Jesus understands your struggles - Don't beat yourself up!!!

S – Scripture

Mark 14 v. 71 But he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, “I do not know this man of whom you speak.”

 

O – Observation

This is Peter’s final (3^rd) denial of Christ. It happened just as Jesus predicted. It’s interesting to note, and refreshing in a way to know that Peter who was one of the main disciple’s and instrumental in getting the church started after Jesus death, yet at a time in his life, he denied Christ. Faith is hard some times. During the good times, its easy to have Faith. However, there are times when you have to put it on the line – then its tough. Ask Peter. But yet, God forgave him. Because, he knows and understands what is going on in our lives. That’s why his gift is free, otherwise who would have it. No one.

 

A – Application

Am I beating myself up for weak moment? Or am I looking forward to the future for the next moment?

 

P – Prayer

Jesus, Thanks for being there for me, even when I struggle in my faith. Love Will

Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

We need to speak the Truth

S – Scripture

Mark 14 v. 55 Now the chief priest and the whole council sought testimony against Jesus to put him to death; but they found none.

 

O – Observation

Two interesting points in the verse. One, the whole council, and two, they found none. When Jesus stood on “trial”, everyone wanted him dead, there was no impartiality with the group. The following verse says they made lies about him but they did not agree - or hold water. Why? Because Jesus is the Truth, and the Way. Which leads to the second point. They found None, because he is the Truth. Fast forward to today. I see many parallels. The scientific community is trying to disapprove Creation. However, the deeper you look, there is no other answer than God created us.

 

A – Application

Am I letting the Holy Spirit use me to point others to the Truth?

 

P – Prayer

Jesus, Send the Holy Sprit in to my life. Give me wisdom on how to point people to the truth. Love Will.

Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

You never know when you need to be awake and ready

S – Scripture

Mark 14 v. 17 And he came and found them sleeping and he said to Peter, “Simon are you asleep? Could you not watch one hour?

 

O – Observation

I find it interesting on several levels how Jesus handles this situation. Again, Jesus took Peter, James and John, his inner circle and went to pray. The three of them were all sleeping, but yet he called out Peter (Simon) on this. Why? Also note, he called him by his birth name, Simon, instead of Peter , which he gave him. (See John 1 v, 42).  Note, Peter means Rock. Clearly Peter was NOT a rock at this time. I sure that’s whey he called him Simon in this instance. I’m thinking Peter was the leader of this group , which is also why he call him vs. the other two. (Even though John was the disciple he loved.)

 

A – Application

I think about the leadership roles that I have in church. I think about how Jesus said to whom much is given, much is demanded. Am I ready?

 

P – Prayer

Jesus, Help me to be ready and awake when you need me. Love Will.

Prepare for Tests

S - Scripture
Psalm   11 v. 5  The Lord tests the righteous and the wicked, and his soul hates him that loves violence.

O - Observation
Tests. We all will face them. God is impartial to whom he tests. He tests everybody. Why do we have tests? To make us better. Its true in school. Its true in life. Proverbs 27 v. 17a, "Iron sharpens Iron." and Proverbs 27 v. 21a, "The crucible is for silver and the furnace is for gold." Both these Proverbs points out to the end game of tests. How do we prepare for God's tests? 2 Corinthians 13 v. 5, "Exam yourselves, to see whether you are holding to the faith.  TEST YOURSELVES. Do you not realize that Jesus Christ is in you? - unless indeed you fail to meet the test." Just like practice tests in school, we need to do the same in our lives. Live God's word and instruction, so when his tests come, we will be ready.

A - Application
How am I preparing for my tests? How am I doing?

P - Prayer
Jesus,  Help me to respond to your tests with flying colors.  Love Will

Follow Jesus lead in your prayer life

S – Scripture

Mark 14 v. 32 And they want to a place which was called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.”

 

O – Observation

Jesus was getting ready to face the crux of his time on earth, the whole painful sacrificial reason. So what does he do? Two things. 1^st) Prays – Talk to God. In the same format that we do. He didn’t transfigure like before or “Poofed up to heaven” to talk to God. Nope. He prayed. Just like you and I. 2^nd) He went to a special spot. A spot where he would not be distracted. A spot that would help him to be still to pray and listen.

 

A – Application

What a great example. As I face the troubles of the world, am I following Jesus’s lead? Am I going to God
in Prayer? Do I have a special spot to Pray?

 

P – Prayer

Jesus,  Bless me. Help me to always go to you. Love Will.

Prepare and Allow - they go hand in hand

S – Scripture

Mark 14 v. 15 And he will show you a large upper room furnished and ready; there prepared for us.

 

O – Observation

This verse makes me think about the owner of the house that had the upper room. I find it fascinating that not only did Jesus know this room would be there, but the fact that the owner prepared the room in advance not knowing how he was going to use it. Was he going to use if for himself and family, or would he assume someone else would use it? The key point to me is that the guy prepared his house and was ready when Jesus came a knocking.

 

A – Application

Am I prepared for when Jesus shows up in my life? Do I have a room ready for him? Am I wiling to let God use my home (heart) as he sees fit?

 

P – Prayer

Jesus, Help me to prepare my room (heart) for you. Come and use it as you see fit. Love Will.

Image by congerdesign from Pixabay 

 

Remember! We all play our part - even it it's not how you would do it.

S – Scripture

Mark 14 v. 4 But there were some who said to themselves indigently, “Why was the ointment thus wasted?”

 

O – Observation

This statement was made by some people just after a gal poured a flask of ointment, “all of it” on Jesus head. They said to themselves, the ointment could have been sold and the money given to the poor. I can see me in this group. Sometimes, I want to push my agenda, which may be different than someone else’s. When that starts to happen, I need to do some heart work. Because, Jesus response to them, Mark 14 v. 6-9, shows her motive which was pure and approved. This also makes me think about the fact that there are many parts of the body, each has its own role.

 

A – Application

What are my motives? Can I be accepting of what other members of the body of Christ does?

 

P – Prayer

Jesus, Keep my motives and heart pure and all for you. Love Will