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This washing of the hands was not only a symbolic custom of the day that showed innocence, but was also a ritual prescribed in the Jewish law (Dt. 21:6-7; Ps. 26:6).
Matthew is the only writer to record Pilate washing his hands of guilt, just as he was the only writer to record Pilate's wife coming to him with the details of the dream she had about Jesus. Secular accounts record her name as Claudia. She is the only one who spoke for, instead of against Jesus' life during the trial.
This dream, no doubt came from God, since Claudia would have had to dreamt it before she knew of Jesus being brought to Pilate. Not only did the Lord bare witness in...
Modern Christmas songs are too often bereft of true spirituality but last year I recorded a classic Christmas hymn that lovingly captures the essence of Christmas - a celebration of hope, joy and salvation coming to this sinful world in the form of a person. Weary souls rejoice! The chains of spiritual bondage fall to the ground! O Night Divine!" Sing along with it here download it here
Many problems arise from envy. James said, "For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work" (Jas. 3:16). Envy and strife go hand in hand and open the door to the devil to do anything he desires, in our life. Some people would never give place to the devil through confessing the wrong things, yet through envy, they give the enemy freedom to do his worst. God's kind of love is not envious or jealous because it doesn't seek it's own, but seeks the welfare of others. Envy is an indication of self-centeredness.
The Apostle Paul had some opponents who were just like many people who sow strife today. They are against everything and critical of the way those in authority handle things. They make big statements about what they would do if they were in authority, but it's all talk. They haven't...
The Jews were God's chosen people and therefore, God's representatives on earth. Yet, they lied and condemned an innocent man to death. Pilate could see that their real motivation for wanting Jesus dead was envy. They were doing all their religious works to be seen of men, and were upset that Jesus was getting more recognition than they were. If these Jews would have thought about what type of witness they were giving, even they would have known that their actions were not inspired by God.
We should remember that we are God's witnesses on earth, or as Paul said, "We are epistles... known and read of all men" (2 Cor. 3:2). Judging our actions in the light of, "What kind of witness will this give to others?" will help us discern whether or not we are being led of God.
The chief priests had deceived...
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When God Calls You (P1)
A career is something you choose, a calling however is something you receive.
A career is something you do for yourself; and a calling something you do for God.
A career promises status, money and power; however a calling most of the time promises difficulty , suffering, and the opportunity to be used by God.
A career may end with retirement and lots of toys; a calling does not end until the day you die.
A career can be disrupted by any number of events, but God enables you to fulfill your calling even in the most difficult circumstances.
For some people in scripture obeying the call of God meant living in slavery, being captured and sent into exite, or being put to death.
Their career trajectories didn't look promising, yet they fulfilled their calling in extraordinary ways. Chuck Colson had one of the highest profile careers in...