All About GOD - Growing Relationships with Jesus and Others
ARE YOU STILL CELEBRATING EASTER?
EASTER AS I SEE AND UNDERSTAND IT...
We have recently celebrated Easter but I would like to keep the memory alive each day...
" The resurrection is not a return to the past, but a movement to the future. Neither Mary nor we nor our congregations can hold on to the past after resurrection. We look to the even greater future that God has in store for us through the power of the Holy Spirit."
Pilate therefore said to Him, "So You are a king?" Jesus answered, "You say correctly that I am a king. For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice." John 18:37
The Last Supper, the crown of thorns, the cross, the empty tomb, the resurrection: these are all words that we associate with Easter. For the past few weeks our churches have been sure to prepare us for the weekend ahead. I am so unworthy of a love as great as this. These Easter words humble me. As I meditate on each one I put myself into the scene.
1. During the Last Supper, I hear cleansing water being poured over the disciples' feet. I hear teaching from the Master on how to be a servant. I also hear words of love and devotion. (John 13)
2. When thinking about the crown of thorns, I hear the mockery, the blows to my Lord's face. I hear the crack of a whip-like object. I hear the disturbing sounds of pain roaring from Jesus' mouth. (John 19:1-3)
3. At the foot of the cross I hear the sobs, the cries of a mother whose heart was breaking for her Son. I hear repentance as some realize that He truly is the Son of God. I hear the groans of a Savior who willingly hung there for me. I hear the words "It is finished!" roll off His lips as He accomplished what the Father sent Him to do. (Matthew 27:33-56, John 19:30)
4. And finally I want you to meet me at the empty tomb. He is risen!!! Take a minute to rejoice over the resurrection. The weeping that you hear will soon turn to joy. Hear the voice of our Savior; this means that the prophecy has been fulfilled. Can you hear life conquering death? Listen to the sounds of worship given to a worthy King! Praise Him, Praise Him!!! (John 20:1-18, Luke 24:5, Matthew 28)
What do you hear? Soak up His Word and let it change your worship. I pray that this year we will not allow the familiar words of Easter to come and go. I pray that we hear them and live them just as Paul did. He said in Philippians 3:10 that I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death. Because of that death we have life, abundant life. The Father has so much to say - are you listening?
I'll close with a comment from Fred Craddock, in one of his Easter sermons"
"...even for disciples like Mary, Easter does not return her and Jesus to the past; Easter opens up a new future. The earthly ministry is over; now the ministry of the exalted, glorified, ever-abiding Christ begins. "Nevertheless I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Advocate will not come to you" (16:7). In fact, the one who believes will do even greater works than Jesus did, "because I am going to the Father" (14:12). Therefore, Jesus says to Mary Magdalene, "Do not hold on to me" (v. 17). Rather, she is to go and announce his resurrection and his ascension to the presence of God, from whose presence the Holy Spirit will come to lead, comfort, and empower the church." [p. 246]"
Prayer: Father, thank You for Your spoken word, for Your Son, for Your love. Give me a heart that listens more intently to You everyday. Never let the Easter story be far from my heart and mind, no matter what time of year it is. The darkness of FRIDAY has passed and now we may walk in the Light....
<:))))>
Your Friend
Ramona P.
We have recently celebrated Easter but I would like to keep the memory alive each day...
" The resurrection is not a return to the past, but a movement to the future. Neither Mary nor we nor our congregations can hold on to the past after resurrection. We look to the even greater future that God has in store for us through the power of the Holy Spirit."
Pilate therefore said to Him, "So You are a king?" Jesus answered, "You say correctly that I am a king. For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice." John 18:37
The Last Supper, the crown of thorns, the cross, the empty tomb, the resurrection: these are all words that we associate with Easter. For the past few weeks our churches have been sure to prepare us for the weekend ahead. I am so unworthy of a love as great as this. These Easter words humble me. As I meditate on each one I put myself into the scene.
1. During the Last Supper, I hear cleansing water being poured over the disciples' feet. I hear teaching from the Master on how to be a servant. I also hear words of love and devotion. (John 13)
2. When thinking about the crown of thorns, I hear the mockery, the blows to my Lord's face. I hear the crack of a whip-like object. I hear the disturbing sounds of pain roaring from Jesus' mouth. (John 19:1-3)
3. At the foot of the cross I hear the sobs, the cries of a mother whose heart was breaking for her Son. I hear repentance as some realize that He truly is the Son of God. I hear the groans of a Savior who willingly hung there for me. I hear the words "It is finished!" roll off His lips as He accomplished what the Father sent Him to do. (Matthew 27:33-56, John 19:30)
4. And finally I want you to meet me at the empty tomb. He is risen!!! Take a minute to rejoice over the resurrection. The weeping that you hear will soon turn to joy. Hear the voice of our Savior; this means that the prophecy has been fulfilled. Can you hear life conquering death? Listen to the sounds of worship given to a worthy King! Praise Him, Praise Him!!! (John 20:1-18, Luke 24:5, Matthew 28)
What do you hear? Soak up His Word and let it change your worship. I pray that this year we will not allow the familiar words of Easter to come and go. I pray that we hear them and live them just as Paul did. He said in Philippians 3:10 that I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death. Because of that death we have life, abundant life. The Father has so much to say - are you listening?
I'll close with a comment from Fred Craddock, in one of his Easter sermons"
"...even for disciples like Mary, Easter does not return her and Jesus to the past; Easter opens up a new future. The earthly ministry is over; now the ministry of the exalted, glorified, ever-abiding Christ begins. "Nevertheless I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Advocate will not come to you" (16:7). In fact, the one who believes will do even greater works than Jesus did, "because I am going to the Father" (14:12). Therefore, Jesus says to Mary Magdalene, "Do not hold on to me" (v. 17). Rather, she is to go and announce his resurrection and his ascension to the presence of God, from whose presence the Holy Spirit will come to lead, comfort, and empower the church." [p. 246]"
Prayer: Father, thank You for Your spoken word, for Your Son, for Your love. Give me a heart that listens more intently to You everyday. Never let the Easter story be far from my heart and mind, no matter what time of year it is. The darkness of FRIDAY has passed and now we may walk in the Light....
<:))))>
Your Friend
Ramona P.
Views: 129
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by RoxChelseaGilmore on
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Yes I always celebrate Easter but I am very disapointed that my tutor does not celebrate Easter
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Permalink Reply by Ramona P. Jacobsz on
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Dearest Rox
It is fantastic that you celebrate Easter.... and we must think of Jesus' sacrifice every day and remember what He did for us. The pain and suffering for you and me... so that we may be saved. I think that you should pray for your tutor... It is sad that your tutor should miss out on something so GREAT.
Warm hugs and fondest love
<:))))>
Your Friend
Ramona P.
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I know it is tremendously sad I am so sad and hurt that my tutor does not celebrate easter he dooes not even go to church and he does not believe that there is someone who is over us watching us when I heard that I could have just burst into tears
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DO YOU KNOW, DEAREST ROX, THAT YOUR TUTOR IS MISSING THE BIG PICTURE? WE CAN ONLY PITY YOUR TUTOR. A CHRIST FOLLOWING TUTOR CAN LEAD SO MANY KIDS TO THE LORD WHEREAS AN ATHEIST CAN LEAD THEM TO HELL??? YOU SHINE FOR OUR LORD AND KEEP BEAMING! PEOPLE WILL SEE THAT YOU HAVE SOMETHING THAT THEY WANT... AND YOU COULD, BY EXAMPLE, LEAD POSSIBLY ONE SOUL TO JESUS... AND THAT SOUL COULD "INFECT" ANOTHER AND THE GLORIOUS "VIRUS" CAN SPREAD AND POSSIBLY AT THE END OF YOUR LIFE YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO COUNT ALL THE SOULS YOU HAVE WON FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD!!! YOU TRULY ARE A COOL KID!!! AND I LOVE YOU...
<:))))>
Your Friend
Ramona P.
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you know what?? My tutor said that he has neighbours and friends that are christans I think God is slowly changing his life don`t you
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DEAREST ROX
I WISH ALL KIDS WERE LIKE YOU... YOU TRULY ARE GREAT. I LOVE YOU AND I KNOW THAT GOD LOVES YOU SOOO MUCH! OF COURSE I BELIEVE, LIKE YOU, THAT SOMETHING HAS "TOUCHED" YOUR TUTOR. THE HOLY SPIRIT MOVES AMONGST US AND YOUR WORDS OF FAITH COULD HAVE CHANGED YOUR TUTOR'S "ATTITUDE"... SOME PEOPLE JUST LIKE OTHERS TO THINK THEY HAVE "ATTITUDE"... I BELIEVE THAT DEEP DOWN, EACH PERSON WHETHER THEY CONFESS TO BE CHRISTIANS OR NOT, HAVE A FAITH AND THEY DO BELIEVE IN GOD... THEY JUST THINK IT WILL MAKE THEM LESS "MUCHO" TO ADMIT IT. PRAY FOR YOUR TUTOR BECAUSE PRAYER AND LOVE GO HAND IN HAND... PRAYER AND LOVE IS THE PERSONIFICATION OF JESUS CHRIST... HE EVEN PRAYED FOR HIS PERSECUTORS WHEN ON THE CROSS. OH, TO FOLLOW IN THE STEPS OF JESUS!
LOVE YOU SO MUCH AND I AM PROUD TO KNOW YOU
<:))))>
Your Friend
Ramona P.
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Yeah so do I I am truly great and I love you too and I know that God ;loves me I know my tutor is amazing I really hope that he becomes a christian you know why I want my tutor to become a christian? Because I t want him to take Jeus`s hand and walk beside Jesus. I love you soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo much and I am proud to know you tooo Do you have facebook??? or msn>????
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Dearest LaBrock
Thanks for your comment... Actually we Christians celebrate the Resurection but EASTER is the common word used.... However, I do realize that this was Pagan. Nevertheless,,, there are so many fun things for kids like Easter eggs which places them in a fantasy world without affecting their religion. I fully understand your comment and I respect what you say. There are so many "arguments" about Santa Claus and Father Christmas too. I think that we adults should have some perspective whereby we also do not rob kids of their childhood fantasies. Fairies do not exist - yet angels do... And my mother often told us about fairies and as a little girl I believed in their existence... However, when we grown up we face REALITY. But I did so enjoy fairies and Santa Clause and Easter eggs as a child and I assure you (without meaning any offence at all) that it never affected my faith or my religion.
Thank you so much for the very interesting and enlightening reply.
God bless you
<:))))>
Your Friend
Ramona P.
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Yes I am intreseted in tis conversation
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