AT THE FOOT OF THE CALVARY CROSS By: Lampstand Inspirations, Co.

Talk #1: Those Who Remained Property of Lampstand Inspirations

John 19:25-27 “…Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, ‘Dear woman, here is your son,’ and to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ From that time on, this disciple took her into his home…” “…Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, ‘Dear woman, here is your son,’ and to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ From that time on, this disciple took her into his home…” Property of Lampstand Inspirations

Those who remained… 1. Mary, wife of Cleopas =>She who was called. 2. Mary of Magdala => She who was forgiven. Property of Lampstand Inspirations

“He who is forgiven much, loves much” (Luke 7:36-48) 3. John the Apostle (aka “The Beloved”) => He who was loved. Property of Lampstand Inspirations

Meditation Guide 1. Read John 19: Read John 19: Recount your concrete experiences of being called, forgiven or loved by God. 2. Recount your concrete experiences of being called, forgiven or loved by God. 3. From among those who remained, who can you identify with? Why do you say so? 3. From among those who remained, who can you identify with? Why do you say so? Property of Lampstand Inspirations

TALK #2: Those Who Deserted... Property of Lampstand Inspirations

Those who deserted… 1. Judas He who followed for the wrong reasons. He who followed for the wrong reasons. 2. Peter He who followed from a distance. He who followed from a distance. Property of Lampstand Inspirations “…But Peter followed him at a distance, right up to the courtyard of the high priest…” (Matthew 26:58) 3. Thomas 3. Thomas He who was slow to believe. He who was slow to believe.

MEDITATION GUIDE 1. Read John 6:55-60, Read John 6:55-60, Recall the most difficult moment of your life. How did you experience God during those times? 2. Recall the most difficult moment of your life. How did you experience God during those times? 3. Who among the three who deserted Jesus can you relate with the most? Why do you say so. 3. Who among the three who deserted Jesus can you relate with the most? Why do you say so. Property of Lampstand Inspirations

Talk #3: At the Calvary Cross “…One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: ‘Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!’ “…One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: ‘Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!’ But the other criminal rebuked him. ‘Don't you fear God,’ he said, ‘since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.’…” But the other criminal rebuked him. ‘Don't you fear God,’ he said, ‘since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.’…” Property of Lampstand Inspirations

“…Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ “…Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ Jesus answered him, ‘I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.’…” (Luke 23: 39-43) Jesus answered him, ‘I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.’…” (Luke 23: 39-43) Property of Lampstand Inspirations

“…This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live…” (Deuteronomy 30:19) (Deuteronomy 30:19) Property of Lampstand Inspirations

What does it mean to choose God daily? 1. Love God above all. “…He is before all things, and in him all things hold together…” (Colossians 1:17) Property of Lampstand Inspirations

What does it mean to choose God daily? 2. Instill discipline in the performance of little things. Character surfaces in big decisions but has long been formed in the little choices we make each day. Choosing God in the boring and the mundane. Property of Lampstand Inspirations

“…Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men…” (Colossians 3:23) Property of Lampstand Inspirations

What does it mean to choose God daily? 3. Fix your eyes on the promise of Easter. “…Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him…” (Romans 6:8) “…And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose…” (Romans 8:28) Property of Lampstand Inspirations

What does it mean to choose God daily? 4. Expect God to do great things with your life. “…I can do everything through him who gives me strength…” (Philippians 4:13) “I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world.” – Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Property of Lampstand Inspirations

What does it mean to choose God daily? L - ove God above all. I - nstill discipline in the performance of little things. F - ix your eyes on the promise of Easter. E - xpect God to do great things with your life. Property of Lampstand Inspirations