Betrayal

“After he said these things, Jesus became visibly upset, and then he told them why. “One of you is going to betray me.””
‭‭John‬ ‭13:21‬ ‭MSG‬‬
http://bible.com/97/jhn.13.21.msg

Holy Week is full of many ups and downs. It's easy to overlook the turmoil of that final week. The betrayal had to be so painful for Jesus. He knew it was to happen, but that didn't make it any easier. I can only imagine. Yet, I think all of us have experienced some degree of betrayal, none that I know of have lost their life because of it. It hurts at all levels. Have I betrayed anyone in my past? I can't remember but it's always possible. Our sinfulness causes us to do very hurtful things. We can't hold grudges against those that hurt us. We can only hope for forgiveness as we hurt others. It doesn't do any good to harbor resentment of our enemies or those that betray us. God is our example. His son sacrificed his life for us even though we have sinned against him. The grace of God forgives us and we can move forward without regret.

Dear Lord, I praise you for the love and forgiveness you have given me. I am so thankful and humble when I celebrate your sacrifice on the cross. Guide me in my deeds today. Guide my words that they might be an inspiration to others and not hurtful or mean. Focus my life on your mission. Fill my heart with your presence. I love you Lord! Amen!

My prayer for the last 6 weeks of school

“Jesus said, “If you’ve had a bath in the morning, you only need your feet washed now and you’re clean from head to toe. My concern, you understand, is holiness, not hygiene. So now you’re clean. But not every one of you.” (He knew who was betraying him. That’s why he said, “Not every one of you.”) After he had finished washing their feet, he took his robe, put it back on, and went back to his place at the table. Then he said, “Do you understand what I have done to you? You address me as ‘Teacher’ and ‘Master,’ and rightly so. That is what I am. So if I, the Master and Teacher, washed your feet, you must now wash each other’s feet. I’ve laid down a pattern for you. What I’ve done, you do. I’m only pointing out the obvious. A servant is not ranked above his master; an employee doesn’t give orders to the employer. If you understand what I’m telling you, act like it—and live a blessed life.”
‭‭John‬ ‭13:12-17‬ ‭MSG‬‬
http://bible.com/97/jhn.13.12-17.msg

We are in Holy Week. The most treasured time in my faith walk. This is where faith meets action. Jesus gave us the perfect example of servant leadership. He lived a life and died with one thing in mind --- serving us! I am working to do the same.

It's that crazy time of year again. We have six weeks of school, tensions are high due to testing, a crazy busy schedule of annual end of year activities, and tiredness from being on the go. My greatest peace comes through the scripture and my greatest inspiration comes through Jesus and his death on the cross. Peace comes over me when I realize Jesus is with me. He has rescued me from total loss and I know I can survive because of him.

Dear Lord, provide peace and rest for my fellow teachers and administrators.  Give us the patience we deeply need this time of year. Give us rest as the schedules fill up with an overwhelming number of activities. Help us to maintain our focus on helping students even when we are weary.  Help us to maintain a caring and loving attitude. Help us to rely on your power and might to serve just like Jesus did. I love you Lord! Amen!

What? No complaining or Arguing?

“Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2:14-15‬ ‭NLT‬‬
http://bible.com/116/php.2.14-15.nlt

We had a great message last night from our National Evangelist,  Jay Wilbur, at our CMA "Bikers for Change Rally". It struck me that I need to be different than the world? Am I? Some one you can verify that I am different! LOL! But, does my life portray a life that Christ wants me to display? Sadly that doesn't always happen for me. I get wrapped up in the things of this world. I argue with those that disagree with me. I complain about too many things and too many people. During the political craziness of last fall I created too many enemies by my posts and editorial comments. That is not what I'm about. 

Statement of fact: I love you dearly even if we might not agree on everything or, actually, if we don't agree on anything. 

That includes family and friends. I don't hate anyone. But isn't it just like hate when I don't show them any love. If being a Christian is about loving your neighbor, is it ok just to ignore them? Is that love? What would Jesus say about that?

Flooded with light!

“Jesus replied, “Are there not twelve hours of daylight? Anyone who walks in daylight doesn’t stumble because there’s plenty of light from the sun. Walking at night, he might very well stumble because he can’t see where he’s going.””

‭‭John‬ ‭11:9-10‬ ‭MSG‬‬

http://bible.com/97/jhn.11.9-10.msg

God is always with us. He longs for us to rely on his light. He can keep us safe. He can provide strong protection from evil, we just have to ask. My life is a perfect example of that. I have walked in darkness, not because God wasn't with me, I didn't ask for his help. I thought I could handle it on my own. After 56 years I am more aware than ever before that I can not do it on my own. When you walk in his light the answers to life's questions become so clear. We can see obstacles before they create major problems and we are flooded with the warmth of his presence. Thank you Lord for the light you shine on my life. I praise you and rejoice I do not have to tackle the challenges before me on my own!

Dear Lord, All I can say is you are amazing. I praise you for who you are. I am humbled that you care about me as much as you do. I certainly am not worthy but accept your protection, your shield from evil. I pray that some protection and guidance for my family and friends. Reveal yourself to them and flood them in your light and love. Amen!

Do you know how much God loves you?

“Jesus answered, “I told you, but you don’t believe. Everything I have done has been authorized by my Father, actions that speak louder than words. You don’t believe because you’re not my sheep. My sheep recognize my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them real and eternal life. They are protected from the Destroyer for good. No one can steal them from out of my hand. The Father who put them under my care is so much greater than the Destroyer and Thief. No one could ever get them away from him. I and the Father are one heart and mind.””
‭‭John‬ ‭10:25-30‬ ‭MSG‬‬
http://bible.com/97/jhn.10.25-30.msg

Do you know how much God really loves you?

If you can't answer this with an unequivocal YES! You need to get down on your knees and pray! If you don't know, if you haven't seen the love of your Heavenly Father active in your life you need to seek the God I serve. Really, I can't even begin to share the love God and his Son have shown me. I am protected, not from bad things happening in my life, but from the evil of this world. There is nothing I can not endure or overcome. The blessings and the good in my life overwhelm me. Evil is snuffed out and I am looking forward to that same abundance of blessings and love in eternity. Praise God!

Dear Lord, I praise you for answered prayer. I praise you for guidance through my daily life. I praise you that I have been blessed with plenty, love, and grace. I praise you for my family, their love of you and the peace I get in knowing they are one of your flock. Help us to see your presence everyday of our lives and we rejoice in the knowledge that you are our shield, our comfort, and our life. Amen!