Copy and paste the link into your browser
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ogrn7_8JPA4
or search YouTube for The Soldier That Saw The Last
Minutes Of
Jesus On The Cross (Biblical Stories Explained)
by Grace Digital Network
“And He came out and went, as was His habit, to the Mount
of Olives; and the disciples followed Him.
When He arrived at the place, called Gethsemane, He said to them, ‘Pray
continually that you may not fall into temptation.’ And He withdrew from them about a stone’s
throw, and knelt down and prayed, saying,
“’Father, if You are willing remove this cup of divine
wrath from Me; yet not My will but always Yours be done.’ Now an angel appeared to Him from heaven,
strengthening Him. And being in agony,
deeply distressed and anguished; almost to the point of death, He prayed more
intently; and His sweat became like drops of blood falling down on the ground.
“When He rose from prayer, He came to the disciples and
found them sleeping from sorrow.” Luke 22:38-45
Death is rarely seen in a positive life. Perhaps, when someone who has been suffering
with a painful disease for a long time dies it can be seen as a blessing. Perhaps, when a criminal is executed -- but
death is so final and so mysterious and none of us can avoid the inevitability
of it.
Although many focus on the blood and gore and humiliation of
Jesus’ death on that cross, it was as much a ‘present/ gift’ as was His birth! Why, you ask?
Because He did not have to die! He
could have called down a legion of angels to strike all who opposed Him or He
could have rendered the soldiers who came to arrest Him, deaf, dumb and blind
and simply walked away.
He could have risen into the sky and just left mankind to simmer
in their festering sins. But He didn’t!
“While we were still helpless and powerless to provide
for our salvation, at the right time Christ died as a substitute for the ungodly.
“Now it is an extraordinary thing for one to willingly
give his life even for an upright man, though perhaps for a good man one who is
noble and selfless and worthy – someone might even dare to die.
“But God clearly shows and proves His own love for us, by
the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Therefore, since we have now been justified –
declared free of guilt of sin by His blood, how much more certain is it that we
will be saved from the wrath of God through Him.
“For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God
through the death of His Son, it is much more certain, having been reconciled,
that we will be saved from the consequences of sin, by His life – that is, we
will be saved because Christ lives today.” Romans 5:6-10
What an undeserved and amazing gift of life from love!
Take care with love, especially His, Darlene (who still
prays for you each day)
PS: Find my
statement of faith: https://especiallyhislove.blogspot.com
(where you will also find a series of beginner Bible studies to
share). You can easily find the WeakDay Devotion online by doing a Google
search for ‘WeakDay Devotion’. (Also,
there is an android ‘Google
Blogger’ app you can download to read them on your phone. Not sure about Apple.)
NEW PRAYER REQUESTS (any updates?)
·
Ray Sr. – just had emergency surgery and
is in ICU. The cancer is taking its
toll. Pray the Lord opens His heart to
the Truth of salvation and through this time, relationships with family are
strengthened and Ray Jr and Kathy may know of his decision.
·
Ray Jr – needs additional strength and
courage as he journeys through the growing frailness of his father, especially
at this precious time.
·
Midwest
of USA – devastating and deadly storms raged across the USA. Over 100 died -- the path of destruction is thought
to be the most significant in the land and right at Christmas and New Years! Please pray for all those affected by the
death of a loved one, for the survivors (that they are found) and safe. Pray rescuers, health-care providers and
agencies supporting those who have lost everything will have strength and
courage to keep on helping.
· Christians in Afghanistan – Many Christians went to this
country to share the Good News to many who would never have heard of
Jesus. These leaders and baby Christians
are now in heightened danger and need your prayers to protect them and sustain
them during this time.
·
Elina – pray she stays strong in her
faith, as she and her son have found a husband and father to share their
life. Pray her wonderful musical career
brings glory to the Lord and joy to those who learn from her.
·
Louise, sister of Rachael – MORE
thanksgiving. She has come through her
third and last surgery and is doing well.
Now cancer free and the reconstructive surgery complete after her double
mastectomy. Back to a normal life and
routines. She sends thanks for all your
prayers.
·
Grant – as
he grieves the loss of his mother.
·
Family of Eric – Eric at 52 died suddenly leaving his 47-year-old wife and three girls
(ages 16, 19 and 23). Pray the Lord
comforts the family through this time of mourning. Pray for their wisdom and that Go-d will send
trustworthy, honourable, Bible-based councilors for the many decisions that now
must be made.
· Peyton
- eldest granddaughter of Jeff and Rachael – now in her second year of
college. Please continue to pray for her
that she does well, makes good decisions and continues having a good
relationship with the Lord.
·
Adam – please pray for his strength and
peace as he pursues new job possibilities and that the Lord will guide him
clearly in his decisions and to know without doubt the depth of forgiveness;
and that his wife will be the loving supporter he badly needs.
·
Barb – my brother’s faithful and kind
wife. Thank you for praying for
her. She needs prayers to sustain her
and protect her health and energy during this time of additional stress and
challenge at work.
·
Sophie – three-year old daughter of a
friend. She is chronically unwell and
frail. Please pray for her, her parents
and health carers to find ways to manage the symptoms and heal her.
·
Hans – a dear friend in Germany, the
cancer seems to be stable for now. Pray
for his financial situation to improve and for his ongoing strength through the
pain when it comes. Pray for his
patience and God’s mercy. Pray for his
healthcare providers and that he is surrounded by faithful and compassionate
Christian friends who will support him through this journey. Pray for his Mom (age 84) who is also unwell
-- that their time together is filled with extraordinary good memories and lots
of love.
·
Callilah - a lost child. Pray the Lord will capture her heart.
Pray for those in full-time service
Pray to uphold our Christian leaders – that they never compromise God’s Word, are bold and courageous in the face of evil. Pray for their wisdom, safety, ingenuity, strength and for their families.
Pray for those with ongoing health concerns
Many of us have family, friends and loved ones with fragile health. Pray God takes special care with them and protects them in practical ways and that the Lord will have mercy on them during this challenging time.
No comments:
Post a Comment