Betrayed!

Judas-kissJudas walked over to Jesus to greet him with a kiss. But Jesus said, “Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?” Luke 22:47-48

You couldn’t look at Judas and just say bad things about him.

He was trusted enough by the others to carry their money, although it is revealed later that he often stole from them.
But nothing indicated that he would be a traitor.

Jesus told all the disciples that one of them was a devil. It probably came as a big surprise to the others when Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss.

Have you been betrayed and hurt? It’s hard to get over – whether it’s a family member or a friend.
You trust them with your love, inner thoughts, and secrets. Then someone else reveals to you what you entrusted to another.

There have been many divorces because one spouse felt betrayed by the other.

Some of the worse betrayals come in anger. You get mad enough to start spouting things you shouldn’t. The Bible actually has something to say about that; When arguing with your neighbor, don’t betray another person’s secret. Others may accuse you of gossip, and you will never regain your good reputation. Prov 25:9-10

Enough about others; how about betraying God?
But like Adam, you broke my covenant and betrayed my trust. Hos 6:7

Is it betrayal to not pray to Him, not thank Him, or not praise Him?

Does He feel betrayed when you don’t share His love with someone else?

Is it betrayal to call yourself a Christian and allow horrible language or jokes to come out of your mouth?

Jesus loved the church and gave His life for her. So is it betrayal of His love to not go?

As for me, I do not want to be a betrayer of my Lord and Savior. I do not want to betray those that trust me with their thoughts and confession. Confession leads to healing. Betrayal leads to heartache and pain.

David knew about betrayal. He had some good friends try to kill or capture him. He knew the feeling of broken trust. He had such a conscience about betrayal that he said this – O Lord my God, if I have done wrong or am guilty of injustice, if I have betrayed a friend or plundered my enemy without cause, then let my enemies capture me. Let them trample me into the ground and drag my honor in the dust. Ps 7:3-5

If you feel like I have ever betrayed you, then please forgive me!

The Foolishness of the Bible?

Bible_paperThe message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God. 1 Cor 1:18

I recently listened about a conversation where a man said the Bible was written by some man and is just a book of stories and fairytales. Continue reading

What do you want from Abba?

man praying in churchAnd now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”
After this prayer, the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness. Acts 4:29-31

Everyone wants to be filled with the Holy Spirit. I know I really enjoy it.
But what is the reason that you want to be filled with God’s Spirit?
Many just enjoy how it makes them feel. I know I really enjoy it!

But the early church did not ask to be filled with the Holy Spirit. They asked for boldness in preaching the word!
They also asked for healing power and miracles.
Still, it all started with asking for boldness to speak God’s word.

God responded with the filling of the Holy Spirit.

It reminds me of King Solomon.
That night the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream, and God said, “What do you want? Ask, and I will give it to you!” 1 Kings 3:5
Solomon could have asked for anything!
His response – Give me an understanding heart so that I can govern your people well and know the difference between right and wrong. 1 Kings 3:9

It pleased God so much that He gave Solomon wisdom. He also gave him great fame and wealth.

There are a few things you must remember.

First, seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Matt 6:33
And humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor. James 4:10

I am praying for brokenness and humility before God. I just want to serve Him. I want to be able to preach and teach God’s word with simplicity for everyone to understand. I want to lead more to Christ. It’s not about me. It’s about Christ.
As John the baptizer said, “He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.” John 3:30

The Authority of the Lord

MICHAEL-VS-SATANEven Michael, one of the mightiest of the angels, did not dare accuse the devil of blasphemy, but simply said, “The Lord rebuke you!” (This took place when Michael was arguing with the devil about Moses’ body.) Jude 9

I have always been fascinated by this verse. Continue reading

Confession Heals

I-ConfessYou may have heard the old saying “confession is good for the soul.”
You may not know how true that is.
James 5:16 says confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. Continue reading

All I have to do is pick!

apple-pickingYou just never know what God is up to! I know He is busy in my life every day, but some days I may not realize it.
Then there was another day like yesterday.

Seven men from Lufkin Dream Center came to help me set up the computers and furnishings for Share-athon. Continue reading

On the Mountain Top!

mountain-top-crossYou have heard someone say, “I’m on the mountain top”, usually referring to a great experience. I know I have heard many Christians say it when it comes to the joy and peace of a filling of the Holy Spirit.

I know I have used it myself in referring to God dealing with me. Continue reading

Milk vs Meat

saltYesterday I took a look at the milk and meat of the word. Anyone can get the milk of the word. Basically all you have to do is read.

Take this verse for instance: “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.” Matt 5:13 Continue reading

Milk to Meat

milkJust like there are different classes of students, there are different levels of spiritual development.
In life there are preschool children, which range in age from newborn to just before entering Pre-K.

Kindergarteners to High School seniors each learning different things. Continue reading