"He is not here; He is risen, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay." Matthew 28:6 (NIV)
An empty tomb.
He had told them.
They could not fathom all that meant.
Can we?
Because of that emptiness, we can be full. Because of His sacrifice, the gap that separated us from Him has been "crossed". Not only do we have the promise of a future with Him, but a NOW with Him.
The Holy Spirit is the fulfillment...the full fill meant for all that's empty in our lives.
The sad thing is that we all too often try to fill the void that exists in our lives...the one that is meant for God...with all sorts of other things...some harmless...some not.
How do you fill your emptiness? Where do you go for the love that can only be found in Him?
When Jesus said, "It is finished," He knew that our search was over. He knew that He not only bridged the abyss between God and man, but also provided the ultimate source of satisfaction...complete...perfect...everlasting.
Empty paved the way for Full...and empty tomb...a life full of hope, of love, of peace...the only way.
Lord, we can't begin to fathom Your love, Your sacrifice, or the depth of your dying and conquering death. Open our eyes. Help us to see. You are the answer. You are our everything. You are our source of whatever we need. Help us to seek fulfillment in You alone. Thank You for Your love...for Your power...Your plan.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Walking With Purpose
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men...." Colossians 3:23 (NIV)
It drives my husband crazy.
I don't stroll.
I can't help it. It isn't in my genes.
You would know it if you've ever been anywhere with me and my mother...or my grandmother, in her younger days. We walk with purpose...at a brisk pace...no strolling.
So...when my hubby wants a leisurely stroll on the beach or in the neighborhood, I have a hard time.
In my effort to get in better shape...even if often a feeble attempt, I've been more conscious of the walking that I do in my normal routine...around the house...to the playground, and even in the halls at school...to walk with purpose, to feel it in my muscles, to make it count.
Wow. I want to apply that to other areas of my life. My "walk" with the Lord...the time spent with Him...in His Word...in prayer...in praise...in thanksgiving. In my journey through life with my husband...to honor him, respect him, appreciate him, love him...and stroll with him when he wants. As I parent my children...to set the example that God would have me set...to love unconditionally...to support...to encourage...to give freely of my time and attention...to share my passion for Christ. I pray to walk with purpose in my job...in my writing...to be diligent...to be all that God has called me to be.
What about you? What "muscles" in your life need some purposeful flexing?
Lord, I commit myself to You. Walk with me. Help me to walk with passion...with purpose. Lead me today. I love You.
It drives my husband crazy.
I don't stroll.
I can't help it. It isn't in my genes.
You would know it if you've ever been anywhere with me and my mother...or my grandmother, in her younger days. We walk with purpose...at a brisk pace...no strolling.
So...when my hubby wants a leisurely stroll on the beach or in the neighborhood, I have a hard time.
In my effort to get in better shape...even if often a feeble attempt, I've been more conscious of the walking that I do in my normal routine...around the house...to the playground, and even in the halls at school...to walk with purpose, to feel it in my muscles, to make it count.
Wow. I want to apply that to other areas of my life. My "walk" with the Lord...the time spent with Him...in His Word...in prayer...in praise...in thanksgiving. In my journey through life with my husband...to honor him, respect him, appreciate him, love him...and stroll with him when he wants. As I parent my children...to set the example that God would have me set...to love unconditionally...to support...to encourage...to give freely of my time and attention...to share my passion for Christ. I pray to walk with purpose in my job...in my writing...to be diligent...to be all that God has called me to be.
What about you? What "muscles" in your life need some purposeful flexing?
Lord, I commit myself to You. Walk with me. Help me to walk with passion...with purpose. Lead me today. I love You.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Against All Odds
"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
This was the key verse for the movie we saw last weekend...at our local cinema...not in a church...in a theater. Against all odds, God's goodness, plans, power, and provision were displayed beautifully...and apologetically.
The story is one that also goes against all odds...that of a young surfer with amazing potential who loses an arm in a shark attack... yet conquers her fears...holds onto her faith...fights hard for her dream...and wins.
It's a true story...one of amazing inspiration. The title is Soul Surfer.
I don't think of myself as an "activist", but this is one time that I am encouraging you to send Hollywood a message. Let's show screenwriters, producers, Hollywood moguls that we crave wholesome entertainment. Movie tickets are expensive, but this is worth paying full price! Let your voice be heard!
The cast is strong...Annasophia Robb, Dennis Quaid, Helen Hunt, and Carrie Underwood...the script compelling...the scenery in Hawaii full of God's splendor!
Here's a peek...
Let's proclaim our desire to enjoy movies that go against the odds of popularity and a culture that seems to believe that anything is acceptable except Christianity.
Father, in a world that seems to shout anything but Your Name, thank You for those that were willing to take the chance to stand up for faith and Your goodness. Lord, I pray that all those who participated in the making of this movie will be forever changed because of the message of Soul Surfer. I pray for you to draw multitudes to see the movie and that the impact will be profound!
Please note...this movie is not for small children, as it could be frightening. It was not graphic or gruesome. Do take some tissues. The heartache...and the inspiration of victory will bring you to tears.
This was the key verse for the movie we saw last weekend...at our local cinema...not in a church...in a theater. Against all odds, God's goodness, plans, power, and provision were displayed beautifully...and apologetically.
The story is one that also goes against all odds...that of a young surfer with amazing potential who loses an arm in a shark attack... yet conquers her fears...holds onto her faith...fights hard for her dream...and wins.
It's a true story...one of amazing inspiration. The title is Soul Surfer.
I don't think of myself as an "activist", but this is one time that I am encouraging you to send Hollywood a message. Let's show screenwriters, producers, Hollywood moguls that we crave wholesome entertainment. Movie tickets are expensive, but this is worth paying full price! Let your voice be heard!
The cast is strong...Annasophia Robb, Dennis Quaid, Helen Hunt, and Carrie Underwood...the script compelling...the scenery in Hawaii full of God's splendor!
Here's a peek...
Let's proclaim our desire to enjoy movies that go against the odds of popularity and a culture that seems to believe that anything is acceptable except Christianity.
Father, in a world that seems to shout anything but Your Name, thank You for those that were willing to take the chance to stand up for faith and Your goodness. Lord, I pray that all those who participated in the making of this movie will be forever changed because of the message of Soul Surfer. I pray for you to draw multitudes to see the movie and that the impact will be profound!
Please note...this movie is not for small children, as it could be frightening. It was not graphic or gruesome. Do take some tissues. The heartache...and the inspiration of victory will bring you to tears.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Prone to Wander...But Let's Don't
"Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." Matthew 26:41 (NIV)
What tempts you?
You don't really have to tell me. Just think about it. Do you find that you want to make the right choices but sometimes you find yourself in a weak spot?
You are not alone.
And it's no surprise to God.
His Word tells us that "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it." 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)
In the great hymn, Come, Thou Fount, the writer pens the words, "O to grace how great a debtor daily I’m constrained to be! Let Thy goodness, like a fetter, bind my wandering heart to Thee. Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love; here’s my heart, O take and seal it, seal it for Thy courts above."
Yes, we must "watch and pray"...for Him to seal our hearts...to provide a way out when we're tempted. And realize the depth of the grace poured out on us daily.
And, speaking of grace, you've got to listen to this.
Lord, we stand amazed at the grace that You bestow on us with each new day. Thank You for Your sacrifice on our behalf. Help us as we walk on from here. "Lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil." Protect us, we pray.
What tempts you?
You don't really have to tell me. Just think about it. Do you find that you want to make the right choices but sometimes you find yourself in a weak spot?
You are not alone.
And it's no surprise to God.
His Word tells us that "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it." 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)
In the great hymn, Come, Thou Fount, the writer pens the words, "O to grace how great a debtor daily I’m constrained to be! Let Thy goodness, like a fetter, bind my wandering heart to Thee. Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love; here’s my heart, O take and seal it, seal it for Thy courts above."
Yes, we must "watch and pray"...for Him to seal our hearts...to provide a way out when we're tempted. And realize the depth of the grace poured out on us daily.
And, speaking of grace, you've got to listen to this.
Lord, we stand amazed at the grace that You bestow on us with each new day. Thank You for Your sacrifice on our behalf. Help us as we walk on from here. "Lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil." Protect us, we pray.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)