REJOICING IN CHRIST’S RESURRECTION

Christ has risen! Because He lives, we can rest in Christ’s presence and peace in the midst of a pandemic. We can face adversity with strength and joy because we know that we have our beloved Christ to carry us.

Christ died an agonizing death to pay the penalty for our sins so that we can live eternally, free of condemnation and guilt. He died so that we can live in eternal peace through every trial and loss. Christ’s love is all we need to make it through this life victoriously. The power that raised Jesus back to life is the same power that resurrects us and gives us new life. The resurrection power that raised Christ from the dead is able to lift us up and fill us with joy as we place our trust in Him. We can rejoice that death has been conquered. Our bodies are just temporary tents, so there is no fear of death for the believer in Christ.

I can imagine Jesus whispering words of love and grace to the world.

I am risen! Celebrate My resurrection. Come live fully in Me every moment of every day. Don’t give one thought to the difficulties of life on Earth. You can rest in knowing these are light and momentary troubles compared to the glory of Heaven. Keep your eyes fixed on Me and on eternal things not seen. As you live in Me, you will rise up on eagles’ wings and soar continually. Don’t be afraid of anything I ask you to do. Simply obey Me. Live in the fullness of My joy. Shout to the world of My goodness. Glorify My name so that those in need of Me will know the truth of who I am. Let this day be a day of new beginnings—a day to rejoice in My perfect love for you. My heart longs for you, My beloved bride. I am coming back for you and will live with you for all eternity. Come with Me to high places and never stop singing praises over all you have found in the gift of the cross.

Heaven touches us and stays in our hearts the moment we truly realize what Christ has done for us on the cross. We do not have to wait until after we leave our earthly bodies to begin experiencing Christ’s eternal gifts. Eternity begins when we surrender to Christ, allow Him to carry us through the trials, and trust Him to bring beauty in the midst of turmoil.

Hallelujah.

The hymn written by Bill Gaither is a beautiful song to sing and be reminded of the power in the cross to heal and strengthen us every day.

God sent His son, they called Him, Jesus;
He came to love, heal and forgive;
He lived and died to buy my pardon,
An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives.

Chorus
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives, all fear is gone;
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living,
Just because He lives.

How sweet to hold a newborn baby,
And feel the pride and joy he gives;
But greater still the calm assurance:
This child can face uncertain days because He lives.

Chorus
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives, all fear is gone;
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living,
Just because He lives.

And then one day, I’ll cross the river,
I’ll fight life’s final war with pain;
And then, as death gives way to vict’ry,
I’ll see the lights of glory and I’ll know He lives.

Our Precious Jesus,

Thank You for dying an agonizing death so that we can live eternally in Your perfect peace. Help us walk in Your righteousness continually and let us live in the fullness of Your joy every day. Help us to remember daily the pain you bore so that we can live freely in Your amazing grace. I pray in Christ’s name. Amen.

Have a blessed Easter.