The footsteps led to the temple courts. Jesus steps would stop to teach again. Knowing some were trying to trap him and others would betray him, Jesus kept teaching.
The chief priest, the Pharisees, the elders were there at Christ Footsteps. They were questioning and trying to trap Christ. When Christ stepped on their toes through his teaching…the Chief Priest and Pharisees felt the twinge. But they did not repent; they grew angry and looked for a way to arrest Jesus.
Matthew 21:45-46 45When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard Jesus' parables, they knew he was talking about them. 46They looked for a way to arrest him, but they were afraid of the crowd because the people held that he was a prophet.
As I sit here today at the footsteps of Christ and read the teachings of His last day, I wonder how I will respond when Christ words step on my toes a little bit. How have I responded to Christ when His words speak directly to me? Am I like the Pharisees and get mad? Do I resist the truth Christ is teaching?
How about you? When you hear Christ teaching how do you respond? Do you accept it as truth? If His words step on your toes a little bit, how do you respond?
My dear friend, may you and I, humble ourselves as we sit and the footsteps of Christ. May you and I listen to His every word and be willing not only to learn but apply Christ every word to our lives. The truth of Christ words may be difficult and hard to swallow, but may you and I trust in Christ and obey.
Today, sit at the footsteps of Christ. Read the words of Christ that He taught in his last days before death. My friend, some words may step on your toes. But I pray, you will listen as Christ speaks to you.
Read Matthew 21:28-25:46 . (You can read one Prable at a time if you need)
As you read each teaching, ask God to open your ears, eyes, mind and heart to his teaching. Read each word as if it is the first time you read it. May God give you wisdom and discernment over each lesson. Listen to the words of Christ. What is He asking you to bring before the cross so you can truly experience your new life in Christ?
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
Footsteps That Lead to Amazement and Understanding
The footsteps led to Bethany for rest and early in the morning would start back to Jerusalem. Just like you and I, Christ was hungry.
18Early in the morning, as he was on his way back to the city, he was hungry. 19Seeing a fig tree by the road, he went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. Then he said to it, "May you never bear fruit again!" Immediately the tree withered. (Matthew 21:18-19)
Now those who had followed his steps and seen his miraculous healing of the sick and dead again would find themselves in awe of what he had done.
20When the disciples saw this, they were amazed. "How did the fig tree wither so quickly?" they asked (Matthew 21:20)
I found myself chuckling at the disciples. They had seen him turn water to wine, heal so many even with just His touch. These are the men who had sat at Christ feet and heard His teaching. But they still were amazed at another miracle. Did His power amaze them or did they just not comprehend that Jesus was the Son of God?
On my journey with Christ, as I follow Him, do I truly understand who Christ is? Am I amazed at everything He does? If the disciples did not comprehend it all being by Jesus’ side, can my few minutes a day with Christ be enough to know Christ?
When was the last time you were amazed at what God was doing and what was it?
Now stop and really think about this weekend or last week, what did God do that you missed or did not stop and see God working?
The disciples walked with Christ for a few years and still did not understand some of the thing Christ taught them. What do you not understand?
What changes in your walk with Christ do you need to make to know Him more, to understand who God is?
Oh how I want to be amazed by the blooming flower God created to the healing of my friend with cancer. How I want to know Christ that I understand him when He speaks to me. May I see and hear Christ in everything I do as my footsteps follow his.
My friend, what is you prayer as you follow Christ footsteps?
18Early in the morning, as he was on his way back to the city, he was hungry. 19Seeing a fig tree by the road, he went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. Then he said to it, "May you never bear fruit again!" Immediately the tree withered. (Matthew 21:18-19)
Now those who had followed his steps and seen his miraculous healing of the sick and dead again would find themselves in awe of what he had done.
20When the disciples saw this, they were amazed. "How did the fig tree wither so quickly?" they asked (Matthew 21:20)
I found myself chuckling at the disciples. They had seen him turn water to wine, heal so many even with just His touch. These are the men who had sat at Christ feet and heard His teaching. But they still were amazed at another miracle. Did His power amaze them or did they just not comprehend that Jesus was the Son of God?
On my journey with Christ, as I follow Him, do I truly understand who Christ is? Am I amazed at everything He does? If the disciples did not comprehend it all being by Jesus’ side, can my few minutes a day with Christ be enough to know Christ?
When was the last time you were amazed at what God was doing and what was it?
Now stop and really think about this weekend or last week, what did God do that you missed or did not stop and see God working?
The disciples walked with Christ for a few years and still did not understand some of the thing Christ taught them. What do you not understand?
What changes in your walk with Christ do you need to make to know Him more, to understand who God is?
Oh how I want to be amazed by the blooming flower God created to the healing of my friend with cancer. How I want to know Christ that I understand him when He speaks to me. May I see and hear Christ in everything I do as my footsteps follow his.
My friend, what is you prayer as you follow Christ footsteps?
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Easter Week: Footprints of Praise
You could not see the footprints on the road. Today it was covered in palm branches and cloaks. His footprints you would not see because today he entered the Jerusalem riding on a donkey. Today he entered the town where he would soon face death.
But today, footprints covered the side of the road and from those footprints came shouts of praise.
"Hosanna to the Son of David!"
"Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!"
"Hosanna in the highest!"
There was so much excitement and energy that day. Even the city of Jerusalem noticed. People stopped to ask,
"Who is this?" The crowds answered, "This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee."
Imagine following the footsteps of Christ that day. Yelling and shouting praises to Him. Even more exciting watching Jesus heal the lame and blind. But when the day was done, the footsteps of the people led home. Would they remember what they had seen?
Maybe I should ask, would I remember? Would the excitement wear off? Would I forget Jesus?
What about you? Are you like the crowd? Do you shout and praise Christ when things are going great?
How about when things are calm? No miracles, no trials, do you still shout praises?
Now the difficult question, do you shout praises when you face trials and struggles? When your loved lays fighting for their life? When the child you long is not part of His plan? When your teenager rebels?
Like the crowd, I follow Christ and shout about His goodness. But how quick I let life get so busy and forget about the footprints that walked to Jerusalem for me. I forget about the miracles God has done.
May I, may you, remember who Christ is everyday. May circumstances not dictate my praise of the Father. May I follow the footsteps of Christ at the beginning of everyday, shouting
"Hosanna[b] to the Son of David!"
"Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!"[c]
"Hosanna[d] in the highest!"
May you and I start today. See Christ footprint, are you ready to follow? May our footprints be near Christ as we shout His praises.
But today, footprints covered the side of the road and from those footprints came shouts of praise.
"Hosanna to the Son of David!"
"Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!"
"Hosanna in the highest!"
There was so much excitement and energy that day. Even the city of Jerusalem noticed. People stopped to ask,
"Who is this?" The crowds answered, "This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee."
Imagine following the footsteps of Christ that day. Yelling and shouting praises to Him. Even more exciting watching Jesus heal the lame and blind. But when the day was done, the footsteps of the people led home. Would they remember what they had seen?
Maybe I should ask, would I remember? Would the excitement wear off? Would I forget Jesus?
What about you? Are you like the crowd? Do you shout and praise Christ when things are going great?
How about when things are calm? No miracles, no trials, do you still shout praises?
Now the difficult question, do you shout praises when you face trials and struggles? When your loved lays fighting for their life? When the child you long is not part of His plan? When your teenager rebels?
Like the crowd, I follow Christ and shout about His goodness. But how quick I let life get so busy and forget about the footprints that walked to Jerusalem for me. I forget about the miracles God has done.
May I, may you, remember who Christ is everyday. May circumstances not dictate my praise of the Father. May I follow the footsteps of Christ at the beginning of everyday, shouting
"Hosanna[b] to the Son of David!"
"Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!"[c]
"Hosanna[d] in the highest!"
May you and I start today. See Christ footprint, are you ready to follow? May our footprints be near Christ as we shout His praises.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Start of Easter: Choose to focus on the footprint
(We are going to take time off our normal study to focus to focus on the Easter study. Please try to read it everyday. It will be a journey with Christ you will want to walk.)
It feels as if we just celebrated the birth of Christ. And now it is time to draw near to the cross and the empty tomb. Oh my spirit leaps, my heart pounds, my eyes fill up with tears as I come near the cross and the empty tomb.
Next week, we will be take the time to study the week between the triumphal entry and Resurrection. So, I ask you to start preparing yourself, your heart and your mind. Be ready to focus on our Savior and even ourselves as we come near to our Savior.
Let's start our focus on Christ predicting his death.
Matthew 20:17-19
Jesus Again Predicts His Death
17Now as Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside and said to them, 18"We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death 19and will turn him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day he will be raised to life!"
Wow! Read it again and remember Jesus knows exactly what is going to happen and is sharing this information with the disciples.
Personally, I do not even know if I would willing go somewhere just to be mocked. You may hate going to school because you may be mocked. But Christ went to Jerusalem knowing He would be mocked, flogged and crucified. Do you truly understand that part? Christ knew his fate before he even started on the journey to Jerusalem.
Why? Why would Christ travel by foot to face mocking, flogging and death?
As a parent, I would run anywhere, face anything to protect my child. Even if I knew, I might face injury myself. Love for her children will make a mama do crazy things. So, is love what drove Christ to start that long walk to Jerusalem? Did Christ see my face, your face as he walked that road? Did Christ know my stupidity would need saving?
Oh, my dear friend, Christ walked the rode to Jerusalem knowing His fate. But, Christ made that journey for you, for me, for our friends, for our loved ones, for our neighbors because He loves us. Every step on that dusty road was made to save us.
Stop and focus on the footprints on that dusty road and remember, they were made for you.
John 10:10-11
10"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.
11"I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.
Print the footprint or save it as your wallpaper and focus on the journey Christ made for you. And my friend, who do you know that needs to hear about the footprints made for them.
It feels as if we just celebrated the birth of Christ. And now it is time to draw near to the cross and the empty tomb. Oh my spirit leaps, my heart pounds, my eyes fill up with tears as I come near the cross and the empty tomb.
Next week, we will be take the time to study the week between the triumphal entry and Resurrection. So, I ask you to start preparing yourself, your heart and your mind. Be ready to focus on our Savior and even ourselves as we come near to our Savior.
Let's start our focus on Christ predicting his death.
Matthew 20:17-19
Jesus Again Predicts His Death
17Now as Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside and said to them, 18"We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death 19and will turn him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day he will be raised to life!"
Wow! Read it again and remember Jesus knows exactly what is going to happen and is sharing this information with the disciples.
Personally, I do not even know if I would willing go somewhere just to be mocked. You may hate going to school because you may be mocked. But Christ went to Jerusalem knowing He would be mocked, flogged and crucified. Do you truly understand that part? Christ knew his fate before he even started on the journey to Jerusalem.
Why? Why would Christ travel by foot to face mocking, flogging and death?
As a parent, I would run anywhere, face anything to protect my child. Even if I knew, I might face injury myself. Love for her children will make a mama do crazy things. So, is love what drove Christ to start that long walk to Jerusalem? Did Christ see my face, your face as he walked that road? Did Christ know my stupidity would need saving?
Oh, my dear friend, Christ walked the rode to Jerusalem knowing His fate. But, Christ made that journey for you, for me, for our friends, for our loved ones, for our neighbors because He loves us. Every step on that dusty road was made to save us.
Stop and focus on the footprints on that dusty road and remember, they were made for you.
John 10:10-11
10"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.
11"I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.
Print the footprint or save it as your wallpaper and focus on the journey Christ made for you. And my friend, who do you know that needs to hear about the footprints made for them.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Week 8 Day 4: Choose To Know The Truth: Some People Do Care
Today is going to be pretty short and sweet. You are not alone.
What? You are disagreeing with me. You may feel alone sometimes or a lot of the times. But I promise you are not.
Some of you are blessed with caring and involved parents. Unfortunately, most of you only have one parent or parents who work all the time. Finding a caring, loving teacher sadly is becoming more rare. (They are still out there.) Most teens, especially girls, have the type of friend that acts more like an enemy. You know the 'who needs enemies with friends like these' type. These are all reasons you feel so alone at times. But you are not.
I see you rolling your eyes at me over this one. You have already stopped focusing because you think I am going to say, you are not alone because God is always there. While that fact may be true, it is not what I am going to say :p
If you feel alone or have no parents or teachers to talk to about life, then you need a person. Not just any old person, but an awesome, caring, understanding, hold you accountable mature (sorry do not want to call myself old or big) person. And trust me, they are out there.
Hopefully you have a youth worker, maybe a former fabulous children's minister ;), a college student in your church or in your life with whom you can share and discuss the difficult choices of life. If you do not have one then you need to find one.
As I have said, you are always welcomed at my house and I am here for you. Ask your youth pastor or pastor to help you find an adult who will take the time to be there for you. If they are not at your church, let me know.
Remember there are people who care. Not all adults hate teens. You will find there are some who dislike the world you have to live in and want to help you. I know I do. We do not want you to be in this world alone. So please choose to let us be your friend :)
This is my life I choose:
Write this verse on my mirror : A verse from yesterday.
* as I brush out the tangles, to ask God to forgive me for my sins.
*as I put on my contacts (eye makeup), ask God to help me see someone who can be my friend, my mentor..
*as I brush my teeth, to ask God to help me share my struggles with those who can share their wisdom.
*as I put on my clothes, to put on the armor of God.
What? You are disagreeing with me. You may feel alone sometimes or a lot of the times. But I promise you are not.
Some of you are blessed with caring and involved parents. Unfortunately, most of you only have one parent or parents who work all the time. Finding a caring, loving teacher sadly is becoming more rare. (They are still out there.) Most teens, especially girls, have the type of friend that acts more like an enemy. You know the 'who needs enemies with friends like these' type. These are all reasons you feel so alone at times. But you are not.
I see you rolling your eyes at me over this one. You have already stopped focusing because you think I am going to say, you are not alone because God is always there. While that fact may be true, it is not what I am going to say :p
If you feel alone or have no parents or teachers to talk to about life, then you need a person. Not just any old person, but an awesome, caring, understanding, hold you accountable mature (sorry do not want to call myself old or big) person. And trust me, they are out there.
Hopefully you have a youth worker, maybe a former fabulous children's minister ;), a college student in your church or in your life with whom you can share and discuss the difficult choices of life. If you do not have one then you need to find one.
As I have said, you are always welcomed at my house and I am here for you. Ask your youth pastor or pastor to help you find an adult who will take the time to be there for you. If they are not at your church, let me know.
Remember there are people who care. Not all adults hate teens. You will find there are some who dislike the world you have to live in and want to help you. I know I do. We do not want you to be in this world alone. So please choose to let us be your friend :)
This is my life I choose:
Write this verse on my mirror : A verse from yesterday.
* as I brush out the tangles, to ask God to forgive me for my sins.
*as I put on my contacts (eye makeup), ask God to help me see someone who can be my friend, my mentor..
*as I brush my teeth, to ask God to help me share my struggles with those who can share their wisdom.
*as I put on my clothes, to put on the armor of God.
Week 8 Day 3: Choose Carefully Where You Find the Truth
Your generation does not know life without Internet access. Whether you are researching for a school paper or googling Justin Beiber, it is all right there at your fingertips in a matter of seconds. You want to find it, you can find it online.
Now, please listen carefully, not everything online is truth. Duh, right? But you also have to be very careful that not every "christian" (I use that term loosely), is truth based on God's word.
Before I started writing, I googled some religious topics that are controversial today. It only took one click for my jaw to drop on the content of certain websites. And what was even scarier is that they used scripture (out of context) to back up their beliefs. Today I saw the danger of the Internet and its intent to lure young people like yourself.
How do you know which website is complete truth on certain subjects? Can you tell which websites are just trying to persuade you in their own belief? You probably cannot know the truth from lies. These sites are set up to be very persuasive and manipulate God's word for their benefit.
(Parental Advisory on Subject Below: But parents this is to protect your kids. Please Discuss)
For those of you who know me, you know I love you and my heart's desire is to see you grow close to Christ and do great things for Him. Please promise me you will not look up these subjects out of curiosity. It is very dangerous. These sites are like the stranger with candy or a lost puppy. They are luring you in just so they can destroy your life and take you away from your Father (God).
I need, beg, plead, pretty much would like to demand, you choose not to look up any of these subjects online. If you have questions about any of these, you need to talk to your youth pastor, pastor, a trusted adult Christian friend. And as I always say, you can talk to me. I am here to help not judge.
Choose to avoid these subjects online:
This is my life I choose:
Write this verse on my mirror : A verse from yesterday.
* as I brush out the tangles, to ask God to forgive me for any sites I have viewed that do not honor Him.
*as I put on my contacts (eye makeup), ask God to help me see the truth and avoid viewing these sites.
*as I brush my teeth, to ask God to help me speak to an adult if I am struggling with one f these issues.
*as I put on my clothes, to put on the armor of God.
Now, please listen carefully, not everything online is truth. Duh, right? But you also have to be very careful that not every "christian" (I use that term loosely), is truth based on God's word.
Before I started writing, I googled some religious topics that are controversial today. It only took one click for my jaw to drop on the content of certain websites. And what was even scarier is that they used scripture (out of context) to back up their beliefs. Today I saw the danger of the Internet and its intent to lure young people like yourself.
How do you know which website is complete truth on certain subjects? Can you tell which websites are just trying to persuade you in their own belief? You probably cannot know the truth from lies. These sites are set up to be very persuasive and manipulate God's word for their benefit.
(Parental Advisory on Subject Below: But parents this is to protect your kids. Please Discuss)
For those of you who know me, you know I love you and my heart's desire is to see you grow close to Christ and do great things for Him. Please promise me you will not look up these subjects out of curiosity. It is very dangerous. These sites are like the stranger with candy or a lost puppy. They are luring you in just so they can destroy your life and take you away from your Father (God).
I need, beg, plead, pretty much would like to demand, you choose not to look up any of these subjects online. If you have questions about any of these, you need to talk to your youth pastor, pastor, a trusted adult Christian friend. And as I always say, you can talk to me. I am here to help not judge.
Choose to avoid these subjects online:
- Homosexuality
- Sex (of any kind or level)
- Drugs and Alcohol
- Other religions like Wiccan, Scientology, etc
- Pornography
I know the temptation is there, but please remember "Stranger Danger." Choose to seek answers from a trusted adult Christian friend or pastor.
I love you guys very much and my heart cares for those who are reading this blog that I do not even know. Please listen to my instruction today. God is telling me that one or more of you are facing this challenge right now. Email me or facebook me and I will send you my phone number or you can send me yours.
This is my life I choose:
Write this verse on my mirror : A verse from yesterday.
* as I brush out the tangles, to ask God to forgive me for any sites I have viewed that do not honor Him.
*as I put on my contacts (eye makeup), ask God to help me see the truth and avoid viewing these sites.
*as I brush my teeth, to ask God to help me speak to an adult if I am struggling with one f these issues.
*as I put on my clothes, to put on the armor of God.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Week 8 Day 2: Choose To Speak The Truth
Take a moment to review the truths from yesterday.
1. You were created by God and in His image. And as the old saying goes,"God don't make no junk."
Psalm 139:13
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb
Genesis 1:27
"So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them"
2. You are a child of God.
John 1:12-13
"Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.
3. You were worth saving, the ultimate sacrifice was made for you.
John 3:16
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
4. God loves you.
Romans 5:8
"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us"
5. God has a plan for you.
Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Psalm 139:13
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb
Genesis 1:27
"So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them"
2. You are a child of God.
John 1:12-13
"Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.
3. You were worth saving, the ultimate sacrifice was made for you.
John 3:16
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
4. God loves you.
Romans 5:8
"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us"
5. God has a plan for you.
Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
My prayer is that you believe each of those truths. But I have one more question. Do the words you speak about others reflect those truths or do they cause hurt?
Whether you are mad, hurt or going along with the crowd, we have to be careful how we speak of others. Even those who have been hurt by words of others tend to speak hurtful words. Knowing the pain they are causing does not stop them from speaking those hurtful words.
Please be truthful, are you one who hurts others with words instead of building up? Even if it is not intentional, does it still happen?
The good news is God will forgive you for the hurtful words you have spoken. And today you can choose to speak truth that builds up not tears down.
Will you choose not to speak hurtful words? Will you choose not to join the crowd who is mocking another?
Remember the hurt you are causing if you speak words of hate, but also remember the love you are spreading when you speak the truth of God.
This is my life I choose:
Write this verse on my mirror : Write one of the verses above.
* as I brush out the tangles, to ask God to forgive me for the hurtful words I spoken to and about others.
*as I put on my contacts (eye makeup), ask God to help me see those who are hurting because of words.
*as I brush my teeth, to ask God to help me speak His truth only and no words of hate or hurt.
*as I put on my clothes, to put on the armor of God.
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