DEAR GOD: We Cry Even Today-As You Cried~

Jesus Wept Digital Art by Jesus Daily

Jesus Wept

In John 11:35, the shortest verse in the entire Bible -we encounter these two poignant words: “Jesus wept.” But why did He cry? Here are some significant aspects:

Compassion and Empathy:
Jesus wept because He understood the pain and suffering that death brings. Despite His power to overcome death, He felt the heaviness of sin and the human experience. His tears serve as a reminder of His deep love and empathy for humanity, even in the face of miraculous solutions.

Reflective Question:
How can we cultivate empathy and compassion for others, especially during times of grief and loss?

Shared Humanity:
The Lord Jesus, though Divine, lived a perfect life in human form. He experienced the same feelings as those around Him. His tears reveal His solidarity with our struggles, sorrows, and limitations. This was clearly a human characteristic that we “all share” – TEARS!

Reflective Question:
How can we connect with others on a deeper level, recognizing our shared humanity?

Application Today -Jesus’ tears continue to resonate in our modern world:

Authentic Emotions:
We don’t need to suppress our emotions. Jesus, fully God and fully human, expressed His feelings openly. Let’s embrace authenticity and vulnerability, knowing that God understands our hearts. Knowing He is there for us through each emotion we express, and all of which we are going through. He is with us through it all! Holding us up with His strength, Spirit and guidance – and LOVE.

Comforting Others:
Just as Jesus comforted Lazarus’s sisters, we can be present for those who grieve. Our tears can be a source of comfort and healing for others. “Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted.” (Matthew 6)

Reflective Question:
How can you offer comfort to someone who is hurting?

Modeling Compassion:
Jesus healed the sick, comforted the brokenhearted, and showed kindness to sinners. His compassion extended to all, regardless of their background or mistakes. We are inherently called to do the same – as Christians and believers, we are to emulate and reflect Christ in all things, at all times.

Reflective Question:
How can we model Jesus’ compassion by reaching out to those who are hurting, marginalized, or struggling?

The love Jesus demonstrated remains relevant in our contemporary world.

Selflessness:
Just as Jesus selflessly gave Himself for us, we can prioritize others’ needs above our own. Whether through acts of service, forgiveness, or empathy, we can embody His love.

Community:
Jesus emphasized community and fellowship. In a fragmented world, we can build bridges, listen to diverse perspectives, and foster unity.

Grace and Forgiveness:
Jesus forgave even those who betrayed Him. We can extend grace and forgiveness to others, recognizing our shared humanity.

Unity Prayer
“Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for the example of Jesus, who wept with compassion. Help us to love and empathize with others as Your Son Jesus did, help us in sharing their burdens and offering comfort. May our tears be a reflection of Your love in a broken world. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.”

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Remember, Jesus’ love isn’t just a historical event—it’s a living reality that continues to transform hearts today. It’s a reality and a constant reminder that we are saved because of Him and His precious blood. Let’s meditate on His spectacular love and How His compassion molds our paths in life…

DEAR GOD: Thank You For The Bridge To You~

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 The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”
Zephaniah 3:17

 

Adversity is a bridge to a deeper relationship with God.

When we read Joshua, there are key elements that are glaringly apparent throughout the book.  We become aware of God’s presence that energizes our work. We become critically and keenly aware of how we must TRUST GOD, and by so doing, it means trusting Him fully because He can see beyond what we can see.

We must remember that God doesn’t require us to understand His will, but in fact…simply obey it, even it is seeming unreasonable to “our mind” which is far inferior to that of our Father’s mind.

He instructs Joshua to stay in the “Word” and not to depart from His “law.”

In Joshua 1:8; the Lord states with undeniably clarity and tenacity, “This book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous and then you will have good success.”

He is reinforcing the importance of staying with His Word and Law, and doing what is required in order to fulfill His Will.  And, assuring us that when we do, we will be prosperous and have good success!

This was the same command He issued to future Israelite kings in Deuteronomy 17:19–he was to meditate on the Word of God everyday knowledge of God’s will is crucial to doing so.  And this is so to this day.

God didn’t change.

His Word didn’t change.

His Will and Law didn’t change-(Sacrificial blood ordinance changed…Jesus Blood took care of that).

His plans for our success and purpose didn’t change.

And, most especially…His love didn’t expire or change…He still loves all of His children.

He declared in Joshua 1:9: “Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

It is so easy to focus on “our problems” which we can see, and not on God, whom we can’t see.  As Joshua discovered, “God is with us no matter where we are, no matter what we are going through, and He is with us no matter how big or how small our problem is…He is with us ALWAYS.

He will never leave us nor forsake us.

He will never stop loving us.

He is a faithful and merciful God.

He will forgive us, over and over again.

Remember that Joshua knew all about adversity. He wandered in the wilderness for forty years. He was “way qualified” in the adversity department.  But He never lost sight of the fact that God was with Him throughout it all. And when it was time for the people of God to cross the Jordan River, Joshua was named by God to take over.

When we go to Him in prayer, we are trusting Him and surrendering to Him.  Understanding that God’s way is far different than ours is a vital and critical component in connecting with Him on so many levels.

For although He is with us, He is far above us in all aspects, and so this is why we must surrender to His will. Trust Him fully in order for Him to provide a deeper realm and open up to Him and expose yourself entirely to His hands of mercy and will.

Obedience is a “must” and a high priority in every believer’s life. The Holy Spirit enables us to walk obediently before God, in His strength, and His power. Amen.

Choose to obey Him, even if you don’t understand why. He is asking you to do something…when we do, we can fully expect to become the person God is molding us to be, and to bear fruit that is highly favorable with the Lord almighty.

When we do all of this according to His will and purpose, you can expect to receive rewards that will overwhelm you with joy and love.

So, at times, we need to be still and know that He is God… in order to fulfill our purpose according to the Master.

He is God.  We are His.  His will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Be prepared and prepare to do all that He wills in your life.

“Thank You Father, for leading, guiding and directing me all the days of my life, in Jesus’ name, Amen and Amen!”