Lent Day Sixteen

 

Day Sixteen - The Trial

The religious leaders, at the time of Jesus did not believe as modern society does, in the fact that a person is innocent until proven guilty. They had already decided that Christ was guilty and must die, even before the trial had started. The religious leaders (Chief priests and Pharisees) were afraid of Jesus, even after seeing and hearing the miracles that Jesus had done. They were afraid that this Jesus Christ would take away their followers and lead them away from the Jewish faith. The religious leaders twisted events and twisted Jesus words, when Jesus said that he would be seated at the right hand of Power in heaven. The religious leaders of the day crucified Christ because they could not accept him as the Messiah

Brothers and Sisters, as we live our lives today, have there been times when we have falsely accused somebody of something without knowing the facts? Have we falsely accused somebody out of a deep sense of bitterness and hatred that the evil one places in our hearts? How often have we heard of an idea or a thought, and discounted it before hearing all of the facts? 

When Jesus was forsaken and taken to the cross, we that are believers in Christ understand that even in his most difficult hour, Jesus did not forsake us. As we go through Lent and approach Easter, let us understand that when we turn away from Christ and his Kingdom, we arrest him and crucify him all over again. Jesus Christ that was arrested, crucified and resurrected asks us for only one thing, "relationship" with him. This relationship is also lived when we listen to others, before condemning them and forcing them into persecution.

Has that person come into your church that is not dressed how we want them to be dressed? Do they appear not to be what we consider church material? Have we condemned them before ever meeting them? This condemnation occurs when we won't sit with them, when we won't speak to them and when we turn away from them. My friends, the message for today is that when we turn our heads from those around us, we turn our heads away from Christ. 

My prayer for all of us this day is that we do not falsely convict someone before hearing all the evidence, and that no matter what one's outcome may be, they are still children of God, and forgiven and loved by the Messiah. As we travel the road of Lent to Easter together, let us all understand that each and everyone of us are "Sinners, Saved By Grace".

His Servant.

Tim.

Texts for today:

John 11: 1-44

John 11: 45-53

Luke 23: 2

Matthew 26: 59-66

Isaiah 55: 8

Romans 5: 8

Matthew 22: 37-40

John 15: 13

Lent Day Fifteen

Day Fifteen - The Garden of Gethsemane - The Arrest

At the time of Christ's arrest, Peter took up his sword and cut off the ear of the slave of the high priest. When this occurred Jesus told the disciples "No more of this!" and Jesus immediately healed the wounded slave. Brothers and Sisters, the message that I bring you today is about peace and not resorting to anger and force to obtain what we think we "Need" or "Must" have. If force were the way Jesus would have came as God's general and defeated all the kingdoms of the world as to to establish God's kingdom. Yet, we all know that Jesus came instead as the "Suffering Servant" that established his kingdom by sacrificing his life for our sins. Instead of brandishing a weapon, Jesus allowed himself to be nailed to a cross and hung, ridiculed and abused and allowed to die a public death.

Jesus as the Son of God could have used force to establish his kingdom, but just as he did in the wilderness, he refused to be tempted by the power of Satan and use force to lead his people. Many people go through life with the agenda of getting what they want at any price, and in the belief that our kingdom is here and now. Friends, the meager riches and conquests that we obtain here earth, hold no relevance to beauty and majesty that we will share with Jesus Christ in heaven. 

My prayer for you this day is that instead of lashing out in anger and taking up the sword of hatred and anger, go to the cross and act as Christ did by taking out the love of forgiveness. Do not let the evil one draw you this day, follow the Lord to the cross and witness what true love for others can yield. I end today's message with the lyrics of Love Divine, All Loves Excelling, please read the words and let them help guide you this day and all day.

Thanks for calling me as your pastor.

Tim.

Charles Wesley 1747

Love divine, all loves excelling,
Joy of heaven to earth come down;
Fix in us thy humble dwelling;
All thy faithful mercies crown!
Jesus, Thou art all compassion,
Pure unbounded love Thou art;
Visit us with Thy salvation;
Enter every trembling heart.

Breathe, O breathe Thy loving Spirit,
Into every troubled breast!
Let us all in Thee inherit;
Let us find that second rest.
Take away our bent to sinning;
Alpha and Omega be;
End of faith, as its Beginning,
Set our hearts at liberty.

Come, Almighty to deliver,
Lyrics www.allthelyrics.com/lyrics/charles_wesley/ 
Let us all Thy life receive;
Suddenly return and never,
Never more Thy temples leave.
Thee we would be always blessing,
Serve Thee as Thy hosts above,
Pray and praise Thee without ceasing,
Glory in Thy perfect love.

Finish, then, Thy new creation;
Pure and spotless let us be.
Let us see Thy great salvation
Perfectly restored in Thee;
Changed from glory into glory,
'Til in heaven we take our place,
'Til we cast our crowns before Thee,
Lost in wonder, love, and praise.

Scriptures for Today's Message

John 18:10

Matthew 26: 51-56

Luke 22: 49-53

Matthew 26:35

Matthew 26: 52, 53

Matthew 4: 8, 9

Matthew 4: 10

1John 4: 7, 8

Lent Day Fourteen

Day Fourteen-The Garden of Gethsemane-The Betrayal

In today's message we see Judas bringing a group of people sent from the religious leaders to arrest Jesus. Judas had a prearranged sign that he would use to point out Jesus to those that would arrest him. The sign would be whomever Judas kissed would be Jesus, thus signaling the people to arrest Jesus. As we look back in biblical history, we see that a kiss was a sign of deception i.e. Jacobs seeking of his brother Esau's birthright and blessing, the kiss was part of the deception. 

Have any of you ever felt betrayed by someone that you thought loved you and had your back?

 When I young and began my first job, I believed everybody to be my friend. I entrusted my feelings about my job to a person whom I worked with and thought to be a friend. The next day upon arriving to work I was called into the bosses office and had everything repeated to me that I had told this person of trust. From this point on and until this very day, this event has had a part in doubting whom I can truly trust.

In today's Lent message, we see what happens when we see Judas doing what he thinks is best without trusting in Jesus to do what was right. Instead of waiting for Jesus to fulfill God's purpose for him, Judas grew impatient and decided to press the issue. This rush to Judgement even occurred again when Judas committed suicide, before he could ask Jesus for forgiveness. Even though he repented, Judas killed himself before Jesus could forgive him. Can we assume that Jesus would have forgiven him? We know that Jesus said the the following to his Father, while on the cross: "Father forgive them for they know not what they do".  

If I had the opportunity today to encounter the person who betrayed my trust at that first job, I would ask for their forgiveness for the time that I have spent in anger and pain over this betrayal. I would also express the fact that I forgive them and move on through my life with a much happier and cleaner soul. Brothers and Sisters, have you been betrayed and is this betrayal causing pain in your life? My prayer for you is that you place this pain and distrust at the foot of the cross, and move from the feeling of pain as you enter the realm of forgiveness.

Place your trust in Jesus Christ this day, and trust him in the fact that he has the plan for our lives. Be patient and don't force issues of faith and do not let your hurt from betrayal fester. Seek forgiveness and forgive your betrayer before its to late to do so. 

Thanks For Calling Me As Your Pastor

Tim.

Today's Scripture Readings

Matthew 26: 47-50

Genesis 27: 18-29

Matthew 27: 3

Matthew 26: 24, 25

John 13:27

Matthew 27: 3-5

Luke 23: 34

Day Thirteen Message

Day Thirteen - The Garden of Gethsemane - A Special Three

When Jesus was in the garden of Gethsemane and went off to pray he took three of his disciples with him (Peter, James and John). Jesus asked them to stay awake and keep watch, but upon his return he found them asleep. When Jesus spoke he called Peter (Simon), his original name. Jesus called him Simon because he was not the "Rock" that Jesus needed and hoped for in the garden. Jesus called him Simon because he was not setting the example that the other disciples could benefit from. Peter would eventually become the leader that Jesus expected and knew he would be, but Peter (Simon) would fail again in denying Christ three times after Jesus was arrested.

Brothers and Sisters, those of us that have taken upon leadership roles understand that we are the ones that must set examples in conduct and deeds. Mature people in faith understand that mistakes will occur, and we must have the faith to move on and not let it interfere with our walking with Christ. Many of us have hopes and dreams that we have prayed about intentionally, Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God walks with us through times of mistakes and successes.

My prayer for you this day is that we all attempt to be the leaders and the followers that Jesus wants us to be. If your church is trying to cast a vision for the future, do not let stumbling blocks get in the way of God's plan for your churches and your own individual walks. Jesus the true leader has paid the price and has set the example for all of us that call ourselves followers of Christ. As you go through this day thirteen of Lent, follow the leader and say and pray: "Lead On, O King Eternal"!

Pastor Tim Polley

Lead On, O King Eternal
Text: Ernest W. Shurtleff, 1862-1917
Music: Henry T. Smart, 1813-1879
1. Lead on, O King eternal,The day of march has come;Henceforth in fields of conquestThy tents shall be our home:Thro' days of preparationThy grace has made us strong,And now, O King Eternal,We lift our battle song.
2. Lead on, O King Eternal,Till sin's fierce war shall cease,And holiness shall whisperThe sweet amen of peace;For not with swords' loud clashing,Or roll of stirring drums;With deeds of love and mercyThe heav'nly kingdom comes.
3. Lead on, O King eternal,We follow not with fears;For gladness breaks like morningWhere'er Thy face appears;Thy cross is lifted o'er us;We journey in its light:The crown awaits the conquest;Lead on, O God of might.

Texts For Reading
Mark 14: 33, 34
Mark 14: 37, 38
John 1:42
Matthew 5:16
Matthew 16: 13-23

Lent Day Twelve

Day Twelve-Prayer

As Jesus and the disciples entered the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus said to them: "Stay here, I am going to pray". The expectations that Christ had for his disciples was that they would also be in prayer, as he went to pray to the Father. Scripture tells us that instead of being in prayer, the disciples fell asleep. Jesus had just been with them in the upper room and told them the things that were about to occur, you would think that this would be on their minds? Instead the disciples being slow to understand what Christ was communicating,decided to sleep instead of doing their own communicating in prayer.

As I sit in my office this morning, my mind is racing with the work that I want completed before the weeks end. I'm sure that many of you have the same thing going on as you contemplate projects and due dates that you are also nearing. As you go through this day twelve of Lent, take time to follow the example of Jesus and take time to give your worries to God in prayer. Brothers and Sisters, when we compare the importance and relevance of the things that life assigns us vs spending time in prayer, understand that the true importance in our journey is open communication to God through his Son, Jesus Christ.

Prayer for Today:

I believe that God has created me and all that exists; that he has given and still preserves to me my body and soul, with all my limbs and senses, my reason and all the faculties of my mind, together with my food, home, and family, and all my property; that he daily provides me abundantly with all the necessaries of life, protects me from all danger, and preserves me and guards me against all evil; all which he does out of pure paternal, and divine goodness and mercy, without any merit or worthiness in me; for all which I am in duty bound to thank , praise, serve, and obey him. Amen.

Thanks for calling me as your pastor
Tim.

Readings for day twelve of Lent:
Matthew 26:36
Luke 11:1
John 13:15
Matthew 26:41
Luke 22:15
John 13: 21-29

Pastor Tim's Message for Lent (Day Eleven).

Day Eleven - Peters Denial

Recently our family got a dog, and as being people that have only had cats, a dog was a new experience for us. Prior to our getting a dog, I would tell my wife (Lynne), "I will walk the dog and I will take him outside when he needs to go outside." Since we have had the dog, I have backtracked a few times (especially early in the morning), and Lynne has ended up doing what I had earlier promised to do. 

As we enter Day Eleven of Lent, we see Jesus telling the disciples that they will all fall away. With this Peter states with bravado that if others fall away, he will never fall away from Jesus. Jesus tells Peter that as the cock crows, Peter will deny him three times. Brothers and Sisters, it's not what we say that counts, but rather letting faith influence our actions and our deeds. The blessing of being a follower of Jesus Christ is that Jesus gives us another chance to reconcile, and even after Peter denied Jesus they were able to reconcile.

As we enter this day eleven of Lent, let us live lives that testify our faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. As I try to be more faithful in walking our dog, my prayer is that you let faith guide all of your actions and deeds this very day and always.

Text Reading for Today

Matthew 26: 31

Matthew 26: 34

Matthew 26: 35

Matthew 26: 71

Matthew 26: 75

Matthew 07: 21

John 21: 15-23

Happy to be called "Your" pastor

Tim.