“THAT’S THE MESSAGE!”

Posted on January 15, 2015 by randscallawayffm

The Story of Jesus

We come the end of the story of Jesus on earth, according to Matthew, with great praise, joy and worship of our God Who performs the final act of victory. All irony is put down as foolishness. It is even amusing to read how God’s angel not only easily rolled away a stone so heavy it took many men to move it into place in front of the tomb where the body was laid three days earlier, but then sat on it. With lightening flashing, clothes shimmering, the angel sat on the enormous stone that was even sealed to keep the Savior inside. God’s angel had to be smiling.

It is also encouraging to me as a woman, to know the first to know about the empty tomb were the Marys who were devoted, who followed Jesus and kept watch over their Savior. It also makes me laugh a little to know God knows His creation of women and built in a communication/relational system that easily wants to go and tell! To begin with women…a no-brainer!

The Romans guards were scared to death, but the Marys listened the angel say, There is nothing to fear…Jesus is not here. He is risen, just as he said he would…go quickly, tell the others! “THAT IS THE MESSAGE!” How exciting it is just to read, imagine that day and think of THIS day the Lord has made and THE MESSAGE of go quickly and tell is still relevant, still our message to tell, Jesus Christ has risen indeed! God’s plan of bringing us back to Himself through the sacrifice of Jesus, His Perfect Son is complete. It’s not just for us. Go and tell!

Matthew 28, The Message

Risen from the Dead
28 1-4 After the Sabbath, as the first light of the new week dawned, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to keep vigil at the tomb. Suddenly the earth reeled and rocked under their feet as God’s angel came down from heaven, came right up to where they were standing. He rolled back the stone and then sat on it. Shafts of lightning blazed from him. His garments shimmered snow-white. The guards at the tomb were scared to death. They were so frightened, they couldn’t move.

5-6 The angel spoke to the women: “There is nothing to fear here. I know you’re looking for Jesus, the One they nailed to the cross. He is not here. He was raised, just as he said. Come and look at the place where he was placed.

7 “Now, get on your way quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He is risen from the dead. He is going on ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there.’ That’s the message.”

8-10 The women, deep in wonder and full of joy, lost no time in leaving the tomb. They ran to tell the disciples. Then Jesus met them, stopping them in their tracks. “Good morning!” he said. They fell to their knees, embraced his feet, and worshiped him. Jesus said, “You’re holding on to me for dear life! Don’t be frightened like that. Go tell my brothers that they are to go to Galilee, and that I’ll meet them there.”

11-15 Meanwhile, the guards had scattered, but a few of them went into the city and told the high priests everything that had happened. They called a meeting of the religious leaders and came up with a plan: They took a large sum of money and gave it to the soldiers, bribing them to say, “His disciples came in the night and stole the body while we were sleeping.” They assured them, “If the governor hears about your sleeping on duty, we will make sure you don’t get blamed.” The soldiers took the bribe and did as they were told. That story, cooked up in the Jewish High Council, is still going around.

16-17 Meanwhile, the eleven disciples were on their way to Galilee, headed for the mountain Jesus had set for their reunion. The moment they saw him they worshiped him. Some, though, held back, not sure about worship, about risking themselves totally.

18-20 Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: “God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.”

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Dear Heavenly Father, Your Word excites and challenges us to go and tell in a new way with a new heart! Every time we read these words we are reminded Who we know and what we must go quickly and tell the others seeking. We pray for “others” who need to know you, too. We think of family and friends, of coworkers and acquaintances, of even our enemies and we pray for words and opportunity, led by Your Holy Spirit to tell…for THAT’S THE MESSAGE…We love you because you first loved us. Thank you, Lord. In Jesus Name, Amen! I believe.

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WHAT IRONY!

Posted on January 14, 2015 by randscallawayffm

The Story of Jesus

“Look at me when I’m talking to you!…Don’t look at me that way!” These are the words that actually come from the mouths of frustrated parents from generations preceding us and probably for generations to come. What irony. We laugh to ourselves at what we say sometimes.

I think of the irony of words and thoughts as I read the next passage in Matthew’s account of the story of Jesus. His accusers, the high priests and Pharisees, have gotten their way. Jesus has been crucified on a cross. He is dead. (For now.) Instead of being satisfied with their success to get rid of the Person attempting to steal their thunder, they remember what Jesus said. Irony. They actually remember what Jesus said. They are afraid his words might come true…this rising from the dead stuff…afraid his disciples will steal the body and say he is not dead…so they ask Pilate, the Roman governor for one more favor. Irony.

Matthew 27, The Message
The Tomb
57-61 Late in the afternoon a wealthy man from Arimathea, a disciple of Jesus, arrived. His name was Joseph. He went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. Pilate granted his request. Joseph took the body and wrapped it in clean linens, put it in his own tomb, a new tomb only recently cut into the rock, and rolled a large stone across the entrance. Then he went off. But Mary Magdalene and the other Mary stayed, sitting in plain view of the tomb.

62-64 After sundown, the high priests and Pharisees arranged a meeting with Pilate. They said, “Sir, we just remembered what that liar announced while he was still alive, ‘After three days I will be raised.’ We’ve got to get that tomb sealed until the third day. There’s a good chance his disciples will come and steal the corpse and then go around saying, ‘He’s risen from the dead.’ Then we’ll be worse off than before, the final deceit surpassing the first.”

65-66 Pilate told them, “You will have a guard. Go ahead and secure it the best you can.” So they went out and secured the tomb, sealing the stone and posting guards.

Do you see the it? What irony to think they could stop the power of God in raising up His Son from the grave! What irony to think that the God who created the rocks and mountains could be stopped by sealing the tomb in which our Jesus, God’s Son was laid! What irony to think these powerless people in the eyes of God could stop God’s plan to save a lost world! What irony to think Jesus’ disciples, who ran away from the scene of the crime, would come back a steal the body of the One they grieved so greatly! And Pilate…mere human guards? To think that sealing the tomb and posting guards will stop the resurrection of Jesus the Christ? What irony!

Jesus told them what would happen. Scripture, hundreds of years before, told them what would happen. And all was fulfilled. All of it. God’s plan to bring lost people, like sheep without a shepherd, back to himself, through the sacrifice of His Son, the Lamb of God, was fulfilled.

Low in the grave He lay,
Jesus, my Savior,
Waiting the coming day,
Jesus, my Lord!

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Dear Heavenly Father, We are amazed at the scene of irony that overwhelms this situation. While Jesus followers are grieving, the religious leaders still work to put You down for good. Wow, what irony to think they could stop You, Almighty God, the God of Creation and Life itself! We repent of all the ways we might try to hinder Your plan for our lives and the lives of others by our foolish talk and deeds. What irony there, too. Your plan will not be stopped. You are the Victor! Every time. Don’t allow us to get in the way, ever. We want to work with You not against You.
In Jesus Name, Amen

Up from the grave He arose,
With a mighty triumph o’er His foes,
He arose a Victor from the dark domain,
And He lives forever, with His saints to reign.
He arose! He arose!
Hallelujah! Christ arose!

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THE END OF OUR DEBT

Posted on January 13, 2015 by randscallawayffm

The Story of Jesus

There are times in life when everyone faces a time of mocking or at the very least, a time when comments made about you and how you do things are negative. How does that feel? It hurts, doesn’t it. Why does this happen? Why are kids and grownups so cruel to each other? We are human and humans sin. Nobody likes everybody. Sad, but true.

Jesus knows how you feel when you are mocked and made fun of for what you wear, who you are or for just walking the face of this earth. He knows your heart. He knows the heart of our mockers. He went through much worse for us so our debt of all our sin could be paid in full. Read this next passage slowly, gratefully and carefully…

Matthew, The Message

The Crucifixion
27-31 The soldiers assigned to the governor took Jesus into the governor’s palace and got the entire brigade together for some fun. They stripped him and dressed him in a red toga. They plaited a crown from branches of a thornbush and set it on his head. They put a stick in his right hand for a scepter. Then they knelt before him in mocking reverence: “Bravo, King of the Jews!” they said. “Bravo!” Then they spit on him and hit him on the head with the stick. When they had had their fun, they took off the toga and put his own clothes back on him. Then they proceeded out to the crucifixion.

32-34 Along the way they came on a man from Cyrene named Simon and made him carry Jesus’ cross. Arriving at Golgotha, the place they call “Skull Hill,” they offered him a mild painkiller (a mixture of wine and myrrh), but when he tasted it he wouldn’t drink it.

35-40 After they had finished nailing him to the cross and were waiting for him to die, they whiled away the time by throwing dice for his clothes. Above his head they had posted the criminal charge against him: this is Jesus, the king of the Jews. Along with him, they also crucified two criminals, one to his right, the other to his left. People passing along the road jeered, shaking their heads in mock lament: “You bragged that you could tear down the Temple and then rebuild it in three days—so show us your stuff! Save yourself! If you’re really God’s Son, come down from that cross!”

41-44 The high priests, along with the religion scholars and leaders, were right there mixing it up with the rest of them, having a great time poking fun at him: “He saved others—he can’t save himself! King of Israel, is he? Then let him get down from that cross. We’ll all become believers then! He was so sure of God—well, let him rescue his ‘Son’ now—if he wants him! He did claim to be God’s Son, didn’t he?” Even the two criminals crucified next to him joined in the mockery.

45-46 From noon to three, the whole earth was dark. Around midafternoon Jesus groaned out of the depths, crying loudly, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?”

47-49 Some bystanders who heard him said, “He’s calling for Elijah.” One of them ran and got a sponge soaked in sour wine and lifted it on a stick so he could drink. The others joked, “Don’t be in such a hurry. Let’s see if Elijah comes and saves him.”

50 But Jesus, again crying out loudly, breathed his last.

51-53 At that moment, the Temple curtain was ripped in two, top to bottom. There was an earthquake, and rocks were split in pieces. What’s more, tombs were opened up, and many bodies of believers asleep in their graves were raised. (After Jesus’ resurrection, they left the tombs, entered the holy city, and appeared to many.)

54 The captain of the guard and those with him, when they saw the earthquake and everything else that was happening, were scared to death. They said, “This has to be the Son of God!”

55-56 There were also quite a few women watching from a distance, women who had followed Jesus from Galilee in order to serve him. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of the Zebedee brothers.

Matthew spares us the gruesome details of the Romans way of total humiliation and extreme agony of nailing flesh to a cross. He just can’t seem to bring himself to that point. Even those of us who have studied the “Roman way” of keeping people in line, still cannot imagine the depth of Jesus pain in the process of paying our debt of sin.

There is nothing that on this earth that will happen to you that Jesus has not gone through for you. Whatever your facing now, He faces it with you in this imperfect world. He knows, cares, and unconditionally loves you. He loves your enemies, too. He longs for all people to come back to God through the blood that was shed for all. Knowing this changes us, transforms us. It causes us to pray for our enemies in a new way.

Again, we ask, What will we do with Jesus? Are WE mockers? I pray not…

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Dear Heavenly Father, The depth of your love is too great for our small minds to imagine, but we try. We drawn closer and closer to you when we stop and think about what you have done for us. We believe. I believe and I want you to know, I love you back. But you know that already. Wow, what peace to know you and walk with you. May others see You in us and be drawn back to You.

Father, today I want to avoid the sin that often entangles me, and I desire to see clearly the righteous acts that You would have me to do. I pray that you would strengthen my faith as I focus on You, and that You would give me the wisdom to align my priorities properly. I want my heart to be in sync with Your heart, so help me to sow righteousness in all that I do today! In the strong Name of Jesus, I pray! Amen.

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WHAT DO WE DO WITH JESUS?

Posted on January 12, 2015 by randscallawayffm

The Story of Jesus

The scuttlebutt at the workplace is about the person who will not enter into debate about anything. They just keep doing their work and stay out of conversations that lead to opinions about right and wrong.

There is that one family member who walks to the beat of a different drummer but who seems to have a kind heart IF we pay attention. But it is more fun to make fun of them.

We can do all the right things and still be criticized. So we fight back by criticizing others to take the attention from ourselves.

There is a way to “get the prize” in a contest of sorts, but it will mean compromising our integrity a bit to attain it.

We have the means to defeat our opponent but it would not be a fair fight if we followed that path. AND we would not accomplish the ultimate mission we professed we believed.

Life stuff. Stuff we deal with every day. What do we do? What do we do as followers of Christ? What do we do with Jesus? This was the question asked by Pilate. Maybe it is a question that must begin each day’s thought process as we walk with Jesus, the Christ, the proclaimed LORD of our lives. What do we do with Jesus as we set our priorities for the day? What do we do with Jesus in every decision we must make for today? Who is in control?

Matthew 27, The Message

Pilate
11 Jesus was placed before the governor, who questioned him: “Are you the ‘King of the Jews’?”

Jesus said, “If you say so.”

12-14 But when the accusations rained down hot and heavy from the high priests and religious leaders, he said nothing. Pilate asked him, “Do you hear that long list of accusations? Aren’t you going to say something?” Jesus kept silence—not a word from his mouth. The governor was impressed, really impressed.

15-18 It was an old custom during the Feast for the governor to pardon a single prisoner named by the crowd. At the time, they had the infamous Jesus Barabbas in prison. With the crowd before him, Pilate said, “Which prisoner do you want me to pardon: Jesus Barabbas, or Jesus the so-called Christ?” He knew it was through sheer spite that they had turned Jesus over to him.

19 While court was still in session, Pilate’s wife sent him a message: “Don’t get mixed up in judging this noble man. I’ve just been through a long and troubled night because of a dream about him.”

20 Meanwhile, the high priests and religious leaders had talked the crowd into asking for the pardon of Barabbas and the execution of Jesus.

21 The governor asked, “Which of the two do you want me to pardon?”

They said, “Barabbas!”

22 “Then what do I do with Jesus, the so-called Christ?”

They all shouted, “Nail him to a cross!”

23 He objected, “But for what crime?”

But they yelled all the louder, “Nail him to a cross!”

24 When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere and that a riot was imminent, he took a basin of water and washed his hands in full sight of the crowd, saying, “I’m washing my hands of responsibility for this man’s death. From now on, it’s in your hands. You’re judge and jury.”

25 The crowd answered, “We’ll take the blame, we and our children after us.”

26 Then he pardoned Barabbas. But he had Jesus whipped, and then handed over for crucifixion.

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Dear Heavenly Father, The question we must all ask ourselves, is not to be taken lightly. What do I do with Jesus, the Christ, the Lord of my life? We must avoid, at all costs, letting the crowd make that decision for us. Help us stand firm in Jesus. Help us nail down our pride, jealousy, hate, whiny attitudes, indecisiveness, envy to the Cross of Christ. When even one of those sins creeps up and rears it’s ugly head, quickly help us nail it down again. Help us to keep our steps in sync with You. Don’t allow us to let anything or anyone get in the way of a continuous walk with You. Yes, this is what I will do with Jesus. IN JESUS NAME, AMEN.

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WAS IT WORTH IT?

Posted on January 11, 2015 by randscallawayffm

The Story of Jesus

A possible new position opening up is in the air of conversation at the office. Some do not want the extra work that will be required. Some will go for it without thinking of the work but the extra pay that might come with the position. Then there is one who will immediately begin a plan to attack, or I mean do everything to get that job. Everything.

This person wants power. They will sell their souls to get it, no matter who is pushed down through spreading gossip about others who might be more qualified to do the job. They lie on the ground, defeated, in their attack by this person. Collateral damage. The job is not even put up on the board, but this person is pushing and shoving, elbowing everyone who gets in the way, pulling ahead of the pack to achieve this goal of getting more power and prestige.

Was it worth it? There is a saying, “Be careful how you treat people on the way to the top because you will never know who you will meet on the way down.” Is this God’s way of thinking?

This is worldview. Judas fell for worldview. He was used as a pawn to get to Jesus by a powerful religious lot who would do anything to retain their worldly power and prestige. Judas, who wanted power, too, fell for their scheme. He was probably treated well by his manipulators…until the end. When they got what they wanted, they had no use for Judas. It destroyed him. He destroyed himself. Was it worth it?

Matthew 27, The Message
Thirty Silver Coins
27 1-2 In the first light of dawn, all the high priests and religious leaders met and put the finishing touches on their plot to kill Jesus. Then they tied him up and paraded him to Pilate, the governor.

3-4 Judas, the one who betrayed him, realized that Jesus was doomed. Overcome with remorse, he gave back the thirty silver coins to the high priests, saying, “I’ve sinned. I’ve betrayed an innocent man.”

They said, “What do we care? That’s your problem!”

5 Judas threw the silver coins into the Temple and left. Then he went out and hung himself.

6-10 The high priests picked up the silver pieces, but then didn’t know what to do with them. “It wouldn’t be right to give this—a payment for murder!—as an offering in the Temple.” They decided to get rid of it by buying the “Potter’s Field” and use it as a burial place for the homeless. That’s how the field got called “Murder Meadow,” a name that has stuck to this day. Then Jeremiah’s words became history:

They took the thirty silver pieces,
The price of the one priced by some sons of Israel,
And they purchased the potter’s field.
And so they unwittingly followed the divine instructions to the letter.

God knows who will sin. He does not cause sin. It is not in His nature. But he provides a way out of sin. Jesus.

The upside-down kingdom as taught by Jesus Christ is not to plow over everyone in your way to power. It has nothing to do with your power and strength and everything to do with Jesus the Christ, the only way to salvation, to eternal life, to blessings undeserved, to living a life with peace through all kinds of trials. It is not climbing to the top, imagine a triangle with the base at the bottom, that’s worldview.

Now, imagine an upside-down triangle with the base at the top.) You begin with Jesus who saves you. You become co-heirs with HIM! We live life with Jesus, for Jesus and for others. He sends us to tell others, we come alongside others with what we now know about Him, even though we don’t know it all. Jesus enlarges His territory in and through us, spreading out to others, reaching and giving. The base is at the top, with all the people in the world who God loves and who He wants to have in relationship. Jesus came to save a lost world, you and me, with power and might, in an upside down kingdom way. HIS WAY is worth it all!

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Dear Heavenly Father, We love you, we understand how Judas could fall for the promise of power and the gain of money. Evil hits where we are most venerable. Judas loved money more than His Master. Don’t let us fall for these ploys. And help us lift others up and through these same kinds of trials by pointing them always to You and Your upside down kingdom ways. You came to save and to serve. You taught us to love you back with all that is within us and to love and serve others, too. We serve you by serving others. Thank you for your teaching that breathes clean life to the full and refreshes our souls. Continue to teach and guide us. Because we know that in the end, it will be worth it all! In Jesus Name, Amen

And I’m singing…

It will be worth it all when we see Jesus
Life’s trials will seem so small
When we see Christ
One glimpse of His dear face
All sorrow will erase
So, bravely run the race
‘Til we see Christ!

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PETER REMEMBERS

Posted on January 10, 2015 by randscallawayffm

The Story of Jesus

When there is a person in the office who is being bullied in various ways with gossip, poking fun at their ways of doing things, or the way they dress, what do we do? Join in as a way to be cool so we won’t be mocked? Easy way out, right?

When there is a person at church who just came to salvation, but still struggling to stay on the righteous road, do we sigh and give up on them? “Well, I told you he/she wouldn’t last. They don’t know what we know.”

When a person is overwhelmed by life situations, do we walk away so we don’t get overwhelmed in the waves of their “bad luck”? “I’ll pray for you”,,,is all we offer to make us feel better?

Are we the ones being bullied? All these thoughts come to mind as I read the next small portion of the story of Jesus, of His last days on this earth. I understand the power of these words as my heart weeps for Peter, who came close enough to what His Teacher, Jesus, was going through but stayed with the rest of the curious crowd trying desperately to fit in…for his own protection.

Matthew 26, The Message
Denial in the Courtyard
69 All this time, Peter was sitting out in the courtyard. One servant girl came up to him and said, “You were with Jesus the Galilean.”

70 In front of everybody there, he denied it. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

71 As he moved over toward the gate, someone else said to the people there, “This man was with Jesus the Nazarene.”

72 Again he denied it, salting his denial with an oath: “I swear, I never laid eyes on the man.”

73 Shortly after that, some bystanders approached Peter. “You’ve got to be one of them. Your accent gives you away.”

74-75 Then he got really nervous and swore. “I don’t know the man!”

Just then a rooster crowed. Peter remembered what Jesus had said: “Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” He went out and cried and cried and cried.

Peter remembered what Jesus had said about denial just hours earlier. I wonder if flashbacks roar through Peter as he also remembered all the precious moments watching Jesus teach of God’s love, mercy and grace, all the times of healing, the feeding miracles and the time on the mountain seeing Jesus in glorious splendor? Peter probably remembered ALL that Jesus said and did…and he cried. His love for Jesus overwhelms him while fear paralyzes the most often brash and bold Peter. And he cried.

But later, he is forgiven. He becomes the “rock” who builds the church. Wow. What a thought!

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Dear Heavenly Father, Sometimes we cry, too, We are a sinful people for when push comes to shove, we fail sometimes to stand up and come alongside those being bullied or hurt by words of a jeering crowd. Forgive us as you forgave Peter for denying You. Thank you for your salvation. Thank you for the power of Your Holy Spirit living in us to change us, to transform us to be more and more like you with every lesson we learn and remember. Go with us. Be with us in the next opportunity and help us to act wisely, in ways that please you. In Jesus Name, Amen

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ACCUSING PERFECTION

Posted on January 9, 2015 by randscallawayffm

The Story of Jesus

We all know how it hurts, cuts to soul, of who we are when we are accused of behavior that we did not do or even think of doing. There seems to be no defense in those situations, for if someone wants you out, they will do all they can to see it done. If you arrogantly deny loudly, the backlash is more accusations of, “See, I told you so.” If you lower yourself to the level of throwing mud back at your accusers, you become just as dirty as they are. We are not perfect. We make missteps in judgement. The best way to move on, is to humbly be silent at times, and just…move on.

Let the battle belong to the Lord, for HE is perfect and withstood more than we can imagine in our own daily lives of mere disappointments and troubling relationships. Jesus, Our Perfect Example teaches us a powerful lesson today. This lesson is timely for me and brings tears to my eyes that washes over my soul with more love for Jesus than ever before. Read how He handles His accusers, but even more, realize how much He withstood because of His love for us.

Matthew 26, The Message

False Charges
57-58 The gang that had seized Jesus led him before Caiaphas the Chief Priest, where the religion scholars and leaders had assembled. Peter followed at a safe distance until they got to the Chief Priest’s courtyard. Then he slipped in and mingled with the servants, watching to see how things would turn out.

59-60 The high priests, conspiring with the Jewish Council, tried to cook up charges against Jesus in order to sentence him to death. But even though many stepped up, making up one false accusation after another, nothing was believable.

60-61 Finally two men came forward with this: “He said, ‘I can tear down this Temple of God and after three days rebuild it.’”

62 The Chief Priest stood up and said, “What do you have to say to the accusation?”

63 Jesus kept silent.

Then the Chief Priest said, “I command you by the authority of the living God to say if you are the Messiah, the Son of God.”

64 Jesus was curt: “You yourself said it. And that’s not all. Soon you’ll see it for yourself:

The Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Mighty One,
Arriving on the clouds of heaven.”
65-66 At that, the Chief Priest lost his temper, ripping his robes, yelling, “He blasphemed! Why do we need witnesses to accuse him? You all heard him blaspheme! Are you going to stand for such blasphemy?”

They all said, “Death! That seals his death sentence.”

67-68 Then they were spitting in his face and banging him around. They jeered as they slapped him: “Prophesy, Messiah: Who hit you that time?”

He went through all of this, knowing full well Who He was, knowing He had the power to stop it, but didn’t…for you…for me. Amazing love! Unconditional love trumps false charges.

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Dear Heavenly Father, You sent Your Son, a part of You and all You, to save us from ourselves and our accuser. Thank You for Your powerful salvation! Thank you for your amazing, unconditional love, so expansive, so unbelievable at times and yet so evident in our lives every day if we stop and realize it. Today, I realize it. Again.
And I praise you, thank you, and love you back with all my heart, mind and soul. Go with us, still, this day, and help us love each other like you love us…unconditionally. This is harder than it sounds. So we need Your Holy Spirit flowing through us to love even those who don’t love us back. In Jesus Name, Amen

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THE KISS OF DEATH…OR WAS IT?

Posted on January 8, 2015 by randscallawayffm

The Story of Jesus

Why the charade? Who do we think we are fooling? Have you ever told your kids “I have been where you have been and thought what you are now thinking”, “how do you think you could get away with what you are about to do”? WHY the charade? What WERE you thinking? We don’t like it when people play games with us. How do you think Jesus feels when we play games with Him?

Jesus prayed in agony all night long, going to the Father, three times with the same question, “Is there any way out of this? Is this what YOU want?” After the third time, Jesus was at peace, knowing He was doing the will of the Father who sent Him. Scripture must be fulfilled. Jesus came seek and to save lost people then and forever. The final act in His mission is about to take place. It begins with betrayal of a follower and friend.

Judas comes to the Garden of Agonizing Prayer with a customary greeting, “How are you, Rabbi? (not really wanting to know) along with a light kiss on the cheek, as a sign to indicate, “This One”, He is the One” to the religious leaders of that day who wanted to destroy the mission of Jesus.

Matthew 26, The Message

With Swords and Clubs
47-49 The words were barely out of his mouth when Judas (the one from the Twelve) showed up, and with him a gang from the high priests and religious leaders brandishing swords and clubs. The betrayer had worked out a sign with them: “The one I kiss, that’s the one—seize him.” He went straight to Jesus, greeted him, “How are you, Rabbi?” and kissed him.

50-51 Jesus said, “Friend, why this charade?”

Then they came on him—grabbed him and roughed him up. One of those with Jesus pulled his sword and, taking a swing at the Chief Priest’s servant, cut off his ear.

52-54 Jesus said, “Put your sword back where it belongs. All who use swords are destroyed by swords. Don’t you realize that I am able right now to call to my Father, and twelve companies—more, if I want them—of fighting angels would be here, battle-ready? But if I did that, how would the Scriptures come true that say this is the way it has to be?”

55-56 Then Jesus addressed the mob: “What is this—coming out after me with swords and clubs as if I were a dangerous criminal? Day after day I have been sitting in the Temple teaching, and you never so much as lifted a hand against me. You’ve done it this way to confirm and fulfill the prophetic writings.”

Then all the disciples cut and ran.

Was Judas the only betrayer? ALL the disciples “cut and ran”. Scripture is fulfilled. Only Jesus saves. He went through the agony of beating, mocking, betrayal and then ultimately nailed to the cross…for you…for me…for ALL who believe and He went this path alone. He took on the sin of mankind. God, The Father, because of our sin Jesus carried to the cross had to turn away until this sin was conquered and the debt paid. ONLY Jesus, The One and Only, the perfect One who knew no sin, the Lamb of God, could have done this for us.

So, “Why the charade?”, Jesus asks Judas. Sometimes Jesus asks us the same question…”Why the charade?” Truth is the Person of Jesus Christ. We must lay down the games we play as we try to “one up” each other. Love Truth, live Truth. The Truth is in Philippians 2…Jesus made Himself nothing…

New Living Translation:
5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

6 Though he was God,[a]
he did not think of equality with God
as something to cling to.
7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges[b];
he took the humble position of a slave[c]
and was born as a human being.
When he appeared in human form,[d]
8 he humbled himself in obedience to God
and died a criminal’s death on a cross.
9 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor
and gave him the name above all other names,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.

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Dear Heavenly Father, As we read the familiar story of the betrayal kiss of death that ultimately led to our salvation, we are moved to evaluate our lives and remove anything that is “playacting”. We do not want to hear from You, “why the charade?” Help us to live our lives believing and behaving more and more like You, even if it means losing what we think we need to gain more of You in us. Do what you must in us. But be gentle. Help us to develop Your attitude in all things. In Jesus Name, Amen

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FALLING TO PIECES

Posted on January 7, 2015 by randscallawayffm

The Story of Jesus

Falling to pieces. Have you ever been there? Has the world around you and the people you relate to every day ever seemed like everything was coming apart at the seams of what you thought was under control? Better question…is God allowing it to happen so He can work on you? Falling to pieces…where God does his best work…give all the pieces to Him.

I think about the many times I have fallen to pieces. In those times, I was never more closer to God. At the end of your rope, if you look up, you will find God there. Every. Time.

I’m grateful for those moments, not for the pain, but what I truly gained in going through it. God still teaches us today, through the pain, because His Son, part of God, suffered, too. Jesus saw His dear friends fall to pieces under pressure of what was happening to Him, but He was still there, still in control, still holding them up even though they couldn’t even hold their eyes open during His prayer for them.

Matthew 26, The Message

Gethsemane
31-32 Then Jesus told them, “Before the night’s over, you’re going to fall to pieces because of what happens to me. There is a Scripture that says,

I’ll strike the shepherd;
helter-skelter the sheep will be scattered.
But after I am raised up, I, your Shepherd, will go ahead of you, leading the way to Galilee.”

33 Peter broke in, “Even if everyone else falls to pieces on account of you, I won’t.”

34 “Don’t be so sure,” Jesus said. “This very night, before the rooster crows up the dawn, you will deny me three times.”

35 Peter protested, “Even if I had to die with you, I would never deny you.” All the others said the same thing.

36-38 Then Jesus went with them to a garden called Gethsemane and told his disciples, “Stay here while I go over there and pray.” Taking along Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he plunged into an agonizing sorrow. Then he said, “This sorrow is crushing my life out. Stay here and keep vigil with me.”

39 Going a little ahead, he fell on his face, praying, “My Father, if there is any way, get me out of this. But please, not what I want. You, what do you want?”

40-41 When he came back to his disciples, he found them sound asleep. He said to Peter, “Can’t you stick it out with me a single hour? Stay alert; be in prayer so you don’t wander into temptation without even knowing you’re in danger. There is a part of you that is eager, ready for anything in God. But there’s another part that’s as lazy as an old dog sleeping by the fire.”

42 He then left them a second time. Again he prayed, “My Father, if there is no other way than this, drinking this cup to the dregs, I’m ready. Do it your way.”

43-44 When he came back, he again found them sound asleep. They simply couldn’t keep their eyes open. This time he let them sleep on, and went back a third time to pray, going over the same ground one last time.

45-46 When he came back the next time, he said, “Are you going to sleep on and make a night of it? My time is up, the Son of Man is about to be handed over to the hands of sinners. Get up! Let’s get going! My betrayer is here.”

When we experience “falling to pieces”, do we dare pray like Jesus prayed…“My Father, if there is any way, get me out of this. But please, not what I want. You, what do you want?”

REMEMBER…”But after I am raised up, I, your Shepherd, will go ahead of you, leading the way to Galilee.”

I, Your Shepherd, will go ahead of you, leading the way…what a glorious thought to begin this day that the Lord has made!

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Dear Heavenly Father, Lead the way, Your way.
In Jesus Name, Amen

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COMMUNE WITH JESUS

Posted on January 6, 2015 by randscallawayffm

The Story of Jesus

As we read only a small portion today, I am stopped to eat and drink in every word, pausing to realize how much Jesus loves me. He loves you, too. Let us read, meditate, breathe in His Holiness and exhale praise and gratitude for what He did for us. Take a moment…

Matthew 26, The Message

The Bread and the Cup
26-29 During the meal, Jesus took and blessed the bread, broke it, and gave it to his disciples:

Take, eat.
This is my body.
Taking the cup and thanking God, he gave it to them:

Drink this, all of you.
This is my blood,
God’s new covenant poured out for many people
for the forgiveness of sins.

“I’ll not be drinking wine from this cup again until that new day when I’ll drink with you in the kingdom of my Father.”

30 They sang a hymn and went directly to Mount Olives.

communion_elements

Random Thoughts…
*This is the last Passover Meal Jesus will physically share with his friends on earth.
*Judas, the betrayer, is at the table.
*This meal, steeped in tradition for the Jews, is a celebration, a remembrance of being passed over from death and destruction many centuries before in their history as God’s people.
*Jesus, is at the head of table.
*The cup. More than one…Significance Of Passover Cups:

The First Cup
This is regarded as the “cup of sanctification” that represents the first ‘I Will’ of God – his promise to free Israelites off from the slavery under the Egyptians. It is believed that the Messiah lifted the cup to remind people of this promise of God. Every person attending this ritual should focus their attention to the incident when God freed His people, keeping his promise.

The Second Cup
Known as the “cup of judgment”, it is filled with wine and people dip their fingers into the cup making a drop of liquid fall on their saucer for ten times, reducing the fullness of the cup of joy. While dipping fingers people remember the death of Messiah and consider that his blood would spill in Calvary within hours. People drink this cup of wine after going through a section of the Seder and recognize that it was no one else, but God who affected the salvation of the people of Israel.

The Third Cup
Known as “the cup of redemption,” this cup is filled after the supper. It is believed that Messiah lifted this cup and said “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.”

The Fourth Cup
Also known as the “Cup of Praise or Restoration,” it is believed that Messiah said that he would drink this cup of wine in the new kingdom of God and would not take it until then. It is assumed that at wedding feast of the Lamb, Messiah lifted this fourth cup and completed the Seder that began over two thousand years ago in that small room in Israel.

Yes, there is more to this powerful moment in time, with His closest followers, before our Lord was taken to be beaten and nailed to a cross for our sins.

Dear Heavenly Father, Today I want to avoid the sin that often entangles me and I desire to see clearly the righteous acts that You would have me to do. I pray that you would strengthen my faith as I focus on You, and that You would give me the wisdom to align my priorities properly. I want my heart to be in sync with Your heart, so help me to sow righteousness in all that I do today! In the powerful Name of Jesus, I pray! Amen. Yes, I believe.

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