The cross - DB

And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. Gal. 5:24

The cross is the symbol of Christianity. Whenever we see a cross it reminds us of the great sacrifice Jesus made for us and the victory of the resurrection.

It should also remind us that in Christ we have died to the love and practice of sin and have been raised to walk in a new life with Him. The cross should not only represent what Christ did, but who we are.

Rev. DB

How do I know?? SV

How do I know?
I just know that I know in the depths of my soul that Jesus - the son of God - lived, died, and was resurrected to save me from God's just punishment of my sinful nature, and restore me to God for a peaceful, joyful, love-filled eternity.

At best, at best, I am a two-steps-forward and one-step-backward follower of Jesus. But, He did not come to condemn me. He came to save me. And, when I consider that gift, I cannot help but be moved to emotion. Every single time.
I am not ashamed of the Gospel. I cannot be because the Gospel has saved me and though sin often discourages me, it does not rob me of my salvation.
Jesus came to save you as well. This side of heaven, you will never have all the answers or understand the supernatural nature of it all. You and I were born with God-sized holes in our hearts - only Jesus can fill them. That's what faith is all about - fully trusting in what you can't fully understand.

Rev SV

In Darkness - DB

And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. Luke 23:44

Normally, the sun shines its brightest at noonday. But this was not a normal day. Darkness covered the earth as its creator hung on a cross, suffered and died for the sins of mankind.

Even in the darkness, His identity could not be hidden. The centurion, charged to carry out His execution, acknowledged “Surely this was the Son of God!” The repentant thief turned to Him in faith. If they saw who He was in the darkness, surely we should recognize Him in the light of the resurrection.

Rev DB

The King is coming - DB

And as he went, they spread their clothes in the way. Luke 19:36

The King is coming! Excitement filled the streets of Jerusalem as Jesus came riding upon a colt. People took off their coats and took palm branches and laid them in the street before Him. Others shouted, “Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord.”

For centuries, Israel had waited for the Messiah and today He came. For centuries, Christians have waited for the return of Christ. One day He will come as He said. What a wonderful and glorious day when all of creation declares, “The King is coming!” Are you ready for that day??

Rev DB

He died for us - DB

For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. Ro. 5:6

We know from reading the scriptures the events that surrounded Jesus’ death. He was betrayed by His friends and falsely accused by His enemies. He was beaten, stripped and nailed to the cross. Between two thieves, He suffered the agony of crucifixion and death.

While it is important to know what happened, it is more important to know why Jesus died on the cross. He died for us. He took upon Himself our sins and paid the penalty for our transgressions. When we were unable to help ourselves, Christ died for us. His sacrifice is our salvation if only we believe.

Rev DB

Sweet or bitter water -DB

Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? James 3:11

There is nothing better than a good glass of water. From experience, we expect the water from our tap to be clean and refreshing. We would not expect it to be different each time we turn on the tap.

As with water, the words that come from our mouth should be clean and refreshing. As with a fountain, we would not expect the same source to produce cursing and blessing. Our words matter. They can build up or destroy. We can bless or curse. There have been times when I have done both. May God help us today to speak words of blessing. Someone you meet may need a refreshing drink of kindness.

Rev, DB

The Essence of the Spirit Filled Life - DN

The Essence of the Spirit Filled Life
And Jesus being fully of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan,and was led by the Spirit into the Wilderness, Luke 4:1 
If there was ever a missing element in the churches and in preachers today, it would be being Full of the Spirit. 
Being Spirit Filled is a Bible Doctrine
Being Spirit Filled is the Key to Service, to communion and to fellowship with the Saviour. 
Spirit Filled is such a neglected element in today's Christianity. 
It is having a great effect on the church,Christians and the world. 
In fact not much is Said today about it.
I remember hearing fiery messages about it as a young preacher that stirred a desire in my heart to be filled with the Spirit. 
The church today has learned how to do it without HIM, and this is a great indictment against modern day end time Christianity. 
Charisma and talent has taken the place of Holy Ghost Unction, and what's sad many fail to discern the difference. The difference can be seen. Holy Ghost unction and service is never at the expense of HOLINESS!
Here in Luke's Gospel we have the record of the temptation of Christ in the Wilderness. We find what I fill is the essence of the Spirit Filled Life;

1)He was Led by the Spirit: Luke 4:1
Spirit filled brings obedience and submission to the Spirit's bidding.

2) He was Tempted of the Devil: Luke 4:2-13
When a person has the fullness of the Spirit of God, he will experience great conflicts with the Tempter. God allows temptation because it does for us what storms do for oak trees, it roots us deeper.
Spurgeon stated, I willingly bear witness to the fact that I owe more to my Lord's fire, hammer, and file than to anything else in His workshop. Sometimes I wonder if I have ever learned anything except at the end of God's rod. When my classroom is darkest, I see best.

3)He was Ministered to from Heaven
Matthew 4:11 stated The devil leaveth him and behold, angels came and ministered unto Him.

4)He Returned in Great Power: Luke 4:14

5) There were Evidence: Luke 4:14b "there went out a fame" People knew and saw it. I had an old preacher tell me one time, a lot of preachers know the mechanics, but fail experiencing the manifestation of it. 
May we today hunger for it, receive it, and labor in it. Much depends upon it.

Rev. DN