duminică, aprilie 06, 2008

The Wonderful Cross

When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of Glory died
My richest gain I count but loss
And pour contempt on all my pride

See from his head, his hands, his feet
Sorrow and love flow mingled down
Did ever such love and sorrow meet
Or thorns compose so rich a crown





O the wonderful cross, O the wonderful cross
Bids me come and die and find that I may truly live
O the wonderful cross, O the wonderful cross
All who gather here by grace draw near and bless
Your name


Were the whole realm of nature mine
That were an offering far too small
Love so amazing, so divine
Demands my soul, my life, my all

*from the album |The Noise We Make|*

What Jesus Did! - Victory






That evening people brought to Jesus many people that had demons inside them. Jesus spoke and the demons left the people.

Jesus healed all the people that were sick. Jesus did these things to make happen what Isaiah the prophet said: "He took away our diseases and carried away our sicknesses."
- Matthew 8:16-17


THOUGHT:

Matthew continues to show us Jesus' power over what destroys our lives. Interestingly, it is Jesus' touch and word that are so powerful in these stories. His touch seems to be more of a demonstration of God’s love, while his word is a demonstration of his authority and power.

Matthew reminds us, however, that Jesus' authority and power are not for his advantage, but for the blessing of those in need. He is God's promised Servant! His authority is demonstrated in his service to us. Thus, as we seek to be like Jesus, we need to be servants as He was.


PRAYER:

Mighty and majestic God, I am touched by Jesus’ humble use of his power to bless others. Please keep my heart humble and pure so that I may be used by you to bless others. Help me be more a “burden-lifter” and a “blessing-giver.” In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.


Related Scriptures:

God defeated the spiritual rulers and powers. With the cross God won the victory and defeated those rulers and powers. God showed the world that they were powerless. - Colossians 2:15


Our fight is not against people on earth. We are fighting against the rulers and authorities and the powers of this world's darkness. We are fighting against the spiritual powers of evil in the heavenly places. - Ephesians 6:12


He wants not only us but everyone saved, you know, everyone to get to know the truth we've learned: that there's one God and only one, and one Priest-Mediator between God and us—Jesus, who offered himself in exchange for everyone held captive by sin, to set them all free.


Eventually the news is going to get out. This and this only has been my appointed work: getting this news to those who have never heard of God, and explaining how it works by simple faith and plain truth. 1 Timothy 2:4-7