It is Saturday and the Gospel is silent about the day. The disciples grieved, I’m sure. They were probably confused. They thought Jesus was going to establish his kingdom, but he died on the cross instead. He told the thief on the cross beside him that he would be with him in Paradise that very day. What we think about how Jesus spent the day after Good Friday is reflected in Robert Lowry hymn, Christ Arose (Copyright 1874 Public Domain).
Low in the grave He lay,
Jesus my Savior,
Waiting the coming day,
Jesus my Lord!
Vainly they watch His bed,
Jesus my Savior;
Vainly they seal the dead,
Jesus my Lord!
There are creative folks who believe that Jesus was in other places on Saturday. That he was here and went there. What I truly believe is that Jesus was a real person who lived in history. He was God incarnate. He was crucified, died, was buried, and tomorrow we will hear how he rose from the dead, braking the chains of death. What he did the day after his death is not recorded in scripture except to say that he was in the borrowed tomb of Joseph of Arimathea.
Jesus Christ does not need me to validate his experience. It is silly arrogance to think that my opinion about where he was at any point in his life would determine the facts of his existence. He was and is and ever more will be. Jesus was exactly where his father, God, wanted him to be because he was obedient. Let us pray:
"Father of our Lord and Savior Jesus, the long awaited Christ, holy is your name and the name of your Messiah. We praise you and long to live in your kingdom like the thief who was promised Paradise. Today is the day Jesus slept, Father, and waited for the day of all days, when death would be defeated. Father, I ask for nothing for myself. I only ask that those who do not yet know you may feel your warm presence so surely this day that they stop and touch the spot of your contact. If I can say or do anything to help them discover you while you are reaching out to them, lay it on my heart. Please, Father, I do not want to know who it is or under what circumstances. It is not about me. It is all about you. In the name of the resurrected Christ I pray. Amen"
Doris "God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine."
Copyright 2012 Doris Gaines Rapp
Visit: www.lengthofdays2112.blogspot.com for fun stories.
Also: www.directbuybooks.com
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Friday, April 6, 2012
GOOD FRIDAY
What is good about this particular Friday? Our Lord died on this day; why is that good?
God means virtuous, moral, wise and Holy means infinitely good. Therefore we have "The Good Book" and "Good Friday." In the Church we know that Christ’s death on the cross on Good Friday which marks the beginning of salvation for us all.
Among the many meanings of "good" are virtuous, moral, and wise. One of the meanings of the word holy is "infinitely good." From such meanings come the expressions "the Good Book" and "Good Friday."
While we call this Friday Good, we sometimes struggle with the contradiction. "Good Friday" seems a little perverse, until we put it all in Biblical perspective. The long awaited Messiah had been promised down through the ages as recorded in the Old Testament. Along with that promise, came the prophesy—what will happen to the Messiah and what will be happening in history. "Good Friday" is part of the prophesy that came with the promise.
We often want the blessings without the responsibility and sometimes, the suffering that comes with it. Jesus was willing to take on himself all that had to happen because he knew his role in God’s plan.
I have selected a passage from the Gospel of Mark to allow us the privilege of experiencing his day. Please read the entire selection as I have lifted out most but not all verses. Our prayer of thanksgiving for the life and death and resurrection will follow.
Mark 14:53-15:47
53 They took Jesus to the high priest, and all the chief priests, elders and teachers of the law came together. 54 Peter followed Him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. There he sat with the guards and warmed himself at the fire.
55 The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for evidence against Jesus so that they could put Him to death, but they did not find any.
61 But Jesus remained silent and gave no answer. Again the high priest asked Him, "Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?"
62 "I am," said Jesus, "And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven."
65b And the guards took Him and beat Him.
66 While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came by. 67 When she saw Peter warming himself, she looked closely at him. "You also were with that Nazarene, Jesus," she said. 68 But he denied it. "I don’t know or understand what you’re talking about," he said, and went out the entryway. 69 When the servant girl saw him there, she said again to those standing around, "This fellow is one of them." 70 Again he denied it. After a little while, those standing near to Peter said to Peter, "Surely you are one of them, for you are a Galilean." 71 He began to call down curses on himself, and he swore to them, "I don’t know this man you’re talking about."
72 Immediately the rooster crowed the second time. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken to him, "Before the rooster crows twice, you will disown Me three times." And he broke down and wept.
Mark 15: 1-47
1 Very early in the morning, the chief priests, with the elders, the teachers of the law and the whole Sanhedrin, reached a decision. They bound Jesus, led Him away and handed Him over to Pilate. 2 "Are You the king of the Jews?" asked Pilate. "Yes, it is as you say," Jesus replied.
6 Now it was the custom at the Feast to release a prisoner whom the people requested. 7 A man called Barabbas was in prison with the insurrectionists who had committed murder in the uprising. 8 The crowd came up and asked Pilate to do for them what he usually did.
9 "Do you want me to release to you the king of the Jews?" asked Pilate, 10 knowing it was out of envy that the chief priests had handed Jesus over to him. 11 But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have Pilate release Barabbas instead.12 "What shall I do, then, with the one you call the king of the Jews?" Pilate asked them.
13 "Crucify him!" they shouted. 14 "Why? What crime has he committed?" asked Pilate. But they shouted all the louder, "Crucify Him!" 15 Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. He had Jesus flogged, and handed Him over to be crucified.
16 The soldiers led Jesus away into the palace (that is, the Praetorium) and called together the whole company of soldiers. 17 They put a purple robe on Him, then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on Him. 18 And they began to call out to Him, "Hail, king of the Jews!" 19 Again and again they struck Him on the head with a staff and spit on Him. Falling to their knees, they paid homage to Him. 20 And when they had mocked Him, they took off the purple robe and put His own clothes on Him. Then they led Him out to crucify Him.
22 They brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means The Place of the Skull). 23 Then they offered Him wine mixed with myrrh, but He did not take it. 24 And they crucified Him. Dividing up his clothes, they cast lots to see what each would get.
27 They crucified two robbers with Him, one on His right and one of His left. Those who passed by hurled insults at Him, shaking their heads and saying, 31 In the same way the chief priests and the teachers of the law mocked Him among themselves. "He saved others," they said, "but He can’t save Himself! 32 Let this Christ, this King of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe. Those crucified with Him also heaped insults on Him.
33 At the sixth hour darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour. 34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabach-thani?"—which means, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?"
35 When some of those standing near heard this, they said, "Listen, He’s calling Elijah." 36 One man ran, filled a sponge with wine vinegar, put in on a stick, and offered it to Jesus to drink. "Now leave Him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to take Him down," he said.
37 With a loud cry, Jesus breathed His last.
38 The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. 39 And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, heard His cry and saw how He died, he said, "Surely this man was the Son of God!"
40 Some women were watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. 41 In Galilee these women had followed Him and cared for His needs. Many other women who had come up with Him to Jerusalem were also there.
42 It was Preparation Day (that is, the day before the Sabbath). So as evening approached, 43 Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Council, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. 44 Pilate was surprised to hear that He was already dead. Summoning the centurion, he asked him if Jesus had already died. 45 When he learned from the centurion that it was so, he gave the body to Joseph. 46 So Joseph bought some linen cloth, took down the body (think of what that must have entailed), wrapped it in the linen, and placed it in a tomb cut out of rock. Then he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb. 47 Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where He was laid.
"God our father, holy are you, good to the most extreme. We bow before you and sing our song of love all the long day. We ask for your love to enter and fill us, that we may do your will and live within your kingdom. We thank your precious son Jesus Christ and all he did to fulfill your plan for us all. Because of Jesus, we all can live since he found the door to Heaven, walked through and left it open for all of us to follow. Forgive me when I have seen Holy Week as a beautiful myth or a nice story told and retold until it loses it real significance. To God be the glory and Jesus Christ the king of my heart, in whose name we pray. Amen"
Doris "God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine."
Copyright 2012 Doris Gaines Rapp
Visit: www.lengthofdays2112.blogspot.com for fun stories.
Also: www.directbuybooks.com
God means virtuous, moral, wise and Holy means infinitely good. Therefore we have "The Good Book" and "Good Friday." In the Church we know that Christ’s death on the cross on Good Friday which marks the beginning of salvation for us all.
Among the many meanings of "good" are virtuous, moral, and wise. One of the meanings of the word holy is "infinitely good." From such meanings come the expressions "the Good Book" and "Good Friday."
While we call this Friday Good, we sometimes struggle with the contradiction. "Good Friday" seems a little perverse, until we put it all in Biblical perspective. The long awaited Messiah had been promised down through the ages as recorded in the Old Testament. Along with that promise, came the prophesy—what will happen to the Messiah and what will be happening in history. "Good Friday" is part of the prophesy that came with the promise.
We often want the blessings without the responsibility and sometimes, the suffering that comes with it. Jesus was willing to take on himself all that had to happen because he knew his role in God’s plan.
I have selected a passage from the Gospel of Mark to allow us the privilege of experiencing his day. Please read the entire selection as I have lifted out most but not all verses. Our prayer of thanksgiving for the life and death and resurrection will follow.
Mark 14:53-15:47
53 They took Jesus to the high priest, and all the chief priests, elders and teachers of the law came together. 54 Peter followed Him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. There he sat with the guards and warmed himself at the fire.
55 The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for evidence against Jesus so that they could put Him to death, but they did not find any.
61 But Jesus remained silent and gave no answer. Again the high priest asked Him, "Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?"
62 "I am," said Jesus, "And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven."
65b And the guards took Him and beat Him.
66 While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came by. 67 When she saw Peter warming himself, she looked closely at him. "You also were with that Nazarene, Jesus," she said. 68 But he denied it. "I don’t know or understand what you’re talking about," he said, and went out the entryway. 69 When the servant girl saw him there, she said again to those standing around, "This fellow is one of them." 70 Again he denied it. After a little while, those standing near to Peter said to Peter, "Surely you are one of them, for you are a Galilean." 71 He began to call down curses on himself, and he swore to them, "I don’t know this man you’re talking about."
72 Immediately the rooster crowed the second time. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken to him, "Before the rooster crows twice, you will disown Me three times." And he broke down and wept.
Mark 15: 1-47
1 Very early in the morning, the chief priests, with the elders, the teachers of the law and the whole Sanhedrin, reached a decision. They bound Jesus, led Him away and handed Him over to Pilate. 2 "Are You the king of the Jews?" asked Pilate. "Yes, it is as you say," Jesus replied.
6 Now it was the custom at the Feast to release a prisoner whom the people requested. 7 A man called Barabbas was in prison with the insurrectionists who had committed murder in the uprising. 8 The crowd came up and asked Pilate to do for them what he usually did.
9 "Do you want me to release to you the king of the Jews?" asked Pilate, 10 knowing it was out of envy that the chief priests had handed Jesus over to him. 11 But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have Pilate release Barabbas instead.12 "What shall I do, then, with the one you call the king of the Jews?" Pilate asked them.
13 "Crucify him!" they shouted. 14 "Why? What crime has he committed?" asked Pilate. But they shouted all the louder, "Crucify Him!" 15 Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. He had Jesus flogged, and handed Him over to be crucified.
16 The soldiers led Jesus away into the palace (that is, the Praetorium) and called together the whole company of soldiers. 17 They put a purple robe on Him, then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on Him. 18 And they began to call out to Him, "Hail, king of the Jews!" 19 Again and again they struck Him on the head with a staff and spit on Him. Falling to their knees, they paid homage to Him. 20 And when they had mocked Him, they took off the purple robe and put His own clothes on Him. Then they led Him out to crucify Him.
22 They brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means The Place of the Skull). 23 Then they offered Him wine mixed with myrrh, but He did not take it. 24 And they crucified Him. Dividing up his clothes, they cast lots to see what each would get.
27 They crucified two robbers with Him, one on His right and one of His left. Those who passed by hurled insults at Him, shaking their heads and saying, 31 In the same way the chief priests and the teachers of the law mocked Him among themselves. "He saved others," they said, "but He can’t save Himself! 32 Let this Christ, this King of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe. Those crucified with Him also heaped insults on Him.
33 At the sixth hour darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour. 34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabach-thani?"—which means, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?"
35 When some of those standing near heard this, they said, "Listen, He’s calling Elijah." 36 One man ran, filled a sponge with wine vinegar, put in on a stick, and offered it to Jesus to drink. "Now leave Him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to take Him down," he said.
37 With a loud cry, Jesus breathed His last.
38 The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. 39 And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, heard His cry and saw how He died, he said, "Surely this man was the Son of God!"
40 Some women were watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. 41 In Galilee these women had followed Him and cared for His needs. Many other women who had come up with Him to Jerusalem were also there.
42 It was Preparation Day (that is, the day before the Sabbath). So as evening approached, 43 Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Council, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. 44 Pilate was surprised to hear that He was already dead. Summoning the centurion, he asked him if Jesus had already died. 45 When he learned from the centurion that it was so, he gave the body to Joseph. 46 So Joseph bought some linen cloth, took down the body (think of what that must have entailed), wrapped it in the linen, and placed it in a tomb cut out of rock. Then he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb. 47 Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where He was laid.
"God our father, holy are you, good to the most extreme. We bow before you and sing our song of love all the long day. We ask for your love to enter and fill us, that we may do your will and live within your kingdom. We thank your precious son Jesus Christ and all he did to fulfill your plan for us all. Because of Jesus, we all can live since he found the door to Heaven, walked through and left it open for all of us to follow. Forgive me when I have seen Holy Week as a beautiful myth or a nice story told and retold until it loses it real significance. To God be the glory and Jesus Christ the king of my heart, in whose name we pray. Amen"
Doris "God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine."
Copyright 2012 Doris Gaines Rapp
Visit: www.lengthofdays2112.blogspot.com for fun stories.
Also: www.directbuybooks.com
Thursday, April 5, 2012
HIS LAST DAY
Mark 14:12-51 (Please read the entire passage. I have lifted up selected verses here.)
[12 On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, when it was customary to sacrifice the Passover lamb, Jesus’ disciples asked him, "Where do you want us to go and make preparations for you to eat the Passover?"
13 So he sent two of his disciples, telling them, "Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him. 14 Say to the owner of the house he enters, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is my guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ 15 He will show you a large upper room, furnished and ready. Make preparations for us there."
17 When evening came, Jesus arrived with the Twelve. 18 While they were reclining at the table eating, he said, "I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me—one who is eating with me."
19 They were saddened, and one by one they said to him, "Surely not I?"
22 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take it; this is my body." 23Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, and they all drank from it. 24"This is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for many," he said to them. 25"I tell you the truth, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it anew in the kingdom of God."
26 When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
27 "You will all fall away," Jesus told them, "for it is written: "‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’c 28 But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee."
29 Peter declared, "Even if all fall away, I will not." 30 "I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "today—yes, tonight—before the rooster crows twice you yourself will disown me three times."
32 They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, "Sit here while I pray." 33 He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. 34 "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death," he said to them. "Stay here and keep watch."
35 Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. 36 "Abba, Father," he said, "everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will."
37 Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. "Simon," he said to Peter, "are you asleep? Could you not keep watch for one hour? 38 Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak." 42 Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!" 43 Just as he was speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, appeared.]
His Last Day
We have taken a brief glimpse into the last hours of Jesus’ life before he was arrested. His last precious day with his beloved disciples. They shared a wonderful celebration meal - The Feast of Unleavened Later. They also drank of the first communion. Then, that same night, he asked his friends to wait while he prayed to be released from the torture that he knew was to come. Even big, fisherman-strong Peter fell asleep and later denied that he even knew Jesus.
Don’t you think Jesus will forgive us our limitations, we who did not break bread with him or walk the dusty roads by his side? After his followers were later filled with the Holy Spirit they became the disciples who built Christ’s church.
We too can become filled with the Holy Spirit when we ask the Lord to come into our lives. Think of the paths along which Christ will lead us, the people he will touch with our hands, the words of love and grace some will hear because we will give our voices over to the Lord. Let today be the day when we open our hearts to the Spirit of the living God. Let us pray:
"Father God, you are the all-in-all, the life we live, the Life there is. We praise your holy name. We ask you, Father, to fill us with your Holy Spirit and we thank you that our filling has already been complete as it is written in Mark 11 ‘whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.’ We will live each day, knowing we are redeemed and anointed by your Holy Spirit. Use us to participate in the completion of your will, for it is your will that we seek. In the name of Jesus, your son and our redeemer we pray. Amen"
Doris
"God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine."
Copyright 2012 Doris Gaines Rapp
Visit: www.lengthofdays2112.blogspot.com for fun stories.Also: www.directbuybooks.com
[12 On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, when it was customary to sacrifice the Passover lamb, Jesus’ disciples asked him, "Where do you want us to go and make preparations for you to eat the Passover?"
13 So he sent two of his disciples, telling them, "Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him. 14 Say to the owner of the house he enters, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is my guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ 15 He will show you a large upper room, furnished and ready. Make preparations for us there."
17 When evening came, Jesus arrived with the Twelve. 18 While they were reclining at the table eating, he said, "I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me—one who is eating with me."
19 They were saddened, and one by one they said to him, "Surely not I?"
22 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take it; this is my body." 23Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, and they all drank from it. 24"This is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for many," he said to them. 25"I tell you the truth, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it anew in the kingdom of God."
26 When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
27 "You will all fall away," Jesus told them, "for it is written: "‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’c 28 But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee."
29 Peter declared, "Even if all fall away, I will not." 30 "I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "today—yes, tonight—before the rooster crows twice you yourself will disown me three times."
32 They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, "Sit here while I pray." 33 He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. 34 "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death," he said to them. "Stay here and keep watch."
35 Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. 36 "Abba, Father," he said, "everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will."
37 Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. "Simon," he said to Peter, "are you asleep? Could you not keep watch for one hour? 38 Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak." 42 Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!" 43 Just as he was speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, appeared.]
His Last Day
We have taken a brief glimpse into the last hours of Jesus’ life before he was arrested. His last precious day with his beloved disciples. They shared a wonderful celebration meal - The Feast of Unleavened Later. They also drank of the first communion. Then, that same night, he asked his friends to wait while he prayed to be released from the torture that he knew was to come. Even big, fisherman-strong Peter fell asleep and later denied that he even knew Jesus.
Don’t you think Jesus will forgive us our limitations, we who did not break bread with him or walk the dusty roads by his side? After his followers were later filled with the Holy Spirit they became the disciples who built Christ’s church.
We too can become filled with the Holy Spirit when we ask the Lord to come into our lives. Think of the paths along which Christ will lead us, the people he will touch with our hands, the words of love and grace some will hear because we will give our voices over to the Lord. Let today be the day when we open our hearts to the Spirit of the living God. Let us pray:
"Father God, you are the all-in-all, the life we live, the Life there is. We praise your holy name. We ask you, Father, to fill us with your Holy Spirit and we thank you that our filling has already been complete as it is written in Mark 11 ‘whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.’ We will live each day, knowing we are redeemed and anointed by your Holy Spirit. Use us to participate in the completion of your will, for it is your will that we seek. In the name of Jesus, your son and our redeemer we pray. Amen"
Doris
"God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine."
Copyright 2012 Doris Gaines Rapp
Visit: www.lengthofdays2112.blogspot.com for fun stories.Also: www.directbuybooks.com
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
ARE YOU FOR OR AGAINST HIM?
Mark 14:1-11
Now the Passover and the Feast of the Unleavened Bread were only two days away, and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were looking for some sly way to arrest Jesus and kill Him. "But not during the Feast," they said, "or the people may riot."
While He was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of a man know as Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on His head.
Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, "Why this waste of your perfume? It could have been sold for more than a year’s wages and the money given to the poor." And they rebuked her harshly.
"Leave her alone," said Jesus. "Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have Me. She did what she could. She poured perfume on My body beforehand to prepare for My burial. I tell you the truth, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her."
Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus to them. They were delighted to hear this and promised to give him money. So he watched for an opportunity to hand Him over.
On this day, two days before Good Friday, let us ponder one question. Are you completely for Jesus? If just a little bit, then you are against him. Let us pray:
"Father of us all, you are the God of the Universe. For this we praise your holy name. We pray that we may be wholly for you and we want to follow your son completely. Fill us with your Holy Spirit so that following will be our very nature. We prayer to be an extension of Jesus, his hands, his feet, his heart. Forgive us when we forget who w are. In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen"
Doris "God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine."
Copyright 2012 Doris Gaines Rapp
Visit: www.lengthofdays2112.blogspot.com for fun stories.
Also: www.directbuybooks.com
Now the Passover and the Feast of the Unleavened Bread were only two days away, and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were looking for some sly way to arrest Jesus and kill Him. "But not during the Feast," they said, "or the people may riot."
While He was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of a man know as Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on His head.
Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, "Why this waste of your perfume? It could have been sold for more than a year’s wages and the money given to the poor." And they rebuked her harshly.
"Leave her alone," said Jesus. "Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have Me. She did what she could. She poured perfume on My body beforehand to prepare for My burial. I tell you the truth, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her."
Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus to them. They were delighted to hear this and promised to give him money. So he watched for an opportunity to hand Him over.
On this day, two days before Good Friday, let us ponder one question. Are you completely for Jesus? If just a little bit, then you are against him. Let us pray:
"Father of us all, you are the God of the Universe. For this we praise your holy name. We pray that we may be wholly for you and we want to follow your son completely. Fill us with your Holy Spirit so that following will be our very nature. We prayer to be an extension of Jesus, his hands, his feet, his heart. Forgive us when we forget who w are. In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen"
Doris "God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine."
Copyright 2012 Doris Gaines Rapp
Visit: www.lengthofdays2112.blogspot.com for fun stories.
Also: www.directbuybooks.com
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
FIRST BELIEVE
Mark 11: 20-25 • The eBook, Prayer Therapy Primer is available at www.amazon.com
• and the original paperback book at www.directbuybooks.com
In the morning, as they went along, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots. Peter remembered and said to Jesus, "Rabbi, look! The fig tree you cursed has withered!"
"Have faith in God," Jesus answered. "I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins."
There are two important points in this scripture. The first is that we are to forgive others SO THAT our heaven Father can forgive us our sins. "So that" is the difference between being forgiven and not being forgiven.
The second point: "Believe that you have received it," Mark’s Gospel says, "and it will be yours."
This is the core concept of Prayer Therapy, the prayer form we use on this blog. We pray specifically so God can answer specifically and then live our day knowing that our prayer has been heard. [Training information is above]
This event described in Mark tells us that Jesus was still teaching his beloved disciples, and us through the faithfulness of people like Mark, even as the time neared for him to go home to his father, God. And what he taught them was the essence of answered prayer - belief. We are to believe even before we receive the "proof" that our prayer has been heard, some tangible evidence that he answered our prayer. Believe first, and those prayers will be answered that are in keeping with the will of God. Let us pray:
"God of us all and creator of all there is, we do praise your name for it is holy. May your kingdom come to my life and let me dwell within it. I ask this day for the faith of the Saints that I may pray with a believer’s heart. I will live each day, knowing that you have heard my prayer and that you will answer my prayer in a way that will fulfill your plan for me and for your children. Forgive me when I have prayed to you and then did not believe that you would answer my prayer. I choose this day to believe before I see. In the name of and by the power of your precious son, Jesus, I pray. Amen"
Doris
"God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine."
Copyright 2012 Doris Gaines Rapp
Visit: www.lengthofdays2112.blogspot.com for fun stories.
Also: www.directbuybooks.com
• and the original paperback book at www.directbuybooks.com
In the morning, as they went along, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots. Peter remembered and said to Jesus, "Rabbi, look! The fig tree you cursed has withered!"
"Have faith in God," Jesus answered. "I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins."
There are two important points in this scripture. The first is that we are to forgive others SO THAT our heaven Father can forgive us our sins. "So that" is the difference between being forgiven and not being forgiven.
The second point: "Believe that you have received it," Mark’s Gospel says, "and it will be yours."
This is the core concept of Prayer Therapy, the prayer form we use on this blog. We pray specifically so God can answer specifically and then live our day knowing that our prayer has been heard. [Training information is above]
This event described in Mark tells us that Jesus was still teaching his beloved disciples, and us through the faithfulness of people like Mark, even as the time neared for him to go home to his father, God. And what he taught them was the essence of answered prayer - belief. We are to believe even before we receive the "proof" that our prayer has been heard, some tangible evidence that he answered our prayer. Believe first, and those prayers will be answered that are in keeping with the will of God. Let us pray:
"God of us all and creator of all there is, we do praise your name for it is holy. May your kingdom come to my life and let me dwell within it. I ask this day for the faith of the Saints that I may pray with a believer’s heart. I will live each day, knowing that you have heard my prayer and that you will answer my prayer in a way that will fulfill your plan for me and for your children. Forgive me when I have prayed to you and then did not believe that you would answer my prayer. I choose this day to believe before I see. In the name of and by the power of your precious son, Jesus, I pray. Amen"
Doris
"God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine."
Copyright 2012 Doris Gaines Rapp
Visit: www.lengthofdays2112.blogspot.com for fun stories.
Also: www.directbuybooks.com
Monday, April 2, 2012
DIAMONDS IN THE GRASS
Mark 11:12-19
The next day as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, He went to find out if it had any fruit. When He reached it, He found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs. Then He said to the tree, "May no one ever eat fruit from you again." And His disciples heard Him say it.
On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple area & began driving out those who were buying & selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers & the benches of those selling doves, & would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. And as He taught them, He said, "Is it not written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations’? But you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’"
The chief priests & the teachers of the law heard this & began looking for a way to kill Him, for they feared Him, because the whole crowd was amazed at His teaching. When evening came, they went out of the city.
The Gospel of Mark is telling us that Jesus rebuked the fig tree for not bearing fruit out of season. Then, he went into the temple and chased out the money changers for "being fruitful," earning money off the sacrifices to God within the Temple wall. He knew that those who changed money into the local currency and those who overcharged for sacrificial birds, were dishonest. It reminds me of the hole-in-the-wall sanctuary, a haven for Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.
Is that descriptive of our personal sanctuary? Do we praise the Lord with one hand and cheat our neighbor, or turn them away when in need, with the other?
And, what about the fig tree? Jesus punished the tree for not providing figs for his nourishment even though it was not the season for harvesting figs. Think about that one. What if Jesus asked if you had witnessed to the blessings God has given you and you said, "Well no, not yet. It isn’t Sunday and my co-workers and members of my bridge club wouldn’t want to hear religious messages. I don’t force my religion on others. I am going to read the scripture in the Easter Sunrise Service though. People seem to like my inflection and delivery."
We are to bear fruit in all seasons and, we will not produce food for the Lord if we are dishonest in our dealings with others. The sanctuary of our heart, if full of the Spirit, has no room for the world’s trappings. The Spirit-filled soul has room for everyone, but only the truth of them. But then, that is what we are called to do, to seek the Truth of God and the Truth that abides in those around us.
Do not dwell on the deceitful ways that those around us pass off to themselves and others as something to be believed. Seek the Truth that resides at their core and they will say, you are the first person who has heard them, who has known them, who has truly loved them. Let us pray:
"Holy Father, God of all, we stand in awe of you. Your name is wonderful and precious, name above all names. As we walk with you toward the cross, I ask that you give me the courage to wholly live in you, so that your Word may live in me. May I see every opportunity to share the miracles you have placed all around me, like diamonds in the grass. Forgive me when I am afraid to speak out for the cause of Christ because I do not deem the time appropriate. May I be brave enough to be a fool for you and never experience my own foolishness. May your Spirit within me seek your Spirit in others and call them unto you. In the name of Jesus, your son and our Savior I pray. Amen"
Doris
"God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine."
Copyright 2012 Doris Gaines Rapp
Visit, www.lengthofdays2112.blogspot.com for fun stories.
Also: www.directbuybooks.com
On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple area & began driving out those who were buying & selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers & the benches of those selling doves, & would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. And as He taught them, He said, "Is it not written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations’? But you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’"
The chief priests & the teachers of the law heard this & began looking for a way to kill Him, for they feared Him, because the whole crowd was amazed at His teaching. When evening came, they went out of the city.
The Gospel of Mark is telling us that Jesus rebuked the fig tree for not bearing fruit out of season. Then, he went into the temple and chased out the money changers for "being fruitful," earning money off the sacrifices to God within the Temple wall. He knew that those who changed money into the local currency and those who overcharged for sacrificial birds, were dishonest. It reminds me of the hole-in-the-wall sanctuary, a haven for Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.
Is that descriptive of our personal sanctuary? Do we praise the Lord with one hand and cheat our neighbor, or turn them away when in need, with the other?
And, what about the fig tree? Jesus punished the tree for not providing figs for his nourishment even though it was not the season for harvesting figs. Think about that one. What if Jesus asked if you had witnessed to the blessings God has given you and you said, "Well no, not yet. It isn’t Sunday and my co-workers and members of my bridge club wouldn’t want to hear religious messages. I don’t force my religion on others. I am going to read the scripture in the Easter Sunrise Service though. People seem to like my inflection and delivery."
We are to bear fruit in all seasons and, we will not produce food for the Lord if we are dishonest in our dealings with others. The sanctuary of our heart, if full of the Spirit, has no room for the world’s trappings. The Spirit-filled soul has room for everyone, but only the truth of them. But then, that is what we are called to do, to seek the Truth of God and the Truth that abides in those around us.
Do not dwell on the deceitful ways that those around us pass off to themselves and others as something to be believed. Seek the Truth that resides at their core and they will say, you are the first person who has heard them, who has known them, who has truly loved them. Let us pray:
"Holy Father, God of all, we stand in awe of you. Your name is wonderful and precious, name above all names. As we walk with you toward the cross, I ask that you give me the courage to wholly live in you, so that your Word may live in me. May I see every opportunity to share the miracles you have placed all around me, like diamonds in the grass. Forgive me when I am afraid to speak out for the cause of Christ because I do not deem the time appropriate. May I be brave enough to be a fool for you and never experience my own foolishness. May your Spirit within me seek your Spirit in others and call them unto you. In the name of Jesus, your son and our Savior I pray. Amen"
Doris
"God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine."
Copyright 2012 Doris Gaines Rapp
Visit, www.lengthofdays2112.blogspot.com for fun stories.
Also: www.directbuybooks.com
Sunday, April 1, 2012
DID YOU WAVE PALMS?
"The next day the great crowd that had come for the Feast heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the king of Israel.’
Jesus found a young donkey and sat upon it, as it is written, ‘Do not be afraid, O Daughter of Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt.’" John 12: 12-15 (NIV)
Today is Palm Sunday when scripture tells us that Jesus rode into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey while the crowds waved palm branches and laid them in his path. Would you have applauded his coming to the City of David? Would you have waved palms? What about a few days later? Would you have called for his execution?
People are fickle. They worship a great leader, the Son of God, one day and they devalue him the next. One reason is because we don’t know who we are. How can we know whom we serve? And, how can we possibly understand the Son of God and God’s plan for His people when we follow the current passing crowd?
Let Palm Sunday be the day we led God do the leading. We are not going to understand why he is going here or there. We follow him each day because he is the only one who is worthy of leading. We celebrate him on Sunday because of who he is and for the love and grace he gives to all of us. Then, the next day, let us fix our eyes like flint on the God of the ages and His son, the Redeemer, and never waver from our gaze. Let us wave palm branches every day of our lives. Let us pray:
"God of all there was and is and will be, we bow before your precious name. We ask for a line in your procession that leads us home. May the palm branches we wave today, still be fresh and green tomorrow and each day that follows. Forgive us when we allow ourselves to be swayed like willows or branches from a palm tree. We ask for strength to stand firm, to bend to your every call but not to break. For these things, we owe you all praise and glory. In the name of your son, "Jesus, who rode into our hearts this day, we pray. Amen
Doris
"God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine."
Copyright 2012 Doris Gaines Rapp
Visit: www.lengthofdays2112.blogspot.com for fun stories.
Also: www.directbuybooks.com
Jesus found a young donkey and sat upon it, as it is written, ‘Do not be afraid, O Daughter of Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt.’" John 12: 12-15 (NIV)
Today is Palm Sunday when scripture tells us that Jesus rode into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey while the crowds waved palm branches and laid them in his path. Would you have applauded his coming to the City of David? Would you have waved palms? What about a few days later? Would you have called for his execution?
People are fickle. They worship a great leader, the Son of God, one day and they devalue him the next. One reason is because we don’t know who we are. How can we know whom we serve? And, how can we possibly understand the Son of God and God’s plan for His people when we follow the current passing crowd?
Let Palm Sunday be the day we led God do the leading. We are not going to understand why he is going here or there. We follow him each day because he is the only one who is worthy of leading. We celebrate him on Sunday because of who he is and for the love and grace he gives to all of us. Then, the next day, let us fix our eyes like flint on the God of the ages and His son, the Redeemer, and never waver from our gaze. Let us wave palm branches every day of our lives. Let us pray:
"God of all there was and is and will be, we bow before your precious name. We ask for a line in your procession that leads us home. May the palm branches we wave today, still be fresh and green tomorrow and each day that follows. Forgive us when we allow ourselves to be swayed like willows or branches from a palm tree. We ask for strength to stand firm, to bend to your every call but not to break. For these things, we owe you all praise and glory. In the name of your son, "Jesus, who rode into our hearts this day, we pray. Amen
Doris
"God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine."
Copyright 2012 Doris Gaines Rapp
Visit: www.lengthofdays2112.blogspot.com for fun stories.
Also: www.directbuybooks.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)