He Is Risen

On this Easter, the culmination of Holy Week, I'd like to share something I wrote a number of years ago...
Because, He is Risen, just as His Word says!!

I pray that you will consider His sacrifice, and know that He did it for you!!

Jeanne

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The scattered disciples and followers of Jesus huddled behind locked doors awaiting the sound of hobnailed boots and burning torches. Their leader was gone. Stripped of his power and dignity, he suffered a criminal’s death. They had anticipated deliverance through him. Now what? Jesus was dead, and so was their hope.

In the early morning a wild knock sounded on the door. Had they been found? Would they be the next to die? Instead of soldiers at the door they found Mary, flushed and breathless as she blurted out, He is alive. I have seen the Lord!

No doubt they thought she was crazy.

Within a short time the news was out. The tomb was found empty. The grave clothes neatly folded and the angel’s pronouncement, He is risen, just as He said. Then the disciples remembered Jesus’ words, destroy this temple and I will raise it up in three days. He wasn’t talking about the temple building. He spoke of Himself, of His body.

In the darkness of the tomb where the eye could not see, God was working. While the enemy exulted over the apparent defeat of God and His Son, God brought forth His purposes anyway. There Christ died for every person, for every sin. In three days, He rose from the dead, gaining victory over Satan once and for all. There would be no more death, spiritual death that is. We now have the choice of accepting His pardon and gift of eternal life. He died for all, but each one of us must choose spiritual life in Christ or to live in our flesh alone.

God’s love is far reaching, as far reaching as Christ’s arms spread out on the cross for you and for me. He gave the gift of His Son so that we may have eternal life with Him, if we only believe. It is by His grace we are saved, a grace big enough to cover every sin.

In the heart of the tomb, God waged war with death and sin so that He could reign in our hearts forever. It is in Christ that we now have access to God. The broken relationship resulting from Adam and Eve’s choice in the Garden of Eden is now restored.

He is risen. He is high and lifted up and will draw all those who believe to Himself. He has given himself for you and for me. He shed his blood as the final atonement for sin, for every person. He says, Come. I am the way, the truth, and the life. Believe in me and receive eternal life. Trust in me and I will give you life overflowing.

The Wrong Glove

Sunshine seeps deep into my shoulders as I work in my rousing herb garden. Tufts of chives, the first to stir, give me hope that spring is here. It won’t be long before the purple flowers show amongst the green—a favorite sight—my herb garden in May. Turning over the rich earth, the scents of lavender, oregano, sage and the oniony chives make my mouth water for the herb-rich summer to come.


I only found mismatched garden gloves to work today, both right-handed. I put them on and began to turn over the soil with the hoe and scoop out the stray oak leaves clinging in the corners of the rock wall. Picking up leaves with my left hand wasn’t very effective with the ill-fitting glove. It took twice as long to accomplish the task and my fingers cramped in the constrictive fabric.

It is important to have the right tools for the right task. It reminds me of times I have tried so hard to do things that I was ill-equipped for: Working in a billing office when I really needed to be using my strong people skills; sitting on committees when I am much better at networking; working in a basement when I needed sunlight; working alone when I thrive being around people.

It was like working with this ill-fitting glove.

I love that God has plans and has work for us to do. I love that He helps us to find what we do best, and then empowers us to accomplish far more that we can imagine. I love that He puts the right person in the right place so that they thrive in His kingdom of abundant living.

Life with Jesus is a learning curve. Just as two right-handed gloves are a hindrance to my effectiveness in the garden—I need to use the right tools to accomplish things in the best way possible—spiritual gift-tools given to me to impact Christ’s kingdom.

What have you discovered along the way about how you are designed to serve?

“…the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.” Ephesians 4:16 (NAS)

Now, where is that other glove…


Jeanne

Believing, It Settles The Soul

A beautiful Sunday! I spent time outdoors today, pruning my lavender and sage, neatening up my oregano and chive plants. Then, John and I had maple iced coffee in the sunshine. A perfect day. If only life could be this lovely all the time :)

A reader mentioned that many would understand the struggle to believe and that I needed to offer the hope I found on the other side...so this blog is dedicated to that end...And, I hope that others will offer their experiences of finding God in the midst of their crisis of belief.....afterall, that's how we encourage one another on the journey.


As I think more about belief. I want to pass on hope to those who have struggled with believing at times (and we all do). Whether it is taking the first step of believing unto salvation or the daily need to believe when facing the things life throws at us; believing that He is able is something we get better at as we meet the God who loves us in the midst of our circumstances and He shows himself faithful.

So, when I sat down and asked, “What’s next for my blog, Lord. I am listening—please show me in your word, the truths that settle the soul.” I came to the following conclusions:

He is a God of promises

He who promised is faithful – Hebrews 10:23

His precious and magnificent promises – 2 Peter 1:4

He is a God of Hope


My hope is in Him – Psalm 62:5

Hope we have as an anchor – Hebrews 6:19

Hopes all things – 1 Corinthians 13:7

He is a God of peace

He is our peace – Ephesians 2:14

Peace of God which surpasses all understanding – Philippians 4:7

And, He offers forgiveness, eternal life, abundant life and freedom to all those who acknowledge Him.

When I see Him for who He is, watch Him work in and around me, and see His kingdom becoming before my eyes, that’s how I know. He is good; therefore He wants what’s good for me. I can surrender, knowing that His plan will come to fruition as I trust in who He is.

I saw it in Mary…when she said, “May it be to me as you have said.”

I saw it in Peter when he said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.”

And it is in me too, during the times of turmoil, His peace settles over my soul and speaks in the innermost place, “Be still and know that I am God.”

As I prepare in my heart for this Easter time, I want to remember all He has done on my behalf. He has won the victory over sin and death and given me His Holy Spirit to empower me to live wholly for Him. I have received a Living and Eternal Hope through Him…

Believing….yes, and it has settled my soul,

Jeanne

“God, you have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless till they find their rest in you.”

St. Augustine