#GOD'S LOVE

[bloom-with-grace-and-faith]

[ae-cha08]

Unconditional love is a gift from God that surpasses our understanding. It is a love that knows no bounds, that remains steadfast through every season of life. 💙

[tajcox]

[momentsbeforemass]

Good Friday

The more you think about it, the worse it gets.

No part of the Passion Gospel, the Gospel for Good Friday, has any hope.

Even the tender moments – Jesus asking John to take care of his mother, Joseph and Nicodemus making sure that Jesus has a proper burial – they’re just people dealing with the fallout from death.

You know what Joseph and Nicodemus are thinking about while they’re wrapping Jesus’ body up for burial? How much this sucks.

And whether the Romans will stop at killing Jesus. Or will they, and other followers of Jesus, be next?

The more you think about it, the worse it gets.

You know what Joseph and Nicodemus aren’t thinking about? How anything good can come from this.

Much less how God is already using all of it to do more good than either of them, or anyone on Good Friday, could ever imagine.

And yet, you and I know, that’s exactly what’s happening. Because you and I know something that Joseph and Nicodemus don’t know. Not on that worst of Friday’s.

They don’t know that Sunday is coming.

But that’s how it is, when you’re where they are. When you are right in the middle of the very worst.

When you and I are right in the middle of the very worst, there is nothing that human eyes can see to tell us that it’s ever going to get any better.

When that’s where you are, the only open question is whether it’s going to get worse.

In the middle of everything that you are dealing with right now – whether it’s death or illness, divorce or the end of a friendship, job loss or financial problems – while you’re waiting to see whether you’ve hit bottom or if it’s going to get worse. You get Joseph and Nicodemus. You are right there with them.

The more you think about what you’re dealing with, the worse it gets.

There’s nothing that our human eyes can see to tell us that anything good can come from what you’re going through.

And yet, you and I know, that’s not true.

Because you and I know something. Something that’s easy to lose sight of when you’re in the middle. Something that’s hard to hold onto when you’re scared.

But it doesn’t matter. It’s okay if we lose sight of it. Because it’s still true. Even if we’re scared. 

Today is Good Friday. And Good Friday shows us that none of it, not even the very worst, can hold down our God.

Because Sunday is coming.

Today’s Readings

[theprinceofpeacesposts]

If you are feeling stuck read this!!

[samantabrzozowska]

"God made me so cute."

~ Sam

[serenityquest]

[wiirocku]

Jude 1:21 (NLT) - and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God’s love.

[beardeddinosaurenthusiast]

Child of God, don't fall, don't stumble, and absolutely don't give up. Heaven is cheering for you, and a Father is waiting patiently with open arms to welcome His child home.

[shutterandsentence]

When God speaks, things happen!

Photo: Captiva Island, Florida

[walkswithmyfather]

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭34:1‭-‬8‬ ‭(WEB)‬‬. “I will bless the LORD at all times. His praise will always be in my mouth. My soul shall boast in the LORD. The humble shall hear of it and be glad. Oh magnify the LORD with me. Let’s exalt his name together. I sought the LORD, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears. They looked to him, and were radiant. Their faces shall never be covered with shame. This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. The Lord’s angel encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them. Oh taste and see that the LORD is good. Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.”

“The Guiding Light of God’s Deliverance” by In Touch Ministries:

“When you are afraid, give God your fears and trust Him to provide the strength and peace you need.”

“During times of trial and uncertainty, worry can engulf our heart. But today’s passage serves as an unwavering beacon of hope: “I sought the Lord and He answered me, and rescued me from all my fears” (v. 4). When we feel vulnerable and assailed by doubt, God stands ready to be our guiding light, leading us through the darkness of fear into the comforting embrace of His love.

Like a lighthouse whose beam pierces the night, God’s presence offers reassurance in our life. When we earnestly seek Him, pouring out our fears and worries, He answers with a love that transcends our understanding. In the warmth of His compassion, we find strength to face our fears head-on, knowing we are not alone on a dark sea. God’s deliverance doesn’t mean our circumstances will change. Instead, it offers a transformative inner peace that steadies our mind and heart. It empowers us to walk through life’s challenges with the realization that our faith in Him is stronger than the grip of fear.

Let us take solace in knowing that even when we feel afraid, God is ever-present, guiding us with His divine light. In the darkest moments, His love shines through, illuminating the path ahead. As we seek Him, He becomes our rock, our refuge, and our source of courage.”

(Photo by Jonny Gios at Unsplash)

[bloom-with-grace-and-faith]

[ae-cha08]

We need to always remember that every blessing in life is from God. That promotion, good break, healing or new opportunity-that was God's doing.

Bible says that every good and perfect gift comes from the Father above. 💙

[tajcox]

[momentsbeforemass]

He knew

There’s a lot going on in the Gospel account of the Last Supper.

Jesus washing the Apostles’ feet. Jesus predicting Peter’s denial. Jesus sharing the Passover meal with the Apostles.

But none of those things really stay with me. The moment that always hits home for me?

That odd moment when Jesus identifies Judas as the one who will betray Him. Because it shows us something about Jesus.

Jesus knew.

Jesus knew exactly what was going to happen to Him on Good Friday.

With the complete and perfect knowledge of God, Jesus knew what they would do to Him. Jesus knew that He would be abandoned. And how much all of it would hurt. Physically. Emotionally. Spiritually.

Knowing all of that, He still went through with it.

In case you ever wonder how much He loves you.

Today’s Readings

[the-looking-glasss]