Rejoice!

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:16-17

Easter weekend—

Friday—
And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit... 

As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus. Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him. Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away. Matthew 27:50; 57-60

Saturday— 
“Take a guard,” Pilate answered. “Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how.” So they went and made the tomb secure by putting a seal on the stone and posting the guard. Matthew 27:65-66

Sunday—
After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.

There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.

The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.” -Matthew 28:1-7

Rejoice in the miracle of Easter! Rejoice in the resurrection! Rejoice in hope!

Stand Strong

Ephesians 6:10-11
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 

Rain pounded the windows. Lightning lit up the sky and thunder roared. April showers had let loose in our area. After one particular storm, I went outside to check on the daffodils and tulips. Some of the leaves smashed to the ground in defeat, but one tulip stood tall. A lovely lavender tulip had stood strong and courageous. It held its own against the mighty wind.

Amidst the storms, I learned that one of my writer friends, Cynthia, went home to be with the Lord. She had fought cancer for several years. This sweet, kind woman stood strong throughout her illness, and continued to write. Each time I had written to tell her I was praying for her, it never failed for her to respond with inspiration and uplift me. She loved God and wore his full armor. She inspired and uplifted others even as she suffered with pain. She was a beautiful warrior who encouraged and loved. I can only hope to be like her.

God didn’t give us the spirit of timidity, instead he gave his followers the spirit of courage to stand up for others, to encourage others, to love others and to stand firm in faith.

Later in Ephesians, Paul wrote to wear the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, and readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. Carry the shield of faith, wear the helmet of salvation, and hold the word of God.  

Verse 18: “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” I love this verse. It’s simple, but so powerful.

Pray for each other. Love each other, and Love God. Stand strong in him.

Toadshade Trifecta

2 Corinthians 13:14
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

Trillium: a plant with a solitary three-petaled flower above a whorl of three leaves.

In March as Tim, Rosie, and I trekked through the woods, I kept my eyes open for the first trillium—a sure sign of spring. The toadshade variety is common in Ohio. (I have to chuckle as I picture a little toad hidden under the leaves in the umbrella like shade.) 

I spied one. It reminded me of the new life we experience in spring.

As I gazed at the forest plant, The “tri” in trillium reminded me of the trinity. The three petals and the three leaves brought to mind the Father God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. God, who created life, loves me with all his heart. Jesus Christ gave his life. He lived on earth, even though he knew his life would be cut short, and people would hate him, and eventually nail him to the cross. His love overcame death and reunited humans with God. The Holy Spirit lives with me in my life. He connects me to my Father God through prayers and prompts. His love guides me on my daily walk.

As I squatted down to photograph the trillium, it hit me how so much of the nature our God created reminds me of his power and the hope I have in Jesus. I rarely take a walk that I don’t experience the Holy Spirit urging me to pray. In God’s majesty, I draw closer to him.

2 Corinthians 3:17
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 

Freedom to hope, freedom to love, freedom to live a life in fellowship with God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.