Easter

Hi Everybody :} .......
How is everybody doing this fine wet morning? Yea, I woke up at 2am to the sound of heavy rain hitting the roof. I love that sound and the smell is so fresh, God's way of washing away the skunky smell from the back yard. Our GreatDane, Bison, decided to play with a miss guided skunk and this Dane doesn't know how to play nice. We don't think he is all there. Have you ever read the cartoon in the paper called "Marmaduke"? Well if you have then you know the character of this dog. He was probably playing soccer with the poor thing, he has a couple old basket balls that he loves to play soccer with, one is black and the other is white!?!? Go figure.
Ok, on with the program. Here is a little something to think about for Easter and I pray that everybody has a wonderful one.

EASTER
By
Bradley C. Barnett
Inspired by
The Holy Spirit


EASTER:
Exalt the Ascension of the Son and Treasure and Embrace his Resurrection.

I always thought Christmas; the celebration of the Birth of Jesus was the most important time of year for us. Until I read, with conviction, the last few chapters of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. From the persecution of Jesus to his last visit with the disciples. I found John to be more descriptive in his writings and read chapters 19 thru 21 more than a couple of times.
I’m telling you all this because Jesus arose from the dead on the third day and I feel that all of us should take at least three minutes before our Easter Feast to give thanks to our almighty savior.
Something just wasn’t right. Everyone knows that Jesus arose on the third day from the dead. The number three was stuck in my mind like a grounded boat in the Mississippi mud. I knew the Holy Spirit wanted me to write about this, but he also wanted me to learn something from it too.
This is what the Holy Spirit has shown me and for you that don’t know, or if you have forgotten: In the 23rd chapter of Luke, verse 44, when darkness fell upon the earth from about the sixth hour to about the ninth hour, three. Jesus arose from the dead on the third day, three. In the 20th chapter of John, verses 15-23, when Jesus spoke to Mary that morning he arose and then again that evening with the disciples, visit #1. Again in the 20th chapter of John, verses 26-29, proving to Thomas that he is Christ our Lord, visit #2. And then all of the 21st chapter of John, showing himself to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias and filling the fishing nets with fish, visit #3. John 21:14 confirms his three visits and our saviors ascension to Heaven.
The Holy Spirit was using that number three to bring to my attention important things that had happened and wanted me to learn that Easter is not just another celebration, it is a very important factor in our lives.
So now, how should Easter be celebrated? Society would have us believe that it’s a time for little children to be all dressed up; little boys looking dapper in their little suits and ties and little girls with all the frills, with shiny new shoes and bonnets to match. And all those colored eggs that we take the time to dye and then go around hiding them saying, find, look what the Easter Bunny has left behind.
And what about us, the grown-up side? Have we gotten lost in all the frills, colored eggs, baskets, bunnies and the making of that perfect Easter dinner for all invited that we have forgotten why there is an Easter celebration? There is nothing wrong with all the pretties and good food, as long as we remember that Easter is the most important celebration in our Christian lives, the time we celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Now, when you sit down to your fancy Easter Feast, looking pretty and dapper, take those three minutes and tell our Lord and Savior Jesus just how much you love him and thank him for all that he has done and will do for you. Remember; three hours, third day and three visits, which also equal three. Thank you Father God for all that was, all that is and all that is yet to come. In Jesus’ name. Amen.


MGBYAKY
I Love You