Reading from The Gospel According Matthew 26:44-56 (NLT) ~Jesus Prays in Gethsemane, Jesus is Betrayed and Arrested~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. It was not about self-preservation, but obedience to the Father and fulfillment of the Scriptures. Giving up His own life brought us all life. Acting out of violence is an act of fear that the attacker’s will is not going to be done. The enemy at work and humanity being available for the enemy to use, when they are not surrendered to the LORD.

Reading Psalms 28 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. How we can be blind to the real issues we need saving from. David recognized that there is no life without God’s intervention and help. Humanity’s call for justice. Not wanting to be counted with the wicked. The growth process of humility. David consistently turning to God. Living out your beliefs, walking by faith, is pleasing to God.

Reading from The Gospel According Matthew 26:31-43 (NLT) ~Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial, Jesus Prays in Gethsemane~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. A picture of how we don’t always know how we will respond until we are in the situation. All restoration of relationship is possible because of Jesus work. The heart space of denying Jesus before others. Being exhausted and unable to stay awake. Be willing to step along side people in anguish and be His light in the darkness.

Reading from The Gospel According Matthew 26:14-30 (NLT) ~Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus, The Last Supper~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. What was Judas thinking before the betrayal. Wishing leadership would do things differently. Did Judas ever love Jesus or was his heart more in line with the Pharisees? Seeing our own sinful nature in Judas. So much of the story being driven by money. The point of betrayal. Always be praising God wherever our circumstance takes us.

Reading from The Gospel According Matthew 26:1-13 (NLT) ~The Plot to Kill Jesus, Jesus Anointed at Bethany~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Instead of the religious leaders allowing Jesus’ teaching to break their hearts, they plot His murder. Money was a focus of the religious leaders but was also on the top of the disciple’s minds. God looks at our hearts’ motive for doing the things we do with the things that are valuable. People still like to judge and criticize how others spend their m

Reading from The Gospel According Matthew 25:31-47 (NLT) ~The Final Judgment~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Humility that displays kindness to all people. Are we helping enough? Letting go of personal agendas to make room to act. Providing the physical needs and the relational needs. God cares about our mental health. Running alone in France. You have to be safe, Jesus has kept me safe through it all. Jesus continues to protect and provide.

Reading from The Gospel According Matthew 25:14-30 (NLT) ~Parable of the Three Servants~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The two faithful servants who are entrusted with more. And the lazy servant and his fear. Hiding the treasure underground almost as it doesn’t exist. Not wanting to engage with the call of God who wants to talk with our heart and His heart is for celebration in relationship.

Reading from The Gospel According Matthew 25:1-13 (NLT) ~Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Calling out those who are not preparing for His return. Being ready isn’t about being perfect. The is a wait and then an unexpected return. All of them fall asleep. Continue to answer the call of God who is looking to have a conversation with all people about what they have stored up in their hearts.

Reading Psalms 27 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. David exercised reminding himself of God’s goodness and promises. Finding Joy in God’s presences, Sacrifices being part of the celebration. God is calling and pursuing wanting to have a conversation with His children (all people). The LORD’s faithfulness will not abandon us. David calling on our need to wait for the LORD and to courageously and bravely love others though the trials and struggles.

Reading from The Gospel According Matthew 24:37-51 (NLT) ~Jesus Speaks about the Future Cont.~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Luke 17 “business and usual”. God allowing space for repentance, but that opportunity has an expiration. Psalms 10:10 & 14:2. Stepping on the backs of others vs serving others, God sees all. The choice to serve self of serve the LORD affects all our relationships.