Holy Week: Let Him be crucified!

Holy Week: Let Him be crucified!              


“Pilate said to them, ‘What then shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?’ They all said to him, ‘Let Him be crucified!’ Then the governor said, ‘Why, what evil has He done?’ But they cried out all the more, saying, ‘Let Him be crucified!’ 


“When Pilate saw that he could not prevail at all, but rather that a tumult was rising, he took water and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, ’I am innocent of the blood of this just Person. You see to it’” (Matthew 27:22-24 NKJV).


In my previous Holy Week blog posts we celebrated Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem; we saw Him shake things up at the Temple; we rejoiced as He blessed children and healed the afflicted; we heard Him teach about love; we observed His last supper and agonizing night in Gethsemane.  


Now it’s Friday—Good Friday. What is so good about the horrendous pain and suffering of this innocent Man?


I went to bed last night with Jesus on my mind. I laid my head on my pillow, troubled with the thought, “Tonight Jesus is in the garden, agonizing and crying out to His Father, with the awful dread of what He knew awaited Him at sunrise.” But I went on to sleep, knowing that it was for good—for my good, the good of my loved-ones, and for the good of all mankind. That’s why we call today Good Friday. 


After being arrested in the wee hours of the night, Jesus was led away “to Caiaphas, the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled” (Matthew 26:57 NKJV). They were angry that they had found no one to accuse Him of crimes. According to Jewish law they needed two or three witnesses. Therefore, they decided to entrap Him with His own words but they still had no witnesses from the population.  


“But Jesus kept silent. And the high priest answered and said to Him, ‘I put You under oath by the living God: Tell us if You are the Christ, the Son of God!’ 


“Jesus said to him, ‘It is as you said. Nevertheless, I say to you, hereafter you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.’


“Then the high priest tore his clothes, saying, ‘He has spoken blasphemy! What do you think?’ they answered and said, ‘He is deserving of death.’ Then they spat in His face and beat Him; …” (Matthew 26:63-67a NKJV).


They then took Him to Pontius Pilate, the governor, telling him Jesus had claimed to be a king. They knew this would be considered sedition to the Roman government, but Pilate knew Jesus was an innocent Man. (Matthew 27:18)

During the dark hours when Jesus was taken from one place to the other, His disciple, Peter, discreetly followed along. Bystanders asked if he was one of Jesus disciples or if he knew Him. After his third denial of knowing Jesus, he was so mad, “he began to curse and swear, saying, ‘I do not know the Man!’ Immediately a rooster crowed. And Peter remembered the word of Jesus who had said to him, ‘Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.’ So he went out and wept bitterly” (Matthew 26:74-75 NKJV).


This section about Peter’s denial of Jesus grips me every time I read it or think about it. This strong, fearless, passionate, outspoken fisherman betrayed his dearest and most trusted friend. Why? Because of fear of men. 


But I cannot condemn Peter. I cannot judge him. Can you? I cannot because I too have denied Christ. I have also done things I should not have done, knowing full well that it would break the heart of my Lord—my One True BFF. And, like Peter, I have felt the weight of my sin and wept bitterly in shame and repentance. 


But bright sunlight illuminates my spirit when I think about how Jesus lovingly restored Peter. After His resurrection, He not only restored, but elevated him to a high position in His Church.


The angel at the empty tomb set this in motion when he said, “But go and tell His disciples—and Peter—that He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, …” (Mark 16:7 NKJV). Please read John 21 for the completion of Peter’s repair.



Back to Friday morning—Jesus was taken to Pilate and, having no choice, Pilate took him before the people. Their demand to “Crucify Him!” had to be carried out.   

Let’s turn to my book, The Lord Has Need of YOU, and see how things go. We find donkeys, Elpis and Kavod, grazing on a hillside outside of Jerusalem.

“The peaceful morning was interrupted by the sounds of voices stirring up in the city. Louder and louder… ’Crucify Him! Crucify Him!’ …”

“ … The donkeys turned to each other and at the same time, said, ‘It’s Jesus!’” 

  

“The donkeys watched in horror as Jesus was nailed to a cross in between two criminals. The beautiful spring day had turned into a dreadful, sad day.

“After a while, Jesus said, ‘It is finished!’ and He died.

“At that very moment, the sky darkened, and the earth shook in such a manner that the donkeys nearly fell down.  

“Elpis and Kavod stood watching in disbelief. There was Jesus, who had done so many good and kind things, being killed as though He were a criminal. 
It just didn’t make sense. The donkeys could not stop their tears.” * 



Friends of Jesus buried His body in a tomb, belonging to Joseph of Arimathea. Joseph bought fine linen with which to wrap Him. Because it was late in the day, on the Sabbath, the traditional anointing with spices would need to wait until Sunday. (Mark 15)



This day—Good Friday—is one of the most significant days in the history of the world. For this, Jesus was born, Son of Man—Son of God. 


It was a heart wrenching day for Jesus’ followers at the time, as well as a hard day to comprehend for those of us who are His followers today.


The hope of His people lay dead in a tomb, but they didn’t yet know, that “Sunday’s a-comin!”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

At the beginning of this week I encouraged you to read, in your Bible, about the last days of Jesus’ life. A lot happened in those few days. Begin your reading at these points: Matthew 21, Mark 11, Luke 19:28, and John 12:12. Go ahead and read through to the end of each of the Gospels between now and Easter Sunday. Be blessed with me as we learn Jesus. 


Each day this week, I’m posting a few highlights from those amazing days in history. Also, I’m using some of the pictures and quotes from my book titled, The Lord has Need of YOU.* The illustrations are watercolor paintings by artist, Lesley James. 


Thank you for traveling with me through these extraordinary days. God bless you. 


*The Lord Has Need of YOU, by Connie Wohlford. Copyright Connie Wohlford, 2019, Hoot Books Publishing.

*The Lord Has Need of YOU can be purchased directly from me via email author@conniewohlford.com or through Amazon,  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1687536104/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i0

©Copyright 2020 Connie Wohlford

Holy Week: Last Supper, Gethsemane, Betrayal, Arrest

Holy Week: Last Supper, Gethsemane, Betrayal, Arrest      

                                                                      

In my previous Holy Week blog posts we witnessed Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, (Palm Sunday); we saw Him shake things up at the Temple; we rejoiced as He blessed children and healed the afflicted; we heard Him teach about love.  


Now let’s move on to Thursday.


On this day the celebration of Passover began.  (FYI- Today, April 9, 2020, is the first day of Passover.)


“Now on the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying to Him, ‘Where do You want us to prepare for You to eat the Passover?’ And Jesus said, ’Go into the city to a certain man, and say to him. “The Teacher says, ‘My time is at hand; I will keep the Passover at your house with My disciples.’”


“So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them; and they prepared the Passover. When evening had come, He sat down with the twelve. Now as they were eating, He said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me.’” (Matthew 26:17-23 NKJV). 

“And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, ‘Take, eat; this is My body.’   

Illustration by Lesley James from 

The Lord has Need of YOU by Connie Wohlford

“Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you; For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.’ 


“And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives” (Matthew 26:26-30 NKJV). 




Quoting from my book, The Lord Has Need of YOU: 


“That night, in a garden called Gethsemane, Jesus and His disciples, except for Judas, went to pray. 


“Hours passed, the torches burned out, and the disciples all nodded off. But Jesus was still praying. He knew He was facing a lot of pain and suffering.

“In the end, He cried out, ‘Oh, My Father, if it is possible, let there be another way. Nevertheless, not My will but Your will be done.’


“Then all of a sudden, the disciples were jolted awake by the clamoring of swords shattering the quiet night. They staggered to their feet and rubbed their eyes to see what was causing the commotion. 


“Judas led soldiers to Jesus and kissed His cheek to show the soldiers He was the one they wanted. Judas had betrayed his best friend. 


“The muscular soldiers grabbed Jesus and led Him away to face the high priest, Caiaphas. Jesus had been accused of breaking laws.


“A few hours later, Jesus was handed over to Pontius Pilate, a Roman government official. Pilate brought Jesus before the people and asked them, ‘What do you want me to do with your King?’” * 


Here we are now, on Friday morning. Please check in tomorrow as we continue in Holy Week.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

At the beginning of this week I encouraged you to read, in your Bible, about the last days of Jesus’ life. Quite a bit happened in those few days. I hope you’re doing that. If not, you can start now. Begin your reading at these points: Matthew 21, Mark 11, Luke 19:28, and John 12:12. Go ahead and read through to the end of each of the Gospels between now and Easter Sunday. Be blessed with me as we learn Jesus. 


Each day this week, I’m posting a few highlights from those amazing days in history. Also, I’m using some of the pictures and quotes from my book titled, The Lord has Need of YOU.* The illustrations are watercolor paintings by artist, Lesley James. 


Thank you for traveling with me through these extraordinary days. God bless you. 


*The Lord Has Need of YOU, by Connie Wohlford. Copyright Connie Wohlford, 2019, Hoot Books Publishing.

*The Lord Has Need of YOU can be purchased directly from me via email author@conniewohlford.com or through Amazon,  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1687536104/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i0


©Copyright 2020 Connie Wohlford

Holy Week: Jesus Teaches Love

Holy Week: Jesus Teaches Love       


In my last three blog posts we witnessed Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, (Palm Sunday); saw Him shake things up at the Temple; rejoiced as He blessed children and healed the afflicted.  


Now let’s move on with Him into mid-week.


Jesus continued to teach about what the Kingdom of God is like. In parable after parable He illustrated God, His Kingdom, and man’s flawed propensities. He also continued to heal the sick and afflicted, showing love and compassion toward people. Still, the religious leaders wanted Him gone. 


One of the Pharisees, who was a lawyer, approached Jesus and asked, “’Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?’ 


“Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’


“’This is the first and great commandment and the second is like it: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets’” (Matthew 22:36-40 NKJV).  

Illustration by Lesley James, from 

The Lord Has Need of YOU, by Connie wohlford

Have you meditated on that passage lately? 


Jesus pointed out that if we would love in the way He described we would be fulfilling all of the Law, which includes the Ten Commandments, and all of the Prophets. We would be fulfilling everything that the statutes of God require. 


Let’s go back to the essence of love. Jesus also said, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved” (John 3:16-17 NKJV). 


The center of God’s character is love. God is love. 


Jesus came to Earth because of that love and He was (and is) walking, talking perfect love. In just a couple of days that perfect love would be nailed to a cross as the sacrificial Lamb of God. He would take the punishment we each deserve for the sins we’ve each committed. 


As we approach Resurrection Sunday, lets ponder on that perfect love.


As followers of Jesus—we who are in Christ—lets consider the words of the beloved disciple, “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love” (1 John 4:7-8 NKJV). 


With God’s help, by His Spirit in us, we can love like Jesus. 


This Holy Week, I again want to encourage you to read, in your Bible, about the last days of Jesus’ life. Quite a bit happens in these few days. See for yourself. Begin your reading at these points: Matthew 21, Mark 11, Luke 19:28, and John 12:12. Go ahead and read through to the end of each of the Gospels between now and Easter Sunday. Be blessed with me as we learn Jesus. 


Each day this week, I’m posting just a few highlights from those amazing days in history. Also, I’m using some of the pictures and quotes from my book titled, The Lord has Need of YOU.* The illustrations are watercolor paintings by artist, Lesley James. 


Thank you for traveling with me through these extraordinary days. God bless you. 


*The Lord Has Need of YOU, by Connie Wohlford. Copyright Connie Wohlford, 2019, Hoot Books Publishing.

*The Lord Has Need of YOU can be purchased directly from me via email author@conniewohlford.com or through Amazon,  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1687536104/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i0

©Copyright 2020 Connie Wohlford

Holy Week: Jesus Heals and Blesses

Holy Week: Jesus Heals and Blesses 
   

In my last two blog posts we witnessed Jesus’ warm and enthusiastic welcome into Jerusalem, (Palm Sunday), and then saw Him shock some folks when He came down on the scoundrels for dishonoring God and the Temple. He had already been annoying the Sanhedrin, Pharisees, and Temple authorities and His latest actions only deepened their anger. 


Let’s now move on with Him further into the temple complex. 


After cleansing the temple, Matthew tells us, “Then the blind and the lame came to Him in the temple, and He healed them. But when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that He did, and the children crying out in the temple and saying, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David!’ they were indignant and said to him, ‘Do You hear what these are saying?’ And Jesus said to them, ‘Yes. Have you never read, “Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have perfected praise?”’ (Matthew 21:14-16 NKJV). 

Illustration by Lesley James, from 

The Lord Has Need of  YOU, by Connie Wohlford

Speaking of children, Jesus was known to love and respect the young ones. In Matthew 19:13-14, Jesus rebuked His disciples for trying to shoo away children who were brought to Him. Also, He made quite a strong statement, which is recorded in Matthew 18:5-6. “Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me. But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea.” (NKJV)




One of my very favorite illustrations in my book, The Lord Has Need of YOU, is the one showing Jesus with the children and the crippled man whom He had healed. 


It reads, “Jesus and His disciples walked further into the Temple complex. Blind and crippled people came to Jesus, and He healed them. Several children ran to see Him, and He greeted and blessed each one.”*


According to Matthew, Jesus and His disciples then went to Bethany for the night. Over the next four days they were back and forth between Jerusalem and Bethany, spending most of the daytime in Jerusalem. At night, they probably lodged in the home of their dear friends, Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. 

Illustration by Lesley James, from 

The Lord Has Need of YOU, by Connie Wohlford

In my book, it’s described this way: “For the next few days, Jesus stayed in the area of Jerusalem, spending much time in the Temple. People listened to Him teach about God and were amazed at His wisdom and His power to heal the sick. The crowds loved to listen to His stories, which helped them understand what the Kingdom of God is like.


“But some of the Jewish leaders were jealous and angry because many of their fellow Jews chose to Follow Jesus.”*  


Tension was building among the Jewish leaders and their disdain for Jesus was growing. Jesus was well aware of their feelings as well as their scheming to kill Him.


As in my previous posts in this Holy Week, I want to encourage you to read in your Bible about the last few days of Jesus’ life. This phase of Jesus’ time on earth begins with His Triumphal Entry, known as Palm Sunday. I posted about that Sunday and on Monday about Him disrupting the temple merchants. If you didn’t read those, I invite you to do so. 


Quite a bit happens in these few days. See for yourself. Begin your reading at these points: Matthew 21, Mark 11, Luke 19:28, and John 12:12. Go ahead and read through to the end of each of the Gospels between now and Easter Sunday. Be blessed with me as we learn Jesus. 


Each day this week, I’m posting just a few highlights from those amazing days in history. Also, I’m using some of the pictures and quotes from my book titled, The Lord has Need of YOU.* The illustrations are watercolor paintings by artist, Lesley James.


Thank you for traveling with me through these amazing days. God bless you. 


*The Lord Has Need of YOU, by Connie Wohlford. Copyright Connie Wohlford, 2019, Hoot Books Publishing.

*The Lord Has Need of YOU can be purchased directly from me via email author@conniewohlford.com or through Amazon,  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1687536104/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i0


©Copyright 2020 Connie Wohlford

Jesus would have none of it!

Jesus would have none of it!                


Jesus had just received a joyous and glorious reception upon entering Jerusalem. “Hosanna to the Son of David!” the people shouted. “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD! Hosanna in the highest!” they proclaimed upon His arrival.  (Matthew 11:1-9 NKJV)


But then, just a short time later, He offended some of His fellow Jews. 


Mark’s Gospel records it this way: “Jesus went into the temple and began to drive out those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. And He would not allow anyone to carry wares through the temple.


“Then He taught, saying to them, ‘Is it not written, “My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations”? But you have made it a den of thieves.’


“And the scribes and chief priests heard it and sought how they might destroy Him; for they feared Him, because all the people were astonished at His teaching.” 


Jesus knew the temple authorities were making unfair profits off what should be legitimate transactions. Also, people were disrespecting the temple by taking shortcuts through the complex to get from one place to another. 

Watercolor painting by artist, Lesley James, in book, 

The Lord Has Need of YOU, by Connie Wohlford

In my book, The Lord Has Need of YOU, I explained it thus: “Most people were there to worship God, but others were exchanging foreign coins for less than they were worth. Some shop keepers were charging too much money for items to be used in worship. Jesus saw that these merchants were stealing from people who just wanted to please God. In His eyes, they were like thieves. 


“He was not going to put up with this and pushed over the merchants’ tables. Everyone stared in disbelief as money and merchandise spilled onto the floor, but they knew in their hearts that Jesus was right. The merchants had dishonored God and His Temple with their actions.  


“Then, Jesus said, ‘It is written, “My house shall be called a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves!”’*  



Jesus was executing His authority, but many of the religious leaders did not recognize His authority. Hatred for Jesus was fermenting and a plot to kill Him was looming.  



As we continue in Holy Week I encourage you to read in your Bible about the last few days of Jesus’ life. This phase of Jesus’ time on earth begins with His Triumphal Entry, known as Palm Sunday. I posted about that yesterday. If you didn’t read it, I invite you to do so. 




Quite a bit happens in these few days. See for yourself. Begin your reading at these points: Matthew 21, Mark 11, Luke 19:28, and John 12:12. Go ahead and read through to the end of each of the Gospels between now and Easter Sunday. Be blessed with me as we learn Jesus. 


Each day this week, I plan to post highlights from those amazing few days in history. Also, I will use some pictures and quotes from my book titled, The Lord has Need of YOU*. The illustrations are watercolor paintings by artist, Lesley James. 


*The Lord Has Need of YOU, by Connie Wohlford. Copyright Connie Wohlford, 2019, Hoot Books Publishing.

*The Lord Has Need of YOU can be purchased directly from me via email author@conniewohlford.com or through Amazon,  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1687536104/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i0

©Copyright 2020 Connie Wohlford

Rejoice, your King is coming!

Rejoice, your King is coming!                


“Rejoice, greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, lowly and riding on a donkey, a colt, the foal of a donkey” (Zechariah 9:9 NKJV).


As Christians, we rejoice in reading the accounts of Jesus riding the foal of a donkey into Jerusalem on what we call Palm Sunday. His Triumphal Entry into the city was prophesied by Zechariah, about 400 years before the actual occurrence. Then it is recorded in all four of the Gospels. We can read about it in Matthew 21:1-9, Mark 11:1-11, Luke 19:28-44, and John 12:12-19.


My favorite is Matthew’s account: 


“Now when they drew near Jerusalem, and came to Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, ‘Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Loose them and bring them to Me. And if anyone says anything to you, you shall say, “The Lord has need of them,” and immediately he will send them.’


“All this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying; ‘Tell the daughter of Zion, “Behold, your King is coming to you, lowly, and sitting on a donkey, a colt, the foal of a donkey.”’

Illustration by Lesley James in book, 

The Lord Has Need of YOU, by Connie Wohlford

“So the disciples went and did as Jesus commanded them. They brought the donkey and the colt, laid their clothes on them, and set Him on them. And a very great multitude spread their clothes on the road; others cut down branches from the trees and spread them on the road. Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: ‘Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD! Hosanna in the highest!’” (Matthew 11:1-9 NKJV).




The people were excited to welcome their Messiah—the promised One. They believed He would deliver them from the terrible oppression of the Roman government. In shouting “Hosanna,” which means “save now” they joyfully anticipated freedom now that this promised descendant of King David had finally arrived.     
             

But Jesus, (Yeshua, in Hebrew), had arrived on the scene to do more—much more. 


Have you ever wondered what the owner of the two donkeys thought when the disciples appeared and started untying them? I have. 


Mark says, “But some of those who stood there said to them, ‘What are you doing loosing the colt?’ And they spoke to then just as Jesus had commanded. So they let them go” (Mark 11:5-6 NKJV).  

Illustration by Lesley James in book, 

The Lord Has Need of YOU, by Connie Wohlford

Luke says: “But as they were loosing the colt, the owners of it said to them, ‘Why are you loosing the colt?’ And they said, ‘The Lord has need of him.’ Then they brought him to Jesus” (Luke 19:33-35a NKJV). 



We have no indication that the owner of the donkeys knew Jesus or His disciples. Perhaps he did, but maybe not. That point really doesn’t matter. God was moving His plan along, working through every detail along the way. The disciples simply did as Jesus instructed. Likewise, as we follow through with Jesus’ instructions to us, He will work out details along the way.



Another interesting point about the colt is that he had never been ridden. Vessels and sacrifices used in worship were to be new, flawless, and often “first fruits,” depending on the occasion. The little donkey here had not been previously used (ridden) and was himself carried the Sacrifice.  

Illustration by Lesley James in book, 

The Lord Has Need of YOU, by Connie Wohlford

As we begin Holy Week today with Jesus Triumphal Entry, I encourage you to read in your Bible about the last few days of Jesus’ life. Here is where this phase of Jesus’ time on earth begins. Quite a bit happens in this one week, as you will see, starting here: Matthew 21, Mark 11, Luke 19:28, and John 12:12. Go ahead and read through to the end of each of the Gospels between now and Easter Sunday. Be blessed with me as we learn Jesus.  





Each day this week, I plan to post highlights from those amazing few days in history. Also, I will use some of the pictures from my book titled, The Lord has Need of YOU*. These illustrations are watercolor paintings by artist, Lesley James.



*The Lord Has Need of YOU can be purchased directly from me via email author@conniewohlford.com or through Amazon,  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1687536104/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i0


©Copyright 2020 Connie Wohlford

What’s on Your Mind?

What’s on Your Mind?

Today, I’m re-posting a writing I did a while back. The premise of this piece is just as true today as it was then and for many people I know it’s more meaningful today than it was one or two or three years ago. Please be encouraged. 

I don’t know about you, but I certainly have a lot on my mind these days. We all have personal and family matters to think about. Many of us also make room in our minds for multiple connections with church, friends, jobs, and community. Besides all that, our minds are bombarded with news (good and bad) and events, both local and global.

This very day I concern myself with meeting with friends for Bible study, transporting a grandchild to swim practice, household and business responsibilities, writing responsibilities, and praying that my grandson, who broke his finger, will NOT need surgery. That lists just a few things on my mind today. Most of these things are positive and pleasurable aspects of my life.

Unless we never listen to the news, you and I are blasted with information that can overwhelm our minds, emotions, and spirits if we’re not careful. We truly must take every thought captive—on purpose! (1 Corinthians 10:5)

This very day I was also confronted with much tragic news--- local, national, and global. I’ll mention a few. 

In my community, a five-year-old boy who had been missing for four days was found dead in an old septic system near his home. Last night tornadoes ripped through areas of our nation, destroying property and taking the lives of fellow Americans. It’s been decided that the aircraft, which crashed in the French Alps three days ago, appears to have been deliberately downed by the plane’s co-pilot. And of course, we can’t omit the constant threat of terrorists who seek to kill peace loving, innocent folks all over the world these days. This does not complete the list of negatives that forced their way into my mind today. These kinds of dreadful happenings are powerful forces that can easily dishearten any of us.

SO--What's on your mind today? You may be so consumed with personal misfortune that the calamities beyond your own world have no room at all in your thoughts. Your personal disaster might be related to health, loved ones, financial matters, heavy responsibilities, and on & on & on. Our lists can be endless. It might be so bad that you want to crawl into a protective shell and simply take a fetal position.

But, I’m here to declare today that God’s Word gives good instruction on dealing with a full and troubled mind. One of my favorite methods for coping is to follow the Apostle Paul instructs in Colossians 3:2, where he said, “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” 

How are we to accomplish that? It’s not necessarily easy but it is necessarily deliberate. I find that one of the best ways to set one’s mind on things above is to read the Bible. I know that sounds like a simple pat answer but think about it for a moment. Let me give you a personal example.

A few years ago, I was going through several very negative experiences. It seemed that bad things just kept piling on me from many different directions. The helplessness of having no control in trying to alleviate the emotional pain made me wonder just how long I could continue to function. 

I was praying and in the Word consistently, as was my routine. I was even leading a Bible study at the time. But I still found myself dwelling on the negative things that were weighing me down. As I sought God I decided to go to the basics about Jesus, Himself.

I began to read through the Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. When I got through that, I read through the book of Acts. No, I didn’t read it all in one day or week or month.

I was doing exactly what Paul had instructed the Colossian believers. I was setting my mind on things above, not on things on the earth. In doing this, God’s Word---studying Jesus—lifted me up to a higher level. 

Those negative situations that kept piling on me did not just evaporate. Some improved, some eventually took care of themselves, some remained pretty much the same, and some got worse. I’ve looked back on that season in my life, a period of about eight months, and see how God used His Word as a tool to help me set my mind on things that are eternal, things that are true, things that are above the earth. During that particular time, I set my mind on Jesus, Himself, as I read through the Gospels. I believe I was led by the Holy Spirit to do exactly that and I’m so glad I followed His leading. 

Let’s look at Paul’s instructions, in its context: “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, the you also will appear with Him in glory” (Colossians 3:1-4).  

Notice that the above passage contains abundant meaty encouragement that can set our minds on things above. It instructs, explains how and why, and then points to our eternal hope—all built on Jesus. 

Here we see a good example of the Word’s immense value in helping us set our mind on things above instead of things on the earth. So, be encouraged as you do just that.

 If you’d like, please leave a comment telling of a time when you set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth, and were thus encouraged and lifted out of sadness, or discouragement, or troubles of some kind. We can all be encouraged by one another’s testimonies. Thanks, and God bless you abundantly today! 

 

 ©Connie Wohlford 2018