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Hello faithful readers-

I am no longer going to be posting on this site.  If you currently come here for The Good News, please subscribe to TGN Daily at www.tgndaily.wordpress.com  You will be able to get The Good News mailed directly to your inbox Monday- Friday.

Thank you!

Believers Do Not Live by Luck...

Happy Friday the 13th!

Today is a good day because the LORD has made it so!

REJOICE!

In the NIV, Proverbs 13 had many verses that stood out (be mindful it's separated into themes):

• :10 Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.

:13- 16 He who scorns instruction will pay for it, but he who respects a command is rewarded.  The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death.  Good understanding wins favor, but the way of the unfaithful is hard.  Every prudent man acts out of knowledge, but a fool exposes his folly.

:18 He who ignores discipline comes to poverty and shame, but whoever heeds correction is honored.

:20 He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.

:24 He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him.

• :11 Dishonest money dwindles away, but he who gathers money little by little makes it grow.

:21-22 Misfortune pursues the sinner, but prosperity is the reward of the righteous.  A good man leaves an inheritance (does not necessarily mean money/possessions - what's our real inheritance????) for his children's children, but a sinners wealth is stored up for the righteous.

• :12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.

:19 A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but fools detest turning from evil.

BE TRANSFORMED BY THE RENEWING OF YOUR MIND IN THE MIGHTY NAME OF JESUS!

Righteousness... is it what U long for?

Instead, I want to see a mighty flood of justice, a river of righteous living that will never run dry.

Amos 5:24 (NLT)

Proverbs 12:7 (NIV)

7 Wicked men are overthrown and are no more, but the house of the righteous stands firm.

I truly believe that God is calling for us - covered by the Righteousness of Jesus Christ, to truly commit to righteous thinking and actions.  The days before us are not the days to compromise, nor step in reasoning out our decisions.  It is the time to align our thinking, actions and everything that we are with the Word that has been planted instead of us to live and shine through us.   RIGHTEOUSNESS!  You know in your spirit when you're stepping in righteousness and when you are not.  Let's NOT compromise fam.

Never forget to Pray...  Holy Spirit speak to us, In Jesus' Name. Amen

Proverbs 11

GOD HAS NOT ONLY PREPARED GREATNESS FOR YOU, BUT HE IS PREPARING YOU TO WALK IN IT!

RESPOND TO & FLOW IN HIS SPIRIT

Proverbs 11 NIV

1 The LORD abhors dishonest scales, but accurate weights are his delight.
2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.
3 The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.
4 Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.
5 The righteousness of the blameless makes a straight way for them, but the wicked are brought down by their own wickedness.
6 The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the unfaithful are trapped by evil desires.
7 When a wicked man dies, his hope perishes; all he expected from his power comes to nothing.
8 The righteous man is rescued from trouble, and it comes on the wicked instead.
9 With his mouth the godless destroys his neighbor, but through knowledge the righteous escape.
10 When the righteous prosper, the city rejoices; when the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy.
11 Through the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is destroyed.
12 A man who lacks judgment derides his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his tongue.
13 A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret.
14 For lack of guidance a nation falls, but many advisers make victory sure.
15 He who puts up security for another will surely suffer, but whoever refuses to strike hands in pledge is safe.
16 A kindhearted woman gains respect, but ruthless men gain only wealth.
17 A kind man benefits himself, but a cruel man brings trouble on himself.
18 The wicked man earns deceptive wages, but he who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward.
19 The truly righteous man attains life, but he who pursues evil goes to his death.
20 The LORD detests men of perverse heart but he delights in those whose ways are blameless.
21 Be sure of this: The wicked will not go unpunished, but those who are righteous will go free.
22 Like a gold ring in a pig's snout is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion.
23 The desire of the righteous ends only in good, but the hope of the wicked only in wrath.
24 One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.
25 A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.
26 People curse the man who hoards grain, but blessing crowns him who is willing to sell.
27 He who seeks good finds goodwill, but evil comes to him who searches for it.
28 Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf.
29 He who brings trouble on his family will inherit only wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise.
30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise.
31 If the righteous receive their due on earth, how much more the ungodly and the sinner!

NEVER FORGET TO PRAY!

TAKE TIME TO CONVERSE WITH GOD RIGHT NOW, BEFORE YOU GO ON WITH YOUR DAY.

IN JESUS' NAME. AMEN

Too Close for Comfort

Why the title?  Well, you'll see in the verses below.  Sometimes, I feel like I fall into talking too much LOL (but true. Hey, I can admit to it!)  Get wisdom fam.

Proverbs 10:8-10 NIV
⁸ The wise in heart accept commands, but a chattering fool comes to ruin.  ⁹ The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out.  ¹⁰ He who winks maliciously causes grief, and a chattering fool comes to ruin.

Let's get it right, ladies and gents.  Moving in trust of a helpful God will get us through it all.  In Jesus' Name.  Amen.

* I also suggest reading all of these proverbs in several translations.  www.biblegateway.com will help you out.

Know Who You Are Speaking To...

We serve El Shaddai!  He supplies ALL our needs.  Trust, and let's stop limiting our God.

Proverbs 9:8

⁸ Do not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man and he will love you.

Do you know who are the mockers and who are the wise people in your life?  Pray for revealed discernment, so that you can be most effective, at all times.  In Jesus' Name. Amen

How does these verses speak to you?

Proverbs 6: 6-11

6 Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!
7 It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, 8 yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.
9 How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep?
10 A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest- 11 and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man.

What's Leading You?

Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Proverbs 5:21-23

21 For a man's ways are in full view of the LORD, and he examines all his paths.
22 The evil deeds of a wicked man ensnare him; the cords of his sin hold him fast.
23 He will die for lack of discipline, led astray by his own great folly.

Pray for the strength and wisdom to not be captivated by anything that will lead you astray from Jesus.  Amen!

Wisdom

Spiritual Workout:  Train your body and mind to act, think, speak and live according to the Spirit within me.  Like any workout it takes discipline, determination,  variation and consistency if we want to see results.

Energy boosts = the Word, the Holy Spirit, PRAISE!

Proverbs 4:7-8 (NIV)

Wisdom is supreme, therefore  get wisdom.  Though it cost all you have, get understanding.  Esteem her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you.

May you be live in the protection of GODLY wisdom today.  In Jesus' Name.  Amen

SHAKING IT UP...

Psalm 51:10 Create in me a clean heart; O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me!

Good morning!

Before we move into the Gospel of Luke for another perspective into the life of Jesus on earth, we're going to shake it up a bit and dwell in Proverbs for the month of August.  The book of WISDOM.  Couldn't we all use some more?  Who needs some renewal?  I know I sure do!  I won't be going into any explanations of these proverbs, but I would suggest that you enhance your studies of the verses with me, by not just seeing them as wise sayings for the day.  But literally taking the time to observe the scripture for the day and praying about how you can apply it to your life.  It would be awesome if you took the time as you're stirred, to share and ministered to all of us as well.  God speaks through you too, and it would be awesome to have you share with all of us, not just me.  Let us all benefit.   AMEN!


PROVERBS 3:7,8 (NIV)
DO NOT BE WISE IN YOUR OWN EYES; FEAR THE LORD AND SHUN EVIL.  THIS WILL BRING HEALTH TO YOUR BODY AND NOURISHMENT TO YOUR BONES.


DON'T FORGET TO PRAY!

What Does the Resurrection Mean to You?

Happy August family!

I hope you took the time to read Mark 16, Friday and over the weekend.  If you didn't... well, you know where to find it.

Today, I'm not pressed to explain what things mean in these verses.  It's been a weekend of asking the right questions, so I move this forward by proposing the titled question to each of you:  What does the resurrection mean to you?


Is it just some random event?  Or does it have personal meaning for you?  And how do you represent this meaning in your daily life.

The resurrection is a huge event in our history.  Sometimes we get so preoccupied with the do's and don'ts of religion, that we forget the reason why we exist and can live freely.  We forget that we too will be resurrected with Christ.

Take some more time to just read Mark 16 and determine your answer.  Journal your thoughts, talk with someone, pray about it.  But don't miss out on this time to be honest with yourself and with God, and know what you think about all of this.  You may have questions...  This is just an opportunity to know without a doubt what you believe and why you believe it.

Have strong foundation for your faith, and keep building on it.  In Jesus' Name.  Amen.

The Resurrection

Prayer: Dear heavenly Father, this is a fresh time.  People are hearing and moving on what You have called them to do.  They are not allowing a thing like experience get in the way; but are moving with absolute faith and determination.  Hallelujah!  It's with this Spirit that Your impact is made.  Great things are happening and coming.  This is a time to listen and move; even when it doesn't make sense.  For Your Word doesn't make "sense," it builds FAITH.  May those who have heard a specific Word from You, not just a message but clear instruction - obey that instruction.  I pray that they do not ignore it.  I pray that they move and see You, full of Glory.  There's time, but time should not be used as an excuse to be slow or not to move.  It's not as much time as we may think and we don't want to get left behind.  Thank You for your mercy and revelation of pure wisdom, always right on time.  Your blessings never stop.  To ask You to bless us, is contrary to what You are already doing.  You are the blessing to Your people.  So I praise and thank You for your blessings that are continuous and ever lasting.  LORD, I adore You.  I love You with my full heart.  And the new creature that You are showing me to be, is awesome - because she (/he) is more like You every day.  Praise Your Name LORD, JESUS!!! Amen.
Pray this prayer if it's speaks the words in your heart.


Below is next week's study.  Take today and the weekend to read the last chapter in the Gospel of Mark.  Take time to rest in the Resurrection of our living Savior; who is more than words can say, always present and full of love for you and me.  Take command and live in obedience, in your blessings.

Mark 16

The Resurrection

1 When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus' body. 2 Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb 3 and they asked each other, "Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?"
4 But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away.5 As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed.
6 "Don't be alarmed," he said. "You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. 7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter, 'He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.' "
8 Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.

((The most reliable early manuscripts and other ancient witnesses do not have Mark 16:9-20.))

9 When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons. 10 She went and told those who had been with him and who were mourning and weeping. 11 When they heard that Jesus was alive and that she had seen him, they did not believe it.
12 Afterward Jesus appeared in a different form to two of them while they were walking in the country. 13 These returned and reported it to the rest; but they did not believe them either.
14 Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen.
15 He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. 17And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18 they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well."
19 After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God. 20 Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it.

Have a wonderful weekend!

What You CAN Do

Mark 15:47

47 Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where he was laid.

During this period of time, women could do very little.  The women who followed Jesus, couldn't speak before the high council in Jesus' defense; they couldn't appeal to Pilate; they couldn't stand against the crowds; they couldn't overpower the Roman guards.  But they didn't dwell on what they couldn't do; they did what they could.  There's this strong fragrance in our air today; the nasty aroma of "I CAN'T".  And it keeps us from stepping in what we  CAN do?  

These women stayed at the cross when the disciples had fled; they followed Jesus' body to its tomb; and they prepared spices for His body.  Because these women used the opportunities they had, they were the first to witness the Resurrection.  God blessed their devotion and diligence.

As believers, we should take advantage of the opportunities we have and do what we CAN for Christ, instead of worrying about what we cannot do.  Begin to pray over what you CAN start doing today with the opportunities you have, and then step in it... DO IT.  There is no reason to wait.  These women didn't wait to hear God's audible voice to move and do what they did.  They knew they were supposed to do what was right, in what they knew they were able to do.  So many people are waiting, when the season is calling us to ACT; to DO!  You know what that is for you; you are sensing it in your spirit right now.  

May the grace and peace of Jesus Christ bless your devotion and diligence.  Amen!

The Myths

Mark 15: 44- 47

44 Pilate was surprised to hear that he was already dead. Summoning the centurion, he asked him if Jesus had already died. 45 When he learned from the centurion that it was so, he gave the body to Joseph. 46 So Joseph bought some linen cloth, took down the body, wrapped it in the linen, and placed it in a tomb cut out of rock. Then he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb. 47 Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where he was laid.

Did you know that some people don't believe there was a Jesus, some people don't believe He died, and many others don't believe He raised from the dead.  There are many efforts that have been, and are being made to deny the Resurrection.  His death, however, was confirmed by the officer, Pilate, Joseph of Arimathea, the religious leaders, and the women who witnessed His burial.  Jesus suffered actual physical death on the cross.
Are there any myths that you are holding on to, that's hindering your faith from growing?  From moving to the next level?  What are they?  Why are you holding on to them?  Who are you talking to?  Where in the Word does it confirm your "myth"?

Search this Word my friends.  Make sure what you believe comes from the Word.  Don't try to make the Word fit your belief.

Seek Him with all Your Heart and You will find Him. Thank You Jesus.  Amen!

Joseph of Arimathea

Mark 15: 43-46

43 Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Council, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for Jesus' body. 44 Pilate was surprised to hear that he was already dead. Summoning the centurion, he asked him if Jesus had already died. 45 When he learned from the centurion that it was so, he gave the body to Joseph. 46 So Joseph bought some linen cloth, took down the body, wrapped it in the linen, and placed it in a tomb cut out of rock. Then he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb.

I believe this is a good opportunity to recognize that not all Jewish leaders hated Jesus.  Sometimes we lump the whole into a group of a few or the majority; but we have to know it may not be every one - in any situation.  Joseph of Arimathea was an honored member of the high council that crucified Jesus, and a secret disciple of Jesus Christ.  Some questions may be floating through your head, such as, "Why didn't he protest this?  Or stop it?"  And the answer is just another question, "How do you suppose he would have done this?"


In the appointed time, Joseph risked his reputation to give a proper burial to his LORD.  Isn't it hard to risk our reputations? And for some reason it's harder for us to risk our reputation for good, than it is for all the bad and evil stuff we get ourselves into.  If your Christian witness endangers your reputation, remember Joseph.  There are no other members of the Jewish High council that stood for Jesus, that I can name; how about you?  But we do know Joseph.


You know the moments where you're supposed to move, to act, to say, to do something no matter how big or small, that takes a stand and moves in faith of the God that we serve.  Can I encourage each of us to not allow these appointed times to pass us by, because of the fear of what someone else may think or label us?
God is our Judge.  The ONLY one.  He is the One that we should be thinking about.  As we seek Him, we will move in the right timing.  People may try to make our lives more difficult than they have to be at times, but remember, they have NO authority.  NONE!  Unless you give it to them.  Give God the authority that is His, and step boldly in everything that He is calling you to do today.




Right now pray over your specific situation, and in Jesus Name move forward towards the goal.

The Burial of Jesus

Mark 15:42-47

42 It was Preparation Day (that is, the day before the Sabbath). So as evening approached, 43 Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Council, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for Jesus' body. 44 Pilate was surprised to hear that he was already dead. Summoning the centurion, he asked him if Jesus had already died. 45 When he learned from the centurion that it was so, he gave the body to Joseph. 46 So Joseph bought some linen cloth, took down the body, wrapped it in the linen, and placed it in a tomb cut out of rock. Then he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb. 47 Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where he was laid.

Here begins our verses for the week, and our conclusion of Mark 15 (1 more chapter to go in this book!!!)  As our flow is at the moment, today allow the Word to sink down into your hearts and stir your spirits.  TGN will jump into the mix on Tuesday.


Make it a wonderful day... the best day yet!

Another Life to Celebrate!!!!

PLEASE JOIN ME IN SAYING A GOOD PRAYER OVER OUR FRIEND:

Hallelujah LORD!  Thank You for this great day!  This day of celebrating Your daughter, the day You brought her into this world, after wonderfully and fearfully making her; after thinking about her infinite time before she was born.  She has always been an important thought on Your mind.  And we just want to praise Your holy Name for her life.  LORD, continue to pour Your favor on her, through every circumstance and encounter with others.  LORD, let Your joy be abundant in her.  Father God, may there be time of quiet to just listen to You and hear what You have to say.  I believe You celebrate each day of our lives LORD.  So may we join You in this celebration for Natalie today.  May this be a year of renewal, refreshing, letting go of hindrances and forward movement of all that You have already planned for her life.  In the name of Jesus, we pray.  Amen.

Prayer

I would like to call all of us to pray for one another today, right now - for healing, for protection, for revelation, for guidance, for an outpouring of favor, for Light... whatever has been heavy on Your Spirit.  Let's send it all up to God.

I can only imagine the amazing sound in Heaven, as we all take the time, right now, to pray for each other.

Let's use the good Word that we've been receiving and let's pray for the church - the people; today.

Be blessed to be a blessing in prayer.  Amen!

Women

Mark 15:40,41

40 Some women were watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. 41 In Galilee these women had followed him and cared for his needs. Many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem were also there.




These 2 verses actually stood out to me yesterday, but I wanted to give it some time to see what the Spirit really wanted to say in regards to these verses mentioning the women who also followed Jesus.

The only thing that stood out is:  AS WOMEN, LET'S CARE FOR JESUS' NEEDS.

Let's stop placing concerns of who we're going to marry; how fat we are or how skinny we want to be; who is talking about us; everyone's business; how we can beat men; how we don't need men; on the latest fashions and keeping up with celebrities; how we can stay younger than our children; how we can be better than (whoever); and whatever other concern we place before God.  Let's be like these women, who sold and gave up everything to follow Jesus and care for His needs.  Caring for His needs today, would be doing what He tells us to do.
John 14:15 "If you love me, you will obey what I command."

They knew without a doubt Jesus comes first in our lives.  Do you?

AND MEN!!!  Start treating women as God would honor.  I know, I know... some of us display actions that you deem don't deserve honor.  But what if God thought that way, where would you be?

WOMEN ARE WONDERFUL, WE'RE BETTER TOGETHER, AND WE HAVE GREAT PURPOSE IN HIS KINGDOM. 

Don't allow people to define you; allow Jesus to transform you into the wonderful child of God that YOU are!  Amen!

Happy Birthday, Latasha!

This week Latasha celebrates another year and we give her the following award:

Because the LORD has empowered her to succeed in all that she is called to do in life.

And we claim it over Lataha's life today and every day.

Please join me in this prayer:

How many blessing You have heaped on Latasha, LORD.  Simply because You love her.  Not only do you provide her with physical things; her spirit feels Your goodness.  Her soul flourishes, like a well-watered garden carefully tended by Your hand.  You nourish her life and make it fruitful.  All her blessings flow out of Your salvation, Father.  We thank You for Your love and care each day of her precious life.  May she continue to offer up her heart to You in full obedience; and growth in Spirit and in Truth.  In Jesus' Name.  Amen.

Jesus Breathed His Last

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, may we delight in Your Word today.  Let Your Spirit of revelation dwell on each of Your faithful seekers, as we dwell in Your perfect Word.  In the mighty Name of Jesus.  Amen.

Mark 15:33-41

33At the sixth hour darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour. 34And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?"—which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"
35 When some of those standing near heard this, they said, "Listen, he's calling Elijah."
36 One man ran, filled a sponge with wine vinegar, put it on a stick, and offered it to Jesus to drink. "Now leave him alone. Let's see if Elijah comes to take him down," he said.
37 With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last.
38 The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. 39And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, heard his cry and saw how he died, he said, "Surely this man was the Son of God!"
40 Some women were watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. 41 In Galilee these women had followed him and cared for his needs. Many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem were also there.


So many things stand out for me when reading our verses today.  For instance, what exactly did the centurion hear and see to be able to say, "Surely this was the Son of God!"  What a moment that must have been; and to receive that true revelation!  It just gives me chills.  It's completely wild to me, continuously amazing, how no matter how many times we read this Word, new things are revealed and brought to light/to our attention.  God really is wonderful!  Share what He is revealing to you; I find it awesome.
Today, for study sake, I'm going to point out some areas in these verses that might make you say "what?"

1. "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" - Why would Jesus say this?  Well, remember it all connects.  Let's go back to Psalm 22:

A Psalm of David.

1 My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?
Why are You so far from helping Me,
And from the words of My groaning?
2 O My God, I cry in the daytime, but You do not hear;
And in the night season, and am not silent.

3 But You are holy,

Enthroned in the praises of Israel.

4 Our fathers trusted in You;

They trusted, and You delivered them.

5 They cried to You, and were delivered;

They trusted in You, and were not ashamed.

6 But I am a worm, and no man;

A reproach of men, and despised by the people.

7 All those who see Me ridicule Me;

They shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying,

8 “He trusted in the LORD, let Him rescue Him;

Let Him deliver Him, since He delights in Him!”

9 But You are He who took Me out of the womb;

You made Me trust while on My mother’s breasts.

10 I was cast upon You from birth.

From My mother’s womb

You have been My God.

11 Be not far from Me,

For trouble is near;

For there is none to help.

12 Many bulls have surrounded Me;

Strong bulls of Bashan have encircled Me.

13 They gape at Me with their mouths,

Like a raging and roaring lion.

14 I am poured out like water,

And all My bones are out of joint;

My heart is like wax;

It has melted within Me.

15 My strength is dried up like a potsherd,

And My tongue clings to My jaws;

You have brought Me to the dust of death.

16 For dogs have surrounded Me;

The congregation of the wicked has enclosed Me.

They pierced My hands and My feet;

17 I can count all My bones.

They look and stare at Me.

18 They divide My garments among them,

And for My clothing they cast lots.

19 But You, O LORD, do not be far from Me;

O My Strength, hasten to help Me!

20 Deliver Me from the sword,

My precious life from the power of the dog.

21 Save Me from the lion’s mouth

And from the horns of the wild oxen!

You have answered Me.

22 I will declare Your name to My brethren;

In the midst of the assembly I will praise You.

23 You who fear the LORD, praise Him!

All you descendants of Jacob, glorify Him,

And fear Him, all you offspring of Israel!

24 For He has not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted;

Nor has He hidden His face from Him;

But when He cried to Him, He heard.

25 My praise shall be of You in the great assembly;

I will pay My vows before those who fear Him.

26 The poor shall eat and be satisfied;

Those who seek Him will praise the LORD.

Let your heart live forever!

27 All the ends of the world

Shall remember and turn to the LORD,

And all the families of the nations

Shall worship before You.

28 For the kingdom is the LORD’s,

And He rules over the nations.

29 All the prosperous of the earth

Shall eat and worship;

All those who go down to the dust

Shall bow before Him,

Even he who cannot keep himself alive.

30 A posterity shall serve Him.

It will be recounted of the Lord to the next generation,

31 They will come and declare His righteousness to a people who will be born,

That He has done this.

Jesus did not ask this question in surprise or despair.  He was quoting the first line of this Psalm.  The whole psalm is a prophecy expressing the deep agony of the Messiah's death for the world's sin.  Jesus knew that He would be temporarily separated from God the moment He took upon Himself the sins of the world.  This separation was what He had dreaded as He prayed in Gethsemane.  The physical agony was horrible, but the spiritual alienation from God was the ultimate torture.

HOW IS YOUR SPIRITUAL CONNECTION WITH GOD?

IT REALLY IS TORTURE WITHOUT HIM.

2.  Next in our study, is the heavy curtain that hung in front of the Temple room called the Most Holy Place, all the details are in the Old Testament (starting in Exodus 23); it was a place reserved by God for Himself.  Symbolically, the curtain separated the Holy God from sinful people.  The room was entered only once a year, on the Day of Atonement, by the high priest as he made a sacrifice to gain forgiveness for the sins of all the people.  When Jesus breathed His last, the curtain was torn in two, showing that His death for our sins had opened up the way for us to approach our Holy God.  And it was torn from top to bottom, showing that God had opened the way; not man.  Read Hebrews 9 for a more complete explanation.

But now do you see how our High Priest Jesus Christ, entered into the Most Holy Place and made atonement for each of us?  There is no curtain to separate us from God.  We don't have to gain forgiveness, Jesus has made this possible by giving it to us.  This is a great reason to begin praising Him right now!!!  Thank You Jesus!  Glory, Glory Glory!  Bless Your Holy Name!!

The Reason by Hoobastank

I knew all of the words, but in listening to it with the clips from Passion of the Christ - gave it personal meaning...

Brilliant!

Be Care of What We Ask For

Mark 15:27
27 They crucified two robbers with him, one on his right and one on his left.


The Life Application Study Bible brought today's message to my attention; do you remember how in Mark 10 (:35-45; TGN post from April 6-8 2010); when James and John asked that they might sit on the right and the left hand of Jesus?  Here are the verses to refresh your memory:
35 Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Him, saying, “Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask.”
36 And He said to them, “What do you want Me to do for you?”
37 They said to Him, “Grant us that we may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on Your left, in Your glory.”
38 But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?”
39 They said to Him, “We are able.”
So Jesus said to them, “You will indeed drink the cup that I drink, and with the baptism I am baptized with you will be baptized; 40but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared.”


Now we come to Mark 15:27 and see, as Jesus was preparing to inaugurate His Kingdom through His giving up His Spirit to God, the places on His right and on His left were taken by dying men - criminals.  When we get to the Gospel of Luke, we will dig in a little deeper to see that one of these criminals repented before His death, and Jesus promised that criminal that he would be with Him in paradise (Luke 23:39-43).  Now isn't that the character of God, to prepare the opportunity for even what we would label the worse of us, to repent and join Him in His Kingdom.  Thank You LORD for not giving up on us.

As Jesus explained to James and John, a person who wants to be honored like Jesus must be prepared to suffer and die as He Himself was doing.  The way to the Kingdom is the way of the cross.  If we want the glory of the Kingdom, we must be willing to be united with the crucified Christ.  We must be willing to lay down our sins and our way; and live a life - every moment available, to prepare for our arrival in paradise.  It's a wonderful journey of spiritual transformation; I encourage each and every one of us to allow it to take place; because it isn't finished until our last day on this earth.


PRAY WHAT COMES TO YOUR HEART AFTER RECEIVING THIS MESSAGE.  IN THE NAME OF JESUS.  AMEN.

Don't Allow Negativity Disrupt Your Purpose

Mark 15:21-32 NKJV

The King on a Cross

21 Then they compelled a certain man, Simon a Cyrenian, the father of Alexander and Rufus, as he was coming out of the country and passing by, to bear His cross. 22 And they brought Him to the place Golgotha, which is translated, Place of a Skull. 23 Then they gave Him wine mingled with myrrh to drink, but He did not take it. 24 And when they crucified Him, they divided His garments, casting lots for them to determine what every man should take.25 Now it was the third hour, and they crucified Him. 26 And the inscription of His accusation was written above:

THE KING OF THE JEWS.
27 With Him they also crucified two robbers, one on His right and the other on His left. 28 So the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “And He was numbered with the transgressors.”29 And those who passed by blasphemed Him, wagging their heads and saying, “Aha! You who destroy the temple and build it in three days, 30 save Yourself, and come down from the cross!”31 Likewise the chief priests also, mocking among themselves with the scribes, said, “He saved others; Himself He cannot save.32 Let the Christ, the King of Israel, descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe.”
Even those who were crucified with Him reviled Him.




The above verses are a perfect example of how people will treat us when they don't get God's vision and purpose for our lives.  They will turn against us, sometimes try to tear us down - both privately and publicly.  Some won't be able to help themselves, because they tend to follow the crowd instead of making decisions for themselves, and sometimes it's because their overall outlook on life is just negative.  They are unhappy so they will naturally try to make people miserable around them.


When I made the decision to take God at His voice and move back to California last year.  SO MANY people didn't get it.  One in particular was a friend I've known since 9th grade. We both decided to move to the East Coast, him for school - me a couple of years later for work; and he seriously called me stupid to my face (several times) for making the decision.  Not to hurt my feelings, but to change my mind because this is all he could see from his perceptive.  He thought I should keep the job I had, because I was "lucky" to have one in this economy.  And he was so against me moving back to California for reasons I didn't totally get then; but I knew he had a negative outlook on life  in general, and therefore wouldn't understand my step towards the light.


My reaction?  I didn't get mad or  into an argument.  Not because I was so far above him, but (only) because Jesus gave me the grace to understand that my friend didn't understand.  And I remember my words in response to his "name calling", it was: "I'm not going to get into an argument or try to justify my decision to you; just know, I know God has told me to do this, and I'm going to trust Him - The End."  Yes, my exact words.  I mean I had said it to so many people over those last 5 months, it was almost as automatic as the generic "Good or Fine," when someone asks "How are you?"


Since I've returned to Cali, my friend and I speak on the phone or BBM (blackberry messenger) once a month when we can, just to check in on one another.  I've been able to consistently share my ongoing testimony with him.  And let me tell you how God works, this very negative gentleman, has been my greatest supporter over all that I'm currently doing.  Even providing tips I can use in the areas he is knowledgeable about.  The first time I told him about starting my own business, I expected to hear "That's hard!  Why would you do that?"  But no, he told me "You HAVE to do it.  Don't give up!"  Crazy right!?  But I share all of this to get to more of God's glory.
I always wondered if people heard the true reason I was leaving New York.  I made it a point that I was going to be clear that it was my faith and trust in God that moved me.  It doesn't matter how miserable I was; I'm not one to make desperate decisions.  God had to tell me what to do, and when He did - I did it!  I knew I was created to make sure believers and unbelievers knew this truth, whether they understood and/or believed it, or not.  Well, read below how God works.  This is a small part of the bbm conversation I had with my friend this last Thursday:

HIM: I am happy you left! You are doing so much as soon as u left

ME: Thank God!  I remember you telling me I was stupid  hahah

HIM: I didn't really understand why u were like... I'm out!  God will be with me. I know. I take that back! Sorry! :)

ME: It's ok; I knew it wouldn't make sense to some, but I'm glad you were listening :D

HIM: Now you're making moves! That is what's up!

ME: For Real! Moves I never imagined, it's really cool.

My heart received so much joy from this conversation to receive confirmation that God was evident and receives the glory for all that I do.  My life is here to bring glory to Him; not me.  Being seduced by the Entertainment Industry for so long, it took me a while to truly get this, but now that I have it - there is no turning back.  And I in turn share this with you to encourage you to be like Jesus.  To not allow other people's remarks, opinions, and plain ole' ignorance deter you from what you KNOW God has called you to do in life.  Let's be real!  The harder we try to be in purpose, the more the distractions and the resistance against us comes.  Yet, it should not stop us.  It should not change us into reacting as the world would.  It should push us closer to God, to depend on Him, to trust in Him and to carry on in what He has called us to do.  And for those of you wondering, "what is my purpose?"  Remember first, our LORD has called us to serve Him.  This is and will always be our purpose above all else and in everything.


Is being in purpose hard for you at the moment?  Have you fallen out of purposed steps?  Don't be discouraged, be encouraged right now because God is speaking to YOU!  He is calling you to repent, listen, and with one step at a time, do what He has called you to do.  As you do, you will reach people you never thought you could reach and you will actively be a living testimony of our amazing and great GOD!   Hallelujah.  I hope this speaks to you today church.  This is your time to pray.  And if you believe this will speak into someone's life, please forward it along.


Thank You Jesus!