Memorials & Remembrances

Memorials are meant to bring to mind events, people, victories or defeats, all so that we don’t forget their importance. One of my favorite memorials is found in Plymouth, Massachusetts. The Forefather’s Monument* is breathtakingly spectacular and causes me to reflect on its symbolism every time I visit.

Memorials are nothing new; Joshua (chapters 3 & 4) was instructed by God to have twelve men bring twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan River and set them on the bank as a memorial. Why? So that when anyone asked they would tell of how God delivered them, parting the Jordan River so that the Ark of the Covenant and nation of Israel could cross into the Promised Land on dry ground.

In the same way, I think God wants us to remember His faithful provision and tell our children and anyone who asks what God has done on our behalf. These memorials can be written in a journal, captured in a photo, or brought to life in a story, all to be shared with others. Why? Because when we tell others how He has met our need, their faith is built and ours is emboldened.

This Memorial Day, we remember all those who have sacrificed for freedom in our country. Many have given their lives. Many have suffered effects. And, all have given time away from their loved ones to fight on our behalf. Whenever I see someone in uniform I am sure to thank them for all they do.

And, most of all we remember the One who sacrificed Himself so that we can have eternal life—Jesus. The cross is the memorial of what He did for you and for me. His sacrifice freed us from sin, death and the grip of the enemy. He gave up His place on high to become the lamb that was slain, perfect and unblemished—to atone for the sin of the whole world.

As we pause to remember so much today, how can you be more intentional about gathering stones of remembrance to share of what He has done for you?

Reflecting on His goodness,

Jeanne

“Come and hear, all who fear God, and I will tell of what He has done for my soul.” Psalm 66:16



*For more information about the National Forefather’s Monument:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Monument_to_the_Forefathers

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 Three R's - Part One - Redemption

When I hear the word redemption I think of coupons and bottle deposits, neither of which I do very often. Yet, it's much more than that; it's an important key to our faith. But, as Christians do we really understand that we have been redeemed by the blood of Christ; freed from the power and penalty of sin? The dictionary defines it this way,

Redeem is a verb that means to buy back, to obtain release or restoration, as from captivity, by paying a ransom. To deliver from sin and its consequences by means of a sacrifice offered for the sinner (www.dictionary.com).

Throughout scripture we see evidence of the transforming power of the cross. Lives are changed, sometimes dramatically leaving no doubt that something amazing has taken place.

Since Adam and Eve's fall, there has been a need for redemption. Jesus' death, shed blood and resurrection accomplished it for everyone and for all time; it is available when we recognize our own shortcomings in the light of God's perfect holiness. No one else can do it for us; it is between ourselves and God. Whatever we have done, Jesus died so we can be forgiven and be restored to a right relationship with the Father. Scripture says there is no condemnation in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1), so we can't allow the enemy to bring up the junk. It is forgiven, forgotten, finished and cast into the depth of the sea with NO FISHING!!

In Christ, both Paul and Onesimus were redeemed and so it is with everyone who receives the Savior. We are rescued from the power that sin and death have over us. It is important to know that Satan is already defeated, but he will try to bring down as many with him in the time he has left. He knows his fate is doomed. But like any other arch enemy, he will fight till the end. It is a daily battle; don't allow him any victory by his dredging up of past failings.

I am thankful for Jesus Christ's redemption in my life. I asked Him to be my Savior at the age of sixteen. Who knows where I would be if I had never made that decision to follow Him.

As we think about His redemption this week, recall His promises about forgiveness. God wants us to live in victory not in the shadow of our past.

Is there someone you know who hasn't found redemption yet? There are many who still need to hear. Like Paul, you may be the one to share the message of forgiveness with them.