Stop✋ Enough is a Enough 🤕

 Well, here we are as some would say the darkest day in history. But may I remind each of us that without this dark day in history we would have no confirmation. Many have claimed to be the savior of mankind and just like Jesus they all died. So what makes Jesus our confirmation? Yes all have died

but all not some but ALL are still in their graves. Without doubt this is a sad day in history. But this sad dark day in history will move us to the greatest day in history. Yes Jesus was mistreated, misjudged, but let us not forget that at any time Jesus could have said it’s enough and walked away. Had He done that we would be without hope and there would be no confirmation. So Jesus allowed a crown of thorns to be plated on His head not placed but plated, there is a difference.  Jesus allowed those men to hit Him in the head. Jesus allowed those men to  spit on Him. Jesus allowed those men to make fun of Him. When it was all over they led Jesus out to be crucified. Again Jesus allowed men to drive nails into His hands and feet. When would you have said “enough is enough if you could have stopped it all? Jesus could have but He didn’t. Jesus, whom was so weak could not carry the cross to the place of crucifixion. So those soldiers grabbed  a man by the name of Simon to carry it for Him. 

Mark 15:21 (KJV) And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear his cross. Jesus is brought to Golgotha, the place of the skull. There He is stripped of His clothing and these soldiers begin to gamble for His clothing at the foot of the Cross. Mankind can be so cruel and heartless at times. All one has to do is read past history of what mankind has done to each other even women and children. Oh wait a minute with all our education and peace rallies we don’t do those barbaric things anymore. Right and you have your head struck in the sand somewhere. We don’t have to read history, all we have to do is watch the news. Jesus has arrived, He is placed in the middle of two known thieves. This will be a great day for one of those thieves. I’ll write and tell you about it next time God Bless and have a great day.

You Better Think 🤔

Mark 15:19 (KJV)  And they smote him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon him, and bowing their knees worshipped him. After writing that the Lord reminded me that just in the chapter before the same thing happened.  Mark 14:65 (KJV) And some began to spit on him, and to cover his face, and to buffet him, and to say unto him, Prophesy: and the servants did strike him with the palms of their hands. This was the first time our Lord and Savior was spit on and hit and made fun of. Let us never forget how cruel mankind can be. What does the act if spitting on others mean? spitting can be used as a way to provoke or intimidate someone. Spitting can also be an expression of disrespect towards another person, to deem the worthlessness of another. It’s a nonverbal way of expression. Mankind not knowing who they were really spitting on, hitting and making fun of kept doing the same. So it is today there are those who speak evil of the God who loves them dearly. They use God’s name in vain in their talk and type as they text each other.  They disrespect the place of Worship and those who attend there. But never forget what Jesus said while hanging on the cross 

Luke 23:34 (KJV) Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. They didn’t know what they were doing. Neither do people today. Why would I say that? Here’s why, if someone loudly said words of disgrace about your mother or dad repeatedly in an angry way how would you act? Probably not in a way that you hear God's name used. Why is that? Because of the relationship you have with your mom and dad. You, like no one else on earth, understands what they sacrificed, gave and their love for you and your siblings. So when someone who doesn’t know them says hurtful words it hurts deeply. But when God’s name is used in a disrespectful way, it doesn’t bother you at all. Why is that? Because of the relationship. That is what Jesus was saying “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” they don’t know what they are doing. But when you have a relationship your feelings change. I remember many years ago a man kept using God’s Name in vain. I finally said to him “I don’t appreciate that you continue to use my Father’s Name in vain.” He had no clue of what I was saying, my father in law had to tell him what I meant as I walked away. No doubt he was a nice man but he just didn’t know what he was doing. He may have heard others talking like that and he just incorporated those words into his vocabulary. We do the same and we don’t have to use God’s Name in a big way to use it in vain. Same principle applies. Let’s say your dad’s name is Dan, would you incorporate into your vocabulary these words O my Dan, for Dan’s sake and other ways we use God’s Name in vain? Probably not. Why? Would it be out of love, respect  and your relationship? As Aretha Franklin said in her song “you better think! 🤔 

How Would You Respond 😱

It’s done, the sentence has been passed, Death by Crucifixion! Mark 15:16 (KJV) And the soldiers led him away into the hall, called Praetorium; and they call together the whole band. These next few verses are awful, they are hard to read. How could this be happening? Why did they take Jesus to this place?  

Mark 15:17 (KJV) And they clothed him with purple, and platted a crown of thorns, and put it about his head,

Mark 15:18 (KJV)  And began to salute him, Hail, King of the Jews!

Mark 15:19 (KJV)  And they smote him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon him, and bowing their knees worshipped him.

Why? To make fun of Him. Then they got ruff and began to hit Him on the head and if that wasn’t disgraceful enough they spit on Him. Oh my, use your imagination, picture those scenes in your mind. Ask yourself would I have done any of those things had I been there that day? I don’t know, how are you treating Jesus today? With great respect, kind words  or when speaking of Him you use His name loosely? Jesus is no one to make fun of or speak His name with disrespect. He’s the same today as He was when walking upon this earth. What is that, you may ask? He cares about you and wants the best for you. Maybe the only time you call upon Him is when things aren’t going the way you think they should. Jesus healed, helped and delivered people and He still is today. Starting today if you aren’t already doing so, build a real relationship with Christ Jesus. Read your Bible. I suggest, read the book of John and when you finish reading the book of John read it again and again until God speaks to your heart. You will never build a relationship with anyone if you don’t know their voice. John 10:27 (KJV) My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: That could be your problem, you are trying to read the Bible like you would read a novel, they aren’t the same. Do like I suggested and I assure you God will speak to you as He has to many others. Don’t use the excuse I can’t understand the Bible, I have tried reading it in the past. Of course you can’t but don’t give up because there’s nothing like persistence. I have been studying Spanish for a while and I didn’t think I was learning anything. One day while sitting at a red light  close to Atlanta I looked out the window. What I saw thrilled my heart. There was a sign written in Spanish and without thinking I read it and understood what it was saying. Keep reading the Gospel of John and one day God will speak. Keep reading then one day you’ll hear God speak. It will thrill your heart. Don’t quit, don’t give up for it will come to pass.

Content 🫠 Can be Dangerous 🫣

The story you are about to read is true. The names have not been changed to protect the guilty. We all have had to ask ourselves that question “What do I do?🥺” at one time or another. My first experience with drugs was like that. I had just gotten married a few months ago and one day when all looked as if things were going to get better I got orders to leave where I was stationed, Duluth Minnesota. Within 30 days I was gone to a place I didn’t want to be. I was 20 years old and in a place where friends were hard to come by. It took a while but I began to hang around with this small group of three. One night I couldn’t find them. I had looked and looked, when I found them they were acting funny. I said what’s going on with you guys? They looked at each other and I was introduced to hash. At that point I had a choice to make, take the chance of losing these young men as my friends or joining in with them and  doing something I knew was wrong. It wasn’t just wrong, the consequence if caught would be very high. My choice was the wrong one. I joined in and it took me for a ride that lasted more than one night. Why didn’t I walk away? The same reason Pilate didn’t “willing to content” willing to do what you know isn’t right just to content with others. 

Mark 15:15 (KJV) And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified. Well how long did I keep those friends? Until our tour of duty was up. But my new friends introduced me to much more and my life became a roller coaster ride of ups and downs until the day I gave my heart to Jesus and got saved. Wow that was over 50 years ago now and I can’t write of all the good things that have happened since that day. Sure there have been bad days, sorrowful times to which I didn’t have the answers. But God without doubt has been good to me and gave me much more than I deserved. I would love to write and reminisce of the great things God has done. But that’s not my intent here. Instead I want to lift up my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ of all the great things He has done and will do for all who place their trust in Him. Here is one rule to live by “If God is Against It So Am I❗️Don’t do what you know is not right. What should I have done that night? Walked away, it would have saved me a lot of heartache and trouble. Oh let me not forget the loss of much. Why didn’t I? To keep friends. Where are those friends today? I have no idea. I haven’t seen them or heard from them since we waved goodbye many years ago. Lesson of life, the friends you have today may one day be gone forever. It can be dangerous willing to be content.  

Envy Destroys 🤢

Wow 🙀 As I read these verses I have to ask myself how cruel can mankind be? Jesus has been snatcked up in the night. Brought to the high priest where the chief priest, the elders and the scribes were assembled, where they had a kangaroo court, then taking Jesus to Pilate where Jesus was sentenced to death. Wow! But wait, wait there’s a custom Mark 15:6 (KJV) Now at that feast he released unto them one prisoner, whomsoever they desired. They what? Desired! Thank goodness surely their Desire will be to release Jesus for He hasn’t done anything wrong. It was out of envy He was delivered.   Mark 15:10 (KJV) For he knew that the chief priests had delivered him for envy. Looks like Jesus is about to be released. Surely the people will see through this. What is this I hear  

Mark 15:12 (KJV) And Pilate answered and said again unto them, What will ye then that I shall do unto him whom ye call the King of the Jews?

Mark 15:13 (KJV) And they cried out again, Crucify him. Are these people mad? What has happened? Jesus who has done nothing but good. Jesus fed the hungry, this man Jesus brought gladness to those who were sad not only that He had been the dearest friend they had ever had. The people are saying release Barabbas, a convicted hot tempered murderer. Are you serious? Well that’s what happened. Why? Because Pilate didn’t want to upset the people and envy destroys good people and in this case a  perfect person, Jesus. 

Mark 15:15 (KJV) And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified. So this same problem is going on today. It's okay to do wrong as long as the people are content. That’s a bunch of baloney. It's impossible to make everyone content or happy! As Bob Jones Sr said “It is never right to do wrong in order to get a chance to do right.” Wrong is always wrong! Oh but we don’t do stuff like that any more. Really, if you think not then you are not paying attention. 

No Defense

The night is over and the sun is rising in the eastern sky and like any new day, decisions must be made. The first thing on the agenda is what are we going to do with Jesus. Mark 15:1 (KJV) And straightway in the morning the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council, and bound Jesus, and carried him away, and delivered him to Pilate.

Consultation “The act of consulting; deliberation of two or more persons, with a view to some decision.”

Their decision was to deliver Jesus to Pilate. They bound Him and took Jesus to Pilate. Don’t know if you have ever given it much thought but our sin always gets others involved. If you drink you go to a bar, night club or have friends over. Enough written. After they arrived, what was the first question out of Pilate’s mouth?  Mark 15:2 (KJV) And Pilate asked him, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answering said unto him, Thou sayest it. Jesus, are you the  King of the Jews? Jesus said I am. This is no secret if you remember when the wise men came from the east they asked this question; 

Matthew 2:2 (KJV) Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. Jesus couldn’t deny who He was, Jesus didn’t try to cover up who He was; like one of His disciples did around the fire. Then the chief priest accused Jesus of many things.  Mark 15:3 (KJV) And the chief priests accused him of many things: but he answered nothing. Just because you are accused doesn’t mean you are guilty. So what did Jesus do? Jesus didn’t speak a word. Could this be a lesson for us? If you aren’t guilty then what is there to prove. Pilate asked “are you the King of the Jews” Jesus said yes. Then Pilate speaks up after the chief priest accused Jesus and Jesus spoke not a word. He asked why aren’t you speaking up Jesus? You are not helping Yourself here. There are many witnesses saying many things against thee. Hold it, hold it, wait just a minute here. What did we read in chapter 14?  

Mark 14:56 (KJV) For many bare false witness against him, but their witness agreed not together. Pilate is right but these witnesses were false witnesses. 

Mark 15:4 (KJV) And Pilate asked him again, saying, Answerest thou nothing? behold how many things they witness against thee.

It’s easy to see why Jesus didn’t try to defend Himself. I am sure that Jesus could have easily defended Himself but as I read this I have to ask myself what is Jesus doing? Is He not teaching us maybe how we should act when not guilty? So I ask myself if I were on trial for a murder I didn’t commit, what would I do? My answer is I’m not sure and I hope no one that looks like me ever does such. Pilate just wondered why Jesus wasn’t defending Himself. But haven’t you too wondered why Jesus came to save a sinner like you? Jesus loves you that’s why. You may not trust Jesus as your savior but you won’t ever forget Him.

Listen 👂

Where is Peter? You remember the one who said these others might be offended but I won’t.

Mark 14:29 (KJV) But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I. Why, Peter even said he would die with Jesus. Mark 14:31 (KJV) But he (Peter)spake the more vehemently, If I (Peter) should die with thee, I (Peter) will not deny thee in any wise. Likewise also said they all. Well when the rubber met the road Peter ran off quicker than a Jack Rabbit. But then Peter followed afar off. Peter has now managed to work his way into the palace of the high priest. What is Peter doing in the palace of the high priest? He is blending in, is what I would say, what do you think?  Mark 14:54 (KJV) And Peter followed him afar off, even into the palace of the high priest: and he sat with the servants, and warmed himself at the fire. Then it happened just like Jesus told Peter it would. There comes one of the maids of the high priest. When she saw Peter warming himself by the fire trying to blend in this maid said I know you! You 🫵were with Jesus? Here we go, here's another opportunity to do what you said; you know die with Jesus. So Peter does what?  Mark 14:68 (KJV) But he denied, saying, I know not, neither understand I what thou sayest. And he went out into the porch; and the cock crew. You did what, Peter? Don’t know? Don’t understand what she is saying? Liar, liar pants on 👖🔥 Ok maybe Peter convinced those he had buddied up with around the fire. But it wasn’t long before it happened again.  Mark 14:69 (KJV) And a maid saw him again, and began to say to them that stood by, This is one of them. Do you think Peter spoke up and said yes I know Jesus, why, I have spent the last 3 years with Him. NOPE! This is what he did.  

Mark 14:70 (KJV) And he denied it again. What 😮! Not again. Oh there’s more to come in the same verse

And a little after, they that stood by said again to Peter, Surely thou art one of them: for thou art a Galilaean, and thy speech agreeth thereto.  Your what gave you away Peter? Your speech. You hang around with Jesus and your vocabulary changes. What did Peter do? He went to cussing and swearing trying to be like those he was around. 

Mark 14:71 (KJV) But he began to curse and to swear, saying, I know not this man of whom ye speak. Then It happen the preacher opened up his mouth and preached, listen. Mark 14:72 (KJV) And the second time the cock crew. And Peter called to mind the word that Jesus said unto him, Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. And when he thought thereon, he wept. God don’t always use people to preach. What happened when that  preacher preached? “Peter called to mind the word that Jesus said unto him” Peter remembered the Words Jesus spoke. Then Peter thought of the Words that Jesus said unto him. Then Peter acted on the Words Jesus spoke unto him. Peter heard the preacher, Peter remembered. That’s the importance of a good Preacher. What preacher will preach unto you today? Who’s fire are you warming up to? What words will come from your lips today? Who are you wanting to please and what kind of people do you want to be around? Listen for the preacher today!