Life Changing Moments in the Garden

Has the Lord put a cup in front of you that you would like to remove?

A trial that is too difficult to handle?

One that brings you to your knees and leaves you covered in tears?

Has He brought you to the Garden; that place where He has asked you to surrender your will for His will?

Sometimes I feel like I live in ‘the Garden’ where I am constantly being asked to give up my way for His way; to die to myself.

Although I desire to live a life that is pleasing to the Lord, I do realize how very difficult that is because my flesh is in a continual, raging battle with my spirit!

Jesus had that moment as well.  He wanted His Father to take His cup away and let it pass by Him.  Yet, He ultimately submitted to God’s will.  He came here to fulfill His purpose.  To do what His Father has called Him to do.

His life changed in the Garden and our life changed as well.

Because He made the decision to submit to His Father, He chose death so we could have life.

Your life can change in the Garden as well.  Is there something that you are battling with?  Is God asking you to release, relinquish or lay something down?  God brought you here for a purpose as well.  Are you willing to do His will?

Here’s a short video from Pastor James MacDonald depicting the Garden of Gethsemane and I just had to share it with you!  In fact, he has a video for each day of Passion week and I gotta tell ya, they are so encouraging, thought-provoking, heart stirring, and packed with his ‘in your face’, direct talk (which I love, by the way!)  I know you’ll be blessed by them!

Each day I plan to bring you a post during Passion Week, as well as James’ Passion Week videos which were taped on location depicting Jesus’ steps to the Cross.

Let the heart of Christ penetrate your heart.

This week is a week like no other, covering the space between the shouts of “Hosanna!” and waving palm branches of Christ’s entry into Jerusalem, and His journey to the Cross. Watch the clip below, then pray a prayer of surrender. Give to God whatever burdens you are carrying, in total submission to His will and His timing.

~Pastor James MacDonald

Now Jesus stood before the governor. And the governor asked Him, saying, “Are You the King of the Jews?” Jesus said to him, “It is as you say.” —Matthew 27:11

Today we meet at Jerusalem’s Antonia Fortress—the very place where the Son of God was questioned by Pilate and falsely accused by those who wanted to put Him to death. Let this reminder of His suffering stir your heart to worship during this holy week.

~Pastor James MacDonald

Antonia Fortress: Christ’s Suffering Continues.

As we continue following the footsteps of Christ, we’re in Jerusalem on the Via Dolorosa—the road of suffering. It is the road that Jesus walked, staggering toward the ultimate sacrifice with a heavy cross upon His torn and bloodied back. So often we try to refuse the trials that God allows in our lives…where would we be if the Savior had refused His?

~Pastor James MacDonald

They took Jesus, therefore, and He went out, bearing His own cross… —John 19:17

Via Dolorosa: He Suffered Willingly.