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Luke 24:43
It is Friday in Jerusalem, and the stench of death is in the air. Outside the city gate in the place reserved for public executions, three crosses stand beside the road. Crucifixions were a relatively common occurrence, but the crowd was larger than usual on this day because there was a different type of man being crucified. Some even thought that He was innocent. Nonetheless, there He was on the cross in the middle. On either side of Him there were two others being crucified. The translators describe them as thieves, robbers, malefactors, or bandits. Today we might call them bangers. Clearly both of them were criminals, both severely beaten, both bloody and dirty, both dying. At first glance they might appear to be exactly alike, but no two men could be more different. These two men being crucified on the outer crosses were different in a very distinctive way. They differed in how they viewed the man in the middle. As a result of how differently they saw Him, they asked Him for different things. One man wanted escape, not forgiveness, the other wanted forgiveness, not escape. Jesus is hanging next to these men, a bloody mess, a horrible sight to behold. The disciples have long since taken off. Jesus' feet and arms are nailed to the cross. Every movement for Him is sheer agony; every breath is torture. The mob is screaming for blood. They hurl insults, they spit and curse. Jesus is dying, yet in the midst of all the blood and gore, this sinner comes to faith in Christ. Somehow in spite of all that is happening, this sinner sees Jesus bleeding, broken body, and still believed that He was the Messiah, the promised King. He speaks to the Lord and says, "when you come into your Kingdom, remember me." Our dying Redeemer responds to this desperate plea and says, "I tell you the truth, today, you will be with me in Paradise.
Paradise originally referred to the walled garden of the Persian kings. When a king wanted to honor his subjects, he would invite them to walk with him in his garden in the cool of the day. So Jesus is saying to the dying criminal, you are now invited into my personal garden, come now I will walk with you, you are my honored guest.
William Cowper said it best in his hymn, "There is a fountain filled with blood drawn from Emmanuel's veins and sinners plunged beneath that flood, lose all their guilty stains. But this is the verse; the dying thief rejoiced to see that fountain in his day and there may I, though vile as he wash all my sins away!
Because of Jesus, what was lost is now found! You and can now walk with Him in His beautiful garden. What was lost to us, because of the blood, we now have again. Eternal life!
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Worship!
| Ricky Dillard - Because Of The Blood |
| In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. Hebrews 9:22 |
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 | | Bishop Derek T. Triplett, Change Agent |
Today, at 10:30am EST, Bishop Derek T. Triplett launches his show, Making Changes on Learn For Life Blog Talk Radio. Tune in and you will keep coming back. Go to: www.blogtalkradio.com/learnforlife . Don't miss this challenging, informative and uplifting broadcast. It may be the best 30 minutes that you spend today!
Also
Central Florida, Bishop invites you to meet him and The Family of Hope this Sunday for Resurrection Sunday Worship , 10:00am (one service only). Come and hear a life-changing message:
"Life Is Stronger Than Death"
The News Journal Center
221 N. Beach St.
Daytona Beach, Florida
Grace Entwined Ministries
Pastors James & Gayle Gilmore invite you to worship with them on Resurrection Sunday, April 20th at 8:00 and 10:00 am. The Last Laugh, a play written by Pastor Gayle will be a part of the worship experience. It depicts what might have happened during the 3 days that Jesus was crucified, buried and resurrected. Grace Entwined Ministries, 1080 N. George Washington Highway, Chesapeake, Va.
www.graceentwinedministries.com
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Dr. Nina Says.....
Leafy Green Vegetables: The Healthiest Foods in the World
Leafy green vegetables are by far the healthiest, most environmentally friendly foods worldwide. Whether you opt for salad greens, kale, spinach, cruciferous varieties or even wild greens and herbs, they are all packed full of key nutrients that promote optimal wellness. Here are some of the countless reasons why leafy green vegetables should be incorporated into your everyday diet.
Potent Sources of Antioxidants
Dietary antioxidants can be found in a variety of different types of foods but leafy green vegetables are a remarkably potent source. These vegetables are especially rich in the fat-soluble antioxidants vitamin A (beta-carotene) and vitamin E as well as the water-soluble antioxidant vitamin C. Such antioxidants can naturally boost immunity by countering excessive free radical production in the body.
Rich in Cancer-Fighting Compounds
The mixture of antioxidants housed in leafy green vegetables can help stave off many forms of cancer. Cruciferous varieties (broccoli, Brussel sprouts, and cabbage) are especially beneficial, as they contain isocyanates and indoles. Isocyanates have been shown to reduce the risk of lung, breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer while indoles play a beneficial role in the prevention of hormone-linked cancers of the breast and ovaries.
Learn more by visiting Dr. Nina on Facebook &/or at
http://www.NinaCheriePhD.com
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Did you know Black women lead all groups in college enrollment?
Despite the misconceptions and stereotypes about African American women, we are making great strides in education. In addition to half of all Black women ages 18-24 pursuing higher degrees, Black women are beating out ALL other groups, no matter the race or gender, when it comes to overall college enrollment.
According to the data, 9.7 percent of Black women are enrolled in college. Asian women are second, with 8.7 percent working toward degrees, followed by Asian men at 8.4 percent, White women at 7.1 percent, Black men at 7.0 percent, Hispanic women at 6.6 percent, White men at 6.1 percent, and Hispanic men at 5.9 percent.
For more information on this topic check out:
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We are committed to making life better for others. Your donations make it possible for needy children to have shoes, sick children get medical care, life sustaining water is being provided to those in need, and so much more. Help us today by becoming a monthly partner or making a one time donation of any amount.
When you like us on facebook, you help bring the ministry to the attention of others.
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Know Your Bible 
We received the following email last Friday:
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"I just love looking up answers to the Bible Quiz. It broadens my mind as well as my perspective on the Bible. Thank you so much for doing this wonderful newsletter every week. Every Friday I can't wait to get to work to do my Bible Quiz and read my newsletter. May God continue to give you all that He wants you to have to continue to glorify His name. " Sandra Brown, Hillside, New Jersey
Doing the Bible quiz broadens the mind and perspective on the Bible. That's the whole idea. Come on, you get on board, take the quiz and grow.
Your Bible quiz for April 11th was:
Which three tribes camped on the northern side of the tabernacle in the wilderness?
The correct answer is found in Numbers 2:25 - The tribes of Dan, Asher and Naphtali camped on the northern side of the Tabernacle .
This week's Bible Scholars:
Florida:
Mrs. Gloria Benjamin
Mrs. Pat Brown
Ms. Nellie Davis
Ms. Mattie DeVore
Ms. Marion Shelby
Mrs. Doris Wise (Mrs. Wise was also a correct responder for the previous week's quiz and was inadvertently left off.)
New Jersey:
Mrs. Sandra Brown
Congratulations to all of our scholars who do the work, week after week to respond to the Bible quiz.
Bible Quiz 4/18/14:
Which tribe's blessing from Jacob said they would "dwell at the haven of the sea"?
A correct response must include the scripture reference.
Let's do this! Keep growing!
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Prayer Matters
Each month we produce a prayer calendar that provides a daily prayer focus. For instance today's prayer assignment is ministries. We are praying for ministries to have the resources that they need to carry out their mandates that they have received from the Lord. If you would like to have your own copy of the VLM monthly prayer calendar, email us at victorioumin@att.net to be added to the distribution list. We need you to join us in praying for the needs of others each day!
Remember, you can join us each Monday evening from 7:00 to 7:30pm or Wednesday morning from 6:30 to 7:00am for the Victory in Prayer call. The number is the same for both - (712) 432 3066; conference code 930692.
You may submit your prayer requests via email, website or by calling (888) 479-1113. Our Intercessors are committed to praying for you daily.
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Word of the Week
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The word of the week is wisdom.
James 1:5 - "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."
The word is Strong's Concordance #4678; it is a noun with a feminine connotation. It is the English word or name Sophia.
Wisdom - the understanding and practical skill necessary to live life to God's glory, contained in the pure and peaceable absolutes of God's will revealed in His Word and lived out.
Only such divine wisdom enables believers to be joyous and submissive in the trials of life.
We can gain information and knowledge from people. Only God can make us wise.
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From an Empty Tomb
Because the tomb is empty, Jesus Christ can fill your heart,
With God's Spirit deep inside, and new life from Him above.
When this life comes to be, from your life God won't depart,
And as The Lord you do abide, God fills you with His Love.
Christ's death is a picture for, a true believer, like you and I,
As we die to our old life of sin, it becomes buried far away.
We're seated now with The Lord, in the Heavens up on High,
In our heart Christ lives within, and in our life is here to stay,
From the grave He did rise, claiming over death His victory,
Now He reigns on His throne, as He rules over all the earth.
Opening up hearts and eyes, pointing men towards eternity,
Calling sinners to be His own, refining us through new birth.
Now for all Christ Jesus lives, seated on the throne of God,
With all the power as before, He came to give to us his life.
New Life to all He now gives, as we live on this earthly sod.
A life you live forevermore, when you come to Jesus Christ,
All of this from an empty tomb, provided by a Savior's love,
Christ who died for sinners lost, becoming for us a sacrifice.
And for you there's still room, in God's mansion high above,
If you'd only come to the cross, God's only way to Paradise
Bob Gotti
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VLM Website
Are you a frequent visitor to our website? If not, you should be! Explore the numerous resources there to enrich your life.
- The Reading Room Bookstore lists books by various authors and numerous genres. Don't ever stop reading
- Christian Connections connects you with ministries around the nation. Check them out
- The Daily Buzz provides a devotional and we have added a "daily blessing"
- On the Word and Works page you can listen to various radio broadcasts and hear interviews with our special guests.
- Looking for a scripture but can't remember where it is found? Use our "Search the Bible" located on the Homepage.
Use this website as a resource. It is here for you:
www.vl-ministries.org
| | ~Share the ministry with your family, friends and co-workers. If it is a blessing to you, bless someone else!~ |
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Are You Born Again?
As believers everywhere reflect today on Christ's crucifixion and prepare to celebrate His resurrection on Sunday, can you join in the celebration? If you have never been saved, you have no reason to celebrate. But today, you can make the choice and pass from death to life!
Pray this prayer by faith and receive Jesus as your Savior -
Dear Lord Jesus,
I know I am a sinner, and I ask for your forgiveness. I believe you died for my sins and rose from the dead. I trust and follow you as my Lord and Savior. Guide my life and help me to do your will. In your name, amen.
If you prayed this prayer, heaven is rejoicing and we are too. We would love to add your name to our prayer list. Email us today and let us know that you accepted Christ. God bless you and happy new birthday!
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