As a mother, how do you reconcile the fact that your child carries the weight of the world on his shoulders? How can you deal with seeing the pain in your Child's eyes? How do you stand at His feet and watch Him take his last breath? Witnessing this must have put a rip in her heart so deep she felt it was beyond repair... She must have suffered every wound, every tear, and every drop of blood that fell. The anguish must have been beyond comprehension. She gave us such a precious piece of her life. She gave us her beautiful son... She was just a child herself when he was born. But she trusted God to hold her hand through her life's trial.
Even knowing how important His role is, the loss must have always haunted her soul. She was left behind with all her human frailties to embrace and understand the magnitude of His life. Only her Son could deliver such an amazing gift of peace and healing to her heart. I am so grateful for them and their sacrifice.
When you look for strength, remember this story of a mother and child and their journey. It’s unconditional love at its finest and the most beautiful love story we will ever know.
Today, let’s remember the sacrifices they made for the greatest love we will ever know.
“And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.”
How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death so that we may serve the living God! Hebrews 9:14...
In the KJV, the word blood appears 447 times. The word bloody appears 16 times.
Meaning of Blood: the red liquid that circulates in the arteries and veins of humans and other vertebrate animals, carrying oxygen to and carbon dioxide from the tissues of the body:
To endure the most incredible pain humanly possible for a LOVE greater than one can ever describe. The very beat of our hearts depends on a life source rich with healing and cleaning properties. What is this miracle substance, and how does it relate to the masterpiece we know as the Bible? It flows effortlessly through our earthly bodies from the beginning of time. We cannot sustain life without it.
So how and why did Jesus give us such a precious, monumental gift? The how breaks the heart of believers. To give this gift, He endured a torturous crucifixion. A punishment primarily reserved for the most vicious of male criminals. Why? I don’t understand? He was innocent and so pure, so loving.
To read the description of this vicious punishment wounds my soul and makes my heart bleed. It was torturous, inhumane, cruel, and humiliating. Even before the cross, His body began to shed blood. He wore a crown of thorns. He was beaten and whipped. Yet he never wavered or stopped His love flow for others... As he stumbled and traveled on the road we know as The Via Dolorosa, he carried the very cross that would hold His battered body. I am sure His blood stained the journey to His date with destiny!
Once he arrived at His destination, His Hands and Feet were nailed to the cross. Again, His blood spilled. There was no escape. His precious blood continued to spill. As he suffered. His breathing became labored. His heart struggled to keep the blood flowing. Tears of blood were shed. His body pierced a final time. As he whispered, “It is finished.” The final drops of blood fell. Leaving His body void of life. The earth became dark. His mother wept. Her heart must have shattered! What a horrific sight.
My heart hurts knowing the blood He spilled was for me. How, Why? What kind of LOVE is this? It’s Holy, Royal, and the most beautiful sacrifice of LOVE we will ever grow to know. But why still baffles me? I do not truly understand the ritual of cleansing sin by sacrificing a perfect lamb. Our beautiful Savior? The reason given is for the atonement of our sins? No matter how insignificant we feel, our sins are? It’s a ritual that wounds my heart. To kill a living animal or a person just because people could not follow the rules and examples set by God.
This ritual is from a time in our history when God felt it necessary to save the people He lovingly created. However, we fell short so many times. We let Him down 🩸. I by no means want to question God. I am sure He knows why, and maybe it's not for me to fully understand the dynamics of a Blood Sacrifice. I may not understand why. I can only LOVE Him for giving me the most beautiful gift I will ever grow to know! He gave me the gift of Him! All of Him, His Blood, His last breath, His Love!!
It’s Him; it’s always Him!
It’s the most amazing LOVE story ever told.
I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me. Proverbs 8:17
“In whom we have redemption through his blood, Ephesians 1:7
'Remember that wherever your heart is, there you will find your treasure.' Paulo Coelho
Meaning of remembering: have in or be able to bring to one's mind an awareness of (someone or something that one has seen, known, or experienced in the past).
We located seventy-one verses in the Bible that reference the word… Remember.
A Heartfelt word indeed...
Remember me…
How can we remember someone or something we have not taken the time to know?? We could study and learn all the facts… But you will only have the cold, hard facts to remember. That makes the memories such a sterile, distant thought…
When we have a close relationship and are asked to remember... What exactly do we remember? Do those memories bring tears? Is there an emotional bond that runs deeper than we know?? Will we remember the details…Do we feel it in the depths of our souls?
We are embarking on a time to remember… A time in history that has crushed many hearts. A time when a Heavenly Man was unjustly slain for the crime… A crime of loving His children beyond our human understanding.
Why did the people of yesterday turn their backs on Him? Why did they not have the strength to stop this horrific act of violence on such a special soul ??
When we celebrate Easter, do we appreciate Him loving us beyond what we can understand? Do we reflect and feel His pain? Do we try to understand the cruelty and humiliation that He endured publicly? Or are we so far removed that we can not or do not relate to His suffering? Do we move to the victory March without stopping and remembering the heart-crushing details.
Do we understand the depth of His act of love? Do we feel the heartache and pain that we have caused? Just knowing that we do not love Him enough must wound His heart?
I do believe we as a people have been programmed through the media that our favorite Hollywood stars die in one movie, but they come back in another. So, we have grown accustomed to this dying and alive routine? Or is there more?
When it comes to Jesus, do we recognize the importance of this moment in history? Do we really think of the gift and sacrifice made for our unworthy souls on that monumental day so long ago?
His victory over death was a beautiful gift and a miracle to all of us from our Heavenly Father.
But many of us know that is not where this love story ends …
It truly is a beautiful new beginning.
… He lives…
I believe we should celebrate Him every day, humble ourselves before Him, and kiss His blood-stained hands!
He gives us so much, but the gift of life and love for eternity… is the show-stopper!!! No one has His grace, power, or capacity to love and forgive such an undeserving world.
Remember Him!
It’s Him; it’s always him.
He WOWs me!!! I hope He WOWs you, too.
While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take it; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and they all drank from it.“This is my blood of thecovenant, which is poured out for many,” he said to them.
A true friend is the one who drops everything to quietly sit with you when the rest of the world does not understand.
Meaning of rejection:
The dismissing or refusing of a proposal, idea, etc.
We located 20 verses that deal with that ugly word rejection...
Rejection is a heartbreaking action word... And difficult for me to understand. Sometimes, it is blatant and in your face. Other times, it is as subtle as fumes from a smoldering fire.... Both leave reasons that will forever burn a scar in the fiber of who we become. The wound may fade over time, but the heart will carry the scar.
Rejection stings; humans can be so cruel, cold-hearted, judgmental, and self-centered. I have witnessed rejection happen at any age, gender, or race... There is no respecter of person.
When you feel you have connected with someone or yearn just to be a part of something more than yourself.
You can become vulnerable as you open your heart to the risk of acceptance. You may even get close enough to share life and dreams and make precious memories.
And then, without any provocation or signals, they sever all ties and shun your very existence.
Or worse, sell you out for just a few pieces of silver! Your emotions become a roller coaster as you begin the rationalization process. You begin to question if it was something you did or if there was something you could have done differently. You question their heart and motives.
Regardless of your thinking, rejection is difficult and hurtful. It cuts deep into your soul.
How did Jesus deal with rejection?
God knows firsthand the cruelty of rejection!! He has been rejected by some of the ones He has loved the most!! Sadly, He is still rejected by so many!!! If rejection hurts us so much, I can only imagine how great His pain must be!!
Do we ever stop and think before we act? How are we so cold that we reject His love, or for that matter, love of any kind?
How did we come to reject the one who gave us life? The creator of all things! The one who loves us more than life itself! He has proven His love in life and in death. 💔 How does He forgive us for the magnitude of rejection we bestowed on His beautiful heart? I can almost hear His voice say these words.
“Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they're doing.”. (Luke 23:34)
I do believe most if not all, rejection stems from a deep-rooted fear, insecurity, hate, greed, and/or judgment.
The most amazing thing I have discovered is that we can find that silver lining out of rejection.
Healing happens when we realize that rejection is truly not about the one being rejected but about the person or group that has executed the rejection. It shows their short-sightedness, insecurities, and brokenness.
I will admit that during my spiritual journey, I have also felt the pain of rejection. I am afraid many did not take the time to understand and rejected my vulnerable soul. It wounded me deeply. Many tears fell.
I wrote this early in my Spiritual Journey.
Heartfelt
You scarred my heart ...with no remorse. But I found the beauty in you making me bleed ... I found me.
That is when I felt the most vulnerable and when rejection hit home. Some of the people I cared about stopped all communications and cut all ties. I believe my pain was magnified due to my newly circumcised heart.
However, I discovered that the pain of rejection can actually make us stronger. It can put us in the position of forgiveness ... It can make us dig deep. It can make us rise from the ashes of what once was... and what could have been, and give us newfound hope that lets us look towards what could be.
It's at that time we understand that with God, all things are possible. Especially when we open our grieving souls to His love, He teaches us many beautiful things... He taught me the art of forgiveness and how to love even in the face of rejection. ( I am a work in progress)
There is truth in that old cliché.
"Freedom from pain is letting go.
" It’s not accomplished instantly! It takes work, love, prayer, understanding, time, and most of all, Jesus.
It’s Him, it’s always Him...
Give Him the chance to introduce you to the most beautiful person you may ever meet. You may be surprised that it’s you!
If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. John 15:18 NIV
Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord will hold me close. Psalm 27:10 NLT
All who hate me whisper about me, imagining the worst. Psalm 41:7 (NLT)
And he saith unto them, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. and I will make you fishers for men."
Meaning of wood: a hard-fibrous material that forms the main substance of the trunk or branches of a tree or shrub, used for fuel or timber:
There are 72 verses in the Bible about wood.
Being distracted by our world ... Makes us drift into thought and some of us begin to question life a little deeper. However, I am a firm believer that idle hands leave our imagination running rampant. As many of you know I started a word study 4 years ago, and it has brought me on the most amazing journey.
That being said, I began to share my thoughts with a friend who mentioned that she might busy her hands by sanding wood to make tables. And that is how the quest to learn more about the word wood and the study sprouted and began to grow. 🌱 .. I started to think of all the things we use wood for today, buildings, fire, furniture. But then my mind drifted to this question, where does this product we take for granted come from? Easy answer trees, plants, vines! They are all a such beautiful gifts from God. They supply food but more importantly, they manufacture the very air we breathe... So, what does this amazing creation have to do with the Bible? I discovered, one of the most prominent trees in Jerusalem, when Jesus walked upon the earth, was the olive tree. Did you know the Life Span of Olive trees can be 1,500 years, but the average lifespan is 500 years? That is a wow?
So where and who used this precious commodity? How did the men of that time build such amazing things from wood? They were not draftsmen? They had no computers? They had no state-of-the-art tools? So how? It can boggle our minds when we think about it? They were simple carpenters with rudimentary tools! I am sure they treasured and could see the beauty in the wood they used.There are a few stories that came to light during this study. Noah and his Ark, The Ark of the Covenant was made by many craftsmen, but they all had one common factor, all of their creations had been made under the direction of God Himself. He gave them precise measurements and directions. How else could they have created such wonders? But the greatest wonder God orchestrated was the creation of his only begotten son
Jesus. I stand in awe of how He created such a precious life. A life that has touched so many lives in such a significant way. Including mine!! 🥰 Have you ever questioned why he was born to a carpenter? I have? And feel, as a young man he had to develop his skills to understand life on earth. During this learning experience, he used his hands with great precision and strength. He worked at it until he became a master at his craft. Because his father knew He needed to grow and understand how to make something beautiful from a simplistic beginning... His life is a testimony to these skills. The most precious gift He made, He made with His own blood sweat, and tears. This gift was given to us on a simple piece of blood-stained wood. It’s a gift of LOVE that goes far beyond that simplistic piece of wood that we remember as the symbolic cross ... It is the richness of His (vine) breath that sustains Life. His LOVE and Life are truly the greatest love story ever told. It’s Him, It’s always Him! I will never look at a simple piece of wood the same ever again.
“Jesus said, ‘I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.”
John 15:1 EASY
“Then the trees said to the vine, “Come and be our king”.”
Judges 9:12 EASY
“God is the Lord. This is what he says. He is the God who created the skies. He hung them up like a curtain. He made the shape of the whole earth. He made everything that grows in it. He gives air to its people so that they can breathe. And he has given a spirit to everyone who walks on the earth.”saiah 42:5 EASY
If you can’t figure out your purpose, figure out your passion. For your passion will lead you right into your purpose.” — T.D. Jakes
Meaning of passion - strong and barely controllable emotion: "a man of impetuous passion. The suffering and death of Jesus:
There are approximately 46 verses that refer to the word passion in the KJV version of the Bible.
When the word passion comes to mind on a spiritual plane, it is a beautiful, heartfelt emotion. It runs deeper than anything you have ever felt. It taps into the very core of our existence. It becomes the essence of who we are.
It gives us the strength and the drive to accomplish amazing things. Things you find unfathomable under ordinary circumstances. I do not speak of the passion of this world. The passion most people think of is a man-made fabrication and does not even begin to skim the surface...
When I feel this word in my soul, I feel stronger, I feel deep commitment, and I feel a love greater than any love on this planet. I see the color red. Our senses are heightened, and our hearts open to this love like the soft petals of a crimson rose. Our soul begins to dance with newfound freedom. And as these intimate moments engulf every fiber of your soul, a beautiful love song can be heard as you are whisked away to a faraway land...
We are spiritual beings having a human experience. And as we live our daily lives, many hide our soulful personalities. We are afraid of what others may think or say. But there is a spiritual heart bigger than life calling His children to a passionate love affair of the heart. It’s a love that whispers to our souls. It has a magnetic pull on our hearts. It's a greater and more powerful love than all the stars in the universe.
It's our Creator. Its Him.
His power, love, and beauty can overpower the hearts of any man, woman, or child. His love creates a beauty that shines from within the hearts of His children. His aura of light lives within His believers. This gift contains a love that is beyond our human understanding and shines to attract other like-minded souls.
It radiates a passionate love, a love of the soul. A love for Him cannot be contained. Our creator. Our beautiful ELOHIM, Our loving Yashua, and God's very breath, the mysterious Holy Spirit. Our three and one are breathtaking and not of this world.
Close your eyes and invite Him into your heart...you will be whisked away to a faraway land. Your soul will lovingly whisper His name. As your life takes on new meaning, your soul will feel completeness, peace, and a feeling of love that will be difficult to explain.
And I have found the best answer is short and sweet.
It is because of ...
Him! It’s always Him.
You, God, are my God; earnestly, I seek you; I thirst for you. My whole being longs for you in a dry and parched land
"He barreled through barriers that usually stop us dead in our tracks–fear of ridicule, fear of suffering, abandonment by our closest companions." – Dr. Marcellino D’Ambrosio...
Today, we remember not only Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem in the past but also his entry into Jerusalem in the future.
Meaning of Palm as a (noun) a branch or leaf of the palm, anciently borne or worn as a symbol of victory or rejoicing. Palm (noun) is any symbol or token of superiority, success, or triumph; also, victory; triumph; supremacy.
There are approximately 12 verses that point to palm trees in the Bible.
How did I take the beauty of a palm tree swaying in the warm Florida breeze so for granted?
Do we skip through life without stopping and truly seeing the beauty, meaning, or symbolism behind many things in our lives...
Let’s take a closer look at the simple palm leaves. Come with me as we dive into the Book that seems to hold all the answers—only if we stop and dig for that hidden treasure with everything in our lives!!
What is the connection between these slender green palm leaves and the man who carries the scars because of greater love in the very palm of His hands??
It is written that on this day, we know that, on Palm Sunday, Jesus rode His victory ride into Jerusalem as our King. Not on a horse but on a donkey. He is good!! He knows how to wow the crowd... He did this to symbolize that although He is of royal blood, He is not a threat, but indeed, He comes in peace and love. This, indeed, was a day for believers to celebrate!! Just imagine! They laid palm leaves before Him as He made His way through His beloved crowd. They waved many Palm leaves in the air in great jubilation. And shouted His praise.
Many to this day still celebrate this victory parade. But was it too fast and too soon.??
Where were these partygoers when things got hot? When did things begin to unravel? Could they not rally the crowd when He needed us the most?
We must not look to the short-lived victory... But to the blood-stained palms of our King to truly understand the difference between Palm Sunday and the Passion of the Cross.
He needs us not just to be partygoers... He needs us to be strong when things get HOT!! As a King, He does not force us to accept or even to love Him. He comes to us meekly and humbly to passionately love us. But we must be willing to claim Him and this victory march. We must see the sacrifice made and beyond the cross. We must see His beauty, grace, and beautiful gift of life... Celebrate because He has arrived!!! He showed the world His LOVE for His children cannot be stopped!!! Arise, my beloved!!
It's Him, It’s Always Him
The King is here!!! ❤
“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.”
The word occupy means to take back and keep that which is His aggressively.
Occupy is used 45 times in the Bible.
He is coming again in the same form as He left. Two thousand years ago, He ascended into the clouds. Are you looking for His return?
While we wait, we are to occupy? What does that mean today? If you follow Jesus, what are you doing to occupy?
Are we taking a stand in this world? Do we have influence in government, entertainment, the education of our children, and the technology that every child and adult holds in their hands every day?
Do we complain there is no prayer in our schools?
If we are to occupy, take, or possess what is His, we must be bold. He has given us the talents and gifts we will need. He has given us His love, His power to speak, to write, and to share His wonderful message with the world.
In the Old Testament, there was a man named Caleb. It says that when facing the enemy, he had a different spirit, and he followed God fully. That different spirit in Him said our God is mighty, and with Him, we can take the land, even the giants in it.
We can also say this: The enemy is defeated. Our Father has given us the tools to occupy and stand strong. We can wield His sword and shine His light in the darkness that seems to be trying to take over our world. Let us join our hands and our hearts and hold fast our positions. I urge you to discover your talents and gifts and use every possible way to share Him!!
He is our hope for a brighter tomorrow.
“And he called his ten servants and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.
“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”Revelation 1:8
Yesterday, I had the desire to paint… I was not sure where this adventure would lead… With gentle music playing softly in the background… I decided I would work on improving my painting skills. With no pre-planning, I began to paint a face to work on the eyes, nose, and mouth… As I continued to apply the layers of paint. He soon revealed Himself… A warrior with a mission.
This image brought me to this descriptive Bible verse in Revelations 1:14. His head and his hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were as a flame of fire.
Many questions began to dance through my head as I continued to paint. Many will become scared, frightened, and overwhelmed when reading the Book of Revelation. But the bigger question is, how can our Lord and Savior be scary? Why would we fear someone we love with such a spiritual depth? Will His children see Him in all His loving glory? While the unbeliever sees a different image, perhaps a frightening image?
They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder… I know that every event in life is perceived differently depending on our vantage point… Personally, I feel that the love I have felt will not allow me to be frightened. His love gives me the overwhelming desire to be a witness to His triumphant victorious return… When I can gaze upon His beautiful face. And whisper. It's you! It's always been you.
