Embrace Betrayal as a Friend

According to my understanding of the following scriptures, Judas was one of two betrayal relationships Jesus carried while he ministered in person on Earth.

The other betrayer was never mentioned by name but only referenced as "the disciple whom Jesus loved"

The underlining principle of embracing betrayal as a natural aspect of leading a healthy organization is covertly evident in these passages.  John 21:18-19; John 13:14-30; Matthew 27:1-11; John 21:15-25; Psalm 41:9

I define betrayal as a good idea or person that knowingly or unknowingly exposes an organization, a group, and/or a person to danger.  Fear of embracing betrayal limits the power and influence the Holy Spirit has on an organization.

It is important to note that not all danger leads to harm.  Those that walk in the Spirit understand "...that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose  - Romans 8:28



To him who has an ear let him hear:

18 Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” 19 Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”

 - John 21:18-19 New International Version (NIV)





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Martin A. Briggs

My Physical Appearance and why God loves me Just the Way I Am

When I initially saw this image I was immediately disappointed by my 'aging' appearance.  Then the Lord spoke to me and remind me of how much he loves me just the way I am.

 I find it interesting that of all the miracles Jesus performed he never addressed cosmetic concerns. I believe God granted Jesus unlimited power to perform any miracle he wanted.  Yet during Christ's three-year ministry did he ever address physical appearance?  For example, Jesus never made someone taller, younger, thinner, or any other variable that we would consider making us physically attractive.

The Lord only healed enough to restore a person to normal function.  I do not recall any biblical testimonies that after a person was healed that their physical appearance was enhanced.  No one ever claimed someone looked younger or better after Jesus healed them.

In conclusion, I realized this morning these two facts.  First that God loves the way I look just as I am.  Last that God loves my appearance all the same throughout my entire lifespan.

Our Father God created us to with timestamps of when to be born, how long we are to live, to die, and ultimately enter the afterlife.

As we move through those phases our appearance changes.  What was once new becomes old.  What is old will die, and what dies gives birth to new life.  Jesus only sees beauty in our appearance as we progress through all five stages.

I choose to embrace my body as it advances through the aging process.  I love my appearance as it is and as it shifts through time.  Thank you, Jesus my love for accepting my body, my face, my entire appearance as I am as I age and as I walk closer to your eternal glory.

enclosure 
Martin A. Briggs