My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me.
Psalm 62:7

Good Morning Jesus!
I praise You for the beauty of this day. The morning is wonderful and the sunrise as always, breathtaking. You really know how to start the day for many blessings.

You, my Jesus, are my Savior. You did it all so I can come to You anytime or anywhere. You give me such honors, as You claim me to be Your child.

You are also my only refuge where I can run to when I’m in trouble or sad. You reach out Your arms to me and welcome into the safety of Your presence. I praise You for being my Rock on which I can stand, You do not shift or shake and I am secure. Do You know how much I love You, Jesus?

Instead of You going with me today, I want to go with You. Your path is always so much better than mine. Help me please, to give up my schedule to work in Yours!
Amen

How great You are, O Sovereign Lord! There is no one like You. We have never even heard of another God like You!
2 Samuel 7:22

Good Morning My LORD!

You are great! My words cannot even begin to proclaim Your greatness or the love I have for You in my heart. Thank You for being my God.

There is absolutely no one like You. You have the power of the universe in Your hand, yet, You have a tender touch to draw me to Your presence.

I know there are others who have different gods, but they are nothing compared to You. There is no truth or stability in them and that is everything that You are.

In all the universe there is no other one like You! I am so blessed to know You and to live in Your presence this day!

I love You!
Amen

Then the angel spoke to the women. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “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. Come, see where his body was lying. now, go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there. Remember what I have told you.” The women ran quickly from the tomb. They were very frightened but also filled with great joy, and they rushed to give the disciples the angel’s message.
Matthew 28:5-8

We can only imagine.

Yesterday is a memory now. We’ve thought about what had happened in our lives, the directions we chose and the detours we may not have wanted to go down. We’ve remembered happy times and times that just broke our hearts.

As you thought about your life’s experiences, I hope you were able to see Jesus standing with you through them all. I have to confess that when my daughter died, I didn’t completely see Jesus there with me. When I look back on those days now, I don’t see how I missed Him. He was so close, holding me and giving me hope to carry on.

If you’re in a season of sorrow, I pray you will know He is with you, holding you and is your hope.

If you’re not in that season now, I pray you will be able to comfort someone who is, with the comfort He gave you.

At least we have the Spirit and can know His presence in our lives.

The disciples and women of Jesus’ time didn’t.

The women went to the tomb this morning expecting to find Jesus’ body. Some decay would have begun, but His body needed to be prepared for the final burial. Their hearts were broken, their hope was gone.

I can see them in my mind’s eye, they are walking arm in arm towards to tomb, wiping their eyes as they thought about the love He had shown them and talking about the impact He had made in their lives. How could this have happened? They had seen Him do so many miracles and now they wouldn’t see any more. Or so they thought.

The confusion they must have felt when they realized the tomb was empty. The agony of their hearts as they wouldn’t be able to do this last bit of kindness for His body.

Then miracle #1 of the morning: An angel appeared to tell them Jesus wasn’t here, He had risen from the dead, He was alive!

Miracle #2: In John 20:1–18 they actually saw Jesus in the garden!

He’s alive! Their hearts soared with joy and their feet flew to tell the disciples! They were so excited and unable to contain the news! He’s alive!

So there are two questions for today.

#1: Do you know He’s alive? He is, and wants to live with you! He has freed you from the chains of sin. He has freed you to worship Him personally. He has paid the price and you are free!

#2: Does your heart soar with joy to know you are His? Are you excited to tell someone today that Jesus is alive? Are you willing to spread the Good News to your family and friends?

Jesus, I am so blessed to know that You live. I am so blessed that I can have such a wonderful relationship with You. You’re alive! I want to shout for joy and let the world know just how amazingly wonderful You are. You are the hope for this world. I will glorify You and love You with my life! You’re alive!
Amen

At noon, darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock. Then at three o’clock Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” Some of the bystanders misunderstood and thought he was calling for the prophet Elijah. One of them ran and filled a sponge with sour wine, holding it up to him on a reed stick so he could drink. “Wait!” he said. “Let’s see whether Elijah comes to take him down!” Then Jesus uttered another loud cry and breathed his last. And the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom.
Mark 15:33-38

Have you ever been in a period of waiting and wondering what would happen next? Everything seems to be confused, the world moves in slow motion and you know your world will never be the same. I have.

April 15, 1973 was the day my Rachel was born. She was my first, my little girl.

June 3, 2003 was the day my Rachel died. By then she was a mother herself with two small children, Ben 5, Molly 2. My world was forever changed.

I remember not being able to function. The tears seemed to be with me all the time. My heart was totally broken for my grandchildren who kept asking where their mama was and they wanted her. I have never felt so helpless in all my life, as I could not give them their heart’s desire.

Just seven months later, my son-in-law chose to move to a different state, 800 miles away, and he took his children with him. They had been living less than a mile from us. I knew then my world had become meaningless.

I often think of that time, a lonely but still changing time. I could only look at the past and wish for what I had wanted for the future. My husband and I were so broken.

I also think that the disciples and those who followed Jesus must have felt much the same way. Their Jesus, Teacher, Messiah had just died on the cross. He was gone.

All they could think of was the past, the amazing times they had spent with Him. All the joy then had known. The teachings He had so generously shared. Now He was gone, buried in the tomb.

What if He had lived? They might have had the kingdom they had always dreamed of. The Romans would have been out of their lives forever there would be peace for Israel.

But He hadn’t lived and now all those dreams were ashes.

While they were grieving for their Master, they couldn’t see past the moment.

Remember, the disciples and followers didn’t fully understand that Jesus was only going to be in the tomb the 3 days, just as Jonah was in the belly of the fish. They didn’t know what was going to happen in the next few days, Jesus did.

Just as He knows what is going to happen in our lives. After my Rachel died and her children were removed from my immediate life, I couldn’t have had the slightest idea of what He had in store for me. If I had known, I probably wouldn’t have believed it.

Through the blessing of my younger daughter, Darcy, her husband and two more grandchildren, who lives in Tucson, Arizona, Jesus has given me back my purpose in life. Just as He did for the disciples and followers when He left the empty tomb, just as He will for you. My purpose is to know and share His love.

They didn’t know what was going to happening in the morning.

I didn’t know what was going to happen to my future.

He knows what the answer is for all our futures: Him.

Today we wait and think on what Jesus has done for us, His sacrifice, love, teachings and all that He gives us. It  will help us through the hardships that will always be with us. He doesn’t want us to forget the past but He also doesn’t want us to dwell on it.

Tomorrow we will wonder at the glory of our future, our future in Christ.

After Rachel’s death, Jesus reminded me, if I kept looking at the past, I would miss the blessings of the future. You know what? He was so right!

My Jesus, I depend on You for my everyday moments. Your blessings are so amazing. Your love so faithful.

As I think on Your death today, help me to completely realize what You have done for me. The battle You fought, the victory You claimed, the sacrifice You gave for me. I am so unworthy of Your presence yet I will take joy knowing I never have to be alone in this life. You are my King and I will proclaim Your love with my life.
Amen

Then the people came to Moses and cried out, “We have sinned by speaking against the Lord and against you. Pray that the Lord will take away the snakes.” So Moses prayed for the people. Then the Lord told him, “Make a replica of a poisonous snake and attach it to a pole. All who are bitten will live if they simply look at it!” So Moses made a snake out of bronze and attached it to a pole. Then anyone who was bitten by a snake could look at the bronze snake and be healed!
Numbers 21:7-9

It’s been a really tough day. The trials, the verdict, the people are close to mass hysteria. One minute they have been praising Him, the next crying out for His death. As you stand on the edge of the commotion, you begin to wonder about this man they are dealing with. You have heard that He is the Son of God, the Chosen One, the Messiah. Everyone is talking about all the miracles He has been doing. The people are talking about His amazing teachings. He looks like just an ordinary man and you ask yourself, what so special about Him? 

The crucifixion, not one of the more pleasant times in history. If you have come to know and love Him you may not be excited to look on this day. I’ve often asked God if there couldn’t have been any other way. The answer is always “no.” If I want to be with my LORD, blood had to be spilled, no other way. When Adam and Eve took that bite from the forbidden tree, Jesus’ fate was sealed.

 My heart breaks today, for the pain my Savior had to go through. I’m ashamed of my self, as I put Him on the cross. If I were the only one on earth, He would have still done it for me. Same with you, you are that special to Him, He can’t live without you, so He paid the penalty.

So why did I choose Numbers 21:7-9 for our scripture today? Because sometimes we have to look at something that isn’t pleasing to our senses. 

Once again the people of Israel have sinned against God. Their sin? Complaining. God was angry and sent the poisonous snakes and many were bitten and killed. Again they cried out and God had mercy on them. He told Moses to make the replica of the snake and mount it on a pole, high up, so people could just look at the snake and be healed physically. All they had to do is look up.

Do you get the similarity of what Jesus went through and this scripture?

We have sinned again and God has provided a way for us to be healed of our sins, not only physically but spiritually: Jesus.  

 He was nailed to the cross and lifted up. Today, we need to stop what we’re doing and look up.

As you stand watching this man dying, you begin to notice the clouds building. They are really black, churning storm clouds. You have never in all your life seen anything like them. It’s so dark you can’t see the person next to you, but you can see Him clearly. You can hear people crying but you cannot take your eyes off of Him. You feel like you’re all alone on that hill, watching the agony He is going through. Blood is dripping off His chin, He is bruised from the beating He was given. Where they nailed Him to the cross, the holes are tearing from the weight of his body. Yet you cannot look away.

Then, in total silence, He raises His head and looks deep into your eyes. You stagger at the depth of love He pours into you at that moment, it is something you will never forget. 

His head drops and you know He’s gone.

I encourage you to stop many times through the day, and look up, into the eyes of your Savior. Know the power of His love and think about what it means for you.

My dear child,

I know you usually pray to Me now, but today I want to encourage you. I want you to look at my Servant, My Son, whom I choose. He is my Beloved, and He pleases me. I will put My Spirit upon Him, and He will proclaim justice to the nations. He will not fight or shout or raise His voice in public. He will not crush the weakest reed or put out a flickering candle. Finally He will cause justice to be victorious. And His name will be the Hope of all the world.

As I look on you today, know that you are my beloved also. I have chosen you. I love you with all My being. Take courage and be strong, for I am always with you!
Love, God

Matthew 12:18-21

Jesus said, “I have been very eager to eat this Passover meal with you before my suffering begins. For I tell you now that I won’t eat this meal again until its meaning is fulfilled in the Kingdom of God.” Then he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. Then he said, “Take this and share it among yourselves. For I will not drink wine again until the Kingdom of God has come.” He took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this to remember me.” After supper he took another cup of wine and said, “This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood, which is poured out as a sacrifice for you.
Luke 22:15-20

Communion – fellowship with God, between Christ and His people, by the Spirit, of believers with one another. Easton’s Bible Dictionary.
Our scripture today is about what we term ‘The Last Supper.’ It’s supposed to be the last time the disciples shared a meal with their Jesus before His death.
Most of us have probably taken communion at some time in our lives. It might be once a week, monthly or quarterly. Each religion will have it’s own interpretation of how often it should be served. They may ‘pass the elements’ down the row of pews, it may be given by in-tincture or administered by a priest. However you have taken communion, it’s probably the way you feel is the appropriate way.
Today I want to challenge the way you take communion. Today I want you to journey back 2000 years with me and sit with the disciples and Jesus. I want you to experience what it might have been like that first time…
It’s what would become Holy Week. It was Passover and the city of Jerusalem is packed. Just as it was with His birth and Bethlehem was crowded, so is the city that would crucify Him. 
He and His disciples have arrived with great fan fare and welcoming. The crowd was almost in a frenzy. The noise must have been like going to a pro football game. Expectations were high.
They find the place that Jesus had directed them to and settled in for the night. Their host was generous and fixed them with a wonderful meal and provided a private room to enjoy the food and rest from the demands of the day. They were excited to talk about all that had happened.
It was the perfect ending for a perfect day. That’s what they might have thought. Remember, they haven’t had the opportunity to read to the end of the Book.
But then Jesus does something at the end of the meal that was unexpected. He takes the bread, gives thanks and breaks it up and gives a piece to each disciple. He uses the symbolism of the bread as being His body, they were to remember Him. Then He pours more wine out and again using the wine as a symbol, says it’s His blood pour out for them. They are to share and remember what He is going to do for them.
But what is He going to do? At this point they don’t realize that He’s going to die for their sins. They believe with His many followers, He would take control of the city and rule! He was after all, the Messiah, the One they had waited for.
Now, I want you to sit at the table with the disciples and Jesus. Take an eraser and erase the Leonardo da Vinci painting of the Last Supper. Clear the canvas and all of your preconceived ideas of what it might of been like.
The room is dark. It has a few candles around the edges but the atmosphere is dimly lit. A breeze may move the covering over the window. You’re aren’t sitting in chairs around a table. More than likely you are laying on the floor, with a low table in the middle. Cushions give support as you rest on your side, enjoying the food. Laughter mingles with the talk of what happened during the day. You listen to the other’s experiences and share yours. You are really enjoying everybody’s company.
You reach to the center of the table to get some more food and that’s when Jesus places His hand on yours. You look up into His eyes and He says, I love you, you are so special to me. Be strong.
You pause, thinking on what He just said to you. You realize then that He has been touching each disciple and talking privately with them. He seems pensive and thoughtful tonight, more than any other night you’ve been with Him.
With a lighter feeling in the air, Jesus asks you to share what you felt, understood and enjoyed today. Did you have any sorrows? What made you laugh?
Shortly after that Judas gets up and leaves the room, eyes become sleepy and the talk slows down. There is a peace in the room like you’ve never experienced before…

A couple of days later, after He’s gone, you realize on that night, you had a very special communion with God.
Maybe we should look at communion as an everyday event, sharing our lives with Him who gave His for us. Yes, we need to continue to share communion within our churches. But we also need to share communion with Him, as we sit quietly and let Him look into our eyes and as He says: I love you, you are so special to me.

Jesus, I love just being with You. To sit and think on Your Word. To let You guide my thoughts. I am so humbled to be in Your presence. Yet, how often do I look into Your eyes? Do I even realize when You touch my hand? Jesus, please help me see through spiritual eyes and see the glory of Your love. Please give me Your strength and courage to love others, so they too may be touched by Your presence.
Amen

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”
Isaiah 6:8

When you hear God calling do you want to hide? When He whispers your name, do you look around to see who it is?
Some people don’t want to hear God calling because they think He will send them to some far off place to live as a missionary for life.
Some people don’t want to hear God calling because they think He will make them sell all their possessions and give to the poor.
Some people don’t want to hear God calling because they think there is nothing they can do.
When we don’t listen or respond to God’s calling, we will be missing out on the adventure of a lifetime.You will be depriving the Holy Spirit the opportunity to work in you!
God will only send you to be a missionary if that is your passion.
God will only ask you to supply money for the poor if that is your gift.
God will ask you to do more than you would dream of doing on your own, but He will be right with you for help and guidance.
As we’re only a few short days away from the cross, what might Jesus be asking you to do? Not all of us will be called to be rocket scientists, or neurologists, or to serve in high political places. In fact, most of God’s children are ordinary working people. They are the taxi drivers, the moms, the cashier in the grocery store, they are people like you and me.
Wherever you are in life, God would love to have you sharing His love. So I encourage you today to think on where you might show His love to someone dying to know Him.
Remember, God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him. Philippians 2:13
When He calls, realize that He has started your Kingdom work with what you already enjoy doing. Don’t be afraid to listen. Will you respond like the prophet Isaiah? “Here I am, Send me!”

My Wonderful Father,
Please forgive me for not listening when You call. I do praise You for never giving up on me and doing the nudges and sleepless nights to get my attention. You amaze me, the Creator of all things, working in me, fallen and frail, to work with You to continue Your work in this world.

I ask that You will help me to clear my hearing, open my vision and most of all give me the courage to respond when You call. I want to respond as Isaiah did, without hesitation, “Here I am!”
Amen

Drain the blood into a basin. Then take a bundle of hyssop branches and dip it into the blood. Brush the hyssop across the top and sides of the door frames of your houses. And no one may go out through the door until morning. For the Lord will pass through the land to strike down the Egyptians. But when he sees the blood on the top and sides of the doorframe, the Lord will pass over your home. He will not permit his death angel to enter your house and strike you down.
Exodus 12:22-23

It’s Passover, a Jewish holiday that was first celebrated when Moses was about to lead the Israelite nation out of captivity. God told them to celebrate Passover every year so they would not forget how He redeemed them from Egypt. He wanted them to tell the story to their children and grandchildren so they would not forget that the LORD was faithful to His promise to Abraham.

Living on this side of the cross, we generally don’t think about celebrating Passover, and we categorize it as a Jewish holiday, not one Christians acknowledge. We don’t really prepare for this special day or give it much thought.

I would like to encourage you to think about Passover today. To see if there is a special meaning hidden in it’s customs that might become special to you.

Take a look at the scripture again. Notice how the Israelites were to ‘paint’ with the blood from the sacrificed lamb on the top and sides of the front door. This would indicate to the angel of death that they were His children and would ‘pass over’ the house and not bring death to the first born. They were then set free.

Now fast forward a few thousand years and we are standing at the foot of the cross. On it Jesus is dying. He is the sacrificed Lamb, His blood is being poured out for you and me. If we believe in Him and know He is the Son of God, we will catch some of His blood and dip our fingers in it and ‘paint’ our hearts with His blood. In doing this, the angel will know that we are His children and death will ‘pass over’ us. Though Jesus’ death, we are then set free.

Tonight as the evening winds down, why not light a candle and think about this scripture, the concept of Passover and what it means to you? Write in your journal what you feel, questions you might have, insights you might be given. 

Be in prayer, get to know Jesus and just what His love for you cost. Let the light of the candle remind you Jesus is the Light of the world and He has given His life to shine in You!

Father, I’ve never really thought about Passover that much before. I realize now that many of the Jewish traditions and celebrations are pointing to You. You gave the Israelites these festivals and days so they would remember what You have done for them. I too, want to remember what You do for me. Please give me Your words to share with my family and friends, words to glorify You. You are so amazing and I love You so very much!
Amen.  

And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of His return is drawing near.
Hebrews 10:25

Good Morning My LORD!
This is the day that You have made and I want to rejoice and be glad in it! Even if things don’t go well today, I know You will be with me and I can still rejoice. If I am blessed to not have any bumps in the road today, I will raise Your name on high for just being my God!

I’m excited to be with my fellow believers this morning, Jesus. It’s so amazing to come together to praise and worship You. There is such a wonderful sense of community in the church Father and I want to share it with someone who may not have experienced You love.

I ask that You will give me the words to encourage someone, to be in worship and joy. Not only to encourage them to come, but invite them and bring them myself. It’s not always in my comfort zone, LORD, so I will need You to help me.

This is the day that You have made and I want to share it with others!
Amen