BLESSED SELF-CONTROL.

A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls.

                                                                       Proverbs 25:28 (NLT)

People with self-control master their moods.

They do not let their moods master them.

Most of what gets done in the world is accomplished by people

who do the right thing even when they don't feel like it:

"A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls." (Proverbs 25:28, NLT)

People with self-control watch their words.

They put their minds in gear before opening their mouths:

"Be careful what you say and protect your life.

A careless talker destroys himself." (Proverbs 13:3, TEV)

People with self-control restrain their reactions.

How much can you take before you lose your cool?

"If you are sensible, you will control your temper.

When someone wrongs you, it is a great virtue to ignore it." (Proverbs 19:11, TEV)

People with self-control stick to their schedule.

If you don't determine how you will spend your time, then others will decide for you:

"Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise,

making the most of every opportunity,

because the days are evil." (Ephesians 5:15-16, NIV)

People with self-control manage their money.

They learn to live on less than what they make and they invest the difference.

The value of a budget is that it tells your money where you want it

to go rather than wondering where it went!

"In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil,

but a foolish man devours all he has." (Proverbs 21:20, NIV)

People with self-control maintain their health.

That way they can accomplish more and enjoy their achievements:

"Learn to appreciate and give dignity to your body ...." (1 Thessalonians 4:4, MSG)

In what areas do you need to develop for self-control?

The disciplines you establish today will determine your success tomorrow.

But it takes more than just willpower for lasting self-control.

It takes a power greater than yourself:

"For the Spirit that God has given us does not make us timid; instead,

his Spirit fills us with power, love, and self-control." (2 Timothy 1:7, TEV)

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                  I found this to be so touching and wanted
                                  to share this with you.  

F A M I L Y

I ran into a stranger as he passed by,
"Oh excuse me please" was my reply.

He said, "Please excuse me too;
I wasn't watching for you."

We were very polite, this stranger and I.
We went on our way and we said goodbye.

But at home a different story is told,
How we treat our loved ones, young and old.

Later that day, cooking the evening meal,
My son stood beside me very still.

When I turned, I nearly knocked him down.
"Move out of the way," I said with a frown.

He walked away, his little heart broken.
I didn't realize how harshly I'd spoken.

While I lay awake in bed,
God's still small voice came to me and said,

"While dealing with a stranger,
common courtesy you use,
but the family you love, you seem to abuse.

Go and look on the kitchen floor,
You'll find some flowers there by the door.

Those are the flowers he brought for you.
He picked them himself: pink, yellow and blue.

He stood very quietly not to spoil the surprise,
You never saw the tears that filled his little eyes."

By this time, I felt very small,
And now my tears began to fall.

I quietly went and knelt by his bed;
"Wake up, little one, wake up," I said.

"Are these the flowers you picked for me?"
He smiled, "I found 'em, out by the tree.

I picked 'em because they're pretty like you..
I knew you'd like 'em, especially the blue."

I said, "Son, I'm very sorry for the way I acted today;
I shouldn't have yelled at you that way."
He said, "Oh, Mom, that's okay.
I love you anyway."

I said, "Son, I love you too,
and I do like the flowers, especially the blue."

FAMILY
Do you realise that if we died tomorrow, the company
that we are working for could easily replace us in
a matter of days.
But the family we left behind will feel the loss
for the rest of their lives.

And come to think of it, we pour ourselves more
into work than into our own family,
an unwise investment indeed,
don't you think?
So what is behind the story?

Do you know what the word FAMILY means?

FAMILY = (F)ATHER (A)ND (M)OTHER (I) (L)OVE (Y)OU

BLESSED TIME.

 

WAIT FOR GOD'S APPOINTED TIME "Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in
their ways..." (Psalm 37:7 NIV).

After the disobedience of Saul to the command of God to totally destroy the Amalekites
and his rejection as king of Israel by God, God sent Prophet Samuel to anoint
David as the new king. David served King Saul for several years in spite of the
fact that he knew that he was the rightful person approved by God to be the
king of Israel. He fought many wars to the credit of Saul. Even when Saul hated
him and sought to kill him, he did not try to retaliate and forcefully claim
the throne. He had two good opportunities to kill Saul and become the king, yet
he spared his life on the two occasions (1 Samuel 24, 26). He diligently waited
for his time. The time eventually came when the men of his own tribe came and
anointed him as king over them, and when the whole people of Israel came after
some years to proclaim him king over the whole land (2 Samuel 2, 5). He waited
for his appointed time.

In one of the Yoruba legends about destiny, a man has chosen before he came to the world that he would become affluent when he clocks the age of forty. When he came to the world, he began to struggle from one place to another in order to be rich.. All
his efforts were unsuccessful. He became a laughing stock among his
contemporaries especially those that were successful in their undertakings. At
age 39, when he could not bear the ridicules of his friends, he committed
suicide. When he got to the gate of heaven, the gatekeeper looked at him with
pity and led him to where the records of people's destinies were kept. When he
saw his own record, he discovered that it remained only a year for him to
become affluent. He begged the gatekeeper to allow him to go back to the world,
but he did not have such opportunity any more. He did not wait for his
appointed time.

While I do not
believe in all such legends, there is a lesson in it – waiting for one's
appointed time – the God's time that is the best. Has God promised you something?
Do not be in haste to get the promise. Do not try to help God to fulfill the
promise. Abraham and Sara tried to help God in fulfilling His promises for

them. Their help nearly ruined their peaceful home (see Genesis 16, 21). Wait
for God's appointed time. He will fulfill His promise in His own time in His own
way. Even when it seems that the time does not come. Wait for God's appointed
time. Do not lose hope. His appointed time for you will come!

"You need to
persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he
has promised. For in just a very little while, `He who is coming will come and
will not delay'" (Hebrews 10:36-37 NIV).

 “I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread.” 
                                                                                    (Job 23:12b NIV)

The Bible repeatedly urges us to meditate on who God is,

what he has done, and what he has said.

It is impossible to be God’s friend apart from knowing what he says.

You can’t love God unless you know him, and you can’t know him

without knowing his Word.

The Bible says God “revealed himself to Samuel through his word”

                                                                                (1 Samuel 3:21).

God still uses that method today.

While you cannot spend all day studying the Bible,

you can think about it throughout the day,

recalling verses you have read or memorized

and mulling them over in your mind.

Meditation is often misunderstood as some difficult,

mysterious ritual practiced by isolated monks and mystics.

But meditation is simply focused thinking —

a skill anyone can learn and use anywhere.

When you think about a problem over and over in your mind,

that’s called worry.

When you think about God’s Word over and over, that’s meditation.

If you know how to worry, you already know how to meditate!

You just need to switch your attention from your problems

to Bible verses.

The more you meditate on God’s Word, the less

you will have to worry about.

The reason God considered Job and David his close friends

was that they valued his Word above everything else,

and they thought about it continually throughout the day.

Job admitted, “I have treasured the words of his mouth

more than my daily bread” (Job 23 : 12 ) 

When you read your Bible or hear a sermon or listen to a CD,

don’t just forget it and walk away.

Develop the practice of reviewing the truth in your mind,

thinking about it over and over.

The more time you spend reviewing what God has said,

the more you will understand the “secrets” of this life

that most people miss.

===================================================

We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust our sails.  A Beautiful Parable                             LIFE ISN'T ABOUT WAITING FOR THE STORM TO PASS... IT'S LEARNING HOW TO DANCE IN THE RAIN !     THIS MESSAGE IS SENT TO YOU WITH LOVE AND LIGHT FOR YOU AND YOURS!   Enjoy the Joy of Today . . .  ==============================================================================

BLESSED LIFE WITH GOD

 

“What if the Lord had not been on our side? Let all Israel repeat: What if the Lord had not been on our side when people attacked us? They would have swallowed us alive in their burning anger. The waters would have engulfed us; a torrent would have overwhelmed us. Yes, the raging waters of their fury would have overwhelmed our very lives.”

Lately, I have felt trapped by overwhelming circumstances that I have no control over. I have never liked being trapped. I don’t like the feeling of being vulnerable and defenseless. I have to force myself to stop and remember who I am in Christ. I am the daughter of the Most High King. I am loved and cherished. I have been ransomed and set free with a great price the blood of Christ. He loved me enough to die for me. There is nothing, in the entire world that can keep God from me. I am overwhelmed by God’s mercy and grace. I am swimming in His love. Why should I be overwhelmed by my circumstances? Doesn’t God know what is best for me? “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

How frustrating it is that I must even remind myself of this. God has done so many miraculous acts of love and kindness in my life and in the life of my family and friends. I refuse to worry about what is going on around me. God knows everything! He has a plan for my life and it is good, really good. I was born for a great purpose and as long as I am still living in this body of mine, His purposes for my life have not been completely fulfilled. “God has now revealed to us his mysterious plan regarding Christ, a plan to fulfill his own good pleasure. And this is the plan: At this time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ—everything in heaven and on earth. Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan. God’s purpose was that we Jews who were the first to trust in Christ would bring praise and glory to God.” Ephesians 1:9-12

I need wisdom and understanding. If I ask God for this He will give it to me. I have the Holy Spirit in me and He will direct my path and straighten out whatever is wrong in my life. He will set my mind and heart straight. I will trust in God’s leading, no matter what it is. I belong to my Father and nothing can be better for me than obedience to His word. He will make the direction of my life known. He will provide and comfort any loses I might have along the way. It is well with my soul because this is not my home and those I love are going to go to heaven with me. Jesus died for me! He is equal to God. He is my Savior and Lord. I will trust and follow wherever my Lord commands and I’ll do it fearlessly, because He rescues and preserves me. Even when I stumble and fall God picks me back up. I don’t want to rely on my own resources. God’s resources never run dry. And if I forget who I am in Christ, please remind me. We need each other! “We also pray that you will be strengthened with all glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light. For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins.” Colossians 1:11-14

According to the reference in my Bible, we have been transferred from darkness to light, from slavery to freedom, from guilt to forgiveness, and from the power of Satan to the power of God. We have been rescued from a rebel kingdom to serve the rightful King. Our conduct should reflect our new allegiance. How wonderful! “Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see—such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him, created and is supreme over all creation, for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made me things we can see and the things we can’t see—such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him. He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together. Christ is also the head of the church, which is his body. He is the beginning, supreme over all who rise from the dead. So he is first in everything. 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.” Colossians 1:15-20

Christ’s death has provided a way for everyone to come to God and if you trust Christ as your Savior, then you too can be God’s child. He will forgive you of your sins and redeem you from the darkness of this world; bringing you into the light of heaven. You too can trust Him in your struggles and in your overwhelming circumstances. God will take care of you because He loves you. He knows everything past, present and future. He is God your creator! “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah 1:5 God’s will is good no matter what form it takes. He is good all the time because He is God. Thank you, Lord, for such an adventurous life. I live an exciting life because God is in me. Thank you Jesus!

 

Whoever does not have the Spirit cannot receive the gifts that come from God's Spirit. 1 Corinthians 2:14 (TEV).

You can't earn your spiritual gifts or deserve them --

that's why they are called gifts!

They're an expression of God's grace to you: "Christ has generously divided out his gifts to us." (Ephesians 4:7, CEV)

Nor do you get to choose which gifts you'd like to have.

Paul explains that God determines that, "It is the one and only Holy Spirit who distributes these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have." (1 Corinthians 12:11, NLT).

Because God loves variety, and he wants us to be special,

there's no one single gift given to everyone,

and no individual receives all the gifts.

If you had them all, you'd have no need of anyone else,

and that would defeat one of God's purposes --

to teach us to depend on each other.

Your spiritual gifts were not given for your own benefit

but for the benefit of others,

just as other people were given gifts for your benefit.

The Bible says, "A spiritual gift is given to each of us as a means of helping the entire church" (1 Corinthians 12:7, NLT).

When we use our gifts together, we all benefit.

If others don't use their gifts,

you get cheated, but if you don't use your gifts, they get cheated.

This is why God wants us to discover and develop our spiritual gifts.

Whenever we forget these basic truths about gifts,

it always causes trouble in the church.

Two common problems are "gift-envy" and "gift-projection."

The first occurs when we compare our gifts to others,

feel dissatisfied with what God gave us,

and become resentful or jealous of how God uses others.

The second problem happens when you expect everyone else

to have your gifts, do what you're called to do,

and feel as passionate about it as you do.

The Bible says,

"There are different kinds of service in the church, but it is the same Lord we are serving" (1 Corinthians 12:5, NLT).

Sometimes spiritual gifts are overemphasized

to the neglect of the other factors that God uses to shape

you for service.

So keep in mind, your gifts reveal one part of God's will

for your ministry, but not all of it.

================================================

         " 10 Principles for Peace of Mind "

1. Do Not Interfere In Others' Business Unless Asked.

 

Most of us create our own problems by interfering too often in others' affairs. We do so because somehow we have convinced ourselves that our way is the best way, our logic is the perfect logic and those who do not conform to our thinking must be criticized and steered to the right direction, our direction. This thinking denies the existence of individuality and consequently the existence of God.. God has created each one of us in a unique way. No two human beings can think or act in exactly the same way. All men or women act the way they do because God within them prompts them that way. Mind your own business and you will keep your peace.

 

2. Forgive And Forget:

 

This is the most powerful aid to peace of mind. We often develop ill feelings inside our heart for the person who insults us or harms us. We nurture grievances. This in turn results in loss of sleep, development of stomach ulcers, and high blood pressure. This insult or injury was done once, but nourishing of grievance goes on forever by constantly remembering it. Get over this bad habit. Life is too short to waste in such trifles. Forgive,Forget, and march on. Love flourishes in giving and forgiving.

 

3. Do Not Crave For Recognition:

 

This world is full of selfish people. They seldom praise anybody without selfish motives. They may praise you today because you are in power, but no sooner than you are powerless, they will forget your achievement and will start finding faults in you. Why do you wish to kill yourse lf in striving for their recognition? Their recognition is not worth the aggravation. Do your duties ethically and sincerely.

 

4. Do Not Be Jealous:

 

We all have experienced how jealousy can disturb our peace of mind. You know that you work harder than your colleagues in the office, but sometimes they get promotions; you do not. You started a business several years ago, but you are not as successful as your neighbor whose business is only one year old. There are several examples like these in everyday life. Should you be jealous? No. Remember everybody's life is shaped by his/her destiny, which has now become his/her reality. If you are destined to be rich, nothing in the world can stop you. If you are not so destined, no one can help you either. Nothing will be gained by blaming others for your misfortune. Jealousy will not get you anywhere, it will only take away your peace of mind.

 

5. Change Yourself According To The Environment:

 

If you try to change the environment single-handedly, the chances are you will fail. Instead, change yourself to suit your environment. As you do this, even the environment, which has been unfriendly to you, will mysteriously change and seem congenial and harmonious.

 

6. Endure What Cannot Be Cured:

 

This is the best way to turn a disadvantage into an advantage. Every day we face numerous inconveniences, ailments, irritations, and accidents that are beyond our control. If we cannot control them or change them, we must learn to put up with these things. We must learn to endure them cheerfully. Believe in yourself and you will gain in terms of patience, inner strength and will power.

 

7. Do Not Bite Off More Than You Can Chew:

 

This maxim needs to be remembered constantly. We often tend to take more responsibilities than we are capable of carrying out. This is done to satisfy our ego. Know your limitations. . Why take on additional loads that may create more worries? You cannot gain peace of mind by expanding your external activities. Reduce your material engagements and spend time in prayer, introspection and meditation. This will reduce those thoughts in your mind that make you restless. Uncluttered mind will produce greater peace of mind.

 

8. Meditate Regularly:

 

Meditation calms the mind and gets rid of disturbing thoughts. This is the highest state of peace of mind. Try and experience it yourself. If you meditate earnestly for half an hour everyday, your mind will tend to become peaceful during the remaining twenty-three and half-hours. Your mind will not be easily disturbed as it was before. You would benefit by gradually increasing the period of daily meditation. You may think that this will interfere with your daily work. On the contrary, this will increase your efficiency and you will be able to produce better results in less time.

 

9. Never Leave The Mind Vacant:

 

An empty mind is the devil's workshop. All evil actions start in the vacant mind. Keep your mind occupied in something positive, something worthwhile. Actively follow a hobby. Do something that holds your interest. You must decide what you value more: money or peace of mind. Your hobby, like social work or religious work, may not always earn you more money, but you will have a sense of fulfillment and achievement. Even ! when you are resting physically, occupy yourself in healthy reading or mental chanting of God's name.

 

10. Do Not Procrastinate And Never Regret:

Do not waste time in protracted wondering " Should I or shouldn't I?" Days, weeks, months, and years may be wasted in that futile mental debating. You can never plan enough because you can never anticipate all future happenings. Value your time and do the things that need to be done. It does not matter if you fail the first time. You can learn from your mistakes and succeed the next time. Sitting back and worrying will lead to nothing. Learn from your mistakes, but do not brood over the past. DO NOT REGRET. Whatever happened was desti ned to happen only that way. Why cry over spilt milk?
===================================================

 

BLESSED GLORY OF THE LORD.

Ezekiel 10:4 says “THEN THE 'GLORY' OF THE LORD WENT 'UP' FROM THE CHERUB, AND 'STOOD' OVER THE THRESHOLD OF THE HOUSE; AND THE HOUSE WAS 'FILLED' WITH THE CLOUD, AND THE COURT WAS 'FULL' OF THE BRIGHTNESS OF THE LORD’S GLORY!”

Beloved Believers, I Have Had “3” People in the Last "24" Hours 'Message' me, Inquiring about Ezekiel 10:4! Therefore, I Dedicate today’s 'Devotional' time to this Text! Now, What we Have here is called a “THEOPHANY”, or “CHRISTOPHANY!” It’s a Pre-Incarnate 'Appearance' of the "SECOND PERSON" of the GODHEAD! Now, Remember, in chapter 1, the Prophet 'sees' the Approaching "GLORY" of GOD, Seated Upon a 'THRONE', Carried by 'Angelic' Cherubim, 'Transported' as it were, in All HIS "MAJESTY!" And the 'APPEARANCE' WAS AS THE 'APPEARANCE' OF A "MAN" (THE GOD-MAN)! Now, Listen, for “9” chapters, THE "VOICE” of MESSIAH Has Been 'SPEAKING' to him, Concerning the 'Idolatry' of HIS People, "ISRAEL!" And it is Absolutely 'Essential', that we Understand the 'Chronological' Setting Here! Listen, 'Nebuchadnezzar' is On His Way to "Destroy" JERUSALEM! The Children of ISRAEL 'will' Go Into "Captivity" in Babylon for “70” Years, "AS GOD HAD SAID!" So, with all this in Mind, let’s Examine “6” Particulars from our Verse today:

First, Notice “WHEN” this Occurred: He writes “THEN!” What? Then? "When?" Listen, the 3rd, and Final “Deportation” is about to take Place! There will 'Not' be One Stone left 'Standing' upon another, because the 'Armies' of the Babylonian Empire 'Will' Annihilate 'Everything' in Sight! Why? It’s Because of "SIN!" Listen to me, 'GOD' Will Put up with a 'Lot' from HIS Children, but HE will "NOT" STAND FOR “THE” SIN OF "IDOLATRY!" Over and Over and Over, GOD Had "Warned" HIS People, 'Not' to Engage in the "Idolatry" of the 'Heathen' that Surrounded them! In Fact, the Very 'First' Commandment Clearly Said, "THOU SHALT HAVE 'NO' OTHER GODS BEFORE ME!!!" So, Ezekiel Says, “THEN” THE LORD’S 'GLORY' WENT! Listen, 'Read' II Chronicles 36:11-21, Concerning the 'Final' Deportation, and See if you Can’t “IDENTIFY” The ONE 'SIN' that Caused the "70 Year" Captivity (hint: vs 14)! Ezekiel Says, “THEN”, When "ALL ELSE" FAILED, GOD’S WRATH "FELL!"

But Secondly, Notice “WHAT” Happened Then: Ezekiel writes “THEN, THE 'GLORY' OF THE LORD WENT 'UP' FROM THE CHERUB!” What? Wait a Minute Ezekiel, 'Why' Would the 'Shechinah' GLORY OF GOD Rise “UP”, From Dwelling 'Between' the Cherubim? Listen Closely Now, for “900” Years, THE "SHECHINAH GLORY" Had Dwelt “IN” the HOLY OF HOLIES “IN” the 'Tabernacle' and 'Temple' of GOD in "JERUSALEM!" But 'Now', Something “UNKNOWN” to ISRAEL, is About to Take Place: THE "GLORY" OF THE LORD GOD OF ISRAEL is “DEPARTING!!!” Ichabod, is about to be 'Written' Over the Door of the "House!" So, Ezekiel Says, “THEN” THE GLORY 'OF' THE LORD 'WENT' UP “FROM” THE CHERUB! Listen Dear One, the Year is 594 BC, and "THAT GLORY CLOUD" Has Been “SITTING” On That "MERCY SEAT" Since 1491 BC!!! That's "9" Centuries! But 'Now' (THEN) THE 'GLORY' GETS “UP!” See, in Exodus 40:34, 'after' Moses Had Completed the Tabernacle, it says, “THEN, A CLOUD 'COVERED' THE TENT OF THE CONGREGATION, AND THE 'GLORY' OF THE LORD 'FILLED' THE TABERNACLE!” And HE Was "WITH" ISRAEL All 'through' their Wilderness Wanderings, All 'through' their Campaigns of War, All 'through' their Generations, But "Now", HIS GLORY 'STANDS', as HE 'PREPARES' TO “DEPART!” Are You Getting the 'Impact' of the Picture Here???

Thirdly, Notice “WHAT” HE Does: Ezekiel writes “THEN, THE 'GLORY' OF THE LORD WENT 'UP' FROM THE CHERUB, AND 'STOOD' OVER THE THRESHOLD OF THE HOUSE!” What? Did You 'Hear' That? Are You 'Following' What’s Going on here Beloved? Watch, THE 'GLORY' OF GOD “ARISES” TO 'DEPART', BUT HE “STOPS”, AND “STANDS” AT THE 'THRESHOLD' OF THE HOUSE! "Why?" Listen to me: it’s Because HIS 'HEART' IS “BREAKING!!!” Just 'Like' a Faithful 'Husband' who’s Wife Has Stepped 'Out' on Him, HIS "HEART IS BROKEN", and HE “STILL” LOVES HER!!! Beloved, this text 'Boggles' My Mind, Because We’re talking about the "CREATOR" OF THE "UNIVERSE!" And Yet, HE “HESITATES”, as if HE’S Still "Pleading" For HER "LOVE!!!"

But Fourthly, Notice “WHAT” They 'HAD': He writes “AND THE HOUSE WAS 'FILLED' WITH THE CLOUD!” Oh Glory! Listen Carefully, THE "PRESENCE" OF GOD WAS “STILL” IN THE HOUSE, and 'Until' HE “DEPARTS”, They 'HAD' HIS GLORY “WITH” THEM!!! You Know it Absolutely 'Amazes' Me, When I think of some of the 'Vain' Things that GOD’S 'People' Will Trade HIM “FOR!” Let Me 'Ask' You Dear One today: What is it, That You Are 'Willing' to Put “Before” the 'GLORY OF GOD' in Your Life? Some Christians 'Trade' HIM in for 'Money', some for a 'Bottle', some for Unlawful Sexual 'Gratification', others for some Unregenerate "Person!" But "Whatever" the Replacement Might Happen to be, You can 'Know' for sure, That it Will "NEVER" SATISFY, and it Will NEVER "REPLACE" HIM! And That's Because "NOTHING" In The 'UNIVERSE' Can "COMPARE TO HIM!!!"

But Fifthly, Notice “WHAT” HE IS: Ezekiel writes “AND THE COURT WAS 'FULL' OF THE 'BRIGHTNESS' OF THE LORD’S GLORY!” Oh Me Oh My Beloved, Wow!! Question: Do You Know "What" You 'Have' today? Listen, if You are 'Born Again', Saved, 'Regenerated' by the "SPIRIT" OF JESUS CHRIST, You 'HAVE' THE “BRIGHTNESS” of the LORD’S GLORY “IN YOU!!!” Did You 'Hear' Me??? Listen, Just as the "HOLY TEMPLE" of JERUSALEM 'Had' the LORD’S "GLORY", So too, Do YOU & I "Have" HIS 'GLORIOUS' PRESENCE “WITHIN!” Hebrews 1:3 says of JESUS CHRIST “WHO 'BEING' THE 'BRIGHTNESS' OF HIS GLORY!” Oh We’re So "Blessed" My Fellow-Believers today! And We HAVE THIS "TREASURE" IN EARTHEN "VESSELS!!!"

But in Closing, Sixthly, Notice “WHAT” Happened to ISRAEL: vs 22 says “THEN DID THE CHERUBIMS LIFT 'UP' THEIR WINGS, AND THE WHEELS BESIDE THEM; AND THE 'GLORY' OF THE GOD OF ISRAEL WAS 'OVER' THEM ABOVE; AND THE 'GLORY' OF THE LORD WENT UP 'FROM' THE MIDST OF THE CITY, AND 'STOOD' UPON THE 'MOUNTAIN' WHICH IS ON THE EAST SIDE OF THE CITY!” What? Did Anyone 'Hear' That? Listen, THE "SHECHINAH GLORY" Walks 'From' HIS MERCY SEAT “to” the 'Threshold' of the House, then 'From' the Threshold of the House “to” HIS THRONE “OVER” THE LIVING CREATURES, and Then “to” the Mount of Olives!!! "Why" is that Significant? Oh Listen Carefully: THE 'GLORY' OF GOD “ONLY” DEPARTED 'FROM' ISRAEL “FOR A SEASON!” But Guess What? IT’S "COMING BACK" SOON & VERY SOON!!! And Zechariah 14:4 says that THE "LORD" SHALL STAND IN "THAT DAY" UPON THE "MOUNT OF OLIVES", WHICH IS BEFORE JERUSALEM ON THE "EAST!" And Guess What? HIS "FEET" WILL "SPLIT" THE MOUNTAIN IN "HALF" AS HE "TOUCHES" DOWN TO SAVE HIS "ELECT" NATION "ISRAEL!!!" Beloved, My Word to You today is simple: "LITTLE CHILDREN, KEEP YOURSELVES FROM IDOLS!!!" Don’t Make the Same 'Mistake' that ISRAEL Made! "2500" Years is a 'Long Time' to Wait, But HE’S "COMING!!!" Blessings to All, and Shalom.

A BEAUTIFUL PRAYER TO START YOUR JOB EVERYDAY

God our Loving Heavenly Father, as I enter this workplace, I bring your presence with me. I speak your peace, your grace, your mercy and your perfect order into this office/place. I acknowledge your power over all that will be spoken, though, decided and done within these walls.
Lord, I thank you for the gifts you have blessed me with. I commit to using them responsibly in your honour. Give me a fresh supply of strength to do my job. Anoint my projects, ideas, and energy, so that even my smallest accomplishment may bring you glory.
Lord, when I am confused, guide me. When I am weary, energize me. When I am burned out, infuse me with the light of the Holy Spirit. May the work that I do and the way I do it bring faith, joy and a smile to all that I come in contact with today. And oh Lord, when leave this place, give me traveling mercy. Bless my family and home to be in order as I left it.
Lord, I thank you for everything you have done, everything you are doing and everything you are going to do. In the name of Jesus, I pray, with much love and thanksgiving…Amen.

 

 

BLESSED FORGIVENESS OF GOD

Once there was a wealthy young man, God-fearing in nature who got married to a beautiful young lady. Both were very happy but the woman even though she was provided with everything the world could give was not happy. The man being a good person gave everything to make her happy but still she would always be disturbed and unhappy. He showed her to the best doctors, councilors, took her to different exotic places around the world but nothing could change her.

One fine day, there was a preacher who had come to their parish to give a retreat and this man took his wife for blessing and counseling. The only thing that the wife said was she has committed a great sin in the past before marriage for which she had confess and that she is sure even after confession it cannot be forgiven. Understanding her concern the preacher told the lady to come along with him for a walk by the river side that evening.

While walking on the banks of the river the preacher took this opportunity to tell her to pretend that they are talking to God and confessing their sins to God. And as a penance God is asking them to pick up a stone equivalent to the size of their sin and to throw the stone in the sea. The preacher takes a small stone to the size of his sin and throws it in the water asking the lady what she saw in the water. She replied that there was a noise with a small splash and the stone slowly sank in the river.

Now was the turn of the lady to do the same and the preacher said; knowing her sin he will help her carry a big stone that she chooses to throw. Picking up the huge stone they did the same as the preacher had done, threw the stone in the sea. Once again the preacher questioned the lady asking her to describe what she saw. This time also her answer was the same but it made a very big noise with a huge splash of water so big that they were wet and the stone went into the sea sinking slowly with calmness coming to the river once again.

Keeping the experiment in mind the preacher compared the woman sin saying even though both of them had different stone to the size of their sins once thrown into the seas both could not be seen and that after the stones sank they brought calmness once again.

Nature of God’s Forgiveness:-

The is what the preacher made the women understand that once we confess our sins to God they are surely forgiven, no matter how big or dangerous they may be, never to be seen again. Just as the east and the west cannot meet each other, the same way God also forgives our sins never to look back at them again.

Once the woman understood this formula and changed the way she was thinking, there was great rejoicing and happiness in her married life and she was able to love her husband like never before. We need to guard our spoken word to receive only by saying what we desire to have which is acceptable and pleasing to God.

So my friends, please remember: However grave your sins maybe, the infinite kindness and love of our Lord will erase even your gravest sins forever, once you confess your sins truly and wholeheartedly to God.

If you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord", 


and believe in your heart that God raised him from dead you will be saved.


Romans.10:9.

The following prayer is suggested to my readers who did not accept Jesus as your personal savior.
Lord Jesus, I need you. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life and receive You as my Savior and Lord. Thank You for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Take control of the throne of my life. Make me the kind of person You want me to be. Amen.
 Does this prayer express the desire of your heart?
If it does, pray this prayer right now, and Christ will come into your life, just as He promised.

I Thank You Jesus For your Love to ME, and 


you saved me from sin and eternal fire,

 Help me to Love You More....and live for you LORD

BLESSED JESUS ♥

Jesus is My Savior and Lord ♥

Jesus is My Good Shepherd ♥

Jesus is My Provider ♥

Jesus is My Way ♥

Jesus is the Air I breathe ♥

Jesus is My Song ♥
Jesus is my Peace ♥
Jesus is my Desire ♥
Jesus is my Redeemer ♥
Jesus is my comforter ♥
Jesus is my King of Kings ♥
Jesus is my Lord of Lords ♥
Jesus is my Prince of Peace ♥
Jesus is my Lawyer ♥
Jesus is my Healer ♥
Jesus is my Friend ♥
Jesus is my Father ♥
Jesus is my God ♥
Jesus is my Savior ♥
Jesus is my Lord ♥
Jesus is Lover of My Soul ♥
Jesus is my Way Maker ♥
Jesus is my Dream Maker ♥
Jesus is my Life Giver ♥
Jesus is my Answer ♥
Jesus is Faithful and true ♥
Jesus is Loyal ♥
Jesus is Awesome ♥
Jesus is my way ♥
Jesus is my truth ♥
Jesus is my Eternity ♥
Jesus is my All in All
Jesus is my Everything ♥
Jesus is my Life ♥
Jesus is my Reason for all my seasons ♥
Jesus is the lover of my soul forever ♥
Jesus is the reason for my existence ♥
And Finally, Jesus is my Messiah to come ♥

My Identity in JESUS CHRIST.

Matthew 5:13 *I am the salt of the earth. To gave taste to others.
Matthew 5:14 *I am the light of the world. To show the way...
John 1:12 *I am a child of God. To show my God the father.
John 15:15 *I am part of the true vine, a channel (branch) of Christ's life.
John 15:15 *I am Christ friend John 15:16 *I am chosen and appointed by Christ to bear His fruit.
Romans 8:14,15 *I am a joint-heir with Christ, sharing His inheritance with Him.
I Corinthians 3:16 *I am a temple of God. His Spirit dwells in me.
I Corinthians 12:27 *I am a member (part) of Christ's body
2 Corinthians 5:17 *I am a new creation.
2 Corinthians 5:18,19 *I am reconciled to God and am a minister of reconciliation...
Ephesians 1:1 *I am a saint.
Ephesians 1:3 *I am blessed with every spiritual blessing in heavenly places.
Ephesians 1:11 *I am sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit who has been given as a pledge of my inheritance.
Ephesians 2:10 *I am God's workmanship created in Christ to do His work that He planned beforehand that I should do.
Ephesians 4:24 *I am righteous and holy. Through the Blood of Jesus Christ.

GRACE AND PEACE OF JESUS
John 1:16-17: From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
JESUS is the Prince of Peace. He is the peace of God and his peace is inside of you. When you received Jesus in your heart that peace has come inside your spirit. Even grace you have received is in your spirit. We have to keep reminding ourselves that we are under the covering of grace.
Ephesians 1:3-8
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.

People of God aren’t you happy that His grace is upon you. His grace is lavishly given to you. That means the abundance of grace which we can’t even imagine. This is the love of Jesus.
When you are worried, discouraged, broken in spirit. Jesus said all who are weary and burden come to me and I will give you rest. You’ll never find that peace anywhere else but in Jesus. Always cling on to him. Have a communion with him always. You are not alone. No one can separate us from the love of Christ.

John 14:27: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

No matter who says what to you Jesus says I love you and I will never leave you till the end of the earth. What a loving God we serve.

Child of God the healing is already inside of you. It is in your spirit. Get that revelation into your soul and body that you are healed by the stripes of Jesus. Proclaim it daily and speak out. My friend when you speak out and the revelation gets into you see the change in your life.
God is for you and not against you. He is your loving father and you are the child of God. Apple of God’s eye. So I encourage you beloved always soak in His grace and love.

 

If you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord", 


and believe in your heart that God raised him from dead you will be saved.


Romans.10:9.

The following prayer is suggested to my readers who did not accept Jesus as your personal savior.
Lord Jesus, I need you. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life and receive You as my Savior and Lord. Thank You for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Take control of the throne of my life. Make me the kind of person You want me to be. Amen.
 Does this prayer express the desire of your heart?
If it does, pray this prayer right now, and Christ will come into your life, just as He promised.

I Thank You Jesus For your Love to ME, and 


you saved me from sin and eternal fire,

 Help me to Love You More....and live for you LORD

BLESSED SAYINGS ON THE CROSS.

I. “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they’re doing.” (Luke 23:34)

It makes sense that the first word of Jesus from the cross is a word of forgiveness. That’s the point of the cross, after all. Jesus is dying so that we might be forgiven for our sins, so that we might be reconciled to God for eternity.

But the forgiveness of God through Christ doesn’t come only to those who don’t know what they are doing when they sin. In the mercy of God, we receive his forgiveness even when we do what we know to be wrong. God chooses to wipe away our sins, not because we have some convenient excuse, and not because we have tried hard to make up for them, but because he is a God of amazing grace, with mercies that are new every morning.

As we read the words, “Father, forgive them,” may we understand that we too are forgiven through Christ. As John writes in his first letter, “But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness” (1 John 1:9). Because Christ died on the cross for us, we are cleansed from all wickedness, from every last sin. We are united with God the Father as his beloved children. We are free to approach his throne of grace with our needs and concerns. God “has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west” (Ps 103:13). What great news!

Questions for Reflection
Do you really believe God has forgiven your sins? Do you take time on a regular basis to confess your sins so that you might enjoy the freedom of forgiveness? Do you need to experience God’s forgiveness in a fresh way today?
Prayer
Gracious Lord Jesus, it’s easy for me to speak of your forgiveness, even to ask for it and to thank you for it. But do I really believe I’m forgiven? Do I experience the freedom that comes from the assurance that you have cleansed me from my sins? Or do I live as if I’m “semi-forgiven”? Even though I’ve put my faith in you and confessed my sins, do I live as sin still has power over me? Do I try to prove myself to you, as if I might be able to earn more forgiveness?
Dear Lord, though I believe at one level that you have forgiven me, this amazing truth needs to penetrate my heart in new ways. Help me to know with fresh conviction that I am fully and finally forgiven, not because of anything I have done, but because of what you have done for me.
May I live today as a forgiven person, opening my heart to you, choosing not to sin because the power of sin has been broken by your salvation.
All praise be to you, Lord Jesus, for your matchless forgiveness! Amen.

II.  “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43)

As Jesus hung on the cross, he was mocked by the leaders and the soldiers. One of the criminals being crucified with him added his own measure of scorn. But the other crucified criminal sensed that Jesus was being treated unjustly. After speaking up for Jesus, he cried out, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom” (v. 42).

Jesus responded to this criminal, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise” (v. 43). The word paradise, from the Greek word paradeisos, which meant “garden,” was used in the Greek Old Testament as a word for the Garden of Eden. In Judaism of the time of Jesus it was associated with heaven, and also with the future when God would restore all things to the perfection of the Garden. Paradise was sometimes thought to be the place where righteous people went after death. This seems to be the way Jesus uses paradise in this passage.

Thus we have encountered one of the most astounding and encouraging verses in all of Scripture. Jesus promised that the criminal would be with him in paradise. Yet the text of Luke gives us no reason to believe this man had been a follower of Jesus, or even a believer in him in any well-developed sense. He might have felt sorry for his sins, but he did not obviously repent. Rather, the criminal’s cry to be remembered seems more like a desperate, last-gasp effort.

Though we should make every effort to have right theology, and though we should live our lives each day as disciples of Jesus, in the end, our relationship with him comes down to simple trust. “Jesus, remember me,” we cry. And Jesus, embodying the mercy of God, says to us, “You will be with me in paradise.” We are welcome there not because we have right theology, and not because we are living rightly, but because God is merciful and we have put our trust in Jesus.

Questions for Reflection
Have you staked your life on Jesus? Have you put your ultimate trust in him? Do you know that, when your time comes, you will be with him in paradise?
Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus, how I wonder at your grace and mercy! When we cry out to you, you hear us. When we ask you to remember us when you come into your kingdom, you offer the promise of paradise. Your mercy, dear Lord, exceeds anything we might imagine. It embraces us, encourages us, heals us.
O Lord, though my situation is so different from the criminal who cried out to you, I am nevertheless quite like him. Today I live, trusting you and you alone. My life, but now and in the world to come, is in your hands. And so I pray:
Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom! Jesus, remember me today as I seek to live within your kingdom! Amen.

III. “Dear woman, here is your son.”  (John 19:26)

As Jesus was dying, his mother was among those who had remained with him. Most of the male disciples had fled, with the exception of one whom the Fourth Gospel calls “the disciple he loved.” We can’t be exactly sure of the identity of this beloved disciple, though many interpreters believe he is John, who is also the one behind the writing of this Gospel.
No matter who the beloved disciple was, it’s clear that Jesus was forging a relationship between this disciple and his mother, one in which the disciple would take care of Mary financially and in other ways. Jesus wanted to make sure she would be in good hands after his death.
The presence of Mary at the cross adds both humanity and horror to the scene. We are reminded that Jesus was a real human being, a man who had once been a boy who had once been carried in the womb of his mother. Even as he was dying on the cross as the Savior of the world, Jesus was also a son, a role he didn’t neglect in his last moments.

When we think of the crucifixion of Jesus from the perspective of his mother, our horror increases dramatically. The death of a child is one of the most painful of all parental experiences. To watch one’s beloved child experience the extreme torture of crucifixion must have been unimaginably terrible. We’re reminded of the prophecy of Simeon shortly after Jesus’ birth, when he said to Mary: “And a sword will pierce your very soul” (Luke 2:35).
This scene helps us not to glorify or spiritualize the crucifixion of Jesus. He was a real man, true flesh and blood, a son of a mother, dying with unbearable agony. His suffering was altogether real, and he took it on for you and for me.

Questions for Reflection
What does Mary’s presence at the cross evoke in you? Why do you think was it necessary for Jesus to suffer physical pain as he died?

Prayer
Lord Jesus, the presence of your mother at the cross engages my heart. You are no longer only the Savior dying for the sins of the world. You are also a fully human man, a son with a mother.
O Lord, how can I begin to thank you for what you suffered? My words fall short. My thoughts seem superficial and vague. Nevertheless, I offer my sincere gratitude for your suffering. Thank you for bearing my sin on the cross. I give you my praise, my love, my heart . . . all that I am, because you have given me all that you are.
All praise be to you, Lord Jesus, fully God and fully human, Savior of the world . . . my Savior! Amen.

IV.  “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” (Mark 15:34)

As Jesus was dying on the cross, he echoed the beginning of Psalm 22, which reads:
My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?
Why are you so far away when I groan for help?
Every day I call to you, my God, but you do not answer.
Every night you hear my voice, but I find no relief. (vv. 1-2)
In the words of the psalmist Jesus found a way to express the cry of his heart: Why had God abandoned him? Why did his Father turn his back on Jesus in his moment of greatest agony?
This side of heaven, we will never fully know what Jesus was experiencing in this moment. Was he asking this question because, in the mystery of his incarnational suffering, he didn’t know why God had abandoned him? Or was his cry not so much a question as an expression of profound agony? Or was it both?

What we do know is that Jesus entered into the Hell of separation from God. The Father abandoned him because Jesus took upon himself the penalty for our sins. In that excruciating moment, he experienced something far more horrible than physical pain. The beloved Son of God knew what it was like to be rejected by the Father. As we read in 2 Corinthians 5:21, “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (NIV).
I can write these words. I can say, truly, that the Father abandoned the Son for our sake, for the salvation of the world. But can I really grasp the mystery and the majesty of this truth? Hardly. As Martin Luther once said, “God forsaking God. Who can understand it?” Yet even my miniscule grasp of this reality calls me to confession, to humility, to worship, to adoration.

Questions for Reflection
Have you taken time to consider that Jesus was abandoned by the Father so that you might not be? What does this “word” from the cross mean to you?

Prayer
O Lord Jesus, though I will never fully grasp the wonder and horror of your abandonment by the Father, every time I read this “word,” I am overwhelmed with gratitude. How can I ever thank you for what you suffered for me? What can I do but to offer myself to you in gratitude and praise? Thank you, dear Lord, for what you suffered. Thank you for taking my place. Thank you for being forsaken by the Father so that I might never be.

When I survey the wondrous cross,
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ my God;
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to his blood.

See, from his head, his hands, his feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down;
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown.

Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.
“When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” by Isaac Watts (1707)

 V. “I am thirsty.” (John 19:28)

No doubt Jesus experienced extreme thirst while being crucified. He would have lost a substantial quantity of bodily fluid, both blood and sweat, through what he had endured even prior to crucifixion. Thus his statement, “I am thirsty” was, on the most obvious level, a request for something to drink. In response the soldiers gave Jesus “sour wine” (v. 29), a cheap beverage common among lower class people in the time of Jesus.
John notes that Jesus said “I am thirsty,” not only as a statement of physical reality, but also in order to fulfill the Scripture. Though there is no specific reference in the text of the Gospel, it’s likely that John was thinking of Psalm 69, which includes this passage:
Their insults have broken my heart,
and I am in despair.
If only one person would show some pity;
if only one would turn and comfort me.
But instead, they give me poison for food;
they offer me sour wine for my thirst.(vv. 20-21)
As he suffered, Jesus embodied the pain of the people of Israel, that which had been captured in the Psalms. Jesus was suffering for the sin of Israel, even as he was taking upon himself the sin of the world.
As I reflect on Jesus’ statement, “I am thirsty,” I keep thinking of my own thirst. It’s nothing like that of Jesus. Rather, I am thirsty for him. My soul yearns for the living water that Jesus supplies (John 4:10; 7:38-39). I rejoice in the fact that he suffered physical thirst on the cross – and so much more – so that my thirst for the water of life might be quenched.

Questions for Reflection
How do you respond to Jesus’ statement “I am thirsty”? What does this statement suggest to you about Jesus? About yourself?
Prayer
O Lord, once again I thank you for what you suffered on the cross. Besides extraordinary pain, you also experienced extreme thirst. All of this was part and parcel of your taking on our humanity so that you might take away our sin.
Dear Lord, in your words “I am thirsty” I hear the cry of my own heart. I too am thirsty, Lord, not for physical drink. I don’t need sour wine. Rather, I need the new wine of your kingdom to flood my soul. I need to be refreshed by your living water. I yearn for your Spirit to fill me once again.
I am thirsty, Lord, for you. Amen.

VI. “It is finished!” (John 19:30)

I never saw a more difficult film to watch than Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ. For most of that movie I wanted to avert my eyes. It was horrible to watch even a cinematic version of a crucifixion. And it was beyond comprehension to think that this actually happened to somebody, and not just anybody, but my Lord and Savior. I had studied the crucifixion before, and knew in my head what Jesus experienced. But seeing a visual presentation of his suffering was almost more than I could bear. When The Passion of the Christ was over, I felt palpable relief. Thank goodness it was finished.

When Jesus said “It is finished,” surely he was expressing relief that his suffering was over. “It is finished” meant, in part, “This is finally done!” But the Greek verb translated as “It is finished” (tetelestai) means more than just this. Eugene Peterson captures the full sense of the verb in The Message: “It’s done . . . complete.” Jesus had accomplished his mission. He had announced and inaugurated the kingdom of God. He had revealed the love and grace of God. And he had embodied that love and grace by dying for the sin of the world, thus opening up the way for all to live under the reign of God.

Because Jesus finished his work of salvation, you and I don’t need to add to it. In fact, we can’t. He accomplished what we never could, taking our sin upon himself and giving us his life in return. Jesus finished that for which he had been sent, and we are the beneficiaries of his unique effort. Because of what he finished, you and I are never “finished.” We have hope for this life and for the next. We know that nothing can separate us from God’s love. One day what God has begun in us will also be finished, by his grace. Until that day, we live in the confidence of Jesus’ cry of victory: “It is finished!”

Questions for Reflection
Do you live as if Jesus finished the work of salvation? To you have confidence that God will finish that which he has begun in you?
Prayer
How can I ever find words to express my gratitude to you, dear Lord Jesus? You did it. You finished that for which you had been sent, faithful in life, faithful in death. You accomplished that which no other person could do, taking the sin of the world upon your sinless shoulders . . . taking my sin so that I might receive your forgiveness and new life.
All praise be to you, gracious Lord, for finishing the work of salvation. All praise be to you, dear Jesus, for saving me! Alleluia! Amen.

VII. “Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!” (Luke 23:46)

Two of the last seven “words” of Jesus were quotations from the Psalms. Earlier Jesus had Psalm 22, “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” to express his anguish. Later he borrowed from Psalm 31, which comes to us from Luke as “Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands.”
On an obvious level, Jesus was putting his post mortem future in the hands of his Heavenly Father. It was as if he was saying, “Whatever happens to me after I die is your responsibility, Father.”
But when we look carefully at the Psalm Jesus quoted, we see more than what at first meets our eyes. Psalm 31 begins with a cry for divine help:
O LORD, I have come to you for protection;
don’t let me be disgraced.
Save me, for you do what is right. (v. 1)
But then it mixes asking for God’s deliverance with a confession of God’s strength and faithfulness:
I entrust my spirit into your hand.
Rescue me, LORD, for you are a faithful God. (v. 5)
By the end, Psalm 31 offers praise of God’s salvation:
Praise the LORD,
for he has shown me the wonders of his unfailing love.
He kept me safe when my city was under attack. (v. 21)

By quoting a portion of Psalm 31, therefore, Jesus not only entrusted his future to his Father, but also implied that he would be delivered and exonerated. No, God would not deliver him from death by crucifixion. But beyond this horrific death lay something marvelous. “I entrust my spirit into your hands” points back to the familiar suffering of David in Psalm 31, and forward to the resurrection.

Questions for Reflection
Have you put your life and, indeed, your life beyond this life, in God’s hands? How do you experience God’s salvation through Christ in your life today?
Prayer
Gracious Lord, even as you once entrusted your spirit into the hands of the Father, so I give my life to you. I trust you, and you alone to be my Savior. I submit to your sovereignty over my life, and seek to live for your glory alone. Here I am, Lord, available to you, both now and in the future.
How good it is to know, dear Lord, that the cross was not the end for you. As you entrusted your spirit into the Father’s hands, you did so in anticipation of what was to come. So we reflect upon your death, not in despair, but in hope. With Good Friday behind us, Easter Sunday is on the horizon. Amen.