In case you don’t know

There are some things in life that as an adult you’re just expected to know.  I remember when older people used to discuss John F. Kennedy’s assassination and death.  Most of the world seem to know the details, but not me.  I was a 1-year old when Kennedy was shot.  So I wasn’t in the “know”.  Also, most adults know the 50 states and their capitals.  I’m not sure if I was asleep when we supposedly learned these facts in elementary school; I was a good student and loved school.  But I am embarrassed to admit that I never learned these universal facts.  I’ve had to study, and my hubby has helped me learn them!

There are just some universal facts or truths that it seems we all know or should know.  But, the older I get the more I realize, sometimes everyone is not “in the know” on important events or facts.

This past year, I was teaching in an organization, Good News Club, that I’ve been involved with for numerous years.  But something happened that left me somewhat in awe.

Good News Club meets after school and teaches boys and girls 1st-5th graders Bible stories and the truth about God and Jesus in the Bible.  This particular day, I was the one teaching the Bible lesson.  And it was about Jesus taking the punishment for our sin and dying in our place.  When I was finished instructing the 60+ kids in our group, we prayed and a little girl came forward.  I had already noticed her as she was so attentive during the 20-minute Bible lesson.  She was only 8-years old and sat intently on the front row.

When I asked her why she came forward, she didn’t hesitate.  “I want Jesus,” she replied.  As we began to talk, and I asked her more questions about herself and her background, she openly commented, “I didn’t know.”  I said, “What didn’t you know?”  “I didn’t know Jesus died for me.  I have never heard that.”

Stunned.  Flabbergasted.  I have taught children since I helped my mom when she taught first grade Sunday School and helped her teach Vacation Bible School when I was in high school.  God called me to teach from a young age, so I had lots of varied experiences working with children as a teenager and then God brought even more experiences in college and beyond.  Counseling children was a task I had done since being a young adult.  But never in my 40+ years of speaking to children and asking about their relationship with God had I ever heard a child say this.

I was almost speechless.  She went on to explain that her family didn’t attend church; the last few months she had been reading a children’s Bible that her grandmother had given her.  I was ecstatic hearing this!

That precious child did pray to receive Jesus that day.  I was overjoyed!  But what still stuck out in my mind was that this little girl lived in the United States of America, in an area about 3 miles from my house, in the Bible belt of Georgia, but she had never heard that Jesus died for her!!!

All that to say, maybe you’re like this girl.  But you are an adult.  You know Good Friday and Easter have something to do with God’s son, Jesus. You’re aware of some of the details, but no one has ever connected all the dots for you. I plan to do that right now.  I’m not taking anything for granted.

I’m convinced that there are adults walking around, going to work, riding on elevators and doing life in the United States of America that do not know or understand what Easter is about.  So here goes.

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth, the sun, moon, stars, planets.  Then, he spoke into existence the birds of the air, oceans, rivers, animals, plants, etc.  I’m not worrying about the correct order.  He saved his most special creation for last – man.  While everything else was “spoken by Him” into existence, but with man God formed him from the dust of the earth and then breathed life into Him. He was personally involved in this creation – no sitting back and just uttering words.  When a suitable mate wasn’t found for Adam, God created Eve.  Eve was fashioned from a rib in Adam, as God, in all his wisdom just put Adam to sleep and performed the first surgery in heaven.  No anesthesia was needed.

Adam and Eve resided with God in the Garden of Eden.  They walked and talked with Holy God, their Father and Creator and enjoyed sweet fellowship. God told the couple that the entire Garden was for their enjoyment, and they could eat from any tree except for the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil.  It was in the center of the Garden, and that was the one rule they needed to obey.

Eve was tempted by the serpent; Satan made her question God’s word; he coaxed her into taking a bite from the forbidden fruit.  Eve coaxed Adam and got him to eat from the fruit as well.  Immediately, Adam and Eve realized they were naked and tried to hide from God in the Garden and attempted to cover themselves with fig leaves.  But it didn’t work.  They had no remedy for what they had done. They were ashamed and realized they had disobeyed God’s command. Sin had entered the world.  Sin is anything we think, say or do that doesn’t please God.  God is holy…perfect, pure and set apart in every way.  He can’t be close to sin because He is righteous. Their disobedience and rebellion against God changed their relationship with their Maker.  God could no longer be close with His precious creation.  It broke His heart as He loved them both so much. 

Because of their sin, God had to kill an animal; its skin provided coverings for Adam and Eve. It was the first time that death entered the picture, and the first time that blood was shed.  Also, Adam, Eve and the serpent all received consequences from God because of their disobedience (Genesis 3).  In addition, they were banished from the Garden of Eve.  God kicking the two out of the Garden was a consequence from their sin.  But it was also protection.  Another tree in the Garden was the Tree of Life.  If Adam and Eve had eaten from the Tree of Life (after sinning), they would’ve remained in a sinful state forever.  God, in all His wisdom, knew this and loved the couple so much.  He didn’t want that so He tossed them out of their only home for their own protection and because of His great love.

Because of Adam and Eve’s sin, all of humanity is cursed.  Each of us is born with sin in us…and separated from God.  This separation is not what God wanted.  From the beginning of time, He wanted a close and loving relationship with each of us.

Paul tells us in Romans, the “wages for sin is death” (Romans 6:23).  Based on God’s standard outlined in this verse, each of us should have to die.  But God didn’t want that.  He had a plan so that we could be drawn back into a relationship with Him.

We, as mere humans, couldn’t do anything to get back into a right relationship with the One True Holy God. Just as it was futile for Adam and Eve to try and clothe themselves with fig leaves, we too can’t get back to God through righteous deeds, trying to be good, going to church, giving money, etc.  We can’t be good enough.  In the days of the Old Testament, God had the people offer up animal sacrifices to make payment for their sin.  But this act of using a spotless lamb as a sacrifice was only a temporary fix. And God knew this when He set up this system.

None of this took Him by surprise.  From the beginning when He made Adam and Eve, He gave them the gift of choice or free will…and knew they would mess up. 

God had His only Son, Jesus, go to earth in the form of a man.  Jesus put on flesh and bones and left his place of royalty in heaven to come live among us.  He connected with every outcast, every person on the fringe, every sinner and rebel.  He healed the sick, the diseased, the downtrodden and made the blind to see and the lame to walk.  But Jesus’ main mission was to die in our place…to be our substitute.

Back in the Old Testament, God told the Israelites they must atone for their sins.  His rule for sin was death; that was the punishment.  So the people followed God’s law and took a lamb – not any lamb, but their best lamb with no blemishes, hurt legs, bad places — a spotless lamb.  They put in on an altar and killed it. The lamb’s blood atoned for the people’s sins.

Blood has to be shed when sin is present.  It is part of the payment.  Again, this remedy is God’s system.

Jesus was the Lamb of God who took away the sins of the world.  He was perfect, holy and didn’t deserve to die.  His sacrifice would be permanent.

But his death was God’s plan from the beginning of time.

Jesus knew crucifixion was his destiny.  As Jesus rode into Jerusalem, the crowds waved palm branches and praised Him (why we celebrate Palm Sunday).  Just a week later, they yelled, “Crucify him!”

Before Jesus was put to death, we know he experienced gruesome suffering.  Here is the account from John 19: “Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged.  The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head.  They clothed him in a purple robe and went up to him again and again, saying, ‘Hail, king of the Jews!’ And they struck him in the face.”

It should be noted that flogging could have killed Jesus.  The usual procedure was to bare the upper half of the victim’s body and tie his hands to a pillar before whipping him with a three-pronged whip.  The number of lashes was determined by the severity of the crime; up to 40 were permitted under Jewish law. (copied from commentary notes from Life Application Bible).

The whip usually contained pieces of metal or bone that ripped and tore the flesh so that it was excruciating and painful. The crown of thorns, the purple robe and their constant verbal jabs were to mock him.

Jesus was forced by the soldiers to carry a huge wooden cross through the streets of Jerusalem after he was flogged. Can you picture it?  This man that had been kind, healed the sick, reached out to tax collectors and prostitutes, loved on children and cast out demons was now being tortured, punishes and headed to be crucified!  Business was as usual on that cobblestone street where Jesus carried his cross, but there was nothing “usual” about this sight.

As Jesus and the soldiers topped the hill to Calvary or Golgotha, he was nailed to a wooden cross.  Huge nails were hammered into his wrists and his feet.  His arms were stretched wide.

Crucifixion was a brutal and agonizing death as it was excruciating to breathe. Victims usually suffocated.  As he hung there, soldiers and some in the crowd mocked him and made fun of him.  “Hail, King of the Jews!”  “He saved others, let Him save Himself!

Jesus did not retaliate or get angry.  Instead, He prayed, “Father, forgive them for they don’t know what they’re doing.”  Even in intense pain and struggling to breathe, Jesus showed us that He was God incarnate.  Even during this unbelievably gruesome death, His character remained pure and holy; He did not sin.  Instead, His righteousness and love shone through in His darkest hour.

As much as Jesus had suffered physically, I believe His greatest suffering was when God, the Father, was forced to turn His back on His precious only Son. The Bible tells us Jesus took all the sins of the world on Him – every gruesome sin, little lies, huge lies and despicable things that we don’t speak of – all of that punishment that should’ve happened to each of us was put on Jesus. In fact, the Bible says, “He became sin for us.”  That’s how great his sacrifice was.   He bore the pain that should’ve been yours and mine.  As Jesus satisfied the wrath of God by enduring the cross, He felt His Father turn away from Him.

It’s why Jesus was heard saying on the cross, “Father, why have you forsaken me?”

Let that sink in.  The God who rules and reigns over the entire Universe, who had always been ONE with His Son, had to turn his back on Jesus.  Why would God do such a thing?  He had to if He was to remain faithful to His character of Holiness and Purity.  He couldn’t look on sin or be close.  And He knew this when He sent Jesus.  But He was willing to have Jesus endure the cross and separate from His Precious Son so you and I could be back into a right relationship with Him.

Why would Jesus remain on the cross?  Jesus had come to earth as a man, but He was still divine.  He had the power of God in Him.  He could’ve called down 10,000 angels as the Bible states – or rescued himself.  Why did he choose to stay on that rugged cross and be tortured, mocked and spit on?  Because of His obedience to the Father, and His love for you and me.

Philippians 2:6-8 puts it best, “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.  And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death – even death on a cross.”

At noon, something strange happened.  The sky became very dark.  It was like it was night.  For three hours, this darkness continued.  The sun didn’t shine.  I don’t mean it was a little cloudy.  It was an eerie darkness.  Jesus suffered.  All our sins—sins of everyone in the world were put on Jesus.  It was as if God was grieving, and He wanted all the world to know it.

Then Jesus cried out, “It is finished.”  He had done what God had asked him to and fulfilled His purpose.  He had died in your place and mine.

Soldiers went to break the legs of the men hanging on the cross to speed up their death.  When they got to Jesus, they didn’t have to.  He was already dead.  But one of the soldiers stabbed him with a spear.  Blood and water came out of his side, proving Jesus died.

700 years before all this took place, Isaiah, the prophet, had prophesied and told all this would happen to Jesus.  Isaiah said, “By his stripes we are healed,” meaning the stripes on Jesus’ back from when he was whipped.

And he even prophesied that no bones would be broken on Jesus, the Messiah.  Everything God had said about Jesus came true because God knows it all and is in control.

Well, back to the story.  When Jesus died, and said, “It is finished” and earthquake happened.  It shook the ground and was worse than anyone could’ve imagined, and it was still so dark.  Right at that moment another miracle happened.

There was a huge thick curtain that hung in the temple.  This curtain separated Holy God from sinful people.  No one could go in The Holy of Holies in the temple because it represented God.  Only the priest could go in there.  But when Jesus died, He made a way for us to be close to God again.  He was the bridge that we could cross to get us back to God.  That huge curtain was suddenly torn from top to bottom!!!  Only God could’ve done that!  It was another sign!  Because of Jesus being our substitute and shedding His blood, we can now get close to God again!!!  The curtain or our sin didn’t separate us anymore. 

One of the soldiers that was close to Jesus’ cross, looked up after seeing Jesus being loving, praying for people and the darkness and earthquake.  He said, “Truly this was the Son of God.”

Now, this account is not the end of the story.  Joseph of Arimathea was a wealthy man and a secret disciple of Jesus.  He asked for Jesus’ body to be placed in his own personal tomb.  His body was taken down from the cross and wrapped in pieces of linen cloth and laid in the tomb.  A huge boulder was rolled in front so that no one could steal his body or disturb it.

Can you imagine?  His disciples that had walked, talked, fellowshipped with Jesus and seen Him perform miracles were feeling?  They had to be confused, perplexed, scared and wondering what was going on?  This man had spoken to the winds and waves during a violent storm on the Sea of Galilee, and they calmed and obeyed.  Their friend, Jesus, had fed over 5,000 people from a boy’s small lunch.  They had witnessed him touch a blind man’s eyes, and he could see.  They watched lepers go from being isolated and diseased to being fully restored.  And now, this same Master was dead.  What were they to think?

Grief had to be palpable. 

Jesus was put into the tomb late on a Friday.  Early Sunday morning, Mary Magdalene came with spices to treat Jesus’ dead body.  But the stone had been rolled away.  Jesus was alive!!!  God had raised Jesus from the dead.  Read the full account in John 20 and the other gospels if you would like.  Just know the risen Jesus appeared to Mary, the disciples, Thomas (his disciple who had to touch his scars and see Jesus before he believed), as well as over 500 people.  They saw him in town, walking, eating fish with the disciples on the beach and more.

Not only is this fact told in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, but it is THE most documented event in human history.  Historians have relayed this story for centuries…most notable is Josephus.

Friend, the resurrection of Jesus means Jesus conquered death!!  No longer do we need to fear death.  We know God is bigger and stronger and is victorious over death. But it also means that the God of the Universe sacrificed what was most precious to Him for you and me.  Jesus laid down His very life so that you and I could gain a new life with God for eternity. 

Our filthy rags were exchanged for the righteousness of Jesus!

After Jesus was resurrected and walked around in a new body (that still bore his scars from the cross), he appeared one last time and then flew up into heaven.  He sits at God’s right hand – and makes intercession (or prays for you and me).

But here’s the rub.  Just as the thief on the cross had to believe, so we have to believe and accept that Jesus is God’s Son.  We have to acknowledge that He died in our place because each of us are sinners.  And we can’t just believe with head knowledge.  The Bible is clear that even the “demons in hell believe and shudder.” They know Jesus is God’s Son.  We have to ask Him to come into our lives/heart.  We have to want His Spirit to come and take control of us and our lives. When we do, the Holy Spirit (or the Spirit of Jesus) comes to reside inside of us.

That Spirit changes us.  So that while we are on the earth, our goal is to become and be like Jesus.  It’s truly a miracle that only God and Jesus can perform!

Now that you know the Easter or the Resurrection story, God gives you a choice.

Will you be like the thief on the cross who hardened his heart and mocked Jesus?  Will you harden your heart and cast Jesus aside?  If so, you will spend eternity in hell with Satan and his demons, being tortured in the lake of fire.

Or will you believe John 3:16 – that “God so loved the world that He gave His only Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish (die) but have everlasting life”.  If you believe in Jesus, all you need to do is acknowledge you are a sinner and thank Jesus for dying in your place.  Ask Him to come into your heart and life.  In that moment, His Holy Spirit will fill you up!!  Not only will you live in heaven with God and Jesus when you die, but you will experience the abundant life while on earth.

Accepting God’s sacrificial gift of Jesus dying in your place and being raised to new life is called salvation.  I close with a quote that explains the miracle of Jesus coming to live inside of you.

That, my friends, is the Easter story in a nutshell. 

His body was removed from the cross; Joseph from Arimathea, who was a secret disciple, helped take his body down.  Joseph was a wealthy man and had asked that Jesus be buried in his unused tomb. 

His followers, disciples and probably even his mother, Mary, had to be distraught, confused, and perplexed.  The man they had seen make a blind man sea or turn water into wine was now dead and buried.  It didn’t make sense.  Was it for nothing?

That was on a Friday evening (what we celebrate now as Good Friday – and it’s called “Good” because Jesus saved us from hell).  Three days later Mary Magdalene came early in the morning to the tomb.  A huge boulder had been rolled in front to seal the tomb.  When she arrived,

God raised Jesus from the dead!!!  Jesus had been resurrected!  He was dead, but now He was alive!!

He appeared to Mary first.  And then the disciples. And then over 500 people saw Him. 

The fact that He came back to life and walked, talked and ate is THE most recorded event in human history.  It’s not just documented in God’s Word, the Bible.  But it is recorded by numerous historians, Josephus being the most notable.

Easter celebrates the Risen Savior!!  And that He paid our debt on the cross of Calvary.

When you believe He is God’s Son who was sent to pay your punishment and ask Him to be your Savior, the Spirit of Jesus—the Holy Spirit comes in to your heart and life.  The Holy Spirit actually resides within you!!  How is that possible?  Because it’s a miracle – it’s from God!!

When that happens, your sins are washed away.  You are made new.  Oh, it doesn’t mean you want sin anymore.  But it means your desire to sin is changed.  Your desires become more like Jesus.  Because He replaces our sin, our junk and our filthy rags with His purity, righteousness and holiness.  When you ask Jesus to come and be your Savior, you are transformed.  It’s nothing YOU have done.

It doesn’t happen because you are kind; it doesn’t happen because you go to church or try to do good deeds.  It’s a miraculous process that only can be accomplished through God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit.

And once you believe and ask Jesus to come in and “save” you, not only are you changed on the inside, but once you die, you will live with God and Jesus in heaven for all eternity.  Jesus said in _____, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”  In other words, you don’t go to heaven by being good.  The Bible tells us none of us can be good enough.  Our righteous acts are as filthy rags***.  You can’t get to heaven by going to church or serving others or trying to forgive.  You sure can’t get there by worshiping a Pope or giving money to non-profits.  There is ONE way – God established it.  Jesus fulfilled it.

Easter Sunday we celebrate the most miraculous event in all of human history.  God’s Son, Jesus, died in our place and He conquered death!  He is the victor!  Because of that, we know that one day when we die, our mortal bodies will decay, but our soul will ascend to heaven and be with God and Jesus for all eternity.  This earth is not our home.

How I pray that each of you reading this will not just know and understand the true meaning of Easter, but you would want the gift of Jesus for yourself.  He is what makes life worth living!

What’s in your hands – take II

Sometimes God reveals to us what’s in our hands that we’re holding on too tightly.  Through the Holy Spirit, He lets us know what we need to surrender to Him because it’s creating a wedge between Him and us – or it’s a barrier to our spiritual growth – or we’re clinging so tightly that it reveals we really don’t trust.

Sometimes it’s a person; other times it’s a sin, a habit, a material possession or a hobby or leisure activity.  In my case, it was a person.

Back in 2020, my mother was living in a senior independent facility, The Palms.  We had moved my parents there in 2017; thankfully, it was their choice, and there was no prodding from me/us.  Dad went to his heavenly home in 2018.  Mom had continued to live there.  And it was a blessing.  As I told her as we returned to The Palms right after my dad had passed, she had me (her only child), my husband, her grandson and her earthly family; she had her family from church; and God had also provided her family at The Palms.  God had given her numerous friends there to support and encourage her.

Late in March in 2020, Mom shared with me that she had excruciating pain in her right arm.  She had a high tolerance for pain so I knew this was major.  Covid was at its peak so trying to get in to see a doctor of any kind was a challenge.  But we finally got an appointment with a PA at an orthopedic doctor’s office.  After waiting to see him for about two hours, he finally showed up and examined Mom’s arm and did some x-rays.  He concluded she had tendonitis.  Even when he said the diagnosis to her, I had a check in my spirit.  I didn’t believe it was that.  But I never let on to her.  We left with prescriptions in hand.

Shortly afterwards I moved in with her.  I called the manager of her independent facility, who I knew very well, and told him I was moving in with her.  I couldn’t bring her to my house as she had trouble navigating the bathrooms with her walker.  On top of that, she needed to be comfortable. I assured him I would stay away from other residents, have my temperature taken (their daily practice at the facility) and anything else that was required. All my life I had seen Mom be so strong and face whatever.  But this trial was taking it out of her.

For Mom to maneuver on her walker, she had to hoist herself up by first putting her hands down on an object, such as a desk, table, etc.  With the intense pain in her arm, it was excruciating to get up on the walker each time.  It was hard to watch; I hurt for her every time.

On top of that, the cream the PA prescribed for her arm didn’t touch the pain.  I called her pharmacist to ask questions.  Even over the phone, he told me that this cream and the other meds should be helping her.  He and I both doubted the diagnosis of tendonitis.

In the days that followed, Mom struggled to get around.  Daily tasks like going from one room to another, going to the bathroom and getting back up, etc. became a huge mountain to climb.

As I was trying to transfer her from her loveseat to her motorized chair for bed, she slipped down and fell.  I was helpless to pick her up.  I called my husband, who was already in the bed.  He came immediately.  But after arriving, he realized he couldn’t pick Mom up without injuring that arm even further.  We called 911; they arrived quickly and helped Mom up and into bed.

After that, there was another incident.  This time the paramedics took Mom on to the emergency room near my house. 

I drove behind the ambulance.  On the way, I called my husband and asked him to pray that I would be able to go in the hospital with mom.  My husband, Norman, is always a realist.  He said, “Laura, prepare yourself.  Covid is in full swing; you know that’s probably not going to happen.”  Through tears, I asked him to pray anyway, and we hung up. I sat at a red light and called a dear friend.  I explained the situation.  Susan responded, “Laura, you know my 84-year old dad with dementia was just in the hospital.  They wouldn’t let me go back with him.” Because of all of the emotions and the events of the day, I had totally forgotten that.  The reality sank in.  I thanked Susan for praying and hung up.  As I drove down a familiar highway to the hospital, I prayed out loud.  “Lord, it’s my momma.  She’s never been in the hospital without me.  I’m scared, and I know she is as well.  Please work this out.  Please touch and heal her or help them find out what’s causing her pain.”  I sobbed as I prayed.  My stomach was in knots.  Something major was going on with mom; I could feel it in my bones.  But I was helpless.

As the tears kept coming, my emotions were in turmoil, but I finally became quiet, not knowing what else to pray.

And then I heard, “Laura, do you trust ME with your mom?”  It was as if the Lord Jesus Himself was in the passenger seat next to me.  I heard Him that clearly. 

I replied out loud, “Of course I trust you with her, Lord.”  And then, just as He did Peter when He questioned his love and devotion, Jesus asked again,

“Laura, do you really trust ME with your mom?”  And then the tears flowed.  I confessed to Him that I did not. He revealed to me even as I drove that I had such a tight grip on my mother.  I wanted to be in control.  I wanted to be in charge.  I didn’t want to surrender her or her care to anyone else, even the Lord Jesus.

But on the drive to the hospital, I did.  Not only did I surrender her, I gave Jesus my husband and my son while I drove.  I prayed aloud and confessed that I held them too tightly. 

I told Jesus that I loved Him and knew He was indeed in control, and I knew I could trust Him, whatever that meant.  Was it easy?  NO!  I sobbed throughout the entire conversation and process.  Was it freeing?  You bet!!!

A peace came over me. 

I pulled into the hospital parking lot and walked to the emergency exit with my mother’s bag and belongings.  There was a wonderful male nurse who greeted me.  He was kind, loving, caring and seemed to me like a giant teddy bear, a big man who was somewhat round and compassionate.  Exactly what I needed at that moment.

I told him my mother’s name.  Before I handed him the bag, I asked for assurance that she would receive it.  And I looked right in his eyes and tried to hold back the tears, but I couldn’t help it.  I said as I gulped, “We’ve never been apart in a situation like this.  Please take good care of her.”  He gave me his assurance and even hugged me.  God put that specific male nurse there that day, I’m still convinced.

As I got to my car, Mom’s nurse called me on my cell phone.  She explained that she was caring for Mom.  Her voice was empathetic and compassionate.  Then, she handed the phone to my mother.  Just hearing her voice helped me.  But mom’s voice cracked as well.  She was fiercely independent, but I knew she was missing me as much as I was her.  We talked for as long as they allowed.  The nurse got back on the line and told me to go home.  The doctor would call me when they received the results of Mom’s tests.

I did as I was told.  It was a long drive home, even though my house is only 15 minutes from the hospital.  I cried; I prayed; I sang; I continued to tell God I trusted Him with my mother – and I asked Him to help me fully trust Him. I was reliving the story of the man in scripture in Mark 9:23-25 who asks Jesus to heal his son who is possessed by a demon.  The boy’s father said to Jesus, “I believe; help my unbelief!”

As I got home, I fell in my husband’s arms and just sobbed.  Surrender is not easy.  Leaving Mom in that hospital was difficult, but more than that, releasing her to Jesus was freeing, but it was also one of THE most excruciating things I’ve ever had to do, but the peace that followed was amazing. 

Anyone who knows me well knows that I am loyal and love fiercely…not half-heartedly.  And this was my momma.  The woman who had been the very first impression I had of God as a young child, and the essence of sacrificial love my entire life. She had always been there for me; she had never failed me.  Her love was a constant in my life. But Jesus was asking me to surrender her to Him.  I did.  I knew I was clutching her too tightly.

What happened after that was like I was on auto-pilot.  We ate; I cleaned up the dishes; I put things away.  I kept waiting for the doctor to call.  Finally, we went to bed.  I didn’t think I could sleep, but I did out of pure emotional exhaustion.

At 1:30 am, my cell phone rang.  It was Mom’s doctor in the ER.   I remember all of this saga as if it was yesterday.  It’s forever etched in my memory bank, mind and heart.

I ran to our living room so I wouldn’t wake my husband.  The doctor introduced himself and said, “Laura, we received the x-rays back on your mom.  She has lesions eating away at the bones.”  I swallowed hard; I was still groggy and trying to make sense of his words.  I finally responded, “Are you saying Mom has cancer?”  “Yes, multiple myeloma.  And I believe it’s in more places than just her arm.”  I don’t really remember his words after that.  It was as if someone had punched me hard in the gut, and I couldn’t catch my breath!

I knew when I first took Mom to the orthopedic PA that there was something seriously wrong with her arm; I knew it wasn’t tendonitis.  But never in my wildest dreams did I think it was cancer!  It was a hard pill to swallow.

I went to tell my husband.  As I spoke the words, I cried.  I knew it wasn’t good.

We both got dressed and went to pick up Mom.  I hugged her.  The tech helped Mom get in the front seat of the car out of a wheelchair.   I sat in the back.

As we were out of the parking lot a short distance, Mom said, “Laura, is it cancer?”  I didn’t know how much the doctor had told her so I was a little stunned but not totally surprised.  Mom wasn’t much for shoving stuff under the rug; she, like my hubby, liked to face things head on.  I responded, “Mom, that’s what he thinks initially, but he’s not sure.  We will follow up with an oncologist next week.”  It was 2:30 am by that time, but I wasn’t sleepy in the least.  My mind and heart were churning, and I was praying as Norman drove us back to Mom’s room at The Palms.

As Norman drove us home, he commented to me months later.  “Laura, your mom never asked another question.  That wasn’t like her.”  I definitely thought the same thing.

Normally, Mom would’ve asked me tons of questions and wanted to know the next step.  But I think God had prepared her.  My guess is my precious, selfless mother prayed for the good Lord to take her – and take her quickly.

She had sacrificed three years of her life caring for her mother, my precious Gan, who lived with us.  I never heard my mom utter one word of complaint during those times.  But did it wear her down?  Were there times that I looked at her and knew she was exhausted and weary?  Did it take its toll on my parents’ marriage, even though my dad was supportive and helpful? Yes, yes and yes!

She had already apologized to me profusely for having to be away from Norman.  She didn’t want me to have to sacrifice for her the way she had done.  She never said that, but I knew it as I knew her.  But I was willing – and Norman was prepared for me to do so.

I went back to The Palms with Mom.  The next couple of days are somewhat a blur.  She was in so much pain and had to be on pain killers.  They made her lethargic and not herself; she was confined to the bed. If there was anything Mom hated it was being “doped up” on medicine.  But there was no alternative as the pain in her arm was too intense.  I cared for her and brought her stuff.  No longer could she get up and go to the bathroom.  I couldn’t wrap my brain around her care or what the next step would be.

There was no one there to consult.  My husband was working and trying to manage things at our house.  Our son had already moved and was busy with his own life.  I felt alone, and yet God was there with me.  I had the richest prayer times I’ve ever experienced.  I praised Him amidst that huge and painful storm.

My insides were in knots; it hurt more than I can express in words to see my precious mother in this kind of state.  I was helpless; I didn’t know what to do or what the next course of action needed to be.  I cried out to God like never before, asking Him to show me and give me wisdom.

And He did. 

The details that followed were orchestrated and lead of God at every turn.  There’s too much to include and too much to try and relay. You would be bored with the details, but I treasure each one and have recorded them.  Why?  Because God was with me every step of the way; He made His will evident and showed me what I needed to do next.  He was all-sufficient.

My precious mother, my best friend – the woman who had been my first image of God, who had loved me like no other on the face of this earth and had been my role model went to her heavenly home in just another week.

It was a whirlwind.  I couldn’t wrap my mind or heart around it.  God had been so merciful; she could’ve suffered for days, weeks, months or years.  But He was gracious and took her to her heavenly home in such a brief time!!

We shared a closeness that is rare between a mother and daughter.  Even years before, my son had once confessed to me that he knew I would probably fall apart when Grammy (my mom) died.  He saw; he knew our closeness.  My husband told me something similar after Mom died.

But I didn’t fall apart. Jesus was My Rock, My Refuge and My Comforter.  Oh, I grieved.  I cried.  It was a hurt like I never known.  With dad, there was months to prepare.  Not with her. 

But I’m convinced that God gave me a special gift.  You see when He asked me on the way to the hospital if I trusted my mom to Him, I knew He was really asking me to surrender her to Him.  Little did I know then that she would be in heaven a mere week later.

All I know is God carried me…and He put His huge, strong, everlasting, loving and merciful arms around me.  I had never experienced anything like it before or since.

Just a day or so later I was reading in my Bible and came across Psalm 91:4. I read the Psalms almost daily as I so identify with David, but I never remember reading this verse.  “He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.”  That was it!!!  God had covered me with His huge wings.  I felt Him.  His presence and His lifting of me from grief was so real!!! Oh, how I praised and thanked Him! 

It’s been almost 5 years since God called Mom to her heavenly home.  There are times when I miss her so badly, it truly hurts.  But I can still claim that God’s mighty arms envelop me and hold me to His bosom.  I’m convinced that if I hadn’t “released her” and “surrendered her” to the Lord on that drive, I wouldn’t have had the same experience.

Now to the question at hand.  What are you clinging too tightly?  You know.  Most of us know.

And if you don’t, the Holy Spirit will clearly reveal this truth to you.

God is jealous; He doesn’t want anything else to hold the place of #1 in your life. 

Don’t keep living life with the same priorities.  Allow Him to examine your life and reveal to you what you are clinging to too tightly.

And know that there is a renewed freedom in surrender.

Take time to do business with Him today.  It’s so worth it! 

What’s in your hands?

Why are there so many Christians who seem to never really EXPERIENCE God?  As a believer in Jesus, I have struggled with this question lately.  Perhaps it’s because I’ve witnessed several adults walk away from God and their faith in the last couple of months.  It’s been heartbreaking!  Or being a teacher, who has taught and counseled children since I was a teen working with my mother, I have a burden to not just lead children to trust Jesus for salvation, but to see them grow and follow Him as a lifelong disciple.

 Not too long ago, I even heard someone I know and consider to be a strong and mature believer say, “I’ve never heard God speak to me.”  I was blown out of the water!  Why?  Even as a little girl, I can recall specific times in which God spoke. 

And just like in the Bible, I firmly believe God still “speaks” to His children today – through the Holy Spirit, through God’s Word, in prayer, through circumstances, in church and through other believers. 

Sometimes I think we as believers don’t experience the love relationship He intends because we are holding on too much to this world.  We clutch what’s in our hands and don’t release it to God – sometimes out of ignorance and most of the time out of control.  And by doing so, we can’t experience the love and intimacy with God that He so desires.

What’s in your hands?  By that I mean, is there anything or anyone you’re grasping too tightly?

As believers, we know from scripture to turn from the “pattern of this world” (Romans 12:1-2). We know to abstain from drugs, excessive drinking that leads to drunkenness, immoral sexual behavior, gambling, pornography, lust, cussing, etc.  Those are really “no brainers” as they are spelled out in scripture – and probably you’ve heard that reiterated in church.

But I think there are GOOD things that we have a tendency to cling to vs. relinquishing them to God. When we cling to even these “good” things, it definitely has a negative impact on our relationship with God. We are in essence saying, “YOU are not enough.”  How can we say that or think it in regards to the God of the Universe who gave up Jesus for you and me?

In John 6: 5 -15 Jesus has just finished speaking to a large crowd and asks Philip, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?”  Of course, you know the story.  A little boy has a lunch of 5 barley loaves and 2 fish that he offers.  Jesus thanks the Father for his provision; the disciples distribute the food to the crowd of over 5,000.  Not only is there plenty of food, but there are leftovers – 12 baskets full!!!  Such a miracle!

Obviously, God and Jesus get credit for multiplying the food and making it go far enough.  But part of what is significant is that the little boy is willing to give up what he has to provide for others.  He’s willing, if you will, to put his food in the Master’s hand.  What he has – what is in his little hand is released to Jesus to do with as he pleases.

What is the little lad had said to the disciples, “This is MY lunch.  My mom packed it for me.  It’s not to be shared with all these other people that I don’t know.”  That might seem silly to you, but don’t we have that attitude at times?  I confess I have had it at times.  It’s mine – why should I give up MY money, time, resources or ??

Here are just a few other examples from the Word.

Abram.  What if this man had clung too much to his home country and homestead that he had built.  When God called and said to Abram, “Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you.” Genesis 12:1, Abram could’ve easily responded and said, “Lord, do you know how long I’ve lived here in Ur?  All my cousins, aunts and uncles are here.  It’s where I feel safe and secure.  Do you know how long it’s taken me to build everything and acquire all this?”  Isn’t that more of our tendency in the faith vs. hearing from God and obeying. But Abram didn’t say any of that.  In Genesis 12:4 we read, “So Abram left, as the Lord had told him…”  Needless to say, Abram didn’t cling to the familiar or what made him secure.  His security was in God; his faith was greater than the land he had grown up in and even in his family (yes, I realize Sarai went with him and Lot, but not all of his family or people he knew).

Moses.  I could not leave one of my heroes of the faith out.  I so identify with him; he wasn’t quite sure God had chosen the right person.  Moses did answer the call and finally surrendered to God. 

God asked Moses to throw down his staff so God could teach this man of faith what HE alone could do. But what if Moses had clung to his past or his sin of murder vs. the power that was in his hands because of God’s equipping?  He had to lay that down for God to truly use Him.  Some of us still cling to past sins, and that makes us ineffective or provokes feelings of unworthiness or condemnation.  When we’ve confessed those sins before the Father, we know He removes them “as far as the east is from the west”.  If we’re burdened by them, it’s our own flesh to blame.  Certainly, it is not God.  He can still use us, if we will unclench our past sins from our own hands (and minds).

Hannah constantly prayed for a child; she wanted to be a mother more than anything.  But when God granted her request, she did not cling to her precious son, Samuel.  She offered him back to God – for Samuel to be God’s servant.  Oh, so many lessons we mothers especially can learn from Hannah! 

In Matthew 4:18- 20, we read, “As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew.  They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. ‘Come, follow Me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I will make you fishers of men.’ Ats once they left their nets and followed him.  Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John.  They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets.  Jesus called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.”

Peter and Andrew didn’t ask questions of Jesus.  “Where are we going?  How long will we be gone?  Shouldn’t I take some items with me?”   They didn’t ignore, argue or question Jesus.  Both brothers dropped what was in their hands and followed.

With James and John, they not only dropped their nets, they left their boat and their father.  This account has always stuck with me as it truly is stunning.  They left their current livelihood; they left their ability to make a living and a wage; they left the family business; and they left their father (and mother) – two people whom they dearly loved (according to other scripture passages).  It’s obvious, Jesus came first.  They didn’t have to weigh the pros and cons; they didn’t consider their welfare or that of their parents; they didn’t even think of logical or practical reasons NOT to follow.  Bottom line: They didn’t cling to what was in their hands. And what was familiar and even good.  They just followed Jesus without hesitation.

It’s just supposition on my part.  But there had to be part of them that realized that giving up everything for this special man was going to be worth it.

And of course, my list of examples from the Bible could go on and on, but it wouldn’t be complete without Jesus.  As always, He is the One who sets the standard in this department as He does in all areas.

In Philippians 2, Paul writes, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.”  Just this one verse implies and hints to the fact that something will need to be given up or sacrificed.  But he goes on to discuss Jesus’ humility.  “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus, who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, made in human likeness.  And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death – even death on a cross.” 

In other words, Jesus didn’t just lay down one thing in his holy and human hands, Jesus chose to lay down it ALL.  He gave up His rights and deity as God Himself; He relinquished control of His heavenly position and authority…and gave up his very life to God as a sacrifice for each of us.  He did that to obey the Father and because of His love for His Father and us

Shouldn’t we follow His example?

Again, I think most of us want the abundant life God offers through following Jesus, but we still want to cling to our rights — or certain people or certain things.

So, I leave you with this question:

Who or what is in your hands that God is calling you to release? Maybe it’s a person or family members.  Perhaps it’s a job or hobby – or something entirely different. Maybe it’s trying to fit in with the world.

Whatever your “who/what” is, He is asking you to pry your death grip off of “it” and surrender “who/what” to Him. To fully experience the abundant life God offers, He is calling you and me to lay down whatever it is or whoever it is at the feet of Jesus and surrender it to Him.

God’s Provision

Has there ever been a time when you doubted God’s provision for you?  Perhaps you thought that your need – whether it be financial, emotional or physical – was too big or too complicated for God to meet and solve?  Even thinking of this question and topic reminds me of numerous people in the Bible:

Abraham – God provided and kept his promise for Abraham to have a son and heir

Israelites in bondage in Egypt – God heard and provided a “redeemer” in Moses who was their earthly leader; God provided rescue from the Egyptian army when Pharoah changed his mind.  He parted the Red Sea for the Israelites, and then caused the water to flow back onto the Egyptians and drown the entire army!

Jonah – God provided him another chance when he ran from his initial assignment…and used the belly of a whale to get his attention.

Joseph – God provided for him when he thought all hope was lost, and he had been abandoned and sold into slavery by his brothers

Hannah – God provided a son, Samuel, when all hope seemed lost that she would ever have a child

And I could go on an on with examples from the Word.

Sometimes God shows us or reminds us of His Faithfulness through His creation.  Such is this case with this encounter.

Just a few months ago, I was washing dishes in my kitchen and preparing food. I looked up and could see through the glass on the door to our deck that a small tiny titmouse (one of the smallest birds common to Georgia, where I live) was out on my deck.  What caught my eye was not just the bird, but what she was doing.  I had several plants strategically placed on my deck, all in various colors.  But she had chosen to get underneath one of the planters.  Up above where she had landed were some gorgeous pink geraniums sitting on the top shelf of the planter.   A couple of feet below the geraniums was another small ledge, approximately the size of a jar lid.  Usually, I had a small pot with a plant sitting on it.  But this time, I had left the small shelf on the base of the planter empty.  It was the perfect spot for a tiny bird.

Water was dripping down from the geraniums as I had just watered about 10 minutes prior.  But when I looked out, I saw a sight I had never witnessed.  That tiny titmouse was drinking from the excess water overflowing from the geraniums.  Her beak was wide open as she lapped the dripping water.  And then she twisted her body as if she was a person getting sprayed in the shower.  Just the drip-drip-drip of the excess water from my blooming geraniums was supplying her with just the right amount of H2O to “bathe” in the overflow of water.

It was an incredible sight!  Oh, how creative Our Heavenly Father is to care for ALL of His creatures, even some of the smallest.  If He is able to provide for a 3” titmouse, how much more will He provide for you and me? 

Even though I was extremely busy and had much to accomplish that morning, I stood stone still so I did frighten my little winged friend.  I realize birds don’t have lips like we do to form a smile, but before she flew away, it seemed as if she smiled and was happy to have her thirst quenched and said, “Ah” as she stepped out of her “geranium shower”.  I was in awe of God’s provision for her.  My only regret was that I couldn’t snap a photo.  I knew if I moved to grab my phone, my little winged friend would fly away.

I was just beyond thankful God had given me a sneak peak of how He cares for the tiniest of His creatures.  It was a vivid reminder of how He will provide for us, if we only trust Him and depend on Him.

Intentional and Disciplined

Happy New Year, friends!

Did you go to your primary care doctor last year for a check-up or physical?  Do you plan to this year?

Most of us want to be healthy – and may even go the doctor and/or set goals to do so.  I commend you if that’s on your radar for the new year.  It is for my hubby and me.  We’re trying to encourage one another and make some changes in the right direction where our physical health is concerned.

But what about spiritually?  Have you set any resolutions or made any goals to deepen your walk with God?  Is that high on your priority list or near the bottom?

I heard at the end of 2024, right before New Year’s Eve, that 82% of people that make resolutions break them in less than 3 weeks!  My husband and I were stunned.  I don’t want to be in that category.  I want to be in the minority of the 18% that press on.

God’s Word reminds us that our bodies are “temples of the Lord” and to treat them as such. In I Corinthians 6:19-20, Paul tells us, “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?  You are not your own; you were bought at a price.  Therefore, honor God with your bodies.”  Lately, I have been convicted about this issue.  I’ve had some mild physical issues and as I pray about what to do, the Holy Spirit is speaking to me about exercising and taking better care of “His temple”.  I’m not a total couch potato, but God is telling me to “step it up” with healthier eating, exercising and being more proactive with my health.  Remembering that the high price Jesus paid to redeem me and “buy me back” to have a relationship with God was very high definitely puts things into perspective.  His agony before and during the cross was excruciating.  So I should treat my body as His temple – and not put physical fitness and healthy eating at the bottom of the list. Since the Holy Spirit resides within me, I am a reflection of Him in every way. I don’t want my physical appearance to reflect poorly on my Savior.

But the Word also goes on in I Timothy 4:8, “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”  This verse reminds us that while physical training is good and beneficial, it’s not as important as our spiritual growth and development.  The latter pays dividends in this earthly life as well as the one beyond.

Currently, I’m striving to have goals for both.

Two words the Lord has given me for 2025 are intentional and disciplined.

I want to be intentional and disciplined with my physical body.  I’m trying to cut out sugar (making exceptions for special occasions) and trying to cut down on so many carbs and add in more veggies.  In addition, I’m trying not to eat after 7 pm.  And I’m about to start a new exercise program.  I won’t bore you with the details. 

All of those things I listed will take a change of mindset from me – a renewed determination.  I confess I’ve already fallen off the band wagon when it comes to sugar.  Why?  When I’m stressed, I turn to chocolate so I’m trying to be disciplined and get that area under control.  It’s really a spiritual issue as I need to turn to the Lord vs. food/chocolate.

But as difficult as the changes are to make regarding my physical body, I need to work on the spiritual aspect of my being as well.  God, through the Holy Spirit, has impressed me to get up at 6 AM during the week.  Even though I’m retired, I need to do that to accomplish everything on my “to-do” list.  More importantly, I need to get up at this hour to have a meaningful devotion time with him.

I’m still working on doing this consistently, even if I get in bed late the night before.  I’ve failed already, but I’m determined to stick with it.  On the days I’ve been successful, I feel proud of myself, but more than that, I have uninterrupted time with the Lord that doesn’t feel pushed or rushed.  I have time to read my Bible, read a devotional, write in a prayer journal and pray (and be still and listen to the whisper of the Holy Spirit).  It’s a notable difference in my life when I make these things and time with the Lord my first and most important priority.  I want to please Him by spending time with Him and being obedient in this area.

Years ago I read the little book, My Heart Christ’s Home, and it impacted me greatly. Still to this day, if I neglect meeting with the Father early on, I don’t have guilt. I don’t feel condemned. But I picture Jesus in my living room, waiting on me, in my special chair. It’s a regular appointment. How can I neglect Him? The One who paid the ultimate price and died in my place…the One who shed His blood to wash away my sins…the One who freed me from the bondage of sin…and the One who made the sun, moon, stars and all of creation WANTS to spend time with me. He calls me by name; He wants an intimate relationship with ME, His child. I don’t want to disappoint or disrespect Him. I WANT to allow Him to fill me up to the brim, and that is impossible without me being a willing participant. As the verse in John 3:30 states, I want “Him to increase and me to decrease”.

I’m reminded me of the example Jesus set for us as he walked and lived on the earth.  Even as one who was holy and perfect, Jesus made it a practice to get alone with God to pray.  Throughout the gospels in Matthew 14:23, Mark 6:46-47 and John 6:15, we see similar verses in which it’s conveyed by one of the disciples that Jesus’ consistent habit was to get alone to have time with His Father.  In Luke 6:12, the doctor tells us, “He went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued tin prayer to God.  His disciples saw him leave to pray, and later return.  He also prayed with others.”  If Jesus, the Son of God, needed to do that, how much more do I need it?  I can feel and tell the difference when I rush through that time with the Father – or I give Him the leftovers of my day.

I’m reminded of Martin Luther’s quote, “I have so much to do today that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer.”  I’m certainly not to that point, but the older I get, the more I realize the importance of prayer and that time spent with the Father.  My goal is to be more disciplined and intentional. Without this purposeful mindset, I know my tendency will be to operate on my own strength and logic.

I’d love to hear from YOU.  What are some of your spiritual goals for 2025?

Thanks for following and reading.  I apologize for being slack at the end of 2024…just another area where I need to improve and be consistent.

Forgiveness

Are you a list maker?  I am!  I love to make a “to do” list – and even more, I love the feeling of crossing off responsibilities and/or goals.  It gives me such a sense of accomplishment, whether it’s a small task or a monumental one!

Do you make “mental checklists” in your Christian life?

By that, I mean, you know the areas where you excel or have an easier time?  And the ones you definitely need to rely on the Holy Spirit!  Typically, we don’t speak these things aloud.  But in some areas, you might just have the thought, “I don’t really need help in that area.  I’ve got this under control.”

The older I get, the more I’m convinced we need the Holy Spirit in EVERY area.  But truly we all have our strengths and weaknesses.

For me, forgiveness was an area in which I knew God helped me, and I didn’t have to work on it too much.  I don’t say that braggingly.  I’m not implying there haven’t been people along life’s journey that haven’t caused me to cry out to the Lord and ask Him to help me forgive.  There have been plenty – family members, friends, church people, co-workers and the list is numerous.

But when I was a girl growing up, I didn’t struggle to forgive. Again, I don’t say that braggingly.  Just trying to be transparent and honest.  Perhaps it was because of my personality.  Maybe it was due to the fact that I saw my parents live out their faith.  They were far from perfect.  But I did see them consistently forgive one another or a family member.  My dad especially exhibited this trait.  I’ve seen him “turn the other cheek” too many times to count.  One time when I was so upset with a family member (whose now in heaven) for taking advantage of my parents, and especially my dad, I was almost in full-blown rage.  My angered boiled up in me.  By this time, I was in my early 30s and well-aware of the situation.  In my mind and by my assessment, this family member deserved a piece of Dad’s mind – and mine as well.  What she did was flat wrong!!!  And so inconsiderate of my parents, who had a history of helping her in tangible, practical and numerous ways (financially and with sweat, blood and tears).  Anyway, my dad was calm and resolute.  He just looked and me and remarked, “Laura (he only called me by my given name when he was upset with me or really wanted to make a point.  Other times, he called me “Puddy”.  His special name given to me at birth when he exclaimed, “There’s little pudding.”  I digress.)  As we continued to talk, Dad just turned to me and simply said, “How many times?”  I replied, “Dad, what?  What do you mean how many times?”  Dad continued, “How many times does Jesus tell us to turn the other cheek?”  It was just Dad and I talking. I said, “Dad, I know the Word says 70 X 7, but there are times you need to confront someone….”

There was such wisdom, calmness and resolve in his response.  I kissed him goodbye and agreed to disagree.  But as I made the 30-minute drive back home to Norman/Nathan, I thought about our conversation.  Perhaps Dad was right.  He had lived longer than me; he knew by confronting this family member nothing was going to change.  He knew he needed to get past the situation and forgive. 

I, on the other hand, had a tougher time in that situation.

But just recently, God has been showing me that forgiveness is not as easy or a “slam dunk”, as I previously thought. 

Forgiveness doesn’t come as easily as it used to – or in certain situations.

A few months ago, my morning devotion was on forgiveness.  Usually, I just read from one devotional book and move on to my Bible and then pray.  This particular morning, I grabbed another devotional book and read the passage for that day.  It was also on forgiveness.  I thought that was an odd coincidence.  As my pastor, Dennis Watson always states, “There’s no such thing as coincidence in God’s world.”  I totally agree with him. 

I even paused and prayed after I read the second devotion and said something like, “Lord, whatever happens today, please let me apply this truth to the situation – and will you give me the strength and power to forgive?”

I went on my merry way and started my day.

After doing some morning chores, I received a call from a family member.  After a few minutes in, this person got upset with me because I didn’t agree with his opinion.  And I suggested that he consult the Lord.  It went downhill from there.  But not only that, this family member responded with unkind words and anger. The Holy Spirit reminded me that I had just spoken truth, and in the process, hit a nerve.

I knew I wasn’t at fault.  I had been praying throughout the entire conversation. 

Even though I didn’t respond back in anger, I was upset and really hurt.  I felt pierced, wounded and betrayed.

I knew it was a symptom of my family member’s heart, but it still hurt.  It was hard to forgive and get past the matter.

Later, when my husband arrived home from work, I relayed the story and encounter to him.  He had a rough day and didn’t respond with what I needed right then.  Again, it went downhill from there.  (And yes, I’ve asked my hubby’s permission to share this).

After a few hours of feeling sorry for myself, crying, and praying to the Lord, I went back and reread one of those devotions. 

I knew God was calling me to forgive the family member and my hubby.  To be honest, I didn’t want to in either case.

You see, I told God that I was “in the right”.

Have you ever told God things like that?  And tried to justify your behavior?

It seems ridiculous even as I type it.

God had to remind me that HE was justified in holding my sin against me.  He was justified if he had chosen NOT to forgive me.

He would’ve been justified in just leaving me in my sin and not sending Jesus.

But He responded with mercy, not judgement.

He responds to each of us with grace…not condemnation.

All that to say, I knew God was calling me to forgive both people.

So, finally, I quit TELLING the Lord.  I finally gave in…and LISTENED to the Holy Spirit.

I distinctly heard Him remind me to give Him all my anger, emotions and unjust feelings.  And especially my unforgiveness.

I ASKED Him to give me the strength to give up MY rights…to lay them down.  I pictured myself going to the foot of the cross with Jesus hanging there – and blood dripping down from his excruciating wounds and tears in his flesh.

He had every RIGHT to come down off the cross.  Jesus was perfect and holy in every way.  He didn’t deserve the horrific, agonizing death he endured.  But He laid down His rights because of His love for you and me, and His love for the Father – not to mention His obediene. 

How could I not do the same and follow His example?  That attitude is what God was asking of me.

To wave the white flag of surrender.

I told Him I wasn’t capable of doing it on my own.  I needed HIM to empower me.

The Holy Spirit brought to mind a verse my hubby and I memorized when we were first married.  Ephesians 4:32, “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ Jesus has also forgiven you.” 

This verse always pierces my heart because it again draws me back to Calvary.  It reminds me that even while Jesus was on the cross in agony, He prayed, “Father, forgive them for they don’t know what they’re doing.”

All I know is I was freed up after releasing my anger to the Father.  It didn’t solve all the problems.  But it sure replaced my anger, bitterness and self-pity with peace and calm.

How about you?  Is there someone that you need to forgive – or are you holding on to “your rights”?

Years ago Norman and I heard a speaker at a marriage conference say, “Forgiveness means giving up the right to punish.”

Who are you still holding a grudge against that you should’ve given up long ago?

Who are you still trying to punish?

Let it go, friend! The bitterness, resentment and unforgiveness will eat away at your heart and infect it.  Live freed up in Jesus!

And remember this promise related to forgiveness.  It is stark – and a wonderful motivation to forgive!

Matthew 6:14-15 – For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Wouldn’t it be an incredible feeling to mark “that person” off your mental list and truly forgive? Don’t delay! Ask the Father for His Spirit to equip you to fully forgive. Only through Jesus is that even possible!

Because I said so

Growing up, I was a pretty compliant child.  Now that doesn’t mean I didn’t “test the waters” or ever disobey. For the most part, my desire was to please my parents and make them proud of me.  But there were times I had to exercise my authority. 

I distinctly remember when I didn’t mind or was sassy and talked back, I would get a spanking with the dreaded fly swatter.  I always teased Mom that it’s why I hated the color olive green – our kitchen in the 1970’s was gold and olive green.  I can still see the wallpaper in those predominant colors.  Mom would grab that olive green fly swatter when I talked back and swat my legs or bottom with it.

When I became a teenager, I remember asking her one day why Dad never did the spanking.  She said when I was a toddler, he would pop my hand or my bottom, but as I grew, he was afraid to spank me, thinking he might hurt me.  In his prime, Dad was 6’4” and had very large hands.  Right now as I sit here and type, I can vividly see his hands.  Those precious hands were used to build, create, repair and serve.  They were skilled and gifted hands that the Lord had touched.  He definitely used them to serve and minister to many.

Anyway, that made sense to me, and I was satisfied with the explanation.  Not only that, but I think my dad had enough wisdom to know he didn’t NEED to spank me.  Again, don’t think I’m implying that I was some perfect kid.  Typically, I did as I was told.  Both of my parents were on the same page with discipline and ran a consistent and tight ship.  But Dad, in particular, had a gruff and deep voice.  All he had to do to get me to mind was look at me and speak to me in that “I mean it” voice, and I would comply.  Sometimes, I’d melt and cry.  Bless his heart.  I look back and think how difficult it must have been on him to raise an emotional and super sensitive girl!  But I digress.

But when I became a teen, I recall begging him about certain things and not letting it go.  One of the topics near and dear to my heart was my curfew.  I was in the band and during marching season when we played for football games, I so looked forward to going out with band friends on Friday nights (after the games) for pizza and then back to someone’s house for board games, etc.  My curfew was 11 pm.  Most of my friend’s curfews was midnight or even later.  Needless to say, I brought this subject up repeatedly to my dad.  Mom wasn’t the type mother to “pass the buck” and not make a decision or say, “Wait until your dad gets home”.  But when it came to this subject, she always deferred to him.

I remember trying to catch Dad in a really good mood to broach the subject.  One such time, I was making what seemed to me very good points about why my curfew should be extended.  Dad responded to my pleas with how he wouldn’t have to answer for being the father to my friends; he was only responsible for me. I knew to drop the subject.  Another time when I kept on about this, I remember he responded and just said, “No.  Because I said so.  You don’t have to understand all my reasons.  Nothing good ever goes on after midnight.”

There were other issues when I asked Dad, “Why?”  His response was simple and straightforward, “Because I said so”.  One such time (I don’t remember what I questioned him about), and I said in a snide remark, “When I get to be a parent, I will explain and tell my kids why.”  Add to this disrespectful comment, the tone and attitude of a 16-year old girl who thinks she knows everything (as I was probably rolling my eyes as well).

True story.  My first year of teaching was difficult to say the least.  I loved my school; I loved my class of fourth graders.  But my principal purposely tested me by giving me a VERY challenging group.  I had veteran teachers patting me on the shoulder in the hall saying, “Laura, if you can manage this group and get through this year, it’s all downhill from here.”  He was known for this type of stuff.

But one day, a boy challenged me and just asked a simple “Why?” to my reasoning.  I didn’t miss a beat.  I turned to him and without even contemplating or trying to come up with a detailed response, I said very directly and sharply, “Because I said so!”  I couldn’t believe it.  AT every turn, my dad or mom was coming out of my mouth! 

And I can say that after having a strong-willed boy in Nathan, I certainly have used that phrase more times than I care to note.

My point?

What is God calling you to do, friend?

There’s no doubt in my mind you know exactly what it is.  Have you obeyed?  Are you arguing?  Giving Him reasons why you can’t or don’t want to submit to His authority?

Maybe you haven’t even obeyed and asked Jesus to be your Savior.  Why are you delaying?  It’s the ONLY way to live freed up from sin and to have peace/joy in this life.  But if you want to spend eternity in heaven, then it’s a must as well.

Perhaps He’s asking you to tell a family member/friend about Jesus.

Maybe He’s calling you to tithe, and you’re afraid to trust Him with your finances.

Is He asking you to teach a class at your church?  Join the choir?

Teach a class at your church or lead a Bible study group?

He might be calling you to pray for someone or a group you don’t particularly care for…maybe a co-worker.

Has He told you to walk away from a relationship?  You find it easier to ignore His promptings.  You’re comfortable, but know there are many red flags.

Maybe He’s asking you to forgive someone who’s wronged you.  And you keep telling Him the reasons why you can’t.

I could keep listing tons of different scenarios. 

Think of Jonah.  He thought he could run and hide from God.  How did that work out for him?  God ultimately won.  Think of all Jonah had to endure.  If he had just obeyed in the first place, God would not have resorted to putting him in the stinking, gross belly of that huge fish for three days!

By the way, God put all this on my heart for you, but for me, too.  Lately, I’ve struggled with obedience in little and big areas.  Don’t know if it’s laziness, lack of discipline, weak faith or fear of failure.  In reality, it doesn’t matter.   Bottom line.  Disobedience is a sin.

There comes a time when we need to respect the God of the Universe and trust that His plan is best.  He sees the big picture.  He knows our gifts, and He knows how our faith can grow if we submit and listen to Him.

So quit telling God why you can’t!  Stop with the excuses. Don’t be like Moses in this area.  Think of the blessings Moses would’ve missed if he hadn’t answered God’s call to be the leader of the Israelites and the spokesperson before Pharoah.

 Your arguments or excuses may seem reasonable to you, just like my arguments did for a later curfew.  At some point, do it “Because HE said so”.  When you consider that God spoke the sun, moon, stars, planets, animals, birds, fish, insects, etc. into existence, and fashioned you and me – and realize His character is perfect in every way — and the fact that He gave up His Son for you, that one phrase should be enough for each of us to obey.

All I know is I’m beyond thankful that I had an earthly daddy who commanded respect and knew he didn’t need to detail or explain his reasons.  His phrase of “Because I said so” was in fact a statement that gave me security as I knew Dad loved me, wanted the best for me and was protecting me.

So many years later, I’m even more grateful Dad was wise enough to respond to me at times with this phrase.  His “yes was yes” and his “no was no”.  He wasn’t swayed by my pleadings or me trying to wrap him around my little finger.  He was a discerning daddy who didn’t give into my whims.  Oh, how grateful I am for this!  He taught me not to whine when I didn’t get my way.  And that his way was truly best.

Friend, Dad was a role model who set me up to be able to trust my Heavenly Father. 

Now, my earthly father was far from perfect.  But even if I didn’t like his decisions or choices at the time, even as a fickle, emotional teenager, I knew he had MY best interest at heart.

How much more is that true of Almighty God?

I am reminded of this verse in Matthew 7:11 “If you, then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him!”

So…Quit fighting Him.  Submit.  Surrender.  Obey.  Do it just “because He said so”!

There’s such joy in obedience!

You’re only hurting yourself when you are a defiant kid.

As the old classic hymn goes, “Trust and obey, for there’s no other way.  To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.”

Doubting Thomas and the God who is Able

Did you hear me shouting?  Praising God and Jesus for listening?  For answering?

Do you remember a post I made from over a year ago?  It was entitled “Insurmountable”.  I chose that title because the issue that was going on in my family seemed just that to me.  It was SO huge.  In some ways, I felt like it was too difficult and too complicated for God to move and answer. 

But He did!!!  After two years of praying, He answered!!

Now, I certainly know God doesn’t always answer in the manner or way we think is best, but in this case, He did!!!

All I can do is fall on my knees and thank Him.  My heart is full to overflowing with gratefulness!!!  He is truly a Waymaker and Miracle Worker!

I will back up and give you some details.

God told me my prayer was going to get answered.  One day, when I was being still and quiet, He spoke clearly.  He gave me assurance that my prayer was in line with His will…and would be answered.  I didn’t know how, why, when or any of the particulars.

The message He gave me, through His still, small voice, was crystal clear.  There was no denying that it was from Him.  But yet…

There were moments, days and times that doubt rose up in me.

A co-worker at school, who knew a tidbit of the situation, just asked me an update.  As I told her, I was “walking by faith and not by sight.”  She said, “Laura, you’re good at that” to which I replied, “No, I’m not!” 

Friends, I was having to trust what God was telling me vs. the circumstances I was seeing before my eyes.  Things were happening to further the insurmountable situation and not further what I had requested of God in my prayers.  There were moments and days that it was difficult to trust.

Still, I clung to the words God gave me.  Not only that, there were times I was praying, and I knew He gave me certain scriptures to encourage me heart and remind me to keep persevering in prayer.

There were a small group of friends that knew ALL the details of the situation.  But even a few of them asked me to change my perspective on the issue.  Believe me, I questioned God at every turn and asked HIM to show me if my heart was wrong – and if my motives were pure – and if what I was praying lined up with His will. 

Why am I writing about this?

  1. God told me to share it with you!  How can I not?  Our God is still in the miracle business.  And what He did was truly a MIRACLE.  He didn’t heal a physical ailment in my family, but what God did was even more powerful.  He reached down from heaven and caused one that was “blind” to “see”.  God intervened in such a way that it could NOT be counted as coincidence, happenstance or just a random act.    Even my prayer warrior friends were astounded and amazed at God’s power and provision. This fact was no coincidence.  I KNOW He grew their faith, along with mine, especially the ones who had prayed and were aware of ALL the circumstances.
  2. Don’t doubt when He tells you truth or gives you a clear and direct Word.  Two days before the HUGE answer to prayer came in March, I was home and not working.  I had spent time with the Lord that morning and had a good time of prayer and time in the Word.  In the afternoon, I was folding clothes in my laundry room.  I don’t know about you, but God speaks to me a LOT in the bathroom, kitchen and laundry room (I guess I spend a great deal of time in these rooms – ha!).  I stopped folding.  “God, am I crazy? Delusional?  Foolish?  I’m trying to cling to what you told me; I’m trying to believe with all that I am and with all my heart, but I’m not SEEING what needs to take place.”  That’s a summation of my “laundry room” prayer to the Lord. In other words, I was just like Thomas.  He wouldn’t believe what the other disciples told him when they claimed that they had seen Jesus and He had risen from the dead.  In His words recorded in John 20:24-25 Thomas proclaimed, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it.”  I’ve always thought Thomas missed a huge blessing by not exercising faith.  I sure never wanted to be anything like him! But I have to confess, on this day I was a doubting Thomas.  I wasn’t holding and clinging to what God had told me (and reassured me of).  I caved.  I doubted, just like Thomas, I’m ashamed to say.  But Jesus didn’t hold it against Thomas; He just met him where he was and revealed his scars.  What a patient, understanding and compassionate Jesus!

Two days after this conversation with the Lord, the answer we had been praying for came.  It had been approximately two years!!!  Two years of crying out to God and asking Him to “open eyes and hearts” and to “bind the enemy”.  I was in shock; my husband was in shock.  But we were praising the Lord!!!  I can honestly say that right after our conversations of disbelief, rejoicing and overflowing joy, we stopped right then and there and Praised God and told Him “thank you”.  Our hearts were full to overflowing!  Our INSURMOUNTABLE issue had come to a close.  We didn’t want to be like the 9 lepers who had been healed by Jesus and were thrilled with the outcome but didn’t even acknowledge The Healer; we desired to be like the one who ran back to express his gratitude to The Great Physician.  How could we not pause and raise our voices in thanksgiving?  Just like Jesus rose from the dead and defeated sin, death and overcame the enemy, God showed us that He alone has the power to overcome any circumstance!!  Truly “Nothing is too difficult” for Him (Jeremiah 17:17).

Why do I write and tell you that our God is a Waymaker, Miracle Worker and a Light in the Darkness?

Because I KNOW those of you reading this testimony are experiencing something similar.  There’s a burden on your heart for a family member, friend, yourself or someone in your life.  It may be for one that is lost and refuses salvation, a health issue, dysfunction in your family, financial issues, abuse in some form, marital problems, a prodigal child/grandchild and on and on.  All I know is God is faithful; He will not abandon you.  He alone knows what is best, and only HE knows how to remedy or solve the problem. 

During these two years of fretting, worrying, crying out to God and praying, He has taught me to “wait” on His timing. I have learned that I’m not good at waiting. I want the answer NOW; I want the earth to move NOW; I want MY way NOW.  Are you in that same boat?

One of the main scriptures the Lord kept bringing me back to – and one that constantly encouraged me was this nugget:

Psalm 27:14 “Wait on the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait on the Lord.”

The waiting is repeated twice.  God knows and understands that the waiting is difficult.  Hence, why He follows the first command with “be strong” and “take heart”.  One can only do that by trusting and relying on the Holy Spirit.  I truly believe He empowers us to do so…and strengthens our weak resolve. 

He sure taught me through this seemingly insurmountable situation to WAIT on His timing and rest in Him in the interim.  Some days I did okay; other times, I wallowed in it and struggled greatly.  But through the excruciating moments and the hopeful moments, I know He grew my faith.  He stretched me; He helped me look up; He reminded me that HE alone is in control, and I am not.

I think “waiting” and “resting” are both a tall order in our world today.

We all want our way NOW!  And we’ve been conditioned to expect and demand “our rights”!  So even with the God of the universe, we can let that same worldly mentality seep into our relationship with the living God.  At least I know I have.

Also, in our hectic, chaotic world of rushing here, being busy and constantly spending time on our phones or devices, it can be a challenge to “unplug”, turn off the TV, music, video games, apps or whatever electronic device and “be still and know God”.  I encourage you to be disciplined and do just that.  Make it a priority to relish the quiet, especially in your home.  God shouldn’t have to compete with the “noise-makers” in our world.  I know a few folks who aren’t comfortable without the TV blaring or music on constantly.  It’s hard to hear the whisper of the Holy Spirit when we allow these modern- day devices to take center stage. 

And be encouraged.  God does listen; He does care; and in the words of Tim Keller, “God is always doing 10,000 things in your life, and you may be aware of three of them.  Trust Him.  Love Him.  And they will all be good for you.”

And one more scripture I’ll leave you with that has become a favorite. I claimed it many times; I pray it encourages you. And He helps you believe it with all your heart! “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we can ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever!” Ephesians 3:20

I’d love to hear your stories and testimonies of how God has answered and done the impossible in your insurmountable circumstances.  I know you have some! 

Maybe you’re still at the “waiting” stage.  If so, just keep trusting, my friend.

I’m Back!

Well, friends, I’m sure you thought I quit writing.  I know it’s been quite some time.  I just took an extended sabbatical for many personal reasons.  Forgive me for taking so long.

If I’m honest, I’ve struggled to get back to it.  I’ve struggled with obedience and follow-through.  There are many reasons for the L-O-N-G period of silence.  But for our purposes, none of those matter.

I’m back!  And we have much to catch up on! 

I’ve missed communing with each of you in blog land.

I hope you haven’t lost interest and will tune back in.  Fresh out of the gate, I will start with some big news….

Easter Afterthoughts

Easter is over.  I know that’s not earth-shattering news. You knew that. But…

Did it mean anything to you?

A new dress, suit or clothes?  Time with the family?  Attending church?  Hiding eggs for your kids or grands?

Did Easter make any difference in your life? 

Easter should be the pinnacle of our faith.  It should be a time of reflecting on the incredible sacrifice of God’s own Son come to earth to pay a debt that we couldn’t.  But even more than that, it’s the realization that God had a plan, from the beginning of time, for us to be reconciled and have a way back to Him.  The empty tomb reminds us that He is and always will be victorious over Satan, sin and death…and one day we will live with Him forever in heaven.

This year, a couple of things impacted this Easter season for me.  I pray I never forget what I’ve learned.

#1 – I have realized afresh and anew all my Savior suffered and endured on my behalf. 

It’s no coincidence that the book we’ve been studying this year in Bible Study Fellowship has been in John, and we’re still studying the crucifixion. I found it intriguing that the subject of Pilate’s indecisiveness was brought up.  Pilate being wishy washy made things worse for Jesus.  I had never thought about it like this before.  There was some part of Pilate that recognized Jesus was innocent and shouldn’t be crucified.  He knew Jesus was extremely different from the typical criminals that normally appeared before him. God gave Pilate a choice.  I don’t believe he was doomed to have to make this heinous decision.  There were so many times that he could’ve inquired more of Jesus – and really searched for the truth.  He even asked Jesus, “What is truth?”  Instead of Pilate going with his “gut” and standing up to the people for this man he believed to be innocent, he was a coward and bowed to the will of the people.  But he couldn’t bring himself to make the decision to crucify Jesus.  Instead, he had Jesus flogged in an attempt to appease the crowd and hopefully get off the hook.  I read that this flogging (lashes with a thick leather strap embedded with pieces of bones and metal) was so severe — the pieces ripped into a man’s flesh and tore it to shreds.  Usually, one of three things occurred to the victim:  he passed out as the pain was so intense; he went insane from the excruciating pain; or he died.  None of these things happened to Jesus.

Even during this gruesome flogging, I know God was in control.  It was just another layer of wrath that Jesus incurred because of our sin.  Let that sink in the next time you want to give into your flesh, say the wrong thing or be disobedient to what you know is right.

Pilate, like the rest of us, had a choice.  Truth incarnate, the Son of God, was standing right in front of him.  The Way, The Truth and the Life would’ve shared with him.   He could’ve asked.  He could’ve inquired many things of Jesus.  There was opportunity.  His wife even warned him to have nothing to do with this “innocent man”.  But he chose his pride and his position over REAL truth and REAL purpose in life. His idea of what was important in life was so off the mark.  How many of us do the same?

Four times Pilate tried to release Jesus, but the crowd would have none of it.  It was only when the Jews threatened his position within the Roman government and brought up Caesar that Pilate totally caved.

When I ponder what Jesus endured on my behalf, I struggle to wrap my brain around the level of submission.  Even when 6”-8” nails were being driven into his wrists or his feet, Jesus could’ve jumped up at any point.  He didn’t need to call angels to rescue him off the cross.  He was still omnipotent; He had the power to save himself.  But He loved you and me more than Himself; Jesus loved the Father so much that He was willing to submit no matter the cost.  That’s what makes Him truly holy and the Son of God.  Even during unimaginable suffering and pain, His true character did not waiver.  Oh, what a Savior!

Even more than the physical pain that he endured on the cross, I think the deeper and more excruciating pain for Jesus was the fact that His Father God had to turn away and separate Himself from His Precious Son.  They had always been One.  Jesus was truly alone.  Oh, the heartache of that spiritual separation!  I can’t imagine.  No wonder we hear Jesus cry from the cross, “Father, why have you forsaken me?”

#2 – Several weeks before Easter arrived, I experienced a major injustice in my personal life.  It’s too soon to explain the details.  It’s way too raw.  Suffice it to say, that in my 40+ years in education, I have never experienced anything like I did in this situation.  I hate not to explain the details.  I’m not trying to be super secretive or clandestine.  I will just say this statement.  In no way did my personal injustice hold a candle to what Jesus went through.  But my experience gave me a taste of how Jesus must have felt.  I realize that Jesus was aware of his purpose from a young age.  But he was still a man with emotions, thoughts and feelings.  The fact that he was HOLY, pure, perfect in every way and totally innocent of any wrongdoing can’t be stated enough.  He didn’t deserve having one unkind thing said about him, much less the treatment he incurred.  While he was on the earth, He only did good and brought love, peace, truth and healing.  In return, he was treated like a criminal.  It was such an injustice!  And yet, I know, it was all part of God’s Master Plan.

#3 – I taught the true Easter story to our Good News Club group last week.  Researching and teaching the story using Resurrection Eggs, as well as some vivid pictures helped me realize so many facets of what took place.  But at the end, when I gave an invitation, four children came forward to accept Jesus as Savior.  I was overjoyed as I had prayed for a “drawing of His Spirit” specifically.  Two girls came forward to speak to me. 

Counseling children is something I take very seriously.  I didn’t want to put words in either of these girls’ mouths.  After several minutes of talking, one young lady assured me that she had asked Jesus to be her Savior.  She was confident of that.  But when I inquired further as to why she came, she struggled to articulate it.  Finally, the words came.  Amber (that’s not her real name, but for the sake of this story, I will substitute) said, “I just really wanted to thank Him.  I mean every time I do something wrong, He always forgives me.”  I’ve been working with and counseling children since I helped my mom (as a first grade Sunday School teacher) when I was in high school.  I’ve never heard a child say anything like this!!  What a precious and tender heart!  We prayed; I let Amber talk and pray; I prayed and we both thanked Jesus for how He loves and forgives.  Even on the cross, while he was suffocating, hurting and in agony, Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them for they don’t know what they are doing.”  She remembered that detail from the Bible lesson I told just a few minutes prior.  But more importantly, she KNEW from experience how often and how much He had forgiven her.  What a praise!!  What a blessing!!!  What a thankful heart!!  Her gratitude so impacted me!!

Am I that thankful?  You?

#4 – Have you stopped to consider that two “secret” disciples are the ones who cared for Jesus’ dead and sacred body?  While 10 of the men who had been called, chosen and walked with Jesus – and witnessed him feed 5,000 from a small lunch, heal the blind, change hearts like Zaccheus and Matthew, and make the lame to walk, were cowering in fear and hiding out, two of the Sanhedrin that had secretly believed in Jesus found their courage.  Joseph of Arimathea came forward to ask Pilate for Jesus’ dead body and offer his tomb.  By doing so, he risked his reputation and life.  During this time, it was customary that tombs were shared. Back in that day most people shared a tomb due to finances.  But Joseph offering his pristine tomb fulfilled scripture.  But the King of Kings, who suffered excruciatingly for you and me, was buried in a clean and unused tomb.  It’s so fitting!  Only the best for such a King! 

Is Easter an event you celebrate on that one Sunday of the year – or is it a continual celebration of the fact that Jesus’ Spirit can live inside of you?  It’s worth noting and emphasizing that because of Jesus, we are no longer dead in our sins.  He actually became sin for us; He defeated death; and God raised Him back to life after being dead. Just as He came back to life, He makes us ALIVE!!!  He makes us ALIVE when He acknowledge that we’re a sinner and ask Him to be our Savior. He is a gentleman and waits for us to invite Him in.   His Holy Spirit (the Spirit of Jesus) literally takes up residence.  That’s truly an amazing fact.

The older I get, the more I want to live my life to stand out – and care more about what God thinks of me than the world around me.  And to let others see Jesus in me – to let HIS LIGHT shine through me as His vessel. 

I want the miracle of Easter to be ever present in my thoughts.  To daily be thankful for a LIVING Savior who loves me in spite of my sin…and was willing to do the unthinkable in dying in my place.  That kind of love compels me to live for Him…and to rely on Him. 

When I’m tempted to do life on my own terms, I pray I remember the sacrifice God and Jesus both made.  God gave up THE most precious part of Himself for you/me.  Jesus ultimately displayed His character and self-sacrificing nature on the cross and at every turn.  And showed us in an unforgettable way what it means to truly love God, trust and submit to our Heavenly Father and His will.  He “didn’t cling to his rights as God” as it so poignantly reminds us in Philippians 2.

At this time of year, even nature seems to be shouting and doing everything to get our attention for us to remember that Easter is about New Birth and New Life that can only be found in Jesus!  Trees are blooming; tiny buds are bursting forth in vivid and vibrant hues; and flowers are on glorious display.  This morning, as I went for a walk, all was quiet except for the birds chirping.  I wondered if they were singing praises to God and thanking Jesus!!  It sure sounded like it.

Whatever the case, I hope that Easter is still being celebrated in your heart and life.  It shouldn’t be a one-time, one-day event. 

If you’re still struggling, read Matthew 26:11-28 and John 18-20.  Both recount the time leading up to Jesus’ arrest, the crucifixion, the burial and the glorious resurrection.