Preparing Your Heart for Easter

Scriptures: Matthew 16:25, John 16:33, Romans 8:11, Philippians 3:10-11, Deuteronomy 31:6

Preparing Your Heart for Easter

Dear Sister,

Welcome to the Lenten season! We at Help Club for Moms feel so honored that you would join us for this devotional plan. Our prayer for the next three weeks is that you will feel closer to Jesus as you turn your gaze upon Him. As we look ahead to Resurrection Sunday, we will reflect on Christ’s great sacrifice for us.

When I ponder the power of the resurrection in my own life, the verse that keeps coming to mind is Philippians 3:10-11, “I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised Him from the dead.” To that, I agree wholeheartedly! I want to experience miracles and the gifts of the Holy Spirit!

However, the passage then goes on to say, “I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead!” To be honest, I struggle with that. I want to experience His power, but I’d rather not share in His suffering and death. As I write this letter, my life is pretty comfortable, and I like it that way. But the truth is that when we choose to follow Christ, we must choose to follow Him through the good and the bad times.

Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). We must be prepared to follow Jesus even if it means losing or leaving everything. Jesus said, “For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it” (Matthew 16:25). It is in surrendering, in laying down our lives, that we come to experience the abundant life found in Christ. This abundant life does not mean a comfortable life but rather an extraordinary life filled with the power of God! Our goal is to live a life on this earth worthy of the calling we have received.

I encourage you to press into the Lord and seek Him with all your heart! Ask Him to fill you with His power so that you can experience all that He has for you! Don’t be afraid of suffering for His sake. The Lord, our God, promises He will always be with us.

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6).

With love in Christ,

Scriptures: John 14:6, Luke 23:44-46, Hebrews 6:19-20

Advent To Easter

Most people say their favorite time of year is Christmas, and I understand that this great season of expectation and gift-giving is wonderful. If Jesus weren’t born a babe, prophecies would not have been fulfilled, Jesus would not be able to identify with us as flesh, and ultimately His life of miracles and love in action would not have been recorded for all to know Him. Yes, Jesus’ birth is beyond exceptional, but I beg to differ and say that I love Passover/Resurrection, maybe even more! Seriously, this season of Lent and advent to the crucifixion is SO meaningful. When it is revered and savored, your heart will soar with renewed joy at what Jesus has done for you!

I particularly love to sing all the songs of victory over death and teach my kids about Passover and its significance! My hope is for more people to get excited about what our Savior has done on the cross and in the tomb and to understand that Satan doesn’t want anyone to know that he was defeated when Christ shed His blood as a sin offering for each and every one of us and then conquered death by rising from the dead.

I am sure Satan wants the miracle of Resurrection to be kept a secret. He has done an excellent job twisting Christmas to be about Santa, reindeer, and shopping frenzies. Too many bunnies, baskets, and bonnets have also crowded this holy day and tried to steal the significance of what Christ has done. When you cut out the world’s frivolous replacements and focus on the true meaning of God’s feasts and celebrations, you will clearly see the gift of Jesus’ sacrifice for you and me!

Sisters, when Jesus’ blood redeems us, we enter a beautiful covenant relationship with God the Father! If you know history, man did not have access to God directly before Jesus died and rose from the dead. They had to pray via a priest in a temple and receive words from God via a prophet. This is one of the mysteries of being a Christian; the Bible says that the only way to the Father is through the Son and that when the curtain was torn in two as Jesus took our sins on the cross, access to God became available, tangible, and life-changing for us! Jesus is our High Priest Who lives in us when we invite Him, making our earthly bodies temples of the Holy Spirit! WOW!

I propose we shout VICTORIOUSLY this Resurrection Sunday and courageously tell our friends and family members that they can receive the free gift of salvation- and the shame of sin that shackles them won’t bind them any longer when they do!

Mama, if you have never experienced the joy of Resurrection Sunday, I pray your eyes and heart will be open to understanding Jesus as the perfect Lamb of God who became our sin offering once and for all. I encourage you to spend time in God’s Word and in church this year. The Lenten season might just become your favorite time of year too.

Love,

Scriptures: John 11:25-26, John 10:10, Philippians 3:10

Celebrating Easter With Our Kids

Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life and have it to the full” (John 10:10b). This verse should not be read too quickly or taken too lightly. The reason He came, died, and rose again was for us. As parents, it is our duty and honor to teach our children the importance of this verse and Resurrection Sunday.

A few years ago, my husband and I decided to commit to focusing more on Jesus during the Lenten/Easter season. This doesn’t seem like it would be necessary, considering the Easter season is all about Jesus. Still, we live in America—where every holiday is filled with distractions and suggestions of things to buy for our children. We wanted our family to parallel Paul’s thinking in Philippians 3:10, in which he says he wants to “…know Christ and the power of His resurrection”.

As we all look to the Cross in the coming weeks, will you join us in being intentional with your children and slowing down to spend some precious time focusing on our Savior? I have compiled a short list of soul-stirring, family-friendly activities below to help you shout “He is risen!” together with your family on Resurrection Sunday!

1. Resurrection Eggs/Countdown to Easter

Anticipating Easter using Resurrection Eggs has been a favorite in our household for a few years. These look just like a regular set of plastic Easter eggs, but inside is a symbol, a verse, an activity (or anything to help teach your children about the Resurrection and the important events leading up to that day). Complete sets can be purchased at any Christian bookstore or on Amazon.

2. Resurrection Rolls

For a tangible representation of the Resurrection, my girls have loved making these for breakfast on Easter morning. But, of course, your children can make these themselves (which they love)! Typically, I will set out all the ingredients they need and let my girls go crazy while my husband reads the complete Resurrection story from Luke. This is always a special morning. I pray your family enjoys it as much as mine has. You can find a great recipe for Resurrection Rolls on the Help Club for Moms website.

3. Intentional Easter Basket

A tradition that is fun and classic is the Easter basket filled with goodies. My girls love getting one of these every Easter Sunday! For the past few years, I have been taking some extra time to plan ahead and create a basket that is more thoughtful and focused on Christ. I include age-appropriate Children’s Bibles, Christ-centered crafts, and life-giving books that tell the story of Jesus (I have included a list below of a few of our family favorites).

Christ-Centered Books for the Easter Season:

• Journey to the Cross by Helen Haidle
• The Parable of the Lily by Liz Curtis Higgs
• Easter Bunny, Are You For Real? by Harold Myra
• An Easter Gift for Me by Crystal Bowman
• The Week That Led to Easter by Joanne Larrison
• The Tale of the Three Trees by Angela Elwell Hunt
• The Legend of the Easter Egg by Lori Walburg

Blessings and Love,

Scriptures: John 12:12-19, Luke 19:41, Luke 19:28-44, Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11:1-11

Significance of Palm Sunday

As I read the story of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, a few things seemed peculiar to me. As a child, I held palm branches and yelled, “Hosanna!” I didn’t know the true meaning of those actions; I just did it. I have to wonder if some people who had journeyed to Jerusalem to celebrate the festival held the palm branches and yelled, “Hosanna,” but wondered why. What was so significant about this moment?

In Jesus’ time on earth, palm branches meant triumph or honor. It was a political statement indicating that they were saved. Their hero, Jesus, was believed to be the one who would rescue them from their current suffering under Roman rule. In fact, the term they yelled, “Hosanna,” means “save now, please.” Initially, the word deeply defined God’s power to save. Hosanna then transitioned into a joyous shout of praise or victory. We realize the crowd was throwing and swaying palm branches and shouting “Hosanna” because they thought Jesus would save them immediately. We know from John 12:17-18 that the crowd had known and experienced miracles firsthand–they had seen Jesus in action. So what changed? How did they go from believing Jesus would save them to nailing Him on the cross?

Personally, I think the crowd had little knowledge of Jesus. They only wanted what He could do for them and knew not who He was. Luke 19:41 tells us that Jesus wept over Jerusalem. Why did He weep? He wept because He could see their rejection. They didn’t understand that Jesus was coming to save them from themselves. They couldn’t see how they needed a Savior to rescue them from their personal sins. They thought someone, Jesus, would come and wipe out all of their enemies. They didn’t want any more hardships; they wanted the easy road.

In contrast, Jesus wanted to save their souls. He wanted to empower them to love their enemies and overcome the world as He has overcome the world. Jesus wanted the narrow road, and He wanted a relationship. He wants you…every bit of you. He doesn’t want to be a genie in a bottle. He wants to walk this life with you and teach you, encourage you, rebuke you, and love you. He wants you to know who He is.

Blessings,

Scripture: Mark 14:1-9

Anointing of Jesus

Let’s begin by doing a short recap of today’s verses: A woman entered the home of Simon the Leper and found Jesus reclining there. She carried an alabaster jar of costly perfume. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on Jesus’ head. Some people there scoffed at her, saying her gesture to Jesus was wasteful. They even rebuked her! They thought she should have sold her perfume and used it to give money to the poor instead.

Let’s take a moment to realize the value of this perfume. The oil or “nard” vial was from a plant found in the Himalayan Mountains. It was very hard to get and very expensive. In fact, it was worth 300 denarii. Why is this noteworthy? Because the average working man’s daily wage was only one denarius! The oil this woman poured on Jesus was worth an entire year’s wages! This specific oil was used for a few different reasons in Jesus’ time: to anoint a priest or king, to be given as a gift fit for a king, or to anoint the dead for burial. I don’t think it was any coincidence that this was the oil the woman chose for anointing Jesus!

I love what Jesus says to those who were critical of her:

“Leave her alone,” said Jesus. “Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing for me. The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them anytime you want. But you will not always have me. She did what she could. For example, she poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial. I tell you the truth, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.” (Mark 14:3-9, emphasis added on “beautiful”).

If I can glean a few assumptions from this passage, the most important is that this woman loved Jesus. She loved Him so much that she wanted to give Him the best of the best. She didn’t hold back on anything she had to offer. I would imagine it took quite a bit of bravery for her to walk in there and anoint Jesus, maybe even knowing she would be ridiculed. However, I don’t think she cared. She had one thing on her mind: Jesus. She wanted to show Him her adoration and respect by honoring Him with the best, most valuable thing she could get her hands on! I think when Jesus said that this woman’s story would be told in memory of her, He spoke of her wholehearted devotion to Him. She was in awe of Him and wanted to give Him her best. It was a genuine act of worship. I imagine she wasn’t worried about what it would cost her to anoint Jesus that day; she was only concerned with showing Jesus her adoration. And, as Jesus said, it was beautiful in His sight!

Blessings and Love,

Scriptures: Matthew 21:12-17, Matthew 6:24, 1 Corinthians 6:19

Clearing A Path To God

The Jewish Temple was much more significant to the Israelites than church buildings are to modern Christians. Perhaps that is why Jesus drastically clearing the Temple seems inappropriate and out of character. The Temple in Jerusalem was the sacred place that housed the very Spirit of God. It was glorious and beautiful, demonstrating the magnificent privilege of connecting with the Almighty God personally. That is exactly why Jesus’ actions were appropriate and necessary. This building was symbolic of the Spirit’s modern Temple—our hearts. The Israelites traveled to the Temple in Jerusalem to connect with their Creator. Still, our bodies are the new Temple, where the Spirit of God lives and works.

It is a bit frightening to imagine Jesus zealously overturning tables. Here, He doesn’t seem to be the gentle, merciful Lamb we see throughout the New Testament. Instead, his zeal abolishes injustice and corruption. Jesus said, “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money” (Matthew 6:24). He was ensuring that only God was being served and worshipped in that place. In clearing God’s Temple of everything that was not godly, Jesus was making room for God’s Kingdom on earth.

After the Temple was clear, Jesus had room to bring miraculous healing, peace, and a taste of the God who is Love. The Jews had been taught that the Messiah came to end injustice, but most people expected it to be at the governmental level. They knew He would come to set them free as Moses had done generations before; however, they anticipated a Savior who would overthrow and replace the oppressive Roman government. Instead, Jesus chose a different route to justice by removing sin and corruption from within His Temple, His Church. Ironically, the people anticipated the Almighty God using His power to overturn the great Caesar. Instead, He bestowed that power on twelve ordinary men, the apostles, and changed the world through them.

During Easter, we are reminded of Jesus’ tremendous Love and sacrifice for us. We should also remember why that sacrifice was necessary: to erase sin and brokenness that would have otherwise kept us from Our Holy Father’s kingdom.

Blessings and Love,

Scriptures: Matthew 22:34-46, Psalms 46:10, Matthew 9:36, Matthew 26:6-13

The Questioning Of Jesus

Put yourself in Jerusalem on Tuesday of Holy Week, just days before the execution of Jesus. He knew His death and suffering would soon come, even when no one else did. Whippings and thorns were imminent. Hands and feet would be painfully pierced. What a heavy burden He was carrying!

On that Tuesday, Jesus endured intense questioning by the Sadducees and the Pharisees. Keeping in mind that Jesus was 100 percent perfect, 100 percent innocent, and completely aware of His impending crucifixion, we find the absolute perfect Love of our Father and Savior in the response Jesus gracefully gave to their questioning. The setting was like a heated political debate. The Sadducees, the Jews of the highest standing, had pitched Jesus a tricky question. Because Jesus silenced the Sadducees with His pure, accurate, Scripture-based answer, the Pharisees competitively gathered to challenge and interrogate Him.

One of them, an expert in the law, tested Him with this question: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Amid this hostile environment, Jesus responded as Matthew 9:36 describes: He saw them and had compassion on them. Jesus’ answer to the Pharisees’ challenge was Love. He told them, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, and soul. This is the first and greatest commandment.” The beauty of Jesus’ answer hits our hearts strongly today. Jesus had to stand in front of hate-filled critics who wanted to trick Him, make Him look foolish, and prove Him wrong. Yet, he answered them with Love. Fast forward to today:

• In the face of my enemies, would I, and even could I, respond how Jesus did?
• What will I say next time I have a conflict?
• Even if I have the mightiest fortitude and reply to opposition lovingly, am I living out what Jesus clearly articulated as the most important thing to do with my life—to love God with all my heart, mind, and soul?

I am humbled. Though Jesus knew they would kill Him, He endured their questioning and arrogance. Yet, surprisingly, He still mercifully emphasized that Love was the greatest commandment. Why? Because He longs for us to love Him. He wants all our affection. He is our Good Father who gave His all for us because He loves us! In Matthew 26:6-13, Jesus told us how to love God well through the story of Mary of Bethany. He said the right choice was to sit at His feet, listen, and be with Him. It’s not about busying ourselves with more service or action as Martha did.

To some, that is a huge relief—following Jesus is not as hard as it might seem. Simply put, Jesus wants a relationship with us! He wants our time and attention devoted to listening to the Holy Spirit’s voice. He wants us to have an open heart to receiving His guidance and following His lead. Indeed, He is looking for us to love Him with all we have because He loves us dearly. Oh, God, break my heart so I may see You rightly, see You for who You truly are, and respond by loving You with my all!

Blessings and Love,

Scriptures: Romans 10:8-11, Matthew 26:18-25, Matthew 16:15-16

Jesus Is Lord At All Times And In All Things

Dear Mama, let’s gather around the Passover table for Jesus’ last meal with Peter and the other disciples. Imagine what the air felt like in that room hours before Jesus was betrayed, arrested, and crucified. The disciples had given up their entire lives for Jesus because they believed He was the Savior of the world. As His time on earth was ending, it wasn’t looking like it would be a hero’s ending. This was not what the disciples thought it would be like. Shouldn’t the Savior of the world be riding in on a blazing chariot with a huge army rather than coming in on a donkey and washing dirty feet?

As a mom, I’ve had many “this isn’t what I thought it would be” moments. A few weeks into parenthood, my brand-new baby lost weight and screamed every hour. Breastfeeding wasn’t working, and already, I felt like an incapable mother. That began a long stream of disappointments and disillusionment for me.

At the Passover table, Jesus announces to the disciples that one of them will betray him that night. Shocked and dismayed, Peter and the others each asked, “Is it I, Lord?” Judas, who would betray Jesus, was the only disciple to ask a different question. He asked, “Is it I, teacher?”

Judas wanted to be Lord over his own life. However, he wouldn’t call Jesus “Lord” and instead used the word “teacher.” Shortly after this interaction, Judas ended his own life. On the other hand, Peter still called Jesus “Lord” despite his failings, fear, disappointment, and confusion. Jesus spoke great purpose into Peter’s life, and no perfection was required. We will read more about that in the days ahead.

Mama, in this lifetime, your flesh will fail you. Your feelings will misdirect you. But if you are willing to let Jesus be your Lord in the midst of it all, you will live a life that matters.

Scripture tells us, “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9). Eternal life with Jesus starts the moment that you receive Him as Lord, and it is a life abounding in purpose! With Jesus as your Lord, joy is available to you in every season of life and every stage of parenting!

Let’s pray: Jesus, thank you for meeting your disciples right where they were and for doing the same for me. I know I am imperfect, and I need a Savior. I confess that You, Jesus, are Lord, and I believe in You. So, when I am tempted to let my feelings be “lord”, help me stand firm and cling to You. Help me to call you Lord in all things and at all times. Amen.

Blessings and Love,

Scriptures: John 11:25-26, Revelation 13:8

Resurrection Was On His Heart

I find anger rising and building in my heart as I read the horrific account of my Savior’s betrayal. How could Judas do such a thing? It rips me wide open how hypocrites led Jesus (the Just One) into such an unjust trial. How could Pilot wash his un-innocent hands and then hand The Innocent One over to those bloodthirsty people? How could the hardened soldiers cruelly whip Him until His flesh ripped open, and then nail His hands and feet to a wooden cross, with 8-inch spikes, while everyone cheered and looked upon His naked, bruised, and bloody body? And what of the mocking?

It breaks my heart. The harsh treatment and condemnation seem completely unreasonable – Jesus embodied perfection; He was God! Didn’t they know this? He had committed no crime and had done absolutely no wrong! Yet, the very creatures He created were condemning Him to death. How could this be?

My friend, Jesus saw the end result of our Salvation as He suffered. He had us in mind as He fixed His eyes on our future with Him though we weren’t yet born – He visualized us together. He used faith to meditate on the beauty of our healing and redemption, and as He laid down His life, He laid ahold of His eternal plan from the very beginning of time. It was to bring back everything lost because of the enemy and sin. He wanted a relationship with us. He took upon Himself what we deserved because we could not pay the price – our imperfection through sin made it impossible.

God loves us infinitely more than we will ever know! The possibility of the Holy Spirit dwelling in us brought Jesus so much joy; He willingly embraced the pain it caused momentarily. His death, like a seed, would birth LIFE (a million times over) and set us free forever!

Resurrection was on His heart, even as the enemy raised accusation and havoc – Jesus knew the final outcome! The future bliss of His surrender offered supernatural strength to endure the present cruelty. He wouldn’t stay on the cross or in the grave but would rise again! He would send His Spirit to join our spirit and declare VICTORY!

You see:

– I was the Pharisee

– I was Judas, the betrayer

– I was sick and needed healing

– I was diseased

– I caused Him sorrow

– I rejected Him

– I was a sinner

– I needed a Savior.

This is why Jesus came. Judgment of others loosens its tight grip on my heart as I realize this truth: I’m with the ones who put Him on the cross; I need redemption.

Jesus overcame death to give us LIFE to the full! We stand as VICTORS with Him over EVERY problem we face through His Spirit living in us. Whether sin, sorrow, sickness, disease, rejection, or betrayal – whatever haunts us – His shed blood and broken body paid the full price for our freedom!

Hallelujah, what a Savior!

Love

Scriptures: John 13:1-17, Galatians 5:13, 1 Peter 4:10, 2 Timothy 2:24-25, Mark 10:43

The Heart of A Servant

Sweet sister, I know your heart desires to follow the Lord and express His Love by serving others. Still, it can be challenging to understand what that means practically. At times, the people in our lives can be difficult or hurtful, and often the first instinct of our flesh is to run or fight. Unfortunately, it is seldom our natural inclination to serve during these times. However, examining the biblical account of the last supper, we see Jesus’ desire to serve His disciples by washing their feet even as He faced imminent betrayal and death.

In those days, the repulsive task of washing a guest’s feet belonged to the lowliest servant. People of Jesus’ day wore sandals and walked on unpaved roads caked with human refuse and animal waste. Their feet were horrendous! Jesus took on the mantle of the lowest servant when He removed His robe and bent before His friends in humble leadership. What is truly fantastic is that Jesus recognized exactly what was to come in the following days. John 13:11 mentions that Jesus knew who would betray Him, He knew his best friends would abandon Him, and He knew Judas would sell Him to authorities for just a few pieces of silver.

Our human reaction to such hurt and betrayal would likely be intense anger and retaliation, yet Jesus’ response was tender service. He poured out Love to His wayward friends in His words and actions. My friend, He is calling you to do the same. Is there someone in your life who is difficult? Maybe you have a child going through a challenging phase, a marriage that is not what you expected, or a friend or family member who has hurt your heart. Jesus desires that we follow His example by serving people who have hurt us—the very ones we do not wish to serve and those we feel certainly do not deserve our kindness.

How can we possibly serve in the sacrificial way Jesus demonstrated? We are told: “the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome, but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness” (2 Timothy 2:24-25). That seems like a very tall order. But be encouraged, my friend; God will provide just what you need to serve the people He has placed in your life! In 1 Peter 4:10, you will find that you should “use whatever gift you have received to serve others as faithful stewards of God’s grace.” God has already given you the spiritual gifts necessary to minister to those who have wounded you. Pray that He will show you how to use those gifts effectively for His glory!

There is no shame in biblical servanthood. By imitating Christ, servants do not lose their identity; in contrast, they become remarkable in the eyes of the Lord. Serving the way Jesus served will be a blessing to you too! We serve others because we are serving God through those actions. There will be rewards of peace and joy in our lives that we cannot comprehend—benefits of obedience we cannot see. Beloved, Jesus came to clean your heart as He cleaned the disciples’ feet. He came to save you and show you love as you have never known before. As He pours Love into your heart through His Spirit and His Word, serving others will be a manifestation of that amazing gift!

Blessings and Love,

Scriptures: Romans 6:23, Romans 5:8, Romans 10:9, Luke 23:32-43, Ephesians 2:8-9

God’s Grace and Love Displayed on the Cross

When I picture the scene of the crucifixion and the two criminals who were crucified with Christ, I am struck by the immensity of the grace of God. Let me explain. Take a moment to read Luke 23:32-43. Imagine yourself there: the crowd is hurling insults at Christ, mocking Him, sneering at Him to save Himself, humiliating Him by dividing His clothes. One of the criminals even adds to the crowd’s jeering by mocking Jesus, but what the other criminal says is deeply powerful.

He says:

“We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.’ Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom’”. By this man’s simple acknowledgment, Jesus responded to him, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Wow. This criminal called on the name of Jesus at the very end of his life! Within hours and maybe only minutes from his death, this man, known only as a criminal, made the life-changing decision to acknowledge the Lordship of Christ. And in turn, he received the free gift of God of eternal life! Did you catch that: FREE!? He had no time for good works or performance before he died. God’s gift of life for him and us is completely and absolutely free (Ephesians 2:8-9)!

Does anyone else feel a tremendous amount of freedom in that? God is not tallying up our good behavior, judging our performance as a mom or wife, or even marking us down when we fail. He loves us absolutely and ultimately, with no strings attached. When I mess up, as recently as earlier today, He forgives me, He lavishes His love on me, and I am renewed!

My youngest child is 3, and she is an adorable age. Sometimes I feel I could hug her and kiss her all day long. And while she has so many precious moments, she has many moments of throwing food across the table, screaming over everything, or having tantrums that make me feel crazy. However, nothing she does makes me stop loving her. Even when she has difficult moments, I still immediately hug and kiss her and tell her how much I love her. I feel this intensity of love for her and each of my children, and yet God’s love for His children (us) is even greater!

God’s model to us is to love unconditionally. Just as Christ died for the criminal on the cross, He died for us while we were yet sinners (Romans 5:8). We can love our children with that same grace and unconditional love that will forever change their hearts. I encourage you, dear mom, to come to Jesus. In a prayer as simple as “Jesus, You are Lord!”, He takes hold of you, forgives you, and invites you to live an abundant, eternal life, starting now (see Romans 10:9).

With Love,

Scripture: John 19:1-30

It Is Finished

Whenever I read the events leading up to Christ’s crucifixion, my heart bleeds and emphatically cries, “NO!!” It just isn’t fair! Don’t they know He isn’t guilty and doesn’t deserve to die? Can’t they understand He’s the God who came to save them? So accusations spill out of my judgmental heart. Surely, if I had lived back then, I would have known He was God’s Son!

However, as I continue to read, my heart turns soft. It becomes clear; God’s plan was for the innocent Son of Man and the Son of God to be crucified. Jesus knew at a young age His heavenly purpose: To die a brutal, substitutionary death in payment of the debt disobedience had accrued. Sin had separated God from His creation, but Jesus paid the sin debt to bring restoration: perfection for imperfection. This was God’s plan from the beginning, before the foundation of the world. Eternal life is now available because Jesus suffered and died. Without His sacrifice, the Holy Spirit could not indwell believers, breathing His glory into their emptiness.

Isaiah prophesied in detail about this life-altering event year before it happened:

“He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet He never said a word. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter. And as a sheep is silent before the shearers, he did not open his mouth. Unjustly condemned, he was led away. No one cared that he died without descendants, that his life was cut short in midstream. But he was struck down for the rebellion of my people. He had done no wrong and had never deceived anyone. But he was buried like a criminal and put in a rich man’s grave. But the Lord’s good plan was to crush and cause him grief. Yet when his life is made an offering for sin, he will have many descendants. He will enjoy a long life, and the Lord’s good plan will prosper in his hands. He will be satisfied when he sees all that his anguish accomplishes. And because of his experience, my righteous servant will make it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins” (Isaiah 53:7-11).

My heart did a 180 from my first reaction to the cross. Not only was Jesus’ sacrifice planned and prophesied, but it was also necessary because of me, my sin; I’m as guilty as those who crucified Him!

My friend, this is for you and me. Jesus’ perfect blood was shed to save us two thousand years ago. His blood still saves today, and tomorrow it will continue and not stop until He returns. This is the good news of the Gospel of Jesus!

It is finished; it was enough. Hallelujah, what a Savior!

With tears in my eyes and a fervent heart of gratitude, all I can say is, “Thank you, Jesus.”

Blessings and Love,

Scriptures: John 20:1-18, Matthew 28:1-10, Mark 16:1-11, Luke 24:1-12

He Is Alive

I love that there are four different accounts of the Resurrection story. This story is obviously worth telling more than once! These Scriptures became extra precious to me while I was in college. While in a public speaking class, I had to write and share an essay in front of the class about who I would want to meet if I could go back in time and why. I didn’t have to think for too long. Of course, I thought of Jesus first but then ended up choosing Mary Magdalene because of the great honor she had in being the first person to see Christ after His Resurrection. I admire her immediate obedience to Christ’s command to go and tell others. The Lord chose her over Peter or even his beloved John! I resonate with the fact that He chose a broken woman to spread the Good News first. Maybe you can identify too.

Mary had seven demons called out of her by Jesus. I find it extremely powerful to ponder that she, like us, had sinned. All sin is like a crimson stain to God, yet the Lord forgave Mary Magdalene and set her free! He equally and readily forgives our sins when we ask Him. Like us, Mary had much for which to be forgiven; she devoted herself to the Lord in gratitude. She, like the other disciples, followed Him wholeheartedly. I believe it is because of this devotion that God knew she would be effective in running to tell others of Christ’s Resurrection.

We find her at the beginning of the passage weeping for the loss of her beloved Lord; she pleads with the man she thinks is the gardener when Jesus calls her by name. Then, finally, she recognizes Him and cries out, “Rabboni!” Mary saw with new eyes her Savior, her Lord, her “Rabboni!” What astonishing news: He came back just like He said he would! Death did not have power over Him! He was alive and indeed the Son of God, and He called her by name!

Sister, God loves us so much that He calls us each by name. He has saved us from our former way of living and calls us to follow Him. Jesus died for us before we had our “act together.” While we were hopeless, He reached down and saved us, not by any merit of our own, but by His great Love for us. I hope you can feel that Love extended to you right now! Is your heart swelling with adoration and awe like Mary’s? Do you feel compelled to share the Good News, too?

On that first day, the women saw angels guarding the tomb who told them NOT to be afraid. Then they saw Jesus, Who also told them not to be afraid. Can you imagine Mary’s state of bewilderment, standing there trembling and scared but also full of joy at the same time? The burst of emotion, the revelation, the hope of seeing her Savior again?! The joy these women experienced on that resurrection morning caused them to fall on their faces in worship, leaving all doubt and worry aside. These passionate women were the first commissioned to tell the Gospel story! They ran in celebration away from the tomb with the greatest news ever to tell! What a glorious task to fulfill and one that we are asked to continue! Wow!

Blessings and Love,

Scriptures: Psalms 84:6, Luke 22:54-62, John 20:4-6, John 21:15-19

To Whom Shall We Go?

Do you ever feel like you have made so many mistakes in your life that your situation is hopeless and even too far gone for God? Perhaps you have given up because there’s no way it will ever get better.

I know how you feel, dear one, and I have felt feelings of despair at two in the morning. I have heard the whispers of the evil enemy of our souls in the middle of the night telling me to take my own life, saying there is no use to keep going because my situation is truly hopeless.

After coming through the valley of despair, I can honestly tell you that I am so glad that I didn’t listen to the accuser and give in to the dark thoughts. By the grace of God, I am here to tell you that all you have to do is hold onto Christ for dear life, trusting Him to carry you through the difficult season. Just like the pilgrims who passed through the valley of Baca and changed it into springs, so must you (Psalm 84:6).

We are not the only ones who may feel like we have made a mess out of our lives. All we have to do is look at the disciple Peter.

Peter knew what it was like to fail miserably. He had known Jesus intimately for three years as a member of His inner circle. Peter vowed his faithful, undying love to Jesus and seemed destined for greatness. He had faith in moving mountains. Jesus even called him “the rock” on whose faith He would build His church. Yet, despite his passion, Peter still turned away from Jesus, denying Him during the hour of His greatest need. So, yes, Peter failed miserably.

As we read the story in Luke 22:54-62, we witness the heartbreaking account of Peter denying Jesus three times. Finally, after he had sinned, “he went out and wept bitterly.”

This is the moment I can relate to the most: Peter crying bitter tears as he abandoned his Lord. I am sure he felt he was too far gone for God, without hope. After all of those laudatory words spoken over him by Jesus about being the foundation of His church, he was sure he missed his chance; it was all over. But as we turn a few pages to John 20, we see Peter never lost hope. He knew to whom he should go.

He knew to go to Jesus, his friend, and so must you.

When you look at your life, all in shambles and shame, you must set your heart and mind on Christ Jesus—not on sin, mistakes, doubt, depression, anger, bitterness, or unforgiveness. You must run to Jesus just as Peter did.

In John 20:4-6, Peter and John ran to the empty tomb to find Jesus. Even though John, “the disciple whom Jesus loved,” got there first, it was Peter who went right in; He wanted to find Jesus.

In John 21, Peter reacts when he realizes it is Jesus on the beach. The moment after John said, “It is the Lord,” he wasted no time jumping into the water to get back to his Lord. He knew who would heal him of his guilt and shame.

Peter knew the loving and forgiving heart of Jesus, who was already cooking breakfast for him and his friends on the beach. He knew the same God providing for his physical hunger would also give him the forgiveness, Love, and acceptance his heart desperately needed.

We behold the scene as Jesus reinstates Peter into his calling and His Love. He ends the discourse with the powerful admonishment, “Follow me!”

Dear sister, if you feel you have made a hot mess out of your life, don’t pull away from Jesus. Follow Him! Instead of listening to the accuser’s voice telling you there is no hope for you, run, run, run to Jesus! Tell Him you are sorry and surrender your life and circumstances to Him. Trust that He is with you, will never leave you, and has good things in store for your life. There is always hope with Jesus. Watch Him take your life’s broken fragments and make them beautiful. It’s what He does best!

Jesus came to save us and bring healing to the broken places of our lives. Because He lives, we too may have life and have life abundantly, even on this earth. He is risen!

Blessings and Love,

Scripture: Luke 24:13-32

Jesus is With You, Mama

Ladies, would you strap on your sandals, grab your favorite cloak, and take a walk with me down the dusty dirt road that led to Emmaus? It is not the familiar Easter story, but it did happen on that blessed day, and there are lessons to learn.

“Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened.” Luke 24:13-14.

We can only assume that the story of Jesus’s crucifixion would have been the talk of the town. It is strange that as these two men spoke, neither of them mentioned the miraculous news of the empty tomb that morning. It is clear they did not believe. They remained confused and discouraged as they mourned the death of the One they loved and followed.

As the wind blew and dust swirled around them, the travelers came to a stop as a stranger began to walk with them. How could the perfect, resurrected Jesus be right there with them, and they didn’t recognize Him? Perhaps Jesus wanted us to see through this passage that He does walk with us during our darkest times, but we can continue to look at our circumstances through our human eyes and not our spiritual eyes, just like these disciples did.

The scene on the road reminds me of Matthew 18:20, “Where two or more gather in my name, there I am with them.”

This should give us great hope, for if He was in the midst of them, He will be in your midst as well. Jesus asked the two travelers what they were talking about. The two men seemed shocked, and I imagine Jesus smiled to Himself. How desperately patient our sweet Jesus is when we tell Him things He already knows!

At the end of the road, the men invite Jesus to dine with them. So, there they were, the three of them, reclining at the table over pleasant conversation as candles and lanterns flickered and tossed light into the darkened room. Then, something remarkable happened. Jesus broke the bread, and the eyes of the two men were opened, and they knew that it was Jesus. They found Him in the breaking of the bread.

Today, of all days, I pray that the eyes of your heart would be opened and that they would be burning as the Holy Spirit reveals the truth of who Jesus is and the redemptive power of the Cross – the miracle that transpired as He conquered death, hell, and the grave.

The living, resurrected Jesus is walking beside you, Mama. He is with you. Will you recognize him?

Be blessed this Easter morning,