FROM GABBATHA TO GOLGOTHA

From Judgement to crucifixion

The Judge of the whole world stood humbly before Pilate to be judged!

The Savior of the whole world was condemned to death and was crucified!

The Giver of Life died and was laid in a tomb!

One day, each one of us including Pilate, 

will have to stand before the judgement seat of CHRIST.

CHRIST defeated death and now lives forever 

to save those who come to Him in faith.

He gives them eternal life.

He freely offers forgiveness to those who stand condemned 

before the judicial system of this world 

and also to those who carry guilt in their hearts. 

He releases those who are in spiritual prison and bondage, 

into freedom and liberty in Him.

 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, 

that each one may receive the things done in the body, 

according to what he has done, whether good or bad.

2 Corinthians 5:10

And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, 

for He will save His people from their sins."

Matthew 1:21

Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, 

"If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 

 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

John 8:31-32

Therefore if the Son makes you free, 

you shall be free indeed.

John 8:36

and that He was buried, 

and that He rose again the third day 

according to the Scriptures,

1 Corinthians 15:4

In the beginning was the Word, 

and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 

 He was in the beginning with God. 

  All things were made through Him, 

and without Him nothing was made that was made. 

  In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 

  And the light shines in the darkness, 

and the darkness did not comprehend it. 

  There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 

  This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, 

that all through him might believe. 

  He was not that Light, 

but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 

  That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 1:1-14

Hindrances to Prayer and the Power of Prayer

 

When we come to GOD to pray, our Motive must be to Glorify His Name and our attitude must be Humility and Love.

You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.

James 4:3

 In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.

Matthew 6:9

Motives that are a hindrance to prayer:

Possessions

 Then one from the crowd said to Him, "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me." But He said to him, "Man, who made Me a judge or an arbitrator over you?" And He said to them, "Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses."

Luke 12:13-15

Positions  

Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Him, saying, "Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask." And He said to them, "What do you want Me to do for you?" They said to Him, "Grant us that we may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on Your left, in Your glory." But Jesus said to them, "You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?" They said to Him, "We are able." So Jesus said to them, "You will indeed drink the cup that I drink, and with the baptism I am baptized with you will be baptized; but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared." And when the ten heard it, they began to be greatly displeased with James and John. But Jesus called them to Himself and said to them, "You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."

Mark 10:35-45

Self Glory

 "And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.

Matthew 6:5-6

Religious prayers without a relationship with the Father

 And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.

Matthew 6:7-8

Attitude of Pride

 Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:"Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, 'God, I thank You that I am not like other men--extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. 

I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.' And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me a sinner!' I tell you, this man went down to his house justified 

rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled,  and he who humbles himself will be exalted."

Luke 18:9-14

Sinful Heart

- As we release forgiveness to others, we receive forgiveness from GOD.

If I regard iniquity in my heart, The Lord will not hear. 

Psalm 66:18

 And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors.

Matthew 6:12

The Power of GOD is revealed in answer to prayer that is according to GOD’S will.

His ways are higher than our ways and He gives more than what we ask.

 Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.

1 John 5:14-15

"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways," says the Lord. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.
Isaiah 55:8-9

 'Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.'

Jeremiah 33:3

 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,

Ephesians 3:20

 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!"

Luke 11:13

 Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus." And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.

Acts 4:29-31

The Move!

The Move!

Sorting

 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, 

piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, 

and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 

And there is no creature hidden from His sight, 

but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him 

to whom we must give account.

Hebrews 4:12-13 

As a family, we are in the process of sorting and clearing things in our home in which we have lived for over 11years! In this process, I pull everything out of a room, cupboard, shelf , drawer, box or bag I have decided to work on. Then I examine each item and decide whether I need to keep it, give it away or throw it away! Those things that I don't need, may be useful for someone else. If I can't think of a person who could make use of it, I put it in a bag for the second hand or Samaritan's store. Everything that stays needs to be put in the right place. 

 "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet that was cast into the sea 

and gathered some of every kind, which, when it was full, they drew to shore; 

and they sat down and gathered the good into vessels, but threw the bad away. 

So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come forth, 

separate the wicked from among the just, and cast them into the furnace of fire. 

There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth." Jesus said to them, 

"Have you understood all these things?" They said to Him, "Yes, Lord." 

Then He said to them, "Therefore every scribe instructed concerning the kingdom of heaven 

is like a householder who brings out of his treasure things new and old." 

Matthew 13:47-52 

When I clear the things in my home, I have a sense of peace that my life is being sorted and cleared. Most of the time a tidy house is an indication of a clear mind and a disciplined life.

Garbage 

And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, 

and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left. 

Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do." 

And they divided His garments and cast lots. 

Luke 23:33-34 

In this process I am so very thankful for the city council that has given us a big garbage bin which is also cleared every week! When we have decided what shouldn't or needn't stay in our home, we simply dump it in the bin and it is not seen anymore! What a blessing that is!!

 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, 

and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. 

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins 

and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1 John 1:7-9 

Recyclables 

 You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 

And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, 

commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

2 Timothy 2:1-2 

My husband and I together with our son thought of moving home. Although the purchase of a new house and the sale of our current house is put on hold right now, it could happen any time, depending on the housing market. Taking time now to clear our stuff will enable us to move at short notice without much stress! It also gives us the opportunity to sort things out wisely so that each item is given away to the right person who would appreciate it and make good use of it. Many things that have been useful to me in the house, I pass down to our daughter! 

We will not have time to sit and sort out things when this house is sold and the move is on! Everything will have to be cleared from the house and then the house will have to be thoroughly cleaned and handed over to the buyer.

 "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, 

nor the Son, but only the Father. Take heed, watch and pray; 

for you do not know when the time is. 

It is like a man going to a far country, 

who left his house and gave authority to his servants, 

and to each his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to watch. 

Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming-

-in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning-

- lest, coming suddenly, he find you sleeping. 

And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!"

Mark 13:32-37 

Treasures 

 "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, 

where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; 

but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, 

where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 

Matthew 6:19-21 

One purpose of our move is to downsize. Initially we had our two sons living with us in this home. Our daughter who got married also moved in with her husband for a few months. Then our grandkids were brought here often and our games room was put into good use! Now two of our children are married and only one lives with us. The house is too big for us besides the maintenance of the garden is difficult. Hence the idea of the move!

The apartment we plan to move into is much smaller and cannot accommodate the furniture and things we have collected over the 11 years. We have to let go of many things including some sentimental stuff!

Although it is not easy to let go of things, there is the joy of anticipation of new experiences in the new home. Now my thoughts are more on setting up the new house than the current one. I am preparing for the move by sorting out things and clearing and willing to let go of everything that will not be fitting in the new abode! 

 Now godliness with contentment is great gain. 

For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 

And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. 

But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, 

and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. 

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil,

 for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, 

and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 

But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, 

godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. 

Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, 

to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession 

in the presence of many witnesses. 

I urge you in the sight of God who gives life to all things, 

and before Christ Jesus who witnessed the good confession before Pontius Pilate, 

that you keep this commandment without spot, 

blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ's appearing, 

which He will manifest in His own time, 

He who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 

who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, 

whom no man has seen or can see, to whom be honor and everlasting power. Amen. Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, 

nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. 

Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, 

storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, 

that they may lay hold on eternal life.

1 Timothy 6:6-19 

Judge Not

"Judge not, that you be not judged. 

For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; 

and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. 

And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, 

but do not consider the plank in your own eye? 

Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me remove the speck from your eye'; 

and look, a plank is in your own eye? 

Hypocrite! 

First remove the plank from your own eye, 

and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye. 

Matthew 7:1-5 

while I sort out my things, my husband sorts out his things and our son sorts and clears his stuff. I tend to be radical in handling their things as I don't seem to understand their values. Often they say to me, "Don't throw that; I need to keep that", although it would seem to me as a useless thing! Therefore we realize that in this process we have to exercise much patience and understanding towards one another.

 But why do you judge your brother? 

Or why do you show contempt for your brother? 

For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. 

For it is written: "As I live, says the Lord, 

Every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall confess to God." 

So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. 

Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, 

but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block 

or a cause to fall in our brother's way.

Romans 14:10-13 

Judgment 

"When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, 

then He will sit on the throne of His glory. 

All the nations will be gathered before Him, 

and He will separate them one from another, 

as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. 

Matthew 25:31-32 

When at last our move happens, we will not regret the time and effort we put in to sort out things in our house! Each item small or big, valuable or trash has to be accounted for and has to go to the right place. The old house has to be completely emptied. Only things that are suitable can be taken to the new house.

And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, 

Hebrews 9:27 

 Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. 

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, 

that each one may receive the things done in the body, 

according to what he has done, whether good or bad.

2 Corinthians 5:9-10

  

Rest

 And He said, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest." 

Exodus 33:14 

The home is a resting place. People finish their day's work and rush home to rest. Home is the best place to relax and rest! 

Rest to the soul is peace. We find it hard to rest and sleep when there is no peace.

GOD is our Resting place when we have Faith in Him, Believe in what He says and live in Submission to His Word and Obedience to His Voice.

 There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. 

For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works 

as God did from His.

Hebrews 4:9-10 

Ready or not, Here I Come! 

 Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen. 

"I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End," says the Lord, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty." 
Revelation 1:7-8 

Are you getting ready for the big move?

Are you sorting out every motive and attitude?

Are you constantly clearing the garbage of sin through repentance so that you may receive forgiveness at the cross of the LORD JESUS CHRIST and cleansing by His precious Blood?

Are you living in an intimate relationship with the LORD?

Is GOD'S love flowing through you to others?

Are you freely sharing the good news of the Gospel so that souls may be saved?

Are you imparting your knowledge to edify others?

Are you making use of the Spiritual gifts you have been given to encourage others?

Are you abounding in good works?

Are you sharing your material possessions with those in need?

He who testifies to these things says, "Surely I am coming quickly." Amen. 

Even so, come, Lord Jesus! 

Revelation 22:20

Ready?

Dengue Epidemic!

 Local newspapers reporting of Dengue epidemic in Sri Lanka

One of the main reasons for the spread of dengue is improper
garbage disposal, he pointed out, urging that there is a need to
change the habits of the people in this connection. He was
adamant that the best ways to bring about a behavioural change
were strong campaigns both in education and the media. The
campaigns should also not be one-off but consistent and
throughout the year. Schools should educate children on proper
garbage disposal which would then impact not only on dengue
but many other diseases as well and keeping the environment
clean, while the media (print and electronic) should do the same
for the wider public.

Unclean spirits are like viruses.
Viruses work and multiply through cells of other living creatures.
They need others’ cells to fulfil their destructive purposes.
Similarly, unclean spirits operate in and through human beings. 

Garbage is the place where mosquitoes that carry viruses multiply.
Hurts, unforgiveness, anger, and bitterness are spiritual garbage.
Unclean spirits thrive in lives where there is spiritual garbage.
They cause anxiety, depression, murder, cheating and fightings
which in the spiritual sense are as dengue and other diseases.

Let us keep our lives, minds and hearts clean so that we may live
peaceful and happy lives filled with GOD’S love for one another!
The Holy Spirit dispels the unclean spirits.
The truth of the word of GOD, the Bible is like water that washes
our minds clean.
The Blood of the LORD JESUS is like a powerful stain remover
or cleanser!
Let us use these in prayer and intercession to clean ourselves and
clean others and relationships.

Who is wise and understanding among you?
 Let him show by good conduct 
that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom.

But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth.

This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic.

For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.

James 3:13-17

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:30-32

If anyone teaches otherwise

and does not consent to wholesome words,

even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ,

and to the doctrine which accords with godliness,

he is proud, knowing nothing,

but is obsessed with disputes

and arguments over words,

from which come envy, strife,

reviling, evil suspicions,

useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds

and destitute of the truth,

who suppose that godliness is a means of gain.

From such withdraw yourself.

1 Timothy 6:3-5

TWO SIDES

TWO SIDES

All things have two sides. 

Let's think about it. 

Doesn't everything on earth 

have two sides to it?

If there is a beginning, there is an end.
If there is a start, there has to be a finish.
If there is an up, then there is a down.
Inside and outside;
 right side and left side.
Even the shortest thinnest line and the tiniest dot have two dimensions!
There is a width and a length!

Hooks and Loops!

There is a heaven and a hell.
There is a downward pull which is gravity and an upward pull which is glory.
There is light and darkness;
good and evil.

In relationships there is giving and receiving;
bearing and forbearing;
repenting and forgiving.

Even in our relationship with GOD there are two sides,
GOD'S and ours, just like any covenant.
GOD always does His part. How about you?
Are you doing your part to see GOD'S promises fulfilled in your life?

 He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High 
Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
Psalm 91:1

For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; 
In the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; 
He shall set me high upon a rock.
Psalm 27:5

For thus says the High and Lofty One Who inhabits eternity, 
whose name is Holy: 
"I dwell in the high and holy place, 
With him who has a contrite and humble spirit, 
To revive the spirit of the humble, 
And to revive the heart of the contrite ones.
Isaiah 57:15 

Man dwelling in GOD
and GOD dwelling in man.
.................................
I am the vine, you are the branches. 
He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; 
for without Me you can do nothing.
John 15:5 

 Therefore let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. 
If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, 
you also will abide in the Son and in the Father. 
And this is the promise that He has promised us--eternal life. 
These things I have written to you 
concerning those who try to deceive you. 
But the anointing which you have received from Him 
abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; 
but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, 
and is true, and is not a lie, 
and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him.
1 John 2:24-27 

I abide in CHRIST
and CHRIST abides in me.
...............................................
nor will they say, 'See here!' or 'See there!' 
For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you."
Luke 17:21

Assuredly, I say to you, 
whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child 
will by no means enter it."
Luke 18:17 

When the Kingdom of GOD is within me
I am in the Kingdom of GOD.
.................................................

 If we confess our sins, 

He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins 

and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1 John 1:9

If we confess, He will forgive.
..............................................

He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. 

But as many as received Him,

to them He gave the right to become children of God, 

to those who believe in His name:
John 1:11-12

if we believe Him and receive Him
He gives us the right to become
children of GOD.
..........................................

 Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, 

believe that you receive them, and you will have them.

Mark 11:24

If we believe we will receive. 

........................................

Now He did not do many mighty works there 

because of their unbelief.
Matthew 13:58

and begged Him that they might only touch the hem of His garment. 

And as many as touched it were made perfectly well.
Matthew 14:36

If we touch Him He will touch us.
...............................................

Do not love the world or the things in the world.
 If anyone loves the world, 
the love of the Father is not in him. 
For all that is in the world-
-the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, 
and the pride of life--is not of the Father 
but is of the world. 
And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; 
but he who does the will of God abides forever. 
1 John 2:15-17 

Deceptive teachings from false prophets and teachers
lure even the very elect into carnal lusts.
When Babylon of worldliness stands tall and strong
and false teachers preach and offer things
that seem to satisfy the lusts of the flesh and eyes
and the pride of life,
the carnal mind gets attracted to it.
If money is the hook,
the love of money is the loop that gets hooked to it!
Such hooks will increase in the world these end times.
Let us beware and make sure
our minds and hearts are free of loops!

Keep your heart with all diligence,
For out of it spring the issues of life. Proverbs 4:23
...........................
 "Ask, and it will be given to you; 
seek, and you will find; 
knock, and it will be opened to you.
Matthew 7:7 

When we ask it will be given to us.
When we seek we will find.
when we knock it will be opened to us.
Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, 
and I will listen to you. 
And you will seek Me and find Me, 
when you search for Me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29:12-13 

When we call upon the LORD
He will listen to us.
When we search for Him
we will find Him.
...................................

This is a faithful saying: 
For if we died with Him, We shall also live with Him. 
If we endure, We shall also reign with Him.
If we deny Him, He also will deny us. 
If we are faithless, He remains faithful; 
He cannot deny Himself.
2 Timothy 2:11-13 

Faithful GOD!



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