Uplifting Insights

Friday, March 23, 2018

Passion Week: Luke 19:29

And it came to pass, when he was come nigh to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount called the mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, Saying, Go ye into the village over against you; in the which at your entering ye shall find a colt tied, whereon yet never man sat: loose him, and bring him hither.

Passion or Holy week is the week preceding Easter which begins Palm Sunday with a series of somber events leading up to Christ's death on Crucifixion Friday .

Let's take a look at the events that occurred during the week beginning with Psalm Sunday where Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey. This was His triumphal entry into Jerusalem.

Monday Jesus clears the temple calling it a den of thieves (Luke 19:46). He declares that His house would be one of prayer.

Late that Tuesday evening Jesus and His disciple went up to the Mount of Olives where He issued what is known as the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 21:23–24:51, Mark 11:20–13:37, Luke 20:1–21:36, and John 12:20–38). Also on Tuesday Judas made his deal to betray Jesus (Matthew 26:14-16).

Wednesday the Bible records no significant activities and is presumed that Jesus and His disciples rested this day.

Thursday is when the Last Supper/Passover occurred where Jesus and His disciples ate their last meal together. Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper/Communion where He instructed followers on how to perform the communion (Luke 22:19-20). Jesus being the Lamb of God was sharing His broken body and shed blood as the sacrifice for sin that freed all who believe from sin and death. After supper Jesus and His disciples went to the Garden of Gethsemane where He prayed asking the Father to move the bitter cup of death, but if it was God's will for Him to drink of the cup He would.

Friday is known Crucifixion Friday or Good Friday as many refer to this day. The events that occurred were His trial, Crucifixion, and Burial. Jesus suffered a horrifying death from 9:00AM to 3:00PM bearing the sins of the world on His shoulders. It was on the cross where His uttered His seven last words.

On Saturday, Jesus' body lay in the tomb, but at the end of the Jewish Sabbath at 6:00PM His body was prepared for burial with the spices. Resurrection Sunday is the climax of Holy week.

Thank God for Sunday morning we serve a risen Lord.

Comments are welcomed.

Author's contacts:

www.goodshepherdwritingandpublishing.com.

Tuesday, March 20, 2018

The Consequences of Disobedience: 2 Chronicles 7:19-22

But if you turn away and forsake my decree and commands I have given you and go off to serve other gods and worship them, then will I uproot Israel from my land, which I have given them, and will reject this temple I have consecrated for My name. I will make it a byword and an object of ridicule among the people.

Today's message is taken from this Sunday's church school lesson where God offers blessings for obeying His statues and commands (vv 14-18) and dire warning to Samuel and the people of Israel telling them what consequences they would suffer for disobeying His statues and commandments.

God's promises are kept whether they are rewards or punishments. What one receives is predicated on the choices we make. I have always heard and been taught obedience is better than sacrifice. This saying is based on the Holy Scriptures; for example, when Israel obeyed God they prospered and when they disobeyed they were punished. Life's trials will teach us that obedience is better than sacrifice.

Another school of thought, when you pray expect an answer. Solomon prayed when he dedicated the temple; God answered and gave specify instructions as outlined in verse 14.

Obey God's commands and be blessed.

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Thursday, March 15, 2018

Resurrection Sunday

John 11:25

Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:

What does Resurrection Sunday mean to you? Does it mean a day of celebration with family, friends and enjoying an Easter parade or a day at Church? The answer you provide depends on your belief that yes Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God who came to earth to die for the sins of the world. It also depends whether or not you have accepted Jesus as your Savior who died and rose as promised that Sunday Morning commonly known as Resurrection Sunday.

Resurrection Sunday also means that all who believe died with Christ to sin and rose with Him to a life of righteousness. Resurrection Sunday also means that we who are in Christ are alive with Him and will live forever with Him. Resurrection Sunday means that we serve a risen Savior who is now seated at the right hand of the Father making intercessions for you and me.

Being alive with and in Christ is that all believers are now adopted sons of God the Father as members of His holy nation of priests who have been called out of darkness and are now wearing His righteous garment of salvation.

On a personal note, Resurrection Sunday means that I am now alive in Christ and have an assured hope of an everlasting home in glory and one day I will reign with Him in the New Jerusalem. Easter/Resurrection Sunday isn't about having a new outfit or participating in or watching an Easter parade it is honoring God for the risen Savior.

Lastly, Resurrection Sunday is a day to be celebrated in reverence to God for His love, grace and mercy for sending His Son Jesus Christ to atone sin when justice was demanded; mercy took its place.

Resurrection Sunday a day of true worship and singing praises to our risen Savior.

Comments are welcomed.

Author's contacts:

http://willie-writingandpublishing.com

Tuesday, March 13, 2018

Stressful Times:

Psalm 18:2; Philippians 4:6

The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

Today's message is designed to offer words of encouragement as there are daily chaotic messages coming from our seat of government with no apparent end in sight. I come to say take heart, because the end to this madness is near.

These questions come to mind, how can one sell out his/her country to the enemy but still say they represent this country and want to remain a citizen of these United States? Where is the patriotism and love for the place they call home? More importantly, how can one sell his/her soul for a dollar? For those of us who are true patriots can only conclude one thing greed and hate.

Be of good cheer the Lord is near and is in control; He is the rock of our salvation and our deliverer. He hears and answers the prayers of the righteous.

Prayer warriors are praying and part of the resistant movement that is growing larger and stronger.

Comments are welcomed.

Friday, March 9, 2018

"A Morning Prayer"

Psalm 5:1-12

Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my meditation. Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my meditation. Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee will I pray. My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.

Preparing to write today's devotional message I went in prayer, a discussion on worship came to mind, but then the above message was decided upon being our society is in a mess filled with sin and hate. Prayer is always in order and is a powerful weapon against any enemy. We can fight any battle on our knees. Satan knows he has no win when he sees the righteous praying. Satan know that prayers of the righteous availeth much (James 5:16).

God takes no pleasure in wickedness (v.4) and will reward the cry of the righteous with His favor and shield him from all unrighteous (v.12). God's truth is our shield and buckler as we are covered under the shadow of His wings (Psalm 91:4).

In our morning prayer we seek His protection as we navigate the daily snares of the wicked. God has provided us with His protective gear undergirded by love. Therefore, seek God in prayer with a sincere humble heart; He hears and answers.

Let's close today's discussion with these encouraging words "don't forget to pray."

We welcome your comments.

Author's contacts:

www.goodshepherdwritingandpublishing.com

Tuesday, March 6, 2018

God's Provisional Care: Philippians 4:19

But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

When we think of God's providence what comes to mind? Reflecting on the above scripture verse that states what God will do that includes man's spiritual and physical needs.

We thank God for His provisional care which demonstrates His love for humanity. God's provision manifests itself throughout creation. There is a balance of nature, in the animal kingdom and the four seasons all designed to benefit man. Then there is God's provision in government as our laws are based on His moral laws the Ten Commandments.

Given the magnitude of God's provisional care, we offer praises to His rich and holy name. God is our provider and sustainer.

Comments are welcomed.

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