Anybody out there have a NEED to control. Oh some of you may say, “Not me.” But I’m willing to bet there are more people out there like me. This need to control comes from different walks in life. Could be something from your past, a recent offense, abuse, grief or all of these things. Control shows up in different forms such as anger, manipulation, gossip, being easily offended, talking tooooo much about yourself or just waaaay tooooo much, depression, anxiety attacks, fear, and physical abuse. Recently I lost a son and because I could not control that, I have felt the NEED to control other things around me, even to the point of offending others. Below is an article I found months ago and have recently rediscovered it. I hope it helps someone out there as much as it is a help and a reminder to me.

From Annette Capps–One of the symptoms of powerlessness is the need to control. It may be the need to control through anger, sickness, dominating conversations, or acting like a victim or a tyrant. The illusion is that “control over people and circumstances is power”. It can never be. You can hold someone at gunpoint or physically torture them, but you have no power over their soul. You can manipulate circumstances to just how you think things should be, but in the end, your need to control has power over you. Letting go and leaving each person and circumstance with God is true power.

The first step to true power is recognizing what person or past event still has control over you. What are your negative obsessions? What event, thoughts or beliefs are still stuck in your mind? Emotional healing can only begin when you acknowledge what you need to be healed from, but don’t get stuck in that process. Once you bring it up, keep going until it is resolved. Don’t get stuck in the emotion of it. The power comes in letting it go and moving on.

To the degree that you focus on negative events in your life, to that degree you are bound. Obsessing about past hurts, enslaves you to that moment in time and to the person who “sinned” against you. Didn’t Christ come to free us from the power of sin? That means we can be free from the power of others sins against us as well as our own personal sins. Sin no longer has power over us.

You have a choice to make. Do you want to be truly empowered by Christ in you, letting go of your past, forgiving others? Do you want to see God’s power in your life and circumstances? Do you really want your words to come to pass? Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you into complete spiritual and emotional healing. Every person will have a different path to healing through the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Trust His Wisdom on the inside of you.   Romans 8:38-39

This goes to our friend Randall Bertrand and others that work outside the box. Their “Holy Ghost inspired” ways of reaching out to others in diverse cultural fashion, keeps me on my toes and my ears open to the daily prompts of God’s voice.

This is an article from Rachel Burchfield: People are the only thing going to heaven. Your sports trophies won’t live forever, but the guys in the locker room will. Your financial portfolio won’t last forever, but your bankers and business colleagues will. Your Bow-flex body isn’t eternal, but every person in that gym is. Let’s put our priorities on pointing people towards eternity and introducing them to Jesus.

2 Cor 5:20 says that God gave you a ministry of reconciliation. That means that you have an anointing to either bring people to God for the first time or reconcile them back to the Lord. When you truly believe that “Your steps are ordered of the Lord,” you’ll realize your daily encounters with people are not a coincidence. God wants you to point them to Jesus. I am not opposed to leaving a tract for the waitress (but make sure you leave a fair tip, too), knocking on doors, preaching in bars etc., but salvation is usually a progressive reality of who Jesus is, not an emotional response.

Several years ago, a friend told me about a party he attended in a couple’s lovely dream home. Because it was in a remote, undeveloped wooded area, they had placed one of their four teenagers at every significant turn on the road. They functioned as a team to get the guests to their father. All they did was smile and point people in the right direction. What a great picture for true soul winning. The Father plants believers at every significant turn of someone’s life to point the to Jesus. Sometimes you’ll be led to quietly pray or say a kind word, while other times, you’ll experience the joy of actually praying that sinner’s prayer with them. Paul said, ” . . . one plants, another waters, but God gives the increase.”

Recognizing that God’s will is to point people to Jesus, here are three pointers. First, pray daily and accept Ps. 37:23, believing that ” . . . your steps are ordered by the Lord.” You’ll then find great purpose in untimely visitors, long lines and unscheduled meetings. Secondly, select a life phrase that you say so often to people that it becomes second nature (Eva says 1st nature ) to you. “God bless you, Jesus loves you,” and “Be blessed” are good considerations. I like to say, “It’s safe to trust Jesus” and “I’m going to say a prayer for you today.” People will usually be very appreciative and eventually ask you more about the Lord. Thirdly consider a bold, aggressive approach with those you know are going the wrong direction or in a difficult season. Send a card, e-mail, voicemail or gift with an honest, heartfelt message of “You don’t have to live confused or sad. Jesus died for you to have abundant life. Trust Him. Call me. We’re both listening.”

On October 30, 2010 the Opera Company of Philadelphia and 650 choisters sang the “Hallelujah Chorus” in Macy’s. Flash mobs in a Canadian mall’s food court did the same thing, singing Handel’s masterpiece to thousands of confused shoppers. Their busy, senseless lives were interrupted with Jesus, King of Kings and Lord of Lords being exalted and celebrated. The very next month, in Melbourne, Australia, the secular pop rock group U2 sang “Amazing Grace” and 100,000 people in the stadium joined in. Friends, don’t get religious on me. Even if the stadium was filled with stoned sinners, the song pointed people to Jesus Christ. Let’s rejoice and watch for more of these unusual revealings . . . and perhaps the Holy Spirit will give you some creative ways to point people to Jesus, too.

Proverbs 11:30 “He who wins souls is wise . . .”

 

Those who know their God shall be strong and do mighty exploits. Daniel 11:32. such as violate the covenant he shall pervert and seduce with flatteries but the people who know their God shall prove themselves strong and shall stand firm and do exploits [for God] AMP. With flattery he will corrupt those who abandon the promise. But the people who know their God will be strong and take action (GWT).

These are variations of the same verse. Sometimes when I read my Bible, I like to break down the verses and meditate or think about an individual word or phrase and determine how it applies to me. For example, starting with the phrase “those who abandon the promise.” To whom is the word “those” referring? Are those strangers, foreigners? Are they aware of what they are supposed to be doing? And the phrase, “people who know their God.” Is the word “people” talking about the word “those?” Are those the same group as people?

GOD’S WORD Translation says, “Those who abandon the promise.”The AMP breaks it down as those who violate the covenant God has made with them vs “those who KNOW their God” or those who have not violated the covenant. Does this mean that both groups KNOW God? Are they equally aware of God AND His covenant or promise?

The conclusion is both groups of people are equally aware of God and both groups are equally aware of the promise, the covenant God has made with His people. Both groups, in God’s eyes, are His people. But it appears some of God’s people don’t take seriousely God’s covenant with them; God’s promise to them. When reviewing different versions of this scripture, words like, “violate, abandon, do wickedly” define the character or nature of those who know of God vs those “Who know their God.” There is a connection between God and those who KNOW him, but we see separation or disconnect with those who violate and do wickedly.

For those who KNOW their God, we see phrases or descriptions like, “courageously loyal to their God”, “know their God”, “courageously know their God”, and  “follow God” we see a different kind of character trait and connection or relationship. It is one of companionship and action. It is one that will not stand for evil. The following phrases give new meaning to verse that states “the violent (one of those) will take it by force” (Matt 11:12). We see this when we read, “those who know their God will fight back”, “will prove themselves strong and shall stand firm and do exploits [for God]“, “shall be strong and shall act”, “will be strong and take action”, “will take a strong stand”,  and “will firmly resist him [the enemy].

The “so what” of this devotion comes in the question, are you one of those? Do  you KNOW your God?

 

Aug. 6, 2011 Journal entry as God spoke to my heart–But now O Eva, listen to the LORD who created you, My daughter. The One who formed you says, “Don’t be afraid for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name, you are Mine. When you go through the waters I will be with you. When you go through the rivers of difficult you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up (the flames will not consume you). For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. You have chosen to know me–believe in me and understand that I am God alone–there is no other.

No one can snatch you out of my hand, no one can undo what I have done. I am the LORD your Holy One. What is done in the past is nothing compared to what I am going to do. For I am about to do something new. Listen to me, Eva, my servant, my chosen one. The LORD who made you and helps you says, “Do not be afraid.” I will pour out my Spirit on your descendants, my blessing on your children. They thrive like the watered grass.

My response according to God’s own Word–You LORD have established us and explained our future. We will not tremble, we will not be afraid for You proclaimed Your purposes for us long ago. We are Your witnesses, there is no other God, no Rock like our God. Thank you LORD, You are mighty to save. Hallelujah!

This is when Mark Jr. had the “flu”, or so we thought. He didn’t want to eat, drink, watch his car shows, throw anything, nothing. He wanted to sleep. We’ve all been there before, so we let him sleep. He slept for three days getting up here and there to use the bathroom and wander around a little. By Monday, he was feeling better but had developed an inconsistent cough. No fever, no runny nose, no mucus but still pretty tired. He didn’t complain and he was getting up more. Just thought this flu knocked the wind out of him.

AUGUST 16 journal entry–5:30 am  LORD, I have prayed for You to show me how to help Mark Jr. and now I read in Your Word from Psalm 25, “The Lord is good and does what is right; He shows the proper path. He leads the humble in doing right teaching them His way. The LORD leads with unfailing love and faithfulness all who keep His covenant and obey His commands. Who are those who fear the LORD? He will show them the path they will choose. They will prosper and their children will inherit the land. My eyes are always on the LORD and He rescues me.” And from Ezekiel 12:25, “I AM the LORD. If I say it, it will happen!”

The next week, Mark’s feet began to swell and he was acting winded. I called the doctors office to try to get him in but did not get any calls back. Finally on the next Tuesday the doctor could see Mark. After seeing the doctor, we were told to take Mark to the ER next door. At the ER and an EKG later we were told Mark had a heart attack. Later when the blood work came back, we were told Mark didn’t have a heart attack but could at any moment based on the EKG. The doctor said, “You have a very sick boy.”

I must interject at this time that in the process of drawing blood 4 different times, 4 adults had to hold Mark down in order to get a needle in him. lol Again, this happened 4 times and Mark did not have a heart attack. He did turn a few colors in the process, but no heart attack. IV and foley inserted and meds to remove fluid have begun.

We transferred Mark to a different hospital and after a few humiliating moments (for Mark–the details for the favorite few) Mark was taken to the cardiac ward where MORE blood was taken and 4 more people had to hold him down. By 2:30 or 3 am we finally settled down for a few moments of rest after the usual questions, we slept for about two hours and began more blood draws, tests, meds and questions trying to determine the cause of this problem.

AUGUST 24: 8 am ish–I am so tired I cannot even function. The doctors have come in and told me about a possible blood clot and damage to Marks heart that may or may not recover. This is all due to the “flu” he had previously and they are calling it a Viral blah blah blah itis thing. I recognize the same peace I experienced 4 years ago. Doing a lot of smiling and nodding, but thank God they are not pressuring me to make decisions until I can think clearly. Mark is asleep. When I am tempted to be afraid, I will trust in the LORD.

Evening rounds around 5-6 ish–The doctor said his plan is for Mark to go home on Friday. ???? I’m good with that but some may ask, what has changed? God is in this place. I have asked for prayer from everyone according to Heb 13:5-6 and Isaiah 58:8. The LORD’s hand is not shortened at all, that  it cannot save nor His ears dull that they do not hear. Thank you LORD that you guide me.

AUGUST 25 around 5:30 ish am. God is speaking to me through His Word, “Have you not seen? Have you not heard? The everlasting God does not faint or grow weary, there is no searching His understanding. He gives power to the faint and weary and to him who has no might. He increases strength [causing it to multiply and abound.]

PRAYER: Thank you Father. I declare Your Word above all else. You increase Mark’s strength and renew him He will mount up on wings like eagles, he will run and not grow weary, he will walk and not faint or become tired.

GOD’S RESPONSE TO MY PRAYER: But you, Eva whom I have chosen, the offspring of Abraham, my friend, you whom I the LORD have said to you, I have chosen you and I will not cast you off. You are my friend. Do not be afraid [there is nothing to fear], for I am with you. Do not look around you in terror and be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen and harden you to difficulties, yes, I will help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand of righteousness and justice. Behold, those who are inflamed against you will be put to shame and confounded. Those who war against you will be as nothing, nothing at all. For I the LORD you God hold your right hand. I am the LORD who says to you, “Fear not! I will help you!

AUGUST 25–8 ish am–the doctors are making their rounds and again, Mark’s doctor says Mark will go home tomorrow because he has responded so positively to meds and the swelling is almost all gone. Also, they can hear almost no heart arrhythmia (murmur). I have refused one med but ok with the others. One doctor is not happy and trying to cause me to fear by his “possibilities.” But I will not be moved because God said do not fear. Mark is up laughing and walking and eating and enjoying his car magazines Mrs. Collins brought to him.

AUGUST 26 8 am ish–Mark is definitely going home today. Even the one doctor who was so “upset at me” is such a different person today. That’s a God thing. Left thank you notes with all the nurses and Dr. V for their help in Mark’s crisis. From the brink of no return to complete recovery-only God. No doubt in my mind that “by His stripes, Mark IS healed.”

Many people dread aging. In fact, you can always read in a gossip magazine about who had some type of alteration to their physical features because they don’t want to “look old.” Then there are people who “don’t look their age,” and there are people who look old but are not.

I was never one to care about my age. Though I loved celebrating my birthday, my age was NEVER a factor of emotional instability, (just ask my husband). The year I was to turn 30, my mom called me and started talking to me about depression and hormones and “stuff”. Finally I asked her why she was talking to me about these things. Her reply, “You’re getting ready to turn 30 and women sometimes experience these things. But I don’t want you to worry because you’re going to be OK.”

Wow! Before she called, I WAS OK. Now? hmmmmm. After hanging up, I started “chatting” with God about it and told Him I really was OK with 30. Almost immediately, this thought came to me and has been my philosophy for,  (how many years is it honey?) Oh yeah, 22 years. Here goes:

I decided that 30 would be thrilling; 40 fantastic; 50 fabulous; 60 sensational; 70 the sequel; 80 exciting; 90 nifty and at 100 I’m sure our culture will have some amazing word to describe me. lol

In Lynette Hagin’s book, God’s Positioning System, I am reminded that it doesn’t matter how old you are. Every day you put your feet on the floor is a new beginning. “What we focus our minds and thoughts on is going to determine what we will be able to accomplish during the rest of the day.” See Proverbs 23:7. When we focus on what God says about us [not the world's views and mandates] we can do “all things through Christ who gives us strength.”

I love Psalm 92:12-15. When I declare it, I say it this way: But the godly [that would be me] will flourish like palm trees and grow strong . I am transplanted in the LORD’s own house and I flourish in the courts of my God. Even in old age I STILL produce fruit. I remain vital and green. I am His living memorial to show that God is upright and faithful to His promises. He is my rock. There is NO unrighteousness in Him.

So you see, I put my mind on God and His Word and suddenly I am transformed from a weary old person to a revitalized youth. Lynette and I encourage you, no matter your age, do not THINK old–ever! “Our mind can be a powerful ally or an awesome enemy of our souls. Your thoughts can make you victorious in life or they can utterly defeat you.” says Lynette.

Quoting from her book she says, “You cannot think thoughts of defeat and expect to receive victory. You cannot think thoughts of sickness and expect to receive health. You cannot think thoughts of poverty and expect to receive prosperity.”

You cannot think thoughts of feebleness and expect to soar like an eagle. You cannot be pitiful and powerful at the same time. As my mom would say, “get your mind out of the gutter.” Thinking less than God’s thoughts is gutter thinking. Raise your thinking, raise the standard you live.

God didn’t intend on us being feeble in old age. He told us to walk in wisdom and strength and teach the younger folk how to follow in His Word. So today whether you’re 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 or more, get in God’s Word, get on God’s plan and be a living memorial of God’s faithfulness to ALL His promises.

Just when you think God has done so much, He does more!! It is just wonderful to know that we serve a LIVING God and He is always thinking about what He will do to bless us above what we are able to ask or think!  In 1985, while visiting a church in Merrit Island, Florida, I remember listening to some one bragging on God and His goodness as they just kept testifying how wonderful He was to them, but this person never gave an example or details as to what it was that God did for them.

 

I was unsaved at the time (but didn’t know it) and I remember thinking, tell me more. What exactly did God do that was so good? What’s the big deal? How do I measure this or know the validity?  For an unsaved person, these are extreme even desperate questions? Personally, I believe it is important for us to share details (when appropriate) of answered prayer because if we don’t, how will people know they can experience God’s goodness too?!

 

Years later (2007), while driving to church, God asked me, “Darlin, how many of those cows do you want?” (Psalm 50 tells us that God has cattle on a thousand hills) and I’d been preaching this message. I believe that God wants others to know that His well of blessings has not run dry. Well, I raised my hand in the car and told God that I wanted all the cows he has intended for me; all the ones with my name on them. I was not about to stifle God’s message with self-humility. God himself was humbling me by His very presence. Who was I to turn away what God wants for me?

 

I believe, with all my heart, that God WANTS to pour out His blessing on us. He uses His generosity toward us as the example of how He wants us to give and His generosity defines our attitude toward giving; with generosity. Isn’t that GREAT! God wants us to give, so He gives as our example of not holding back! Mark has started this philosophy of “give because you can’t out give God; it will ALWAYS come back to you somehow.” Think about it.

 

The problem for many is not in the giving but in the receiving. How in the world are we going to be givers if we aren’t receivers?!1 Corinthians 9:10 says, “He that plows should plow in hope: and that he that threshes in hope should be partaker of His hope.” Hope thinks BIG because our God is BIG. But remember, God will not give more than you are willing to receive.

 

That word partaker literally means “to have with.” The word connotes a sharing in, participation with another and taking part in a joint venture. Here the sowers AND the reapers share the same hopes. Hebrews 2:14 describes Jesus, by the incarnation, sharing flesh and blood with humanity for their redemption.  1 Corinthians 10:17 states that ALL the redeemed have a joint participation in worshiping the Lord Jesus.

 

2 Timothy 2:6 tells us the farmer that labors must be first partaker of the fruits. Again I ask how we can give without the getting. Proverbs 4:7 says, “With all thy getting, get understanding”. In the past, I have focused on the GET UNDERSTANDING part of this scripture, but I believe today that in understanding, we have to know that we need to be getting.

 

Isn’t it freeing to know that “having” is not a sin. God’s understanding in me reveals that loving what I have IS sin. Do you know how that sets me free to give what I have?! I don’t need to give grudgingly and I can give even when I don’t have in abundance because I know that God has “cattle on a thousand hills” and His desire is to love and take care of me. Psalm 23 says “I shall not want”, literally translated, “I shall not be in lack”.

 

How amazing that even if I give it away, God’s got more to give! The best news is, if God will do it for me, He will do it for you because He is not a “respecter of persons.” Mark and I have “reasoned with God” that we choose to be givers of what we have AND our surplus. God has ALWAYS been generous with us even when we were being “stingy” in ignorance to His truth.  I am always amazed at God’s love, longsuffering, and generosity toward us. For this we can truly say, GOD IS SO GOOD!

A friend once wrote, “When life cuts you . . . bleed worship.”

When we were having a bad day growing up we used to say things like, “Momma told me there’d be days like this.” There’s an oldies song called Momma said that has the same quote.

Jesus said it in John 16:33 that we would have problems, trials, adverse situations, troubles. He also adds that he has overcome everyone of them. So when problems come, what do we do? As stated above, “bleed worship.”

To continue with my friend’s thoughts, “When the pressure of life is crashing upon our souls, we find things coming out of us that disgust us; things like fear, worry, anger, despair, depression, selfishness, and evil in return for evil.”

We forget and need to be reminded that we’re bigger on the inside (1 John 4:4) and we “CAN do ALL things through Christ who gives us the strength,” (Phil. 4:13). But we cannot do or know these things without turning to the One who is great and His Word. We NEED to look on God’s goodness.

“When life cuts us with its deadlines, headlines, and traffic lines . . . hard times, tough times, and I-think-I wanna-give-up-times . .  when we are dealt a difficult hand of heart-aches, heart-breaks, and heart-attacks . . . when we are cheated on, stepped on, ticked off, kicked out, used, abused, and overlooked . . . in those defining moments, may we have a revelation of God’s true WORTH, LOVE, and HIS GOODNESS that causes in us a total life response” . . . bleed worship.

 

Thank you Chris Johnson for allowing me to share

 

A story is told from a foreign country known for persecuting Christians.  In this shortened version, it is said that the “police” would invade villages where there were known Christians (or not) and imprison them, terrorize them, and kill them. The intent was to get rid of the Christians.

In one village in particular, the terrorists began to bring out their prisoners one by one and showed a photo representation of Jesus Christ. One by one, each person was commanded to renounce Jesus, renounce their belief in him. Then they were informed that by doing so, their lives would be spared, they could go free.

One by one, the individuals would spit on the picture that represented their Savior, King and LORD. One by one, they would renounce their allegiance to the One who gave up his whole life even to death so they might live. And then, one by one, each person was executed.

Eventually a young girl was brought before the group of marauders. She too was pushed to the ground and given the same command, to renounce her belief in this Jesus, with the promise of life. Tears rolled down her face at the vision of the massacre before her. She picked up the precious piece of paper that was the representation of Jesus, the image of love. After wiping the spit from the paper, she then kissed the face and held it to her chest awaiting execution. But instead of being murdered, she was set free. What was the difference? Why death to those who did as they were commanded and life to the defender? In one word . . . allegiance.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndhsN8YIGw8

Many of our servicemen and women, even some family members, don’t completely understand allegiance. I have heard many reasons why some young men and women have joined the armed forces. Sad to say, there are some that are less than noble or right. But there are those who understand the value of life, of freedom and of justice and the sacrifice involved in gaining and maintaining those things.

Today we have been told that a man responsible for the terror acts in the United States in 2001 has been killed. His killing was in retribution for his heinous acts upon human kind and the U.S. Though I am grateful that he no longer is a threat, I will not rejoice in the death of my enemy. The scriptures say, “Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Sovereign LORD. Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live?” “Do not rejoice when your enemy falls…” Proverbs 24:17 and “I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live,” (Ezekiel 33:11). My victory celebration I reserve for our men and women in the armed forces when they come home again. When they can live in the land of the free for a time without having to fight for it. When they can live in the peace we are enjoying now as their lives are uprooted and in constant fluidity. I’m looking forward to a “ticker tape”  parade and all the businesses being closed and all the traditional ways of celebrating because our family is home.

 

Ok, may I say THANK YOU to all you wonderful young ladies and women out there who make a point out of modesty. I have been embarrassed at K-Mart of all places when a lady bent over the counter to ask for a job application and exposed her breasts to the store. All I could think was, “stand up please stand up.” And when she did, well, lets just say it wasn’t much better. Ladies, I agree with the “save the ta tas” but you don’t have to show me them. I’m cool with them buttoned up, zipped up, tied up, etc. I like a scoop neck, v neck, square neck, etc. but some of what I am seeing gives new meaning to these fashions. Although  Hollyworm isn’t always helpful, I have seen some beautifully adorned and modest styles recently. (There are always exceptions) When I tried to find a modest swim suit top, what a joke! My new motto, “PUT THE PUPPIES AWAY”  will be on all my newsletters and letterhead (jk). I am challenging all the girls out there to make it a point for the summer to cover up the pups in public, in church, at the office, and oh yeah, when getting a job application.

Now to the guys and men-what started out as butt crack and became a full-fledged butt flash at a road stop this February (I started screaming and scared Mark and I think the guy too because he turn around then exposing his big belly as he was literally trying to pull up his pants) all I have to say is this: PULL THEM UP! Get a belt, suspenders, a rope, overalls. If you are walking around town holding your “belted pants” up around the crotch while you are walking that spread leg walk trying to keep the pants at your thighs (or in some cases the knees) PULL THEM UP! Raise the standard, the bar of excellence and get a pair of pants that fit.

If we want people to look at us differently, then we need to talk differently, walk differently, dress differently. We need to stop acting like we are just like anyone else because respect doesn’t come from acting like everyone else. It comes from being the best person you are. I will never forget the day my son Jeremy (who was taught modesty and respect) walked up to a manager at a store, shook his hand. He said, “My name is Jeremy Boswell and I would like to apply for a job.” The manager then replied, “When can you start?” Jeremy said, “Today,” with a smile. The manager told him to come back the next day and fill out all the paper work. He was hired. Why? There was something different about him. (I, by the way am extremely proud of all my kids )

What’s the point? “Put the puppies away” and “pull them up.” What a difference you will make by being . . . well, different. And Mrs. Boswell won’t be embarrassed to go out in public any more . Have a great day

I have posted some songs on my Facebook profile that depict Jesus being brutalized while the songs talk of the reason behind this torturous time in his life. People, this is what Good Friday is about. This is the “hurting” part of the Easter message. Our hearts hurt and we don’t want to see the pain it cost this man to die. He didn’t deserve to die but he did it for you and for me.

Why are people so “resistant” to this message? Is it the brutality upon one man? Is it that he didn’t deserve what he got? Is it that there really was a reason for it and we don’t want to think that someone could love that deeply and that much? Is it that we have to accept the fact that no matter how good we are, we are not good?

We really need a greater understanding of the word LOVE. We love our food, clothes, and things, but the Bible said that Jesus LOVED us sooooo much, he gave up everything this world has to offer, even unto death. He took upon himself the beating that we deserve, the punishment that we deserve, the death that we deserve. Maybe you’re thinking, “WHAT! I don’t deserve to die. I’m basically a good person. I don’t do this or I don’t do that. I help do this or I give that away.” But the scriptures tell us that “all we like sheep have gone astray.” In today’s vernacular that means we’ve all screwed up at one time or another.

Has anyone yelled or cussed at a parent recently? (Honor your mother and father). Has anyone slapped, hit, or punched anyone recently? (Love others the way you want to be loved) Has anyone lied just once? Has anyone taken something that doesn’t belong to them, (even that stick of gum). Though these things don’t “seem” as bad as say. . . murder, God says they are just as bad because of the condition of your heart. And that is why Jesus died. Because of the condition of our hearts.

But Jesus didn’t stay dead! Hallelujah! Jesus is alive! We have the witness of more than 500 people who saw him after his death and he is now standing in the gap for your very life.  We NEED a Savior. God said, if you will believe that Jesus died for you and rose again, you will have eternal life with Him. Most people’s problem is they don’t think they’re so bad but how bad do you have to be to need saving; to need Jesus? Maybe you think only people like Charles Manson needs Jesus. But the Bible says there is not one person who is without sin. Oh I know you don’t like to hear that word . . sin, but that’s the truth. Sin sounds so . . . . . religious and maybe you’ve said, “I’m not religious.” Funny, neither was Jesus. In fact, what he did was so against religion. My son has a shirt that says “It’s against my relationship to have a religion.”

What Jesus did was radical so you can have a relationship with him and come to understand love in it’s purest form. If you don’t want to believe that, it won’t change the events of the past and motive of Good Friday. But the choice is yours. Will you ask Jesus to save you and receive his perfect love for you? Do it today. Then, go to a church that is a Bible believing, Jesus died for my sins church. If you don’t know of one, ask God to show you. That’s how I got there one Sunday in 1985. He loves you so much he will help you find just the right place where you can grow in the knowledge of His love.

Blessings to you and message me when you do this. I love to hear people’s stories and I want to share in your new friendship, your new relationship with Jesus.