What’s Your Gift to Jesus?

The story of Jesus’ birth is very unique, sweet, and beautiful. However, when we think of anyone’s birth story, Jesus’ is very different. The trials and tribulations that Mary and Joseph went through just to find a place for the night is something that most parents don’t experience awaiting their baby’s arrival. This makes us think. Even though Jesus-our Savior and King came into the world, he brought love, sacrifice, and hope. These three things began from his birth until his death. Love, sacrifice, and hope are also three gifts He left when He was crucified on the cross.

Jesus, a man yet human and divine brought these three gifts to all humanity no matter the generation, location, or history. Yet, there’s so many recipients of these three gifts yet give nothing in return.

I am aware that we all come from different backgrounds, experiences, and traumas that may stand in the way salvation. Though my hope and prayer is that those that receive these three gifts will accept them and reciprocate the love and heart back to our Savior. These gifts were not given to humanity to just sit. They were given to be used and help us have a closer and more intimate relationship with our Creator. Past generations in the Old Testament did not have a distinct relationship outside of the chosen ones whom God communicated with. When Jesus was born any and everyone had the chance to communicate and connect with God in human form. How powerful is that?

If you are reading this and you are not saved, I want you to know that God came down in human form as Jesus Christ over 2,000 years ago. Christmas season is a time we celebrate his birth and coming into the world for which He saved humanity. I pray that you accept Him-Jesus Christ in your heart today. You can pray this prayer below.

“Lord Jesus,

Today is the day that I would like to accept you into my heart. I ask for you to forgive me of all of my sins whether known or unknown. Wash me in your blood and make me into a new person. I want to be transformed by you. I believe that you are the son of God. I believe that you died on the cross for all of my sins. Today I would like to dedicate my life to glorifying your name.

Change me, shape me, and mold me into the person you would like for me to be. You are the King of my heart and the shepherd of my life. Thank you for all that you have done for me. I love you!

In Jesus Name, Amen!“

If you have prayed this prayer, please seek out a local church to get baptized and to let them know that you have accepted the call to join the Christian journey. After that, please seek a great study bible that will help you on your Christian journey to learn more about your Saviour-Jesus Christ. No, this journey is not easy, but it is well worth it!

“Am I Really Worthy of Being Saved?”

It’s Sunday. The tomb is empty. The stone is rolled away!!!

Y’all it’s Sunday. It’s like Christmas but ten times better. This is truly a day of victory for all of humanity. We are all unworthy of the gracious salvation. We are all unworthy of getting a chance to be so close to the Lord. Since sin was shortly introduced to humanity after the start of man, God already knew we were going to mess up. He knew that we would not only make one mistake but countless mistakes. He knew that we would fall short of the Kingdom. Yet, our Creator is so loving, strategic, and has intellect beyond our thoughts, that He planned ahead.

Are we worthy of being saved? No, we are all unworthy because of sin. BUT guess what? Our God is so awesome He gave His son for us. Jesus already knew His purpose when He arrived on this earth. He gave His life willingly. This is why out of all of the people crucified on the cross, He was the only one who did nothing wrong. He did not kill anyone. He did not lie. He did not cheat or steal. He only preached the word of God, healed so many people, and brought forth His life for us. Jesus is the most innocent man to ever walk the earth. He put His life down and brought it back up to set us free from sin. Because of the sacrifice he made, His blood is what led to humanity to be at one with God. We now have access to His presence and kingdom.

This means that as long as we accept Jesus into our hearts, ask Him to forgive us of our sins, and obey His commandments, we can live an eternal life with Him.

All it takes is faith.

All it takes is for you to believe with all your heart.

All it takes is for you to accept Jesus’ invitation.

He’s knocking at the door of your heart. Are you going to let his love pass you by?

Yes, we are unworthy of being saved. However, He still paved the way for us to be saved ANYWAYS!!!!

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His brokenness is what led to our freedom. Our freedom comes from the sacrifice of our Savior. He made this sacrifice regardless of whether you would love Him or not. That’s a true sacrifice. That’s true love. He not only wants to save you. He wants to love you. Jesus wants you to know that He will never leave you no matter what. He doesn’t want you to fear. He doesn’t want you to face life alone. Once you accept Him into your heart, His love and comforter, the Holy Spirit will lead you and connect you with Him. There’s no way you can escape His love. His love will cover you, reach out for you, and set you free.

“God sent His son, they called Him Jesus
He came to love, heal and forgive
He lived and died to buy my pardon
An empty grave is there to prove my savior lives

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow
Because He lives, all fear is gone
Because I know He holds the future
And life is worth the living, just because He lives”

John 3:16
John 8:36
John 10:18

The blood has came from brokenness. The blood came from love. AND THE BLOOD WILL NEVER LOSE IT’S POWER!! 😁😁😁😁😍😍

“It’ Friday…”

“It’s Friday…”

 

It’s Friday

Jesus is praying

Peter’s a sleeping

Judas is betraying

But Sunday’s comin’

 

It’s Friday

Pilate’s struggling

The council is conspiring

The crowd is vilifying

They don’t even know

That Sunday’s comin’

 

It’s Friday

The disciples are running

Like sheep without a shepherd

Mary’s crying

Peter is denying

But they don’t know

That Sunday’s a comin’

 

It’s Friday

The Romans beat my Jesus

They robe him in scarlet

They crown him with thorns

But they don’t know

That Sunday’s comin’

 

It’s Friday

See Jesus walking to Calvary

His blood dripping

His body stumbling

And his spirit’s burdened

But you see, it’s only Friday

Sunday’s comin’

 

It’s Friday

The world’s winning

People are sinning

And evil’s grinning

 

It’s Friday

The soldiers nail my Savior’s hands

To the cross

They nail my Savior’s feet

To the cross

And then they raise him up

Next to criminals

 

It’s Friday

But let me tell you something

Sunday’s comin’

 

It’s Friday

The disciples are questioning

What has happened to their King

And the Pharisees are celebrating

That their scheming

Has been achieved

But they don’t know

It’s only Friday

Sunday’s comin’

 

It’s Friday

He’s hanging on the cross

Feeling forsaken by his Father

Left alone and dying

Can nobody save him?

Ooooh

It’s Friday

But Sunday’s comin’

 

It’s Friday

The earth trembles

The sky grows dark

My King yields his spirit

 

It’s Friday

Hope is lost

Death has won

Sin has conquered

and Satan’s just a laughin’

 

It’s Friday

Jesus is buried

A soldier stands guard

And a rock is rolled into place

 

But it’s Friday

It is only Friday

Sunday is a comin’!

 

S.M. Lockridge

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gx6_rGLz20

The True Power of Palm Sunday

Today is truly a day that the Lord has made. For the first time in history it is Palm Sunday, the Sunday before Resurrection Sunday/Easter Sunday and majority of our churches are physically closed. Focus on the keyword “physically” closed because there are several churches that are still having virtual services right now.

Well what is Palm Sunday and why is it so important?

Matthew 21:1-11 states,

“As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, ² saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. ³ If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.”

⁴ This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:

⁵ “Say to Daughter Zion,
    ‘See, your king comes to you,
gentle and riding on a donkey,
    and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’”^[a]

⁶ The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. ⁷ They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. ⁸ A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. ⁹ The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,

“Hosanna^[b] to the Son of David!”

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”^[c]

“Hosanna^[d] in the highest heaven!”

¹⁰ When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?”

¹¹ The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”

On this day about 2,000 years ago, Jeaus arrived in Jerusalem on a donkey. The crowd of people created a path for Him as He arrived with their cloaks and palm leaves on the ground for Him hence the name, “Palm Sunday.” They were shouting and cheering for Him. They were saying, “Hosanna, to the son of David!”

Jesus was truly getting the praise, glory, and honor for who He was and still is. He was not only the high priest, prophet, and King!!! It was causing such a disturbance in the city that people that did not know Him was asking about Him. Of course they were informed that the biggest and most praised person to ever to walk this earth was arriving. He deserved all the praise, honor, and glory.

The part that makes this story so interesting is what will happen by the end of the week. The same man who deserved the honor, glory, and praise will be beaten, spat on, and screamed by the crowd to be crucified. This was an innocent man. The only man to ever walk the earth without sin and without blemish. This man was the only man to walk the earth without a mean or sinful thought in His mind, without an ounce of maliciousness in His spirit, and without a lie in His mouth. This was the man worthy of every praise from every soul on earth. This same man will be tried, accounted as guilty, and crucified on a cross between two thieves.

Although Jesus did not deserve this, this was part of His purpose to come down to this earth. He knew that this was part of His mission. He was the son of God. Although he was nervous and I could imagine His heart was beating so fast, and probably felt a lump in His throat, He faced it. After three days, His story became History!! Let me stop while I’m getting ahead of myself and save that for the next blog.

No, I’m sorry I can’t wait that long!!! Three days later, He rose from the tomb, walked this earth, broke bread with the disciples, and overcame the guilt and heaviness of death. He did this for you and me. See Jesus knew from the beginning of time that we are humans and that we mess up. We fail. We break promises and most importantly, we fall short of the kingdom every single day. He knew all of those things and took it upon His shoulders. Out of every person, celebrity, and world changer, Jesus was the one who changed history forever. Jesus knew we would fail and caught us before we hit the ground. Before we were even born or existed, he caught us ahead of time. All we need to do is accept Him into our hearts as our Lord and Savior and ask Him to forgive us of all of our sins, we get the opportunity to make it into Heaven. Along with that to have a close relationship, we are to be baptized so we can have the experience of dying to ourselves and taking on a new version of ourselves. A version that is deeply rooted and in love with Christ. One day He will return for all of His believers and we want to be ready. We want to be ready to go and explore all of the wonderful things that He has been preparing for us every since He gave His life on the cross.

What an awesome God we serve!!!

He is simply amazing!!!

One of the Life Lessons I Learned from Palm Sunday

Mark 11:1-10

11 And when they came nigh to Jerusalem, unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount of Olives, he sendeth forth two of his disciples,

² And saith unto them, Go your way into the village over against you: and as soon as ye be entered into it, ye shall find a colt tied, whereon never man sat; loose him, and bring him.

³ And if any man say unto you, Why do ye this? say ye that the Lord hath need of him; and straightway he will send him hither.

⁴ And they went their way, and found the colt tied by the door without in a place where two ways met; and they loose him.

⁵ And certain of them that stood there said unto them, What do ye, loosing the colt?

⁶ And they said unto them even as Jesus had commanded: and they let them go.

⁷ And they brought the colt to Jesus, and cast their garments on him; and he sat upon him.

⁸ And many spread their garments in the way: and others cut down branches off the trees, and strawed them in the way.

⁹ And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord:

¹⁰ Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest.

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As a child, I distinctly remember preparing for Easter Sunday. My mother would ensure my sister and I found the perfect Easter poem/speech. I would print this sacred piece and rehearse it at home at least five to seven times before packing it away in a safe place. My heart would race as I would vision myself in front of the congregation reciting this piece. I would think to myself, “Oh I how I will be so glad when this is over.”

Although Sunday School was a vital part of my childhood church experience, Palm Sunday didn’t ring a bell for me until I reached adulthood. Now when I read of Jesus’ triumphant entry and how the crowd would praise Him as the colt walked through the crowd, I find myself thinking of a valuable lesson. Jesus was exalted and praised during His triumphant entry and in less than a week, the crowd would cry out,” Crucify Him!”

How could society betray the precious lamb of God?

The one and only man that was brought into this sinful world bearing no sin.

How could the world betray someone who preached the word of God, healed the sick, and raised the dead with the sound of His voice?

How could the world forget about all of the wonderful things that He has done?

How could the world just look at Him as if He were a criminal?

Yet, here and now before all of that, society thought the world of Him. Screaming out, “Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord: Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest.”

Although this moment and scripture comes along with so many beautiful lessons, the one lesson that stays with me is how the world can betray us just as they betrayed Jesus. I think we often forget about that when we are so busy trying to become “the next big thing.” We live in a time where everyone desires to have big numbers and big bucks behind their name. We believe that the world cares about our every move, meal, and routine, yet those that will praise you one day will betray you in a short matter of time.

If Jesus was treated this way, what would make us exempt from the same treatment? We are sinners. So how would a sinner be treated better than the one that was and still is sinless? Think about that for a moment.

This passage and lesson should show us that we should be humble and carry the light of Christ in everything we do and everywhere we go. Yes, the story does not end there and we will discuss all of this soon.

As we focus on Jesus’ journey to the cross, let’s not forget about His sacred service and ministry and use this as motivation to focus more on Him. His journey was not in vain. Love started with God. Love is exemplified through Jesus and who He is.

Seeking God w/ an Empty Heart

 

How many times have you bowed your head, closed your eyes, and took a deep breath only to say…nothing?

“Lord” you say looking up to the ceiling with water in your eyes. Your heart just melts as your emotions take the best of you.

You try to think of the words to describe how you feel but there’s nothing.

You can’t seem to find the words to describe your empty heart.

That’s exactly how you feel, empty. You feel that there’s nothing there. You try to say something but there’s nothing. You are drained from the roller coaster you’re on that you feel like all of your emotions just emptied out of your heart.

I remember going through this vulnerable season where I was speechless and my heart felt so empty. I tried to say my prayers and talk with the Lord. I distinctly remember grabbing the covers and pulling them to my neck. As I took a breath, I felt the misery just seep from my head to my toes. I was completely and utterly vulnerable.

It’s so interesting because you feel like that this season will last forever but it doesn’t. God eventually reveals that even during your moments of vulnerability, bitterness, and utter discouragement, He understands EVERYTHING.

Moments like this reminds me of when Jesus was about to be crucified.

Matthew 26: 36-46 KJV

³⁶ Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder.

³⁷ And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy.

³⁸ Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.

³⁹ And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.

⁴⁰ And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?

⁴¹ Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

⁴² He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.

⁴³ And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy.

⁴⁴ And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.

⁴⁵ Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.

⁴⁶ Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me.

 

Jesus’ heart was heavy and I believe He probably did feel empty. I interpret this from the scripture because He kept going back to pray. I find myself doing this same thing when I feel heavy and empty. I keep going back. I keep seeking God. I keep praying. And I believe this comes from the guidance of Jesus in this passage.

 

That’s why the song above, “The more I seek you” is the song of the day. It’s the perfect description of the desire just to be close with Jesus. “The more I seek you, the more I find you. The more find you, the more I love you.” Those words capture me every time my heart feels empty. The more I seek God in these moments, the more I find him. And the more I find him, the absolute more I love him. I want to add to that part. The more I love him, the more I praise him. The more I praise him, the absolute more I want to serve Him.

It turns out that when you KEEP seeking God, you will find Him. The emptiness will diminish and the Holy Spirit that is already within you takes over. Words will begin to form in your heart, peace will begin to take over your spirit, and joy will begin to take over you!

Oh How My Big Papa Loves Me So

Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve always been a daddy’s girl. I was the usual little girl that would run to the door when she heard the door open. I was that little girl that sat on her daddy’s lap until I was too old and heavy. I was that little girl that loved to run errands and play basketball with him. One thing that touches me even today is that as long as I want something and my dad can make it happen, it will be done. If it’s in reach, I know I got.

The same way that applies to any child and their father, God works even better. He says, “If I think it’s best for you to have, you can have whatever you like. You’re my child, my baby. I got you.” Whether you have an earthly father or a no father at all, I want you to know that you have a Heavenly Father that wants to fulfill your heart’s desires. He knows what’s best for you. Most of all, He will definitely give it to you if He feels that it’s it’s for you to have.

Yes I refer to Him as…Big Papa. Why? Because the same way a child runs to their dad or granddaddy, I would imagine this relationship to be even better. We run to Him. We run to Him when we’re alone. We run to Him when we’re down. We run to him when we’re happy. We run to him when we’re sad. We run to Him when we’re scared. And we run to Him when there’s nothing else that we could possibly say or do to fix a situation or feel better about one.

He’s a BIG GOD. He’s an omnipotent God. He’s a God of yesterday, today, and tomorrow. He’s a God filled with love, mercy, and kindness. He’s a forgiving God. He’s a God that loves you no matter how many mistakes you have or will make. He’s a God of creation and the author of true love. He’s a God of truth and a God of refuge. He’s a great God. There are a lot of things He protects us, shields us, and delivers us from. We have no idea what we could have faced, but He saved us from it.

He’s our papa because we can go to Him for anything. There’s nothing that He can’t handle. He knew that we would mess up from the beginning of time. So, He gave us Jesus. He knew that we needed to be saved so He introduced us to the cross where Jesus shared His blood for us. He shows us the value of forgiveness every time we repent. He shows us that He loves us with the abundance of blessings that we have. He corrects us as we make mistakes. He talks to us. He comforts us. He LOVES US!!

Take that into consideration the next time you pray. Tell him how much you love Him. Let Him know how thankful you are to know Him and be His child. Say to yourself, “I Have a Big Papa that loves me!!”

Just Trust Him!

Humans are not able to predict every detail of their future. So, one must close their eyes and listen to the voice of God for guidance. This can be really hard but take it one day at a time and understand the value of progression.

Psalm 27:14

I Just Don’t Know!

 

Whether you are in a happy mood or if you are a mess right now, I think that this song will replenish your spirit. Sometimes we just need to lay on our faces and just let God know what’s on our hearts. There will be days when you feel so close and tap into His beautiful presence ready for treasures to be unlocked. Other days, you will feel empty with no words to describe how you feel. No matter what you’re going through, God knows exactly what you’re going through. You don’t have to be angry just because you can’t describe how you feel just focus on Him. When you focus strictly on His presence, you find yourself praising and worshiping and trying to understand HOW you got there. This has happened to me so many times. I was so confused but excited because I knew that He knew what I was going through and sent His Holy Spirit to help me get to where I needed to be! My God is so awesome!!!

God’s beauty and love

Happy Resurrection Day!! Today has truly been the day that the Lord has made. I’m so glad to serve a Savior who shed His innocent blood to unlock easy access to the Kingdom. My Jesus is what keeps me going and my Jesus is the reason I am alive today. Thank you Jesus for dying on the cross for me AND rising that third day. I serve a mighty Jesus that has Power over life and death!! I can’t help but smile today and everyday when I think about how my Savior unlocked grace and the Holy Spirit before we came to this earth! That majestic power keeps the fire alive in me!

His love and beauty is beyond measure!! That’s the only way I can describe His presence!!