9/12/09

Good morning everyone or should I say good late morning. My beloved jackets were unable to prevail last evening and that can make for a late night. But at least them MSU Dawgs get a chance to get the tigers right today. LOL. Here is where the Lord led me to today.

John 13:1-20 (New International Version)

John 13
Jesus Washes His Disciples' Feet
1It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love.[a]
2The evening meal was being served, and the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus. 3Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

6He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, "Lord, are you going to wash my feet?"

7Jesus replied, "You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand."

8"No," said Peter, "you shall never wash my feet."
Jesus answered, "Unless I wash you, you have no part with me."

9"Then, Lord," Simon Peter replied, "not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!"

10Jesus answered, "A person who has had a bath needs only to wash his feet; his whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you." 11For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean.

12When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. "Do you understand what I have done for you?" he asked them. 13"You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. 15I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

Jesus Predicts His Betrayal
18"I am not referring to all of you; I know those I have chosen. But this is to fulfill the scripture: 'He who shares my bread has lifted up his heel against me.'[b]
19"I am telling you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe that I am He. 20I tell you the truth, whoever accepts anyone I send accepts me; and whoever accepts me accepts the one who sent me."

This passage features Jesus teaching his disciples privately just before his arrest and death. Jesus clearly shows a deep love for the believer and the peace that comes from faith. We all should believe and allow Jesus to forgive our sins. This is the only way to experience peace in a turmoil filled world.

Jesus knew that one disciple would betray him, that one would deny him, and the rest would desert him for a time. He still showed them all his love. He knows the good and bad about us but he still loves us. He was giving instructions to his disciples in the final hour before his death.

Jesus was the model servant and he showed his servant attitude to his disciples. He acted as the lowliest of slaves even though he was the King of Kings.If God is willing to serve us, why would we not serve others in any way that glorifies God. There is a special blessing for those who are willing to follow through and serve God's way.

A leader must be a servant. This can be hard to do. Jesus had a goal to extend his mission here on earth through his disciples after he was gone. These men were to move into the world serving God, each other, and all people for when they took the message of salvation to the world. You have the same job today if you are one of the fortunate ones that also call yourself a disciple.

I leave you all in love today. May your team win unless you are Auburn. hehehehe. Love God and Love one another.

Our dear Heavenly Father, I am in such awe of your power and mercy. Lord please show us your Kingdom so that we may bask in your Glory. Lord I pray that you continue to help people break their chains of debt and that you bless the future manna that you send from Heaven so that we may glorify your kingdom. I still ask that you continue to show your will for me, and I ask you to teach me your ways so that I can better serve you. I pray for those children who have not yet come to know you that they will and take advantage of the most precious gift of eternal life that you offer. I pray that they find Joy in your presence as I know that it exists. I pray for your believers whether they be faithful or unfaithful. I ask you bring them closer to you so that they may experience your mercy and plan for their life. I ask you to guide my hand in all money matters so that it may go to serve you. I thank you for the record time in which you have already answered a portion of this prayer that was only asked yesterday. You can move with lightning fast speed. I pray for those who are in a leadership position that they are touched by your hand and they gain peace and wisdom in your love. I also pray that you meet the needs of all of us, as I know you will do as long as it furthers your kingdom. I also pray that we understand everything comes from you and it's not about us. You have a purpose for all of our lives and it is our job to accomplish it. We can do so much more for you when we are together than apart. That is by your grand design. I pray for opportunities to serve today. I want to be as much like you as humanly possible. Please forgive me where I fail you today, and may your Kingdom go on forever. Amen