"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" 

The most misunderstood of the 7 sayings of Jesus on the cross. He lived perfectly, loving the Father with all his heart, soul and mind! Yet even he suffered the feeling of spiritual separation on the cross.

Because of this, he knows the pain we feel when we are in a spiritually dry season, separated from the Father.

Do you really believe that God's sovereignty is enough, that he's truly on the throne? Those who trust in the Lord can be assured of their Father's delight in them! Everything Jesus did on the cross was because of his great love for every last one of his people. How can we withhold anything from him?

Jesus suffered just like us; he understands and has compassion for us. Everything was taken from him on the cross, but his enemies knew the truth, labeling him King of the Jews. The two thieves parallel Jerusalem and Rome: only one accepted Jesus as King.

The third saying of Jesus on the cross:

(To Mary), "Woman, behold your son!"

(To John), "Behold your mother!"

On the cross, Jesus had compassion for his mother, but didn't neglect his duty to God's people. Despite his pain, he pressed on. Here, he forms a new family out of Mary and John, as well as the family of God.

"Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do."

“Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

The bare minimum to enter heaven is fear of the Lord. Jesus will always have a personal love for you. The world needs to know this, and that the "man on the middle cross" can save them! His words on the cross are incorruptible; they cannot be taken from us.

Paul talks about how to walk in a worthy, spirit-filled manner. We are all one Body, so rather than fight, we work hard at peace and unity with one another. We're all baptized in the same water, into the same family with the same Father!

Let all the things of this world go, and follow God! Unburden yourself and he will give you rest. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. Meditate on his Word, be open to his Spirit. Be patient for his answer, and secure in his provision.

Spiritual maturity is proven by following our Lord daily in wisdom and restraint, not pursuing power for personal gain. We pray for God's pure wisdom, to be peaceable, considerate, reasonable, compassionate, bearing good fruit, impartial and sincere!

We must control our speech. The tongue is like a fire - it can be used for good or evil. Cursing refers to all evil things spoken: hatred, gossip, lying... The Garden of Eden isn't filled with thorns and thistles, but fruit-bearing trees!

As we abide in Christ, we must control our speech... this is only possible through the Holy Spirit! Pastor Josh emphasizes the importance of guarding what we see and hear, speaking with holiness and love, and glorifying God through blessing others!