SUNDAY DWELLINGS ~ Easter Is Still On My Mind

Often this week I’ve been asked if I had a good Easter and I found myself replying, “Absolutely wonderful!  How could it not be wonderful!”

Realizing the word “Easter” has different meanings depending on the person, it saddens me that this special time could go by with no attention, or very little, given to its true meaning.  Rather, it is a celebration of pastel baskets filled with chocolate eggs, chicks, and bunnies. 

Please know, those are sweet things and I like them too.  I just wonder how Jesus feels about the attention given to these things versus the time spent pondering what he did for us over these three days, Good Friday through Easter Sunday.  And the other 362 days of the year when I give him so little of me and other things so much of me?

Yes, Easter has been on my mind, so much heartbreak and so much rejoicing.  I ponder how Jesus was treated by the people and how even the disciples betrayed him.  I am amazed at his compassion while hanging on the cross, asking God to forgive them for all they had done and were still doing to him.  Amazing!  His love, compassion, and forgiveness after being treated so harshly, suffering, and while dying on the cross.  Amazing!

I've been thinking about folks I know that are struggling, heartbroken and sick.  You may be suffering; abandoned, sick, hurt, despised, misrepresented, betrayed, not appreciated, rejected.

Please know, God understands and will see you through!

During a very trying time in my life a dear friend gave me a daily devotional that has become my favorite.  God truly used the words of this book to bless me in the midst of my hurt.  Many of the pages are earmarked and heart notes are written on the pages so as I still read this devotional I am reminded of where I was at the time and can clearly see how God was working to bless my life through difficult times.
I want to share this one with you, seems timely just after Easter…

Streams in the Desert ~ February 10

Do not take revenge, my friends.  Romans 12:19

There are times when doing nothing demands much greater strength than taking action.  Maintaining composure is often the best evidence of power.  Even to the vilest and deadliest of charges, Jesus responded with deep, unbroken silence.  His silence was so profound, it caused His accusers and spectators to wonder in awe.  To the greatest insults, the most violent treatment, and to mockery that would bring righteous indignation to the feeblest of hearts, He responded with voiceless, confident calmness.  Those who are unjustly accused, and mistreated without cause, know the tremendous strength that is necessary to keep silent and to leave revenge to God.

Men may misjudge your aim,

think they have cause to blame,

Say, you are wrong;

Keep on your quiet way,

Christ is the Judge, not they,

Fear not, be strong.

The apostle Paul said, “None of these things move me.” (Acts 20:24)  He did not say, “None of these things hurt me.”  It is one things to be hurt, and quite another to be moved.  Paul has a very tender heart, for we do not read of any other apostle who cried as he did.  It takes a strong man to cry. “Jesus wept” (John 11:35)  and He was the strongest man that ever lived.

Therefore it does not say, “None of these things hurt me.”  The apostle Paul had determined not to move from what he believed was right.  He did not value things as we are prone to do.  He never looked for the easy way, and placed no value on his mortal life.  He only cared about one thing, and that was his loyalty to Christ—to gain Christ’s smile.  To Paul, more than to any other man, doing Christ’s work was his earthly pay, but gaining Christ’s smile was heaven.

Margaret Bottome

~ ~ ~

God’s word says that He is Holy

and I am sinful, unclean, and my righteous acts are like filthy rags.

It is so true.  I fall so short.

Were it not for the cross there would be no chance at all that my God could look at me…his daughter…and smile.  How could he?  It was my sin that nailed His son to the cross!

Yes sweet friend, Easter is still on my mind and I cling to that cross!

Rejoicing that God knows my name, my every fault and failure, he loves me, and he SMILES!

Not because of anything I have done but because of everything Jesus has done.

Jesus paid it ALL!  For me and for you!

I am so thankful!

“Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29

Blessings,

Cindy
I am Republican