  Jesus IS coming back!

Matthew—God’s Word Fulfilled

Matthew 25:1-13, NLT

Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids

“Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 3 The five who were foolish didn’t take enough olive oil for their lamps, 4 but the other five were wise enough to take along extra oil. 5 When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep.

6 “At midnight they were roused by the shout, ‘Look, the bridegroom is coming! Come out and meet him!’

7 “All the bridesmaids got up and prepared their lamps. 8 Then the five foolish ones asked the others, ‘Please give us some of your oil because our lamps are going out.’

9 “But the others replied, ‘We don’t have enough for all of us. Go to a shop and buy some for yourselves.’

10 “But while they were gone to buy oil, the bridegroom came. Then those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was locked. 11 Later, when the other five bridesmaids returned, they stood outside, calling, ‘Lord! Lord! Open the door for us!’

12 “But he called back, ‘Believe me, I don’t know you!’

13 “So you, too, must keep watch! For you do not know the day or hour of my return.

THINK ABOUT IT…PRAYFULLY

The church has known for two thousand years that Jesus is coming again, and yet many believers have become lethargic and drowsy. They are no longer excited about the soon-coming of the Lord. As a result, there is little effective influencing witness given that the Lord is returning.

“The oil for burning reminds us of the special oil used in the tabernacle services (Ex. 27:20–21). Oil is usually a symbol of the Spirit of God, but I wonder if this particular oil is not also a symbol of the Word of God. The church should be “holding forth the word of life” in this dark and wicked world (Phil. 2:12–16). We need to keep the word of His patience (Rev. 3:10) and keep witnessing of the return of Jesus Christ.” (Wiersbe, Commentator)

“When the bridegroom and bride appeared, half of the bridesmaids were unable to light their lamps because they had no oil. ‘Our lamps are going out!’ they cried. The bridesmaids who had oil were able to light their lamps and keep them shining bright. It was they who entered into the wedding feast and not the foolish girls who had no oil. This suggests that not every professing Christian will enter heaven, for some really have not repented and trusted Jesus Christ sincerely. Without the Spirit of God and the Word of God, there can be no true salvation.”  (Wiersbe, Commenator)

Jesus ended this parable with the warning He had preached before: “Watch” (Matt. 24:42; 25:13). This does not mean standing on a mountaintop gazing at the heavens (Acts 1:9–11). It means “to stay awake and be alert” (Matt. 26:38–41).

Lord,

Keep us awake and alert, fully focused on You, Your Word, and Your Holy Spirit, the “oil” in our lamps, as we learn to walk with You.  Keep us from harm and from doing harm to others on their walk with you.  Help us to work with each other as your bride to continually prepare, living expectantly for your return.

Thank you, Lord for accepting me into your Kingdom.  I am not worthy of all you have done for me.  Thank you for your love.  I love you with all my heart, mind and soul. 

In Jesus Name, Amen

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THE ONE WHO ENDURES

Posted on July 19, 2021 by randscallawayffm

Jesus now gives his followers (and us) a glimpse of what the world will be like upon His return to earth.  Everyone will know for sure it is Jesus for He will come in great and mighty flashes of lightning far greater than current film artists could ever imagine or portray.  When Jesus comes back to claim all who believe, who have endured the trials, and still believe and love Him with all their hearts, minds and souls while following Him will be saved.  This is the bottom line.  Jesus saves all who believe and repent of sins, love and follow. 

“He will send out his angels with the mighty blast of a trumpet, and they will gather his chosen ones from all over the world—from the farthest ends of the earth and heaven.”

The “chosen” believe and are saved.  Are we prepared, alert, ready, watching for His return, joyfully expectant?  Do we believe we are one of the chosen who will survive because we endured in our faith in God by believing in Jesus Christ, His son?  We are promised that we will.  So, don’t worry about when, no one knows when but God.  Don’t worry about anything other than being ready today and every day for His coming back for His own.  Jesus IS coming back!  We need to get ready for the trip!

Matthew writes to fulfill all the previous prophetic scriptures about the Messiah.  Jesus fulfills every word the prophets of God said in his teaching.  So, in times like these, in our world today, we are sure.  We are very sure.  What was foretold will happen.  Soon and very soon.

Read slowly, carefully and prayerfully.  Read with hope and assurance—not fear.

Matthew—God’s Word Fulfilled

Matthew 24

Jesus Speaks about the Future

As Jesus was leaving the Temple grounds, his disciples pointed out to him the various Temple buildings. 2 But he responded, “Do you see all these buildings? I tell you the truth, they will be completely demolished. Not one stone will be left on top of another!”

3 Later, Jesus sat on the Mount of Olives. His disciples came to him privately and said, “Tell us, when will all this happen? What sign will signal your return and the end of the world?”

4 Jesus told them, “Don’t let anyone mislead you, 5 for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah.’ They will deceive many. 6 And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately. 7 Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world. 8 But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come.

9 “Then you will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be hated all over the world because you are my followers. 10 And many will turn away from me and betray and hate each other. 11 And many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people. 12 Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold. 13 But the one who endures to the end will be saved. 14 And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come.

15 “The day is coming when you will see what Daniel the prophet spoke about—the sacrilegious object that causes desecration standing in the Holy Place.” (Reader, pay attention!) 16 “Then those in Judea must flee to the hills. 17 A person out on the deck of a roof must not go down into the house to pack. 18 A person out in the field must not return even to get a coat. 19 How terrible it will be for pregnant women and for nursing mothers in those days. 20 And pray that your flight will not be in winter or on the Sabbath. 21 For there will be greater anguish than at any time since the world began. And it will never be so great again. 22 In fact, unless that time of calamity is shortened, not a single person will survive. But it will be shortened for the sake of God’s chosen ones.

23 “Then if anyone tells you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah,’ or ‘There he is,’ don’t believe it. 24 For false messiahs and false prophets will rise up and perform great signs and wonders so as to deceive, if possible, even God’s chosen ones. 25 See, I have warned you about this ahead of time.

26 “So if someone tells you, ‘Look, the Messiah is out in the desert,’ don’t bother to go and look. Or, ‘Look, he is hiding here,’ don’t believe it! 27 For as the lightning flashes in the east and shines to the west, so it will be when the Son of Man comes. 28 Just as the gathering of vultures shows there is a carcass nearby, so these signs indicate that the end is near.

29 “Immediately after the anguish of those days,

the sun will be darkened,
    the moon will give no light,
the stars will fall from the sky,
    and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.

30 And then at last, the sign that the Son of Man is coming will appear in the heavens, and there will be deep mourning among all the peoples of the earth. And they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31 And he will send out his angels with the mighty blast of a trumpet, and they will gather his chosen ones from all over the world—from the farthest ends of the earth and heaven.

32 “Now learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branches bud and its leaves begin to sprout, you know that summer is near. 33 In the same way, when you see all these things, you can know his return is very near, right at the door. 34 I tell you the truth, this generation will not pass from the scene until all these things take place. 35 Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear.

36 “However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows.

37 “When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in Noah’s day. 38 In those days before the flood, the people were enjoying banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat. 39 People didn’t realize what was going to happen until the flood came and swept them all away. That is the way it will be when the Son of Man comes.

40 “Two men will be working together in the field; one will be taken, the other left. 41 Two women will be grinding flour at the mill; one will be taken, the other left.

42 “So you, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming. 43 Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would keep watch and not permit his house to be broken into. 44 You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.

45 “A faithful, sensible servant is one to whom the master can give the responsibility of managing his other household servants and feeding them. 46 If the master returns and finds that the servant has done a good job, there will be a reward. 47 I tell you the truth, the master will put that servant in charge of all he owns. 48 But what if the servant is evil and thinks, ‘My master won’t be back for a while,’ 49 and he begins beating the other servants, partying, and getting drunk? 50 The master will return unannounced and unexpected, 51 and he will cut the servant to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Abba, Father in Heaven, Lord of our lives,

We worship you alone.  We cling to your promises.  When life gets hard, we run to you for help.  When the enemy battles us, you deliver us.  When we feel alone, you draw closer to us to remind us that we are never alone.  When Your work is challenging, you show us what you want accomplished and you send more help to do it.  When we feel done and unloved, you overwhelm us with your love.  Why would I turn to anyone else but you in times like these?  There is no one like you.  I live to love and worship you with my daily life.  I live for you to help others know you, too.  I live to know you more so I will be more and more like you created me to be.  Continue to transform me to be ready for you when you come!

In Jesus Name, Amen

And I’m singing…an old, old chorus from my youth…

In times like these you need a Savior,
In times like these you need an anchor;
Be very sure, be very sure,
Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock!

This Rock is Jesus, Yes He’s the One,
This Rock is Jesus, the only One;
Be very sure, be very sure,
Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock!

In times like these you need the Bible,
In times like these, O be not idle;
Be very sure, be very sure,
Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock!

This Rock is Jesus, Yes He’s the One,
This Rock is Jesus, the only One;
Be very sure, be very sure,
Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock!

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