The Bible is a constant message of redemption from Genesis to Revelation. Christianity didn’t start in Matthew 1:1, it began in Genesis 1:1, in the beginning. The entire Bible is the whole council of God. Reading God’s word reveals His plan and gives us His promises.
Our finite mind will never understand or comprehend it all but the more we read and study The Word, the more He can reveal to us. God’s ways are not our ways and the time in eternity is not the same as our world time.
I have been given the gift of faith to believe that the Bible is The Word of God and to believe in God’s plan for redemption.
The Hebrew word used for God in Geneses 1:1 is “Elohim”. This word is a plural word meaning three or more; The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit.
Deuteronomy 6:4 says “Hear, O Isreal, the Lord our God, is one!” Here again, Elohim is the name used for God. Also the word “one” is “echad” which means unity in plurality.
Our God is the Three in One; The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit. He is Elohim, the Creator, in Genesis 1:1. We read about the awaited Messiah and Holy Spirit throughout The Old Testament. Isaiah 53 and Psalm 22 tell us about the third person in the trinity. The fulfillment of the prophesies of a Redeemer is found in the Gospels of the New Testament.
Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17). You will find truth if you search for it. You have nothing to loose and all to gain by exploring the 66 books of the bible for yourself. If it is true, God will reveal truth to you. He says “seek and ye shall find”. He also promises us that His word shall not return void. It speaks to our hearts and minds and it will open our spiritual eyes and ears. Finding truth prepares us for eternity. “Now is the day of Salvation”. As I read and study The Word, I am preparing for eternity. I will be ready to be with my Lord and the loved ones who have gone on before me.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
"In the Garden"
When I take my daily bike ride on Layton’s bike path to the state park I enjoy the quiet and peace of these moments. I am alone with my creator. I talk to Him and quietly sing praises as I commune with Him. “In my Life Be Glorified” and “Father I Adore Thee” are two of the hymns which I lift up to Him.
In my last few postings, I have been thinking and writing about the ways in which I see and hear God in my life. Another song which I sing, “In the Garden”, brings back very special memories to me. It is a song which my mother taught me and in turn which I taught to my daughter Elisa. We would sing it together. I understood and believed the words as a child and so did Elisa. I had a mother who conversed with God and knew that He was always with her. I do the same and thank The Lord for giving me a mother who taught me about God’s presence by example. This is how I want to live so that I can pass on my faith to my children and my grandchildren.
Elisa died when she was 9 years old. She gave me so much joy and so many memories. Singing this song with her is one of those special memories.
I looked up the history of the song. It was written by Austin Miles in 1912 (this was the year that my Mom was born in North Dakota). Austin Miles was a pharmacist. He loved photography and he used his dark room to develop his photographs. He also used it as a place to spend quiet time with God and meditate on His Word. It was in this dark room where the words to “In the Garden” came to him. It was based on John 20:14 when Mary saw and spoke to Jesus on Easter morning in the garden. God’s word spoke to him and under the inspiration of this vision he immediately penned the poem and then the music.
God used the words to speak to the heart of Austin Miles, Olga (my mother), and Elisa. They continue to speak to me as I sing them back to the Lord in my own quiet time with Him as I travel the bike trail in Layton.
“In The Garden”
I come to the garden alone; While the dew is still on the roses;
And the voice I hear, falling on my ear, The Son of God discloses.
And He walks with me, and He talks with me, And He tells me I am His own;
And the joy we share as we tarry there, None other has ever known.
He speaks, and the sound of His voice is so sweet, the birds hush their singing,
And the melody that He gave to me, Within my heart is ringing.
And He walks with me and He talks to me, and He tells me I am His own;
And the joy we share as we tarry there none other has ever known.
In my last few postings, I have been thinking and writing about the ways in which I see and hear God in my life. Another song which I sing, “In the Garden”, brings back very special memories to me. It is a song which my mother taught me and in turn which I taught to my daughter Elisa. We would sing it together. I understood and believed the words as a child and so did Elisa. I had a mother who conversed with God and knew that He was always with her. I do the same and thank The Lord for giving me a mother who taught me about God’s presence by example. This is how I want to live so that I can pass on my faith to my children and my grandchildren.
Elisa died when she was 9 years old. She gave me so much joy and so many memories. Singing this song with her is one of those special memories.
I looked up the history of the song. It was written by Austin Miles in 1912 (this was the year that my Mom was born in North Dakota). Austin Miles was a pharmacist. He loved photography and he used his dark room to develop his photographs. He also used it as a place to spend quiet time with God and meditate on His Word. It was in this dark room where the words to “In the Garden” came to him. It was based on John 20:14 when Mary saw and spoke to Jesus on Easter morning in the garden. God’s word spoke to him and under the inspiration of this vision he immediately penned the poem and then the music.
God used the words to speak to the heart of Austin Miles, Olga (my mother), and Elisa. They continue to speak to me as I sing them back to the Lord in my own quiet time with Him as I travel the bike trail in Layton.
“In The Garden”
I come to the garden alone; While the dew is still on the roses;
And the voice I hear, falling on my ear, The Son of God discloses.
And He walks with me, and He talks with me, And He tells me I am His own;
And the joy we share as we tarry there, None other has ever known.
He speaks, and the sound of His voice is so sweet, the birds hush their singing,
And the melody that He gave to me, Within my heart is ringing.
And He walks with me and He talks to me, and He tells me I am His own;
And the joy we share as we tarry there none other has ever known.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
THE SECRET
God will guide you through your day and be a very present help in the time of trouble.The following poem, written by Ralph S. Cushman tells us that the secret to getting through every day is spending time with God.
THE SECRET
I met God in the morning when the day was at its best,
And His presence came like sunrise like a glory within my breast.
All day long the presence lingered, All day long he stayed with me;
And we sailed with perfect calmness O’er a very troubled sea.
Other ships were blown and battered, Other ships were sore distressed;
But the winds that seemed to drive them brought to us a peace and rest.
Then I thought of other mornings, with a keen remorse of mind,
When I too, had loosed the moorings, with His presence left behind.
So I think I know the secret, learned from many a troubled way;
You must seek God in the morning if you want Him through the day.
THE SECRET
I met God in the morning when the day was at its best,
And His presence came like sunrise like a glory within my breast.
All day long the presence lingered, All day long he stayed with me;
And we sailed with perfect calmness O’er a very troubled sea.
Other ships were blown and battered, Other ships were sore distressed;
But the winds that seemed to drive them brought to us a peace and rest.
Then I thought of other mornings, with a keen remorse of mind,
When I too, had loosed the moorings, with His presence left behind.
So I think I know the secret, learned from many a troubled way;
You must seek God in the morning if you want Him through the day.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Time With God
I am a child of God, a member of His family. God is my Father. I love Him and want to spend time with Him. I want to spend time with Him in the same way I want to be with my earthly family and wanted to be with my Dad when he was alive. We get to know each other when we spend time together. God wants to spend time with each of His children. We must come to God believing that He “IS” and that He is going to hear us. We can get to know God better when we read His word and converse with Him in prayer. Talk to God as you would to your own earthly parent; a parent who loves you, wants the best for you, and wants to help you in every way possible.
When I come to God in prayer, I praise Him, thank Him, and confess anything that is bothering me or wrong I might have done. I pray for myself, my family, and others to be blessed and our needs to be met. I pray for general and specific daily guidance. I pray to be in God’s will and to be a vessel which He can use for His glory and for His purpose.
Philippians 4:6 says, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God about your needs”.
James 1:5 says, “If you want to know what God wants you to do, ask Him, and He will gladly tell you, for He is always ready to give a bountiful supply of wisdom to all who ask Him”.
Job 36:5 says, “God is mighty, and yet He regards nothing as trivial. He is mighty in power of understanding”.
1John 5:14-15 says, “We have such confidence in Him that we are certain that he hears every request that is made in accord with His own plan. And since we know that He invariably gives His attention to our prayers, whatever they are about, we can be quite sure that our prayers will be answered”.
You can pray to God anywhere and anytime about anything. What ever the time, be consistent in meeting Him, talking to Him, reading and meditating on the word, and listening for direction, peace, guidance, and His answers.
When I come to God in prayer, I praise Him, thank Him, and confess anything that is bothering me or wrong I might have done. I pray for myself, my family, and others to be blessed and our needs to be met. I pray for general and specific daily guidance. I pray to be in God’s will and to be a vessel which He can use for His glory and for His purpose.
Philippians 4:6 says, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God about your needs”.
James 1:5 says, “If you want to know what God wants you to do, ask Him, and He will gladly tell you, for He is always ready to give a bountiful supply of wisdom to all who ask Him”.
Job 36:5 says, “God is mighty, and yet He regards nothing as trivial. He is mighty in power of understanding”.
1John 5:14-15 says, “We have such confidence in Him that we are certain that he hears every request that is made in accord with His own plan. And since we know that He invariably gives His attention to our prayers, whatever they are about, we can be quite sure that our prayers will be answered”.
You can pray to God anywhere and anytime about anything. What ever the time, be consistent in meeting Him, talking to Him, reading and meditating on the word, and listening for direction, peace, guidance, and His answers.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Learn to Listen to God
I just heard a sermon given by Charles Stanley. God has used this man of God to teach me many things in my spiritual journey and to help me grow in my walk with the Lord. He explained that listening to God is essential to walking with God.
How do we listen to God?
Are we purposeful listeners? Or Are we passive listeners?
God matures our faith when we listen and are serious about learning, remembering, and growing in our understanding of scriptures and God’s will for our lives. Every believer and everyone searching for truth should take spiritual growth very seriously. We are all mind, body, and spirit. We must keep every part of our being healthy. Our spirits have to be fed purposely, not passively. We must seek to listen to God through His word. We feed our spirits by reading the Bible, listening to Scripture based sermons, and hearing God through songs, circumstances, other believers, and literature. We should pray for wisdom and discernment so that we know that we are hearing the truth.
When we want to grow in our faith and we want to listen for God’s promises and instructions in our lives, we must be purposeful listeners. The following are listed by Charles Stanley as requirements for listening to God:
1- read and meditate on the Word (delight in the Word of God)
2- be prayerful
3- have a submissive spirit (come to hear and obey)
4- be purposeful (disciplined)
5- come expectantly (expect to hear from God)
6- come intensely (be intense and serious)
7- come carefully (don’t be careless or haphazard in your intent)
8- be patient
How do you spend your time? We spend our time on things which we value the most.
Think about your priorities. Spend time growing and feeding your spirit. Your life will be more balanced when you care for your mind, body, and spirit.
Walking with God gives us peace, confidence, security, joy, increased faith, truth, intimacy with God, fellowship with God, knowledge of God’s will in our lives, the power and work of The Holy Spirit in our lives, awareness of God’s presence, cheerful obedience to God, continuous surrender, agreement with God, a life that revolves around following Jesus’ example in our own lives, a life of separation , a life that makes an impact on others, continual growth in a progressive journey, and a Godly life.
How do we listen to God?
Are we purposeful listeners? Or Are we passive listeners?
God matures our faith when we listen and are serious about learning, remembering, and growing in our understanding of scriptures and God’s will for our lives. Every believer and everyone searching for truth should take spiritual growth very seriously. We are all mind, body, and spirit. We must keep every part of our being healthy. Our spirits have to be fed purposely, not passively. We must seek to listen to God through His word. We feed our spirits by reading the Bible, listening to Scripture based sermons, and hearing God through songs, circumstances, other believers, and literature. We should pray for wisdom and discernment so that we know that we are hearing the truth.
When we want to grow in our faith and we want to listen for God’s promises and instructions in our lives, we must be purposeful listeners. The following are listed by Charles Stanley as requirements for listening to God:
1- read and meditate on the Word (delight in the Word of God)
2- be prayerful
3- have a submissive spirit (come to hear and obey)
4- be purposeful (disciplined)
5- come expectantly (expect to hear from God)
6- come intensely (be intense and serious)
7- come carefully (don’t be careless or haphazard in your intent)
8- be patient
How do you spend your time? We spend our time on things which we value the most.
Think about your priorities. Spend time growing and feeding your spirit. Your life will be more balanced when you care for your mind, body, and spirit.
Walking with God gives us peace, confidence, security, joy, increased faith, truth, intimacy with God, fellowship with God, knowledge of God’s will in our lives, the power and work of The Holy Spirit in our lives, awareness of God’s presence, cheerful obedience to God, continuous surrender, agreement with God, a life that revolves around following Jesus’ example in our own lives, a life of separation , a life that makes an impact on others, continual growth in a progressive journey, and a Godly life.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Seeing and Hearing God in our Lives
God can speak to our ears, eyes, and hearts as we become keenly aware of the natural beauty around us. He speaks to us in many different ways when we are listening and open to hear from Him; when we believe. We see and hear Him in nature, in a song, in His word, in the kindnesses of others, in laughter, and in tears. He is in us and around us.
Be still and observe and know He is there.
Last summer, in July, Richie and I were on a cruise ship traveling through the Majestic Fjords of Norway. Standing on deck, I was quietly worshiping the Lord. I looked out at the blue sky, billowing clouds, gliding birds, and barren rocky mountains arising from the sea. It was 5pm and it was announced that we were now passing Finnkirka, a naturally carved church- like mountain sculpture. It was all so beautiful and amazing. God answered me in my time of worship and praise. He brought a song to my mind as I looked out at the sea. It was a song that I had sung in church many times. I started to quietly sing, “There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy like the Wideness of the Sea”. I captured the memory by taking photos of the sea, Finkirka, and the awesome beauty of the moment. I wrote about my experience in a little prayer book which I was keeping but this is the first opportunity which I have had to share it with anyone. Look around, you WILL see and experience the Lord. But remember; worship The Creator, not His creation!
When I returned home, I looked up the song and words.
“There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy Like the Wideness of the Sea”
Was written by Frederick William Faber in 1862:
There’s a wideness in God’s mercy like the wideness of the sea;
There’s a kindness in his justice, which is more than liberty.
There is welcome for the sinner, and more graces for the good;
there is mercy with the Savior; there is healing in His blood.
For the love of God is broader than the measure of man’s mind;
And the heart of the Eternal is most wonderfully kind.
If our love were but more faithful, we should take Him at His word;
And our life would be thanksgiving for the goodness of the Lord.
God is good, His creation is good. Worship and praise Him with thanksgiving.
Be still and listen for His response to your prayers and worship. His answers are in us and all around us. We pray for The Holy Spirit to open up each of our spiritual, eyes, ears, and hearts. We must not take the beautiful moments which He gives us for granted. He wants to speak to us.
Thank you Lord. We worship and praise your Holy Name. Amen
Be still and observe and know He is there.
Last summer, in July, Richie and I were on a cruise ship traveling through the Majestic Fjords of Norway. Standing on deck, I was quietly worshiping the Lord. I looked out at the blue sky, billowing clouds, gliding birds, and barren rocky mountains arising from the sea. It was 5pm and it was announced that we were now passing Finnkirka, a naturally carved church- like mountain sculpture. It was all so beautiful and amazing. God answered me in my time of worship and praise. He brought a song to my mind as I looked out at the sea. It was a song that I had sung in church many times. I started to quietly sing, “There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy like the Wideness of the Sea”. I captured the memory by taking photos of the sea, Finkirka, and the awesome beauty of the moment. I wrote about my experience in a little prayer book which I was keeping but this is the first opportunity which I have had to share it with anyone. Look around, you WILL see and experience the Lord. But remember; worship The Creator, not His creation!
When I returned home, I looked up the song and words.
“There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy Like the Wideness of the Sea”
Was written by Frederick William Faber in 1862:
There’s a wideness in God’s mercy like the wideness of the sea;
There’s a kindness in his justice, which is more than liberty.
There is welcome for the sinner, and more graces for the good;
there is mercy with the Savior; there is healing in His blood.
For the love of God is broader than the measure of man’s mind;
And the heart of the Eternal is most wonderfully kind.
If our love were but more faithful, we should take Him at His word;
And our life would be thanksgiving for the goodness of the Lord.
God is good, His creation is good. Worship and praise Him with thanksgiving.
Be still and listen for His response to your prayers and worship. His answers are in us and all around us. We pray for The Holy Spirit to open up each of our spiritual, eyes, ears, and hearts. We must not take the beautiful moments which He gives us for granted. He wants to speak to us.
Thank you Lord. We worship and praise your Holy Name. Amen
Monday, April 12, 2010
Life Is Made Up Of Moments
I had a moment today which made me so aware of God’s beauty in life around me.I was sitting in my living room relaxing in the comfort of a pleasant sunny Florida day. A fresh tropical breeze was blowing through the room. I wasn’t thinking about anything in particular when I became aware of the singing chirp of a bird. I turned my head to look out the open door a few feet away from me. Across the canal, in the mangroves bushes, was a beautiful bright red male cardinal. He was singing just for me! He is God’s magnificent creation. The sight and song made me think of my creator and I knew that all was well. Talking to myself more than to the cardinal, I said “stay there, I have to get my camera. I have to capture this moment!” I did, and the photo will help me to remember.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Change of Plans
Today I was reminded of how fragile the human body is and how one second can change one’s plans. I rode my bike to the post office as I usually do but proceeded to fall instead of stopping conventionally. This was not one of the things on my “to do” list for today. Going to the post office was and so was sending the three letters which I had written to tell friends that they were in my thoughts. Next, I had planned to take my routine exercise ride along the bike path to the State Park and then go visit a friend, who has a husband at home on Hospice. Oh Well! I hit the ground hard on my left hip and felt the jolt run through my back to my right hip. A lovely couple came to my aid but I was very grateful to be able to rise from the ground on my own. They picked up my bike and offered to take me home but as I gained my composure, I knew that I could stand, move, and walk. I thanked them for their kindness and assured them that although hurting, I was OK. I continued my plan to mail my letters and was able to ride my bike home. Needless to say, I skipped the bike ride to the park and the visit to my friend. A finger on my left hand began to hurt and swell. My right hip, the one I did not fall on, was sore and throbbing. When I arrived home, I explained the incident to Richie. He gave me another reason to be upset after he could see that I had survived the fall. He asked me, “did you scratch your watch?” Now I was angry and ready to cry. I responded, “I hadn’t even thought about my watch!...., Priorities?” I know that he didn’t say it to be mean or insensitive, but I sure took it that way. This was not how my day was supposed to be going.
It is now a couple of hours later. My finger has been iced. It is swollen but I can move it. It is not broken. I am walking and moving with a sore hip. I sat resting in a chair for awhile. I lifted up a prayer of Thanksgiving to The Lord. I thanked Him for being with me, protecting me, and for beginning the healing process. I forgave Richie for what I perceived to be insensitivity and proceeded to be his helpmate by making us lunch. Verbalizing this to whoever wants to read and hear my story has also become very helpful and healing. Thank you all!
Love, Anna
It is now a couple of hours later. My finger has been iced. It is swollen but I can move it. It is not broken. I am walking and moving with a sore hip. I sat resting in a chair for awhile. I lifted up a prayer of Thanksgiving to The Lord. I thanked Him for being with me, protecting me, and for beginning the healing process. I forgave Richie for what I perceived to be insensitivity and proceeded to be his helpmate by making us lunch. Verbalizing this to whoever wants to read and hear my story has also become very helpful and healing. Thank you all!
Love, Anna
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Enjoy Your Journey
Are you making a living or are you making a life?
Does your family get the leftovers?
Are you too busy to enjoy life?
What are your priorities?
Slow down and think about your answers to these questions.
When Christa graduated from High School West in Dix Hills, one of the speakers at the ceremony spoke to the graduates about the new journeys that each student would embark upon. They had so many goals to reach and so many dreams to chase. They would be going in many different directions. The speech was directed at the graduating class but could be applied to everyone listening. I heard and I remembered, but in my busy life I haven’t always taken the time to “smell the roses” and appreciate the moment.
As the stages in our lives change; our goals, hopes, and dreams change. Richie and I have always worked hard to make a living and reach the next milestone in our lives and in our children’s lives. We literally built our home, had a trade and a profession, and established two businesses on Long Island. We always knew what our priorities were but sometimes making a living kept us too busy to enjoy life. As a nurse, I worked too many weekends and too many holidays. I can say the same for Richie, a lot of it because of self imposed work and deadlines. But we always did know how to take a break and go on vacations as a family. During these times we made special moments and memories for which we are all very grateful.
Through the years, we have, and are still very much enjoying our journey. Being busy and productive with dreams, goals, and aspirations is good. Joy and sadness, and good times and bad times, make us who we are. We would not appreciate our times of joy if we didn’t know times of sorrow. Happiness is internal. I choose to be happy for myself and my family even when the journey becomes difficult. Traveling through our trials can transform our priorities. Trials teach us what our treasures really are. The people whom we love are our treasures, not material goods or the things we do. At the end of life we will want to spend time with those we love. Take the time to do that now. Enjoy your loved ones; enjoy your journey. I am speaking about our physical, earthly journey but remember that we are also on a spiritual journey. As we keep growing in faith and a deeper walk with our Lord we will experience God’s blessings and favor in our physical journey. May we all grow in the Lord and enjoy our journeys.
Does your family get the leftovers?
Are you too busy to enjoy life?
What are your priorities?
Slow down and think about your answers to these questions.
When Christa graduated from High School West in Dix Hills, one of the speakers at the ceremony spoke to the graduates about the new journeys that each student would embark upon. They had so many goals to reach and so many dreams to chase. They would be going in many different directions. The speech was directed at the graduating class but could be applied to everyone listening. I heard and I remembered, but in my busy life I haven’t always taken the time to “smell the roses” and appreciate the moment.
As the stages in our lives change; our goals, hopes, and dreams change. Richie and I have always worked hard to make a living and reach the next milestone in our lives and in our children’s lives. We literally built our home, had a trade and a profession, and established two businesses on Long Island. We always knew what our priorities were but sometimes making a living kept us too busy to enjoy life. As a nurse, I worked too many weekends and too many holidays. I can say the same for Richie, a lot of it because of self imposed work and deadlines. But we always did know how to take a break and go on vacations as a family. During these times we made special moments and memories for which we are all very grateful.
Through the years, we have, and are still very much enjoying our journey. Being busy and productive with dreams, goals, and aspirations is good. Joy and sadness, and good times and bad times, make us who we are. We would not appreciate our times of joy if we didn’t know times of sorrow. Happiness is internal. I choose to be happy for myself and my family even when the journey becomes difficult. Traveling through our trials can transform our priorities. Trials teach us what our treasures really are. The people whom we love are our treasures, not material goods or the things we do. At the end of life we will want to spend time with those we love. Take the time to do that now. Enjoy your loved ones; enjoy your journey. I am speaking about our physical, earthly journey but remember that we are also on a spiritual journey. As we keep growing in faith and a deeper walk with our Lord we will experience God’s blessings and favor in our physical journey. May we all grow in the Lord and enjoy our journeys.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
What Does The Resurrection Mean To Me?
What Does The Resurrection Mean To Me?
Without The Resurrection, there would not be The Christian Religion.
Without The Resurrection, the following of Jesus, if he was only a man in history, would not have continued over the past 2000 years. Jesus, in The New Testament, is the fulfillment of God’s promise in The Old Testament.
Without The Resurrection, I would not be a Christ Follower, a Christian. As a gentile, I most probably would not even be worshiping the one and only True God, The Creator, The Hebrew Father God. The Jewish people are still waiting for The Messiah to come.
Because of the gift of faith which I have been given, I know that Jesus is The Messiah and I am awaiting His return as promised in God’s Word. He is The One who was promised, was given, and will be coming again.
The Resurrection of Christ is the return of Jesus to bodily life following His physical death on the cross. His physical death is recorded in history. His Resurrection is recorded in the scriptures and in the accounts of those who witnessed it. These accounts have been passed down to us through the generations. It is supernatural and God supernaturally penetrates our spirits to believe. His Word is alive and I believe!
A Spiritual Resurrection occurs to an individual who becomes a Christian.
Paul writes to the believers in Ephesus as recorded in Ephesians 1: 18, 19. “I want you to realize what a rich and glorious inheritance He has given to His people. I pray that you will begin to understand the incredible greatness of His power for us who believe in Him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead…”
I wish for you God’s mighty power in your life as you celebrate The Resurrection on Easter Sunday. Enjoy the celebration and your families but spend some time reflecting on the question, “What does the Resurrection mean to me?”
Without The Resurrection, there would not be The Christian Religion.
Without The Resurrection, the following of Jesus, if he was only a man in history, would not have continued over the past 2000 years. Jesus, in The New Testament, is the fulfillment of God’s promise in The Old Testament.
Without The Resurrection, I would not be a Christ Follower, a Christian. As a gentile, I most probably would not even be worshiping the one and only True God, The Creator, The Hebrew Father God. The Jewish people are still waiting for The Messiah to come.
Because of the gift of faith which I have been given, I know that Jesus is The Messiah and I am awaiting His return as promised in God’s Word. He is The One who was promised, was given, and will be coming again.
The Resurrection of Christ is the return of Jesus to bodily life following His physical death on the cross. His physical death is recorded in history. His Resurrection is recorded in the scriptures and in the accounts of those who witnessed it. These accounts have been passed down to us through the generations. It is supernatural and God supernaturally penetrates our spirits to believe. His Word is alive and I believe!
A Spiritual Resurrection occurs to an individual who becomes a Christian.
Paul writes to the believers in Ephesus as recorded in Ephesians 1: 18, 19. “I want you to realize what a rich and glorious inheritance He has given to His people. I pray that you will begin to understand the incredible greatness of His power for us who believe in Him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead…”
I wish for you God’s mighty power in your life as you celebrate The Resurrection on Easter Sunday. Enjoy the celebration and your families but spend some time reflecting on the question, “What does the Resurrection mean to me?”
Friday, April 2, 2010
Without Good Friday, We Could Not Be Celebrating Easter
It is today, Good Friday, when we remember the Crucifixion of our Lord.
Why is it Good? It is the day planned by God to redeem us, His people.
The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit had a plan from the beginning.
Atonement for sins always involved sacrifice and the blood of a lamb or other unblemished animal as is recorded in The Old Testament.
Jesus is The Lamb of God, the final, perfect sacrifice.
God choose to send His Son into the world to die for the sins and pain of imperfect man.
The thought of a parent choosing to sacrifice a child is overwhelming to me.
The suffering which Jesus experienced is overwhelming to me.
When two of my children were taken back from me…. the loss was overwhelming.
I have come into a place of deep faith but I would never have chosen to give up my children willfully. Richard, Erica, my extended family, and I suffered greatly. But through my suffering I have learned that I will also share in Christ’s glory. Because of the promise of The Resurrection I will be reunited with Elisa and Carrie and be with My Lord throughout eternity. This is the hope of the cross. It is a promise which I believe.
The churches will be filled on Easter Sunday. What about Good Friday?, because without Good Friday we wouldn’t be celebrating Easter.
I have a memory which I want to share with you. It was Good Friday in 1979. I was getting ready to go to church. Richard would be home with Elisa and Erica. Elisa insisted that she wanted to go with me. I couldn’t persuade her to stay home with her Dad and sister. She started to cry and of course I brought her with me. I remember listening to the song “Were you there when they crucified my Lord?”. Elisa and I had a special time together. She was supposed to be with me.
She turned 9 that Spring on May 11. On June 27th, one month later, she died suddenly in her sleep. She knew The Lord and was a very special sweet child. She is waiting for me. My baby Carrie joined her in October of 1980. I know where my treasures are and we will join them someday.
Lord, Thank you for the gift of faith which you have given to me. I will remember your sacrifice on this Good Friday and your Resurrection on this Easter Sunday.
I love you Lord. Thank you.
Why is it Good? It is the day planned by God to redeem us, His people.
The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit had a plan from the beginning.
Atonement for sins always involved sacrifice and the blood of a lamb or other unblemished animal as is recorded in The Old Testament.
Jesus is The Lamb of God, the final, perfect sacrifice.
God choose to send His Son into the world to die for the sins and pain of imperfect man.
The thought of a parent choosing to sacrifice a child is overwhelming to me.
The suffering which Jesus experienced is overwhelming to me.
When two of my children were taken back from me…. the loss was overwhelming.
I have come into a place of deep faith but I would never have chosen to give up my children willfully. Richard, Erica, my extended family, and I suffered greatly. But through my suffering I have learned that I will also share in Christ’s glory. Because of the promise of The Resurrection I will be reunited with Elisa and Carrie and be with My Lord throughout eternity. This is the hope of the cross. It is a promise which I believe.
The churches will be filled on Easter Sunday. What about Good Friday?, because without Good Friday we wouldn’t be celebrating Easter.
I have a memory which I want to share with you. It was Good Friday in 1979. I was getting ready to go to church. Richard would be home with Elisa and Erica. Elisa insisted that she wanted to go with me. I couldn’t persuade her to stay home with her Dad and sister. She started to cry and of course I brought her with me. I remember listening to the song “Were you there when they crucified my Lord?”. Elisa and I had a special time together. She was supposed to be with me.
She turned 9 that Spring on May 11. On June 27th, one month later, she died suddenly in her sleep. She knew The Lord and was a very special sweet child. She is waiting for me. My baby Carrie joined her in October of 1980. I know where my treasures are and we will join them someday.
Lord, Thank you for the gift of faith which you have given to me. I will remember your sacrifice on this Good Friday and your Resurrection on this Easter Sunday.
I love you Lord. Thank you.
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