Do We Accept Him and Then Reject Him?

The following was written by my husband, Larry Tate. I was looking into my old devotion file and came across it. I don't think I could share anything better. Here is what he wrote:

"When Jesus walked this earth, multitudes of people accepted Him. Many of them accepted Him for selfish reasons. They thought He was going to set up an earthly kingdom. If He did, the people would get out from under Roman rule and they also followed Him because of the healings they were receiving.

All too often, even His disciples were looking for personal gain. James and John asked if they could sit at His right and His left when He set up His kingdom.

Near the end of His ministry, when He entered the city of Jerusalem, He was accompanied by a multitude of followers. Where were they when He was put on trial? Where were they when He was crucified?

When the multitude of followers realized that He was not setting up an earthly kingdom: when they realized that they weren't going to get a lot of personal gain: they scattered like the wind.

They only accepted Him, only to turn around and reject Him.

Today, by the millions, we are drawn to Him. We accept Him. We become born again. Then, we expect Him to lead us, guide us, prosper us, heal us, do battle for us, and impart wisdom upon us. Are we looking on Him as we would a genie in a bottle? Too many of us are just like the multitudes who followed Him saying, "What's in it for me"

We are His disciples. Jesus said that we would be known as His disciples if we love one another as He loved us (John 13:34-35). Well, how exactly did He love us? His love goes way beyound the commandmenmt of loving our neighbor as ourselves. He loved us so much that He gave His life for us. He cared for us more than He cared for Himself. He expects us to be driven by concern for our neighbor's salvation and well-being: not by what He can do for us.

If we don't love our neighbor as He loved us, are we rejecting Him just as the multitudes did when He was crucified?

Let's not force history to repeat itself."

Grandma Time

I drove to Dallas today for a Grand-ma fix. I was really missing the grandsons. Travis is 8 years old and Joey is 5. It seems just yesterday when they were born.

It's amazing how the very first time you see them, you are instantly in love. There is nothing like grandchildren. Everything they do and say is a miracle. God knew what he was doing when he made grandkids.

When our children were born, we were still children ourselves. We grew up with them. When the grandchildren arrive, you are able to enjoy every step they take, every word they say, and laugh at the funny things they do. You are not responsible for their food, clothing or education. You just get to enjoy them.

Then we found out we have another on the way. The baby is due April 9th, 2009. We do not know if it is a boy or girl. We are praying for a healthy baby and an easy delivery. (P.S. Can't wait to find out the sex)

I am so thankful for the family that I have. We have a wonderful daughter and son and we are so proud of them both. God has been good to us!

Where is the sunshine?

It is the second day of rain and the weather man says 3 more days. I saw on the local news that alot of people have trouble with depression on cloudy days. I am so thankful that I do not have that problem. I enjoy all types of weather.

For me, a rainy day is a time to stop and spend time in God's Word, e-mail my friends, work on recipes and clean out closets. I think we need to take each day and be thankful that we are alive and well. I know, myself, sometimes we get so self-centered and think the world revolves around us...but here is the bad news...it doesn't. I wonder how many people there are out there that do not have enough food to eat today, or even have a bed to lay down on.

I hope I never get so caught up in "this world" that I do not take the time to think and pray for others. I am so blessed and who cares if it is raining? It's another wonderful day!