These men missed the point - Have you missed it too?

In the final meal with His followers, Christ told them what to expect.  He let them know that that this is the last meal they would have together.  He informed them He would be dying soon.

He knew what He was about to face, but they could not understand what He was telling them. He tried to make them see it.  He said it directly and in parables. They still did not grasp what was about to happen.

They were distraught over the fact that their Savior would be leaving them soon.

They were upset at losing HIM; they were not concerned about what He had to go through FOR them.

He was about to suffer the sin of the world, face a grueling death and take the punishment that we deserved. They worried about themselves.

Even so, Christ consoled THEM.

"Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way where I am going. Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.”John 14:1-4

Truly amazing grace is poured out for them, yet they cannot see it.

It is easy for us to see this and think they were ignorant for not understanding, but would we have been any different?

Today we have more information on what happened the week of Christ's death than ever before.  Eye witnesses to the Last Supper, the arrest in the garden, the beatings, the crucifixion, the resurrection and His appearance before His ascension.

Yet, many people still do not believe.

What I find marvelous and sickening is that He knew us THEN. He knew our sins and He felt the punishment for them on the cross.  He knew that He would be dying for everyone though many would not accept him (Matthew 22:14)

We do not have to try and understand what will happen to Him on the cross.  We already know the entire story.  We just have to do something with the information.  We have to acknowledge that He did not just die to be a martyr.  He died to pay off a debt; our sin debt.

Take some time with your family and fellow Christian believers to really let this sink in. If you read this and have not accepted this payment for your sins, do it now.  There is no better time than this moment. We have no idea how many "moments" we have left on this earth. (Mark 13:32)

Thoughts or questions?  Leave a comment or drop me a line: bspeakman@gmail.com. 

Being a dad means...

Leading the family in all matters; especially spiritually.

Starting over when your leadership is less than perfect.

Watching your kids become little versions of yourself and being both proud and terrified about it.

Thinking about how much more patience you will have once you're home from work only to have that theory tested within two minutes of being home with them.

Teaching your son to treat females with respect and kindness.

Teaching your daughter to never trust a boy. :)

Understanding again just how amazing your wife is after spending a few hours at home (or Walmart) with your children. 

Taking that wonderful woman for granted because you're selfish.

Understanding what true love is... both giving and receiving it.

Knowing that your actions scream your character to your children, but your words are only a whisper.

Preparing your children for the real world at far too young of an age.

Treating your kid's honesty to you with respect, gentleness and love.... knowing that any overreaction might lead to them being less honest in the future.

Being an example for other dads to follow.

Living intentionally.

Being strong, but not ever being afraid to cry.

Never quitting. Ever.  Not on your marriage, not on  your kids.  Not on your life.

Addition by Subtraction (aka Thrift Shop shorts)

I refuse to buy brand new shorts unless they're on a crazy sale at Kohls, we have 30% off and the stars all align.

Im not what you would call a "tightwad".  I'm actually a little too free with my money.  However, shorts are one of those non-negotiables for me.

They're half pants, but not half price.

I've paid less for most of my jeans than I would pay for brand new shorts.  This is why I buy them at a thrift shop.

You don't always get what you pay for in life.  Things are rarely "fair".  Look at Mondays.  After a beautiful day of rest and worship, you go back to work.  Holy Spirit buzz kill.

It is easy to react in the obvious way.

#BadHairDay - Going From Great to Bad to Great Again

FEATURE FRIDAY

It is a relatively small office that I work in. On an average day I might see 15 people for just a few minutes. 

Making coffee as part of the normal morning routine. A woman walks in and I enthusiastically say,

"Good morning!" 

She smiles back and emphatically says, "Good morning!"

Clearly just seeing me smiling made her day.  I will change the world one person at a time. 

A few other folks came across the ray of sunshine that is typing to you right now.  They too, smiled and said hello.  

I really do have this whole "living" thing down.  This will be a great day.  Quick pit-stop at the restroom before starting my quest to conquer everything that is laid before me.

I take a quick glance in the mirror. 

I Wanted the Saxophone #TBT

Almost everyone wanted the saxophone in Elementary School Band.

I wanted the saxophone.

First preference was given to children with some level of natural music ability.  After they picked their instruments, it was narrowed down to those who are quick learners.  Finally, it was down to the remaining few kids.

No dramatic twist here.  I was not in the first group of kids, nor was I in the second group of kids. The saxophone went quickly and dashed my dreams of saxophone fame.

I got my second choice; the trumpet.

It wasn't that the trumpet was a bad instrument.  It was difficult and required discipline to hit certain notes.  I had not taken any characteristic evaluations in that early stage of my life, but I knew even then that "disciplined" was not a word ever used to describe me.

Connected by His Blood, Not Our Own - Church Family

Church family.  Just like a real family, they're not perfect.  You love them despite their flaws and they do the same for you. The difference in the two is the type of blood that connects you. In a church family you're connected by the blood of Christ.

Outside of your relationship with Jesus, your spouse and children, nothing is stronger than the bond you have with other believers through Christ's payment of sins.

The Bible does not say we have to go to church every week.  Jesus very rarely spoke in a religious building when He taught people.

"When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain; and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him. 2 He opened His mouth and began to teach them" Matthew 5:1-2

Even so, we're humans.  Humans need other humans.  We need each other for encouragement, to grow, and to hold us accountable.

Discipleship is key.. Matt 28:19 says "Go and make disciples..." Being trained... Training others... to GO.

So GO! :)