And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas: -Luke 23:18 But they cried, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. -Luke 23:21 Good morning and TGIF! In a scene that played out approximately 2024 years ago, a crowd had assembled before the Roman governor Pontius Pilate, clamoring for the release of Barabbas with shouts of "Release Barabbas!" They could have well said release Jesus because according to historian Josephus, the full name of the criminal allowed to go free was Jesus Barabbas. So a question I ask you this morning is which Jesus are you choosing? Just five days earlier, the very same individuals who were proclaiming "Hosanna! Glory to the king!" were now advocating for his crucifixion. Those who had laid their garments before his mount were now endorsing the gambling for his clothing. However, in a matter of hours, eyes filled with agony from the cross would look upon them and utter, "Father, forgive them....
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And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it, -Luke 19:41 Good morning and terrific Thursday to you! As the Lord journeyed on His triumphant entry into the city, the atmosphere grew solemn as tears welled up and fell. It was at this moment that He foretold the impending destruction of Jerusalem. While referring to the city's demise, He also spoke of the forthcoming destruction in our era. Despite the unfolding prophecies, many fail to recognize or acknowledge them. The signs that were overlooked on that significant day bear resemblance to the unmistakable signs being unveiled in our present time. #prayforthepeaceofIsrael God bless you and command your day!!!
Saying, Go ye into the village over against you; in the which at your entering ye shall find a colt tied, whereon yet never man sat: loose him, and bring him hither. -Luke 19:30 Good morning and tremendous Tuesday to you! During Passion Week, we witness the fulfillment of prophecies regarding Christ, as demonstrated by how effortlessly the disciples found the animal needed for the events. This highlights Jesus's preeminence, as he orchestrated everything in accordance with prophecy. When Jesus directed the disciples to an unburdened beast of burden, it symbolized that the weight of his mission would be uniquely his to bear. The choice of such an animal harks back to Jesus's humble birth in Bethlehem, and the peaceful nature of a young colt signifies his initial arrival in peace. However, it also foreshadows his eventual return as a mighty warrior and conqueror. #prayforthepeaceofIsrael God bless you and command your day!!! Your comments and questions are welcome. Cont...
And his wife Jehudijah bare Jered the father of Gedor, and Heber the father of Socho, and Jekuthiel the father of Zanoah. And these are the sons of Bithiah the daughter of Pharaoh, which Mered took. -1 Chronicles 4:18 Good morning and happy Monday to you! Are you willing to give up your heritage for your salvation? Please note the name Bithiah in the scripture above. It literally is translated as “daughter of God.” Bithiah in rabbinic tradition is the Egyptian princesses who rescued and named Moses. Her inheritance destined her for power and wealth as a noble in Egypt, yet she chose to reject and oppose her father, the Pharaoh, to save Moses. Later, she abandoned her earthly birthright for something greater. Are you willing to forsake short-term, fleeting earthly pleasures for that which is eternal? #prayforthepeaceofIsrael God bless you and command your day!!!
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. -2 Timothy 2:15 Good morning and terrific Thursday to you! Wheat and tare bear such resemblance that even trained observers can mistake one for the other from a distance. Only through diligent study can this confusion be avoided. The significance of study is frequently overlooked, and many fail to adhere to it. Numerous individuals hear, read, and quote scripture without realizing that inadequate study leads to poor comprehension, ineffective communication, and the propagation of false teachings. In the familiar scripture above Paul is speaking of two who assumed and supported gnosticism while diminishing the faith of others. All believers, regardless of their role, must engage in studying and understanding the word, as it is essential to discerning both truth and falsehood, which can often appear similar. #prayforthepeaceofIsrael God bless you and co...
They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. -1 John 4:5 Good morning and happy hump day to you! Ever wonder why Hollywood seems to have the ear of many? The scripture above addresses this in no uncertain terms. Hollywood weighs in on much more than the big screen. Celebrities often engage in discussions about topics well beyond their expertise, without realizing their detachment from the average person's daily life. The question is who has your ear? How are your morals formed? Are you viewing the world through the right lens? #prayforthepeaceofIsrael God bless you and command your day!!!
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. -1 John 4:1 Good morning and tremendous Tuesday to you! If you examine the concept of "spirit," in this scripture it speaks of direct spiritual involvement, yet it's important to recognize that spirits require physical vessels to operate in our world. Consequently, there are individuals who serve as vessels for malevolent spirits, whether knowingly or unknowingly. As believers cleansed by the blood of Christ, it's crucial to remain sensitive to the spiritual realm while navigating the physical world. This entails discerning the nature of encountered spirits to effectively combat them. The Apostle reassures us that regardless of what we face, the power of the Holy Spirit within us surpasses any opposing force. Your comments and questions are welcome. Contact me at: drschaefferinterceding@yahoo.com You can give to Interceding Chris...
Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. -Matt 7:13 ESV Good morning and TGIF! I recently came across a story where a man was explaining the meaning of "Off the beaten path" to his son. He described the "beaten path" as a well-trodden, familiar route, often chosen due to its ease. Reflecting on this, I realized the potential danger of such advice in today's world where moral standards are scarce. This beaten path resembles the wide gate mentioned in the scripture above – it's heavily traveled, easily accessible, and clearly marked by the footsteps of many. Many have walked through it, it swings freely on the hinges, and the threshold is worn from the traffic. Looking ahead you do not have to ask where all the people went as the path is well worn. If a gate swings open effortlessly and the path is broad and worn, it's likely the wrong path. This walk, its gate an...
Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. -Galatians 5:1 Good morning and terrific Thursday to you! In John 8:36, a complementary passage highlights the Lord as the ultimate liberator of captives. Those who acknowledge their captivity from birth eagerly accept their freedom. However, those who fail to recognize their entanglement remain trapped in the cycle of sin, akin to a hamster wheel. Just as Christ liberated individuals from demons and sickness, he urges us to remain free. #prayforthepeaceofIsrael God bless you and command your day!!!
Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. -Galatians 6:7 Good morning and happy Monday to you! Have you ever leaped into water and emerged dry, or made contact with a live wire without feeling a shock? Better yet you will never see the grace to save without the faith to believe. The act of jumping didn't directly soak you, nor did the contact cause the shock, but both outcomes stemmed from your actions. Grace may offer a reprieve, allowing time for faith to develop, yet grace alone, without faith, is just as faith without works dead. Beloved we often try to divorce consequences from our action, but there is no doing so. This is what the scripture above is warning us of. No better lesson than a learned lesson. #prayforthepeaceofIsrael God bless you and command your day!!!
But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. -Acts 1:8 Good morning and tremendous Tuesday to you! The scripture above contains various elements: an endowment, a commission, a challenge, and an invitation. Let's delve into the concept of the endowment. To attain power, one must adhere to the obedience of waiting. This power is bestowed with the purpose of bearing witness to the world. Your witness holds significant potency once you are endowed. It manifests both in your words and in your silence. It's essential to recognize that power stems not from your capabilities, but from your obedience. #prayforthepeaceofIsrael God bless you and command your day!!!
Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. -James 2:17 Good morning and happy Monday to you! A writer once quipped real faith can’t exist apart from works. Faith without works is really a form of complaining and worrying. You bring the issue to the forefront by focusing on it and even praying about that issue. Which in many situations you are asking for what God has already given to us. Dominion comes with authority as well as a requirement to put effort towards the desire. The energy spent worrying does nothing to help you realize a goal. Now, imagine this if people spent more time doing and less time worrying about their problems, then they would see a drastic shift in their overall situation. In the ultimate demonstration of faith requiring works in first chapter of Genesis, the Lord had the faith, and then he applied to work, which was to speak it into being his speaking, was the action that was required to make his faithfu...
I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours. -John 4:38 Good morning and TGIF! The scripture above comes from the story of Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well. I have always tied this scripture into Acts 8 which expresses that the seeds sowed by Christ had gained root and the disciples began to reap. At His ascension, Christ instructed them to return and harvest what He had planted. Many overlook their role in the great commission, either due to not seeing immediate results or underestimating the impact of their testimony and effort. Christ planted seeds during His encounter with the woman at the well, and the disciples later reaped the harvest. The seeds we sow today may yield harvested plants in the next generation. Go fellowship this weekend, we all need it. #prayforthepeaceofIsrael God bless you and command your day!!!