What is celebrated is JESUS crucified on the cross.
So HE died. What is that to me?
It was for you… for me… for the whole world…
There is an intimate, radical, and victorious reason HE did so to be remembered and for some to newly discover…
JESUS knew he was about to die before it happened. HE mentions it to HIS disciples that it was imminent.
“As you know, the Passover is two days away—and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.” Matthew 26:2
JESUS makes it even more evident of HIS coming death by letting them know how important the woman is who poured out her perfume on HIM…
While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the Leper,a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table.
When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. “Why this waste?” they asked.“This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor.”
Aware of this, Jesus said to them, “Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me.The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me.When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial.Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.” Matthew 26: 6-13
As HE shared the Last Supper with HIS disciples, HE also knew one of HIS disciples would betray HIM. HE foreknew the previous event: Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priestsand asked, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?” So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver.16 From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over. Matthew 26:14
Even during the meal that night, JESUS made it known who would betray HIM.
Jesus replied, “The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me.The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.”
Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, “Surely you don’t mean me, Rabbi?”
Jesus answered, “You have said so.” Matthew 23-25
Have you ever felt darkness of being betrayed by someone you knew well. For you, it may be devastating. JESUS knows and understands what you’ve felt and gone through…
Darkness would fall on Judas Iscariot.
When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders.“I have sinned,” he said, “for I have betrayed innocent blood.”
“What is that to us?” they replied. “That’s your responsibility.”
So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself. Matthew 27:3-5
You don’t need to respond like Judas!!… You can turn back to JESUS, ask for forgiveness, and be restored to right relationship with GOD again… If you have not known JESUS, you can turn to HIM for the first time and ask for forgiveness, ask JESUS to come into your heart and life, and repent to live the new life JESUS paid for, by HIS death, for you to have…
JESUS went on to say that night that all the disciples would not stay with HIM even when Peter said that he would still be there for HIM even if all the others weren’t. Then Peter said he would even die with HIM. The other disciples also said they would die with HIM.
Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written:
“‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’
But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.”
Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.”
“Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.”
But Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the other disciples said the same. Matthew 26: 31-35
Have you ever experienced your friends or family not being there for you in your darkest hour? JESUS knows and understand this so well… HE is One who is there for you, will walk with you through it, and lead you into HIS Light if you will trust and abide i\n HIM while waiting for your breakthroughs in GOD’s timing and way…
Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.”He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled.Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”
Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”
40 Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter.41 “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
42 He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.”
43 When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy.44 So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing.
45 Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour has come, and the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners.46 Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!”
Darkness fell upon JESUS. HE understands the mental, emotional, and spiritual torment that can be experienced in this life… An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him.44 And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground. Luke 22: 43-44 Though JESUS’ experience is to a greater degree, have you ever felt so much anguish awakening from a nightmare or feel like you’re living a nightmare and you’re sweating profusely? I have! Again, HE can be relied upon to support you, care for you, and see you through it… HE loves those with depression and/or mental illness. It took me 19 years of dealing on and off with depression and mental illness with ongoing faith and trust being placed in JESUS to see HIS victories in my life, HIS peace finally breakthrough during extreme trials/temptations, and HIS perfect love cast out my fears… If HE did it for me, HE will do it for you too…
JESUS is then betrayed by Judas Iscariot. Soldiers advance to arrest JESUS. The disciples pull their swords and one of the disciples cuts off a servant of the high priest’s ear to which JESUS immediately tells them to put away their swords and heals the servant’s ear back into place.
While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people.Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.”Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him.
Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him.With that, one of Jesus’ companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.
“Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?”
In that hour Jesus said to the crowd, “Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I sat in the temple courts teaching, and you did not arrest me.But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples deserted him and fled. Matthew 26: 47-56
Have you ever felt abandoned and left all alone in your troubles? Though JESUS could have been helped by GOD the FATHER and angels be called upon to save and deliver HIM, HE willingly surrendered. Was this suicide? Would he take HIS own life? No, JESUS would not take HIS own life!!! HE gave HIS own life… with willingness to die at the hands of those in earthly command by sinners for the benefit of all sinners who would turn to HIM to be saved… There is an emphatic and distinct difference. How can you give your life in service to JESUS, rather than take your life ending your opportunities to make a positive difference while alive? You may find yourself in the midst of the darkest depression or season of your mental illness. If so, you need to rely on JESUS to care for you and even carry you along. Then begin to practice loving and caring for yourself the way JESUS does until you are able to do that which may help others… Let HIM rescue, restore, and redeem your life in order to have a testimony to share with others who need your compassion in being an example of what JESUS can also do for them…
Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. John 15:13
JESUS was brought before the Sanhedrin, where the chief priests looked for and made up reasons why JESUS should be put to death. Peter followed within a crowd to see what would happen. JESUS was accused falsely, spit at, and hit with fists… During this time, Peter is noticed as one who was seen with JESUS. Peter had come as far as he was able in his own strength to remain as near JESUS as he could muster.
Now Peter was sitting out in the courtyard, and a servant girl came to him. “You also were with Jesus of Galilee,” she said.
But he denied it before them all. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said.
Then he went out to the gateway, where another servant girl saw him and said to the people there, “This fellow was with Jesus of Nazareth.”
He denied it again, with an oath: “I don’t know the man!”
After a little while, those standing there went up to Peter and said, “Surely you are one of them; your accent gives you away.”
Then he began to call down curses, and he swore to them, “I don’t know the man!”
Immediately a rooster crowed.Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: “Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly. Matthew 26: 69-75
Darkness fell on Peter. He failed in the fight, fell away in fear, and had forsaken JESUS whom he loved in moments of weakened faith. Maybe you can relate on some level. You haven’t lived up to who you thought you were or are meant to be. You were broken by it. JESUS knows and understands!!!…
JESUS goes before the governor Pilate. He asks JESUS if HE is the King of the Jews? JESUS replied “You have said so.” However, when the chief priests and elders were accusing HIM, HE said nothing in response. Pilate did not want to hand JESUS over to be crucified. He gave the option of releasing Barabbas, a criminal, or JESUS who is called the Messiah. The crowd called for Barabbas to be freed. He asked what do you want to do with JESUS. They all yelled “crucify HIM!” Pilate, still not wanting to have JESUS executed, asked for what crime HE had committed. But the crowd yelled even louder “crucify HIM!”
Have you ever been accused of something you haven’t done? Or have you ever felt a part of you die when someone accused of you something you did do wrong? JESUS committed no crime, but was sentenced to die. Yet he would die for “crimes”. It was for our crimes (sins) that we have committed.
Then the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole company of soldiers around him.They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him,29 and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand. Then they knelt in front of him and mocked him. “Hail, king of the Jews!” they said.30 They spit on him, and took the staff and struck him on the head again and again.31 After they had mocked him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him. Matthew 27: -31
Have you ever been humiliated and/or beaten down? No one has experienced the depths of that which JESUS did. So HE understands and is compassionate toward you.
Just as there were many who were appalled at him[c]— his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any human being and his form marred beyond human likeness— Isaiah 52:14
As the soldiers led HIM away, Simon from Cyrene was made to carry JESUS’ cross. Two criminals were also executed on either side of JESUS.
When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left.34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 23: 33-34
If JESUS forgave those who were putting HIM to death, wouldn’t HE forgive you for whatever you have done! HE would and HE will…
One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!”
But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence?41 We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”
Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.[d]”
Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23: 39-43
JESUS was able to also forgive and accept the criminal dying next to him who had no time to change his actions or fix/make course corrections for his life. Yet that criminal acknowledged his sin, realized JESUS could save him, and simply asked JESUS to remember him. If you’re still breathing, you are able to turn to JESUS by acknowledging your sin to GOD, believing in JESUS being able to forgive and accept you, and trusting in HIM to remember you to live in HIS Kingdom forevermore… Ask HIM… Maybe, you’re remembering a time when you were closer to JESUS, but have strayed and wandered off the path. You may still make a course correction and return to HIM who is the Shepherd and Overseer of your soul… It is okay to restart a walk with HIM again…
It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon,for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two.Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last. Luke 23: 44-46
Has depression and/or a mental illness darkened your view of life right now? Has it felt as though the brightness of the sun once shining brightly in your life has faded somehow? Though there is darkness now, there will be a day when the SON will shine all the more brighter again for you… for all who have believed and trusted in JESUS… if not here, then for sure in Heaven…
GOD’s plan to punish the crimes committed by the world was to place all “our” sins upon HIS SON JESUS. HE was to die for us, in our place, for GOD to be able to forgive us and take away our sins by HIS death… All of GOD’s wrath fell upon JESUS, so it wouldn’t fall on us. GOD let darkness cover the whole land. Our whole darkness covered HIM. HE died once and for all. For you, for me, for all of us… Will the Light shine again? Look forward to reading my next post soon to understand better what I mean… JESUS wouldn’t stay dead… Life is about to be new…
Isaiah 53
The Suffering Servant
53 Who has believed our message? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? 2 For He grew up before Him like a tender shoot, And like a root out of parched ground; He has no stately form or majesty That we should look upon Him, Nor appearance that we should be attracted to Him. 3 He was despised and forsaken of men, A man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; And like one from whom men hide their face He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.
4 Surely our griefs He Himself bore, And our sorrows He carried; Yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken, Smitten of God, and afflicted. 5 But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; The chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, And by His scourging we are healed. All of us like sheep have gone astray, Each of us has turned to his own way; But the Lord has caused the iniquity of us all To fall on Him.
7 He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He did not open His mouth; Like a lamb that is led to slaughter, And like a sheep that is silent before its shearers, So He did not open His mouth. 8 By oppression and judgment He was taken away; And as for His generation, who considered That He was cut off out of the land of the living For the transgression of my people, to whom the stroke was due? 9 His grave was assigned with wicked men, Yet He was with a rich man in His death, Because He had done no violence, Nor was there any deceit in His mouth.
10 But the Lord was pleased To crush Him, putting Him to grief; If He would render Himself as a guilt offering, He will see His offspring, He will prolong His days, And the good pleasure of the Lord will prosper in His hand. 11 As a result of the [p]anguish of His soul, He will see it and be satisfied; By His knowledge the Righteous One, My Servant, will justify the many, As He will bear their iniquities. 12 Therefore, I will allot Him a portion with the great, And He will divide the booty with the strong; Because He poured out Himself to death, And was numbered with the transgressors; Yet He Himself bore the sin of many, And interceded for the transgressors.
After reading Matthew Malin’s post Severing the Chains of Regret: Is it Possible?, it reminded me of times in my own life dealing with regrets and prompted within me a desire to shed more light on the subject…
Before I do, I will also share in one of many regrets of an attempt to impress a young girl as a middle school teenager. I was riding my 10 speed bike and peddled as fast as I could by her as she watched from upon my porch. I realize at the last second upon reaching the 6″ curb that I must brake = I flipped completely head over heels with bike following in tow over me into a heap as I landed hard on my back. Yah, so much for that stunt. I wonder what she thought about it?
And one more for good measure is my first date as a 17 year old taking a girl to a movie. I have no recollection of what the feature show was called or what it was about. But what I do remember is taking her home, getting out of the car, gently placing both of my hands on the sides of her face, and the good intention of giving her a kiss on her forehead out of respect before saying good night. However, she looked up to kiss me and I kissed her nose. Yep!? I attempted once more and the same result occurred. Nope! Not doing that again. The next day looking at the doorway (as I sat in my seat in an empty classroom awaiting for its start) there she appeared and stood waiting for me as if she still cared for me. Try as I might have wanted to -regret and embarrassment took over and I didn’t move let alone respond. After a few minutes, she turned and walked away. Needless to say, it was the first and last date I had in high school.
How to Respond to Our Regrets
I wholeheartedly agree with Matthew’s take on regrets (author of Confessions), that it factors into everyone’s life at some point if live long enough to deal with it, lose from it, fail in it, and have to face it. And he is right that JESUS is the answer…
HE is the answer to our dilemma of regret (past actions of our own doing or performed against us by others, present guilt or shame, and future handling of its weight:
pressing upon us
repressing within us
suppressing all positive forward response from us
and/or oppressing over every facet of our lives
We may not forget our regrets, yet we may still be forgiven, experience breakthroughs, and thus find freedom to finally move forward into further maturity…
JESUS forgives to rescue our lives, forgives to restore our lives, and forgives to redeem our lives…
Peter experienced a rescue from JESUS when he came to believe and trust in HIM while following HIM.
Peter experienced a restoration after failing in faithfulness to JESUS (forsaking HIM 3 times) in moments of anxiety, confusion, fear, darkness, and weakness -yet gaining a deeper level of forgiveness after JESUS returned to him to continue the relationship with HIS faithfulness, HIS hope filled reunion, and HIS perfect love given.
Peter experienced a redemption when given the renewed responsibility to spread the Good News of salvation ordained by JESUS knowing HE had risen from the dead and still loved and valued him beyond the failures and regrets of guilt and shame he had harbored…
Our first and foremost response is to turn to HIM for forgiveness:
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:16-17
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9
HE forgives to rescue:
If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9
For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. Romans 10:10
As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” Romans 10:11
For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile–the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:12-13
HE forgives to restore:
Do not remember the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you, LORD, are good. Psalm 25:7
“Do not be afraid; you will not be put to shame. Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated. You will forget the shame of your youth and remember no more the reproach of your widowhood. Isaiah 54:4
HE forgives to redeem:
For the Lord GOD helps Me, Therefore, I am not disgraced; Therefore, I have set My face like flint, And I know that I will not be ashamed. Isaiah 50:7
Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. Psalm 34:5
And so, I share this because HE is real; HE is faithful to respond and rescue when turning to HIM by grace through faith; HE is able and willing to restore hope to anyone’s soul through mercy and compassion; HE fully redeems anyone’s life changing the whole trajectory of one’s path onto the straight and narrow with HIS Light and encouraging Word and over time casting out fears with HIS perfect love that never fails…
With HIS forgiveness in being rescued, restored, and redeemed we may become inspired and motivated to tell others about what we’ve:
discovered to be the Way out of darkness and regret
found to be the Truth toward walking in HIS Light and back into the land of the living after each regret
experienced to be the new Life granted with purpose and with vision beyond any and all regrets
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “BUT THE RIGHTEOUS man SHALL LIVE BY FAITH.” Romans 1:16-17
With forgiveness, all of us may continue to keep fighting and overcoming…
As you sit here after reading this, JESUS stands at the door of your heart and knocks. Will you respond? Regrets and/or embarrassment doesn’t have to keep you immovable like in a chair in an empty classroom as an awkward and lonely teenager nor keep you from the greatest gift of HIS unfailing love and forgiveness that may be yours for simply turning to HIM and asking for it. HE doesn’t walk away, but is waiting for you still -here… now…
For he says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation. 2 Corinthians 6:2
HIS forgiveness is HIS key to our hearts:
with faith in HIM as our response to know
with hope toward HIM as our realization to grow
with love from HIM as our reward and to do unto others owe…
with HIS Word as our reason into others sow…
with HIS Living Water refilling our cups as a reservoir to overflow into channels of HIS grace, mercy, and compassion to show…
Might as well revisit memories then store up Heaven’s treasuries
Life is not about me alone to own
Might as well revisit to make known to others HIS wonders to become sisters and brothers
Life is faith, hope, and love sown to be shown
Might as well revisit to make known HIS salvation plan unto ovation stand
Life is lived from a place of quiet try it and then aloud allowed
Might as well revisit the solitary momentarily for when a missionary extraordinary
Life is hard pressed on every side abide, yet not crushed to be rushed forth
Might as well revisit how we make it through anew
Life is perplexed reflexed, but not in despair aware to care
Might as well revisit those who are under par broken apart in scars near and far
Life is persecuted reputed, but not forsaken awaken to truth unshaken
Might as well revisit to be there for the burdens to bear and love to share
Life is struck down upon the ground, but not destroyed to be deployed
Might as well revisit to fight the good fight in view of Heaven’s witnesses to join as future citizens setting free those in prisons lost and afraid with no decisions until arisen
Life is eternal going on and on and you’re not forgotten
Might as well revisit the reason why you cry and then apply why you are alive born to do more than just survive, today arrive at a crossroads decide who you can confide in, tomorrow into a hope and future abide under HIS wings of mercy hide no longer cast aside or denied this side of eternity until into HIS arms open wide ride on the heights when fears subside HE will always and forever guide…
HIS Words lead to the ONE who guides and forgives to find salvation
HIS Words plead for you to know new life to give -remind of its translation, designed for a firm foundation, and aligned for a pure relation
HIS Words indeed are truth, abide to live, bind to your heart elation
HIS Words last forever as eternal insight into JESUS
HIS Words cast purpose and vision needed to trust
HIS Words forecast service and provision heeded a must
HIS Words spoken bring about faith to the hearer when listened
HIS Words open to bring about hope to be clearer in acquisition
HIS Words chosen bring about love to be nearer come into fruition, with addition for the Great Commission
HIS Words acclimated are driven within by the Spirit into all Truth to be known, to be grown, and to be shown no longer wander prone
HIS Words activated are given into oneself meaning, healing, and revealing from HIM as the Way, the Truth, and the Life sown no longer falter alone
HIS Words are forever eternal… for YOU have exalted YOUR Word above all YOUR Name Psalm 138:2
Isaiah 55
Invitation to the Thirsty
55 “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. 2 Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare. 3 Give ear and come to me; listen, that you may live. I will make an everlasting covenant with you, my faithful love promised to David. 4 See, I have made him a witness to the peoples, a ruler and commander of the peoples. 5 Surely you will summon nations you know not, and nations you do not know will come running to you, because of the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, for he has endowed you with splendor.”
6 Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near. 7 Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.
8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. 9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. 10 As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, 11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. 12 You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. 13 Instead of the thornbush will grow the juniper, and instead of briers the myrtle will grow. This will be for the Lord’s renown, for an everlasting sign, that will endure forever.”
I know Alone, and realized I wasn’t the only one who knew alone.
Many are alone who know Alone or have come to know Alone.
Realizing you’re not the only one who knows Alone is somehow comforting when you’re alone.
I am not alone anymore, yet I find a friend with those who know Alone for Alone once was so close to me I didn’t know otherwise.
If you know Alone and need a friend, I accept you as one of my friends… You’re no longer alone… I will believe you… I will believe in you… I will receive you… I will perceive how Alone has made you, changed you, hurt you, scared you… I will conceive how Alone makes your worldview, your inner view, your suicidal view…
I am made somewhat of Alone, changed somehow by Alone, hurt deeply by Alone, and feared once with Alone… However, I am not Alone… I never was… But I was in utmost darkness alone. Alone tried to take me under and almost succeeded;
Alone came alongside me while I was alone and joined me with it… until all I felt was what Alone felt, what Alone thought, what Alone only knew… I learned Alone’s secrets… Alone was only bringing me down to the lowest it only feels, it only thinks, it only knows… Spiraling down into darkness more and more and more… Alone feels darkness, thinks darkness, knows darkness to depths you never knew before… Alone reveals darkness beyond all darkness… Hope is lost with Alone… Hope disappears when alone with Alone… Hope is beyond one’s reach when Alone takes you under unwillingly… Alone makes its home in you… until you can’t stand Alone being anymore alone… Alone can make you lose your mind, lose your heart, lose your soul, lose your spirit, and alone with Alone can cause you to lose your life…
Alone doesn’t realize Faith comes to life in darkness… And I knew of Faith… I didn’t know Faith, like really know, yet it called for me to take a chance on, to take a hold of, to realize Faith was the only way to get out of this deep dark pit – ravaged, bombarded, pounded, emptied, fear laden with and by Alone… tormenting me alone from Alone… Something had to give…
Have Faith or die alone… overtaken by Alone.
Faith began to build me up as a real possibility… Faith started to turn my heart, soul, mind, and spirit to the Author of my Faith… the Healer and Restorer of my heart…. the Savior and Defender of my soul… the Perfecter and Renewer of my mind… the Redeemer and Uplifter of my spirit…
Faith reunited me with Hope… Faith made me realize Hope was not lost… Hope had not disappeared… Hope was surely within reach again…
Faith and Hope can sometimes be overshadowed by Alone, but can never be wiped out by Alone… Alone tries to hide this reality… Faith and Hope are of the LIGHT that Alone in the darkness hates to be seen… Alone will mask it with others rejections of, turn those alone inward into their own darkness, or turn those alone around to not see even glimpses of Faith and Hope at one’s disposal that are found when called upon to operate and begin to shine brighter providing the way out of any darkened pit…
Faith and Hope together introduced me to LOVE…
1 Corinthians 13:4-8
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
8 Love never fails…
LOVE never fails, but I didn’t know that yet… LOVE keeps Faith and Hope together within and encompassed around me… LOVE works from the depths of itself, the depths of Faith, and the depths of Hope to be forever united as One in me… Alone couldn’t fully have me anymore… After being introduced to Faith, Hope, and LOVE in the deepest of despair and despondency – I was forever found in new life… changed with the appearance by the 3 that will always remain: Faith, Hope, and LOVE… and Alone may be in reach at any given time, yet I am always taken hold of by Faith, Hope, and LOVE…
I know LOVE so much more now that I believe, receive, perceive, conceive and am relieved by HIM that nothing can chase me away to the darkness alone with just Alone… Yes, I may face being with Alone again, but I will always have Faith, Hope, and LOVE to accompany me from this time forth into forevermore…
So if you get to know me, you won’t be alone with Alone only… I bring with me Faith, Hope, and LOVE so you get to know them too!!… And I know that I know you’ll soon, at some point, embrace these 3 that will always remain for you as well… Faith, Hope, and LOVE like to meet and greet, defeat darkness, release from fears, and bring you up from beneath the heavy weight of the world, sin, and brokenness you feel… May you, like me, be established, rooted, and grounded in HIS LOVE for Faith, Hope, and LOVE to remain in you for all eternity…
What if you resist when Faith, Hope, and LOVE want to make an appearance to let you know Alone isn’t all there is to this life… Alone will remain with you alone… That to me is not acceptable. That to me is unthinkable. That to me is unfathomable… Being alone with Alone is not a way to live your life.
Having Faith, Hope, and LOVE always, with Alone sometimes, is much more foreseeable, doable, reachable, and conquerable… Faith, Hope, and LOVE promise to get you who you’ve always desired to be, what you’ve always cared to be about, and beyond where you’ve ever dreamed of going if you’ll only welcome the 3 that will remain within given by JESUS Himself when you ask HIM in to hear you, help you, heal you, and honor HIS promises for you… promises you can’t keep on your own, or make happen on your own, or even desire to have on your own. JESUS will be to you who HE is and so much more… beyond what you can think, ask, or imagine… So these 3 remain… Faith, Hope, and LOVE… And the greatest of these is LOVE…
What is so incredible is that asking JESUS to forgive you and to come into your heart is that with Faith, Hope, and LOVE you’ll know Forgiveness (GOD’s forgiveness; empowered to forgive yourself and others even), Grace (ability to handle life’s stresses better), Mercy (received as needed when you mess up along your healing journey), and Compassion (ability to care about and be there for others in need). GOD will also give you as a deposit (a guarantee of your inheritance to be received into Heaven) the HOLY Spirit as a gift to be your wonderful counselor never leaving you on your own to deal with life anymore on your own. You will begin to grow with the fruit of the Spirit to know as well: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-control…
With all these new “friends” inside you growing you and building you up, you’ll have more and more peace of mind, peace in your heart, restful peace for your soul, peace in your spirit, and peace that surpasses all understanding in your life…
JESUS, furthermore, promises HE will never leave you nor forsake you… JESUS says no one can snatch you out of HIS hand and no one can snatch you out of GOD the FATHER’s hand… This is all just a glimpse of HIS innumerable promises HE can keep and hold out just for you to take a hold of into your new found life… Like me, you won’t be alone anymore with Alone…
Here’s a recap:
I am no longer alone… Now that I’m found in JESUS…
You don’t have to be either…
I still know Alone, but not apart from JESUS and all HIS “friends” working deeper within me…
Could you use some new companions along your journey?!…
GOD the FATHER in and through HIS SON JESUS gives them freely if you listen to and accept JESUS as Savior and LORD in your life… What you’ll gain with surrender is by far the greatest treasure you will ever find in a lifetime…
JESUS never leaves nor forsakes you…
Holy Spirit is a deposit guaranteeing your residence will be Heaven…
You will grow in the fruits of the Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-control…
Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Fell into depression’s futile trance ridden of hope’s stride no longer find; fail to my health reapply deeply shy with no one to whom confide ever more and more withdrawn;needed to humbly ask the ONE who will reveal an answer
Fell into a victim’s neutral stance hidden to cope inside though conjure denied; curtail my stealth reside -confined weeping; try to come back alive tether more and more foregone;needed to humbly seek the ONE for a remedy from the cancer
Fell into lowest esteem and no youthful dance; forbidden to mope resigned so maunder unkind rail against myself pry keeping pride to bide my time however more and more wrong;needed to humbly knock to be open to the ONE who rescues from disaster
Sink in deepest pit, quick trip, land unable to see the light in darkest of night
Sink in steepest sin, in quicksand, unstable reprieve with fright in starkness of plight
Sink in bleakness dim, a quick whim unplanned; disable to leave life pinned regardless of suicide
All I could do to look up heavenward and call on HIS name one day to be redeemed steering where I’ll mend; restore with new faith in Maker within… securely toward for others to newly see
All I could do to hold on to be reassured until wall of shame pervade to be free not fearing the end; implore with new hope anchor within… purely to mentor others truly in need
All I could do to keep up and believe occurred until relit aflame persuade to be devotee nearing an open door continuing on with love clangor within… sincerely to award others duly in deed
Reminder of the mud and mire where I would wallow solo
Turn back to HIM in repentance from being shallow to now follow
Mercy, grace, and compassion filled the hollow after many a blow
Once again I walk along this time with HIS care and my cross to bear
Once again I run the race this time for HIM alone I’ll dare to share
Once again I dream now while awake in each new day unto HIM not so rare more aware
Found faith to go on as a searcher finding within freedom
Found hope to know of a future guiding in HIS Kingdom
Found love to grow from Whom will nurture abiding into a beacon lead ‘em
Faith, hope, and love is needed through every high and low
Faith, hope, and love remain to forever show
The greatest of these is love to eternally overflow
Will I arise to follow with my all or wallow just to stall
Choose to be wise chosen or who I am defeats; hides unopened
I know standing at HIS commanding and in the pit landing amiss stranding
I know sinking expanding and faltering blinking for help demanding
Will I live or will I die
Choose to give or stay awry
I know to press on in forward humble motion and the stress from backward stumble demotion
I know to address the cause of Christ in devotion and to digress a pause of thrice commotion
Will I be one who will blaze a trail or be one who still strays to only fail
Choose to gaze at HIS eyes entail to prevail or stuck in a haze to then derail
I now know HE’s the only One who makes me rise to answer HIS call submitting to extend for others to do the same
I now know HE’s the only One who hears my cries to answer when I fall uplifting me to mend though I’m to blame
I now know I will follow the only One who saves souls as wise to answer by knitting within eternity for whoever calls on HIS Name
I now know HE’s the only One who makes me stand on the Rock of Salvation commanding contrite obey;guiding 77 x 7 resurrection’s forgiven to HIM
I now know HE’s the only One who delivers from the pit with Mighty Right hand; secures chock concentration abandoning fright away; abiding to listen with detections mission closer to HIM
I now know HE’s the only One who is the reason I will live with open hand; give stock elation notwithstanding any plight dismay; igniting faith, hope, and love given anew and unto HIM
I now know HE’s the only One who moves me by HIS Spirit firsthand to take stock with HIS rations banding together to fight the good fight each day; inciting justice to lend course corrections driven by truth in love through HIM
I now know HE’s the only One who has a Master’s plan for HIS flock since creation longstanding, despite shame denying detections I even knew HIM
I now know HE’s the only One who makes a way in the desert sand; knock to open hydration streams in the wasteland bring sight always providing reflections into HIM
Arise Again and Again and Again and Again and Again and Again and Again
But everything exposed by the light becomes visible–and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Ephesians 5:13-14
Better late than never to be a lover of the Way, the Truth, and the Life and not a hater!!…
Better now than later!!…
Why go through life with just another who cannot save?
Why go through life alone asunder without that Someone brave?
Better by far with the Savior who does purchase you with the life giving blood HE gave!!…
Better when reconciled to the Creator of Heaven and earth who speaks with lightning and thunder in the awesome echoes aloud in surround sound and in the small whispers deep within that may be found to astound; known long before woven in the womb by HIS loving Hands in wonder and ever-present for you to be with HIM lifting you up from the heavy weight your under, far from blunder or plunder, past what encumbers high above beyond the grave!!…
What is life without your purpose to find?
What is life without HIS future of hope in mind?
Better to know why you’re here!!…
Better to understand whose you are: for all guilt and shame away from clears, to be guided while HE steers, to be guarded before HE appears, and to be growing in HIM who will draw near as you draw near!!…
How are you to respond when you face the end unseen?
How are you to respond when you could meet the KING of kings?
Better to be on your way and now open to be in Heaven where all that’s good once there will bring!!…
Better to return to the only One who will redeem!!…
[“Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelation 21:3-4]
Where can you discover the greater love that endures forever?
Where can you discover the greater love that nothing in this life here can ever sever?
Better to call on JESUS from your own mouth and heart, coming as you are, to forgive you for going your own way prone to wander until almost gone, to save you from whatever you may have done wrong, to bring healing to your soul needed all along who will never leave you nor forsake you ever!!…
Better to fall at HIS feet in surrender, tether yourself to HIS mighty righteous right hand that will deliver, and weather through the storms with HIM on the rising waters who understands you can’t hold it together rather than fall away from HIM altogether!!…
Will I be accepted with my depression, my mental illness, or my suicidal ideation so real?
Will I be accepted with my fear, my failure, or my lack of faith ordeal?
Better you will be when you come to HIM as you are; able then to handle anything as you yield!!…
Better you will be when you come to HIM as you are with all that you feel until you begin to heal!!…
Better to wait on HIM for HIS timing while in the suffering share, wait on HIM for HIS rescue and repair, wait on HIM for HIS renewed strength to stare down your giants to slay with renewed faith stand up in courage now to dare facing anything that comes your way with HIM beware, and wait on HIM with thanksgiving to declare!!…
Better to realize when life is unfair that your daily burdens HE does bear, until you’ve grown mature stronger in HIM more aware to show compassion you too needed that once received unto others now give this same care found to be so rare!!…
[“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” Matthew 7:7-8]
Could you conceive beyond what you can think, ask, or imagine?
Could you perceive the bond with whom HIS own hands have fashioned and holds you knitted together within?
Better to conceive of your life with HIM meant to win!!…
Better to perceive what your life can be with HIM arisen!!…
Can I just believe?
Can I just receive?
Yes, it’s your choice to live a new life and the old one leave!!…
Yes, it’s your voice HE longs to hear putting your trust in HIM so your soul will be made whole to cleave with a new heart and a new spirit given for a beautiful tapestry HE will begin to weave!!…
Is there a guarantee?
Is there such a thing as being set free?
Those who call on the name of the LORD will be saved and there’s the promise for living on in Heaven eternally!!…
IF the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed!!…
[And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession–to the praise of his glory. Ephesians 1:13-14]
Sincerely settling within compassion near as can be
Searching soul opens up beautifully with pleasantries
Seeking samplings stranded in madness found in the midst of sadness revealing secrets in poetry once hidden merely
Sensations seen of scars unseen into scenes of teardrops bleeding bladed entries
Sighting suicidal thoughts deceiving tendencies
Sweet sierras needing relieving simplicities
Sorrowful screaming voices pleading beyond ones of fatality and fallacies
Salvation’s streaming Light rebirthing into faith, hope, and courage leading from Heaven’s treasuries
Sending soothing second chances fulfilling new found love, grace, and mercies interceding advocacy
Sanctifying stance to persevere past fear superseding in a war of casualties
Strength’s Source will endure to the end… tour of duty heeding toward truths amnesty
Surmounting Spirit-led rise above… disguise not love… cheerfully greeting one another miraculously entreating healing eternally to live on unimaginably
dim are the fame lights sought compared to the Light of Life
strife fought in your heart, soul, and mind
entwined and caught up in what hurts: alcohol, drugs, lust, depression, abuse, suicidal ideation, mental illness
stillness is wrought, call on HIM, JESUS Christ, the Name above every name
same yesterday, today, and forever -a Love to take away your pain
slain on the cross taking your sin and shame by HIS blood outpoured removing every stain
blame you feel even from what others did or do, in childhood when first ensued -now pursue
New life, new start, new day awaits that HE recreates
Fates no longer left to chance for HE promises a hope and future
Nurture to restore your soul, renew your mind, revive your heart, replenish your spirit
lit within with the Light of Love that never ends and never severs
Forevers a step away even if stumbling and a word aptly spoken brings hope even if broken
awoken from a nightmare who will keep you from falling headlong and not turn you away to shun
run into HIS open arms who protects and heals from all that harms you inside
Inside set free and if the SON sets you free you’ll be free indeed
Deed of who you are written in the Book of Life and in HIS scarred palm
Calm of your storm when you call on HIS Name and believe in your heart GOD raised HIM from the dead
Led to the Savior to taste and see HIS goodness delighting in HIM will soon receive the desires of your heart
Impart what you’ve always wanted, more is needed, to fulfill the deep calls to deep, the deeper for the Keeper of your soul, the deepest for knowing whose the Key to the best kept secret
Let ME in as I AM knocks on your heart’s door
Yours to own love found in HIM; all that is yours is HIS and all that’s HIS is yours
