Tag Archives: Acts 2:22-24

Incomprehensible Love??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 19 No. 11

15 Monday Aug 2022

Posted by in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, God of all comfort!, Grief, Incomprehensible LOVE, Jesus IS The Gift!, Jesus Knows, Jesus Knows YOUR Storm, Jesus Never Fails, Jesus Saves, Jesus' Sacrifice

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 19 No. 11   Incomprehensible Love???

I want to share more of my personal observations than usual, which I just feel led to do today, as I had some amazing thoughts about my Jesus this week, and I’d like to share them with you.

“These things have I spoken unto you,

that my joy might remain in you,

and that your joy might be full.

12 This is my commandment,

That ye love one another,

as I have loved you.

13 Greater love hath no man than this,

that a man lay down his life

for his friends.”  John 15:11-13

God cares for the “world”, and while His love is unconditional, his forgiveness is based on a personal acceptance of Jesus’ substitutionary, atoning, sacrifice in repentance and faith!  God cares for mankind, so much so that HE “gave his only begotten son” to die that we might have eternal life!  And when we come to Jesus, we are called to emulate HIS loving, sacrificial heart!

“But love ye your enemies,

and do good,

and lend,

hoping for nothing again;

and your reward shall be great,

and ye shall be the children of the Highest:

for he is kind unto the unthankful

and to the evil.

36 Be ye therefore merciful,

as your Father also is merciful.”  Luke 6:35-36

We are called to a ‘higher’ calling than the world demands, for as Jesus said again in Matthew’s Gospel:

“But I say unto you,

Love your enemies,

bless them that curse you,

do good to them

that hate you,

and pray for them

which despitefully use you,

and persecute you;

45 That ye may be the children

of your Father which is in heaven:

for he maketh his sun

to rise on the evil

and on the good,

and sendeth rain

on the just

and on the unjust.”  Matthew 5:44-45

As we consider all these thoughts from God’s Word, I want to share some insights that I had this week.  As I was thinking about what Jesus did for me and you, I was influenced by my own grief, and the grief of close friends who have dealt with great loss in recent days.  Most of us have dealt with more grief in the last two-plus years with Covid than we could have imagined; and as I have been face-to-face with the emotions of grief myself, I couldn’t help but think of Jesus.  Jesus went to Calvary for you and me, and I want us to consider what HE felt as He walked up that hill—not just what He went through in the physical abuse that He suffered at the hands of the Jewish religious leaders, or the Roman guards, or even the soldiers at the cross as He was crucified for your sin and mine—but the thoughts that must have filled His heart and mind as He was driven up that hill to Calvary.

You and I have all experienced sorrow and grief, and we all have family, friends, and loved ones who have left this world and left a hole in our heart; but think a minute with me, if you would, Jesus not only had friends and family whom He loved, but HE created the world—including you and me!!!  Jesus didn’t just have a few folks on HIS heart and mind as HE walked up that hill, He had you and me on His heart and mind, even “before the foundation of the world” (See Ephesians 1:4 and 1 Peter 1:20)!  I can’t imagine the grief and sorrow that HE must have felt over the loss that sin brought into HIS world!  The enemy who deceived Adam and Eve, has continued to work his deceit in God’s world to this day!  BUT, praise God his end is in sight, and our Lord will return to claim HIS own; but until then, we need to consider the grief that our Savior endured not only for us, but for all!  I can’t help but think of the sadness that Jesus must have felt for the creation that HE loves—for the “the just and on the unjust”! He was going to die even for those who would reject HIM!  Oh, the love—the love that God—Father, Son and Holy Spirit—has for us!  I can’t even comprehend the grief and sorrow that HIS Spirit bore that day!

We grieve over the loss of maybe a hundred loved-ones and acquaintances, yet Jesus was creator of every human on earth!  HE loves them enough to have come to this earth, took on flesh and blood, lived a sinless life, and was headed to Calvary to ‘buy back’ the creation who had sold themselves into bondage to sin, for it would take HIS life to redeem our souls—ON PURPOSE!

“Ye men of Israel, hear these words;

Jesus of Nazareth,

a man approved of God among you

by miracles

and wonders

and signs,

which God did by him in the midst of you,

as ye yourselves also know:

23 Him, being delivered

by the determinate counsel

and foreknowledge of God,

ye have taken,

and by wicked hands

have crucified and slain:

24 Whom God hath raised up,

having loosed the pains of death:

because it was not possible

that he should be holden of it.”  Acts 2:22-24

I’d simply like to close with two passages, one from the author of Hebrews to help us understand God’s work in sending Jesus to be the payment for our sin, and our deliverer!  All because HE loves us—and all who will come to HIM will find eternal life, and peace, hope and joy!  The other look, at the ultimate passage on thinking as Jesus thought (one of my all-time favorite passages in all of scripture!); I hope they will both be a blessing to you!

“But we see Jesus,

who was made a little lower than the angels

for the suffering of death,

crowned with glory and honour;

that he by the grace of God

should taste death for every man.

10 For it became him,

for whom

are all things,

and by whom

are all things,

in bringing many sons unto glory,

to make the captain of their salvation

perfect through sufferings.

11 For both he that sanctifieth

and they who are sanctified

are all of one:

for which cause

he is not ashamed to call them brethren,

12 Saying,

I will declare thy name

unto my brethren,

in the midst of the church

will I sing praise unto thee.

13 And again,

 I will put my trust in him.

And again,

Behold I and the children

which God hath given me.

14 Forasmuch then as the children

are partakers of flesh and blood,

he also himself likewise

took part of the same;

that through death

he might destroy him

that had the power of death,

that is, the devil;

15 And deliver them who through fear of death

were all their lifetime

subject to bondage.

16 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels;

but he took on him the seed of Abraham.

17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him

to be made like unto his brethren,

that he might be a merciful

and faithful

high priest in things pertaining to God,

to make reconciliation

for the sins of the people.

18 For in that he himself

hath suffered being tempted,

he is able to succour them

that are tempted.”  Hebrews 2:9-18

 Paul’s great passage on the “mind of Christ”!

“Let this mind be in you,

which was also in Christ Jesus:

6 Who, being in the form of God,

thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

7 But made himself of no reputation,

and took upon him the form of a servant,

and was made in the likeness of men:

8 And being found in fashion as a man,

he humbled himself,

and became obedient unto death,

even the death of the cross.

9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him,

 and given him a name which is above every name:

10 That at the name of Jesus

every knee should bow,

of things in heaven,

and things in earth,

and things under the earth;

11 And that every tongue should confess

that Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father.

12 Wherefore, my beloved,

as ye have always obeyed,

not as in my presence only,

but now much more in my absence,

work out your own salvation

with fear and trembling.

13 For it is God which worketh in you

both to will

and to do

of his good pleasure.”  Philippians 2:5-13

So, my friends, wherever you may be, whatever sorrow or grief you may be living with—take heart!  Jesus knows your pain and sorrow, the burden you bear!  Won’t you come and rest in HIS ‘Incomprehensible LOVE’ that is there for you today!  Don’t miss that unseen hand of mercy, grace, love and strength that is outstretched to you today!

Amen and Amen!!!

Who’s The Children’s Sermon For??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 19 No. 03

12 Sunday Jun 2022

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, God's Judgment, God's love, God's measure isn't ours, God's Wisdom, Godly Wisdom, NOT the world's wisdom, Wisdom

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 19 No. 03 Who’s The Children’s Sermon For?

“For when for the time ye ought to be teachers,

ye have need that one teach you again

which be the first principles

of the oracles of God;

and are become such

as have need of milk,

and not of strong meat.

13 For every one that useth milk

is unskilful in the word of righteousness:

for he is a babe.

14 But strong meat

belongeth to them that are of full age,

even those who by reason of use

have their senses exercised

to discern both good and evil.

6:1 Therefore leaving the principles

of the doctrine of Christ,

let us go on unto perfection;

not laying again the foundation

of repentance from dead works,

and of faith toward God,

2 Of the doctrine of baptisms,

and of laying on of hands,

and of resurrection of the dead,

and of eternal judgment.”  Hebrews 5:12-6:2

The author of Hebrews was dealing with a group of believers who, to paraphrase some of the verses above, were needing the “children’s sermon” rather that the full, meaty, sermon; and I am convinced that we have churches full of “children’s sermon” believers— “unskilled in the word of righteousness (the Bible)….a babe” — rather than those who are, “of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil”!  The thing I’d like us to consider today is, which one are you and I?  Are you ready for steak?  Or are you still drinking milk?

Are you/I one of those who are skilled in using the Word of God, or are we “unskilled…babes”?  Are we so distracted and focused on self and the things of this world that we have not “done our homework” in knowing God through HIS WORD.  It is vital to our spiritual wellbeing to know God and His Word; that we will be able to discern between that which is good and that which is evil—not good!

“Give therefore thy servant

an understanding heart

to judge thy people,

that I may discern

between good and bad:

for who is able to judge

this thy so great a people?”  1 Kings 3:9

King Solomon pleased God with his request for wisdom, a request that he made on more than one occasion; and yet we forget that without God’s provision, our wisdom is of very little value.  Paul gives us some great insight into this need for wisdom, and wisdom is almost always grounded in The Word of God!

“For our rejoicing is this,

the testimony of our conscience,

that in simplicity

and godly sincerity,

not with fleshly wisdom,

but by the grace of God,

we have had our conversation

in the world,

and more abundantly

to you-ward.”  2 Corinthians 1:12

 It is important and interesting to note that this is not the first time that Paul had approached this subject of wisdom to the Corinthian believers; so, they should have been aware of Paul’s opinion regarding wisdom.  We can settle for the world’s wisdom, or we can pursue God’s holiness, wisdom, and grace (in HIS WORD) which are the only things that will help us “discern between good and bad”!  And oh, how our world needs followers of Jesus who are truly committed to the pursuit of spiritual maturity and excellence (and I know this is a lengthy passage, but I think it gives great insight into the Hebrews passage above), so let’s dig in!

“And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.

2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.

3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.

4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:

5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

6 Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:

7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:

8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

 10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.

 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.”  1 Corinthians 2:1-15

Let’s see what we can discern from Paul’s message to these believers in Corinth.

Paul gives all the credit of his “success” among the people of Corinth to the ‘cross’ and “the crucified Christ”!

Then, in verse 4 he attributes all the glory to the “spirit and power of God” rather than the “wisdom” of man!  Oh, how our culture is impressed with the wisdom of men; sadly that “admiration” has bled over into the church—where it never belongs!  Because our faith must reside IN JESUS not any wisdom of man.

Verses 7-8 are so packed full of truth, and sadly, truth that is often ignored or negated by men.

“But we speak the wisdom of God

in a mystery,

even the hidden wisdom,

which God ordained

before the world

unto our glory:

8 Which none of the princes of this world

knew:

for had they known it,

they would not have crucified

the Lord of glory.”

In other words, if men were so “wise” they would have seen and believed the truth that Jesus was, is and ever shall be The Son of God!  But they missed it, even as most do today.  And then, for those of you who aren’t familiar with it, one of the verses that is often quoted out of this context.

“But as it is written,

Eye hath not seen,

nor ear heard,

neither have entered into the heart

of man,

the things which God hath prepared for them

that love him.”

Then Paul goes on to be sure that we understand that we can only know these “things” by the revealing of the Holy Spirit to those who are God’s own, and verse 13 says it so concisely:

“Which things also we speak,

not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth,

but which the Holy Ghost teacheth;

comparing spiritual things with spiritual.”

Paul sums it up nicely when he reminds us that the things of God are revealed to us by the Holy Spirit, who indwells each born-again believer; reminding us that our dependence is to be on the Holy Spirit’s direction, grace, and wisdom, not the wisdom of man!  We are to grow into mature believers by pursuing the wisdom, holiness, and grace of God rather than the justification and wisdom of man/the world!

But as Peter told us in the book of Acts, God KNEW what men would do, and HE had already set “in stone”, if you would, the plan of salvation that would be accomplished in the blood of Jesus, The One who would lay down HIS life for you and me, for all who will repent of their sin, and believe and receive this ‘gift of God’!

“Ye men of Israel, hear these words;

Jesus of Nazareth,

a man approved of God among you

by miracles

and wonders

and signs,

which God did by him

in the midst of you,

as ye yourselves also know:

23 Him, being delivered

by the determinate counsel

and foreknowledge of God,

ye have taken,

and by wicked hands

have crucified and slain:

24 Whom God hath raised up,

having loosed the pains of death:

because it was not possible

that he should be holden of it.” Acts 2:22-24

So, my friends, the question is, will you tune in to God’s wisdom and be transformed by “the renewing of your mind” (see Romans 12:1-3) that we may “prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God”; rather than enjoying the ‘children’s sermon’! (Which is a great thing for children, but not for mature believers in and followers of Jesus!)!  Which group do you fall into?

“For all have sinned,

and come short of the glory of God;” Romans 3:23

“For the wages of sin is death;

but the gift of God is eternal life

through Jesus Christ our Lord.”  Romans 6:23

All this because the plan of God was made in Jesus Christ our Lord!  God’s wisdom not man’s!

“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

Amen and Amen!!!

T.G.F.T.F.??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #789

15 Friday Apr 2022

Posted by in A Father's Love, Abiding In Jesus, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Jesus Saves, Jesus Saves!, Jesus SinLESS Son of God, Repentance, Resurrection, Salvation

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #789       T.G.F.T.F.???

OK!  What is TGFTF?  Pretty simply, much like our famous “TGIF” (thank goodness it’s Friday), I just want us to ponder our need to “Thank God for “this” Friday”!  And while I won’t take the time today to debate the issue of the truth that Jesus wasn’t crucified on a “Friday”, I do want us to thank The Lord God Almighty for the gift of HIS SON, Jesus, and the sacrifice that HE made for our sin, and the absolute truth that HE was raised from the grave three days later.  That is a gift and a “Friday” to thank God for.

So, I just want to share a few scriptures together this morning to draw our hearts and minds to our Lord Jesus Christ and the amazing grace that HE extended to us at Calvary!

“Ye men of Israel, hear these words;

Jesus of Nazareth,

a man approved of God among you

by miracles

and wonders

and signs,

which God did by him

in the midst of you,

as ye yourselves also know:

23 Him,

being delivered

by the determinate counsel

and foreknowledge

of God,

ye have taken,

and by wicked hands have crucified

and slain:

24 Whom God hath raised up,

having loosed the pains of death:

because it was not possible

that he should be holden of it.”  Acts 2:22-24

And again, a short time later Peter reminded the people of who Jesus really was, and what HE had really done, and that HE died to save men, women, boys, and girls—all who will believe in HIS substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for SIN!

“Be it known unto you all,

and to all the people of Israel,

that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth,

whom ye crucified,

whom God raised from the dead,

even by him

doth this man stand here before you

whole.

11 This is the stone

which was set at nought

of you builders,

which is become

the head of the corner.

12 Neither is there salvation in any other:

 for there is none other name

under heaven

given among men,

whereby we must be saved.”  Acts 4:10-12

Oh, what glorious news!  Jesus saves!  He did then, and He still does today.  Do you know HIM?  Can you celebrate HIS resurrection in spirit and truth?  I pray that you can, and that you will!  Blessings on your “Good Friday” and the blessed “Resurrection Day” that is the symbol of us being raised to walk in newness of LIFE in Jesus.  And the glory of “Christ in you, the hope of glory”!

“Come unto me,

all ye that labour

and are heavy laden,

and I will give you rest.

29 Take my yoke upon you,

and learn of me;

for I am meek and lowly in heart:

and ye shall find rest

unto your souls.

30 For my yoke is easy,

and my burden is light.”  Matthew 11:28-30

And even as Jesus told Martha, who was heartbroken over the death of her brother, and not understanding that Jesus had delayed His arrival that a much greater thing than Lazarus’ recovery was about to happen—“I AM”!

“Then said Martha unto Jesus,

Lord, if thou hadst been here,

my brother had not died.

22 But I know, that even now,

whatsoever thou wilt ask of God,

God will give it thee.

23 Jesus saith unto her,

Thy brother shall rise again.

24 Martha saith unto him,

I know that he shall rise again

in the resurrection at the last day.

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:

26 And whosoever liveth

and believeth in me

shall never die.

Believest thou this?

27 She saith unto him,

Yea, Lord:

I believe

that thou art the Christ,

the Son of God,

which should come

into the world.”  John 11:21-27

In closing I simply ask, “Do YOU believe?”  If not, I pray that you will call upon HIS name in repentance and faith (simply put, turning from your sin, and running to Jesus instead)!  If you already know HIM, I pray that you and I will draw near to the Risen Lord and reflect HIS glory to a lost and dying world today and every day, in all that we do.

“Then said Jesus unto his disciples,

If any man will come after me,

let him deny himself,

and take up his cross,

and follow me.

25 For whosoever will save his life

shall lose it:

and whosoever will lose his life

for my sake

shall find it.

26 For what is a man profited,

if he shall gain the whole world,

and lose his own soul?

or what shall a man give

in exchange for his soul?

27 For the Son of man

shall come

 in the glory of his Father

with his angels;

and then he shall reward

every man

according to his works.”   Matthew 16:24-27

Amen and Amen!!!

THE GOD Of All Comfort??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #785

25 Friday Mar 2022

Posted by in A Father's Love, Abiding In Jesus, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Comfort, Greater is HE that is IN US!, Grief, JESUS, Jesus IN You!, Jesus IS The Gift!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Never Fails, Jesus Saves!, Jesus' Sacrifice, Peace, Peace Of The Rock, Peace that passeth ALL understanding, Sorrow

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #785    THE GOD Of All Comfort???

 

“Blessed be God,

even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

the Father of mercies,

and the God of all comfort;

4 Who comforteth us

in all our tribulation,

that we may be able to comfort

them which are in any trouble,

by the comfort wherewith

we ourselves are comforted

of God.

5 For as the sufferings of Christ

abound in us,

so our consolation

also aboundeth by Christ.”  2 Corinthians 1:3-5

I am so grateful for the “God of all comfort” who walks with us—we who belong to Him by the blood of Jesus that “cleanseth us from all sin”; and not only cleanseth us but walks with us, as HE promised HE would!

“Let your conversation

be without covetousness;

and be content

with such things as ye have:

for he hath said,

I will never leave thee,

nor forsake thee.

6 So that we may boldly say,

The Lord is my helper,

and I will not fear

what man shall do unto me.”  Hebrews 13:5-6

We don’t have to be afraid of our grief, our sorrow, our trials, tribulations, or even persecution!  How?  Why?  Because our God is faithful to HIS Word!  And I willingly, lovingly and truthfully bear witness to the faithfulness of God!  Through all the sorrow of my heart these last few years (27 months to be more specific—and yes, I believe it’s ok to count the days of our longings and grief!) God has ever been my comfort, joy, and peace that truly “passeth all understanding”!  Yes, there are seasons of tears, regrets, sorrow, and intense longing for the one who is gone!  But the thing that sustains and comforts me most is that God knows that pain! In fact, HE didn’t lose HIS SON to an accident or unexpected disease, but HE sent HIM willingly, lovingly, and intentionally for you and me!

“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

“Ye men of Israel,

hear these words;

Jesus of Nazareth,

a man approved of God among you

by miracles

and wonders

and signs,

which God did by him

in the midst of you,

as ye yourselves also know:

23 Him,

being delivered

by the determinate counsel

and foreknowledge of God,

ye have taken,

and by wicked hands

have crucified and slain:

24 Whom God hath raised up,

having loosed the pains of death:

because it was not possible

that he should be holden of it.”  Acts 2:22-24

It’s your choice to believe in Jesus or not, but I’m here to tell you that there is no other way to God—to peace, joy, and blessing beyond measure!  God is so faithful; I don’t have the words to share how the Spirit of Jesus/God fills my heart and soul with that “peace that passeth all understanding”, but Jesus is still calling to Himself those who will believe.

“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock:

if any man hear my voice,

and open the door,

I will come in to him,

and will sup with him,

and he with me.

21 To him that overcometh

will I grant to sit with me

in my throne,

even as I also overcame,

and am set down

with my Father in his throne.”  Revelation 3:20-21

You can open the door and let Jesus in, or you can go your own way and wallow in your grief and sorrow!  It’s your choice but there is a test coming!  Yet, I praise God that HIS comfort is available to all who will come.

“That their hearts might be comforted,

being knit together

in love,

and unto all riches

of the full assurance of understanding,

to the acknowledgement

of the mystery of God,

and of the Father,

and of Christ;

3 In whom are hid

all the treasures

of wisdom

and knowledge.”  Colossians 2:2-3

May you hear and respond to the greatest comforter of all—JESUS!

Amen and Amen!!!

 

 

Some Things Don’t Change!!! Bible Ballistics: BBs #706

27 Wednesday Jan 2021

Posted by in All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, Changed Lives, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus' Sacrifice, Redeemed By HIS Blood

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #706  Some Things Don’t Change!!!

 

I really do have a simple word for you today, and yet it is of great import to me and to all who will receive it.  I’m departing from our look at Daniel today due to time constraints and some “interruptions” in our daily lives right now.  I pray that this word of testimony will be an encouragement and help to you

“Jesus Christ the same yesterday,

and to day,

and for ever.”  Hebrews 13:8  Amen!

As most of you know, my daughter was murdered just over a year ago, and our world changed forever!  But, my friends, Jesus DID NOT CHANGE!  He has walked by our side and lifted us up at every turn.  I would like to share a profound event that changed me even more, and while it is a bit morose, I pray that you will hear what my heart is sharing and not be offended by the nature of the story?

Anyone who has ever dealt with police matters knows that they are seldom “speedy” affairs, and so it was several months after the murder that we got the call to come and pick up her things; and while the detective did his best to dissuade me from getting them (because he cared for my welfare, not for any dark reason), I assured him that it was something that I had to do.  So, we picked up the box and went home and rested a bit and I prepared myself for what I knew was in that box.

As we opened each individually marked bag of “evidence” my heart broke and the tears came profusely—tears that needed to be shed—and as I pieced the things together and saw the blood-soaked garments and items my heart screamed with grief, but as we got to the bottom of the box, I began to weep with a different thought; and that is what I’d like to leave with you today.  As I picked up those garments and wept, I began to pray and praise God, for this is what I thought and said out loud to my husband as I held each one: “My precious daughter was stolen from us and here we sit holding these blood-soaked proofs of her death, and our Dear God—YOU sent Jesus and poured out HIS BLOOD for me—willingly, lovingly, generously for the payment of MY sin!  Even as Jesus said, they didn’t “take” HIS life, HE gave it willingly!  And you, Father God, poured out the blood of your “Only Begotten Son” for ME!  And I must say, I have never looked at the substitutionary, atoning sacrifice of my Savior the same since.

“Therefore doth my Father love me,

because I lay down my life,

that I might take it again.

18 No man taketh it from me,

but I lay it down of myself.

I have power to lay it down,

and I have power to take it again.

This commandment have I received

of my Father.”  John 10:17-18

This my friends, is why Jesus came—to lay down HIS life’s blood for YOU and ME!  Won’t you receive His gift of life?  And if you are HIS already won’t you reconsider the cost that HE paid for you/me!  It was on purpose, because of love!  Jesus was, is and ever shall be the “Lamb slain before the foundation of the world”!  With deliberate LOVE for YOU and Me!

“Ye men of Israel,

hear these words;

Jesus of Nazareth,

a man approved of God

among you

by miracles

and wonders

and signs,

which God did

by him

in the midst of you,

as ye yourselves also know:

23 Him,

being delivered

by the determinate counsel

and foreknowledge

of God,

ye have taken, and by wicked hands

have crucified and slain:

24 Whom God hath raised up,

having loosed the pains of death:

because it was not possible

that he should be holden of it.”  Acts 2:22-24

Jesus loves you!  Will you let HIM change and deliver you?  He’s ready and waiting!  If you hear HIS voice don’t delay.

“For the love of Christ constraineth us;

because we thus judge,

that if one died for all,

then were all dead:

15 And that he died for all,

that they which live

should not henceforth live

unto themselves,

but unto him

which died for them,

and rose again.

16 Wherefore henceforth know we no man

after the flesh:

yea, though we have known Christ

after the flesh,

yet now henceforth

know we him no more.

17 Therefore

if any man be in Christ,

he is a new creature:

old things are passed away;

behold, all things

are become new.”  2 Corinthians 5:14-17

And in closing, Jesus’ own words about the option of believing and receiving or rejecting!  It’s your choice but choose wisely—there is a test coming!

“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.

17 For God sent not his Son into the world

to condemn the world;

but that the world through him

might be saved.

18 He that believeth on him

is not condemned:

but he that believeth not

is condemned already,

because he hath not believed

in the name

of the only begotten

Son of God.

19 And this is the condemnation,

that light is come into the world,

and men loved darkness

rather than light,

because their deeds were evil.

20 For every one that doeth evil

hateth the light,

neither cometh to the light,

lest his deeds should be reproved.”  John 3:15-20.

Amen!!!