You’re the BEST mom ever !

You’re the BEST mom ever !.

USE THE CHINA

USE THE CHINA.

Rejoice !

Rejoice !.

Rejoice !

  Rejoice !  He is no longer in the garden tomb !  I actually said that out loud the other day in Target and had a lady turn her head so quickly to see who the outspoken Christian crazy lady was that had just said those words in public.  I just smiled and continued shopping for the Easter candy I was excited to put in my cart.  I actually didn’t know someone was close enough to hear me because I was focused on reminding myself of the importance of Easter, not trying to make a scene in the local Target.  You see I love all the fun commercial things about Easter too and it can easily become all about me.  What am I going to wear, how fun can I make the kids Easter baskets, what beautiful centerpiece am I going to create for the dinner table… I need to remind myself about the true meaning of Easter.  The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ our Lord !

I’m not asking you to replace your long lasting family traditions with obligatory religious duties.  I am encouraging you to stop and ponder this week about the truth… the love that God has for you and how we have HOPE in our lives because of what happened at Easter.

Yesterday was Palm Sunday and I am reminded of how Jesus entered Jerusalem.  He was given the ceremony of a King.  He had a triumphant entry into the city as people were laying down their cloaks and palm branches to cover the dirt so the King was shown his due honor.  People were shouting “Hosanna to the son of David !”  ” Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord”.  The people were excited to think the prophecy of Zechariah was being fulfilled. But these same people would bow to political pressure in just a few days and they would desert him.

The good news for us is that Jesus was fully aware of his purpose  - He would offer himself as a sacrifice for the sins of mankind.

As we enter into the Holy week, I encourage you to stop and ponder what really happened all those years ago.  The triumphant entry of Jesus into the city of Jerusalem, the fact that Jesus was betrayed and disowned which led to his suffering and crucifixion.  Do not forget the most important fact,  Jesus arose from the grave three days later –  that is why we celebrate Easter !!  He is Risen – He is Risen indeed !!   He did all of this for you and me so that we too may have eternal life !

Enjoy this glorious holiday – remembering that God loved you so much He was willing to give you His son.

 

HAPPY EASTER !!  Blessings !

Sherri

 

Hebrews 12:2 –  Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

 

Precious Daffodils

Precious Daffodils.

Postage Required

Postage Required.

Save the Starfish

Save the Starfish.

Focal Point

Focal Point.

Matthew 20-22Â …

Matthew 20-22      Week of February 19-25    

In chapter 21 Jesus traveled from Bethany, Bethphage, across the Mount of Olives into Jerusalem.  The word “beth” means “house.”  For example, Bethlehem means “house of bread.”  Bethphage means “house of figs.” 

After Jesus clears the temple of moneychangers, the next morning He passed by a lone fig tree.  He found no fruit on it, only leaves.  In Israel fig trees usually produce 2 crops a year.  The fig tree bears fruit then it leaves out.  He stopped there and gives us a teachable moment.  He said “No longer shall there be any fruit from you.” It was of no use to Him.  At once the fig tree withered.

Jesus was giving an example that the fig tree symbolized the unfruitfulness of Israel.  Jesus cares about our spiritual fruitfulness.  Are we growing more like Jesus day by day?  Are we showing the fruit of the spirit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control to others. (Galatians 5:22-23). Jesus cared about the lone fig tree.  He cares about each one of us.

Let’s keep growing in the word.  Remember our mission statement in Women’s Ministry:

Transformed Lives.  Every woman.  Every heart.  More like Jesus.

Janet

 

Isaiah 40-44Â Â…

Isaiah 40-44     Week of February 9-25    

The first 39 chapters of Isaiah deal with God’s judgment and salvation.  We read the ebb and flow of warnings even after the people have quit listening.  His “woes” are a strong warning of the pending judgment for their idol worship and turning their backs on Yahweh.

Chapter 40-66 switches gears to a theme of God comforting His people.  Even though there are consequences for sin, restoration will follow.  Observe how many times you see the word “comfort” in these remaining chapters. 

One of my favorite verses of Isaiah is in chapter 40:8.  “The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.”  I have a picture in my office with this verse scripted with it.  It was a gift from my women’s board. Stop by my office and check it out and say hi.   I absolutely love it.  I love the word of God and am comforted, encouraged, strengthened, challenged, and transformed by His holy Scriptures.

I hope that you are absolutely loving your time in God’s word.  Don’t miss the powerful verses in chapter 40:28-31. If you are going through a trial, 40:2-3 is a great passage to hold on to.  “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.  When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.” 

Now that’s something comforting!