“Therefore
go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father
and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I
have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the
age.” Matthew 28:19-20 NIV
I hope
you had a blessed Resurrection Sunday! What a beautiful day to celebrate the
most amazing sacrifice anyone ever made for us. Our Redeemer lives!
Last
week, Christians blogged, Facebooked, and tweeted Scripture, songs, poems, and
thoughts on the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ. On Easter morning, we
reverently and enthusiastically worshipped, then hurried to family dinners,
afternoon egg hunts, and of course—after-dinner naps.
Celebrating
Jesus’ resurrection on Easter Sunday is easy. As the sun set on Easter, I
wondered where our hearts would be Monday morning in the wake of leftover ham,
half-eaten candy baskets, and wrinkled church clothes tossed in the
laundry.
Over two
thousand years ago, on Easter Monday, Christ returned to work—His father’s
work. He forgave Peter and then instructed him to “feed my sheep.” Among Jesus’
other activities was the Great Commission given to the eleven
disciples.
We are
His disciples now—with the Bible and Holy Spirit to instruct us.
He
makes His ministers a flame of fire. Am I ignitable? God deliver me from the
dread asbestos of 'other things.' Saturate me with the oil of the Spirit that I
may be aflame. But flame is transient, often short lived. Canst thou bear this,
my soul-short life? Make me thy fuel, Flame of God. ~ Jim Elliot (martyred
missionary)
Celebrating
Christ’s resurrection revitalized me, as I’m sure it did many Christians.
Beyond that, it’s a reminder of my rebirth each time I enter into God’s
presence. Yet, as I grow deeper in my spiritual journey, I’m cognizant of the
necessary steps to stay aflame.
If my
flame gets diminished during dark moments, when I feel less enthusiasm or
challenged beyond my human abilities, saturation with the Spirit’s oil through
Bible study and prayer is the only hope for my flame burning brightly beyond
Christian celebrations.
Please
join me in prayer for Christians suffering persecution around the world. This is especially true for those outside of the U.S., as witnessed by the terrorist attack in Pakistan on Christians over the weekend.
This simple prayer written by Jim Elliot has
resonated with me through the years. Perhaps it will with you, too.
Lord,
make me a crisis man. Let me not be a mile-post on a single road, but make me a
fork that men must turn one way or another in facing Christ in me.
If you have a prayer request, leave
a comment or e-mail me confidential requests. I’d love to pray for you.
Shalom,
Laura ✞
©Laura Hodges Poole
“Candle” image courtesy of
9comeback/FreeDigitalPhotos.net.
“Christianity Cross” image courtesy of graur razvan ionut/FreeDigitalPhotos.net.
“Christianity Cross” image courtesy of graur razvan ionut/FreeDigitalPhotos.net.
