My mother loved reading and she encouraged me to read a lot when I was a child. I always enjoyed the books she read to me and had me read back to her, but one thing I didn't enjoy was the story of the crucifixion which she had me read one Good Friday. I remember hoping that when Jesus was arrested there would be a happy ending like most of the stories I read, that Jesus would not be crucified. But of course, it didn't end that way, and I wept inconsolably.
Today, even as an adult and a Christian, I no longer weep when I think of the cross, but as I reflect on Jesus's crucifixion, my heart fills with horror and sorrow for what He endured for you and me.The pain, the agony, the shame was more than we can ever imagine. However, I know now that the cross was God's plan of redemption for mankind, and that He, and Jesus, agreed on that plan before the foundation of the world. And so instead of the cross being a symbol of shame, it became a symbol of power and victory.
Everyday cares and concerns may cause you to feel like you are bearing a cross. When you do, remember the cross. Remember that Jesus bore it all for you. Your sin and mine has been wiped away because of the cross. Jesus could have chosen not to go to the cross, but instead He prayed, "O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt" (Matthew 26: 39).
Jesus died on the cross, but death could not overcome Him. In the same way, we who believe in Him have the victory because of the cross. Sickness, poverty, death all have to bow to the power of the cross. Halleluiah!
Would you like to know more about the cross and what it means for mankind? I have written a short story that you can read in less than an hour. It's called For God So Loved. It won an honorable mention in a Writer's Digest contest. You can get it free from now until Monday 3/2/2018. Just click on this link.. You will not only get my book but also your choice of other Christian-themed books for your Easter reading AND a chance to win a $25 gift card. Enter this giveaway now.
God bless
Friday, March 30, 2018
Saturday, March 17, 2018
Florida's Latest Tragedy
Celebrate His Love
To help you get your mind in tune to the Easter season, I am inviting you to join an exciting giveaway taking place right now until Easter. It's called Celebrate His Love and features several Christian-themed books that you can pick up for FREE. And when you enter the giveaway, you also stand a chance to win a $25 gift card. My ebook, For God So Loved: The Story Behind Easter, which won an honorable mention in a Writer's Digest contest is on the list. So please get your FREE books and invite your friends to do so as well. God bless you.
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"The righteous cry out, the LORD hears and he rescues them from all their afflictions. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted, saves those whose spirit is crushed. Many are the troubles of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him from them all. Psalms 34: 18-20 These words were quoted by Senator Marco Rubio of Miami, Florida a few hours after a newly-constructed bridge at Florida International University (FIU)collapsed, killing and injuring several people. This is the second major tragedy to hit the sunshine state in about a month. Even though I don't know anyone who was affected, the tragedy hit home as FIU is my alma mater.
When the unexpected happens, how do we cope? Can we pick up the pieces and move on?
In this season of Lent, we may do well to read the account of what it must have been like for Jesus's disciples following His death. To say they were devastated is an understatement. Their Lord and Master had been taken from them and crucified. Executed in the most inhumane way possible. And, as far as they knew, Jesus had done nothing wrong. In fact, He'd only done good. Healed the sick, fed the hungry, raised the dead. Why hadn't he raised himself? Or prevented the Roman soldiers from killing him?
The disciples could make no sense of this horrible tragedy.
But that day on the road to Emmaus, two of them did what should be done when we experience a tragedy:
1. They talked about it. "Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them;" Luke 24: 13 - 15
2. They reached out to Jesus. "As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them" (v 28- 30).
In our grief and pain we may not think of the needs of others, but these men extended their hospitality to Jesus - even though they didn't recognize Him - and invited Him to stay with them as it was late in the day.
3. They took care of themselves. Jesus joined the disciples at their dinner table. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them(v 30).
During a tragedy, we may find it difficult to eat, but we must make the effort. Going without food and drink can cause your body to weaken and collapse under the strain.
4. They stayed together. "They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together" (v 33). When you are going through the stress of a loss or any form of tragedy, you may be tempted to isolate yourself, but this is the time when you need the companionship of trusted friends and relatives.
5. Pray. We don't see the disciples praying in this chapter, but we know that they prayed a lot. "They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers" (Acts 1: 14). Prayer, Bible reading and fellowshiping with others will give you the encouragement to get through this trying period.
We all experience tragedy at some time, but when this occurs, we can draw on the resources that God has given us and look to Him who is "our strength and refuge."
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