May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
Luke 24:45-49
Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He
told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise
from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins
will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You
are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father
has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power
from on high.”
I’m a little late to the game.
A couple of months ago, my daughter and grandson asked me if
I had watched The Chosen, a television series depicting the life of
Jesus and the disciples. They told me how much they enjoyed it, so I tuned in.
I soon discovered I’d been missing out on one of the best portrayals of the
Bible I’d seen. The show closely follows scripture and reveals the lives of the
men and women who followed Jesus as well as the ones who denied him as the
Messiah.
To see them and relate to them left me wanting more of Jesus
and His experience with people. Although I read about them in the Bible, seeing the actors portray the disciples and give credence to their faith, and yes,
their confusion at times, makes the stories I’ve heard for sixty years more believable.
Matthew, the tax collector, portrayed as anxious and intelligent, writes
everything Jesus says down on parchment. Peter is emotional and ready to fight
for Jesus, while Thomas questions everything, and John keeps a cool head.
Mary Magdalene’s heart shines after Jesus heals her and forgives her.
I don’t usually enjoy television that tries to portray the
Bible, but The Chosen, so far, has captured the scripture and portrayed
the men and women as believable.
I’m sharing this because in my heart, Jesus is as real as
you and me. To see Him portrayed on the screen as a kind, caring man who bears the
ultimate burden has increased my faith. We all know God moves in mysterious
ways, and for me it has been through diving into my Bible as I watch The
Chosen, checking references and moments against scripture. Because I long
to grow in my faith every day, I’m open to opportunities for the Holy Spirit to
fill me. Did I mention the grandson who loves this show is thirteen? A
teenager. And that makes my heart sing. I’m so glad I can share this with him.
This isn’t an endorsement for the show, but rather one more
way I’ve found to connect to scripture. Maybe it’s for you, maybe it’s not, but
I urge you to continue to find what does make you want to read God’s word and
talk to Him. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you as you delve into His word and
seek His truth.
Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do
not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you
wherever you go.
Playing a sport as a youngster is not for the faint of
heart.
I opened my calendar and spread their schedules in front of
me. Grandchildren in track, baseball, and softball filled the pages, not to
mention Tim’s schedule as a Red’s usher and my author obligations.
We’ve watched our children and grandchildren compete in sports for years. Tim and I even coached our own kids.
I enjoy all kinds of sports, especially when the grands are
participating. Watching Eli throw the discus and shotput was a new experience.
I love his attitude. He’s brand new to the sport and willing to learn. He wants
to do his best. Zeke, in his baseball, has grown by leaps and bounds and this
year, the coach is tapping into his potential. Again, he has a great attitude,
he wants to learn and do his best. Ella Cate, in softball, is the same as are
Max and Aiden in basketball and track and Dylan in tennis. All of these young
folks have approached their sport with an attitude of courage and a
determination to be strong in their sport. They each want to enjoy the game,
but also learn and grow. They know their parents and grandparents are there cheering
them on and encouraging them to do their best.
When God tapped Joshua to take over for Moses, Joshua stepped
up and told the people what would happen next. God reminded him, “As I was
with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor
forsake you.” (Joshua 1:5) Several times, God reminded Joshua to be strong
and have courage. And he did.
Just as we encourage and support our grandkids in their
sports, God reminds us to be strong and have courage as we serve Him. That may
require learning something new, spending time in His word or on our knees in prayer.
God’s courage goes before me as I serve Him and minister to others. He gives me
the strength and courage to do the things I hesitate to do on my own. I’m
thankful for God’s love and encouragement.
Take heart, and be strong and courageous.
1 Peter 2: 22-25
When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he
suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him
who judges justly. “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the
cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by
his wounds you have been healed.” For “you were like sheep going
astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of
your souls.
The Easter eggs were plucked from the tufts of grass.
The pink, blue, green, and yellow orbs held a mystery.
Something sweet. Only two of the children in our family were young enough to
seek out the treats, but I got to hide them. Like a child, I scattered them
about the yard and admired the shiny plastic as it sparkled in the sun.
Joys of childhood still thrill my soul, even as I experience
them through my grandchildren.
Albert Einstein said, “Do not grow old, no matter how long
you live. Never cease to stand like curious children before the great mystery
into which we were born.”
I stand in awe of the wonder of God’s plan, His creation.
God created everything on this earth. He spoke and the moon
and stars shone. The animals moved and the plants grew.
In the shadow of Easter and the resurrection, give thought
to the One who commands the rain to fall. In His original plan, God created a
perfect garden, then humans came along and destroyed the perfection with sin.
God knew. He always knew He’d have to clean up after us. So, He sent Jesus. The
one sacrifice for all people. The One who showed the disciples how to love the
unlovable. The One who preached sermons that encouraged compassion. The One who
saved my soul.
The eggs are gone, but the power of the resurrection
remains. Have childlike trust in His love and grace.
