Matthew 27:11-20 (also in Mark 15:1-11)
(18) For he [Pilate] knew that because of envy they [chief priests and elders] had handed him [Jesus] over.
The Chief Priest and the elders bring Jesus to the governor, Pilate. They are envious of Jesus' ministry, his wisdom, his words, his influence, and who knows what else. The definition of envy: a feeling of discontent or covetousness with regard to another's advantages, success, possessions, etc. Pilate figures the people, the masses, would not have this perspective problem. Pilate offers to release a prisoner to the people, Barabbas or Jesus. Pilate probably expected when offered Barabbas, who is the worst of the worst, the people would never allow him to walk free. But envy runs deep, and it might run deeper in those in leadership.
(20) But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to put Jesus to death.
In verse 20 we see the danger of envious leadership. The Chief Priest and the elders used their influence and leadership to persuade the crowds to pick Barabbas for release and to crucify Jesus.
It is important to note that these leaders did have powerful influence, and they used it effectively. The problem is envy dictated its use. Envy can blind us to our God-given responsibilities. Envious leaders equals dangerous leaders.
How am I bored and overwhelmed at the same time?
OK- so we just got back from a "vacation". The funny thing about that word is that it implies a break, a relaxing time. Well, we did have a break and a relaxing time, but came home to so many things that need to be done! For me, that means laundry, bills, dishes, etc. For Brandon, that means paperwork and getting back in touch with people.
Yesterday, I watched Oprah. I haven't watched that show in months. It was all about businesswomen and their attire. They had all these powerful, successful women on there. It kind of made me miss being in the working field. Ethan starts first grade next year so the boys will be at school all day! I started thinking about what I could do .....should I go back into the juvenile world? Should I try something new? My only stipulation was that I want to work and be home when the kids get out of school...ha! It was just a few weeks ago that I was thinking about how much I love being home with them, and I still do.
I think I am just craving some adventure, some accomplishment. Maybe it's the let-down after a trip. Brandon heard a speaker at Leadership summit talk about writing down each day what you LOVE and then what you LOATHE. Basically, it should help you discover what you should be focusing on more. I think I might try it out.
So, for now, I guess this is just one of those venting days when I'm talking in circles. Everyone is entitled to one of those days, huh?
Now, I better get back to all those things that need to be done! Then, I will surely NOT be bored or overwhelmed!!
God's Perspective
I just read Job 33:6 this morning. It reads, "I am just like you before God; I too have been taken from clay." I don't really live my life like I believe this. Before God we are all in the same boat. All have sinned. All have the opportunity to know God deeply and intimately through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. The homeless guy I passed on the road to get to work, the pastor I just talked to this morning, the orphan in Mexico, the multi-millionaire downtown, we are all the same before God. We might see differences and even judge according to each of these person's situation, but God doesn't...REALLY!
Definition of Anger
It has been too long. Sorry about that, but I am back.
I got this incredible definition of anger today from a friend of mine. Somehow we got on the problem of anger. Here it is: Anger is just unfulfilled expectations. Wow, I just thought that was pretty profound. We were talking about how that definition will actually help with anger elimination instead of just anger management.
I got this incredible definition of anger today from a friend of mine. Somehow we got on the problem of anger. Here it is: Anger is just unfulfilled expectations. Wow, I just thought that was pretty profound. We were talking about how that definition will actually help with anger elimination instead of just anger management.
Several months back our church did a series called "mysecret". It was modeled after postsecret where people go and confess secrets anonymously. The thinking behind ours was that if people can identify their secrets (sins) and admit them in writing, then it will be easier to tell another person eventually and hopefully confess to God.
Well, it ended up being a national news story and they had people debating over whether or not it was the "right" thing to do. It's still going strong! People are still confessing on a daily basis. It's really sad to read the posts and can be a downer for sure. But the thing that's hard to see is that these are really people struggling with real sins! Some of them are deep into it and see no way out!
Tonight we are having a micro-mission on the Internet campus where we are going to go to mysecret.tv and pray over people and encourage them. You are all invited if you want to join us!
TONIGHT- 8PM (CENTRAL TIME), MEET IN THE LOBBY CHAT ON THE INTERNET CAMPUS! HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!!
"Spring" cleaning in the "Fall"
It's hit me! The need to clean out all the closets and cupboards. I wish I could blame it on being pregnant and nesting...but I'm not pregnant so it's not that. Maybe it's thinking about the adoptions? Hmmmm, those won't happen for a while. Maybe it's because our house is filled with stuff we don't need? I think it's the latter. Where did all this junk come from??
What have you been up to?
What have you been up to?
Heart to heart
I just had a long talk with my 7 yr old son, Merrick. He is very open with his thoughts and feelings and I'm so thankful for that! I'm hoping that if we continue to talk now, then when he gets to be a teenager he won't shut us out but continue to trust! he's having some struggles making friends and already can tell me who the "cool kids" are.
I remember being in second grade. I have a great memory. It's so strange to me that as you get older, sometimes your childhood memories seem so fresh.
Merrick was talking about school and making friends. He is our non-athletic, very smart son. He will be an intellectual like Brandon but it looks like he's not quite as coordinated as Brandon. Merrick is an incredible writer and loves to write short stories so he might be our artist:) I talked to him about being himself and being confident in who God made HIM to be! Merrick has the gift of giving-whether it be time or money. He is one thoughtful little young man!
It's amazing to me that comparisons and peer pressure start at age 7! Isn't second grade supposed to be all about recess?
At Family Vision weekend, they talked about having family identity which helps kids with self-identity. I told Merrick today that we are all his best friends and it's true! Now, if only I could go to school with him and protect him! Ahh...but that's another post! It's the constant "letting go" that's so hard!
I remember being in second grade. I have a great memory. It's so strange to me that as you get older, sometimes your childhood memories seem so fresh.
Merrick was talking about school and making friends. He is our non-athletic, very smart son. He will be an intellectual like Brandon but it looks like he's not quite as coordinated as Brandon. Merrick is an incredible writer and loves to write short stories so he might be our artist:) I talked to him about being himself and being confident in who God made HIM to be! Merrick has the gift of giving-whether it be time or money. He is one thoughtful little young man!
It's amazing to me that comparisons and peer pressure start at age 7! Isn't second grade supposed to be all about recess?
At Family Vision weekend, they talked about having family identity which helps kids with self-identity. I told Merrick today that we are all his best friends and it's true! Now, if only I could go to school with him and protect him! Ahh...but that's another post! It's the constant "letting go" that's so hard!
I want to make a difference!
Brandon and I are in a pattern of watching documentaries and historical movies based on actual events. It has been very eye opening to say the least.
We watched 2 that dealt with the 1994 war/genocide in Rwanda. The sad part to me is that while THOUSANDS of people were dying, I really had no idea. I was in college then and Brandon and I were dating. Honestly, I don't even remember seeing it in the news. I really didn't watch much news back then anyways. There is a statement in Hotel Rwanda where Joaquin Phoenix says that people in America see things on the news and say "oh, that's really sad" and then just turn the channel because they don't want to "see" it. I think we don't want to see it because then we would have to do something about it!
I realize that particular war is over, but there are new ones going on in our world right now! I became aware of Darfur through George Clooney of all people. I'm to the point now where I have to do something. We should all have something that moves us to action. It feels so overwhelming sometimes because you wonder if one person can make a difference. I say yes, they can. To think that genocide is going on right now is so surreal to me. I mean, it seems like something that happened a long time ago. Brandon said that there is also a huge slave trade going on and there are at least 100,000 slaves in America right now. RIGHT NOW! In 2007! I don't know why it shocks me, but it does. I need to start doing some reading!
So, I hope that when the movies come out for our present time, I will be able to say that I remember it and actually made a difference in someone's life during that time. I pray that I will not be so focused on myself and my family that I miss the chance to show Jesus and His love to everyone I can.
We watched 2 that dealt with the 1994 war/genocide in Rwanda. The sad part to me is that while THOUSANDS of people were dying, I really had no idea. I was in college then and Brandon and I were dating. Honestly, I don't even remember seeing it in the news. I really didn't watch much news back then anyways. There is a statement in Hotel Rwanda where Joaquin Phoenix says that people in America see things on the news and say "oh, that's really sad" and then just turn the channel because they don't want to "see" it. I think we don't want to see it because then we would have to do something about it!
I realize that particular war is over, but there are new ones going on in our world right now! I became aware of Darfur through George Clooney of all people. I'm to the point now where I have to do something. We should all have something that moves us to action. It feels so overwhelming sometimes because you wonder if one person can make a difference. I say yes, they can. To think that genocide is going on right now is so surreal to me. I mean, it seems like something that happened a long time ago. Brandon said that there is also a huge slave trade going on and there are at least 100,000 slaves in America right now. RIGHT NOW! In 2007! I don't know why it shocks me, but it does. I need to start doing some reading!
So, I hope that when the movies come out for our present time, I will be able to say that I remember it and actually made a difference in someone's life during that time. I pray that I will not be so focused on myself and my family that I miss the chance to show Jesus and His love to everyone I can.
Miss HIV
I have been working on a study guide that is based on the soon-to-be-released documentary called Miss HIV. It is amazing to see how ideologies around policy making clash in such a way that solutions are hard to come by. Our war in political ideas affects our real solutions to the problems. We should all learn something in handling this global epidemic, whether the church, the government, the left, or the right.
November 16th is the launch of the website from ethnographic media (the company responsible for Miss HIV). You can actually be a part of the content by sharing your story through video, audio, pictures, or writing.
November 16th is the launch of the website from ethnographic media (the company responsible for Miss HIV). You can actually be a part of the content by sharing your story through video, audio, pictures, or writing.
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