THE FIRST THING

Posted on October 26, 2017 by randscallawayffm

John, The Love of God

The first thing we want to do after meeting an important person who we admire or is admired by others is to show and tell others about it. When we experience a life-changing event, the first thing we do is to TELL someone else. We take selfies to memorialize the event, we post it on social media, we snapchat it or instagram the news and then text our close friends with all the details. We use words like awesome, incredible, off the chart, followed by unbelievable. However we do it, we do it because we are excited and joyful!

I think of our lives now as I read our next passage. John writes of the quickly spreading news of the ONE who has come. The Messiah is here! Jesus is quickly gaining followers who want to go where He goes and be with Him always. Their witness is contagious. One tells another, then that person tells his brother and on and on it goes! Exponential gospel planting! Maybe we should change the name of “church” planting to Gospel planting! Mm.

John 1 come and see

John 1, The Message
Come, See for Yourself
35-36 The next day John was back at his post with two disciples, who were watching. He looked up, saw Jesus walking nearby, and said, “Here he is, God’s Passover Lamb.”

37-38 The two disciples heard him and went after Jesus. Jesus looked over his shoulder and said to them, “What are you after?”

They said, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?”

39 He replied, “Come along and see for yourself.”

They came, saw where he was living, and ended up staying with him for the day. It was late afternoon when this happened.

40-42 Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard John’s witness and followed Jesus. The first thing he did after finding where Jesus lived was find his own brother, Simon, telling him, “We’ve found the Messiah” (that is, “Christ”). He immediately led him to Jesus.

Jesus took one look up and said, “You’re John’s son, Simon? From now on your name is Cephas” (or Peter, which means “Rock”).

43-44 The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. When he got there, he ran across Philip and said, “Come, follow me.” (Philip’s hometown was Bethsaida, the same as Andrew and Peter.)

45-46 Philip went and found Nathanael and told him, “We’ve found the One Moses wrote of in the Law, the One preached by the prophets. It’s Jesus, Joseph’s son, the one from Nazareth!” Nathanael said, “Nazareth? You’ve got to be kidding.”

But Philip said, “Come, see for yourself.”

47 When Jesus saw him coming he said, “There’s a real Israelite, not a false bone in his body.”

48 Nathanael said, “Where did you get that idea? You don’t know me.”

Jesus answered, “One day, long before Philip called you here, I saw you under the fig tree.”

49 Nathanael exclaimed, “Rabbi! You are the Son of God, the King of Israel!”

50-51 Jesus said, “You’ve become a believer simply because I say I saw you one day sitting under the fig tree? You haven’t seen anything yet! Before this is over you’re going to see heaven open and God’s angels descending to the Son of Man and ascending again.”

THESE WORDS EXCITE US!

“Come, see for yourself” is the excited, tenacious witness of simplicity. Come, see Jesus, the Christ! He is the ONE we’ve been waiting for. We found Him! Come and see!

We can be that witness today! Think about it. What is the first thing you want to say or do when you see the glory of God right before your eyes? Who is the first person you want to tell? How can we point others to Jesus? Is it the first thing we think of when we open our eyes each morning? Fill in the blank, “I can’t wait to go tell ________________ who Jesus is and what He has done! I’m so excited!

I love what Jesus says, “You haven’t seen anything yet!” It gets better, folks. Simply believe and revel in the joy of His salvation and then go tell someone else!

Dear Heavenly Father, 
What can I say that has not already been said? Who can I tell about the joy of your salvation in me? What is the first thing I will say? You are God and we are not. You sent Your Son to become the Lamb who was slain. Jesus, You also taught us how to love and to live in your love. Come, see for yourself. 
That’s what I will say. To you be all glory, honor and praise! May Your word go out today and touch someone’s heart with a desire to follow you.
In Jesus Name, Amen

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CREATED FOR SPECIFIC PURPOSE

Posted on October 25, 2017 by randscallawayffm

John, The Love of God

How incredible it is to be doing exactly what God created us to be and do! Some have called it our “sweet spot” in life. It is when all things come together as You join God in His work with the desires, gifts and talents He gave you. When we trust and obey, He allows us to be and do something very specific that give us joy unspeakable and full of glory. When that happens, give GOD the glory for it is He who arranged it, blessed it and finishes the work in us.

John the Baptizer was one of those who knew exactly why he was born and what he was created to do. He did it well, so well, that Jesus held his name high and spoke of him often. John, the front man who loved God dearly, devoted himself for life to Him and who paved the way for our Lord and Savior.

John 1 preparer

John 1, The Message
Thunder in the Desert

19-20 When Jews from Jerusalem sent a group of priests and officials to ask John who he was, he was completely honest. He didn’t evade the question. He told the plain truth: “I am not the Messiah.”

21 They pressed him, “Who, then? Elijah?”

“I am not.”

“The Prophet?”

“No.”

22 Exasperated, they said, “Who, then? We need an answer for those who sent us. Tell us something—anything!—about yourself.”

23 “I’m thunder in the desert: ‘Make the road straight for God!’ I’m doing what the prophet Isaiah preached.”

24-25 Those sent to question him were from the Pharisee party. Now they had a question of their own: “If you’re neither the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet, why do you baptize?”

26-27 John answered, “I only baptize using water. A person you don’t recognize has taken his stand in your midst. He comes after me, but he is not in second place to me. I’m not even worthy to hold his coat for him.”

28 These conversations took place in Bethany on the other side of the Jordan, where John was baptizing at the time.

The God-Revealer
29-31 The very next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and yelled out, “Here he is, God’s Passover Lamb! He forgives the sins of the world! This is the man I’ve been talking about, ‘the One who comes after me but is really ahead of me.’ I knew nothing about who he was—only this: that my task has been to get Israel ready to recognize him as the God-Revealer. That is why I came here baptizing with water, giving you a good bath and scrubbing sins from your life so you can get a fresh start with God.”

32-34 John clinched his witness with this: “I watched the Spirit, like a dove flying down out of the sky, making himself at home in him. I repeat, I know nothing about him except this: The One who authorized me to baptize with water told me, ‘The One on whom you see the Spirit come down and stay, this One will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ That’s exactly what I saw happen, and I’m telling you, there’s no question about it: This is the Son of God.”

Think about it…
–John knew who he was and what he was to do for life. Do we know our life’s purpose from God well? Are we fulfilling it?
–John’s task was to reveal the Son of God. Are we revealing the Son of God by the way we live?
–Like John we only point the way. Who are we pointing to, we might ask? Are we pointing them to our church or Jesus Christ? People want Jesus but are not as interested in church. Point them to Jesus first. Be the “front man” like John.
–Help others rely on HIM (not us) for the specific answers for their lives. We can affirm the gifts and talents we see in others, but we cannot dictate what God is calling each of us to be and do.

Dear Heavenly Father,
Help us to be and do what you intended for us to be and do. Grow us as we join You in your work. Help us to find our own “sweet spot” where we know you are fulfilling your purpose through us.
In Jesus Name, Amen

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SHOW EVERYONE WHERE TO LOOK!

Posted on October 24, 2017 by randscallawayffm

John, God’s love

When you get an unbelievably good bargain, you tell everyone you know about it for two reasons. You want to brag about the blessings OR you want them to get the good bargain, too! Maybe it’s for both reasons. Either way, you are showing them how to get the good deal for themselves.

When something happens to you that is surreal and incredible, you post it within seconds on social media. We want to show everyone of our good news.

Do we see where we are going with this? Before social media, there was once a man called John. John loved God with all that was in him. He was a prophet, someone who knew something before anyone else did. God created John for a special work. John accepted. John came to show everyone where to look, who to believe in. He was sent by God to point out the way to the Life-Light as the Message paraphrases it. I like that. Life. Light. Without the Light we have no Life. Important to note, John knew he was not the Light; he was there to show the way to the Light. Wisdom, insight and understanding wrapped up in passion, John did his work exactly as God told him to do.

John 1 life and light

John 1, The Message

6-8 There once was a man, his name John, sent by God to point out the way to the Life-Light. He came to show everyone where to look, who to believe in. John was not himself the Light; he was there to show the way to the Light.

9-13 The Life-Light was the real thing:
Every person entering Life
he brings into Light.
He was in the world,
the world was there through him,
and yet the world didn’t even notice.
He came to his own people,
but they didn’t want him.
But whoever did want him,
who believed he was who he claimed
and would do what he said,
He made to be their true selves,
their child-of-God selves.
These are the God-begotten,
not blood-begotten,
not flesh-begotten,
not sex-begotten.

14 The Word became flesh and blood,
and moved into the neighborhood.
We saw the glory with our own eyes,
the one-of-a-kind glory,
like Father, like Son,
Generous inside and out,
true from start to finish.

15 John pointed him out and called, “This is the One! The One I told you was coming after me but in fact was ahead of me. He has always been ahead of me, has always had the first word.”

16-18 We all live off his generous bounty,
gift after gift after gift.
We got the basics from Moses,
and then this exuberant giving and receiving,
This endless knowing and understanding—
all this came through Jesus, the Messiah.
No one has ever seen God,
not so much as a glimpse.
This one-of-a-kind God-Expression,
who exists at the very heart of the Father,
has made him plain as day.

Think about it…
–Like John, we are created and commanded to love others enough to let them on on what we’ve got as children of God!
–Are we pointing the way to Light and Life, Jesus Christ?
–Are we too busy? Too wrapped up in self? Too…anything?
–We don’t have to be prophets to show everyone where to look!
–Point them to Jesus. HE will do the rest.
–Jesus is the real thing…nothing on this earth can satisfy our needs and desires like Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Nothing.
–Believe and be saved. Obey the leading of His Holy Spirit within you and be content in the worst and best of circumstances.
–Look up from the routine of daily life and see God at work continually…and give HIM glory!
–Smile, make others wonder what you’ve got, then point them to Jesus!

Dear Heavenly Father,
We admire the tenacity of John’s telling and showing. We admire the humility and passion in his speech and daily living. We are glad that Your Word about You shares how others pointed The Way back to You. Help us to show and tell the Good News, too. Even today.
In Jesus Name, Amen

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MATTHEW, MARK, LUKE AND NOW JOHN…

Posted on October 23, 2017 by randscallawayffm

John, For God so Loved

Luke, rich with passion for Christ gave us all the details from His birth to His resurrection. We now read the gospel according to John, Jesus “beloved disciple”, who writes of the intimacies of a loving relationship with God that we can now have because of Jesus. “For God so loved the world that He gave us His Only Son that whoever believes in Him will not perish.” (john 3:16)

John also helps us wrap our minds around the truth that this plan was set in place from the beginning of creation. Jesus, God, Holy Spirit are One-in-Three who love us so much that Jesus was sent to earth to die for our sin so that we might believe and be saved. The Holy Spirit was then sent to us when Jesus returned to Heaven to guide, comfort, convict and direct our path. All this because of God’s love for us. “We love Him, because HE FIRST loved us.” (1 John 4:17) has deep meaning for those who believe. It is not just a small verse to memorize as kids. He FIRST loved us and carved a path through the entanglement of sin and self to find the Way back to Him.

In Genesis, the first book of the Bible, God is presented as speaking the creation into existence. In deliberate parallel to the opening words of Genesis, John presents God as speaking salvation into existence. This time God’s word takes on human form and enters history in the person of Jesus. Jesus speaks the word and it happens: forgiveness and judgment, healing and illumination, mercy and grace, joy and love, freedom and resurrection. Everything broken and fallen, sinful and diseased, called into salvation by God’s spoken word.

We are in desperate need of fixing. The fixing is all accomplished by speaking–God speaking salvation into being in the person of Jesus. Jesus, in John’s account, not only speaks the word of God; HE IS the Word of God.

Keep company with these words, we begin to realize that our words are more important than we ever supposed. Saying, “I believe”, for instance, marks the difference between life and death. Our words accrue dignity and gravity in conversations with Jesus. For Jesus doesn’t impose salvation as a solution; he narrates salvation into being through leisurely conversation intimate personal relationships, compassionate responses, passionate prayer, and–putting it all together–a sacrificial death.

We don’t casually walk away from words like that.

John 1 beginning

John 1, The Message
The Life-Light

1-2 The Word was first,
the Word present to God,
God present to the Word.
The Word was God,
in readiness for God from day one.

3-5 Everything was created through him;
nothing—not one thing!—
came into being without him.
What came into existence was Life,
and the Life was Light to live by.
The Life-Light blazed out of the darkness;
the darkness couldn’t put it out.

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for saving my soul and making me whole. I love you with all my heart, mind and soul. May Your Light illuminate Your Word and Truth in today and in the coming days. Transform us, Lord, by Your Word. Holy Spirit, have Your way.
In Jesus Name, Amen. I believe.

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THEN THEY REMEMBERED…

Posted on October 22, 2017 by randscallawayffm

Luke and The Lost

Even believers’ minds whose hearts have been broken by the chaos around them momentarily forget God’s promises….then we remember. We remember and ask God to help us. He always does. We ask God to change the wants and desires of our hearts to match His. And He does. We pray for “peace be still” in the middle of life’s storms and He gladly pours peace over us. When we find ourselves at the end of our rope, He pulls us up gently and lovingly to safety with Him. His Holy Spirit surrounds and envelopes us with a hug that calms us and gives us assurance. When we remember what He said, we bow down and worship.

Remember…and be blessed today. Jesus is alive! He’s waiting for you to remember so you can live with peace and joy wrapped in unconditional love in relationship with Him.

Luke 24 tomb

Luke 24, The Message 
Looking for the Living One in a Cemetery

1-3 At the crack of dawn on Sunday, the women came to the tomb carrying the burial spices they had prepared. They found the entrance stone rolled back from the tomb, so they walked in. But once inside, they couldn’t find the body of the Master Jesus.

4-8 They were puzzled, wondering what to make of this. Then, out of nowhere it seemed, two men, light cascading over them, stood there. The women were awestruck and bowed down in worship. The men said, “Why are you looking for the Living One in a cemetery? He is not here, but raised up. Remember how he told you when you were still back in Galilee that he had to be handed over to sinners, be killed on a cross, and in three days rise up?” Then they remembered Jesus’ words.

9-11 They left the tomb and broke the news of all this to the Eleven and the rest. Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them kept telling these things to the apostles, but the apostles didn’t believe a word of it, thought they were making it all up.

12 But Peter jumped to his feet and ran to the tomb. He stooped to look in and saw a few grave clothes, that’s all. He walked away puzzled, shaking his head.

The Road to Emmaus
13-16 That same day two of them were walking to the village Emmaus, about seven miles out of Jerusalem. They were deep in conversation, going over all these things that had happened. In the middle of their talk and questions, Jesus came up and walked along with them. But they were not able to recognize who he was.

17-18 He asked, “What’s this you’re discussing so intently as you walk along?”

They just stood there, long-faced, like they had lost their best friend. Then one of them, his name was Cleopas, said, “Are you the only one in Jerusalem who hasn’t heard what’s happened during the last few days?”

19-24 He said, “What has happened?”

They said, “The things that happened to Jesus the Nazarene. He was a man of God, a prophet, dynamic in work and word, blessed by both God and all the people. Then our high priests and leaders betrayed him, got him sentenced to death, and crucified him. And we had our hopes up that he was the One, the One about to deliver Israel. And it is now the third day since it happened. But now some of our women have completely confused us. Early this morning they were at the tomb and couldn’t find his body. They came back with the story that they had seen a vision of angels who said he was alive. Some of our friends went off to the tomb to check and found it empty just as the women said, but they didn’t see Jesus.”

25-27 Then he said to them, “So thick-headed! So slow-hearted! Why can’t you simply believe all that the prophets said? Don’t you see that these things had to happen, that the Messiah had to suffer and only then enter into his glory?” Then he started at the beginning, with the Books of Moses, and went on through all the Prophets, pointing out everything in the Scriptures that referred to him.

28-31 They came to the edge of the village where they were headed. He acted as if he were going on but they pressed him: “Stay and have supper with us. It’s nearly evening; the day is done.” So he went in with them. And here is what happened: He sat down at the table with them. Taking the bread, he blessed and broke and gave it to them. At that moment, open-eyed, wide-eyed, they recognized him. And then he disappeared.

32 Back and forth they talked. “Didn’t we feel on fire as he conversed with us on the road, as he opened up the Scriptures for us?”

A Ghost Doesn’t Have Muscle and Bone
33-34 They didn’t waste a minute. They were up and on their way back to Jerusalem. They found the Eleven and their friends gathered together, talking away: “It’s really happened! The Master has been raised up—Simon saw him!”

35 Then the two went over everything that happened on the road and how they recognized him when he broke the bread.

36-41 While they were saying all this, Jesus appeared to them and said, “Peace be with you.” They thought they were seeing a ghost and were scared half to death. He continued with them, “Don’t be upset, and don’t let all these doubting questions take over. Look at my hands; look at my feet—it’s really me. Touch me. Look me over from head to toe. A ghost doesn’t have muscle and bone like this.” As he said this, he showed them his hands and feet. They still couldn’t believe what they were seeing. It was too much; it seemed too good to be true.

41-43 He asked, “Do you have any food here?” They gave him a piece of leftover fish they had cooked. He took it and ate it right before their eyes.

You’re the Witnesses
44 Then he said, “Everything I told you while I was with you comes to this: All the things written about me in the Law of Moses, in the Prophets, and in the Psalms have to be fulfilled.”

45-49 He went on to open their understanding of the Word of God, showing them how to read their Bibles this way. He said, “You can see now how it is written that the Messiah suffers, rises from the dead on the third day, and then a total life-change through the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed in his name to all nations—starting from here, from Jerusalem! You’re the first to hear and see it. You’re the witnesses. What comes next is very important: I am sending what my Father promised to you, so stay here in the city until he arrives, until you’re equipped with power from on high.”

50-51 He then led them out of the city over to Bethany. Raising his hands he blessed them, and while blessing them, took his leave, being carried up to heaven.

52-53 And they were on their knees, worshiping him. They returned to Jerusalem bursting with joy. They spent all their time in the Temple praising God. Yes.

Dear Heavenly Father,
I remember. 
Thank you! 
To You be all glory, honor and praise!
In Jesus Name, Amen

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INTEGRITY, HONOR AND DEVOTION

Posted on October 21, 2017 by randscallawayffm

Luke and The Lost

People surprise us with their actions because we are so preoccupied with presumptions and with labeling others. We listen to others and decide on the word of someone else’s gossip. But when we stop and see people for who they really are and relate to them in person, we are humbled and begin to see the worth, quality and gifts of each individual.

As we read the next passage in Luke retelling the Passion of Christ and His journey to the Cross for our sin, we see a one man of honor, another man of integrity who stepped up with courage and a group of devoted women who only leave to get what they need to give their Lord a decent burial. The dedicated women rested on the Sabbath as commanded fulfilling the Law. (The women’s minds were probably not at rest).

Do you see what I see? Not all religious leaders were against Jesus. Not all Roman soldiers were mocking Him. Not all people in the crowd were jeering. Some were weeping, grieving and keeping watch.

What did Jesus see in the hearts of humanity as He looked down from the cross?

Luke 23 Jesus on the cross with others

Luke 23, The Message
47 When the captain there saw what happened, he honored God: “This man was innocent! A good man, and innocent!”

48-49 All who had come around as spectators to watch the show, when they saw what actually happened, were overcome with grief and headed home. Those who knew Jesus well, along with the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a respectful distance and kept vigil.

50-54 There was a man by the name of Joseph, a member of the Jewish High Council, a man of good heart and good character. He had not gone along with the plans and actions of the council. His hometown was the Jewish village of Arimathea. He lived in alert expectation of the kingdom of God. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Taking him down, he wrapped him in a linen shroud and placed him in a tomb chiseled into the rock, a tomb never yet used. It was the day before Sabbath, the Sabbath just about to begin.

55-56 The women who had been companions of Jesus from Galilee followed along. They saw the tomb where Jesus’ body was placed. Then they went back to prepare burial spices and perfumes. They rested quietly on the Sabbath, as commanded.

Think about it a little more…
–A Captain of the Roman guard, in charge of this act of cruelty, ordered to finish the work, gives honor to God and His Son. “Surely this is the Son of God” (in other translations) “This man was innocent.” The Captain said it out loud, a man of honor giving honor to God. Not all Roman soldiers were heartless.
–Joseph, a member of the Jewish Council, “a man of good heart and character” or integrity had the courage to approach Pilate who probably didn’t want to hear from any religious leader for a while. Pilate had “washed his hands” of the incident and preferred to get on with his life. Joseph asks for Jesus’ body and lays it in a new tomb. Respect given. Integrity expressed. Not all leaders were against Jesus.
–The women. Our hearts go out to the women who served Jesus and his companions during ministry and now continuing to serve him in what they perceive as death. Not all of Jesus followers ran away. The women weep but do not leave as He is being crucified. They watched and kept vigil. I’m sure our Lord noticed. They followed to see where they put the body. They had a plan to gather burial items to embalm the body with dignity and respect, but they also obeyed the Sabbath by resting. But at the crack of dawn the next day….

Dear Heavenly Father,
We lump everyone into categories. We are quick to assume and label. Help us today to refrain from doing this as if we are gods. You see hearts. Help us to see others they way you see them and recognize what you are doing in them and through them. May we be people of integrity who give honor only to You. May we remain devoted and dedicated to do your will and fulfill all you intended for us to be. Apart from you we are nothing. With You, the possibilities are endless!
In Jesus Name, Amen

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PAID IN FULL

Posted on October 20, 2017 by randscallawayffm

Luke and The Lost

There is no greater feeling than to get a receipt for the final payment on a long term loan. That’s small potatoes compared to the debt our Lord paid for us. Paid in full is stamped on the hearts of all who believe. But there are still some who don’t want the gift of freedom from debt. Some continue to make payments to sin thinking they can handle this debt all by themselves. Where will that lead?

Luke 23, The Message
Skull Hill
26-31 As they led him off, they made Simon, a man from Cyrene who happened to be coming in from the countryside, carry the cross behind Jesus. A huge crowd of people followed, along with women weeping and carrying on. At one point Jesus turned to the women and said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, don’t cry for me. Cry for yourselves and for your children. The time is coming when they’ll say, ‘Lucky the women who never conceived! Lucky the wombs that never gave birth! Lucky the breasts that never gave milk!’ Then they’ll start calling to the mountains, ‘Fall down on us!’ calling to the hills, ‘Cover us up!’ If people do these things to a live, green tree, can you imagine what they’ll do with deadwood?”

32 Two others, both criminals, were taken along with him for execution.

33 When they got to the place called Skull Hill, they crucified him, along with the criminals, one on his right, the other on his left.

34-35 Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them; they don’t know what they’re doing.”

Dividing up his clothes, they threw dice for them. The people stood there staring at Jesus, and the ringleaders made faces, taunting, “He saved others. Let’s see him save himself! The Messiah of God—ha! The Chosen—ha!”

36-37 The soldiers also came up and poked fun at him, making a game of it. They toasted him with sour wine: “So you’re King of the Jews! Save yourself!”

38 Printed over him was a sign: this is the king of the jews.

39 One of the criminals hanging alongside cursed him: “Some Messiah you are! Save yourself! Save us!”

40-41 But the other one made him shut up: “Have you no fear of God? You’re getting the same as him. We deserve this, but not him—he did nothing to deserve this.”

42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you enter your kingdom.”

43 He said, “Don’t worry, I will. Today you will join me in paradise.”

44-46 By now it was noon. The whole earth became dark, the darkness lasting three hours—a total blackout. The Temple curtain split right down the middle. Jesus called loudly, “Father, I place my life in your hands!” Then he breathed his last.

Luke 23 Jesus on the cross

Think about it a little more…
–Jesus paid it all. Truly.
–Every sin ever committed in the world was placed on His shoulders. Our sin and His love for us held Him on the cross.
–He fought back with love and forgiveness. “Forgive them for they don’t know what they’re doing.” And to the repentant one, “Don’t worry, today you will join me in paradise.”
–The world goes dark as The Light is snuffed out but only for a little while. Jesus went to hell and back again for our sin, paying our debt to the devil in full. We are redeemed by the blood of the Lamb! No one can take that away from us! It’s finished.
–The Temple Curtain that separated God from common man is now split in two, right down the middle. THE way to God has been opened by Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord.

How can we possibly deny this act of unconditional love? How can we walk away?

How can we live in gratitude and praise Him for Life and Light? Begin today.

In Jesus Name, Amen.

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COMMON ENEMY WHO SAVED THE WORLD

Posted on October 19, 2017 by randscallawayffm

Luke and The Lost

It is sad to say but humans are drawn together by a common enemy. Two very opposing sides in life can come together quickly if both feel threatened by another point of view that affects both of them for any reason. We see it happen in families. We have all heard the phrase “blood is thicker than water”. I have been told by friends in law enforcement that what police dread, most of all, is responding to a domestic dispute call. A man might be harassing and beating on his screaming wife, but when a policeman comes and tries to intervene, both the husband and wife turn on the police officers! Crazy, I know.

Two sisters fight continually until someone at school threatens one of the sisters. Who will fight for their sister? You’ve got it…the other sister. Common enemy.

Competitive businesses will come together and fight for their justice if the town changes laws or raises taxes for both of them. A common enemy brings all together to fight for their “rights” and privileges to make money. Common enemy.

Countries who have completely opposing views and beliefs about how governments should be run come together when another country becomes a threat to them. Common enemy.

Crowds made up of many individuals with different view points about life come together at a huge concert when a shooter decides to spray them with bullets meant to kill. They suddenly and immediately help each other to escape. They help each other seek shelter and bind the wounds of those who are hurt. Suddenly and without forethought, a “family” of sorts is formed and bonded to fight or flight all because of a common enemy.

Jesus becomes the Common Enemy on the road to dying for our sin. Opposing groups come together to mock Him, slap Him around through the night, and mash a crown of thorns on his head to force blood to drip from his brow. The high priests shuttle Him from the High Council chamber to the Governor who takes Him to Herod. When curious and crazy Herod could not get a “show” from Jesus, He was sent back again to Pilate. All three of these leader groups did not like each other. But now they have a common enemy that bonds them together.

In the meantime the crowd outside who praised His entry with palm branches days before, now join with the rest of Jesus’ accusers all because they now have a Common Enemy…or so they think. He died for all of them. They just don’t know it….yet.

Luke 22-23, The Message
Slapping Him Around
63-65 The men in charge of Jesus began poking fun at him, slapping him around. They put a blindfold on him and taunted, “Who hit you that time?” They were having a grand time with him.

66-67 When it was morning, the religious leaders of the people and the high priests and scholars all got together and brought him before their High Council. They said, “Are you the Messiah?”

67-69 He answered, “If I said yes, you wouldn’t believe me. If I asked what you meant by your question, you wouldn’t answer me. So here’s what I have to say: From here on the Son of Man takes his place at God’s right hand, the place of power.”

70 They all said, “So you admit your claim to be the Son of God?”

“You’re the ones who keep saying it,” he said.

71 But they had made up their minds, “Why do we need any more evidence? We’ve all heard him as good as say it himself.”

Luke 23 Pilate

Luke 23

1-2 Then they all took Jesus to Pilate and began to bring up charges against him. They said, “We found this man undermining our law and order, forbidding taxes to be paid to Caesar, setting himself up as Messiah-King.”

3 Pilate asked him, “Is this true that you’re ‘King of the Jews’?”

“Those are your words, not mine,” Jesus replied.

4 Pilate told the high priests and the accompanying crowd, “I find nothing wrong here. He seems harmless enough to me.”

5 But they were vehement. “He’s stirring up unrest among the people with his teaching, disturbing the peace everywhere, starting in Galilee and now all through Judea. He’s a dangerous man, endangering the peace.”

6-7 When Pilate heard that, he asked, “So, he’s a Galilean?” Realizing that he properly came under Herod’s jurisdiction, he passed the buck to Herod, who just happened to be in Jerusalem for a few days.

8-10 Herod was delighted when Jesus showed up. He had wanted for a long time to see him, he’d heard so much about him. He hoped to see him do something spectacular. He peppered him with questions. Jesus didn’t answer—not one word. But the high priests and religion scholars were right there, saying their piece, strident and shrill in their accusations.

11-12 Mightily offended, Herod turned on Jesus. His soldiers joined in, taunting and jeering. Then they dressed him up in an elaborate king costume and sent him back to Pilate. That day Herod and Pilate became thick as thieves. Always before they had kept their distance.

13-16 Then Pilate called in the high priests, rulers, and the others and said, “You brought this man to me as a disturber of the peace. I examined him in front of all of you and found there was nothing to your charge. And neither did Herod, for he has sent him back here with a clean bill of health. It’s clear that he’s done nothing wrong, let alone anything deserving death. I’m going to warn him to watch his step and let him go.”

18-20 At that, the crowd went wild: “Kill him! Give us Barabbas!” (Barabbas had been thrown in prison for starting a riot in the city and for murder.) Pilate still wanted to let Jesus go, and so spoke out again.

21 But they kept shouting back, “Crucify! Crucify him!”

22 He tried a third time. “But for what crime? I’ve found nothing in him deserving death. I’m going to warn him to watch his step and let him go.”

23-25 But they kept at it, a shouting mob, demanding that he be crucified. And finally they shouted him down. Pilate caved in and gave them what they wanted. He released the man thrown in prison for rioting and murder, and gave them Jesus to do whatever they wanted.

Think about it…
–Pilate caved because of the crowd. Do we cave when pressed by the crowd?
–Coming together for the common good should be done with wisdom and foresight. The common good might not be of God.

Dear Heavenly Father, 
My heart is overwhelmed with the price you paid for my soul and all others. There are no other words to say how grateful I am, so listen to my heart. You are the “common enemy” of all that is evil who laid down your life so we can be saved and see God again. Thank you, just thank you for you have done, are doing and will do.
In Jesus Name, Amen

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THE LOOK

Posted on October 18, 2017 by randscallawayffm

Luke and The Lost

Overtime and experience teachers develop “the look” that can change behavior situations in an instant. If the teacher is well respected then all it takes is “the look” to get a class to settle down. A well developed “look” can also help an individual student confess to a crime without using any words. We just look at them until guilt takes over and they tell the truth.

Parents also develop “the look” without thinking about it. Their kids know by “the look” when they have crossed the line. The look for me comes from wanting the best for each person. I can’t seem to stop “the look”. What is it about “the look” from someone you love and admire that will stop you in your tracks and help you come to your senses with better thinking and behaving? It’s called unconditional Love.

Jesus had “the look” when he turned to Peter just after the third squawk of the rooster. Peter saw it and melted into a heap of tears of remorse and regret. Peter loved Jesus. Jesus loved Peter. This was not the end of their relationship.

We all make stupid mistakes and fail in our decision making of best choices. We feel “the look” from our Lord spiritually who helps us to stop, confess to ourselves and others we have offended and repent to our Lord. Then we get back up again, because of forgiveness set in place for us from Jesus Christ our Savior and keep moving forward. Sometimes we win, sometimes we learn. (Most times we learn.)

Luke 22, The Message
A Rooster Crowed
54-56 Arresting Jesus, they marched him off and took him into the house of the Chief Priest. Peter followed, but at a safe distance. In the middle of the courtyard some people had started a fire and were sitting around it, trying to keep warm. One of the serving maids sitting at the fire noticed him, then took a second look and said, “This man was with him!”

57 He denied it, “Woman, I don’t even know him.”

58 A short time later, someone else noticed him and said, “You’re one of them.”

But Peter denied it: “Man, I am not.”

59 About an hour later, someone else spoke up, really adamant: “He’s got to have been with him! He’s got ‘Galilean’ written all over him.”

60-62 Peter said, “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about.” At that very moment, the last word hardly off his lips, a rooster crowed. Just then, the Master turned and looked at Peter. Peter remembered what the Master had said to him: “Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” He went out and cried and cried and cried.

Luke 22 Peter the rock

Something to think about…
–Peter could have rationalized his actions to Jesus by saying, “I lied so I could stay close to you.” But he didn’t.
–Jesus understood Peter’s heart and knew his mind, that’s why He predicted what would happen before it happened. Peter remembered.
–Jesus knows our hearts and what’s in our minds and forgives us and loves us when we confess to ourselves and repent to Him.
–Mistakes and shortcomings do not change the love Jesus has for us.
–Repent as soon as you feel the look of the Savior. Turn and go the opposite direction. His best is what He wants for us.
–There is nothing we have done, are doing and will do that God will not forgive…to be remembered no more!
–Forgiveness is complete because of the love of Jesus Christ and His work on the Cross.
–Jesus forgives Peter. Relationship restored and made better. That’s how it is with Jesus…our relationship grows and gets better every day. Why? Because we begin to realize the depth of God’s love day by day and love Him back with more intimacy and intensity.

Dear Heavenly Father. 
Thank you for “the look” from your Holy Spirit that convicts us to stop destructive behavior and thinking and pulls us back to a more full and intimate relationship with You. I love you with all my heart, mind and soul. Thank you for Your love to us. Continue to work with me, but be gentle. All my trust, hope and salvation is in You.
In Jesus Name, Amen

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AS HE SO OFTEN DID

Posted on October 17, 2017 by randscallawayffm
Luke and The Lost
 
I grew up surrounded by praying people. My parents relied on God’s wisdom in decision making. Our church gathered at the altar when making decisions about anything concerning God’s work. When it came time to relocate and build a bigger church across town, we were at the altar. I recall going to the altar even when the color of brick for the new building was being decided. The whole congregation was involved in praying…about everything!
 
In the summertime, I would stay overnight with my grandparents on their farm numerous times. I would have lived there if my parents would have agreed. Staying with Grandpa and Grandma Lacquement meant following their traditions and habits. They had a nightly habit of Bible reading and on your knees praying. This was not a quick Bible story and a hurried “good night, Lord”, you could describe this session in today’s terms as an all out Bible Study.
 
One particular evening I remember coming from Wednesday night “Prayer Meeting” at church to go with them to their home. I was putting my things in the guest room when I was called in for Bible reading. As an older child by then, I decided to ask, with trepidation, because I loved and respected my grandparents greatly, with “We just had Bible Study at church…why…”. Grandpa gave me a passionate “look” that I will never forget. I put down my childishness and picked up my Bible. I never questioned him again. He suggested I pray out loud first that night. I am smiling thinking of this moment. There was no fear in this moment, only love for God who I saw in my Grandpa. I was drawn to God because of Grandpa’s insistence and discipline of prayer and respect for God who gave us all we have.
 
Prayer and reading God’s Word every night on the farm was not just a ritual, it was a necessity to stay in constant communication with God. As a mature adult, I realize that this discipline gave Grandpa and Grandma Lacquement the wisdom, unconditional love, compassion, and even the twinkle in their eyes that I so admired. Maybe that’s why I am compelled to rise every morning to talk with God through Jesus with the guidance of His Holy Spirit and then read His Word and comment in this blog so others will know Him.
 
Where did this love in our hearts for communicating with God come from? It comes from Jesus’ example. He was in constant communication with God about EVERY detail of His mission and purpose. Jesus expressed to all those around Him, “I say what the Father tells me to say. I do what the Father tells me to do.” The first line of our passage prompted memories of Grandpa because of the words, “He (Jesus) went, as he so often did, to Mount Olives. He went there often to pray. He taught His disciples to pray. He prayed for them and for us! He prayed for help and strength and He got it. He prayed passionately for the “cup” of responsibility to be removed quickly followed by “But please, not what I want. What do YOU want?”
 
Jesus’ last instruction to his disciples about prayer was, “Get up. Pray so you won’t give in to temptations.” This is way we pray unceasingly with conviction and passion. It is so easy to get too busy to pray. That’s when evil presses in on all sides. I don’t know what your habits are for communication with God, it doesn’t matter how you do it, just do it. Try to leave “feelings” out of the equation. Pray because Jesus taught us to pray. Pray because we love Him and want to thank Him for what He did for us. Pray for direction. Pray for the lost.
 
Luke 22 pray
Luke 22, The Message
A Dark Night
39-40 Leaving there, he went, as he so often did, to Mount Olives. The disciples followed him. When they arrived at the place, he said, “Pray that you don’t give in to temptation.”
 
41-44 He pulled away from them about a stone’s throw, knelt down, and prayed, “Father, remove this cup from me. But please, not what I want. What do you want?” At once an angel from heaven was at his side, strengthening him. He prayed on all the harder. Sweat, wrung from him like drops of blood, poured off his face.
 
45-46 He got up from prayer, went back to the disciples and found them asleep, drugged by grief. He said, “What business do you have sleeping? Get up. Pray so you won’t give in to temptation.”
 
47-48 No sooner were the words out of his mouth than a crowd showed up, Judas, the one from the Twelve, in the lead. He came right up to Jesus to kiss him. Jesus said, “Judas, you would betray the Son of Man with a kiss?”
 
49-50 When those with him saw what was happening, they said, “Master, shall we fight?” One of them took a swing at the Chief Priest’s servant and cut off his right ear.
 
51 Jesus said, “Let them be. Even in this.” Then, touching the servant’s ear, he healed him.
 
52-53 Jesus spoke to those who had come—high priests, Temple police, religion leaders: “What is this, jumping me with swords and clubs as if I were a dangerous criminal? Day after day I’ve been with you in the Temple and you’ve not so much as lifted a hand against me. But do it your way—it’s a dark night, a dark hour.”
 
What do we learn?
–Pray often as Jesus did.
–Pray as if our lives depended on it.
 
Dear Heavenly Father,
Hallowed is Your Name. May Your Kingdom come and dwell in us and all around us. May Your Will be done in every detail on earth in our lives as it is in heaven. Give us this day all we need to see You, stay focused on You and see Your glory and praise You. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Defeat the evil one who lies in wait. Rescue us. Be our strength and our song all day long and into the night. We will not stop giving you praise and glory forevermore.
In Jesus Name, Amen. I believe.
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