If you have seen the movie The Passion of the Christ, or one of the few others that depict the brutal treatment of Jesus Christ, you may find it hard to watch the treatment of any human that way. It is unimaginable that the most Loving and Powerful human that ever existed allowed himself to experience this.

Why? For you.

Paul writes in Philipians 2:6-9, “Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.”

Today, Good Friday, we remember this ultimate sacrifice Jesus gave so that we may be saved. Let us take some time to appreciate the magnitude of this blessing.

Dear Lord, We are eternally grateful for the sacrifice you made for our Salvation. Help us never forget the words of Paul in Romans 5:8, “while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” In Your most holy name we pray. Amen.

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Have you seen those cartoons showing the character sawing a tree branch while sitting on the branch, cutting on the trunk side of where he is sitting? After a couple cuts, he saws through the branch, but falls along with it.

This is similar to what happens when we do things we know we shouldn’t. By doing things we know are wrong, we undermine our faith and begin distancing ourselves from God. When we do, the devil, described at times as “the accuser” works on us with guilt, trying to make us feel unworthy of reconciliation with God. In contrast, when we exercise our faith, by doing what we know is right, even when it is difficult or scary, we are relying on God and making our faith stronger.

In his letter to Timothy, 1 Timothy 1:19, Paul writes, “Cling tightly to your faith in Christ and always keep your conscience clear, doing what you know is right. For some people have disobeyed their consciences and have deliberately done what they knew was wrong. It isn’t surprising that soon they lost their faith in Christ after defying God like that.”

Dear Lord, help us choose to do the right thing, led by the conscience that you gave us. Help us remember that it is always better to do the difficult right thing than the easy wrong. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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The book of Exodus tells the story of the Jews after God brought them out of captivity in Egypt. God was leading them to a new land, but even though he was there with them the entire time in the form of a pillar of cloud in the daytime, and a pillar of fire at night, they still had problems keeping their focus on him and his direction.

Just like the Jews in the desert, God wants us to look to him for our direction and strength and he will guide us.

In Hebrews 3 Paul recounts this story, and explains how God was leading them, showing them the path. In Hebrews 3:9-10 he writes, “But God was patient with them forty years, though they tried his patience sorely; he kept right on doing his mighty miracles for them to see. “But,” God says, “I was very angry with them, for their hearts were always looking somewhere else instead of up to me, and they never found the paths I wanted them to follow.”

God also has paths he wants us to take, but we need to look to him for guidance to know where they are.

Dear Lord, help us have the faith to look to you for guidance. Show us the paths you want us to follow. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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Do you sometimes wake up in the morning with negative thoughts; negative thoughts about a bad experience, or someone who mistreated you, or a problem you have?

I believe that often times these thoughts are being placed in our heads by the enemy, trying to get our day started with a sour and defeated attitude.

I have a technique that I use to overcome these negative influences.

When I wake up with these negative thoughts, before I get out of bed, I try first to remember the words Jesus used in Matthew 16:23, when Peter comments about Jesus upcoming suffering and death. Jesus said, “get behind me satan.” Or the words Jesus used when tempted in the wilderness, He tells the devil “away with you satan”. This shows we recognize the deception and in Jesus’ name we are sending it away.

Second, In my mind I recite the common doxology,
Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise him all creatures here below
Praise him above ye heavenly hosts
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost

Alternatively, I remember David’s words in Psalm 118:24 “this is the day that The Lord Has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

Finally I say a quick prayer, thank God for a new day, and ask for his guidance.

If you experience this negative ambush in the morning, give these techniques a try.

Dear Lord, protect us from the undermining influence of the devil, and help us live our lives as positive, cheerful, advocates for you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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With my parents, brothers, their families, and my family, we have a “cast” of 19, from toddler to grandparent. Last night 15 of the 19 were able to get together for a dinner and celebration of my brother’s and my dad’s birthdays. We missed rest of the family, very much. It is difficult to describe the amazing joy and comfort it is to have a close Christian family. For us, there is nothing in this world more valuable than each other.

This is no surprise to God, who inspired Solomon to write in Proverbs 17:6, “Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged; parents are the pride of their children.”

What a great blessing it is for us to have this Christian family; I pray that everyone could have the same. Happy Birthday Jeff, and Dad!

Dear Lord, you designed the beauty of the loving family inspired and supported by your love. Help us all cherish, enjoy and build up the families that you have given us. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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