The Pure Example

Barb Hofer – It’s wonderful to be here at convention today. Glad to have time with you before convention because now I can recognize some of you. John 13:3, “…the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him;” first it was a thought, and then it was put in the heart of Judas. V27 Satan entered into him and he betrayed Jesus. He sold Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. He put not much value to Jesus. Then he went out and it was night. A very dark experience for Judas and it cost him his soul. It just started with the thought. We can’t control the thoughts from coming but we can control what we want to stay. Judas was having fellowship with those who want to kill Jesus. He was sitting in the seat of the scornful; he was walking in the counsel of the ungodly, and standing in the way of sinners. And because of this, Satan was able to use Judas. Satan is a manipulator. He wants to change our outlook as he wants to control its outcome. Peter didn’t entertain the thought of denying Jesus. He had a strong purpose. He learned his lesson. We can’t trust our weak human nature. He denied knowing Jesus – in his day, to be associated with Jesus means death. We were singing, “Hearts it is the world requires. Not afraid of death or danger.” I’m thankful for experiences that God shows me how weak my nature is and not to trust in myself. Jesus said to Peter, “I prayed that thy faith fail not and when thou art restored strengthen thy brethren.” If we trust in our human nature we are in slippery places, just like Peter and Satan wants to manipulate him. But we are thankful for Jesus ‘prayer and His intercession for us; for His cleansing power from wrong thoughts. Ps 73:1-5, Song of Asaph. We are walking on slippery ground when we are looking at somebody else’ feet and looking at the wicked. All they wanted were granted. He was envious of their prosperity even when they don’t serve God. Until he went into the sanctuary and this was after he went into the presence of God. His outlook was changed. Our feet go were our thoughts are. Satan wants to manipulate his thoughts. Satan wants to control the outcome of our lives. Thankful for our Up look as it changes our outlook. Convention helps us to see again. Jesus’ feet stood firm on redemption ground. He walked through life doing his Father’s will, “Father as thou wilt and not mine.” Satan wanted to manipulate Jesus’ thoughts so he can control the outcome. Jesus set his face as flint. He would not let Satan have part. So we could have the forgiveness and cleansing from his blood and our feet can stand firm on redemption ground. After the resurrection, He showed himself to his disciples. He was walking on redemption ground. We can look on his pure example and he is safe to follow. He will not lead us to slippery ground. Stay close to Jesus. It will help the thoughts in your minds. When we think the right thoughts our feet will walk the right path.

 S. Leyte Convention - March 28, 2015