Resurrection Sunday or Easter

He is risen! He is risen indeed! Hallelujah! Today is Easter. Lent ends. Have you prepared your body, mind, and spirit for worshipping our risen Savior? We have talked about why He came, what He did, what He expects of us, and learned many things this past week, but the most important thing about Holy Week is what happened at the end. Jesus arose from the dead. He conquered sin and death for us.

Churches have all types of Easter services that started on Good Friday night and go through tonight. One of the most popular is the Sunrise Service. Have you ever worshipped at sunrise on Easter watching the sun rise and imaging Jesus Christ rising from the dead? The sky can be breathtaking. It doesn’t matter when or where we worship, just that we do. Easter is a time filled with awe, joy, gratefulness, and gratitude. I think it is an exciting time.

Early that first Easter morning, a group of women who followed Jesus went to the tomb. The Bible says Mary, mother of James, Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Salome went and found that the large stone had been rolled away from the entrance. They said an angel proclaimed “Don’t be afraid! I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as He said would happen.” (Mt. 28:5-6, NLT). When the women looked in the tomb it was indeed empty. The shroud covering Christ’s body was neatly folded and placed where his body had been.

Jesus had accomplished what was foretold in prophesy. God’s Son was beaten, falsely accused, crucified, placed in a tomb, and He arose on the third day. He had done what He said He would. He conquered sin and death. Our sin debts have been stamped “paid in full” because of our Savior. He gave everything for our salvation, but what have we given in return? Do I give Him my love and devotion? My service and obedience? Have I submitted my will to His? If not, I will start today.

Take time this Easter to really worship and think about the great sacrifice Jesus made for you. He didn’t just die on the cross for the disciples and people from that era. We are included in the covenant, too. He died for TJ, Cheri, Kyla, Cindy, Den, Vanessa, Jason, and even me. Yes, He died for us, but He also arose. He paid the price so that we may reign in Heaven as heirs of the true King. He died so that we might live. Life after death is real when you choose Jesus as your Savior. Rejoice! He is alive. Worship Him. He will return as promised. Let’s rejoice, worship, and stay ready.

Do you have a favorite Easter Hymn or Praise Chorus? Many hymns and choruses have been written about the sacrifice Jesus willingly made for us. Some people like Christ Arose or He Lives. Others may say I know that My Redeemer Lives, The Old Rugged Cross or Because He Lives. Whatever your favorite might be, sing it to the Savior with gusto today while remembering our debt is paid in full by Him.

“Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; He has risen! Remember how He told you that He would be turned over to sinful men, be crucified, and rise again on the third day!” – Luke 24:6-7

“Jesus said: I am the resurrection. Anyone who believes in Me, even though that person dies, will live,” – John 11:25
Do you believe? Have you shared the Good News with your family and friends?

Happy Easter! Share a blessing or prayer request in the comments.

Christian Writers Collective Seeks Writers

Open Call to Christian Writers:

The Christian Writers Collective (CWC), founded by Stephanie Reynolds, seeks 70 more Christian writers who are called by God to join it. Do you have a testimony and stories to share?

There are 30 members/writers featured in our first book, Jesus Can…Give You A New Life! Our ultimate goal is to feature 100 Christian writers in each book of the Jesus Can series. This will help us maximize the outreach of every book. Is God nudging you to be one of the remaining 70?

Benefits of CWC membership:
~The opportunity to have a byline in 6-8 books in 2022-2023
~The joy of being published without the usual hassles and expense of doing it alone
~1% of the CWC’s net earnings on each book that features an article by you

How to Apply for CWC Membership:
We’ve worked hard to make it easy to apply for CWC membership. Now through May 31, 2022 all you need to do is submit your well-written, 500-750 word testimony, using our CONTACT US form at http://www.ChristianWritersCollective.com

Apply before May 31st and if approved you will receive a $10 gift card to the Cheesecake Factory after signing your contract/agreement.

If your application is accepted, you’ll become a member just in time to have your testimony featured in Book #3 of our series, Jesus Can…Give You Purpose.

Testimony Writing Tips:
There are many ways to write a testimony. Here’s the format that we prefer:

~My life before Jesus
~How Jesus came into my life
~My life with Jesus

I am hoping that you will give this prayerful consideration and join our group. I will be praying for you!

Christian Writers Collective Writing Contest

Do you have a powerful story of how you found Jesus or maybe Jesus came to you? Are you an author or budding author. Please read the rest of my blog today. You might possibly be one of the 100 people that God has chosen for the Jesus Can book series to spread His Word.

Stephanie K. Reynolds is the founder of Christian Writers Collective (CWC). Her mission is to produce a series of books with inspirational chapters or devotions by 100 Christian writers. She wants to provide books that will “Encourage, Edify, and Evangelize” readers. That is after all what the Bible tells us to do.

Currently the CWC is sponsoring a writing contest looking for authors for theirs Jesus Can book series. Entering is not difficult. Simply compose your skillfully written testimony of how you came to know Jesus. Use 500 to 750 words and send your article to the CWC at http://www.christianwriterscollective.com. This will also serve as your application for membership. The deadline is May 31, 2021 for submissions.

If you are one of the winners, your testimony will appear as your first article in their second book of the Jesus Can series. Their next book, Jesus Can…Heal Your Hurts, is scheduled for release on July 4, 2021. Wouldn’t it be exciting to see your testimony in print, have your name in a book honoring God, and share in the royalties? It could happen.

Until 25 contestants have qualified for CWC membership, you may use the CONTACT US form on the CWC’s webpage to submit your testimony. The address is http://www.christianwriterscollective.com. After 25 contestants have qualified, a checkout feature will be added to this page. It will then require payment of a $95, non-refundable, contest entry fee before allowing you to submit your testimony. However, you may use the code “GUEST” and the entry fee will be waived.


Here are some testimony writing tips:


Pray. Ask the Holy Spirit into your writing process.

Below is the standard format for a testimony:

My life before Jesus

How Jesus came into my life

My life after surrendering all to Jesus

We look forward to reading your testimony. Be sure to submit it before May 31, 2021!

P.S. Book One, Jesus Can Give You a New Life, is available for presale now. Order your copy today and be inspired.

Jesus Can…..Give You a New Life Book Review

Jesus Can…Give You a New Life is a compilation of testimonies from thirty authors in a group called Christian Writers Collective or CWC. This group was founded by Stephanie Reynolds, and she has big plans for it. Eventually she would like the membership to increase to 100 writers and the devotional books to be published each month. Big plans for a great group!

Powerful is the one word that comes to my mind when I think of this book. It is moving to read the many ways that God moves in our lives. As I read these life changing stories, I was nodding my head and saying “amen” while reaching for a tissue. These are real life stories of salvation, and they are all amazing. Writers come from the United States and abroad. The result is a book of testimonies that will inspire and encourage you as it teaches you that Jesus really can give us a new life.


Do you have a testimony that needs to be told? Are you a Christian writer? The CWC is taking applications for writers for their future books. Pre-sales are currently available for their book. If a paperback is ordered before April 1st, you will save 25%. After April 1st, it is still reduced. There are no shipping charges.

Use this link for both of those: http://www.jesuscanbookseries.com. At the bottom of the page you will find directional tabs to join the CWC. Look for the red boxes that instruct you to buy the book to purchase one. Ebooks are also available at a discount.

Everyone will enjoy this beautiful book. It is appropriate for those seeking a relationship with Jesus for the first time as well as the seasoned Christian. The amazing stories are inviting and easy to read. It will make a great gift.

Order yours today. Support this new project, be inspired by these stories of salvation, and save 25%. Thank you for your support!

The Missing Piece

Hello my friends!  Are you settling into 2020 and finding all of the pieces coming together or do you perhaps have a piece that is not here?  We have given the new year a week’s testing.  Have you found it measuring up or lacking?

Our answers will be as varied as we all are.  For some of us, this first week has been a delight.  Bring on 2030!  We are ready to see what this year holds.  Others of us find fault with anything.  Delight is found in complaining.  Nothing ever brings joy.  Do you know someone like that?

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I have a friend who was constantly searching for something.  There was a piece missing in his life, without whatever it was he could not be content.  He tried hard to buy that piece.

Cars were always being upgraded and replaced in hopes that one would finally please him.  Lexus, Jaguar, Porsche, and Mercedes Benz left him wanting.  Automobiles that most of us only dream about owning weren’t good enough.

Adult “boy toys” were purchased.  Boats, horses, helicopter, exotic dogs, and homes, but still there was something lacking.   True happiness eluded him.   He was a prominent professional with a high degree, but that did not satisfy him.  A more prestigious career with additional majors was earned.  Still no satisfaction was found.  His hunt continued.

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Yes, my friend was still looking for what would complete him.  He had a wife, in fact he had gone through a few, and had children.  Many people called him friend.  What he didn’t have was Jesus.

Psalm 34:10b says “Those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.”

After trying everything else, he turned to the Lord.  After a few Sundays at church he answered the pull on his heart.  The ache and emptiness was gone.  His half empty glass was now full.  The missing piece had been found and he was now complete.

What about you?  Do you feel like you are searching for something that is missing from your life?  Are you yearning for something?  Maybe that something is your Creator.  We were made by and for Him.

If you don’t have a relationship with Him or know someone who needs Him, reach out in prayer.  God will hear you.  You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

 

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From the Garden into Eternity Celebrate Lit Book Review and Giveaway

My Thoughts

From the Garden into Eternity by author Pearl Nsiah-Kumi is a short seventy-seven page book that packs so much essential important information between its covers.  This Christian book is about being saved and living the Christian life.  Doesn’t that sound like a book everyone should read?

I enjoyed the author’s style of writing.  It was easy to read and understand.  Her book was well thought, organized, and researched.  I loved all of the biblical references.

Whether a seeker, fledgling or seasoned believer something can be gleaned from this book.  This book sticks to the basics – salvation and living as a Christian.  Sometimes we need to read or hear it again to breathe fresh life into us.

I highly recommend this book to anyone.  Reading it would be good for your soul.  This would be a nice Christmas gift for most anyone, even an older child.  It receives 5 stars from me.  Celebrate Lit provided a copy but these are my own thoughts.

About the Book

Book: From the Garden into Eternity

Author: Pearl Nsiah-Kumi

Genre: Religious-Christian Evangelism

Release Date: June 25, 2018

From the Garden to Eternity - straight view

From the Garden into Eternity tells of mankind’s fall from God’s grace beginning in the Garden of Eden, all the way through to one’s individual choice: Will eternity be spent in Heaven with God or Hell with Satan?

As a result of sin, mankind suffered a loss of close fellowship with God – but do not fret!  The relationship can be restored in this life right into the next!  God does not, however, force anyone into a relationship with Him.  We are free to choose Him or the alternative: Satan.

This book, fully-supported by Bible verses, helps you determine where you are in this journey called “life”.  Rest assured that God loves you and longs to give you eternal life in Heaven with Him, but you must first repent and place your faith in Jesus Christ.  If you have never taken that step, please don’t wait any longer.  The alternative eternity – which will be by default – will be dreadful.

Call on Jesus today!

Start the relationship that guarantees your eternity in Heaven with God!

 

Click here to get your copy.

 

About the Author

Pearl Nsiah-Kumi - black dress portrait

Pearl Nsiah-Kumi is a retired Registered Nurse; she grew up in Ghana, West Africa. She has lived in the USA for forty years and has three adult children, one son-in-law and four beautiful grandchildren. Pearl has authored two books in the past two years and loves to express her understanding of the Bible through writing articles and poems. Her goal is two-fold: To reach people with the truth of God’s word in inviting them to experience faith in Jesus Christ, and also to encourage Christians to mature in walking faithfully with their God through obedience to Him. In addition to writing, Pearl is also a Volunteer Counselor at a local Crisis Pregnancy Clinic.

More from Pearl

I wrote this book: FROM THE GARDEN INTO ETERNITY, because I felt the need to explain step-by-step how we, people created in the image of God lost our relationship with Him, and how that relationship could be restored. Along with the explanation, I also felt the need to stress the urgency of the restoration of that relationship. Why the urgency? It is urgent, because time is running out for all of us, and if one’s relationship isn’t restored in this life, eternity will be awful. Since no one knows how much time they have left in this life, we each need to respond to God’s love now, so we can have the assurance of a blissful eternity in heaven. Each person has to make a personal decision about their eternity.

Blog Stops

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 25

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 26

Vicky Sluiter, November 27 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, November 28

Just the Write Escape, November 29

My Devotional Thoughts, November 30 (Author Interview)

janicesbookreviews, December 1

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess , December 2

Wishful Endings, December 3 (Author Interview)

A Reader’s Brain, December 4

Inklings and notions, December 5

All 4 and About Books, December 6 (Author Interview)

Simple Harvest Reads, December 7

Christian Bookshelf Reviews, December 8 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Pearl is giving away the grand prize of an eBook copy of her most recent book, The Proof of Paternity!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/ed96/from-the-garden-into-eternity-celebration-tour-giveaway

Maundy Thursday, a New Commandment is Given

Today is Holy Thursday which is known as Maundy Thursday.  Maundy is derived from a Latin word that means commandment.  This is the day that Jesus gave His disciples a new commandment – to love others as He has loved them.  (John 13:34).  They were gathered in the Upper Room.

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Jesus was at the table with His apostles and spoke to them of what was to come.  He was preparing them for His suffering.  They dined on the usual Passover meal, but Jesus stopped at the the bread and wine.  He gave it a special meaning. Jesus said that these would be a symbol of His body and blood to His followers to remind them that through His death, our sins are forgiven.

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” And He said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.” After taking the cup, He gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among you. For I tell you I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”

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Do you think of Him each time you take communion?  He paid the ultimate price for our eternity.  More than we could ever imagine.

Jesus and His disciples often gathered in the “Upper Room”.  It was where they normally stayed while in Jerusalem.  Today Jesus began His teaching by example.  After they ate He washed the disciples feet.  What a humbling experience for them!  Even Peter told Him that Peter should be washing His feet, but Jesus said no.  In John it says “Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!”

00FEBD4E-1BE7-428F-BD84-C3B287E7CA6BI cannot fathom what it must have felt like for the apostles.  Jesus was telling them of His upcoming death but that through it we all might have eternal life.  He was showing by example that we are to be humble and to love everyone, even our enemies – even those who are our Judas.

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Afterwards Jesus and a few of His followers went to the Garden of Gethsemene to pray.  It is there that Judas identified Jesus with a kiss and He was taken by the soldiers.  Things start to get rowdy but Jesus quiets His apostles.  He will not allow violence.  In fact, He heals a soldier whose ear was severed.  Jesus is arrested and taken to the authorities.

My heart is heavy writing this.  Can you imagine how it felt to actually be there?  Thank you for revisiting Maundy Thursday with me.  Tomorrow we will see what Good Friday holds.

 

 

 

 

Holy Wednesday or Spy Wednesday

Spy Wednesday is an odd name for a day during Holy Week or at least it seems to be for me.  There is no secretive or symbolic meaning.  It is just what it says it is about – a spy or traitor among Jesus and a His followers.

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Judas, we all know, was the one that betrayed Jesus to the Sanhedrin.  Luke 22:3-6 tells us:

“Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve. And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray Him unto them. And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money.  And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray Him unto them in the absence of the multitude.”

Did you realize that Satan entered Judas?  Of course, Satan always has his hand in bad things.  He uses people.  Twists words and situations around until evil doesn’t sound bad.  He is the master deceiver.

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Did you ever wonder why the Sanhedrin decided on paying Judas thirty pieces of silver?   In the Old Testament, Exodus states that the price for a slave that accidentally dies by an ox is thirty pieces of silver.  The Sanhedrin were paying the price of a dead slave to Judas for his deception.  It was an insult to Jesus that they thought Him worth only what a dead slave was.  Obviously Judas thought that, also.  Our Redeemer and precious Savior, whose value is beyond measure, was sold out for the price of a dead slave.

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There is something else that happened on Holy Wednesday.  It is the anointment of Jesus at Bethany.  Scriptures tell us that while Jesus was at the table in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came in with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume.  It was made of pure Spikenard.  She anointed Jesus with this expensive oil and dried his feet with her hair.

Matthew 26:6-13:

“While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table. When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. “Why this waste?” they asked. “This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor.” Aware of this, Jesus said to them, “Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.”

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Judas did not approve of this at all.  He thought the oil should have been sold and the money put in the treasury for helping the poor.  Satan used Judas’ love of money to gain a foothold in Judas’ life.  Don’t let that happen to you.

I hope today’s blog has blessed you and given you a little more insight into Wednesday of Holy Week.

 

Ash Wednesday Thoughts

It is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, a time of reflection and preparation.  Just as Jesus took forty days to do that in the dessert, Lent gives us those days to spend before Easter Resurrection Sunday preparing our hearts, minds, and souls.

After researching it, I found what I already knew to be true.  There is no mention of Ash Wednesday or Lent in the Bible.  We are not commanded to observe either.  However, we are to observe communion.  Taking bread and wine/juice in remembrance of Christ’s body and blood that was beaten and shed for our salvation.

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What love He had to do that!  Unfathomable, uneverlasting, pure love.  Mind-blowing love.  I can read about it and see movies, but I am certain it was much worse that I can ever imagine.  What about you?

Thinking about Ash Wednesday brings me full circle to creation.  Reading the account again in Genesis, I am awed at God’s power to mold and shape man in His own image and then breathe life into him.  Do you feel that way, too?  Think about it.  We are made from dirt, but after Almighty God fills us with His breath then we come alive!  Miraculous.

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“And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.”   Genesis 2:7  Genesis 3:19 says “for dust you are and to dust you shall return” reminding us that this body is temporary.

Even though we do not read about Ash Wednesday or Lent, the Bible does mention ashes and dust in several times. Ashes and dust represent human frailty, suffering, sorrow, and mourning.

The ashes used in Ash Wednesday services are normally from the previous year’s Palm Sunday’s services.  Taking the palms of joy welcoming King Jesus and turning them into ashes because of what was done to Him for us is one reason this is done.

Do you use Lent to prepare for Resurrection Sunday?  Are you fasting to remind you to pray and grow closer to Jesus?  Some churches participate while others don’t.  Same with people.  It is a personal choice.  Personally, I think it is good to stay close to Jesus every single day.

draw nigh to god kjv james 4 8 Quotes

 

 

Vacations are Nice, but I Yearn for Home

Have you been on vacation this year?  Most people take an annual vacation and often more than one.  Some people have a favorite spot to visit each year while others enjoy seeing new places. Me, I like both.  Seeing new places is great.  The sights, experiences, and tastes of somewhere I have never before been is an exciting adventure.  A new treasure could be awaiting me there.

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My favorite getaway is a cabin high in the Smokey Mountains with my family for the week.  I could handle that vacation at least once a year and probably more.  The majesty of God’s beautiful mountains take my breath away each time we drive to Gatlinburg.  Like a child I become excited when I see a chipmunk, raccoon, or bear off of the cabin’s deck while having coffee in the morning.

After vacation, there’s no place like home

Vacation, an extended period of recreation spent away from home or in traveling, is nice for a time, but after it is over it is nice to be home.  Like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz emotionally repeats “there’s no place like home” and I agree.  No matter how good vacation has been, we are always happy to be home when it is over.

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My maternal grandmother often would tell me “you know, this old world is not our home.”  That was confusing to a child, but the older I got the more she explained.  Finally I understood.  Mammaw was talking about Heaven.  She would tell me her soul longed for “home” and to be with loved ones there.  When she spoke of Heaven it was beautiful and biblical.

“In Heaven there will be no sickness or pain, no tears, and affliction.  We will be whole with perfect bodies.”  She would laugh when I asked what we would do all day for eternity.  “Probably the same things we do now only better” she would brightly say and break out in song “This world is not my home, I’m just a passing through.  My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue….”

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What about you?  Do you ever feel like you are waiting to go home?  This world, like a vacation, is nice for a while, but your heart is yearning for someplace better.  It is homesick.  I know I am.  Vacations are wonderful.  This world is a nice place, too, but Heaven is our home.  Our Father is there.  Jesus is there.  Our family should be, too.  We have a home there.

Gather your treasures and pack for your trip home.  What will you take?  There aren’t a lot of things allowed.  The main thing on your list should be loved ones.  Make sure you have shared Jesus and His salvation with your family and friends.  You will want to see them after your vacation or theirs.

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“For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.” Hebrews 13:14

In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”  John 14:2-3