Springtime is always a special time of the year for me. There are so much beauty and miracles that happen this time of the year. The grass begins to green and the trees start to blossom. We are wakened up each morning to the sound of the birds singing. How special!
Those aspects of nature that went dormant during the winter are now coming to life. We are reminded that there is a God controlling all of these things. Because of Him, there is Hope.
As I write this message to you it is Palm Sunday. On this day Jesus came to Jerusalem to fulfill God’s plan for Him; a plan that resulted in death to all who believed in Him would have Hope.
Jesus prepared His disciples by having the last meal with them and washing their feet. He also introduced them to communion-His Body and His Blood. However what a week it was. It was a week of prayers, but a week where He was humiliated and placed on a wooden cross where He suffered and finally died for you and me.
Because of the empty cross and empty tomb, Jesus gave the world Hope for all who believed in Him. Some of you know that recently I became extremely sick. I was in a hospital for (2) weeks where nothing went right. I was then transferred to a larger hospital. On Christmas Eve I went into respiratory failure and almost died. It was during those (4) weeks that I thought a lot about Jesus, His Life, and the Empty Cross.
So many people prayed for me during this difficult time in my life. Those prayers reminded me that because of Him there is Hope. He listens to our prayers and reminds us that He is in control.
I wish I could say that I remained positive during my (4) weeks in the hospital and several weeks at home in bed, but I would be lying to you. I was reminded that what I was going through was nothing compared to the pain and suffering that occurred to Jesus on the cross. Also, I was reminded that the only reason He gave His life on the cross so I would have Hope for today and tomorrow. That no matter how bad I was it was nothing that Jesus endured.
So this Easter please remember as you gaze at an empty cross, that Jesus gave all of us hope for tomorrow and eternal life. So, my friends, if you are just like me and have wanted to “give up”, I pray that my words will help you remember there is new that comes from old, light that comes from darkness and goodness is provided from hope and the eternal love of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit!
Happy Easter.
David
I’m so grateful for the cross too Dave and so happy The Lord has seen you through the health crisis you endured.
Patty, Thank you so much for reading my Easter message. I hope you and Craig will have a special Easter!
David, God’s graciousness to us is overwhelming. While you were suffering, I was enjoying your lovely poinsettias. I am so grateful you are recovered. In the words of Dr. Myles Munroe, “Without God we cannot, and with us God will not.” God needs warriors like you on the wall. Soldier on. All the best for a healthy, happy year. Jan
Jan, So glad to hear from you! Will be having major surgery in 1/2 weeks. Please pray for me! I hope all is well with you.
I will be praying. “If two or more agree…” and I know those who love you, and have been blessed to know you are legion. We will all be praying. God will see you to another victory. I didn’t realize until now that I left out an important word in my Myles Munroe quote. It should have been ,,,”and without us God will not.”
Thank you for another encouraging message. But my heart is aching because I knew nothing about your serious health issues. Praying you are recovering and will continue to regain your strength. Love and prayers.
Claudia, thank you so much for your kind words. It has been a very difficult journey since right after Thanksgiving. On 5/1 l had major surgery on my bottom. I am confined to bed for 8 weeks. I will try calling you to give you a more detailed update. I am sorry this is getting to you so late. Love you.
Truly a season of Hope, My thoughts and prayers are with you and Anita as you go through your next surgery. I pray for a successful surgery and a speedy recovery.