He Is Risen

He is not here; for He is risen, as He said - Mathew 28:6.

             Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb and they saw that the tomb was rolled away and an angel sitting on the top. The angel told them that the Lord is risen as He had promised and the tomb is empty. He is not here; He has risen! Remember how He told you, while He was still with you in Galilee - Luke 24:6.     

              The Women then met the risen Lord as they went to tell His disciples about His resurrection. So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word. And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, “Rejoice!” So they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see Me" - Matthew 28:8-10. 

                The same mighty power and the Spirit that raised Christ from the dead dwells in us. But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you - Romans 8:11. What is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places - Ephesians 1:19, 20. 

               Let us thank God for His great mercy who has caused us to be born again to a living hope through His resurrection. According to His great mercy, He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead - 1 Peter 1:3-5. I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live - John 11:25.                                                                       

PRAYER: Dear Lord, We thank You for giving us the living hope through Your resurrection. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Father Into Your Hands I Commit My Spirit

 And when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, He said, “Father, ‘Into Your hands I commit My spirit.’ ” Having said this, He breathed His last - Luke 23:46.

            The seventh and the last word that Jesus spoke on the cross was “Father, Into Your hands I commit My spirit." When Jesus spoke this Word, darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour, the sun stopped shining and the curtain of the temple was torn in two. It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour, for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two - Luke 23:44, 45. 

              The centurion who saw what had happened, praised God and testified that Surely this was a righteous man. Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last. The centurion, seeing what had happened, praised God and said, “Surely this was a righteous man.” - Luke 23:46, 47. 

              Jesus completely committed His spirit to the Father before His death on the cross. Into Your hand I commit my spirit; You have redeemed me, O Lord God of truth - Psalm 31:5. I came forth from the Father and have come into the world. Again, I leave the world and go to the Father - John 16:28. 

                                                                            

PRAYER: Dear Lord, We commit ourselves into Your hands. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

It Is Finished

        So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit - John 19:30.

               The sixth word that Jesus spoke on the cross is "It is finished". Jesus came down to earth from heaven to do the will of Father who sent Him and not His will. I can of Myself do nothing. For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me - John 6:38. I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me - John 5:30. 

                     The purpose of Jesus for coming to this world is to save us from sins. Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! - John 1:29. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost - Luke 19:10. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many - Mark 10:45. Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners - 1 Timothy 1:15.  By the finished work of Jesus on the cross, we are made alive from dead.

             Let us thank God for His finished work on the cross. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him, and with his stripes we are healed - Isaiah 53:5. I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do - John 17:4. Let us also finish the purpose of God for us. Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature - Mark 16:15. 

                                                                         

PRAYER: Dear Lord, We thank You for Your finished work on the cross. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

I Thirst

 After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, “I thirst!” - John 19:28.

            The fifth word that Jesus spoke on the cross is “I thirst”. My strength is dried up like a potsherd, And My tongue clings to My jaws; You have brought Me to the dust of death - Psalm 22:15. They also gave me gall for my food, and for my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink - Psalm 69:21. The greatest thirst of Jesus is that all people have to be saved. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth - 1 Timothy 2:4. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost - Luke 19:10.

            Jesus thirsted in His body to satisfy the thirst of our soul forever.  If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water - John 7:37, 38. But whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life - John 4:14. 

          Let us have more thirst for God and for the lost souls to be saved. As the deer pants for the water brooks, So pants my soul for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God? - Psalm 42:1,2. I am weary with my crying; My throat is dry; My eyes fail while I wait for my God - Psalm 69:3. O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water - Psalm 63:1. 

                                                                

PRAYER: Dear Lord, Let our thirst be more for You and for the lost souls to be saved. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

My God, My God, Why Have You Forsaken Me?

   And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” - Matthew 27:46.

                  The fourth word that Jesus spoke on the cross was “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?”. My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me? Why are You so far from helping Me, And from the words of My groaning? - Psalm 22:1. All our iniquities were laid upon Him and He who was sinless became sin for us. All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, everyone, to his own way; And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all - Isaiah 53:6. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God - 2 Corinthians 5:21.         

               Jesus was forsaken for the redemption plan to be fulfilled. And I will put enmity between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel - Genesis 3:15. Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise Him; He has put Him to grief - Isaiah 53:10. He was separated from His Father because of our sins. Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed - Isaiah 53:4,5. Behold! the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world - John 1:29. 

              Jesus was forsaken for us that we might never be forsaken. For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit -1 Peter 3:18. He had promised us that He will never leave us and forsake us. I will never leave you nor forsake you - Hebrews 13:5. Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you - Deuteronomy 31:6.      

                           For dogs have surrounded Me; The congregation of the wicked has enclosed Me. They pierced My hands and My feet; I can count all My bones. They look and stare at Me. They divide My garments among them, And for My clothing they cast lots. But You, O Lord, do not be far from Me; O My Strength, hasten to help Me! - Psalms 22:16-19. 

                                                               

                                                                                        

PRAYER: Dear Lord, We thank You for being forsaken to never leave us nor forsake us. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

“Woman, Behold Your Son!” Then He Said To The Disciple, “Behold Your Mother!"

  When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, “Woman, behold your son!” Then He said to the disciple, “Behold your mother!” - John 19:26,27.

                    Jesus spoke the third word on the cross when He saw His mother and the disciple whom He loved standing near her. Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, “Woman, behold your son!” Then He said to the disciple, “Behold your mother!” And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home. - John 19:25-27.

         Simeon's prophecy given to Mary at Jesus' dedication came to pass. “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed - Luke 2:34, 35.  

                 Jesus fulfilled His responsibility by committing His mother Mary to the care of the disciple He most loved. And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home - John 19:27. Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise: “that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.” - Ephesians 6:1-3.

                                                          

PRAYER: Dear Lord, Let us honor and care our parents. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen. 

Assuredly, I Say To You, Today You Will Be With Me In Paradise

 And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise” - Luke 23:43.

             The second Word that Jesus spoke on the cross is “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise”. Jesus was crucified on the cross between two thieves. And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left - Luke 23:33. Because He poured out His soul unto death, And He was numbered with the transgressors, And He bore the sin of many, And made intercession for the transgressors - Isaiah 53:12.  

              One of the thieves hanged on the cross blasphemed Jesus whereas the other thief who also mocked Jesus earlier was saved on the cross. 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 - Mark 15:32. Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, “If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.” But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? - Luke 23:40. And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong - Luke 23:41.

              The thief asked Jesus to remember him when he comes into His kingdom and Jesus promised the thief that he would be in paradise and offered him the eternal life on the cross. The thief said to Jesus, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom” - Luke 23:42. And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise” - Luke 23:43. For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved” - Romans 10:13.      

                                                               

PRAYER: Dear Lord, We thank You for saving us and giving us the assurance of eternal life. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Hosanna In The Highest

           ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ Hosanna in the highest! - Matthew 21:9.

              A very great multitude spread their clothes and branches from the trees on the road as Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a small donkey. They brought the donkey and the colt, laid their clothes on them, and set Him on them. And a very great multitude spread their clothes on the road; others cut down branches from the trees and spread them on the road - Matthew 21:7,8. They welcomed him as their victorious Savior, taking palm branches and shouting "Hosanna!" - John 12:13.

              They shouted Hosanna, rejoiced and praised God with a loud voice for all the mighty works they had seen. And as He went, many spread their clothes on the road. Then, as He was now drawing near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works they had seen, saying: “ ‘Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!’ Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” - Luke 19:37, 38. They shouted, “Hosanna!! Hosanna!!  Son of David!! Blessed is the King of Israel!!” - Matthew 21:10. 

                Let us rejoice and praise God for all His mighty works and proclaim the salvation to all people. Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold You king is coming to You; He is just and having salvation, lowly and riding on a donkey, a colt the foal of a donkey - Zechariah 9:9. All the ends of the world shall remember and turn to the Lord, And all the families of the nations Shall worship before You - Psalm 22:27.                                                                   

PRAYER: Dear Lord, You are our victorious Savior. We shout hosanna and praise You. We thank You for all Your mighty works. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen. 

           

Without Shedding of Blood There Is No Remission

Without shedding of blood there is no remission - Hebrews 9:22.

1. Sweating blood in Gethsemane

And being in agony He was praying very fervently; and His sweat became like drops of blood, falling down upon the ground." In Gethsemane, because He was willing to identify Himself with the sin of the world, His Blood began to flow in the drops of sweat - Luke 22:44.

 2. Struck and beaten

 Then they spat in His face and beat Him; and others struck Him with the palms of their hands, saying, “Prophesy to us, Christ! Who is the one who struck You?” - Matthew 26:67,68. I gave My back to those who struck Me, And My cheeks to those who plucked out the beard; I did not hide My face from shame and spitting - Isaiah 50:6.

3. Beard plucked out

The Lord God has opened My ear; and I was not disobedient, nor did I turn back. I gave My back to those who strike Me, and My cheeks to those who pluck out the beard, I did not cover My face from humiliation and spitting. The hair of His beard was pulled out - Isaiah 50: 5-6.

4. Back scourged

Then he released Barabbas to them; and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered Him to be crucified - Matthew 27:26. The plowers plowed on my back; They made their furrows long – Psalm 129:3.

5. Crown of thorns

When they had twisted a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand. And they bowed the knee before Him and mocked Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” - Matthew 27:29.

6. Crucified

 Then they crucified Him, and divided His garments, casting lots, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet: “They divided My garments among them, And for My clothing they cast lots” - Matthew 27:35.

7. Side pierced 

But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out - John 19:34.    

                                                            

PRAYER: Dear Lord, We thank You for shedding Your precious blood for us. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Father Forgive Them For They Do Not Know What They Do

 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do - Luke 23:34.

                The first word that Jesus spoke from the cross is “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” He prayed for all those who crucified Him. He bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors - Isaiah 53:12. Pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you - Mathew 5:44. 

          Our sins were forgiven and we have redemption through His blood. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace - Ephesians 1:7. For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more - Jeremiah 31:34. 

                Our heavenly Father forgives us as we forgive others. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors - Matthew 6:12. For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins - Matthew 6:14,15.

                Let us thank God who had forgiven all our iniquities and forgive others just as He had forgiven us. Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases - Psalm 103:1-3. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you - Ephesians 4:31-32.                                                                    

PRAYER: Dear Lord,  Let us forgive others just as You had forgiven us. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

The Garden of Gethsemane

 Then they came to a place which was named Gethsemane; and He said to His disciples, “Sit here while I pray” - Mark 14:32.

                Jesus went to the garden of Gethsemane the night before His crucifixion to pray. And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” - Luke 22:41. He submitted to the will of Father as He came down from heaven to do His will and not His will. For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me - John 6:38. 

               Jesus prayed more earnestly in the garden of Gethsemane in agony and He was strengthened by an angel after prayer. And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground - Luke 22:44. Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him - Luke 22:43. Who, in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His godly fear - Hebrews 5:7. 

             Like Jesus, let us not be anxious about anything but submit ourselves to the will of God and pray earnestly. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God - Psalm 143:10. I delight to do Your will, O my God - Psalm 40:8. Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak - Mathew 26:41. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus - Philippians 4:6-7.                                                                    

                                                                                                       

PRAYER: Dear Lord, Let us not be anxious about anything but bring all our requests to You in prayer and submit to Your will. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Jesus Taught His Disciples

His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them - Matthew 5:1, 2.

             Jesus taught His disciples about how to pray, to forgive, to fast, to lay up treasures in Heaven and not to worry about tomorrow.

To pray

In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen - Matthew 6:9-13.

To forgive

For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses - Matthew 6:14,15.

To fast

“Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly - Matthew 6:16-18.

To Lay Up Treasures in Heaven

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also - Matthew 6:19-21.

Do not worry about tomorrow

“Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble - Matthew 6:31-34.

                                                            

PRAYER: Dear Lord, Let us pray, forgive, fast, lay up treasures in Heaven and do not worry about tomorrow. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

Get Up And Pray

            When he rose from prayer and went back to the disciples, he found them asleep, exhausted from sorrow. “Why are you sleeping?” he asked them. “Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.” - Luke 22:45, 46.

              Jesus prayed more earnestly in the garden of Gethsemane. After praying, He saw the disciples sleeping and told them to get up and pray so that they will not fall into temptation. And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground. When he rose from prayer and went back to the disciples, he found them asleep, exhausted from sorrow. “Why are you sleeping?” he asked them. “Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.” - Luke 22:44-46.

              The Spirit helps in our weaknesses and so let us pray always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit. Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered - Romans 8:26. Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints - Ephesians 6:18.

            Let us get up and pray with the help of Holy Spirit so that we will not fall into temptation. Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak - Matthew 26:41. Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful - Colossians 4:2. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour  - 1 Peter 5:8. Pray without ceasing - 1 Thessalonians 5:17.

                                                                  

PRAYER: Dear Lord, Let us get up and pray so that we will not fall into temptation. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.            

     

The Divine Exchange At The Cross

 For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings - Hebrews 2:10.

        Jesus endured punishment, wounds, death, poverty, shame, and rejection on the cross for us to receive forgiveness, healing, life, abundance, glory, and acceptance. 

Jesus was punished that we might be forgiven.

In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace - Ephesians 1:7.

Jesus was wounded that we might be healed.

But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed - Isaiah 53:5.

Jesus who had no sin was made sin for us that we might be made righteous with His righteousness.

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God - 2 Corinthians 5:21.

Jesus carried our sorrows for us to give joy.

Surely He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered Him stricken by God, smitten by Him, and afflicted - Isaiah 53:4.

Jesus bore our sins in his body on the cross for us to live for righteousness.

He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness - 1 Peter 2:24.

Jesus died that we might receive His life.

But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because He suffered death, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone - Hebrews 2:9.

Jesus was made a curse that we might enter into the blessing. 

Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.” - Galatians 3:13.   

Jesus endured our poverty that we might share His abundance. 

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich -  2 Corinthians 8:9.

Jesus bore our shame that we might share His glory. 

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God - Hebrews 12:2.

Jesus took our rejection that we might have His acceptance with the Father.

He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not - Isaiah 53:3.

Jesus took our death and gave us His life.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life - John 3:16.

Jesus was cut off from the land of the living that we might be joined to God eternally.

For He was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgression of My people He was stricken - that we might be joined to God eternally - Isaiah 53:8b.

                                                         

PRAYER: Dear Lord, We thank You for all You have done on the cross for us. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

You Are Worthy

You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power - Revelation 4:11. 

            Jesus who knew no sin is made sin for us to take away the sin of the world. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him - 2 Corinthians 5:21. Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! - John 1:29. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many - Mark 10:45.           

             The lamb who was slain was worthy to receive glory and honor and power. Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise! - Revelation 5:12. He is worthy of praises. Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; His greatness no one can fathom - Psalm 145:3. For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods - Psalm 96:4. 

             Let us praise the Lord our God who is worthy to receive the glory, honor and power. The lamb that was slain was sitting on the throne. And every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard saying: “Blessing and honor and glory and power Be to Him who sits on the throne, And to the Lamb, forever and ever!” - Revelation 5:13. The four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints - Revelation 5:8.                                                                     

PRAYER: Dear Lord, You are worthy to receive glory and honor and power. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.           

Do Not Revile In Return

          When reviled, we bless - 1 Corinthians 4:12. 

Blessed are us when others revile 

              We are blessed when others revile us. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you - Matthew 5:11,12. Blessed are you when men hate you, And when they exclude you, And revile you, and cast out your name as evil, For the Son of Man’s sake - Luke 6:22.

Bless your revilers

                Jesus did not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, He spoke blessing, rather than curse. Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do - Luke 23:34. Instead of reviling in return, He committed Himself to Him who judges righteously. When He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously - 1 Peter 2:23.

Obtain a blessing 

             We will obtain a blessing when we do not revile who revile us in return but on the contrary bless them as we are called for this. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing - 1 Peter 3:9. 

                                                           

PRAYER: Dear Lord, Let us bless all who revile us and be blessed. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

Follow His Steps

For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps - 1 Peter 2:21. 

If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me -Mathew 16:24.

And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me - Matthew 10:38. 

Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect - Matthew 5:48. 

But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct - 1 Peter 1:15.

He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked - 1 John 2:6.

And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple - Luke 14:27.

Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life” - John 8:12.

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another - John 13:34,35.

If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple - Luke 14:26.

Likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple - Luke 14:33.

If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed - John 8:31.

If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples - John 15:7,8.

My sheep hear My voice and I know them, and they follow Me - John 10:27.

Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls - Matthew 11:28,29.

Be imitators of God - Ephesians 5:1.

                                                                         

PRAYER: Dear Lord, We thank You for suffering for us and leaving us an example for us to follow Your steps. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

The Love of Money Is The Root of All Kinds of Evil

 The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil - 1 Timothy 6:10.

              Judas who was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus had the love for money as he used to take what was put in the money box. But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, who would betray Him, said, “Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it - John 12:4-6.

              Judas gave devil an opportunity to enter into him through his love for money. And supper being ended, the devil having already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray Him - John 13:2. Then one of the twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, 'What will you give me if I betray him to you?' They paid him thirty pieces of silver. And from that moment he began to look for an opportunity to betray him - Matthew 26: 14-16.

               Let us not give the devil a foothold in our life by having the love for money as it is the root of all kinds of evil. Do not give the devil a foothold - Ephesians 4:27. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also - Matthew 7:21. We cannot serve both God and money at the same time. No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon - Mathew 6:24. Set your mind on things above and not on things on earth - Colossians 3:2.  

                                                           

PRAYER: Dear Lord, Let us set our minds on the things above and not on money which is the root of all kinds of evil. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Draw Near To God

 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded - James 4:8.      

With pure heart

          We need to draw near to God with a pure heart. Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water - Hebrews 10:22. Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart - Psalm 24:3,4.         

With faith

             As we draw near to God with faith in time of need, we will receive His mercy and grace. Let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need - Hebrews 4:16.  Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith - Hebrews 10:22. 

God is able to save

           God is able to save all those who draw near to Him. He is able to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them - Hebrews 7:25. The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth - Psalm 145:18. 

               But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God, That I may declare all Your works- Psalm 73:28. 

Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you - James 4:7, 8.  

  

PRAYER: Dear Lord, Let us draw near to You with pure heart and faith for You to draw near to us. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. 

Set Apart

            The Lord has set apart for Himself him who is godly - Psalm 4:3.                         

                 Christ set Himself apart for us. Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many - Matthew 20:28. Though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men - Philippians 2:6,7. 

                      We are called out of darkness into His marvelous light and set apart by God to proclaim the praises of Him. But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light - 1 Peter 2:9. Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s - 1 Corinthians 6:19, 20.

                      We are set apart by God to be His people and to be holy as He is holy. And they shall be My people, and I will be their God; and I will give them one heart and one way, that they may fear Me always, for their own good, and for the good of their children after them - Jeremiah 32:38-39. And you shall be holy to Me, for I the Lord am holy, and have separated you from the peoples, that you should be Mine - Leviticus 20:26.

                   Let us set apart ourselves for Christ alone. There is none upon earth that I desire besides You- Psalm 73:25. He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me - Matthew 10:37. For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain - Philippians 1:21. For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s - Romans 14:8. If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God - Colossians 3:1-3. Jeremiah 32:38-39.

                                             

PRAYER: Dear Lord, Let us set apart ourselves for You alone and fulfill Your purpose. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

He Opened Not His Mouth

     He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, And as a sheep before its shearers is silent, So He opened not His mouth - Isaiah 53:7. 

                 Jesus did not open His mouth even when He was oppressed, afflicted, beaten, mocked and scourged. Though He was beaten, mocked and scourged, He did not open His mouth. He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; And as a lamb before its shearer is silent, So He opened not His mouth - Acts 8:32. Then some began to spit at him; they blindfolded him, struck him with their fists, and said, “Prophesy!” And the guards took him and beat him - Mark 14:65.

                 Christ suffered for us leaving us an example by not reviling in return when He was reviled and no deceit was found in His mouth. We are called to follow His steps by doing the same. For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: “Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth”; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously - 1 Peter 2:21-23.

                Let us also set a guard over our mouth by following the steps of Christ who did not open His mouth when oppressed, afflicted, beaten, mocked and scourged. Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips - Psalm 141:3. He who guards his mouth preserves his life, But he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction - Proverbs 13:3. For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech" - 1 Peter 3:10. In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise - Proverbs 10:19.                                                       

PRAYER: Dear Lord, We thank You for suffering for us, leaving us an example, that we should follow Your steps. Let us set a guard over our mouth. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. 

Endured The Cross

Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God - Hebrews 12:2.

For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross - Colossians 1:19,20.

And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross - Colossians 2:13,14.

Who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed - 1 Peter 2:24.

 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross - Philippians 2:5-8.

He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity - Ephesians 2:14-16.

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God - 1 Corinthians 1:18.

But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world - Galatians 6:14.

                                                    

PRAYER : Dear Lord, We thank You for enduring the cross for us to live. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Blessed

Blessed is the man who trusts in Him! - Psalm 34:8.

Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in His ways - Psalm 128:1.   

Blessed are those whose ways are blameless - Psalm 119:1.

Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, And whose hope is the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, Which spreads out its roots by the river, And will not fear when heat comes; But its leaf will be green, And will not be anxious in the year of drought, Nor will cease from yielding fruit- Jeremiah 17:7.,8

Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, Who delights greatly in His commandments. His descendants will be mighty on earth; The generation of the upright will be blessed. Wealth and riches will be in his house - Psalm 112:1,2.

Blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it! - Luke 11:28.

But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does - James 1:25.

Blessed is he who considers the poor - Psalm 41:1.

It is more blessed to give than to receive - Acts 20:35.

The generous will themselves be blessed - Proverbs 22:9.

Matthew 5:3-12

Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 

Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted. 

Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth. 

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled. 

Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy. 

Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God. 

Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God.

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 

Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

                                                      

PRAYER:Dear Lord, Let us be blessed and be a blessing to others. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

Take Care of My Sheep

 Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep"  - John 21:15.

              Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved Him. Each time Peter responded that he did indeed love Him and Jesus told him to feed His sheep. Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep." The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my sheep - John 21:15-17. He also told to follow Him. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, “Follow Me” - John 21:19.

         Peter who denied the Lord three times preached the first gospel message on the day of Pentecost and 3000 souls were saved. Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” - Acts 2:37-39. When he preached, about three thousand people were baptized and added to the church - Acts 2:41. 

             Peter served God by taking care of His sheep and He was mightily used by Him. Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength - Acts 3:6,7. And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, so that they brought the sick out into the streets and laid them on beds and couches, that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on some of them - Acts 5:14-16. And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it - Matthew 16:18. 

              Let us also love the Lord our God and serve Him by taking care of His sheep like Peter. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind - Matthew 22:37. Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature - Mark 16:15. And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give - Matthew 10:7-8.

                                                                        

PRAYER: Dear Lord, Let us love You more and take care of Your sheep by spreading the gospel. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Humility & Obedience

 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross - Philippians 2:8. 

 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself

                Jesus humbled Himself and came down from heaven to the world in the appearance of man.  For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me - John 6:38. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost - Luke 19:10. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many - Mark 10:45. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him - John 3:17.

Obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross 

              Jesus became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross by finishing the works given by the Father who sent Him to the world. He learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him - Hebrews 5:8,9. I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me - John 8:28. I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me - John 5:30. For the works which the Father has given Me to finish - the very works that I do - John 5:36. 

God highly exalted Him

            God highly exalted Him as He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father - Philippians 2:9-11. 

              Let us also walk in humility and obedience to be exalted by God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted - Luke 14:11. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up - James 4:10. Walk in obedience to all that the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess - Deuteronomy 5:33. Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in obedience to him - Psalm 128:1. 

                                                                 

PRAYER: Dear Lord, Help us to humble ourselves and be obedient like how You humbled Yourself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.