The Overwhelming Storms Of Trial

 

"We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed." (2 Corinthians 4:8-9) 

This week, we had a bad storm where I live, that was very brutal! The wind was going at 80 MPH, and did a lot of damage. There was no injuries in our little town, which we we're very thankful for. But there was a lot of damage to buildings, and especially to trees. Clean up is going on as I write this post-article: (5/20/2026) 

 It reminds us, that in life, we can feel the the severe stress and anxiety that the bad storms of life can bring. Like the apostle Paul, we can feel very overwhelmed, when the storms of life hit us so hard. 

The first line of the hymn: "It Is Well With My Soul" goes like this: "When peace like a river, attendeth my way. When sorrows like sea billows roll. Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well, with my soul!." In the midst of the flooding waters of trial, how can we say"It Is Well With My Soul?" 

In v.14, you will see Paul's answer to this question. "...knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus Christ will also raise us up with Jesus, and present us with you." Where is our hope, in our extreme time of trial? 

It is in our almighty God, who through His Son Jesus, will take care of us in the severity of this life, and raise us up to victory in the next. Abiding in the Lord's care, we can live above the flooding waters of stress and worry. 

This it what we can hang on to when the overwhelming storms of trial try to overtake us. "Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us." (Romans 8:37) 

In the midst of the storms of life, if Jesus is in our boat, we don't have to worry, but place ourselves completely in His loving care. GP 

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Feeling Like We Belong

 

Feeling Like We Belong 

"Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God." (Romans 15:7) 

The apostle Paul encourages the Christians at Rome to think of others instead of themselves. As He writes in Romans 15:2 "Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification." 

When you walk into your church building for worship, do you have those who will greet you, visit with you, ask how things are going? Do they ask you how your week went? Do they take an interest in your welfare, both physically or spiritually? If you can say yes to all of these questions, I would say that you would have a strong feeling of belonging to a caring Christian fellowship. 

What happens in a lot of churches, is that certain members (and leadership included) talk and visit with only those people that are important to them. Those people that make them feel important, and have something in common with. In some of the larger churches, it feels like you are attending a concert, or a show, and there is no felt need, to get to know anyone, and establish a long term relationship. 

I believe the answer is found with the involvement of Christian leadership. We are to make sure that all the people feel welcomed when they come in the door of the church building. The pastor, as well as the elders, and church staff, are to make it a priority that an effort be made, to welcome new people, and that time is spent connecting with all the members of the church. 

As Paul says to the Christians at Rome, he says to us: "Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God." (Romans 15:7) 

Has Jesus ever excluded you? No, He died for the world, which includes you and I. In the verse John 3:16, instead of the word "World" you can put your name there. And in Matthew 18:20, "For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them." 

And when we welcome others to ourselves, we are actually welcoming them to our Lord Jesus Christ. And it's for God's glory, not our own. 

Two questions in closing: Do you feel like you belong in the body of Christ? Do you make an effort to make others feel welcome in the Christian fellowship? This is a huge step in helping your church family have the unity, and stability the Lord wants us to have! GP 

Photo: congerdesign - Pixabay.com Free for use - Content License.

With Open Hearts DVD

 

With Open Hearts DVD - Michael W. Smith, Third Day, Jars of Clay - Program Included

Bring home an inspiring piece of Christian music history with “With Open Hearts”, featuring powerhouse performances by Michael W. Smith, Third Day, and Jars of Clay. This DVD is in like‑new condition—no scratches, no smudges, and plays beautifully. Please note that the original “free with purchase!” promotion has expired, as this listing is now offered in 2026. A great find for collectors and fans of uplifting worship music.

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Who Do You Think You Are?

Who Do You Think You Are?  

Understanding Your Place in the Body of Christ!

The question “Who do you think you are?” can sound confrontational, but spiritually, it is one of the most important questions a believer can ask. Not in the sense of pride or self‑importance, but in the sense of identity, calling, and responsibility within the Body of Christ. The apostle Paul addresses this beautifully in 1 Corinthians 12, where he explains that every Christian has been intentionally placed by God into the Body, with a purpose that matters.

Paul uses the human body as his illustration because it is something we all understand. The body is made up of many parts—some visible, some hidden, some strong, some delicate—but all essential. The eye cannot do what the hand does, and the hand cannot replace the heart. Likewise, in the church, not everyone preaches, not everyone sings, not everyone leads. Some roles are public and celebrated; others are quiet, unseen, and often unappreciated. Yet Paul insists that the parts that seem less visible are often the most necessary.

This truth challenges the modern mindset that equates visibility with value. In the Kingdom of God, the opposite is often true. The intercessor who prays in secret, the volunteer who cleans the church, the giver who supports the ministry quietly, the encourager who strengthens others behind the scenes—these are spiritual lifelines. Just as the heart pumps without applause and the lungs expand without recognition, these believers keep the Body of Christ healthy and functioning.

But Paul also warns what happens when members of the body refuse to function in their God‑given role. When a part of the physical body stops working, the whole body suffers. A damaged nerve can affect movement. A weakened immune system leaves the body vulnerable. A malfunctioning organ can threaten life itself. Spiritually, the same is true. When believers refuse to serve, withdraw from fellowship, or compare themselves to others, the Body becomes weakened, divided, and ineffective. Ministry becomes lopsided. Burnout increases. The mission slows. The enemy gains ground.

This is why Paul emphasizes that God Himself has arranged the members of the body, “each one of them, as He chose” (1 Corinthians 12:18). Your role is not random. Your gifts are not accidental. Your presence in the church is not optional. You are placed, positioned, and purposed by the Lord.

And this leads to another essential truth: there are only two positions in the church—Master and Servant. Jesus Christ alone is the Master. Everyone else, regardless of title, gifting, or visibility, is a servant. Scripture is unmistakably clear about this. Jesus said:

- “You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am.” (John 13:13)  

- “A servant is not greater than his master.” (John 13:16)  

- “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.” (Matthew 20:26)

Even Paul, one of the greatest apostles, introduced himself repeatedly as a bondservant of Jesus Christ. Leadership in the Kingdom is not about status but service. Authority is not about control but responsibility. The ground at the foot of the cross is level, and every believer kneels before the same Master.

When we forget this, pride creeps in. Comparison grows. Competition replaces cooperation. Instead of functioning as a unified body, we become a collection of disconnected parts. But when we embrace our identity as servants of Christ, unity becomes natural. We stop asking, “Why isn’t my role bigger?” and start asking, “How can I be faithful where God placed me?”

Paul ends his teaching in 1 Corinthians 12 by urging believers to pursue love above all else. This connects beautifully with the final word from Galatians 5, where he contrasts the works of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit. A church where every member serves in love, empowered by the Spirit, will naturally produce fruit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self‑control. These qualities strengthen the Body, unify believers, and reflect Christ to the world.

So, who do you think you are?  

According to Scripture, you are a chosen, necessary, Spirit‑gifted servant of Jesus Christ, placed by God into His Body for His purpose. Your role matters. Your obedience matters. Your faithfulness matters. And when every member embraces their calling, the Body of Christ becomes healthy, powerful, and unstoppable—just as God intended.

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Heart In Motion - CD - Amy Grant

Amy Grant – Heart In Motion (CD) – 1991 A&M Records

Heart in Motion is Amy Grant at her most confident and radiant, blending pop polish with her signature warmth. The album bursts with upbeat hooks—“Baby Baby” and “Every Heartbeat” still sparkle—yet it’s the emotional range that gives the record staying power. Grant balances joyful, radio‑friendly energy with moments of sincerity, weaving themes of love, faith, and vulnerability into a cohesive pop statement. The production is unmistakably early ’90s, but in a way that feels nostalgic rather than dated. Heart in Motion stands as a landmark crossover album, proving Grant could expand her sound without losing her core identity.

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Happy Mother's Day Mom!

"Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old. Buy truth, and do not sell it; buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding. The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice; he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him. Let your father and mother be glad; let her who bore you rejoice." (Proverbs 23:22-25)

 No one can calculate the amount of excitement, and anticipation for the future, a couple has, when they first become parents. It is the greatest feeling in the world. They hope that their child will grow up, and really make them proud.
Of course we know that, that isn't always the case.

There are so many sad stories out there, of children who rebelled against their parents, and got involved in things that brought destruction and death.
With Satan wanting to destroy families, and all the other evil, negative influences out there, Christian parents, have their work cut out for them.

We still need to hold on to this advice, and promise: "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." (Proverbs 22:6) As Christian parents, that should be our goal, and our hope, as we trust the Lord to help us, in raising our children.

 I want to say Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers, especially to my mother who is in heaven now! 

Happy Mother's Day Mom! 

Thanks for everything!  GP

 Photo - Patrick Patterson

Graduate In Christ

Graduate In Christ 

Graduation season always brings a special kind of excitement. Across the world, students walk across stages, receive diplomas, and step into new chapters filled with possibility. Families celebrate, friends cheer, and graduates feel the thrill of stepping into the next phase of life. It is a moment marked by accomplishment and anticipation. Yet as meaningful as these milestones are, there is a far greater graduation available to every person—one that surpasses any academic achievement. It is the moment a soul becomes a Christian. That moment, more than any ceremony or degree, marks the beginning of a transformed life.

In many ways, becoming a Christian is its own kind of graduation. It is the point at which a person recognizes, through the struggles and disappointments of life, what truly matters. It is the moment when someone steps up to a higher plane—not in pride, but in purpose. Before Christ, life can feel like a series of frustrations, failures, and unmet expectations. But in Him, we discover peace, fulfillment, and victory that the world could never offer. This is not a graduation earned through merit or effort; it is a gift received through faith. And it ushers us into a new life of growth, learning, and spiritual maturity.

The Apostle Paul described this beautifully when he wrote that believers should “grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ” (Ephesians 4:15). Paul’s words remind us that the Christian life is not static. It is a journey of maturing, deepening, and becoming more like Jesus. But this growth cannot begin until we take the first and most essential step: accepting Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. That decision is the most important one any of us will ever make. It is the doorway to a new life, a new identity, and a new purpose.

If we are honest, life teaches us some hard lessons. Many of us know what it feels like to live without Jesus—trying to carry burdens alone, searching for meaning in temporary things, and attempting to find peace in places that cannot provide it. When we finally come to Christ, it is as though we are enrolling in a new kind of education—one that reshapes our hearts and renews our minds. Jesus Himself invites us into this learning process when He says, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest… learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28–29). Those words—“learn from Me”—capture the essence of discipleship. It is, in a sense, the college of Jesus Christ.

When we place our lives in His hands, we step into a higher calling. We enter a place of spiritual education that surpasses anything the world can offer. Worldly knowledge has its value, but it cannot heal a wounded heart, restore a broken spirit, or give eternal hope. Christ offers an education of the soul—one that teaches us how to live with purpose, how to love with compassion, and how to walk in peace even when life is difficult. In Him, we learn how to navigate trials with faith, how to endure hardship with hope, and how to experience joy that circumstances cannot steal.

So the question becomes: Have we learned enough from the world to recognize its limits? Have we reached the point where we can say, “I need something more. I need Jesus to show me a new way”? If you are longing for happiness that lasts, for peace that remains, for fulfillment that does not fade, Christ offers all of this and more. He does not promise a life free from trouble, but He promises His presence, His strength, and His rest in the midst of it.

Graduation marks a new beginning, not an ending. And choosing Christ is the greatest beginning of all. It is the start of a life shaped by grace, guided by truth, and filled with purpose. So as we celebrate graduates everywhere, let us also celebrate the invitation Christ extends to each of us—the invitation to grow, to learn, and to step into the life He has prepared. So my question to those who have not accepted Jesus as Savior and Lord: What are you waiting for?

Photo: Clker-Free-Vector-Imag - Free for use under the Pixabay Content License - www.pixabay.com

Leaving Our Upper Room

"But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be [a]witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) 

I heard a preacher this week talk about when Jesus showed Himself to the disciples in the upper room following the resurrection. He said that a lot of pages from Bible commentaries have dealt with how Jesus came through the wall, and left through the wall. But the greatest challenge was how Jesus got those disciples out those locked doors, to get the message of the gospel to the world. They were afraid, and did not want what happened to Jesus, to happen to them. 

Let's look at two questions concerning our work of evangelism today. 

1. What Is The Purpose Of The Church? 

 According to our text, Jesus told His disciples (and us today) that we are His witnesses. And even though we were not there to witness Jesus! resurrection, we can testify to how the Lord has been present in our lives, and has ministered to us, in our Christian walk. How will people know about Jesus, unless we tell them? How will they come to accept Him as Savior, unless we share how He has saved us, and keeps us in His providential care? The church is not to have it's focus on social activities, special programs, and activities. But we are to be involved in personal evangelism. Who can we influence for the cause of Christ. 

Are there not people in our families, in our social circles, at work, at school, who have not accepted Jesus Christ. Without a saving relationship with Him, where will they be in the eternal scheme of things? This is urgent, and we as the church, need to leave our upper rooms, and fulfill our calling to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

2. What Is The Phobia Of The Church? 

The church in America, as well as all around the world, needs to have a boldness to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. We know that in different places in the world, Christians are being persecuted for their faith. 

And we need to expect that if we take a bold stand for Jesus Christ, persecution in various forms will come our way. We are not called to crawl in a corner and not be heard. We are called to share the "good news' concerning Jesus Christ. That through our accepting of Him, we have freedom from our sins, and the hope of eternal life. The Lord is counting on us to be salt, and light for Him (Matthew 5:13-16). 

The apostle Paul told Timothy (and us) that..."God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7) We need to leave our upper rooms, and walk in the strength of the Lord, and boldly share concerning our faith, and the hope that we hold in our hearts. 

We are to influence our culture for the glory of God. It's time for us to leave our upper room. Jesus has died, and He has risen, and He is always with us, in our witnessing for Him. It's time church, to GO and Get To It! GP 

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The Proving (By Beverly Lewis)

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The Family Gathering

 

The Family Gathering

There is an old illustration about two porcupines on a bitterly cold winter night. As the temperature dropped, each porcupine realized it needed the other’s warmth to survive. So they inched closer together, only to discover that their sharp quills pricked and irritated one another. Instinctively, they pulled apart—but the cold drove them back again. After several attempts, they finally learned to draw close enough to share warmth, yet not so close that they wounded each other. Even though they needed each other, they needled each other. In many ways, this is the story of every family gathering. We need one another. God designed us for connection, for shared life, for mutual encouragement. Yet when we come together, our “quills”—our personalities, differences, and imperfections—can easily poke and prod, and needle one another. The question is not whether this will happen, but how God wants us to gather in a way that honors Him and strengthens the family He has given us.

Scripture consistently presents family as a gift from God and a place of intentional togetherness. Psalm 133:1 declares, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.” Unity does not mean sameness, nor does it mean the absence of difficulty. It means choosing harmony over hostility, grace over grievance, and humility over pride. When siblings grow up, start families of their own, and scatter into different routines and responsibilities, the desire to gather becomes even more important. But how should they do it? What attitudes should shape these gatherings?

First, God calls families to gather with love as the governing principle. Jesus said, “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” Love is patient, which means we allow room for each other’s quirks. Love is kind, which means we speak gently and listen generously. Love “does not insist on its own way,” which means a family gathering is not the place for competition, comparison, or control. It is a place for servanthood. When adult siblings gather, each bringing their own household, traditions, and rhythms, love becomes the glue that holds the gathering together.

Second, God calls families to gather with humility. Philippians 2:3–4 urges believers to “do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” A family gathering shaped by humility is one where no one is trying to outdo another in material display, social status, or personal achievement. Instead, each person arrives with a heart ready to bless, not impress. Simplicity becomes a virtue. A simple meal, a simple setting, a simple plan—these often create the richest fellowship. Sophistication may impress the world, but simplicity warms the heart.

Third, God calls families to gather with gratitude. When siblings come together after years of life’s changes, gratitude shifts the focus from what has been lost to what remains. Gratitude celebrates the opportunity to catch up on life’s happenings, to share memories, to laugh over childhood stories, and to acknowledge God’s faithfulness through every season. Gratitude turns a gathering into worship.

Fourth, God calls families to gather with intentional encouragement. Hebrews 10:24–25 reminds believers to “consider how to stir up one another to love and good works… encouraging one another.” A family gathering is not merely a social event; it is a spiritual opportunity. It is a chance to speak life, to strengthen weary hearts, to remind one another of God’s promises, and to celebrate His work in each person’s life. Even small, intimate gatherings of a large family can create deep stability. These smaller circles often foster the kind of honest conversation and heartfelt connection that ripple outward into the larger family dynamic.

So how does God want us to gather as a family, no matter the size? He wants us to gather in a way that reflects His heart—simply, humbly, lovingly, and gratefully. He wants our gatherings to be marked not by perfection, but by presence. Not by performance, but by peace. Not by competition, but by compassion. When a family chooses to gather this way, even with their porcupine‑like quills, they discover what those two creatures learned on that cold night: closeness is worth the effort. And with God’s grace, it becomes not only possible, but beautiful.

Photo: Julia M Cameron - Pixabay.com 

Should We Take God at His Word That He Exists, or Is It Just Wishful Thinking?

Should We Take God at His Word That He Exists, or Is It Just Wishful Thinking?

One of the most honest questions a believer can wrestle with is this: If we cannot see God physically, are we simply wishing Him into existence, or can we truly take Him at His Word? Scripture never shies away from this tension. In fact, the Bible meets it head‑on, acknowledging both the human longing for sight and the divine call to trust. When Thomas touched the risen Christ, Jesus told him, “Because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” Jesus wasn’t rebuking Thomas for wanting evidence; He was pointing forward to every believer who would follow—people like us, who would learn to trust the invisible God and yet experience His presence in deeply tangible ways.

Faith, according to Scripture, is not blind optimism or emotional wish‑fulfillment. Hebrews 11:1 defines it as “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Notice those words: substance and evidence. Biblical faith is not a leap into the dark; it is a step into the light of God’s revealed character. God never asks us to believe without giving us reasons to believe. He reveals Himself through creation, through His Word, through the person of Jesus Christ, and through the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit. The question is not whether God has made Himself known, but whether we are willing to receive the ways He has chosen to reveal Himself.

Creation itself is one of the first witnesses God gives us. Psalm 19 declares that “the heavens declare the glory of God,” and Romans 1 says that God’s eternal power and divine nature are clearly seen through what He has made. We may not see God physically, but we see His fingerprints everywhere. The order of the universe, the beauty of nature, the moral awareness written into the human heart—all of these point beyond themselves to a Creator. This is not wishful thinking; it is recognizing that the world we live in bears the marks of intentional design and divine purpose.

But God does not stop with creation. He speaks through Scripture, giving us a record of His dealings with humanity, His promises, His warnings, and His heart. When we read the Bible, we encounter a God who is consistent, faithful, patient, and just. We see a God who enters into covenant, who keeps His word, who acts in history, and who ultimately reveals Himself in Jesus Christ. The reliability of Scripture, the unity of its message, and the fulfillment of prophecy all serve as anchors for our faith. We are not believing in a vague spiritual force; we are trusting the God who has spoken and continues to speak.

Still, the question remains: How do we live day by day with confidence in a God we cannot see? Scripture gives us practical instruction. First, we cultivate awareness of God’s presence through prayer. Prayer is not merely talking into the air; it is communion with the living God. As we pray, we begin to sense His guidance, His comfort, and His correction. Jesus promised that the Father rewards those who seek Him in secret. Prayer trains our hearts to recognize God’s nearness.

Second, we become attentive to God’s work in our lives. The Holy Spirit is constantly active—convicting, comforting, reminding, strengthening, and leading. When we look back over our lives, we often see moments where God protected us, opened doors, closed others, or gave us peace that made no sense in the moment. These are not coincidences; they are the quiet footprints of a God who walks with His people.

Third, we walk in obedience. Jesus said that those who obey His teaching will experience the reality of God making His home with them. Obedience sharpens our spiritual senses. When we align our lives with God’s Word, we begin to see His hand more clearly. Faith grows not only by believing but by following.

Finally, we remember that God has given us the community of believers. We see God’s character reflected in His people—their love, their generosity, their perseverance, their testimonies of answered prayer. The church is a living witness that God is active and present.

So is believing in God wishful thinking? Not at all. It is responding to the God who has revealed Himself and continues to reveal Himself. We may not see Him with our physical eyes, but we see His work, hear His voice in Scripture, sense His presence through the Spirit, and experience His faithfulness in our lives. Jesus calls us blessed—not because we believe without evidence, but because we trust the God who is always near, even when unseen.

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The Afterglow Of Easter

 

The Afterglow Of Easter 

"But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." (Acts 1:8) 

  The hearts of the disciples were still burning with joy, and excitement after seeing the Lord Jesus alive, and walking among them. How can you come down from this mountain top experience after witnessing such an extraordinary miracle? Jesus told them that they were to be witnesses to what had happened, and to share it with people not only In the local realm, but to the ends of the earth. 

  Of course it would be impossible for the early Christians to accomplish this in their life time. That is why the baton of the resurrection event of Jesus Christ, has been carried by Christians since that time. And we as Christians are called to carry it today. People need to hear about the resurrection of Jesus Christ, because it is the pillar of hope for our future. 

  If we leave out the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, what good news do we have to tell? It is the motivation behind what we are, and all that we do. It is the motivation behind the sharing of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. But even though we were not privileged to see the bodily form of the risen Lord, back then, we can still experience His presence in our lives today. The way that we do that, is to open ourselves up to Him. Make time to fellowship with Him. Take time to pray, to meditate on His Word, and be patient, and wait for the doors to open for for His will to manifest itself in our lives. 

  We are evangelistic baton carriers, carrying the message of hope to this generation. It is exciting in the afterglow of Easter to be ready, to hand it to someone who is coming our way. If they grab it, and run with it, what a difference it will make in their lives, and for future lives! GP 

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The Voice Of The Veil

 

The Voice Of The Veil 

"Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is by His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water." (Hebrews 10:19-22) 

 "During the lifetime of Jesus, the holy temple in Jerusalem was the center of Jewish religious life. The temple was the place where animal sacrifices were carried out and worship according to the Law of Moses was followed faithfully. Hebrews 9:1-9 tells us that in the temple a veil separated the Holy of Holies—the earthly dwelling place of God’s presence—from the rest of the temple where men dwelt. This signified that man was separated from God by sin (Isaiah 59:1-2). Only the high priest was permitted to pass beyond this veil once each year (Exodus 30:10; Hebrews 9:7) to enter into God’s presence for all of Israel and make atonement for their sins (Leviticus 16). So, what do we make of this? What significance does this torn veil have for us today? Above all, the tearing of the veil at the moment of Jesus’ death dramatically symbolized that His sacrifice, the shedding of His own blood, was a sufficient atonement for sins. It signified that now the way into the Holy of Holies was open for all people, for all time, both Jew and Gentile.(GotQuestions.org/temple-veil-torn.html) 

   So if the veil that hung in the temple could speak, what would it say to us today? I believe that the key word it says to us, is the word "access." Because of the tearing of the veil, we have total atonement 

for sin, by the sacrifice of Jesus, Christ. Now we have "access" to the presence of God. Such a wonderful blessing that we should take advantage of. The Hebrew writer tells us to "draw near", to come near to the throne of grace. Come into the presence of God with boldness. 

   I can say with boldness that a lot of people, don't see this as having any significance at all. It comes down to the fact that people do not see their need for God in their lives. They don't see the need of having a Savior. "Why do I need to be saved?" "Saved from who, and what?" 

  When I look at society, and even the church, I see such pride, arrogance, conceit. Look at who I am, and what I am doing. I don't need anyone except those people I can take advantage of, who can do something for me, to bolster my ego, to enhance my self-sufficiency. 

My response to this is, I need a Savior! I am a sinner who needs to draw near to the throne of grace, and as Paul says in Romans 5:2 to stand in this grace. 

  

  I along with the world, need to have my heart cleansed of an "evil conscience', and my "body"(Mind, body and soul) washed in the blood of Jesus. The veil being torn, speaks to me of the blessed privilege and gift, to come (not through a representative) but of my own accord to Jesus, and submit myself to His grace and Lordship over my life. I see this need for me, and countless others. 

  We are so sick with sin, selfishness, and self-sufficiency. We are going down a path of destruction led by Satan and the world. The veil has been torn, from top to bottom in the temple. No one did this but God Himself. He opened the door for all Jews and Gentiles, to experience all the spiritual blessings that He has to offer. (Ephesians 1:3) 

How sad for us, if we don't come through that spiritual veil, and be made ready to receive God's eternal blessings today, and forever! GP 

Photo: Steve Creitz - GoodSalt.com Tuesday: Torn Veil and Rent Rocks/Sabbath School Net Image © Steve Creitz from GoodSalt.com

Palm Sunday! A Passion That Loved To The End!

"Now before the feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour had come, that He should depart from this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end."

(John 13:1)

Palm Sunday: 

A Passion That Loved to the End!

Palm Sunday ushers us into the most significant stretch of time in human history—Holy Week, the Passion Week—when the journey of Jesus toward the cross and ultimately the empty tomb reaches its climactic moment. As we step into this sacred week, John’s words settle over us with a quiet, powerful weight: “Now before the feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour had come, that He should depart from this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end.” (John 13:1). These are not casual words. They reveal the heartbeat of Christ as He prepared to lay down His life. He knew what was coming. He knew the suffering, the betrayal, the loneliness of the cross—and still, He loved. He loved fully, faithfully, relentlessly, to the very end.

That is the passion of Jesus. Not a fleeting emotion, not a momentary affection, but a love rooted in eternity itself. Scripture tells us that this love didn’t begin in the upper room or on the road to Jerusalem. It began “before the foundation of the world” (Ephesians 1:4). Long before Palm branches were waved, long before nails pierced His hands, long before we ever took our first breath, Christ’s passion for His people was already set in motion. Holy Week simply reveals it in its most breathtaking form.

But Palm Sunday also invites us to turn the question inward. If Jesus’ passion for us is so deep, so enduring, so sacrificial—what is the depth of our passion for Him? We admire His love, but do we mirror it? We celebrate His devotion, but do we respond with our own? Passion for Christ is not meant to be seasonal, rising only during Holy Week or fading when life becomes busy. It is meant to be steady, shaping our choices, our priorities, our obedience. Paul captures this beautifully when he urges believers to be “steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that our labor is not in vain in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 15:58). Passion that endures. Passion that acts. Passion that remains anchored even when life shakes us.

So as we enter this sacred week, we are invited to reflect not only on the passion of Christ but on our own. How much do we love Jesus? How deeply does our devotion run? Do we follow Him only when the crowds are cheering, or also when the road grows steep? Palm Sunday reminds us that Jesus’ love carried Him all the way to the cross. May our love carry us into deeper faithfulness, deeper gratitude, and deeper surrender.

Holy Week has begun. Christ has loved us to the end. Now we walk with Him—hearts stirred, spirits awakened, passion renewed.

 Photo ID 7852612 © Javier Santiago | Dreamstime.com

Is It Too Late To Change?

"Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us." (Romans 8:37) 

There are those who say, that they are too old to change. "I've been this way, for so long, there is no way I am going to change now!" But when we look at people in the Bible, such as Zacchaeus, Peter, and the Apostle Paul, we see how the Lord made dynamic changes in their lives. 

Yes, it can happen, if one is willing to submit to the wisdom, and authority of the Lord. To say, "I've had enough of this old life, I want to be what the Lord wants me to be!" "The devil has had me too long!" "It's time for me to give myself totally to the Lord Jesus Christ!" 

No doubt it will take time, and some falls, before we are steadfast on our feet as a Christian. It begins with an honest evaluation of our lives. 

To answer the question: "Is this who I want to be?" With the Lord's help, by submitting to His Word, and applying it to our daily lives, we will be different people. 

Our attitudes and actions will change. People will be astounded at how the Lord will make a difference in our lives. It is the willingness to go the distance with Jesus. To go as far as He will take us in, our spiritual transformation, and growth. 

We are never too old to change, and with the Lord Jesus Christ, it can happen! GP 

Photo by Stuart Miles. Published on 24 October 2014 Stock photo - Image ID: 100294873 www.freedigitalphotos.net