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print out for your own personal use.

Thank you for those of you who have visited this site,
and purchased the book "persistent Grace"

May you continually be blessed and may the Holy Spirit draw you closer
to God our Father in heaven!

THANK YOU!

Nothing could prepare Jesus for what lay ahead of Him. When He entered into the place of prayer He was under extreme stress so much so that infact scripture says that He sweated blood. Even His disciples could not and did not understand His plight because they fell asleep and without the support or understanding of these men, Jesus entered prayer with such a heavy heart, beyond anyone's imagine.

Jesus would have an idea of what was to happen to Him in the fact that this was a time of open ridicule. Often the innocent would see the flogging of criminals and the torture would not be exempt from anyone. The open public had access to the punishment handed down to those the Roman army thought deserving, and this open forum of justice was a way to show the full extent of the arm of the law and keep the majority in line.

Jesus did not enter into His prayer with confusion, it was utter dread! He knew the price He had to pay to attone for sins but yet this was something He wanted God to reconsider. Willingly He understood in God's silence that this was the only way, and accepted what was to become of Him.

Isn't it amazing to see the short sightedness of His disciples as Jesus entered into their presence, chastizing them that they had fallen asleep and couldn't offer any support even by at least putting in the effort to wait for Him? All the while, scripture does not mention that anyone of these men ever made notice or mention of Jesus blood stained skin or clothes. It may have been hard to distinguish that in the dark, but surely someone must have noticed?

The fact that Jesus was alone was very clear, and although He had the belief of His followers, He never had their understanding support. And in all this, Jesus' grace remained. He never chose to make them see, He never forced the issue of what was to become of Him and He never forced Himself as the savior He was on anyone. The act alone had to speak for itself.

It is an interesting contrast between night and day quite literally with His shedding of His blood both unwillingly and willingly. Jesus paid the ultimate price, and we as believer's need to honor that not through any works, but through our belief in Him and our willingness to turn away from Satan's lies and begin to live in victory.

The persistent Grace shown is unyielding, never ending, never ceasing. It has not changed because God has not changed. His mercy endures for ever, and regardless of what we may think of ourselves, the blood of the Cross speaks volumes on our behalf, continually. *But it can never be forced*

Remember that we all are in different stages with our walk with God and we are all in this together. Anything that teaches a different Jesus contrast to the word of God is not the truth because the only victory over this life is through the Cross! There is no other way, just because our belief in it doesn't make it so. The belief has to come from knowing the truth and it is the truth that shall set you free!

"So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed" John 8:36

Here is a list of scripture for you to reference to aid in your hearts recovery.

Use these as daily reaffirments of God's love for you lean on His word and allow the soothing comforts of the Holy Spirit to gradually lift you.

God Bless you on your journey.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed- in a twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable..." 1 Cor 15:51-52

"But God who comforts the downcast..." 2 Cor 7:6

"...God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out "Abba, Father" So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir." Gal 4:6-7

"But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature, rather, serve one another in love." Gal 5:13

"And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you." Romans 8:11

"The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children." Romans 8:16

" ... Suffering produces perseverace, perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. " Romans 5:3-5

" I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion of whom I have compassion. " It does not, therefore, depend on man's desire or effort, but on God's mercy." Romans 9:15-16

" If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all- how will he not also , along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died - more than that, who was raised to life is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?" Romans 8:31-35

" No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neighter angels nor demons, neither the present nore the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. " Romans 8:37-39

" For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God..." 1 Cor 1:18

" For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him. " John 3:16

" But whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." John 4:14

" I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned..." John 5:24

" I am the bread of life, He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty." John6:35

" I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John8:12

" I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies and whoever lives and believes in me will never die..." John 11:25

"But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit , whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you." John 14:26-27

"... Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27

There are more healing words of wisdom in God's word, I'll leave this to rest with you for now...

Taken from the NIV bible

I have had many people say to me " If God is a god of love, then why did he allow my friend/loved one to die?"

This seems to be a universal questions and THE question of all questions.
God IS a God of love and never did He intend for your loved one to die, but death has to come and it stems all the way back to Adam and Eve.

Death is a curse and it effects everyone. It is hard to believe that God would allow even the innocent to suffer, but please know that no one is exempt from this curse.
God has big enough shoulders to carry the blame of this tragedy but should He rightfully get the blame?

No.

God intended for man to live on Earth as it was in the garden of Eden. Never did He intend that such destruction come to His creation, even the Earth has been effected because of the first sin.

The blame lies with Satan and his destructive deceptions. Still to this day He walks this Earth strutting around because even Christians fail to see that death is his own doing. We often neglect and fail to remember that Satan no longer holds the keys to death, but he is still the cause.

Everywhere you look in scripture you will find healing in God's words. May I repeat this again, never did God create us to destroy us. The battle isn't between God, and man, it's between God and satan.

We all know how Satan took one third of the angels with him when he was cast out of heaven? There was a huge war in heaven, and it was because Satan wanted to be God. He harbored envy, pride and greed in his heart and he challenged the very authority of God, and still does today by causing death and suffering to those God holds dear!

Satan's sole purpose on this earth is to see to it that the sons and daughters of God turn their hearts against Him. I would have to say in his dilligence, he succeeds for a time.

God understands your pain and wants to offer you His healing salve of His word and comfort over your wounds. You were never meant to deal with the pain alone, and He doesn't want you to.

Call on Jesus and give to Him your burdens, and He will give you rest!
In death there is no more suffering, there is no more pain, no more shame.
In death our loved ones are safe in the arms of Jesus!

In everything God has the final say, even in death and this leaves satan in utter disgust. The best revenge for Satan is God's revenge, and the best way to help that along is to begin to live in freedom!

Lean on scripture in your time of need, and lend yourself to prayer, and lots of it.
Believe and live as a child of God, and you will begin to break the bondages Satan has set out for you. There is nobility in death because we are called to be heirs of God's kingdom.

Whatever the situation, in time please lean into the healing that forgiveness brings. Situations happen suddenly and we don't often get a chance to say what needs to be said, but God knows and He's there with you by your side every step of your journey if you let Him.

The Earth is God's footstool and He watches over you and shelters you under the shadow of His mighty wing! Imagine that... Can satan do that? No all he comforts us with is shame, guilt, and mournful torment.
Fix your eyes on Jesus and turn to like minded individuals for comfort.

Our Father who art in Heaven, Hallowed be thy name...

May you find lasting comfort in His peace through the Holy Spirit, and through the word of our Lord. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Grief is defined as intense sorrow such as dealing with the loss or a death of someone held dear and near to our hearts.

Bereavement is the state of sorrow over the death of a loved one.

Mourning is the expression and activity we show during our time of bereavement.

Although these definitions are interchangeable, they are very different in their own right. Some people may grieve for a time, but never mourn. While others may go through the act of bereavement such as mourning for quite a period of time.

These processes are unique to each individual and often times are embraced because they hold their own healing capabilities. When one has no choice but to endure, these stages can hold comfort and there should be no set time limit as to how long each stage should pass, but one should be aware of negative changes regardless and if years have passed without significant positive changes, alternative therapies should definitely be considered.

When one refuses to enter into grief and bereavement, one should be aware of the harmful effects that this can ensue. In many cases, when the harsh realities of death find its way into one's life, a pattern of denial and rebellion takes place leading one on a path of self destruction.

Keeping feelings of emotions guarded and hidden has lasting health effects on a person that can lead to depression and physical health changes that can last a lifetime if a healthy outlet is not sought out.

Studies have shown that aches and pains in the body and headaches are in direct corolation to emotional side effects left unattended.
Scripture states that laughter is the best medicine and studies have shown that laughter has lasting health benefits because of the enorphines released. Laughter can and has actually healed people of dibilitating and life threatenting diseases and can be a wonderful way to release negative emotion.

Scripture tells us to share in someone's grief, and also share in laughter. One can still find the time to smile and burst out in laughter it is okay to do so and it is allowable. God takes joy and comfort in our laughter and in our sorrow. He is never far and always watching and is in control of our healing.

Grieving seems to be universal for everyone but as common as it seems, many of us are struck with the death of a loved one suddenly and we have no sense of closure. We begin to walk in a whirlwind of emotions, not recognizing one from the next, not understanding that these are healthy advancements toward a healing process.

Whatever the tragedy, recognizing these stages can help you on your arduous journey. Leaning towards understanding of what to expect will aid you as you embark on something only time will allow.

1. Denial

It is a human reaction to deny such an event has taken place. It is a coping mechanism and it is a way for our minds and our hearts to endure with the least amount of damage. It is easy to deny a loss especially when one has not had the advantage of finding closure. In a sense it's like dealing with a break up that you didn't want. The other person has made the desision for you for you both not to be together, and as always in a death it is never a desision we want, and it is never one we discuss with the other person.

Death arbitrarily makes a decision for us, and denial is a way that one can find a way to remain in control and keep in control. It is a security measure that only lasts for a time.



2. Anger

Often times we find ourselves struggling with such a loss that we cannot comprehend or understand, we project our feelings unknowingly or unwillingly onto the person who suddenly left. It is easy to understand how we can blame the other person because in a situation like this, often there isn't one to blame. It's a fact of life, that always meets us unprepared.

When we realize we cannot blame the other person, we turn to ourselves, or others who are trying to help - in doing so, this often alienates ourselves from the people we need most.

At times we may even find ourselves blaming the circumstances of which things happened that led to a tragedy, and often times we turn our anger to God.

When there is no one or one thing to blame, it is easy to turn our anger to the one person we need guidance and help from. I like to think that He has big enough shoulders to take this, and through His understanding He allows many of us the forum to state our grievences to Him, but we have to be careful to never use God as an excuse to turn to unbelief.

Understanding death and why it needs to happen is one way to combat and extinguish the effects that death causes. It's a harsh reality that it comes to everyone, but instead of turning our hearts to anger, we can lean into hope and allow for understanding of what Jesus did on the cross for us, He literally conquered death!

As personal as death seems, it isn't. God never intended for us to feel the cold stinging fingers of this harmful outcome. Never is any death a means to attack us personally from God. We should never think that death is a form of punnishment and torment for those of us left behind to pick up the pieces, death has to come and in the end it will exist no more!


"This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrafice for our sins." 1 John4:10


"For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith, Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the son of God." 1 John5:4



3. Bargaining

This stage is one that is quite common and leads to let downs and mishaps. Most often times this is the stage where we begin to bargain with ourselves or with God desiring to exchange something if only He would bring back that person in our lives.

Ressurections occur today, and they can happen, but we need to live and pray according to God's will and not our own. We have no idea the ways and thinkings of God and in all honesty wanting someone to remain or come back into our lives is to ease our pain and suffering and never is it asked or desired from a place of thinking about the wants and the desires of the other person and what's best for them.

4. Depression

This outcome is perhaps one of the hardest stages because this is where one can become listless, and feel the need not to continue on with thier lives. They may find no reason for hope and turn to a list of crutches as coping mechanisms to just to "go on".

Please be aware of any changes that may occur during the grieving stages as this stage can prove that there are potential problems that could lead to drug abuse, alcoholism, and suicide.

One way to combat the symptoms of depression is to make sure one is eating healthy. It is well documented as of late that having a improperly proportioned diet can contribute to depression and can be a cause as well.

Some find it comforting to go on a walk even for just a few minutes, or change rooms and activities when they feel a bout of depression coming on.

Turning to prayer whenever one feels the need to cry can be very beneficial. There is healing and power in prayer and if you feel you cannot pray for yourself, ask others to pray with you and for you. Place your name on a prayer list.
Healing comes in many forms, and God should not be overlooked during this time of need.

Jesus tells us to bring our burdens to Him so please never feel like you are unworthy, or are being repetetive in your request. He knows your needs and will comfort you. We are to pray without ceasing, one can never pray too much and in all honesty, it has lasting qualities of healing that we aren't even aware of. It is theraputic and helps to unload the preassure one can feel when they are weighted down with burdens and sorrow.

"Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you. declares the Lord and will bring you back from captivity..." Jer 27:12-14


5. Acceptance

This is the stage where one finds liberation in knowing the life has to go on and has been going on regardless. It is a time that many find peace and healing and begin their lives in a different way. They retain some of their "old selves" but also find self discovery.

Whatever the timing and the outcome, allow yourself to remenice when you are ready and perhaps allow yourself to talk fondly of your loved one in order to bring others up in their Christian faith and help them on their journey!

In death, whatever your journey, please know that you are loved and never seperate yourself from that love, through support of family friends and the love of your Father in heaven, God. Seek out like minded people to comfort you and to help keep you grounded and focused on your journey. Allow yourself the time and space but please never segregate yourself from the help that God has surrounded you with.