Dear Lord…

Today I am praying for all of the people I am related to by blood or law. It’s such a long list. I am not sure how often some of these folks pray — for themselves or others — because everyone is in a different place in their relationship with God and it is my privilege to pray for them! I love them each and so I pray for :

their relationship with God, May they grow in their knowledge of His love for them and their need for a Savior.

perseverance through trials

physical health

mental and emotional health

good relationships with the people they love and care about

their jobs and studies

I typically start with my husband, our children, and the grandchildren. Then I move on to my siblings and their spouses and their children. Then my husband’s siblings and spouses and children and grandchildren. Then the living aunts and uncles on both sides and then all the cousins and their families. Then I move onto the next round of second and third cousins on my side and then to those on Don’s side. I don’t necessarily list everyone’s names the further down the line I go because I actually don’t know or remember all the kids of all the cousins but I typically will say the head of the family and ask God to bless those who fall under that family line. Honestly, it all depends on the time I have that day. And it may not always be a formal prayer time. If they cross my mind during a day, I might just ask God to bless their day and their situation. Formal prayer time is great, but I would rather think of my day as one long conversation with God.

A Promise Fulfilled

Sometimes it is harder to keep our word than we can ever imagine. I’m know I have made commitments I have been unable to keep and I hate that. Even the best of intentions can be made without a full understanding of what the future holds. Of course, we can only plan to the best of our ability, but we should take very seriously the thought of a promise or commitment.

I am so thankful for God’s promises. He always follows through. He is always on time and He often delivers in unexpected ways.

Why would a Savior enter the world in such humble circumstances or die such a brutal death?

How could God work in and through a sinner like me to communicate His Gospel message to those in my sphere of influence?

How will He use my past in combination with my present to contribute to my future?

Today I am blessed to celebrate the resurrection of the Savior: The Promise Fulfilled. If God can make good on that level of commitment to me, I need to ask for greater trust that He can work out the other details of my life. He has already made the most important provision for me through Jesus. I think I can trust Him with the rest of my details.

He is Risen!

He is Risen, Indeed!

Alleluia!

Preparations

It’s been a day, a week really, preparing for Easter Sunday in the many ways one might do that:

* travel arrangements
* menu planning
* food shopping
* egg dyeing
* wardrobe additions
* cleaning
* decorating

In all this busyness has there been enough consideration of The Cross, The Christ, The Crucifixion?

There is still time to contemplate the incredible exchange that took place.

+ His life was given for yours.

+ You are worth the sacrifice He made.

+ You are worth the breath He gave.

+ Your value is not in what you have done or who you are.

+ Your beauty and value is in the eyes of your Beholder, your Savior, your Risen Lord.

Are You Stuck in a Bad Chapter?

Ever wonder how King David from the Old Testament (shepherd boy, giant slayer, and man after God’s own heart) could possibly walk so close with God and then end up so far away from God by committing adultery, murder, and failing to protect his family? It happened just one step at a time. An unchecked heart and unconfessed sin can lead both you and I astray very quickly. David’s story didn’t end there…and ours doesn’t need to either….

Sometimes we think receiving faith in Jesus as Savior eliminates all of our temptations and rebellious, sinful decisions. It isn’t true, but it sure would be nice. We do, however, get to experience the nudging of our conscience from the Holy Spirit. You and I can try to stifle and smother those promptings and go our own wanton way for a long, long time but the consequences will catch up to us eventually.

Don’t try to still the small voice of God. Confessing your sin will be a turning point in a difficult chapter of your life. Consequences won’t likely be eliminated but God can and will grow you in His love and grace.

God can redeem all situations and longs to be reconciled with you!