Acts 9

"Acts 1: Baptized With The Holy Spirit"

April 18, 2023

Good morning, Lord Jesus. I worship You and welcome You into my heart and into my day -- Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. ...

"While staying with them, He ordered them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait there for the promise of the Father. 'This,' He said, 'is what you have heard from Me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.... You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth' " (Acts 1:4-8).

Lord Jesus, just before You ascended to Heaven from the Mount of Olives with all your disciples looking into the sky, You told them to wait for the promise of the Father, for the coming of the Holy Spirit. They knew You personally in their relationship of faith and they believed in Your resurrection as the Son of God. But there was more. You commanded them to wait for more.

They were never meant to go to work for the kingdom of God in their witness of faith without the power of the kingdom of God at work within them. Though they had great faith, though they had a personal relationship with You as Lord and Savior, You told them they needed more. You told them they needed to wait. They needed to wait to be empowered by Your Holy Spirit, to be baptized, saturated, immersed, and filled to overflowing with Your Holy Spirit. You said, "See, I am sending upon you what My Father promised; so stay here in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high" (Luke 24:49).

Your first disciples were to wait with hungry hearts and expectant faith for their baptism with Your Holy Spirit. And so are we. We need You and we need Your power at work within us to be Your witnesses wherever You send us -- whether across the street or to the ends of the earth. We need to be baptized, saturated, immersed, and filled to overflowing with Your Holy Spirit, clothed with Your power from on high. We are to be the body of Christ, filled with the Spirit of Christ, continuing the ministry of Christ in this hurting, broken, and fallen world.

So as we Embrace The resurrection of Jesus and move towards Pentecost Sunday in May, let us open wide our hearts every day for the coming of Your Holy Spirit. Baptize me in Your Holy Spirit, Lord Jesus. I embrace Your promise, my Heavenly Father. Come, Holy Spirit of the Living God. Baptize me afresh today and everyday with Your power from on high. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

My family,I pray you will embrace the promise of the Father and be baptized with the Holy Spirit to be empowered to be a witness of Jesus everywhere He sends you each day, in Jesus' name. Please pray the same for me. God bless you, my friends!

Asbegin our 28 Days reading through Acts and praying together by reading Acts chapter 1, here are some thoughts to pray on:

Pray over and into your personal, and church’s collective "Baptism of the Holy Spirit." v.5
Pray into the the power each of you received by the Holy Spirit in your baptism. v.8
Pray over your personal and our collective call as a church to witness to your community, the surrounding communities, our state and country, and unto the nations.v. 8
Pray for the return of Jesus. v.11
Pray that every member of your church will take seriously and embrace this call to pray and fast, and we will seek with one mind God's anointing and calling on us. v.14
Pray over your personal call to be a witness to the resurrection of Jesus. v.22
Pray over the leadership role in your church God is calling you to take up and step up into. v. 24
Pray over your commitment to embrace the 5 items I listed in yesterday’s post.

Please share your reflections and prayers on my blog in the comment box below.

Gary Liederbach- Lead Follower

One Direction Community

Email: garyl@onedirection.community

Website: https://www.onedirection.community

Facebook: One Direction Community-ODC

Help Me Help Others Out Of Their Graves!

I could use your financial support for One Direction Community, my family, and those on the margins God has placed in my path I refuse to walk around. Please commitment to partner and support myself and One Direction community through setting up a monthly donation or a one –time gift by clicking the link below. Donation checks can be made out to ODC, PO Box 1293 Madison, Al 35758. Thank You! Thank You!

28 Days of Acts

April 17, 2023

Tomorrow, I would like us to begin a time reading through Luke’s book of The Acts of the Apostles. As we move on in our celebration and living out the hope of Easter, I would like us to use this time in Acts as a community a spend 28 days of prayer and fasting over the resurrection and revival of the Church in the World, our individual churches that are part of the body of Christ, and each of us as its members.

I am asking all of us as a church, as a family, as a community of faith to come together as we begin pray over a new revelation, a new manifestation of Jesus into the vision and ministries of our churches and our lives. I would like us to dedicate ourselves to pouring ourselves into his word and prayer as we seek God’s will and direction for our lives. To aid us in this I am asking us to commit to one another and join together in these 5 things:

1. Starting, tomorrow: There are 28 chapters in Acts of Apostles, so we will read one chapter a each weekday for the next 28 weekdays.

2. If you and not in a Band group, start up or join one. A band group is the Wesleyan name for accountability groups of 2-3 people of the same sex that meet weekly. We need to both encourage and hold each other accountable to time in the Word, Prayer, and our daily walk with Christ and to discern what we hear Christ speaking into our lives.. Do not delay, pray to God who to ask you which one or two persons to invite to join you, and do it. Ne excuses, no delays.

3. Set aside just one hour a week (you can do more than one) away from distractions and spend that hour in solid prayer.

4. Fast one day a week in prayer.

5. Daily Lunch + prayer: Everyday when you sit down to lunch, you pray over your meal. After your prayer over the meal, add a 30 second prayer over yourself and your church and its ministries for God’s vision and leading.

I pray your will join in covenant with each other in these 5 things. I desire us to see and be part of amazing transformation of our lives, our churches, and those in our community. This is God’s desire as well. I Lead a 9 week training called Discipleship 101 for churches and groups. It is an intimate and deep time of reflecting as a church on what are call to discipleship looks like and it can help your church as you refocus on what your mission and ministry together.

If you have any questions or comments, please get with me and I would be more than happy to discuss them with you.

Intro to Acts:

The Book of The Acts of the Apostles, or as commonly simply called “Acts” picks up where Luke’s Gospel leaves off, recording the birth of The Church and the early progress of the gospel as Jesus’ disciples took it from Jerusalem throughout Judea, Samaria, and the rest of the Mediterranean world. The story begins with Christ’s ascension and the events of Pentecost. As Gentiles begin responding to the gospel, the focus shifts to Paul and his missionary journeys. Acts forms a bridge between the four Gospels and the rest of the New Testament, showing how the apostles carried on Christ’s work and providing a historical background for Romans through Revelation. The Acts of the Apostles is the second of two New Testament books written by Luke. Like his Gospel, Acts was a letter to Luke’s friend Theophilus, written sometime in a.d. 62–64.

Tomorrow, (Tues) we will begin and read Acts chapter 1. Some thoughts to pray on:

Pray, as we begin this time together, that each of us individually and as a church will seriously commit to devote time to reading and praying through Acts to understand what God wants us as a church to fulfill.

I want this to be as much a community reflection time together as possible. So please share your reflections, thoughts and new revelations Jesus is speaking to youwith each other in the comments box below.

Gary Liederbach

Lead Follower

One Direction Community

Email: garyl@onedirection.community

Website: https://www.onedirection.community

Facebook: One Direction Community-ODC

Please support and partner with my self and my family as we serve those God crosses our path with in our community with your one-time or monthly financial gift by clicking link below.

"Simply Jesus"

April 14, 2023

Good morning, Lord Jesus. I begin this day "looking to Jesus" -- "the Author and Finisher of (my) faith" (Hebrews 12:2). ...

As I begin my prayer this morning, this simple prayer is rising up in my heart -- "Jesus."

This simple name, but powerful name, that is above every name is rising up in my heart -- "Jesus."

The Word of God that comes to mind is this: "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved" (Acts 2:21 and Romans 10:13).

Through your death and resurrection we celebrated at Easter we were saved. To be "saved" is to have eternal life in You. But to be "saved" is also to have the fullness of Your life in us now. I've taught many times of all the Scriptures that speak of the fullness of Your salvation in every area of our lives through the power of Your name -- eternal life, healing, deliverance, freedom from all that would hold us back from being all we're created to be, released from every burden that would weigh us down, forgiveness of every sin that entangle us and trip us up. I have preached this on Sundays. But this morning, I don't sense the desire to teach or to preach as much as I desire to simply pray Your name over everything in my life and my world -- "Jesus.". Claim and pray these prayers out loud along with me.

For those that lost their lives in mass shootings and for their families, friends and communities effected by the shooting, I pray -- "Jesus."

For our teachers, police officers, fire fighters, nurses, and all those who serve our community and protection over their families, I pray— “Jesus.”

For Godly wisdom for all our leaders nationally, locally and everyone around the world making critical decisions that the lives of others, I pray -- "Jesus."

For the need of world-wide repentance and return, of world-wide surrender and trust, of world-wide revival and awakening, through the only One who is the Answer to all our questions, the Source of all our needs, and the Savior of all our world, I pray -- "Jesus."

For our youth and children and parents who raise them, I pray-”Jesus.”

For all our churches, the Brides of Christ that they may be faithful as Jesus plan A to redeem the world, and there is no plan B, I pray “Jesus.”

For forgiveness of our sins, for healing of our wounds, for freedom from our bondage, for overcoming of our fears, for clarity of our thoughts, for purity of our hearts, for transformation of souls and every area of our lives, I pray "Jesus."

For those who do not simple know Jesus: family members, friends, co-workers, classmates, neighbors and unto the nations, I pray “Jesus.”

I pray Your name. I speak Your name. I call on Your name. "Jesus."

For Yours is "the name that is above every name" (Philippians 2:9). "For there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12). For "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved" (Acts 2:21 and Romans 10:13).

So I Join with all those who humble their hearts and bow their knees to turn to You and call on Your name in this simple and powerful prayer -- "Jesus."

It's my prayer and my proclamation -- "Jesus." Around the world and in every area of our lives, let it be our prayer and our proclamation together -- "Jesus." For there is power in the name of Jesus. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

My family, may you be filled a deep peace as you pray the name of Jesus, as you speak out loud and proclaim the name of Jesus over all that's on your heart and comes to your mind in agreement with me and all who will call on His name, in Jesus' name. Please pray the same for me. God bless you, my friends!

Please share your reflections and prayers on my blog in the comment box below.

Gary Liederbach- Lead Follower

One Direction Community

Email: garyl@onedirection.community

Website: https://www.onedirection.community

Facebook: One Direction Community-ODC

Help Me Help Others Out Of Their Graves!

I could use your financial support for One Direction Community, my family, and those on the margins God has placed in my path I refuse to walk around. Please commitment to partner and support myself and One Direction community through setting up a monthly donation or a one –time gift by clicking the link below. Donation checks can be made out to ODC, PO Box 1293 Madison, Al 35758. Thank You!Thank You!

"The One Who Had Died Came Out"

April 13, 2023

Good morning Jesus, speak to me your servant is listening.

“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live even if he dies, and the one who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26).

John 11:1-44 contains one of the most powerful and amazing stories in the Bible. If you read this story and you are not moved to fall on your knees and praise Jesus as you are confronted with the reality of who He is then you are either already dead or an unbeliever. The story of the raising of Lazarus from the dead.

Most Christian’s general understanding of the resurrection at the last day when they die is inadequate. For the gift of life that conquers death is a present reality to Jesus so it is a present reality to all Christians today. This is consistent with the author John’s perspective on eternal life in his Gospel: It is not just a future reality, but something to be experienced in the present as well. It is the "realized eschatology" of the Fourth Gospel

The present condition of life for humanity was the focus of Jesus in these passages in John and is His focus for our life today. Verse 35 states, Jesus wept.” The context for the weeping is triggered by the thought of Lazarus in the tomb. This was not personal grief over the loss of a friend since Lazarus was about to be restored to life, but grief over the effects of sin, death, and the realm of Satan. And it grieves Jesus over the effects of sin, death, and the realm of Satan in our world today. It is also possible that Jesus wept at the tomb of Lazarus because he knew there was also a tomb for himself ahead.

“Jesus looked upward and said, “Father, I thank you that you have listened to me. I knew that you always listen to me, but I said this for the sake of the crowd standing around here, that they may believe that you sent me.” “When he had said this, he shouted in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The one who had died came out,” (vs. 41-43) The reason Jesus shouted out loud is so the people around Him would hear Him and believe in Him and receive through belief the gift that conquers death, sin and Satan today!

You who have come to Christ by faith have received this gift. When was the last time you mourned or were moved to tears by the condition and effects of sin, death and the evils of Satan in the world, or more importantly your community? When was the last time you wept like Jesus did over Lazarus, over those who are lost and do not know Jesus and are in an eternal tomb of death and sin separated from Jesus? Again, as the example given by Jesus, When was the last time you were moved by what you saw, then prayed to God and thanks Him that He always hears your prayers and is always with you, then go into your neighborhood, your work place, your classrooms and shout so those lost can hear the saving Gospel of grace in Jesus? Jesus had personal knowledge of His identity and who He was as The Son. However His personal knowledge whoHe is would not have impacted or raised Lazarus from the dead if He did not share that knowledge. As I stated yesterday, your personal knowledge that you are saved and your identity is now as a daughter or son of the Father also has no impact or effect on those dead in sin around you unless you share it.

My family, As we continue in the celebration of the raising of Christ from the dead to free us from sin and death, I pray that after reading this story in John your heart will be drawn to mourn for the effects of sin and evil in your community and weep for the names that come into your mind that don’t know Jesus. That you will pray and thank God that He hears you and that nothing can separate you from His love in Christ Jesus, and then you walk out your door or pick up your phone and share out loud with others so they can hear about Jesus through you and step out or whatever dark tomb they find themselves in into the light and life of Christ, in Jesus’ name. Please pray the same for me. God bless you my friends!

Please share your reflections and prayers on my blog in the comment box below.

Gary Liederbach- Lead Follower

One Direction Community

Email: garyl@onedirection.community

Website: https://www.onedirection.community

Facebook: One Direction Community-ODC

Help Me Help Others Out Of Their Graves!

I could use your financial support for One Direction Community, my family, and those on the margins God has placed in my path I refuse to walk around. Please commitment to partner and support myself and One Direction community through setting up a monthly donation or a one –time gift by clicking the link below. Donation checks can be made out to ODC, PO Box 1293 Madison, Al 35758. Thank You!Thank You!

"Jesus Has Risen!"

April 10, 2023

Good morning, Lord Jesus. You are the resurrection and the life. Come alive and arise in me today and every day.

"Jesus said to her, "I AM the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in Me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?' She said to Him, 'Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Messiah, the Son of God, the One coming into the world'" (John 11:25-27).

Yesterday we celebrated Resurrection Sunday. As I begin my work week I say to You, like Mary and the followers of Jesus throughout the ages, "Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Messiah, the Son of God, the One coming into the world." You ar “The Way, The truth, and the life.” You're the One who's come into my world and into my heart to change my life and my world around me in the glory of Your name and the power of Your love.

My heavenly Father, fill me afresh with the Spirit of Christ, with resurrection power. "If the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in (me), He who raised Christ from the dead will give life to (my) mortal body also through His Spirit that dwells in (me)!" (Romans 8:11) So I welcome Your Word and Your Spirit to come alive and arise in me today and every day. Let it be my joy to share with others the good news and grace of my resurrected Lord that can change their life as well.

For forty days we journeyed through Lent in solemn reflection and preparation for the celebration of your resurrection. Let all this time of preparation not end after only one day of celebration! May we continue celebrating, rejoicing and partying for the same forty days! May we be inviting people over for dinners, feasting, and toasting to Jesus and the hope and Joy He has ushered into our lives. In Jesus' name pray. Amen.

My family, I pray you are filled afresh with the Spirit of Christ, coming alive and arising in you this day and every day. I pray you continue to share and celebrate our cry, “The Lord has risen indeed, Alleluia!” in your conversations at home, work, school, and gatherings throughout this week, in Jesus' name! Please pray the same for me. God bless you, my friends!

Please share your thoughts and reflections in the comment box below.

Gary Liederbach- Lead Follower

One Direction Community

Email: garyl@onedirection.community

Website: https://www.onedirection.community

Facebook: One Direction Community-ODC

I could use your financial support for One Direction Community, my family, and those on the margins God has placed in my path I refuse to walk around. Please partner and support myself and One Direction community through setting up a monthly donation or a one –time gift by clicking the link below. Donation checks can be made out to ODC, PO Box 1293 Madison, Al 35758.

Thank You!

Change of Venue Tonight!

April 7, 2023

CHANGE OF VENUE AND TIME OF GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE TONIGHT!

For the last 9 years we have held our Good Friday service and Stations of the Cross meditation outdoors at Indian Creek Greenway Park. Unfortunately, the weather will not allow us to have an outdoor service tonight. So we will be moving it indoors and it will be held in the community center on Cathedral Drive in Madison off of Hughes Road. And since we do not have to worry about daylight we are pushing the service starting time back to 6:30pm. All are welcomed to attend. I join with you today as we pray and reflect on the unimaginable love and unimaginable suffering Jesus went through today on our behalf.

Much love!

Gary

WHAT: Good Friday Service and Stations Of The Cross Meditation

WHEN: 6:30pm

WHERE: 1310 Cathedral Circle, Madison, Al.

Good Friday

April 7, 2023

”After this Jesus, realizing that by this time everything was completed, said (in order to fulfill the scripture), “I am thirsty!” A jar full of sour wine was there, so they put a sponge soaked in sour wine on a branch of hyssop and lifted it to his mouth. When he had received the sour wine, Jesus said, “It is completed!” Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

Today is Good Friday, the day we remember the Passion (suffering) of Christ: His betrayal, trial, scourging, crucifixion, and burial. “ (John 19:28-30))

Lord have mercy, Christ have mercy, Lord have mercy.

"Then they brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means the place of a skull).... And they crucified him.... When it was noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. At three o'clock Jesus cried out with a loud voice, 'Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?' which means, 'My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?'... Then Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed His last. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. Now when the centurion, who stood facing Him, saw that in this way He breathed His last, he said, 'Truly this man was the Son of God!" (Mark 15:22-39)

We truly have no idea of the suffering You endured for each one of us. For as much as we can take at a time, we begin to imagine the physical suffering and the emotional suffering, as You hung naked and rejected by the nails driven into Your hands and feet, gasping for breath and dripping with blood from Your shredded skin and nerves. And we can't even begin to comprehend the spiritual suffering You endured as the One who knew no sin became sin on our behalf, when You willingly took upon Yourself all the sins of the world (2 Corinthians 5:21).

In that moment, bearing the full weight of our sins, the full weight of my sins, You were forsaken by the Father and separated from the holiness of God, so that we would never have to be forsaken. In unimaginable anguish of spirit, You cried out to the Father in the most heart-wrenching cry of all eternity, as the Lamb of God took away the sins of the world by taking them on to Yourself in the passion of the cross, determined before the foundation of the world and prophesied long before the coming of that day (Psalm 22; Isaiah 53).

Carrying our sins, You descended into hell on our behalf to break the power of hell over our lives (Acts 2:31; 1 Peter 3:18-22 and 4:6). But hell couldn't hold You because Satan had nothing in You and no power over You (John 14:30). "Through death, (You defeated) the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and freed those who all their lives were held in slavery by the fear of death" (Hebrews 2:14).

What an incomprehensible price You paid for each one of us. We may never fully comprehend for all eternity the depth of Your suffering for our sins so that we could dwell forever in the depths of Your love in the intimate presence of our holy God. But on this holy day, we stand amazed at the foot of the cross and in the Presence of God. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

My family, a family born out of the blood of the cross, I pray you take time on our Holy Week journey to the joy of celebrating the resurrection of Christ, pause today to think on the suffering of Jesus and be filled with knowledge of the truth of how much God loves you and suffered for you to always be with you. In Jesus' name. Please pray the same for me.

Today is the day more Christians fast in prayer than any other and I ask you to join in with them. Scripture tells us Jesus hung on the cross from the sixth thru the ninth hour, and on the ninth hour he died. That converts to 12:00pm-3:00pm for us today. Be in prayer today.

Please share you reflections on Good Friday throughout your day in the comment box below.

ALL ARE WELCOMED!

CHANGE OF VENUE AND TIME OF GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE TONIGHT!

For the last 9 years we have held our Good Friday service and Stations of the Cross meditation outdoors at Indian Creek Greenway Park. Unfortunately, the weather will not allow us to have an outdoor service tonight. So we will be moving it indoors and it will be held in the community center on Cathedral Drive in Madison off of Hughes Road. And since we do not have to worry about daylight we are pushing the service starting time back to 6:30pm. All are welcomed to attend. I join with you today as we pray and reflect on the unimaginable love and unimaginable suffering Jesus went through today on our behalf.

WHAT: Good Friday Service and Stations Of The Cross Meditation

WHEN: 6:30pm

WHERE: 1310 Cathedral Circle, Madison, Al.

Gary Liederbach- Lead Follower

One Direction Community

Email: garyl@onedirection.community

Website: https://www.onedirection.community

Facebook: One Direction Community-ODC

Help Me Help Others Out Of Their Graves!

I could use your financial support for One Direction Community, my family, and those on the margins God has placed in my path I refuse to walk around. Please commitment to partner and support myself and One Direction community through setting up a monthly donation or a one –time gift by clicking the link below. Donation checks can be made out to ODC, PO Box 1293 Madison, Al 35758. Thank You!

"So You are A King?"

April 6, 2023

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Good Shepherd, let me hear Your voice in my spirit, as I begin my day in the deep communion of contemplative prayer with You--embraced by my Father, centered in Christ, and filled with the Holy Spirit.

"Then Pilate entered the headquarters again, summoned Jesus, and asked Him, 'Are You the King of the Jews?' Jesus answered, 'Do you ask this on your own, or did others tell you about Me?' Pilate replied, 'I am not a Jew, am I? You own nation and the chief priests have handed You over to me. What have You done? Jesus answered, 'My kingdom is not from this world. If My kingdom were from this world, My followers would be fighting to keep Me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, My kingdom is not from here.' Pilate asked Him, 'So You are a king?' Jesus answered, 'You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to My voice'" (John 18:33-37).

Lord Jesus, Your kingdom is not of this world. Yours is the kingdom of heaven, the kingdom of God. Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. All authority in heaven and on earth has been give to You (Matthew 28:18). And Your name is "the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:9-11). You are "King of kings and Lord of lords" (Revelation 19:16). You reign forever and ever, "and of (Your) kingdom there shall be no end" (Luke 1:33 fulfilling Isaiah 9:7).

Today is the first of 3 days of remembrance that are at the heart of the Christian faith: Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday. We remember complete obedience, self-sacrice and suffering of love that demands all humanity to drop to its knees before You in praise. So King of kings, be King of my heart. Lord of lords, be Lord of my life. Your kingdom come, Your will be done, here in me and my domain, on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10). I claim you as my King this morning. King Jesus, come take Your throne of authority and power, of majesty and glory, in every area and every moment of my life. Come rule and reign in me, as I bow my knees and my heart, as I confess with my mouth and my actions that You are Lord to the glory of my Father. "Jesus Christ--He is Lord of all!" (Acts 10:36) In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

My Family, I pray you experience all the authority and power, the majesty and glory, of the One who is the King of kings and Lord of lords, the One who is the King of the kingdom of God and the Lord of all, in every area and every moment of your life, in Jesus' name! Please pray the same for me. God bless you, my friends!

Please share your reflections as well in the comment box below. Thank you!

I really want to encourage all of you to prioritize and set aside time to attend Holy Week services this week at your church. Whatever you do weekly on these evenings will be there next week. Don’t skip over to Easter. If your church does not have these services, seek out and visit another church for tonights and tomorrows services.

If you are in the Madison/Huntsville area, and your church does not have Holy Week services of Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, here is the list of services I will be leading and ALL our welcomed! For questions or more information please email me at garyl@onedirection.community. Or post it in comments box below.

Thursday, April 6, 6:30pm-8:00pm: Maundy Thursday Service: Maundy” comes from the Latin word “mandatum” meaning mandate or commandment. On his last night before his betrayal and arrest, Jesus washed the feet of his disciples In John’s Gospel and then gave them a new commandment to love one another as he had loved them (John 13:34). He instituted the Lord’s Supper in Mark, Matthew and Luke and the commandment to “Do this in remembrance of me.” Jesus in John’s Gospel also instituted the washing of feet. Service will be held at 135 Harpers Hop Drive, Madison Al.

Friday, April 7, 6:00pm-7:30pm, Good Friday Service: This service remembers God’s loving and redeeming the world through the passion and the saving works of the cross of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Gathering will be held outdoors at Indian Creek Greenway located in Creekwood Park off Slaughter Road in Madison just north of the Farrow Rd / Slaughter Rd intersection. 392 Harvest Wood Ct.Huntsville, AL 35806. We will be outside so dress appropriately for the weather that evening.

Gary Liederbach- Lead Follower

One Direction Community

Email: garyl@onedirection.community

Website: https://www.onedirection.community

Facebook: One Direction Community-ODC

Help Me Help Others Out Of Their Graves!

I could use your financial support for One Direction Community, my family, and those on the margins God has placed in my path I refuse to walk around. Please commitment to partner and support myself and One Direction community through setting up a monthly donation or a one –time gift by clicking the link below. Donation checks can be made out to ODC, PO Box 1293 Madison, Al 35758.

THANK YOU!

"Tear Open My Heart"

April 5, 2023

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Be high and lifted up, here in my heart and every moment of my day.

"Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus, 'Have You no answer? What is it that they testify against You?' But He was silent and did not answer. Again the high priest asked Him, 'Are You the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?' Jesus said, 'I AM; and 'you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Power,' and 'coming with the clouds of heaven'" (Mark 14:60-62)

You are the Messiah, the Christ, the One who is both Son of God and Son of man, the Word of God made human flesh like us, to walk among us and willingly lay down Your perfect and sinless life for us as the atoning sacrifice for all our sins that we might know You and live with You forever in the very presence of God. You are I AM (John 8:58; Exodus 3:14).

At that divine declaration, the high priest tore his garments in fleshly anger because he didn't believe. But Your Holy Spirit compels all who would hear and believe to tear our hearts in holy desperation to welcome You into them as Lord and Savior. "Yet even now, says the Lord, return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; rend your hearts and not your clothing. Return to the Lord, your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, and relents from punishing" (Joel 2:12-13).

Come into my heart, Lord Jesus. I tear it open to You today. Fill me afresh with Your Holy Spirit. Remind me of Your sacrifice that draws me into Your love. "For God in all His fullness was pleased to live in Christ, and through Him God reconciled everything to Himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ's blood on the cross.... As a result, He has brought (us) into His own presence, and (we) are holy and blameless as (we) stand before Him without a single fault. But (we) must continue to believe this truth and stand firmly in it" (Colossians 1:19-23).

By the grace of God, I'm a child of God, forgiven and free, through all You've done for me! "For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ" (2 Corinthians 5:21 NLT). Thank You, thank You, thank You Jesus! In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

My family, as the cross draws near of Good Friday, I pray you are moved by the Holy Spirit to tear open your hearts to Jesus, compelled by love and in holy desperation for Him. I pray you tear open your heart in ever-deeper surrender to the One who loves you and laid down His life for you, in Jesus' name! Please pray the same for me. God bless you, my friends!

Please share your thoughts and reflections in the comment box below.

Holy Week Services

IF you are in the Madison/Huntsville area, and your church does not have Holy Week services of Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, here is the list of services I will be leading and ALL our welcomed! For questions or more information please email me at garyl@onedirection.community. Or post it in comments box below.Holy Week Services

Thursday, April 6, 6:30pm-8:00pm: Maundy Thursday Service: Maundy” comes from the Latin word “mandatum” meaning mandate or commandment. On his last night before his betrayal and arrest, Jesus washed the feet of his disciples In John’s Gospel and then gave them a new commandment to love one another as he had loved them (John 13:34). He instituted the Lord’s Supper in Mark, Matthew and Luke and the commandment to “Do this in remembrance of me.” Jesus in John’s Gospel also instituted the washing of feet. Service will be held at 135 Harpers Hop Drive, Madison Al.

Friday, April7, 6:00pm-7:30pm, Good Friday Service: This service remembers God’s loving and redeeming the world through the passion and the saving works of the cross of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Gathering will be held outdoors at Indian Creek Greenway located in Creekwood Park off Slaughter Road in Madison just north of the Farrow Rd / Slaughter Rd intersection. 392 Harvest Wood Ct.Huntsville, AL 35806. We will be outside so dress appropriately for the weather that evening.

Gary Liederbach- Lead Follower

One Direction Community

Email: garyl@onedirection.community

Website: https://www.onedirection.community

Facebook: One Direction Community-ODC

Help Me Help Others Out Of Their Graves!

I could use your financial support for One Direction Community, my family, and those on the margins God has placed in my path I refuse to walk around. Please commitment to partner and support myself and One Direction community through setting up a monthly donation or a one –time gift by clicking the link below. Donation checks can be made out to ODC, PO Box 1293 Madison, Al 35758.

Thank You!

"Are You Able To Drink the Cup that I Drink?"

April 3, 2023

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Lead me in the ways that lead to life in You today.

"James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward to Him and said to Him, 'Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask of You.' And He said to them, 'What is it you want Me to do for you?' And they said to Him, 'Grant us to sit, one at Your right hand and one at Your left, in Your glory.' But Jesus said to them, 'You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?'" (Mark 10:35-38)

James and John wanted the place of honor. They wanted to sit at Your right and Your left in Your glory. You had just told them about the gory--how You would soon be mocked and spit upon and tortured to death--but they did not want to hear about the suffering, they wanted to hear about the glory (v. 33-34). Specifically, they wanted to hear about their glory--their glory sharing in Your glory.

They wanted to know about the honor before knowing about the humility. But in the ways of Your kingdom, humility goes before honor: "Let this same mind by in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though He was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death--even death on a cross. Therefore god also highly exalted Him and gave Him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of the Father" (Philippians 2:5-11).

We look at these disciples and judge them for their arrogance, self-centerness and pride. But should we take the log out of our own eyes before trying to take the speck out of theirs? In these days of greater revelation of our son-ship and adoption as beloved children of God, do we also find ourselves insisting upon the place of honor without first taking the place of humility? Do we also presume upon our rights and privileges to bask in Your glory without also being willing to embrace our part to share in the fellowship of Your sufferings? Or do we forget the invitation of Your Word, "That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead" (Philippians 3:10-11)?

Come, Holy Spirit. Let this mind be in me that was in Christ Jesus. Lead me to the place of humility, that I many receive the place of honor chosen for me. By the power of the grace of God my Father, may I drink of the cup and embrace the baptism You've chosen for me on my spiritual journey to be conformed to the nature of Christ (Romans 8:29). You have blessed me-- along with all Your disciples, along with all the children of God--with glory and honor, with inheritance and favor; but You've also blessed me with the invitation to die to myself and surrender my life into the fullness of Your will by any means You choose to make me more like You every day (Luke 22:42; 1 John 4:17).

As You said to Your first disciples, You continue to say to me and to every disciple today: "If any want to become My followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow Me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for My sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it. For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life? Indeed, what can they give in return for their life? Those who are ashamed of Me and of My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of them the Son of Man will also be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels" (Mark 8:34-38).

Before the place of honor comes the place of humility. Lord Jesus, slay my pride and crucify my flesh. Give me the grace to follow You in the place of humility that I may embrace You in the place of honor. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

My family, as we find ourselves in Holy Week, and reflect on the suffering and humility of Jesus, I pray you experience the fullness of every honor your Father has for you as a child of God, as you walk first in humility of heart to surrender your will to His on the path He’s chosen for you to walk to make you more like Jesus each day, in Jesus' name! Please pray the same for me. God bless you, my friends!

Please share your thoughts and reflections in the comment box below.

Holy Week Services

IF you are in the Madison/Huntsville area, and your church does not have Holy Week services of Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, here is the list of services I will be leading and ALL our welcomed! For questions or more information please email me at garyl@onedirection.community. Or post it in comments box below.Holy Week Services

Thursday, April 6, 6:30pm-8:00pm: Maundy Thursday Service: Maundy” comes from the Latin word “mandatum” meaning mandate or commandment. On his last night before his betrayal and arrest, Jesus washed the feet of his disciples In John’s Gospel and then gave them a new commandment to love one another as he had loved them (John 13:34). He instituted the Lord’s Supper in Mark, Matthew and Luke and the commandment to “Do this in remembrance of me.” Jesus in John’s Gospel also instituted the washing of feet. Service will be held at 135 Harpers Hop Drive, Madison Al.

Friday, April7, 6:00pm-7:30pm, Good Friday Service: This service remembers God’s loving and redeeming the world through the passion and the saving works of the cross of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Gathering will be held outdoors at Indian Creek Greenway located in Creekwood Park off Slaughter Road in Madison just north of the Farrow Rd / Slaughter Rd intersection. 392 Harvest Wood Ct.Huntsville, AL 35806. We will be outside so dress appropriately for the weather that evening.

Gary Liederbach- Lead Follower

One Direction Community

Email: garyl@onedirection.community

Website: https://www.onedirection.community

Facebook: One Direction Community-ODC

Help Me Help Others Out Of Their Graves!

I could use your financial support for One Direction Community, my family, and those on the margins God has placed in my path I refuse to walk around. Please commitment to partner and support myself and One Direction community through setting up a monthly donation or a one –time gift by clicking the link below. Donation checks can be made out to ODC, PO Box 1293 Madison, Al 35758.

Thank You!

"Passion Narratives From All Four Gospel's"

April 2, 2023

As I mentioned in my earlier post this morning, here is the compilation of of the Passion narratives from all four Gospels I complied in chronological order to create one complete narrative. Parts are assigned to allow reading in a church or our gathering.

The Passion of Christ.

A compilation of selections from the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

by Gary Liederbach

NARRATOR: One of the twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said,

JUDAS: "What will you give me if I betray Jesus to you?"

NARRATOR: They paid him thirty pieces of silver. And from that moment he began to look for an opportunity to betray him. On the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying,

DISCIPLES: "Where do you want us to make the preparations for you to eat the Passover?"

NARRATOR: He said,

JESUS: "Go into the city to a certain man, and say to him, `The Teacher says, My time is near; I will keep the Passover at your house with my disciples.'"

NARRATOR: So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them, and they prepared the Passover meal.

When it was evening, he took his place with the twelve; and while they were eating, he said,

JESUS: "Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me."

NARRATOR: And they became greatly distressed and began to say to him one after another,

DISCIPLES: "Surely not I, Lord?"

NARRATOR: He answered,

JESUS: "The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me. The Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that one by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that one not to have been born."

NARRATOR: Judas, who betrayed him, said,

JUDAS: "Surely not I, Rabbi?"

NARRATOR: He replied,

JESUS: "You have said so."

NARRATOR: He said to them,

JESUS: "I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I tell you, I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God."

NARRATOR: Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he said,

JESUS: "Take this and divide it among yourselves; for I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes."

NARRATOR: Then he took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying,

JESUS: "This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me."

NARRATOR: And he did the same with the cup after supper, saying,

JESUS: "This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. But see, the one who betrays me is with me, and his hand is on the table. For the Son of Man is going as it has been determined, but woe to that one by whom he is betrayed!"

NARRATOR: Then they began to ask one another, which one of them it could be who would do this.

A dispute also arose among them as to which one of them was to be regarded as the greatest. But he said to them,

JESUS: "The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you; rather the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.

"You are those who have stood by me in my trials; and I confer on you, just as my Father has conferred on me, a kingdom, so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and you will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

"Simon, Simon, listen! Satan has demanded to sift all of you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your own faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned back, strengthen your brothers."

NARRATOR: And he said to him,

PETER: "Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death!"

NARRATOR: Jesus said,

JESUS: "I tell you, Peter, the cock will not crow this day, until you have denied three times that you know me."

NARRATOR: He came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples followed him. When he reached the place, he said to them,

JESUS: "Pray that you may not come into the time of trial."

NARRATOR: Then he withdrew from them about a stone's throw, knelt down, and prayed,

JESUS: "Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; yet, not my will but yours be done."

NARRATOR: Then an angel from heaven appeared to him and gave him strength. In his anguish he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down on the ground. When he got up from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping because of grief, and he said to them,

JESUS: "Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you may not come into the time of trial."

NARRATOR: He came and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter,

JESUS: "Simon, are you asleep? Could you not keep awake one hour? Keep awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."

NARRATOR: And again he went away and prayed, saying the same words. And once more he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy; and they did not know what to say to him. He came a third time and said to them,

JESUS: "Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? Enough! The hour has come; the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Get up, let us be going. See, my betrayer is at hand."

NARRATOR: Immediately, while he was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, arrived; and with him there was a crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders. Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying,

JUDAS: "The one I will kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard."

NARRATOR: So when he came, he went up to him at once and said,

JUDAS: "Rabbi!"

NARRATOR: and kissed him

JESUS: "Judas, is it with a kiss that you are betraying the Son of Man?"

POLICE: "Jesus of Nazareth?"

NARRATOR: Jesus answered,

JESUS: "I told you that I am he. So if you are looking for me, let these men go."

NARRATOR: This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken, "I did not lose a single one of those whom you gave me." Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it, struck the high priest's slave, and cut off his right ear. The slave's name was Malchus. Jesus said to Peter,

JESUS: "Put your sword back into its sheath. Am I not to drink the cup that the Father has given me?"

NARRATOR: And he touched his ear and healed him. Then Jesus said to the chief priests, the officers of the temple police, and the elders who had come for him,

JESUS: "Have you come out with swords and clubs as if I were a bandit? When I was with you day after day in the temple, you did not lay hands on me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness!"

NARRATOR: So the soldiers, their officer, and the Jewish police arrested Jesus and bound him. First they took him to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year. Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it was better to have one person die for the people. But Peter was following at a distance. When they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat among them. Then a servant-girl, seeing him in the firelight, stared at him and said,

SERVANT 1: "This man also was with him."

NARRATOR: But he denied it, saying,

PETER: "Woman, I do not know him."

NARRATOR: A little later someone else, on seeing him, said,

CONFRONTER1: "You also are one of them."

NARRATOR: But Peter said,

PETER: "Man, I am not!"

NARRATOR: Then about an hour later still another kept insisting,

CONFRONTER 2:"Surely this man also was with him; for he is a Galilean."

NARRATOR: But Peter said,

PETER: "Man, I do not know what you are talking about!"

NARRATOR: At that moment, while he was still speaking, the cock crowed. The Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said to him, "Before the cock crows today, you will deny me three times." And he went out and wept bitterly.

NARRATOR: Then the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and about his teaching. Jesus answered,

JESUS: "I have spoken openly to the world; I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all the Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret. Why do you ask me? Ask those who heard what I said to them; they know what I said."

NARRATOR: When he had said this, one of the police standing nearby struck Jesus on the face, saying,

POLICE: "Is that how you answer the high priest?"

NARRATOR: Jesus answered,

JESUS: "If I have spoken wrongly, testify to the wrong. But if I have spoken rightly, why do you strike me?"

NARRATOR: Then Annas sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest. When day came, the assembly of the elders of the people, both chief priests and scribes, gathered together, and they brought him to their council. Now the chief priests and the whole council were looking for testimony against Jesus to put him to death; but they found none. For many gave false testimony against him, and their testimony did not agree. Some stood up and gave false testimony against him, saying,

ACCUSERS: "We heard him say, `I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and in three days I will build another, not made with hands.'"

NARRATOR: But even on this point their testimony did not agree. Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus,

HIGH PRIEST: "Have you no answer? What is it that they testify against you?"

NARRATOR: But he was silent and did not answer. Again the high priest asked him,

HIGH PRIEST: "Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?"

NARRATOR: Jesus said,

JESUS: "I am; and `you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Power,' and `coming with the clouds of heaven.'"

NARRATOR: Then the high priest tore his clothes and said,

HIGH PRIEST: "Why do we still need witnesses? You have heard his blasphemy! What is your decision?"

NARRATOR: All of them condemned him as deserving death. Some began to spit on him, to blindfold him, and to strike him, saying to him,

ACCUSERS: "Prophesy!"

NARRATOR: The guards also took him over and beat him.

NARRATOR: Then they took Jesus from Caiaphas to Pilate's headquarters. It was early in the morning. They themselves did not enter the headquarters, so as to avoid ritual defilement and to be able to eat the Passover. When Judas, his betrayer, saw that Jesus was condemned, he repented and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders. He said,

JUDAS: "I have sinned by betraying innocent blood."

NARRATOR: But they said,

CHIEF PRIESTS: "What is that to us? See to it yourself."

NARRATOR: Throwing down the pieces of silver in the temple, he departed; and he went and hanged himself. But the chief priests, taking the pieces of silver, said,

CHIEF PRIESTS: "It is not lawful to put them into the treasury, since they are blood money."

NARRATOR: After conferring together, they used them to buy the potter's field as a place to bury foreigners. For this reason that field has been called the Field of Blood to this day. Then was fulfilled what had been spoken through the prophet Jeremiah, "And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of the one on whom a price had been set, on whom some of the people of Israel had set a price, and they gave them for the potter's field, as the Lord commanded me."

NARRATOR: So Pilate went out to them and said,

PILATE: "What accusation do you bring against this man?"

CHIEF PRIESTS: They answered, "We found this man perverting our nation, forbidding us to pay taxes to the emperor, and saying that he himself is the Messiah, a king." "If this man were not a criminal, we would not have handed him over to you."

NARRATOR: Pilate said to them,

PILATE: "Take him yourselves and judge him according to your law."

NARRATOR: The Jews replied,

CHIEF PRIESTS: "We are not permitted to put anyone to death."

NARRATOR: (This was to fulfill what Jesus had said when he indicated the kind of death he was to die.)

Then Pilate entered the headquarters again, summoned Jesus, and asked him,

PILATE: "Are you the king of the Jews?"

NARRATOR: He answered,

JESUS: "You say so."

NARRATOR: Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds,

PILATE: "I find no basis for an accusation against this man."

NARRATOR: But they were insistent and said,

CHIEF PRIESTS: "He stirs up the people by teaching throughout all Judea, from Galilee where he began even to this place."

NARRATOR: When Pilate heard this, he asked whether the man was a Galilean. And when he learned that he was under Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him off to Herod, who was himself in Jerusalem at that time. When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had been wanting to see him for a long time, because he had heard about him and was hoping to see him perform some sign. He questioned him at some length, but Jesus gave him no answer. The chief priests and the scribes stood by, vehemently accusing him. Even Herod with his soldiers treated him with contempt and mocked him; then he put an elegant robe on him, and sent him back to Pilate. That same day Herod and Pilate became friends with each other; before this they had been enemies.

Pilate then called together the chief priests, the leaders, and the people, and said to them,

PILATE: "You brought me this man as one who was perverting the people; and here I have examined him in your presence and have not found this man guilty of any of your charges against him. Neither has Herod, for he sent him back to us. Indeed, he has done nothing to deserve death.

NARRATOR: Then Pilate entered the headquarters again, summoned Jesus, and asked him,

PILATE: "Are you the King of the Jews?"

NARRATOR: Jesus answered,

JESUS: "Do you ask this on your own, or did others tell you about me?"

NARRATOR: Pilate replied,

PILATE: "I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have you done?"

NARRATOR: Jesus answered,

JESUS: "My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here."

NARRATOR: Pilate asked him,

PILATE: "So you are a king?"

NARRATOR: Jesus answered,

JESUS: "You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice."

NARRATOR: Pilate asked him,

PILATE: "What is truth?"

NARRATOR: After he had said this, he went out to the Jews again and told them,

PILATE: "I find no case against him. But you have a custom that I release someone for you at the Passover. Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?"

NARRATOR: They shouted in reply,

CROWD: "Not this man, but Barabbas!"

NARRATOR: Now Barabbas was a bandit. This was a man who had been put in prison for an insurrection that had taken place in the city, and for murder.) Pilate, wanting to release Jesus, addressed them again; but they kept shouting,

ASSEMBLY: "Crucify, crucify him!"

NARRATOR: Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. And the soldiers wove a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and they dressed him in a purple robe. They kept coming up to him, saying,

SOLDIERS: "Hail, King of the Jews!"

NARRATOR: and striking him on the face. Pilate went out again and said to them,

PILATE: "Look, I am bringing him out to you to let you know that I find no case against him."

NARRATOR: So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them,

PILATE: "Here is the man!"

NARRATOR: When the chief priests and the police saw him, they shouted,

CROWD: "Crucify him! Crucify him!"

NARRATOR: Pilate said to them,

PILATE: "Take him yourselves and crucify him; I find no case against him."

NARRATOR: The Jews answered him,

CROWD: "We have a law, and according to that law he ought to die because he has claimed to be the Son of God."

NARRATOR: Now when Pilate heard this, he was more afraid than ever. He entered his headquarters again and asked Jesus,

PILATE: "Where are you from?"

NARRATOR: But Jesus gave him no answer. Pilate therefore said to him,

PILATE: "Do you refuse to speak to me? Do you not know that I have power to release you, and power to crucify you?"

NARRATOR: Jesus answered him,

JESUS: "You would have no power over me unless it had been given you from above; therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin."

NARRATOR: From then on Pilate tried to release him, but the Jews cried out,

CROWD: "If you release this man, you are no friend of the emperor. Everyone who claims to be a king sets himself against the emperor."

NARRATOR: When Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus outside and sat on the judge's bench at a place called The Stone Pavement, or in Hebrew Gabbatha. Now it was the day of Preparation for the Passover; and it was about noon. He said to the Jews,

PILATE: "Here is your King!"

NARRATOR: They cried out,

CROWD: "Away with him! Away with him! Crucify him!"

NARRATOR: Pilate asked them,

PILATE: "Shall I crucify your King?"

NARRATOR: The chief priests answered,

CHIEF PRIESTS: "We have no king but the emperor."

NARRATOR: But they kept urgently demanding with loud shouts that he should be crucified; and their voices prevailed. So Pilate gave his verdict that their demand should be granted. He released the man they asked for, the one who had been put in prison for insurrection and murder, and he handed Jesus over as they wished.

As they led him away, they seized a man, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming from the country, and they laid the cross on him, and made him carry it behind Jesus. A great number of the people followed him, and among them were women who were beating their breasts and wailing for him. But Jesus turned to them and said,

JESUS: "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. For the days are surely coming when they will say, 'Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bore, and the breasts that never nursed.' Then they will begin to say to the mountains, 'Fall on us'; and to the hills, 'Cover us.' For if they do this when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?"

(At the mention of the place called the Skull, all should stand, as able.)

NARRATOR: So they took Jesus; and carrying the cross by himself, he went out to what is called The Place of the Skull, which in Hebrew is called Golgotha. There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, with Jesus between them. Pilate also had an inscription written and put on the cross. It read, "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews." Many of the Jews read this inscription, because the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, in Latin, and in Greek. Then the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate,

PRIESTS: "Do not write, 'The King of the Jews,' but, 'This man said, I am King of the Jews.'"

NARRATOR: Pilate answered,

PILATE: "What I have written I have written."

NARRATOR: When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his clothes and divided them into four parts, one for each soldier. They also took his tunic; now the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from the top. So they said to one another,

SOLDIERS: "Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see who will get it."

NARRATOR: This was to fulfill what the scripture says, "They divided my clothes among themselves,  and for my clothing they cast lots."  And that is what the soldiers did.

Meanwhile, standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother,

JESUS: "Woman, here is your son."

NARRATOR: Then he said to the disciple,

JESUS: "Here is your mother."

NARRATOR: And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home.

NARRATOR: Then Jesus said,

JESUS: "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing."

ASSEMBLY: "He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah of God, his chosen one!"

NARRATOR: The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine, and saying,

SOLDIERS: "If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!"

NARRATOR: One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding him and saying,

CRIMINAL 1: "Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!"

NARRATOR: But the other rebuked him, saying,

CRIMINAL 2: "Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong."

NARRATOR: Then he said,

CRIMINAL 2: "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."

NARRATOR: He replied,

JESUS: "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise."

NARRATOR: When it was noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. At three o'clock Jesus cried out with a loud voice,

JESUS: "Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?"

NARRATOR: which means,

JESUS: "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"

NARRATOR: When some of the bystanders heard it, they said,

BYSTANDERS: "Listen, he is calling for Elijah."

NARRATOR: And someone ran, filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on a stick, and gave it to him to drink, saying,

BYSTANDERS: "Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to take him down."

NARRATOR: Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said,

JESUS: "Father, into your hands I commend my spirit."

NARRATOR: Then Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. Now when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said,

CENTURION: "Truly this man was God's Son!"

NARRATOR: And when all the crowds who had gathered there for this spectacle saw what had taken place, they returned home, beating their breasts. But all his acquaintances, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.

Since it was the day of Preparation, the Jews did not want the bodies left on the cross during the sabbath, especially because that sabbath was a day of great solemnity. So they asked Pilate to have the legs of the crucified men broken and the bodies removed. Then the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and of the other who had been crucified with him. But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. Instead, one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once blood and water came out. (He who saw this has testified so that you also may believe. His testimony is true, and he knows that he tells the truth.) These things occurred so that the scripture might be fulfilled, "None of his bones shall be broken." And again another passage of scripture says, "They will look on the one whom they have pierced."

Now there was a good and righteous man named Joseph, who, though a member of the council, had not agreed to their plan and action. He came from the Jewish town of Arimathea, and he was waiting expectantly for the kingdom of God. This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then he took it down, wrapped it in a linen cloth, and laid it in a rock-hewn tomb where no one had ever been laid. It was the day of Preparation, and the sabbath was beginning. The women who had come with him from Galilee followed, and they saw the tomb and how his body was laid. Then they returned, and prepared spices and ointments.

On the sabbath they rested according to the commandment.

Seeking Silence

April 2, 2023

I got up this morning at 6:00am and went outside and sat on my front porch in the cool morning. I drank my coffee, read the compilation of Passion Narratives from all four Gospels I put together, and wrote this devotion.  Aside from a few outside noises--a car driving . . . a barking dog . . . crickets or frogs from the pond across the street from me—all's quiet on the home front. That wonderful, much-needed presence has again come for a visit—QUIETNESS. Oh, how I love it . . . how I need it.

I cannot be the man I should be without times of quietness. Stillness is an essential part of our growing deeper as we grow older. We will not become men and women of God without the presence of solitude. Those words haunt me when I get caught in the treadmill of my calendar, time schedules and trying to meet the deadline of demands of my week, just like I know you experience. We are simply geared too high. Thanks to a blend of Alka-Seltzer, coffee, energy drinks, and Tylenol, we repeat our nonproductive haste with overwhelming regularity.

We are in such a hurry, we hate to miss one panel of a revolving door. We just have to open every FB post, Snap, Tik Tok, Tweet and Text. Talk about pollution! I want you to think about what our nervous systems undergo just to stay afloat: NOISE (music, news, talk, laughter, machinery, appliances, cell phones, social media, and traffic) from 6:00 a.m. 'til midnight. SPEED (bumper-to-bumper at 65 mph, on-ramps and off-ramps, deadlines, schedules and appointments) that all make us frown rather than smile . . . that causes us to check our watches more often than checking in with our Lord. ACTIVITIES(meetings, services, suppers, luncheons, breakfasts, rallies, our kids sport games, even church functions and ministries—all ("necessary" and "nice") that have a way of dismissing quietness like an unwanted guest. Sure—some things are important—super, in fact—but not EVERYTHING!  Listen, if you and I REALLY treasure quietness, we will have to make time for it. When you feed it only the "leftovers" from the schedule, quietness always goes hungry.

I do not usually send out a devotion on Sundays, but today being Palm Sunday. I’'m just being direct and honest with you about an ingredient that cannot be ignored much longer in our lives without our paying a dear, dear price; and that is our need: To be quiet with God.  Quiet to love ourselves enough to listen to God. Quiet to allow God to listen to and love us. I am desperately concerned that we slow down and quiet down and gear down our lives so that each week we carve out time for quietness, solitude, thought, prayer, meditation, and soul searching. And Jesus is concerned as well. Oh, how much agitation, stress and anxiety will begin to fade away . . . how insignificant petty differences will seem . . . how big God will become and how small our troubles will appear! Security, peace, and confidence will move right on in.

“The LORD said, “Go out and stand on the mountain before the LORD. Look, the LORD is ready to pass by.”A very powerful wind went before the LORD, digging into the mountain and causing landslides, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the windstorm there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake, there was a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. After the fire, there was a soft whisper. When Elijah heard it, he covered his face with his robe and went out and stood at the entrance to the cave.” (1 Kings 19:11-13)

You want know something? That still, small voice will never shout. God's methods don't change because we are so noisy and super busy. He is longing for your attention, your undivided and full attention. He wants to talk with you in times of quietness (with the TV OFF) about your need for understanding, love, compassion, patience, self-control, a calm spirit, genuine humility . . . and wisdom. But He won't run your hectic race to catch up. He will wait and wait until you finally sit in silence and listen.

Lent is a season set aside to slow down, shut up, be quiet and listen.  Today begins Holy Week, and as the name self explains, it is the Holiest week in the church. The services of Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday, are two of the quietest, most reflective services of the church.  If you have never gone through a complete Holy Week experience of Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday I highly encourage you to do so.  It is from going through, experiencing and participating in the quiet, reflective Maundy Thursday and Good Friday services that the full force of Easter is felt.  This week, I also want to encourage you to seek out more silence and quiet moments.  Read through the passion narratives of the Gospels.

I am praying for you.
I am here for you if you want to reach out to talk.
Much love,
Gary

TWO MORE THINGS:

FIRST:

As I mentioned above I made a compilation of the Passion Narratives from all 4 Gospels. Each Gopels passion narrative contains some details the others do not. So I read through and went through all four Gospels and compiled the together in chronological order to create one complete passion narrative. I assigned parts to it so it can be read at a church service or other gathering. I will send that out in another post.

SECOND:

IF you are in the Madison/Huntsville area, and your church does not have Holy Week services of Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, here is the list of services I will be leading and ALL our welcomed! For questions or more information please email me at garyl@onedirection.community. Or post it in comments box below.Holy Week Services

Thursday, April 6, 6:30pm-8:00pm: Maundy Thursday Service: Maundy” comes from the Latin word “mandatum” meaning mandate or commandment. On his last night before his betrayal and arrest, Jesus washed the feet of his disciples In John’s Gospel and then gave them a new commandment to love one another as he had loved them (John 13:34). He instituted the Lord’s Supper in Mark, Matthew and Luke and the commandment to “Do this in remembrance of me.” Jesus in John’s Gospel also instituted the washing of feet. Service will be held at 102 Champions Green Drive, Madison Al.

Friday, April7, 6:00pm-7:30pm, Good Friday Service: This service remembers God’s loving and redeeming the world through the passion and the saving works of the cross of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Gathering will be held outdoors at Indian Creek Greenway located in Creekwood Park off Slaughter Road in Madison just north of the Farrow Rd / Slaughter Rd intersection. 392 Harvest Wood Ct.Huntsville, AL 35806. We will be outside so dress appropriately for the weather that evening.

Gary Liederbach- Lead Follower

One Direction Community/ Toney UMC

Email: garyl@onedirection.community

Website: https://www.onedirection.community

Facebook: One Direction Community-ODC

Help Me Help Others Out Of Their Graves!

I could use your financial support for One Direction Community, my family, and those on the margins God has placed in my path I refuse to walk around. Please commitment to partner and support myself and One Direction community through setting up a monthly donation or a one –time gift by clicking the link below. Donation checks can be made out to ODC, PO Box 1293 Madison, Al 35758.

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THANK YOU!

" Fountain From He Who Was Pierced"

March 31, 2023

Good morning Father, Son and Spirit, speak to me as I speak to you…

“But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and blood and water flowed out immediately. And the person who saw it has testified (and his testimony is true, and he knows that he is telling the truth), so that you also may believe. For these things happened so that the scripture would be fulfilled, “Not a bone of his will be broken.” And again another scripture says, “They will look on the one whom they have pierced.” (John 19:33-37)

“They will look on the one whom they have pierced.” Here a single phrase is quoted from Zechariah 12, but the entire context is associated with the events surrounding the crucifixion. The "Spirit of grace and of supplication" is poured out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem in the first part of v. 10. A few verses later in 13:1 Yahweh says "In that day a fountain will be opened for the house of David and for the inhabitants of Jerusalem, for sin and for impurity." The blood which flowed from Jesus' pierced side may well be what the author saw as the connection here, since as the shedding of the blood of the sacrificial victim it represents cleansing from sin. As Jesus hung on the cross, the author may also have in mind the second coming. The context in Zech 12-14 is certainly the second coming, so that these who crucified Jesus will look upon him in another sense when he returns in judgment.

“ On that day the Lord himself will defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the weakest among them will be like mighty David, and the dynasty of David will be like God, like the angel of the Lord before them. …I will pour out on the kingship of David and the population of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication so that they will look to me, the one they have pierced. They will lament for him as one laments for an only son, and there will be a bitter cry for him like the bitter cry for a firstborn…“In that day there will be a fountain opened up for the dynasty of David and the people of Jerusalem to cleanse them from sin and impurity... (Zech 12:5-13:1)

Holy Spirit, the water of these Scriptures are very deep waters. Continue to motivate me not to stay on the surface of what I read but dive deep to discover the treasures of Your Word of Life that lay there and allow deep to speak into deep. Continue to call me to run and jump into the fountain of life which flows from Christ when I open my Bible where I am soaked, laughing and splashing in the waters of Grace that cleanses me of all sin, impurities, guilt, shame, and depression. As I dive into your Word and prayer I want to to washed by the the river of the water of life that flows from Your throne today!

“Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.” (Revelation 22:1-4)

My family, I pray as you read these and other daily Scriptures you do hot just stay on the surface of them to and read and move on. I pray you sit and soak in them. I pray you do not read them as something to do, but as the source of of the fountain of life to be washed anew as you allow the Holy Spirit to mold you and speak to you through the Word of God you are reading. I pray you will not just receive from these daily readings but will share what you hear the Spirit speak to you and reveal it to others. I pray today and this weekend you will prioritize a time to refresh yourself by diving deep into the healing waters of life that flow from your Bible,: laughing, free, and joyful like a child of God splashing in the water’s deep love and grace., In Jeus’ name. Please pray the same for me. God bless you my friends!!

Please share your reflections and prayers with us on this blog in the comment box below.

Gary Liederbach- Lead Follower

One Direction Community

Email: garyl@onedirection.community

Website: https://www.onedirection.community

Facebook: One Direction Community-ODC

Help Me Help Others Out Of Their Graves!

I could use your financial support for One Direction Community, my family, and those on the margins God has placed in my path I refuse to walk around. Please commitment to partner and support myself and One Direction community through setting up a monthly donation or a one –time gift by clicking the link below. Donation checks can be made out to ODC, PO Box 1293 Madison, Al 35758.

Discipleship Training.

One of my passions is helping churches or small groups understand and embrace their call to be disciples of Jesus out in their community. I offer and lead discipleship trainings in person and on-line. If you or your church are interested I would love to help you and talk to you bout it. Email me at garyl@onedirection.community.

Would you like to receive my morning devotion blog?

Email your name and email address to garyl@onedirection.community and I will add you to my ODC Daily Message distribution list to receive an email of these reflection every weekday morning.

Gary Liederbach- Lead Follower

One Direction Community

Email: garyl@onedirection.community

Website: https://www.onedirection.community

Facebook: One Direction Community-ODC

"You Can't Be To Dead!"

March 30, 2023

“Then Jesus, deeply moved again, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it. Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, “Lord, by this time there will be an odor, for he has been dead four days.” Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?” So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me.” When he had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out.” The man who had died came out, his hands and feet bound with linen strips, and his face wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.” John 11:38-44”

When I was in high school one morning I was walking through the hallway and I came up to my cousin who also attended the same high school. Her last name was Liederbach as well. I came up behind her and the circle of friends she was talking to and overheard their discussion. Her friends were asking her, “You know that guy Gary Liederbach, are you related to him?” My cousin answered, “Oh no! We have the same last name but we are not related.”

The high school I attend at the time was the #1 in the state in drug sales. Ambulances came weekly to the school to get students who were overdosing in bathrooms. Students got off the bus in the morning and went straight to the smoking area to get high before going to classes. And I was one of the big reasons why for this problem. I was a dealer and sold drugs throughout high school. I used drugs, used people, used women; stole, lied, and cheated to get what I wanted. I caused my parents and my family pain. I taught my younger sister and brother how to weigh-up pot and cocaine, quaaludes and others drugs and sell for me as well. The police knew me well. Teachers and school authorities knew me well. And they did not like me. They told other kids to stay away from me. Don’t hang out with me. I was bad news. I was rotten to the core. There was a stench about me. And they were right.

The passage above has a personal meaning to me. In the passage, Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to Jesus, “Lord, by this time there will be an odor, for he has been dead four days.” There would be a stench from Lazarus because he had been dead for four days. I was dead for over four years. Satan used me for evil and my drug life style was destroying kids lives. There was a stench that was coming from me. However one day like Nikodemus in John 3 I came before Jesus on my knees, repented and said I was born wrong, give me that new birth. And he did. And the stone in my heart was rolled away and I got up from my knees and walked out of the grave of a life I had been in and my life has never been the same.

I am a living testimony that you can never be to dead for Jesus to bring you back to life. You can be 6 feet under trapped in a grave of living hell and Jesus can roll away whatever the stone is to free you. There is no stench to rotten and disgusting that the blood of Christ cannot wash away and make you completely clean again.

Lent is a holy season where take time to reflect on our life. To repent from things we need to stop doing, recenter our lives on Christ and start doing things we should be doing. As we near Holy Week, near the cross, near Easter, I want to remind you that is never to late repent and return to Jesus. There are times in my life I had to repent from majors sins. Daily I have to confess and repent of lesser sins. But every time I do I hear the voice of Jesus saying, “Gary come forth!” And like the prodigal son in Luke 15 who is climbing out of a pig pen filthy and covered in crap Jesus does not run from me, he runs to me. And he puts a robe around me, a ring on my finger and declares to the universe, This is my son! He was lost and now he is found!

My family, I do not know what sin, what grave, what stench may be coming from your life. But you like I, can never be to dead for Jesus to bring back to life. I have been there I know. I want to help you and there are people around you as well who jump down in the pit you are in and help you claw out. I pray you will reach out to me. (256-302-3785) Reach out to them! Fall on you knees and reach out to Jesus! Holy Week is the time more Christians around the world go to confession and confess and repent of their sins, not to receive shame, but new life. I pray you will join them, in Jesus name. Please pray the same for me. God bless you me friends!

Please share you thoughts and reflections on this blog in the comment box below.

Attached is another short 6 minute Youtube video from NT Wright in which he reflects on this passage as well for Lent

Help Me Help Others Out Of Their Graves!

I could use your financial support for One Direction Community, my family, and those on the margins God has placed in my path I refuse to walk around. Please commitment to partner and support myself and One Direction community through setting up a monthly donation or a one –time gift by clicking the link below. Donation checks can be made out to ODC, PO Box 1293 Madison, Al 35758.

CLICK HERE TO GIVE

Discipleship Training.

One of my passions is helping churches or small groups understand and embrace their call to be disciples of Jesus out in their community. I offer and lead discipleship trainings in person and on-line. If you or your church are interested I would love to help you and talk to you bout it. Email me at garyl@onedirection.community.

Would you like to receive my morning devotion blog?

Email your name and email address to garyl@onedirection.community and I will add you to my ODC Daily Message distribution list to receive an email of these reflection every weekday morning.

Gary Liederbach- Lead Follower

One Direction Community

Email: garyl@onedirection.community

Website: https://www.onedirection.community

Facebook: One Direction Community-ODC

"Look! Here Is The Man!"

March 29, 2023

Good morning Lord Jesus, this morning I focus on you so I have a chance to live out a day less focused on me.

“Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged severely. The soldiers braided a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and they clothed him in a purple robe. They came up to him again and again and said, “Hail, king of the Jews!” And they struck him repeatedly in the face.

Again Pilate went out and said to the Jewish leaders, “Look, I am bringing him out to you, so that you may know that I find no reason for an accusation against him.” So Jesus came outside, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, “Look, here is the man!” When the chief priests and their officers saw him, they shouted out, “Crucify him! Crucify him!” (John 19:1-16)

This morning I read The Gospel of John chapter 19. And then I watched and listened to one of my favorite Theologian of today NY Wright’s Lenten devotion taken from this same chapter, John 19.. It was wonderful. So instead of sharing a reflection of mine I am sharing his reflection for you to watch, listen and reflect on. Here is the link to the short, 6 minute Youtube video of his reflection, in Jesus name.

Let us join together and cover in love through prayer the victims and those affected in the school shootings in Nashville and the 2 police officers shot, one fatally, in Huntsville yesterday. Lord have mercy, Christ have mercy, Lord have mercy.

Please share your thoughts and reflections in the comment box below.

Discipleship Training.

One of my passions is helping churches or small groups understand and embrace their call to be disciples of Jesus out in their community. I offer and lead discipleship trainings in person and on-line. If you or your church are interested I would love to help you and talk to you bout it. Email me at garyl@onedirection.community.

Help Us Help Them!

I could use your financial support for One Direction Community, my family, and those on the margins God has placed in my path I refuse to walk around. Please commitment to partner and support myself and One Direction community through setting up a monthly donation or a one –time gift by clicking the link below. Donation checks can be made out to ODC, PO Box 1293 Madison, Al 35758.

CLICK HERE TO GIVE

Would you like to receive my morning devotion blog?

Email your name and email address to garyl@onedirection.community and I will add you to my ODC Daily Message distribution list to receive an email of these reflection every weekday morning.

Gary Liederbach- Lead Follower

One Direction Community

Email: garyl@onedirection.community

Website: https://www.onedirection.community

Facebook: One Direction Community-ODC

2 Comments

"Trained up and Released out!

March 27, 2023

Jesus, receive me, refresh me, and restore me in you, draw me close to you, then release me into the world today full of your glory.

“As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world... so that the world may believe that you have sent me….so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.” John 17:19-24

Jesus’ has a “train and release” strategy, while overall the church today has a “convert and retain strategy.” Our metrics we use to determine if a church is successful reflect this. As a pastor of a United Methodist Church, their were weekly church reports I turned in that included the number of people at worship services and number of members. There is no incentive to “train and release.” If a church did this well the metrics we use would actually reveal this church as unsuccessful.

The challenge is to make the Gospel the center of our lives not just on Sunday mornings, but every morning of every week. This means ending the distinctions between “full time,” “part time,” and people with secular employment in our team and leadership structures, language, and teachings. We need to encourage all to model whole life, gospel-centered missional living who understand when thy walk into their workplace, homes and neighborhoods they are walking into their called mission field. That the desk they sit behind or work bench they work at for hours and hours, five days a week at work are just as holy as the church pews they sit in or altars they stare at for one hour weekly. That is it is a good thing to embrace those you see for a minute Sunday mornings, however it is a greater thing to embrace those in your workplace you spend hours with daily.

The vast majority of Christians have not been helped or equipped by the church to see that who they are and what they do every day in schools, workplaces, clubs, and their neighborhoods is significant to God. Nor that the people they spend time with in those everyday contexts are the people God has called them to give access to their lives, pray for, bless, witness to, and share the Gospel with. So we pray for our Sunday school teachers, and not our schoolteachers. We pray for our missionaries going overseas into their foreign mission field, but not the electricians, welders, shop owners, accountants, and managers going daily into their local mission field. We simply have not envisioned, resourced and supported people to share the Good News of Jesus in our everyday context. We need to encourage and embrace the fact that during the week our church members are dispersed throughout their city and even the world. We are already infiltrating the kingdom of Satan. Day by day people in our churches are rubbing shoulders with unbelievers in their workplaces, schools, neighborhoods, and clubs. As we journey in Lent towards the cross we remember the sentness of Jesus of into ordinary lives, and our call to imitate His sent ness into ordinary life. “As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world..”

My family, I pray you see and understand that as you head out this morning to school, work, the gym or wherever you are going, you are heading out into your mission field. You are heading out to meet the people God has called you to pray for, bless, witness to, and share the Gospel with. In Jesus’ name. Please pray the same for me. God bless you my friends!!!

Please share your thoughts and reflections in the comment box below.

Discipleship Training.

One of my passions is helping churches or small groups understand and embrace their call to be disciples of Jesus out in their community. I offer and lead discipleship trainings in person and on-line. If you or your church are interested I would love to help you and talk to you bout it. Email me at garyl@onedirection.community.

Help Us Help Them!

I could use your financial support for One Direction Community, my family, and those on the margins God has placed in my path I refuse to walk around. Please commitment to partner and support myself and One Direction community through setting up a monthly donation or a one –time gift by clicking the link below. Donation checks can be made out to ODC, PO Box 1293 Madison, Al 35758.

Would you like to receive my morning devotion blog?

Email your name and email address to garyl@onedirection.community and I will add you to my ODC Daily Message distribution list to receive an email of these reflection every weekday morning.

Gary Liederbach- Lead Follower

One Direction Community

Email: garyl@onedirection.community

Website: https://www.onedirection.community

Facebook: One Direction Community-ODC

2 Comments

"Overcome Your World"

March 25, 2023

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Every morning is a good morning in You. No matter what's going on in my world, You're always here in my heart.

These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33).

As I enter in to our time of communion in prayer this afternoon, I am sitting in the hospital room next to my dad who is sleeping in his hospital bed. My heart is a little heavy with prayers for those who like him are experiencing tribulation in their lives: physical and emotional ones like my dad; the nurses and thier never ending tasks of love; couples who are at war with each other and struggling; in-fighting among families; friends who have been hurt by the coldness and dark hearts of others and gossip; a co-worker at Lowes who was the victim of hateful racial attack, a friend of mine struggling with the realitity he has cancer, the violent acts of hate I see daily on TV news; those dying in the Ukraine from the invasion by Russia, Covid still lingers….and the list goes on.. In talking with those close to me experiencing tribulation I am asked why this is happening them? What darkness filled their attacker’s mind or is behind their spouses actions? But we know all too well and see all too often the darkness that seeks to invade any of our hearts to turn us against God and one another and ourselves. "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy" (John 10:10).

Ultimately, evil is not a person, but a spiritual force of darkness looking for every opportunity to divide and conquer and destroy. "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places" (Ephesians 6:12). So it's only in You and the mercy of Your grace and the power of Your name that we can find the security and peace we need in these dark days to "stand against the schemes of the devil" through every onslaught of his tribulation, hatred, cowardice, and evil (Ephesians 6:11).

The only true shelter we have is "the Shelter of the Most High" as we seek to "abide in the Shadow of the Almighty," choosing to humble ourselves and call on Your name, to "say to the Lord, "My Refuge and my Fortress; my God, in whom I trust" (Psalm 91:1-2). You alone are our Comforter and Healer. You alone are our Redeemer of all that doesn't make sense and seams so out of our control.

You never intend or will the evil in our world. But at the same time, You are never unaware of our suffering and our needs, our fears and our fights. That is why you endured the horrors of Good Friday we are headed to in our journey through Lent. You endured those horros to conquer evil and death and be a our source of life and hope. And You never leave us nor forsake us through whatever we endure in our lives or in our land through the darkness of these days. Evil will never have the last word or the find say. And You never back down from the promise and the hope of Your Word to those who choose to find Shelter in You: "Those who love Me, I will deliver; I will protect those who know My name. When they call to Me, I will answer them; I will be with them in trouble, I will rescue them and honor them. With long life I will satisfy them, and show them My salvation" (Psalm 91:14-16).

Here in my heart, here in our land, be our Shelter again. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

My family, I pray you seek the safety and security in the shelter of the Most High which only comes through time spent in The Word and prayer, knowing God is with you through whatever you tribulation you endure, making sure His Word will have the final say over your life, Read Psalm 91 over your life this morning and claim God’s promises of protection, in Jesus' name! Please pray the same of me. God bless you my friends!

Please share your reflections and prayers with us on this blog in the comment box below.

Gary Liederbach- Lead Follower

One Direction Community

Email: garyl@onedirection.community

Website:https://www.onedirection.community

Facebook: One Direction Community-ODC

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