Daily Spiritual Meditations - 11/6

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The Heavens Declare the Glory of God

"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth. their words to the ends of the world." Psalm 19:1-4 (NIV)

How profound is this text! Indeed, every star announces the glory of God. Every sunrise and sunset screams that He is! Each day and each night reveals to us something more about our glorious God, if we care to look. What can we learn about God from the things that surround us? Every flower is a reminder that He loves beauty. Every snowflake teaches us that He is a God of diversity. Each seashell speaks to us of the provisions He has made for even the lowliest of His creation. Every time we see a bird fly, we should be reminded that God has a wild imagination and is an awesome Creator. The Sun rises day after day to let us know that the God of the universe is consistent and trustworthy. Nature holds classes each day that all might know that God is! Take the time today to look around you and listen to nature telling you of the awesome God that created them. Then stop and take time to praise Him for all the beauty that He has surrounded us with and the lessons He has taught you in those creations. We take so much for granted each day. Let us resolve to stop and smell the roses along life’s path and let us never forget to praise the hands that created them for us. The heavens declare His glory, let us do the same! Quiet Waters

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Wisdom Produces Happiness

Proverbs 3:13-18
Pastor Carl H Stevens

Our happiness must depend upon the Word of God and we must not become attached to things that will take us away from it. Too many times we place our happiness in temporal things. Then, when they are taken away, our joy soon fades too. Just knowing about wisdom is not enough. Happiness cannot be produced by knowledge alone; it is always a result of wisdom. It can only come from the Word of God. It is an effect of God's righteousness.

When we have wisdom, we have insight from above. "She (wisdom) is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her; and happy is every one that retaineth her" (Proverbs 3:18). All of us need to have a regular diet of wisdom, for it "is the principle thing; therefore get wisdom" (Proverbs 4:7a)

It is worth more than rubies (2) and gold (3). When you get wisdom, a promise of happiness comes with it. "A man's wisdom maketh his face to shine, and the boldness of his face shall be changed" (Ecclesiastes 8:1b).
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.
Proverbs 3:13-18
For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.
Proverbs 8:11
How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!
Proverbs 16:16

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Learn to make better decisions
"...a prudent man gives thought to his steps."
Proverbs 14:15 NIV

If you're still making the same mistakes you were last year, you need to ask God for wisdom. 'Wise men and women are always learning, always listening for fresh insights' (Proverbs 18:15 TM). Think about it- you are where you are today because of decisions you've made in the past. Both good and bad. If you want to change your future, learn to make better decisions: a) never make permanent decisions based on temporary circumstances. If you do, you'll regret it b) don't let your emotions take over. Pray, weigh things carefully looking at all the fact not just feelings c) surround yourself with People who will tell you the truth; even when you don't want to hear it d) take the time to consider all options. What looks good to you today, may not look so good tomorrow e) consider the consequences of each action. Ask yourself, 'Am I ready to handle this right now?' f) be realistic. If you can't count, don't apply for a job in the finance office. If you can't sing, don't record an album. Focus on what God gifted you to do. That's where you'll succeed g) time is your most limited and valuable resource. Don't waste it h) allow yourself a 10% risk of being wrong, a 50% likelihood of betrayal, and a 100% commitment to trust God, go forward and survive it all. Word4U2Day

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A vision given to them by God's Spirit of truth

They who love God with all their hearts, souls, spirits, minds and strength; God shall add to them great glory in His Everlasting Kingdom and they shall shine like the brightness of the stars in the firmament forever.

Brethren, they who love God will diligently seek for a city whose Maker and Builder is the Lord and when their eyes shall see it by a vision given to them by God's Spirit of truth their hearts shall be filled with abounding hope and joy.

If hope and joy fills their hearts to overflowing even by a mere vision, now much more shall their joy be when they at last see the City of God for real.

What a shout they shall utter when they shall enter in through the gates.

Hallelujah! Glory to God forever and ever.
©11/06/2001 Jim Welch

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Devotional For Dieters
November 6

Mark 10:49-50
And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, 'Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee.' And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus.

Kate was so thankful. God had truly blessed her. She had been on the verge of collapse, and the doctor told her that her weight had to go. Reluctantly, she had started to diet, not expecting any great results. She prayed for God to help her, because she felt so weak. When the doctor gave he a clean bill of health, she closed her eyes and prayed. God is God of the impossible. When we say 'can't,' He says 'can.' Faith is believing that God can, and will, help us when we are in need. God cares for His children, and for that we should be eternally grateful.

Today's thought: I'd rather be grateful than have another plateful!

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WALK THE TALK



Your job now is to be at the place where you may be of maximum helpfulness to others, so never hesitate to go anywhere if you can be helpful. - Alcoholics Anonymous, page 102



Never walk away from someone who deserves help; your hand is God's hand for that person. Proverbs 3:27 (Message)





FOR WHAT IT’S WORTH: There was no way I could have helped anyone with anything. I was a wasted mess of selfishness. It is still amazing to me that God and AA made something out of me that can be useful to others. God used a tricky bunch of drunks on me. I had to be flattened and rebuilt. It started early in AA. That tricky bunch never asked if I wanted to go, they just took me with them to institutions and on Twelve Step calls. They acted like it was mandatory. And I believe it is. It’s mandated in the Bible and the Big Book. Those tricky ones let me know that the work they were doing was not saintly, it was necessary. They had me in a car, a trapped audience, as they talked about God and spiritual stuff the whole time they were going and coming from these missions. And they were not afraid to talk about God behind bars with the inmates or on the streets with the suffering alcoholics. They backed up their words, too; they “walked the talk,” so to speak. They were teaching me spirituality long before I knew what they were up to, and long before I thought I was ready. I will always be deeply grateful to that tricky bunch of drunks who took me under their wings and taught me to fly.



God bless you!



Joe W.

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Today I will...seek to come closer to my Father so that I might look and act more like his Son.

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Colossians 3
Not Carnality but Christ
1 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.
5 Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, 7 in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them.
8 But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, 10 and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, 11 where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all.

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Faith Is The Victory


1 JOHN 5:4 NKJ
4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith.

We all love to win.

Victory is sweet. One reason it's so sweet is that it's usually not easy. Victory takes effort -- often great effort.

Effort is also required in the spiritual battle of good against evil we are all engaged in. But the effort required of us is to maintain our attitude of faith in God and His Word.

We cannot overcome the strategies of the devil by our willpower, or by our own strength. We must use the spiritual weapons God has provided for us.

As a child of God -- you are a winner! The victory is already yours through what Jesus Christ did on your behalf. Don't let the enemy steal the victory away from you.

Your enemy comes to steal your faith. Don't let it happen.

SAY THIS: I overcome and walk in victory by my faith in God.

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Pray All Day
November 6

Let my prayer be set forth as incense before You, the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.
—Psalm 141:2

God wants to be the center of your life: the center of your conversation, the center of your entertainment, and the center of your relationships. Prayer keeps Him in the center of all you do.

Years ago I could have told you that I prayed an hour every day. But now, I couldn’t even determine how long I pray, because I just pray every time I see or feel a need. I pray while driving. I pray while working, and while relaxing. Sometimes I just stop what I am doing and praise God, and that is prayer too. I cast my cares on Him and say, “Lord, I am not going to worry about anything today; I am giving it to You.”

Prayer should be like breathing, natural to do anywhere you are.


From the book Starting Your Day Right: Devotions for Each Morning of the Year by Joyce Meyer

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Talk Peaceful.

Develop serenity and quiet attitudes through your conversation. Depending upon the words we use and the tone in which we use them, we can talk ourselves into being nervous, high-strung, and upset. By our speech, we can also achieve quiet reactions. Talk peaceful to be peaceful.

No. 11 in a series of 100 Power Thoughts from The Power of Positive Thinking, the All-Time inspirational Best-Selling Book by Norman Vincent Peale.

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Just and Right for All

David reigned over all Israel, doing what was just and right for all his people.

2 Samuel 8:15 (NIV)

This one line in the middle of this book jumped at me today. David had power over all of Israel. This was not because he was ‘high profile’ because he was on TV every night or had stories running every day in the local newspapers and magazines! He had sovereignty because he was God’s anointed ruler and the people (even the enemies) believed in the power of YHWH! They had HOLY FEAR and true HOLY WORSHIP!

David did what was honorable and moral in all his decisions for his people, for all his people. I am reminded of an American president, Abraham Lincoln, who had ‘sway’ during one of the most divisive periods in our country’s history. He not only had to navigate the country through a civil war but he also had to think about setting the country on a course of healing. I have often wondered if he had lived would it have taken 143 years for our country to elect a black president. President Lincoln refused to punish the Confederate leaders but instead sent them home so they could begin spring planting. Again, I wonder if his plans to financially help them would have helped them to move on and begin with a new philosophy of living. Instead, at Lincoln’s death the ‘helping hand’ was withdrawn and the southern states took decades to recover, leaving bitterness and hate. 143 years…May I again say to myself how important it is for me to pray for my president and leaders! May they make honorable and moral decisions for all the people!

David also did what was true and best for his all his people. I look at that sentence and I think of what I read in the media. David did what was just or true. He didn’t do something and then ‘spin’ it so it sounded like the truth. It was true! I wonder if his son, Solomon, growing up with this example – maybe that was why he asked God for wisdom. He wanted to also do what was best.
--Jody's Devotions

-----NACR Daily Meditation

Thursday 6th of November 2008

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans
to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11

Hope is about the future. It may be oriented to the next hour, or the
next day, or the next month or year or decade. But hope is always about
anticipation.

Those of us who like to control things often find hope difficult because
we do not control the future. Many of us are compulsive makers-of-plans.
We are willing to work ourselves to death trying to make our plans become
reality. But when our hopes and vision for the future are based only on
what we can control, our vision is inevitably narrowed and impoverished.

We need to remind ourselves regularly, therefore, that God’s vision for
the future is better than our own. God sees possibilities and opportunities
that we cannot see. The horizons of God’s imagination are not bounded. When
we root our hope in God, a totally different future is possible. It is not
a future we can control. God’s plans may not be the same as our plans. But
we can return again and again to God as our source of hope.

God has been clear about our future. It is God’s intention to give
us a hope and a future. This is not a promise of a trouble-free life. It
is not a promise of immunity from struggle. But it is a promise of hope.
God has been with us in the past. God is with us in the present. And God
will be with us in the future.

Thank you for paying attention to my future, Lord.
Thank you for making plans.
Help me today to rest in the thought that
your plans for me include blessing.
Open my heart today to the hope and the future
you have prepared for me.
Amen.

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Replacing False Impressions

Psalm 97 “Joy belongs to those who are honest” (NCV).

Recently my twenty-year-old daughter and I drove to my parents’ home in the Midwest. During our visit Dad asked me to look through my things in storage. As I rummaged through the keepsakes my eyes fell on a small green book. “It couldn’t be!” I exclaimed. “My junior high diary!”

Inside the front cover were the words: SECRET! STAY OUT PLEASE!!!!! Tiny lettering at the bottom of the page read: “I beg. Ask what it says inside, I’ll tell you.”

While scanning the messy pages, I cringed. “This girl was immature and boy crazy!” I thought. Upon our return home, I invited my daughter to read it. Several hours later a surprised young woman walked into my room. “Thanks a lot, Mom, for letting me read your diary. I’ve always had the feeling you never went through what I did. Like somehow I didn’t measure up to what you were in junior high. But you were just like me. Flighty and boy crazy!”

We hugged and laughed. “Actually it’s rather embarrassing,” I admitted.

“Well, thanks for allowing me to see a glimpse of that part of your life,” she said.

Lord, help me be open and honest;
even before my family.

2008 Joan C. Webb

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Forgiveness in Maturity
By: Ron Edmondson Thursday, November 06, 2008
But Esau ran to meet Jacob and embraced him; he threw his arms around his neck and kissed him. And they wept. Genesis 33:4 NIV

What an awesome sight of restoration! Jacob expected a sword in his face by his brother Esau. Jacob had tricked his brother out of his birthright (his stake in the will). Esau was furious at the time. The powerful hunter could have probably killed Jacob with a single blow.

Jacob, afraid for his life and on the advice of his mother (who thought up the whole plan), runs away. Now years later, Jacob decides it is time to go home.

Instead of receiving the punishment he deserves, Jacob finds Esau eagerly waiting for him with open arms. Now, that's grace!

That's the way it is with God and us. We are sinners, deserving of Hell. God accepts us as we are, wraps His arms around us, and welcomes us to His home! As Jacob did, we must be willing to return home, but then God meets us half way. Actually, we take one step and God takes all the rest!

Perhaps this story of restoration reminds you that there is someone you need to forgive and accept today. Maybe someone has hurt you like Jacob hurt Esau. Perhaps someone has crossed the line with you. You said you'd get even. You promised to never forgive. But, when you recognize all God has done for you, when you realize that Esau welcomed Jacob, you know deep down in your heart that you need to let go of your anger. Like Esau, you need to open your heart and arms to accept the one you used to love.

Part of maturing as a Christian is to be willing to forgive. If we are to be like Christ, there really is no other way!

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Love Worth Finding
November 6

True Beauty

“...even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.” 1 Peter 3:4b

Are you a woman struggling with the way you look? We all know that women want to be beautiful, especially to their husbands and boyfriends, but so often women think that beauty is found at a cosmetics counter, on a dress rack, or in a jewelry box.

Those things are corruptible, and what’s in vogue today is out of fashion when next year’s supermodels hit the runway. The only thing that will make you more beautiful, day after day, is what you nurture within yourself – serenity.

The ornament of a meek and a quiet spirit is worth far more than even the most expensive jewel you can wear around your neck.

* Stand in front of the mirror today.
* Imagine Jesus by your side.
* Ask Him to create in you a gentle and quiet spirit of love.


How do you know what is best? I think that is a good question. When I think about being the president and having the responsibility to make decisions for over 300 million people – ‘overwhelmed’ doesn’t begin to describe it! I’ve heard candidates say they were ‘bitten by the presidential bug’. I believe that means that people may have a ‘call’! When I am doing my ‘call job’ – I am past happy! I can be busy and multi-tasking and I and physically or mentally tired but I am happy! When I am working and listening to God and doing what He wants every step of the way – I am doing what is best. David gives us a great look at how to (and how not to) listen to God and do what’s best. And there’s the answer. God knows what is best because He can see it all. He gives me a brain to use for knowledge and His Spirit to give me wisdom and faith to trust Him.

God didn’t call me to be queen or president but if I seek Him then, within my call, I will be doing what is just and right for all the people He puts in my path.

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Are You Ready for the Holidays?
Mary Southerland

Today’s Truth
Luke 2:16-20 (NIV) “So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen which were just as they had been told.”

Friend to Friend
Are you ready for the holidays? For some people, that question spurs exciting thoughts of beautifully decorated tables filled with scrumptious meals, festive shopping trips, extended family time, brightly wrapped gifts under a tree … the “Walton” kind of holiday. For others, the holiday season is a very difficult and dark time that is to be endured rather than enjoyed. According to the American Institute of Stress, more than 110 million Americans take medication for stress-related causes each week. During the holiday season, another one million people battle what experts refer to as the "holiday blues". I am very familiar with depression and the pain it holds and must constantly battle to stay out of that pit.

Depression is an emotional, mental, physical and spiritual disorder. Something is out of balance. We have buried some pain instead of confronting it. We have misplaced our trust and sought help from impotent sources. In order to deal with depression, we must first come to a place of total and complete surrender to God and His plan of healing – even if we cannot see or do not understand that plan. The bottom line of God’s heart toward His children is always restoration and healing.

While I am not a big fan of television, I do enjoy watching a few select home improvement shows. On a recent program, an interior decorator and home owner were discussing a list of changes that needed to be made in order to update the home. “First, we have to do something about those windows,” the decorator announced. I was surprised that she had listed this task first – until I saw the house. The existing glass was not only an ugly shade of gold but was thick and chunky as well. The windows let in no light and made it virtually impossible to see in or out. The result was a dark, isolated home. The distressed homeowner protested, “But I like my privacy. And if I thought anyone could see in, I would feel totally exposed.” When it comes to dealing with depression, many people feel the same way.

We construct walls over which no one can climb because the cost of friendship is too high. We fill the windows of our soul with emotional excuses in order to avoid dealing with pain. The result is darkness, loneliness and missed opportunities for restoration. We don’t want to understand depression or find the treasures of that darkness; we simply want to be rid of it. Many people try to understand and deal with depression on a surface level – refusing to face painful experiences, difficult relationships and, in general, the broken places where darkness lives. We look for the nearest exit, hoping to bypass transparency because the price is just too much to pay. Emotional integrity is an essential step to recognizing, understanding and dealing with depression. We must be real before we can be right, and until we are willing to risk being transparent, we can neither understand nor effectively deal with depression during the holidays or any other time of the year.

The holidays seem to tug at the masks we carefully hold in place or push the emotional buttons we desperately try to hide. The arrival of family members can resurrect painful issues that have never really been resolved. Financial pressure opens up like a sink hole waiting to steal our joy and destroy our peace. Schedules demand every ounce of energy and false expectations leave us empty and hollow. Before we realize it, the dark, slimy pit swallows us up. It is not supposed to be that way, girlfriend! Now is the time to do something about it!

Thanksgiving can be a time of praise if we choose to focus on the victories and joys we have experienced during the year and then find ways to share that victory and joy with others. Christmas can be a true celebration of fresh starts and new beginnings, if we choose to focus on a tiny baby born in a manger, come to save us and give us true life. The darkness can be destroyed if we choose to face and deal with whatever it holds. Right now, get ready for the holidays by choosing an attitude of joy, by focusing your mind on the things of heaven – not earth, and by fixing your heart on Jesus Christ.

Let’s Pray
Father, I want this holiday season to one that is filled with light instead of darkness. Please help me discard my emotional masks and be real before You as well as with my family and friends. Give me the courage to be obedient to You in every holiday setting. Give me eyes to see those You bring into my life that need my encouragement because they are on the same journey. Father, prepare and enable me to make this holiday season an offering of praise to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn
Take a few moments to re-visit the holiday season of 2007.

* What was the best part of those holidays for you? Why?
* List three changes you would like to make this year.
* What is the first step you need to take to make those changes happen?

Read Luke 2:1-16. Answer the following questions after reading the Christmas story.

* What was the attitude of Mary and Joseph as they traveled to Bethlehem?
* How did the shepherds react to the news of Jesus’ birth? What did they do?
* How would you describe the emotions and thoughts of Mary? How can your choice to “ponder” on the miracles of Jesus’ birth change your perspective of the holidays?

Write a letter of commitment to Jesus, asking Him to empower the choices you have made concerning this holiday season. Make a step-by-step plan or a list of “dos” and “don’ts” that will help you experience the best holiday season of your life. Include your family in making this plan and make the commitment to hold each other accountable.

More From Your Girlfriends
Can you believe the holidays are already here? I have been on a diligent search this year – to discover the secrets of having the best and most Christ-centered holidays of my life. I am excited about my NEW MP3, How to Have a Joy-Filled Christmas - http://www.marysoutherland.com/category.sc?categoryld=6 , and believe it will help you learn how to prevent and control holiday stress, how to give God the gifts He wants to receive from us and how to give ten wonderful gifts without spending a dime. Download it today!

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Senior Living - November 6

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. --John 14:27

All of us experience undue stress. Stress is that subtle, yet building, pressure that robs us of our well-being, peaceful state of mind, and sometimes our health. How many times have you thought to yourself, “I’ve got too much to do and too little time to do it!”?

Stress affects us all, although it may seem that some have developed immunity to it. In reality they have simply learned how to handle it successfully. It should be our goal to learn to control the stress we face. If we don’t, then our bodies are likely to experience changes. Stress affects the brain, the gastrointestinal tract, the skin, your sleep habits, your immune system, and most importantly, your spiritual life.

Everyone feels the pressures of life, whether they want to or not. But you don’t have to live life as though you’ve been hit by an 18-wheeler when you lay your head on your pillow every night. To rid your life of stress, claim the promises of Scripture. The Bible says, “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you” (Isaiah 26:3).

In addition, you’ll want to refrain from telling yourself you shouldn’t be relaxing when you finally get the chance to do so. Size down your responsibilities and just say no when you begin to feel an incredible amount of stress. Create some quiet time—possibly even in a very quiet place—to read Scripture, pray, get alone with God, and write out your feelings. And most importantly, plan some quality for yourself—alone.

PRAYER CHALLENGE: If you are feeling extreme stress in your life, ask God to help you relieve it and rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul.

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\ / WHAT JESUS DID! -- http://www.heartlight.org/
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Thursday, November 6, 2008

Incongruity at its Worst


While Jesus was still speaking, Judas came there. He was one
of the twelve apostles. Judas had many people with him. These
people were sent from the leading priests, the teachers of
the law, and the older Jewish leaders. These people with
Judas had swords and clubs.

-- Mark 14:43 (ERV)


KEY THOUGHT:
Think of the incongruity -- Jesus is in his place of prayer and is
being betrayed by one of his own to a mob armed with swords and clubs
that was sent by religious leaders. This kind of "stuff" shouldn't fit
together in the same scene. Yet this is what happens to the Lord.
Jesus, the only fully righteous one, dies for the unrighteous. Jesus,
the Prince of Peace, is arrested by soldiers armed with crude weapons.
Jesus, the fulfillment of God's Law, is hated by the experts in the
Law. Jesus, the ultimate servant leader, is despised and feared by the
religious leaders of his day. This doesn't make sense. This doesn't
fit. This isn't right. However, this is what happens and this is how
Jesus changes everything. What a breath of fresh air for us when things
are not right, when they do not fit, and when they are unfair. Jesus
shows us he can enter the worst of circumstances and bring redemption,
hope, and victory -- even when those circumstances are impossible.


TODAY'S PRAYER:
Father, thank you for Jesus' victory over sin, death, unfairness, and
hatred. Thank you for a victory that was won in the middle of a mess
like the ones we sometimes face in our own lives and not from the
fringes or from long distance. Thank you for showing that in the middle
of humanity's worst failings, Jesus can bring redemption. I praise you
Almighty God for your grace. I praise you, Lord Jesus, for your love. I
praise you both through the intercession of the Holy Spirit you have
placed within me. Amen.