During this season there are many things on which to focus. Where I live the birds are singing. New blossoms are being seen, there is a feeling of renewal. Schools are releasing students for a break in their usual routines. Bright colors adorn store windows. Eggs and bunnies are everywhere. Fabric draped crucifixes abound too. The calendar shows Easter as April 20^th. Another season to remember the sacrifice of Jesus.

We all can be reconciled by the sacrifice of Jesus.

Who is good?

Although we often talk about people being “good people” according to the word in Matthew 19:17, “And he said unto him…there is none good but one that is God: but if thou wilt enter into life keep the commandments.” (KJV) “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).

The Sacrifice of Jesus

My favorite writer, the Apostle Paul knew about the struggle with good and bad. During the first part of his life he spent a great deal of energy and thought persecuting the people of God for following Jesus. It was after his jolting experience on the road to Damascus, as recorded in the book of Acts beginning with chapter nine that he clearly saw the error of his ways.

He began to acknowledge Jesus as the son of God.

His name was changed from Saul of Tarsus to Paul as a reflection of the transformation of his mind and heart. He was able to accept the grace of Jesus afforded all of us through the love of God.

Later he wrote in the book of Romans in chapter seven about the struggle, which remained within him. He talked about living a life where he was sentenced to death because of his inherent sinful nature. He would endeavor to do good however, in the flesh he would do bad. An expert on the law, he willed to do the right thing yet found himself doing the opposite.

By the end of the chapter he gives God thanks for allowing him the ability to serve God through the sacrifice of Jesus using his mind and heart.

It is through the pen of Paul that God shared, “If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” In the book of Romans chapter ten verse nine.” (NIV)

In the 12^th chapter of John we find these words from Jesus beginning at verse 44: “…He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me.

⁴⁵ And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me. ⁴⁶ I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. ⁴⁷ And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. ⁴⁸ He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. ⁴⁹ For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. ⁵⁰ And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.” (KJV)

Jesus came to save the world. Because of the sacrifice of Jesus we can exchange our bad for His good! Jesus is the only way!

Make no Mistake

I pray you will look to the true significance of this season. This is a time to remember what your life would be like without the sacrifice of Jesus and the love of God. Push past the distractions of the bunnies, eggs, baskets, clothing, dinner tables and overrun church buildings. Remember the exchange, good for bad.

Take Inventory and Take Action!

Love,

Deborah

P.S.

If you have not received the gift of the sacrifice of Jesus it is free to all. Simply believe in your heart and confess with your mouth and repeat the following prayer:

“Dear Lord Jesus,

I know I am a sinner, and I ask for your forgiveness. I believe you died for my sins and rose from the dead.  I trust and follow you as my Lord and Savior. Guide my life and help me to do your will.

In your name, amen.”