2Chronicles 30-31;  John 18:1-18

In John 18 we are faced with Peter’s denial.  It brings to my mind when I read a book by Lloyd C. Douglas in 1960 called “The Robe” about the Roman tribune who was in charge of the crucifixion.  His name was Marcellus in the book, and he is having a conversation with Peter.  Peter is explaining his guilt about the denial which is weighing heavily on his conscience.  But then Marcellus tops his own guilt with the explanation that while Peter denied Jesus, Marcellus had killed him.

I remember thinking at that time, “We cry because we have no shoes until we meet someone who has no feet”.  But now when I think about that conversation, which is only fiction from one writer’s pen after all, I am confronted with another reality.  It is this: WE ALL KILLED JESUS!   He died for our sins, for our sake, for us all.  And we thank God who had the perfect plan and sent His son to earth for this very purpose.  No one is without guilt.  For all have sinned and fallen short…

Let us pray:

“Father, forgive us our denials, our idols, our indifference and open our hearts to your gift of Love and Grace!

Amen!

Have a good and safe weekend.

2 Chron 19-20; John 13:21-38

I once had a good friend.  One day, out of the blue, she told me that she would no longer be my friend.  That was it – just that she wouldn’t be my friend.  Needless to say, I was crushed.  It took a long time to forgive her for the pain she inflicted, and just a bit longer than that for the hurt to go away. Have you ever been surprised when the person you thought was a friend turned out not to be? We don’t see it coming as Jesus did.

Jesus knew that He would be betrayed by one of those whom he lived with and taught for 3 years. He also knew that one of His trusted disciples would deny Him before the night would end.  Two betrayals in one night.  It did not mean that this betrayal didn’t hurt Christ to His very core, but He understood the frailty of the human spirit.

As we approach the Lord’s Table, is there someone that has hurt you deeply?  Have you talked it over with a God who understands your pain? As we remember the Lord’s Supper, think of the forgiveness given Peter – and the mighty rock he became for Christ. It’s time to let the old hurts go and bask in the Lord’s love as you forgive and become whole.

2 Chronicles 7-9; John 11:1-29

When God’s presence filled Solomon’s temple for the first time – the priests couldn’t enter because the glory of the lord had filled it. The presence of God was so awesome – no one dared approach Him.

Fast-forward to today. Where is the scary-sacred temple of God’s presence?

In You. In Me.

Really.

Teaching, convicting, empowering, leading.

The Spirit of the Almighty is literally in us who believe.

And when we allow Him to fill us – we access the same power and presence of God that scared Solomon’s priests.

I don’t think I had any idea just how sacred my relationship to the Holy Spirit is.  Think I’ll be a little more careful to walk in step with Him today…

Have a Great Tuesday!

2 Chronicles 4-6; John 10:24-42

Jesus had earned the RIGHT to be HEARD.

He healed the sick. He raised the dead.

He turned water into wine. He walked on water.

He fed 5000 people with 5 rolls and 2 fish.

So what was the official Jewish response?

“How long will you keep us in suspense?

If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.”

The nerve.

But it was more than stupid presumption

that kept them from recognizing their Messiah.

It was spiritual blindness.

They literally could not see who He was.

Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe.

The miracles I do in my Father’s name speak for me,

but you do not believe because you are not my sheep.

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.

Jesus says –

“Look – I’m not on trial here. YOU are.

I PROVED who I Am.

And MY followers do 2 Things:

They LISTEN, and they FOLLOW.

YOU don’t.

Therefore, you are not My followers.

Oh – and for the record,

I and the Father are one – I’m God.”

And they picked up rocks to kill Him…

And because they missed out, Jesus expanded His invitation beyond Jews – to people of all nations.

Anyone who will LISTEN and FOLLOW –

Can become a true follower of Jesus.

Thank-you, God!

Have an Excellent Monday!

2 Chronicles 1-3; John 10:1-23

What a RADICAL leader.

Jesus says:

“I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.”

John 10:9

I’m it.

There’s no other way to God.

There’s no other way to live forever.

Then he drops a second, equally exclusive bombshell:

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

John 10:10

Every other “shepherd” will rip you off and leave you empty.

I’m the only way to live forever – AND – I’m also the only way to live your best life – NOW.

Jesus is saying in bold language, “Look – I’m the only way. There’s no “Plan B” Messiah. I’m exclusive. There is no other. There never will be. Follow me. That’s my offer. Take it or leave it.”

Jesus leaves us with 3 choices:

1. Ignore how truly radical He is – and label Him a “good man.”
2. Flatly reject Him as an arrogant, intolerant control freak.
3. Believe Him and follow.

Our popular culture opts for variations of #1 and #2.

Anything but #3. Most church people opt for a modified #3 – Believe and Follow part way.

Suggestion: Radical leadership requires radical followership.

Thoughts?

See you Tomorrow!

1 Chronicles 28-29; John 9:24-41

Sometimes you wonder if it’s WORTH it.

People aren’t naturally interested in the message of Jesus Christ.

And intellectual arguments for creation or the existence of God usually fall on deaf ears.

But this former Braille student stumped a room of religious Ph.D.’s with an argument they couldn’t answer:

The irrefutable evidence of a changed life.

Pharisees:          “We know this man is a sinner.”

Healed Guy:       “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!”

Game over.

They tried to twist the story – and when they couldn’t, they threw him out of the synagogue. But the fact remained.

This guy’s life had been undeniably altered by Jesus Christ.

If you’ve met Him, your life has been undeniably altered by Jesus Christ, too. And when the subject comes up – your best answer probably won’t be from science or philosophy. Just offer what the religious Ph.D.’s still can’t answer:

The irrefutable evidence of a changed life.

Have a wonderful Saturday – see you tomorrow at Bayside!

1 Chronicles 25-27; John 9:1-23

KARMA.

Seems like most of believe in it – in some form or another.

“What goes around – comes around…”

Something bad happens – and we assume it’s payback.

Jesus’ disciples believed in KARMA.

“Who SINNED – this poor blind guy – or his parents?

Answer: “NEITHER.”

“Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life.”

God lets some bad stuff happen – so He can glorify Himself by fixing it.

For sure – you want to eliminate sin as the cause of your own problems – but it’s good NOT to ASSUME problems – other people’s OR yours – are just some form of bad KARMA.

Some problems just set God up to be our problem-solver.

Cool.

Have a GREAT Friday!

1 Chronicles 22-24; John 8:28-59

 King David was a master at getting things DONE.

When Israel needed a giant-killer, David cut him down to size.

When Israel needed a king, David stepped up and led the nation.

 But the project David wanted most – eluded him.

He deeply wanted to build a permanent temple to house the presence of God. And even though God reserved the project for David’s son Solomon, it was David who positioned Solomon to succeed. How?

 The principle of “Laying in store.” Our Scripture says,

 “The house to be built for the LORD should be of great magnificence and fame and splendor in the sight of all the nations. Therefore I will make preparations for it.” So David made extensive preparations.”

1 Chronicles 22:5

 Our church will have some building to do in the near future. And like King David – we will need to “Lay in store” in order to afford it. Solomon would face 3 Obstacles along the way – and so will we:

 1. Fear

2. Discouragement

3. Getting Started

 It’s always scary to attempt a huge project where failure is a real possibility. And at the first sign of trouble – there will be a temptation to get discouraged. And ultimately, one of the hardest things to do – is to get up and get started.

 That’s why David gave his son these challenges:

 ”Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged.”

1 Chronicles 22:13

 ”Now begin the work,”

1 Chronicles 22:16

 David knew something else. He knew Solomon would need more than words to succeed. So his challenge ends with the encouragement and the power to Get it DONE:

 ”Now begin the work, and the LORD be with you.”

1 Chronicles 22:16

Solid advice – then, and now.

See you tomorrow!

1 Chronicles 19-21; John 8:1-27

 This is your conscience……

This is your conscience on GRACE……              

Any Questions?

 She was as GUILTY as SIN.

Caught in the act – of adultery.

But Jesus was STRONGER than her sin – or mine, or yours.

And when He finished confronting her accusers, Jesus asked, “Where are they?” “Are there no accusers?”

“None.” She replied. Then Jesus, the righteous Judge, said –

“Then neither do I condemn you.”

 We’re ALL as GUILTY as SIN.

We mess up. And the accusers – including ourselves – come out of the woodwork.

 But by the time Jesus finished confronting our accusers –including ourselves – on the Cross, there was only 1 question left:

“Where ARE they?” “Are there no accusers?”

Perhaps Paul said it best in Romans chapter 8:

 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen?

It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns?

Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—

is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.

This is your conscience……

This is your conscience on GRACE……              

Any Questions?

 Have a Wonderful Wednesday!

1 Chronicles 16-18; John 7:28-53

My Dad used to say:

“When all else fails, FOLLOW the DIRECTIONS.”

King David had been burned by carelessness.

He forgot God’s directions for transporting the Ark of God.

So he did his homework, and had the Levites carry the Ark to Jerusalem on their shoulders as Moses had commanded.

…And ALL HEAVEN broke loose.

Jerusalem rocked with the praises of God. Trumpets, Lyres, Harps, and Cymbals accompanied multitudes of singers. David himself wrote a powerful new song to celebrate God’s greatness. God came home to His city – and the city’s joy was uncontainable.

Then God spoke. He blessed David with astounding promises. He promised him victory over all his enemies. He declared that David’s throne would be established forever. He prophesied the construction of a new temple in Jerusalem, and He promised never to take His love away from David’s family. David was speechless. WOW!

So what was the key to this amazing moment?

When all else failed, David followed the directions.

David carefully followed God’s instructions with all his heart.

And God lavished uncontainable blessings on His people.

Are you ready for God to unleash His blessings on YOUR family?

Me, too!

So – when all else fails…

See you tomorrow!