Daily Manna (Coffee with Jesus)

JESUS, IN THE MIDDLE OF IT ALL

Posted on August 20, 2015 by randscallawayffm

John…on Love

Today, I have no personal stories to engage you. I only have Jesus who IS the story of life everlasting. Jesus is in the middle of all the action that day before the Sabbath. He is crucified on a cross in the middle of two thieves. And if that wasn’t enough torture, was stabbed in the side to bring a quick end to his life on earth. However, HE had already given up life as He said, “It is finished” and went to the middle of hell and back again taking all our sins with Him. He paid it all.

“My chains are gone
I’ve been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy reigns
Unending love, amazing grace”

His clothes were thrown into the middle of looters who gambled for His seemless, weaved cloak of fabric that covered Him. Prophets said this would happen.

In the middle of the action, Pilate orders a sign to be hung, in three languages, so all could read, “The King of the Jews.” The religious protest to the end, that is NOT their king.

In the middle of gasping for air, Jesus remembers His mother and gives her over to John to care for her.

In the middle of it all, is Jesus, earthly life drained, with onlookers staring “at the one they pierced.”

John 19, The Message
The Crucifixion
They took Jesus away. Carrying his cross, Jesus went out to the place called Skull Hill (the name in Hebrew is Golgotha), where they crucified him, and with him two others, one on each side, Jesus in the middle. Pilate wrote a sign and had it placed on the cross. It read:

Jesus the Nazarene
The king of the Jews.

20-21 Many of the Jews read the sign because the place where Jesus was crucified was right next to the city. It was written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek. The Jewish high priests objected. “Don’t write,” they said to Pilate, “‘The King of the Jews.’ Make it, ‘This man said, “I am the King of the Jews.”’”

22 Pilate said, “What I’ve written, I’ve written.”

23-24 When they crucified him, the Roman soldiers took his clothes and divided them up four ways, to each soldier a fourth. But his robe was seamless, a single piece of weaving, so they said to each other, “Let’s not tear it up. Let’s throw dice to see who gets it.” This confirmed the Scripture that said, “They divided up my clothes among them and threw dice for my coat.” (The soldiers validated the Scriptures!)

24-27 While the soldiers were looking after themselves, Jesus’ mother, his aunt, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene stood at the foot of the cross. Jesus saw his mother and the disciple he loved standing near her. He said to his mother, “Woman, here is your son.” Then to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that moment the disciple accepted her as his own mother.

28 Jesus, seeing that everything had been completed so that the Scripture record might also be complete, then said, “I’m thirsty.”

29-30 A jug of sour wine was standing by. Someone put a sponge soaked with the wine on a javelin and lifted it to his mouth. After he took the wine, Jesus said, “It’s done . . . complete.” Bowing his head, he offered up his spirit.

31-34 Then the Jews, since it was the day of Sabbath preparation, and so the bodies wouldn’t stay on the crosses over the Sabbath (it was a high holy day that year), petitioned Pilate that their legs be broken to speed death, and the bodies taken down. So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first man crucified with Jesus, and then the other. When they got to Jesus, they saw that he was already dead, so they didn’t break his legs. One of the soldiers stabbed him in the side with his spear. Blood and water gushed out.

35 The eyewitness to these things has presented an accurate report. He saw it himself and is telling the truth so that you, also, will believe.

36-37 These things that happened confirmed the Scripture, “Not a bone in his body was broken,” and the other Scripture that reads, “They will stare at the one they pierced.”

Thought for reflection…is Jesus in the middle of all I am and do?
Is Jesus at the center of my life, guiding and directing all my thoughts and actions?

“Jesus at the center of it all
Jesus at the center of it all
From beginning to the end
It will always be, it’s always been You Jesus
Jesus

Nothing else matters, nothing in this world will do
Jesus You’re the center, and everything revolves around You
Jesus You”

So Jesus be the center of my life
Jesus be the center of my life
From beginning to the end
It will always be, it’s always been You Jesus
Oh Jesus

Nothing else matters, nothing in this world will do
Jesus You’re the center, and everything revolves around You
Jesus You

From my heart to the Heavens
Jesus be the center
It’s all about You
Yes it’s all about You”

In Jesus Name, I pray, Amen. I believe.

Posted in Christian Living, Christian Perspective, Faith, insight, ministry, Prayer, Salvation, Teaching, Training, Truth, Unconditional love, wisdom | Tagged Attitude, Bible, Bible devotional, Bible Lessons, Bible Study, Blessings, Christian Education, Christian life, Christian Living, Comfort, Depression, devotion, devotional, Discernment, Discipleship, encouragement, Faith, Family, Finding Focus, Finding Focus Ministries, Focus, Forgiveness, Freedom, God, God's Grace, God's love, God's Presence, God's will, Grace, Guidance, Healing, Holy Spirit, Hope, Insight, inspiration, Integrity, Jesus, Jesus as LORD, Jesus Christ, joy, Leadership, LIfe, Love, Love God, Love of God, Love Others, manna, Peace, Perfect Love, perspective, Praise and Worship, prayer, Psalm 119, Relationship, Relationships, repentance, Sacrifice, Salvation, Spiritual Growth and Formation, Truth, Unconditional Love | Leave a comment

YOU DO IT! NO, YOU DO IT!

Posted on August 19, 2015 by randscallawayffm

John…on Love

As a teacher I refer often to the behavior of kids on the playground for that is what I know well. When a daring adventuresome act is conjured up in the minds of creative kids, a vote is then taken on who is going to actually be the one who does it. Whatever it is. When we hear, “YOU do it!”, quickly followed by others who shout, “NO, YOU do it!” “I’m not going to do it.” It’s time as a teacher to intervene and stop them from getting hurt or maimed by doing IT.

The next episode in John of the act of who will give the order for Jesus to die is much the same. It’s childish behavior when you read it. It’s sounds like a political debate (also childish at times) we see so often in the media these days. NO ONE wants to take the blame, but everyone decides that Jesus is to die. YOU do it. No, YOU do it. Crucify Him.

In all of this we must know and realize this Truth: Jesus was in control the entire time. He had the power to stop the action. He had the power to call down help from heaven to stop the slaps on His face, the crown of thorns crammed on His head until blood ran down His human face, the mocking and spitting, the words to calm the crowd…but He didn’t. He loved us that much. He loved his accusers that much. He knew what He had to do, was sent from God to do and He was going to go through it all, the worst from of execution invented by the Romans, for you and for me, to pay for our sin. God sent His Son so that we would be redeemed.

John 19, The Message
19 1-3 So Pilate took Jesus and had him whipped. The soldiers, having braided a crown from thorns, set it on his head, threw a purple robe over him, and approached him with, “Hail, King of the Jews!” Then they greeted him with slaps in the face.

4-5 Pilate went back out again and said to them, “I present him to you, but I want you to know that I do not find him guilty of any crime.” Just then Jesus came out wearing the thorn crown and purple robe.

Pilate announced, “Here he is: the Man.”

6 When the high priests and police saw him, they shouted in a frenzy, “Crucify! Crucify!”

Pilate told them, “You take him. You crucify him. I find nothing wrong with him.”

7 The Jews answered, “We have a law, and by that law he must die because he claimed to be the Son of God.”

8-9 When Pilate heard this, he became even more scared. He went back into the palace and said to Jesus, “Where did you come from?”

Jesus gave no answer.

10 Pilate said, “You won’t talk? Don’t you know that I have the authority to pardon you, and the authority to—crucify you?”

11 Jesus said, “You haven’t a shred of authority over me except what has been given you from heaven. That’s why the one who betrayed me to you has committed a far greater fault.”

12 At this, Pilate tried his best to pardon him, but the Jews shouted him down: “If you pardon this man, you’re no friend of Caesar’s. Anyone setting himself up as ‘king’ defies Caesar.”

13-14 When Pilate heard those words, he led Jesus outside. He sat down at the judgment seat in the area designated Stone Court (in Hebrew, Gabbatha). It was the preparation day for Passover. The hour was noon. Pilate said to the Jews, “Here is your king.”

15 They shouted back, “Kill him! Kill him! Crucify him!”

Pilate said, “I am to crucify your king?”

The high priests answered, “We have no king except Caesar.”

16-19 Pilate caved in to their demand. He turned him over to be crucified.

So, now, after meditating, as we read this slowly, and breathe in what our Savior did for us. How can we not follow Him as LORD of our lives? Now, exhale all the bitterness, negative thoughts and worldview thinking. Refreshed? I am.

All our current situations, circumstances, our heartaches and disappointments pale in comparison to what our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ did for us.

Dear Heavenly Father, Forgive us when our focus is more on our circumstances on less on You. Thank you for saving our souls. Thank you for saving us from ourselves and our own destructive behaviors. Lead us not into those temptations, deliver us from all evil. In Jesus Name, Amen

Posted in Christian Living, Christian Perspective, Faith, insight, marriage, ministry, Prayer, Salvation, Teaching, Training, Truth, Unconditional love, wisdom | Tagged Attitude, Bible, Bible devotional, Bible Lessons, Bible Study, Blessings, Christian Education, Christian life, Christian Living, Comfort, Creation, Depression, devotion, devotional, Discernment, Discipleship, encouragement, Faith, Family, Finding Focus, Finding Focus Ministries, Focus, Forgiveness, Freedom, God, God's Grace, God's love, God's Presence, God's will, God's Word, Grace, Guidance, Healing, Holy Spirit, Hope, Insight, inspiration, Integrity, Jesus, Jesus as LORD, Jesus Christ, joy, Leadership, LIfe, Love, Love God, Love of God, Love Others, manna, Mercy, Peace, Perfect Love, perspective, Praise and Worship, prayer, Psalm 119, Relationship, Relationships, repentance, Romans 12, Sacrifice, Salvation, Small Group Bible Studies, Small Group Bible Study, Small Group Study, Small Groups, Spiritual growth, Spiritual Growth and Formation, Truth, Unconditional Love | Leave a comment

NOT THE WORLD’S KIND OF KING…

Posted on August 18, 2015 by randscallawayffm

John…on Love

We try really hard, it seems, to fit Jesus, the Son and God, the Father into a box with lines and corners, confined to a small space of occupation in our minds. Everyone, at times, puts these limitations on our limitless God who created all things just by speaking it into existence. How thoughtless of us.

We were born into a corrupt world that thinks and acts differently than Jesus. Leadership, in the world’s view is having all your ducks in a row, then shooting them down if necessary to get the job done of whatever goal they were trying accomplish to look good, feel good and be on top.

Worldview leadership is defined as being bold, taking no prisoners, lying if necessary, being cunning, slick and crafty, able to put a “spin” on all information so that they come out ahead and, again, look good and right to those they are trying to lead. Worldview leaders seek power, not for the good of the people, but for themselves. If something is accomplished and a few benefit, then all the better and that is publicized to the max!…No matter that it brought others down to make it happen.

Do you and I limit God by trying to define Him, put Him into our perspective, have a “place” for Him in our hearts without Him having our WHOLE heart, mind and soul? Mm. This is what I am meditating about as we read the next passage I would like to call, “Not the World’s Kind of King”…the very words Jesus spoke as He is being accused for being the perfect sacrifice for our sin.

John, The Message
28-29 They led Jesus then from Caiaphas to the Roman governor’s palace. It was early morning. They themselves didn’t enter the palace because they didn’t want to be disqualified from eating the Passover. So Pilate came out to them and spoke. “What charge do you bring against this man?”

30 They said, “If he hadn’t been doing something evil, do you think we’d be here bothering you?”

31-32 Pilate said, “You take him. Judge him by your law.”

The Jews said, “We’re not allowed to kill anyone.” (This would confirm Jesus’ word indicating the way he would die.)

33 Pilate went back into the palace and called for Jesus. He said, “Are you the ‘King of the Jews’?”

34 Jesus answered, “Are you saying this on your own, or did others tell you this about me?”

35 Pilate said, “Do I look like a Jew? Your people and your high priests turned you over to me. What did you do?”

36 “My kingdom,” said Jesus, “doesn’t consist of what you see around you. If it did, my followers would fight so that I wouldn’t be handed over to the Jews. But I’m not that kind of king, not the world’s kind of king.”

37 Then Pilate said, “So, are you a king or not?”

Jesus answered, “You tell me. Because I am King, I was born and entered the world so that I could witness to the truth. Everyone who cares for truth, who has any feeling for the truth, recognizes my voice.”

38-39 Pilate said, “What is truth?”

Then he went back out to the Jews and told them, “I find nothing wrong in this man. It’s your custom that I pardon one prisoner at Passover. Do you want me to pardon the ‘King of the Jews’?”

40 They shouted back, “Not this one, but Barabbas!” Barabbas was a Jewish freedom fighter.

The religious leaders tried to define Him. The world leaders try to define Him. Then they rejected Him because they could not.

We still try to define Him today. We do not define God. He defines us!

Dear Heavenly Father, Help us to understand that it truly is NOT about us. It’s about You. Your Word is all about You! YOU are GOD, Jehovah…and we are not. Give us wisdom, insight and understanding along with your gift of peace to know we will never know all about You but we can still love You with all our heart, mind and soul. I give You me, all of me. You do not just have a place in my heart, you have the run of my whole heart. Thank you for not being the world’s kind of king, but being our LORD of lords and KING of kings forevermore.
In Jesus Name, Amen

Posted in Christian Living, Christian Perspective, Faith, insight, marriage, ministry, Prayer, Salvation, Teaching, Training, Truth, Unconditional love, wisdom | Tagged Attitude, Bible, Bible devotional, Bible Lessons, Bible Study, Blessings, Christian Education, Christian life, Christian Living, Comfort, Creation, Depression, devotion, devotional, Discernment, Discipleship, encouragement, Evil, Faith, Family, Finding Focus, Finding Focus Ministries, Focus, Forgiveness, Freedom, God, God's Grace, God's love, God's Presence, God's will, Grace, Guidance, Healing, Holy Spirit, Hope, Insight, inspiration, Integrity, Jesus, Jesus as LORD, Jesus Christ, joy, Leadership, LIfe, Love, Love God, Love of God, Love Others, manna, Maturity, Mercy, Miracles, Peace, Perfect Love, perspective, Praise and Worship, Relationship, Relationships, repentance, Romans 12, Sacrifice, Salvation, Small Group Bible Studies, Small Group Bible Study, Small Group Study, Small Groups, spiritual formation, Spiritual growth, Spiritual Growth and Formation, Spiritual guidance, Teaching, Truth, Unconditional Love, Youth Ministry | Leave a comment

NOT ME!

Posted on August 17, 2015 by randscallawayffm

John…on Love

As the playground teacher on duty, this scenario happens many times. You see a couple of kids doing something suspicious, so you begin your walk over to them. Before you get there, a crowd of kids begin to gather to see what’s up. By the time you get there, arguments ensue of blaming each other for causing the teacher to come over. The funny thing is they really think we don’t know what is going on when we have watched the whole thing happen. Silly kids. The first words overheard by the teacher are, “NOT ME!” “It wasn’t me!” “I didn’t….” NO, not me!”

As Jesus is being interrogated, does He hear Peter, say, “Not me!”? Probably.

John 18, The Message

12-14 Then the Roman soldiers under their commander, joined by the Jewish police, seized Jesus and tied him up. They took him first to Annas, father-in-law of Caiaphas. Caiaphas was the Chief Priest that year. It was Caiaphas who had advised the Jews that it was to their advantage that one man die for the people.

15-16 Simon Peter and another disciple followed Jesus. That other disciple was known to the Chief Priest, and so he went in with Jesus to the Chief Priest’s courtyard. Peter had to stay outside. Then the other disciple went out, spoke to the doorkeeper, and got Peter in.

17 The young woman who was the doorkeeper said to Peter, “Aren’t you one of this man’s disciples?”

He said, “No, I’m not.”

18 The servants and police had made a fire because of the cold and were huddled there warming themselves. Peter stood with them, trying to get warm.

The Interrogation
19-21 Annas interrogated Jesus regarding his disciples and his teaching. Jesus answered, “I’ve spoken openly in public. I’ve taught regularly in meeting places and the Temple, where the Jews all come together. Everything has been out in the open. I’ve said nothing in secret. So why are you treating me like a conspirator? Question those who have been listening to me. They know well what I have said. My teachings have all been aboveboard.”

22 When he said this, one of the policemen standing there slapped Jesus across the face, saying, “How dare you speak to the Chief Priest like that!”

23 Jesus replied, “If I’ve said something wrong, prove it. But if I’ve spoken the plain truth, why this slapping around?”

24 Then Annas sent him, still tied up, to the Chief Priest Caiaphas.

25 Meanwhile, Simon Peter was back at the fire, still trying to get warm. The others there said to him, “Aren’t you one of his disciples?”

He denied it, “Not me.”

26 One of the Chief Priest’s servants, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, said, “Didn’t I see you in the garden with him?”

27 Again, Peter denied it. Just then a rooster crowed.

Jesus steps up in the garden and says, It’s me. And later Peter says, “Not me.” The Divine steps up to complete the mission. The human cowers in fear. The human denies he knows the Divine but later is forgiven and used to build the church of God. Wow.

Thoughts…
–Where am I? Am I still denying Jesus at times when I am too scared to speak up for what is right, holy and good?
–Where am I? Do I sing songs of worship on Sunday and then hide by the fire in the world, compromising everything I say I believe on Monday?
–Do I say, “not me…just live and let live”? Oh, dear Lord, help us.

Hope and Encouragement: Peter denied he knew Christ. Peter was forgiven and then given a mighty work to stand up for Jesus and build His church. Wow! There is nothing God won’t forgive in our lives. We are everything to Him. He is everything to us. What worth and value we are to Him who saves us!

Dear Heavenly Father, Give us boldness by the Power of Your Holy Spirit living in and through us to stand and say, It’s me who believes in Jesus Christ, who paid the debt for our sins. It’s me who loves You with all that is within me. My desire is to be all You intended for me to be, nothing less! May they know we are Yours by Your love in us. In Jesus Name, Amen

Posted in Christian Living, Christian Perspective, Faith, insight, marriage, ministry, Prayer, Salvation, Teaching, Training, Truth, Unconditional love, wisdom | Tagged Attitude, Bible, Bible devotional, Bible Lessons, Bible Study, Blessings, Christian Education, Christian life, Christian Living, Depression, devotion, devotional, Discernment, Discipleship, encouragement, Faith, Family, Finding Focus, Finding Focus Ministries, Focus, Forgiveness, Freedom, God, God's Grace, God's love, God's Presence, God's will, God's Word, Grace, Guidance, Healing, Holy Spirit, Hope, Insight, inspiration, Integrity, Jesus, Jesus as LORD, Jesus Christ, joy, Leadership, LIfe, Love, Love God, Love of God, Love Others, manna, Marriage, Maturity, Mercy, Peace, Perfect Love, perspective, Praise and Worship, prayer, Psalm 119, Relationship, Relationships, repentance, Rest, Romans 12, Sacrifice, Salvation, Small Group Bible Studies, Small Group Bible Study, Small Group Study, Small Groups, spiritual formation, Spiritual growth, Spiritual Growth and Formation, Spiritual guidance, Teaching, Transformation, Truth | Leave a comment

DETERMINATION

Posted on August 16, 2015 by randscallawayffm

John…on Love

There are many kinds of people. There are four kinds of leadership personality styles which overlap in many different ways. Have you ever been involved in a committee meeting where a new idea was presented? Have you ever just sat for a bit to watch the different personality styles emerge, one by one, as people get deeper and more intense into the discussion? I am a people watcher, therefore, I am fascinated by the way people, God’s created people, problem solve.

One might say, “I see it, let’s just do it…immediately. There’s no time to waste!”

Another might say, “Does anyone else want coffee or donuts? I can get some more.” And if we do this I know who to call to make it happen by the way, because I know quite a few people…and let’s celebrate with a party when we do, oooh, I can plan that party!”

Yet another might say, “Now, wait a minute, have we done the research to see if this is the right thing to do? Is it possible? Has it been proven elsewhere? How much is this going to cost? Do you have a spread sheet so we can analyze this before we just jump in?” Is this change really necessary?

And finally, the last to speak up, while straightening all his pens and pads of paper filled with notes in perfect columns with headers, says, “Unless we can justify every cost, come up with the perfect plan, in a perfect place, I’m perfectly aware that I cannot support this.”

There is a problem in today’s passage as we approach the completion of Jesus’ mission on earth. Jesus is being arrested, fulfilling Scripture. Peter, bless his heart, reacts. He jumps to action without consulting Jesus or anyone else. With the above information, who is Peter? I will let you decide, but more importantly, what does Jesus tell Peter and how important is that to us?

John 18, The Message
10 Just then Simon Peter, who was carrying a sword, pulled it from its sheath and struck the Chief Priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. Malchus was the servant’s name.

11 Jesus ordered Peter, “Put back your sword. Do you think for a minute I’m not going to drink this cup the Father gave me?”

It’s interesting the John tattles on Peter in his retelling of this incident of the gospel. John, the beloved, also includes the order given Peter…”Do you think for a minute I’m not going to drink this cup”…fulfill what the prophets said?…do what the Father sent me to do?…I must lay down my life for you, Peter…and for the rest of the sinful world.

Wow. Think about it. Peter reacted. Jesus performed once last act of physical healing to protect what might have been done to Peter had he not, protecting His own, from themselves. Peter, the “rock” that Jesus will build his church upon, reacts. Peter will later deny Him, but Jesus will die and rise again for Him, look into his eyes, forgive Him completely and send Peter out to seek and to save lost people. Circle completed. There are so many thoughts here. These are just a few. Glean, for yourself, from this short portion of Scripture that speaks volumes to us.

Thoughts to ponder:
–Do we react to situations without having “a little talk with Jesus” (sorry, a favorite old gospel song)?
–Do we know our message, our enemy, ourselves and our audience well so that we make the most of opportunities to declare His glory?
–We need to pray to see others through Jesus’ eyes, learn to appreciate their created style and work with all four, overlapping personality styles.
–There is nothing wrong with anyone’s style. We are just different and we need to appreciate each other for that difference.
–It’s takes all four styles to accomplish Kingdom goals in the most excellent way or God would not of wired us this way.

AND think for a moment…Jesus “drank the cup”, died and rose again…for you. For me. For all who will believe and accept Him as Savior and Lord. Wow.

Dear Heavenly Father, There is so much here that it took me a day to let all these thoughts simmer a bit in my mind. There is still more to think about and learn, as always. For now, I am grateful for Your salvation, Your leaving glory, to lay down Your life for us. Continue to teach us, be with us and help us to focus on You, see others with Your reflection of light in their eyes and learn to work with each other in the most excellent way…with unconditional love for You and each other. In Jesus Name, Amen

Posted in Christian Living, Christian Perspective, Faith, insight, marriage, ministry, Prayer, Salvation, Teaching, Training, Truth, Unconditional love, wisdom | Tagged Attitude, Bible, Bible devotional, Bible Lessons, Bible Study, Blessings, Christian Education, Christian life, Christian Living, Comfort, Depression, devotion, Discernment, Discipleship, encouragement, Evil, Faith, Family, Finding Focus, Finding Focus Ministries, Focus, Forgiveness, Freedom, God, God's Grace, God's love, God's Presence, God's will, God's Word, Grace, Guidance, Healing, Holy Spirit, Hope, Insight, inspiration, Integrity, Jesus, Jesus as LORD, Jesus Christ, joy, Leadership, LIfe, Love, Love God, Love of God, Love Others, manna, Marriage, Maturity, Mercy, Miracles, Peace, Perfect Love, perspective, Praise and Worship, Psalm 119, Relationship, Relationships, repentance, Romans 12, Sacrifice, Salvation, Small Group Bible Studies, Small Group Bible Study, Small Group Study, Small Groups, spiritual formation, Spiritual growth, Spiritual Growth and Formation, Spiritual guidance, Teaching, Transformation, Truth, Unconditional Love, Understanding, Wisdom, Worship | Leave a comment

THERE WAS A GARDEN, HE ENTERED IT…

Posted on August 14, 2015 by randscallawayffm

John…on Love

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son…” We know the rest, we memorized it as children who grew up in Christian homes and went to Sunday School. It is the first verse of the Bible we were told and led to memorize for some sort of reward.

Later in life we began to understand why “God so loved the world that He gave”…It was a mission of mercy and grace to provide a way back to Him. God came down from heaven through Jesus, His Son to make a way, through the darkness and silence of over 400 years previously of not hearing from Him, to reconcile and redeem His people. The curtain that blocked us from Him had to be torn in two, taken down forever by this act of sacrificial love of giving His Son in place of our sin.

Jesus prayed for His disciples (and us) in the preceding chapter, now he carries out God’s Plan, every detail, according to Scripture. He enters the garden…

John 18, The Message
18 Jesus, having prayed this prayer, left with his disciples and crossed over the brook Kidron at a place where there was a garden. He and his disciples entered it.

2-4 Judas, his betrayer, knew the place because Jesus and his disciples went there often. So Judas led the way to the garden, and the Roman soldiers and police sent by the high priests and Pharisees followed. They arrived there with lanterns and torches and swords. Jesus, knowing by now everything that was coming down on him, went out and met them. He said, “Who are you after?”

They answered, “Jesus the Nazarene.”

5-6 He said, “That’s me.” The soldiers recoiled, totally taken aback. Judas, his betrayer, stood out like a sore thumb.

7 Jesus asked again, “Who are you after?”

They answered, “Jesus the Nazarene.”

8-9 “I told you,” said Jesus, “that’s me. I’m the one. So if it’s me you’re after, let these others go.” (This validated the words in his prayer, “I didn’t lose one of those you gave.”)

Thoughts to consider:
*Jesus prayed before doing anything of significance. Do we? Do we ask for God’s will to be done, not our will?
*Jesus prayed often.
*Being prepared through prayer, Jesus does what He is assigned to do.
*Jesus protects all those who have stayed with Him. He steps up to declare, “that’s me. I’m the one.” Mm.
*What kind of love is this? God’s love for us.

I am reminded of Paul’s declaration, “I want to know Christ!” and we all cheer those words for ourselves, but many of us do not read or slide over the rest of that verse, “and share in his sufferings.” Jesus prayed, obeyed, and sacrificed for us. He laid down His life for us so that we may live eternally with Him.

” I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, 11 so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead!” Philippians 3:10, NLT

Want to be like Jesus? Be ready, pray, be prepared, obey and live sacrificially, laying down our own interests and comforts, wo that we might know Christ! Wow, there is more here to think about, isn’t there?

Are you a believer? When the world asks be ready to boldly step forward and declare, “Yes, it’s me, I’m that person.”

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for loving us in ways that are hard to wrap our human minds around. That you would lay down your life for me is hard for me to take in. For you to go through the betrayal, hate and suffering makes me crumble in a humbled heap. But then You lift me up to higher ground, ready to face the world today with renewed hope. Help me to extend the love, mercy and grace you have given to me. In Jesus Name, Amen

Posted in Christian Living, Christian Perspective, Faith, insight, marriage, ministry, Prayer, Salvation, Teaching, Training, Truth, Unconditional love, wisdom | Tagged Attitude, Bible, Bible devotional, Bible Lessons, Bible Study, Blessings, Christian Education, Christian life, Christian Living, Comfort, devotion, devotional, Discernment, Discipleship, encouragement, Faith, Family, Finding Focus, Finding Focus Ministries, Focus, Forgiveness, Freedom, God, God's Grace, God's love, God's Presence, God's will, God's Word, Grace, Guidance, Healing, Holy Spirit, Hope, Insight, inspiration, Integrity, Jesus, Jesus as LORD, Jesus Christ, joy, Leadership, LIfe, Love, Love God, Love of God, Love Others, manna, Marriage, Maturity, Mercy, Miracles, Paul, Peace, Perfect Love, perspective, Praise and Worship, prayer, Psalm 119, Psalms, Relationship, Relationships, repentance, Rest, Romans 12, Sacrifice, Salvation, Small Group Bible Studies, Small Group Bible Study, Small Group Study, Small Groups, spiritual formation, Spiritual growth, Spiritual Growth and Formation, Spiritual guidance, Teaching, Truth, Unconditional Love | Leave a comment

OUR LORD’S PRAYER FOR US…

Posted on August 13, 2015 by randscallawayffm

John…on Love

Because my grandmas loved me, they prayed for me. No, really, consistently prayed for me. And I needed it as a young adult. (Still do!) Back in the day, before we were married, Randy and I commuted to the university each day together. We were always late so we drove a little faster than we should have to get to classes on time….to put it mildly. We drove old Corvairs, (some of you won’t even know what kind of car that is!) that barely held themselves together. They didn’t take much gas but used a ton of oil. Sometimes we would have to jump start them to be able to come back home! Without the prayers of my grandparents back then, I would hate to think what could have happened to us. We had many near misses, but God’s protection (specifically asked for), kept us safe.

Years later, I am even more grateful for those prayers. They are with Jesus celebrating. But, those passionate prayer warriors spur me to pray for my grandchildren…and children in the same ways.

As we come to the next passage, we are overwhelmed again at the thought that our Savior and Lord passionately prayed to God, our Father about us! He prays for his disciples but also prays for “those to come”. He knew then we would need Him, His prayers and His guidance. Be encouraged as we read Jesus prayer for us…as if you were reading it for the first time…

John 17, The Message
Jesus’ Prayer for His Followers
17 1-5 Jesus said these things. Then, raising his eyes in prayer, he said:

Father, it’s time.
Display the bright splendor of your Son
So the Son in turn may show your bright splendor.
You put him in charge of everything human
So he might give real and eternal life to all in his charge.
And this is the real and eternal life:
That they know you,
The one and only true God,
And Jesus Christ, whom you sent.
I glorified you on earth
By completing down to the last detail
What you assigned me to do.
And now, Father, glorify me with your very own splendor,
The very splendor I had in your presence
Before there was a world.

6-12 I spelled out your character in detail
To the men and women you gave me.
They were yours in the first place;
Then you gave them to me,
And they have now done what you said.
They know now, beyond the shadow of a doubt,
That everything you gave me is firsthand from you,
For the message you gave me, I gave them;
And they took it, and were convinced
That I came from you.
They believed that you sent me.
I pray for them.

I’m not praying for the God-rejecting world
But for those you gave me,
For they are yours by right.
Everything mine is yours, and yours mine,
And my life is on display in them.
For I’m no longer going to be visible in the world;
They’ll continue in the world
While I return to you.
Holy Father, guard them as they pursue this life
That you conferred as a gift through me,
So they can be one heart and mind
As we are one heart and mind.
As long as I was with them, I guarded them
In the pursuit of the life you gave through me;
I even posted a night watch.
And not one of them got away,
Except for the rebel bent on destruction
(the exception that proved the rule of Scripture).

13-19 Now I’m returning to you.
I’m saying these things in the world’s hearing
So my people can experience
My joy completed in them.
I gave them your word;
The godless world hated them because of it,
Because they didn’t join the world’s ways,
Just as I didn’t join the world’s ways.
I’m not asking that you take them out of the world
But that you guard them from the Evil One.
They are no more defined by the world
Than I am defined by the world.
Make them holy—consecrated—with the truth;
Your word is consecrating truth.
In the same way that you gave me a mission in the world,
I give them a mission in the world.
I’m consecrating myself for their sakes
So they’ll be truth-consecrated in their mission.

20-23 I’m praying not only for them
But also for those who will believe in me
Because of them and their witness about me.
The goal is for all of them to become one heart and mind—
Just as you, Father, are in me and I in you,
So they might be one heart and mind with us.
Then the world might believe that you, in fact, sent me.
The same glory you gave me, I gave them,
So they’ll be as unified and together as we are—
I in them and you in me.
Then they’ll be mature in this oneness,
And give the godless world evidence
That you’ve sent me and loved them
In the same way you’ve loved me.

24-26 Father, I want those you gave me
To be with me, right where I am,
So they can see my glory, the splendor you gave me,
Having loved me
Long before there ever was a world.
Righteous Father, the world has never known you,
But I have known you, and these disciples know
That you sent me on this mission.
I have made your very being known to them—
Who you are and what you do—
And continue to make it known,
So that your love for me
Might be in them
Exactly as I am in them.

JOY made complete through Jesus Christ. He lives in us and we in Him. Why would we not trust Him? I don’t know.

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for loving us this much and more, beyond our wildest imaginations! Thank you for the joy of our salvation. Thank you for your prayer for us that teaches us how important we are to you. You give us worth and value. The world does not. Continue to be with us.
In Jesus Name, Amen. I believe.

Posted in Christian Living, Christian Perspective, Faith, insight, marriage, ministry, Prayer, Salvation, Teaching, Training, Truth, Unconditional love, wisdom | Tagged Attitude, Bible, Bible devotional, Bible Lessons, Bible Study, Blessings, Christian Education, Christian life, Christian Living, Comfort, Depression, devotion, devotional, Discernment, Discipleship, encouragement, Faith, Family, Finding Focus, Finding Focus Ministries, Focus, Forgiveness, Freedom, God, God's Grace, God's love, God's Presence, God's will, God's Word, Grace, Guidance, Holy Spirit, Hope, Insight, inspiration, Integrity, Jesus, Jesus as LORD, Jesus Christ, joy, Leadership, LIfe, Love, Love God, Love of God, Love Others, Peace, Perfect Love, perspective, Praise and Worship, Salvation, Small Groups, Spiritual Growth and Formation, Transformation, Truth, Unconditional Love, Understanding, Wisdom, Worship | Leave a comment

GET READY! BE READY!

Posted on August 11, 2015 by randscallawayffm

John…on Love

At this time of year, many are getting those they love more than themselves, more than life itself, ready to face another school year…in the world. They have sheltered them long enough, now they will go back into the crowd with the rest of the world. Are they ready, you are probably thinking, to face what is ahead of them?

Those who are sending their kids off to live at a college somewhere are wondering, did I teach them enough to make it in this world of differences, unholy cultures and ways, mixing in with those who do not love Jesus and keep His commandments? Or you are thinking simplistically, Did I teach them the importance of being clean by taking a shower EVERY day? Did they hear me when I said brushing your teeth is not just about good health, it’s doing those around you a favor by not smelling your breath? Many random thoughts go through our heads as parents when we get our kids ready to embark on this journey called life.

The better question is, WHO will go with them?

Jesus spent three years getting his band of followers ready to go, ready to be without Him physically, but with a new Friend, comforter, guide and most of all a constant companion to those who stick with Him and the mission ahead. The following passage prepares them to be ready with Truth of what they will face. It is a good reminder for us.

John 16, The Message

16 1-4 “I’ve told you these things to prepare you for rough times ahead. They are going to throw you out of the meeting places. There will even come a time when anyone who kills you will think he’s doing God a favor. They will do these things because they never really understood the Father. I’ve told you these things so that when the time comes and they start in on you, you’ll be well-warned and ready for them.

The Friend Will Come
4-7 “I didn’t tell you this earlier because I was with you every day. But now I am on my way to the One who sent me. Not one of you has asked, ‘Where are you going?’ Instead, the longer I’ve talked, the sadder you’ve become. So let me say it again, this truth: It’s better for you that I leave. If I don’t leave, the Friend won’t come. But if I go, I’ll send him to you.

8-11 “When he comes, he’ll expose the error of the godless world’s view of sin, righteousness, and judgment: He’ll show them that their refusal to believe in me is their basic sin; that righteousness comes from above, where I am with the Father, out of their sight and control; that judgment takes place as the ruler of this godless world is brought to trial and convicted.

12-15 “I still have many things to tell you, but you can’t handle them now. But when the Friend comes, the Spirit of the Truth, he will take you by the hand and guide you into all the truth there is. He won’t draw attention to himself, but will make sense out of what is about to happen and, indeed, out of all that I have done and said. He will honor me; he will take from me and deliver it to you. Everything the Father has is also mine. That is why I’ve said, ‘He takes from me and delivers to you.’

16 “In a day or so you’re not going to see me, but then in another day or so you will see me.”

Are your kids ready to go to school with the power of the Holy Spirit, their constant companion, living in them to guide and direct them, to give them wisdom, insight and understanding, with the power to be a difference in the world they will navigate this school year? WHO will go with them?

Dear Heavenly Father, Our hearts are overwhelmed with love and compassion for our kids, grandkids, nieces and nephews, and all their friends who will begin this school year. Our pray is that YOU will go with them, guide them, keep them close to You, with wisdom to face trouble and conquer it. I pray that they will know You, know Your Truth, know their enemy and be ready to face whatever comes their way with courage and confidence because of You in them. I pray that for all of us who will teach, drive them to school, serve them a meal or clean the classrooms when they leave each day to support them in the most excellent way…with Your Love in our hearts for them. Go with us, Emmanuel. May Your Spirit lead us. May we listen well. In Jesus Name, Amen

Posted in Christian Living, Christian Perspective, Faith, insight, marriage, ministry, Prayer, Salvation, Teaching, Training, Truth, Unconditional love, wisdom | Tagged Attitude, Bible, Bible devotional, Bible Lessons, Bible Study, Blessings, Christian Education, Christian life, Christian Living, Comfort, Depression, devotion, devotional, Discernment, Discipleship, encouragement, Faith, Family, Finding Focus, Finding Focus Ministries, Forgiveness, Freedom, God, God's Grace, God's love, God's Presence, God's will, God's Word, Grace, Guidance, Healing, Holy Spirit, Hope, Insight, inspiration, Integrity, Jesus, Jesus as LORD, Jesus Christ, joy, Leadership, LIfe, Love, Love God, Love of God, Love Others, manna, Maturity, Mercy, Peace, Perfect Love, perspective, Praise and Worship, prayer, Psalm 119, Relationship, Relationships, repentance, Romans 12, Sacrifice, Salvation, Small Group Bible Studies, Small Group Bible Study, Small Group Study, Small Groups, spiritual formation, Spiritual growth, Spiritual Growth and Formation, Spiritual guidance, Teaching, Truth, Unconditional Love, Understanding, Wisdom, Worship | Leave a comment

HATE

Posted on August 10, 2015 by randscallawayffm

John…on Love

“Be in the world”, says Jesus, “but not of the world”. God began this mantra in His Law given to Moses. “Love the Lord Your God with all Your heart, mind and soul”, Jesus repeats this Law as the first and greatest commandment from God. The second greatest commandment, not suggestion, is like the first, Jesus says, “Love your neighbor”, not like the world loves but like I have loved you. Unconditionally.

Now Jesus explains in John’s next passage that this is so counter culture, that you can count on the world hating you back for loving Him with all your heart, mind and soul. Without God the world doesn’t know love because they don’t know God. Count on it, says Jesus. Shocking, but true…let’s read on…

John 15, The Message
Hated by the World
18-19 “If you find the godless world is hating you, remember it got its start hating me. If you lived on the world’s terms, the world would love you as one of its own. But since I picked you to live on God’s terms and no longer on the world’s terms, the world is going to hate you.

20 “When that happens, remember this: Servants don’t get better treatment than their masters. If they beat on me, they will certainly beat on you. If they did what I told them, they will do what you tell them.

21-25 “They are going to do all these things to you because of the way they treated me, because they don’t know the One who sent me. If I hadn’t come and told them all this in plain language, it wouldn’t be so bad. As it is, they have no excuse. Hate me, hate my Father—it’s all the same. If I hadn’t done what I have done among them, works no one has ever done, they wouldn’t be to blame. But they saw the God-signs and hated anyway, both me and my Father. Interesting—they have verified the truth of their own Scriptures where it is written, ‘They hated me for no good reason.’

26-27 “When the Friend I plan to send you from the Father comes—the Spirit of Truth issuing from the Father—he will confirm everything about me. You, too, from your side must give your confirming evidence, since you are in this with me from the start.”

Jesus is giving the disciples (and us) a big dose of reality, isn’t He? Can you imagine for a moment looking in on this conversation, this teachable moment, and see the wide-eyed followers listening to Jesus talk about hate after living with him in love, watching His examples of unconditional daily love for them and others? There IS a difference between what the world says and what Jesus says to be Truth. Bear that in mind. To avoid trouble and hate, we sometimes become more compromising and worst of all, complacent , like “frogs in the kettle”, as Barna put it years ago in his essay about how we are warming up to the world’s idea of living out our lives versus what Jesus taught.

Love God. Love Others. With all that is within us. The world will hate us for that for the prince of darkness is the enemy who lurks to destroy us. But who wins in the end of our days? Jesus, the King of kings and Lord of lords. The victor over death and the grave.

“I’ve told you these things to prepare you for rough times ahead….” –Jesus

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for reminding us that the troubles we experience are sometimes closely related to our love for You. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit that affirms and confirms Your Truth by pointing out the difference in what the world thinks and what You say. Thank you for giving us strength to overcome and be different. Thank you for going ahead of us in this battle for Truth. Every. Day. Continue to be with us. Thank you for picking us up when we fall. In Jesus Name, Amen. I believe.

Posted in Christian Living, Christian Perspective, Faith, insight, ministry, Prayer, Salvation, Teaching, Training, Truth, Unconditional love, wisdom | Tagged Attitude, Bible, Bible devotional, Bible Lessons, Bible Study, Blessings, Christian Education, Christian life, Christian Living, Comfort, Depression, devotion, devotional, Discernment, Discipleship, encouragement, Faith, Family, Finding Focus, Finding Focus Ministries, Focus, Forgiveness, Freedom, God, God's Grace, God's love, God's Presence, God's will, God's Word, Grace, Guidance, Healing, Holy Spirit, Hope, Insight, inspiration, Integrity, Jesus, Jesus as LORD, Jesus Christ, joy, Leadership, LIfe, Love, Love God, Love of God, Love Others, manna, Maturity, Mercy, Peace, Perfect Love, perspective, Praise and Worship, Relationship, Relationships, repentance, Rest, Romans 12, Sacrifice, Salvation, Small Group Bible Studies, Truth | Leave a comment

Daily Manna (Coffee with Jesus)

JESUS, IN THE MIDDLE OF IT ALL

YOU DO IT! NO, YOU DO IT!

NOT THE WORLD’S KIND OF KING…

NOT ME!

DETERMINATION

THERE WAS A GARDEN, HE ENTERED IT…

OUR LORD’S PRAYER FOR US…

MORE QUESTIONS? TRUST ME!

GET READY! BE READY!

HATE

Archives

Meta

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Archives

Meta