Devotionals for the Heart: Remembering the Resurrection

Remember the Resurrection
A devotional by Patricia Russell

“He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Remember what he told you back in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and that he would rise again on the third day.” – Luke 24:6-7 (NLT)

Denae was asked to clean the bathroom because friends were coming for dinner the next day, but she kept putting it off, feeling confident that she could get it done with no effort just before company arrived. The problem was that Danae tended to put off things that were important. She was often distracted and delayed in doing what her mother had asked her to do. Suddenly, the doorbell rang and she remembered what she had forgotten to do.

Does this sound familiar?

How many times have I remembered late in the day to do something because I did not write it down or put it in my calendar to remind myself? I know I’m not the only one. Writing tasks down so we can read and remember or using another hack to help us not delay getting things done is imperative. There are some things and some events that are important to remember so we don’t forget. One event that should always be remembered is the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Jesus told his disciples repeatedly the purpose of his coming to this planet (Earth). He told them about the plan he had for calling them to follow Him. He also prepared them for what would take place in the days to come concerning his death. Jesus told his disciples a very important piece of God’s plan: Although he would die and be buried, he would not remain buried. He would rise again in three days!

Although we don’t like to hear about people dying, the Bible reminds us that every one of us has a scheduled appointment with death (Hebrews 9:27). Sounds weird, I know, but it’s a fact. I personally have mixed emotions typing this as I think about some people in my life who are struggling with this inevitable “appointment” to meet their Maker. Only God our Father knows the day and the hour. While I am praying for their healing—trust me, I wholeheartedly believe without a doubt that God is able to lengthen their days—I also know I am not in control.

For the disciples to hear their Rabbi who was also their Teacher and Friend, speak about his impending death was extremely hard. But Jesus wanted to assure them that he would not remain dead and buried in the ground. He would rise again by the power of God and that would give them hope—not only for His disciples, but for all of His faithful followers who are living today!

Remember, on the third day, Jesus Christ rose from the dead! The Resurrection of Jesus Christ gives us hope for everything else He said He would do. What does this mean? You can always trust God to fulfill His promises!

Read and reread God’s promises to us in His Word (The Holy Bible). Don’t rely on your memory as Danae did. Time slipped away and she forgot about the task.

As this Easter holiday approaches, let’s not only reflect on the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Let’s also remember that just like Jesus said He would rise again, He will also come again (to Earth to take His faithful followers home to Heaven)!

Let’s Pray: Father God, we are forever grateful for the hope we have because Jesus rose from the dead. We would be most miserable without it. Thank you for your Word that reminds us of all the promises you have given us. Thank you for keeping your promises, Father, in Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

~*~
Note from Alexis: Patricia’s devotional reminds me this song by Dallas Holm called “Rise Again”. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Patricia is an encourager. She passionately uses her gifting as an author, speaker, pastor, recording artist, worship leader and coach. 

Stronger Resilience: Stories to Empower the Mind, Body & Spirit (a book that she wrote) was an Amazon Bestseller in October 2020.

Patricia sings! She has released two CDs titled Draw Me Nearer and Lord I Trust You.

She also travels to speak to audiences internationally.

When she is not ministering to save souls in God’s Kingdom, Patricia enjoys reading, writing and connecting like-minded people who can sharpen each other in the journey to their dreams and goals.

As a two-time breast cancer overcomer, her desire is to coach others to live life to the fullest by understanding their gifting from God and using it.

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Connect with Patricia:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patrussellsings/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patrussellonline
Twitter: https://twitter.com/patrussellsings
Email: patrussellsings@gmail.com

Devotionals for the Heart: Butterflies and the resurrection of Jesus Christ

Holy Week
A devotional by Mirachelle Canada

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” –John 3:16 (ESV)

It’s Holy week! The week between Palm Sunday, the observance of when Jesus Christ entered Jerusalem on a donkey to the cheering crowds shouting, “Hosanna! Hosanna!” to Easter Sunday, the day of celebration and rejoicing that “Jesus is risen! He’s alive!”

During this week, Christians around the world take the opportunity to reflect on the events that led to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Among these events are the last supper, Jesus’s arrest, trial, and the crucifixion (Matthew 21-28; Mark 11-16; Luke 19-24; John 12-21). It is a week great in contrast: from public celebration to accusation, confusion, and ending with death.

As I personally reflect on these events and the life of Jesus, it reminds me of the life cycle of a butterfly. The day it is born, a very tiny caterpillar hatches from an egg. It is small and vulnerable as Jesus was – a baby born in a stable. As the caterpillar takes in nutrients, it grows its body mass thousands of times. Jesus grew up in wisdom and stature because he was about his Heavenly Father’s business, even teaching in the temple at age 11! As caterpillar grows, it changes in appearance. For thirty years, Jesus prepared and waited for the right time to be revealed as the son of God.

A caterpillar knows its purpose – to live, grow, effect life, and sacrifice its life to become something beautiful. Jesus also knew His purpose – to live, grow, point people to a life with God, and ultimately sacrifice himself for the remission of sins to show us the way to become something beautiful too.

On Good Friday, Jesus was crucified on the cross and buried in a tomb. All hope seemed lost. His disciples were hiding, and the enemy believed he had won. When a caterpillar becomes a chrysalis, it appears dead, wrapped in a cocoon. At this stage in its life cycle is the most dangerous because of weather, disease, and predators. By all accounts it appears dead, but the truth is that a transformation is occurring. So too did a transformation occur in the kingdom of Heaven as Jesus entered hell and took back the keys to death, hell, and the grave.

When a butterfly emerges from its cocoon, its wings are crumpled. It must hang its wings down and begin pumping them so they will fill with fluid and straighten out. It must wait until its wings are ready to fly. So too did Jesus, even after he had resurrected from the tomb, take time to prepare before revealing himself in all his glory. When Mary saw him at the tomb, he told her not to touch him because his time was not yet ready, but he sent her ahead to tell the others the good news (John 20:17).

So why is the life cycle of a butterfly important to the life and death of Jesus? To the world, butterflies are indicators of a healthy environment. They also show us the beauty and fragility of life. For the world, Jesus came to show us the unhealthy life of our souls without him. He showed the way to a better life here on earth and to one that would be eternal. He died so that we might live abundantly (John 10:10)!

So, as we reflect on this Holy Week, let us pay reverence to our risen Savior, His sacrifice, and rejoice in His victory, but also consider the beauty of His creation all around us that reflects His glory too. It’s purposeful, motivated, willing to sacrifice even unto death, but it’s also destined to become something more wonderful and beautiful than anyone can imagine.

Praise the Lord! He is Risen!

*Note from Alexis: Mirachelle’s devotional reminds me of the song “Hosanna” by Hillsong Worship. You can listen to it here.

Let’s Pray: Dear Lord, we thank you and honor you for your sacrifice on the cross. We rejoice in your resurrection power. We ask that you give us eyes to see, ears to hear, and a heart to receive the message of your glory reflected in all creation so that it may also be reflected in us. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

Mirachelle Canada is a writer, playwright, screenwriter, and theatre director/producer from Northern Virginia, where she teaches television production at her high school alma mater. 

She earned her Master of Fine Arts in Script & Screenwriting from Regent University and is an alumnus of Act One: Hollywood Film & Television Writing Program.

Mirachelle is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, American Fiction Writers Virginia Chapter, The Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild, and Your Novel Blueprint.

She is currently working on her first historical fiction novel set during WWII.

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Connect with Mirachelle:
Website: www.mirachellecanada.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mirachellecanada/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/miracan

Devotionals for the Heart: When Jesus Christ is moved by our tears

Moved By Tears
A devotional by Sharon Musgrove

“Then Jesus, deeply moved again, came to the tomb. 

It was a cave, and a stone lay against it.”

–John 11:38 (ESV)

The story of the death and resurrection of Lazarus, as told in the book of John, chapter 11, has held me captivated. There are several stories being told within this account, each worth its own attention, yet what is highlighted for me are the movements of Jesus.

We read, early in John 11:5 that Jesus loved siblings Martha, Mary and Lazarus. This family had a strong relationship with God’s son. It is no surprise, that when Lazarus becomes deathly ill, the sisters sent word to Jesus, certain he would heal their brother.

Being wholly God, Jesus knows the outcome of this situation, saying such to his disciples, “This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” (John 11:4 ESV) His foreknowledge in God’s plan was his confidence and there was no urgency in moving quickly.

Mary and Martha had an expectation of the Lord that did not align with God’s omnipotence. Their belief was revealed in their words found later in the chapter.

“Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” These words were spoken by Martha in John 11:21 and Mary in John 11:32.

Isn’t that how we often feel when our life circumstances are out of our control and our vision of what God can do is small? We cannot see the future, but we can believe that we have one. Mary and Martha saw death as the end of the story, but Jesus knew more. The same is true for us today.

Jesus did show up, and in plenty of time.

His arrival came during the weeping. The text does not state that Martha wept. It does say she went to him (John 11:20) while Mary remained at home. Was Martha angry? Charging ahead with accusations? Or was it Mary who was sick of heart, not wanting to look at the one who had disappointed her?

Jesus reaches out to both. Whether we run to him in distress or postpone addressing him, our Savior comes.

“The Teacher is here and is calling you.” (John 11:28)

Mary was surrounded by consolers, according to the text (John 11:31). This Mary, who had sat intently listening at the Teacher’s feet (Luke 10:39), now heard a chorus of pity. Is it no wonder she wept when the voices closest echoed, “Could not he...”

Jesus was deeply moved. The Greek word for this feeling is “embrimaomai.” Right then his spirit became indignant (John 11:33). Jesus was accustomed to hearing doubt and accusations. Had not he just engaged Martha on the same concern? Yet here, this encounter moved him to immediate action. Death had not changed his pace, so what did?

Threat to one of the Shepherd’s sheep motivates action. It moved him to tears. “Then Jesus, deeply moved again, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it.” (John 11:38)

When his people cry, Jesus takes action! He protects God’s precious children from Satan’s lies. This death and resurrection precedes his own by only a handful of days. Days! I can’t help but think it quickened his pulse to know his fate looked like this, only he’d be the one stinking up the grave. If he was on the inside of the tomb, who would be on the outside moving for him?

The will of the Father.

John recounts, in chapter 6, the earlier words of Jesus, “All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day.” (John 6:37-39 ESV)

A prayer, a cry and the man who died came out.

Friends, God hears our cries. He will always be right on time. God moves when we are threatened. And His will is that we, with Christ, are resurrected.

~*~

Author Bio:

Sharon Musgrove is a self-proclaimed sociologist. The opportunities opened to her, over the years, have led her on a fascinating journey observing human behavior. 

She has a diverse background in business, fitness and health industries. This background led her to a unique position writing curriculum and teaching for two private, Christ-based, residential recovery programs. Both recovery programs served women primarily from the homeless community.

Sharon has traveled multiple times to Kenya, serving on medical teams and teaching in the rural Maasai communities. She's been privileged to participate in Leadership camps for maturing young women. These annual camps have a mission of encouraging and empowering the impoverished, underprivileged, and often abused young Maasai girls.

Easily identifying personally with the brokenness of the women she's served, Sharon now sees all people as needing more encouragement regardless of cultural or socioeconomic status. Within these ministries, Sharon has witnessed the transformative power of loving words spoken to the broken-hearted. Sharing God’s love and witnessing its transformative power has become her passion.

In her leisure time, Sharon enjoys her garden, health food, travel and a good story. She and her husband, Jeff, make their home in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. They have two grown children. Currently, Sharon is writing her first Christian historical fiction novel utilizing her study, experience, and understanding of self-destructive behaviors.

Devotionals for the Heart: A Miracle

The Miracle That Almost Didn’t Happen
A devotional by Amy Odland

“When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face.”
– John 11:43-44 (NIV)

I have been meditating on a different verse lately and thinking how it applies to this story about Jesus and Lazarus. It’s Ephesians 3:20 (NIV) where Paul mentions God is “able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us.”

When we read about Larazus’ death, we have the benefit of hindsight, of looking back and saying "Wow! This amazing and miraculous thing happened!"

They didn’t have this benefit back then and because they couldn’t even fathom it, almost stopped the miracle from happening.

When Jesus got to the tomb, he said, “Take away the stone.”

Martha’s reply was (my paraphrase), “Are you SERIOUS? He’s gonna stink something BAD, oh MY, Lord.” 

Poor Martha was worried about the stink! She probably thought Jesus just wanted to pay his respects to the body because he wasn’t there when Lazarus died. Keep in mind, this was even after she and Jesus had just had a conversation about life and death and him being the “resurrection and the life.” Martha still had no expectation of Jesus raising her brother from the dead before her very eyes. She could not even imagine such a thing.

I don’t know that I have any awesome personal examples to share. No earth-shattering miracles happening over here like people rising from the dead. My dad died of a sudden stroke almost 19 years ago at age 50 – he’s still dead.

I still have family members who don’t believe in Jesus – they haven’t changed their minds and believed in an instant. I still have thorns in my flesh I wish God would take away.

But I have seen bucket loads of little things happen over the years: Protection from evil I wasn’t even anticipating. Guidance and wisdom given when I’d asked. Healing — albeit slowly — physically and spiritually from sicknesses and wounds.

Individually these things would maybe not move me to expand my imagination of what God can accomplish, but the culmination of them together over my lifetime makes where I am now in life feel like a miracle. I tend to be like Martha and worry about the stink, a.k.a. the here and now or the circumstances, but reflecting on all God has done in my life can renew my hope and revitalize my prayers just as seeing and interacting with a LIVE Lazarus in the days that followed probably did for all who knew him.

Martha and Mary and the other people mourning Lazarus that day had no idea what they were going to see. Their imaginations couldn’t create something so astounding, something they’d only heard about in the Scriptures up until that point. But after seeing Lazarus walk out of that tomb with the burial clothes hanging off of him, I would imagine the self-inflicted limitations of their prayers and beliefs were expanded greatly.

Do you feel ridiculous asking for a crazy thing, just as Mary and Martha would’ve felt asking for Lazarus to come back from the dead? Have you noticed when hope dwindles, our prayers become limited?

God really can do immeasurable things, beyond what we can even think to ask for.

Lazarus’ resurrection was for a purpose … so those who witnessed it would believe God sent Jesus.

What big prayer should you be asking Him in the midst of your hopeless situation?

We can know to pray for something crazy, something we’d never imagined before, because God has done crazy things before and He could very well choose to do them again in your life to show His power to those around you.

Your big prayer being answered could have a purpose too. God can’t say “yes,” though, if you don’t ask. Don’t let the title of this devotional be the title of your prayer life. Make the big ask. Move beyond what you can imagine or think. Move into God’s immeasurable power that is within you. Don’t be the miracle that almost didn’t happen.

~*~
Author Bio:

Amy Odland has been serving in church ministry as a volunteer leader for over 16 years, in various worship, prayer and women’s ministry roles. 

Her passion for helping women stems from her own struggles and lessons learned in her journey as a Christian since first deciding to follow the Lord in 1994.

Amy’s priorities after her faith include her family — husband Rick, and their four kids — as well as extended family who all live close in proximity and the many friends she’s made over the years.

In addition to a love of teaching and helping her husband with the bookkeeping for their many businesses, Amy has recently expanded her stay-at-home work to include leading author’s book launch teams for publishing companies like Baker, Revell, Barbour, and Lifeway.

She also enjoys teaching new authors about platform building, self-launching, and online marketing.

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Connect with Amy:

Facebook: https://facebook.com/amyodland

Instagram: https://instagram.com/amy_odland
Twitter: https://twitter.com/amy_odland
Website: https://amyodland.com

Devotional by Laura Thomas: The Easter Sheep

The Easter Sheep
A devotional by Laura Thomas

Picture a garden. A cave. A large stone. And a woman crying—weeping uncontrollably, actually—for she had lost someone very special. Someone she would never forget.

Mary Magdalene had encountered Jesus many moons prior, back when he delivered her from demons—that’s something you don’t forget in a hurry—and she promptly became one of His devoted followers. She had been there at the cross where He was murdered, and now her heart was breaking at the empty tomb. Jesus’ body had been taken, and it was the last straw for her fragile nerves.

She was so caught up in her grief, her eyes so blurred by tears, her heart so crushed, that she failed to recognize Jesus outside the tomb.

“At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus. He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.”

~ John 20:14-15 (NIV)

She thought he was the gardener.

Her Savior was gone and she was devastated…until Jesus made Himself known to her.

“Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’”

~John 20:16a (NIV)

He called her by name.

In John chapter 10, Jesus talks of Himself as being the Good Shepherd, One who would lay down His life for His sheep. The sheep would be us, you guys. Granted, not the smartest of creatures; they tend to wander off and get lost, and are in need of constant guidance. But they are also highly treasured by their shepherd. Loved. Protected. Cared for. Verse 3 (in John chapter 10) says, “He calls his own sheep by name”… just as Jesus called Mary by name. And He calls me by name. And He calls you by name.

At His resurrection, Jesus could have appeared to whomever He wanted—crowds, leaders, cities…but He chose to appear to one of His sheep first. It was personal and so typically Jesus in its simple beauty.

And Mary’s joy was complete! Can you imagine? As soon as Jesus spoke her name, she was safe again. Her Good Shepherd hadn’t deserted her in any way—He was fully there, calling her name, and she no longer grieved. She may not have fully comprehended the theological ramifications of the resurrection, but Her Lord was alive and that was enough! Is that enough for us?

This regular woman with a tainted past was given the honor of being the very first person to herald the resurrection of Jesus Christ to the world! That’s quite something, isn’t it? We have also been given the same message to proclaim to the world—that’s quite something, too!

It’s timeless and true. A message of redemption and restoration.

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” ~Galatians 2:20 (NIV)

As we ponder the path leading up to Easter, remember how personal the message of salvation is. Jesus died for us as individuals. He conquered death so that each of us might have eternal life. He did it for you. He did it for me. And He calls us by name, just as He called to Mary.

He really loves His sheep. I pray that we won’t be too busy or distracted wandering in other pastures to hear the Good Shepherd’s voice this Easter.

~*~

Author bio:

Laura is a published Christian author with a heart for inspiring and encouraging readers of all ages. 

She is truly multi-genre—with a published Christian teen fiction trilogy, marriage book, children’s stories, devotionals for Union Gospel Press, musings on her blog, and she now has a literary agent representing her Christian romantic suspense novel. 

Laura is English and Canadian, married to her high school sweetheart, mom of three, passionate about faith and family…and chocolate!

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Connect with Laura:
Website - www.laurathomasauthor.com
Facebook - http://bit.ly/2o1eRyt

Twitter - https://twitter.com/Laura_Thomas_
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lauracthomas/
Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/lauracthomas/

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