 COURAGE
Wordly Definition: The ability to do something that frightens one. Strength in the face of pain or grief. Biblical Definition: The Bible teaches that we are to take courage from the fact that He never leaves us or forsakes us. ... Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." With God, you can face your fear. You are not alone. ENCOURAGE Wordly Definition: give support, confidence, or hope to (someone) Biblical Definition: to strengthen or stimulate Simple Definition: to fill someone with courage ------------------------------ In/With My Daily ... Faith "Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD!" [ Psalm 27:14 ] Be excellent and dedicated in representing the truth as well as good over evil, just like your favorite super hero! Read/Learn/Absorb more knowledge about developing courage in your faith and especially your character (follow Jesus' lead). Pray for courage to represent who Jesus stands for. Pray for strength in defending Jesus Christ and being an ambassador of Him - the One who defeated the grave! Family "Everyone helped his neighbor, And said to his brother, "Be of good courage!" [ Isaiah 41:6 ] The word encourage means to fill someone with courage. To open them up and pour it into their heart. What type of people do you have around you? Cynical and pessimistic people will drain you of your courage, but confident and faith-filled people will encourage you. Support the children in your life and neighborhood with love and encouragement - they may need to experience a little Jesus in their life today (yes, through you!). Friends "And from there, when the brethren heard about us, they came to meet us as far as Appii Forum and Three Inns. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage." [ Acts 28:15 ] Have you ever planned something that you believe in (like a party or a bible study?) and you hope people show up? And when they do, don't you feel encouraged? We need to support one another for good causes (like a charity walk, or event, a birthday, etc. ), especially with our walk with Jesus. Finances "Then you will prosper, if you take care to fulfill the statutes and judgments with which the LORD charged Moses concerning Israel. Be strong and of good courage; do not fear nor be dismayed." [ 1 Chronicles 22:13 ] Finances can be a daunting, negative topic. Even so, it is important and there is hope! Be courageous and set up a budget for yourself, stick to it and see where you end up in 6 months! In a year! Work hard at being dedicated to simplifying your life/finances: tithe, pay off debt, and save - it is then that you will experience financial peace. Food "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." [ Joshua 1:9 ] With God, you can face your fear. If you are trying to make good, healthy food decisions throughout the day, but find yourself falling into the pits of tempations of routine or certain key failure times of the day, change up your routine/menu to involve healthier foods and yummy new recipes. Fitness "What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" Do you know that God is for you? [ Romans 8:31 ] Our human nature can take comfort in daily routine (both good and bad routines). There are so many hours in a day. I encourage you: Replace these pits of temptations throughout your day with encouraging times of excercise, new workout groups and the Word of God. Do not be discouraged, but be encouraged by His Power in your life. Invite God into your decision-making. It is up to you to make your choices! Do not let your bad routines define you! Change them! Focus on living a clean and healthy life. Saying "no" to a temptation, is saying "yes" to a healthier and successful you! Fun "What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" Do you know that God is for you? [ Romans 8:31 ] If we watch too many movies or social media of celebrities who show us that "fun" is partying, drinking, drugs and unfulling sex, then I encourage you to change your channels! Replace these choices (get rid of them! I promise you: if you replace your bad choices with a good documentary or a fun workout, healthy cooking class, Pickleball group after work or bible study group, you WILL overcome your old temptations and forget about them! Believe it! It's up to you to change your social calendar. I encourage you: fill your calendar with healthy, happy, and fun things to do! Be thankful for these groups and give your glory to God, for He is for you! You are never alone! ----------------------------- References 1) Life Applications Study Bible 2) "5 Powerful Principles About Courage In the Bible" - ViralBeliever.com, -- Contagious Faith Delivered Daily 3) Written by Christie Lynch
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 The Chronology of Christ's Crucifixion & Resurrection
Thursday Jesus and the twelve disciples come into Jerusalem from Bethany, to partake of the Passover Meal Passover is observed on the 14th of Nisan every year (Leviticus 23.5). Jesus and His disciples partook of the Passover in the early evening of the previous day. (Days are calculated from sunset-to-sunset, not midnight-to-midnight.) Jesus ate an early-evening Passover meal with His disciples. After the meal, the walks with His disciples towards the Mt. of Olives. Jesus was betrayed by Judas at the olive grove in Gethsemane, arrested and brought before the high priest, Caiaphas. Friday Trial ends at daybreak. In the morning, Jesus was brought before Pilate the governor. Jesus was crucified and dies around 3PM Jesus' body was placed in the tomb at twilight Annual Sabbath begins at sunset. Insert Verse above and Read the Chapter "For when Jesus was on the cross, I was on your mind." Saturday This was the first annual Sabbath or high-day - the first day of Unleavened Bread. Tomb is guarded and secured . Sunday With the annual Sabbath now over, the women bought and prepared spices for anointing Jesus' body..... stay tuned...! Prayer, Dear Jesus, Easter is not just a story. History. It's your story. You are real. You are the Son of God. You are God. Keep filling me with your gift of faith and finding trust in my design to know you and be saved!! Save from what? Saved from myself! I am God's masterpiece on Earth, to take over Jesus' mission after this crucifixion. Use me and let me Glorify YOU! Amen. "40-Days of Excellence" Journal CHALLENGE We invite you on a quest to dig deeper and learn about the meaning of the death and resurrection of Friend Jesus. Over the next 40 days (of this Lenten season), join us in this Journal Challenge. You may want to "give something up" (we recommend noise in your life: social media, limited news time, etc.). Instead of focusing on what you can't have, let's focus on what we CAN HAVE walking with Jesus through the prophets and disciples through the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Here is What To Do 1) Start by scheduling quiet time into your schedule every day for 40 days. 2) Get a Journal and entitle it: "40 Days of Excellence" 3) Get your Bible out (or use the YouVersion Bible app) and write out the questions and scripture mentioned in the our blogs, (you can go back and review the blog posts) 4) Around Day 30, journal what the characteristics of BEcoming an EXCELLENT Christian can look like in your life. We promise you, this will be one of the most enriching studies you can do. BE dedicated, set boundaries, and you will discover EXCELLENCE in Jesus, Others and Yourself. = JOY!! Please Note: If you are joining us well into the 40 Day Challenge, like God, we will meet you where you are at! No stress. No worries. We're just happy you are coming along for the journey. xo Christie and Sandi  BE Excellent In Him
Why is today GOOD? "He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that might die to sin and live to (His) righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed." 1 Peter 2:24 Wow. I deviate from John's story today because of the clarity and truth of this verse from Peter, one of Jesus' disciples. Peter actually lived through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. Jesus, his friend, his teacher, his mentor, his King. During these final days for Jesus on Earth, just like us but for the first time, Peter witnessed in entirety why Jesus came to the Earth. WHY is today GOOD? Because a little more than 2000 years ago, Jesus Christ took our sins to the cross, where HE died and shed his blood for our sins, was buried for our sins and on the third day God raised him to life. If we trust Him by faith and repent our sins, God will forgive us, heal our hearts, and give us a new life with him for eternity. - Franklin Graham THAT's why it is GOOD! Praise God! Q: If we trust Him by Faith and repent, HE takes away our sins. Do you? Have you? Don't worry about your pride in admitting guilt about things you have done and left undone. Jesus is our advocate and takes ALL of your burdens to the cross today and EVERY day. Q: Have you watched the Passion of the Christ? Do it. Prayer: Dearest Jesus. You died for my sins today. WANTING to die for ME. May I never forget the true meaning of Easter. "For when He was on the cross, I was on His mind." Amen "40-Days of Excellence" Journal CHALLENGE We invite you on a quest to dig deeper and learn about the meaning of the death and resurrection of Friend Jesus. Over the next 40 days (of this Lenten season), join us in this Journal Challenge. You may want to "give something up" (we recommend noise in your life: social media, limited news time, etc.). Instead of focusing on what you can't have, let's focus on what we CAN HAVE walking with Jesus through the prophets and disciples through the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Here is What To Do 1) Start by scheduling quiet time into your schedule every day for 40 days. 2) Get a Journal and entitle it: "40 Days of Excellence" 3) Get your Bible out (or use the YouVersion Bible app) and write out the questions and scripture mentioned in the our blogs, (you can go back and review the blog posts) 4) Around Day 30, journal what the characteristics of BEcoming an EXCELLENT Christian can look like in your life. We promise you, this will be one of the most enriching studies you can do. BE dedicated, set boundaries, and you will discover EXCELLENCE in Jesus, Others and Yourself. = JOY!! Please Note: If you are joining us well into the 40 Day Challenge, like God, we will meet you where you are at! No stress. No worries. We're just happy you are coming along for the journey. xo Christie and Sandi ------------------------  John writes,
"Pilate then went back inside the palace, summoned Jesus and asked him, "Are you the king of the Jews?" "Is that your own idea," Jesus asked, "or did others talk to you about me?" "Am I a Jew?" Pilate replied. "It was your people and your chief priests who handed you over to me. What is it you have done?" Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place." "You are a king, then!" said Pilate. Jesus answered, "You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me." [ John 18:33-37 ] Notes John 18:34 "If Pilate was asking this question in his role as the Roman governor, he would have been inquiring whether Jesus was setting up a rebel govermnment. But the Jews were using the word king to mean their religious ruler, the Messiah. Israel was a captive nation, under the authority of the Roman empire. A rival king might have threatened Rome; a Messiah could have been a purely religious leader." Notes John 18:36,37 "Pilate asked Jesus a straighforward question, and Jesus answered clearly. Jesus is a king, but one whose kingdom is not of this world. There seems to have been no question in Pilate's mind that Jesus spoke the truth and was innocent of any crime. It also seems apparent that while recognizing the truth, Pilate chose to reject it. It is a tragedy when we fail to recognize the truth. It is a greater tragedy when we recognize the truth but fail to heed it." ---------------------- "Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head. They clothed him in a purple robe and went up to him again and again, saying "Hail, king of the Jews!" And they struck him in the face." [ John 19:1-3 ] The rest of Chapter 19 is brutal but true. I recommend you read it. ---------------------- Q: Up to this point in your walk with Jesus over the past weeks, are you convinced that Jesus is the Messiah, the king of kings? Q: Do you find it hard to stand up for Jesus even today? Q: What do you think it was like for Pilate the Roman governor, who was faced with this predicament and decision? Q: As a leader of your household, or at work, or at school, are you faced with difficult decisions that involve truth over tradition, or a popular way of group thinking? ---------------------- "40-Days of Excellence" Journal CHALLENGE We invite you on a quest to dig deeper and learn about the meaning of the death and resurrection of Friend Jesus. Over the next 40 days (of this Lenten season), join us in this Journal Challenge. You may want to "give something up" (we recommend noise in your life: social media, limited news time, etc.). Instead of focusing on what you can't have, let's focus on what we CAN HAVE walking with Jesus through the prophets and disciples through the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Here is What To Do 1) Start by scheduling quiet time into your schedule every day for 40 days. 2) Get a Journal and entitle it: "40 Days of Excellence" 3) Get your Bible out (or use the YouVersion Bible app) and write out the questions and scripture mentioned in the our blogs, (you can go back and review the blog posts) 4) Around Day 30, journal what the characteristics of BEcoming an EXCELLENT Christian can look like in your life. We promise you, this will be one of the most enriching studies you can do. BE dedicated, set boundaries, and you will discover EXCELLENCE in Jesus, Others and Yourself. = JOY!! Please Note: If you are joining us well into the 40 Day Challenge, like God, we will meet you where you are at! No stress. No worries. We're just happy you are coming along for the journey. xo Christie and Sandi ------------------------ References 1) Life Applications Study Bible - page 2276 2) Assembled by Christie Lynch  Jesus Teaches about Using His Name in Prayer Jesus tells his disciples: "I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. In that day you will no longer ask me anything. I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anyting in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete." [ John 16:20-24 ] Notes John 16:23-27 "Jesus is talking about a new relationship between the believer and God. Previously, people approached God through priests. After Jesus' resurrection, any believer could approach God directly. A new day has dawned and now all believers are priests, talking with God personally and directly (see Hebrews 10:19-23). We approach God, not because of our own merit, but because Jesus, our great high priest, has made us acceptable to God." ---------------------- How exciting is this?! This fact alone offers people so much freedom from religious rules and laws, and offers people to opportunity to walk and talk with Jesus/God directly. Read His Word in your Bible. Ask Him what you want and desire, in Jesus' beloved name, and trust that God will answer you with his good, pleasing and perfect Will for you. There is so much He has to say to you! Q: What do you want to ask God for? Write it all down in your journal - be specific. Continue reading His Word everyday and see how He will answer you! Q: Are you listening? Q: Are you open to his answer to be a) Yes, b) No, or c) Not Right Now? Q: Do you believe God has a plan for you? Look up Jeremiah 29:11. Write this verse in your journal. This is good news! Q: Will you trust in His Guidance? He is there for you! Ask him into your heart, mind and soul and experience His JOY! ---------------------- "40-Days of Excellence" Journal CHALLENGE We invite you on a quest to dig deeper and learn about the meaning of the death and resurrection of Friend Jesus. Over the next 40 days (of this Lenten season), join us in this Journal Challenge. You may want to "give something up" (we recommend noise in your life: social media, limited news time, etc.). Instead of focusing on what you can't have, let's focus on what we CAN HAVE walking with Jesus through the prophets and disciples through the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Here is What To Do 1) Start by scheduling quiet time into your schedule every day for 40 days. 2) Get a Journal and entitle it: "40 Days of Excellence" 3) Get your Bible out (or use the YouVersion Bible app) and write out the questions and scripture mentioned in the our blogs, (you can go back and review the blog posts) 4) Around Day 30, journal what the characteristics of BEcoming an EXCELLENT Christian can look like in your life. We promise you, this will be one of the most enriching studies you can do. BE dedicated, set boundaries, and you will discover EXCELLENCE in Jesus, Others and Yourself. = JOY!! Please Note: If you are joining us well into the 40-Day Challenge, like God, we will meet you where you are at! No stress. No worries. We're just happy you are coming along for the journey. xo Christie and Sandi --------------------- References 1) Life Application Study Bible - Scripture and Notes, page 2269 2) Written and Assembled by Christie Lynch  BE Excellent ~ PEACE & VICTORY
"These things I have spoken unto you, so that you may have peace. In this world you shall have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33 MacLaren's Expositions We shall, I think, best lay on our hearts and minds the spirit and purpose of these words if we simply follow their course, and look at the three things which Christ emphasizes here: 1) the inward peace which is His purpose for us; 2)the outward tribulation which is our certain fate; and 3) the courageous confidence which Christ’s victory gives for us! Notice how our Lord’s life was a true battle. The world tried to draw Him away from God by appealing to things desirable to sense, as in the wilderness; or to things dreadful to sense, as on the cross; and both the one and the other form of temptation He faced and conquered. The reality of His conflict is somewhat concealed from us by reason of its calm and the completeness of His conquest. We do not appreciate the force that drives a planet upon its path because it is calm and continuous and silent, but the power that kept Jesus Christ continually faithful to His Father, continually sure of that Father’s presence, continually averse to all self-will and selfish living, was a power mightier then all others that have been manifested in the history of humanity. But mark, again, that our Lord’s life is the type of all victorious life. The world conquers me when it draws me away from God, when it makes me its slave, when it coaxes me to trust it, and urges to despair if I lose it. The world conquers me when it comes between me and God, when it fills my desires, when it absorbs my energies, when it blinds my eyes to the things unseen and eternal. I conquer the world when I put my foot upon its temptations, when I crush it down, when I shake off its bonds, and when nothing that time and sense, with their delights or their dreadfulnesses, can bring, prevents me from cleaving to my Father with all my heart, and from living as His child here. Jesus Christ was not a very successful man according to the standards of New York Stock Exchange and business leaders. He made but a poor thing of the world, and He was going to be martyred on the cross the day after He said these words. And yet that was victory. Success means making the world a stepping-stone to God. The victory of Jesus Christ is of extremely little practical use to me, if all the use of it is to show me how to fight. You must go a deal deeper than that. ‘I have overcome the world, and I will come and put My overcoming Spirit into your weakness, and fill you with My own victorious life, and make your hands strong and be in you the conquering and omnipotent Power.’ My friends! Jesus Christ’s victory is ours, and we are victors in it, because He is more than the pattern of brave warfare, He is even the Son of God, who gave Himself for us, and gives Himself to us, and dwells in us our Strength and our Righteousness. Lastly, remember that the condition of that victory’s being ours is the simple act of reliance upon Him and upon it. The man who goes into the battle as that little army of the Hebrews did against the wide-stretching hosts of the enemy, saying, ‘O Lord! we know not what to do, but our eyes are up unto Thee,’ will come out ‘more than conqueror through Him that loved him.’ For ‘this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Amen. Take time to pray about this verse and what is happening during Jesus' final days on Earth. "40-Days of Excellence" Journal CHALLENGE We invite you on a quest to dig deeper and learn about the meaning of the death and resurrection of Friend Jesus. Over the next 40 days (of this Lenten season), join us in this Journal Challenge. You may want to "give something up" (we recommend noise in your life: social media, limited news time, etc.). Instead of focusing on what you can't have, let's focus on what we CAN HAVE walking with Jesus through the prophets and disciples through the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Here is What To Do 1) Start by scheduling quiet time into your schedule every day for 40 days. 2) Get a Journal and entitle it: "40 Days of Excellence" 3) Get your Bible out (or use the YouVersion Bible app) and write out the questions and scripture mentioned in the our blogs, (you can go back and review the blog posts) 4) Around Day 30, journal what the characteristics of BEcoming an EXCELLENT Christian can look like in your life. We promise you, this will be one of the most enriching studies you can do. BE dedicated, set boundaries, and you will discover EXCELLENCE in Jesus, Others and Yourself. = JOY!! Please Note: If you are joining us well into the 40 Day Challenge, like God, we will meet you where you are at! No stress. No worries. We're just happy you are coming along for the journey. xo Christie and Sandi  BE Excellent ~ It's All or Nothing
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. " John 14:6 If you are a Christian, you'll recognize this verse. Even if you haven't heard this before, it's a very strong statement. At this time in his ministry, Jesus was speaking the truth earnestly to his friends about what was was going to happen to him and the meaning behind it all...and the future purpose of the disciples after Jesus was gone. Take time below to read the beginning of this chapter to better understand the context: John 14: 5-7 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.” Jesus the Way to the Father Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life.No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” Therefore, the only way to God and eternal life is faith and belief in Jesus Christ. It really is an All or Nothing deal. Either we take the words of Jesus as recored by historical reliable documents, or we throw it all out together. To take it a step further, it is not enough to merely believe in Jesus. Shockingly, that isn't narrow enough! The Bible also tells us the atoning work of Jesus on the cross was the only way salvation could be accomplished. In the Garden of Gesthemene, the night before His death, Jesus prayed if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me (Matthew 26:39). Jesus asked the Father if there was any other way to accomplish the salvation of man other than His atoning work on the cross, other than Him drinking the "cup" representing the wrath of God poured out upon Him in our place, let it be so. But there was no other way. There is so much more, but we encourage you to BE Excellent in your faith by OWNING it. All or nothing. Every risk has a cost. Are you willing to take the risk? Pay the price to believe STRONGLY that Jesus is YOUR way, YOUR truth, YOUR life? Q: How is Jesus YOUR way? Why? Q: How if Jesus YOUR truth? Why? Q: How is Jesus YOUR life? Why? Prayer: Dear Lord, what an amazing message to hear and learn about. I can know that Jesus is the WAY, the TRUTH and the LIFE...but what does that mean in my life today? What is the price that Jesus paid for me during his 40 days to the cross...and am I as bold and willing to praise Jesus as my savior and pay that price when my friends and family don't agree? I am so excited about this journey of learning about Jesus and knowing how I'm designed for his Glory. Help me be ALL IN! All or Nothing! Amen. "40-Days of Excellence" Journal CHALLENGE We invite you on a quest to dig deeper and learn about the meaning of the death and resurrection of Friend Jesus. Over the next 40 days (of this Lenten season), join us in this Journal Challenge. You may want to "give something up" (we recommend noise in your life: social media, limited news time, etc.). Instead of focusing on what you can't have, let's focus on what we CAN HAVE walking with Jesus through the prophets and disciples through the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Here is What To Do 1) Start by scheduling quiet time into your schedule every day for 40 days. 2) Get a Journal and entitle it: "40 Days of Excellence" 3) Get your Bible out (or use the YouVersion Bible app) and write out the questions and scripture mentioned in the our blogs, (you can go back and review the blog posts) 4) Around Day 30, journal what the characteristics of BEcoming an EXCELLENT Christian can look like in your life. We promise you, this will be one of the most enriching studies you can do. BE dedicated, set boundaries, and you will discover EXCELLENCE in Jesus, Others and Yourself. JOY!! Please Note: If you are joining us well into the 40 Day Challenge, like God, we will meet you where you are at! No stress. No worries. We're just happy you are coming along for the journey. xo Christie and Sandi  After Jesus performed many miracles, as well as the amazing miracle of raising his friend named, Lazarus, from the dead, religious leaders felt threatened by his power and
who Jesus claimed to be - the Messiah. They grew a hatred toward Jesus. Apostle John writes, "Therefore many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary, and had seen what Jesus did [raising Lazarus from the dead], [those particular Jews] put their faith in him. But some of them went to the *Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. Then the chief priests and the Pharisees called a meeting of the ***Sanhedrin." “What are we accomplishing? they asked. “Here is this man performing many miraculous signs. If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.” "Then one of them, named Caiaphas [a **Sadducee], who was high priest that year, spoke up, “You know nothing at all! You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish.” "He did not say this on his own, but as high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the Jewish Nation, and not only for that nation but also for the scattered children of God, to bring them together and make them one." "So from that day on they plotted to take his life." [ John 11:45-51 ] Notes John 11:48 The Jewish leaders knew that if they didn’t stop Jesus, the Romans would discipline them. Rome gave partial freedom to the Jews as long as they were quiet and obedient. Jesus’ miracles often caused a disturbance. The leaders feared that Rome’s displeasure would bring additional hardship to their nation. Digging Deeper *Pharisee [1 of 2 major religious groups in Israel during the time of Christ] Positive Characteristics + Were committed to obeying all of God’s commands + Were admired by the common people for their apparent piety + Believed in a bodily resurrection and eternal life + Believed in angels and demons Negative Characteristics - Behaved as though their own religious rules were just as important as God’s rules for living. - Their piety was often hypocritical and their efforts often forced others to try to live up to standard they themselves could not live up to - Believed that salvation came from perfect obedience to the law and was not based on forgiveness of sins - Became so obsessed with obeying their legal interpretations in every detail that they completely ignored God’s message of mercy and grace. - Were more concerned with appearing to be good than obeying God - Disliked and distrusted the Sadducees, but became allies in their common hatred for Jesus. **Sadducees [2 of 2 major religious groups in Israel during the time of Christ] Positive Characteristics + Believed strongly in the Mosaic law and in Levitical purity + Were more practically minded than the Pharisees Negative Characteristics - Relied on logic and politics while placing little importance on faith - Did not believe all the Old Testament was God’s Word - Did not believe in a bodily resurrection or eternal life - Did not believe in angels or demons - Were often willing to compromise their values with the Romans and others in order to maintain their status and influential positions - Disliked and distrusted the Pharisees, but became allies in their common hatred for Jesus. ***Sanhedrin The Sanhedrin was the most powerful religious and political body of the Jewish people. Although the Romans controlled Israel’s government, they gave the people power to handle religious disputes and some civil disputes, so the Sanhedrin made many of the local decisions affecting daily life. But a death sentence had to be approved by the Romans (John 18:31) Who was Caiaphas? Caiaphas was the leader of the religious group called the **Sadducees. Educated and wealthy, they were politically influential in the nation. As the elite group, they were on fairly good terms with Rome. They hated Jesus because he endangered their secure life-styles and taught a message they could not accept. A kingdom in which leaders served had no appeal to them. Caiaphas’s usual policy was to remove any threats to his power by whatever means necessary. For Caiaphas, whether Jesus should die was not in question; the only point to be settled was when his death should take place. Not only did Jesus have to be captured and tried; the Jewish council also needs Roman approval before they could carry out the death sentences. Caiaphas’s plans were unexpectedly helped by Judas’s offer to betray Christ. Caiaphas did not realize that his schemes were actually part of a wonderful plan God was carrying out. Caiaphas’s willingness to sacrifice another man to preserve his own security was clearly selfish. By contrast, Jesus’ willingness to die for us was a clear example of loving self-sacrifice. Caiaphas thought he had won the battle as Jesus hung on the cross, but he did not count on the resurrection! Caiaphas’s mind was closed. He couldn’t accept the resurrection even when the evidence was overwhelming, and he attempted to silence those whose lives had been forever changed by the risen Christ (Matthew 28:12,13). Caiaphas represents those people who will not believe because they think it will cost them too much to accept Jesus as Lord. They choose the fleeting power, prestige, and pleasures of this life instead of the eternal life God offers those who receive his Son. ----------------------- Journal Prompts Q: What is your choice? Q: Imagine you are a Jew living among the days Jesus walked Israel with his disciples, do you think you were a Pharisee? Sadducee? Gentile (non-Jew)? Q: Based on what you’ve read, would you believe Jesus is one to be threatening? Q: Do you tend to believe whatever the crowd tells you to believe or do? Q: Do you believe that Jesus is worth believing in even if it’s not popular in your community? Q: Do you believe Jesus' purpose on this earth was to represent all people, no matter what religious affiliation? ----------------------- "40-Days of Excellence" Journal CHALLENGE We invite you on a quest to dig deeper and learn about the meaning of the death and resurrection of Friend Jesus. Over the next 40 days (of this Lenten season), join us in this Journal Challenge. You may want to "give something up" (we recommend noise in your life: social media, limited news time, etc.). Instead of focusing on what you can't have, let's focus on what we CAN HAVE walking with Jesus through the prophets and disciples through the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Here is What To Do 1) Start by scheduling quiet time into your schedule every day for 40 days. 2) Get a Journal and entitle it: "40 Days of Excellence" 3) Get your Bible out (or use the YouVersion Bible app) and write out the questions and scripture mentioned in the our blogs, (you can go back and review the blog posts) 4) Around Day 30, journal what the characteristics of BEcoming an EXCELLENT Christian can look like in your life. We promise you, this will be one of the most enriching studies you can do. BE dedicated, set boundaries, and you will discover EXCELLENCE in Jesus, Others and Yourself. JOY!! Please Note: If you are joining us well into the 40 Day Challenge, like God, we will meet you where you are at! No stress. No worries. We're just happy you are coming along for the journey. xo Christie and Sandi ---------------------- References Life Application Study Bible - pages 2254-2255 Assembled by: Christie Lynch  What did we learn from the previous blog story of walking alongside Jesus:
Jesus explains to those listening: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd who owns the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.” (John 10:11-13) Notes: John 10:10 In contrast to the thief who takes life, Jesus gives life. The life he gives right now is abundantly richer and fuller. It is eternal, yet it begins immediately. Life in Christ is lived o a higher plane because of his overflowing forgiveness, love, and guidance. Have you taken Christ’s offer of life? Notes: John 10:11,12 A hired hand tends the sheep for money, while the shepherd does it for love. The shepherd owns the sheep and is committed to them. Jesus is not merely doing a job; he is committed to love us and even lay down his life for us. False teachers and false prophets do not have this commitment. Jesus continues… “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me — just as the Father knows me and I know the Father — and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life — only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.” (John 10:14-18) Notes: John 10:16 The “other sheep” were non-Jews. Jesus came to save Gentiles as well as Jews. This is an insight into his worldwide mission - to die for the sins of the world. People tend to want to restrict God’s blessings to their own group, but Jesus refuses to be limited by the fences we build. Notes: John 10:17,18 Jesus’ death and resurrection, as part of God’s plan fo the salvation of the world, were under God’s full control. No one could kill Jesus without his consent. --------————-- “At these words, the Jews were again divided. Many of them said, ‘He is demon-possessed and raving mad. Why listen to him?” “But others said, ‘These are not the sayings of a man possessed by a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?” (John 10:19-21) --------————-- Journal Prompts Q: Do you believe Jesus as a shepherd? Do you believe and understand us as followers, like sheep? Q: Do you believe or understand that reading and learning what Jesus had to say leads to a deeper understanding of Forgiveness? Love? and Guidance? (Great group discussion question, right???) Q: Do you believe that Jesus came to save everyone? Even today? Back then it was Gentiles and Jews. Do you believe He is here right now, asking if you want to believe in Him and be saved? Q: Do you believe that Jesus was sent to walk our earth, share His insights into the Forgiveness, Love and Guidance of God? Q: Do you think this man, who calls himself Jesus Christ, the Messiah, is demon possessed? Or God infused? Q: Again, do you believe that Jesus could restore sight to a blind man? Q: Do you believe that Jesus was sent by God to be born, to die for us and our sins? --------------------- "40-Days of Excellence" Journal CHALLENGE We invite you on a quest to dig deeper and learn about the meaning of the death and resurrection of Friend Jesus. Over the next 40 days (of this Lenten season), join us in this Journal Challenge. You may want to "give something up" (we recommend noise in your life: social media, limited news time, etc.). Instead of focusing on what you can't have, let's focus on what we CAN HAVE walking with Jesus through the prophets and disciples through the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Here is What To Do 1) Start by scheduling quiet time into your schedule every day for 40 days. 2) Get a Journal and entitle it: "40 Days of Excellence" 3) Get your Bible out (or use the YouVersion Bible app) and write out the questions and scripture mentioned in the our blogs, (you can go back and review the blog posts) 4) Around Day 30, journal what the characteristics of BEcoming an EXCELLENT Christian can look like in your life. We promise you, this will be one of the most enriching studies you can do. BE dedicated, set boundaries, and you will discover EXCELLENCE in Jesus, Others and Yourself. JOY!! Please Note: If you are joining us well into the 40 Day Challenge, like God, we will meet you where you are at! No stress. No worries. We're just happy you are coming along for the journey. xo Christie and Sandi ---------- References 1) Life Applications Study Bible - Scripture and Notes 2) Assembled by Christie Lynch  Experiencing what it was like walking alongside this man, Jesus, brings up logical questions. Is he the Son of God? That was a big claim in those days. So why did prophets in the Old Testament predict his presence on earth? How could Jesus perform miracles? Was this all an act of God? Can simple, common people, like Martha, believe?
In John 11:25-27, it is recorded that Jesus said to Martha, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die." Jesus continues, "Do you believe this?" Her answer is compelling, "Yes Lord, I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who has come into the world." Here is the real Question: Do YOU believe this? --------------------- "40-Days of Excellence" Journal CHALLENGE We invite you on a quest to dig deeper and learn about the meaning of the death and resurrection of Friend Jesus. Over the next 40 days (of this Lenten season), join us in this Journal Challenge. You may want to "give something up" (we recommend noise in your life: social media, limited news time, etc.). Instead of focusing on what you can't have, let's focus on what we CAN HAVE walking with Jesus through the prophets and disciples through the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Here is What To Do 1) Start by scheduling quiet time into your schedule every day for 40 days. 2) Get a Journal and entitle it: "40 Days of Excellence" 3) Get your Bible out (or use the YouVersion Bible app) and write out the questions and scripture mentioned in the our blogs, (you can go back and review the blog posts) 4) Around Day 30, journal what the characteristics of BEcoming an EXCELLENT Christian can look like in your life. We promise you, this will be one of the most enriching studies you can do. BE dedicated, set boundaries, and you will discover EXCELLENCE in Jesus, Others and Yourself JOY!! Please Note: If you are joining us well into the 40 Day Challenge, like God, we will meet you where you are at! No stress. No worries. We're just happy you are coming along for the journey. xo Christie and Sandi ---------- References 1) Life Applications Study Bible 2) Journal Entry by Christie Lynch  Imagine you are out and about your day, and there is commotion that draws your attention. You just witnessed a man giving sight to another man! What a miracle right? Who does this? You may think, is this an act of God?! You are right.
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