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Your Weekly Inspirational Devotional Message
FOR TODAY
from: Glorious Messages About
God & Freedom
Below is the message for Week 12 from the book Glorious Messages About God & Freedom.
Please use this message as your inspirational devotional message today for the UNLEASH GOD'S FULL POWER TRAINING PROGRAM and visit this page whenever you need to read the message that goes along with each day of the year as you proceed thorough this training program to UNLEASH GOD'S FULL POWER IN YOUR LIFE AND IN OUR WORLD!
***ATTENTION: Just as an elite athlete eats a diet that is much more "nutrient rich" than the average "sugary" diet so these messages are much more "rich" in God's Truth so give yourself plenty of time to digest them and get conditioned to this level of transformative messages about God!
TODAY'S MESSAGE:
My God! My God! Why Have You Forsaken Me?
My message this week on this glorious Sunday of our Lord and Savior Jesus focuses on the 22nd Psalm which graphically describes the crucifixion of Jesus in a way that helps us to better understand the great pain and suffering that He underwent as He died upon the cross. In no other place in the Bible are we given such excruciating details about all that Jesus had to endure as we are in this psalm by David. And by contemplating the agonizing death of Jesus it not only helps us to become much closer to Him but also helps us to be able to better embrace our own suffering in life as an essential part of God’s redeeming love for us.
What is most amazing about this psalm is that it was written over a thousand years before Jesus was even born but describes almost exactly what Jesus went through when He was crucified. When David says things like “they pierced my hands and my feet” or “they divide my clothes among them and cast lots for my garments” it can only be the crucifixion of Christ that He is describing because David was never physically tortured like this in his life and death by crucifixion did not even exist when he lived. Obviously God used David to foretell the great suffering that His son Jesus would endure as He died upon the cross. At the same time David was also experiencing so much personal anguish and pain that he was crying out to God as a dying man begging for help from his God Who alone could save him.
When Jesus cried out on the cross: “My God! My God! Why have you forsaken me?“ (Matthew 27:46 & Mark 15:34) He was speaking the exact words that David used to begin this psalm. While there have been many theories as to why Jesus said this at this time no one knows the exact reason but Jesus must have been experiencing some type of separation from His Father as He took all the sins of the world upon Himself. (1 Peter 2:24) For Jesus this must have been the worst part for Him to have been separated from His Father for even a moment because everything He did was for His Father "even to the death of the cross" (Philippians 2:8) because He loved His Father in Heaven above and beyond everything else.
During our lives we are all going to experience our share of suffering and at times it may be so intense that we may also feel like crying out: My God! My God! Why have you forsaken me? We must, however, come to accept that pain and suffering are just a part of being human and living out our lives in this “land of the shadow of death.” (Isaiah 9:2) While it may be tempting to think that once we belong to God He will relieve us from any and all suffering during our lives, that is clearly not His way. By allowing His “only begotton Son” to suffer as He did He shows us that suffering is a part of His plan of redemption for humanity so when He allows suffering to come into our own lives He has a good reason.
The following humorous incident involving one of God’s saints has always helped me to keep a better perspective upon my own suffering. While St. Teresa of Avila was traveling between churches to carry out her duties for God she had a bad fall from her horse and cried out to God asking Him how He could treat her in such a way. She immediately heard God reply: “Teresa, whom the Lord loves, He chastens. This is how I treat all my friends.” To which she sardonically responded: “No wonder you have so few!”
It is actually because God loves us so much that He allows us to experience pain and suffering during our lives as a way to redeem and perfect us in order to join us together with Him forever. The closer we become to God the more intense the suffering may be at times when anything interferes with our intimate relationship with Him just as separation from God caused Jesus so much pain on the cross. Even saints like Teresa who had deep mystical relationships with God experienced what they termed the “dark night of the soul” when God seemed to suddenly withdraw from them. It may be precisely because they were so close to God that He granted them such intense suffering in this way so that they could more closely embrace the suffering of Jesus.
What we need to always remember in the midst of any suffering is that God has promised that: “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5) And God will never “abandon my soul in hell” just as He did not let His “Holy One see decay.” (Psalm 16:10 and Acts 2:27) Even when it may seem to us that God has abandoned us we can cry out to Him and He will hear us and give us the help that we need. This is why David ended this Psalm greatly praising God: “For He has not despised or scorned the suffering of the afflicted one; He has not hidden His face from him but has listened to his cry for help.” Likewise we can also praise God for His faithfullness and for also allowing us the opportunity to embrace His suffering through our own so that in the end we can better share in His great Victory! Amen! (Romans 8:17)
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Below are some examples of the feedback we have received from people who read our Inspirational Devotional Messages each week:
Week 1 - Celebrate The Glorious Revelation of God To Mankind!
AMEN! AMEN! AMEN!
Great explanation of the Epiphany importance!
Week 2 - Onward Christian Soldiers!
Awesome message! Wow. Your the real deal. Iam truly inspired. Soldier on!
Week 3 - Everyone Who Is Called By My Name Who I Created For My Glory!
Spectacular image goes well with spectacular message!
Week 4 - No One Knows The Day Or Hour!
Thanks Ben. Good, as always!
Week 5 - The Punishment Of The Wicked!
Repent and be saved by the mighty right hand of God, our Lord, Jesus Christ. Serve Him only.
Week 6 - Rebellion To Tyrants Is Obedience To God!
Love this!
Outstanding message and History lesson!
Week 7 - You Have Not Because You Ask Not
Really awesome and powerful message. Right now I am asking God for His blessings on the 12 junior high youth in our group I teach and pray and share with on Weds nights. Challenging us to get a "firm grip" and reliance on Him and on the "Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God", and in Prayer....these are two offensive weapons God has given us to fight His battles and find victory and fruit in our lives.
Week 8 - Aid Yourself And God Will Aid You!
Great historical lesson on unwavering faith, devotion, leadership and decisive action combined for Victory!
Week 9 - Jesus†Maria!
Good message. Thanks!
Another famous battle banner that heralded victory for the “first Christian Emperor of Rome” (Byzantine), was the Chi-Rho cross banner that Constantine I was given in a vision by God before a major battle in the 3rd Century. This banner is depicted on small bronze Roman coins of the time. Constantine’s mother, Helena, was a devout Christian who went to Jerusalem on a mission journey and reportedly found a piece of the true cross.
Week 10 - Be A Good Soldier Of Christ!
Well done as always!
Week 11 - I Will Fear No Evil For Thou Art With Me!
My Fav Psalm!
Week 12 - My God! My God! Why Have You Forsaken Me?
This may be my favorite message from your series. Tho suffering and grief and pain are not my favorite things, they have drawn me closer to God and others.
Well said. Gut wrenching sacrifice for us. Kneel in the dust and raise our hands in thanks and praise for such a Love as His.
Good one, Ben.
Having been through the valley of the shadow of death with the loss of my daughter, and nearly with my wife and son, I did cry out to God, and felt forsaken for awhile. But He showed me enough of His light to keep me faithful to Him and to trust Him with all my heart and soul.
Week 13 - One Bright Morning I’ll Fly Away!
Awesome devotion full of fearless truth and freedom for those willing to hear, believe and receive. And a reminder to us who have placed our trust and lives in Jesus to never be afraid of death or sharing the truth.
Week 14 - Jesus Is Freedom!
Good Job! Blessings to you!
HOLY WEEK - This Is My Body! … This Is My Blood!
Great message and God's Power in the body and blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
EASTER MORNING - JESUS MAKES DEAD PEOPLE ALIVE!
Amen!
Amen. He is Risen indeed and He is our hope, joy and strength. Great message.
Week 15 - HE IS RISEN!
He is Risen Indeed!
Wow what a incredible photo to go with your message!
Week 16 - Remember The Love For God And Freedom That The Original American Patriots Possessed!
Wow, great message about first American patriots! I did not know that the men who fired the shot heard round the world were all from the same church in Lexington. Thanks!
Week 17 - The Enemies Of God Are Every Christian’s Enemy!
So true. Amen!
Week 18 - Christian Soldiers Never Fight Alone!
Loved how you integrated the story from St. Joan's life with same example from scripture.
Week 19 - God Of Our Fathers!
Awesome. Thanks, Ben.
Week 20 - The Star Spangled Banner Displays The Love For And Trust In God Of Our Ancestors!
Love it!
Week 21 - Becoming Close To God In Order To Live Free!
Great message.
Coming anarchy by spoiled get it all for free generation will require discipline and prayer on our part.
Week 22 - The Greatest Love As Demonstrated To Us By Jesus & Soldiers!
A powerful and key message to all who desire freedom.
Week 23 - Learn The Proper Way to Fight For God!
Excellent message and scripture discussion.
Week 24 - Our Father Who Art In Heaven!
Timely and true.
Love this message. As a Dad, it is even more encouraging to remember the higher calling I have for my kids.
Week 25 - The Challenge To Be Perfect
Well explained and shared. Fixing our eyes upon Jesus lets us run the race with endurance and depend on Christ to see us through to the end.
Week 26 - Trust In God And Fear Nothing!
Truly inspiring!
Week 27 - The Warriors Psalm!
Always love this one!
Week 28 - Jesus The Prince of Peace!
Well said!
Week 29 - Blessed Are The Peacemakers!
So True!
Week 30 - The Lord Is My Light And My Salvation Whom Shall I Fear!
Excellent! Sharing with family n friends.
Thanks Ben. Love Psalm 27!
Love this devotion. Keep up the great work of faith getting these out. Praying for you and all who hear these messages.
Week 31 - Put On The Full Armor Of God To Stand Against Evil!
Wonderful message and liked the way you related the Shield of Faith from Ephesians 6 with the faith promise in Romans 8:28.
AMEN and AMEN
Week 32 - Take The Sword Of The Spirit!
Take up the Sword of the Spirit every morning before climbing out of bed! Thanks.
Outstanding devotion!
Week 33 - Listen To THE WORD of God!
Always so good! I like the way you tie in Jeanne with Scripture.
My favorite verses on the Word are: Hebrews 4:12, John 1:14 and 2 Timothy 3:16, among others found in the Word of God / Holy Scriptures.
Great message holding on to Ephesians 6 as I enter the dragons den In Hawaii. Armor up!
Week 34 - True Wisdom Comes From God
AMEN!
Thanks for helping me understand that only through God may we know Who His Son IS! Like Peter!
Thanks Ben. Very good. Yes, they are blind, but willfully blind. As with most cases, arrogance is the big stumbling block. At least, that's what I think.
Week 35 - Do Not Neglect Your Temple Of The Holy Spirit!
Thanks Ben. I am enjoying these!
Week 36 - Let Us Mount Up With Wings As Eagles!
Awesome poem and lesson. My favorite movie where this verse was preached and "owned" by Scottish gold medalist Eric Liddell, Chariots of Fire. Waiting on you Lord, Grant me steadfastness in my waiting!
Week 37 - I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me!
..."then you better stay focused on Jesus". So true. The times I stopped fixing my eyes and heart on Him were the lowest points in my life. My fav verse in all the Bible goes right with your message today...Heb 12: 1 - 4:
"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. "
Thanks!
Week 38 - Strength And Courage!
AMEN AND WE ASK ALL THIS IN YOUR NAME YESHUA AMEN
Thanks, Ben. Always a good word!
Thanks and amen. Been reading about Patton lately, who indeed was a good example.
Go in Strength and Courage, Ben.
Week 39 - Through God We Shall Do Valiantly!
Thanks! Makes want to be more like Joan!
Week 40 - All Things Work Together For Good For Those That Love God!
Amen!
Amen on all and especially: “HE CAN AND WILL WORK ALL THINGS TOGETHER FOR GOOD FOR THOSE THAT LOVE HIM!”
Thanks for giving me a needed boost with this message! Came at a good time!
Week 41 - The Lord’s Prayer IS The Perfect Prayer!
Your poem at the end touched me deeply and more than you can ever know!
Well said! Every day.
AMEN BEAUTIFUL!
Very nice! Thanks!!
Great poem you wrote on the Lord's Prayer!
Week 42 - I Am Full Of The Fury Of The Lord
AMEN BEN AMEN
Week 43 - God Fought For Us: The Power Of Faith & Prayer On Display At The Battle Of Agincourt!!
Amazing, and a well written account of Battle of Agincourt.
Week 44 - Celebrate All Saints Day!
Indeed! All Saints unite! Jesus paid the penalty and gifted us His Spirit at salvation that we can live like saints in His Power for His Glory.
JOAN OF ARC.MY PATRON SAINT!
So beautiful!
Week 45 - Stop Praying And Get The People Going Forward!
A great devotional message we all need to read and heed.
Good message for today, and thanks!
Week 46 - Soldiers Do Not Get Entangled In Civilian Affairs!
Good. For example, getting too entangled with all the insane politics...
Exactly! and the key word is "entangled" because it does not mean we don't try to help like Saint Joan did.
Week 47 - Physical Training Is Of Some Value, But...
Love this devotion and always go back to your referenced scriptures and read the entire passages
Well presented Ben. A valuable lesson in our pursuit of godliness and Christian service.
Week 48 - Worship The Lord Thy God And Him Only Shalt Thou Serve!
Great message about being totally with God!
Week 49 - Whoever Is Not With Me Is Against Me
The battle to be God focused in this lost world is our spiritual battle.
This is great word Ben!
Thank you very much! This is absolutely spot on and this word needs to be shared throughout the earth in every nation and tongue! AMEN
Week 50 - For God So Loved The World!
Beautiful and encouraging message of truth from Gods own living Word which became flesh and dwelt among us for awhile.
My most favorite scripture!
Week 51 - Celebrate THE BIRTH of Christmas!
Awesome message plus video...shared with many.
Amen, Ben, great summary of why Jesus is the true and only hope for redemption in a broken world.
CHRISTMAS DAY - THE BIRTH of Christmas Poem!
Really beautiful poem about the birth of our Lord and Savior!
Wow this poem is really good!
Never seen anything like this poem celebrating THE BIRTH of Jesus! Well done!
Week 52 - Come Holy Spirit And Lead Us!
Great call to wholehearted devotion and trust in God in every endeavor and calling we have. Thanks.
Great message from the life of St. Joan about putting God first in everything!
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