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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IT ISN’T ME, IS IT?

Posted on January 5, 2015 by randscallawayffm

The Story of Jesus

As little children, who do not want to appear guilty when caught in the act, often say, “It wasn’t me!” As a teacher on the playground, all you have to do is look at them, (yes, a good teacher has “the look” perfected), look into their eyes and wait. The next thing the guilty party will say, “Well, everyone else was doing it!” Another look with a well planned pause gets most kids to the confession stage when they finally give in and say, “I’m sorry”. These are the games we play when confronted with what we have done.

Do we do this with Jesus? When His Holy Spirit convicts us with Truth by reading His Word, hearing a sermon, or just His whisper to our hearts, how do we respond? How do deal with it? Can you imagine the look in Jesus eyes as He waits for us to reply with the truth of our sin?

We are coming to Jesus last days on earth. Jesus confronts His betrayer, Judas, who has worked a deal with the locals to have Him arrested. What a reply, “It isn’t me, is it, Master?” What?! This is different than our response as children, but just as ridiculous. Wouldn’t you know if it was you? Mm. Maybe not. We are good at rationalizing our sin and/or denying it’s existence in us altogether.

Matthew 26, The Message

The Traitor
17 On the first of the Days of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and said, “Where do you want us to prepare your Passover meal?”

18-19 He said, “Enter the city. Go up to a certain man and say, ‘The Teacher says, My time is near. I and my disciples plan to celebrate the Passover meal at your house.’” The disciples followed Jesus’ instructions to the letter, and prepared the Passover meal.

20-21 After sunset, he and the Twelve were sitting around the table. During the meal, he said, “I have something hard but important to say to you: One of you is going to hand me over to the conspirators.”

22 They were stunned, and then began to ask, one after another, “It isn’t me, is it, Master?”

23-24 Jesus answered, “The one who hands me over is someone I eat with daily, one who passes me food at the table. In one sense the Son of Man is entering into a way of treachery well-marked by the Scriptures—no surprises here. In another sense that man who turns him in, turns traitor to the Son of Man—better never to have been born than do this!”

25 Then Judas, already turned traitor, said, “It isn’t me, is it, Rabbi?”

Jesus said, “Don’t play games with me, Judas.”

DON’T PLAY GAMES…
I do not read in the gospels where Judas was really sorry for what He did. He was sorry for getting caught, regretful, so much so He killed himself…but he was not remorsefully sorry he did it. By this, I mean, did He ask for forgiveness? I will study this more to really understand Judas. But the fact remains Judas betrayed His Friend, Jesus, who could have been His Savior. He played dishonest games with our Lord right until the end. Would it have changed the outcome, no. But it might have changed the betrayer. Yes, this takes more thought and study!

WHAT ABOUT US?
We must evaluate our lives by daily asking, It isn’t me, is it? Am I playing games with you Jesus? Am I just talking big but walking small? Our pastor challenged us this Sunday with a bigger question and a prayer to pray for every day of this year…Am I in-sync with God, the Father? If things in our lives are not making sense, maybe we are out of sync with what God wants for us. His best.

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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.

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PRECIOUS TIME

Posted on January 4, 2015 by randscallawayffm

The Story of Jesus

We have a habit, tradition or just “way we do things” in Oklahoma where I grew up. Goodbyes can last for another hour or so from the initial, “Well, I guess we better go…”. We all get up and take visitors to the door, walk them out to their vehicle, give hugs all around and talk a bit more in this precious time left before departure. Rule of Thumb? The less you get to see friends and relatives the longer the goodbye takes.

saying-goodbye-quotes-hd-wallpaper-7

However, not everyone does it this way. Some don’t even get up out of their chairs. We think something is terribly wrong with the relationship, if no one walks you out to the beginning of your travel home. We think this time is precious and what you say as you leave important. The last words are what you remember most!

I think of our long, (possibly too long, especially in the minds of kids) goodbyes as I read about the last days of Jesus on earth. I’m considering what He must be thinking as he tries to get His best friends he has walked with all this time, His disciples, to understand what He knows is about to happen. At the end of all His story examples about how to invest wisely in the Kingdom, live life to the full, blessing others by loving everyone, telling them HE is the Way, the Truth and the Life, He now begins his goodbyes.

Also, in the next few paragraphs, betrayal and an act of sacrificial love are presented to us and our emotions run the gamut of anger to weeping. With this dichotomy of thinking it reminds us to evaluate where we are in our own lives. There are only two choices, you know. Are we with Jesus or against Him? No middle ground here.

Matthew 25, The Message

THE BEGINNING OF THE GOODBYE…
26 1-2 When Jesus finished saying these things, he told his disciples, “You know that Passover comes in two days. That’s when the Son of Man will be betrayed and handed over for crucifixion.”

MEANWHILE…
3-5 At that very moment, the party of high priests and religious leaders was meeting in the chambers of the Chief Priest named Caiaphas, conspiring to seize Jesus by stealth and kill him. They agreed that it should not be done during Passover Week. “We don’t want a riot on our hands,” they said.

WRONG FOCUS…
6-9 When Jesus was at Bethany, a guest of Simon the Leper, a woman came up to him as he was eating dinner and anointed him with a bottle of very expensive perfume. When the disciples saw what was happening, they were furious. “That’s criminal! This could have been sold for a lot and the money handed out to the poor.”

PRECIOUS TIME LEFT REVEALS THE HEART
10-13 When Jesus realized what was going on, he intervened. “Why are you giving this woman a hard time? She has just done something wonderfully significant for me. You will have the poor with you every day for the rest of your lives, but not me. When she poured this perfume on my body, what she really did was anoint me for burial. You can be sure that wherever in the whole world the Message is preached, what she has just done is going to be remembered and admired.”

THE BEGINNING OF THE BETRAYAL…AS PREDICTED.
14-16 That is when one of the Twelve, the one named Judas Iscariot, went to the cabal of high priests and said, “What will you give me if I hand him over to you?” They settled on thirty silver pieces. He began looking for just the right moment to hand him over.

Where is our heart focus? Time is precious, no matter how much time we think we have left. Time belongs to God. Only HE knows the time we have left here on earth. He owns every minute whether we choose to give it to Him or not. Choose well…for our own sake.

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you, once again, for revealing Yourself to us through Your Word that proclaims Your unconditional love, mercy and grace for us. We repent of wasted moments of precious time. Help us move on, with an even greater focus of heart, mind and soul for You and for others. Make me a blessing to You by the pouring out of my soul, like a rich perfume, over someone else today. In Jesus Name, Amen

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OLD GOAT OR SUPER SHEEP?

Posted on January 3, 2015 by randscallawayffm

The Story of Jesus

Comedian, Ken Davis, was made famous by his hysterical stories about sheep…at least in my opinion. I still laugh at this monologue today as he tells us “sheep are dumb” and “God, I don’t want to be a sheep, they don’t even run right”. But the Bible says, “all we like sheep…follow the Master.” Sheep go where He goes. Sheep are led to still waters by the Master for they are afraid of rushing water or any water that moves. Maybe Ken was right. Sheep are so afraid that if you try to scare one but jumping from behind a corner and yell, BOO, they literally die of fright.

The reason I relate…my grandpa had sheep…and goats. As a kid, I confess I pestered (Grandpa’s term) the sheep and the goats. Ken is right in his observation of sheep. Between the two, however, Jesus reminds us it is better to be a sheep. Always. Especially when He comes. Listen to His analogy in His story…and be careful who you might call “an old goat”.

Matthew 25, The Message

The Sheep and the Goats
31-33 “When he finally arrives, blazing in beauty and all his angels with him, the Son of Man will take his place on his glorious throne. Then all the nations will be arranged before him and he will sort the people out, much as a shepherd sorts out sheep and goats, putting sheep to his right and goats to his left.

34-36 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Enter, you who are blessed by my Father! Take what’s coming to you in this kingdom. It’s been ready for you since the world’s foundation. And here’s why:

I was hungry and you fed me,
I was thirsty and you gave me a drink,
I was homeless and you gave me a room,
I was shivering and you gave me clothes,
I was sick and you stopped to visit,
I was in prison and you came to me.’

37-40 “Then those ‘sheep’ are going to say, ‘Master, what are you talking about? When did we ever see you hungry and feed you, thirsty and give you a drink? And when did we ever see you sick or in prison and come to you?’ Then the King will say, ‘I’m telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me—you did it to me.’

41-43 “Then he will turn to the ‘goats,’ the ones on his left, and say, ‘Get out, worthless goats! You’re good for nothing but the fires of hell. And why? Because—

I was hungry and you gave me no meal,
I was thirsty and you gave me no drink,
I was homeless and you gave me no bed,
I was shivering and you gave me no clothes,
Sick and in prison, and you never visited.’

44 “Then those ‘goats’ are going to say, ‘Master, what are you talking about? When did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or homeless or shivering or sick or in prison and didn’t help?’

45 “He will answer them, ‘I’m telling the solemn truth: Whenever you failed to do one of these things to someone who was being overlooked or ignored, that was me—you failed to do it to me.’

46 “Then those ‘goats’ will be herded to their eternal doom, but the ‘sheep’ to their eternal reward.”

Maybe sheep who follow their Master aren’t so dumb after all! But the key is to FOLLOW THE MASTER, believing and behaving as He has taught us and be willing to lay down our own interests, like He did, for the sake of others, so they may know the Master and follow, too. If we do this…as Ken Davis says…we become Super Sheep! Ta Da! With all the power to transform our lives coming from the Master who leads us. Don’t be an old goat!

SuperSheep

Dear Heavenly Father, Wow! What a reminder to follow You, no matter what, for all the reasons, you taught us! I’m clinging to the thought that when I do for others, I’m see You in their eyes because I’m doing it for you through them! What a lesson! You are, indeed, the Master, the Shepherd who leads us…and then sorts us out in the end. I want to be a sheep! A Super Sheep!
In Jesus Name, Amen

  1. store.kendavis.com/products/Super-Sheep-DVD-by-Ken-Davis…   Cached

    Get Super Sheep DVD and other hilarious products direct from Ken Davis. Great Christian Comedy for the whole family.
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THE MASTER’S INVESTMENT – US!

Posted on January 2, 2015 by randscallawayffm

The Story of Jesus

Let me begin with the statement that I was taught as a child and that I still believe. You cannot out give God! The Master invests in us by giving us what we need and more, not so we can merely survive in this world but as an investment opportunity and teaching tool to see, given our God-given abilities, how we will invest what He gives us for His Kingdom purposes. How are we doing?

I will never forget…THE INVESTMENT IN ME!
As a child growing up in a small, but vibrant, growing church at the time, we had outgrown our small building. We began a building project with an enormous amount of faith. To raise funds to move forward, everyone present one evening, even children who accepted Christ and wanted to be a part of the process were given an amount of money, according to our abilities to invest it! Yes, just like this story that Jesus taught us. I was still in grade school, 5th grade, to be exact. I was given $2. (That was a lot of money back then in the 60’s!)

With the help of my mom, we went to the store and bought ingredients to make fudge. I made it. Cut it into generous pieces and wrapped each piece in clear wrap so my “customers” could see what they were buying. I put the pieces of fudge in my lunchbox and went off to see how much I could sell. I began with a boy who I knew would “bite” into this project with gusto because I had watched his abilities to eat before in the cafeteria. I knew my clients! God gave me that ability.

I sold each piece for 25 cents. Given the great ooh’s and ah’s review from the first kid’s purchase and consumption, I sold out before the first bell rang to begin class. Yahoo! More than doubled my investment! I ran home to tell mom. She called the pastor, he told me, “Great work, keep it up!” And I did. I made fudge every night it for a month, the time period of the project.

fudge

I don’t recall how much was made and sold, but I do remember the lesson I learned that season of my life. I have carried that attitude with me all this time. You cannot out give God and what He has given to you. You must invest, go out on a limb, take a risk for what is the “risk” really when God is in it?

I still live a pretty child-like, faith-filled simplistic life in some people’s minds. But I adore my Lord and what He shows me each day. Believe me, He is worth it all, through every trial and trouble, He teaches, comforts and says, “Great work, keep it up!” God is the One and Only for Whom His investment in You pays off every time. Every. Time.

NOW THE STORY THAT JESUS TAUGHT

Matthew 25, Message

The Story About Investment
14-18 “It’s also like a man going off on an extended trip. He called his servants together and delegated responsibilities. To one he gave five thousand dollars, to another two thousand, to a third one thousand, depending on their abilities. Then he left. Right off, the first servant went to work and doubled his master’s investment. The second did the same. But the man with the single thousand dug a hole and carefully buried his master’s money.

19-21 “After a long absence, the master of those three servants came back and settled up with them. The one given five thousand dollars showed him how he had doubled his investment. His master commended him: ‘Good work! You did your job well. From now on be my partner.’

22-23 “The servant with the two thousand showed how he also had doubled his master’s investment. His master commended him: ‘Good work! You did your job well. From now on be my partner.’

24-25 “The servant given one thousand said, ‘Master, I know you have high standards and hate careless ways, that you demand the best and make no allowances for error. I was afraid I might disappoint you, so I found a good hiding place and secured your money. Here it is, safe and sound down to the last cent.’

26-27 “The master was furious. ‘That’s a terrible way to live! It’s criminal to live cautiously like that! If you knew I was after the best, why did you do less than the least? The least you could have done would have been to invest the sum with the bankers, where at least I would have gotten a little interest.

28-30 “‘Take the thousand and give it to the one who risked the most. And get rid of this “play-it-safe” who won’t go out on a limb. Throw him out into utter darkness.’

So, I ask the question again, How are we doing?

Dear Heavenly Father, You are incredibly awesome and unbelievably perfect…and I do believe and I cannot deny your power at work in us. You have shown me so many times the power of your love, mercy and grace. You have shown me how to live my life. You have also shown me how to raise up from my failures and missteps and invest again. Thank you for investing Your life for my family, friends and for me. Thank you for giving your life for everyone in the whole world. You gave Your One and Only Son so that we who believe would live with you forever. What an investment in our souls! Continue to teach us and go with us, Emmanuel! In Jesus Name, Amen

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KEEP THE LAMP FED

Posted on January 1, 2015 by randscallawayffm

The Story of Jesus

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“Missed it by that much” said often by one of my favorite characters, in television’s Get Smart episodes and later a good movie. The agent, Maxwell Smart, took pride in being prepared for anything that might happen to a spy of his caliper. However, the bungling spy seemed to miss it, his timing was off and what he wanted to accomplish failed. He was the spy of epic failure. Then there was Agent 99 who came through for him…every time. She knew the right timing. Together they typically won in the end, with her pulling him out of trouble.

Timing is everything.

As we read Jesus’ story of the virgins, we are reminded that we cannot afford to “miss it by that much”. We must “keep the lamp fed”, always prepared for that time when Jesus, our bridegroom, comes to take us, his bride, to our forever home.

Matthew 25, Msg

The Story of the Virgins
25 1-5 “God’s kingdom is like ten young virgins who took oil lamps and went out to greet the bridegroom. Five were silly and five were smart. The silly virgins took lamps, but no extra oil. The smart virgins took jars of oil to feed their lamps. The bridegroom didn’t show up when they expected him, and they all fell asleep.

6 “In the middle of the night someone yelled out, ‘He’s here! The bride-groom’s here! Go out and greet him!’

7-8 “The ten virgins got up and got their lamps ready. The silly virgins said to the smart ones, ‘Our lamps are going out; lend us some of your oil.’

9 “They answered, ‘There might not be enough to go around; go buy your own.’

10 “They did, but while they were out buying oil, the bridegroom arrived. When everyone who was there to greet him had gone into the wedding feast, the door was locked.

11 “Much later, the other virgins, the silly ones, showed up and knocked on the door, saying, ‘Master, we’re here. Let us in.’

12 “He answered, ‘Do I know you? I don’t think I know you.’

13 “So stay alert. You have no idea when he might arrive.

GET SMART-ER!
The smart virgins were prepared for the bridegroom when He came in His time, with enough oil to keep feeding their lamp. I am thinking about this statement and wondering what I’m doing and who I’m being as I keep “feeding my lamp” in the wait time of His arrival? How do I feed my lamp? How do I keep The Light of my lamp shining?

FEEDING OUR LAMP
1. Welcome the Lord into each new day by diving into His Word. Let it soak in. Learn from it. Let it become who we are as we live it, with His help and power working through us. Thank Him.
2. Ask for His cleansing of our soul that went through yesterday’s trials and dirt. Thank Him. (Ps 51:10)
3. Before facing anyone else, come into the Presence of God, looking full into His face. Come away with His Light shining on our face. Thank Him. (Matthew 6:5-13)
4. Bring all of ourselves, our joys and our concerns to the feet of Jesus while kneeling down before him. Then get up and praise Him with outstretched arms. Now THAT is a good early morning exercise! (Romans 12)
5. Cry out for wisdom, insight and understanding so that we can see others that will cross our path, through the eyes of our Lord.
6. Ask for peace and calm to wash over our soul for “this day”. Take one day at a time.
7. Be kind. Be gracious. Live a life of humble gratitude for all He has done in us and will do in the next hour. Just BE with all of Him in You and you in Him. “Be still and know…” (Ps 46:10)

“So stay alert, You have no idea when he might arrive.”

Dear Heavenly Father, Help us. Every hour we need you to help us keep our lamps burning. In Jesus Name and By His Power, Amen.

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THE ARRIVAL

Posted on December 31, 2014 by randscallawayffm

The Story of Jesus

It’s happened more than once to me as I prepare for “big events”. This past summer I was the teacher of students who were going to invent the “perfect” contraption to protect a raw egg as it dropped from the second story of the downtown library. I gathered all the supplies, packed my car and then double checked to make sure I had all the students would need to do this well.

As I lay in bed the night before the event, I went over the teaching lesson one more time. I mentally checked of the list of items. Then it happened! I remembered something I had completely forgotten…THE EGGS! How could I forget the eggs, the most important part of the event? It was the last thing I was going to grab because they were kept in the refrigerator!

All was saved because of my late night mental check. I got up early the next morning and went into the office to grab the most important item…the eggs. All was well. The event was awesome!

Jesus continues HIS story of the most important things to remember when He comes back again. Don’t get hung up in the small stuff of life and forget the most important! Live life knowing He’s coming back for His own! Here’s what to look for and what not to fall for when He comes…

Matthew 24, Msg

The Arrival of the Son of Man
23-25 “If anyone tries to flag you down, calling out, ‘Here’s the Messiah!’ or points, ‘There he is!’ don’t fall for it. Fake Messiahs and lying preachers are going to pop up everywhere. Their impressive credentials and dazzling performances will pull the wool over the eyes of even those who ought to know better. But I’ve given you fair warning.

26-28 “So if they say, ‘Run to the country and see him arrive!’ or, ‘Quick, get downtown, see him come!’ don’t give them the time of day. The Arrival of the Son of Man isn’t something you go to see. He comes like swift lightning to you! Whenever you see crowds gathering, think of carrion vultures circling, moving in, hovering over a rotting carcass. You can be quite sure that it’s not the living Son of Man pulling in those crowds.

29 “Following those hard times,

Sun will fade out,
moon cloud over,
Stars fall out of the sky,
cosmic powers tremble.
30-31 “Then, the Arrival of the Son of Man! It will fill the skies—no one will miss it. Unready people all over the world, outsiders to the splendor and power, will raise a huge lament as they watch the Son of Man blazing out of heaven. At that same moment, he’ll dispatch his angels with a trumpet-blast summons, pulling in God’s chosen from the four winds, from pole to pole.

32-35 “Take a lesson from the fig tree. From the moment you notice its buds form, the merest hint of green, you know summer’s just around the corner. So it is with you: When you see all these things, you’ll know he’s at the door. Don’t take this lightly. I’m not just saying this for some future generation, but for all of you. This age continues until all these things take place. Sky and earth will wear out; my words won’t wear out.

36 “But the exact day and hour? No one knows that, not even heaven’s angels, not even the Son. Only the Father knows.

37-39 “The Arrival of the Son of Man will take place in times like Noah’s. Before the great flood everyone was carrying on as usual, having a good time right up to the day Noah boarded the ark. They knew nothing—until the flood hit and swept everything away.

39-44 “The Son of Man’s Arrival will be like that: Two men will be working in the field—one will be taken, one left behind; two women will be grinding at the mill—one will be taken, one left behind. So stay awake, alert. You have no idea what day your Master will show up. But you do know this: You know that if the homeowner had known what time of night the burglar would arrive, he would have been there with his dogs to prevent the break-in. Be vigilant just like that. You have no idea when the Son of Man is going to show up.

45-47 “Who here qualifies for the job of overseeing the kitchen? A person the Master can depend on to feed the workers on time each day. Someone the Master can drop in on unannounced and always find him doing his job. A God-blessed man or woman, I tell you. It won’t be long before the Master will put this person in charge of the whole operation.

48-51 “But if that person only looks out for himself, and the minute the Master is away does what he pleases—abusing the help and throwing drunken parties for his friends—the Master is going to show up when he least expects it and make hash of him. He’ll end up in the dump with the hypocrites, out in the cold shivering, teeth chattering.”

Tomorrow…HOW to be ready when He comes!

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Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for these words that give us some idea of what to look for in your coming. Help us to live in such a way that we are ready at all times for You. Help us to stay alert, focusing on the most important–YOU! In Jesus Name, Amen

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HERE’S ANOTHER SIGN…PART TWO

Posted on December 30, 2014 by randscallawayffm

The Story of Jesus – The Return

We sit down to watch a movie. The movie begins with someone described as nice, wonderful, full of life and has great plans for the near future. We know from our movie drama watching experience that this actor is “toast”. It is dark (always). The character in our story lies down for bed. Suddenly she/he hears a suspicious noise. Scary music signals trouble is about to happen. And what does the actor do? They typically get up and go see where the noise is coming from without thought of calling someone for help! We watchers all scream, “Don’t go there!” For we know what will happen if he/she does. Danger! Loss of life! And the story goes on from there…solving the murder and/or destruction of all that is precious.

Jesus also warns his disciples of THE Monster who will come to destroy us, setting up shop in the Temple sanctuary! We must remain alert. Another sign.

Matthew 24, Msg

The Monster of Desecration
15-20 “But be ready to run for it when you see the monster of desecration set up in the Temple sanctuary. The prophet Daniel described this. If you’ve read Daniel, you’ll know what I’m talking about. If you’re living in Judea at the time, run for the hills; if you’re working in the yard, don’t return to the house to get anything; if you’re out in the field, don’t go back and get your coat. Pregnant and nursing mothers will have it especially hard. Hope and pray this won’t happen during the winter or on a Sabbath.

21-22 “This is going to be trouble on a scale beyond what the world has ever seen, or will see again. If these days of trouble were left to run their course, nobody would make it. But on account of God’s chosen people, the trouble will be cut short.

SEE!! Even Jesus tells us to run from it, not into it like in the movies! If we do not enter into what the monster wants to do and do not become a part of this ultimate desecration, then we will be saved, “the trouble will be cut short.” IF we are God’s person. We can count on God to help us, be with us and guide us…if we listen. Run from all that is not God.

The_Monster_Under_The_Bed_by_Eli1991

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for your warning and guidance to stay with what we know about You. You are God and no one else is. There is no one like You. All our trust, faith and hope is in You. When we live knowing that, Your peace washes over us. Thank you. Keep us alert! In Jesus Name, Amen

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