As we are approaching Good Friday, the day on which Christians annually observe the commemoration of the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ, my question is ‘Why is it called GOOD FRIDAY?’ What is good about crucifying a man? Well, first it is important to understand that it was not just any kind of man: the man’s name was Jesus Christ whose birth we celebrated at Christmas, only a few weeks ago. In the Bible we read that Jesus, as His very name tells us, came to save the people from their sin. In fact that terrible Friday has been called Good Friday because it led to the Resurrection of Jesus and His victory over death and sin, leading to the celebration of Easter. It is the very pinnacle of Christian celebrations, and that is because WHOSOEVER believes in Him should not perish but have ever lasting life, and if that is not good news, what is?

There is also an important factor in this good news. Because of the fall of Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden, God’s Word tells us that we have ALL sinned and come short of the glory of God and that no one is righteous, not even one. And because of that, ALL were condemned to a doomed eternity. But praise God that The Heavenly Father sent His only Son to become our substitute, that through Him ALL who believe and accept Him as their Lord and personal Saviour will not only experience life but life to the full.

So today as we approach Good Friday, let’s focus on the power of the blood of Jesus and THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE 7 PLACES THAT JESUS SHED HIS BLOOD FOR US:

1. He shed His blood through HIS SWEAT – It was in the garden of Gethsemane as we read in Luke 22:44 that ‘being in agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.’ What took place was a battle of the mind, for it was there that Jesus won back our willpower as He declared ‘Not my will but yours!’ So as you may find yourselves battling against the lies of the enemy, intentionally activate your will and declare in whatever situation you may find yourselves in ‘Not my will but yours, Lord!‘

2. He shed His blood through HIS FACE – Isaiah 50:4 tells us ‘His face was so disfigured he seemed hardly human, and from his appearance, one would barely know he was a man.’ They savagely punched Him, kicked Him, they pulled His beard out. Just imagine, His face was battered, He could hardly be identified nevermind recognised, and He suffered all this so that we may be given a new identity to be called sons and daughters of the living God. Your identity is not in your professional status, your bank balance, your social status, but in Christ Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.

3. He shed His blood through HIS HEAD – John 19:2 tells us ‘And the soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on His head and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him.’ Jesus’ crown of thorns acquired back our affluence. Imagine the blood pouring as they pressed that crown of thorns on His head, all that for the cleansing, renewing of the mind and to set us free from any depressive thoughts, mental breakdown, wrong thinking. Paul says we can ‘take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ’ (2 Corinthians 10:5). Our greatest battle ground is between our ears! Thank you Jesus that through your blood we can ‘take captive every thought and be victorious.’

4. He shed His blood through HIS BACK and THE BRUISING of His body – Mathew 27:26 tells us ‘Pilate ordered that Jesus be beaten with a whip of leather straps embedded with metal.’ Also God’s Word tells us not only by His stripes we are healed (Isaiah 53:5) but according to 1 Peter 2:24 ‘by His stripes we were healed.’ Jesus’ bleeding back gives us access to our healing. If you are afflicted by sicknesses and diseases, today according to His Word BE HEALED IN JESUS NAME. Because of all the beatings that He endured, He was bruised and suffered internal bleeding. Isa 53:5 ‘He was bruised for our iniquities.’ This also tells us that Jesus shed His blood for all our inner hurts. So if you are hurting emotionally, with hurts that cannot be seen by the human eye, be encouraged. Jesus saw them and took care of it by shedding His blood for the healing of your inner hurts.

5. He shed His blood through the piercing of HIS HANDS – The account in Psalm 22:16 tells us that ‘They have pierced my hands and my feet.’ This was a prophecy indicating the manner of Jesus’s crucifixion: that He would be nailed to a cross (John 20:25). This signifies that whatever we put our hand to, through our service, our ministry, our workplace, we can experience victorious breakthrough. So if you are struggling in whatever you seek to do, claim your victory now!

6. He shed His blood through the piercing of HIS FEET – Psalm 22:16 tells us that not only did they pierce His hands but also His feet. Signifying that Jesus gives us back dominion over the places we walk upon. I love the promise that God gave Joshua (Chap. 1:3) ‘Every place where on the soles of your feet shall tread shall be yours.’ And that is a promise to hold on to, even for us today.

7. He shed His blood through the piercing of HIS SIDE – John 19:34 highlights that ‘One of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water.’ Well, the fact that blood and water flowed from His side symbolises that Jesus died from a broken heart, not only His body was broken but His very heart was broken for us ALL. As His Word declares in Psalm 147:3, ‘He heals the broken hearted and binds up their wounds.’ So today if you are experiencing a broken relationship or grieving for a loved one, know with certainty that He can and wants to heal your broken heart. Why? Because His blood was also shed for your broken heart.

So as GOOD FRIDAY approaches, let’s spend quality time to reflect on the fact that Jesus gave Himself for ALL humanity. Through the shedding of His blood, we can be made WHOLE, meaning we can experience not just a partial salvation but our COMPLETE SALVATION, allowing us to enjoy fullness of life and victorious living. All this because after GOOD FRIDAY COMES EASTER SUNDAY where we’ll celebrate the power of His resurrection.

Last week was a very troubled week for our nation when, after just 45 days, we saw another Prime Minister resign. At the time of writing, it is expected that we will have a new Prime Minister within the next day or so!

In many respects, all of these changes remind me of the verse in Mark 3:25: ‘a house divided against itself cannot stand.’ This verse speaks very clearly that success can only come by having a spirit of unity (this is also expressed in Psalm 133.) It would be so easy for all of us as Christians to spend our time debating the big ‘HOW’. How did we get in this situation? But I believe it is better to unite in prayer for the following:

• For calm in this chaotic situation. 

• For unity. Pray for the right person to bring unity in the party and the country — that they would have a real heart to serve the people of the nation rather than to fulfil their own personal ambitions. 

• For mobilisation. Pray for the church to rise up and mobilise herself to do what 1 Timothy 2:1 urges us to do: ‘I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.’

• For wisdom. Pray for wisdom for our governments as they discuss and debate what happens next —that they choose responses which are inspired by God and not necessarily their own intuition.

• For peace. Pray through scriptures such as Philippians 4:6: ‘Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.’

Let us always go to God’s Word for our answers. His Word (John 1:5) says that the darkness in the world will get darker, but that darkness will never extinguish light. In fact, it says that light (His light) will continue to shine brighter, and the darkness CANNOT overcome it. That is where we get our strength and hope.

So let’s intentionally pray with passion for our great nation. Pray that God’s in-extinguishable light will shine ever brighter in the middle of the darkness that we see and the chaotic season that we find ourselves in.

We all have been impacted by the recent passing of Queen Elizabeth II. Although The Queen lived to a good age of 96 years, scripture tell us that life is very short compared with eternity. James 4:14 says, ‘Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapour that appears for a little while and then vanishes away.’

A vapour is a fine mist like fog. It quickly burns away when the sun comes up. It has no substance and leaves nothing behind. Comparing our lives to a vapour illustrates how brief our days are on this earth.

David said: ‘The days of our lives are seventy years, or even eighty if we have strength; yet their span is but toil and trouble. Our years are soon gone, and we fly away’ (Psalm 90:10).

Even if we manage to increase the span to 90 or 100 or beyond, the principle is the same. Our lives in this world are like a vapour. Appearing for a little while and then vanishing. So how can we make our life count? 

Here are some principles to help us make sure that we reach our full potential:

1. Discover your purpose in God. Purpose is defined as the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists. Success, for me, is purpose-fulfilled. Purpose is what gives meaning to life. Too many people in this world today live without purpose, but we are all created with a purpose and for a purpose. We are here not by mistake but by divine design and appointment. If we are to be truly successful, we must discover our purpose and fulfil it. An apple seed is not successful until it becomes a tree and has fruit on it. My advice is that everyone needs to find what they were born for.

2. Find the plan of God. A plan is defined as a detailed proposal for doing or achieving something – an intention or decision about what one is going to do. We don’t get to decide God’s purpose for us; instead, we discover it. However, He has a unique plan for each one of us – remember that God’s desire for all of us is to experience not just life but abundant life, and He wants us to get the plan. So let’s intentionally seek God’s plan by spending time in His presence and asking Him for His plan, and He will reveal it to us through His Word (where we’ll discover that His plan is already blessed.) 

3. Execute the God-given plan. Once you discover His purpose for your life and know God’s plan, then you need to execute the plan. Some have discovered their purpose and have the plan, but they are not willing to execute it because they feel it does not fulfil their personal ambitions/aspirations. Never forget that our potential is only limited by what we believe we cannot do. However, God believes in us more than we believe in ourselves. He not only promises to be with us as we execute the plan but He also gives us the tools to fulfil it. Remember, we have access to the power of The Holy Spirit, the power of His Word, and the power of His Name. Also, we are protected by the power of His blood. So let’s reach our full potential by discovering our purpose in God, find out the blessed plan of God for our lives, and make sure that we execute the plan to the letter and experience the fullness of life.

Lastly, in reflecting on the life of the late Queen Elizabeth II, we can truly say that she not only discovered God’s purpose and plan for her life but executed it faithfully. Here is what she said at her 21st birthday speech to the nations: ‘I declare before you all that my whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong.’ Well, by God’s grace, she surely executed and fulfilled that promise right to the end. What an example to us all. May God give us all the grace to fulfil what we have individually been called to do in the most effective and faithful way!

In a time of war, the Lord is still the stronghold of our lives.

Once again, our newspapers are filled with ‘wars and rumours of wars’, and if you are anything like me, you too might be feeling the strain of a new crisis, right on the heels of the last crisis! As believers, how should we respond when all around us is bad news, when our newspapers declare ‘the end is nigh’, or when, once again, we are surrounded by fear and anxiety. Well, I always go back to the ‘divine instruction manual’ – God’s Word – for that is where we’ll find comfort and strength. God’s Word is the only anchor in desperate times, and it is the one thing that we can ALWAYS rely on. God’s Word never changes, and it contains all we need for hope, comfort, healing, wisdom, and guidance.

Jesus told us in Matthew 24:6 that we will hear of wars and rumours of wars, but we should not be alarmed, for the end is not yet.

But also in Psalm 27, we are reminded that when darkness is all around us, ‘the Lord is MY light and MY salvation. Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life, of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will NOT fear, though war break out against me, even then I will be confident.’

And as we stand on the truth of God’s Word, how can we pray?  

 First let’s unite our prayers for the…

• Safety and protection for those seeking shelter in Ukraine.
• Provision for those fleeing.
• Guidance, direction, and divine opportunities for church leaders and Christians in Ukraine.
• Wisdom for the Ukrainian government and global leaders.
• Peace and resolution quickly.

But also, let’s pray for Russia, for…

• All those who are feeling anxious and afraid.
• The many churches across Russia.
• Russia’s leaders, for hearts to be turned back to God.

And here in the UK, let’s pray for unity not division, for peace not fear, and for heavenly wisdom.

Today, if you are fearful, grieving, or broken, let the truth of God’s Word sink into your heart, and be reminded that He is our source of light, He is our healer, He is our restorer, and He is the one who brings peace even in the middle of fear, panic, and uncertainty.

However you are feeling today, remember that God is STILL God. Nothing takes Him by surprise, and our hearts and prayers today are with everyone who is broken, lost, and feels as though their lives have been shattered. The cry of our hearts must be ‘Lord God, heal our world!’

As we have now crossed from 2021 to 2022, we’ve hit another wave in our raging storm with Covid: data running wild, people under further restrictions, the economy yet again impacted, and the list goes on. In Mark 4, Jesus said to His disciples ‘let’s go over to the other side’ (NASB), and what happened is that in their crossing over, they hit a storm. Let’s learn what this story can teach us as we face storms in our own lives: 

1. It was unforeseen and unprecedented. Who could have foreseen this storm? But remember that in unprecedented times, there is an unprecedented God who is able to deal with any unprecedented situations that we may be facing. 

2. They were right in God’s will. They were obeying what Jesus asked them to do, going over to the other side. Being in God’s will doesn’t immunise us from the storms of life – if anything, it can even activate them as the enemy’s strategy is only to steal, kill, and destroy. 

3. It was not just a physical storm but an emotional storm. They were afraid. This pandemic is more than physical; it’s also a pandemic of fear that is paralysing many today. Let’s remember the declaration of God’s word: ‘Love casts out all fear’ (see 1 John 4:18). And if God lives within us, who can be against us? However, it does not mean that we can do what we want. Let’s make sure that we all continue to adhere to the ongoing updates to keep us safe. 

4. As they panicked in their raging storm, facing tragic circumstances of possible drowning, Jesus Himself was asleep – why? Well, what is within you determines the outcome of any situation that you face. Not only did Jesus have peace within Him, but He is the Prince of Peace, able to release manifested peace in any chaotic situation. Therefore, let’s release the Prince of Peace through us to manifest Himself in our storms today. 

5. They had forgotten the word that Jesus had given them: ‘Let’s go over to the other side.’ He never said ‘Let’s go UNDER!’ Let us make sure that when Jesus commands us to do something, we get hold of His Word to the letter and stand upon it, for unexpected storms could hit us at any time. 

6. Jesus spoke to natural elements. Don’t you think that Jesus can do it again? Of course He can. Right now you can call upon Him in whatever situation you are facing. 

7. Jesus said ‘Peace, be still’ (Mark 4:39 KJV). This suggests, in other words, that peace was on the move. Peace will always seek turbulence, for it is in turbulent times that peace has the most effect. As we face this raging pandemic storm, or whatever storms we may find ourselves in, let’s be reminded that the Prince of Peace can do ‘exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us’ (Ephesians 3:20 NKJV).

8. The disciples were then terrified by the very one who brought peace in their chaos. Sometimes our fears are directed at the wrong things. Let’s put healthy fear in the right thing, in fact in the right person – our Lord Jesus Christ!! 

9. The disciples made it through to the other side, just as Jesus said. So will we, and let’s use this challenging time to strengthen ourselves in the Lord, ready for what He has in store for us in 2022. 

In conclusion, the disciples were totally surprised to meet this unprecedented storm as they were crossing over to the other side. Let’s remind ourselves that Jesus wasn’t surprised at all by the storm that they were facing. He was totally aware and in control of the situation. Therefore, let’s put our trust in Him in this chaotic world that we are facing. As we have now crossed into 2022, let us expect the Prince of Peace to manifest Himself in whatever raging storms we may be facing right now or in months to come, and let’s believe that 2022 will be a victorious year in every way. Have a blessed 2022!

THE THREE CROSSES OF CALVARY BUT ONLY ONE WAY TO SALVATION! 

Over 2000 years ago, there were three crosses standing on a hill called Calvary. These three crosses had a loud and clear message then, and they still speak to us today: 

1. REBELLION – the state of mankind

2. REPENTANCE – the need of men

3. REDEMPTION – the solution for all 

As we approach Easter, let’s look at each of them. 

1) The first cross represents the Cross of REBELLION 

Luke 23:39 tells us that ‘Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, “If You are the Christ [Messiah], save Yourself and us.”‘ The sad truth is that from the very beginning of time, men and women everywhere have rejected God, preferring to follow their own desires and to run things their own way – that is a way without God. This rebellious, self-sufficient attitude is what the Bible calls ‘sin’, and guess what? We ‘all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God’ (Romans 3:23). But it is also important to remind ourselves that God has created us with a free will, and whatever choices we make today will certainly affect our tomorrow. This man hanging on the cross next to Jesus bluntly demonstrated his rebellion against God, and rather than choosing forgiveness and eternal life, he deliberately chose to blaspheme and turn his back on the Son of God – and consequently he rejected eternal life. The Bible makes it clear that we are all rebellious by nature: ‘none of us is righteous, no not one!’ But praise God that He revealed to each and every one of us the message of life, leading us to experience a free salvation so great that we in turn, through our personal life, can proclaim God’s goodness not just at Easter time but every single day. 

2) The second cross represents the Cross of REPENTANCE   

But as the first one hurled insults at Jesus, the other one rebuked him and said ‘Don’t you fear God, since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.’ It is important to remind ourselves that Jesus was suffering in a way that we cannot begin to grasp or even partially understand, but so was this criminal. And in the middle of this agonising torture of the cross, a dialogue took place, and what Jesus did next was a wonderful example of understanding, acceptance, love, and compassion all wrapped up in one conclusive act. It is the very essence of the life of Jesus’ strength through adversity, for without hesitation, Jesus responded to his cry for mercy. Here is what Luke 23:43 tells us: ‘Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.”‘ Here is the lesson that we can learn from the second cross, the CROSS OF REPENTANCE: it is never too late to repent and ask the Lord to accept us. Jesus freed this man from his sins, received him graciously, justified him unconditionally, and led him to experience the gift of eternal life. What a beautiful message of hope that must be proclaimed: ‘IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO REPENT’.

3) The third cross represents the Cross of REDEMPTION    

The cross in the middle of Calvary was the one that holds the hope and future for ALL willing to embrace it. Yes, the third cross is THE CROSS OF REDEMPTION. Lifted up right in the middle of two criminals, Jesus hung from a cross – the very Son of God, demonstrating the very words of the Heavenly Father found in this well-know scripture of John 3:16 (TPT): ‘For here is the way God loved the world – he gave his only, unique Son as a gift. So now everyone who believes in him will never perish but experience everlasting life.’ Yes, right in the middle of Calvary for all to see was the Cross of REDEMPTION that holds HOPE and the FUTURE of humanity. Let’s never forget that when Jesus died on the cross of Redemption and then rose again from the grips of death, His grace of salvation could be released! He paid a price that none of us could pay. Thank God for that! Even as the Son of God hung on that middle cross, mercy flowed. And it was demonstrated in the criminals hanging on either side of Jesus, because they both had the same choice: while one took his bitterness and rage to the grave, the other pleaded with this cry: ‘Remember me!’ How good to know that Jesus doesn’t hold our past against us, for He took our shame, our guilt, our hurts, and our iniquities so that we could experience freedom from their grip! That does not mean that we will never experience trials. No, we will face difficulties as we live in this fallen world, but with God’s Spirit living within us, we can experience the fullness of life that God has promised for all who have and will accept Him as their saviour. 

Therefore, let’s never forget that there’s no more beautiful Message to pass on than the Message of the Cross of Repentance, whereby anyone who is willing to repent will experience the Cross of Redemption! Let’s make sure that this Easter, we tell the world that Jesus is truly alive, FOR HE IS RISEN!!!! Yes for sure there was THREE CROSSES ON CALVARY, BUT THERE IS ONLY ONE WAY TO SALVATION. AND THAT WAY IS OUR RISEN LORD AND SAVIOUR, JESUS CHRIST!