Passion Week - The Barren Fig Tree and Cleansing of the Temple

"If I walk with the world, I can't walk with God."  - Dwight L. Moody

This week, better known as Passion Week, notes the final days of the earthly mission of Jesus Christ. The events which occurred led to, and culminated with, his crucifixion, burial, and resurrection.

Much attention has been given to the conclusion of Passion Week, and rightly so. But it's also, both, important, and beneficial to examine the other teachings by Jesus, and to learn as much as we can from them.

The barren fig tree, presented in Matthew 21:18-22; Mark 11:12-14, is a symbolic lesson about Israel's fruitlessness. This was directed at their taking the vows of religion without putting them into practice, and failure to recognize the Messiah.

It's important to mention that this event does not declare that Israel was cursed to be eternally barren. They've only been laid aside temporarily. The nation will be reborn and put back to a favorable position with God when Christ returns to rule (Matthew 24:30; Revelation 19:11-12).

The second cleansing of the Temple (Matthew 212-17; Mark 11:15-19; Luke 19:45-48) also happened during this time. Two cleansings of the Temple actually took place. One was earlier in Jesus' ministry (John 2:14-17).

The first cleansing in which Jesus forcibly removed the money changers from the Temple was intended to instruct, forewarn, and announce to Israel that the Messiah had arrived (Psalm 69:9; Isaiah 56:7; Jeremiah 7:11).

This second cleansing of the Temple was meant for symbolic judgment as according to prophecy (John 2:16). Once he had cleared the Temple of the buyers and sellers he invited the blind and lame to enter so he could heal them (Matthew 21:14).

The scribes and chief priests heard the children's shouts in the Temple of "Hosanna to the Son of David!" which greatly angered them (Matthew 21:16). Jesus saw nothing wrong with children rejoicing, especially if they already show a strong interest in God (Psalm 8:2).

In closing, we can gather much from our discussion today. First, we belong to Christ. He bought and paid for us with his precious blood. And as our hearts are his "Temples," he has every right to come in and cleanse them, purging everything worldly, unspiritual, and sinful from our lives.

Secondly, regarding our faith, are we "fruitless" too? Are we like those who say what they do, but don't do what they say? We disappoint Christ when our lives are spiritually barren, and sadden him when our hearts are filled, even partially, with carnality.

Scripture: Philippians 1:6; Matthew 12:33; 2 Timothy 3:16; Matthew 7:16; Philippians 1:11

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to walk in Your way, being fully pleasing to You, bearing fruit in every good work, and growing in knowledge of You always, amen.

Blessings always,

Cyndy

Video - The Triumphal Entry (Palm Sunday)

This Sunday is Palm Sunday. It is the day we observe Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, which is one week before His resurrection (Matthew 21:1-11). This also marks the beginning of what is known as "Passion Week," or the final week of Jesus' ministry here with us on earth.

Although the video here might seem elementary, it does a good job of covering the essential parts of Palm Sunday in a light and understandable way. You can read in depth about this event in the four Gospels, which are: Matthew 21:1-17; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:29-40; and John 12:12-19.

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Matthew 21:9)  ~ Eve

Are You a Whitewashed Tomb?

"...on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness."  - Matthew 23:28

The arrival of warm weather signals changing out of our heavy winter garb into lighter summer attire. Magazines tell us if we want to be "swimsuit ready" in time for summer vacation we'd better start that new diet and exercise program now!  

Whether we spruce up, beautify, dress up, it's all about outward appearances, that is, what we or others see on the outside. But what about the "inward" aspect of our lives; namely the spiritual? 

"For ye make clean the outside of the cup." It isn't really that difficult to remake or overhaul things on the surface. We all know what a fresh coat of paint can do for an older house. But exterior appearances may not tell the whole story (Matthew 23:28).

The way to a spiritual (inward) change is through the heart. Any outward changes, minus the heart, will not do a thing spiritually. The scribes and Pharisees' followed and taught the Law precisely, but their deeds were mainly done for men to see (Matthew 23:5).

In fact, Jesus admonished them for being "like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean" (Matthew 23:27).

Christians, especially, must be diligent about their inward or "spiritual" status. We won't be held accountable for our outward appearance when we stand before God some day, but we will have to answer for what's in our heart (Proverbs 21:2).

The only way to cleanse and promote change in the heart is through faith in the perfect cleansing element-the precious blood of Jesus. Changing only the "outer" while leaving the "inner" unchanged is hypocrisy (Matthew 23:28).

Take inventory of where you stand today. Are you just a symbol of hypocrisy; beautiful on the outside, but impure within? It's never too late to restore your heart, but don't put it off. Waiting only increases the difficulty. 

Scripture: Psalm 51:10; Ezekiel 36:26; Jeremiah 17:10; James 4:8; 1 Timothy 1:5 

Prayer: Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water, amen.   - Hebrews 10:22

Stay blessed,

Kate

"What Should I Do..?"

 "The greatest mistake any Christian can make is to substitute his own will for the will of God." - Harry Ironside

During the course of our daily lives we are presented with various situations that involve decision-making, such as: "What outfit should I wear today?" "Do I need to get my haircut?" "Is that food still edible?"

If you stop and think about it, most of our lives revolve around decisions and their outcomes, some good, others not so. This can also apply to our spiritual life with God, or lack of one. It's a choice we must make.

I've had people tell me that it's too hard to believe in that Bible stuff, that it takes too much time and effort; that it doesn't work for them, or fit into their lifestyle. Again, it boils down to decisions; theirs, and theirs alone.

God knows that some need more time to decide and is willing to allow it. He also knows that we're basically a rebellious lot. We like to think that we know better and can do better on our own (Proverbs 3:5).

The rebellious Israelites also tested God's patience and love repeatedly. Yet, God always came to their aid. Even after God allowed them to be taken captive and scattered throughout the land, he never truly abandoned them.

Israel was well aware of what his expectations were, as well as the consequences of not following through with them. God is not into playing complicated or ambiguous games. He is always honest and will never waste our time (Jeremiah 29:11).

Life or death, blessing or curse, God or self. These were all choices confronted by Israel in the Old Testament. They still hold significance for us today. We must decide what we want to do, choose wisely. If you're unsure, pray to God for his help (James 1:5).

Scripture: Jeremiah 33:3; Psalm 32:8; Proverbs 2:6; Proverbs 21:2; Proverbs 19:2

Prayer: Dear God, I pray for Your help with all decisions in my life; may You always instruct and guide me with Your steady hand, amen.

Bless you always,

Brielle

We're On Our Way Home...

"A continual looking forward to the eternal world is not a form of escapism or wishful thinking, but one of the things a Christian is meant to do."  - C.S. Lewis

This world was never intended to be our forever home. The Christian must always be mindful that our lives here are merely transitory; we "are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." (James 4:14).

This fact alone should ignite the flame of urgency inside each of us to prepare ourselves for the inevitable. I'm not talking about things like life insurance or wills and testaments, though important too, but of our final journey home.

Philippians 3:20 (ESV) tells us that "Our citizenship is in heaven." And unlike here on earth, a citizenship test, passport photo, and other documentation is unnecessary. Nor are there any borders to cross, legally or otherwise.

There aren't any "NO VACANCY" signs in heaven, either. Jesus assuredly says in John 14:2 that "My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?"

Still, many believe that because their history is too atrocious, their hearts too polluted by sin; and their souls too despicable and hideous, they miss the mark. Judging by earthly standards, they would be correct. But not by Jesus Christ.

Entrance to eternal life with Our Father in heaven was prepaid by Jesus Christ. He purchased it with his own life. To claim it one must, first, and foremost, believe in both God and Jesus Christ, His Son (John 3:16; Romans 5:8).

You must also accept Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, and repent and be baptized  in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 3:19)

Our time on earth is temporary and none of us knows when it will end (Luke 21:35; Ecclesiastes 3:19; 9:12). We can only prepare ourselves for heaven while we are still alive. (Psalm 115:17; Psalm 88:10; Psalm 6:5; Psalm 30:9).

When we become citizens in the Kingdom of Heaven, we are freed from the oppressive rule of Satan's dominion, and are instead transformed into members of God's family, and residents of our Father's eternal kingdom (1 John 2:15–17; Ephesians 2:18–19).

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:9; Luke 23:43; 2 Peter 3:13; Hebrews 13:14; John 10:28

Prayer: Dear Lord. You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand, amen.  - Psalm 16:11

Stay blessed,

Kate

The Temptation of Bitterness

"Never succumb to the temptation of bitterness."  - Martin Luther King Jr.

Sometimes it's hard to understand why evil people, with unworthy and contemptible hearts appear to thrive and prosper; while many a good, kind, and loving individual never seems to enjoy the same level of success.

Who can blame the latter for harboring feelings of resentment, bitterness, and envy? We've heard all about the payoffs of hard work, being honest, and helping our fellow man. Yet, there's always the temptation to try the other way.

Temptation is one of the strongest weapons in Satan's arsenal, and he uses it often. When we succumb to covetousness towards another's advantages, success, or possessions, we are falling right into his hands.

Several great men of the Bible suffered bouts of envying the apparent "good life" of the wicked. How did they deal with it? They believed in fundamental truths about God. For example, Job had faith in the omniscience of God (Job 24:1).

 Habakkuk on God's holiness (Habakkuk 1:13). Jeremiah trusted in the justice of God (Jeremiah 12:1), and Asaph, one of David's choir leaders, placed his faith on the goodness of God (Psalm 73:1).

These unassailable truths can provide a strong defense whenever temptation strikes. They worked for these men, and they can work for us, too. However, we must never lose sight of something (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Though it may seem that God has forgotten some over others, nothing could be further from the truth. God has his reasons for doing what He does, and it's simply not for us to know His will.

God's plans for us may differ, but His goodness, equally dispersed to all, is especially so to those with a clean heart, absolved by the blood of Christ, purged from the pollution of sin, and entirely devoted to the glory of God.

Scripture: Psalm 31:19; Exodus 33:19; Psalm 84:11; Ephesians 2:10; Psalm 37:3;

Prayer: Dear God, how abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you, that you bestow in the sight of all, amen.  - Psalm 31:19 


Bless you always,

Brielle

God, Our Refuge and Strength

“The all-victorious Christ is like a great rock in a weary land, to whose shelter we may flee in every time of sorrow or trial, finding quiet refuge and peace in him.”  - J.R. Miller

Throughout the history of mankind, people have sought safe and secure areas in which to live and thrive. Towns, cities, and eventually castles, developed many tactics by which to provide protection for their citizens during times of incursion by enemies.

One effective measure of protection was the citadel or tower, which basically was a strong building that was either inside or near a city. Here, the people could flee for shelter during time of an attack or a siege.

This method of protection worked pretty well; saving many lives in the process. But what about the individual? During times of pain, suffering, confusion, disappointment, and shame, among many others, where can one retreat to?

Psalm 71:1 (ESV) tells us, "In you, O LORD, do I take refuge;" Consider the word "refuge" for a moment. We get refuge from a French word that means "to flee." For the most part, a refuge is a place to flee in order to find safety.

Can you see how this would relate to our LORD? People have sought refuge in many different ways, such as through a sanctuary, a good hiding-place; or even more recently, by seeking asylum someplace.

It's only natural for humans to want to be safe and secure; to find a safe harbor where there is protection. He can save and deliver us from uncertainty and difficulty. God can provide that and more for us (Psalm 22:5).

Life can get stressful, as we all know. "Sometimes I feel like running away from it all," we've heard some say, perhaps even yourself. But don't run away, instead run to God. He can provide the refuge that you seek. "I run to you, LORD, for protection"  Psalm 71:1 (CEV).

Scripture: Psalm 62:8; Psalm 27:5; Proverbs 18:10; Psalm 32:7; Psalm 46:1

Prayer: Dear Lord, You provide refuge in time of need and doubt; You are a sanctuary of calm and comfort for my troubled soul. I fully trust in Your word, amen.

Blessings always,

Cyndy