Tag: Resurrection

Easter

Posted in Inspiration

Cross

Jesus didn’t come into the world
to save the good
and decide who is bad.
He was not an obstacle-maker,
he was – and is – a bridge-builder,
the connection to salvation and freedom.
That’s the man who suffered and died,
rose again on the third day
and remains a guiding light for all.
Not just the believer,
but all who will see the way ahead
through the eyes of love and compassion.

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Easter Sunday

Posted in essay, Inspiration

Easter Morning

He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. Titus 3:5 (NIV)

We have a long way to go if we want to “prove” God loves us. There is no formula for belief. It is based on trust and faith. It is understanding the Cross was not the easy way; it was the only way. It got the attention of early believers, and continues to do so. Our minister pointed out in a recent sermon that we learn from the painful Holy Week journey of Christ. “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done,” he prayed (Luke 22:42 NIV). Jesus knew what he was getting into, but he did it anyway. For me. For you. This is not a message meant to bring us down, but to remind us that sometimes what we want most in life lies on the other side of pain, of discipline, of doing the hard thing. Resurrection Day is joy-filled and cause for celebration, but don’t forget what it took to get there. Love beyond reason, faith beyond fact. God never said, “Believe in me and everything in your life will be perfect.” He did say, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV).

I am a seeker, not a saint; a believer not a proselytizer. Your thoughtful comments are welcome.

Hallelujah! Christ arose!

Posted in Inspiration1 Comment

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit. 1 Peter 3:18

Empty Cross

On this Good Friday, it is important to remember: one tragic, ill-advised and cruel event changed everything. Despite all the ways God’s loved people have misconstrued it all, despite the multiple religions that claim to know it all, despite every doubting Thomas, Christ’s act of sacrifice rings through the ages. The people at the foot of the Cross did not know that in three days Resurrection would happen. They only knew their friend and teacher was dead at the hands of jealous and fearful men. The first Tenebrae service I ever attended was shatteringly emotional. I’d never seen the altar striped, the Cross draped in black, the light extinguished. The worshipers leaving in silence and reflection. Even knowing the outcome would be Resurrection Day – Up From the Grave He Arose – it brought home what was done to Christ the Savior. It brought home what He did for me.
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Happy Easter

Posted in Books

Happy EasterBut I will restore you to health and heal your wounds. ~ Jeremiah 30:17

In what ways are you wounded? Is it physical hurt? Mental? Emotional? Rejection? Fear? Neglect? Stubborn disregard for others? Hate? Jealousy? Greed? All of the above? We all have been wounded. We aren’t required to carry those wounds forever. If we’re not careful, our wounds can rule our lives. The scars they leave may be evident or hidden, nettlesome hurts that grind away little by little until we lose faith. Give up hope. Stop caring. That’s what wounds do. There is One who cares deeply about us. His care and love was demonstrated in a most profound way; His son was wounded for each of us. Christ’s death, the death of our sins. The good news is that he overcame the grave as we can overcome our wounds. The healer is waiting to heal. Trust in him. He is risen. World changing news that resonates, not with hate but with forgiveness, compassion, love, mercy, and acceptance. Nowhere does it say that Jesus died for a select few; he died – and lives – for all. Have a blessed Easter day.