Big Tex Randall in Canyon, Texas, 1960s. Note the cigarette in his hand, which was shot off shortly after this was taken. Big Tex Randall still stands. He's 47' high and weighs seven tons. The statue was constructed in 1959 by local shop teacher Harry Wheeler to advertise for a western wear store directly next to it. It originally featured a bandanna, a western-style shirt and real denim jeans. When Highway 60 was rerouted through an underpass, traffic to the store declined and it closed. The statue gradually fell into disrepair but has been restored a couple of times.
“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV
Lil reminder tonight if you just up bored like me: GOD IS AMAZING & FAITHFUL! He doesn’t ask us to be perfect, but He does want us striving for that & making progress. Whatever you got going on, good or bad, keep God first & have faith! It’ll all be good or even better! Love 🤟🏾
Dear God, because you love me so much, I want to love others like you! I want to worship & honor you in that way. I want to cling to what is good & righteousness & never anything other. Please guide me on the right path to express this in my life daily. In Jesus name, Amen! 🙏🏾
In 1986, The American Medical Association published an article titled "The Physical Death of Jesus Christ". It details the entire process of Jesus' trial to His death on the cross.
In Luke 22, before Jesus is arrested, it is written that He was in great distress & sweating blood. Although rare, it is recognized as Hematidrosis, caused by high amounts of stress.
At the time, the crucifixion was considered the worst death for the worst of criminals. But this is not all Jesus faced. He endured whipping so severe that it tore the flesh from His body. He was beaten so horrific that His face was torn & His beard ripped.
A crown of thorns, 2-3 inches long cut deeply into His scalp. The leather whip used to flog Him had tiny iron balls & sharp bones. The balls caused internal injuries while the sharp bones ripped open His flesh. His skeletal muscles, veins, & bowels we're exposed, causing major blood loss. Most men do not survive this kind of torture. After Jesus was severely flogged, He was forced to carry His own cross while people mocked & spat on Him.
Crucifixion was a process meant to instill excruciating pain, creating a slow & agonizing death. Nails as long as 8 inches were driven into Jesus' wrists & feet. The Roman soldiers knew the tendon in the wrists would tear & break, forcing Jesus to use His back muscles to support Himself to breathe. Imagine the struggle, the pain, the courage..Jesus endured this reality for 3 hours!
The Gospel of John writes that after Jesus' death, a Roman soldier pierced His side with a spear & blood & water came out. Scientists explain that from hypovolemic shock, the rapid heartrate causes fluid to gather in the sack around the lungs & heart. The gathering of fluid in the membrane around the heart is called Pericardial effusion & the lungs, Pleural effusion.
To the world, Christianity is as foolish as it can get. They believe it's for the weak. But when you are confronted by the reality of the cross, it's clearly not a pretty sight. It is brutal & horrific.
This is the weight Jesus carried. The weight of the sins of the world, all so that we can live. God's wrath is fully satisfied in Jesus. This is what it took. Repent & believe! Jesus is “God among us” in the flesh. Jesus is our Savior. Jesus loves you so much, He went through this spiritual and physical punishment for your sins and mine.
Jesus is LORD, Almighty God, Everlasting Father.
“In Jesus’ name, Amen”
This might be the best thing you’ll see today. Jeremiah is an absolute stud. Watch this interview and look out for a powerful prayer at the end with @derekcarrqb. @LorraineGolden_
Trump is calling to outlaw transgender ideology—not just for little kids, not just in classrooms or certain federal programs—at every level. This is an *excellent* development, and other potential 2024 candidates should follow suit! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸👍👍👍