Good Friday

Main Scripture: God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21(NIV)

Music to meditate on: Just for me – Donnie McClurkin (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-siYQMbv2s)

Good Friday is celebrated by many Christians across the world as the anniversary of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death on Calvary. It is celebrated in different ways depending on your location, many Christians attend church on this day and fast, some for example in  the Philippines reenact this day and dozens are nailed to a cross as sign of penance.

However, why is this event so important? Why did Christ die on Good Friday?

Putting it simple, Christ died so that we might live. His purpose on this earth was so that He could die to save humanity.

John 19:30 states that “When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” (NIV). Here it was obvious that his mission on earth was finished, he fulfilled his purpose on the earth so that we might have eternal life.

Peter Lundell explains it like this:

God is Holy­­--God is almighty, perfect, and separate from his creation; he is without sin of any kind. That's great, but it creates a problem for us: our sinful human state separates us from him (Leviticus 11:44-45 ; Isaiah 6:3–5). This is serious trouble—and it gets worse.

God is Righteous--God requires justice, either in this life or the next. A price must be paid for every wrong. Sin is like a cancer that won't go away. It must be destroyed, which means we all get the death penalty. This is why no one can ever be good enough to make it to heaven by their own effort, ever (Leviticus 17:11 ; Romans 3:23–26). We're all dead meat.

God is Love--God loves us, whom he's created, and wants to have relationship with us. So after centuries of Old Testament animal sacrifice, he paid his own penalty and gave us Jesus Christ, who was simultaneously God and human. Jesus died in our place to pay the price (death) for the sins of all humanity and to give a "not guilty" verdict to those who receive him as Lord of their lives (Romans 5:8). His resurrection overcame the powers of death and hades to guarantee eternal life to those who are his (Revelation 1:17–18), while here and now his Spirit brings life to our previously disconnected human spirits. This is good, very good.

So today, reflect on why Christ died on the cross, read the account of his death and accept Christ’s beautiful gift of Eternal Life. The cross will always represent the love God has for us, so accept his love today by inviting him into your hearts to transform and renew you so that you might have eternal life.

Let’s Pray

Father, thank you for dying for our sins, open our eyes and hearts today so we might understand why you died for us. Help us to can accept your eternal gift of life.

In Jesus Name

Amen

Have a God Filled Day Ladies

Godly Provision

Main Scripture: Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Matthew 6:25

 Music to meditate on: God Will Make a Way – (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4DgESWtCus)

The word of the Lord tells us that we should take no thought for our lives or what we eat, drink or put on.  However, we worry about these things daily. The word also encourages us that the Lord will not keep any good thing from us so we should seek him.(Psalms 34:10)

Ladies, the Lord is aware of what our needs are and has been providing for His people since creation. We just need to trust that He will provide for us in the same manner. Another scripture admonishes us “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”(Philippians 4:6 NIV). Here are some examples of how God has provided for His people in the Bible:

1. Salvation - 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).
2. Protection – God protected the Israelites from the Egyptians in the wilderness, he parted the Red Sea and allowed them to pass through then closed it before the Israelites could pass (Exodus 14)
3. Food – We see many situations were God provided food for his servants and others for example, feeding 5000 with five fishes and a loaf of bread (John6:1-13), providing manna in the wilderness for the Israelites (Exodus 16) and sending ravens to feed Elijah (1 Kings 17;8-16)
4. Healing – There are many examples of God providing healing in the scriptures for example Matthew 8:3, Matthew 8:14-15 and 2 Kings 20:5
5. Comfort – The Lord sent us a comforter in the form of the Holy Spirit  (John 14: 26).

The list could go on to include many others such as children, spouses and so on. The Lord cares about our needs, we are his children and He will always see to it that we are taken care of. He will even use us at times to provide for others in needs. The fact is there is no need to worry if we trust in God and believe that He is our Jehovah Jireh (The Lord who Provides).

Let’s Pray

Father thank you for assuring us today that you are our Jehovah Jireh and that you will provide for all our needs. Thank you for being an all sufficient God. Increase our faith today so that when we pray, we pray believing that you will provide ad we will not worry.

In Jesus Name

Amen

Have a God Filled Day Ladies

A Woman’s Worth (Part 2)

Main Scripture: Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. (Prov 31:10)

 Music to meditate on: Strength of a Woman – Shaggy (

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zOK-pI4B1JA)

According to Proverbs 31, a woman whose price is far above rubies is one who is virtuous. Therefore, ladies a great example of a true woman of worth is the virtuous woman spoken about in Proverbs 31. Single ladies; although this woman was married we can also emulate the qualities of this true woman of worth.

A true woman of worth is:

• ·         One whom her husband has full confidence in (Prov 31:11)
• ·         Emotionally stable as she brings her husband only good and not harm (Prov 31:12)
• ·         Industrious (Prov 31:13-14)
• ·         One who takes care of her household by ensuring her husband , children and family are clothe and fed (Prov 31:15)
• ·         One who is financially aware as she invests and ensures that her future earnings are secured (Prov 31:16-19,24)
• ·         A strong woman who knows herself and has a very high self-esteem (Prov 31:25)
• ·         A happy woman  (Prov 31:25)
• ·         A very wise woman who is also very kind and caring (Prov 31:26)
• ·         One whose children and husband respect and reverence her (Prov 31:28)
• ·         One whose husband praises her because of what she has done for him, his children and household (Prov 31:28)
• ·         One who reverence God, puts Him first and is guided by his principles (Prov 31:30)

Ladies, we are indeed significant in God’s eyes, as such we should always strive to be like the virtuous woman. She is a beautiful woman of God that is strong, confident, supports her husband and takes care of her household by looking after her children and the affairs of her household. We can also see where her husband helps to define her worth by praising her for her efforts as a wife and mother. This virtuous woman obviously plays an active role in defining the worth of her young ones as they grow up to reverence and respect her.

Indeed, this woman is worth emulating - A true woman of worth.

Let’s Pray

Father thank you for showing us what a true woman of worth should strive to be. Help us Lord in our quest to becoming virtuous women of God.

In Jesus Name

Amen

Have a God Filled Day Ladies

A Woman’s Worth

 Main Scripture: For her worth is far above rubies... (Prov 31:10)

Music to meditate on: Strength of a Woman – Shaggy (

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zOK-pI4B1JA)

What is a woman’s worth? Often women are portrayed as sex objects, career women, servants of men and having babies. Women are also referred to as the weaker sex, bitches, whore and other derogatory names by both sexes. As a result society tends to value a woman for her gender, her looks, and her role in life (i.e. mother, wife, etc.).

However, as women it is critical that we understand our own worth. How we value ourselves has a lot to do with how we are valued by others.

Ladies it is important that we know our worth according to God’s design and act accordingly. Proverbs 31 tells us that a woman is worth far above rubies. According to www.collectorfinejewellery.com“with the exception of imperial jadeite and certain rare colors of diamond, ruby is the world’s most expensive gem.”  In 2005 the cost of ruby was $274,656USD per carat. Ladies it means that women are to be cherished; women are to be treated as fine jewels. However, if we lack respect for ourselves, if we are not proud of whom we are, if we lack self confidence and is always seeking others approval to make us who we are, then no one will treat us like rubies.

Men also have a role in defining a woman’s worth. As a father a man should play a significant role in his daughter life. The man’s role is not just to be provider but to ensure that he is a model for which his daughter will choose a partner later in life. The father should provide safety and stability for his daughter and help her to define her identity as a woman and in effect determine how much she is worth. As a husband the man should guide, protect, educate, heal, reward, forgive, provide for, sacrifice for and exercise 

patience toward their wives.

Women, we too have a responsibility for defining our daughter’s and sister’s worth. Always, remember that a young girl is looking to you for a model of what she should be as a woman. Therefore it is very important for us to set a very high standard for them. We should let them know that a woman’s worth is not based on society or other people standards. It is based on God’s standards and the standards that we set for ourselves.

Ladies despite your status, occupation or role always remember that you are of significant value in the eyes of God. Surround yourself with men and women who can appreciate you for being a phenomenal woman. Also, never lower your standards so that others will approve of you. Remain humble at all times and always remember to live according to God’s principles.

Let’s Pray

Father thank you for placing such significant value on women. Teach us Lord to place as much value on ourselves despite what society and others say. Lord help us to be positive role models for our sisters and daughters to follow and teach us to be excellent women in every role that we play.

In Jesus Name

Amen

Have a God Filled Day Ladies

World Changers

Main Scripture: “You are the light of the world…let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matt 5:14,16 (NIV)

Music to meditate on: We Are by Kari Jobe (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8cX6SHtxeE)

“Every person under the earth was born to make a difference and to add value to his/her generation" (Pastor Shemmy Makelele). It is unfortunate however that so many of us allow our current circumstances to determine our destination. Despite the colour of your skin, where you were born, your economic situation or your gender, you were born to make a difference and to impact your generation positively.

Christians are commanded to be the light of the world.  A light is said to illuminate darkness as such, it changes the environment that it is in. In the same way we are expected to make a difference in our environment. 

Making a difference or becoming a world changer does not have to be something big; one small action can cause a ripple effect. For example a little girl, Alexandra Scott who was diagnosed with cancer started a lemonade stand when she was four years old in an effort to raise money to find a cure for cancer. With her first stand she raised an amazing 2000 USD, before she passed away at age eight, along with many others raised more than $1m. Alex’s family and supporters around the world are committed to continuing her inspiring legacy through Alex’s Lemonade stand Foundation.

Imagine, if a little four year old girl with cancer can be a world changer, what about us? God has given us all the potential we need to make a positive impact on nations. The Bible says in 2 Peter 1:3 that God has given us everything we need for life and godliness. He surely believes in us as He refers to us as conquerors, light, salt and ambassadors. He also tells us in John 14:12 that we can do greater works than He has done.

Therefore women seek to become world changers. Some common characteristics of persons who have changed the world are:

·       

            Positive Thinkers – You cannot change the world if you do not believe. You have to believe in the cause, yourself and in God. Negative thinking will not get you any where.

·         

     Passionate - Every great leader led with passion, being passionate about a cause gives you the energy and motivation to fight for that cause.

·       

          Vision and Purpose Driven – World changers know their purpose and vision, they have sought to find out why they have been place on this earth, craft a vision and have allowed these to be their main drivers.

·         

    Sacrifice Oriented – Self sacrifice is a must, in order to be a world changer; you have to be wiling to sacrifice something. This maybe your time, your resources or like Martin Luther King, Malcolm X and Christ, your lives.

    

    Let’s Pray

    

    Father thank you for giving us all we need to fulfill our purpose on this earth. Today we seek to find out what is that purpose as we desire to become world changers. Lord as we seek your face we also ask you to strengthen us and help us to make a difference in the lives of those we meet.

    In Jesus Name

    Amen

Leaving a Legacy

Main Scripture: A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children…

Music to meditate on: Leave a Legacy by Aaron and Jeoffrey (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCMNjaIXjwA)

Have you ever given thought about how your children, family, friends and community will remember you?

Today’s scripture tells us that a good person leaves an inheritance or legacy for their children’s children. Note that it did not just say children. Therefore whatever legacy you leave behind – negative or positive - will have an effect not just on your children but, on their children, their children’s children and many generations after them.

According to the Mirriam-Webster online dictionary a legacy is a:

·         gift by will especially of money or other personal property or,

·       something transmitted by or received from an ancestor or predecessor or from the past.

As such, according to the second definition we all have the power to leave a legacy.  Ladies will your legacy be a good one or a positive one? Shannon L. Alder said “Carve your name on hearts, not tombstones. A legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you. “

I can remember at my father’s funeral, I looked on all of my siblings and thought that my father’s legacy was on all of our faces; wherever you see one of his children you see a smile, just like my father. He taught us to share, if he had one mango it would be shared for all of us, today we can call on each other for anything because he taught us to support and love each other in all circumstances.

Ladies, today I’m encouraging you to consider the legacy you are leaving for your generations. What will you carve on the hearts of others today?

Consider the following:

• ·         Are you a winner or a quitter
• ·         Are you a person who takes care of others, or do you lead a self-centered life
• ·    Is your  life one of great achievements, or a life with no ambition and goals
• ·         Do you have or desire to create money and great wealth, or do you have extreme debt from poor money management
• ·         Are you a successful business person, or a job hopper
• ·         Do you live a life of peace and self-confidence, or a life of fear, worry and anxiety
• ·         Do you foster a God-centered home, or a self-centered life - independent of God
• ·         Are you a person of encouraging words, or a person of gossip
• ·   Is your life directed by God’s principles, or by man’s principles, or by alcoholism, drug abuse or pornography
• ·         Are you a person who loves family time, or a person devoted to work
• ·   Is your life based on honesty, or a life of dishonesty or even illegal ventures
• ·         Are you a loving mother and father, or a parent who abandoned a spouse and child
• ·      Do you foster a loving family environment that will last a lifetime, or a life of quitting relationships when they get tough
• ·         Do you foster a happy home, or a broken home leading to a long distance relationship due to divorce and custody arrangements

I certainly would like to leave a good legacy for my generations to come; I have started by living a life directed by God’s principles. I also try to encourage everyone I impact to do the same and try to make a difference in the lives of others by inspiring them to realize their full potential.

Ladies, only you can decide what legacy you will leave behind, what you do today will affect the lives of many. Strive to leave a good legacy for the sake of generations to come.

Let’s Pray,

Lord God thank you for opening up our eyes today about what we pass on to our generation. Father, help us to leave a good legacy for our children so that generations to come will be affected in a positive way by that legacy.

In Jesus Name

Amen

Have a God Filled Weekend Ladies

Easter Devotional - The Defense Attorney

Main Scripture: “My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” 1 John 2:1

Song to meditate on: Here I am to Worship – Tim Hughes (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEH50WnMvSQ)

The following is adapted from www.Bible-Knowledge.com.This little story will give you a very good mental view of how Jesus advocates for us as indicated in the scripture. It will also give a view of what we really have as a result of Jesus dying on the cross for all of us and paying the full penalty for all of our sins. I trust you will be blessed.

After living what I felt was a ‘decent’ life, my time on earth came to the end. The first thing I remember is sitting on a bench in the waiting room of what I thought to be a court house.

The doors opened and I was instructed to come in and have a seat by the

defense table. As I looked around I saw the ‘prosecutor.’ He was a villainous looking gent who snarled as he stared at me. He definitely was the most evil person I have ever seen.

I sat down and looked to my left and there sat My Attorney, kind and

gentle looking man whose appearance seemed so familiar to me, I felt I

knew Him. The corner door flew open and there appeared the Judge in full flowing robes. He commanded an awesome presence as He moved across the room, I couldn’t take my eyes off of Him.

As He took His seat behind the bench, He said, ‘Let us begin.’ The prosecutor rose and said, ‘My name is Satan and I am here to show you why this man belongs in hell.’ He proceeded to tell of lies that I told, things that I stole, and in the past when I cheated others. Satan told of other horrible perversions that were once in my life and the more he spoke, the further down in my seat I sank.

I was so embarrassed that I couldn’t look at anyone, even my own

Attorney, as the Devil told of sins that even I had completely forgotten

about. As upset as I was at Satan for telling all these things about me, I was

equally upset at My Attorney who sat there silently not offering any

form of defense at all. I know I had been guilty of those things, but I had done some good in my life – couldn’t that at least equal out part of the harm I’d done?

Satan finished with a fury and said, ‘This man belongs in hell, he is

guilty of all that I have charged and there is not a person who can

prove otherwise.’

When it was His turn, My Attorney first asked if He might approach the

bench. The Judge allowed this over the strong objection of Satan, and

beckoned Him to come forward. As He got up and started walking, I was able to see Him in His full splendor and majesty. I realized why He seemed so familiar; this was Jesus representing me, my Lord and my Savior.

He stopped at the bench and softly said to the Judge, ‘HI, DAD,’ and

then He turned to address the court. ‘Satan was correct in saying that this man had sinned, I won’t deny any of these allegations. And, yes, the wage of sin is death, and this man deserves to be punished.’ Jesus took a deep breath and turned to His Father with outstretched arms and proclaimed, ‘However, I died on the cross so that this person might have eternal life and he has accepted Me as his Savior, so he is Mine.’ My Lord continued with, ‘His name is written in the Book of Life, and no one can snatch him from Me.

‘Satan still does not understand yet. This man is not to be given

justice, but rather mercy.’

As Jesus sat down, He quietly paused, looked at His Father and said,

‘There is nothing else that needs to be done. I’ve done it all..’

The Judge lifted His mighty hand and slammed the gavel down. The

following words bellowed from His lips…..

‘This man is free. The penalty for him has already been paid in full.

Case dismissed.’

As my Lord led me away, I could hear Satan ranting and raving, ‘I won’t

give up, I will win the next one.’ I asked Jesus as He gave me my instructions where to go next, ‘Have you ever lost a case?’

Christ lovingly smiled and said, ‘Everyone that has come to Me and asked

Me to represent them has received the same verdict as you, ~ Paid In

Full.’

Let’s Pray

Thank you Lord for paying the price for our sins and thank you for being an advocate for us even though we might still sin. Thank you for your mercies and grace. I pray that everyone reading this devotional will ask you to represent them as an advocate.

In Jesus Name

Amen