DENY JESUS?

Posted on March 11, 2016 by atimetoshare.me

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The dark shadows of night still filled the courtyard.  Many were gathered in the stillness.  Word was out that Jesus had been arrested and was standing trial before the high priest.  I couldn’t help wondering how this could be.  Only a few days ago the city was on fire with His entrance.  His preaching was powerful and at the same time filled with hope and love.  It was different from the words we had become accustomed to.

For years our people had been under the oppression of other ruling governments, but here in Jerusalem we were still allowed to worship the way we chose.  We longed for the day when we would obtain our complete freedom, but in the meantime we waited.

Jesus had begun to open doors for us.  The old rules regarding women were slowing being dissolved by Him.  There was no discrimination.  He spoke to us as He did to the scholars in the temple. He gave us hope of freedom from our enemies as well as victory over death.  His message made me feel safe and relevant.

When I saw Peter standing by the fire, warming himself, I recognized him as one of Jesus’s men.  In the past, I would never have been so bold as to address a man, but Jesus changed that.  Three times I asked Peter if he was one of Jesus’ followers.  Three times he denied ever knowing him.

How could he?  He was like a brother to Jesus.  Now his brother was being silenced by the authorities and Peter wouldn’t even acknowledge Him.  As night turned into morning  and the events of the day that followed began to unfold, I realized that we all deny our Savior at times – even the staunchest of us have been weakened by fear.

The sun began to rise and suddenly I knew that nothing would ever be the same again.

 

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RANDOM THOUGHT – THIRST

Posted on March 10, 2016 by atimetoshare.me

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Original art by Paul T. Boecher© “The Ghost Ship”

Even in the heat of summer and the depths of despair, God provides living waters for all things.  He nourishes the soil, replenishes the lakes and rivers, supplies thirst quenching relief to those who are parched and dry.  Even the old will become new when God works on it.

Job 36:2728  “For he maketh small the drops of water: they pour down rain according to the vapour thereof:  Which the clouds do drop and distil upon man abundantly.

 

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RANDOM THOUGHT – PURIFIED

Posted on March 9, 2016 by atimetoshare.me

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Original art by Paul T. Boecher©

When spring comes and the ice disappears from lakes and streams, we can’t wait to clean all the grime of winter from our cars and other vehicles.  It’s kind of a purging of all the darkness that the long season has inflicted on the things of this life.  We can also turn our thoughts inward to our darkened souls.  The purification that comes from the blood of Jesus will wash all our iniquities away and replace them with the Light of the World.  The beauty is, we don’t have to wait until spring.  It’s available any time!

 

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INTRICATE DESIGN

Posted on March 8, 2016 by atimetoshare.me

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Original art by Paul T. Boecher©

Our world is full of such amazing design.  How could anyone ever imagine that it’s not created by One who has complete knowledge of every aspect of its conception.  Each geometric shape, each perfect pattern within the architecture of life was formed by Him.  Even the artist in his attempt to duplicate it, will tell you that only God can create perfection.

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MALCHUS

Posted on March 8, 2016 by atimetoshare.me

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There are many minor characters in the Passion story.  One of them was a servant of the high priest Caiaphas, named Malchus.  Most of us remember him being the victim of Peter’s sword and having his ear restored miraculously by Jesus, without even one stitch. I can’t help wondering how Malchus felt during that entire ordeal and after.

In my aging process, I am losing the sharpness of my hearing and often get words mixed up, but the thought of physically having my ears lopped off certainly is nothing in comparison.  To have my hearing restored to perfection would indeed be a blessing.

Peter’s first instinct was to protect his Savior, Jesus.  He was bold in his actions, as usual, and took up his sword and cut off Malchus’s ear.  Jesus rebuked His disciple and immediately restored it – reattaching it with His touch alone.  What must have been going through the mind of this man?  First he’s attacked for doing his job and then he becomes witness to an absolute miracle on his own body.  I often wonder what happened to Malchus after that incident.  Did he become a follower of this amazing healer?  Did he live in fear that he would someday encounter this band of rabble rousers again?  Did he go back and serve Caiaphas?  How would you feel?

To be healed by the Son of God is something that we all have available to us.  He may not be physically present to touch us and remove our infirmities, but He is present nonetheless.  All we need to do is pray that His will be done in our lives.  I’m not saying that my hearing will be restored if I ask God to do so, but I am saying that if He choses to do so, He can do it.

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MY QUIET PLACE

Posted on March 7, 2016 by atimetoshare.me

majestyOriginal art by Paul T. Boecher©

Where is the quiet place that you are longing for?

Is it in those empty times when waiting to do more?

Can you find contentment in the solitude of living?

Or does is come in simpler ways, like doing and forgiving.

God comes to us in many ways and most times when it’s silent,

But listen hard and you will hear His voice in every moment.

He whispers when we’re troubled, he soothes when we’re in pain,

You’ll see Him in creation, his voice is clear and plain.

He’s in the heat  of summer and when the leaves do fall,

And in the cold of winter, you’ll hear His personal call.

When spring’s refreshing waters wash everything in sight,

You’ll hear His voice assure you of His overpowering might.

Within the busy moments of life’s demanding pressures

He opens up His altar and He shares His greatest treasures.

Each moment He’s available to answer every prayer,

Just open up your heart to Him and He will be right there.

KATHY BOECHER© Originally posted on atimetoshare.me 3/07/15

 

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RANDOM THOUGHTS – PATIENCE

Posted on March 5, 2016 by atimetoshare.me

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After a long winter, we yearn for the warmth of summer.  In summer we long for the cool of winter.  When we wait patiently, everything comes in its due time.  Be patient and wait on the Lord.  Never give up!

Galatians 6:9  And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

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CAIAPHAS

Posted on March 5, 2016 by atimetoshare.me

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He was the chief priest of the temple.  The one who would enter the Holy of Holies each year to make the sacrifices of the people to God.  He came by the job after marrying the daughter of Annas, but he was also a devout follower of the Mosaic Law and true believer in Yahweh.  He was  involved in the treasury of the Sanhedrin and controlled the temple police.  He was also well connected with the Roman government.

When Jesus raised Lazarus, it stirred up the Pharasees and they went immediately to Caiaphas.  He responded in the following way, without realizing  he was predicting precisely what would happen in the next few days.

John 11:49-53       But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all.  Nor do you understand that it is better for you that one man should die for the people, not that the whole nation should perish.”  He did not say this of his own accord, but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation,  and not for the nation only, but also to gather into one the children of God who are scattered abroad.  So from that day on they made plans to put him to death.

Jesus was becoming a threat to everything the Jews believed in.  He was a rabble rouser just like John, the Baptist.  He had to be stopped. The wheels were set in motion.  The betrayer would lead them to the accused, a mock trial would be rigged, an innocent victim would die for the people.

Isn’t it amazing how God uses even His enemies to complete His work?  Jesus died to obtain freedom for the entire world – freedom from sin and guilt.

ONE MAN DIED FOR ALL! 

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ANNAS, THE HIGH PRIEST

Posted on March 4, 2016 by atimetoshare.me

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At the time of Jesus’ unjust arrest, Annas was no longer the acting high priest of Judaea.  He had originally been appointed by Quirinius for the position, when the Romans took over rule of the Jews.  He served  for ten years, but was considered equal with his son-in-law Caiphas, even though he no longer held the title.  The Jews venerated their priests no matter who was in control at the time.

He was of the Sadducean aristocracy.  He was extremely wealthy and much of that wealth came from the sale of animal sacrifices to be used at the temple.  Booths were set up where the average person could pay their way to forgiveness. We all know how upset  Jesus was when entered the temple area and saw how it had been turned into a den of thieves.  His indignation was righteous, but the fact that He voiced His feelings in such a way, must have turned the Sadducees against Him immediately.  He was, after all, threatening their lucrative business and livelihood.

As Annas questioned Jesus, he asked Him about the number of followers Jesus had, in order to determine if what had been said was true – that the whole world was following Him. Jesus asked for witnesses to be brought forward in His defense.He also asked Jesus about His teachings – in hopes of having Him incriminate Himself as a false prophet or blasphemer.  Jesus responds in quiet dignity, which really infuriates and confuses Annas.  No one has ever stood so boldly against him.

At the same time as this initial interrogation was being held inside, Peter was in the courtyard, denying ever knowing His beloved Jesus – just as Jesus had predicted he would.

Are we like this sometimes too?  We have so many opportunities to witness for Jesus and  fear doing so.

 

 

 

 

 

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PRAY

Posted on March 3, 2016 by atimetoshare.me

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Romans 8:26 …. “We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.”

My prayer list seems to get longer every day. The words of the above passage give me confidence that even when I can’t find the right words, or if I go to sleep before I’ve brought all my requests to Him, His Spirit will intercede in a way only known to God Himself.The Spirit and the Son’s intervention give me a direct line to the Father. When we pray for God’s will to be done, we are leaving ourselves out of the equation and letting God do what He does best. What a blessing!

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YOU LOVE ME, A SINNER

Posted on March 3, 2016 by atimetoshare.me

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Original art by Paul T. Boecher©

You beckon me before your throne.  I have no plea to give.

My sins are far too many.  I don’t deserve to live,

But still you call to me.  You tell me it’s all right,

You promise that you’ve carried me from darkness into light.

You gave your only Son to wash away my sin,

I don’t deserve this love that you have placed so deep within,

My soul is cleansed and free.  You’ve done that with your love.

I now can look into your eyes when we meet up above.

 

How can I thank you, Lord, for all you’ve done for me,

I once was lost, but now am found.  You set my spirit free.

I praise your Holy name, my brother and my friend,

For giving me perfection and life without an end.

KATHY BOECHER©

 

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WRINKLES

Posted on March 2, 2016 by atimetoshare.me

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Originally posted on atimetoshare.me 2/17/15whimsical_shakespeare_happiness_quote_art_print-rb8802197470e41508463dd8f49c8f6b5_jmf_8byvr_512

Each day seems to etch a new line onto my face.  With all the junk going on in the world it’s enough to make one look like a prune.  I prefer to refer to my wrinkles as laugh lines, because that’s what most of them were caused by.  I’ve always been good for a laugh.  I love funny jokes, I prefer comedy over drama and the sound of laughter is delightful to me.

There are days when we just have to laugh at our circumstances.  Not every day is going to be perfect.  We aren’t always going to be happy.  All our dreams may never be accomplished.  I suppose we could just pack it all up and throw in the towel.  A lot of folks do just that.  They give up!

God doesn’t want that from us.  He wants us to be refined by our troubles – to be crafted into a fine masterpiece.  Some of us will be polished and smoothed while others will be shriveled and beaten up, but the point is that He’s constantly working us – smoothing out the creases, straightening the path we walk, and making even the ruts and bumps along the way.  I expect that all my wrinkles will be gone when I get to heaven, but then no one would recognize me.  I guess it doesn’t matter what I look like as long as I have an eternity to spend in a perfect place.

Life can beat us up or lift us up.  It’s our choice.  As for me, I’m happy to have the ability to laugh – even at myself.  Think of the alternative.

Proverbs 17:22  A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

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GUIDE MY WAY, LORD

Posted on March 2, 2016 by atimetoshare.me

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ORIGINAL ART BY PAUL T. BOECHER©

 

With every passing day, I feel you close beside me.

You watch each step I take, and perfectly you guide me.

And when my feet should stray – when things get in my way –

You pick me up and carry me through each and every day.

Temptations all around – distracting and confusing,

The world deters my thoughts, but through it you are using,

My simple mind, my childlike faith, my heart, my soul, my all,

To share your love with others – to hear your righteous call.

My life is just a breath, but it will never end.

You’ve given up your life for me.  You are my dearest friend.

KATHY BOECHER©

 

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RANDOM THOUGHT – TRANSITION

Posted on February 29, 2016 by atimetoshare.me

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Original art by Paul T. Boecher©

We all go through times of transition throughout our lives.  Isn’t it good to know that we have the Creator of the Universe leading us to that new destination – beside us to support us through it – and behind us, urging us on?

Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

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WHO DO YOU TRUST?

Posted on February 29, 2016 by atimetoshare.me

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Have we become a nation of skeptics? How many of us really trust our government?  In the past few decades, I’ve seen a once strong nation, with strong patriotic and moral values, succumb to the lies of career politicians, stand back and let the government do what they don’t want to do, and grow dependent on that same governing body.

Lately, there’s been so much distrust in our government, that the entire system is being turned upside down and those who hold public office are deeply in the pockets of special interest groups.  Those elected to protect our nation, lead it and prosper it have instead become rock stars and idols for the American people to blindly adore.

We admire those who can make the most outrageous statements.  We look up to those who laugh at our system of government.  We become enraged when a politician becomes entangled in criminal or sinful activity, but still, when election day comes,  many will vote for that same candidate.

In the midst of the ugliness of politics as usual, maybe it’s time to look to God’s Word for answers.  He’s the One who instituted government for the benefit of order among His people.  He isn’t the One who corrupted it.  That job was easily handled by humanity,  greed, disobedience, egotism  and lack of faith.

It’s still a process we go through every four years.  We endure debates where candidates tear each other apart.  We’re submitted to countless negative advertisements.  Often we simply give up, because the choices are all tainted in one way or another.  We still have a voice when it comes to electing our governing officials, unless, of course, the elections are rigged.

The only One we can trust is our God – our true King – the Creator of all things.

“Can wicked rulers be allied with you, those who frame injustice by statute?
 They band together against the life of the righteous and condemn the innocent to death. But the Lord has become my stronghold, and my God the rock of my refuge.”

Psalm 94:20-22

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RANDOM THOUGHT – HUMILITY

Posted on February 27, 2016 by atimetoshare.me

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ORIGINAL ART BY PAUL T. BOECHER© Statue of St. Francis of Assisi in the St. Paul Conservatory – Como Park, St. Paul, MN

Humility can only be accomplished by letting go of everything and turning to God for His steady hand.  Teaching humility to our children through example will give them a lifetime of peace.

“Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 7Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” 1 Peter 5:5-7

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GOD WITH US!

Posted on February 26, 2016 by atimetoshare.me

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My mind overflowed with memories.  There was day when I was first approached by the
Angel of the Lord.  “The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.”

I didn’t understand.  How could this be?  I had never been with a man, but I was chosen by God to be the vessel for His son – the promised Messiah.  Still I was fearful of what my future husband, Joseph, would think of me. How would I explain such an unnatural pregnancy to my family? Why was I the one chosen to do this?

I struggled at first with these thoughts, but then realized that it had to be this way so that God could  take on human flesh, become just like us only without sin, and be the perfect sacrifice to take away the sin of the world.  I accepted God’s will and knew that everything would be all right.

The pieces were beginning to fall into place.  As Jesus taught from the Mount of Olives – the final resting place for so many of our people – the power of his words were taking hold of  many hearts.  His message healed hearts as well as bodies.

His love for everyone was apparent.  He didn’t discriminate against Jew or Gentile, the elderly or the young, the sick, the poor or the rich.  He healed many of their physical and emotional ailments. The love of God emanated from his voice.  It was God’s voice.  I now realized that the name Immanuel truly did mean, God with us.

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RANDOM THOUGHT – MOTION

Posted on February 26, 2016 by atimetoshare.me

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Original Art by Paul T. Boecher©

When the earth was perfectly formed, God was there in the action.  When mankind disobeyed God, they couldn’t hide from Him.  When He determined the payment for sin, He was the one  who provided an answer.  Mercy can be defined as compassion in motion.  God loves us so much, that He provided a way out.  He paid the price Himself..  Once paid, He promised to be with us always, even unto eternity.  I would call that true compassion in motion..

 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”  John 3:16

 

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MIRACLES

Posted on February 25, 2016 by atimetoshare.me

 

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Miracles don’t happen every day, but my boy was proving that to be wrong.  He took a small amount of food and turned it into enough to feed five thousand – and that didn’t even include the women and children.  There were even leftovers.  It reminded me of the stories of my youth –  how God always provided for His  people as they roamed the desert after being enslaved in Egypt.

He walked on top of the sea which He’d earlier calmed with His own hand.  He healed many from all kind of illness- physical and spiritual – even calling out demons that possessed those who had lost track of God.

As He ministered to the growing crowds, He received word that His dear friend, Lazarus was ill.  He was summoned by Lazarus’ two sisters, Mary and Martha to Bethany, but didn’t go right away.  I know He had a special bond with this family, but He waited until the body was in the grave for four days.  I didn’t understand at first, but I was sure He had a reason.

When He arrived, He wept over His friend’s death.  His emotion was a natural human response, but His actions showed His divine power over it.  On that day, He called out to His friend to come forth and Lazarus did.  He was alive!

Word spread like wild fire and soon reached the spiritual leaders.  It was just the ammunition they needed to use against Jesus.  They even plotted to kill Lazarus, who had now become an eye witness to the power behind this astounding miracle.

Those same leaders began to hatch a plan to actively pursue my son and put an end to His ministry and His life.  As His mother, nothing could prepare me for what was to come.

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RANDOM THOUGHT – CLARITY

Posted on February 24, 2016 by atimetoshare.me

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ORIGINAL ART BY PAUL T. BOECHER©

Psalm 119:130 “The unfolding of Your words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple.”

Some days become so diluted  with every facet of living, that we forget what it all means.  God allows us to sweep away the cobwebs of confusion and clear our vision with the simplicity of His Holy Word.  When we allow His Spirit to work in us, it’s no longer difficult to understand.  His Word is truth – pure and simple.  Our task is simply to believe it.  It isn’t complicated!

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