Isaiah 53:5 New King James Version (NKJV)

⁵ But He was wounded^[a] for our transgressions,
He was ^[b]bruised for our iniquities;
The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,
And by His stripes^[c] we are healed.

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The Bible says… that many are called but few are chosen (Matthew 22:14)… So this evening I am going to talk to the chosen. On this Dates With Jesus I had to be reminded what is the purpose of preaching the gospel. What was my foundation for? What I am striving for.. what is the over all goal of the gospel. In the movie of the Passion of the Christ.. You see that graphic and intolerable pain that our Savior Jesus Christ had to go through… and for you and me.

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Honestly… it was never my desire to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.. I never wanted to… never cared… honestly I did not even want to be a Christian. But I am CHOSEN … But anyways..

In ministry we encounter “like Jesus” moments, seasons, and even years… Where people see you beaten, bruised, and broken and they still spit on you… They still gossip about you.. They still treat you like a dog.. They still make fun of you… and the crazy thing is… they are still jealous.. Which honestly I do not understand because trust me ministry is very difficult. but anyways.

Is these like Jesus moments, I have learned to crawl to Jesus.. I have learned to get on my face. This Dates With Jesus, reminded me that I can go to JESUS because He understands my pain (Hebrews 4:15).

I dont vent to people.. because well… people will always fail you. I have learned the power of the secret place…

Well What Are You Doing This For?

Because … well I love HIM… I have been through so much abuse and yet He chases me down like Gomer. I dont deserve God… but he has died for me.

Heed this warning about ministry…

… take your time to draw close in God now or you’ll lose him later.

Diamond ,