Tag: darkness

  • Jesus Christ Is My Lord and I Belong to Him

    Walking in Faith, Protection, and Victory

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    In a world filled with uncertainty, fear, and confusion, believers in Jesus Christ have a powerful source of peace and strength. When we declare, “Jesus Christ is my Lord and I belong to Him,” we are making more than a statement. We are proclaiming our identity, our protection, and our faith in the King of Kings.

    To belong to Jesus means we are no longer alone. We are loved, forgiven, guided, and protected by the Savior who gave His life for us. Through His sacrifice on the cross, we have been redeemed and brought into the family of God.

    The Bible reminds us in Romans 10:9 that if we confess with our mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in our heart that God raised Him from the dead, we shall be saved. Salvation is not earned by human effort. It is a gift purchased by the precious blood of Jesus Christ.

    Covered by the Blood of Jesus

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    The blood of Jesus is powerful. It cleanses us from sin, breaks chains of bondage, and gives believers spiritual protection. When we pray and declare that “The blood of Jesus completely covers me and my family,” we are placing our trust in God’s promises.

    Throughout Scripture, the blood represented covenant, protection, and deliverance. Just as the Israelites were protected during Passover, believers today trust in the finished work of Christ for spiritual covering and peace.

    No matter what challenges arise, God remains faithful. He watches over His children and walks with them through every storm, every battle, and every difficult season.

    Fear Has No Power Over Us

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    Fear is one of the enemy’s greatest weapons, but faith in Christ destroys fear. The Word of God tells us in 1 John 4:4:

    “Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.”

    This powerful truth reminds believers that God’s Spirit lives within them. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is available to strengthen, comfort, and guide us every day.

    Because of this, we do not have to live in fear. We can face life with confidence, courage, and hope. Jesus is greater than sickness, greater than anxiety, greater than darkness, and greater than every obstacle we face.

    A Daily Declaration of Faith

    Every day is an opportunity to boldly declare:

    • Jesus Christ is my Lord.
    • I belong to Him.
    • The blood of Jesus covers me and my family.
    • I will not fear.
    • Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.

    When we speak God’s promises over our lives, we strengthen our faith and remind ourselves of His truth.

    Today, choose faith over fear. Choose hope over despair. Choose to walk in the confidence that Jesus Christ is Lord, Savior, Protector, and King forever.

  • My Life is My Message

    When Mahatma Gandhi was asked what his message to the world was, he answered simply:

    “My life is my message.”

    Few words have ever carried such depth.

    Gandhi understood something many of us spend our entire lives trying to learn: our true message is not found in what we say, but in how we live. Our actions speak louder than our intentions, louder than our opinions, and often louder than our prayers.

    Whether we realize it or not, every one of us is sending a message to the world every single day.

    The question is: how happy are you with your message?

    Not the message you post online.
    Not the image you try to project.
    But the message your daily life reveals.

    What does your life say about what you truly value?

    Does it say kindness matters?
    Does it say people matter?
    Does it say faith, honesty, compassion, and love are worth living for?

    Or does it reveal something else entirely — fear, anger, selfishness, pride, or indifference?

    These are uncomfortable questions because they force us to look honestly at ourselves. It is far easier to talk about goodness than it is to live it consistently.

    Most people want to be remembered well. They want their lives to mean something. Yet meaning is not created in grand moments alone. It is built quietly in everyday choices.

    In how we treat the waiter.
    In how we speak to family.
    In whether we forgive.
    In whether we help someone who cannot repay us.
    In whether we choose bitterness or grace.

    A life becomes a message one decision at a time.

    The beautiful thing is this: no matter what your message has been up to now, you can begin changing it today.

    A harsh person can become gentle.
    A selfish person can become generous.
    A lonely person can become a source of encouragement.
    A wounded person can become a healer.

    Every sunrise offers another opportunity to live differently.

    Saint Francis of Assisi is believed to have said, “Preach the Gospel at all times. When necessary, use words.”

    The world does not only need more opinions. It needs more living examples. More people whose lives quietly radiate peace, integrity, humility, and love.

    Your life may never be written about in history books. Most of ours will not be. But every life leaves fingerprints on other people. Every conversation, every kindness, every act of patience or cruelty echoes farther than we imagine.

    Someone is learning from your life right now.

    A child.
    A friend.
    A stranger.
    A neighbor.
    Perhaps even someone silently struggling.

    What message are they receiving?

    At the end of our lives, people will not remember most of the words we said. They will remember how we made them feel. They will remember whether our presence brought light or darkness, hope or discouragement, peace or conflict.

    “My life is my message.”

    Perhaps the real challenge is not admiring Gandhi for saying it, but asking ourselves if we are willing to say the same.

    And if not today, what must change so that one day we can?

    Click Here is a way to make the message of your life truly dianamic and change the world begining with you.

    Rick

    thmjmj@gmail.com

  • The Fifth Sorrowful Mystery: The Crucifixion

    The Price Paid for our Redemption

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    Introduction

    The Fifth Sorrowful Mystery of the Rosary—the Crucifixion—stands at the heart of Christian faith. It is the moment where suffering, sacrifice, love, and redemption converge. Meditating on this mystery invites us not only to remember Christ’s death, but to understand its profound meaning for humanity.


    The Journey to Calvary

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    After enduring scourging and mockery, Jesus carried His cross to Golgotha—the “Place of the Skull.” Weak from suffering, He stumbled along the way, yet continued forward in obedience to the Father’s will.

    This journey reminds us that suffering is often part of life’s path. Yet, like Christ, we are called to persevere with faith, trusting that even pain can have purpose.


    The Crucifixion

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    At Golgotha, Jesus was nailed to the cross—hands and feet pierced, body lifted between heaven and earth. Above Him was placed the inscription: “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.”

    Despite unimaginable agony, His words from the cross reveal divine mercy:

    • “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
    • “Today you will be with me in paradise.”
    • “It is finished.”

    These words echo through history, offering forgiveness, hope, and fulfillment.


    The Meaning of the Cross

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    The Crucifixion is not merely a moment of death—it is the ultimate act of love. Christians believe that through His sacrifice, Jesus took upon Himself the sins of the world, opening the path to salvation.

    The cross, once a symbol of shame, becomes a sign of victory:

    • Victory over sin
    • Victory over death
    • Victory through love

    A Call to Reflection

    Meditating on the Fifth Sorrowful Mystery invites us to reflect on our own lives:

    • How do we respond to suffering?
    • Can we forgive as Christ forgave?
    • Are we willing to carry our crosses with faith?

    The Crucifixion teaches that love often requires sacrifice, and that even in darkness, there is hope.


    Conclusion

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    The Fifth Sorrowful Mystery is both solemn and transformative. It reminds us that through Christ’s suffering came redemption, and through His death came the promise of new life.

    In contemplating the Crucifixion, we are invited not only to remember—but to be changed.

    Rick Herring
    thmjmj@gmailo.com