I somehow missed reading this post until now, and oh, my! I'm so thankful the Lord let me see it today. It is powerful! Your writing moved me and reminded me afresh about what He did for me. God bless you, dear friend.
You're right, dear Cheryl, this story isn't just for a few days at the end of Lent. It's for every day, for all time. Oh how He suffered so we could be set free. Thank You, Jesus ...
Jeanie, thanks ... it was wonderful to be surrounded by so many just-about-grown grandchildren and their friends and their parents. To worship all together was like a taste of heaven.
It's interesting to think about what we would have done if we'd been around at Jesus' crucifixion. Like you, I hope I'd have been there for him but I'm sure it would have been horrific to watch. I have watched "The Passion of the Christ" and that was hard enough. I kept having to hold myself back from yelling at them to stop! I am glad I saw it as it did highlight how much Jesus went through for us, but I have no desire to watch it again.
I hope you have a lovely, joyful, hope-filled Easter!
I feel the same way Linda. I would have been there that day with the other women and you too. I often think of how I would have reacted, knowing me, I'd be yelling at the bad people to get away from my Jesus.
" Where would we be without our precious Savior's presence in our lives." I have asked that question so many times. I am so grateful for His presence in my life and more grateful that I never have to be without Him in my life. Beautiful song and it blessed me tonight! May you and yours have a joyful Easter!
I have to be honest: I don't ask that question any more. I have to wonder in this present day and age whether I will stand strong when the time comes for me to be tested. When/if the church I pastor is threatened. When/if my family is laid out before me. When/if the folks from the church whom I love are falsely accused and my life is on the line with the answer I give. In all, and other scenarios, will I be found faithful? I have no doubt that I might have run and hid as the others did (although I would aspire to be like John). I would hope and pray that my faith, when tested, will be found genuine and strong, and always with an eye to the future prize.
Bill, I appreciate you turning our focus to the here and now. In some ways it's easier to look back and ruminate rather than looking at what we are doing now to build our faith, how we are inviting the Holy Spirit to do a revival in our own hearts that will give us His strength and courage for the days ahead.
Come quickly, Lord Jesus!
Thanks for chatting for a minute during this, what I am guessing, is your busiest week of the year. May He give you 'everything you need for life and godliness' as you shepherd your flock through this Holy Week.
I've wondered the same thing, Linda. Would I have been able to support Mary as she grieved over the torture her guiltless Son? Or would fear and the horror of it all keep me away? How I want to be strong for Him!
"That our God is alive and well in the midst of chaos and disorder and heartache, that He'll never change like shifting shadows, that He's the same yesterday, today, and forever, is such a powerful anchor for the bewildered soul." Such an encouraging truth, Linda. Thank you for all your reflections here. Yes, we certainly would have needed grace and courage to remain with the women! Love and blessings for a deeply blessed Holy Week!
I somehow missed reading this post until now, and oh, my! I'm so thankful the Lord let me see it today. It is powerful! Your writing moved me and reminded me afresh about what He did for me. God bless you, dear friend.
You're right, dear Cheryl, this story isn't just for a few days at the end of Lent. It's for every day, for all time. Oh how He suffered so we could be set free. Thank You, Jesus ...
Hope you had a beautiful Easter!! Loved the "little Easter basket" here and am always smiling after I visit!! Happy April to you!
Can you even believe it's April?!!
I'm late to the party but I hope your Easter was very, very happy and full of joy.
Jeanie, thanks ... it was wonderful to be surrounded by so many just-about-grown grandchildren and their friends and their parents. To worship all together was like a taste of heaven.
I love the photos of your Easter decorations.
It's interesting to think about what we would have done if we'd been around at Jesus' crucifixion. Like you, I hope I'd have been there for him but I'm sure it would have been horrific to watch. I have watched "The Passion of the Christ" and that was hard enough. I kept having to hold myself back from yelling at them to stop! I am glad I saw it as it did highlight how much Jesus went through for us, but I have no desire to watch it again.
I hope you have a lovely, joyful, hope-filled Easter!
I'm guessing even a full length movie couldn't capture the awful death the Holy One suffered for us. It's impossible to imagine ...
I feel the same way Linda. I would have been there that day with the other women and you too. I often think of how I would have reacted, knowing me, I'd be yelling at the bad people to get away from my Jesus.
He Is Risen Indeed!
Visiting today from Maree's
I hope you had a calm and quiet Easter day, friend ... I know the holidays can be hard.
Happy Easter, Linda! I'm very squeamish so I don't think I can watch that movie either.
Thank you for the visit and Easter wishes.
Margie, I hope you're having a blessed week.
I am really at the end
of that which I can do,
and I asked God to send a friend
who could help me through
the pain that has gone so far past
what I can understand.
I know I am not built to last,
but, Lord, I need a hand!
And I know you've heard my prayer,
and have sent me this,
the King of song and earthly air,
Graceland and Memphis,
and with Elvis by my side
I can face what will betide.
None of this is tongue in cheek. God sends help as He will, and it is His pleasure to send our heroes, with outstretched hand.
Let Marc Cohn see me out, if such is now:
https://youtu.be/PgRafRp-P-o?si=JmPhhyEec4Hxrh9J
Praying for peace and rest for you and Barb these days ...
" Where would we be without our precious Savior's presence in our lives." I have asked that question so many times. I am so grateful for His presence in my life and more grateful that I never have to be without Him in my life. Beautiful song and it blessed me tonight! May you and yours have a joyful Easter!
A joyful Easter to you, too, Joanne ...
A good reminder of the true meaning of Easter and the sacrifice Jesus made for us, Linda.
Wishing you a meaningful Holy Week and a joyful Easter celebration!
Veronica, may you have the same, my friend.
Thank you for these thoughts and many Easter blessings for you too.
I really appreciated your insightful words about Emily Freeman's new book, friend ...
https://healthyspirituality.org/practical-discernment-tools-from-a-new-book-by-emily-p-freeman/
And I forgot Linda: may you have a celebration on Resurrection Sunday befitting the King of kings and the risen Savior.
I'm looking forward to it!
I have to be honest: I don't ask that question any more. I have to wonder in this present day and age whether I will stand strong when the time comes for me to be tested. When/if the church I pastor is threatened. When/if my family is laid out before me. When/if the folks from the church whom I love are falsely accused and my life is on the line with the answer I give. In all, and other scenarios, will I be found faithful? I have no doubt that I might have run and hid as the others did (although I would aspire to be like John). I would hope and pray that my faith, when tested, will be found genuine and strong, and always with an eye to the future prize.
Bill, I appreciate you turning our focus to the here and now. In some ways it's easier to look back and ruminate rather than looking at what we are doing now to build our faith, how we are inviting the Holy Spirit to do a revival in our own hearts that will give us His strength and courage for the days ahead.
Come quickly, Lord Jesus!
Thanks for chatting for a minute during this, what I am guessing, is your busiest week of the year. May He give you 'everything you need for life and godliness' as you shepherd your flock through this Holy Week.
I've wondered the same thing, Linda. Would I have been able to support Mary as she grieved over the torture her guiltless Son? Or would fear and the horror of it all keep me away? How I want to be strong for Him!
Deep thoughts to ponder, Linda! I'm not sure if I would have been there, too. Happy Easter, my friend. Thanks for sharing God's story with us.
I hope you have a lovely week of preparation ...
He is risen indeed! Happy Palm Sunday and have a great Easter weekend Linda.
I hope you had a meaningful Palm Sunday today, Amy. There's so much to be grateful for!
"That our God is alive and well in the midst of chaos and disorder and heartache, that He'll never change like shifting shadows, that He's the same yesterday, today, and forever, is such a powerful anchor for the bewildered soul." Such an encouraging truth, Linda. Thank you for all your reflections here. Yes, we certainly would have needed grace and courage to remain with the women! Love and blessings for a deeply blessed Holy Week!
The women in Jesus' life here on earth have much to teach us about faith and courage in the middle of the most awful adversity.