All Things Encouraging

1 Thessalonians 2:11: Encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, Who calls you into His Kingdom and glory.

Hi everyone,

Today we are going to share PPD with the men. We’re going to let them know what they’ve been missing. Sorry men, we love you, but this is OUR time with our Father, and we had an amazing time!! The Word shared was Pour It Out, and God certainly Poured It Out On Us!! Praise the Lord!

Love you All!

Pour It Out

John 12:1-8

v3: Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.

2 Timothy 4:6: For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near.

To pour is to cause to flow in a stream, to supply or produce freely; to give full expression to (like to vent or pour out your feelings). Other similar words are: to heap, shower or lavish. It is to give readily in large quantities.

A fragrance is a sweet or delicate odor/aroma, as in a perfume/scent or spice.

An offering is something offered/given/sacrificed as a part of worship.

The similarity in these two verses is that each of the people is getting ready to go somewhere/undergo something. In the first verse, it is 6 days before the Passover. A dinner is being given in Jesus’ honor. Mary poured an expensive ointment on Jesus’ feet that cost a great deal (a year’s wages). It wasn’t cheap. Reminds me of the verse where David said that he would not offer unto God that which cost him nothing. Mary was preparing Jesus for His burial, as He was getting ready to go to the cross and die.

In the second verse, Paul (the mentor) is talking to Timothy (the mentee). Paul is encouraging Timothy in how to live his life, as he, Paul, is coming to the end of his. He gives great advice as he encourages Timothy to preach the Word; be instant/ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. Endure afflictions (many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivereth them out of them all), do the work of an evangelist (go tell someone about Jesus), and make the most of his ministry. Paul realizes that he, himself, has been poured out throughout his life, and now he is pouring into someone else. Truly, his testimiony, like Folger’s Coffee, is that he has been good to the last drop.

In thinking about this message, I realize that we are like pitchers that both pour out each day and are poured into. We pour into all that we come into contact with on a daily basis: friends, family, coworkers, patients, employees, etc. Daily, we go about doing the work, and being a blessing to others.

However, in our much pouring, many times we reach times of much fatigue. We can become empty if we are not continually refilled. Today, God is wanting to pour into us to refill what we have poured out. He wants to refresh, renew, and restore each of us in our parched and thirsty areas. As He pours into us, we will also pour out to Him in worship. Today is a day of release. What was continent/bound up, shall become incontinent/flowing and free. Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty and freedom. God is going to pour new wine into our old wineskins, but we won’t burst. He is making us pliable and flexible and expanding us to receive all that He supplies (Malachi 3:10).

We can’t pour into others what we don’t have in ourselves. We must be filled with the Spirit. The evidence of the Spirit’s infilling is His fruit (Galatians 5:22). We become filled by simply asking for it. The Holy Spirit is the power of God to do the work of God (Acts 1:8).

We can’t receive more until we first pour out. We must empty ourselves and open ourselves to receive more. We must be yielded, available, and expectant vessels, waiting to receive the Living Water of God (John 4:7-14). This water is such that we will never thirst again. The filling is not just a one time thing, but is a fresh filling, occurring over and over and over again.

Why now? Why is it important to receive God’s filling now? As Jesus was preparing to leave, and Paul was preparing to leave, so are we preparing to leave. Jesus is coming soon, and we will be taken away to be with Him. These are the end days when God is pouring out His Spirit on all flesh (Joel 2:28-32). We have a work to do. We are the daughters who prophesy. We are the handmaids on whom God’s Spirit has been poured out. Why? To gather the harvest before we go home. Truly, the harvest is plenty, but the laborers are few. The unsaved need to be saved, and the saved need to be sanctified and prepared to be the Bride of Christ…the church without a spot or wrinkle, for when Jesus comes.

You may feel tired/weak/fatigued, but this is NOT the time to give up; we have a work to do for our Lord. The enemy has been trying to wear down the saints–if he can’t get us one way, he tries another. He is trying to make us miscarry/abort the babies/dreams that God has impregnated us with and given us. But, THE DEVIL IS A LIAR. Those things that have been given to us WILL COME TO PASS. However, birthing is NOT a pretty process. It involves work and pain. We have to push. We may scream, but we have to do whatever it takes to get that baby out.

Today, we are the weeping women wailing at the throne of Jesus. Our one and only desire is to worship Him and put ourselves into a position to receive from Him so that we can birth out all that He desires to bring through us in our lives. We want to be completely filled with His Spirit to the point of the overflow, so that what is given to us can then be poured out to refresh and nuture others.

Today, we receive God’s Pouring In, so that we can go and Pour Out to those around us. Let’s worship our Lord!

By Me

Proverbs 16:18-19: Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit (arrogance) before a fall. Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.

Woke up at 2 this morning with today’s title on my mind. A little harsh, but true, and I think we all need to take heed. Sort of reminds me of when the Lord spoke to me about being pruned. Basically, He showed me that one way or another, we would be “cut” in this life. That cut could be a pruning for growth, or a chopping in discipline (John 15:2).

So it is also with today’s message. One way or another, we will be humbled. Either we can do this on or own, which, in due season, would lead us to be elevated, not in our own way, or in our own time, but by the Lord, which is the BEST elevation there is (1 Peter 4:5-6). Or, we will be humbled because of our pride, and we know that pride leadeth to destruction, and a haughty spirit to a fall.

I am reminded of something I heard TD Jakes say. He said that the “higher” he went, the “lower” he had to go. What does this mean? It means that no matter what station we rise to in life, no matter how many accolades we get, no matter how blessed we are, we’d better be sure to go lower and lower onto our knees in a stance of humility and submission to God, and not allow it to get to our heads. We must rememeber that promotion doesn’t come from the north, south, east, or west (or even from ourselves), it comes from God. We must remember that EVERY good and perfect gift comes from Him. HE deserves the glory for all that we have and all that we are. We have to be so careful to not try to take the glory for ourselves, because we serve a jealous God, and no flesh should glory in His Presence. There should be one person sitting on the throne in our lives, and that should not be US.

I don’t ever want to end up like King Nebuchadnezzar who, the MOMENT that he looked at all he had attained and became prideful, thinking that it was due to his power and his honor, had his kingdom taken from him. He was sent away from men, and lived with animals for 7 years. He was made to eat grass like oxen, UNTIL HE KNEW THAT THE MOST HIGH RULED IN THE KINGDOM OF MEN (Daniel 4:28-33). God had to remind him that He [God] gave the kingdom to whomever HE wanted to, He just happened to use Nebuchadnezzar to do it at this time.

Thank God that Nebuchadnezzar did have “his understanding return to him” (in other words, he came to his senses: Daniel 4:34), and he lifted up his eyes and blessed the Lord. Finally, he understood that it was not about him, it’s always about the Lord. All praise and honor are due Him.

May we also do the same. Lord forgive us if we have at any time tried to take your honor from you. Forgive us for when we allowed our flesh to glory in your Presence. Forgive us for our pride and cleanse us from our arrogancy. Jesus, we humble ourselves before you today. Like John said, may we decrease as You increase. Forgive us for trying to do things our way, because what starts in the flesh, You have no obligation to bless, and it has to be maintained by the flesh. We only want what is given to us, not by OUR might, nor by OUR power, but by YOUR Spirit, our Precious Lord. We love you today and always!

Love you my brothers and sisters…this is tight, but it is right. Thank God that He loves us enough to correct us! May we take heed…

Janine

By Me

Mark 5:35-43

35 While Jesus was still speaking, some people came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the teacher anymore?”

36 Overhearing[c] what they said, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”

37 He did not let anyone follow him except Peter, James and John the brother of James. 38 When they came to the home of the synagogue leader, Jesus saw a commotion, with people crying and wailing loudly. 39 He went in and said to them, “Why all this commotion and wailing? The child is not dead but asleep.” 40 But they laughed at him.

After he put them all out, he took the child’s father and mother and the disciples who were with him, and went in where the child was. 41 He took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum!” (which means “Little girl, I say to you, get up!”). 42 Immediately the girl stood up and began to walk around (she was twelve years old). At this they were completely astonished. 43 He gave strict orders not to let anyone know about this, and told them to give her something to eat.

Hi everyone,

I have to tell you that this message has really been on my heart since yesterday when my girlfriend told me about what is happening with her sister. Her sister is gravely ill and is currently in the ICU. Everyone around her (except for my girlfriend) is speaking negatively and death over her life. Unfortunately, so even are her health care providers. I can’t believe this. We are agents of HEALING, not of DEATH. I can only imagine how one feels when the people who are supposed to help you give up on you! That just angers me…

Well, when my girlfriend was telling me what is going on, immediately I thought of this story in Scripture. Here, a little girl was dead, but Jesus said she was just asleep. When the people heard this, they laughed in their disbelief. I love what Jesus did. First, He told the girls’ father not to be afraid, but to believe. Then, He only allowed Peter, James and John to go with him to the house, and when He got there, HE PUT ALL OUT except for the child’s parents and the three disciples with Him. You may ask why this is significant? I believe it is because Jesus knew that He had to operate in an environment of FAITH and BELIEF, NOT DOUBT and DISBELIEF. It reminds me of in the Bible where it says that Jesus couldn’t do a lot of miracles in his hometown BECAUSE OF THEIR DISBELIEF. Wow! Even Jesus was limited, NOT by HIS power, but by THEIR LACK OF FAITH!

Back to the story. The others outside were already wailing and mourning the girls’ death, but Jesus knew that she would be brought back to life, so what did He have to do…HE PUT THEM OUT (Jesus was NOT joke…smile!) He only kept those with Him who believed to see the power of God in the working of a miracle. And you know what? It worked. Jesus raised Jairus’ daughter from the dead. I would have LOVED to see the look on the people’s faces when they opened the door and brought her out of the room…can we say PRICELESS? SMILE!

That’s our word for today. There are so many that are ill or experiencing sickness. People are frustrated and discouraged because of what others are saying over them. Instead of speaking life, they are speaking death. Well, God’s word to you is “Do not fear, only believe!” Stay in an attitude of FAITH. Stay in an attitude of EXPECTANCY. Stay in an attitude of POSTIVITY, and WATCH THE MIRACLE THAT GOD WILL DO. Remember, what is impossible with man, is possible with God!

And, in dealing with those around you…if they can’t “get with the program”; if you are finding them to be a hinderance to you rather than a help, do what Jesus did and PUT THEM OUT (in a NICE way of course…smile!). This may be physically, or even just blocking them and their negativity from your mind. Either way, do what you’ve got to do to get the miracle that you want to get in your life!

Love you, and remember…PUT THEM OUT!

Janine

By Me

God is so faithful! I love it when He proves Himself to not only us, but also to our children. The Word says that He will be faithful even to our children’s children.

This is what I saw yesterday. First of all, I have to say CONGRATULATIONS to the Lake Rim Elementary School for winning first place at the Science Olympiad Competition. I am proud of ALL of my little children (and of course, Ms. Kendall who scored 2 medals). But today is not about her, it’s about one other special little girl (my god-daughter).

Taylor was involved in her first Science Olympiad last year. She was so cute and so excited. Unfortunately, she didn’t win any medals and went home disappointed. Her mom says she cried all the way home. Our hearts broke for her.

But, instead of giving up, she applied herself once again and entered the competition this year. This time she came in with a different mindset. She had the mindset of a winner. She would do her best, and put her faith in God that He would do the rest. And you know what….He did! She also won two medals and the overall first place trophy. To see the HUGE smile on her face and to feel the WONDERFUL hugs she gave was PRICELESS!!!

Talk about “and a child shall lead them.” I learned so much by watching Taylor. Yes, she experienced disappointment. No, things didn’t go her way last year. But, SHE DIDN’T GIVE UP. No, she APPLIED HERSELF again, PUSHED PASS her hurt and fear, TRUSTED HER GOD, and WON IN THE END!

May we follow Taylor’s example and do the same when we experience disappointing circumstances in our lives. When we get knocked down, may we not stay down. No, may we get back up again, shake the dust off, and try again. As we step out towards God, He will step out towards us, and we will be VICTORS in the end!

Love you!

Janine

By Me

Nehemiah 6:3: “I am doing a great work! Why should I stop to come and visit with you?”

Here’s the story: The Jews were in exile, but some were allowed to return to Jerusalem. What they returned to was a Jerusalem where the wall was torn down and the gates were burned. Nehemiah (an exiled Jew who was the king’s cupbearer) felt horrible upon hearing of the situation and prayed to God. He confessed the sin of people for not obeying the commandments that were given to them by Moses. He reminded God that although they were scattered because of their disobedience, God said that if they returned to Him and obeyed His laws, He would bring them back to Jerusalem, because it was there that God had chosen to live.

God gave favor to Nehemiah with the king, who allowed him to return to Jerusalem to repair the wall (Nehemiah 2:8). The work began, but so did the opposition. Judah’s enemies began to oppose the builders, and tried many techniques to prevent the work from going on. They mocked and laughed at them, became angry in a rage and insulted them; they plotted to lead an army against Jerusalem to bring about riots and confusion, and they tried to get Nehemiah to come down off of the wall to address their insinuations and accusations concerning him and his work (Nehemiah 6:1-8). They even went so far as to HIRE PROPHETS to send a FALSE WORD to Nehemiah to make him sin, to accuse him, and to discourage him (Nehemiah 6:10-14).

But, through it all, Nehemiah and his people continued the work. They didn’t fall for the tricks and distractions of the ULTIMATE enemy (satan) who was working through these PHYSICAL enemies. With each attack, Nehemiah prayed to the Lord, Who protected them, gave Nehemiah wisdom in dealing with each of the situations (like continuing to work, but protecting themselves at the same time by always carrying their weapons with them), and helped them finish the wall in only 52 days! In the end, the wall WAS FINISHED, even more QUICKLY than thought possible, and the people of Jerusalem, IN ADDITION TO THEIR ENEMIES AND THE SURROUNDING NATIONS saw that the work had been done with the help of God.

My encouragement to us all today is NOT TO GET OFF OF THE WALL. God has begun a work in and through us, and He WILL perform it until the day that Christ Jesus returns (Philippians 1:6). We are, in effect, working on a wall FOR HIM. Maybe not a PHYSICAL one, but WHATEVER OUR PARTICULAR WALL MAY BE. Our enemies and those around us are watching to see if we will complete this work. They will do anything necessary to try to keep the work from being completed, but we must NOT GET OFF THE WALL. Let us keep our eyes on Jesus, keep going to Him for our protection, instruction and wisdom in terms of all that we may encounter. Let us WORK WITH OUR WEAPONS and not get distracted, and in the end, the wall WILL BE FINISHED, and God WILL GET THE GLORY…the work WILL GET DONE.

Keep working my fellow wall-builders! Don’t get off that wall!

Love you!

Janine

Please watch this video!

This goes along with the writing of today. It is an interview with the author of “The Harbinger,” Jonathan Cahn.

All I can say is WOW all over again, especially when you see the pictures…

Janine

>By Me
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>Jeremiah 2:11: Has a nation ever changed its gods? But My people have exchanged their Glory for worthless idols.
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>I have to tell you about a book that I am currently reading. It is called “The Harbinger” by Jonathan Cahn. Can I say oh my goodness? It truly is amazing, and I believe every American, and especially Christian American needs to read this book!
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>I don’t want to give its contents away (because I really want you to read it yourselves), but it basically connects modern-day America with ancient Israel, and shows the pattern that America is following after which was previously done by Israel. The main theme of the book centers around the Scripture of Isaiah 9:10 which says : “The bricks have fallen down, but we will rebuild with dressed stone; the fig trees have been felled, but we will replace them with cedars.” This quote was spoken as a collective cry by the people of Israel after they were invaded by Assyria, a powerful and haughty nation that ultimately was used as an instrument in God’s hand to bring judgement on His rebellious people, Israel. Instead of the children of Israel recognizing this judgement, humbling themselves and repenting before their Lord, turning from their wicked ways and turning back to Him; in their defiance and pride, they vowed that they would recover and rebuild after the attack, but do so IN THEIR OWN STRENGTH, without the help of God . One commentary that I have read states it this way: Even though God made Israel a nation and gave them the land they occupied, the people put their trust in themselves rather than in Him.
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>Like the children of Israel, to often WE take pride in our accomplishments, forgetting that it is God Who has given us our every resource and ability. We may even become proud of our unique status as Christians. God is NOT pleased with ANY pride or trust in ourselves, because it cuts off our contact with Him.” Anything we have and anything we are is ONLY BECAUSE OF HIM. Truly, APART FROM HIM we ARE and CAN DO NOTHING (John 15:5) !
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>As I said, I don’t want to relay the entire story to you, but even by reading what I have written, I think you may see some similarity between what had gone on in Ancient Israel, and what has happened in modern-day America, especially after the catastrophe of 9/11. The collective American voice after the occurrence of that day was “we will rebuild!” We would not bow down to the terrorists and their fear, but would rise again, a stronger and more defiant nation. Well, this vow, as in that long ago, had some repercussions. I leave it to you to read in the book, but I can truly say that it is haunting, and yet can be redemptive, depending on how we respond.
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>My prayer, is that we, both as Americans collectively and individually, become obedient to the Scripture which says: “If My people, Who are called by My Name, will HUMBLE THEMSELVES and PRAY, and SEEK MY FACE, and TURN FROM THEIR WICKED WAYS…THEN I will hear from Heaven, I will FORGIVE THEIR SIN and I will HEAL THEIR LAND (2 Chronicles 7:14).
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>May we return to our God, Who created us and established us from the beginning. May we seek Him, love Him and call on His Name. May we submit ourselves to Him and once again allow His grace and favor to flow towards us because of our obedience to Him.
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>May we not be defiant, stiff-necked, rebellious and disobedient, shaking our fists at our enemies and most importantly, at Him. May we not leave Him out of our lives, thinking that we can do things on our own, not needing Him, or His favor. May our actions and thoughts not be so prideful that we incur His curse instead of His blessing because we have rejected Him.
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>Truly, a book like this is revalatory. I don’t have the words to desribe it. All I can do is sincerely recommend it. I can tell you, after reading it, you will never be the same!
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>Love you!
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>Janine

>Hi everyone,
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>This is an oldie, but a goodie. A friend reminded me of it yesterday, and I felt that I had to get it out today.
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>Whatever it is that God is calling you to do, or desiring you to do, He is simply after your “Yes.” Doesn’t mean you will never have any troubles from here on out, or that you will be walking down Easy Street all the days of your life, but it does mean that you will be in His Will, which is the most PERFECT and SAFEST place to be, and in His Will, you will find rest and peace for your weariness and your souls.
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>Be at peace, and just say “Yes!”
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>Love you,
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>Janine
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>Luke 22:41-44: He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed. “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me, YET NOT MY WILL, BUT YOURS BE DONE.” An angel from heaven appeared to Him and STRENGTHENED Him. And being in anguish, He prayed MORE EARNESTLY, and His sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.
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>Have you ever been through a Garden of Gethsemane experience? You know, one which is full of such PRESSURE or PAIN? It is INTENSE. You may not quite know what is going on, but you know SOMETHING JUST ISN’T RIGHT. I’ve heard these times called “Crucibles of Affliction,” and that’s what they feel like. You’re in CRISIS. Everything in you wants to cry out that you can’t take anymore. It’s TOO MUCH. God, PLEASE STOP THIS PAIN. This HURTS TOO MUCH. LORD, HELP!
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>Well, this is what Jesus is experiencing here. Here we see His HUMAN side. Yes, He was the son of God, but He was ALSO the son of Man, so He felt the SAME FEELINGS that we do. Remember, Hebrews 4:15 says that we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. In this Garden, Jesus is facing His most INTENSE STRUGGLE, that requiring Him to go to the cross. This is no small or easy task. I’m sure He knew it would be a time of EXCRUCIATING PAIN. Who would want to go through something like that? Especially when it’s NOT because of you or what you have done that you’re going there, but because of your LOVE FOR ANOTHER. Jesus LOVED US SO MUCH, that, EVEN THOUGH HE DIDN’T WANT TO DIE ON THE CROSS AT THIS MOMENT OF AGONY, HE STILL DID SO. What did this Garden require of Him? His YES. It required Him to GIVE UP HIS OWN WILL (desires, plans, thoughts, etc), and ACCEPT THAT OF HIS FATHER. It required Hi s ULTIMATE SUBMISSION TO GOD’S WILL; His NEVERTHELESS. He had to say, “Father, if I DON’T have to go through this, if this DOESN’T have to happen, that’s what I would prefer, NEVERTHELESS (THANK JESUS FOR HIS NEVERTHELESS!), I will LAY DOWN WHAT I WANT, and I WILL DO WHAT YOU WANT because I KNOW YOU WANT WHAT IS BEST FOR ME, although I don’t understand it now.
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>WOW! What a SACRIFICE Jesus made for you and I! But, you know what? As someone reminded me of recently (thanks Sandra, smile!), we will ALL go through OUR OWN GARDEN OF GETHSEMANE EXPERIENCES. Times when WE WANT TO DO SOMETHING, or DON’T WANT TO DO SOMETHING, but GOD’S DESIRE IS SOMETHING ELSE FOR US. We may FIGHT, we may KICK, we may SCREAM. Like little children, we may THROW OUR TEMPER TANTRUMS, and yet, the fact remains: WE HAVE A CHOICE TO MAKE. Will we LAY DOWN OUR WILLS and TRUST GOD that His will and His way is TRULY BETTER FOR US? Or, will we choose our OWN will, go our OWN way, and MISS OUT ON THE BEST THAT GOD HAS FOR US?
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>I must tell you that I recently went through this Garden experience, and what was impressed upon me is that ALL GOD WANTED WAS MY YES. After some KICKING and SCREAMING (Like I said many times before…PRAY FOR ME, smile!), I finally GAVE MY YES TO HIM and I feel SO MUCH BETTER. THANK GOD for the MINISTERING ANGELS that He sent me during this time, that ministered GRACE to me, and STRENGTHENED me as I went through. Honestly, I don’t know what happens now. There may be a cross before me. But, I now have the PEACE and ASSURANCE, knowing that ALL THAT I MAY HAVE TO FACE, I WILL NOT FACE ALONE. God will be WITH ME and He WILL STRENGTHEN ME (and YOU TOO!). In the end, HIS WILL WILL BE DONE. How about you? ALL HE IS AFTER IS YOUR YES!

By Me

Matthew 28:1, 5-6: Early on Sunday morning, as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to the tomb…then the angel spoke to the women. “Don’t be frightened!” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, Who was crucified, but He isn’t here! For He has come back to life again, just as He said He would.”

Happy Resurrection Day! This is what it’s all about! This is the hallmark of our Christian faith. This is what distinguishes us from other religions. Not only did our Savior, Jesus Christ, die for us, BUT HE ROSE AGAIN. He is NOT dead–He is ALIVE. He has RISEN just like He said.

And, because He lives, we live as well. We don’t only live in this life, but we live forevermore, with Him, and all who call on the Name of the Lord and are saved!

How good is that? Not only did Jesus’ death and resurrection save us from eternal death (if we accept what He did for us on the cross), but it also allows us to have life, and that more abundantly here on earth. I have heard it said that our salvation through Jesus is not simply Hell-insurance. It’s not just saving us from that misery. It saves us from misery while we are alive as well. What hope we have. We WILL see the GOODNESS of the Lord, IN THE LAND OF THE LIVING. NOT just in the “sweet by and by,” but also in the “not-so sweet here and now.” But again, that is the HOPE of our salvation…the world may not be sweet, but our life in Christ is.

So, this is a day that we CELEBRATE. On this day, so many years ago…Jesus won the ULTIMATE victory, and as we accept Him, we have won it as well. Isn’t that great? We didn’t even have to join in the fight–He did it all for us! What a GREAT Big Brother!

For those who have not accepted His FREE gift, why not do so today? It is a mighty good day to be saved. Know that Jesus had you in the mind all those years ago. He gave His life for many, as He did for one…you. Accept what He did for you, and you can CELEBRATE this WONDERFUL day as well!

Again, Happy Resurrection Day! Enjoy the day of our ultimate victory!

Love you much!

Janine

Hallelujah…Jesus is Alive! By Ron Kenoly

By Me

Mark 15:33-34: And when the sixth hour was come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me?

John 19:30: When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, He said, It is finished; and He bowed His head, and gave up the ghost.

Today is the day that, so very long ago, our Savior, Jesus Christ, endured such suffering and pain. Not because of anything He had done…no, He was sinless. But because of what we have done, and many times continue to do. Jesus’ death was not about Him, it was about us. Way back on the cross, He was thinking about us. Why? Because He loved us so. He knew the only way that we would escape the penalty of our wrongdoings (sin) was for Him to take all of that on Himself. He exchanged His goodness for our sin, so that we could become righteous/good in Him. Because Jesus died on that painful cross, after being ridiculed, spat upon, tortured and whipped, we can live forevermore as we accept His dying for our sins.

I never understood why such a horrible and brutal day would be called “Good Friday.” I thought that maybe the devil and his cohorts had something to do with the naming of the day, because of what they thought it represented at the time. Their arch-enemy, Jesus, God’s Son, was killed on that day. They thought they had won. They thought the fight was over and that they were victorious–Jesus was dead. But you know what? THEY WERE WRONG!!! If they knew what killing Jesus meant for us….if they knew what was going to happen early the third morning….if they knew! But I thank God that they didn’t know…but God did!

We know the rest of the story, but I won’t write about it right now. Right now, I want our minds to go back to that sacrifice that Jesus made, OF HIMSELF, for us. May we think on all that He endured because of His great love for us. We can never repay Him. There’s nothing we can do for Him that can compare to what He did for us. And you know, He doesn’t want us to. What He does want is that we simply accept what HE did, repent for OUR sins as we believe that He died for them, and then go on living IN HIM.

So, as we look at it that way, this is a GOOD Friday. It is actually a GREAT Friday because on this day, Jesus paid the ultimate price for us. He redeemed us (bought us back from sin), and allowed us to be brought back into right standing with God the Father, so that we could have everlasting life and a wonderful relationship with Him, not only on this day, but EVERY day!

Thank God for Good Friday!

Love you!

Janine