Get Ready for Judas! Either Way You Win...

43Just as he was speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, appeared. With him was a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, the teachers of the law, and the elders.
44Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: "The one I kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard." 45Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, "Rabbi!" and kissed him. 46The men seized Jesus and arrested him. 47Then one of those standing near drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.
48"Am I leading a rebellion," said Jesus, "that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? 49Every day I was with you, teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled." 50Then everyone deserted him and fled. –Mark 9:43-50 (NIV)

Who or what is your Judas? Sometimes we spend so much time trying to figure out why something happened—why us, why now? But, whatever the reason or logic, Judas betrayed Jesus. Judas was convinced that “he-Judas” was better off if Jesus was in the hands of men. Let me say this another way. Judas was convinced that “he” was better off if Jesus-- the healer, the feeder of the multitude, the one who raises deceased persons to life--was bound, flogged, and oppressed. Does this make sense?

Let’s try to unpack Judas for a moment and take the high road. Perhaps, Judas, in some way, knew that Jesus would escape this mob. Perhaps, he believed that Jesus would divert the teachers of the law and be able to flee. Perhaps, he thought that “Superman” would somehow be able to slip away as he had before; but just in case there was kryptonite, Judas had his money. So, all would not be lost. But, as we peruse the text closely, we will notice that even Judas was unsuspectingly fulfilling God’s ultimate plan for the redemption of humanity. He didn't know his true role. But, Jesus knew who Judas was and what Judas planned to do. Judas had no clue that he was leading Christ to divine destiny. Let’s recall the story. Earlier before his betrayal, Jesus announced to his disciples that he would be betrayed and that "his time" had come. He also said that , "The Son of Man (Jesus) is going to be betrayed into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise." The disciples including Judas did not understand what Jesus meant. They did not understand that God could bring something good out of pure evil. What am I saying? Your Judas—is the thing, the obstacle that may bring you to your knees. It is the one (the closest one to you, a friend, a family member) who causes you the most pain—if you forget that ultimate good trumps evil. That’s a hard pill to swallow for most. Judas serves a finite purpose. Judas has only a small window to act. Draw closer. Judas’ role sparks the onset of Jesus’ destiny. Your Judas sparks your destiny. Furthermore, Jesus’ time to be in the hands of men was limited. Your time to be in the hands of men is limited. Regardless of Judas’ intentions or logic, he was subject to God’s time. Do you understand what I am saying? Either way, your Judas’ intentions for you may be fatal, but God's plans for you are good. God is the author and finisher of your faith. God is the Alpha and the Omega. Judas can only set into motion the very thing that Jesus came to do-to redeem the work of God’s hands. What does this mean? Judas cannot delay or deny your destiny. Judas works in God's time. Continue to follow God and know that if you die, you serve a God who can raise you to life again. If you fall, you serve a God who can pick you up. If your friends betray you, you have a God who knows your pain and can mend your heart. My sister, my brother either way, no matter what happens, no matter who does what to do, if you pick up your cross and follow this magnificent Saviour, you will find new life in Him. Your enemies and illnesses are no match for your God! Now, that’s good news. Look your “Judas” in the eyes and say either way, I win! Now, Shout Yes! God wins!

The God of the Mountain: Dream Big!

“For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.”-Isaiah 55:9

Last week, I traveled to Denver, Colorado and couldn’t leave this beautiful state within visiting the Rocky Mountains. I could see them from my hotel window. But, my window view wasn’t good enough. I needed to get closer and the closer I got to the mountains, it seemed that they became more spectacular and bigger than I had imagined. In the foothills of the Rocky’s within the city of Evergreen, just fifteen miles west of Denver, about 7,220 feet above sea level and still not at the top, I could sense the enormity of God. Just in the foothills, I thought about the words of the Prophet Isaiah, the Good Samaritan and the many times that Jesus went to the Mountain to pray. These encounters were not within the Rocky Mountains neither were they on US soil. But, they involved mountains—reminders of the vastness of God’s 1.) mind 2.) being, and 3.) purposes. I was refreshed. My dreams are too small for God. My situations pale next to God.

Are your dreams too small for God? Do they reflect the vastness of God’s mind? Do your dreams propel you to reach far beyond that degree, career, and or goal? Does your dream envision a practical way to end war? End our oil addiction? End genocide and homicide internationally? Engineer cleaner and greener living? Does your mind dream of a cure for disease? God’s mind does. Think about the "God" who imagined the Mountains and designed them. Our fight begins in our MIND. If the Creator of the Mountains is your creator, then you are designed with a great purpose in mind. Dream big. Allow the mind of God to overshadow you until your dreams reflect the Divine's plan for your life. Now, breathe deeply and dream again and believe that you (with the help of God and maybe even a few friends) can climb or even move that mountain. Climb, baby, climb....

God Has A Plan and Remembers You in It...

11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. -Jeremiah 29:11-12

Relax for a moment. Wipe a tear away if you find one in your eye. I know your heart is heavy...But, raise your hands toward the heavens and take a deep breath. Now say, "God has a plan for me."

Beloved, God has a plan for your life. Read those words again. God has a plan for your life--a good plan that involves God's attention to the very details and situations that you will face. God knows what they are and the good news is that God's plans will prosper and not harm you. Will you trust in God's plans? Ask yourself,"What kind of love is this that can find me anywhere (on the job, looking for a job, with my family, sitting alone, on the corner of my bed, homeless, homebound, imprisioned, joyful, and or in any other state that I'm in) and say, 'I have a plan--a plan that will change your life for the better--but, you must follow and trust me to transform your situation?'" Will you make that leap of faith (again) and follow the Great Strategist? The words of the Prophet Jeremiah were written to the surviving exiles and compiled for those who dare to learn of and claim God's Name. Friend, you are a survivor. You are a SURVIVOR. Don't let anyone fool you. Your life is worth living and is valuable to God-the Lover of Your Soul. Live your life knowing that no one and no thing can thwart "God's plan" for you. Note that I said, GOD's plan, not your plan. You may not see your way out, but know that God is leading you(if you are following God) and wherever God takes you is an ultimate place of success. Work your Wonders, God work!

The Breakthrough!

The Breakthrough! When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.- Isaiah 43:2 Why? Because God is "with" you! Are you ready to pass "through" and share your story of how God allowed you to "pass or breakthrough" a situation that nearly ended your life/your joy? My friend, God is with you. Whisper, "God is with me." Now shout those same words. There is great solace in knowing that the Creator of the Universe is passing "through" the winds and the waves with you; that God is allowing us to pass "through" and live with the soot and ashes to prove that we've made it out and over. We are able to pass through the hardships, heartaches, job losses, seas of depression and disappointments unscathed. Thanks be to God for being the God of the Breakthrough! Often we find ourselves wondering if God is with us, near us, and or able to reach us. But beloved, Isaiah reminds us that God is our companion. God alone is the only Savior of humanity. God is able to reach for us and to protect us from perishing due to the "elements" of life. Be comforted and know that the God and Creator of the water and the fire is the only one who is able to bring you out of it whole. Incredible and Wonderful God, we praise you. Now leap into God's arms, my friend, and watch God work!