Category: God’s Love

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Surrounded

I always start my morning Bible reading in the Old Testament. This morning, I find myself in the book of Psalms. It’s such an encouraging way to start the day. The writers of the Psalms expressed their fears and their hopes, their sorrow and their joy and always they tell of their dependence on the Lord who is their strength, their joy, their refuge and their defense.

I find such encouragement in the Psalms – this morning I will refrain from my words and bring you God’s word for whatever you may be facing.

“I love you, Lord! You answered my prayers. 2 You paid attention to me, and so I will pray to you as long as I live. 3 Death attacked from all sides, and I was captured by its painful chains. But when I was really hurting, 4 I prayed and said, “Lord, please don’t let me die!”

5 You are kind, Lord, so good and merciful. 6 You protect ordinary people, and when I was helpless, you saved me 7 and treated me so kindly that I don’t need to worry anymore. 8 You, Lord, have saved my life from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling.
9 Now I will walk at your side in this land of the living. 10 I was faithful to you when I was suffering, 11 though in my confusion I said, ‘I can’t trust anyone!’

12 What must I give you, Lord, for being so good to me? 13 I will pour out an offering of wine to you, and I will pray in your name because you have saved me. 14 I will keep my promise to you when your people meet. 15 You are deeply concerned when one of your loyal people
faces death.

16 I worship you, Lord, just as my mother did, and you have rescued me from the chains of death. 17 I will offer you a sacrifice to show how grateful I am, and I will pray. 18 I will keep my promise to you when your people 19 gather at your temple in Jerusalem. Shout praises to the Lord!” Psalm 116 CEV

Whether it’s physical, emotional, spiritual or financial death the attacks launched against us are real. The enemy can be seen or unseen; the threat of the termination of life, end of relationships, well-being or financial devastation are all things the Lord wants us to bring to Him.

“I look to the hills! Where will I find help? 2 It will come from the Lord, who created heaven and earth. 3 The Lord is your protector, and he won’t go to sleep or let you stumble.” Psalm 121:1-3 CEV

Look to the hills – that reminds me of the story of Elisha and his servant when they were surrounded by their enemies.

“‘Don’t be afraid,’ Elisha answered. ‘There are more troops on our side than on theirs.’ 17 Then he prayed, ‘Lord, please help him to see.‘ And the Lord let the servant see that the hill was covered with fiery horses and flaming chariots all around Elisha.” II Kings 6:16-17 CEV

The Lord wants us to “see” that even though the enemy may seem to surround us there are more troops on our side than on theirs. The Lord is our defense, and He surrounds us with His love!

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Safe in the Arms of Love

Here’s reason to trust and to praise God this day. Do you know that our Father loves us dearly and watches over us carefully?

“Some people brought their children to Jesus, so he could place his hands on them and pray for them. His disciples told the people to stop bothering him. 14 But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me, and don’t try to stop them! People who are like these children belong to God’s kingdom.” Matthew 19:13-14 CEV

Have you seen a new mother watching over her baby?

She responds to every squirm and every squeak and then as the child grows, she tries to shield it from every scratch or scrape, germ or harmful thing. That nurturing heart comes from Father God. This little child is a part of its mother, and she is committed to its welfare.

Do you think that the Father cares any less for us than we do for our own children? Even when we disappoint Him the Father is there for us. He does not and will not abandon us!

As the scripture in Matthew 6 reminds us, if He sees the sparrow and the lily in the field and cares for them how much more does He watch over and provide for us.

Where are you going today? Where have you been? There’s no place that you can go or are now that He doesn’t go with you. He has promised to never leave us or forsake (I love that word) us.

Rest in the Father’s love today. Trust Him on the freeway, at your job, in the grocery store. Trust Him with your broken heart and your weary body. Trust Him with your finances and with your spouse and children.

He is faithful!

“You have looked deep into my heart, Lord, and you know all about me. 2 You know when I am resting or when I am working, and from heaven you discover my thoughts. 3 You notice everything I do and everywhere I go. 4 Before I even speak a word, you know what I will say, 5 and with your powerful arm you protect me from every side. 6 I can’t understand all of this! Such wonderful knowledge is far above me.

7 Where could I go to escape from your Spirit or from your sight? 8 If I were to climb up to the highest heavens, you would be there. If I were to dig down to the world of the dead you would also be there. 9 Suppose I had wings like the dawning day and flew across the ocean. 10 Even then your powerful arm would guide and protect me. 11 Or suppose I said, ‘I’ll hide in the dark until night comes to cover me over.’

12 But you see in the dark because daylight and dark are all the same to you. 13 You are the one who put me together inside my mother’s body, 14 and I praise you because of the wonderful way you created me. Everything you do is marvelous! Of this I have no doubt. 15 Nothing about me is hidden from you! I was secretly woven together deep in the earth below, 16 but with your own eyes you saw my body being formed. Even before I was born, you had written in your book everything I would do. 17 Your thoughts are far beyond my understanding, much more than I could ever imagine. 18 I try to count your thoughts, but they outnumber the grains of sand on the beach. And when I awake, I will find you nearby.” Psalm 139:1-18 CEV

Dear friend this is how God watches over us. We are safe in His arms of love!

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Amazing Grace Is Sufficient

Yesterday I received a text from a friend. She told me how the blog from the last couple of days had been just what she needed. That humbled me and made me smile – I was so glad the Lord used His word through me to touch her heart and encourage her.

I am always amazed how the Lord reaches out to us. He has done it from the very beginning. It has been His purpose to touch our lives with His goodness, power and love. That’s who He is – it’s His character.

“You surely know what happened everywhere in Judea. It all began in Galilee after John had told everyone to be baptized. 38 God gave the Holy Spirit and power to Jesus from Nazareth. He was with Jesus, as he went around doing good and healing everyone who was under the power of the devil. 39 We all saw what Jesus did both in Israel and in the city of Jerusalem.” Acts 10:37-39 CEV

Jesus went around doing good and healing all that were sick. That’s who He was and what He did. His ministry was reaching out to people, touching their lives and impacting them with His love.

Jesus was teaching in the synagogue and told the people listening to Him. This is why I was sent to you.

“Jesus went back to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and as usual he went to the meeting place on the Sabbath. When he stood up to read from the Scriptures, 17 he was given the book of Isaiah the prophet. He opened it and read,

18 “The Lord’s Spirit has come to me, because he has chosen me to tell the good news to the poor. The Lord has sent me to announce freedom for prisoners, to give sight to the blind, to free everyone who suffers, 19 and to say, ‘This is the year the Lord has chosen.’”

20 Jesus closed the book, then handed it back to the man in charge and sat down. Everyone in the meeting place looked straight at Jesus. 21 Then Jesus said to them, “What you have just heard me read has come true today.” Luke 4:16-21 CEV

God’s plan was Jesus’ purpose and He fulfilled it to a T. Sometimes we just need a gentle reminder of His grace. The Apostle Paul, truly one of the greatest Christians of all time, experienced severe persecution and affliction. He was subject to spiritual and physical attack. In his moment of weakness he writes these words:

“I begged the Lord three times to take this problem away from me. 9 But the Lord said, ‘My grace is all you need. Only when you are weak can everything be done completely by my power.’ So I will gladly boast about my weaknesses. Then Christ’s power can stay in me. 10 Yes, I am glad to have weaknesses if they are for Christ. I am glad to be insulted and have hard times. I am glad when I am persecuted and have problems, because it is when I am weak that I am really strong.” II Corinthians 12:8-10 ERV

My grace is all you need – My grace is sufficient! Amen. His grace, God’s grace is all we need for our salvation. For by grace have we been saved through faith, not of works. We have no room to boast.

His grace healed the sick, mended the broken hearted, set prisoners free from bondage and gave strength to the weak.

Grace is the overlying attribute of His character. God extending His nail pierced hand to those bound by sin is grace; calming the fears of the disciples on a storm tossed sea is grace; giving peace to Paul & Silas as they were singing in a prison cell after being beaten is grace.

God quieting our hearts when we hear the word “cancer” or the words “we have to let you go, your job has been phased out”, is grace. I have a feeling some of you are like Paul and have asked God on multiple occasions to fix some situation, God’s answer to you is the same as what He said then, my grace is all you need.

“Jesus Christ never changes! He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Hebrews 13:8

Jesus is faithful, he’s trustworthy and he’s unchanging! Everyone who came to Jesus was drawn by his love and compassion. When you come to Jesus with your needs today, realize He’s never changed. Experience His amazing grace; it’s sufficient.

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A True Reflection

There is a single verse in the Psalm 40 that I want us to look at this morning.

“Many, O Lord my God, are the wonderful works which You have done, and Your thoughts toward us; no one can compare with You! If I should declare and speak of them, they are too many to be numbered.” Psalm 40:5 NKJV

Now look at this phrase “many are the wonderful works which You have done”. Think about that for a moment – what WONDERFUL works do you see that He has done? Was it last night’s sunset or this morning’s sunrise? Was it the love and compassion you felt for a stranger who was in need? Or was it the unpretentious love and acceptance of a child? What did you experience just yesterday that you can see was a wonderful work of God in your life?

“Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men!” Psalm 107:8 NJKV

“He has made His wonderful works to be remembered; The Lord is gracious and full of compassion.” Psalm 111:4 NJKV

“O Lord, You are my God. I will exalt You, I will praise Your name, For You have done wonderful things; Your counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.” Isaiah 25:1 NKJV

I like the verse above – God’s counsellors are faithfulness and truth. The things that are wonder – full are the things that have the character of God woven through them. Things like faithfulness, truth, love, forgiveness, peace, gentleness, patience, joy…Oh wait, did I just list the fruit of the Spirit? When God’s love fills us, we begin to produce fruit.

In the natural a tree produces fruit for the kind of tree it is. Apples – apples, oranges – oranges, bananas – bananas and so on – you know what I’m saying. When we grow in Christ, we will begin to produce fruit that is consistent with the vine we are growing on – we will begin to produce godly character.

Now look at your life and see what Father-fruit is growing there. Do you know that He is wanting to use you to do wonderful things in the lives of those around you? Don’t think that everyone will be happy that we are an example of the Father? They won’t be. Jesus faced that opposition.

“Then the blind and the lame came to Him in the temple, and He healed them. 15 But when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that He did, and the children crying out in the temple and saying, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” they were indignant” Matthew 21:14-15 NKJV

People were indignant with Jesus for the wonderful things he did. Some people will become indignant with you as well but don’t be detoured just keep producing fruit.

Let the love of the Lord shine in your life and as you do, you will reflect it like the moon reflects the sun. The moon has no light of its own, but it does shine brightly in the night. As we reflect the Father’s love and His wonderful works, we will begin to shine brightly in the dark and it will bring joy to others.

We will be a true reflection!

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A Much Better Way

The word “better” kept going through my mind this morning. As I sipped my coffee, I kept thinking about better. Even the coffee I drink is called “Seattle’s Best”, but that’s not the better I am talking about.

The Apostle Paul teaches that each of us has a vital role to play in our Christian walk. He refers to us as a body with many parts; some are more attractive that others, some seem to have a greater impact but each cell in the body, each organ, muscle, bone, tendon, and tissue are important. Each of us are important but then he makes this statement:

“31 I want you to desire the best gifts. So I will show you a much better way…4 Love is patient and kind, never jealous, boastful, proud, or 5 rude. Love isn’t selfish or quick tempered. It doesn’t keep a record of wrongs that others do. 6 Love rejoices in the truth, but not in evil. 7 Love is always supportive, loyal, hopeful, and trusting. 8 Love never fails!…12 Now all we can see of God is like a cloudy picture in a mirror. Later we will see him face to face. We don’t know everything, but then we will, just as God completely understands us. 13 For now there are faith, hope, and love. But of these three, the greatest is love.” I Corinthians 12:31, 13:4-8,12, 13 CEV

Paul is only repeating what was seen in the life of Christ. Love is the better way. All the commands of the Bible can be summed up by what Christ said to His disciples.

” But I am giving you a new command. You must love each other, just as I have loved you. 35 If you love each other, everyone will know that you are my disciples.” John 13:34-35 CEV

Just as I have loved you!

No misunderstanding that – His love is unconditional, His love is intentional. He came because He loves us. He died because He loves us. He rose because He loves us and wants us to live victoriously in Him.

“If we believe Jesus is truly Christ, we are God’s children. Everyone who loves the Father will also love his children. 2 If we love and obey God, we know we will love his children. 3  We show our love for God by obeying his commandments, and they are not hard to follow. 4 Every child of God can defeat the world, and our faith is what gives us this victory. 5 No one can defeat the world without having faith in Jesus as the Son of God.” I John 5:1-5 CEV

The better way for life here on earth and in eternity is to follow what Jesus said:

“Teacher, what is the most important commandment in the Law?” 37  Jesus answered: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. 38 This is the first and most important commandment. 39  The second most important commandment is like this one. And it is, ‘Love others as much as you love yourself.‘” Matthew 22:36-39 CEV

Now, go out and have a better day, a day filled with God’s love and a day of sharing that love with others.

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The Love of God

Yes, the love of God – again! I know I spent several weeks at the beginning of the year teaching on the love of God but it’s a subject I can’t leave alone.

Years ago, when I realized that the Lord had given me an ability to teach and share His word, it became my goal to share about His unconditional love, His mercy, His grace and His gift of sonship to us who believe that Jesus Christ died, was buried and is risen as our living Savior.

I saw so many Christians who were like I was; reading the Bible but not really applying it to their everyday lives. We had grown up believing in a God that’s “going to get you for that” or “you never know what God’s going to do” relationship, fearing God and His retribution rather than living in His love. So, I accepted my calling to proclaim the “good news of the gospel” to Christians. It is and was my desire to see believers grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior. It was my desire to see Christians walk in the full power of relationship with Christ and to receive fully from His blessings so that we truly are and were examples of Jesus, Christians, on the earth and that it would be the goodness of God that would draw men to repentance and not the condemnation of man.

There is nothing I find more fulfilling than to share God’s word whether through written communication, one on one personal interaction or teaching to a gathering. It’s my heart passion. These verses convey all that I desire to share with others.

“You, Lord God, have done many wonderful things, and you have planned marvelous things for us. No one is like you! I would never be able to tell all you have done. 6 Sacrifices and offerings are not what please you; gifts and payment for sin are not what you demand. But you made me willing to listen and obey. 7 And so, I said, “I am here to do what is written
about me in the book, where it says, 8 ‘I enjoy pleasing you.  Your Law is in my heart.’” 9 When your people worshiped, you know I told them, “Our Lord always helps!” 10 When all your people met, I did not keep silent. I said, “Our Lord is kind. He is faithful and caring, and he saves us.” 11 You, Lord, never fail to have pity on me; your love and faithfulness always keep me secure.” Psalm 40:5-11 CEV

Take time to read all of Psalm 40 today, it will be a blessing to you.

Probably some of you weren’t raised listening to and singing the old hymns so this morning as an added bonus I invite you to listen to a hymn entitled “The Love of God”.

Each day my goal is to share God’s love with others. I’m not always successful but that is my desire. Let me take the opportunity to declare again today – God is faithful, He is righteous, He is my salvation and His lovingkindness endures forever!

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Stop and Listen

Early in the morning – this phrase is used over and over again in the Bible.

Early in the morning is a good time to start travel, fight an enemy, bring in the harvest, and it’s a good time to pray!

I have those mornings when I think I would really like to sleep a while longer, but I get up anyway. Why? Because I have learned over the years that sleeping in causes everything to get backed up.

I end up rushing to make up for the time spent sleeping. I miss the quiet, I must the sound of the meadowlarks and the cooing of the doves. I miss the beauty of the sunrise painted on the sky and I miss hearing the voice of the Father!

He meets me one-on-one, and I need to start my day in His presence. I can take in a deep breath and feel His calm fill my soul. I can look out and see the unspoiled beauty. It brings focus to my world; it brings peace.

“My God and King, listen to my prayer. 3 Every morning, Lord, I lay my gifts before you and look to you for help. And every morning you hear my prayers.” Psalm 5:2-3 ERV

When we camp hosted in the mountains, I would have to rise early each morning and we would drive to a parking area where the cell signal would be strong enough to upload my blog. Most mornings it was right at sunrise. The morning I took this particular picture was so quiet. We had seen a few deer and some elk grazing in the meadow. The only noise was coming from our truck.

When I looked at the image later I was surprised to see the “Stop” sign. I was so enthralled with the sunrise; I hadn’t paid attention to the sign. This morning, I encourage you to stop – stop and enjoy the Father’s presence. Stop and listen to the Holy Spirit as He ministers to your heart. Or as God said it, “Be still and know that I am God”.

“16 But I will sing about your strength. I will rejoice in your love every morning. You have been my place of safety, the place I can run to when troubles come. 17 I will sing praises to you, my source of strength. You, God, are my place of safety. You are the God who loves me!” Psalm 59:16-17 ERV

Don’t be in a hurry to get through your quiet time. It’s special and to be cherished. When I was little one of my favorite hymns was In the Garden. You know it still is.

“I come to the garden alone,

While the dew is still on the roses,

And the voice I hear, falling on my ear,

The Son of God discloses.

[Chorus:]

And He walks with me, and He talks with me,

And He tells me I am His own,

And the joy we share as we tarry there,

None other has ever known.” Charles A Miles

Have a wonderful day! I know I will.

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Why Was Friday Good?

Why is this Friday called Good? Good for whom?

The Road to the Cross stopped here. The sky was dark. The temple curtain was torn in two. The earth quaked. Jesus died.

“Then Jesus gave another loud cry and gave up His spirit and died.51 At once the curtain in the house of God was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks fell apart.” Matthew 27:50-51 NLV

Certainly, it wasn’t good for Jesus disciples and followers. They were crushed and brokenhearted by the events which had just taken place.

Good for Mary? She saw her Son brutally killed. No, it wasn’t good.

“When the Roman officer saw what had happened, he praised God and said, ‘Jesus must really have been a good man!’ 48 A crowd had gathered to see the terrible sight. Then after they had seen it, they felt brokenhearted and went home. 49  All of Jesus’ close friends and the women who had come with him from Galilee stood at a distance and watched.” Luke 223:47-49 CEV

“Jesus’ mother stood beside his cross with her sister and Mary the wife of Clopas. Mary Magdalene was standing there too. 26 When Jesus saw his mother and his favorite disciple with her, he said to his mother, “This man is now your son.” 27 Then he said to the disciple, “She is now your mother.” From then on, that disciple took her into his own home.” John 19:25-27 CEV

The devil probably thought it was a good day. The religious leaders and their council thought it was a good day.

“What we preach is God’s wisdom. It was a secret until now. God planned for us to have this honor before the world began. 8 None of the world leaders understood this wisdom. If they had, they would not have put Christ up on a cross to die. He is the Lord of shining-greatness.” I Corinthians 2:7-8 NLV

For the thief hanging on the cross beside Jesus it was a good day. For each one of us, it was a good day!

“ But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. ” Isaiah 53:5 NKJV

For God, the Father, it was good and for Jesus, it was finished!

“Christ never sinned but God put our sin on Him. Then we are made right with God because of what Christ has done for us.” II Corinthians 5:21 CEV

“After Jesus drank the wine, he said, “Everything is done!” He bowed his head and died.” John 19:30 CEV

“We must never stop looking to Jesus. He is the leader of our faith, and he is the one who makes our faith complete. He suffered death on a cross. But he accepted the shame of the cross as if it were nothing because of the joy he could see waiting for him. And now he is sitting at the right side of God’s throne.” Hebrews 12:2 ERV

As I’m concluding this writing the words of an old hymn are bubbling up from my soul. Written in 1707, this song tells my story “When I Survey the Wonderous Cross”.

1 When I survey the wondrous cross
on which the Prince of glory died,
my richest gain I count but loss,
and pour contempt on all my pride.

2 Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast
save in the death of Christ, my God!
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them through his blood.

3 See, from his head, his hands, his feet,
sorrow and love flow mingled down.
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
or thorns compose so rich a crown?

4 Were the whole realm of nature mine,
that were a present far too small.
Love so amazing, so divine,
demands my soul, my life, my all.

Yes, Good Friday! The day the road ended at the cross.

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Facing Trials

We all face trials. In fact, Jesus had just told His disciples to pray because they were going to have trials ahead. That’s why Jesus prayed, He needed strength to make it through the next few days, those days when His earthly road would end at the cross.

“Jesus replied: Do you really believe me? 32 The time will come and is already here when all of you will be scattered. Each of you will go back home and leave me by myself. But the Father will be with me, and I won’t be alone. 33 I have told you this, so that you might have peace in your hearts because of me. While you are in the world, you will have to suffer. But cheer up! I have defeated the world.” John 16:31-33 CEV

I have defeated the world! And He did, but first there were the trials and the battle.

When Jesus was arrested in the garden the soldiers took Him to Caiaphas the high priest and the council. These were the men who had given Judas the money for the betrayal. They questioned Him and then led Him off to Pilate, the governor of Jerusalem. All of this was done in the wee hours of the morning.

“Everyone in the council got up and led Jesus off to Pilate.” Luke 23:1 CEV

Their charge: He claims to be the Messiah, our King. After Pilate questioned Jesus he said, “I don’t find him guilty of anything.” The Jewish leaders persisted and said He started this teaching in Galilee and it has spread here.

That was Pilate’s out. If Jesus was from Galilee He should be judged by Herod, who ruled that region. So, Pilate sent Him to Herod. Herod was excited to meet Jesus, he was hoping to see a miracle.

“He had heard many things about Jesus and hoped to see him work a miracle. 9 Herod asked him a lot of questions, but Jesus did not answer.” Luke 23:8-9 CEV

The chief priest and the council made many accusations about Jesus to Herod, but all Herod did was mock and insult Jesus. He dressed Jesus in a royal robe and sent Him back to Pilate.

“Pilate called together the chief priests, the leaders, and the people. 14 He told them, ‘You brought Jesus to me and said he was a troublemaker. But I have questioned him here in front of you, and I have not found him guilty of anything that you say he has done. 15 Herod didn’t find him guilty either and sent him back. This man doesn’t deserve to be put to death! 16-17 I will just have him beaten with a whip and set free.’” Luke 23:13-17 CEV

But that wasn’t good enough for the council. They wanted Jesus to die.

“18 But the whole crowd shouted, ‘Kill Jesus! Give us Barabbas!’ 19 Now Barabbas was in jail because he had started a riot in the city and had murdered someone. 20 Pilate wanted to set Jesus free, so he spoke again to the crowds. 21 But they kept shouting, ‘Nail him to a cross! Nail him to a cross!’

22 Pilate spoke to them a third time, ‘But what crime has he done? I have not found him guilty of anything for which he should be put to death. I will have him beaten with a whip and set free.’

23 The people kept on shouting as loud as they could for Jesus to be put to death. 24 Finally, Pilate gave in. 25 He freed the man who was in jail for rioting and murder, because he was the one the crowd wanted to be set free. Then Pilate handed Jesus over for them to do what they wanted with him.” Luke 23:18-25 CEV

The physical abuse that Jesus suffered was horrific.

“…the Lord gave him the punishment we deserved. 7 He was painfully abused, but he did not complain. He was silent like a lamb being led to the butcher, as quiet as a sheep having its wool cut off. 8 He was condemned to death without a fair trial. Who could have imagined
what would happen to him? His life was taken away because of the sinful things my people had done.” Isaiah 53:6-8 CEV

This was written by Isaiah approximately 400 years before Jesus died on the cross.

Jesus knew before He came to earth what a brutal death He would endure and He came willingly! He faced the trial so we could go free! AMEN!

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The Heart of the Matter

When you’re on a long trip with people who don’t understand the path or the purpose of your journey it’s important to have a guarded heart. If not, discouragement and frustration creep in and get you off course.

Guard your heart.

“My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words… Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. 24 Avoid all perverse talk; stay away from corrupt speech. 25 Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you.” Proverbs 4:20-25 NLT

This is where we find Jesus and his disciples.

The cross is imminent but Jesus’ closest friends, His twelve apostles, really have no understanding of what’s about to happen.

“The chief priests and the teachers of the Law of Moses were looking for a way to get rid of Jesus, because they were afraid of what the people might do. 3 Then Satan entered the heart of Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve apostles. 4 Judas went to talk with the chief priests and the officers of the temple police about how he could help them arrest Jesus. 5 They were very pleased and offered to pay Judas some money. 6 He agreed and started looking for a good chance to betray Jesus when the crowds were not around.” Luke 22:2-6 CEV

At the heart of the matter was Judas’ greed. He was looking for a way to earn a quick dollar. He left his heart unguarded.

“When the time came for Jesus and the apostles to eat, 15 he said to them, “I have very much wanted to eat this Passover meal with you before I suffer...After the meal he took another cup of wine in his hands. Then he said, ‘This is my blood. It is poured out for you, and with it God makes his new agreement. 21  The one who will betray me is here at the table with me! 22 The Son of Man will die in the way that has been decided for him, but it will be terrible for the one who betrays him!’ 23 Then the apostles started arguing about who would ever do such a thing.” Luke 22:14-23 CEV

The purpose of the Passover had always been the shedding of lamb’s blood to make an atonement for the sins of the people. At the heart of this Passover was the shedding of the blood of the Lamb of God.

“The next day, John saw Jesus coming toward him and said: Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29 CEV

Jesus guarded His heart. He knew there was suffering ahead; He knew the one who betrayed Him was sitting at the table with them acting as if nothing was wrong. Jesus continued to serve those who should have been serving Him. His heart was pure.

“The apostles got into an argument about which one of them was the greatest. 25  So Jesus told them:.. The most important one of you should be like the least important, and your leader should be like a servant. 27  Who do people think is the greatest, a person who is served or one who serves? Isn’t it the one who is served? But I have been with you as a servant.” Luke 22:24-27 CEV

No greed, pride, or self-serving ambition filled His heart. Only love, compassion, purpose, forgiveness, mercy and grace were in the heart of Christ that night. He laid aside His anguish, His sorrow and His suffering to continue to minister to the needs of His disciples.

He had a guarded heart.

Because He kept His heart pure He died for us. If we guard our hearts we will live for Him.

It’s all a matter of the heart!

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