May 10, 2021

That "Rainbow bridge" by Gary Rose


 

This picture was taken in Sweden. It is a bit unusual in that it is so near to the earth and quite special in that it appears just above a bridge. You might even call it a “rainbow bridge”.


This sort of thing has been on my mind lately because my dog “Pal” was basically given a “death sentence” 23 months ago. This past week the vet said he was doing great even though he still has the heart murmur. Looks like the CBD I have been giving Pal actually works.


Needless to say, I am very happy that Pal may not have to cross that “rainbow bridge” in the very near future, for we have grown very close to the little dog. June 3 he actually turns 13 (91 in dog years).


Pal is the most loving, dependable creature I have ever known and the longer I have known him, the more I would like to emulate those qualities. Why? Well, remember these words of Jesus…



Revelation 2 ( World English Bible )

10 (c) Be faithful to death, and I will give you the crown of life.


What will happen to Pal when he at last crosses that “rainbow bridge” is anyone’s guess, but I know that if I am faithful, I will be given a “crown of life”.


PS. I thought you might enjoy seeing a picture of Pal which I took a few years ago. Pal is the cream colored Miniature Poodle on the right.

 


Bible Reading for May 10 and 11 by Gary Rose

Bible Reading for May 10 and 11 by Gary Rose

World  English  Bible

 

May 10

Joshua 1, 2

Jos 1:1 Now it happened after the death of Moses the servant of Yahweh, that Yahweh spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' servant, saying,

Jos 1:2 Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you, and all this people, to the land which I give to them, even to the children of Israel.

Jos 1:3 I have given you every place that the sole of your foot will tread on, as I told Moses.

Jos 1:4 From the wilderness, and this Lebanon, even to the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and to the great sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your border.

Jos 1:5 No man will be able to stand before you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not fail you nor forsake you.

Jos 1:6 Be strong and of good courage; for you shall cause this people to inherit the land which I swore to their fathers to give them.

Jos 1:7 Only be strong and very courageous, to observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded you. Don't turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go.

Jos 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall have good success.

Jos 1:9 Haven't I commanded you? Be strong and of good courage. Don't be afraid, neither be dismayed: for Yahweh your God is with you wherever you go.

Jos 1:10 Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying,

Jos 1:11 "Pass through the midst of the camp, and command the people, saying, 'Prepare food; for within three days you are to pass over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land, which Yahweh your God gives you to possess it.' "

Jos 1:12 Joshua spoke to the Reubenites, and to the Gadites, and to the half-tribe of Manasseh, saying,

Jos 1:13 "Remember the word which Moses the servant of Yahweh commanded you, saying, 'Yahweh your God gives you rest, and will give you this land.

Jos 1:14 Your wives, your little ones, and your livestock, shall live in the land which Moses gave you beyond the Jordan; but you shall pass over before your brothers armed, all the mighty men of valor, and shall help them

Jos 1:15 until Yahweh has given your brothers rest, as he has given you, and they have also possessed the land which Yahweh your God gives them. Then you shall return to the land of your possession, and possess it, which Moses the servant of Yahweh gave you beyond the Jordan toward the sunrise.' "

Jos 1:16 They answered Joshua, saying, "All that you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go.

Jos 1:17 Just as we listened to Moses in all things, so will we listen to you. Only may Yahweh your God be with you, as he was with Moses.

Jos 1:18 Whoever rebels against your commandment, and doesn't listen to your words in all that you command him, he shall be put to death. Only be strong and of good courage."


Jos 2:1 Joshua the son of Nun secretly sent two men out of Shittim as spies, saying, "Go, view the land, and Jericho." They went and came into the house of a prostitute whose name was Rahab, and slept there.

Jos 2:2 The king of Jericho was told, "Behold, men of the children of Israel came in here tonight to spy out the land."

Jos 2:3 The king of Jericho sent to Rahab, saying, "Bring out the men who have come to you, who have entered into your house; for they have come to spy out all the land."

Jos 2:4 The woman took the two men and hid them. Then she said, "Yes, the men came to me, but I didn't know where they came from.

Jos 2:5 It happened about the time of the shutting of the gate, when it was dark, that the men went out. Where the men went, I don't know. Pursue them quickly; for you will overtake them."

Jos 2:6 But she had brought them up to the roof, and hid them with the stalks of flax, which she had laid in order on the roof.

Jos 2:7 The men pursued them the way to the Jordan to the fords: and as soon as those who pursued them had gone out, they shut the gate.

Jos 2:8 Before they had laid down, she came up to them on the roof;

Jos 2:9 and she said to the men, "I know that Yahweh has given you the land, and that the fear of you has fallen on us, and that all the inhabitants of the land melt away before you.

Jos 2:10 For we have heard how Yahweh dried up the water of the Red Sea before you, when you came out of Egypt; and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites, who were beyond the Jordan, to Sihon and to Og, whom you utterly destroyed.

Jos 2:11 As soon as we had heard it, our hearts melted, neither did there remain any more spirit in any man, because of you: for Yahweh your God, he is God in heaven above, and on earth beneath.

Jos 2:12 Now therefore, please swear to me by Yahweh, since I have dealt kindly with you, that you also will deal kindly with my father's house, and give me a true token;

Jos 2:13 and that you will save alive my father, my mother, my brothers, and my sisters, and all that they have, and will deliver our lives from death."

Jos 2:14 The men said to her, "Our life for yours, if you don't talk about this business of ours; and it shall be, when Yahweh gives us the land, that we will deal kindly and truly with you."

Jos 2:15 Then she let them down by a cord through the window; for her house was on the side of the wall, and she lived on the wall.

Jos 2:16 She said to them, "Go to the mountain, lest the pursuers find you; and hide yourselves there three days, until the pursuers have returned. Afterward, you may go your way."

Jos 2:17 The men said to her, "We will be guiltless of this your oath which you have made us to swear.

Jos 2:18 Behold, when we come into the land, you shall bind this line of scarlet thread in the window which you did let us down by. You shall gather to yourself into the house your father, your mother, your brothers, and all your father's household.

Jos 2:19 It shall be that whoever goes out of the doors of your house into the street, his blood will be on his head, and we will be guiltless. Whoever is with you in the house, his blood shall be on our head, if any hand is on him.

Jos 2:20 But if you talk about this business of ours, then we shall be guiltless of your oath which you have made us to swear."

Jos 2:21 She said, "According to your words, so be it." She sent them away, and they departed. She tied the scarlet line in the window.

Jos 2:22 They went, and came to the mountain, and stayed there three days, until the pursuers had returned. The pursuers sought them throughout all the way, but didn't find them.

Jos 2:23 Then the two men returned, descended from the mountain, passed over, and came to Joshua the son of Nun; and they told him all that had happened to them.

Jos 2:24 They said to Joshua, "Truly Yahweh has delivered into our hands all the land. Moreover, all the inhabitants of the land melt away before us." 

 

May 11

Joshua 3, 4

Jos 3:1 Joshua rose up early in the morning; and they moved from Shittim, and came to the Jordan, he and all the children of Israel. They lodged there before they passed over.

Jos 3:2 It happened after three days, that the officers went through the midst of the camp;

Jos 3:3 and they commanded the people, saying, "When you see the ark of the covenant of Yahweh your God, and the priests the Levites bearing it, then you shall move from your place, and follow it.

Jos 3:4 Yet there shall be a space between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure. Don't come near to it, that you may know the way by which you must go; for you have not passed this way before."

Jos 3:5 Joshua said to the people, "Sanctify yourselves; for tomorrow Yahweh will do wonders among you."

Jos 3:6 Joshua spoke to the priests, saying, "Take up the ark of the covenant, and pass over before the people." They took up the ark of the covenant, and went before the people.

Jos 3:7 Yahweh said to Joshua, "Today I will begin to magnify you in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that as I was with Moses, so I will be with you.

Jos 3:8 You shall command the priests who bear the ark of the covenant, saying, 'When you come to the brink of the waters of the Jordan, you shall stand still in the Jordan.' "

Jos 3:9 Joshua said to the children of Israel, "Come here, and hear the words of Yahweh your God."

Jos 3:10 Joshua said, "Hereby you shall know that the living God is among you, and that he will without fail drive the Canaanite, and the Hittite, and the Hivite, and the Perizzite, and the Girgashite, and the Amorite, and the Jebusite out from before you.

Jos 3:11 Behold, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth passes over before you into the Jordan.

Jos 3:12 Now therefore take twelve men out of the tribes of Israel, for every tribe a man.

Jos 3:13 It shall come to pass, when the soles of the feet of the priests who bear the ark of Yahweh, the Lord of all the earth, rest in the waters of the Jordan, that the waters of the Jordan will be cut off, even the waters that come down from above; and they shall stand in one heap."

Jos 3:14 It happened, when the people moved from their tents to pass over the Jordan, the priests who bore the ark of the covenant being before the people,

Jos 3:15 and when those who bore the ark had come to the Jordan, and the feet of the priests who bore the ark had dipped in the edge of the water (for the Jordan overflows all its banks all the time of harvest),

Jos 3:16 that the waters which came down from above stood, and rose up in one heap, a great way off, at Adam, the city that is beside Zarethan; and those that went down toward the sea of the Arabah, even the Salt Sea, were wholly cut off. Then the people passed over right against Jericho.

Jos 3:17 The priests who bore the ark of the covenant of Yahweh stood firm on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan; and all Israel passed over on dry ground, until all the nation had passed completely over the Jordan.


Jos 4:1 It happened, when all the nation had completely passed over the Jordan, that Yahweh spoke to Joshua, saying,

Jos 4:2 "Take twelve men out of the people, out of every tribe a man,

Jos 4:3 and command them, saying, 'Take from out of the middle of the Jordan, out of the place where the priests' feet stood firm, twelve stones, and carry them over with you, and lay them down in the lodging place, where you will lodge tonight.' "

Jos 4:4 Then Joshua called the twelve men, whom he had prepared of the children of Israel, out of every tribe a man.

Jos 4:5 Joshua said to them, "Pass over before the ark of Yahweh your God into the middle of the Jordan, and each of you pick up a stone and put it on your shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the children of Israel;

Jos 4:6 that this may be a sign among you, that when your children ask in time to come, saying, 'What do you mean by these stones?'

Jos 4:7 then you shall tell them, 'Because the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of Yahweh. When it passed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones shall be for a memorial to the children of Israel forever.' "

Jos 4:8 The children of Israel did as Joshua commanded, and took up twelve stones out of the middle of the Jordan, as Yahweh spoke to Joshua, according to the number of the tribes of the children of Israel; and they carried them over with them to the place where they lodged, and laid them down there.

Jos 4:9 Joshua set up twelve stones in the middle of the Jordan, in the place where the feet of the priests who bore the ark of the covenant stood; and they are there to this day.

Jos 4:10 For the priests who bore the ark stood in the middle of the Jordan, until everything was finished that Yahweh commanded Joshua to speak to the people, according to all that Moses commanded Joshua; and the people hurried and passed over.

Jos 4:11 It happened, when all the people had completely passed over, that the ark of Yahweh passed over, with the priests, in the presence of the people.

Jos 4:12 The children of Reuben, and the children of Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, passed over armed before the children of Israel, as Moses spoke to them.

Jos 4:13 About forty thousand men, ready and armed for war passed over before Yahweh to battle, to the plains of Jericho.

Jos 4:14 On that day, Yahweh magnified Joshua in the sight of all Israel; and they feared him, as they feared Moses, all the days of his life.

Jos 4:15 Yahweh spoke to Joshua, saying,

Jos 4:16 "Command the priests who bear the ark of the testimony, that they come up out of the Jordan."

Jos 4:17 Joshua therefore commanded the priests, saying, "Come up out of the Jordan!"

Jos 4:18 It happened, when the priests who bore the ark of the covenant of Yahweh had come up out of the middle of the Jordan, and the soles of the priests' feet were lifted up to the dry ground, that the waters of the Jordan returned to their place, and went over all its banks, as before.

Jos 4:19 The people came up out of the Jordan on the tenth day of the first month, and encamped in Gilgal, on the east border of Jericho.

Jos 4:20 Joshua set up those twelve stones, which they took out of the Jordan, in Gilgal.

Jos 4:21 He spoke to the children of Israel, saying, "When your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, 'What do these stones mean?'

Jos 4:22 Then you shall let your children know, saying, 'Israel came over this Jordan on dry land.

Jos 4:23 For Yahweh your God dried up the waters of the Jordan from before you, until you had passed over, as Yahweh your God did to the Red Sea, which he dried up from before us, until we had passed over;

Jos 4:24 that all the peoples of the earth may know the hand of Yahweh, that it is mighty; that you may fear Yahweh your God forever.' " 

 

May 10, 11

Luke 22

Luk 22:1 Now the feast of unleavened bread, which is called the Passover, drew near.

Luk 22:2 The chief priests and the scribes sought how they might put him to death, for they feared the people.

Luk 22:3 Satan entered into Judas, who was surnamed Iscariot, who was numbered with the twelve.

Luk 22:4 He went away, and talked with the chief priests and captains about how he might deliver him to them.

Luk 22:5 They were glad, and agreed to give him money.

Luk 22:6 He consented, and sought an opportunity to deliver him to them in the absence of the multitude.

Luk 22:7 The day of unleavened bread came, on which the Passover must be sacrificed.

Luk 22:8 He sent Peter and John, saying, "Go and prepare the Passover for us, that we may eat."

Luk 22:9 They said to him, "Where do you want us to prepare?"

Luk 22:10 He said to them, "Behold, when you have entered into the city, a man carrying a pitcher of water will meet you. Follow him into the house which he enters.

Luk 22:11 Tell the master of the house, 'The Teacher says to you, "Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?" '

Luk 22:12 He will show you a large, furnished upper room. Make preparations there."

Luk 22:13 They went, found things as he had told them, and they prepared the Passover.

Luk 22:14 When the hour had come, he sat down with the twelve apostles.

Luk 22:15 He said to them, "I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer,

Luk 22:16 for I tell you, I will no longer by any means eat of it until it is fulfilled in the Kingdom of God."

Luk 22:17 He received a cup, and when he had given thanks, he said, "Take this, and share it among yourselves,

Luk 22:18 for I tell you, I will not drink at all again from the fruit of the vine, until the Kingdom of God comes."

Luk 22:19 He took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and gave to them, saying, "This is my body which is given for you. Do this in memory of me."

Luk 22:20 Likewise, he took the cup after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.

Luk 22:21 But behold, the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table.

Luk 22:22 The Son of Man indeed goes, as it has been determined, but woe to that man through whom he is betrayed!"

Luk 22:23 They began to question among themselves, which of them it was who would do this thing.

Luk 22:24 There arose also a contention among them, which of them was considered to be greatest.

Luk 22:25 He said to them, "The kings of the nations lord it over them, and those who have authority over them are called 'benefactors.'

Luk 22:26 But not so with you. But one who is the greater among you, let him become as the younger, and one who is governing, as one who serves.

Luk 22:27 For who is greater, one who sits at the table, or one who serves? Isn't it he who sits at the table? But I am in the midst of you as one who serves.

Luk 22:28 But you are those who have continued with me in my trials.

Luk 22:29 I confer on you a kingdom, even as my Father conferred on me,

Luk 22:30 that you may eat and drink at my table in my Kingdom. You will sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel."

Luk 22:31 The Lord said, "Simon, Simon, behold, Satan asked to have you, that he might sift you as wheat,

Luk 22:32 but I prayed for you, that your faith wouldn't fail. You, when once you have turned again, establish your brothers."

Luk 22:33 He said to him, "Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death!"

Luk 22:34 He said, "I tell you, Peter, the rooster will by no means crow today until you deny that you know me three times."

Luk 22:35 He said to them, "When I sent you out without purse, and wallet, and shoes, did you lack anything?" They said, "Nothing."

Luk 22:36 Then he said to them, "But now, whoever has a purse, let him take it, and likewise a wallet. Whoever has none, let him sell his cloak, and buy a sword.

Luk 22:37 For I tell you that this which is written must still be fulfilled in me: 'He was counted with the lawless.' For that which concerns me has an end."

Luk 22:38 They said, "Lord, behold, here are two swords." He said to them, "That is enough."

Luk 22:39 He came out, and went, as his custom was, to the Mount of Olives. His disciples also followed him.

Luk 22:40 When he was at the place, he said to them, "Pray that you don't enter into temptation."

Luk 22:41 He was withdrawn from them about a stone's throw, and he knelt down and prayed,

Luk 22:42 saying, "Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done."

Luk 22:43 An angel from heaven appeared to him, strengthening him.

Luk 22:44 Being in agony he prayed more earnestly. His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down on the ground.

Luk 22:45 When he rose up from his prayer, he came to the disciples, and found them sleeping because of grief,

Luk 22:46 and said to them, "Why do you sleep? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation."

Luk 22:47 While he was still speaking, behold, a multitude, and he who was called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He came near to Jesus to kiss him.

Luk 22:48 But Jesus said to him, "Judas, do you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?"

Luk 22:49 When those who were around him saw what was about to happen, they said to him, "Lord, shall we strike with the sword?"

Luk 22:50 A certain one of them struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear.

Luk 22:51 But Jesus answered, "Let me at least do this" -and he touched his ear, and healed him.

Luk 22:52 Jesus said to the chief priests, captains of the temple, and elders, who had come against him, "Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs?

Luk 22:53 When I was with you in the temple daily, you didn't stretch out your hands against me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness."

Luk 22:54 They seized him, and led him away, and brought him into the high priest's house. But Peter followed from a distance.

Luk 22:55 When they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard, and had sat down together, Peter sat among them.

Luk 22:56 A certain servant girl saw him as he sat in the light, and looking intently at him, said, "This man also was with him."

Luk 22:57 He denied Jesus, saying, "Woman, I don't know him."

Luk 22:58 After a little while someone else saw him, and said, "You also are one of them!" But Peter answered, "Man, I am not!"

Luk 22:59 After about one hour passed, another confidently affirmed, saying, "Truly this man also was with him, for he is a Galilean!"

Luk 22:60 But Peter said, "Man, I don't know what you are talking about!" Immediately, while he was still speaking, a rooster crowed.

Luk 22:61 The Lord turned, and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the Lord's word, how he said to him, "Before the rooster crows you will deny me three times."

Luk 22:62 He went out, and wept bitterly.

Luk 22:63 The men who held Jesus mocked him and beat him.

Luk 22:64 Having blindfolded him, they struck him on the face and asked him, "Prophesy! Who is the one who struck you?"

Luk 22:65 They spoke many other things against him, insulting him.

Luk 22:66 As soon as it was day, the assembly of the elders of the people was gathered together, both chief priests and scribes, and they led him away into their council, saying,

Luk 22:67 "If you are the Christ, tell us." But he said to them, "If I tell you, you won't believe,

Luk 22:68 and if I ask, you will in no way answer me or let me go.

Luk 22:69 From now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God."

Luk 22:70 They all said, "Are you then the Son of God?" He said to them, "You say it, because I am."

Luk 22:71 They said, "Why do we need any more witness? For we ourselves have heard from his own mouth!"

Wise Use of Time by Sandra F. Cobble


http://www.oldpaths.com/Archive/Cobble/Sandra/Fontaine/1933/use.html

Wise Use of Time

Wise use of time does not mean we always have to be "busy." We live in a youth-oriented, "on the go," society. That, I think, has greatly influenced Christian thought. We back our thoughts up with a few Scriptures, but sometimes do not observe the overall picture. Jesus was not ALWAYS feeding the multitude or healing the sick or performing miracles. He and His disciples left the multitude at times. This is indicated by the fact that He could explain the parables to them in private. There was time for prayer to His father. And there was time for personal fellowship and social fellowship. He visited with Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. And when He was at the wedding in Cana there is no indication that this was an unusual event in itself.

The saying, "God first, others next, self last," is of merit, but it is not entirely Scriptural. We are commanded to love others AS ourselves. If we do, indeed, love God first, then love ourselves as He loves us -- enough to care for ALL our needs -- then we can properly care for the needs of others. And while spiritual needs are of primary consideration, man also has many other needs. God not only created man, He also created all things to meet his needs, and even a wife so he would not be alone, for "He saw that it was not good for the man to be alone."

There is a time to be busy about our Father's business. There is also a time to just sit and observe His handiwork and learn to love and praise Him more!

Sandra F. Cobble

Published in The Old Paths Archive
(http://www.oldpaths.com)

 

INSIGHT INTO BIBLE PROPHECY #71 Did Jesus Use the Wrong Examples? by David Vaughn Elliott

http://steve-finnell.blogspot.com/2016/11/insight-into-bible-prophecy-71-did.html

INSIGHT INTO BIBLE PROPHECY #71
Did Jesus Use the Wrong Examples?
by David Vaughn Elliott

Do you remember when Jesus said: "as it was in the days of Elijah, so shall it be when the Son of man comes"? No, you don't--for the simple reason that the Bible records no such thing.  

If the popular rapture theory were true, Jesus would have used the examples of Elijah and Enoch. Elijah’s case is the more striking of the two. After the whirlwind took him into heaven, 50 men fruitlessly searched three days for him (2 Kings 2). Now that sounds like today’s rapture theory! The righteous disappear; those "left behind" are mystified; and daily life goes on. But there is a big problem here. Jesus never said, "As it was in the days of Elijah"!  

Jesus said, "As it was in the days of Lot… it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of Man is revealed." Jesus said, "As it was in the days of Noah... " Noah’s neighbors did not wonder what happened to him. They had watched him build his escape boat and gather in the animals. Life did not go on as usual. "The flood came, and destroyed them all." It was the end of that world. Jesus said His second coming would be like that! (Luke 17:26-30). 

Jesus compared His return to the days of Lot and Noah. Both involved the destruction of the wicked. No second chances. In the case of Sodom, it was not the end of the world; but it was the end of Sodom and Gomorrah. Those cities have never been found. Those people never had time to wonder what happened to Lot. There were no chariot wrecks. No search parties. Nobody was "left behind." Jesus said His coming would be like that. 

Jesus was not wrong; He did not use the wrong examples. It is today's popular novels that are wrong. Junk the novels. Believe the words of Jesus in the Holy Scriptures.

Overcoming Adversity by Ken Weliever, The Preacherman

https://thepreachersword.com/2016/02/25/overcoming-adversity/#more-8525

Overcoming Adversity

Adversity. Overcoming

Some of the world’s greatest men and women have been saddled with disabilities and adversities but have managed to overcome them. I’m not sure of the origin of this piece, but it expresses this thought well.

Cripple him, and you have a Sir Walter Scott. Lock him in a prison cell, and you have a John Bunyan. Bury him in the snows of Valley Forge, and you have a George Washington. Raise him in abject poverty, and you have an Abraham Lincoln.

Subject him to bitter religious prejudice, and you have a Benjamin Disraeli. Strike him down with infantile paralysis, and he becomes a Franklin D. Roosevelt. Burn him so severely in a schoolhouse fire that the doctors say he will never walk again, and you have a Glenn Cunningham, who set a world’s record in 1934 for running a mile in 4 minutes, 6.7 seconds.

Deafen a genius composer, and you have a Ludwig van Beethoven. Have him or her born black in a society filled with racial discrimination, and you have a Booker T. Washington, a Harriet Tubman, a Marian Anderson, or a George Washington Carver.

Make him the first child to survive in a poor Italian family of eighteen children, and you have an Enrico Caruso. Have him born of parents who survived a Nazi concentration camp, paralyze him from the waist down when he is four, and you have an incomparable concert violinist, Itzhak Perlman. Call him a slow learner, “retarded,” and write him off as uneducable, and you have an Albert Einstein.

I believe that God has placed within humankind seeds of strength, resilience, and fortitude. We can tap into an indomitable spirit to overcome adversity.

For Bible believers there are some keys to help us cope when life is hard. When the challenges seem insurmountable. And when we not sure where to turn.

(1) Live in God’s Presence. James said, “Draw near to God and he will draw near to you.” Jesus promised “I am with you always even to the end of the world. Mt 28:29.

When we suffer adversity, we can know that we are in the presence of God. What a great encouragement, comfort and consolation.

One man said, where was God when my son died?” The answer is: The same place he was when His son died. If you feel forsaken, Jesus knows how you feel. God is not a spectator of our pain, we are in His presence.

(2) Learn from God’s Promises. The Psalmist affirmed that God would be with us. That he is “our refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble.” God promises help. Comfort. Hope. He says, “I care. And I will care for you.” (I Pet. 5:7). He feels our pain. And will supply our every need.

(3) Lean on God’s Power. When Sennacherib, king of Assyria invaded Judah, the king stood up and said. “Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid nor dismayed before the king of Assyria, nor before all the multitude that is with him; for there are more with us than with him. 8 With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the Lord our God, to help us and to fight our battles.” And the people were strengthened by the words of Hezekiah king of Judah” (2 Chron 32:7-8).

Finite strength is undependable and expendable, but God’s infinite power is sufficient for every need. Indeed we are “kept by the power of God” (1 Pet 1:5)

(4) Look For God’s Purpose. God’s purpose is not to make you miserable. Paul said to “rejoice in the Lord” God does not send pain, problems and pressures. God is the giver of good gifts. (Jas. 1:18)

Why does adversity strike? Maybe it is because of the evil of other people. Sometimes it is the result of living in a natural world that is filled with sin, suffering and separation. It could be through our own poor choices (Gal. 6:7-8) Or maybe the Devil is trying to trap us (1 Pet. 5:8).

So what is God’s Purpose for me in adversity? To walk by faith and not by sight (2 Cor 5:7) To Use adversity to make me stronger (Jas 1:2-3) To focus on the eternal plan in Jesus. (Eph. 3:11) To claim victory through his love, grace and mercy. (Rom 8:30-31).

We all will suffer adversity in this life. Sometimes extreme tragedy will befall us. Yet, whatever the trial or trouble, there is help and hope. There is God.

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman

 

"THE GOSPEL OF MARK" The Betrayal Of Jesus (14:43-52) by Mark Copeland


 

 

 

 

 

 

 "THE GOSPEL OF MARK"


The Betrayal Of Jesus (14:43-52) 
  
 INTRODUCTION

1. Certainly one of the saddest moments in the life of Jesus was His betrayal by Judas...
   a. One of Jesus’ closest disciples, even one of His twelve apostles - Mk 14:43-46
   b. Followed by being abandoned by the rest of the apostles - Mk  14:47-50
   c. And possibly Mark; many think he was the young man that fled naked - Mk 14:51-52

2. But our focus is on Judas:  What led him to betray his Lord and
   Savior?  How could one who had been with Jesus...
   a. Seen His miracles, heard His teachings
   b. Betray Him with a kiss?

3. And what about us, who claim to be Jesus’ disciples today...?
   a. Could we be guilty of betraying Jesus in some way?
   b. Are there things that misled Judas that could have a similar effect on us?

[What might we learn from "The Betrayal Of Jesus"?  Lest we follow the
same path of Judas, let’s reflect for a few moments on what we can glean
from the Scriptures...]

I. JESUS WAS BETRAYED BY A CLOSE FRIEND

   A. JUDAS WAS NO STRANGER TO JESUS...
      1. As already mentioned, he was one of the apostles - Mk 3:14-19
      2. He was among those whom Jesus loved - cf. Jn 13:1
      3. Yet as prophesied, Jesus was betrayed by "a familiar friend" - Ps 41:9

   B. BEING CLOSE TO JESUS IS NO GUARANTEE...
      1. Just being His disciples is no assurance we could not betray Him
      2. Like several of the churches in Asia Minor, we could...
         a. Leave our first love - Re 2:4-5
         b. Begin to tolerate false doctrine - Re 2:14-16
         c. Permit false teachers to spread their doctrines - Re 2:20
         d. Fail to perfect our works, and not be watchful - Re 3:1-3
         e. Become lukewarm - Re 3:15-16
      3. Yes, we can betray Jesus by denying Him who bought us - cf. 2Pe  2:1

[Therefore we need to heed Jesus’ admonition to be "faithful unto death"
(Re 2:10), and not assume that close proximity to Jesus in the past
guarantees faithfulness in the future.]

II. JESUS WAS BETRAYED BY A LOVER OF MONEY

   A. MONEY WAS A PROBLEM FOR JUDAS...
      1. He often pilfered from the money box of the disciples - Jn 12:4-6
      2. The opportunity to make some money led him to betray Jesus - Mt 26:14-16

   B. MONEY CAN BE A PROBLEM FOR US...
      1. The deceitfulness of riches can render us unfruitful - Mk 4:19
      2. The desire for riches and the love of money can lead us to
         stray from the faith and drown in destruction and perdition - 1Ti 6:9-10
      3. The Laodiceans’ preoccupation with wealth made them lukewarm - Re 3:16-17

[Could we be guilty of betraying Jesus by our desire for riches, letting
such things take precedent over our service to God and His church?]

III. JESUS WAS BETRAYED BY A SHOW OF AFFECTION

   A. JUDAS BETRAYED JESUS WITH A KISS...
      1. He could have pointed...perhaps he sought to soften the blow of betrayal - Mk 14:44-45
      2. Jesus noted the obvious contradiction - Lk 22:48

   B. DISPLAYS OF AFFECTION DON’T ENSURE FAITHFULNESS...
      1. Many people are very emotional in their religion
         a. As displayed in their worship
         b. Believing it to be evidence of being "Spirit-filled"
      2. Yet emotions alone are not a reliable guide
         a. They can easily mislead us - cf. Pr 16:25; Jer 10:23; 17:9
         b. They are often present in the unstable believer - cf. Mk 4:16-17
      3. This is not to discount the place and value of emotions
         a. We are to love God with all our heart and with all our mind - Mt 22:37-38
         b. The Spirit does produce fruit in our lives that affects our emotions - Ga 5:22-23
         c. But we must keep them in the proper order:
            1) Our emotions must come from faith, not faith coming from emotions
            2) Otherwise we are led by emotionalism, not faith
      4. True faith comes from the Word of God - Ro 10:17; Jn 20:30-31

[If we believe that displays of affection in our religion can make up
for our failure to heed God’s Word, we deceive ourselves and betray Jesus in the process!]

IV. JESUS WAS BETRAYED BY A MISTAKEN DISCIPLE

   A. JUDAS MISTOOK THE CONSEQUENCES OF HIS ACTION...
      1. He evidently didn’t think Jesus would be condemned - Mt 27:3-4
      2. This has prompted some to think that Judas was motivated by more than money
         a. That perhaps his betrayal would force Jesus to act, show His true power
         b. That in such a way it would demonstrate who Jesus truly was

   B. WE CAN BE GUILTY OF MISTAKEN SERVICE...
      1. Thinking our service is acceptable, when it is not - Mt 7:21-23
      2. Thinking we can improve on God’s way, when His ways may not be ours - Isa 55:8-9
      3. We need to head the Preacher’s advice - cf. Ecc 5:1-2
         a. Come to hear and do what He says
         b. Not presume to know what pleases God and offer what we think is best

[In our zeal, we may be guilty of acting based on mistaken knowledge
(cf. Ro 10:1-3).  Dare we possibly betray Jesus by presuming we know
what is according to His will and plan?]

V. JESUS WAS BETRAYED BY AN OVERWROUGHT FOLLOWER

   A. JUDAS REACTED TO HIS SIN THE WRONG WAY...
      1. He was overcome with grief - cf. Mt 27:3
      2. He took the wrong course of action by hanging himself - cf. Mt 27:5

   B. WE CAN REACT TO OUR SINS THE SAME WAY...
      1. There are two kinds of sorrow - 2Co 7:10
         a. Sorrow of the world that produces death
         b. Godly sorrow that produces repentance
         c. The first sorrow is preoccupied with self; the second is
            sorrow for sinning against God
      2. It is natural to be sorrowful for our sins
         a. But we should not wallow in our grief
         b. But repent, as did Peter who denied Christ
      3. Paul is another example of one who did not let sins of the past
         hinder service in the present
         a. He focused on God’s grace which gave him another chance - 1Co 15:9-10
         b. He directed his attention on striving for the upward call of God - Php 3:12-14

CONCLUSION

1. While Jesus was betrayed by all these things, let’s not forget the influence of Satan...
   a. Satan used Judas to betray Jesus - Lk 22:3-4
   b. Satan put it in Judas’ heart to betray Jesus - Jn 13:2
   c. For this reason Jesus referred to Judas as "a devil" - Jn 6:70-71

2. Yet how did Satan influence Judas?  By some of the very things we’ve noticed...
   a. Through his love of money
   b. Through his emotionalism
   c. Through his mistaken ideas
   d. Through his preoccupation with self
   -- Even Peter was influenced by Satan through some of these things (cf. Mt 16:23)

And so while we may decry the treachery of Judas, we should humbly learn
from his mistakes, taking to heart the words of Peter:

   "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks
   about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.  Resist
   him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings
   are experienced by your brotherhood in the world." - 1Pe 5:9-10
 
Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2016

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