Blessed?

It’s easy to look at others and see what they have that we don’t: a new car, a boat, a spouse, a big house, that great job. It’s easy to feel like we’re missing out and be a bit envious.

But, what if we were absolutely content with what God has given us: an adequate house that we can afford, a reliable car that has wonderful memories attached to it, a friend who we know will always be there for us, a job that allows us to serve others? What if we know we can depend on God no matter what? What if we have a personal, intimate walk with Christ?

Should we want what our friends and neighbors have, or should they want what we have?   

 

Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit. - Psalm 32:1-2

Plotting Against God

Can you imagine plotting against God? It seems unthinkable doesn’t it?

But yet, there are those who do. What is really surprising is when those who claim to serve God do this.

⁴⁵ Then many of the Jews who had come to Mary, and had seen the things Jesus did, believed in Him. ⁴⁶ But some of them went away to the Pharisees and told them the things Jesus did. ⁴⁷ Then the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered a council and said, “What shall we do? For this Man works many signs. ⁴⁸ If we let Him alone like this, everyone will believe in Him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and nation.”

⁴⁹ And one of them, Caiaphas, being high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all, ⁵⁰ nor do you consider that it is expedient for us that one man should die for the people, and not that the whole nation should perish.” ⁵¹ Now this he did not say on his own authority; but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, ⁵² and not for that nation only, but also that He would gather together in one the children of God who were scattered abroad.
⁵³ Then, from that day on, they plotted to put Him to death.  -John 11:45-53                                                                                         

As a believer and follower of Christ, not only do I see how horrible this is (rebellion against God), but I also see how foolish. The “religious” leaders, who knew all the mighty works of God, were going to try and kill His Son. [1]  Why would they do such a thing?

They had grown accustomed to a certain lifestyle and Jesus was about to mess it all up. They had been enjoying all of the prestige of their office and the admiration of the people, but in reality, they were nothing more than Roman agents used to keep peace in the nation. Rome had given them much freedom to do what they wanted, as long as they kept the people peaceful.

How far were they willing to go to keep their power?

9 Now a great many of the Jews knew that He was there; and they came, not for Jesus’ sake only, but that they might also see Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead. ¹⁰ But the chief priests plotted to put Lazarus to death also, ¹¹ because on account of him many of the Jews went away and believed in Jesus.  –John 12:9-11                                                                                        

Not only were they willing to kill God’s Son, they were willing to wipe out any evidence of His miracles and deity. 

It is easy for us to say, “I would never do that!” Peter said the same thing (Mat. 26:35, 69-75).

My prayer is that we would grow so close to Jesus, nothing this world has to offer would even seem appetizing. May we shun “ANYTHING” that competes for our first love-Christ Jesus.

God bless~

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[1] See Luke 20:9-19

How do you know that Christianity is the one true worldview?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWY-6xBA0Pk&feature=related 


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Four Gardens

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&NR=1&v=CnDl3oQCnOg

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"Not My Fault"

Pilate said to them, “What then shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said to him, “Let Him be crucified!” Then the governor said, “Why, what evil has He done?” But they cried out all the more, saying, “Let Him be crucified!”

When Pilate saw that he could not prevail at all, but rather that a tumult was rising, he took water and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, “I am innocent of the blood of this just Person. You see to it.” –Matthew 27:22-24

What a horrid scene. Here is a group of religious leaders demanding the blood of a righteous and innocent man; and inciting the crowd to follow in their wickedness. Is this not a picture of absolute hatred and evil? Can the human heart be any more wicked?

Next we have a judge who knows what they are doing; but despite this, he gives in to the crowd. He knows that he is condemning a righteous man; I think deep down, he believes Jesus is God. Foolishly, he gives in to spare himself and his political career and thinks he can wash away his own guilt in a bowl of water; poor, pathetic soul.

Here we have two examples of the worst of man; hatred for God and corruption of justice. Both sides supposed they could get by with it; both sides were wrong.

There is an old hymn that is still sung in a few churches today that sums it up.  

1.      What can wash away my sin? 

        Nothing but the blood of Jesus. 

        What can make me whole again? 

        Nothing but the blood of Jesus. 

Refrain:

        O precious is the flow 

        that makes me white as snow; 

        no other fount I know; 

        nothing but the blood of Jesus. 

2.      For my pardon this I see: 

        nothing but the blood of Jesus. 

        For my cleansing this my plea: 

        nothing but the blood of Jesus. 

        (Refrain) 

3.      Nothing can for sin atone: 

        nothing but the blood of Jesus. 

        Naught of good that I have done: 

        nothing but the blood of Jesus. 

        (Refrain) 

4.      This is all my hope and peace: 

        nothing but the blood of Jesus. 

        This is all my righteousness: 

        nothing but the blood of Jesus. 

        (Refrain) 

Text and music by Robert Lowery (www.hymnsite.com)

“I Do Not Know The Man!”

Now Peter sat outside in the courtyard. And a servant girl came to him, saying, “You also were with Jesus of Galilee.” But he denied it before them all, saying, “I do not know what you are saying.” And when he had gone out to the gateway, another girl saw him and said to those who were there, “This fellow also was with Jesus of Nazareth.” But again he denied with an oath, “I do not know the Man!” And a little later those who stood by came up and said to Peter, “Surely you also are one of them, for your speech betrays you.” Then he began to curse and swear, saying, “I do not know the Man!”
Immediately a rooster crowed. And Peter remembered the word of Jesus who had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” So he went out and wept bitterly.  –Matthew 26:69-75

If someone told your co-workers that you were a Christian, would they laugh?

What about your closest friends? Your family?

When talking with a group of your peers, if the discussion is of a controversial nature, do you agree with the majority even if you really don’t agree?

If someone put a gun to your head and asked if you are a Christian, what would be your answer?

It is uncomfortable to answer, or even think about these questions. Some of us may not truly know the answers until we are put in this position. We may want to love Jesus and serve Him. We may want with all our heart to know that we would answer these questions rightly; but some of us lack the courage to take a bold stand for fear of what will follow.

Friend, I have been there, right next to Peter. To deny my Lord and feel His piercing eyes reach deep into my soul; it is not a good feeling.

The good news is Jesus forgives. This was the very purpose for which He died.

Jesus knew that Peter would deny Him before it ever happened. But Jesus also knew what Peter could be and what he would be.

What can you be?

What will you be?

My prayer is that you will surrender to Christ and allow the Holy Spirit to give you courage and strength, that you might boldly proclaim your faith in Christ.

God bless~