Inspiration for Today - 31 Mar 12

What is Easter about? Bunnies, easter eggs, chocolate, and a trip to Sunday church, right? Is this another Easter "story"? Is this another message saying that easter eggs and bunnies don't mix? What story would you like to read?

The story I share this evening is simple. Approximately 2012 years ago, a man was born perfect. Yes, you guess it. His name is Jesus. Throughout His 33 years of life, He lived a perfect life. He never lied, never stole, basically He never broke any of the 10 Commandments. He was tempted like everyone else, yet never gave in.

At 33 years old, instead of thinking about a family or a career, He was betrayed by one of His loyal friends and later accused of blasphemy. Later, He was beaten, spit on, wore a crown of thorns, whipped, mocked, and finally led through the streets and physically nailed (with railroad-like spikes) to a wooden beam we call the Cross.

There, He bled and eventually died. Does the story sound familiar? Sometimes we don't get this part so think of it in this way. Imagine you are accused of murder. As you are being sentenced, a man steps up and offers to serve the sentence for you. Though much debating goes on, the judge finally agrees. You are now set free. Someone else will serve your death sentence. Are you thankful? Would you be grateful, whether you were guilty or innocent?

The rest of the story is this. Jesus died and carried the entire world's sins away. That's right. All of the world's sins, even the sins of today, are all wiped away. 3 days after His death, He arose. It was on a Sunday, Easter Sunday, which He rose from His grave. This proved that He was God's Son. He had the miraculous power to resurrect Himself, however, His body was a new body. In this way, when you accept Jesus as your Savior, you are a new creature and you will receive a new body when we get to heaven.

Easter is much more than candy and eggs. Easter is a celebration of Jesus' resurrection. It is a celebration that Jesus took our sins and buried them deep in the earth. It is a celebration that annually reminds us, though we are reminded daily, that we will be joined in heaven, given new bodies, and experience something so unbelievably amazing that our minds cannot even begin to dream.

I encourage you to go to a nearby Christian church and experience an Easter celebration like never before.

Inspiration for Today 29 Mar 12

Recently, I posted about a great loss that my family endured. The massive amount of emotions filled the room and our souls. The service was great and it was equally a great time to visit with family I haven't seen for years. Though it paled in comparison to the man who joined God in glory.

Sadness swept through me along with a solemn emotion that still tugs at me to this moment. However, the Holy Spirit has been reminding me that he is a far greater place than this world.

This I convey to you, dear friend. It is never too late to accept Jesus as your Savior. You can try to argue that you are that bad of a person. You can argue that you are not worthy. You can argue many things, but this one important fact and truth. Jesus died for ALL of the world! He died for every single person on this earth, no matter how bad. God's grace is that great!

The biggest question you can possibly ask yourself honestly at this moment in your life is this, "where will I be when I die?" If you do not know, if you are not 100% positive where you will spend life after this, then it is time to commit yourself to an assured truth.

Dearest friend, I am talking to you. My dearest friends, who I love and cherish to this day, I do not want to live in heaven without you. We are not guaranteed our next breath. There is not always tomorrow. Please give yourself the greatest and most treasured gift of all, eternal life in heaven.

How? It is truthfully easy. First, admit that you are a sinner. No one in this world is perfect. We have all broken a law. Second, believe in Jesus. Believe that He is the true Son of God. Believe that He came to this earth and died for your sins and buried them in hell. Third, ask Jesus into your heart. Ask Him to place the Holy Spirit in your soul.

Yes, it is that easy. No money is needed. No good deed is required to accept Jesus into your life.

I am serious when I share my inspirational messages. I am more serious that I do want to see you, my dear friends, in heaven.

To my family, rest assured, as I said previously, that we will see our loved ones soon and what an awesome day that will be!

Extended Inspiration

Last night, my family lost one of our own. My family is dealing with a multitude of emotions, mostly sadness.

The comfort I want to pass along is this; we can rest happily in the fact that he is in heaven enjoying his new home. He is without pain and is very content.

As Believers, we know that this is our temporary home and all the negative emotions we deal with here will be no more in heaven. I leave my family with this favorite hymn: Blessed Assurance

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine;
Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.

This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long.
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long.

Perfect submission, perfect delight,
Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
Angels descending, bring from above
Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.

This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long.
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long.

Perfect submission, all is at rest,
I in my Savior am happy and blest;
Watching and waiting, looking above,
Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.

This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long.
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long.