“Death cannot keep its prey, Jesus my Savior; he tore the bars away, Jesus my Lord! Up from the grave he arose; with a mighty triumph o’er his foes; he arose a victor from the dark domain, and he lives forever, with his saints to reign. He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose!”

Death has lost it’s sting. Oh grave where is your victory? Jesus has triumphed over death and the grave. Hallelujah!

Lord, we continue to stumble before you, because we do not know your way. We continue to do wrong things, because we are not fearful of you. We fail to give you the honor and glory due your name for all that you have done and continue to do for us, but, Lord, we now acknowledge our sins and our wretchedness before you this day, cleanse us, Lord, from every stain of sin, and bring us at last to your heavenly kingdom. Amen!

I am so thankful for Good Friday, and it was a good Friday for us, because for God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son to die for us on the cross. “Was it for crimes that I had done, He groaned upon the tree? Amazing pity, grace unknown and love beyond degree!” Thank  you, Lord!

Jesus prayed, yes, it was an agonizing prayer, but he prayed earnestly, Jesus made time to have one final supper with his disciples, even though he knew that one of them was going to betray him, Jesus also took the time to wash their feet. What a wonderful example for us.

The garden of gethsemane was where Jesus prayed to his father to let this cup of grief pass from him.  Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to His disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be grieved and distressed. Then He said to them, “My soul is deeply grieved, to the point of death; remain here and keep watch with Me.” And He went a little beyond them, and fell on His face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will.” And He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “So, you men could not keep watch with Me for one hour? Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” He went away again a second time and prayed, saying, “My Father, if this cannot pass away unless I drink it, Your will be done.” Matthew 26:36-42 – Read it for yourselves.

Lord, every day is a gift from you, show us how to be glad in it, to give you thanks for the wonderful signs and miracles you bestow on us throughout. Lord, help us to begin and end each day with praise to you on our lips, for without you nothing good is experienced. Thank you, Lord!

“Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves. Each of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to his edification. Whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave. For even Christ did not please Himself; He came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Be ye therefore imitators of God, as beloved children.”

He that doeth the will of the Father in heaven shall secure for himself a place in his kingdom. He that hath cleans hands and a pure heart, he who has not lifted up his soul to vanity, nor sworn deceitfully, the one whose deeds are blameless and whose motives are pure, who does not lie, or make promises with no intention of keeping them, shall receive the blessings of the Lord, and the righteousness from the God of his salvation. Blessed are the poor in heart for they shall see God!

Be still and know who is your God! Your situation did not come to stay, it came to pass, and, God will not leave you comfortless. He will again fill you with joy and gladness so that you could rejoice in him. Thank you, Lord!