When He cried, "It is Finished"
|
Posted:Aug 4, 2010 7:07 am
Last Updated:Aug 4, 2010 7:52 am 2672 Views
|
He came to show us the Father, "If you've seen Me, you've seen the Father." Reveal to us His undying love, to redeem mankind from sin, (without the shedding of blood there is no redemption for sin) and to defeat the enemy, satan, once and for all.
No longer does a priest have to stand in for us before God, we have been granted permission by the death of Christ to come boldly to the throne of grace. (the veil to the holy of holiest was rent from top to bottom) Hallelujah!
Christ did not yield up His life till He had accomplished the work which He came to do,(I glorified Thee on the earth, having accomplished the work which Thou hast given Me to do. John 17 verse 4) and with His parting breath He exclaimed, "It is finished." John 19 verse 30. The battle had been won! His right hand and His holy arm had gotten Him the victory. As a Conqueror He planted His banner on the eternal heights. Was there not joy among the angels? All heaven triumphed in the Savior's victory. satan was defeated, and knew that his kingdom was lost.
God could have destroyed satan and his sympathizers as easily as one can cast a pebble to the earth; but He did not do this. Rebellion was not to be overcome by force. Compelling power is found only under satan's government. The Lord's principles are not of this order. His authority rests upon goodness, mercy, and love; and the presentation of these principles is the means to be used. God's government is moral, and truth and love are to be the prevailing power.
It was God's purpose to place things on an eternal basis of security, and in the councils of heaven it was decided that time must be given for satan to develop the principles which were the foundation of his system of government. He had claimed that these were superior to God's principles. Time was given for the working of satan's principles, that they might be seen by the heavenly universe.
satan led men into sin, and the plan of redemption was put in operation. For four thousand years, Christ was working for man's uplifting, and satan for his ruin and degradation. And the heavenly universe saw it all.
When Jesus came into the world, satan's power was turned against Him. From the time when He appeared as a baby in Bethlehem, the usurper worked to bring about His destruction. In every possible way he sought to prevent Jesus from developing a perfect childhood, a faultless manhood, a holy ministry, and an unblemished sacrifice. But he was defeated. He could not lead Jesus into sin. He could not discourage Him, or drive Him from a work He had come on earth to do. From the desert to Calvary, the storm of satan's wrath beat upon Him, but the more mercilessly it fell, the more firmly did the of God cling to the hand of His Father, and press on in the bloodstained path. All the efforts of satan to oppress and overcome Him only brought out in a purer light His spotless character.
All heaven and the unfallen worlds had been witnesses to the controversy. With what intense interest did they follow the closing scenes of the conflict. They watched the Savior enter the garden of Gethsemane, His soul bowed down with the horror of a great darkness. They heard His bitter cry, "Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me." Matt. 26 verse 39. As the Father's presence was withdrawn, they saw Him sorrowful with a bitterness of sorrow exceeding that of the last great struggle with death. The bloody sweat was forced from His pores, and fell in drops upon the ground. Three times the prayer for deliverance was wrung from His lips. Heaven could no longer endure the sight, and a messenger of comfort was sent to the of God.
Heaven saw the Victim betrayed into the hands of the murderous mob, and with mockery and violence hurried from one tribunal to another. It heard the sneers of His persecutors because of His lowly birth. It heard the denial with cursing and swearing by one of His best-loved disciples. It saw the frenzied work of satan, and his power over the hearts of men. Oh, fearful scene! The Savior seized at midnight in Gethsemane, dragged to and fro from palace to judgment hall, arraigned twice before the priests, twice before the Sanhedrin, twice before Pilate, and once before Herod, mocked, scourged, condemned, and led out to be crucified, bearing the heavy burden of the cross, amid the wailing of the daughters of Jerusalem and the jeering of the crowd.
Heaven viewed with grief and amazement Christ hanging upon the cross, blood flowing from His wounded temples, and sweat tinged with blood standing upon His brow. From His hands and feet the blood fell, drop by drop, upon the rock drilled for the foot of the cross. The wounds made by the nails tore open as the weight of His body dragged upon His hands. His labored breath grew quick and deep, as His soul panted under the burden of the sins of the world. All heaven was filled with wonder when the prayer of Christ was offered in the midst of His terrible suffering,--"Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." Luke 23 verse 34. Yet there stood men, formed in the image of God, joining to crush out the life of His only-begotten . What a sight for the heavenly universe!
The principalities and powers of darkness were assembled around the cross, casting the hellish shadow of unbelief into the hearts of men. When the Lord created these beings to stand before His throne, they were beautiful and glorious. Their loveliness and holiness were in accordance with their exalted station. They were enriched with the wisdom of God, and girded with the splendid array of heaven. They were Jehovah's ministers. But who could recognize in the fallen angels the glorious seraphim that once ministered in the heavenly courts?
satanic agencies conspired with evil men in leading the people to believe Christ the chief of sinners, and to make Him the object of detestation. Those who mocked Christ as He hung upon the cross were filled with the spirit of the first great rebel. He filled them with vile and loathsome speeches. He inspired their taunts. But by all this he gained nothing.
Could one sin have been found in Christ, had He in one particular yielded to satan to escape the terrible torture, the enemy of God and man would have triumphed. Christ bowed His head and died, but He held fast His faith and His submission to God. "And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night." Rev. 12 verse 10.
Through Jesus, God's mercy was manifested to men; but mercy does not set aside justice. The law reveals the attributes of God's character, and not a jot or tittle of it could be changed to meet man in his fallen condition. God did not change His law, but He sacrificed Himself, in Christ, for man's redemption. "God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself." 2 Cor. 5 verse 19.
The law requires righteousness,--a righteous life, a perfect character; and this woman has not to give. She cannot meet the claims of God's holy law. But Christ, coming to the earth as man, lived a holy life, and developed a perfect character. These He offers as a free gift to all who will receive them. His life stands for the life of men. Thus they have remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God. More than this, Christ indwells men with the attributes of God. He builds up the human character after the example of the divine character, a goodly fabric of spiritual strength and beauty. Thus the very righteousness of the law is fulfilled in the believer in Christ. God can "be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus." Rom. 3 verse 26.
God's love has been expressed in His justice no less than in His mercy. Justice is the foundation of His throne, and the fruit of His love. It had been satan's purpose to divorce mercy from truth and justice. He sought to prove that the righteousness of God's law is an enemy to peace. But Christ shows that in God's plan they are indissolubly joined together; the one cannot exist without the other. "Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other." Ps. 85 verse 10.
By His life and His death, Christ proved that God's justice did not destroy His mercy, but that sin could be forgiven, and that the law is righteous, and can be perfectly obeyed. satan's charges were refuted. God had given man unmistakable evidence of His love.
Well, then, might the angels rejoice as they looked upon the Savior's cross; for though they did not then understand all, they knew that the destruction of sin and satan was forever made certain, that the redemption of man was assured, and that the universe was made eternally secure. Hallelujah! Christ Himself fully comprehended the results of the sacrifice made upon Calvary. To all these He looked forward when upon the cross He cried out, "It is finished."
Thus "When He was on the cross we were on His mind"!
*Some of mine and some of theirs.
Author unknown.
|
|
|
0
Comments
|
|
God Bless America
|
Posted:Jul 4, 2010 9:31 am
Last Updated:Aug 5, 2010 5:22 am 3031 Views
|
♪♫♪"While the storm clouds gather far across the sea, Let us swear allegiance to a land that's free, Let us all be grateful for a land so fair, As we raise our voices in a solemn prayer. " God Bless America, Land that I love. Stand beside her, and guide her Thru the night with a light from above. From the mountains, to the prairies, To the oceans, white with foam God bless America, My home sweet home. ♪♫♪
America! The home of the free because of the brave!
To those I say, "Thank you!".
|
|
|
0
Comments
|
|
Come Monday
|
Posted:Jun 26, 2010 5:42 am
Last Updated:Jun 30, 2010 6:10 am 3056 Views
|
Come Monday I will be without the internet for awhile. For how long I don't know but don't forget me, I'll be back.......sometime. 
I believe the brochure said this complex has a computer room, if so then I'll be able to check e-mail every once in a while. So those of you who have my addy, drop me a line. For those of you who don't and would like to have it you can get it from Terrie or Marianna.
Okay now y'all play nice while I'm gone. 
And be good to each other. 
|
|
|
1
comment
|
|
That Is Not My Job!
|
Posted:Jun 25, 2010 4:26 pm
Last Updated:Jul 3, 2010 8:44 am 3070 Views
|
I'm not talking about those who don't know, I'm talking about those who are in 'the know' (the church).
If the all knowing, all sovereign, all powerful, all encompassing, perfect God gives us free will what in the name of God gives us the right to think we're better than He is or knows more than He does by trying to take that will away. Why do we try to push our beliefs, our way of life, our passions, our thoughts, our will, our denominations, our way of worshiping, etc. on others?
I believe that is what God meant when He said we are to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling.
It is the job of the Holy Ghost to convict! It is the Father's job to chastise! It is Jesus' job to save! It is my job to pray!
I believe if some of us were listening to the voice of God we would hear Him saying, "Mind your own business!"
|
|
|
4
Comments
|
|
I Gotta' Testify! I Gotta' Tell Y'all This!
|
Posted:Jun 24, 2010 2:32 pm
Last Updated:Jul 3, 2010 7:46 pm 3303 Views
|
Y'all remember this post? God Broke My Heart
The Word of God says we overcome the enemy by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony! I'm fixin' to give him not only a black eye but a busted lip. Look out devil....you're going down!
Everyone knows a few months ago the Lord directed me to leave my home and I obeyed. It was time! Like Abraham I got no other directions except not to fret and take it one day at a time.
Well I've been staying back and forth with my and praying for a (me and my baby (Yorkie) ) a place that we could call home. A few weeks ago my grandson bought a 30' camper but then decided to sell it. I wanted that camper sooooo bad. I even tried to borrow off my life insurance and they turned me down. Everybody can borrow from their life insurance but nooooooooooo not me! My heart was broke because I knew the Lord was saying no. For you see the place I wanted to park it was $300.00 a month. I told Him I believed if and when He says no He has something better for me but I still cried for several days. I wanted my own home! And then my husband (soon to be ex) said he would buy it for me. I thought why not, I walked off and left you our place. Anyway I told the Lord if this was not what He wanted for me to block this sale. I also told Him I would probably act like the spoiled brat I was and throw a temper fit and cry and act just like a baby. But He was the Parent and I am just a so He was to do what was best for me rather I liked it or not. I told Him I only wanted His will for me and again if He said no, I knew He just had something better for me. Well He said no again! I wasn't the absolute brat I thought I would be because I knew there was something better in the future. My faith was weak but I still believed! I just wanted my own home!
Well the wait was over yesterday! God come through for me.....BIG TIME!
I heard about this place for low income seniors, an apartment building. My only income is $660.00 from social security and yesterday I had $250 in my bank account. The lady figured my medical expenses for the past year and figured my rent would be $176.00 a month with all bills paid except cable. Well, their rent comes due on the first of the month so she pro rated my rent until the first which would be $35.00 plus the deposit which is the amount of my rent $176.00 and $176.00 would be due again on the first of July and I don't get my next check until the 21st of July. Now remember all I have is $250.00 in my bank account. I of course need groceries and staples for I have nothing. This woman, this angel sent to me from my Beloved picked up the telephone and with one call she got the $35.00 pro rated rent paid, the deposit paid, and July's rent paid. I just sat there and cried! My God is so good! I walked out of that office owing nothing except the $50.00 down payment for the pet deposit until August 1st.
This place is awesome! It is not a dump! My Beloved provided the best for me. It is a secured building that locks down at 5 pm and the only way one can get in is with a special key or buzzed in.
Here is a list of the features:
New modern facilities with 24 hour maintenance
Christian atmosphere-Bible study with the Plaza Prayer Band
On site service coordinator- in house games and crafts
Computer room and Library -Pets welcome with a deposit which they're letting me pay out 25.00 a month.
Laundry facilities-water softener-trash slots-rose garden
Multi-Purpose rooms for parties-inside mail boxes
On site barber and beauty salon
Now how awesome is that!
How awesome is my God! \O/
|
|
|
3
Comments
|
|
A Woman's War
|
Posted:Jun 21, 2010 7:52 am
Last Updated:Jun 21, 2010 8:10 pm 2998 Views
|
From my Faith's Checkbook by C.H. Spurgeon
"The LORD shall sell Sisera into the hand of a woman" (Judges 4verse 9).
Rather an unusual text, but there may be souls in the world that may have faith enough to grasp it. Barak, the man, though called to the war, had little stomach for the fight unless Deborah would go with him, and so the LORD determined to make it a woman's war. By this means He rebuked the slackness of the man, gained for Himself the more renown, and cast the more shame upon the enemies of His people.
The LORD can still use feeble instrumentalities. Why not me? He may use persons who are not commonly called to great public engagements. Why not you? The woman who slew the enemy of Israel was no Amazon but a wife who tarried in her tent. She was no orator but a woman who milked the cows and made butter. May not the LORD use any one of us to accomplish His purpose? Somebody may come to the house today, even as Sisera came to Jael's tent. Be it ours not to slay him, but to save him. Let us receive him with great kindness and then bring forth the blessed truth of salvation by the LORD Jesus, our great Substitute, and press home the command "Believe and live." Who knoweth but some stout-hearted sinner may be slain by the gospel today!
|
|
|
1
comment
|
|
A Call To Prayer
|
Posted:Jun 15, 2010 9:31 pm
Last Updated:Jun 17, 2010 4:59 am 2962 Views
|
Oh Father God, the Most High, the Creator of the universe, the One who holds the world and all that is within, HELP US! I see blood flowing from the wounded hearts. Hearts that not have been wounded by the enemy but by the very brothers and sisters we are commanded to love as You love us. Send Your precious Holy Spirit to bind up these wounds in Jesus name. And with that cord that You use to bind up these wounds bind us together, as one as You and the Father are One. You in us and us in You. Father heal the wounds from all the past hurts that cause us to lash out and hurt each other. Forgive us our trespasses and give us Your forgiveness so that we may forgive those who trespass against us. We surely need the forgiveness that only comes from You. For in us is no good thing. We forgive our brethren today and then cut them to shreds tomorrow. Father we need You! We need the peace that goes beyond all human understanding. The peace that only You can give. Holy Spirit flood this place with Your glory. Cause every knee to bow before You, the one true God, in repentance. Fill our hearts with love, love for You and the ones You have sent us as brethren. Keep a rein on our tongues Lord, let only words that glorify You come out of our mouths from this day forward. In Jesus holy name I pray, Amen.
|
|
|
0
Comments
|
|
Galilean Grace (Part 3)
|
Posted:Jun 12, 2010 6:04 pm
Last Updated:May 22, 2024 10:21 am 2844 Views
|
When You Let God Down
by Max Lucado
(Read Part 1) - (Read Part 2)
He had turned his back on the sea to follow the Messiah. He had left the boats thinking he’d never return. But now he’s back. Full circle. Same sea. Same boat. Maybe even the same spot.
But this isn’t the same Peter. Three years of living with the Messiah have changed him. He’s seen too much. Too many walking crippled, vacated graves, too many hours hearing his words. He’s not the same Peter. It’s the same Galilee, but a different fisherman.
Why did he return? What brought him back to Galilee after the crucifixion? Despair? Some think so–I don’t. Hope dies hard for a man who has known Jesus. I think that’s what Peter has. That’s what brought him back. Hope. A bizarre hope that on the sea where he knew him first, he would know him again.
So Peter is in the boat, on the lake. Once again he’s fished all night. Once again the sea has surrendered nothing.
His thoughts are interrupted by a shout from the shore. “Catch any fish?” Peter and John look up. Probably a villager. “No!” they yell. “Try the other side!” the voice yells back. John looks at Peter. What harm? So out sails the net. Peter wraps the rope around his wrist to wait.
But there is no wait. The rope pulls taut and the net catches. Peter sets his weight against the side of the boat and begins to bring in the net; reaching down, pulling up, reaching down, pulling up. He’s so intense with the task, he misses the message.
John doesn’t. The moment is déjà vu. This has happened before. The long night. The empty net. The call to cast again. Fish flapping on the floor of the boat. Wait a minute. He lifts his eyes to the man on the shore. “It’s him,” he whispers.
Then louder, “It’s Jesus.”
Then shouting, “It’s the Lord, Peter. It’s the Lord!”
Peter turns and looks. Jesus has come. Not just Jesus the teacher, but Jesus the death-defeater, Jesus the king … Jesus the victor over darkness. Jesus the God of heaven and earth is on the shore … and he’s building a fire.
Peter plunges into the water, swims to the shore, and stumbles out wet and shivering and stands in front of the friend he betrayed. Jesus has prepared a bed of coals. Both are aware of the last time Peter had stood near a fire. Peter had failed God, but God had come to him.
For one of the few times in his life, Peter is silent. What words would suffice? The moment is too holy for words. God is offering breakfast to the friend who betrayed him. And Peter is once again finding grace at Galilee.
What do you say at a moment like this?
What do you say at a moment such as this?
It’s just you and God. You and God both know what you did. And neither one of you is proud of it. What do you do?
You might consider doing what Peter did. Stand in God’s presence. Stand in his sight. Stand still and wait. Sometimes that’s all a soul can do. Too repentant to speak, but too hopeful to leave–we just stand.
Stand amazed.
He has come back.
He invites you to try again. This time, with him.
From He Still Moves Stones: Everyone Needs a Miracle
|
|
|
0
Comments
|
|
God Broke My Heart
|
Posted:Jun 8, 2010 5:36 pm
Last Updated:Jun 24, 2010 2:24 pm 3592 Views
|
God broke my heart yesterday. Without going into too much detail He told me no about something I wanted. I wanted it pretty bad because it would have gotten me out of my 's house into a place of my own. And that is something I've been praying for ever since I left my home. Granted it was just a camper but it would have been mine, my home! I cried for awhile and then took my big girl pill and told Him okay I know if you say no to this it's because you have somthing better for me and I believe that. Oh but Lord You know I want my own home!
When I was a little girl my momma used to give us castor oil for about every ailment there was. Now, you baby boomers out there probably know what I'm talking about. Anyway that was the most nasty tasting stuff you would ever put in your mouth even with the sugar she put in it. But I know my momma appreciated it when we stood there and took it than when we threw a fit and put our hands over our mouths, shaking out heads no no no. The point I've trying to make and the point of this post is I don't believe we have to like it, just take it. Sometimes what God requires of us might 'leave a bad taste in our mouth' and He doesn't require we like it. He just requires we do it. I know that God will give me the desires of my heart but it will be in His time, not mine! And I have learned from past experiences that if I throw a fit and cry enough and pull on His sleeve enough, He will give me what I ask for even if it's not what's best for me. But I have also learned over the years that Father does know best and so I'll wait on Him knowing He'll give me His best. You know the Word, He'll supply all my needs according to His riches in glory! His riches! Now how awesome is that!
|
|
|
1
comment
|
|
If It Looks Like A Duck
|
Posted:Jun 7, 2010 3:03 pm
Last Updated:Jun 9, 2010 6:33 pm 3274 Views
|
If It Looks Like A Duck
I like that saying,” if it looks like a duck, quakes like a duck, walks like a duck……then it’s got to be a duck.”
Disclaimer: I’m talking to myself as much or more so than to anyone else. I'm just bringing to you the way the Lord gave it to me.
Matthew 7 verse 21-23 …..not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father, which is in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name? And in Thy name have cast out devils? And in Thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity."
"I never knew you: Depart from me." Can you imagine standing before God and hearing those words? Can you imagine the fear and terror that would grip your heart when you realize that you were never saved after all?
Again, if you have truly been adopted into God's family and the Holy Spirit is living inside of you, there should be some evidence of that in your life. It is not just a matter of meaningless words. My friend, think about those words, "I never knew you: Depart from me." I shudder at the thought!
The Word of God says you will be known by your fruit. What kind of fruit are you bearing? The Word of God says you won’t find thorns on a fig tree nor will you find figs on a thorn tree. The Word of God says, “Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?” James 3 verse 11
God’s Word translation says and I like this,
“Do clean and polluted water flow out of the same spring?”
“Matthew 7 verse 13-14 "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."
Many are called but few are chosen!
If someone who didn’t know you was looking down over the portals of the universe and watching you and how you live your life, would they be able to tell you apart from the world? Do you look like the world? Do you talk like the world? Do you do as the world does? Do you laugh at the world’s jokes? Do you listen to the music of the world? Do you dress like the world? Then the most common conclusion would be you are of the world! But God says you cannot serve two masters. You would serve one and hate the other! You cannot be wholly faithful to God with one foot in the world! God wants your all! He says, “Come out and be ye separate!” “Be ye holy and do not touch the unclean thing.”
“Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.” 2 Corinthians 6 verse 17 “Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1 verse 16
So I say again….you cannot have one foot walking with the world and one foot walking with Jesus!
God said in His Word and I believe is still saying it…..” Today I lay before you life and death, blessings and cursing, choose life and live! “
The Word of God says we must cleanse ourselves from all unrighteousness. Trash in….trash out!
The Word of God says we are to examine ourselves. 2 Corinthians 13 verse 5 " Examine yourselves, whether you are in the faith; prove yourselves.” Check yourself against the Word of God! How do you line up?
So my precious brothers and sisters, let us examine ourselves. I believe time is running out! I believe Jesus will be returning to claim His own soon and very soon. I believe the time for playing patty cake with God is over! When I was a I spoke like a , I thought like a , I reasoned like a …….. “
I believe God is saying to the church, “Grow up!”
So I leave you with this admonition, “If My people, which are called by my name, (His people, called by His name, He’s talking to the church here) shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
Jesus loves you and so do I!
|
|
|
2
Comments
|
|
