It’s Easter! This will be short and simple: John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” This is followed by Matthew 28:6a: “He is not here: for he is risen, as he said.” Easter is a promise of new beginnings, a time to renew our faith and hope! Every day, and especially today, let’s thank God for Easter and everlasting life. God bless you!
A Tale of Two Gardens
Everyone likes springtime; it’s a time of new birth. Baby animals, fresh flowers, etc. It’s also time for gardens. There are two gardens mentioned in scripture: Genesis 2:8 mentions the Garden of Eden and Mathew 26:36 mentions the Garden of Gethsemane. One had the tree of life, the other, the tree of death. The Garden of Eden is gone from earth, but one day soon, a day is coming when Jesus, who suffered in the second garden, will restore all things. New birth will begin, and we will be a part of it; Hallelujah! God bless you.
Beginnings
New beginnings are exciting: the beginning of construction on a new house, the beginning of a new job, the beginning of a marriage. I wonder if God was excited when he began? Genesis 1:1 says, “In the beginning God created heaven and earth.” John 1:1 says: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” I think He shared those beginnings with Jesus because in Genesis 1:26, he said, “…let US make man in OUR image, after OUR likeness…. When we have a new beginning, let’s remember His excitement and share it with others! God bless you today.
Be Prepared to Answer
Do you remember cracking open the books to prepare for winter or spring finals? The goal was to prepare for any question that might come up in order to have the correct answer when asked. Perhaps you wanted that good grade to make your parents proud (or yourself), maybe it was to qualify for a scholarship or particular college. Being prepared to witness is a lot like finals. You have to be prepared with the appropriate answer. Fortunately, we have the best textbook ever written for us to study – the Bible. 2 Timothy 2:15 says, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” Have you opened His word today? Let’s be prepared for the questions and make our Father proud! God bless you.
Unexpected Guests
How many of us have had someone just show up at our door? It might be viewed as a happy occurrence or an interruption to our day. If it’s not a relative or a friend, it might be someone trying to sell you something. However, what if it was someone trying to give you something? Would you let them in? Revelations 3:20 says, “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” Let’s spread the word about Him, the unexpected visitor, and encourage others to invite the visitor in! God bless you.
Miracles by Faith
The four gospels indicate that Jesus performed 37 miracles. There are some of us who might have witnessed one in our life and perhaps some of us who need one now. Jesus could heal in person, and he could heal from afar as in the case of the centurion’s servant. Feeling himself unworthy, he told Jesus to speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed, and Jesus marveled at that. Matthew 8:13 says: “And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou has believed, so it be done unto thee. And his servant was healed that same hour.” If we want and need a miracle, all we need is faith. Let’s pray earnestly for those who need one, amen? God bless you!
Some Things Don’t Change
There are many statements in our vocabulary about the word “change.” Some are positive, and some are not so positive. Things like: “You’re never going to change,” or ” There’s going to be some changes in personnel.” Maybe you’ve heard, “change is inevitable.” So you might ask, “Does anything ever stay the same?” Absolutely! Hebrews 13:8 tells us that we can trust in one absolute: “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today and forever.” You can trust that He will be eternally the same. I find hope in that. God bless you.
Credit the Creator
Have you ever created something? Maybe a drawing or painting, a sculpture, a wood working project? Did your creation bring you joy and satisfaction? Did you maybe have someone tell you what a great job you did? We serve a God who created heaven and earth! Have you thought to complement Him? Revelation 4:11 says: “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.” Let’s make sure we remember to honor Him for all He has created! God bless you.
Our Remedy
None of us want to be sick. Being run down, weak, or helpless are not things we enjoy. Neither did Paul the Apostle. Fortunately, we have help and a promise. 2 Corinthians 12:9 tells us, “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” If the Apostle Paul could put his trust in Jesus when he was not at his best, we can trust him as well! God bless you!
Everybody Needs Rest
I think that all of us might agree that rest is important to our minds and bodies. Many people work five days a week, eight hours a day, and then we work at home on the sixth day. Some people even work every day taking care of family! We have a biblical example that we should take time to rest. Genesis 2:2 tells us, “And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.” We should try hard to follow his example and devote that day of rest to Him who created it! May He richly bless you today.
