Shaking in His Boots

We have arrived at Holy Week. Let the Word of God dwell in you richly this week.

I'm really behind now, so this will be major catch-up. The chapters are Mt. 9-10; Lk. 8-9; and Jn. 5. A few nuggets from a rich mine and a deep well of the water of life.

• The New Living says Jesus ate dinner with notorious sinners and scum. The Pharisees sure didn't like that.
• Have you ever blessed someone and then wanted to take it back? I've not blessed people and then was reminded Jesus said to "bless your enemies" so I have had to. Interestingly Jesus said, "take your blessing back if you are not received." You can not predict what Jesus is going to say.
• Jesus said, "when you are persecuted" not if you are. A positive confession won't keep persecution from happening. Being a secret Christian might, however.
• Jesus' ministry, like ministries today, require partners. Luke records the names of the women who financially supported His ministry. God designed for God's people to support God's work. I bet Jesus never resorted to the fund raising schemes we see some involved in today.
• Three enemies of the Word: The devil; testing; cares, riches and pleasures of life. The seed in good soil is faced with the same enemies. The good soil perseveres.
• The mission of the Church has not changed: Tell all about the Kingdom and heal the sick.
• Impossibility meets possibility in Jesus and looses, every time.
• Do you suppose the disciples were embarrassed when the couldn't cast the demon out? I've been embarrassed. I think Jesus said something like: "Faithless!" Ouch!
• God's Kingdom is bigger than our little group.
• Like James and John, I've wanted to call fire down out of heaven. I could justify doing it, too!
• Can you hear the consternation in the man's voice who was healed after 38 years: "Illegal to carry my mat? This is the first time for me to walk in 38 years!" Religion is really, really cruel.
• Our blessed hope - the resurrection. Mom celebrated her first birthday in the presence of the Lord, yesterday, Palm Sunday. She and we await that glorious day.

And my last thought for today - Herod was shaking in his boots. I'm sure he was relieved to find out it wasn't John.

PrairieParson
JB

Go KU and KSU in the big dance!