S.O.A.P.

3-30-2014           Matthew 28:16-20

S.            16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. 17 And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

O.           Matthew does not include many details about Jesus after his resurrection. The GREAT COMMISSION is the detail that stands out of this text; GO, TEACH AND BAPTIZE is the instruction I focus on. There is also the second reference to teaching (v20) which adds importance of this command. “I am with you always” is a comfort to the heart and mind.

A.           Simple; I must go, I must teach, I must baptize with the promise in mind that Jesus is always with me. When sharing the message I will always remember that I am insufficient within my own knowledge, wisdom or power. I will rely on the Holy Spirit to guide and empower me and keep me going.

P.            Father; I have finished the messages in the Book of Matthew. Help me remember these lessons all the days of my life. Remind me of them in the times I need them for my own needs and also when I am endeavoring to help others. I am your child, your servant and I worship before your throne in humble gratitude for all you have done for me. Amen.

Lies

3-29-2014           Matthew 28:11-15

S.            11 Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done. 12 And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers, 13 Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept. 14 And if this come to the governor's ears, we will persuade him, and secure you. 15 So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.

O.           Soldiers are bribed to convey another lie about Jesus. The false witnesses and Judas also betrayed the Lord with lies, for money. The entire trial and crucifixion were illegal and corrupt efforts of the Jewish leadership to maintain their power over the people of Israel.

A.           I must never let money become my motivator. I will trust in the Lord and walk by faith. I must make truth the cornerstone of my interactions.

P.            Father; help me uncover the lies that are told about Jesus and replace them with truth, not as I see the truth, but your absolute truth. Teach me your ways and help me to walk in them, in the likeness of Jesus, my savior. Amen.  

The Un-Friendly Church

Ever attended a church where you felt unwelcome? I Have! Spent Saturday afternoon looking at the outside of the buildings and making sure I could find my way there with my half open Sunday morning sleepy eyes. Whispering a prayer at each location I would ask God for direction as to which church to return to for worship. What a shock to enter the building, a few minutes early, and suddenly discover that I was the invisible man. Not a handshake or hello, not a good morning to be heard. Lots of people rushing around getting ready for something and from the looks on their faces, it was going to be serious. Maybe the preacher had just passed away, a cancer found, a leaky roof over the kitchen or some terrible news beyond human endurance revealed. Being around church most of my adult life I just lowered my head, in respect, and quietly took a seat.
All of a sudden the music started, everyone stood up, and an avalanche of joy and laughter filled the room, So I joined in and filled my spirit up to the brim. Good worship, good preaching and praying sure lived in this place. Then, just as quick as it started, it quit......bang......it was over. I was so filled with blessings I wanted to tell everybody how good I was feeling, but, to my surprise, the whole group went silent. Not a handshake or hello, not even one amen.
Not one single person ever spoke. I looked for the preacher at the door......he was not there. So, I went on my way, sad, alone and confused........after all my effort to be on time, to pray for God's direction and to try and fit in..........the sign in the church was wrong.........."The Friendly Church".........had a bad day.
Why did God send me to this UN-friendly place?  He opened my eyes to a need in that place and spoke to my heart.......go back.....go back and be the friendliest person you can be to EVERYONE!  

Empty

3-28-2014           Matthew 28:1-10

S.            1 In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. 2 And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. 3 His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: 4 And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. 5 And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. 6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. 7 And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you. 8 And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word. 9 And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him. 10 Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.

O.           Two women watched as Jesus died and was buried, at the end of the Sabbath they returned to the grave in hope of rendering some appropriate burial preparations. The tomb was declared empty by an Angel and the ladies were instructed to go and tell the disciples, “For he is risen, as he said”. As they were on their way they meet Jesus, alive!

A.           Jesus is alive! I too have seen him. Not with my eyes but with my heart. I believe every word in the Bible. I believe through faith that Jesus gave his life on the cross for my sin. I believe that he came out of the tomb, early on Sunday morning, alive, full of power and victory and he did it all to redeem my soul. I will shout, sing, dance, cry and declare in any way I can this wonderful message of love. I notice in these verses that the Angel calls the followers of Jesus, disciples, but Jesus calls them, “my brethren”. I believe!

P.            Father; I know that Jesus is alive. I know that he suffered the cross to redeem my soul and all souls that will come and ask and believe. I know that it was the ultimate act of Love, yours and his, towards your rebellious creation. I have nothing of value to give. I give you my life. I am your servant, your adopted son. Amen.

Dead.....Buried....Gone!

3-27-2014           Matthew 27:62-66

S.            62 Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate, 63 Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again. 64 Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first. 65 Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can. 66 So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.

O.           The tomb of Jesus is sealed shut and guarded by soldiers to prevent anyone from stealing his body. The Jews were making every effort to stop the message of Jesus from being completed. Jesus said, “After three days I will rise again”. The Pharisees knew everything Jesus taught and did and yet they remained in unbelief. They would go to any length to promote themselves as being correct about Jesus and his message.

A.           Mankind is still going to great length to stop the message of Jesus. I will be a voice of faith to all I meet. My message is simple…….Sin separates man and God…….Jesus conquered sin on the cross……If I ask God, in faith believing, to forgive my sin……and abandon that sin……I can have a perfect relationship with God FREE from all barriers.

P.            Father; Thank you for sending Jesus to conquer sin. Thank you for revealing this message to me and accepting me into your salvation. I pledge my Love and my Life to you, my all and my, everything. Amen. 

The Grave

3-26-2014           Matthew 27:55-61

S.            55 And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him: 56 Among which was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee's children. 57 When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus' disciple: 58 He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered. 59 And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, 60 And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed. 61 And there was Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, sitting over against the sepulchre.

O.           Important women are witness to the death of Jesus. His body is placed in the tomb of a friend and follower then closed with a great stone.

A.           What was it like to witness this horrible execution? How did these disciples face their loss? Their world was turned inside out in less than one day. The healing, teaching, caring, loving leader of their faith was dead and buried. Shock, fear and un-belief must have overwhelmed them all. They gathered with each other to face an extremely uncertain future. I must keep my faith strong in terrible times of testing. I must assemble with other believers for their help and support.

P.            Father; I will never face the tests and trials that those first disciples went through because that work was finished on the cross. In my time of testing, please, send me brothers and sisters that will support, lead and love me through to victory. Bless the workers in your field with strength and courage. Send me to hurting souls….I know pain……and I know you. Amen.        

Who-so-ever

3-25-2014           Matthew 27:51-54

S.            51 And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; 52 And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, 53 And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many. 54 Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.

O.           The temple veil of separation is now split wide open. This gives “whosoever” entrance into the Holy of Holies. Graves are open, giving up the saints and a Roman Centurion declares Jesus to be the Son of God.

A.           I will declare Jesus as the Son of God, Lord of Lords, King of Kings and as my Savior. I will inform everyone possible of the Veil being removed and how anyone may enter into the Holiest place……and meet Jesus.

P.            Father; lead me to the people that are ready and need to hear about your love. Give me wisdom to speak your message in power and love. Amen.

Forsaken by God!

3-24-2014           Matthew 27:45-50

S.            45 Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour. 46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? 47 Some of them that stood there, when they heard that, said, This man calleth for Elias. 48 And straightway one of them ran, and took a sponge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink. 49 The rest said, Let be, let us see whether Elias will come to save him. 50 Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.

O.           Darkness covered the earth as Jesus was dying. As God turned away from Jesus he was completely alone on the cross, alone, dying to pay the ransom for my soul. Jesus cries out in agony, and dies.

A.           I will never let myself forget the Cross where a sinless man died to redeem me. I deserve to be punished for all the wrong, the bad and the sin of my life. Jesus took the path to the cross and took my place there. All I need to do is ask Jesus, in faith…..believing, to forgive me my sin, abandon my sin (practice it never again) and live my life as the Holy Spirit directs. This is a reasonable requirement……..when standing and looking at the cross.

P.            Father; thank you for sending Jesus, thank you Jesus for dying on the cross for me. Thank you for sending your Holy Spirit to reveal my sin to me and thank you for wanting me as your son. Guide my mind and my heart that I may live a life pleasing to you. Amen.      

SOAP >> Matthew 27:38-44

S.         Matthew 27:38-44   38 Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left. 39 And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads, 40 And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross. 41 Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said, 42 He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him. 43 He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God. 44 The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast  same in his teeth.

O.        As Jesus hung on the cross he was ask to show another miracle, “come down, they said and we will believe in you”. They were asking for proof of his deity. If he is God, he can stop the suffering and pain, change the course of events, and satisfy human demands and questions.

A.         People never change! Weak, sinful, self-satisfying people demanding “proof” from God are still erecting boundaries and limitations to define God. I hear: “God would never do...” or, “Why did God let this happen?" These ideas limit our relationship with God, close our mind to the true nature of God and are not born of faith. The cross was ugly, cruel and merciless and demanding but it provided the necessary payment for sin… my sin.

P.         Father; I accept your gift and even though I don’t understand how you could love me that much I will hold to the promise of salvation. Thank you God!

SOAP >> Matthew 27:37

S.         Matthew 27:37 37 And set up over his head his accusation written, THIS  IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

O.         Even Rome saw Jesus as a King.

A.         I will remember that a King gave his life for me.

P.          Father; may Jesus show through me this day to all I meet.        Amen.

              Jewish people are still looking for their King.

              Wars and elections are deciding who will be King.

              I have my King and enjoy living as a "Kings Kid"!

              All because I discovered Who I AM.

Meet Liam, my first great grand baby.

SOAP >> Matthew 27:32-36

S.         Matthew 27:32-36   32 And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross. 33 And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull, 34 They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink. 35 And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots. 36 And sitting down they watched him there;

O.        This is a shortened record of the crucifixion of Jesus, not many details. Matthew was not a detail oriented writer. Jesus carried the cross as far as he could before Simon was called upon. Jesus was on the cross for a long time before they offered him vinegar. Watching him was necessary to complete their assignment.

A.        Once again I am reminded of all that Jesus suffered, for me and my salvation. I should have died on that cross. I was filled with sin. I was guilty. Out of a heart of love Jesus took my place to set me free!

P.         Dear Father above; how can mere words alone express my gratitude, my joy, my amazement and my appreciation? They Can’t! So I will commit to you my life… use me as you will… I surrender my all to you. Amen.  

My youngest daughter and her husband.

SOAP >> Matthew 27:27-31

S.         Matthew 27: 27-31  27 Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers. 28 And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe. 29 And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews! 30 And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head. 31 And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him.

O.       The mockery and torture of Jesus is carried out by the Roman soldiers.

A.        This scripture breaks my heart because I know that this was done to redeem my soul. A guiltless savior gave his life to save a sinner... me.

P.         Father; help me to always this scripture… all that Jesus did for me... and every sinner that repents. Amen. 

My oldest grandson and I at his NHS induction.

Who am I today?

Should I change who I am to fit the occasion or should I remain steadfast where I am. I see and hear many folks as they struggle through this question. Here inside the church we kick the idea around every Sunday. The church has been wearing a very unfair label for centuries. You know the one I refer to; Hypocrite!  I am sure that there are hypocritical tendencies in us all and that from time to time we let them out. I prefer to use other words and ideas to deal with this continuing battle.

The most difficult development in one's life is discovering who you are. Are you friendly or mean, happy or sad, open or closed, good or bad. This list could go on forever. Trouble is, life never stops putting us into situations that require us to "live out" who we are, to speak or act in an acceptable manner. The old adage "when in Rome" seems to be the current norm.

I get into trouble because I deal with many different groups of folks on a regular basis. Each group expects me to agree with them and participate in their activities. This is where I start looking into myself and deciding "who I am". I struggle through the options and check off the consequences of my choices and "take a stand," however, I am so limited in my knowledge and experience I often take the wrong position.

Then it happens! Slap! On goes the label and another hypocrite is crowned.

 I don't like this word. I see many Christians stop trying to live for God because of this word and how it is used. How many times are we allowed to fail (sin), repent and start anew. I don't think that God has a finite number attached to this idea. Oh if I could be like God in this area of my being. If I could find it within myself to give folks as many chances as they need and keep on loving them and NEVER stick on some label. Better still, if I could give myself room to learn and grow... forgive myself, restart and become a better Christian.

"CHRISTIAN" is not a label, or idea, or heritage. Christian is a being, being in CHRIST and him being in you. When I look into the mirror I don't see enough of Christ. There is this guy; working, thinking, planing about himself. Self-centered, egotistical (in a hansom sort of way), confused and stubborn. Yet it is this guy that God sent his son to die on a cross for. I spend too much time and effort in the quest to answer the question "who am I". The secret is found in discovering who Jesus is, changing our focus from us to him, relying on his knowledge and experience to face the challenges of life.    

Me and my putty car.

SOAP >> Matthew 27:11-26

S.         Matthew 27:11-26   11 And Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest. 12 And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing. 13 Then said Pilate unto him, Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee? 14 And he answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly. 15 Now at that feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would. 16And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas. 17 Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ? 18 For he knew that for envy they had delivered him. 19 When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him. 20 But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus. 21 The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas. 22 Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified. 23 And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified. 24 When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it. 25 Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children. 26 Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.

O.        The second stage of the trial; the Jews maneuvering before the governor to influence him into doing their bidding. Jesus is identified as the “King of the Jews” by the governor and Jesus becomes silent. The Jews have a criminal released (Barabbas) and Jesus is sentenced to be CRUCIFIED!

A.        Pilate and his wife knew that Jesus was innocent. From within their very souls the truth cried out to them. I must free my soul to listen and obey the voice of God crying out to me each day. My soul knows right from wrong even when my mind swayed by man-made ideas. The knowledge of sin is resident in the soul of everyone. Like the crowd in Pilate’s Judgment Hall we can be led into failure and sin when we fail to follow the truth. Only one thing blocks the voice of God, SIN. There is only one way to conquer sin, JESUS. Pilate may have washed his hands in water... but he was not made clean.

P.         Father; wash me clean today and re-new a right spirit within me. I will follow your Holy Spirit,  use me as you will. I surrender my will into your hands as your servant. Amen.  

Four of my sweet grand babies when they were still little.

SOAP >> Matthew 27:1-10

S.         Matthew 27:1-10   1 When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death: 2 And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor. 3 Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, 4 Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that. 5 And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself. 6 And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, It is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood. 7 And they took counsel, and bought with them the potter's field, to bury strangers in. 8 Wherefore that field was called, The field of blood, unto this day. 9 Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying, And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him that was valued, whom they of the children of Israel did value; 10 And gave them for the potter's field, as the Lord appointed me.

O.         After a mock trial they lead Jesus away to attempt to secure Roman approval. Judas returns the “blood money” (bribe) and ends his own life with suicide.

A.        How can anyone betray the Lord like Judas did? Judas was witness to many miracles and heard the words of Jesus every day. The answer is: Judas had “free will” and could do anything he wanted to do, just like I have today. Judas made sinful choices of his own free will and he paid the price of those choices. If I sin, I too, will pay the price.

P.          Father; help me stay away from sin. I “choose” to live in a manner that is pleasing to you. Send your Holy Spirit to guide me as I face the temptations of this day. I need you Lord. Amen.  

A family portrait from back in the day when my girls were teenagers.

SOAP >> Matthew 26:59-68

S.         Matthew 26:59-68  59 Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death; 60 But found none: yea, though many false witnesses came, yet found they none. At the last came two false witnesses, 61 And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days. 62 And the high priest arose, and said unto him, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee? 63 But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God. 64 Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven. 65 Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy. 66 What think ye? They answered and said, He is guilty of death. 67 Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote him with the palms of their hands, 68 Saying, Prophesy unto us, thou Christ, Who is he that smote thee?

O.        The leaders of the Jews were seeking false witnesses to convict Jesus, his trial was illegal and of a political nature. Jesus calls himself “the son of man” and declares his rightful place at the right hand of God. This statement calls into question the authority of his judges and provokes them to anger. Physical punishment of a person was not to be carried out until convicted. These acts of smiting, spitting and pushing him around were completely out of the legal realm. The mockery of asking “who smote thee” is evidence of just how personally these leaders were threatened by the life and ministry of Jesus.

A.         This scripture speaks to me as to how far people will go to justify their way of life. Do I “seek” for the words and ideas that make me “justified”? Am I convinced that I have all the answers and am I willing to “condemn to death” the son of man? I don’t think so. I must not return to the sin that I have been set free from. I must forever walk away from that part of my life... if I turn back… I am not fit.

P.          Father; I seek your presence in my life to keep me on the path of righteousness. I abandon all sin and embrace your gift, Jesus. I ask that you be my strength, my hope and my joy. Amen.  

Who Are You?

Why do we claim to be something we are not? A cow is always a cow and a horse is always a horse. We humans seem to want to be anything other than what we are. The Bible says "as a man thinks in his heart, so is he." 

We must have some mixed up hearts. One day we are kind and loving and the next day harsh and cruel. Some days we claim to be Christian and of holy stock; and the next we look, act, and sound like Satan himself. 

I came to a branch in the road one day and needed to make a choice (act of free will). Would I go to the right or to the left? One way was familiar and easy to see the way ahead. That path was just like the path I had been on all my life. I knew what to expect and was drawn that way.....the easy path. The other choice was completely foreign, unknown and unclear. As I stood still contemplating my options I was unaware that another traveler had stepped up beside me. My gaze was so transfixed on the two paths that I was alone in my own world of thought. When touched by my fellow traveler I jumped and expelled a small shriek, part fear and part joy. Fear because I thought I was alone, and joy because I suddenly wasn't. 

"Hello my friend", He said. "Are you lost?" 

"No, said I, "I am just evaluating my options. As you can see these two paths are very different, and why do you call me friend, we have never met?"

He said, "I see all men as my friend and when I greet you in this way I am declaring my hope to be your friend." 

Good practice, we all need more friends. I may just start doing that myself, you get what you give, you know? 

"By the way", I asked, "have you traveled this way before? I can't seem to decide which path to take." 

"Yes," said He, "many times I have been to this place and made new friends and watched them as they went. Which path is best? That depends on who you are." 

"Who I am?" I ask.  "I am a man of strength, courage, self-determination and able to do anything I set my mind to... that's who I am." 

"If that were true you would have never stopped to consider that second path." 

As these words came from His lips, I was already second guessing my self-evaluation just spoken. 

"Do you really know who you are?" He softly asked. 

"Sure, everybody knows who they are, don't they?" 

"No."  

His one word reply was painful to consider so I thought to change the subject of our discourse. 

"Why is one path so clear and the other the opposite?" I asked. 

He smiled and said, "The clear path is the path you were born on and you know it as well as you know anything because you built that path with your choices." 

"I did a good job in building such a clear and easy road, don't you think?" I said.  "That kind of road should reflect the kind of man I am and show others the proper path." 

"Do you want to know who you really are?" He asked.  "Look back and see where you came from." 

As I looked back the path was crooked, pot-marked, and full of trash. All my sin was exposed and the damage could be seen by all. I thought that I was a good man but the evidence said otherwise. 

"That can't be my path!" I said. 

"Yes, it is," said my new friend. "You have lived a life of sin and done much damage to yourself and others. "

"Why then is the path ahead so clear and easy?" I asked. 

"Because you think that you are something that you are not!"

 A cow is always a cow and a horse is always a horse.  

  

My wife Nancy and I early in my ministry.

SOAP >> Matthew 26:51-55

S.         51 And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest's, and smote off his ear. 52 Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword. 53 Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels? 54 But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be? 55 In that same hour said Jesus to the multitudes, Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves for to take me? I sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on me. 56 But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled. 57 And they that had laid hold on Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled.

O.        Jesus warns us about using weapons of war and declares his ability to be delivered by angels. Why is Jesus being arrested in the night hours? He was in the Temple, in the very place of his trial, each day and was not touched. Sin sneaks around and looks for darkness to lay hold on its victims.

A.        All of the followers of Jesus fled and left him alone to face his trial. How will I react when my test day comes? Jesus sent his Holy Spirit to me that I would stand and not fall. The disciples fled in fear at the arrest of Jesus but latter stood and died for their testimony…….what made the difference…….the Baptism of the Holy Ghost.

P.         Father; fill me with your Holy Ghost, the same as you filled the disciples on the day of Pentecost. Amen.