Against the dark background of much despair, the message of Easter, of the resurrection brings to us a bright light of hope. It is a message about the courage of love that sets the Christian faith apart from all other beliefs. It is about a loving God who relentlessly pursues us (Ezekiel 34:12) despite the sin in our lives.
During our reflection time at work this week – I was led to read the following scripture: Jesus said to [Martha] “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die" (John 11:25-16). Sometimes we don’t think much about the daily acts of courage as we live out our Christian values. It takes courage to speak God's Word in places where you know there are unbelievers who are resistant to the message of he Gospel. I believe this is no time to be satisfied with the status quo in our lives. We should take every opportunity that come and turn them into times of sharing the good news of the gospel. There are risks we take and challenges do come. But these are extraordinary times that stand out when courage enable us to speak or act. Unfortunately for some Christians, one of the biggest fears we have is of being rejected.
Jesus is our perfect example of courage. He was rejected by those who claimed to have the greatest understanding of God. When we read through the gospel of Mathew chapters 8 and 9, he was so courageous in the face of so much opposition, and he never wavered!
God’s offer of the free gift of salvation still stands. "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9). God is patient (Psalm 103:8) but His wrath will be released on those who reject the message of salvation (1 Thessalonians 5:9).
David says in Psalm 34:8 “Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him." I remember the early days as a born again Christian. Attending a spirit filled church, I was filled with a desire to tell people about Jesus. My lunch times became times of witnessing, sharing my faith with friends and unbelievers. It seemed the more I shared, the more hungry I was to know more about God. How I appreciate those early times, looking back through my journey as a Christian!
Will you pray this prayer with me:
"Heavenly Father, you have commanded us (Joshua 1:9) to be strong and of a good courage; not to be afraid neither be dismayed for you the Lord God is with us wherever we go, In Jesus Name, Amen."
God bless you this Easter time!
(Comments from Doris'email:
ReplyDeleteGod bless you Lome, you have a loving heart to share God’s love with others. May our Good Lord bless you and family this Easter. (Doris Kelsall)
(comments from Pastor Julia's email):
ReplyDeleteGood thoughts ans encouragements
Safe journey
Enjoy your family in OZ
Love you Julia
(Posted from Face book):
ReplyDeleteWhat a good word, dear Lome. . .really blessed me and thanks so much for sharing it!! Love you sis!
(Linda Palmer)
(posted from Face Book):
ReplyDeleteLoved your blog ! Wrote a long post - think I went overtime as it disappeared into the night -lol - loved your words - wrote another on google account / not sure how to retrieve - got the first part - then it disappeared - but I'm pretty ...sure that one took . So thank you for opening me up to your beautiful landscape of glorious words for our Saviour - may your hands & heart be blessed & lead by the Spirit to be used by Christ ! Thank You ! He is Good !!
(Jeff Parker)
(posted from Face book):
ReplyDeleteOh wow :,) it was very emotional for me to read cos my last year was similar hardships I loved how you put ... scripture in it :) far I can't thank God enough for putting u in Lifechurch to encourage n inspire me :) you are outstanding because of Christ in you.
(Ray Reigh)
Doris K to me - Apr 26 (1 day ago)
ReplyDeleteHI Dear Lome,
I believe you are a woman who is sent from above to help others in need, continue the good work as He is very near. Thank you for all you prayers and support for me and my family, we love and pray that our Good Lord bless you according to His mercy.
God bless.
Thanking God for the comments (email/facebook) to my friends. To God be the glory, AMEN
ReplyDeleteFrom Linda Palmer (email):
ReplyDeleteThanks Lome for this good word on the courage of love! It really touched me deeply! I hope you, too, have a wonderful Resurrection Day this coming Sunday! Praise God that our Lord Jesus Christ, came alive out of the grave and lives today in our hearts and lives! I love HIM so much!
Love you too, dear sis! Hugs to you!
Linda & Gary
Hi Linda (and Gary)
ReplyDeleteThank you for the comments and your encouragement with my blog posts.
Have a wonderful Easter! To God be the glory!
Lots of love
Salome