THE TRIAL OF THE AGES, WHATS UR VERDICT?

 

(cev)Mat 27:15  Every year at Passover time the governor would free one

 prisoner--whichever one the people wanted him to free.

:16  At that time there was a man in prison who was known to be very bad.

 His name was Barabbas.

:17  When the crowd gathered, Pilate said to them, "I will free one man for you. Which one do you want me to free: Barabbas or Jesus who is called the Messiah?" …

:21 " The people answered, "give us Barabbas!"

:22  Pilate asked, "So what should I do with Jesus, the one called the

Messiah?" All the people said, "crucify him on a cross!"

 

Hum Notice something here: While the custom was to free someone from the penalty of their crimes once a year, (Forgiven by an act called the custom of release) but who saids we can’t do it daily? And notice something else here.  

I like to call this the custom of forgiveness. Maybe there is someone in your life you need to set free? Free from condemnation, from judgment, from hate, from envy, from abandonment, from loneliness, from neglect.

Maybe the person u need to set free may be you? Free yourself from self righteousness, from pornography, from sin, from hate, from this or that?

You get the point. Just forgive yourself and move forward of course after you have asked God to forgive you as well. But back to our verse.

While Barabbas represented crime, robbery, adultery, rape, murder, hate, selfishness, abortion, drunkenness, pedophiles and gay rights etc.

He was everything opposite of Christ.

Jesus Christ on the other hand represented peace, love, joy, forgiveness, healing, hope, new life, deliverance, abundant life etc.

But look what the people asked for instead, "give us Barabbas!"

In other words give us perversion, hate, abortion, gay rights, murder and disease, depression and despair but don’t give us Jesus, don’t give us hope, deliverance or healing, don’t give us boundaries or restrict our lives, give us choice? Don’t give us blessing give us cursing.  Jesus said it so appropriately “ye know not what you ask for, ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon ur lust” The sad part about this verse is this: Not sure if anybody ever notice but the trail is still going on today each day in people’s lives and hearts?

The custom of release is twofold: In the one we are to release/forgive and offer freedom and hope to others. 

While on the flip side of this act takes place another trial. Here in which YOU render a VERDICT! You are asked to choose one or the other. Asked by that the world, God=JESUS, friends and family, all of which take note each day of your choice? Who would you have, which do you want? Which are you seeking? JESUS or BARABBAS? Hint Hint Your lifestyle more than your words will tell/show the answer!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Do the math

 

John 6:9  There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what

are they among so many? that is not enough for so many people."

John 6:11  Jesus took the loaves of bread and gave thanks for them. Then he gave them to the people who were waiting to eat. He did the same with the fish. He gave them as much as they wanted.

John 6:12  When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.

Joh 6:35  And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never

 hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.

Joh 6:63  It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak

 unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

 

REFLECTIONS:  And to think that little in Gods hands can be MUCH! Perhaps we should realize though God can and does meet our present physical and fleshy needs nothing in this world satisfies like his indwelt spirit presence!

Ever thought or wondered about how we at times refuse to give or help because we feel we have so little to offer or give. And thus there is no multiplication of blessing in our lives, on the other hand there are those who have much to give. Yet give so little and likewise they too have no multiplication of blessing in their lives. ‘God loves a cheerful giver” A new perspective on the needs around us will add a new and fresh vibrancy to our ABILITY, VISION and PURPOSE for giving.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SONSHIP OR  SINSHIP=FREE OR BOUND?

 

CEV- John 8:31  So Jesus said to those.. who believed in him, "If you continue in obey my word, live by what I say, you are truly christians.

Joh 8:32  You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

Joh 8:33  They replied to Jesus..  we've never been anyone's slaves.

So how can you say that we will be set free?"

Joh 8:34  Jesus answered them, "I can guarantee this truth: Whoever

lives a sinful life is a slave to sin.

Joh 8:35  A slave doesn't live in the home forever, but a son does.

Joh 8:36  So if the Son sets you free, you will be absolutely free.

 

SO THE CHOICE IS OURS SONSHIP OR SINSHIP?
TO MANY OF US

LIKE LIVING IN OUR sin all the while claiming to be Christian.

Were not

fooling God only ourselves and others.  Notice the phrase if you continue in,

obey my word. Then you are truly my disciples hence to continue in his

word implies personal relationship with him. Personal communion with

him.  Its not enough to just pay your tithe and meager offerings, clock in

and Clock out of church service? To offer up your many prayer request

amist your few prayers of gratitude and adoration? Yes you can dance in the

isles and shout praises from your pews, But if you haven’t been in his word

and been found faithful, he aint hearing you, he aint feelen you~

And you’ll stay a servant to sin SINSHIP because some ones been to lazy to

tap in to relationship with the father, the Son, the Holy Ghost, the Word,

GOD! And choose SONSHIP instead. Are you free?  Then why not?

“Because he whom the Son hath set free is free indeed!”

 

SINSHIP: 2Ch 36:16  But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his

words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the LORD arose against his people,

till there was no remedy. (other then repentence)

 

SONSHIP:   Act 2:41  Then they that gladly received his word were baptized:

Act 2:42  And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship,

And In Breaking of bread, and in prayers.

Ezr 3:11  And they sang together  in praising and giving thanks unto the LORD;

Because he is good, for his mercy endureth for ever

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Where’s the profit?

 

Job 34:8  He who goes in the company of the workers of iniquity, and

walks with wicked men.

:9  .. often saids, It profits a man nothing that he should delight himself

 with God.

 

Hum… Isn’t it ironic that so many people not only reject God and his Word.        
But all the while they are living their lives in anger, disappointment, despair, trouble, empty and hopeless?
In futility and like this person who had the nerve to say that living for God, delighting in God, does not  profit or benefit anyone.
Perhaps there is a bit of truth to this backwards statement, MAYBE WE SHOULD READ IT LIKE THIS. ‘ THERE IS NO PROFIT, NO BENEFIT, NO JOY, NO LIFE, NO DELIGHT, OUTSIDE OF GOD!
And unless we learn to delight in God nothing in this world will delight us, or bring us any satisfaction, and how about this one?     
THERE IS NO DELIGHT NOR PROFIT TO SERVING OR DELIGHTING IN GOD EVEN FOR A CHRISTIAN, Unless God is the center and main focus of our lives.          
Unless God is the delight of our lives.  
Unless all and what we do, we do for Christ! Otherwise all we do and have is VAIN.
After all without a delight in God we will never desire the right things?
“  delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart”

 

THE GRACE CARD: Is there any justice

 

Jer 15:15  LORD, you understand me. Remember me and take care of  

     me. People are hurting me. Give them the punishment they  

     deserve.

     You are being patient with them. But don't destroy me while you remain patient with them. Think about me. Think about the pain I suffer for you.

16 Your words came to me, and I ate them up. They made me very happy.

     I was glad to be called by your name, LORD All-Powerful.

 

Jer 16:19  LORD, you are my strength and my protection. You are a safe place to run to in time of trouble. The nations will come to you from all around the world. They will say, "Our fathers had false gods.

     They worshiped those worthless idols, but the idols did not help them.

 

REFLECTIONS: Ever been hurt so bad all you can and wanna do is cry out for justice?

Been lied on, cheated on, hated on, gossiped on, beat on, neglected and rejected? Felt like hey God I could use some justice here?            Ever thought why did God bring this person, people, or circumstances into my life? Maybe he didn’t bring them into our life so much as he brought us into their life? The question for you to figure out is WHY? May I suggest that what we think we need or want  JUSTICE!               May not be what we really need?  GRACE?

JUSTICE   is when a person gets what they deserve

MERCY    is when u don’t get what you deserve

GRACE     is when you get what you don’t deserve.

What we including the haters and hurters in our lives need? Is GRACE! We need to learn to forgive.

Forgive them, forgive ourselves, and forgive God?                                   NO NOT THAT God has done any wrong. But since we perceive that he has wronged us. Should we not forgive him? Even if he was truly guilty of wronging us? Does he not deserve the same forgiveness extended us? How dare we would ask his forgiveness yet deny him the same benefit? Hurt, hate, and pain are our teachers and friends but mercy, justice and grace, they are our lovers and comforters..                        Divinely sent instructors who teach us the true meaning of a successful life.

 

Oh but for the MERCIES of God there go I :

 

CEV- Lam 3:22  The LORD's kindness never fails!

If he had not been merciful, we would have been destroyed.

 

ERV- 3:22  We are still alive because the LORD'S faithful love never ends.

 

23    The LORD can always be trusted to show mercy each morning.

24    Deep in my heart I say, "The LORD is all I need; I can depend on him!"

25    The LORD is kind to everyone who trusts and obeys him.

26    It is good to wait patiently for the LORD to save us.

27    When we are young, it is good to struggle hard

28    and to sit silently alone, if this is what the LORD intends.

29    Being rubbed in the dirt can teach us a lesson;

30    we can also learn from insults and hard knocks.

31    The Lord won't always reject us!

32    He causes a lot of suffering, but he also has pity because of his great love.

33    The Lord doesn't enjoy sending grief or pain.

 

 

REFLECTIONS: Ever really thought about how good God is and has been

 to you. How despite all the hurt and troubles in this world that befalls

others.

Somehow for the most part God spares us, never mind that at times we might deserve some judgment and painful consequences?

Due to our behavior, our attitude, our irreverence. 

Our disdain and lack of appreciation. While this world is going to HELL literally and falling apart, People are hurting everywhere?

People are sick in body, some deadly sick, others financially ruined?

People mentally and emotionally broken and battered?  But as for me and for you?

We are healthy for the most part, still have a roof over our heads, and a full belly and seldom know what it means to be hungry let alone staving?

We are not running around naked for lack of clothes?

We woke up this morning while some didn’t?  HELLO!

Drove a car to work or school? A car that many others don’t have, to a job many others don’t have? 

Come home to a home that many others don’t have? Hint Hint?  

You get the point yet?   The question is:

 

Do I not only realize that the blessing and goodness of God is all over me and my life.  But do I appreciate it?

 

Hum.. When people or circumstances are hating and hurting on me, do I pray for justice or grace? Do I ask that they or circumstances be changed? Rather than allow them to change me?

Oh yes I realize for some of us times are indeed hard and difficult, But it could be far worse my friend.

If not for the grace and goodness of God!  It’s all a matter of perspective. 

 

And the perspective you see is the perspective you get!

In his words: CHOOSE you this day blessing or cursing? 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LETS PLAY HIDE N SEEK

 

Isa 54:7  For a small moment have I forsaken thee; but with great mercies will

 I gather thee. :8 In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with

 everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the LORD thy Redeemer.

:16  I have engraved you on the palms of my hands. You are ever before me, in

my presence.

 

Reflections:

 

Ever felt like you’ve been forsaken, rejected, hated on, neglected?

For the most part many times if were honest with ourselves, it’s our own doing, our own behavior that brings about these sad consequences.

But hold on there’s still hope! Still forgiveness and healing. 

Look at these verses agin, “For a little while I hid my face from you” God said.

Why? Perhaps because if he continued to look upon us in our sin, he would be forced to administer judgment and discipline, pain and shame, whereas his desire for us is MERCY and GRACE, FORGIVENESS and JOY.

So rather than judge us he looked away from us, to give us time to repent, to change even if it meant reaping some dire consequences, they are nothing compared to the judgment/wrath of God.

And what about this other verse? “ I have engraved thee upon the palms of my hands..” Ever realize what that means? 

 

To think when he looks at those blood scared, nail pierced hands.

He doesn’t see the wounds, doesn’t see the holes, the scars, the pain, the dread, the battered flesh. The rejection!

He see’s YOU! He thinks about you! You and I were the reason he went to that’ hill called Calvary. You and I were the reason he suffered, was shamed, was battered, was spit on and rejected, forsaken and left alone, the reason he died.    And how about this one:

 

YOU and I were the reason he RESSURECTED!

 

(Forgive me my readers if I have to stop and finish here, take in a moment to cry, but I’m feeling him…I sense his loving presence and am reminded that I may endure, weeping for a night, but JOY cometh in the morning..  Amen)

 

 

ITS OVER!

 

Isa 14:12  How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the

 morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the

 nations!

Isa 14:15  Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.

Isa 14:16  They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider

 thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did

 shake kingdoms;

 

Isa 25:8  The LORD All-Powerful will destroy the power of death and wipe

 away all tears. No longer will his people be insulted everywhere.

The LORD has spoken!

In the past, all of his people were sad, but God will take away that sadness.

All of this will happen because the LORD said it would.

 

 

So many times we fail to recognize that we are not the defeated ones. Satan is the defeated foe! When God conquered death, hell and the grave our destiny was secured and settled. To many times we do not realize nor do we walk in the power of the victory given us on Calvary.

The by product of the suffering of the cross was the salvation of our souls. The only power the devil has over us is the power we give him through biblical ignorance. Did anyone ever notice, Satan’ s fall was final where as our fall was not? He has no chance or opportunity to rise again or repent. His destiny is eternal damnation, but according to scripture. Ours is eternal salvation.

“ rejoice not against me O my enemy for when I falI I shall arise again

  with healing..” God is faithful and just to forgive if we confess “

Yes we can get back up, get back in the fight, but Satan cant!  He’s down for the count.  Notice something about Satans fall where he went from the angelic realm to less than the human dimension, he lost his glory as an angel and in the end many will look upon him and declare is this the man?

According to scripture we as men were made a little lower than the angels. The point is at present he is less than a man! and it is you who has the power over him!!!

“Greater is he that is in you” If God be for you who can be against you” 

no weapon formed against thee shall prosper” get thee behind me Satan”

How could we not rejoice and shout praises! Knowing that God will one day

wipe away all tears, abolish death, pain, misery, shame and fear, sadness

and heartbreak..

Isa 38:17  Behold, for peace I had great bitterness: but thou hast in love to

 my soul delivered it from the pit of corruption: for thou hast cast all my

 sins behind thy back.           think about it…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ecc 12:1  Remember your Creator while you are young, before the bad times come--before the years come when you say, "I have wasted my life."

Ecc 12:2  Remember your Creator while you are young, before the time comes when the sun and the moon and the stars become dark to you--before problems come again and again like one storm after another.

Ecc 12:3  At that time your arms will lose their strength. Your legs will become weak and bent. Your teeth will fall out, and you will not be able to chew your food. Your eyes will not see clearly.

Ecc 12:13  This is the end of the matter and of life; all hath been heard and said: fear God, and keep his commandments; for this is the whole duty of man.

Ecc 12:14  For God will bring every work into judgment, with every hidden thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.

 

Hum… I often wonder and even have to confess. That so many times I am amazed at how easy and how often I forget the goodness of the Lord.

How often I take for granted his wondrous blessings. His precious gifts to me? My health, my home, my full belly, my friends, his promises, his presence!

Ah you get the point, He does so much for us and we at times do so little for him, what irony? What amazing grace! What divine PURPOSE, what undefiled LOVE. What a God!!

Then agin what a waste? Or is it? It would be very sad indeed if God or anyone could say that our life was a waste? If I could say that I wasted my life.

Yet truth be told many of us have done and are doing just that!

WASTING life, wasting time, wasting resources, wasting friends, wasting Love, wasted worship. Could there be such a thing as that?

Well if I choose to worship something other than God it’s a waste!

After all the whole of the matter and purpose of life is to worship God, honor God, reverence God, “for this is the whole duty of man”     AMEN….

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ecc 1:1  These are the words from the Teacher…  (God-wisdom)

Ecc 1:2  Everything is so meaningless. The Teacher (God-wisdom) says

               that it is all a waste of time!

Ecc 1:3  Do people really gain anything from all the hard work they do in

              this life?

Ecc 1:4  People live and people die, but the earth continues forever.

Ecc 1:5  The sun rises and the sun goes down, and then it hurries to rise  

              again in the same place.

Ecc 1:6 The wind blows to the south, and the wind blows to the north. The

             wind blows around and around. Then it turns and blows back to the

             place it began.

Ecc 1:7 All rivers flow again and again to the same place. They all flow to

             the sea, but the sea never becomes full.

Ecc 1:8 Words cannot fully explain things, but people continue speaking.

              Words come again and again to our ears, but our ears don't become         

              full. And our eyes don't become full of what we see.

Ecc 1:9 All things continue the way they have been since the beginning. The

              same things will be done that have always been done. There is

              nothing new in this life.

Ecc 1:10 Someone might say, "Look, this is new," but that thing has always

               been here. It was here before we were. And it will be here when

               were gone.

Ecc 1:11 People don't remember what happened long ago. And in the future,  

               they will not remember what is happening now. later other people   

               will come and not remember what the people before them did.

Ecc 1:14 I have seen everything that is done under the sun. Look at it!

                It's all pointless. It's like trying to catch the wind.

Ecc 1:15 No one can straighten what is bent. No one can count what is not

                there.  So why even try..

Ecc 2:1 I said to myself, "I should have fun--I should enjoy everything as

               much as I can." But I learned that this is also useless.

Ecc 2:2  It is foolish to laugh all the time. Having fun does not do any good.

Ecc 2:3  So I decided to fill my body with wine while I filled my mind with

                wisdom. I tried this foolishness because I wanted to find a

               way to be happy. I wanted to see what was good for people to do

               during their few days of life.

 

 

Ecc 2:11  But then I looked at everything I had done and the wealth I had

                 gained. I decided it was all a waste of time! It was like trying to

                 catch the wind. There is nothing to gain from anything we do in

                 this life.

 

 Wow when I read those verses I thought to myself, how seemingly true. How appropriate these thoughts? My my what a mess, what irony, what futility is life?

Then I felt as if God said look again, read again, Maybe you need to look at this world again and see things from a new perspective?

Listen to creation and experience this time with a bit more sensitivity and heart, with more appreciation and reverence.

You just might see things differently?  

 

Ecc 2:13  I saw that wisdom is better than foolishness in the same way that

                 light is better than darkness.

         :14  Wise people use their minds like eyes to see where they are going.  

                But fools, act as if they are walking in the dark.  

 

Listen with your heart and mind (wisdom) and not just your ears?

Realize this present physical reality is so temporal, but the unseen and unheard is more eternal? Life here was never meant to be with such significance that it over shadows the eternal?

 

Hey are we listening to the teacher?

 

Ecc 2:24  There is no one who has tried to enjoy life more than I have. And this is what I learned: The best thing people can do is eat, drink, and enjoy the work they must do and the life they must live. I also see and believe that these are Gods gifts to us!      Amen