Learning to live for HIS glory

If not my absolute favorite, then Easter is definitely one of my favorite days of the year.  There is just so much to celebrate!  So much joy is mine because of what happened in history over 2000 years ago.  Wow.  It's hard to fathom that long span of time.  Nevertheless, what I celebrate today has been bringing joy to thousands for all of these years. It's hard for me to put into words all that I think about on Easter.  It's a day that usually involves tears and exultant singing, quiet reflection and much rejoicing.  It's a day that stirs the jubilant longing of my heart.  For although every day is a day to remember the abundant life I have because of my Savior's sacrifice, Easter is an awesome reminder of just how much He did for me. If I could go back to anytime in history, I think I'd go back to that first "Easter" weekend.  I wonder what it would have been like.  (You can see my musings on some of that from about a year ago her...

Thick, black, utter darkness covers the land, threatening to choke out life itself.  The Savior of the world is hanging on a cross . . . about to breath His last breath?! How can this be?  Lord, this wasn’t the plan, was it?  Did the angels know, I wonder?  Or were they shaking their heads in sorrow?  Saying, “God, this looks REALLY bad . . .” Somehow I think the darkness that fell for the hours preceding Jesus’ death permeated more than just our physical world, but maybe it wasn’t as dark as it appeared . . . allow me to attempt to paint us a picture: Bloody, beaten, mangled…the body of God’s only Son hangs stretched upon roughhewn pieces of wood, held in place by nails that are more like iron stakes.  A crown woven out of cruel thorns sends streams of blood trickling down His face, from where the soldiers shoved it onto his skull just hours earlier.  A faithful few remain near the foot of His cross, wondering if this was all in vain; and t...

Life turning Life changing Changing direction Changing purpose Purpose for living Purpose in dying Dying to self Dying to live Live forever Live for Jesus Jesus Messiah Jesus gives life Life in death Life for all All who trust All who turn Turn to the Savior  Turn and trust Trust His life Trust His grace Grace to live Grace for sin Sin that destroys Sin that condemns Condemns our lives Condemns our hearts Hearts are turning Hearts are softening Softening to truth Softening to God God is molding God is changing Changing hearts Changing minds Minds surrender Minds now trust Trust in Jesus Trust His death Death for sinners Death to conquer Conquer the devil Conquer the grave Grave now empty Grave of joy Joy unending  Joy in Christ  Christ our Savior  Christ our Lord Lord  Savior

They sat around their regular table, another pulled up to it filled with unfamiliar faces.  Laughter mixed with earnest expressions . . . one familiar face was missing. Gradually word got back to where I stood at register.  That one familiar face is gone.  Forever.  "At least he's resting in peace now." Those words haunt my heart. Is he? Did he know the Savior?  Is he living now in the peace and joy that come from the very presence of God? Or has he entered a forever living death? Condemned because he never accepted the gift of Jesus as Savior? I saw him multiple times a week, wished him a good day, endured his teasing . . .  but . . . did he know the hope I have? I don't know.  I can't know. But this, I do know . . . one day, friends, we will all face death, and on the other side stand before a righteous GOD .  How will He judge?  Rightly He would find us all guilty, and send us away to forever torment . . . forever separat...