Arise and Abide

Reading from The Gospel According Matthew 27:1-10 (NLT) ~Judas Hangs Himself~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. We may want to see the religious leaders to repent, but their hearts are on full display as they do not care about the burden Judas was now under. The two roads to take when we are under the burden of guilt and shame, Peter’s path, and Judas’ choice. We can wait on the Lord, remembering His words, or try to escape the reality of our choices destroying ourselves in the process.

Reading from The Gospel According Matthew 26:69-75 (NLT) ~Peter Denies Jesus~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. No real way of knowing all Peter was thinking or remembering until the rooster crows. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. Jesus wanted Peter to live and fulfill God’s purpose for His church. A lesson for peter to wait and watch God’s plan unfold.

Reading from The Gospel According Matthew 26:57-68 (NLT) ~Jesus Before the Council~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. God’s plan built on the knowledge of the enemy to be motivated to kill, steal, and destroy. Jesus remains silent until the high priest demands an answer in the name of the Living God. Even when it seems like the enemy is celebrating, the victory is already won.

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.