He is risen !

FAITH:

John 20:1-31

Tombs in ancient times were closed by a circular stone across the mouth of a cave. Mathew tells us that authorities sealed the tomb and guarded it (Matthew 27:66). When Mary saw the stone rolled away, she was shocked and amazed. She ran to tell Peter and John.

The resurrection of Jesus is true. We worship a living Savior and can live forever because he does.

There is something about a living testimony that gives us courage. Once we see someone else emerging form life's dark tunnels we realize that we, too, can overcome.........

In the eyes of humanity, death was still the black veil that separated them from joy. There was no victory over this hooded foe. Its putrid odor invaded the nostrils of every human, convincing them that life was only meant to end abruptly and senselessly.

It was left to the Son of God to disclose the true nature of this force. It was on the cross that the showdown occurred. Christ called for Satan's cards. Weary of seeing humanity fooled by a coverup, he entered the tunnel death to prove that there was indeed an exit. And, as the world darkened, creation held her breath........

Christ emerged from death's tunnel, lifted a triumphant fist toward the sky, and freed all from the fear of death.

"Death has been swallowed up in victory!"
by Max Lucado

Applying it: Pretend for a moment that you are a prisoner of a heartless regime, working in a labor camp, awaiting your execution. Overnight you are liberated, almost miraculously. Life is yours again. Describe the feelings. Now be glad, for Jesus has done that for you if you have made him Lord of your life.
Exploring it: Resurrection---Matthew 22:31-32; John 11:25; Acts 1:22; 4:2; 4:33; Romans 1:4; 6:5; 1Peter 1:3; 3:21

FRIENDS:

Thank you for the sweet surprise of Easter morning. We are thankful that when you arose from your sleep of death, you didn't go immediately to heaven, but instead you went and visited people. This visit of love reminds us that it was for people that you died. We praise your name for that sweet surprise. In Jesus' name, Amen.

DAILY BIBLE CHALLENGE
APRIL 12
Mark 5:1-20; 1 Cor 9:1-12; Psalms 82; Judges 1-3
APRIL 13
Mark 5:21-43; 1 Cor 9:13-27; Psalms 83; Judges 4-5

~Judges~
It was a nation born out of a passion for religious freedom. Free practice of faith had been oppressed and forbidden in the old country. The people longed to be in a place where they could worship God as they desired.

So they left. Willing to battle the fears of the unknown in exchange for freedom. Only a small portion of those who began the journey survived it.

When the travelers reached the new country they celebrated. They gave thanks to God and raised him for guiding them to their new home.

But their new home was not a peaceful place. Nearby enemies attacked and years of battles ensued. The settlers, however, were men and women of faith and courage. With time they sank their roots in the new land and began a new life.

The first generation of settlers were hearty people. Though the hardships were great, their faith was greater. God answered their prayers and established them in the new land.

With time the new land was divided into states, and leaders were assigned to each region. The population grew, and the boundary of the country expanded.

But with growth of the land and the passage of the decades, two troubling trend's began.

The first was the disappearance of values. Early settlers had a common conviction as to what was right and wrong. The family was the core of society. Religion was the source of faith. Education was the highest task.

But by the end of the first hundred years in the new land, these virtues had begun to wane....the family was under attack; sophisticated thinkers mocked religion.

The second alarming trend was the inconsistency of moral leadership. Early leaders---capable military and skillful politicians---were also men of God. Men prone to spend time in prayer and meditation. Men who listened to God and earnestly tried to follow his will.

Such leadership became rare, however. The nation we look at now lacks moral leadership. Leaders squabble and steal. Others are lazy and spoiled. There are even cases of national leaders accused of making sexual advances to women.

Though the nation has a glorious past, it is hidden in a cloudy present.

Sound familiar? Sound like any nation you know? Sound like us? It sounds like ours, could be ours, might be ours, but I didn't get the profile out of the newspaper. I read it in the Bible. In the Book of Jedges.

Judges chronicles the dark ages of Israel, the death of Israel. The death of the heart. A three hundred-year era which "everyone did what seemed right" (Judges 21:25)

Not a pretty story. Not intended to be. It's intended to be a warning. A warning of what happens when God is ignored and passions are worshiped.

A warning for our times.

FOOD:

How about a little pineapple salsa to go with that ham for something a little different?

Pineapple Salsa

1 (8 ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained
2 tablespoons orange marmalade
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
2 teaspoons seeded, finely chopped jalapeño
2 teaspoons Mexican lime juice
1/4 teaspoon salt

Stir all ingredients together until well blended. Cover and
refrigerate until serving time. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Makes about 1 cup.

FUN:

Guess I shouldn't have had that second helping of scalloped potatoes !