Category Archives: Christianity

4 Short Days

English: Jesus entering Jerusalem on a donkey

Have you ever wondered what Jesus was doing between the Triumphal Entry (Palm Sunday) and the time of His arrest (Holy Thursday)?  He was teaching every day in the temple (Luke 19:47).  Some very important concepts and lessons were taught in that very short period of time.

Julius Caesar, Summer garden, Saint-Petersburg

Luke 20:20-26/Mark 12:13-17/Matthew 22:15-22  When asked if it was right for Caesar to exact taxes from them Jesus responded with, “Then give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”  From this I ascertain that we live in the world and must abide by the laws of our country.  We model our faith when we obey the government.  It is not against our Christian beliefs to do so.

Torah inside of the former Glockengasse Synago...

Luke 20:39,40/Mark 12:18-27/Matthew 22:23-33  When asked what commandment is the most important Jesus quotes the Schema (Deut. 6:4,5).  First, love God, then, love people.  So simple, yet so difficult to do.  We all to often want to say, OK but I don’t have to like them.  Not so!  Jesus did not intend to separate the two feelings.  All people are to be loved.  We don’t have to like what they do, and we may have to remind them, but we must love them.

Luke 21:27-ff   Jesus was asked what will happen in heaven when the woman arrives in heaven after all seven of the brothers she has married have died.  He makes it very clear that heavenly thoughts are very different than earthly thoughts.  While here on earth we will think of earthly things but while in heaven our thoughts will be focused differently.

There is so much more He taught during those four last days.  Do take the time to read these teachings.  They’re still for us no matter what era we live in.

Almighty God, maker of heaven and earth, give us wisdom to understand what we need to know.  Grant us insight into Your Holy Word.  Put those in our paths that we need to share The Story with.  Above all keep us safe and secure in your loving arms.  Make it so!

Conquering Fear

Walking on Water Hajdudorog

Walking on Water Hajdudorog (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 

We often become frightened by the unknowns around us. Things like what will happen tomorrow, health issues, age issues, family issues, world issues…All of these and more cause us to fear the unknown. What are we to do?When the disciples feared what they thought was a ghost walking toward them on the water He (Jesus) said to them, “Take courage, it is I”. (See Matt. 14:25-32) When Joshua was appointed to take Moses’ place (after his death) and lead the Israelites into the Promised Land God said to him, “Be strong and courageous”. (See Joshua 1:6-9) So why should we not become frightened in any of life’s challenges? When Jesus said ‘it is I’ he meant that He is there for us, have faith in His presence. To Joshua God went on to say, “Don’t be frightened. I AM with you”. Embedded in both the Father and the Son’s response is trust Me. I AM. I will. I can.
 
Heavenly father, You know my fears, my hurts, my heart.  He me grab on and hold on.  Make it so.

No Silence

They thought they had silenced Him once and for all                                                                                              

 But once and for all the silence was broken

 

 

 

 

The rocks will cry out (Luke 19:40)

 

 

 

God will be praised (Psalm 115:1)

 

 

The One who spoke the world into order  (Genesis 1:9)

 

Was silent when accused (Matthew 27:11)

 

 

 

His disciples were told to be silent  (Acts 4:18-20)

 

 

But because of their willingness to tell The Story

 I know my LORD AND I

WILL NOT BE SILENT  (Matthew 10:32)

 

 

 

 

Heavenly Father give each of us who know You the courage to speak out so others will know You too.  Make it so!