Good Friday? or, Black Friday?

Shouldn't "Good Friday" be called "Black Friday"? After all, on this day, the most scandalous betrayal of justice in human history took place. He wasn’t guilty of any crime or sin. After the illegal trials, this loving, compassionate, giving, caring, innocent Man was stripped and tied to a post. He was whipped and beatened -- too horrible to even imagine. He was betrayed by His friends,and spit on by countless people, some of whom, just a few days before, treated Him as royalty as He entered the city. He was forced to carry a wooden cross to Calvary where nails were driven through his wrists and ankles and He was left to die. And, bottom line, He could have called ten thousand angels to his side, but He refused. Instead, He died there for you and me.

What is this message? For us, to never again wonder if we are loved. God thought our eternal life was worth the death of His only Son. "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him, would never perish, but have eternal life." (John 3:16) NOW, we know why it's called "GOOD FRIDAY".

Someone asked Jesus, "How much do You love me?" He answered, "This much," as He spread out his arms and died. This is a TRUE love story written with you and me in mind. Isn't that enough reason for us to slow down and literally put on the brakes, today, to REMEMBER and GIVE THANKS for this GOOD Friday when HE loved us -- TO INFINITY and BEYOND!

Improve Your "Serve"

It’s Holy Thursday – and we recount the Last Supper when Jesus, the greatest of ALL, was servant of ALL, as He washed His disciples’ feet. He, with the towel and basin, is the KING of the universe. The same hands that shaped the earth, the stars and the moon, washed away grime and filth. He wanted his disciples to know how much He loved them. Jesus knew they were about to betray and deny Him, yet He loved and SERVED them. Such extravagant love – such excessive SERVICE. "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." John 13:34

Christ certainly talked the TALK as He walked the WALK. He led by example. Such love -- such service! It sure inspires me to improve my “SERVE”!

Your Greatest ASK; His Greatest YES

Wednesday of Holy Week: The disciples must have been awestruck when Jesus said, "One of YOU will betray me." Except for Judas, the eleven must have each thought, "Not me! I would never betray, deny or leave you." But as we all know, their loyalty to Jesus was short-lived.

And that scene is one that impacted me the most when I saw the movie, "Son of God" a few weeks ago. As I watched the amazing actor who played Jesus in the movie -- I was reminded how great Jesus loved and defended the one that was the underdog, the one that failed, the one that sinned, the one who denied Him and lied about Him. That was a movie that told MY story ~ and YOUR story! It is a TRUE story. That story is not about religion, it is about Jesus ~ His unconditional love and forgiveness. In spite of our disloyalty to Him, He is so quick to forgive, when we are ready for HIM ~ to give Him our lives just as they are ~ our past, our present and our future! May we realize this incredible love that He has for us right now ~ today! Jesus loves you ~ just as you are. He sees your "heart!" I promise you, He will take special notice of you ~ He can "make all things new" for you. Just ask Him! It will be the greatest ASK, and the greatest "YES", you will EVER receive. After all, HE is the greatest GIVER!!
#SonOfGod